"It's not going to be Feiyi for you to convince me...... He should know that there are some things that even he can't convince me, so naturally he won't send you here......"

After staring at Meng Zhong for a while, Master Zhao said with a smile: "In other words, it was my son Zhao He's instructions?" Meng Zhong, when did you become Zhao He's courtier? ”

With Meng Zhong's understanding of Master Zhao's father, he knew that Master Zhao must be unhappy in his heart at this moment, so he immediately said: "Master Zhao is not a courtier of the king. …… When I first arrived in Zhao State, I was not familiar with the place, and it all depended on the importance of Lord Zhao, and awarded the position of Sima in the lower guard, and voted for me with a peach and repaid with Li, and always the first thing in Xia was Lord Zhao's courtier, followed by the courtier of Zhao State, and then the courtier of the king......"

"Vote for me with a peach, repay it with a li...... Oh, this is Wei Wugong's poem. ”

After listening to Meng Zhong's words, Master Zhao's face eased a lot, and he slowed down his tone and said to Meng Zhong: "Since you think that you are my courtier first, you shouldn't think about interfering in this matter......

Meng Zhong shook his head and said, "I just don't want to let some people take advantage of Lord Zhao's father to fight with the king, fight with the snipe and the clam and make the fisherman profit." ”

“……”

Master Zhao took a deep look at Meng Zhong, and then said slowly: "What do you mean...... Who are Zhao Cheng and Li Dui? ”

"Yes." Meng Zhong nodded, and said: "A few days ago, I discussed with you the pros and cons of changing the law and restructuring of various countries, I believe that Master Zhao, you also know, since Wei Xiang Li Kui, Qi Xiang Zou Ji, Chu Xiang Wu Qi, Qin Xiang Wei Ying, Han Xiang Shen Bu and others reformed and changed the law, all countries have new laws, but I, Zhao State, only implemented the Hufu cavalry reform only for the army, as for the land, mu income, etc., has not been involved in the slightest, with all due respect, Zhao State has lagged behind the countries in this regard, if Zhao State wants to compete with Qin State, I think it is necessary to carry out reforms, re-plan the land in the country, abolish the 'hereditary lineage of scholars', and deprive those who have no merit to the country of a large amount of land, so that these lands can be returned to the royal family for canonization and rewarding meritorious people, only in this way can people from all over the world be inspired to defect to Zhao and serve Zhao...... Moreover, with sufficient land, our Zhao State can also follow the example of Wei State and train Zhao Wushu in large numbers to compete with Qin's military merit system. ”

After a pause, Meng Zhong added: "I, the Zhao State, must implement a comprehensive reform of the law, and the only one who can do this is you, Lord Zhao...... Otherwise, even if it is a king, it will be strongly resisted by Zhao Cheng, Anpingjun, Fengyangjun, Li Dui, and others. ”

“……”

Master Zhao glanced at Meng Zhong, and then frowned and thought about Meng Zhong's words.

In fact, he knew all these truths, and he also thought about the reform of the law - what he had recently discussed with Crane Guanzi was about the reform of the law.

Different from the reform proposed by Meng Zhong and modeled on Li Kui of the Wei State, what Zhao Zhufu paid attention to was the "Tianqu Rishu" proposed by Que Guanzi, which simply means the administrative system of the Chu State after the improvement of Que Guanzi, that is, the perfect "county system", in which the state, county, county, yi, and li are governed one layer at a time, maximizing the concentration of power in the king and weakening the power of the Yi monarch and the feudal monarch.

It is no exaggeration to say that this "county system" is the most complete national political system in the eyes of Zhao's father.

However, this kind of system, because of the complete overthrow of the original Zhao State, and even the old system that the Central Plains had been following all along, believed that it would be hindered, so the Zhao master originally decided to implement this kind of reform in the Zhao State after he regained power.

Just like Meng Zhong said, now in the Zhao Kingdom, only he, Zhao Yong, has the ability to overcome all difficulties and forcibly implement this kind of perfect and thorough reform, except for him, even if it is Zhao Wang He, it will not be possible - after all, Zhao Wang He is too young, and there are too few courtiers who are truly loyal to him, if this new monarch wants to reform, at least he will have to wait for more than ten or even twenty years later, and he can only do it when he is full-fledged.

"Now, it's not the right time."

Master Zhao shook his head slightly.

The reason why he said this was very simple, because the "Tianqu Rishu", or "county system", he wanted to implement the "Tianqu Rishu", or the "county system", which was to maximize the strengthening of royal power, if he launched this reform at this time, the power of Zhao State would be concentrated in the hands of Zhao Wang He and Zhao Xiangfeiyi, and at that time, his Zhao Yong's power would be lost faster and more completely.

Isn't this a marriage for a man?

"Why?" Meng Zhong frowned slightly and asked, "I don't understand." ”

Master Zhao glanced at Meng Zhong and said comfortingly: "Meng Zhong, you and Le Yi, I have great expectations for the two of you. Decade...... In another ten years, I will send you to Jinyang, and when the time comes, I will hand over the entire Taiyuan County to you, so that you can become a barrier to the west of my Zhao State, and protect Zhao State from the encroachment of Qin State......"

"......" Meng Zhong was stunned when he heard this.

Even if it was him, he didn't expect Master Zhao to have such great expectations for him.

“…… Therefore, you do not have to obey the fat righteousness, and your status in the future will not be inferior to his. Master Zhao looked at Meng Zhong and continued.

Meng Zhong faintly heard a little clue, and was a little unhappy in his heart, frowning and said, "Master Zhao, do you think that you are here for the title or authority?" I just want to resolve the contradiction between you and the king, so that Zhao can avoid a civil strife......"

Master Zhao took a deep look at Meng Zhong, and suddenly smiled: "Dissolve? How to resolve it? Is it like the previous two days at the palace feast, the low table at which I sat was bigger and the dishes richer? Do you think that's all I want Zhao Yong? ”

"No!"

Meng Zhong Zhengse said: "What Lord Zhao wants is that even after Chan gave up the throne, the subjects of Zhao will still remember your good and your contribution to Zhao State, and when Lord Zhao makes a major decision, the whole country will still fully support you as before." ”

"......" Master Zhao frowned and pursed his lips, and was speechless for a while.

Because what Meng Zhong said was indeed what he wanted.

Lord Zhao's personality is very similar to that of his father, Zhao Suhou, who advocates force and devotes his life to making Zhao a stronger state, but he actually doesn't like to sit in the palace and review the country's decrees.

Therefore, he only made an attempt a few years ago, that is, to let the crown prince Zhao He succeed to the throne and handle the internal affairs of the country in his place, while he led the army of Zhao to fight in the south and the north, so that the military and government of Zhao were separated.

But as it turned out, this attempt failed, and the subjects of Zhao could not adapt to this model, and the power of the state gradually flowed to Zhao Wang He, so that Zhao's father's side gradually lost power - this is the biggest contradiction between Zhao's father and Zhao Wanghe.

As for Master Zhao's father's dislike of Zhao Wanghe, and even more and more disgusted with Zhao Wanghe, this is just a follow-up contradiction.

"I've talked to you about this."

Seeing that Master Zhao pursed his lips and did not speak, Meng Zhong strengthened his courage and continued: "As far as I know, the monarch has also respected and longed for you since childhood, but Master Zhao, you dislike him for being weak and sick, and you are not close to him...... But even so, the monarch is still very grateful to you for making him the crown prince, and even making him the king, and the monarch has never had the intention of competing for power with you, Lord Zhao. Even I don't think it's necessary...... To put it mildly, Master Zhao, you are now nearly half a hundred years old, how many years can you still be alive? Decade? Twenty years? Thirty years? After you pass away, the whole Zhao Kingdom will naturally respect the king, why should the king do superfluous things? ”

"You kid......" Seeing that Meng Zhong dared to talk about his life, Master Zhao was angry and funny.

But if you think about it carefully, Meng Zhong's words also have some truth.

Otherwise, since the Spring and Autumn Period, there has been no shortage of scandals in the royal families of various countries where fathers kill sons and sons kill fathers, but the premise of those scandals is that both father and son have a strong desire and attachment to power, and Zhao Wanghe, who has been cowardly since he was a child, how dare he do such a thing?

And Master Zhao's father actually didn't want to completely empty Zhao Wanghe - he had hollowed out Zhao Wanghe, who would govern Zhao's internal affairs for him, so that he could fight with the countries without any worries?

From beginning to end, all the father of Zhao wanted was the military power of Zhao and the status of the king of Zhao.

And listening to what Meng Zhong said today, Zhao Wanghe doesn't seem to want to meddle in military power, and is willing to sincerely respect him as a "master father"?

"This is what my son Zhao He meant?" Master Zhao asked in surprise, "Isn't he afraid of losing power?" ”

Meng Zhong shook his head and said, "The monarch is Zhao Jun, how can he lose his power?" He just respects you, Master Zhao. Every king has a father. Respect your father and obey your father, this is filial piety, the whole country, will anyone blame the king for this? Or are you unhappy about it? ”

“……”

Master Zhao nodded thoughtfully.

In all fairness, if Zhao Wanghe really respects him, is willing to hand over the military power of the whole country to him to fight, and respects his status as the "master father", then there is really no contradiction between him and Zhao Wanghe.

No!

There is still a contradiction: that is, in recent years, he has become more and more fond of the eldest son Gongzi Zhang, who is brave and similar to him, and does not like the cowardly Zhao Wanghe.

『……』

Master Zhao fell into deep thought.

Seeing this, Meng Zhong cautiously probed: "Master Zhao, what do you think about this?" As long as you join forces with the king, you can immediately implement the reform of the law in the Zhao State, and at that time, it seems that Zhao Cheng, the king of Anping, Li Dui, the king of Fengyang, and others are powerless to resist the two of you. ”

Master Zhao nodded when he heard this, and said, "What you said is indeed very reasonable, but it's just ...... What about Zhao Zhang? ”

He looked up at Meng Zhong who was standing aside, and said in an inexplicable tone: "As far as I know, Gongzizhang and Tian Buyu both treat you well, but you persuaded me to resolve the conflict with Zhao He, like this, where will Gongzizhang be placed?" Meng Zhong, you have been by my side for a long time, and you are also familiar with Zhao He, Zhao Zhang, Fei Yi and others, I believe that some things cannot be hidden from you, I simply tell you the truth, Zhao Zhang is bent on regaining the power and status that should belong to him, and I also want to make up for the guilt of owing Han and Zhao Zhang that day, if I listen to your advice, wouldn't it make Zhao Zhang face despair again? ”

Hearing this, Meng Zhong frowned and said, "Gongzizhang's side, I will persuade ...... again."

“……”

Master Zhao's face showed a slightly strange expression.

Immediately, he nodded slightly and said: "Since this is the case, you can try to persuade Zhao Zhang to take a look, if Zhao Zhang is willing to give up, I will listen to your advice, otherwise...... You don't have to mention it again. ”

“…… Here. ”

Meng Zhong hesitated for a moment and retreated.

Looking at the back of Meng Zhong leaving, Master Zhao's face showed a little contemplation.

For Meng Zhong, Master Zhao has always had high hopes, but today, Meng Zhong persuaded him to reconcile with Zhao Wang He, which still made Master Zhao a little unhappy.

In particular, Meng Zhong kept saying that "first is the courtier of his Zhao master's father, then the courtier of Zhao State, and then the courtier of Zhao Junshang", but he spoke vigorously for Zhao Wang He.

"Although this son is not bad-hearted, his heart is too big, and it is still necessary to knock and beat...... Make him understand that everything he has now is given to him by me Zhao Yong, not Zhao He and Feiyi......

Master Zhao thought to himself.

The next morning, Meng Zhong first went to meet Zhao Wanghe.

After He Ping, the king of Zhao, retreated, Meng Zhong told the monarch of Zhao about how he persuaded Lord Zhao yesterday.

After listening to Meng Zhong's words, Zhao Wang He said in surprise: "Meng Qing, did the master father really say that? ”

"Yes." Meng Zhong nodded and said, "As far as I can see, Master Zhao had already made a move at that time, but he couldn't let go of An Yangjun (Zhao Zhang)...... Master Zhao's father said yesterday that he once owed something to the Han family and Gongzi Zhang, how could he let Gongzi Zhang face despair again? ”

Hearing this, the look of surprise on Zhao Wanghe's face gradually faded, and he couldn't help but sigh.

For Gongzi Zhang, Zhao Wanghe's mood is actually very complicated.

In all fairness, he has no ill feelings towards Gongzizhang, or rather, he can't afford to have any bad feelings, after all, strictly speaking, it is indeed he who took away Gongzizhang's position as prince and king, what position does he have to hate Gongzizhang? - It's just that Gongzizhang unilaterally hates him and his mother Huihou (Wu Wa).

If it weren't for the fact that there was such a grudge and hatred between the two brothers, Zhao Wanghe actually thought about reusing Gongzi Zhang, and using the latter to suppress Anpingjun Zhao Cheng and Fengyangjun Li Dui, after all, these two people served as the state minister of Zhao during the period of Zhao Suhou, and it was inevitable that they would rely on the old and sell the old on weekdays, but in fact, Zhao He didn't like them either.

If there is a choice, Zhao Wanghe is of course more inclined to reuse his brothers, such as Gongzi Zhang, and then Zhao Sheng and Zhao Bao, who are still young.

After pondering for a while, Zhao Wang He said to Meng Zhong: "Meng Qing, when you go to persuade the widow's brother, please tell him that if he is willing to let go of the grievances of the past, the widow is willing to canonize him as "Wu Anjun" as the "false appearance" of my Zhao Kingdom. ”

Wu Anjun, as the name suggests, is the Yi Jun who was sealed in Wu'an, which is the most honorable feudal monarch of Zhao State.

The reason is very simple, because Wu'an City is about forty miles northwest of Handan City, and it is the capital of Zhao State.

Once, Su Qin sent an envoy to the Six Kingdoms on behalf of Zhao Suhou to promote the Six Kingdoms to join forces to resist Qin, and Zhao Suhou canonized Su Qin as Wu Anjun in recognition of Su Qin's merits - but after Qi betrayed the alliance, Su Qin was afraid of being pursued by Zhao State, so he fled from Zhao State to Yan State, and Zhao State later recovered Su Qin's title of Wu'an Jun.

And the "fake appearance", popularly known as the deputy prime minister, is under the current position of the prime minister, but it is also quite a remarkable position.

"Remember."

Meng Zhong nodded, said goodbye to Zhao Wanghe, and went to see Gongzizhang.

Gongzi Zhang, that is, Anyang Jun Zhao Zhang, although the army under his command was not allowed to enter Handan City, he himself had a mansion in Handan City.

Around the end of the day, Meng Zhong and Meng Hu rode to Gongzizhang's mansion.

I have to say that Gongzizhang's mansion, in terms of scale and style, is no less than Anpingjun Zhao Cheng, Fengyangjun Li Dui and others.

Think about it, after all, even if Gongzizhang is the embarrassing identity of the "abolished prince", he is also the eldest son of Master Zhao's father, and he has outstanding achievements.

Turning over and dismounting under the gate of Gongzizhang's Anyang Jun's mansion, Meng Zhong walked up the steps, clasped his fists at several soldiers on duty outside the mansion gate, and said, "In Xia Mengzhong, please see Anyang Jun." ”

The soldiers in front of Gongzi Zhang's mansion were all guards under Gongzi Zhang, and of course they had heard of Meng Zhong's name.

No, when Meng Zhong revealed his identity, a soldier immediately asked in surprise: "Could it be the guard next to Lord Zhao's father, Sima Mengzhong of the Xinwei Army?" ”

Meng Zhong nodded.

Seeing this, the soldier hurriedly said: "Gongzi and Tian (Dai) have instructed that if Meng Sima comes to visit, he can directly enter the mansion. …… Please! ”

"Thank you!"

Meng Zhong untied the sword at his waist and handed it to the soldiers.

Seeing this, the soldier said again: "Meng Sima, I know your friendship with Gongzi and Tian Xiang, you don't have to untie the sword......"

Although Meng Zhong was a little moved by Gongzizhang and Tian Buyu's trust in him, he finally untied the sword, because in his opinion, unraveling the sword was a guest's respect for the master.

A moment later, under the guidance of several servants in the mansion, Meng Zhong and Meng Hu came to the main house in the inner courtyard of the mansion.

After learning of the intention of Meng Zhong and the others, a maid with a good face in the main room whispered: "Meng Sima and Meng Chang, the two of them should sit here for a while, and let the slave and maid tell the prince and Tian Xiang...... Childe drank with Tian Xiang late at night last night, and I'm afraid he hasn't gotten up yet. ”

"There is labor." Meng Zhong clenched his fists and quietly pushed his elbow against Meng Hu's ribs.

"Ahh Meng Hu was caught off guard and cried out in pain: "What are you doing, Ah Zhong?" ”

After the maid walked away, Meng Zhong said angrily, "Where are you staring at people's homes?" ”

"Look at the lot of meat." Meng Hu muttered dissatisfiedly, "You didn't see it, she was still smiling at me." …… You must be jealous of me. ”

“……”

Meng Zhong rolled his eyes, too lazy to take care of this guy.

Only a moment later, Tian Buyu, who lived in Dongyuan, took the lead in the house, and after seeing Meng Zhong, he greeted with a smile: "Brother"

"Brother." Meng Zhong and Meng Hu got up to return the salute, and asked with a smile, "Brother got up so early?" I heard that Brother Xian and Childe drank late into the night last night. ”

"Hahaha......"

After some greetings, the three of them sat down in the house again, and at this time, Tian Buyu asked again: "Brother, why do you have time to come to the prince's mansion today?" ”

Meng Zhong hesitated for a moment and said, "Brother, please step back." ”

Tian Buyu was stunned, and then motioned for everyone in the room to step back.

Seeing this, Meng Zhong whispered his intentions and briefly explained them.

However, hearing these words, Tian Buyu's face was shocked and his expression was treacherous.

At this moment, Gongzizhang turned out of the inner door of the house, only to see him holding his forehead with his hand, his face full of pain and tiredness, which was obviously the sequelae of a hangover.

"It's Ah Zhong."

After seeing Meng Zhong, Gongzi Zhang scolded with a smile: "It's early in the morning, stirring up people's dreams...... What's the matter? ”

Before Meng Zhong could speak, he saw Tian Buyu and said inexplicably: "Childe, it's better to go to the inner room and talk about it in detail." ”

“……”

Gongzi Zhang was stunned, glanced at Tian Buyu thoughtfully, and nodded.

After a while, Gongzizhang took Tian Buyu, Meng Zhong, and Meng Hu to the inner room, and at this time, Gongzizhang asked Meng Zhong a little nervously: "Ah Zhong, could it be that you found out some news that is not conducive to us?" …… Could it be that Feiyi is going to do what those people are going to do? ”

"No ......"

Meng Zhong shook his head, and after considering the choice of words, he said cautiously: "I am here at the behest of the king......

"Zhao He?" Gongzi Zhang was stunned, and looked at Meng Zhong with some confusion: "What does he want to do?" ”

Seeing this, Meng Zhong explained: "The king wants to reconcile with the son......"

"Reconciliation?"

Gongzi Zhang's face was stunned when he heard this, and he immediately laughed, and after laughing a few breaths, he said hatefully: "His mother and son, forcing my mother to death, taking away the throne that should belong to me, and actually have the face to mention what reconciliation?" ”

Hearing this, Meng Zhong hurriedly persuaded: "Gongzi is angry, in my opinion, Zhao State now has the potential to become the overlord, and it is really not appropriate to cause civil strife at this time...... When I came, the monarch said to me, if you are willing to put aside this grievance and work together to make the Zhao Kingdom stronger, the monarch is willing to canonize you as the king of Wu An, and appoint you as a false ......."

"Wu Anjun? False appearance? ”

Gongzi Zhang was stunned, and his face showed a little surprise.

At the same time, there was a look of surprise, as well as Tian Buyu, who had not said a word since he entered the house.

"What does Childe think?" Meng Zhong asked Gongzi Zhangdao.

Gongzi Zhang glanced at Tian Buyu when he heard this, Tian Buyu spread his hands, and said helplessly: "The king can say that Ah Zhong is a lobbyist, what can the minister say?" …… It is inconvenient for the minister to speak, so please decide for yourself. ”

Gongzizhang nodded, looked at Meng Zhong Zhengse and said: "Meng Zhong, you are a righteous brother who is not good, and I have always admired you, so I can tolerate what you said today, if it is someone else, I will definitely order someone to expel him from the chaos......"

"......" Meng Zhong nodded slightly.

He must admit that Gongzi Zhang is indeed very generous to him.

At this time, I heard Gongzi Zhang say in a deep voice: "The throne of Zhao belongs to me Zhao Zhang, I should have canonized others as Wu Anjun and a false appearance, Zhao He stole my throne and gave me a small profit, do you expect me to be grateful to him?" ”

Speaking of this, he let out a long breath and said, "Zhao He wants to reconcile? OK! I gave him two choices, one, back up the throne and return the throne to me Zhao Zhang; Second, the edict deprived Wu Wa of the slut's title of 'Huihou', and announced what he did during his lifetime to the whole country. seems to be the kind of jealous and ruthless woman, and she also deserves the nickname 'Hui'? ”

This is completely undiscussed.

After all, it was impossible for Zhao Wanghe to give up the throne, after all, it was his mother Wu Wa who won it for him.

As for what Zhao Zhang said, let Zhao Wang He issue an edict to deprive his mother of the title of Huihou, Zhao Wang He will not accept it.

Thinking of this, Meng Zhong persuaded Zhao Zhangdao: "Childe ......"

"Enough!"

Zhao Zhang raised his hand to interrupt Meng Zhong's words, and said in a deep voice: "I used to be the prince of a country, and I lost everything I had in one day, and everyone avoided it, what mistake did I make?" It's just because Wu Wa's slut is playing right and wrong behind her back. …… Over the years, countless people have come to persuade me to reconcile with Zhao He, hum, it's ridiculous! Do these people know the humiliation I experienced? What qualifications do they have to persuade me to reconcile with Zhao He? …… I also say this to you, Meng Zhong. ”

Taking a deep breath, Zhao Zhang said in a deep voice again: "You go back and tell Zhao He, either abdicate, or issue an edict to deprive Wu Wa of the slut title, as long as I do any of it, I, Zhao Zhang, am willing to give up this hatred, regard him as a brother and brother, and never break my word!" Otherwise...... There will be no day of reconciliation between me and him! ”

“……”

Listening to Gongzizhang's resolute words, Meng Zhong fell silent.

After all, what Gongzizhang said is also reasonable.