Although it had been decided to veto Qi's request, out of respect for the country and out of etiquette, the Ministry of Rites still held a banquet in Zichen Hall, not only to welcome Tian Hu and Bao Shu, the two envoys of Qi, but also to
Also to say goodbye.
Originally, Zhao Hongrun was not even interested in attending this banquet, but since Du You, the Minister of Rites, repeatedly mentioned that "we, the great Wei Dynasty, must not lose our etiquette," he had no choice but to attend.
On that day, all the officials in the court and the nobles and celebrities of Daliang received invitations. However, since Zhao Shen, the king of Chengling, and Wei Feng, the representative of the Wei family in Longxi, are still in the Hetao area, the celebrities from Wei who attended this banquet were really
There are not many. Among the more well-known Wei figures, there are only Zongfu Zongzheng Zhao Yuanyan, Zongling Yao Lord Zhao Sheng, Nanliang King Zhao Yuanzuo, Zongfu Zonglao Zhao Laiyu, Zhao Laituo, and ministers of various ministries. Among the generals
, Almost all the Wei generals who have gradually become famous in recent years are not in Daliang. Counting them, there are only Yang Yu, Pang Huan, Meng Lu, Chen Ji and others who suppressed the rebels, and Xu, who has resigned from military service long ago.
The three former generals Yin, Bailiba and Zhu Hai, as well as the general Hou Dan who was born in the Wei family in Longxi, etc. As for the other current generals of the Wei State who now hold heavy troops, almost all of them were not able to attend because they were not in Daliang.
But even so, the banquet held in the Zichen Hall in the imperial palace was still very lively.
But even so, Qi's envoy Tian Hu was still dissatisfied, because before this banquet, Du You, the Minister of Rites, had formally rejected Qi's request on behalf of Wei. In other words, this banquet was not so much about entertaining Tian.
Hu and Uncle Bao, the two envoys of Qi State, might as well say they saw him off and told them to get out as soon as they had fulfilled their courtesy in Wei State.
It is precisely because of this that after arriving at the Zichen Palace, Tian Hu had a straight face, as if someone owed him millions of gold. Maybe he still can't believe that Wei Guo would actually reject his request from Qi Guo——
Wei Guo actually dares to do this?!
As for the deputy envoy, Uncle Bao, there was also a look of regret on his face.
However, for Uncle Bao, Wei's response to rejecting Qi's request was not surprising. After all, when he came to Daliang, Uncle Bao had private meetings with left minister Zhao Zhao and right minister Tian Tao.
The two prime ministers of Qi did not express any hope for their mission to Wei this time, simply because they could not refuse the suggestion of Shang Qing Gao Xi.
After the banquet in the Zichen Hall gradually filled up with all the officials and invited guests, the crowd gradually became noisy.
These officials and invited guests all have their own channels for information. Of course, they also know that the Prince of the East Palace, Zhao Run, has rejected the rude request of the two Qi envoys - it is indeed a rude request, no matter it is
Zhao Yuanzuo, the king of Nanliang, or Zhao Yuanyan, the Zongzheng of the clan, or "Wei Ziyi, the head of the Wei family in Gangu", "Wei Qiu, the head of the Wei family in Wushan" who was born in the Wei family in Longxi, etc. Regardless of the various contradictions and ill-will within the Wei people,
But when it comes to targeting the "pseudo-Song", these Wei people have the same attitude: What qualifications does Qi, a has-been overlord of the past, have to point fingers at the Song Dynasty, a land that should belong to Wei's territory? I really think that
The State of Wei is still the State of Wei ten years ago, and the State of Qi is still the State of Qi ten years ago?!
In addition, they vaguely heard that Qi's envoy Tian Hu made many slanderous remarks about Wei on the way to Daliang. Therefore, at today's banquet, almost no one took the initiative to follow.
Tian Hu said hello and only focused on communicating with himself.
For example, everyone knows that Baili Ba, Xu Yin, and Zhu Hai, the three former generals who have abdicated in favor of others, are currently compiling military books in their respective residences, so they kindly tease these three generals or inquire about the progress of the compilation of military books.
.
Another example is Zongfu Zongzheng Zhao Yuanyan, who consulted Zhao Yuanzuo, the king of Nanliang, about the results of the treatment of the captured Lin Hu in the Hetao area.
The other officials in the DPRK and the invited guests also found chat friends and exchanged topics of interest to them.
This made Tian Hu and Uncle Bao, the two Qi envoys who were originally the focus of the banquet, even though they were placed in the VIP seats, they felt vaguely embarrassed that no one cared about them, and they were incompatible with the bustle in the Zichen Hall.
After a while, the visitors outside the palace sang loudly: "His Royal Highness is here!"
In an instant, the entire Zichen Hall became so quiet that you could almost hear a needle drop. Uncle Bao, the Qi ambassador, was secretly surprised and turned to look at the entrance of the hall. He saw a young man wearing a brocade suit with a vermilion pattern and a dragon.
Walking into the hall surrounded by a group of people, it was undoubtedly Zhao Run, the prince of the East Palace of Wei State.
Among the attendants sitting there, someone reminded in a low voice: "Doctor Bao, this person is Wei Gongzi Run."
When Zhao Hongrun, along with Li Zheng, the commander-in-chief of the Imperial Guard, Wei Jiao, the deputy commander-in-chief, and others walked into the palace, Uncle Bao secretly observed the heir to the throne of Wei.
In his eyes, Zhao Run had a smile on his face and seemed quite approachable, but the officials and guests in the palace were silent at this time, which fully reflected the prestige of Wei Gongzi Zhao Run in the Wei State.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Zhao Hongrun walked straight to the main seat in the palace, which was the throne that should have belonged to his father, Zhao Yuansi, and sat down.
Seeing this, although everyone in the hall showed a hint of surprise in their eyes, they were not very surprised.
After all, Zhao Hongrun now seems to have supreme authority in the Wei State. What he lacks is just a routine enthronement ceremony.
As for why Zhao Hongrun was sitting on the main seat today, the reason was actually very simple. It was simply that his father, Emperor Zhao Yuanci, did not want to attend the banquet.
It has to be said that the Emperor of Wei, Zhao Yuanxi, was very resistant to the intention of the two envoys from Qi, Tian Hu and Uncle Bao.
You must know that Zhao Yuanxi did not have many praiseworthy external martial arts in his life. Joining forces with Chu Yangcheng Lord Xiong Tuo to destroy the Song Dynasty can be regarded as the most praiseworthy military strategy. Don't look at Zhao Hongrun's numerous victories in the south and north before he became the prince of the East Palace.
After becoming the crown prince of the East Palace, he also pacified the Hetao area, but compared to his father Zhao Si, who achieved the feat of "destroying the Song Dynasty", he was still inferior.
But the Qi State is on the good side. Now it actually helps the "pseudo Song Dynasty" restored by Song Yun, the leader of the Beibo Army, and wants the Wei State to give up half of the sovereignty of Song County and hand it back to the pseudo Song Dynasty. That is to say, the Emperor of Wei Zhao Yuansi is now gradually downplaying himself.
, to increase the prestige of Prince Zhao Run in the country, otherwise, he would have come forward in person, called Tian Hu, and Uncle Bao would have gone back to the country as soon as possible - it is simply unreasonable!
In view of the banquet for the envoys of the State of Qi, it would be outrageous for the host to not show up, so Wei Emperor Zhao Yuansi asked the prince Zhao Run to take his place. Anyway, with the current power and grace of the prince Zhao Run, it would not be out of the ordinary to sit on the throne in advance. After all,
The latter is actually only one enthronement ceremony away from becoming a real monarch of Wei.
Speaking of this enthronement ceremony, Zhao Yuansi has actually urged it several times. Du You, the Minister of Rites, who is now the head of the hundred officials in the court, also hinted to the prince Zhao Run several times, but Zhao Hongrun suppressed it.
The reason is very simple, because during the critical all-out war between Wei and South Korea that determined the status of both sides in the Central Plains, Zhao Hongrun was prepared to formally propose the decision to "rename the Prince's Mansion to Tiance Mansion" and proclaim himself the "General of Tiance Mansion".
Preside over the war between Wei and South Korea, and end his term as crown prince with the victory of this unprecedented battle.
Zhao Hongrun had only mentioned this idea to his father, Zhao Yuanxi, and the latter would certainly not refuse - after all, given Prince Zhao Run's current position in the Wei State, if he personally served as the head coach to fight against the Korean army, it would be a great boost to the morale of the Wei army.
This thing is simply no less than a king's personal conquest.
Therefore, Zhao Yuancai took good care of his health and stood ready for this outstanding successor when his son personally led the army to fight against Korea in the future. When his son returned in triumph, he would officially abdicate and give up the throne.
When giving it to the prince.
If Zhao Hongrun only wanted to lead the army personally, then Zhao Yuanci actually wanted to do more.
In fact, he made this arrangement to prevent the slightest possibility: if the war with South Korea is victorious, then he will give up the throne to the crown prince Zhao Run. This will be a double-happiness event for the Wei State and will inspire Wei to the greatest extent.
But if the Wei Kingdom is defeated in this war, then he can bear the responsibility for the defeat on his behalf, and use the succession of Prince Zhao Run to dilute the impact of the Wei Kingdom's defeat, so that the Wei Kingdom will not be devastated by the defeat.
This was the last thing Zhao Yuansi, the emperor of Wei, could do for his son.
Of course, this was only his father Zhao Si's own consideration. As for Zhao Hongrun, he did not think that he would be defeated, let alone ask his father to bear any responsibility.
In full view of everyone, Zhao Hongrun sat on the only seat of honor and looked around at the guests in the hall.
To be honest, sitting in this position, it seems that you can indeed see many different things. In Zhao Hongrun's view, this is both an honor and a responsibility - sitting in this position, he is not the prince for the time being, but
He is the ruler of Wei State.
Perhaps because he saw Zhao Hongrun sitting on the main seat without saying a word, Du You, the Minister of Rites, winked at him anxiously: Even if you explain that this banquet is to entertain the envoys from Qi, you can at least say something.
!
However, what made Du You a little dumbfounded was that His Highness the Crown Prince actually laughed joyfully alone.
What is this?
Not to mention Du You, the Minister of Rites, was dumbfounded. The civil and military officials of the court and the invited guests were also dumbfounded. Tian Hu also had a look of disbelief on his face and his face turned red. He thought that this was Zhao Run, the Young Master of Wei.
Laugh at him.
Only Uncle Bao blinked and looked at Zhao Hongrun in disbelief. He felt that the Crown Prince of Wei State was very similar in character to the late King Lu Xi of their Qi State when they were young - their late king of Qi State.
Lu Xi was also a very troublesome king when he was young. He would always do inappropriate things in serious situations from time to time.
"Sorry, sorry, I suddenly thought of something...cough cough." After coughing twice, Zhao Hongrun raised his finger and pointed at Tian Hu and Uncle Bao, formally introducing him to the courtiers and guests in the palace.
The reason why he was laughing just now was because he remembered his father Zhao Si's angry look when he was called to the Manlu Palace when he came here just now.
I won’t go into some unpleasant words. In short, his father asked him to teach these two envoys a lesson, especially Tian Hu who spoke so freely in public. It was simply unreasonable that he dared to care about his Song Dynasty.
!
Not to mention, this is the first time that Zhao Hongrun has seen such a "childish" side of his father. Why did his father firmly deny the "pseudo-Song Dynasty"? He just doesn't want to be compared with his son - if he loses the merit of destroying the Song Dynasty
, Emperor Wei's military strategy will soon be compared to that of his son. How can the proud Emperor Wei tolerate this? At least wait until he abdicates!
It's a pity that Zhao Hongrun couldn't share this funny thing with everyone in the hall.
After a few casual opening remarks, as Zhao Hongrun took the lead in raising a toast, today's banquet officially began.
Suddenly, music sounded in the palace, and groups of court musicians wearing skirts walked into the palace to perform songs and dances.
Appreciating the choreography, tasting the food and wine, most people in the hall were in high spirits, except Qi Shi Tian Hu, who felt unhappy.
Tian Hu is not stupid. Since Wei Guo has rejected Qi Guo's request, but he has set up this banquet, it is obvious that he is told to get out and return home after the banquet.
Recalling that he had sworn to his minister Gao Xi before coming to Wei, Tian Hu felt extremely angry.
Thinking of his hatred, he ignored the inappropriate occasion and stood up and said to Prince Zhao Run: "Your Highness, is your country really determined to reject my friendship with Da Qi?"
Frightened by the swans, the music officials stopped playing, and the dancing musicians stood there at a loss.
"What's wrong with this guy?!"
Everyone in the hall frowned and looked at Tian Hu. Even Uncle Bao repeatedly reminded Tian Hu in a low voice.
Uncle Bao really didn't expect that Tian Hu would have the courage to persuade Mr. Wei at this time.
"..."
Zhao Hongrun glanced at Tian Hu. He did not intend to deliberately make things difficult for the two envoys as his father said, but he did not expect that Tian Hu would interrupt everyone's interest on such an occasion——
Don’t the arrogant Qi people know how to distinguish situations?
With a displeased snort in his heart, Zhao Hongrun said lightly: "The friendship between Qi and Wei? When your country asked me, the Wei Dynasty, to hand over the eastern part of Song County to Song Yun, the pseudo-Song Dynasty, I am afraid that there is not much left of the friendship between the two countries.
...You people, Qi, are generous to Song Yun, but you are generous to me, the great Wei Dynasty."
"However, the Song Dynasty was originally the territory of the Song Kingdom..."
"It's ridiculous!" Interrupting Tian Hu's words, Zhao Hongrun said lightly: "Langya County in your country was once the land of the "Ju (jǔ) Kingdom", and Donghai County in your country was also the land of the "Tan Kingdom"
"According to your envoy's wishes, if I, the Great Wei Dynasty, can find a few descendants of the Ju Kingdom's royal family or the Tan Kingdom's royal family, we can also support them in restoring the Ju Kingdom and Tan Kingdom?"
Tian Hu's momentum froze when he heard this. After all, what Zhao Hongrun said was indeed true. When Qi was expanding externally in the early years, it also destroyed several surrounding countries. Only later did it enter a stage of steady development and gradually stop external expansion.
expansion.
Facing Zhao Hongrun's questioning, Tian Hu said sternly: "As His Highness said, the Langya County and Donghai County of Da Qi were indeed the territories of other countries in the past, but now, the subjects of the two counties accept the rule of Da Qi.
, no one conspired to rebel. Doesn’t this prove that the descendants of Ju and Tan have accepted our Daqi? Looking back at the Song Dynasty, your country has governed the Song Dynasty for more than ten years, but so far, the people of the Song Dynasty have not treated your country
Still not surrendering, Hu believes that the people of the Song Dynasty miss their homeland, and as your country is a superior country, it should be a beautiful country. I believe that the people of the Song Dynasty will also feel sincere about your country's generosity."
Zhao Hongrun heard the words and said calmly: "I'm sorry, the envoy spoke too long, and I am not happy to hear it... As long as the envoy remembers that the Song Dynasty is my land of the Wei Dynasty, that is enough!"
Hearing the powerful reason in the first half of the sentence, everyone in the hall couldn't help laughing and laughed out loud. Even Uncle Bao looked at Zhao Hongrun with even more incredible eyes.
Uncle Bao once heard that when Lu Xi, the late king of Qi, was still alive, he was very happy and valued this Wei Gongzi Run. If his most beloved daughter Kui Ji had not been betrothed to Wei Gong Zizhao, he would have no daughter to marry.
Maybe the late king Lu Xi would try again and use another daughter to abduct Wei Gongzi Runye to their Qi country.
Unlike Wei Gong Zizhao, who was restrained and steady and good at handling domestic affairs, Wei Gong Zirun was simply an indestructible sword.
Uncle Bao once heard Tian Tao lament about this: Fortunately, the late king knew better and abducted Wei Gongzi Zhao to the Qi State in advance. Otherwise, the Wei State would have two young worldly talents, Wei Gongzi Zhao and Wei Gongzi Run.
It has long become the overlord of the Central Plains.
Uncle Bao knew that Tian Hu, who was now the right prime minister, including Tian Dan, the famous general of Qi State, respected and feared Wei Gongzi Run. Therefore, after hearing Tian Hu's words "The beauty of adulthood", he felt
I couldn't help but feel emotional.
Therefore, Tian Tao once said the word "beauty of adulthood". When he suggested that the Qi State transfer its hegemony to the Wei State - on the occasion of the "Four Kingdoms Attack Chu", Qi King Lu Xi served as the commander-in-chief, and Wei
Gongzi Run serves as the deputy general. If Qi State transfers its hegemony to Wei State now, it will be like King Lu Xi of Qi transferring it to Wei Gongzi Run who was the deputy general at that time. Such an adult beauty will definitely become a good talk in the future.
The relationship between Qi and Wei will also become more stable because of this incident.
But it is a pity that the only people who support the transfer of hegemony to Wei are Tian Tao, Zhao Zhao, Guan Zhong and a few others. The vast majority of Qi people, like Gao Xi, still refuse to surrender.
The state of Wei bowed its head. As for Lian Chen, Tian Hu and others, they simply did not understand how powerful the state of Wei was now, and still thought that the state of Qi could stabilize the state of Wei.
Just like the field swan right now.
"...Have your country forgotten the kindness of Da Qi back then? When your country was coerced by the Chu State, it was Da Qi who sent troops to help and resolved your country's disaster; later when your country confronted South Korea, the same was true
I, Da Qi, sent troops to assist, which enabled your country to repel the Korean army..."
Hearing Tian Hu's words, everyone in the palace was furious, and Zhao Hongrun's face also darkened.
He took a deep breath, stared at Tian Hu and said: "Tian Hu, do you really think that the Qi State has much kindness to me, the Wei State? When the Wei State was at war with the Chu State, how much kindness did your Qi State have?
However, this was obtained in exchange for my brother's visit to Linzi as a hostage. Later, when Lu Xi proposed to conquer Chu, I personally led the army and rushed all the way to "Pi County" to help. This kindness,
It has already been returned. As for what you said, it was only because your Qi State sent troops to help us that Wei Dynasty could defeat South Korea. This is even more ridiculous!... At that time, your Qi State was in the midst of civil strife with the princes fighting for the throne. Even Julu
The navy has been transferred back to the country to quell the civil strife. How dare you boast that it is all your fault? I can tell you clearly that the three victories we have won against South Korea so far were all due to the joint efforts of our army and people.
What we win by uniting against foreign enemies has nothing to do with your Qi State... In short, I, the Wei Dynasty, do not owe you anything to Qi State. If Qi State is determined to intervene in the affairs of Song Dynasty, then the so-called friendship between Qi and Wei in your mouth
, that’s it for now!”
After hearing this, Tian Hu's face turned red and he said slightly angrily: "Does your Highness mean to terminate the alliance between Qi and Wei?"
Zhao Hongrun said coldly: "Anyone who interferes in the affairs of the Song Dynasty will be regarded as an enemy by the Wei Dynasty!"
Tian Hu said in a deep voice: "I advise Your Highness not to make too many enemies. I heard that your country is now preparing for war with South Korea. If you are at odds with me, Daqi, at this time, does Your Highness understand what this means?... Don't Your Highness worry that South Korea will send
Are you trying to persuade me, Qi, to attack your country together? I advise Your Highness not to be distracted and to concentrate on preparing for war in South Korea."
"Hahaha!" Zhao Hongrun laughed, and then sneered: "Three years ago, our Wei Dynasty defeated the invading enemy army with one against five and won the victory. Does your envoy know what this means? This means
, I, Da Wei, can fight five!"
"This is simply...simply arrogant!"
Hearing Zhao Hongrun's arrogant and conceited words, Tian Hu was shocked and angry, and said angrily: "When the country is destroyed in the future, your highness must not regret it!"
After hearing this, the expressions of all the Wei people in the palace changed. Zhao Hongrun was so angry that he slapped the table in front of him: "How outrageous! ... Do you think that because of your status as an envoy, I would not dare to kill you? I was the king back then.
During the war, I killed countless envoys who did not know how to live or die, and you are not one more! Where did the imperial guards come from? Drag this guy down!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a group of imperial guards walked into the palace and stepped forward to hold Tian Hu up.
Even Tian Hu did not expect that Zhao Hongrun would act so wantonly, and Uncle Bao also had a look of horror on his face and hurriedly stood up to plead.
However, before Uncle Bao could speak, Zhao Hongrun was the first to speak: "Doctor Bao, your envoy has insulted Wei Wei too much. I vow to kill him to vent my anger. I hope you will not interfere, so as not to cost more lives."
!”
Seeing Zhao Hongrun's expressionless expression, Uncle Bao suddenly thought of his late king Lu Xi of Qi State, and his heart skipped a beat.
A moment later, a scream was heard from outside the palace.
Immediately, a guard in front of the palace came into the palace carrying Tian Hu's head.
Looking at Uncle Bao, Zhao Hongrun said sternly: "This man's head will be brought back to Linzi by Dr. Bao tomorrow. If your country ignores the alliance between the two countries and insists on intervening in Song County and interfering in the internal affairs of Wei Dynasty, then
, I, the Wei Dynasty, will regard Qi as our enemy!...Don’t say you didn’t predict what you said!”
After that, he took a deep breath, calmed down, his face returned to normal, he clapped his hands and said with a smile: "Continue the singing and dancing feast!"
Everyone in the hall looked at each other in shock.
After a moment of silence, music sounded again in the hall, and the musicians danced again.
In the entire palace, people in Wei seemed to have turned a blind eye to Cai Cai's scene and continued to laugh and drink and have fun.
Only Uncle Bao and his attendants looked at the bloody head on the table with pale faces.
"Alas, misfortune comes from the mouth, the ancients never deceived me..."
Looking at the head and Tian Hu's unbelievable expression when he was about to die, Uncle Bao shook his head secretly.