Zhu Qia looked at Zhu Li's burning gaze, and his expression suddenly became solemn.
Zhu Li asked about the price, obviously intending to buy the jade disc; but he didn't know that even if Zhu Li didn't ask, Zhu Qia would still send this treasure to the other party.
It can be said that Zhu Qia came out this time just for Zhu Li.
If a person can bring peace and tranquility to others, it may not be obvious at ordinary times, but once he is in danger, he will know that there are countless people in this world who silently support him, respect him, and are willing to give everything for him.
This is what it means to be virtuous and to be popular.
It was precisely because Zhu Li always cared about his country and the people that people like Shu He, Wang Qian, Zhe Silun, Zhou Ran and others came to join him from thousands of miles away.
It was precisely because Zhu Li treated the people under his rule well and protected them at the risk of his life that he was recognized by many extraordinary people and Zhu Qia came specially to visit him.
Zhu Qia came here specifically for Zhu Li. Zhu Li was now presented to him, so how could he miss this opportunity? Therefore, he looked serious and said, "I won't sell this jade disk for gold or silver, nor will I exchange it for any other goods. If you really want it, why don't you answer a few questions from me?"
"If your answer can satisfy me, I will give you this jade disc for free. It is not a big deal."
Not selling gold and silver, not exchanging goods, how could such a thing exist in the world
Zhu Li, who came from the future, didn't believe that there was such a thing as a free lunch in this world. No matter how nicely the other party spoke, he couldn't let down his guard. Therefore, instead of being happy, he secretly became very alert.
In later generations, once something is given away for free, one would usually have to pay several times the price for it, so he had no choice but to be careful; however, his concerns were obviously in vain, as Zhu Qia really had no intention of plotting against him.
Zhu Qia said leisurely, "In the past, Emperor Gaozu of the Han Dynasty conquered the world as a commoner with a three-foot-long sword. Sir, when Emperor Gaozu was in Pei County, living in the market, did he ever think that he would one day ascend to the throne?"
This question seemed simple and was probably just an introduction. Zhu Li knew it very well, but he couldn't guess the other party's intention, so he had to answer truthfully: "In his old days, Gaozu was the head of Sishui Pavilion. He lived a life of luxury and wine, so he naturally didn't dare to aspire to the supreme position."
“Yes, Emperor Gaozu was at the bottom of society, and facing the great Emperor Qin Shi Huang, he naturally did not dare to hope to replace him. After all, there was only one Overlord, Xiang Yu, in this world. But after the Chu-Han Contention, the person who truly defeated all the heroes of the world and ascended to the pinnacle was none other than Emperor Gaozu.” When he said this, Zhu Qia’s eyes suddenly flashed with a sharp edge.
"Now in this world, there is a general who conquered Daishuo in two battles, recovered Chang'an in three battles, and defeated the Khitan several times in the northern border. The people of dozens of states now live a peaceful and harmonious life because of him."
"But this general never thought that he was destined to be the one, and everything he did was just to seek peace of mind. Now he has traveled thousands of miles alone to Sichuan and Shu, wanting to save his beloved's life in exchange for his own."
"Then let me ask you, sir, do you think the general's actions are right or wrong?" As soon as he asked this, Zhu Qia's eyes lit up and he stared at Zhu Li without giving in.
As soon as the other party said this, Zhu Li knew that Zhu Qia, whom he had always regarded as a strange man, must know him, and also knew how he was going to rescue Yuchi Jin.
But how does the other party know me
In Zhu Li's impression, he had never met Zhu Qia. Except for meeting him once in Huayin City, the two of them had nothing in common. If he had not read about each other's deeds in history books, Zhu Li would have known nothing about Zhu Qia.
But this person, who he had only met once, actually asked him in person whether his decision to save Yuchi Jin at the cost of his own life was right or wrong. Isn't this strange
At this time, before Zhu Li could answer, Han Xun suddenly interrupted and asked, "The general you are talking about, sir, is it General Zhu Li from Huaihua?"
Hearing the voice, Zhu Qia turned his head, looked at Han Xun, and nodded seriously.
Seeing the other party admit it, not only Han Xun who asked the question was shocked, but even Pan Kang, Geng?m and others instantly turned ugly; in their opinion, in today's Tang Dynasty, there is no other high-ranking official who can guard the northern border and resist the Di people in the north except Zhu Li.
Let me ask the world, facing the Di people in the northern border, who had an army of at least more than 100,000 troops attacking the pass, who has ever won four battles in a row
In the world today, only Zhu Li and his Heshuo Army have created such a brilliant record. Other vassal states either colluded with the Khitans or used them to achieve certain goals. No one has ever really resisted.
"As Han people, we naturally cannot let the general die like this. Please tell us where the general is. We must go and stop him to prevent the general from making a big mistake." Han Xun had a serious and anxious look on his face, as if his own relative was about to encounter misfortune.
"Yes, looking at the Tang territory, the princes are fighting for fame and fortune, and the only person who can truly bring peace to the people is the general."
"We must not let anything happen to a general who cares so much about his country and treats the people so well." Monk Yicun raised one hand to his chest and agreed sincerely.
Upon hearing this, Pan Kang and his son Pan Zaiying frowned, their eyes flickered, and they looked a little embarrassed; they were men of letters, so they naturally thought more.
In their opinion, it is really difficult to choose between the greater good and personal feelings. Even if they find Zhu Li himself, it is still unclear whether they can stop this matter. This matter is tricky.
At this time, no one noticed the expressions of Shu He, Wang Qian, and Zhe Silun. These three people had guessed about Zhu Li's identity early on. They also knew that Zhu Li came to Sichuan to rescue his wife.
Now they suddenly heard that Zhu Li was going to use such a decisive way to rescue his wife. This sudden news was like a bolt from the blue. They were stunned and didn't know what to do.
They wanted to plead with Zhu Li immediately to ask him to give up this irrational plan, but when they saw the current situation, if they rushed up to beg Zhu Li regardless of everything, it would obviously expose his identity, and then there would be more trouble.
But if they didn't step forward to give advice, they would be caught in the middle, feeling torn and uneasy. The look they gave Zhu Li was instantly filled with urgency and pleading.
At this time, Zhu Li spoke up. He looked at Zhu Qia firmly and said, "People only know Zhu Li from Heshuo, but often overlook the role of Heshuo's civil and military officials."
"Guo Qizuo, the best strategist in Heshuo, burned more than 100,000 Khitan troops with one fire, turned the tide, and pacified the difficulties of Lu Yong. This shows his ability to plan and strategize."
"Heshuo's loyal and martial general Wu Dao has been fighting on the front lines against the Tartars in the north for several years. This is why Youzhou, Heshuo and other places have enjoyed stability and prosperity for several years."
"Gao Su, the strong general of Heshuo, swept Hejian and attacked Yanbei, using offense instead of defense, which led to the current prosperous Hejian."
... ...
"Every civil and military official in Heshuo has the talent to help the country and the world. Zhu Li's current fame is the result of the silent efforts of these people. The world can do without Zhu Li, but it cannot do without them."
"Zhu Li was willing to sacrifice his life to save his beloved. As far as I know, Zhu Li had already made a unified plan for Heshuo before making this decision."
"As long as these great talents who are dedicated to helping the country are still here, the Di people will never be able to invade an inch of Han territory. Please, sir, do not stop their sincere wishes." Having said that, Zhu Li placed his hands in front of his chest and bowed solemnly to Zhu Qia. The look in his eyes was firm and unwavering, showing that his determination could not be shaken by a few words.
"My dear, I beg your pardon for disagreeing with what you said." Before Zhu Li finished speaking, Pan Kang started to refute: "Heshuo's civil and military officials may be as capable as you said, but every group has a core figure."
“Even if this person does nothing on a regular basis, as long as other members of the group believe in him and are willing to be driven by him, the group can continue to grow.”
"But if a group's core figure is no longer around or has passed away, even if his subordinates are very capable, they will not obey or trust each other, and the group will fall apart in an instant."
"General Zhu Li is just such a trusted figure. He is the trusted confidant of Heshuo's civil and military officials. He may not be felt at ordinary times, but once he is missing, Heshuo's bright future will inevitably be overturned in an instant."
"Yes, I agree with what Mr. Pan said." Han Xun immediately agreed.
"I second the motion." Geng Yan uttered these two words in a deep voice, and it was obvious that he deeply approved of Pan Kang's words.
Only Shu He, Wang Chen and Zhe Silun still had gloomy faces, looking at the people around them with unfriendly expressions. They secretly complained in their hearts, "Damn it, you are pointing at a monk and scolding a bald man, the general you are talking about is right in front of you, but you can't even see it, you really have wasted your eyes."
Zhu Qia took in everyone's expressions, turned to Zhu Li again, and asked solemnly, "Sir, do you still think that the general's choice is correct?"
Zhu Li heard this and looked calm. He said resolutely: "You all know that the essence of Zongheng is actually just two words, 'choose' and 'select'. Some people choose first and then choose, while others choose first and then choose. In my opinion, whether it is choosing or selecting, as long as you don't forget your original intention, it is the best choice."
"The general you mentioned, maybe in his eyes, he has never let anyone down in his life, except for his beloved. He wants to make up for it with his death and leave his life to his beloved. He got what he wanted, and maybe it was the best choice for him. So, I still think the general's choice is right."
"Sweeping the world and cleansing the four seas was not his original intention; clearing the universe and climbing to the top was also not his original intention. His original intention was just to let his loved ones live in peace and happiness. He never changed his original intention throughout his life, which was not a wonderful life."