Three days before Lu Buwei led the army to the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, with Xiang Shaolong as the envoy and under the protection of a thousand elite Qin soldiers, they left Xianyang, crossed the Yellow River eastward, and embarked on the journey.
Except for Ji Yanran, Wu Tingfang, Zhao Qian, Teng Yi, Jing Jun and other outsiders, there are only twelve direct descendants of the Wu family, but these people are all highly skilled. Although they are small in number, their strength cannot be underestimated.
In addition to Li Si and Xiao Yuetan, Lu Buwei also had 300 selected generals. These people directly obeyed Xiao Yuetan's orders. Fortunately, the magic weapon still has a good relationship with Xiang Shaolong, so there will be no command.
Ineffective situation.
Of course, there are also Meng Ao's two young masters, Meng Wu and Meng Tian. They are still young and admire Xiang Shaolong very much. Teng Yi and others love them very much.
The person in charge of leading the army was a general named Lu Xiong, who belonged to the Lu Buwei clan. Although he showed respect to Xiang Shaolong on the surface, his eyes were shining brightly. Xiang Shaolong didn't have a good impression of him. Since they wanted to share a boat,
There is only emptiness and hypocrisy.
Compared with the previous trip to Zhao State, although the number of people increased, Xiang Teng and others realized that their strength was not as good as before.
On this day we will enter South Korea and arrive at the west bank of Luoshui River.
Where the river meanders eastward, the mountains are undulating and the scenery is pleasant.
Starting from last night, the rain and snow that had stopped for five days began to fall from the sky again. Everyone was wearing fur cloaks. Ji Yanran and the three girls looked more like beautiful dolls with pink makeup and jade in their snow-white furs.
Because they could accompany him on the journey, they were all in a cheerful mood, pointing out the beautiful scenery along the way and talking and laughing. Chunying and other four maids followed behind.
Along the way, Li Si mingled with Xiao Yuetan's Lu family soldiers to prevent Xiao Yuetan and others from seeing through his special relationship with Xiang Shaolong.
At dusk, they camped near the river on a high ground between water and a forest of red pine trees, preparing to cross the river in the morning.
Lu Xiong sent hundreds of people to cut down trees and build rafts. The sound of chopping down trees and shouting could be heard in the woods from time to time.
While the girls were preparing their tents, two good brothers, Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi, took a stroll along the river.
Despite the severe cold weather, the ever-flowing water does not freeze. When the weather is cold and the water is warm, water vapor rises from the river surface and condenses on the branches along the river, turning into silver-white crystal hangings, which is a spectacle.
In front of the beautiful scenery, neither of them wanted to talk.
Wherever you step, the soft white snow crunches under your feet, and snowflakes dance above your head. The forest and snowfields teach people to forget their worries.
Before I knew it, I walked out of the upper reaches of the river outside the camp.
The sound of footsteps was heard, and the two of them turned their heads to look. In the white snow, Li Si was coming.
Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi looked at each other and knew that Li Si would not just come to chat with them.
Teng Yi smiled and said, "Is it cold?"
Li Si retracted his hands into the sleeves of his cotton robe, opened his mouth and exhaled two puffs of white air, came to Xiang Shaolong's side, looked at the silvery sky and the earth amid the flying snow, looked back at the red pine forest, and said: "These mangroves are extremely durable after processing.
Corrosion is a high-quality material for buildings and furniture. It is also rich in rosin and can be used for burning lamps.”
Teng Yi said in surprise: "I was born in the mountains and knew that this tree is not unusual. I didn't expect Brother Li to be so good at it."
Li Si smiled and said: "Traveling thousands of miles is worth reading thousands of books. Since I was a child, I have been fond of traveling and studying, and looking for friends. I will naturally know the more I ask, which makes Brother Teng laugh."
Xiang Shaolong heard that he spoke elegantly and was well-informed, and admired him in his heart. He secretly thought that it was no wonder he could help Xiaopan unify the world, so he patted him on the shoulder and said, "Let us stroll around as we please."
Li Si nodded happily, and the three of them walked up the river.
Teng Yi pointed to the snow and ice hanging on the trees and said: "When the sun rises high, the snow hanging on the branches will fall like flower flakes. It will be a rare sight."
When Xiang Shaolong saw that Li Siruo was not listening, he muttered to himself, knowing that he had something to say, so he said sincerely: "We are all our brothers. If Brother Li has anything to say, feel free to say it."
Li Si smiled and said: "Both eldest brothers are wise men. What do you think of the rise and fall of the Six Kingdoms?"
Teng Yi smiled and said: "Brother Li is a well-educated man, why don't you enlighten us two rough guys?"
Li Siqian said after a few words: "Brothers, please don't laugh at me. I like to think wildly, but there is one thing that I can't figure out. That is, today, the six countries of Qi, Chu, Yan, Zhao, Wei, and Han, except South Korea, have always fallen behind.
Except for Renhou, other countries all had great power and great talents, so why can't they unite the world?"
Xiang and Teng were stunned at the same time. This principle seemed simple. If you can't beat someone, it would be difficult to dominate. But if you really want to give an answer, you don't know where to start.
Li Si stopped and looked at the rushing river below, his eyes flashing with wisdom, and he fell into his memories and said leisurely: "One evening three years ago, I saw a strange scene at the junction of Chu and Wei.
In the dry well, a group of frogs got into a fierce fight for some reason. Among them, there were a few particularly strong ones who were invincible. After the weak ones were all lost, they finally fought against each other. Due to the long-term injuries, the final winner also suffered a lot.
He died of excessive blood loss. Then he suddenly realized that the Six Kingdoms were like those frogs in a well. They were restricted by the well and fought endlessly, but they were all defeated and died. Then I was tempted to try my luck with the Qin Kingdom. What was in my mind at that time
It is: Only Qin, the frog fighting outside the well, can become the final winner."
Both Xiang and Teng nodded. This metaphor vividly pointed out the reason why Qin came from behind and surpassed other countries. It was precisely because it was located in a remote place in the west and had not been directly destroyed by war.
Li Si had never had a chance to show off his talent. Now he started talking about it and spoke eloquently: "The people of Chu who are most qualified to achieve hegemony among the Six Kingdoms. Chu is located in the south, with fertile land. King Zihui destroyed Chen and Cai.
, Qi, Ju Kingdom has a vast territory, but due to its rich resources and leisurely life, the people's customs are gradually becoming corrupt. Although it has the name of wealth, it is actually just an illusion. Although the soldiers are numerous, they are neglected to train and cannot withstand hard battles.
"
Teng Yi nodded in agreement and said: "Brother Li said it well. The people of Chu are arrogant and self-reliant, and do not do business. The kings of the past dynasties have not shown sympathy for their political affairs. They have made the ministers jealous and strive for credit, or flattery and flattery, which has alienated the people and the city.
build."
Xiang Shaolong couldn't help but sigh when he thought of Li Yuan and Chun Shenjun.
Li Si continued: "If we only talk about military affairs, the most promising among the six countries is actually the Zhao people, with a territory of two thousand miles, hundreds of thousands of armor, thousands of chariots, and tens of thousands of horsemen. There is Changshan in the west and Changshan in the south.
He Zhang, there is Qinghe in the east and Yan State in the north. When King Wuling of Zhao came out, he did not stick to established laws and dared to innovate. He wore Hu uniforms and rode and shot. No one in the world could beat him. However, after that, he was indebted to Mingjun. He had an honest and honest Li Mu, but he still had a long history.
It is most regrettable to lose peace and be unable to recover. Just like the frog in the well, no matter how strong it is, as long as there is a wound that bleeds uncontrollably, it will be fatal."
Xiang and Teng were wondering, did Li Si come to them just to express his high opinion?
Teng Yi said: "The Han people are weak, and the Yan people are facing the Xiongnu in the north, and are sandwiched between Qi and Chu in the rear. Now, even though there is a Prince Dan after the fourth son, it is still difficult to do anything. Only Wei and Qi are left.
There is Lord Xinling in the former and Tian Dan in the latter. They are both extraordinary talents. What does Brother Li think?"
Li Si smiled proudly and said: "Qiangji is just two injured well frogs."
After a pause, he said calmly: "Mr.
Xiang Shaolong remembered that he once worshiped Xunzi's disciples in Qi State, and his heart moved: "I would like to hear the details."
Li Si put his hands behind his back and continued walking upstream.
Xiang and Teng exchanged glances, and they both felt that the Luobo scholar suddenly seemed to have changed into another person, with an air of looking down on the world, and he hurriedly followed him on both sides.
Li Si had no idea that he had become the protagonist. He raised his head and let out a deep sigh of pride, saying: "Qi people are best at talking empty words. Hey, to be honest, I have also been infected with this habit.
Not to mention anything else, there are as many as a thousand bachelors in Jixia. They are asked to discuss politics, entertain and lecture, and no one in the world can do it. But if they want to go out to fight, no one has the interest or ability. Although Tian Dan took advantage of the situation
We have risen up to save the country from its imminent demise, but things have changed and those who only love to make empty words cannot muster the energy to fight for hegemony."
Turning to Xiang Shaolong, he said: "The purpose of Taifu's mission to various countries is to resolve their tendency to join forces. If we start from Qi State first, we will get twice the result with half the effort. As long as the Qi people can't retreat, the Chu people will dare to fight lightly. Qi Chu
Since the Zhao people are still fighting with the Yan State, is there anything the Wei State can do?"
Xiang and Teng suddenly realized that the real purpose of Li Si's words was to point out that the first target of this trip was not the Wei State but the Qi people.
Although they were eager to join Zhao Ya and Zhao Zhi, the matter was so important that it would not be a big deal if they put their personal matters aside for the time being. But for such a change, all aspects must be re-arranged.
Xiang Shaolong sighed: "Brother Li is indeed very insightful. Mr. Xiang had a sudden enlightenment, so he asked us to change our route to Qi and then to Chu State, so that we can complete the mission assigned by the king."
The three of them talked for a while about the affairs of Qi State before returning to the camp.
Xiang Long immediately summoned Xiao Yuetan and Lu Xiong to the main tent and told them to change the route to Qi, but deliberately did not explain the reason.
Xiao Yuetan pondered and said: "In that case, I immediately sent someone to Qi State to submit a document and inform them of the matter. However, Zhao State is different from Han. Should we say hello first so that we can use the road to travel, but we will not be able to pass through the door.
, a taboo against recruiting Zhao people."
These words were reasonable and reasonable. Xiang Shaolong hurriedly decided to change his itinerary. He had thought so carefully at that moment that he couldn't help but feel a headache after hearing this and found it difficult to make a decision.
Now that Zhao and Qi are at odds with each other, if he tries to win over Qi so openly and the Zhao people ignore him, Queen Jing might get mad and send Li Mu to deal with them, which would be terrible.
Lu Xiong's expression changed slightly, and he said: "Prime Minister Lu has given instructions that the first destination for this trip is Daliang, Wei Jing. The itinerary has been arranged well in advance. If the Tutor said so, he will change it. He is afraid that it will affect the strategy and military morale, and the future will be dangerous and unpredictable.
Master, can you give up this idea?" I don't know if he was too sensitive, Xiang Shaolong felt a little uncomfortable, but he couldn't express it for a moment, so he was silent.
However, Xiao Yuetan stood on his side and said: "The general may have misunderstood the Prime Minister's intention. The Prime Minister once ordered Xiao that after leaving Xianyang, everything would be done by the Grand Tutor expediently. The Grand Tutor changed his route to Qi, and there must be someone among them.
In other words, General Lu should do some research and see how to make proper arrangements."
Xiang Tengjun was shocked. He didn't expect Xiao Yuetan to be so merciless to Lu Xiong.
Lu Xiong's reaction was even more strange. Instead, he looked submissive and nodded: "The young general is a little confused. Let's discuss it with Qu Douqi. Once we have the preliminary marching arrangements, we will report to Taifu and Mr. Xiao."
Let's go out and check out.
Xiao Yuetan watched him leave with disdain in her eyes and snorted coldly.
Xiang Shaolong couldn't help but said: "Brother Xiao seems not very satisfied with this person."
Xiao Yuetan sighed, shook his head and said: "I don't understand why Mr. Lu is so shrewd as to choose this person to lead the army. People like this who only know how to flatter and trick people are not capable enough to convince the public. Back then, I and I
When Mr. Tu was running for Mr. Lu, they, the Lu clan, didn't know where they were. Now that Mr. Lu has ascended to the position of Prime Minister, they are vying to fawn over and claim credit, and the Prime Minister chooses them again. "
Only then did Xiang Shaolong understand the relationship between them.
From this point of view, even under Lu Buwei, it can be roughly divided into two systems. One is the family general faction headed by Tuxian and Xiao Yuetan, and the other is the people of Lu Buwei's own clan, including Lu Xiong, who fight for power.
And they fell into each other's traps.
Qu Douqi, whom Lu Xiong mentioned just now, was another general who led the army. Although he was from Qin, he was Meng Ao's confidant. Although he was named Lu Xiong's deputy, his qualifications and prestige in the army were not those of Lu Xiong.
Xiong, the person who has been promoted, can't compare to him.
Struggle is indeed inevitable.
But for this small delegation of a thousand people, the situation is already very complicated.
Xiao Yuetan lowered her voice and said: "Shaolong, why did you suddenly change your itinerary? Are you afraid that Mr. Yangquan will collude with the Koreans and ambush us on the road?"
Xiang Shaolong didn't think about this issue. He also knew that his old friend would feel very uncomfortable after talking to Li Simi just now. He took the opportunity to say: "This is just one of the reasons. I just found Mr. Li and asked him
After learning about the situation in Qi, I felt that the people of Qi were the easiest to talk to, so I changed my mind and decided to go to Qi first."
Xiao Yuetan said happily: "I see, Shaolong really knows how to employ people. Li Si is a man who is well-informed and knows the world's situation very well. It's a pity that he is not favored by the prime minister and has not been reused."
Then he smiled and said: "Now I understand why Shaolong appointed Mr. Li to accompany him."
Teng Yi interjected: "Is Lu Xiong reliable?"
Xiao Yueze sighed and said: "This is really hard to say. There is basically no problem. If something goes wrong during this trip, no one will be exempted."
After a pause, he continued: "Shaolong is one of our own, and I'm not afraid to say it frankly. There was a big dispute over the selection of the envoy for this trip. Master Tu and I both advocated that you be the envoy. Lu Xiong
Their Lu family, however, argued that Mrs. Lu’s brother Zhu Meng should be in charge, but after weighing the importance, the prime minister finally accepted our opinion, but it was already very unpleasant."
It would have been best if Xiang Shaolong secretly ignored me, but now that the rice has turned into cooking and he is on the tiger's back, resentment is just a waste of energy. He sighed with him and smiled bitterly.
Xiao Yuetan said sincerely: "Master Tu and I both know that Shaolong is indifferent to fame and wealth, but now that we are at loggerheads with the Lu family, led by Zhu Meng, Shaolong has to fight for us."
Only then did Xiang Shaolong realize that he had become the person the Tu Xian group was fighting for, and he was even more shocked.
At this moment, there was the sound of Fu Lai's weapons clashing and cheers outside the tent. In great surprise, the three of them opened the tent and came out.
In the open space outside the main camp, Ji Yanran, dressed in military uniform, was practicing sparring with Meng Tian holding spears. It was very intense.
Wu Tingfang, Zhao Qian, Meng Wu, Jing Jun and a group of personal guards were cheering and cheering, and it was very lively.
Although Ji Yanran had the upper hand, Meng Tian was still struggling to support her, seemingly as if she was doing it.
Teng Jun couldn't believe that this boy of about seventeen years old was so impressive, so he couldn't help but cheer in unison.
When Meng Tian saw Xiang Shaolong watching the battle from the sidelines, he became energetic and fired three spears in a row, making him look as if he were a swimming dragon, thus reversing some of the decline.
Ji Yanran quickly dragged her opponent's heavy spear away. As soon as Meng Tian lost power, she stepped back, put the spear behind her back, and said with a sweet smile: "Given time, I'm afraid Yanran will not be Xiao Tian's opponent."
Meng Tian quickly showed courtesy and humility, which made people very fond of him.
Footsteps sounded, and Lu Xiong led Qu Douqi, who looked angrily, towards them with a smug look on his face.
The three of them exchanged glances, and they all knew that Lu Xiong was up to something and instigated Qu Douqi to be the ugly one.
The two came to the three of them and were about to speak. Xiang Shaolong took the initiative and said with a smile: "I haven't had the chance to speak to General Qu Pian these days. Please"
Turn around and enter the account.
Qu Douqi was slightly startled and followed him in.
When Lu Xiong wanted to enter the account, Teng stopped him and said politely: "General Lu must have already made up his mind about the diversion. The Tutor has an order, so I have to discuss it with the general. Why don't I go to my account to talk about it?"
Lu Xiong had no choice but to let him go.
Xiao Yuetan was left alone, twirling his beard and smiling.