How to Cultivate a Ten-Thousand-Mile Empire for the Young Emperor Qin?

Chapter 33: Cold winter snowflakes

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Bai Qi hesitated to speak.

He wanted to say that even if the King of Zhao did not want to kill Zhu Xiang, he could take Zhu Xiang's family with him when he led his troops to pick up Prince Zheng back to Qin.

Although the surrendered soldiers of Zhao were released back to Zhao, Zhao was already badly wounded after the defeat at Changping and must be very afraid of Qin and him. As long as he went to Handan in person, the King of Zhao and most of the nobles of Zhao would definitely be willing to exchange Prince Zheng and Zhu Xiang for a moment of peace.

Since Zhu Xiang will definitely be able to enter Qin smoothly, why does Your Majesty have to harm Zhu Xiang

But as he watched King Qin and Lou Huan happily discussing how to put Zhu Xiang in jail and how to make all the people of Zhao believe that King Zhao would kill Zhu Xiang, he suppressed his doubts in the deepest part of his heart.

He thought of what Zhu Xiang had said to him in private. The King of Qin and the King of Zhao were actually not that different. They were both willful and would disregard the interests of Qin for their own pleasure.

The King of Qin is the king of Qin, so the interests of Qin should give way to the King of Qin's mood.

Zhu Xiang was very important. But the King of Qin now obviously thought that having a duel with Lin Xiangru and making the son of the King of Zhao, who had repeatedly made him suffer, suffer a big loss was more important than Zhu Xiang's safety.

Of course, the King of Qin was sure that the King of Zhao would not dare to really kill Zhu Xiang, and he also believed that someone as powerful as Lin Xiangru would definitely be able to save Zhu Xiang's life, so he could not only make the King of Zhao suffer a loss, but also get Zhu Xiang, killing two birds with one stone.

But Bai Qi thought, what if something happened to Zhu Xiang

What if Zhu Xiang died of illness in prison, given the harsh prison environment? What if a noble who hated Zhu Xiang secretly sent someone to assassinate him in prison? What if the King of Zhao was forced and abused by the people of Zhao, and became angry and lost his mind and really killed Zhu Xiang

Your Majesty, have you never considered this

No, a man as powerful as Your Majesty would not have failed to consider this.

Bai Qi had just survived an unexpected disaster, and now seeing this scene, he couldn't help but feel sympathetic.

"Your Majesty, when Zhu Xiang is imprisoned by the King of Zhao and the people of Zhao angrily scold the King of Zhao, I will personally march to bring back Prince Zheng and Zhu Xiang." Bai Qi bowed and said, "As long as our army is fast enough, the King of Zhao will not have time to clarify that he has no intention of killing Zhu Xiang."

"Okay!" The King of Qin agreed happily, then he sighed, "I'm afraid I can't keep up with the rapid march."

Bai Qi once again dissuaded the King of Qin from going to Handan in person: "Your Majesty, even if our army takes Handan now, we cannot resist the coalition forces of several countries and cannot hold Handan. When I can hold Handan, I will definitely ask Your Majesty to lead the army in person!"

The King of Qin glanced at Bai Qi. Can I still live to that time

Never mind. The Prime Minister has already sent several letters asking him to return to Xianyang, so he won’t join in the fun.

But he really wanted to go to Handan in person to scare Lin Xiangru and the King of Zhao. Alas, the King of Qin was very regretful.

Lou Huan glanced at Bai Qi, and then he realized something. He smiled and said, "I will send someone to tell Lou Chang that after His Majesty learned that Zhu Xiang was imprisoned, he wanted to send someone to assassinate Zhu Xiang and frame the King of Zhao. Let him send someone to protect Zhu Xiang. The Lou family is quite powerful in Zhao State, so His Majesty does not need to worry about Zhu Xiang's safety. Zhu Xiang will be able to enter Qin safely."

Bai Qi: “…” Lou Huan was really ruthless in using the Lou family every time. He really hated the Lou family for standing idly by when King Wuling of Zhao starved to death, and he hated King Huiwen of Zhao and his descendants even more.

The King of Qin continued to stroke his beard and smiled, "I believe that Lou Qing must have made all the necessary preparations. I will wait for your good news."

Lou Huan stood up and bowed deeply to the King of Qin: "I will definitely live up to your trust."

The King of Qin also stood up, helped Lou Huan up, and smiled very gently.

Bai Qi looked away.

Ever since he knew that the King of Qin intended to kill him, he is now afraid when he sees the King of Qin smile like this.

The slander in Handan was gradually dispelled, and the people gradually came to believe that Zhu Xiang could not possibly be the Qin hostage Yiren.

When Zhu Xiang was abandoned and went to Lin Gong, many people saw him. After that, Zhu Xiang lived in Lin Gong's fiefdom, and the neighbors around him saw him every day. Countless people proved that Zhu Xiang was from Zhao.

In order to clarify the rumors, the farmers who knew Zhu Xiang were so eager to fight with others that they raised their hoes.

"If you think about it carefully, Duke Zhu Xiang really couldn't have been a prince of Qin. When Duke Zhu Xiang became famous, the princes of Qin had not yet left Zhao."

"Who spread the rumor? Do they want to kill Duke Zhu Xiang?"

"They must want to kill Duke Zhu Xiang. I heard that when Duke Zhu Xiang went to Changping, some people were jealous of him and spread rumors that he was a spy for the Qin State."

"It happened even earlier than this! When Duke Xiang was teaching us how to grow potatoes, the King of Zhao said he was a spy and dismissed him from office!"

"Alas, why does the king..."

"The king likes people like Zhao Kuo."

"I heard that Zhao Kuo's mother refused to set up a mourning hall for Zhao Kuo, saying that Zhao Kuo deserved to die and that whoever killed her would be a loyal subject of Zhao. I don't understand how such parents could give birth to someone like Zhao Kuo?"

"Yes, it is really unfortunate for Ma Fujun to have such a son."

"The King of Zhao is close to Zhao Kuo and distances himself from Duke Xiang of Zhu. This is not what a wise ruler does!"...

People in Handan city were whispering.

During the Western Zhou Dynasty, civilians living in the city were called "countrymen". They had the obligation to serve in the army, pay taxes, be able to study, become officials, and discuss matters of state and government.

Now both the "country people" and the "wild people" have become common people, and the descendants of the original country people living in the city still have a higher status than the farmers. They are educated, and they take their surnames from the places where they live and their ancestors, and they dare to discuss state affairs.

The King of Zhao was young and had never seen his people scolding their king. He felt ashamed, annoyed and scared at the same time.

He thought of the past of King Li of Zhou and felt even more ashamed and angry.

The King of Zhao sighed, summoned his ministers and said, "Handan is now in turmoil because of Zhu Xiang, but Zhu Xiang has just made great contributions. I cannot kill him. My ministers, what should I do?"

The confidants and clan members summoned by King Zhao fell silent.

Pingyuan Jun Zhao Sheng was about to speak but stopped. Hearing this, could it be that the Lord actually intended to kill Zhu Xiang? !

When Zhao Sheng wanted to rebuke the King of Zhao, Zhao Bao, the Lord of Pingyang, grabbed his sleeve.

Zhao Sheng glanced at his brother's disapproving eyes. Because he advocated the acceptance of Shangdang, which led to Zhao's disastrous defeat in the Battle of Changping, his reputation had already fallen a lot. Now Zhao Bao reminded him with his eyes, he calmed down, gritted his teeth and lowered his head to not defend Zhu Xiang.

Zhao Bao stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, if you reward Zhu Xiang generously, everything will be solved."

The King of Zhao sighed, "Zhu Xiang killed Zhao Kuo. Although Zhao Kuo was defeated, he refused to surrender and was still an important minister of Zhao. Zhu Xiang's actions made many ministers hate him deeply. I can't reward Zhu Xiang heavily."

Yu Xin stepped forward and supported the king of Zhao, saying, "Lord Mafu has made so many contributions to the State of Zhao. Zhu Xiang killed his son. If I reward Zhu Xiang generously, wouldn't that make Lord Mafu feel cold?"

Zhao Sheng looked at Yu Xin in disbelief. Yu Xin was a man of great talent, and he would know the benefits of using Zhu Xiang for the State of Zhao. Why would he do this

Yu Xin continued, "Besides, the Qin people cannot be trusted. Zhu Xiang is the uncle of the Qin hostage. He is a relative of the Qin royal family and has great power. How could he be willing to work for the Zhao State? If you use Zhu Xiang, he will definitely harm the Zhao State!"

Zhao Sheng looked at Yu Xin's disgusted expression when he mentioned the Qin royal family, his lips moved, and he lowered his head again, not defending Zhu Xiang.

He understood that Yu Xin did not want King Zhao to use Zhu Xiang because King Qin forced his close friend Wei Qi to death for Fan Ju. He hated the entire Qin royal family and the Qin State, so he hated the whole family and did not trust Zhu Xiang, who was a relative of the Qin State.

However, Yu Xin did not think that he was prejudiced against Zhu Xiang because he hated the whole family. The Qin people were treacherous and vicious, without moral integrity and could not be trusted. As a relative of the Qin State, Zhu Xiang had been despised by the King of Zhao many times. How could he be so loyal to the State of Zhao and risk a mission to Changping

Yu Xin believed from the beginning that Zhu Xiang's mission to Changping had other purposes. Zhu Xiang was able to persuade the King of Qin, which made him more convinced that Zhu Xiang had connections with the King of Qin. Maybe the King of Qin deliberately released Zhu Xiang to make him an important official of Zhao and act as the King of Qin's eyes and ears.

Zhao Bao refuted: "I have asked the generals who returned to Zhao, and they all said that it was a rumor. Zhao Kuo died in a mutiny in the barracks and had nothing to do with Zhu Xiang!"

Lou Chang stepped forward and said bitterly, "No matter how incompetent Zhao Kuo is, he is still the son of Lord Mafu. He may be inexperienced, but how could he commit such a big mistake? When he was under siege and should have boosted morale, he deliberately withheld food from his soldiers?! Do you believe such rumors? Are you worthy of Lord Mafu?"

Zhao Bao said with a straight face: "I only believe the facts I hear with my ears."

Yu Xin said: "Pingyang Jun, I know you are afraid of Qin. When the Zhao army was fighting against the Qin army, you only knew how to seek peace and lower the morale of the Zhao army. But Zhu Xiang is only a relative of Qin's hostage, so you don't have to be so afraid."

Zhao Bao sneered, "I'll return this to Yu Qing. Zhu Xiang is just a relative of a young hostage abandoned by the Qin people. Yu Qing doesn't need to vent his hatred for the King of Qin on an innocent person."

Yu Xin said angrily, "I am not angry with Zhu Xiang! I swear to heaven. You dare to swear to heaven to speak for Zhu Xiang, not because you are afraid of Qin?"

Zhao Bao continued to sneer: "I dare to swear now!"

Zhao Sheng looked at Zhao Bao in disbelief.

Pingyang Lord Zhao Bao always tried to protect himself. Even if he occasionally expressed different opinions from others, he never argued with others. He always hid behind others, and Zhao Sheng had never seen Zhao Bao being aggressive in the court.

King Zhao was also frightened by Lord Pingyang.

His uncle was timid and his courage, bearing and talent were far inferior to his other uncle, Lord Pingyuan. Why did he quarrel with someone today

Zhao Sheng took a deep breath, put aside the idea of keeping himself safe, and said, "Now the monarchs of various countries all praise Zhu Xiang. Lord Xinling and Lord Chunshen have sent people to Handan to recruit talents with a large sum of money. Your Majesty, if you give up such a great talent, you will be laughed at."

King Zhao hesitated again.

Although he disliked Zhu Xiang and felt uncomfortable for no reason when he thought of Zhu Xiang, he still listened to what his two uncles said.

Another member of the Zhao royal family, Zhao Hao, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Zhu Xiang is suspected of murdering Zhao Kuo. If you do not investigate this matter and continue to use him, I am afraid that it will cause the people of Zhao to be alienated!"

King Zhao hesitated: "That's true... Alas, what should I do?"

Seeing King Zhao hesitate, the two groups of ministers argued endlessly.

"We must not reuse Zhu Xiang!"

"If we don't use Zhu Xiang, will other countries use him?"

"Zhu Xiang really could be a Qin spy!"

"The Qin State used hundreds of thousands of Zhao State surrendered soldiers to pave the way for Zhu Xiang to become Zhao State's spy. It was too much. Think about it, is it possible?"

"Qin State did not dare to kill the Zhao soldiers who surrendered voluntarily. Zhu Xiang went to Changping to lobby, but he just pulled the reins in the direction the horse was walking. Can you say that Zhu Xiang is a strong man who can pull the horse? This matter does not show his talent at all. Your Majesty should observe more!"

"Zhu Xiang was already famous before he went to Changping. Have you forgotten his debates with the famous scholars in Handan?"...

The people quarreled endlessly, and King Zhao heard buzzing in his ears.

Sometimes he thought that one was right, and sometimes he thought this one made sense.

Zhu Xiang is indeed talented and should be reused; but so many people believe that Zhu Xiang killed Zhao Kuo and hate Zhu Xiang. If he reuses Zhu Xiang, it will indeed alienate these people.

King Zhao kept sighing and wavering, and his head began to hurt.

He pressed his forehead and waved his hand: "I will step down for now and let me think about it."

Everyone was indignant, but King Zhao had already given the order, so they had no choice but to leave.

After everyone left, the troubled King Zhao sat alone and sighed.

The attendant who added water for King Zhao was also a favorite of King Zhao, but because he did not have much talent and only gained favor by flattering and serving King Zhao, his official position was not high. During the court meeting just now, he could only listen and had no chance to speak.

Now that the others had left, he spoke up, "Sire, how difficult is this?"

The King of Zhao put down his hand that was resting on his forehead and said, "What plan do you have to solve my troubles?"

The attendant said, "It's not a plot. It's just that Lord Pingyuan and Lord Pingyang personally visited the generals who returned from Changping, and they all said that General Zhao's death had nothing to do with Zhu Xiang. Maybe it really had nothing to do with Zhu Xiang. How could your uncle harm your majesty?"

King Zhao sighed and was convinced. He calmed down and abandoned his prejudice against Zhu Xiang. The words of his two uncles were indeed more reasonable.

Seeing that the King of Zhao was wavering, the attendant continued, "People who dislike Zhu Xiang only dislike Zhu Xiang because he is a relative of the Qin State. They dislike Zhu Xiang because they dislike the Qin State. But although Yu Qing dislikes the Qin State, he is also upright. If Yu Qing finds out the truth, he will definitely agree to let the king use Zhu Xiang."

King Zhao continued to sigh: "How can we let Yu Qing find out the truth? He seems to have already convicted Zhu Xiang in his heart."

The attendant said, "Why didn't the king order Yu Qing to find out the truth? Someone accused Zhu Xiang of killing General Zhao. According to the laws of Zhao, Zhu Xiang is just a civilian. If he killed Ma Fuzi, he should be imprisoned and interrogated. Put him in prison first, and then take him out after finding out the truth. In this way, not only will Yu Qing and others no longer stop the king from using Zhu Xiang, but it will also clear Zhu Xiang's name."

King Zhao's eyes lit up: "Yes! When Zhu Xiang's stigma is cleared, I will personally go to the prison to apologize to Zhu Xiang and make him a junior minister!"

Although Zhu Xiang had made great contributions, he was still put in jail when someone accused him of murdering Ma Fuzi. This shows that he was clear about rewards and punishments!

Let Yu Xin and Lou Chang, who were unwilling to use Zhu Xiang in his own court, investigate the murder of Ma Fuzi together with Pingyuan Jun and Pingyang Jun, who supported Zhu Xiang. This would not only dispel Yu Xin and Lou Chang's prejudice against Zhu Xiang, but also clear Zhu Xiang's stigma. Then he could use Zhu Xiang with a clear conscience!

The reputation of a scholar is extremely important. I did this to help Zhu Xiang clear his bad name. I then went to the prison in person to welcome Zhu Xiang. Zhu Xiang will surely be very grateful to me. Even if he had some small thoughts before, he will definitely die for me in the future!

The more King Zhao thought about it, the more beautiful it seemed, and he even felt a little proud.

The ministers argued for a long time without any solution, but I, after a little thought, came up with a solution that satisfied both sides. I am indeed a wise ruler!

Because he was too proud, the King of Zhao did not summon his ministers to question him again. He directly ordered Zhu Xiang to be imprisoned and asked Pingyuan Jun Zhao Sheng, Pingyang Jun Zhao Bao, Yu Xin and Lou Chang to jointly investigate whether Zhu Xiang had killed Zhao Kuo.

The King of Zhao rewarded his attendants generously. The attendant, who had received two large sums of money, was very proud. He immediately told the good man who had given him the money and told him that the matter had been settled.

The good man immediately presented a large sum of money and countless words of praise, which made the attendant so happy that he was at a loss what to do.

After the rumors in Handan gradually subsided, Zhu Xiang felt calmer.

The weather was quite warm in November this year, but after entering December, the temperature suddenly dropped for some unknown reason. Many farmers had never experienced such a cold winter and were very worried.

When Zhu Xiang learned about this, he was a little anxious. When the rumors finally died down, Zhu Xiang could not help but ride on the tall horse rewarded by the King of Zhao, carrying Zheng'er, who kept muttering "jiajiajia" and swinging his short legs, to inspect the fields and appease the panicked farmers.

"Duke Zhu Xiang, why is this winter so cold? This is the first time I've experienced such a cold winter."

"Indeed. But don't worry. Winter wheat can grow further north. This temperature is nothing. Just continue to take care of the wheat seedlings as usual."

"Duke Zhu Xiang, what should I do if the water freezes after pouring it?"

"If the water freezes, compact the soil. If you encounter cracks in the ice, water immediately to prevent the ground from cracking. After compacting the soil, sprinkle thawed soil on top to loosen the top and compact the bottom. Then use a roller to flatten the wheat seedlings..."

"Ah, flatten it? Won't the wheat seedlings die?"

"No, the wheat seedlings have just emerged. They are pressed down in winter to prevent freezing. In the spring, the wheat seedlings will stand up on their own after jointing."

"Duke Zhu Xiang, I'm so worried that the wheat seedlings will freeze to death. What if the wheat seedlings freeze to death, wuwuwu..."

"Don't cry, don't cry. The colder it is, the better. It can freeze the pests in the field to death. I see that the sky is gloomy today. Maybe it will snow this year. If it snows, the snow will cover the wheat seedlings with a thick blanket, which can keep them warm and alleviate the spring drought when they thaw in the spring. Maybe the harvest will be better than in previous years."

The farmers surrounding Zhu Xiang laughed.

An old farmer brushed the horse that Zhu Xiang tied to the side and said with a smile: "I haven't seen snow for many years. I'm afraid young people nowadays don't even know what snow is."

Another young farmer who was making straw toys for Ying Xiaozheng looked up and said, "It can't be snowing, right? I heard from people in the city that it hasn't snowed for many years, and it's a bad sign if it snows suddenly."

Zhu Xiang protected Ying Xiaozheng, who was running around holding the pony made of grass and almost fell, and said with a smile: "It will snow when the weather gets cold. It's normal and not a bad omen."

The farmers laughed and said, "Duke Zhu Xiang said it was not, so it must be not."

Lin Zhi rode over hurriedly: "Zhu Xiang! Go home quickly!"

"Okay." Zhu Xiang was surprised to see Lin Zhi so impatient and not telling why he was so impatient.

But he still said goodbye to the farmers with a smile, carried Ying Xiaozheng onto his horse, and went home immediately.

The farmers understood Lin Zhi's anxiety and were somewhat worried about Zhu Xiang.

"Did something happen in Duke Zhu Xiang's family?"

"Is it that someone who slandered Duke Zhu Xiang went to cause trouble in front of Duke Zhu Xiang's gate again?"

"Let's go. We don't have to finish the farm work now. Let's go to Duke Zhu Xiang's house! Maybe we can help him!"

"How can we help? I don't think there is much we can do."

"Let's go check first. What if Duke Zhu Xiang needs help?"

"Yeah, let's go check it out."

The farmers put away their farm tools and ran towards Zhu Xiang's house.

Zhu Xiang hurried back home and saw Zhao Sheng, with a guilty look on his face, and Yu Xin, with a stern face, standing at the door with a team of guards.

Xun Kuang stood by and accompanied them.

Duke Xiang of Zhu hid Ying Xiaozheng behind him and bowed to Zhao Sheng and Yu Xin, saying, "Excuse me, what do Lord Pingyuan and this gentleman want to talk to me about?"

Yu Xin snorted coldly: "You are still a civilian now, why don't you kneel?"

Zhao Sheng slammed the table and said angrily: "Enough! Before Zhu Xiang went to Changping, the emperor had already ordered that Zhu Xiang be given the honor of a senior official. You yourself are a man who values righteousness, do you really have to humiliate a righteous man who has made great contributions to the State of Zhao because of unreasonable slander? "

Although Yu Xin fled Zhao State with Wei Qi because the King of Qin detained Lord Pingyuan Zhao Sheng and asked Zhao State to hand over Wei Qi who offended Fan Ju, Lord Pingyuan would rather be detained by Qin State than hand over Wei Qi, so Yu Xin was grateful to Lord Pingyuan.

He would argue with Zhao Sheng in the court because of different political views, but he respected Zhao Sheng in private. After being scolded by Zhao Sheng, he would stop talking.

"Someone falsely accused you of killing Zhao Kuo. In order to clear your name, the king has detained you in prison. Once Yu Xin and I investigate, we will release you immediately," Zhao Sheng stepped forward and held Zhu Xiang's hands, saying, "Don't worry, I will definitely clear your name soon!"

Xun Kuang stood up and said in a cold voice: "The rumors in Handan City have been proven to be slanderous. The Zhao army that returned to Zhao State can all testify for Zhu Xiang. You suspect that it was the King of Qin who instructed it. Can the King of Qin control hundreds of thousands of Zhao people?!"

Zhao Sheng felt very upset. Of course he knew! Among those who went to Changping were those he sent to get information!

Zhao Sheng not only knew that Zhu Xiang did not kill Zhao Kuo, but also knew that Zhao Kuo for some reason insisted on stopping the Zhao soldiers who were out of food from eating potatoes, and even said that he wanted to kill Zhu Xiang, who promoted potatoes, and was killed by the angry soldiers.

But he did not dare to tell the truth to the king of Zhao, and could only tell him that Zhao Kuo was really killed by soldiers, because he was worried that the king of Zhao would kill Zhu Xiang even more if he heard that the soldiers dared to kill for Zhu Xiang!

But Zhu Xiang cannot die, absolutely cannot die, at least not now! Zhao Bing was able to kill Zhao Kuo for Zhu Xiang, and now Zhu Xiang has saved their lives, Zhao Sheng dare not imagine what they dare to do for Zhu Xiang!

Fortunately, the King of Zhao only ordered an investigation into Zhu Xiang's grievances. This should be fine, it should be fine, and it will also be good for Zhu Xiang.

"Now rumors are spreading, and many people do not trust Zhu Xiang. Your Majesty just wants to clarify the rumors for Zhu Xiang and restore Zhu Xiang's innocence." Yu Xin spoke to Xunzi with respect.

Xun Kuang sneered: "To clarify the rumors for a man whose innocence all the evidence points to, he will not be put in jail!"

"It's alright, Xunzi, I'll be back soon." Zhu Xiang tried to stop Xun Kuang from clashing with Yu Xin. The King of Zhao had already issued the order, so it was useless for him to struggle.

Xue was ordered by Xunzi to hide in the backyard and was not allowed to come out. Zhu Xiang patted Ying Xiaozheng on the head and said, "Go to Xunzi, your uncle will be back soon."

Ying Xiaozheng pouted: "Really?"

Zhu Xiang smiled and said, "I can come back from Changping just to clear my name. Is that more dangerous than hundreds of thousands of Qin troops? Don't be afraid, dear."

Ying Xiaozheng knew that he couldn't be willful now, so he nodded and held Xunzi's hand obediently: "Uncle, you must come back soon."

"Yeah." Zhu Xiang had his hands tied and was put into a prison van.

"You, what are you doing?" When Zhao Sheng and Yu Xin were about to leave, the farmer who came running over panting asked in surprise.

As soon as he finished speaking, he was kicked to the ground by the guards and a knife was drawn.

Not only did the common people refuse to kneel, they even dared to ask questions. They should be put to death.

"Stop!" Zhu Xiang said anxiously, "I'm fine, leave now!"

The guard hesitated and put the knife back.

Yu Xin glanced at the guard and frowned.

The farmer crawled a little further away and looked at Zhu Xiang in the prison car with fear and trepidation.

At this time, more farmers came running over. They gathered together from a distance and looked at Zhu Xiang in the prison car in silence.

"I'm fine, I'll be back soon, don't worry." Zhu Xiang comforted him, "Pingyuan Jun, please set off."

Zhao Sheng sighed deeply and ordered to continue moving forward.

Yu Xin, who was riding on a horse, looked back at the frightened farmer with a frown.

At this moment, a hint of coolness fell on the tip of his nose.

Yu Xin looked up and was surprised to find white fluff the size of chicken feathers floating down from the sky.

Is this... snow

Yu Xin, who hadn't seen snow for many years, opened his eyes wide in surprise.

Zhao Sheng also raised his head and looked at the snowflakes all over the sky with a slightly stunned expression.

Xunzi said loudly: "The laws of nature are constant. They do not exist for the sake of Yao or die for the sake of Jie. This rare heavy snow after many years must not be because you wrongly accuse the loyal minister who has just made great contributions. If God has eyes, there will not be so many injustices in the world. Lord Pingyuan, Lord Yu, you don't have to worry or be afraid. It's just heavy snow. If you look inside, you have no guilt, so why worry or be afraid?"

Zhao Sheng's hand holding the reins trembled slightly, and he waved the whip quickly.

Yu Xin did not answer either. He just looked at Zhu Xiang in the prison car, feeling a little flustered.

Could it be that I really misjudged and wrongly blamed Zhongliang

The farmers stood quietly, watching the prison van go away.

"King Zhao...are you going to kill Duke Zhu Xiang?" Someone asked in a trembling voice when the prisoner cart was too far to see.

Then, the farmers dropped the farm tools in their hands and held their heads, whimpering in pain.

The snow fell on their heads, and soon a layer of white frost formed on their dry grass-like hair, as if their hair had turned white in an instant.

The snow fell heavier and heavier, and when the prison car entered the city, a thick layer of snow had already accumulated in Handan.

The horses' hooves stepped carefully in the snow, and the convoy moved very slowly. Therefore, the people from Handan who dared not to watch closely along the road could stand on tiptoe and look up to see Zhu Xiang, whose hands were tied, shivering in the cold wind in the prison car covered with a layer of white snow.

After the snow started falling, he felt a little cold.

"Who is that?"

"It seems, it seems to be Duke Zhu Xiang?!"

"How is it possible that Duke Zhu Xiang was not a great contributor to the State of Zhao?"

"It's Duke Zhu Xiang. I've seen Duke Zhu Xiang. It's him!"

When the people of Handan learned the identity of the prisoners in the prison car, they looked at the tracks left by the carriage in the snow in silence for a long time.

The snow was getting heavier and heavier, covering the wheel tracks. The convoy was moving forward in the heavy snow, and it was getting harder and harder to move forward.

There are many scholars in Handan City.

When they learned that Zhu Xiang had been arrested, they all put on their straw raincoats and went out to gather information.

The scholars saw Zhu Xiang shivering in the prison cart, and Lin Xiangru, who had arrived next to the prison cart at some point and was being supported by someone as he moved forward step by step with the cart.

Suddenly, sentences from the Book of Songs flashed through the scholars' minds.

The north wind is cold, and the rain and snow are heavy.

Is it empty or evil? It is urgent.

(End of this chapter)