Five days have passed, ten days have passed, fifteen days have passed.

Intelligence from all over the place is constantly flowing into Xianyang, everything is normal, and there is no news that is not conducive to the trap.

The snare that had temporarily stopped moving started to move again, and everything went smoothly. At the same time, Zhao Gao personally arranged for people to conduct careful tests in the Chu area.

This careful exploration revealed clues that something was wrong, ruling out the possibility that Xiong Qi and Tian Guang knew nothing about the purpose of Luo Sheng, and confirmed that Xiong Qi and Tian Guang knew the truth and had actually sent undercover agents to Luo Sheng.

The news quickly spread back to Xianyang, and was first known to Cheng Qiao, and later to Zhi Ri and Zhao Gao.

Since the person in charge of Luowen is Chengqiao's personal eunuch, any more important news will be sent to Chengqiao first, then to Luowen headquarters, and finally to the palace.

Therefore, except for some top-secret information, the order of knowing is generally Cheng Qiao, Zhi Ri, and Zhao Gao.

The people below will be selectively informed, and the top secret information will go directly into Cheng Qiao's hands. The leader of the underground network cannot open it without authorization. Cheng Qiao can only selectively inform the people below.

After getting the news, Zhan Ri felt complicated. Because he had been tipped off by Zhao Gao, he felt a sense of crisis about his status.

Although Zhao Gao was the last to receive the news, he was obviously the happiest. After confirming the news, he not only had a foregone conclusion, but he would also be able to serve the King of Qin personally after he took over. His future was bright and promising.

When the speculation turned into reality, Cheng Qiao confirmed his judgment and also confirmed that Zhao's talent was higher than human nature.

"The Romance of Fairy Wood"

Decided to really give Zhao Gao real power consistent with his status, so that he can legitimately work for himself...!

At the same time, Xiong Qi's mischief also made Cheng Qiao very unhappy, so he decided to take revenge on Xiong Qi. He would give Xiong Qi an appetizer first, and then give Xiong Qi a revenge that hit his most painful points!

Cheng Qiao personally went to Lu Buwei's residence to visit Lu Buwei with the gifts, and told Lu Buwei some of Xiong Qi's small actions starting from the Changsheng Chamber of Commerce and his own speculations.

Although Cheng Qiao has not found any evidence for the time being, this is not a trial of criminals. There is no need for evidence at all, only suspicion.

Although Lu Buwei didn't completely believe it after hearing this, he was a little wary of Xiong Qi, who was usually harmless to humans and animals, polite and capable.

In fact, Lu Buwei was already wary of the Chu forces behind Xiong Qi, but Xiong Qi knew how to behave in front of Lu Buwei. He followed Lu Buwei's lead and never disobeyed Lu Buwei's orders. Furthermore, for the sake of the Empress Dowager Huayang and Mrs. Qing in the palace,

That's why he didn't take action to suppress Xiong Qi.

Historically, in the anime, Xiong Qi was able to survive safely during the period when Lu Buwei was in power and eventually replaced him, mainly because of his "forbearance", and secondly because of the face of the Queen Mother Huayang and other nobles in the palace.

This time Cheng Qiao paid a personal visit, which gave Lu Buwei enough respect. In addition, he was indeed wary of Xiong Qi, so Lu Buwei readily agreed to take action to suppress Xiong Qi.

As for how to suppress, Cheng Qiao didn't have any advice on what to do. In terms of political maturity, understanding of officialdom, and proficient use of official methods, Lu Buwei was naturally stronger than him.

Facts have proved that this is indeed the case. A few days later, Lu Buwei took advantage of the situation and adjusted Xiong Qi's official position. He was promoted openly and secretly, but the reason he gave was so fair and honest that it was difficult to refute it.

In the officialdom, the greater the official position, the higher the official position does not necessarily mean the greater the power.

For example, among the six subjects of the Ming Dynasty, the lowest is the seventh rank and the highest is the fifth rank. They cannot wear the scarlet robe that represents the threshold of high-ranking officials. However, even if they are replaced by the fourth-rank magistrate of Shangfu, and they are promoted several levels in a row, the six subjects will be able to serve.

In the middle, he is always acting like a fool, and he is unwilling to be promoted.

In the Ming Dynasty, there was a saying that "when an official is promoted to one level, his power will be greatly reduced" for the six subjects and the censor of the Metropolitan Procuratorate.

Naturally, among the official positions in the Qin State, there are official positions that can be used for promotion and demotion, and there are quite a few.

Xiong Qi couldn't understand why he had offended Lu Buwei, and he suddenly acted like this. He was obviously quite kind to him the last time they met, but his mood suddenly became quite depressed...

But he couldn't bother bothering the Queen Mother Huayang and others with this matter, and he also had to take the initiative to prevent the Queen Mother Huayang and others from putting pressure on Lu Buwei.

After all, it is a promotion, but the new official position is less powerful than the old official position, but it is not considered a bench, but the scope of jurisdiction is not that important.

Once Lu Buwei is under pressure, if Lu Buwei cannot withstand it, even if he offends Lu Buwei more deeply, he will still gain something and it will not be in vain.

If Lu Buwei withstands the pressure, then double the pressure will return to Xiong Qi. He can't help the noble Queen Mother and Madam in the inner palace, but can't he help you, Xiong Qi in the outer court?

More powerful blows will definitely follow. Xiong Qi thinks that Lu Buwei's qualifications, status, and power can probably withstand it.

As the Prime Minister, who is under one person and above ten thousand people, and the head of hundreds of officials, and who also holds the title of Marquis of Che with a fiefdom of 100,000 households, he is determined.

Not to mention Empress Dowager Huayang, even Empress Dowager Zhao Ji, who legitimately holds the power to supervise the country, can withstand it. At certain times, she can fight against the royal power on her own, or even suppress the royal power.

Power has nothing to do with official documents and seals, but depends on how many people it can personally influence. The so-called official position is given by the above, but prestige has to be created by oneself.

Even if you are the emperor who has been granted imperial power by nature, you still have to create your own prestige. It does not mean that you have all the power of the seat you sit in. You only have the minimum power at most.

Therefore, Xiong Qi could only eat Coptis chinensis dumbly, knocked out his teeth and swallowed it in his stomach, folded his arms and hid them in his sleeves, continued to use his "forbearance" magic skill, and waited for the opportunity.

…

After the appetizers were finished, it was time to serve the main course.

Cheng Qiao directly summoned Zhao Gao and Zhanri, but he did not issue the mission at the beginning. Instead, he first inquired about the progress of the attack on the Iron Blood Alliance.

After learning that the Iron-Blooded Alliance of Wei had been captured and was infiltrating like the Iron-Blooded Alliance of Chu, and preparations had been made to transfer property, Qi, Yan and Zhao also started taking action, and it was estimated that they would be able to capture them all within three months at most.

After asking, Cheng Qiao didn't say much. He didn't care what plans Zhao Gao and Zhanri had or what methods they used. He only cared about whether they could succeed in the end. If they succeeded, they would be rewarded. If they failed, they would be punished. That's all.

"Li Yuan, do you know?"

Cheng Qiao Dama Jin Dao sat on the top chair and said with a calm expression.

Zhao Gaohe Zhenri looked puzzled and shook his head slightly in unison.

This name is really unfamiliar. There is no one with this name among the dignitaries in either Qin or the Six Kingdoms. If there is, it is impossible for them to not remember him. Who is he?

Cheng Qiao is not surprised by the attitude of the two people. They may not know each other now, but in the next year, the name Li Yuan will be famous and will be heard like thunder.

By then, everyone in the world who has some status will know this person.

"This person is the imperial magistrate of Chu State and a close attendant of Chunshen Lord Huang Xie. His sister Li Yanyan is Huang Xie's favorite concubine."

"Bianri, I want you to go to Chu State in person and contact him on my behalf."

After hearing Cheng Qiao's words, Zhao Gao and Zhan Ri looked shocked, and their calm aura became a little choppy.

The two of them were naturally not shocked by Li Yuan's identity. Li Yuan's identity was already considered prominent to the people of Guizhou, but to them, it was just that. Instead, they were shocked that Cheng Qiao valued this person so much.

Not only did he send Zhi Ri in the middle of dealing with the Iron-Blooded Alliance, but he even let Zhi Ri represent him. What this means really makes people think a lot...

"Master Hou, what do you mean?" Zhan Ri asked cautiously.

"Support him, support him no matter what he wants to do. To this end, we can mobilize all the resources of Luo Wang in Chu State. If necessary, we can also mobilize more power."

Cheng Qiao spoke categorically and resolutely, but his expression was quite playful.

"My subordinate understands, but I wonder what the Marquis wants?"

Zhan Ri will naturally not believe that Cheng Qiao has a kind heart. This Li Yuan must be of great use value, although he still doesn't understand what value this Li Yuan has that warrants such a heavy bet...

"Now all you need to do is ask him for money and allow him to pay on credit. The more money you ask for, the better. The base price is 50,000 gold a year."

Now?

It seems that in the future, besides money, this Li Garden will have great value. If you want to take it, you must give it first. The Marquis seems to be fishing.

In this way, for the benefit of the future, it is necessary to seize the opponent's handle. Tong Qin is undoubtedly an important handle. After meeting with Li Yuan, it seems that a good plan is needed.

Zhanri is obviously not a simple character. He understands the leader's intention and leads very accurately. Cheng Qiao just wants Li Yuan to get involved with the Qin State. He does not want to completely tie Li Yuan to the Qin State's ship. He just wants to let Li Yuan have a chance.

Just worry about it.

With this scruple, there are many things that can be done using Li Yuan or using Li Yuan's name.

"My subordinate understands. Please rest assured, Mr. Marquis, I will definitely complete the task!"

Zhanri stood up and bowed his hands, saying firmly and confidently.

"I naturally believe in you. You have never let me down, and this time will definitely be no exception."

"I have no choice but to ask you to go out in person this time. Zhao Gao is the chief internal official beside my mother and cannot leave the palace for too long. Others cannot represent me, and I am not at ease."

"By the way, you can arrange the affairs of the Iron Blood Alliance before heading to Chu State Shouchun. The matter of Li Yuan can be settled by the end of this year. There is no rush."

Zhanri breathed a sigh of relief when he heard this. Although it was gratifying and reassuring to see his boss take him seriously, it would definitely affect his rivalry with Zhao Gao. Now it was best to have the best of both worlds.

"Thank you, Lord Marquis, for taking this seriously. Please rest assured, Lord Marquis, that my subordinates will handle both matters well."

Cheng Qiao nodded with satisfaction, raised his head and pressed down, signaling Zhan Ri to sit down. Then he turned to look at Zhao Gao and shouted in a deep voice: "Zhao Gao."

"My slave is here."

Although he was wondering about the role of Li Yuan, he did not relax at all when told by the outside world. After hearing this, Zhao Gao immediately stood up and bowed his hands.

"Even if you win the contest between the two of you, you must not hold back on Li Yuan's matter. You must work together and handle it as a top-level task."

"Please rest assured, Lord Marquis, the superiors and subordinates will not be involved in big matters." Zhao Gao's pale and sinister face was full of seriousness, and his tone was serious.

Cheng Qiao almost couldn't help laughing when he heard this. Are you, Zhao Gao, someone who doesn't care about big issues?

People who are on the opposite side are pretty much the same. Self-interest is more important than anything else, but it is still necessary to give some face to the right-hand man and it is difficult to expose them.

Villains also have their own role, as long as they are used in appropriate ways and can be controlled.

In fact, Cheng Qiao didn't hold it back completely, he just turned his laughter into a smile and sent out the invitation.

"It's almost time for dinner, you two don't leave. Come and have a meal with me."

"Thank you, Lord Marquis, for the meal."

…

After finishing lunch, Cheng Qiao went to have some fun in a very happy mood.

The reason why he was in a very happy mood was that supporting Li Yuan was a plan to draw out the firepower. As long as he succeeded, even if Xiong Qi betrayed the Qin State, the Chu State would have no way out for him.
To be continued...