Chapter 64: The World of Great Contests! [Two in One]
"PS: The war is about to begin. Please forgive me for not adding more updates. Let me think about it carefully."
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"Your Majesty?"
Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng, frowned and looked at the Wei envoy Tang Ju in front of him. Seeing that the other party had not spoken for a long time, he felt more and more strange in his heart.
Unexpectedly, at this time, the Wei envoy Tang Ju also secretly complained in his heart.
Logically speaking, as an envoy visiting a foreign country, the envoy will usually receive a certain level of domestic commitment when negotiating with important figures in the other country, which facilitates negotiations with the other party.
However, when he came to Chu State this time, Wei envoy Tang Ju did not get any negotiation standards, which made him extremely uneasy.
He was very worried that if he conveyed the original words of His Royal Highness Prince Zhao Run to the Chu prince in front of him, the Chu prince in front of him would order someone to chop him down in anger - as far as he knew , Yangcheng Jun Xiong Tuoke is not a good-tempered person.
"Your Majesty?"
Yangcheng Lord Xiong Tuo asked again, with a look of impatient expression on his face.
Seeing this, Tang Ju, the Wei envoy, calmed himself down and said bravely: "His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince of our country, said... well, there is no... benefit for your country this time."
"Ah?" Xiong Tuo, the Lord of Yangcheng, was stunned when he heard this, and said in disbelief: "What Zhao Run means is that you want me, Da Chu, to contribute to your Wei State in vain?" After saying that, he burst out laughing, and then laughed. After three calls, he scolded angrily: "Go back and tell Zhao Run, don't think that he can play tricks on me like this just because he married A Jiang. If you want me to help him, that's fine. Give me "Shang Shui"!"
Even though Tang Ju knew that the Lord of Yangcheng, Xiong Tuohui, was talking loudly, he was still shocked by the latter's request.
You must know that Shangshui County is currently one of the most prosperous cities in Wei State with the highest tax revenue. It is a market where Wei people and Chu people carry out trade - although Wei and Chu have never openly recognized it - at all It is an exaggeration to say that the transaction volume of Shangshui County is no less than that of Qi County in the border city of Wei and Han. It was once one of the important sources of funds for Zhao Hongrun to support the Yanling Army and the Shangshui Army.
In today's Wei State, there are definitely no more than five cities that are more prosperous and lively than Shangshui County, and these include Daliang, the capital of Wei State. How could such an important city be ceded to Chu State?
More importantly, since Zhao Hongrun first took charge of the army when he was fourteen years old, the Wei State has formulated a principled national policy of "not ceding territory". Therefore, when Xiong Tuo, the king of Yangcheng, made such a request, Wei's envoy Tang Ju did not need to consider it at all. , and flatly refused: "Master Xiong Tuo, please forgive me, this is impossible!"
After hearing this, Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng, was not angry and said with a smile: "Then you go back and tell Zhao Run that I, the great Chu, do not have the time to help your Wei State. If you want me, the great Chu, to send troops, just use Shang Shui." Come from the county!... It doesn't matter if he doesn't agree. I am happy to watch this good show. Tsk tsk tsk, Han, Qi, Lu, Song, hey, maybe Qi can still persuade Yue to influence Yue. It is a war between five parties to defeat Wei. Last time, your Wei State was lucky enough to win. I want to see, can you still win this time?... Also, remember to send a message to Zhao Run. It is best to let him know as soon as possible. To make a decision, if Qi State sends people to win over me first, maybe I will side with Qi people, hahahaha."
When he said this, Yangcheng Lord Xiong Tuo felt very happy.
You know, although Zhao Hongrun is now his brother-in-law, since Zhao Run, who was only fourteen years old, first led the army ten years ago, he has never had the upper hand in front of Zhao Run - plus Yang Xiong Tuo, the king of the city, had once cheated Wei Wang Zhao Si, so he had a lot of resentment towards the father and son.
Now that he finally caught his brother-in-law Zhao Run's pigtails, how could Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng, let him go so easily?
It is not enough to unite with the State of Qi. After all, even because of the relationship with his sister Mi Jiang, Xiong Tuo, the Lord of Yangcheng, is naturally biased towards the State of Wei. It is just that he is biased towards the State of Wei. If the State of Wei is unwilling to provide any practical benefits. , then Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng, was also absolutely unwilling to send troops to help - firstly because he couldn't pass the test himself, and secondly, because he couldn't convince the Shoying nobles.
After hearing this, Wei's envoy Tang Ju calmed down a bit, because he could tell from the tone of Yangcheng Lord Xiong Tuo that this Chu Gongzi was still partial to his Wei state deep down in his heart. It had to be said that this was his Wei state. The benefits of Prince Zhao Run marrying Mi Jiang, the sister of King Xiong Tuo of Yangcheng.
After thinking about it, the Wei envoy Tang Ju shook his head and said: "Excuse me for being frank, our Crown Prince has made it clear that he will not bring any benefits to your country this time. However, if "Chu and Wei form an alliance," we, the Wei Dynasty, will remain firm." To safeguard Chu’s vested interests in the Central Plains!”
When he first heard the first half of the sentence, Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng, shook his head in disdain, but when he heard the second half of the sentence, he showed a thoughtful expression: "...to protect our vested interests in the Central Plains? What are you talking about?" How to say it?"
The Wei envoy Tang Ju raised his hand and said righteously: "Your Majesty, please convey the true words of His Highness the Crown Prince of our country. Even if your country captures Linzi, the capital of Qi, I, the capital of Wei, will firmly support Linzi." Belong to your country!"
"..."
Hearing this, Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng, looked solemn.
You must know that a promise of this level cannot be made casually - if Wei really blatantly supports Chu in this matter, then Wei and Qi will also become feuding countries, and there will be almost no maneuvering. room.
Unless Wei retracts his original words, for a country determined to dominate the Central Plains, if he is forced to retract his words, his credibility will inevitably be affected, which is not good for Wei's impression as the overlord of the Central Plains.
Simply put, as long as the State of Wei comes to protect the State of Chu in this matter, then the State of Wei will be firmly tied to the ship of the State of Chu in the war between the State of Chu and the State of Qi.
Thinking of this, Yangcheng Lord Xiong Tuo frowned and said solemnly: "Are these really Zhao Run's original words?"
Wei's envoy Tang Ju cupped his hands, nodded and said: "It's absolutely true. In addition, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has something to say to the young master... Now that the Central Plains is turbulent, a great battle is about to come. Young Master Xiong Tuo is really preparing to fight in the Central Plains. Are you watching the show and missing this opportunity? Or, join our chariot in the Wei Dynasty and take advantage of this opportunity to attack Qi from the north and Yue from the east to achieve unparalleled achievements?"
"..."
Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng, took a deep look at Tang Ju, paced back and forth in the palace with his hands behind his back, thinking about what his brother-in-law Zhao Run said.
It has to be said that Zhao Run's words really spoke to his heart: How could Chu State be left behind in such a magnificent and unprecedented battle? How could Xiong Tuo miss it?
Although the Chu State and the Wei State also had an unhappy period, it was because Wei Wang Zhao Si had tricked Xiong Tuo, the king of Yangcheng. Now, the prince Zhao Run who is in power in the Wei State is Xiong Tuo, the king of Yangcheng. Brother-in-law, relying on this relationship, the relationship between Wei and Chu has been greatly eased.
What's more, the trade and smuggling between Wei and Chu have brought astonishing profits to each other. As far as the current situation is concerned, it is almost impossible for Chu and Wei to break out any war.
The Crown Princess Mi Jiang of Wei and the emperor Zhao Wei were only on the one hand. More importantly, the nobles of Chu had made considerable profits from trade with Wei. In fact, Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng, was even planning to send money to Wei. The country purchased a large amount of grain, seeds, and farming tools to reduce the number of Chu people who died of hunger in the country every year.
In other words, the two countries of Chu and Wei are currently very close to each other.
Since Chu and Wei cannot fight each other, if Chu wants to expand its territory, it can only focus on the east, that is, Qi and Yue.
Needless to say, the Qi State has had a feud for thirty years. From the time of King Lu Xi of Qi to the present, the Chu people have been grudges against the Qi people for a long time. However, in the past few years, the "Qi-Wei Alliance" has not been broken, so the Chu State has not If they dare to invade Qi State, the most they can do is recapture Shouying, the lost capital of Chu State.
But now, the "Qi-Wei Alliance" has been shattered, and Wei has turned to form an alliance with Chu. This means that when Chu attacks Qi, there is no threat from Wei behind it, and even , Wei will also provide them with help.
If we don’t attack Qi now, how long will it take?!
Let’s talk about the Yue State. The people from the land of Wu and Yue have always been a serious problem for the Chu State. It was the Qi State that protected the Yue State, and the Wei State had an alliance with the Qi State. Therefore, the Chu State did not dare to cause trouble easily.
Now, just take this opportunity to clean up the country of Yue together!
only……
"...Zhao Run, are you really not giving me any benefits at all?"
Glancing at the Wei envoy Tang Ju, Xiong Tuo, the Lord of Yangcheng, frowned and said, "Envoy, please go to the post house in the city to rest. Let me think about it."
After that, without waiting for Tang Ju's reaction, he waved his hand and called for his own soldiers to take Tang Ju out.
Immediately, Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng, sent someone to invite Xiong Sheng, Lord of Liyang, to the mansion.
Xiong Sheng, Lord of Liyang, was the half-brother of Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng. He was also a contender for the position of King of Chu back then.
But later, Xiong Tuo, the king of Yangcheng, took advantage of the defeat of Chu State in the "Battle of Five Parties to Defeat Wei" and when the strength of Chu East was empty, he led hundreds of thousands of troops to invade Chu East, stole the power, and forced Chu The Eastern nobles could only hold their noses and recognize Xiong Tuo's status as the crown prince.
At that time, seeing that the situation was over, Liyang Jun Xiong Sheng was originally planning to return to his fiefdom, but Xiong Tuo took the initiative to visit his brother because of his talent, and begged him for help. His words were sincere, and finally moved Liyang Jun Xiong Sheng, and Liyang Jun Xiong Sheng has now become the right-hand man and close minister of Yangcheng Jun Xiong Tuo in Chudong.
"Brother Wang."
After a while, Liyang Lord Xiong Sheng came to the study room of the residence of Yangcheng Lord Xiong Tuo. He cupped his hands and asked with a bit of confusion: "Brother Wang summons my younger brother?"
Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng, nodded, beckoned Xiong Sheng, Lord of Liyang, to sit down, and then said to him: "Our good brother-in-law Zhao Run sent an envoy to see me today, hoping to persuade me to send troops to help Wei..." With that said, he told Liyang Jun Xiong Sheng the general situation.
Xiong Sheng, Lord of Liyang, pondered for a moment, nodded and said, "This is a mutually beneficial and win-win move."
"It is indeed true." Yangcheng Lord Xiong Tuo nodded, and then cursed with a bit of resentment: "It's just that Zhao Run is very stingy. He asked me, the great Chu, to send troops to help, but he refused to give him any benefits."
Xiong Sheng, Lord of Liyang, laughed when he heard this and said, "It seems that he is determined that Chu will never reject the "Wei-Chu Alliance"."
"yes……"
Yangcheng Jun Xiong Tuo sighed melancholy.
Although he felt very uncomfortable in his heart, it was undeniable that as Liyang Lord Xiong Sheng said, it was impossible for him to reject the "Wei-Chu Alliance" because once Wei and Chu established an alliance, Chu would be able to attack without any scruples. Qi, Yue, Lu, and Wei will no longer be a constraint for them.
Some people may ask, since Wei is also bordering Chu, why does Chu not regard Wei as a strategic target?
The reason is very simple, because the Wei State is too powerful now. Even the Chu State does not have the confidence to defeat the Wei State. Even if it unites with South Korea to suppress the Wei State, Chu State actually does not have much confidence - don't forget, last time " "Five Parties Attack Wei", didn't the Chu State join South Korea in attacking the Wei State? What was the result? The million-strong army was wiped out, two of the "Three Pillars" were killed, and the Chu State's vitality was greatly damaged.
In comparison, the State of Qi is richer than the State of Wei, but the army of Qi State is too weak to be compared with the State of Wei. Of course, the persimmons have to pick on the weak.
Qi's wealth and Lu's technology, as long as Chu is willing to side with Wei, it will have the opportunity to obtain these two most important things for Chu.
However, Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng, was still very angry in his heart: Zhao Run seemed to have seen through them, and was not afraid of their rejection at all, and even did not bother to give some benefits.
At any rate, why don't you send me a few pieces of valuable Qin Moyu?
Nothing!
Afterwards, Xiong Tuo, the king of Yangcheng, went to the palace in person to ask for an audience with his father, King Xiong Xu of Chu.
At this time, King Xiong Xu of Chu was wiping his sword in the palace. When he saw his son Xiong Tuo, Lord Yangcheng, walking into the palace, he raised the sword in his hand and said to Xiong Tuo: "This sword is not much younger than you." , it’s the magic weapon that I commissioned a famous craftsman to forge, do you know what it’s called?”
Xiong Tuo, the king of Yangcheng, was far less close to his father Xiong Xu, king of Chu, than Zhao Run and his father, Zhao Si, king of Wei. Therefore, after hearing this, Xiong Tuo didn't say anything, leaving Xiong Xu, king of Chu, to speak alone.
"It's called "Poqi"!"
King Xiong Xu of Chu stroked the sword and said with emotion: "I have personally gone on eleven campaigns, five big battles and six small battles. I dream that one day I can hold this sword and kill Lu Xi." At this point, he He shook his head and sighed: "Today, the sword is still sharp, but the person I wanted to kill has passed away."
"..." Yangcheng Lord Xiong Tuo looked at Chu King Xiong Xu coldly.
Because he was a commoner, Xiong Tuo was sent to his uncle Xiong Hao, Lord of Runan, at a very young age, and was raised and taught by his uncle. Therefore, his relationship with his biological father, King Xiong Xu of Chu, was very weak.
So when he heard his father's words at this moment, Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng, sneered secretly in his heart: Eleven expeditions, five major battles, and six small battles, didn't you just suffer eleven defeats? In front of King Lu Xi of Qi, you Have you ever won even once?
Thinking of this, Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng, said calmly: "Today, the Wei State sent an envoy to form an alliance with Chu, and I decided to agree...Do you have anything to give me, father?"
King Xiong Xu of Chu glanced at Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng, and said slowly: "You chose to get close to Wei, which is also a good choice... But are you sure you can defeat Qi?" After that, he didn't wait. Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng, answered, then handed over the sword in his hand and said seriously: "Take it with you."
"A defeated general's weapon?" Xiong Tuo sneered and glanced at the so-called magic weapon in his father's hand. Seeing that the magic weapon was just a bronze sword, he curled his lips indifferently: Now the Central Plains is already iron. It's the era of swords, but you are still handling this ancient antique.
Seeing this, King Xiong Xu of Chu was not angry. He stood up and summoned a palace guard, asking him to hold the magic weapon and hold it upright.
Immediately, he pulled out the sword from the guard's waist with a clang, but it was a shining iron sword.
Under the unexpected gaze of Yangcheng Lord Xiong Tuo, Chu King Xiong Xu held the iron sword in both hands and slashed at the magic weapon in the guard's hand. There was a bang sound, the iron sword broke, and the bronze sword , surprisingly intact.
"..." Yangcheng Lord Xiong Tuo was stunned, a little unbelievable.
At this time, Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng, took back the bronze sword and said lightly with some meaning: "Shu Zi, don't underestimate me! ...Old man, you didn't know where you were when he was on the battlefield. !”
Upon hearing this, Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng, sneered: "It's a pity that this old man has never defeated his old enemy even once in his whole life... Has this sword ever drank blood?"
Facing the ridicule of Yangcheng Lord Xiong Tuo, Chu King Xiong Xu said melancholy: "As you said, this magic weapon has never drank blood since it was cast..." At this point, he once again said The magic weapon in his hand was handed to Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng, and he asked meaningfully: "Can you make it drink the blood of the enemy?"
"Hmph!" Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng, snorted, reached out to take the bronze sword from his father's hand, and gestured curiously twice, as if he was wondering why this bronze sword was sharper than the iron sword.
From the side, King Xiong Xu of Chu looked at his son intently, handed over the scabbard of his sword, and said in a serious tone: "Defeat Qi, and you will be the king of my great Chu!"
"..." Yangcheng Lord Xiong Tuo took a deep look at Chu King Xiong Xu, took the scabbard, and put the bronze magic weapon in his hand into the scabbard.
"I will!"
Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng, left three words concisely and turned around to leave.
Looking at his son's retreating figure, King Chu Xiong Xu sighed melancholy and sat back to his original position.
He has a very strong feeling: Today's Central Plains is already an era for the younger generation.
"... Ah Hao (Runan Jun Xiong Hao), my brother, I owe you everything I owe you in this life. I really can't repay you."
He sighed secretly.
In half a day, the news of "the sword was awarded by the king" spread throughout the whole of Shouying, shocking many nobles in Chudong and also having a clear understanding in their hearts.
Regardless of whether they recognize it or not, Yangcheng Lord Xiong Tuo is already destined to be the next king.
Fortunately, after Xiong Tuo, the Lord of Yangcheng, became the crown prince, his previously flamboyant personality also moderated. Therefore, the nobles of Eastern Chu did not strongly oppose it - the nobles of Chu State always aligned themselves with interests.
One day later, Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng, summoned General Xiang Mo and Lord Shouling Jingyun.
It goes without saying that General Xiang Mo is the most adept general in commanding troops in battle at present, and they are the two brothers Xiang Mo and Xiang Kuan.
A year ago, the "Qu family of Mi" who officially launched a rebellion in Chu State expelled the "Three Pillars" from the ranks and replaced "Qu family" with "Xiang family". Therefore, General Xiang Mo officially replaced The late "Xiling Lord Qu Ping" became one of the "Three Pillars" of Chu State.
Shouling Jun Jingyun is the son of the late "former Shouling Jun Jingshe".
As for the last candidate for the "Three Pillars", Yangcheng Lord Xiong Tuo naturally gave it to his cousin, Pingyu Lord Xiong Hu, who has always supported him. This cousin has currently replaced Yangcheng Lord Xiong Tuo. In his position in Chuxi, he looks after the entire Chuxi for Xiong Tuo, Lord of Yangcheng.
Because of this, Chu Xi and Chu Dong are currently in unprecedented harmony, at least not as competitive as they were back then.
However, since Pingyu Lord Xiong Hu was currently far away in western Chu, Yangcheng Lord Xiong Tuo did not summon him, but only Xiang Mo and Jingyun.
When summoned, Xiang Mo came alone, while Lord Shouling Jingyun brought his most trusted general "Yangyou". After all, Jingyun was not as good at commanding troops as his father Jingshe, so In military affairs, we rely on Yang You to a large extent.
Of course, the purpose of summoning Xiang Mo and Jing Yun was not to discuss anything with them, but just to tell them to prepare for the expedition to Qi.
In the next few days, Xiong Tuo, the king of Yangcheng, frequently summoned his nobles and generals to prepare for the expedition against Qi.
In June of the 26th year of Wei Hongde's reign, a dispute suddenly broke out in "Qi County", a border city between Korea and Wei. A Wei merchant who claimed to be a member of the Zhaojiang wife tribe of King Yan allowed his guards to fight him in the street. A Korean businessman died, causing an uproar in the market.
A few days later, South Korean officials in Qi County asked King Zhao Jiang of Yan to hand over the murderer.
King Zhao Jiang of Yan felt baffled. After verification, he found that his wife's family did not have that person at all. He immediately realized that this was an intentional provocation by South Korea, and sternly rejected the South Korean officials' request.
In the next few days, in Qixian and Moyi areas, there were conflicts between the Korean cavalry and the Shanyang army of Wei, resulting in casualties on each other.
In mid-June, Handan, the capital of South Korea, officially expressed its attitude on the "Song State" issue, recognized the status of the "Song State" and asked the Wei army to withdraw from Song County.
During this period, the State of Wei also strongly declared to the outside world that Song County was the territory of the State of Wei, and anyone who dared to intervene in this matter was an enemy of the State of Wei.
In late June, Korean businessmen in Qi County, perhaps sensing that something was wrong, sold their shops and evacuated Qi County.
At the same time, at the border between Wei and South Korea, the friction between the Korean cavalry and the Wei Shanyang Army gradually escalated.
Waiting for the beginning of July, Han Lihou Han Wu issued a statement to the Central Plains to conquer the Wei State. His words were so conclusive that he almost accused the Wei State of being a public enemy of the world and formally declared war on the Wei State.
Five days later, Wei issued a corresponding statement and declared war on South Korea.
Within a few days, Qin declared war on South Korea, and Wei declared war on South Korea.
In mid-July, Qi State responded to South Korea's appeal against Wei, formed a "Union", and declared war on Wei State.
In just a few days, Lu, Yue, and Song also declared war on Wei.
At this point, the "Five Kingdoms Alliance of Qi, Han, Lu, Yue, and Song" was formally formed.
Half a month later, Wei State declared war on Qi State, Lu State, Yue State, and Song State.
At the same time, the Qin State aligned itself, and the four kingdoms of Lu, Yue, and Song declared war. The Wei State also aligned itself, and the four kingdoms of Lu, Yue, and Song declared war.
At the end of July, Chu State was the last to step into this battlefield, strongly siding with Wei State, and declared war on the five kingdoms of Han, Qi, Lu, Yue, and Song.
At this point, the "Four Kingdoms Alliance of Wei, Qin, Wei, and Chu" was formed.
In this way, an unprecedented war involving all the countries in the Central Plains began.