The birds are all gone, the good bow is hidden, the cunning rabbit is dead, and the lackeys are cooked. These words are a great taboo for the king to the ministers. The restoration of Qi was indispensable, and An Pingjun made great contributions. However, the king of Qi is Tian Fazhang. The prestige of Anping Jun has long threatened the status of King Qi.

King Qi also expressed his dissatisfaction in his heart. But for the sake of the country of Qi, the king of Qi was unwilling to use these twelve words on the heroes. Over the years, the King of Qi endured it and allowed An Pingjun to interfere in the government.

Qi Wangtian Fazhang wanted to suppress An Pingjun, but also did not want to use a conspiracy to get rid of him. One of them is the recovery of the country, and An Pingjun has made great contributions, and he is the minister who saved the society. Second, that is, King Qi can't bear it. There is also the main reason, that is, the king of Qi is afraid of An Pingjun's power.

Qi and Zhao have been at odds for more than ten years, and now, Zhao took the initiative to conclude an alliance, which made the king of Qi see an opportunity. The monarchs and ministers of Qi need peace, how to move the ministers without revealing their hearts, this is also a difficult problem in front of the king of Qi.

Lu Zhonglian remained silent and observed the situation of the Qi State. He also saw through that King Qi was under the banner of emotion, in the name of saving Zhao, to suppress An Pingjun. Tian Fazhang has endured it for nearly 20 years, and it is indeed difficult for him.

Lu Zhong even saw that the king was worried, so he decided to give him advice, and said: "Your Majesty, my country and Zhao have been at odds for more than ten years. In the long run, it will be detrimental to Qi Guo. Today, the Zhao State came to conclude the alliance, which is also an opportunity for Qi and Zhao to improve relations. ”

One person immediately shouted angrily: "Zhao and Qi are not together. How can we improve relations with Zhao State. ”

Several more ministers came out to accuse.

Lu Zhonglian faced the accusations of the ministers, his face was calm, and he said calmly: "How long do you still want Zhao and Qi to be at odds." Is it possible, you want the relationship between Zhao and Qi to go on like this. ”

One person shouted: "Zhao Guo's hatred of Qi, can it be counted like this." To make peace with Zhao Guo, the minister could not accept it. ”

"Ministers, it's not acceptable."

Seeing that the people were angry, the king of Qi did not show his attitude.

Lu Zhonglian looked at these self-righteous ministers, slowed down his tone and said, "The Qi State is surrounded by the sea to the east, the Yan State to the north, the Chu State to the south, and the Sanjin Kingdom to the east. Yan and our country have become feuds, and hatred is difficult to eliminate; The state of Chu humiliated the first king and did not share the sky with us. We are besieged by princes to the north and south, and we can only make friends with the Three Jins. If we have a bad relationship with the Sanjin, our country will be besieged by the princes, how can the Qi country revive the ancestral industry and compete for hegemony among the princes. Hatred makes people angry, and at the same time, it is easy to charm our eyes. We should be ashamed and courageous, instead of making enemies with the princes and cutting off our own way out. ”

King Qi said in a flat tone: "The words are so, but you must put aside your hatred and make friends with the princes." Widowed, can't do it. ”

When the ministers saw that the king had said this, they all expressed their support.

Lu Zhonglian greeted King Qi and said calmly: "Your Majesty, you still remember King Zhao Wuling." ”

"The widow remembers." The deeds of King Zhao Wuling, King Qi has also heard King Qi Min say, and naturally he will not forget it.

"The State of Zhao was deeply trapped in the land of four wars, and the State of Wei attacked Zhao, bringing the shame of Handan to the State of Zhao. The monarchs and ministers of Zhao did not let go of their shame and competed with Wei State. The Marquis of Zhao Su seized land to quell the rebellion, conquered the south and fought in the north, and a generation of heroes could not let the Zhao State thrive, but the Zhao State was weak. Lu Zhonglian saw that the king listened carefully, and said: "The Marquis of Zhao Su and the princes are at odds, so that the west and south will face the Wei and Qi coalition armies, the east will face the Qin State, and the north will beware of Hu trouble." In his later years, Marquis Zhao Su was bullied by the princes, lost his troops and generals, lost his city and land, and ended up depressed. ”

One person said: "Zhao Suhou, don't forget the hatred of the country and the family, he is a real man." ”

Lu Zhonglian said: "Zhao Suhou is a real man, but Zhao has not become strong, but the national strength is weak. King Wuling of Zhao succeeded to the throne, and Wei immediately invited the princes to plot against Zhao. Can't you turn a blind eye to these things? ”

One person said: "King Wuling of Zhao faced the princes to seek Zhao, didn't he also preserve the Jiangshan Sheji of the Zhao State?" ”

King Qi asked, "Lu Zhonglian, what are you trying to tell the widow when you say this?" ”

Lu Zhonglian said: "King Wuling of Zhao succeeded to the throne and chose to let go of his hatred and break the situation of the four wars of Zhao State. The south took the initiative to release his suspicions with Wei Guobing, who had a feud, and continued to befriend South Korea. In the end of the life of King Wuling of Zhao, the Three Jin Dynasty never fought soldiers, which requires a lot of courage and mind. King Wuling of Zhao defeated the Yan State in the north, and did not force the Yan State to occupy the city by force, but made friends with the Yan State. Yan and Zhao were harmonious, and there was no war in the northern Xinjiang of Zhao. Zhao also improved relations with Qin through the Zizhi Rebellion, and there was no war in the east. My country is in Yandi, and it has also suffered a big loss from Zhao. ”

King Qi remembered that Yan Guo had gained and lost, and his face sank and asked, "What do you want to say?" ”

Lu Zhonglian slowed down his voice and said: "What the minister wants to say is that the king wants to learn from King Zhao Wuling, let go of hatred, take the initiative to make friends with the princes, and be brave after being ashamed." The king, you can't be blinded by hatred, and learn from Zhao Suhou to make enemies with the princes. ”

King Qi said coldly: "The widow thinks that Zhao Suhou is a real man. Why did the widow want to learn from King Zhao Wuling. ”

"Your Majesty, when King Zhao Wuling succeeded to the throne, the princes sought Zhao, and the Zhao State was so weak at that time. King Wuling of Zhao used his life's experience to make the weak Zhao State strong. not only interfered in the internal affairs of Yan and Qin, but also supported King Yan Zhao and the current King of Qin. Hufu cavalry shooting, northern death in Zhongshan, striking three Hu, descending Hu people, repairing the Great Wall, and extending the three counties for tens of thousands of miles of Hu Xinjiang. The exploits of King Zhao Wuling, who can match it. King, isn't it good to learn from King Zhao Wuling to become a great monarch of a generation? ”

King Qi said: "The widow does not have the courage and courage of King Zhao Wuling; The widow does not have his ambition and pride; What the widow wants is peace within the territory of Qi and the inheritance of the ancestors. ”

"If the king wants to keep the foundation of his ancestors, he must make friends with Zhao State. Otherwise, there will be Yan in the north and Chu in the south, and they will be at odds with the Three Jins. The king wants peace in the kingdom of Qi and keeps the inheritance of his ancestors, but it is difficult to achieve it. ”

"That's enough." King Qi said angrily: "What the widow wants is how to refuse the alliance of the Zhao State, not how to tell the widow how to become a qualified king. ”

Seeing that the king was angry, the ministers had already figured out that the king really didn't want to get involved in the war in the Central Plains, let alone make friends with Zhao. Lu Zhonglian saw that King Qi deliberately showed it to these ministers, and his purpose was to cover up what he was thinking.

Lu Zhong didn't even debunk King Qi's intentions, and asked for sin: "The minister doesn't know the king's intentions, please punish the king." ”

King Qi restrained his anger, "If you can come up with an idea to help the widow refuse to form an alliance with the Zhao State, the widow will forgive you for your innocence." ”

Lu Zhonglian thought for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, this matter wants to succeed. Minister, I don't think it's difficult. ”

Seeing such a difficult matter, King Qi was said very easily, and asked, "What do you have in mind, let's hear it." ”

"We asked Zhao Guo to send a proton." Lu Zhonglian saw that King Qi was about to get angry, and cut off: "Your Majesty, the minister is finished." You're angry, and it's not too late. ”

King Qi suppressed his anger, gritted his teeth, and said in an unkind tone: "I hope your reasons can convince the widow." ”

Lu Zhonglian said calmly: "The king doesn't want to form an alliance, in addition to hating Zhao State's war against Qi, he also doesn't want to get involved in the war in the Central Plains and bring war disasters to Qi State." The king wanted to stop the war and fight for peace for the Qi country. ”

King Qi said: "Yes and what." ”

"Your Majesty, if you don't conclude an alliance, Qi and Zhao will completely tear their faces, and it will hurt the harmony between Qi and Zhao. also severed his relationship with Empress Dowager Zhao. The king did not want to conclude an alliance, and he did not want to break with the Empress Dowager Zhao, which was really embarrassing. ”

King Qi didn't want to be seen through his mind, so he said coldly: "What do you say about what these have to do with the protons sent by Zhao Guo." ”

Lu Zhonglian saw that King Qi was too anxious, and said with a wry smile: "Your Majesty, listen to the minister's words." ”

King Qi didn't have the energy to spend with him, and shouted, "What else do you have to say?" ”

Lu Zhong didn't even say much, and hurriedly said: "We asked Zhao Guo to send a proton in order to put forward a harsh condition to the Empress Dowager Zhao. If Empress Dowager Zhao does not agree, we will not conclude an alliance, and Zhao and Qi will not fight each other. Wang Shang and Empress Dowager Zhao will not break up. ”

King Qi calmed down, what he said was exactly what he wanted, and asked with a cold face, "What conditions." ”

Lu Zhong said: "Your Majesty, who is Empress Dowager Zhao's favorite son?" ”

King Qi didn't want to answer: "Of course it's Zhao Wangdan." ”

"It's not." Lu Zhonglian shook his head and said: "Empress Dowager Zhao likes Zhao Wangdan, but Zhao Wangdan is not Empress Dowager Zhao's favorite son. ”

King Qi was puzzled: "Who is that?" ”

Lu Zhonglian said: "It's the youngest son of Empress Dowager Zhao, Chang'an Jun." ”

"How can the widow not know about this."

"Empress Dowager Zhao dotes on her youngest son, and everyone in Zhao knows it. Zhao Wangdan is the crown prince of Zhao and the designated successor of Zhao He. If not, Empress Dowager Zhao will definitely make her youngest son king. ”

Seeing that he had deviated from the topic, King Qi said with a cold face: "Let's talk about the point." ”

"Qi and Zhao have concluded an alliance, and we will take Chang'an Jun's entry into Qi as a hostage, what will happen to the Empress Dowager Zhao." Lu Zhonglian deliberately stopped, and said: "Empress Dowager Zhao likes her youngest son, she will not agree, and she will not agree to send him to Qi as a hostage." If Chang'anjun does not come to Qi as a hostage, we will have a reason to refuse to form an alliance to save Zhao. ”

King Qi asked the minister, "What do you think?" ”

The ministers felt that this plan could not only ease the king's emotions, but also reject the alliance of the Zhao State, and expressed their support.

One person asked: "If the Empress Dowager Zhao sends Chang'an Jun into Qi as a hostage, how should we deal with it." ”

What this person asked was what the ministers were worried about, and it was also what King Qi was most concerned about.

"Don't you know how much Empress Dowager Zhao loves this little son. Chang'anjun is the meat of Empress Dowager Zhao's heart. How could she be willing to let her youngest son leave Zhao State and send Qi State to suffer. Lu Zhonglian replied with a relaxed expression: "Take a step back and say, Empress Dowager Zhao really sent her son to Qi State as a hostage for Zhao Guo, and we have a big deal to form an alliance with Zhao State and send troops to rescue Zhao." With Chang'anjun as a hostage, Empress Dowager Zhao will naturally make friends with our country. However, according to the personality of the Empress Dowager Zhao, she will not agree. ”

"It's an idea that only you can think of. Empress Dowager Zhao's personality is still unknown to the widow. She has a strong personality and no one dares to mess with her. As long as she believes in something, even if it is wrong, it will be wrong to the end. The widows were afraid of her. King Qi faced the ministers and asked, "Ladies and gentlemen, what do you think?" ”

The ministers agreed, and none of them differed.

King Qi looked at this person in the palace, and actually persuaded the ministers and relieved his crisis, and praised him in his heart. In order to ensure that the conclusion of the alliance could proceed smoothly this time, King Qi deliberately threw out a difficult question and said: "Lu Zhonglian, you came up with this idea. This matter will be handed over to you. ”

"Ahh Lu Zhonglian saw that King Qi cast a look that could not be refused, and changed his words: "Minister, you have to take your own orders." ”

Seeing that his face had been deceived by everyone, King Qi said, "You go to the official post for the widow to meet the envoy of Zhao State." You tell him that Qi and Zhao are in an alliance. There is only one condition for the widow, let Chang'anjun enter Qi as a hostage. ”

Lu Zhonglian received the order and came to the official post of Zhao State and met with Zhao envoy Yu Qing. Yu Qing saw that Qi sent a messenger to welcome him into the room, and ordered someone to arrange a banquet.

Lu Zhonglian stopped: "No need. My king asked me to send you a message. ”

Yu Qing asked, "Qi and Zhao form an alliance." What is the opinion of King Qi. ”

"My king agreed." Lu Zhonglian's face was ugly, and he said, "But, there is a condition. ”

"What conditions." Yu Qing could tell from his tone that this condition must be unacceptable to Zhao Guo.

Lu Zhong took a breath, and said in a somewhat unnatural tone: "My king wants Chang'an Jun to enter Qi as a hostage." ”

"What." When Yu Qing heard this, he jumped like thunder, and the green tendons on his neck were very obvious, "King Qi wants Chang'an Jun to enter Qi as a hostage, this is impossible." I originally thought that Brother Lu was a person who understood righteousness, how could he let King Qi give my country a problem. ”

Lu Zhonglian looked at him very calmly, and said with a smile: "Why, Chang'anjun can't come to Qi as a hostage?" ”

"You're still laughing." Yu Qing scolded: "Brother Lu, do you know what Chang'anjun represents." Do you know who Chang'anjun is? ”

Lu Zhonglian said in a nonchalant tone: "Chang'anjun is the youngest son of Empress Dowager Zhao. ”

"You know, you shouldn't let King Qi put forward this vexatious condition." Yu Qing breathed a little fast, and said with a heavy snort: "Chang'an Jun is the youngest son of Empress Dowager Zhao. It is absolutely impossible for you to ask Empress Dowager Zhao to send Chang'an Jun to Qi as a hostage. The Qin state was powerful, and the princes were invincible. I originally wanted to unite the Qi State to fight against the Qin State, and the condition of the King of Qi can be regarded as breaking the road of the alliance between Qi and Zhao. Brother Lu, Qi and Zhao are finished. ”

Lu Zhonglian said sarcastically: "It is said that Yu Qing is a wise person, why is he so uncomposed." ”

"I wasn't forced by you." Yu Qing asked, "You tell me, what should I do." ”

Lu Zhonglian sighed and said, "My king has a hard time making this request. ”

Yu Qing saw that King Qi had put forward such harsh conditions, and said that he had a hard time, and said coldly: "King Qi doesn't want to form an alliance with Zhao State and fight Qin together, just say it directly." You still pretend that he has a hard time. Brother Lu, you still have to be embarrassed. ”

Lu Zhonglian knew that the other party would react like this, and endured the abuse from him, and said helplessly: "Although my king is the king of Qi, you don't understand the government of Qi at all. In my heart, my king wants to help Zhao fight against Qin. ”

Yu Qing snorted coldly, "I didn't see the meaning of King Qi. ”

"Brother Yu, don't get emotional, listen to me." Lu Zhonglian asked: "King Qi refuses to meet the alliance, just say it directly." Why, put forward such a harsh condition. ”

Yu Qing said: "What do you mean by this?" ”

"To tell you the truth, I put forward this condition."

"You mentioned it. Aren't you hurting me? Yu Qing calmed down and said, "Wait." What did you say? The king of Qi could refuse, but put forward this condition. Why did King Qi do this? ”

Lu Zhonglian saw that he had asked the point, and said bitterly: "The five countries are attacking Qi, making the people of Qi disgusted with war." The monarchs and ministers of Qi were even more war-weary and only wanted peace. Although the king of Qi wanted to join forces with Zhao to fight against Qin, he couldn't say it clearly. It was already difficult for him to shut up his subjects. In addition, there is also an An Pingjun in the Qi State. You are the king of Qi, what should you do. ”

Yu Qing naturally understood the affairs of Qi Guo, and his tone was not as full of reproach as before, "Having said that, the condition of King Qi is really to sever the alliance between Qi and Zhao. ”

"If my king does not mention this condition, how can he block the mouth of his subjects." Lu Zhonglian smiled again: "Isn't there still Pingyuan Jun, Lin Xiangru, and you, this matter is difficult for you!" ”

Yu Qing stared at the other party with disgusted eyes, "You said it easily, you don't know what status Chang'anjun has in Empress Dowager Zhao's heart." ”

"Although the alliance between Qi and Zhao is difficult, I believe that as long as we work together, we will be able to promote the alliance between the two countries." Lu Zhonglian admonished: "Stay for a while, when you see my king, you have to exaggerate this problem." It was impossible for the ministers to think it was impossible. ”

Yu Qing shook his head and said, "Don't exaggerate, this is already impossible." ”

Lu Zhonglian and Yu Qing entered the Qi Palace again, and the King of Qi asked, "Yu Qing, Lu Zhonglian will tell you what he means to be a widow!" The conditions proposed by the widow were accepted by Zhao Guo. The widow agreed to form an alliance with Zhao and send troops to resist Qin. ”

Yu Qing said: "The foreign ministers have no opinion on the condition of King Qi. On the Empress Dowager Zhao's side, the ministers did not dare to call the shots. ”

One person asked, "Can Zhao Guo accept this condition?" ”

"King Zhao and I should be able to accept it." Yu Qing's face was ugly and said: "Where is the Empress Dowager Zhao, it's hard for the foreign minister to say." The ministers will inform the Queen Mother of the conditions of King Qi word for word. The foreign minister asked the king of Qi to be mentally prepared, but the Empress Dowager Zhao could not accept this condition. ”

"Empress Dowager Zhao can't accept this condition, and the widow can't help it. Whether Qi and Zhao can be friendly or not depends on you? King Qi didn't want to say more, and said: "Lu Zhonglian, you go to Zhao for the widow and meet the Empress Dowager Zhao." ”

"Your Majesty, why am I again?" Lu Zhonglian shouted Qu Dao.

"This idea is yours, whether Qi and Zhao can be friendly or not is up to you." King Qi said in a cold tone: "If the widow can't cure you, let the Empress Dowager Zhao cure you." ”