Chapter 150 The First Invasion of Chu State

Fan's adviser asked: "Head of the family, your ruling has been ruled by Boyu, why did you let Duke Shan Jing take charge of the rule? Wang Mingming was interested in Boyu, why didn't he follow the situation and ruled by Boyu to take charge of the rule? In this way, everyone was satisfied."

Fan Yi sneered: "Everyone is satisfied, but I am not satisfied. The king asked me to offend his uncle and make a verdict that suits his wishes. If I offend his uncle, what are the benefits of myself?"

The strategist asked: "So what are the benefits of letting Duke Shan Jing be in power?"

Fan Yi smiled: "The benefits are great - that boy Luan Gu, I will definitely keep asking me for trouble in the future. Now there are two powerful soldiers in Jin State that are Zhao and Wei. Wei and Luan are standing together this time, and the only one I can rely on is Zhao.

Do you see that Luan Gu has caused trouble this time? When Luan Gu faced Zhao, he was harsh and timid. I think he was actually timid in his heart. Zhao Wuzi was an undefeated general. After Wei Qi, he was also the number one general in Jin State. Zhao had a mortal hatred with Luan. Luan Gu's father Luan Shu presided over the massacre of the Zhao family, and many of Zhao Wu's relatives died in the rebellion of Xiagong.

Luan Shu worked hard to win over Zhao Wu, but Zhao Wu was always lukewarm. His son Luan Gu could not do anything, so Zhao was the most determined enemy of Luan Shu, and Shan Jinggong was Zhao Wu's father-in-law. I heard that Miss Shan had a conflict with Zhao Wu recently and returned to his father's house. This time I ruled that Shan Gong was the king's rule. Look, Shan Gong would understand what I mean immediately. In order to seek support from Jin State, he would send his daughter back to Zhao immediately."

Everyone was talking, and Duke Shan Jing rushed over from behind. When he saw Fan Yi, he immediately lamented: "You are bringing me on the stove and baking!"

When he saw Duke Shan Jing, Fan Yi's words changed again. He smiled and replied: "Who can compare to your Duke Shan when it comes to intimacy with my Jin State? Since the king asked me to rule, I am stupid. If you don't appoint someone close to my Jin State, can you appoint a mistress?

Besides, in the entire royal family, who can compare with you when it comes to wealth? You have a good son-in-law. Resale has already made your family full of treasures. If you are not short of money, the king naturally doesn’t have to worry about you embezzling his money. Besides, you are so rich, it means that your business methods are the best in the royal family. If the royal family does not allow people like you to take charge of the rule, that is the loss of the royal family. My ruling is just to help the royal family recover the losses."

When Fan Yi talked about Zhao Wu, Shan Jinggong sighed: "Oh, my little girl is willful! She elopes without listening to the advice of the family. Recently, she had a conflict with Zhao Zhiji and ran home directly, which made my father worry."

Fan Yi smiled affectionately: "I'll give you an idea. The widow is in Wuwei City. Miss Shan is familiar with the Lord. You can send Miss Shan to Wuwei directly - Zhao Wuzi is cutting off the rear of the entire army and is about to retreat to Wuwei. Wuzi has a good relationship with the Lord. Maybe the two of them will play in Wuwei for a few days. Miss Shan goes and just goes with Wuzi home.

Well, tell Miss Shan that Zhao's family has been operating for ten years and has completely completed the construction of Handan and Taiyuan. Zhao Wuzi also built a garden for Miss Shan in the capital. If Miss Shan doesn't go back, the garden will inevitably be Zhao Zhiji. That garden is very beautiful and can be called the first garden in the Spring and Autumn Period. In the spring, the king took us to visit. There were two buildings left in the yard that were about to be completed, and it is probably now repaired."

Shan Jinggong nodded frequently: "This is a good idea, I'll handle it right away..."

At this moment, Zhao Wu was leading the Jin State New Army and the Shang Army to cross the mountains with difficulty and marched to two-thirds of the way. Zhao Wu clashed with Qi Ce and complained: "The army in front was too unreasonable. It actually wiped out all the food. The mountains were desolate. Where did we find supplies?"

Han Qi followed by the feeling: "It took us a year to use more than 100,000 people to set up supply points along the way. This time, the princes of the thirteen countries ate all the food in the supply points, but the results were laughable. The roads in the mountains are rugged, and after this time, we may never be able to attack Qin again."

As he was speaking, more than a dozen cavalrymen came over to the vanguard. They shouted as they walked: "Get out of the way, get out of the way, emergency military information."

After hearing the noise in front of him, Zhao Wu and Han Qi looked at each other. Han Qi chuckled: "No way?! Who dares to provoke Jin now?"

Qi Ce immediately analyzed: "It won't be Chu State. Calculate the itinerary and the marshal's army will reach Huzhu at most."

Zhao Wu added: "It is impossible for Qi State - Qi State's Crown Prince Guang brought the main force of Qi State, and he now retreated to Zheng State at most..."

Amid the anxious expectation, the vanguard cavalry finally arrived in front of Zhao Wu. The warrior who was directly under the king came. He pursed his lips tightly and handed over a scroll without saying a word.

Zhao Wu took the scroll in confusion. At this time, the new army soldier Fu and the new army's servant Xun Ying also rushed over, and they waited silently by Zhao Wu's side.

Zhao Wu unfolded the scroll, his face turned pale, his hands trembled and ordered the attendant to disperse the idle people around him, and then pursed his lips tightly and handed the scroll to Han Qi.

After Han Qi finished reading it, his face became the same as Zhao Wu. He handed the scroll to Shifu without saying a word.

Xun Ying was not yet able to read, and he, the new army sect, came to make up the numbers. At this moment, seeing everyone's faces solemnly, the scroll had been handed to Qi Ce. He spoke in a childish voice: "What big thing happened, uncles?"

Zhao Wu half answered and half asked the people around him: "The king is seriously ill, what should we do?"

Qi Ce pondered and said, "The Supreme Justice sent someone to send this letter, asking you to return to China quickly and take charge of daily affairs. I thought the Lord should take the rest of the people to rush forward, and the army was left behind to me. I took the new army Xun Ying and retreated slowly. Please believe in my ability, and I will definitely bring the army back intact."

Zhao Wu replied: "It is necessary to hurry on the road. All the Eight Zhengqings of Jin State were fighting outside. The king suddenly fainted. We must rush back to take charge of daily affairs. What I want to know now is: What suggestions do you have for the future need to respond to changes."

Qi Ce replied: "I remember this is the second time that the monarch fainted suddenly. If the monarch fails, please block the news and then secretly inform the marshal and ask the marshal to make the decision. But if the monarch recovers, please lead the monarch to slowly retreat to the capital. We must ask the monarch to be in peace and recuperate in the capital.

Now, our marshal is out, so no matter what, please ask the Lord to block the news of the monarch - I remember that in recent years, our Zhaocheng Academy's research on medical skills is no less than that of Qin, so please ask the Lord to secretly invite the doctor and never let other countries know the news in advance."

Zhao Wu sighed: "There have been wars for more than ten years. Seeing that the world is peaceful, after taking over Qi State, there will be no more wars in the world. I plan to spend the rest of my life with you, but I didn't expect..."

Han Qi urged: "Let's go quickly - Xun Ying is too young and there is still one person in the army - Qi Ce is not a formal nobleman after all. Shifu, what do you think?"

Shifu looked sad: "Then you still need to leave Qi Ce. The Qin army is very cunning. The mountain road is long. Who knows whether they have awakened now? Who knows whether there is a small path nearby leading to Qin? If they suddenly become chasing, I can't hold back the troops."

Qi Ce answered readily: "I'll stay!"

Han Qi sighed, and said nothing more. He immediately followed Zhao Wu to ride alone, surpassing the entire team and running towards Wuwei City.

On the way, Han Qi finally couldn't help but say: "Shifu is a waste, he is not outstanding in the Shi family; Xun Ying is a child, and he is completely ignorant, so I can't figure out what you have to support these two wastes."

While urging the horse to run, Zhao Wu replied sideways: "Army - if the army is cut, it will be difficult to increase it again. Because it costs huge expense to support an army. When people are used to the fact that Jin has three armies, it is difficult to add another army.

But the four armies of Jin State and eight official ministers have been fixed for many years. Now the families of Jin State are already bloody. If two noble positions are cut due to the reduction of the army, once the noble positions are reduced, they will never increase again, because everyone will not let others share power. Unless they are a strong monarch, they will have such great courage.

However, can Jin State still give birth to a strong monarch? Will each family allow such monarchs to rise to power? Therefore, instead of letting each family have red eyes to compete for the six ranks of nobles, it is better to maintain the original new army. Even if the new army is broken and unbearable to fight, the two ranks of nobles are placed there, which is an obvious temptation. Let those evil dogs rob two ranks of nobles, you and I just happen to be out of the matter."

Han Qi suddenly realized: "It makes sense! Putting the flesh and bones in the open, everyone will only pay attention to the bait in front of us, but we can develop secretly... Now you and I have developed well in the new territory of Jiashi and Zhongshan. Ten years later, others are no longer qualified to compete with us. At that time, whether the new army will be cancelled or not, we have the final say."

When Zhao Wu hurried to Wuwei City, it was already three days later. Wuwei Castle seemed very quiet, with a pastoral scene. Zhao Wu stopped outside Wuwei Castle for a while and praised with satisfaction: "Shi Lu did a good job, and Wuwei City was peaceful. It seems that he had concealed the news very well."

Han Qi was surprised: "Shi Wu still has this talent, why didn't I see it before?"

The temple man (eunuch) Boti greeted Zhao Wu under Wuwei City and revealed the secret of such quietness in Wuwei City: "The king is awake. The day after we sent someone to send you a letter, Miss Shan returned from the royal family. She took several doctors with her, and woke up the king. Now the king is taking his son Biao and is playing with Miss Shan in the garden in the fort."

Miss Shan has not been able to have children for so many years, and she always has a sick heart. She always follows a group of doctors, hoping to give birth to a man and a half of her daughter through diet. However, the problem of childbirth has been a problem in the 21st century. Zhao Wu has always disagreed with the group of doctors around Miss Shan, but he did not expect to save Duke Dao's life this time.

However, Duke Dao's condition was not good. In the garden, Duke Dao, who was blushing, saw Zhao Wu, and happily pointed at a boy beside him and said, "Wuzi, my son is talking about your garden again. Alas, it's a pity that he is about to grow up, and I'm afraid there will be more than a few days to play."

Han Qi was relieved when he saw Duke Dao's face. However, Zhao Wu's heart twitched. He knew a little bit of medical knowledge than Han Qi. The patients on TV who looked back seemed to be so energetic.

Duke Dao sighed that his son had not had many days to have fun because according to the rules of Jin State, the young master would be sent abroad when he became an adult and serve as a guest minister of other countries. If he was not taken back to his country as a monarch by his ministers, he would not have the chance to return to his country in his life.

Zhao Wu immediately took over the topic: "Where is yourselves going to send the young master? Do you have any plans in advance?"

Miss Shan interrupted: "Your Majesty just said that you plan to arrange Gongzi Biao to the Zhou royal family, so that we can take care of you in the future."

After Zhao Wu entered the door, he had not had time to talk to Miss Shan. This made Miss Shan very dissatisfied. Originally, when the king talked to Zhao Wu, it was not in line with the rules, but the king and Zhao Wu were present, that is, Han Qi. Han Qi's attitude towards Zhao was no different from that of Zhao himself, so Miss Shan interrupted against etiquette and was completely ignored by everyone.

Zhao Wu quickly took Shan Wanqing's hand, and the couple solemnly promised the monarch: "Don't worry, I have a manor in Zhoudi, and I will definitely take good care of Gongzi Biao."

Duke Dao nodded with relief: "This child is eight years old this year. I plan to send him out when he is fifteen years old. He can still stay by my side for seven years. Seven years will pass in a flash. Look, I have been in succession for more than ten years."

Duke Dao was fourteen years old when he ascended the throne. Over the past ten years, Duke Dao and Zhao Wu were both very busy. When they stayed in the country, they would prepare for war with all their might. Once the preparations were complete, they would start fighting. Sometimes they fought twice a year, and at most, they fought four times a year.

However, the busy results were satisfactory. Zhao Wu smiled and replied: "In the past ten years, we have finally established a strong Jin State for our descendants. After we have cleaned up Qi State, no country will dare to challenge us in the next twenty years."

Duke Dao was fascinated by his leisurelyness and paused for a moment. He replied a little ashamedly: "Speaking of this, Wei Jiang formulated a grand strategy for the dominance of Jin for me, but the specific implementers were a group of ministers. I was a little harsh in rewarding the ministers. For example, the five you quietly added three territories of Jia, Taiyuan and Zhongshan for me, which almost doubled the land area of ​​Jin, but I did not reward you well. This is my selfishness. I want to leave the reward to my son so that he can win over the ministers."

Zhao Wu nodded: "I understand, I actually have enough of it now, so I'm not in a hurry."

Duke Dao let go of Gongzi Biao's hand and ordered: "Go and play with the temple people..."

Zhao Wu quickly let go of Miss Dan's hand and whispered: "Have fun with the young master... I'll repair your garden for you, and we'll go home together this time."

Shan Wanqing bit her mouth and asked whispered: "Zhi Jiaojiao won't come and grab me, right?"

Zhao Wu smiled: "That garden is so big that it can accommodate a city, which is enough for two people not to meet for many years."

Shan Wanqing chuckled, chased Gongzi Biao, and shouted, "Young Master, go slowly, don't run away."

Duke Dao quietly watched Zhao Wu handle the housework. He looked at Gongzi Biao's back and asked leisurely: "Your eldest son is about to grow up. I wonder what Jin State will look like when they grow up. Wuzi, can you imagine it for me?"

Zhao Wu looked into the distance and said slowly: "For Jin State, there is no enemy, because once there is no enemy, the warlike Jin State minister will turn his attention to the country.

In recent years, although we have been overwhelmed by the continuous wars, the ministers and officials of Jin can be united and harmonious and united to the outside world. But if the powerful external enemies disappear, the internal struggle in Jin will begin. From the era of Wengong to the era of Jinggong before, Jin has always been like this, and today is no exception-"

When Duke Dao heard this, he immediately interrupted Zhao Wu: "You are like Shi Xie who suggested that I leave a powerful external enemy in order to strengthen the unity between the ministers and the ministers - do you think we should leave Qi as our enemy?"

Zhao Wu shook his head: "What I want to say is that once our goal setting is adjusted, the so-called tasks that were completed perfectly before will not be considered perfect. For example, if we set our goal to require Chu to not interfere with our dominance of the Central Plains, then Chu will no longer be our enemy, and our dominance of the task is also considered complete.

But the State of Chu did not accept the conquest after all. His inability to compete with us for the position of the overlord of the Central Plains does not mean surrender. When he is weak, we should continue to maintain a strong attack momentum - the people of Qi are not worthy of our opponents, they are prone to surrender, and short-term surrender may satisfy mediocre ministers. Only a stronger enemy can bring the whole country of Jin to full extent.

The territory of Chu is vast and rich. We should keep attacking south to occupy Chu's territory and conquer that vast land. In that case, Jin will not have to worry about internal struggles within fifty years. Within a hundred years, if you think of opposing us, the enemy will tremble."

Duke Dao sighed: "I thought you would express the pastoral scene after peace for me, but you reminded me that there are hidden dangers of internal strife in China, so that I could encourage me to continue attacking south. I thought Wuzi, you were a peaceful person, but I didn't expect you to be more warlike than Xun Yan."

Xun Yan was warlike. At this time, Xun Yan led the main force of the Jin army to defeat the Chu army in Zhanban (now north of Pingdingshan City, Henan Province). The Jin army stayed on the battlefield for three days and declared its absolute control over the battlefield. Then Xun Yan ordered: "The entire army will set sail and continue to advance south."

Fan Yi was shocked and hurriedly stopped him: "In power, this is already the border of Chu. If you take another step forward, you will step into Chu. I have never attacked the mainland of Chu in the past."

Luan Gu was eager to try: "Yes, it's only satisfying to attack the Chu country. The Chu people have attacked our country. We Jin people have always been cautious and of course we have to repay him once. Attack and attack forward. In front is Fangcheng of Chu (the name of the mountain, now Tongbai Mountain, and within Fangcheng Mountain is the hinterland of Chu State). This time I will attack Fangcheng."

Fan Yi persuaded: "Marson, our army has returned from the north to the south. The warriors have reached the limit of service. Now we have won the battlefield. Returning back immediately is a victory. If we continue to attack the Chu country, the outcome is unpredictable. Instead of expecting an unknown fate, it is better to take victory home now."

Xun Yan replied decisively: "Fate can never be expected, it can only fight. We Jin people are born to fight, and we are good at fighting, so fate is always in our palms. Come on, let us step into Chu together and pick the fruits of Chu."

Fan Yi sighed and replied: "Since the marshal is going south, please give me two days to prepare food. Chu is an enemy country, and I will always be worried if I don't bring enough food."

Luan Gun sneered and said, "Zhao Wuzi captured several Chu prisoners, and thus obtained the rice seeds and grain farming technology of Chu State. His family's food is now endless. Fangcheng is the hinterland of Chu State. Are you still worried that the Chu people will not grow food?"

Fan Yi stared at Luan Gu, hopefully looked at Xun Yan, and asked tentatively: "Is the Marshal planning to learn from Zhao Wu, regardless of the war etiquette, directly invading the farmers and rice fields near Fangcheng?"

Xun Yan looked a little embarrassed, and he turned his face to avoid it. Luan Gu replied carelessly: "Now, only shamelessness can live a prosperous life. Every time Zhao Wuzi went to war, he had to plunder the fields, and his warriors praised him for his kindness. During the Yanling War, others were busy eating the food discarded in the Chu camp, but this guy chose rice seeds.

What kind of life is Wu Zi living now? He eats good food and drinks, and his soldiers are strong. Even the auxiliary soldiers are wearing armor. The people and doctors in China only praise him for his ability. Why only he is allowed to be "virtuous"? I, Luan Gu, cannot be "virtuous" - I, the farmer of Chu near Fangcheng, have all my eyes on it. No one should rob me. This time I will take them all back to my house and let them "virtuous" for me."

When Fan Yi heard this, he immediately gave up his insistence: "We have four nobles from Jin State and two troops have arrived. How can the seized spoils be obtained by the Luan family? I, Fan family, are also optimistic about the farmers of Chu State in Fangcheng."

Xun Yan expressed his opinion: "Our army cannot go out together and plunder separately. After all, the other party is Chu State. We must ensure a strategic reserve team to fight against the Chu army at any time - the looted things must be distributed uniformly, and two more must be left to offer prisoners to the monarch."

Fan Yi calmed down: "Even if this is the case, I will stick to my original opinion. Please give me two days to collect some food."

Xun Yan asked back: "How do you plan to collect food and ask Zheng State for it?"

Fan Yi replied: "Zheng State has already gone to war with us, but there is another country next to Zheng State that once angered us - Chen State. I went to ask Chen State for food."

Xun Yan waved his hand: "Chen State, forces as big as mosquitoes do not need to be troubled against them. Ah Ye, don't delay the serious business. When we return to the army, we will attack Chen State by the way. The spoils we obtained will still be divided into ten parts, and each of them will take up two parts."

Xun Yan knew Fan Yi's temper. He collected food and grass for the army because of military concern. But just like a shopping maniac who could not control his desire to swipe cards, Fan Yi could not change his habit of holding on. The food and grass he collected would definitely guarantee the supply of the entire army. There is no doubt about this, but at the same time, he would put the food in his pockets in private until all his pockets could not hold on.

Xun Yan saw through Fan Yi's small abacus, but Fan Yi was not an easy person to give up. He turned his face and suggested: "I heard that the Qi army is still in Zheng State and is moving towards our country. They are about to enter Lu State. We have been wary of Qi State's misfortune. Now our main force is moving south and we cannot let Qi State go back to make trouble. It is better to notify the Qi army to come and meet..."

Luan Gu retorted bluntly: "Wuzi has returned to China. What this kid is best at is sneak attacks. If the Qi people make trouble, maybe Wuzi is hoping to see..."
Chapter completed!