Zhu Xiang was lying on the big bed in the cabin: "Zheng'er."
Ying Xiaozheng used a small dagger to peel the pear fruit: "Speak."
Zhu Xiang said helplessly: "Why did you put the naiguo peel in front of me?"
Ying Xiaozheng was busy peeling pears: "My uncle, who always nags me to take care of my health and rest, ended up falling ill from overwork. He is only worthy of eating pear peels."
Zhu Xiang: “…” He sighed again, the child has grown up and is difficult to take care of.
Ying Xiaozheng placed a plate filled with nata fruit peels on the chest of the lying Zhu Xiang, then looked up and stared at Zhu Xiang.
Meng Tian behind him was sweating profusely.
Sir, you don't really want Duke Xiang of Zhu to eat the nata fruit peel, right
Zhu Xiang smiled helplessly, forced himself to sit up, and really reached out to take the nata peel.
Ying Xiaozheng quickly stopped Zhu Xiang and said angrily: "Uncle, you know I am being willful!"
Zhu Xiang said: "Yes, I know, but the naiguo peel is also very delicious, we can't waste it."
Ying Xiaozheng's expression changed several times. He took the plate away and stuffed it into Meng Tian's hands.
Zhu Xiang watched as Ying Xiaozheng cut the peeled pears into pieces, inserted bamboo sticks on them considerately, and handed them to him with a stern face. He said with a smile, "Thank you, Zheng'er."
"Hmph!" Ying Xiaozheng snorted heavily, picked up the scroll beside him, and angrily ignored Zhu Xiang.
Although paper was available now, bamboo slips were more durable, and people who could read were not short of money, so they habitually engraved books on bamboo slips or wooden tablets and only used paper for daily official documents and correspondence.
"The boat is too rocking, the cabin is too dark, the words on the letter are too small..." Before Zhu Xiang could finish his words, Ying Xiaozheng stuffed a piece of pomelo into his mouth to silence his uncle's nagging.
Ying Xiaozheng said: "Uncle, please take care of your body. I don't want to hear your nagging until you recover."
Meng Tian continued to sweat profusely as he watched from the side.
He had never seen anyone treat a sick elder like this.
But to say that Prince Zheng was unfilial and had a bad relationship with Duke Xiang of Zhu does not seem to be the case.
Meng Tian felt uncomfortable watching this strange scene. However, Duke Xiang of Zhu did not correct Prince Zheng and let him be willful.
What’s even more strange is that Gongzi Zheng himself knows that he is being willful, but he still does what he wants.
Meng Tian couldn't understand the way Duke Zhu Xiang and Prince Zheng got along with each other, it seemed strange no matter how he looked at it.
As a close attendant, Meng Tian felt that he had to remind the young master he served. The elder was still on the sickbed, so perhaps Young Master Zheng should be less willful. If he really had any dissatisfaction, he should wait until the elder recovered.
After Ying Xiaozheng rebuked Zhu Xiang, he did not pick up the letter again.
He also peeled some pears for Zhu Xiang. When Zhu Xiang said he didn't want to eat any more, Ying Xiaozheng brought some cakes, meat preserves, and fruit preserves and put them in the box.
"Take it if you want to eat it." Ying Xiaozheng placed the snack box next to Zhu Xiang's pillow. "I'll have the boat stop for a while when we get to the next ferry. Uncle will get better faster if he walks ashore."
Zhu Xiang said: "Okay."
Zhu Xiang closed his eyes and took a nap.
Ying Xiaozheng stretched, squeezed Zhu Xiang, and leaned against Zhu Xiang to take a nap.
Zhu Xiang moved to the side and covered Ying Xiaozheng with a corner of the quilt. He did not ask Ying Xiaozheng to sleep aside to avoid him getting sick.
He doesn't have the flu, he's just overworked and won't be able to infect Ying Xiaozheng.
Meng Tian was waiting to give Ying Xiaozheng a warning, but Ying Xiaozheng squeezed in next to Zhu Xiang and fell asleep, so he could only leave quietly.
"I'll be guarding outside. If the young master and Duke Xiang of Zhu wake up, please call me." Meng Tian said to the servant.
Meng Tian walked to the deck to enjoy the wind for a while, then sighed deeply.
Although the relationship between the prince and Duke Xiang of Zhu was a little strange, the prince was also very considerate. The ordinary filial sons among the people could probably only achieve the level of the prince.
"Perhaps it's just because Duke Zhu Xiang and the young master are too close, so they don't look like father and son." Meng Tian said, feeling a little envious.
Zhu Xiang seldom fell ill, but when he did, his recovery was very slow.
This illness seemed to have shaken out all the fatigue that had been hidden in Zhu Xiang's body for many years, allowing Zhu Xiang to rest peacefully.
After landing, Zichu was unable to escape from the Xianyang Palace, so Cai Ze came to greet Zhu Xiang.
He was so frightened when he saw Zhu Xiang's sick face that he lost his composure. When he learned that Zhu Xiang was just sick due to fatigue, he rolled up his sleeves and hit Zhu Xiang's head hard several times.
Cai Ze scolded, "You don't finish your work, and you don't know how to balance work and rest. You will end up making things worse after you collapse. This is what you taught Zheng'er and Zichu, why don't you listen to it?"
Ying Xiaozheng nodded repeatedly: "That's right."
Zhu Xiang smiled bitterly: "I overestimated myself... cough cough."
He pretended to be even sicker to avoid Cai Ze's anger.
Zhu Xiang had a premonition that if he dragged his sick body back to Xianyang, his head and ears would probably suffer multiple severe injuries.
really.
When Zhu Xiang returned to Xianyang, Zichu specially greeted him at the city gate.
When Zichu, who was peeking out, saw Zhu Xiang being helped down from the carriage, the way he stumbled over looked very much like the way Ying Xiaozheng ran back from the deck when he heard that Zhu Xiang had fainted.
"You said I'm a worry to you, so you should make others worry less first!" After Zichu knew that Zhu Xiang was fine and just needed to recuperate, he had a lot to say but couldn't say it out loud, so he could only say this.
"Not next time... No, I mean there won't be a next time." Zhu Xiang apologized repeatedly.
When the older Xunzi arrived, supported by a young disciple, Zhu Xiang immediately put his hands on his head to defend himself.
"Xunzi, I'm still sick, wait until I recover before beating me up!"
Xunzi slammed his cane on the ground and cursed, "Who wants to beat you? Go and rest!"
Zhu Xiang nodded and bowed: "Okay, right away, right away."
He nodded and bowed too quickly and felt dizzy again.
Zichu and Cai Ze supported Zhu Xiang on the left and right.
"The farm outside the city has been cleaned for you, you should go there to recuperate." Zichu said, "Your Majesty's father said that when you come back, he will go to your farm to recuperate. I asked him if he wants to recuperate with you now."
Zhu Xiang smiled bitterly: "I'm afraid the Lord will scold me too."
Zichu said, "It's good that you know."
After Zichu sent Zhu Xiang back to Zhuangzi, he hurried back to the palace to report.
When King Qin Zhu heard that Zhu Xiang was ill, he was so frightened that he became more alert and got on the carriage and left the palace without anyone's help.
Zichu packed the luggage for Qin Wangzhu and visited Queen Huayang and his youngest son before leaving the palace.
Queen Huayang originally wanted to take her grandson to serve Qin Wangzhu when he was ill.
But King Zhu of Qin was also handling government affairs when he was ill. The sicker he was, the more worried he was that people around him would disrupt the Qin State. Even though Queen Huayang had never interfered in government affairs, King Zhu of Qin was afraid of her and would not let her serve him, so as to avoid the opportunity to interfere in government affairs.
Queen Huayang was always very obedient. She only sent some things to Qin Wangzhu from time to time to show her concern for him, and she did not cry or make a fuss about having to serve him.
After Queen Huayang did this, the beauties in Qin Wangzhu's harem who were crying and clamoring to serve him no longer dared to make a fuss.
When King Zhu of Qin fell ill and Crown Prince Zichu moved into the Xianyang Palace early, Xia Ji became a little worried.
She brought people to visit the Crown Prince's wife, Zhao Ji, who had been under house arrest.
If Zichu succeeded to the throne, Zhao Ji would be the Queen of Qin. Although Zichu did not like Zhao Ji very much, Zhao Ji was the biological mother of Prince Zheng and the elder sister of Lord Changping. When she became the Queen, she would probably come out of house arrest in the future.
In the future, there will be two queen dowagers in the palace. Xia Ji hopes to unite with Zhao Ji to suppress Queen Huayang and take charge of the harem.
Xia Ji did not have any bad thoughts. She just thought that Zichu's harem must have a mistress, and she did not trust Queen Huayang. It was probably herself and Zhao Ji who were related to Zichu and Zheng'er by blood, so they would treat Zichu sincerely.
As for the fact that Zhao Ji had done something wrong before and had been under house arrest for so many years, she also knew she was wrong.
Zheng'er is living a good life now and will definitely not blame Zhao Ji.
Not only Xia Ji thought so, this was the mainstream thought among the nobles.
How can a mother and son have an overnight grudge? Moreover, Zhao Ji only gave Prince Zheng to Zhu Xianggong to raise, which was not actually abandonment.
As for the fact that Zhao Ji ran away with someone after Zichu left Qin, outsiders did not know about it. They just thought that Zhao Ji was hiding because she was worried about being harmed by Zhao State.
Zhao Ji's only mistake was that she did not take Prince Zheng with her when she fled. But since she entrusted Prince Zheng to Duke Xiang of Zhu, she was also sensible.
Not many people knew that Zhao Ji had abandoned Zhu Xiang. Even if they knew, they thought that Zhu Xiang was such a kind and generous person that he would have forgiven Zhao Ji long ago.
A saint like Duke Xiang of Zhu must have cared particularly about kinship, and might have wanted to reconcile with Zhao Ji a long time ago.
When Zhao Ji became the queen, she would repair her relationship with the King of Qin, the Crown Prince and Lord Changping. By then, the family would be harmonious and Zhao Ji would become a popular and powerful figure in the Qin State.
Wouldn't it be foolish of them not to curry favor with Zhao Ji before she became a powerful official
So as Xia Ji went to visit Zhao Ji, there was an endless stream of people giving gifts to the villa where Zhao Ji lived.
The foolish brother of Queen Huayang, Lord Yangquan, also tried to send gifts to Zhao Ji and advised Queen Huayang to please Zhao Ji so that she could continue to have a good life after Zichu succeeded to the throne.
While Queen Huayang was embroidering clothes for Ying Xiaozheng who had returned to Xianyang, she said without raising her head, "I know that I am not smart, and my wealth and glory in life all depend on the king. The king also knows this, so he will give me detailed instructions on what he needs me to do. The king has told me many times that I must not get close to Zhao Ji, so I will not get close to Zhao Ji."
Queen Huayang stroked the clothes on her knees, wondering whether she should make them bigger.
"If you need me to get close to Zhao Ji, Your Majesty will tell me. However, even if Your Majesty tells me, I will not get close to Zhao Ji." Queen Huayang frowned, "That poisonous scorpion woman almost killed Xue Ji. Xue Ji is my only friend."
After hearing what was said, Yangquan Jun was smart for once.
He knew that the couple of Lord Changping were deeply in love, and Lady Changping was the adopted mother of Prince Zheng. If Zhao Ji really had a grudge against Lady Changping, it would not be wise for him to rashly turn to Zhao Ji.
"Forget it, I won't help either of them." Yangquan Jun said.
Queen Huayang scolded, "What do you mean by not helping each other? If you have a chance, go get close to Lord Changping and ask him for advice! No matter if it's Xia Ji or Zhao Ji, who has a higher status in Zichu and Zheng'er's heart than Lord Changping? I'm the queen and I can't get close to foreign ministers, but you can!"
Yangquan Jun stammered, "I, I don't dare to go. As soon as I go, Changping Jun will pull me aside and ask me what books I have read."
Queen Huayang was so angry that she put her needlework aside, picked up the ruler next to her for measuring clothes, and chased her brother to beat him.
Mr. Yangquan ran away in panic.
He knew he was in the wrong, but he really didn't like reading.
Changping Jun always kindly asked him what books he read every day, how many characters he practiced, whether he practiced martial arts, and even invited him to go to Xunzi's class together. How could he not hide
Can't we all watch some singing and dancing, listen to some music, and play some drinking games together
It was a recognized fact in Xianyang City that Lord Changping was incompatible with the nobles of his age!
After Queen Huayang chased and beat Yangquan Jun, Yangquan Jun stopped giving gifts to Zhao Ji.
It is said that Queen Huayang looks down on Zhao Ji and will definitely have a rift with her in the future.
Zhao Ji had finally achieved her goal, but when she heard that Queen Huayang looked down on her, she couldn't help feeling resentful.
"People in Xianyang are waiting to see what kind of conflict will arise between Queen Huayang and Zhao Ji in the future." Cai Ze introduced the current situation in Xianyang City to Zhu Xiang. "Because the monarch and the crown prince deliberately let it go, the atmosphere in the palace is very tense now."
Zhu Xiang held his forehead and said, "Don't talk about Zhao Ji to me. I get a headache when I mention her."
Seeing Zhu Xiang's bad look, Cai Ze's mouth twitched.
"Why didn't you deal with her before Zichu ascended the throne? Did you let Zheng'er deal with it?" Cai Ze said dissatisfiedly, "Even if Zheng'er is not soft-hearted, she is his biological mother after all. Whatever he does will be against filial piety."
Zhu Xiang said, "Isn't Zhao Ji Zichu's wife? Of course, Zichu should be in charge. How can I, the younger brother who has been kicked out of the family by Zhao Ji, be in charge of outsiders?"
Cai Ze was even more speechless.
There is no problem with Zichu handling it, but he is concerned about you.
Cai Ze took advantage of the fact that the King of Qin and Zichu were not here yet and said bluntly: "If he hadn't been concerned about you, Zhao Ji would have died of illness long ago."
Zhu Xiang closed his mouth and looked even more tired.
He hated Zhao Ji, but could not take her life.
What's more, Zhao Ji is Zheng'er's biological mother. Even if Zheng'er dislikes Zhao Ji, he probably doesn't want to see his biological mother being killed.
He thought that Zhao Ji would be a little more honest after being imprisoned for so long, and knew that she would be free only if she kept a low profile. He did not expect that Zhao Ji's spirit was so "tough" that she would shine brightly as long as she was given a little sunshine, and even become more brilliant.
Zhu Xiang really envied Zhao Ji's optimism. If he had such foolish optimism, he would be very happy every day.
It’s just that the people around me are unhappy.
"Zhao Ji suffered a lot in Zhao State. She was always weak and often sick. After she was crowned queen, she stayed in a separate palace to recuperate. She would not live with Xia Tong and Zheng Er." Zhu Xiang sighed and said, "Queen Dowager Huayang and Queen Dowager Xia in the palace are enough to manage the harem for Xia Tong."
Cai Ze said: "If you are willing to be so cruel, I will feel relieved."
Zichu was even worried that she would outlive him, so he made a special plan with King Zhu of Qin. King Zhu of Qin wrote one edict, and he himself wrote another. The two edicts required Zhao Ji to guard the mausoleum, and future kings of Qin must never release Zhao Ji.
If Zichu had not been worried about the psychological burden on Zhu Xiang and Zheng'er, he would have sent Zhao Ji on her way with a cup of poisoned wine.
Unfortunately, in order to protect the reputation of Zhu Xiang and Zheng Er, Zichu kept Zhao Ji under house arrest and provided her with good food and drink. Zhao Ji became healthier and gained a lot of weight.
If Zhao Ji had been content, she would have lived out her life in peace even though she had no choice but to leave the courtyard where she lived.
Most women would not leave the courtyard where they lived, so Zhao Ji was not subject to many restrictions.
But if she is restless now, life will not be so good.
Another reason why Zichu kept her was that if Zhao Ji was still alive and became the King of Qin, Ying Xiaozheng's position would be more stable.
But when Zhao Ji became the Queen of Qin, her life became worthless.
Zhu Xiang held his forehead, sighed again, and changed the subject: "I heard that Lin Li has returned to Xianyang. He hasn't arrived yet?"
Cai Ze said: "He couldn't sit still, so he visited Lord Lian on his way back and then went to visit the State of Zhao, hoping to persuade the King of Zhao to release Lord Xinling to guard the border."
Zhu Xiang put down his hand that was resting on his forehead and asked in confusion, "It's been a year, and Lord Xinling still hasn't convinced King Zhao?"
Cai Ze said: "Except for Qin, the monarchs of the other six countries rarely let the princes of other countries take charge of military power."
Zhu Xiang thought about it and realized that it was indeed the case.
Although it was normal for nobles from other countries to seek official positions, Xinling Jun was the younger brother of the King of Wei and had a very close relationship with him. If a prince like him held military power in another country, it would indeed arouse the monarch's fear.
This is abnormal for the Qin State.
Zhu Xiang said, "I am used to the situation in Qin State, so I gave him a bad idea."
Cai Ze said unhappily, "You just realized that your idea was a bad one? But if this bad idea comes true, it's not bad. I guess the King of Zhao will soon give in."
Zhu Xiang was curious: "What happened in Zhao State again?"
Cai Ze said: "It is the aftermath of Lord Lian's attack on Yan."
When Zhao State was hit by famine, Lian Po, in order to allow more Zhao people to survive, almost turned the captured Yan State cities into scorched earth and plundered a large amount of grain from Yan State and brought it back to Zhao State.
Although the State of Yan did not perish after that, it was never able to recover, and the King of Yan soon died in grief and depression.
After the new King of Yan ascended the throne, he immediately used his hatred for Zhao as a tool to unite Yan and calmed the people of Yan.
The six countries, including Qin but excluding Zhao, were also happy to see the revival of Yan, which hated Zhao, so they secretly gave Yan a lot of help.
Therefore, Yan State recovered quickly and had many conflicts with Zhao State on the border.
"Yan State thought it had recovered and wanted to avenge its previous humiliation and attack Zhao State for revenge. Zhao State had no generals left and was led by an old man of no reputation, but it actually defeated Yan State." Cai Ze's face was full of contempt, and he almost said that Yan State was useless. "However, Zhao State's military strength has also been consumed a lot, and it is difficult to maintain the expenses of the three northern counties."
Zhu Xiang couldn't help but laugh out loud: "The King of Zhao cannot afford to support the three northern counties. Does he want Wei Wuji to raise money and food to guard the border for him?"
Cai Ze said: "After Xinling Jun went to Zhao, although his fief in Wei was taken back by the King of Wei, the King of Zhao gave him an equivalent fief. Perhaps the King of Zhao wanted to exchange Xinling Jun's fief for the three northern counties."
Zhu Xiang rolled his eyes fiercely: "He really can think of that."
Cai Ze said: "Even if he doesn't think so, Lin Zhi will make him think so. After all, Lin Zhi is the son of Lin Xiangru. Although he is already the prime minister of Qin, the people of Zhao also believe that he still cares about Zhao."
Cai Ze sighed and continued, "Besides, his move is indeed for the good of Zhao. Apart from Wei Wuji, who else can guard the border for Zhao? It's only been a few years. The northern barbarians are ready to make a move again. Does Zhao want the barbarians to invade? That would be much more humiliating than being destroyed by Qin."
Even though the five Central Plains states looked down on Qin and Chu, they also knew that Qin and Chu were "their own people" and different from the Hu people. Therefore, even the most incompetent monarchs never thought of letting the Hu people participate in their struggle for supremacy in the Central Plains, and expelling the Hu people has always been an important military task.
Therefore, when King Zhao was unable to defend the three northern counties, he most likely asked Lord Xinling to find a solution.
With his reputation and talent, Xinling Jun was indeed the only person who could defend the three northern counties of Zhao State without becoming a burden to Zhao State.
When Cai Ze and Zhu Xiang were talking about Xinling Jun, Lin Zhi had already met Xinling Jun.
"This is Li Mu's experience in managing Yanmen County, as well as letters he wrote to some important generals in Yanmen." Lin Zhi solemnly handed a lacquer box to Xinling Jun, "I will definitely help you go this time when I come."
Wei Wuji took the heavy lacquer box and sighed, "I'm sorry to trouble Zhu Xiang again."
Lin Zhi raised his eyebrows: "He asked for it. He didn't do it just for you. Zhu Xiang is in Qin, but he still misses the people of Zhao."
Wei Wuji asked, "What about you?"
Lin Zhi said: "Although I have received more favors from Zhao than Zhu Xiang, I don't care about the people of Zhao as much as Zhu Xiang does. Scholars like me are citizens of the country where we serve as officials."
Hearing Lin Zhi's words, Wei Wuji felt unhappy, but he could do nothing about it.
Because Lin Zhi was telling the truth.
"But Zhu Xiang trusts you, but I am curious whether you can defend the three northern counties." Lin Zhi said, "The King of Zhao will definitely reduce the support. You have to manage the three northern counties yourself like Li Mu did in the past and go to the grassland to steal food from the northern barbarians. Can you, a spoiled prince, really do it?"
Wei Wuji was not angry at Lin Zhi's provocation. He said calmly, "I don't know."
Lin Zhi raised his eyebrows again: "Oh?"
Wei Wuji said: "I have never done it, so I don't know. The only thing I know is that once I decide to do something, I will do my best to accomplish it."
Lin Zhi said, “In other words, even if you didn’t do it well, you must have tried your best.”
Wei Wuji said, “Yes.”
Lin Zhi said, "Then I feel relieved."
He bowed and said, "Please wait for good news, Lord Xinling."
Lin Zhi left Xinling Jun's residence and went to Pingyang Jun Zhao Bao's residence.
Zhao Bao is already very old and can hardly get up.
When he heard that Lin Zhi was coming to visit him privately, he still forced himself to go to the door to greet Lin Zhi in person despite his sick body.
"Lin Qing..." Zhao Bao held Lin Zhi's hands tightly and cried, "You are back, Lin Qing."
Lin Zhi looked at Zhao Bao calmly for a while, then sighed and said, "Lord Pingyang, it's me, Lin Zhi, not my father who has returned."
Zhao Bao was stunned for a moment, then burst into tears like a child.
Zhao Bao's son wiped Zhao Bao's tears with an embarrassed look on his face and explained for Zhao Bao: "My father is a little confused now. Prime Minister Lin, please don't blame me."
"Pingyang Jun is also my elder, how could I blame him?" Lin Zhi said, "Pingyang Jun, it's me, Lin Zhi is back. I'm here for Xinling Jun."
Zhao Bao cried for a long time, and his eyes became clearer.
He stared at Lin Zhi blankly: "Lin Zhi, it's Lin Zhi. Why are you here? Did you make Lin Qing angry again? I told you a long time ago that you should dress properly and not be idle. I will go talk to the Lord and arrange a position for you..."
Lin Zhi knelt in front of Zhao Bao, put his hand on the back of Zhao Bao's hand, and said, "Lord Pingyang, I am already the Prime Minister of Qin."
Zhao Bao was stunned again.
After a while, he said with a painful look on his face: "Yes, you are the Prime Minister of Qin. I remember it now."
Zhao Bao finally woke up completely.
He stared at Lin Zhi with his cloudy eyes, then looked away painfully: "Prime Minister of Qin, what are you doing in Handan?"
Lin Zhi said, "Zhu Xiang cares about the people of Zhao and hopes that Lord Xinling can go to guard the three northern counties of Zhao to prevent the people of Zhao from being slaughtered by the Hu people."
Zhao Bao said, "I understand. It's time for King Zhao to make up his mind. I'll give it another push."
Lin Zhi said, "Thank you, Lord Pingyang."
Zhao Bao turned his gaze back and asked, "Zhu Xiang still cares about the people of Zhao, what about you?"
Lin Zhi said: "As a scholar, I don't value the common people as much as Zhu Xiang does."
Zhao Bao asked, "If you were not a Zhao citizen, would you still care about Zhao?"
Lin Zhi raised his lips and said with a half-smile: "Father cares about Zhao, but I deeply hate the King of Zhao."
Zhao Bao closed his eyes: "I understand. You can go now."
Lin Zhi said: "I only hate the King of Zhao, not the State of Zhao. So I returned to Handan to prevent the State of Zhao from being occupied by the Hu people before it was destroyed by the Qin State. If the Qin State destroyed Zhao, the vassal states would unify the world. If the Hu people destroyed Zhao, it would be a shame."
He stood up and turned to leave without waiting for anyone to see him off.
After a while, Zhao Bao opened his eyes and sighed, "Yes."
Zhao Bao's son stood beside Zhao Bao with his eyes downcast and a sad look on his face.
When his father was sober, he was always worried about the King of Zhao. When he was confused, he would ask his brother, Lord Pingyuan, the Prime Minister Lin Xiangru, and the general Lian Po where they were. If he was even more confused, he would drive to find Lin Xiangru and tell him that there was a great talent named Zhu Xiang under Lin Xiangru's tutelage, and he had to recommend him to his brother and the King of Zhao.
He didn't know whether his father was more painful when he was awake or when he was confused.
After meeting Zhao Bao, Lin Zhi went to meet other ministers and royal family members of Zhao State whom he was familiar with.
Soon, the fact that the Prime Minister of Qin had come to Handan became an open secret.
After King Zhao learned about this, he hesitated for a long time, but finally followed his heart and summoned Lin Zhi into the palace.
Lin Zhi went forward fearlessly, not worrying at all that King Zhao would detain him.
It would not matter if Qin was without him, but if Zhao dared to detain him, Qin's troops would once again arrive at the city of Handan.
The King of Zhao, with his prominent cheekbones and sunken cheeks, stared at Lin Zhi quietly for a while, then said, "You look more and more like Lin Qing."
Lin Zhi said respectfully: "I am your father's son, so of course I look like you."
The King of Zhao asked, "Are you already the Lin Xiangru of Qin?"
Lin Zhi said: "No. Qin does not need Lin Xiangru."
Seeing that the king of Zhao was puzzled, Lin Zhi said, "Zhao is weaker than Qin. My father has devoted his whole life to Zhao's survival under the attack of Qin. Qin is strong, so it does not need Lin Xiangru. I am just the prime minister of Qin, Lin Zhi."
The King of Zhao's face changed drastically. The attendants around him also changed their faces and could not help but scold Lin Zhi for being unreasonable.
Lin Zhi said arrogantly: "I am the Prime Minister of Qin. Who are you to dare to scold me?"
King Zhao waved his hand and told his attendants to shut up.
"He was disrespectful, Prime Minister Qin." King Zhao gritted his teeth and said, "How is Duke Zhu Xiang?"
Lin Zhi said: "Zhu Xiang and Li Mu seized Southern Chu and made it Southern Qin. Now they are reclaiming wasteland south of the Yangtze River. Wherever he is, he will cultivate his land and not care about government affairs."
The King of Zhao looked a little dazed: "Yes, Duke Zhu Xiang only knows how to cultivate his land and doesn't care about...political affairs."
So he actually didn't need to be wary or jealous of Zhu Xiang.
If he promoted Zhu Xiang, a commoner without any roots, a commoner who didn't like politics and only knew how to farm, he would be Zhu Xiang's only backer and benefactor, and Zhu Xiang would definitely be loyal to him, more loyal than anyone else.
But he wanted to put Zhu Xiang to death.
Looking back now, King Zhao had no idea why he did that.
Why did he want to kill Zhu Xiang, why was he jealous of Zhu Xiang? He didn't understand at all.
King Zhao didn't know what else to ask.
Lin Zhi said that he was only the prime minister of Qin, and King Zhao had nothing more to say to Lin Zhi.
He also couldn't do anything to Lin Zhi because Lin Zhi was the prime minister of Qin, and Zhao didn't dare to be rude to the prime minister of Qin.
So he could only reward Lin Zhi with some money and property to show his respect for the King of Qin, and then respectfully sent Lin Zhi away.
Before leaving, Lin Zhi said to the King of Zhao: "It is Zhu Xiang's wish to let Xinling Jun guard the border. He believes that the only young general who can lead the army in Zhao is Xinling Jun. The King of Zhao certainly does not want Xinling Jun to become the general of Zhao, so why not let Xinling Jun guard the border? In this way, Xinling Jun can make a difference, and Zhao will not have to worry about sending any generals to the north."
King Zhao's eyes lit up: "Is that really what Duke Zhu Xiang said?"
Lin Zhi said, "Yes. Apart from Zhu Xiang, who else can persuade the prince of Wei to defend the border for Zhao? This is an unreasonable thing, and only he can do it."
King Zhao said excitedly: "So that's how it is! So that's how it is! I know now!"
Lin Zhi thought to himself that the last move had been made and the game was decided.
He can return to Qin.
When he left Xianyang City again, Xia Tong might have already become the King of Qin.
I hope Zhu Xiang and he won’t lose their friend Xia Tong.
(End of this chapter)