Fan Li spent several days at Sushan Academy, comprehensively inspected the operating procedures of this largest private school in history, and listened to the courses taught by Confucius many times. Although we have not yet been able to get a glimpse of the full picture of Confucianism, we have a general understanding of the core of Confucianism.

Time flew by, and he couldn't delay any longer. said goodbye to Confucius and Yan Hui and prepared to go on the road.

Confucius said: "Duanmu, you have been talking speculatively with the young uncle these days, you go and send the young uncle." ”

Zigong bowed down and said, "Yes, I'll give Mr. Young Uncle a ride." ”

So the two rode out of Qufu and walked side by side, chatting as they walked. It was the midwinter weather, the trees were smashed, the grass was decaying, and the field was desolate.

Although Fan Li and Zigong come from different schools of thought and uphold different ideological systems, they are both very thoughtful people, both of them are the highest level of the country, and they are both masters of business, so there are still a lot of common languages.

The people of Confucius were very reserved, and no one said anything to inquire about Fan Li's purpose of going north this time. They talked with Fan Li about ideas and learning, and they didn't talk about specific things, which made Fan Li very grateful.

If someone asks, it's not good not to say it, and it's even worse to lie and prevaricate out of thin air in this kind of place, but the purpose of Fan Li's trip is really inconvenient to talk in front of everyone.

Sending out more than ten miles, Fan Li said: "Mr. Zigong, send thousands of miles, and there will be a farewell." Please stay. ”

Zigong said: "This farewell, the sky is different, you and I don't know when we will see each other again." Five miles ahead, there is a small town, and I have asked someone to prepare water and wine there. Let's go there for a few drinks and then part ways. What do you think, sir? ”

Fan Li said movingly: "Mr. Zigong's deep friendship moved Fan Li. It's better to be respectful than to obey, so let's go to the front and drink a few more glasses. ”

The two urged them to sit on their horses, and in a short time, they came to a small town and dismounted at the door of a small inn. The boss came out and bowed to Zigong: "Xiangye is here, please sit on the ground inside." At that time, Zigong was in the country of Lu.

The boss said; "Xiangye, according to your orders, the wine and food have been prepared. Please follow me. ”

The owner led the two to the backyard and into a very elegant room. There are two low tables inside, and there are seats behind the low tables, and the two of them sit down. The boss and a fellow came in, put a few delicate side dishes in front of each of them, filled them with wine in front of them, and said, "Please use it slowly." ”

Zigong said: "Go to the store, and call you if you have something." ”

The shopkeeper said yes and withdrew.

Zigong picked up the wine glass and said: "Mr. Fan Li, you and I have been friends for a long time, and this time we have a good meeting, and we are familiar at first sight." I just hate that the time of seeing each other is too short. Don't go this time, please take care all the way. ”

Fan Li also picked up the wine bowl and said: "Thank you, sir, thank you, teacher, Fan Li has not lived much in your academy, but he has benefited a lot." It has greatly broadened my horizons. You and I drink this cup together. ”

The two of them drank the wine in the bowl and poured it again. Zigong said: "Zigong and the ancestors of the master are both members of the Yin Shang family, and the master is very grateful to Mr. Shaobo for giving the ancestral relics this time. He has repeatedly told me to ask the young uncle, as long as there is something to help, we will definitely help. ”

Fan Li let out a long sigh. said: "Mr. Duanmu just didn't mention it, and Fan Li also wanted to open his mouth for help." ”

Zigong said, "Sir, please speak." ”

Fan Li said: "I think back then, Fan Li was born in the country of Chu, and he had some ambitions, but there was no place for him. At that time, the elder brother of Wen was Ren Wanchengling, made friends with Fan Li, drank and talked happily, and often stayed up all night. The genre is also depressed by not being able to display his ambitions. Later, the two of us made an appointment, left our homeland together, traveled thousands of miles, and defected to the Yue country. Yue Wang Yunchang was not slacking off because of our humble backgrounds, and highly trusted the two of us and entrusted them with important tasks. Fan Li and Wen Chong lived up to the trust, assisted the king of Yue, and in just a few years, made the Yue country strong. ”

Zigong said: "Looking at the world, Mr. and Wen Taowu, a literary doctor, are unsurpassed. After Sun Wu ran away, those who were as strong as Wu Zixu could not look forward to Mr. Xiang. ”

Fan Li said: "Wu Zixu is loyal and brave in the world, but he lacks power and strategy. In the Battle of Li, he was beaten by the Vietnamese army and lost his armor. In the end, even King Wu Lu was injured and died. This situation is very favorable to Vietnam. As long as the Yue State is careful and does not make mistakes, although the Wu State cannot be destroyed for a while, there is no problem at all that the Yue State exists as a strong country. ”

Fan Li stopped, was silent for a while, and said sadly: "It's a pity that Yunchang died too early. Prince Goujian succeeded to the throne. This is a person who is so happy with his achievements, he is stubborn and self-serving, and he can't listen to the advice of the people, he doesn't listen to the bitter advice of me and the literary species, and he sends troops to attack Wu in vain. As a result, in the Battle of Fujiao, he was defeated and fled, and only 5,000 people remained in the 100,000-strong army. Gou Jian was besieged on Huiji Mountain, and the surrender of King Wu was not accepted. In the end, it was designed by me Fan Li that made King Wu accept Goujian's surrender. Merged into Wu as a slave, it took three years to return. ”

Fan Li was silent when he said this. Keep your head down and just drink. Zigong said: "Brother Shaobo, Duanmu, like you, is also a courtier, and knows the difficulties of being a courtier. Whether we say it right or wrong, the king just doesn't listen, what can we do? The country is destroyed, the responsibility is not yours, and you don't have to be too sad. ”

Fan Li said: "The Yue Kingdom was destroyed in the hands of my Fan Li, I am sorry for the first king, I can't repay the kindness of the first king, and I can't live for the people of the Yue country." As long as I Fan Li still has a little blood, I will restore the Yue Kingdom, destroy the Wu Kingdom, give it to the first king, give it to the fathers and villagers of the Yue Kingdom, and give myself an explanation. Therefore, in the past 20 years, I have worked hard and suffered a lot of hardships, never eaten a timely meal, and never slept a night. The purpose is to restore the country. ”

Zigong said: "I have never been to the south, but I know a little about the grievances and hatreds between Wu and Yue. I know that the country of Yue has quietly risen under the manipulation of Mr. Wu Yue was short of the last decisive battle. In this case, how can Duanmu help Mr.? ”

Fan Li said: "Now, under the auspices of Wu Zixu, Wu's army is still very strong, and at this time, Wu Yue is fighting, and I don't know who wins and who loses. Such a battle cannot be fought. I want to win. But how do you win? Then Wu will have to fight a battle with other countries to consume his strength, and then the Vietnamese army will be able to achieve a complete victory with another thunderous blow. Now Fan Li is worried about how to provoke this war. ”

Zigong smiled: "Sir, I am from Lu State, and now this matter has nothing to do with Lu State, I can't find a reason to make a move." But if you burn the fire to the Lu State, Zigong will be easy to shoot. As long as Zigong makes a move, I guarantee that Wu Guo and Qi will fight in full swing. ”

Fan Li said: "What Mr. means is that Fan Li will first burn the flames of war on Lu Guo and give you a reason to make a move, so as to pull Wu Guo into the war, right?" ”

Zigong smiled: "That's exactly what I meant. ”

Fan Li couldn't help but praise: "What a clever plan." I will definitely do what my husband says. ”