When he learned that the new monarch Han Yi had issued an edict declaring that the war between Wei and South Korea had ended and the relationship between the two countries had turned into an alliance, the former Korean prime minister who had resigned from office sighed in his residence with open arms.
It's not that he doesn't support "re-entering the alliance with Wei". The problem is that the new monarch of Korea is just a puppet supported by Wei Zhang Qigong and the traitor Yuanyi Marquis Han Pu. Although the country's name is still "Han",
But in essence, it was firmly controlled by the Wei State.
Not long after, the eldest son "Zhang Ping" came to the study and saw his father sitting on a chair and sighing. After hesitating for a while, he said: "Father, the Marquis of Yuanyi has come to pay a visit."
Zhang Kai frowned when he heard the words, and a hint of annoyance flashed in his eyes.
There is no other reason than that Han Pu, the Marquis of Yuanyi, first rebelled and then defected to Wei, which dealt a fatal blow to South Korea, which was already struggling. He must bear at least half of the responsibility for South Korea's defeat.
It's a pity that Han Pu, the Marquis of Yuanyi, fell in love with the Wei people. Both Zhao Jiang, the commander-in-chief of the Wei army, and Zhang Qigong, an important official of the Wei state, greatly appreciated Yuanyi Marquis Han Pu's move of "abandoning the dark and turning to the bright". If Kaifang Di expected, Wei's
The country will definitely not touch Han Pu, the Marquis of Yuanyi.
"Invite him to the study."
Zhang Kai said after thinking for a while.
There is no way, now in Jicheng, the Wei people cover the sky with only one hand, and for the sake of their own Zhang family, the only thing left open is emptiness and resignation.
After a while, the eldest son Zhang Ping personally welcomed Han Pu, the Marquis of Yuanyi, to the study.
At this time, Kaifeng endured the unswerving feeling in his heart and managed to squeeze out a smile to greet him outside the study.
In fact, Han Pu, the Marquis of Yuanyi, could clearly see the awkward expression on his face. However, Han Pu himself also understood his impression on the former prime minister, and did not expect to ask for anything extravagantly. He smiled and explained his purpose: "
Prime Minister Zhang, Han Pu came here today because he hopes that Prime Minister Zhang can re-assume his position as Prime Minister of Korea."
"I'm from Korea?"
Kaifeng, who was nearly fifty years old, looked at Han Pu, the Marquis of Yuanyi, calmly, but sneered secretly in his heart: Do you, Han Pu, really think that you are a Korean? Do you still think that you are a descendant of the Han royal family?
However, due to the Zhang clan, he did not dare to offend Han Pu, the Marquis of Yuanyi, even if he opened the land, so he pretended to be ignorant and said: "If Zhang remembers correctly, Zhang Qigong, Master Zhang, has been appointed as the prime minister, hasn't he?"
?...As for the Right Prime Minister, Zhang remembers that you are the Marquis of Yuanyi..."
"That's just a stopgap measure."
The Marquis of Yuanyi smiled and waved his hand and said: "Master Zhang is a close minister of King Wei, so how can he stay in Jicheng all year round? In fact, it was Master Zhang who entrusted Han to visit Prime Minister Zhang and invite him again
Taking up the post of Prime Minister..."
Hearing this, Zhang Kaidi declined politely: "Zhang was recommended by Prime Minister Shen to serve as prime minister. However, over the years, Zhang deeply felt that his talents and virtues were not enough to hold the position of prime minister. He could only...can only let down Mr. Zhang and Yuanyi."
Thank you for your kindness."
After hearing this, Han Pu, the Marquis of Yuanyi, looked at the open space with a half-smile. After being silent for a while, he suddenly changed his tone and said: "Well, let's just say it directly... If Han can't convince Zhang
Prime Minister, Mr. Zhang will personally come to invite you, and Mr. Zhang’s conduct, haha... How should I put it, Mr. Zhang is not a person who cherishes his own wings, does Mr. Zhang understand this? "
"..."
Hearing this, his face changed slightly.
Not cherishing his wings, refers to Zhang Qigong not caring about the reputation of the outside world, so this kind of person is often ruthless in doing things.
If Zhang Qigong stubbornly refuses Zhang Qigong's invitation because he was the former prime minister of South Korea, thinking that the latter would not dare to harm him due to his reputation, Han Pu, the Marquis of Yuanyi, is clearly hinting to Zhang Qigong at this moment: You are wrong.
Already.
After hesitating for a long time, he sighed openly: "Please allow Zhang to think about it."
Of course, Han Pu, the Marquis of Yuanyi, understood that since he openly said "think about it", it meant that he had actually compromised, but he could not agree immediately because of his face.
In this case, he certainly won't be too pushy.
Afterwards, Han Pu, the Marquis of Yuanyi, returned to the post house in the city where Zhang Qigong lived, and reported to the latter the result of inviting Kaifeng to take up the position of prime minister: "Kaikaidi has been persuaded by Han, but due to face, he refused to take office immediately.
, I’m afraid Captain Zhang will have to wait for a few more days.”
"That's okay."
Zhang Qigong waved his hand magnanimously.
He also understood what it felt like for a wise minister like Kai Kaidi to be forced to serve as the prime minister of a puppet government.
If it were him, he would never accept such humiliation.
Anyway, his parents have long since passed away, he has no brothers and sisters, and he is unmarried and has children, so he is alone, so there is no need to care about it - but Zhang Kai is different, he has an old man above him, and a young man below him.
There are compromises.
Of course, if Kaifang was willing to take up the position just for the reason of "compromise", this would not be in line with Zhang Qigong's wishes. After all, in Zhang Qigong's view, Wei's annexation of South Korea would take at least several years or even more than ten years.
During the transitional period of 2000, if Korea is in chaos during this period, it will not be a good thing for Wei, who will annex this country in the future.
Therefore, Zhang Qigong decided to meet with Kaifeng personally and persuade the latter to manage South Korea's internal affairs well, at least not to make the country a mess.
After thinking about it, Zhang Qigong invited Zhang Kaidi, Zhang Ping and his son to the post house that night.
Of course the Zhang family and his son did not dare to refuse, so at dusk they took a carriage to the post house where Zhang Qigong lived.
When he learned that Zhang Qigong, the current prime minister of South Korea, actually lived in the post house, Zhang Ping, the eldest son of Kaifangdi, was very surprised and couldn't help but said: "That Mr. Zhang seems to be no ordinary person...
…”
Opened in silence.
At this time, he had already learned about Zhang Qigong's power in the Wei State - "Tiance Mansion Right Commander". It seemed like a small captaincy title, but in fact, it ranked Wei second in terms of "foreign affairs".
In terms of power, the four powerful ministers were even higher than Wei General Zhao Jiang, the commander-in-chief of the Wei army in the east.
However, it seems that such a person only lived in a post house after conquering Jicheng, the capital of South Korea. This made Kaifangdi admire Zhang Qigong: this person is by no means greedy for money and benefit.
Apart from admiration, I am also a little wary. After all, as long as he is not greedy for money and profit, then this person is either a great good or a great evil. He is by no means an ordinary person.
After meeting Kaifeng and his son, Zhang Qigong was very enthusiastic, and his pleasant smile made Zhang Ping mutter: At first glance, he doesn't look like a vicious person.
After they sat down with each other, they opened their mouths to test Zhang Qigong and said: "I heard that Mr. Zhang recommended Zhang as the prime minister. I am ashamed... The minister who has subjugated the country is actually worthy of Mr. Zhang's consideration."
Hearing this, Zhang Qigong frowned slightly, and then said with a smile: "The words of Prime Minister Zhang are wrong. I, the Wei Dynasty, are only responding to the request of the Marquis of Yuanyi. I intend to make your country comply with the righteousness and overthrow the tyranny of Han Wu. Why?
The theory of national subjugation?”
Kaifang sneered in his heart and said deliberately: "Even so, I recommend General Li Mu, the guardian of Yanmen, to be the prime minister..."
The atmosphere in the room solidified slightly with Kaifeng's words.
Why does Li Mu need anyone? He is a famous Korean general who is the leader of the "Ten Giants of Beiyuan". To put it bluntly, even if South Korea is actually controlled by Wei at this moment, Zhang Qigong would not dare to recall Li Mu to Jicheng - God knows Li Mu
What will you do after being recalled to Jicheng as prime minister?
Even in Zhang Qigong's view, famous generals like Li Mu were among those who must be eliminated - unless Li Mu was willing to submit to his Wei state.
"Let's drink first." Zhang Qigong suddenly changed the topic.
After that, Zhang Kaidi and Zhang Qigong drank in silence, and no one said anything else. This made Zhang Ping, who was sitting aside, feel extremely depressed.
After a long time of burning incense, Zhang Gao, who drank several glasses of wine, sighed with a drunken feeling: "I have inherited the Han Dynasty for hundreds of years, and it has been destroyed... I, the ministers of my generation, really have no face to see the previous kings."
After that, he asked Zhang Qigong: "Master Zhang, how will your country deal with our country? Please tell me the truth."
Zhang Qigong glanced at the open ground, knowing that perfunctory words would definitely not deceive the former South Korean prime minister, so he said in a nonchalant manner: "After Zhang returns to the country, he will report to the monarch of our country and ask him to make a decision."
"..." He held the wine cup open and pondered for a moment, then asked: "Will your country's army always be stationed in Jicheng?"
Zhang Qigong replied: "General Shaohu's Wei Wujun will allocate part of its troops to garrison Jicheng. In addition, troops will be sent to garrison Juyang and Yuyang to prevent the aliens from the grasslands from taking advantage of the situation... As for the other armies of our great Wei Dynasty, they may be stationed in the short term.
Just evacuate.”
His words surprised Zhang Qigong.
Wei Wujun was stationed in Jicheng. This was not surprising to him. After all, Wei defeated his country, Korea, and it would definitely leave an army to control the capital of Jicheng. To Kaifeng's surprise, the Wei army was actually preparing to divide its troops.
Stationed in Juyang and Yuyang to prevent the foreign tribesmen from the grasslands from taking advantage of the situation and plundering the Korean people in the two counties - it must be said that this is a very benevolent decision.
After another moment of silence, Zhang Kaidi asked again: "Zhang heard that the coalition forces of various countries had sent troops to attack your country a few months ago, but I don't know whether Mr. Zhao Jiang is preparing to return to the mainland to aid, or..."
After hearing this, Zhang Qigong asked with a smile: "What do you have to say, Prime Minister Zhang? Can you give me some advice?"
"I don't dare to teach you." He hesitated for a moment, and finally said: "Zhang thought that Lord Zhao Jiang might as well use his army to attack Qi State, forcing Qi State to recall the troops sent out, in order to split the coalition forces of other countries..."
After hearing this, Zhang Qigong nodded with a smile and said, "Best regards, Mr. Zhang."
After that, Kaifang and Zhang Qigong chatted for a while, mainly focusing on South Korea's previous bad policies.
This is Zhang Qigong’s personal view: He believes that South Korea’s attitude towards the domestic aristocratic forces is too weak, just like the Wei State in more than ten or twenty years. There are many mines, lakes, and land in the country, which are all controlled by the aristocrats.
The control of power put the imperial court under control everywhere.
In view of this, Zhang Qigong asked Kaifeng to gradually take back the privileges of the aristocratic forces after he became the prime minister of South Korea. After all, in Zhang Qigong's view, these all belonged to his Wei state. How could he tolerate the continued occupation by Korean aristocrats?
To be honest, Kaifangdi had no intention of talking to Zhang Qigong before, but Zhang Qigong's request just aroused his interest. You know, both Shen Buhai and Kaifangdi tried their best to suppress domestic
All the nobles, but the time did not allow it.
He asked Zhang Qigong tentatively: "What does Mr. Zhang mean..."
Zhang Qigong did not answer directly, but asked Zhang Kaidi: "What do you think, Prime Minister Zhang, of the quality of Wei's decrees?"
Zhang Kai was stunned for a moment, and after pondering for a moment, he praised: "Unprecedented benevolent government."
This is not a compliment. As the prime minister of South Korea, Kaifeng indeed felt that Wei's decree was very desirable.
Among them, what surprised him the most was the concept of "contracting" proposed in Wei's government decree, which contracted domestic projects to the domestic aristocratic forces for construction. This not only allowed the court to complete many domestic constructions without spending a single copper coin, but also
Let the domestic aristocratic forces share the benefits, a truly win-win initiative.
After putting aside this layer, Wei State is also committed to improving people's livelihood, appropriately suppressing nobles and noble families, and controlling the conflicts among various classes in the country within a controllable range. From Kaifang's perspective, this is indeed very important.
sharp.
At this time, Zhang Qigong said with a smile: "As long as Prime Minister Zhang is satisfied... In fact, today Zhang met with His Majesty the King of Han, and His Majesty the King of Han has decided to implement the decree of the Wei Dynasty."
"..."
He opened his eyes and looked at Zhang Qigong in astonishment.
To be honest, Korea's previous government decrees did have many shortcomings and were not as perfect as Wei's. For example, Korea was not as confident as Wei in terms of its attitude towards domestic nobles.
If the Wei State supports him in Jicheng to complete the political reform, it will actually be a good thing for the country. The question is, will this country be "Han" or "Wei" in the future?
You must know that political decrees are the essence of a country and an important factor that distinguishes it from other countries. If South Korea directly adopts Wei's political decrees, how different will it be from being annexed by Wei? - At best, it will only be retained.
It's just a country with the name "Han" and a puppet monarch with no power at all.
Thinking of this, Zhang Kai was a little hesitant.
Seeing this, Zhang Qigong said meaningfully: "Prime Minister Zhang, this is a move that is beneficial to thousands of people...A country cannot be established without people, and it cannot prosper without a king. The monarch of our country has also said that before there is a country, there are people first."
Sufficient food, sufficient soldiers, sufficient trust of the people, and the three methods of establishing a state...
Zhang could more or less guess the concerns in Zhang Xiang's heart, but Zhang thought that if the general trend is unavoidable, why not follow the natural times and do what he can?... There is only one monarch, no matter how weak or wise, but the citizens have
Thousands and thousands, isn’t it?”
"..."
He looked at Zhang Qigong with a complicated expression.
He could hear that Zhang Qigong was hinting to him: Whether South Korea will be annexed by Wei in the future is not something you can interfere with. Instead of looking forward and looking back, why not do what you can, such as improving the people at home.
He was left open and speechless.
Indeed, at this time, what qualifications does South Korea have to negotiate conditions with Wei? Let’s not talk about the strength of the country for the time being. The key point is that South Korea has no monarch like Han Ran, nor anyone with backbone like Han Wu.
A descendant of the royal family of Han Dynasty.
After being silent for a while, Zhang Kaiji said with a bitter smile: "Zhang always thought that Mr. Zhang was a disciple of Legalism. He never thought that he was so proficient in Confucianism..."
Hearing this, Zhang Qigong's face looked a little unnatural.
That's right, the remarks he just used to persuade Kaifeng were all from Confucianism.
"I occasionally read it when I have free time." Zhang Qigong tried his best to show his disdain for Confucian scholarship.
However, it must be admitted that the Confucian remarks that Zhang Qigong used to persuade Kaifangdi just now did make Kaifangdi feel moved - or as Zhang Qigong hinted, since he knew that the trend was irreversible, why not do what he could,
How can I make my life worthy of my country and compatriots?
Suddenly, Zhang Kaidi seemed to have thought of something. He looked at Zhang Qigong with a strange expression and said meaningfully: "Zhang originally thought that Mr. Zhang would be kind to those noble families who had taken refuge in your country before..."
He thought of the domestic nobles who had surrendered to the Wei army one after another.
Although he heard the slight sarcasm, Zhang Qigong didn't take it seriously and said with a smile: "That's why I asked Prime Minister Zhang to be the prime minister."
"..."
The corners of his opened eyes couldn't help but twitch twice.
He once again confirmed that the Wei man in front of him was indeed a ruthless person.
Returning to his mansion in the evening, Zhang Ping asked Zhang Kai: "Does father really want to be the prime minister?"
"There is no other way." Zhang Kai shook his head and sighed: "Zhang Qigong is a man who will do whatever it takes to achieve his goals. If my father insists on refusing, he will definitely try to make me compromise... I will compromise in the end, so why bother with the relationship?
A stalemate?"
Zhang Ping nodded after hearing this.
Indeed, unless the Zhang family is prepared to die for the country, sooner or later they will bow to Wei.
Thinking of this, he said regretfully: "It's a pity that Zhang Qigong didn't listen to his father and recalled General Li Mu back to Jicheng to be the prime minister..."
"Do you think he is stupid?"
He smiled bitterly and shook his head. He said this at that time just to test whether Wei State had any intention of annexing his country. Did he really suggest that Li Mu should be appointed as the prime minister?
The Wei people would definitely not agree to this kind of thing.
"Speaking of which, why did my father suggest that the Wei army attack Qi?" Zhang Ping asked again. He also felt that it was the wisest policy for the Wei army to attack Qi instead of saving the homeland.
Hearing this, Kai Kai shook his head and said: "Don't think that you and I are the only smart people in the world. If my father's predictions were correct, Zhang Qigong and Zhao Jiang would have already decided to take advantage of the situation and attack Qi and Lu.
Forcing Qi and Lu to recall their troops..."
Only then did Zhang Ping suddenly realize.
As Kaifang Kaidi had guessed, the Wei army on the east route that attacked South Korea this time was actually preparing to go south to attack Qi. In fact, the Huling navy had already set off one step ahead of schedule.
Around October 15th, Zhang Qigong resigned from the position on the grounds of "returning to the country to return his duties to the monarch", and asked Han Wangyi, the puppet monarch, to appoint Kaifeng as prime minister to stabilize the internal situation in Korea.
Of course, Han Wangyi did not dare to disobey and consecrated Kaidi as prime minister.
Regarding this matter, the relationship between Wei and South Korea was almost sorted out, so Zhang Qigong handed over the follow-up matters to his deputy Bei Gongyu, nominally assisting Zhang Kaidi, but actually monitoring the latter.
After that, Zhang Qigong carried Han Wangran's letter. Under the protection of Yang Yi and other black crows, he took Han Wangran's wife and children by boat from Tianjin Port and returned to the mainland of Wei, preparing to report the Korean affairs to Wei King Zhao Run.
It is not to grab credit, but the key point is that Zhang Qigong secretly opened Han Wangran's letter to Zhao Run, so it was necessary to explain it clearly to the monarch of Wei in person, so as not to leave a grudge in the monarch's heart.
At the same time, King Zhao Jiang of Yan also sent people to travel day and night to deliver good news to his country, while preparing to attack Qi.
He ordered General Shao Hu to lead the Wei Wu Army to sit in Jicheng, while he led the Hanoi Army to suppress the rebels, and the Yanling Army, following the Huling Navy, took advantage of the situation and went south to attack Qi.
King Yi of Han also consecrated Han Pu, Marquis of Yuanyi, as a general and ordered the latter to lead the Yuanyi army to assist the Wei army in conquering Qi.
At first glance, this seems to be South Korea's attempt to ease the relationship between Wei and South Korea, but in fact, South Korea has already lost its independence at this time and can only take orders from Wei.
It is worth mentioning that during this period, King Yi of Han also sent two royal orders to Taiyuan County and Yanmen County in the name of the monarch, ordering Taiyuan Shou Lecheng and Yanmen Shou Li Mu to stop fighting with Wei.
campaign.
In late October, the Huling Wei army arrived at the coast of Qi first.
In fact, the State of Qi had long been on guard against the Huling navy meeting and returning. Therefore, General Tian Dan of Qi did not bring the entire country's troops when he went on the expedition. He left half of his troops at home, led by his cousin Tian Wu.
A strong commander.
But even so, the arrival of the Huling navy still made the people of Qi panic.
However, at this time, Qi State had not yet truly realized what kind of desperate situation they were facing. It was not until early November, when Qi State sent a special agent to South Korea to deliver the news of South Korea's defeat to Qi State, that Qi people became alarmed.
.
South Korea was defeated, and the Wei people supported the new king Han Yi, and the new Han king issued an edict to withdraw from the "Four Kingdoms Alliance of Qi, Chu, Korea and Vietnam". What's more terrible is that in the Eastern Route Army of Wei State's previous crusade against South Korea, Zhao Jiang's
The Hanoi Army, Pang Huan's anti-rebellion army, Qu Cheng's Yanling Army, and more than 100,000 troops led by South Korea's Right Prime Minister Yuanyi Marquis Han Pu, a total of more than 200,000 troops, were already on their way to attack Qi.
"South Korea was defeated so quickly?"
In the palace of King Qi, King Lu Bai of Qi looked at each other with Gao Xi, Tian Tao, Uncle Bao, Guan Zhong and others.
Although it is approaching early winter, due to the weather, the Wei army should not have much time to pose any threat to Qi this year, but what will happen next year?
The Qi State alone may not be able to withstand the more than 200,000 combined troops of Wei and South Korea.
In November, the Wei army led by Wei general Zhao Jiang had not yet arrived in Qi State. During this period, Qi State was actively preparing for war.
However, at the same time, the king's orders sent by King Yi of Han were sent to Taiyuan County and Yanmen County one after another that month.
"Jicheng was captured by Wei general Zhao Jiang?"
After receiving the king's order, Taiyuan Shou Lecheng realized that Jicheng, the capital of South Korea, had already been captured by Wei's Eastern Route Army.
He thought to himself, Jicheng has surrendered, so why should I resist?
As a result, Taiyuan Shou Lecheng immediately presented the city and surrendered to the Northern Army under King Huan Zhao Xuan outside the city.
A few days later, Li Mu, the guardian of Yanmen, received the royal order from Jicheng and was greatly shocked.
Shocked, the famous Korean general immediately thought hard about how to break the situation.
He hoped to free the country from the control of the Wei people.
"Perhaps we can take advantage of the Qin people..."