Zhang Ping stayed in the inn for several days.

He has not been idle these days, while reporting normally from the pawn department; On the other hand, according to Zhang Kaidi's instructions, he asked to see Sikong Zhao Cheng. After Zhao Cheng learned of his intention, he comforted him to be restless, and he would try his best to arrange this matter. Zhang Ping is not worried about Zhao Cheng deceiving him, in fact, Koreans are very familiar with Zhao Cheng's line, and the relationship between Zhao Cheng and Han Qian has also become familiar through this contact. Of course, this is also what Zhao Yong acquiesced to.

Zhang Ping also said that he hoped to meet Queen Han Qian through Zhao Cheng's entry into the palace, and then achieve his goal through Han Qian. However, Zhao Cheng immediately refused: "In the royal city, only the king has what he says, if he doesn't want to see it, even if the queen speaks, it is useless." There must be a reason why your majesty will not receive you for the time being. ”

This surprised Zhang Ping, this is completely different from what Shang Jin and Zhang Kai said. Zhao Cheng knew bitterly that since the two palace people around Han Chan'er were heavily reprimanded for ventilating the news, the entire Wangcheng Palace and the eunuchs were much more honest, and no one dared to ventilate the news for these ministers anymore.

But a few days have passed, and he still hasn't received any news to meet him, and Zhang Ping is a little hairy. For the increasingly severe situation in South Korea, Zhao's statement is very crucial, and it may even change the unfavorable situation of Prince Huan and Zhang Kaidi.

Just when he couldn't sit still, a small official from Sikong Mansion came over and told him that he would receive news in the next few days and asked him not to move around casually. On the third day, the Pawn sent for him to be seen today.

Walking through the hundred steps of the dragon platform, as soon as Zhang Pingfu entered the hall, he saw a young man sitting on the top, looking at him with a smile, and one person sitting on the left and right of the lower head, the first one on the right is Sikong Zhao Cheng, and the left head is a young man who is about the same as Zhao Yong.

"South Korean envoy Zhang Ping, meet His Royal Highness King Zhao."

"The messenger has come from afar, presumably with an important inquiry."

After all, Zhang Ping was born in a family of Xiangmen, and he acted generously, but he was not afraid of these pomp, "Ping came from Xinzheng, as the special envoy of the crown prince, especially for the king to send troops to support the matter of Hangu Pass, thank the king." ”

Zhao Yong glanced at Le Yi and continued: "The prince is serious. This matter is the five-nation alliance, Zhao because he is busy with the affairs of the northern Xinjiang, can not do his best, now the Hangu front has been declining, Wei has withdrawn, Yan is retreating in full equipment, leaving Han and Zhao to encourage support. ”

"However, now that the situation is grim, Zhao Guo is also thinking about the withdrawal of troops from the front, I don't know about this, how can South Korea deal with itself?"

When Zhang Ping heard that Zhao Guo also wanted to withdraw his troops, he became even more anxious. Now South Korea is considering whether to ask Qin to surrender, if Zhao withdraws its troops at this moment, then South Korea will quickly fall to Qin, and it is reasonable that Prince Wan will be deposed.

"Never." Zhang Ping said, "The withdrawal of the king at this moment will undoubtedly boost the arrogance of the Qin State, and with the tiger and wolf behavior of the Qin State, I am afraid that he will continue to attack South Korea." ”

"South Korea and Zhao are from the same Jin, and they are also a state of marriage, and their lips are cold. If Qin conquers Korea, the next target will definitely be Zhao. The king should think of Han and Zhao, and don't want to boost the morale of Qin. Otherwise, it will be too late to regret it. ”

In fact, Zhao Yong knew in his heart that with the current strength of the Qin State, it could not be said that South Korea could not be destroyed, but it could only be said that even if South Korea was destroyed, he would inevitably suffer great backlash. What's more, now that countries are equal in strength, if South Korea really asks for help, other countries will not stand idly by. Zhang Ping's words are indeed alarmist.

"It's not that I'm not alone in garrisoning, but when the army is outside, the cost is enormous. With the national strength of Zhao State, it is difficult to stay abroad for a long time; What's more, although the war in northern Xinjiang was calm, repairing the city and preventing the Qin army from sneaking attacks required a lot of military strength; Moreover, in the past two days, the news has come that Zhongshan has made another move, and the situation of Zhao is equally difficult compared to South Korea. The Special Envoy should also be considerate. ”

Zhang Ping was speechless, indeed, from the perspective of Zhao Guo, withdrawing troops is indeed the best way, after all, now Qin State is already angry, if he accompanies South Korea again, it will definitely be a dead end, it is better to protect himself first. This is also human nature.

Is there really no way? Zhang Ping thought in frustration.

"The envoy should know that the army is stationed outside, and the time of the garrison is uncertain, based on the calculation of 20,000 people, the huge amount of grain and grass required every month, plus the cost of long-distance transportation, is really too high, and Zhao Guo is now also overstretched, so naturally it is unable to support this cost for a long time."

Zhang Ping seemed to smell the key to Zhao Yong's words, he thought about it, and said tentatively: "What if the grain and grass used by your army are all in charge of my South Korea?" ”

Zhao Yong's face was "embarrassed": "This... Seems to be quite inappropriate. ”

Zhang Ping observed the words and felt that Zhao Yong seemed to be a little tempted, so don't continue to ask: "Although there is something wrong, you can also discuss one or two." ”

Zhao Yong didn't respond to him this time, but he heard the young man say: "What the envoy said, after all, is too important. There is no precedent, and your country will probably not allow our army to be stationed on your land again. ”

When Zhang Ping saw the young man talking, he became more and more curious about his identity, "No, dare to ask Mr. ......"

Le Yi got up and saluted Zhang, "Zhao Guoshangqing, Le Yi." ”

"It's Mr. Le." Zhang Ping said in surprise: "The name of Mr. has been mentioned a lot by the prince, and he has praised Mr. for his talent many times, even if he is General Shencha, he is full of praise for the general." ”

Zhang Ping and Le Yi complimented each other, and Le Yi said: "As the envoy said, it is not impossible for South Korea to hope that Zhao will increase its troops to assist South Korea in defending against Qin's attack. But Zhao also has its own difficulties. A suggestion is that South Korea provides grain and grass, and Zhao provides troops to garrison it, and at the same time, Zhao can also help South Korea train soldiers; Even further, if South Korea is really at ease with Zhao, it can hand over one or two cities to Zhao to garrison, and the rest of the officials are appointed by Korea, and Zhao will never interfere, and its taxes, grain and grass also belong to South Korea, and Zhao Guojue does not ask; The grain and grass of the Zhao army can be provided by our side, and it will not be pretended to be the Han army. These two options can be considered by the emissaries themselves. ”

Zhang Ping carefully weighed the two plans proposed by Le Yi, the first plan was actually the most suitable, Zhao State's 20,000 troops were stationed, although it cost a lot, but in the past two years, South Korea has really made a lot of money, all of which are profits obtained through the sale of bows and crossbows. Although there is also a shortage of grain and grass, if you buy grain from the land of Bashu, it is not impossible, not to mention that Zhao Jun also promised to help train soldiers?

The second option is too radical. Of course, even if you agree, it seems that there is nothing, and the two cities will be handed over to the Zhao army to be stationed, once the Zhao army and himself turn their faces, as long as the traffic arteries are cut off, the armies of the two cities will become lonely, and they will not be able to make any waves, not to mention that these two cities are South Korea's own people, and Zhao Jun made it clear that he would not interfere in his own management, appointment, dismissal and income issues.

"Returning to the king, although Shangqing's method just now, although ingenious, it is a unique link. If this ring can be supplemented, although the envoy does not dare to say that he has absolute confidence to convince my king, the success will still be greatly improved. ”

"Oh? I wonder what is the key link that your envoy is talking about? Zhao Yong asked with interest.

"That's the crown prince."

Neither Zhao Yong nor Zhang Ping discussed Le Yi's question again, Zhao Yong asked Zhao Cheng to send Zhang Ping back to the post house, waiting for a reply, and leaving Le Yi alone.

"The matter is urgent, so I don't care about the tiredness of the journey."

The king was serious. Since this matter involves South Korea, a certain person from South Korea naturally understands better. ”

The two walked out of the main hall and talked as they walked down the hallway.

"Sir, do you think South Korea can agree to these two items?"

"It's not easy." Le Yi shook his head, looking lacking in confidence, "Now that he is leaving the phase openly, the position of the prince is not guaranteed." The public is extravagant and not indulgent, and most of them are swaying from side to side. Now that the Qin State has the upper hand, it is natural to hope to become an ally of the Qin State. Such a South Korea may not be a good thing for Zhao Guo. ”

Zhao Yong nodded, "If the crown prince is deposed, which prince has the best chance of becoming the prince?" ”

"It's Childe's Warehouse. This person is quite ambitious and sleek, and for my Zhao State, it can be regarded as respectful, but he is not as enthusiastic about resisting Qin as Prince Huan. If this person becomes the king of Han, although it is not harmful to Zhao State, it is also not beneficial, so it is more even. ”

"In other words, if the crown prince is deposed, then for Zhao State, South Korea may betray Zhao State's interests." Zhao Yong said slowly.

"That's true."

"Sir, do you mean that you have to meddle in this matter of South Korea no matter what?"

"If King Han can change his mind, it will naturally be the best."

"It's just that in this way, I'm afraid that the Qin State will be offended. It is extremely unfavorable for me to crusade against Zhongshan in the next step. Zhao Yong said worriedly. This northern neighbor seems to have shown signs of easing in the past two years, and as Sima Xi gradually excluded from the center of power, Le Chi and others, who were backed by Qi State, became more and more the opposite side of Zhao State, and they were also rearming for war, which seemed to be wrong. If it is allowed to indulge it again, I am afraid that it will be unfavorable to Zhao State, and it must be resolved as soon as possible.

But attacking Zhongshan will involve the interests of the Qi State, and the Qi State categorically did not sit idly by this time. A Qi State in front, a Qin State in the back, and a not very stable South Korea, plus a Yan State on the verge of chaos, and Wei State who don't know what to think, how to sing this play, Zhao State can get the maximum benefits, which is a huge test for Zhao Guojun and ministers.

"What a headache!" Zhao Yong smiled bitterly, "If the strength is not good, I can only swallow my anger, what can I do?" If the rhino head is here, it may be able to solve the problem. ”

Le Yi looked at Zhao Yong's helpless appearance, somewhat guilty. He is the kind of believer who deserves to be trusted with his life, and as long as someone is willing to believe in him, he decides not to betray others easily. He can understand Zhao Yong's sore spots, but he is suffering from the fact that he is not good at this kind of strategic issue, and there is really no good plan to provide to Zhao Yong. However, just because he can't solve the problem doesn't mean he can't find the key to solving the problem.

"I recommend someone to you. Although this person may not be as talented as a rhino head, his vision and insight are by no means comparable to ordinary people. You might as well see you," Le Yi said.

"Oh? I wonder who the gentleman is talking about? ”

"Well, you have to go and meet you in person, so it's appropriate." Le Yi said with a little embarrassment.