Chapter 6 The Spring and Autumn Period of the Lu Clan
When they arrived at Wu Mansion, Tao Fang came up to him and said, "I was just going to send people to find you. Fortunately, you are back."
Xiang Shaolong was stunned and said: "What is so important?"
Tao Fang smiled and said: "It's very important, but it's a good thing. Your Majesty has decreed that you should go to the palace immediately to see him." Then he pulled him aside and lowered his voice and said, "Young dragon, don't blame me for being careless. Yesterday
During the competition in the school field, the queen looked at you strangely, so you must be careful."
Xiang Shaolong understood the meaning behind his words and said with certainty: I have a sense of propriety. Even if I don't involve anyone, I will never do such a stupid thing that is immoral."
Tao Fang knew that he would do what he said and he felt relieved.
Xiang Shaolong turned his horse's head, rejected Wu Zhuo and others' proposed escort, and galloped towards the Qin Palace.
The width of the streets in Xianyang is between Handan and Daliang, but that only refers to the largest streets in the capitals of Zhao and Wei. On average, the streets in Xianyang are much wider and more open.
Just as he turned onto the south road, Xiang Shaolong felt like someone was staring at him.
That's a feeling that's hard to explain.
Xiang Shaolong was surprised.
I wonder if he has become more meditative and his senses have become so sharp. He also wonders why someone is spying on him secretly.
He pretended to be strolling around the street, quietly looking around, and grasped the surrounding situation in an instant.
This place is connected to the South District Market, with shops and residential buildings mixed in. There are big trees every two feet on both sides of the road. The trees are shady and green. It would be easy for a sneak attack to hide.
With a quick glance, he discovered several suspects.
The two of them were sitting at a table by the window on the second floor of a restaurant. When they saw Xiang Shaolong looking up, they immediately lowered their eyes and stared at him intensely, pretending to speak.
The other person was a street vendor selling groceries on the roadside. He was surrounded by a group of people who seemed to be buying things. He was bargaining, but Xiang Shaolong found that he was watching him intently as he approached, with a nervous expression on his forehead.
A vein appeared.
Among the people carrying him, there were two or three of them who were strong and mighty be his accomplices.
On the other side of the street from the pedestrian vendor, two people saw Xiang Shaolong approaching and hurriedly hid behind a tree, obviously with bad intentions.
Xiang Shaolong thought of something else.
It's not surprising that someone planned to kill him. What's surprising is how the other party could grasp his route and behavior so accurately.
The only explanation is that the other party knew that King Zhuang Xiang had issued an order to summon him to the palace, so he could set a death trap to deal with him on the only way to the palace.
The enemy's strength should be such that he is not afraid of having people accompanying him, because the enemy will not think that he is going alone when making decisions.
Thinking of this, I couldn't help but feel stunned.
At this time, he was almost certain that the person who wanted to kill him was Yang Quanjun. Only he could clearly know King Qin's actions through Lady Xiuli, and only he had the courage and strength to deal with him.
Now that I can deal with Jing Jun, I don't have to be polite to myself.
The sound of carriages.
Four carriages filled with fodder drove up the street, each with a driver. Two carriages came in groups from left and right, approaching the sidewalk, leaving a space of about ten feet in the middle, allowing him to pass straight through.
Xiang Shaolong knew something was wrong just by looking at the time, place and manner of the carriage's appearance.
At the critical moment of life and death, he did not dare to make a big move, so he lightly lifted the wind's rope and walked toward the carriage pretending not to notice. At the same time, he secretly pulled out two steel needles from his waist and hid them in his hands.
The two sides gradually got closer.
Xiang Shaolong felt funny in his heart and gently pinched the horse's belly. The strong wind that he had been getting along with for this period of time understood his intention and immediately galloped between the four cars.
This move was so shocking that the four men driving the car shouted in unison, showing their ferocious faces.
The forage was carried up for a long time, and a crossbow archer was hidden in each cart of fodder. He emerged from under the forage, loaded the crossbow with crossbow arrows, and aimed at Xiang Shaolong at the same time.
Xiang Shaolong shouted loudly and rushed forward like an arrow. At the same time, he raised his hands and threw the copper needle backwards.
The archers on the first two cars had not had a chance to shoot, and they had already fallen back into the haystack with flying needles stuck in their faces.
The other two men shot blindly in a hurry and lost their aim. Their arrows crossed and shot past him behind his back.
Xiang Shaolong laughed loudly, the speed of the wind increased to the limit, and disappeared in the distance of the long street in an instant, showing that the enemy had no strength, but still couldn't help him.
Xiang Shaolong met "mother and son" King Zhuang Xiang and Zhu Ji in the inner hall of King Zhuang Xiang's palace. Of course, Lu Buwei could not be left out among the guests.
The hall is elegantly decorated, with King Zhuang Xiang sitting alone, Lu Buwei, Xiang Shaolong on the left, Zhu Ji and Xiaopan on the right, each occupying a few seats.
The palace maid came in, served food and wine, and then left. The guards only guarded the outside, making the luncheon feel like a family gathering.
Xiaopan's attitude was calm and he did not peek at Xiang Shaolong.
Zhu Ji has restrained herself a lot. Although her beautiful eyes are more beautiful, they are no longer as frequent as before.
There are large windows on both sides of the hall, and you can see the winding corridors outside, luxuriant flowers and trees, quiet and elegant, and no human sounds.
After King Zhuang Xiang persuaded me for three times, he smiled and said: "The Prime Minister told me this morning that Shaolong will be on the road in the next few days to capture Zhao Mu so that I can get the hatred in my heart. Both me and Empress Ji were very moved.
, so why should we immediately invite Shaolong over for a meal to strengthen his appearance?"
Xiang Shaolong was very fond of Prince Zhuang Xiang, not only because of his elegant demeanor, but also because of his deep sincerity.
I don’t know whether it was because he had been a hostage in the Zhao Kingdom for a long time and received cold treatment, so he did not have the luxurious and unreal habits of the royal family like King Xiaocheng.
Just seeing how deeply he loved Zhu Ji, how much he missed Lu Buwei's kindness to him, and how much he valued friendship with this big businessman against his own countrymen.
And there was another reason why Xiang Shaolong was particularly sympathetic to him.
He is the only one in the world who knows that the leader of the most powerful country in the world only has three years left to live.
Thank you quickly.
King Zhuang Xiang suddenly said kindly: "Your Majesty, do you have anything to say?"
Zhu Ji and Lu Buwei's eyes fell on the small plate, and they both had expressions of infinite love and compassion like those of King Zhuang Xiang.
Xiang Shaolong was amused. These three people all thought that Xiaopan was their precious son, but they didn't know that he was just a fake.
At the same time, he was secretly surprised. Xiaopan must have heard the name of Zhao Mu, his mother-humiliating enemy, and showed a strange expression, which was noticed by King Zhuang Xiang.
Xiaopan looked at Xiang Shaolong and said disappointedly: "The master is leaving before he has a chance to guide Wang Er."
All three of them laughed.
Zhu Ji frowned and said, "Will this cause Taifu to take too many risks?"
Xiang Shaolong smiled and said: "The more dangerous the matter, the more likely it is to heal my mind. Empress Ji, please rest assured, I will be careful and take care of it."
Lu Buwei chuckled and said, "I have full confidence in Shaolong and know that he will succeed."
King Zhuang Xiang loved Xiaopan very much and smiled at him and said: "Your Majesty loves Taifu so much, my father is very happy." He turned to Xiang Shaolong and said, "If Taifu is free these days, you can do more."
It’s time to come to the palace and give some advice to the prince. You blocked Wang Jian’s three arrows yesterday at the school grounds. Wang’er was so excited that he kept telling people about it.”
Xiang Shaolong couldn't help but look at Xiaopan and exclaimed inwardly. This guy was so pretentious that if Yi Ri was especially close to him, he wouldn't be suspected of having hidden agendas. He respectfully agreed immediately.
King Zhuang Xiang sighed and said: "I had a rough fate back then. I was left behind in Handan and suffered a lot of idleness. I never had a chance to study well and I had to worry about whether I would die tomorrow. So I returned to Xianyang.
The first thing I want him to do is to ask him to read widely and ask him to..."
Zhu Ji gave him an irritated look and said coquettishly: "The king has hired more than ten people to help him in turn."
Prince Guidance, I'm really afraid that Zheng'er will be exhausted."
King Zhuang Xiang smiled happily and was not at all displeased at being interrupted by her.
Lu Buwei chuckled and said: "Empress Ji, do you want to hear the old minister's plan to cultivate the political prince?"
The four of them looked at him in astonishment at the same time.
Lu Buwei looked at Xiaopan with a "loving father" look, and then said to King Zhuang Xiang: "As the saying goes, if you don't know, ask, and if you don't know, learn. The saints, sages, military swordsmen, who didn't know nothing at first, didn't learn to think.
Come. Since this is the case, it is even more important to learn the way to be a king."
King Zhuang Xiang was surprised and said: "Does Lu Xiangguo think that I still have insufficient training for Wang'er? The people invited to guide Wang'er this time are all the most outstanding talents in a certain art in our country, such as Qin Qing
Her poetry and music are not only the best in the Qin Dynasty, but also admired by people in the six kingdoms. She is as famous as the most talented women in the Wei State. Is there a better candidate for the Prime Minister?"
Only then did Xiang Shaolong know that the widow Qing's original surname was Qin, and she was also one of the prince's masters. It was no wonder that the first emperor of Qin, who was also Xiaopan, would build the "Huaiqing Terrace" to praise his female master.
Zhu Ji and Xiaopan looked at Lu Buwei curiously to see what he would say in reply to King Zhuang Xiang.
Lu Buwei said confidently: "As the crown prince of the Qin Dynasty, Prince Zheng certainly has no worries about having no capable people to advise him. But too much is not enough. Sometimes there are too many miscellaneous opinions and you don't know what to do. Therefore, in view of this, I specially recruited wise and capable people, strange people and strangers from all over the world."
, let’s brainstorm together and summarize everything from governing the world to farming in four seasons, all in one. In the future, as long as the prince is in his hand, he will be able to know everything and everything.
I don’t know anymore.”
Xiang Shaolong sighed in his heart, it can be said that Lu Buwei had good intentions for this "son".
King Zhuang Xiang laughed dumbly and said: "It's a shame that the Prime Minister came up with this method. If the Prime Minister needs any help, just ask me."
The luncheon was spent in such a relaxed and harmonious atmosphere.
After the banquet, King Zhuang Xiang and Zhu Ji returned to the palace to rest. As the prime minister, Lu Buwei was busy with everything, and he didn't even have time to say a few more words. Xiang Shaolong told him about the attack on his arrival, and he hurried after hearing it.
After leaving, Xiang Shaolong was left to lead Xiao Pan to the school grounds to practice swordplay.
Xiaopan is not what it used to be. There are a large group of imperial guards and palace maids accompanying them wherever they go. They are so tired that they can't even express their concerns.
Before starting the competition, Xiaopan couldn't help but whisper: "Master, please don't go to Handan? Without you, I have nothing."
At this time, Xiang Shaolong saw that the nearest servant was five feet away from them, so he pretended to teach him swordsmanship and asked: "Are they good to you?"
Xiaopan's eyes turned red and she said, "Very good. I really think they are my biological parents."
Xiang Shaolong scolded: "This is the last time you think of yourself as Xiao Pan. From this moment on, even in front of me, you are still Ying Zheng."
Xiaopan nodded understandingly and said, "Is it okay if I don't go?"
Xiang Shaolong smiled and said: "Remember our gentleman's agreement, Zhao Mu is mine, and King Zhao is yours."
After saying this, he cut it off with his sword.
Xiaopan nimbly took a step away and took a stance.
Xiang Shaolong was shocked when he saw it.
This kid has something he didn't have before, which is strong confidence, which suddenly changes his demeanor.
Oh shit
This is the giant who will unify the world in the future and become the first emperor of China.
Thinking of this, an uncontrollable impulse surged in my heart.
At this time, a chamberlain came to report that Qin Qing was here.
Although Xiang Shaolong really wanted to take a look at the widow Qing, who was as famous as Ji Yanran, to see how chaste and beautiful she was, he had no excuse because she was not in line with the etiquette. Not to mention that Xiaopan had to take a bath and change clothes, so he had no choice but to go back to Wu Mansion.
Already.
Stepping into the door, the guard reported that Wang Jian had arrived to see him. He was chatting with Wu Yingyuan and Tao Fang in the hall, and he hurried in.
When Wang Jian saw Xiang Shaolong, he looked happy and stepped forward to hold hands with him to greet him.
Xiang Shaolong saw that he was wearing ordinary warrior uniforms and had an intimidating appearance. He couldn't help but feel sympathy for each other and said sincerely: "Brother Wang, I'm tired of waiting for a long time."
Wu Yingyuan and Tao Fang stood up, and the former said: "Teacher Wang is here to bid farewell to Shaolong."
Xiang Shaolong said in astonishment: "Farewell?"
Wang Jian said excitedly: "Yes, I will leave for northern Xinjiang immediately to fight against the Huns."
Xiang Shaolong felt uncomfortable for a while, secretly thinking that if he wanted to go to the battlefield, King Zhuang Xiang and Lu Buwei would have to nod.
After Shang Yang's reform in the Qin State, tribal leaders were deprived of their power and lost their right to inheritance. Officers and titles were awarded based on military merit. Any transfer of more than fifty soldiers required the approval of the King of Qin. This was an unprecedented move at the time.
The centralization of power in the Qin Dynasty reached its peak at that time.
All generals usually only hold half of the command talisman. If the King of Qin does not give him the other half, it will be difficult to mobilize troops. In addition to the military talisman, it must also be stamped with the seal of the King of Qin to be considered legal.
Therefore, it is much more difficult to rebel in Qin than in other countries.
Wu Yingyuan and Tao Fang knew that they had something to say, so they made an excuse to leave.
After the two sat down separately, Xiang Shaolong sipped the fragrant tea served by the maid and wondered whether Lu Buwei had never been able to tolerate others and deliberately transferred Wang Jian to prevent him from competing with him for favor. Thinking of this, he felt apologetic.
Wang Jian asked curiously: "Why does Brother Xiang's face become so ugly?"
Xiang Shaolong sighed and said: "Brother Wang was transferred away just after he was promoted to Crown Prince and Tutor. I feel sorry for Brother Wang. If it doesn't work, I will definitely tell the King how to do it for Brother Wang."
Wang Jian was a man of both wisdom and bravery. He was stunned for a while, then he came to his senses and said movedly: "Now Wang Jian knows that Brother Xiang really cares for the general. However, there was a bit of a misunderstanding. The general proposed this appointment to the king.
Yes, to be honest, seniority is the most important thing in the army, and there is no personal relationship at all. If you want to lead the army in war, it is really out of the question. This time, they did not want Brother Xiang to be the Grand Tutor, so they had no choice but to promote me.
Brother Xiang is divided into short and long. Now my status is different. When Jin paid a visit to the king this morning, the king asked the general what his wish was. The general immediately said that he hoped to serve in northern Xinjiang. After discussing with Prime Minister Lu, the king asked again.
The general decided on the strategy and gave him the Tiger Talisman on the spot, allowing him to go to Northern Xinjiang to be the head coach. This is what the general has always dreamed of, but unexpectedly it has become a reality. Is the general here to report the good news and express his thanks to Brother Xiang?"
This time it was Xiang Shaolong's turn to be stunned. The Huns and Hu people had long invaded the borders of the Qin, Zhao and Yan kingdoms. In order to compete for the Central Plains, the three kingdoms had always adopted the strategy of building the Great Wall to guard the borders. However, they could not do anything about these people who were conquering the Mongolian Plateau.
A powerful nomadic people who live on water and grass.
Therefore, fighting against the Huns was regarded by everyone as a thankless job. If one did not do well, his life would be lost.
The Huns had no fixed abode and lived a poor life, so they were particularly predatory. They took advantage of the fast movement of the cavalry and adopted a guerrilla strategy. When the enemy retreats, we advance, and when the enemy advances, we retreat. They often penetrated deep into the Central Plains, attacking the Central Plains countries that were mainly agricultural.
Raid and plunder.
The people of Qin were a country that was deeply troubled.
On that day, Li Mu offended King Zhao and transferred him to Northern Xinjiang. We know that it was a disguised punishment, so why did he expect Wang Jian to ask for help and ask someone to transfer him to Northern Xinjiang?
Seeing Xiang Shaolong's concerned look, Wang Jian smiled and said, "No wonder Brother Xiang is puzzled. Since I was young, many of my ideas are different from others."
Xiang Shaolong put aside his worries and became more curious, saying, "Brother Wang, why don't you come and listen?"
Wang Jian drank the fragrant tea in the cup in one gulp and said sternly: "In the end, King Wu Ling, who has always been fond of Zhao State, had he not made two changes with great courage, which would have not only made Zhao State one of the great powers, but also made Zhao State one of the great powers.
The world has changed the way war is fought."
Xiang Shaolong had heard about this before, nodded and said, "Did Brother Wang say that he was riding and shooting in Hufu?"
Wang Jian became excited and said: "That's right. At that time, Zhao people's clothes had long sleeves, fat waists, wide collars, and big hems. Such long robes and coats were extremely inconvenient for horseback riding and archery. So King Wuling ignored the ministers at home.
In order to oppose the old principles of "changing the ancient way and rebelling against the human heart", he ordered the entire army to wear Hufu, change the long-sleeved robes into short-sleeved jackets, tie leather cords around the waist, wear long boots, and dress up.
A new one.”
Xiang Shaolong also found it interesting and said with a smile: "This reform involves changes in respectability and social atmosphere. Of course there will be no less resistance."
Wang Jian snorted coldly: "Compared to being a slave to a subjugated country, what is this small reform?"
Continued: "Another more far-reaching reform is to abandon the main method of war based on chariot warfare and replace it with cavalry. In a short period of time, a powerful cavalry was built, which not only swept the Xiongnu, but also conquered the Central Plains, making it invincible.
, famous generals emerged in large numbers. If it had not been for the foolish king Xiaocheng, even if our country had an unparalleled military genius like Bai Qi, it would still be difficult for us to win the Changping victory."
Xiang Shaolong suddenly said: "It turns out that you are going to conquer Northern Xinjiang because you want to imitate King Wu Ling's dominance and create a new situation."
Wang Jian smiled confidently and said: "Although the general has a lot of combat experience, he only serves as a vanguard and has never had the opportunity to lead an army. Fighting with the countries in the southeast, when will it be my turn, so I volunteered for it.
I want to try out what it’s like to lead an army. I can also get familiar with the way of riding and shooting, and I can find the Huns to sharpen my sword.”
Then he lowered his voice and said: "Back then, King Wuling of Zhao expanded the land thousands of miles away and brought all the Linhu people into the territory. The Linhu people who were good at riding and shooting also served as Zhao's cavalry, which greatly increased their strength. The final general also has been
I have this idea. This is called killing two birds with one stone. If we don't force the Huns to retreat in one day, how can we unify the world?"
Xiang Shaolong put his hand on his shoulder and said sincerely: "Brother Wang is indeed an extraordinary person. He can actually come up with so many benefits from what most people regard as drudgery. The great cause of unification in the future will be created by your sword, bow and arrow."
.”
This was the first time that Wang Jian met someone who didn't call him a fool. He raised his hand and grabbed his arm and said gratefully: "Brother Xiang is an extraordinary person. The last general will have this day——" Xiang Shaolong interrupted him and said: "
If you mention that thing again, you won’t treat me as a good brother."
Wang Jian's eyes turned red and he said sincerely: "Brother Xiang, don't blame me for trying so hard. This northern expedition is extremely dangerous. Maybe I won't be able to come back alive. Come here this time...hey"
Seeing that he was about to speak, Xiang Shaolong said curiously: "Brother Wang, if you have anything to say, just say it."
Wang Jian's old face turned red and said: "Actually, the moment I saw Brother Xiang, my heart fell in love. I wonder if we can become brothers with different surnames. We will share weal and woe in the future. If there is even the slightest bit of false love, I am willing to have the heavens and the earth punish me."
Xiang Shaolong was overjoyed and said, "It's me who has the upper hand. However, Xiang also has three friends who treat each other with sincerity. If not, let us imitate Liu Guanzhang's Taoyuan sworn brotherhood and leave a name of eternal loyalty."
Wang Jian was stunned and said: "What do you mean about Liu Guanzhang's peach and the sworn brotherhood?"
This time it was Xiang Shaolong's turn to feel embarrassed.
The sworn brotherhood between Liu Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei was born in the Three Kingdoms era. Of course, Wang Jian had never heard of it.
Then he made some nonsense and got away with it.
Teng Yi and Wu Zhuo were also found, and the four of them took a solemn oath of sworn sworn friendship beside Jing Jun, who was mostly recovered.
Then they had a big drink and a big meal, and then Wang Jian said goodbye happily.
That night, Xiang Shaolong was in a good mood and had great sex with Wu Tingfang and others, putting aside his worries and the pain of missing Ji Yanran for the time being.
Suddenly, Xiang Shaolong deeply felt that he had reached the most proud moment in his life.
As long as he takes Ji Yanran back to Xianyang and captures Zhao Mu, he has nothing more to ask for.