The words are divided into two ends. Let's say that in the early dynasty of Luhou, the monarchs and ministers were discussing the fact that the tribute grain of Qi had not arrived.

According to the set date, 20,000 quintals of grain from Qi should have been shipped a long time ago, but for some reason, it has not been delivered for a long time.

In fact, what Lu values is not the food itself. Lu country does not lack so much food. What they value is the meaning of it. In other words, what is more concerned is the attitude of Qi to Lu State.

In the last border war, Wu and Lu defeated Qi. In the subsequent peace negotiations, some unequal treaties were signed, such as requiring Qi to pay 20,000 quintals of grain to Lu every year, which was an insulting clause.

But the state of Lu is not enough to compete with the state of Qi in any aspect. The country of Qi will not pay this grain for a long time. If Qi stopped paying grain, it would mean that Qi's attitude had changed a lot, and Lu would have to be prepared to deal with Qi's sudden attack.

This year's date has passed, and the grain of Qi has not yet been delivered. Lu Hou listened to Zigong's suggestion and sent an envoy to Qi to test the truth and reality, and according to the time calculation, the envoy should return to Lu today.

When the monarch and ministers were discussing, or reported that the envoy of Qi had returned, Lu Hou said, "Quick, tell him to come in and speak." ”

The envoy entered the main hall and knelt down to pay homage, and Lu Hou said: "No need to be polite, tell me about your envoy to Qi this time." ”

Before the messenger could speak, tears flowed down his eyes and said, "Chen Heng, the prime minister of Qi State, has met with the minister. When Chen Heng heard the minister's explanation, he immediately changed his face, his attitude was arrogant, not only refused to pay the grain, but also said that he wanted to settle the old historical account, saying that the Lu State had killed many people in the Qi State in the last war. And the threat of war is issued. The minister is incompetent and fails to complete his mission, so please punish the prince. ”

Lu Hou said: "Get up, Qi Guo turned his face, it's not your fault." It's been a hard journey, so let's go down and rest. ”

The messenger knelt down, kowtowed, and said, "Thank you, Marquis." "Get up and exit the main hall.

Lu Hou said: "Ladies and gentlemen, this is the situation. What do you think? ”

Zigong came out and said, "Your Majesty, this situation is not unexpected. Compared with the Qi State, the Lu State is still a small country after all, whether it is the land, population, army or comprehensive national strength. They are too far away from Qi State. How can a large country pay tribute to a small country for a long time? Therefore, it was only a matter of time before Qi Guo turned his face. ”

Lu Hou said: "It makes sense. In fact, we should take the initiative to exempt these tributes, so that both sides will look better. ”

Zigong said: "We will take the initiative to exempt the Qi State from the tribute, and we will not eliminate the resentment of the Qi State, and we will still come when we should come." Qi Guo always thought that it was Lu State that attracted Wu Jun and beat them to the point of crying father and mother. They have a long-standing grudge against the state of Lu, and this resentment is difficult to eliminate. ”

Lu Hou said, "My lord, what should we do next?" ”

Zigong said: "The country of Lu will now face a new crisis. The most terrifying thing is that the State of Qi once again sent troops to attack the State of Lu. In this case, we can't work hard with the Qi country. Because we can't beat them. ”

Lu Hou couldn't help but be a little panicked, and said, "My lord, if the Qi State really raises an army to attack Lu, what will we do?" ”

Zigong said: "Don't worry, the prince. On the one hand, we are ready for war at home, and if we can't do it, we will fight a war. But the ministers will do their best to defuse this crisis. Make every effort to lead the Qi army in other directions. In short, let's get ready. ”

Lu Hou said: "Please leave everything to the adults." ”

After the dispersal of the dynasty, Zigong came directly to Sushan Academy. He wanted to tell Confucius about this. Although Confucius is no longer an official in the Lu State, he is always concerned about the political changes in the Lu State.

In the spring of the thirteenth year of Lu Dinggong (497 BC), Qi sent eighty famous beauties to Lu. Ji Huanzi accepted female music, and the monarchs and ministers were obsessed with singing and dancing, ignoring the government for many days. Confucius was very disappointed, and soon the Lu State held a suburban sacrifice, and after the sacrifice, he did not give it to Confucius when he sent sacrificial meat to the doctors according to the custom, which showed that the Ji family did not want to appoint him anymore.

He thought that it was impossible to do anything to stay in the country of Lu, so he had to leave the country of Lu and go to a foreign country to find a way out, and he led a group of students everywhere to implement his political idea of governing the country with courtesy, and began a journey around the world, this year, Confucius was fifty-five years old.

Confucius was enthusiastic about political activities. He traveled around the world for 14 years, successively visiting Wei, Cao, Song, Zheng, Chen, Chu and other countries, hoping to have the opportunity to promote his political ideas. However, at that time, the big countries were busy fighting wars for hegemony, and the small countries were in danger of being annexed, and the whole society was undergoing changes. Confucius's propagation of the idea of restoring the ritual and music system in the early years of the Zhou Dynasty was, of course, not accepted. Everyone respects him and stays away from him, respecting him but not reusing him. He hit nails everywhere and finally returned to the country of Lu.

From then on, he devoted himself to compiling books and teaching students at home.

Zigong came to see Confucius and reported that Qi and Lu had turned their faces, and Confucius was also deeply worried and said: "Ci, you are still doing things in the court, make good use of this, and be prepared to deal with Qi." ”

Zigong said, "Teacher, I will do this with my heart." ”

One day, a group of disciples were sitting beside Confucius, listening to Confucius's sermon, when suddenly Zizhang hurriedly came in and said, "Teacher, there is a major report. ”

Confucius said, "Zizhang, look at you so flustered, what has happened? Have something to say slowly. ”

Zizhang said: "The student has just returned from the State of Qi and saw that the State of Qi had dispatched an army of 100,000 and planned to attack the State of Lu. Now the soldiers are on the bandwagon. ”

Confucius was shocked: "Is this true? ”

Zizhang said: "It's true, I came around from the edge of the Qi army barracks." The flags in the barracks were clearly visible. ”

Confucius said: "The country of Lu is in danger. The country of Lu is the state of our parents, we can't watch her be destroyed by the state of Qi, we should save the country of Lu. ”

Zilu is a tiger general and said: "Teacher, I will organize the students to join the army of Lu and defend Lu together." ”

Confucius shook his head: "Ah, how can the State of Lu fight with the State of Qi?" Tell me what you think. ”

Zigong said: "The best solution to this matter is to send an envoy to Qi to persuade Qi to withdraw its troops, or to attack other countries instead, although this matter is difficult, but it must be done." ”

Confucius said, "Who can be such a lobbyist? ”

Zizhang said: "The students are willing to go. ”

Zishi said: "Students are also willing to try. ”

Confucius shook his head and said, "None of you can convince Chen Heng. ”

Zilu said, "Can Zhongyou go?" ”

Confucius said, "You are an impatient and cannot do such a thing." ”

Zigong left the seat, and Shi Li said, "Teacher, can I go?" ”

Confucius nodded, pondered for a while, and said, "Give, this must be yours." ”

Zigong said: "The students must live up to the expectations of the teacher and will definitely do this well." I'm leaving for Wenshang today."