Sinjeong, South Korea. The arrival of Su Dai, the envoy of the Chu State, made the Korean court surging undercurrent, whether to rescue the Chu State or not, because the ministers were arguing fiercely, and the King of Han was not sure for a while.

The ministers were divided into two factions, one faction thought that Qi and Wei would attack Chu, and Chu would inevitably be unable to resist, and if South Korea did not rescue Chu and lose the heart of Chu, the other was afraid that Qi and Wei would be unfavorable to South Korea after the strength skyrocketed. This kind of opinion became even more popular after Su Dai released the remark that "if Korea is unwilling to save it, the state of Chu can only fall to the state of Zhao". The ministers who held this opinion were represented by Prime Minister Zhang Ping, Pawn Guest Chen Zhen, and Si Kou Sima De.

The other faction firmly believed that Qi and Wei were originally friendly with South Korea, and if South Korea sent troops to rescue Chu, then Qi and Wei would definitely hold a grudge against South Korea and be unwise. On the contrary, even if the state of Chu fell to the state of Zhao, and Korea had the two countries of Qi and Wei as allies, and befriended the state of Yan to the north, the state of Chu would not have to worry. As for the worry that Qi and Wei would deviate from Korea after the national strength of the two countries increased dramatically, these people proposed to take the opportunity to send troops to the south, attack the Chu State, and carve up the Chu State. As a result, the national strength of Han, Wei, and Qi has increased, and South Korea has become the head of the three countries. Imperial Historian Fan Sui, Taiwei Storm Kite, and Zongzheng Han Ze are representatives of this opinion.

After listening to the opinions of his ministers, King Han did not immediately make a decision on whether to rescue Chu, but announced that he would give a final decision the next day. This made the ministers look at each other for a while. King Han's character is resolute and resolute, and he is good at making decisions, why he showed hesitation this time, and the ministers are puzzled. However, if high-ranking officials such as the Three Princes and Jiuqing have realized, they said in their hearts that this is most likely because King Han wants his ministers to take this opportunity to ponder whether the opinions they insist on are right or wrong. After all, King Han intended to unify the opinions of his ministers and then prohibit it, rather than acting arbitrarily. Although many times, King Han's arbitrariness proved King Han right.

in the back garden. King Han looked at the plum blossoms blooming in the snow not far away, and his thoughts were surging. The Wei State already had the intention of becoming self-reliant, and this news was only known to the three princes and nine secretaries. The prime minister's thoughts are very well understood, since the Wei State already has a heart of disobedience, South Korea is just trying to win over the Chu State and knock on the Wei State. Fan Sui's mind also understands it. Since Korea and Wei could not be allies, it was better to take advantage of the fact that Wei and Qi had attracted most of the attention of Chu and divide their troops to attack Chu. As long as Korea is willing, the benefits that Korea can earn are far greater than the benefits that Wei can get. Why not?!

Just adopting the former would give South Korea a bad name for "unbelief and unrighteousness." After all, everyone in the world knows that Wei is dependent on South Korea, and there is no fault for it, and it is inappropriate for South Korea to make a big move against Wei for the sake of a Chu state.

If the latter is adopted, South Korea's center of gravity will have to develop to the south. More importantly, the state of Chu, a country that is becoming more and more frustrated, is the most resentful, as long as the superior gives the lower one some fairness and benefits, the Chu army will burst out with unstoppable combat effectiveness. Although Chu has three households, the death of Qin will be Chu. Wang Jian used 600,000 of the most elite soldiers and horses of the Qin army to destroy Chu, and Korea is far from having that many troops now. If you offend the state of Chu, the state of Chu will be used by Qin and Zhao, Korea will make enemies on three sides, and the state of Wei in the east will also have evil intentions. It's also inappropriate!

King Han, who has been calculating the general trend of the world, is immersed in his own thinking and is completely unaware. Queen Ji Miao came over with a few palace maids.

Ji Miao stopped the eunuch who wanted to salute with his eyes, and slowly walked behind King Han in the pavilion, and draped the mink fur in his hand on King Han. From Ji Miao's point of view, King Han's face flickered brightly and darkly, frowning for a while and stretching for a while, which was really distressing. The snowflakes whipped up by the breeze hit King Han's face from time to time. But King Han didn't notice it at all, and it wasn't until Mink Qiu added his body that King Han realized that there was an uninvited guest behind him.

Turning around slowly, King Han squeezed out a smile and said, "Miao'er is here!" ”

Ji Miao's face turned red. King Han hasn't called his name for a long time, and in front of everyone, King Han often has a straight face, doesn't smile, and calls himself "queen". King Han is in charge of political affairs, and the prince is young and the most clingy, and the two always get together less and leave more. But seeing King Han's tired look, Ji Miao just subconsciously felt distressed: "What troubles did the king encounter again?" ”

King Han shook his head, caught a glimpse of the plum blossoms not far away, and suddenly got up and stood up. In Ji Miao's unclear surprise, King Han held a plum in his hand and handed it to Ji Miao.

"The widow almost forgot that Miao'er likes plum blossoms the most. At this time, the plum blossoms in Jicheng are the most beautiful and beautiful! It's a pity that the widow really doesn't have time to accompany Miao'er to the northern Xinjiang to enjoy the flowers, this plum blossom represents the widow's apology! Ji Miao's voice came from King Han's ears.

Ji Miao's face was filled with joy, and she said with a smile: "The king has every opportunity, and he has no leisure time to accompany our mother and son, and these concubines naturally understand." The king worked so hard, and it was also for the millions of people in South Korea. However, although state affairs are important, the king's body is even more important in the eyes of his concubines. The concubine just went to Baoshan Zhai to boil a bowl of ginseng soup for the king, so how about ordering someone to serve it? ”

King Han took Ji Miao's hand and said with relief: "Okay! All widows listen to you. ”

Ji Miao smiled slyly at King Han like a pet, beckoned her personal maid over, and instructed her to bring the ginseng soup. Taking advantage of this gap, the two talked about Lamei and Feixue outside the pavilion.

"If the concubine has a sentence, I don't know if I should ask it?" After King Han finished drinking the ginseng soup, Ji Miao said boldly.

King Han smiled after hearing this, and replied: "You and I are husband and wife, what else can't be said between husband and wife." Miao'er, just ask. Hmm, let the widow guess first, is Miao'er asking about political affairs? ”

Ji Miao nodded and said, "King Shengming!" The concubines heard that the people in the palace were talking in private, and the ministers of the previous dynasty were indifferent about the Chu State's request for help, and the king could not make a decision. ”

King Han frowned, the people in the palace were too bold, and they dared to discuss state affairs in private, it seemed that they were too benevolent and righteous, and this harem needed to be rectified. Otherwise, I don't know which day I will infiltrate the fine work of the Qin State?! Is this still worth it?!

Ji Miao thought that King Han was reluctant to ask about it, so he hurriedly said, "The concubine has lost her word. ”

King Han waved his hand and said with a smile: "No, Miao'er, you are too worried." As for whether to rescue the Chu State or not, the ministers are indeed indifferent, and the widow is worried about this matter in his heart! ”

Ji Miao didn't think about it, and replied: "The concubine thinks so." It's not difficult. If the state of Chu wants the king to send troops, it will definitely promise some benefits, right? If this benefit is great, the king can make Wei and Qi withdraw their troops. Anyway, Wei and Qi are both allies of South Korea, so I think that the king of Wei and the king of Qi will not sell the king's face. After all, no matter how weak the Chu State is, if it is bullied miserably, other countries will not sit idly by. Wei and Qi also took advantage of it. If the fight continues, it will not be good for either side. ”

King Han nodded thoughtfully, and said: "The state of Chu intends to use the Sui Yi in the upper reaches of the water and the mian (three sounds) plug under the Tongbai Mountain as a bargaining chip in exchange for our troops, Miao'er, do you think this benefit is great?" ”

Ji Miao secretly thought, north of Suiyi is Tongbai Mountain, and south of Dahong Mountain. The road is inconvenient. The west of Exi has just been exchanged by the state of Chu with South Korea for Qianzhong, which is the territory of South Korea. Suiyi is not a big place, only 50 miles in radius. But the important thing is that it is closing. If you go north from Huangsai to Runan-gun, you can go directly to Sangjae, the seat of the county seat of Runan, and the distance is roughly the same as Wancheng, the seat of Nanyang, which will help Korea establish a three-dimensional defense.

Thinking of this, Ji Miao smiled and said, "The concubine thinks." This gift is big enough. To the north of the Huai River is the Huai River, and the other side of the Huai River is the land of the king. Just looking at the fact that the plug can communicate Nanyang and Runan, it is a big benefit. If they get to the city, the merchants of Yingchuan can go south through Yingshui or Rushui, and go to Yingdu or Yancheng through Yingshui, saving time and effort. The same is true with the use of soldiers. There is no need to take a detour to Sanchuan and take the land route. ”

King Han nodded silently, and he also saw the benefits. But this gift is really hard to receive! Do what the queen says, one is not appropriate. For example, if Wei and Qi do not listen to South Korea's "initiative" and are unwilling to call off the army and truce, then South Korea will lose its prestige, and in order to preserve South Korea's prestige, a major war is inevitable. King Han didn't want to be tied to the chariot of Chu State.

Seeing that King Han was silent, Ji Miao guessed that most of the King Han also had his own hidden worries. But she believes that her man has always been decisive, and since King Han can manage Korea from a land of three counties to a country of eight counties, he will definitely make a wise decision. King Han is just analyzing the pros and cons now, and it is difficult to choose.

"Your Majesty! There is a give-and-take! If you are too obsessed with petty profits, you will be easily taken advantage of by other countries! Ji Miao said softly.

King Han was stunned for a moment, nodded with a smile, and said meaningfully: "The authorities are confused, the bystanders are clear, the queen can rest assured!" The widow knows what to do. ”

The eunuch Ling walked in cautiously at this time, bowed down and said, "Your Majesty, Wei Zhe, the lieutenant of Hanzhong County, is asking to see you outside!" ”

King Han nodded and looked at Ji Miao apologetically. Ji Miao knew that today's conversation could only end here, so she got up and saluted: "The concubine will retire first!" ”

King Han bowed his head and said, "Wait a while, the widow will go to the queen's palace to eat!" ”

Ji Miao's face was overjoyed, and she said, "Then the concubine will welcome the king!" After speaking, Shi Shiran retreated. After a while, the eunuch Ling walked in with the dusty Wei Zhe.

"Chen Wei Zhe has seen the king!" Wei Zhe shook his face and said without humility or arrogance.

Wei Zhe of the Han Dynasty nodded encouragingly and said with a smile: "Aiqing has worked hard all the way!" What is the situation in Hanzhong? Did the Qin State add to the chaos? ”

During the annual court meeting, because of the close proximity of Hanzhong to Guanzhong, in order to prevent the Qin State from taking advantage of the situation to sneak attack, only Feng Ting, the county guard of Hanzhong County, returned to Xinzheng, and Wei Zhe stayed in Nanzheng Town to guard Hanzhong. After Feng Ting returned to Nanzheng, the two sides handed over the relevant matters, and Wei Zhe returned to Xinzheng to report on his work. This time and again, it was already late February.

"Back to the king, around the New Year, the ministers captured dozens of fine works of the Qin State and wiped out the strongholds of the Qin State in Nanzheng. Since then, the state of Qin has been much more honest. Although there are still small movements, it is already a mustard problem. ”

"Hmmm! Having said that, Aiqing must not be careless. Thinking that the Qin State came from a remote place in Longxi, and could dominate the world for more than a hundred years, Gai Mo was the result of conscientious and hard work. Although the Qin State is currently dormant in the pass, it is like a dragon trapped in the shallows, but it should not be underestimated. Hanzhong is related to the safety of the two counties of Bashu, and it is also the western barrier of Nanyang's grain and grass land, so there can be no mistakes. It was because of our carelessness that the Qin State was attacked and occupied by us, and we can't make the same mistake. ”

Wei Zhe nodded again and again, and replied respectfully: "The king's words must be kept in mind. ”

Seeing Wei Zhe's stern face, King Han knew that his point to the other party was indeed not contrary to yang and yin, and he was also relieved. South Korea's successive victories naturally permeate an atmosphere of pride. The sense of pride has increased, and even the arrogance and no one in the eyes have appeared. The king of Han intends to kill this trend, so whoever only reports good news and does not report bad news, and sings praises all day long, the king of Han is respectful and far away, or ascending and descending secretly or "shelving the cabinet".

"Now Zhao Guo is a Yan. Qi Guozhuyan; Wei attacked Chu, and Qi helped Wei. The king of Chu sent envoys to Xinzheng to lobby for the rescue of the widows. The ministers are more than strife, those who say yes, those who say that they go south to attack Chu, Aiqing thinks that it is for Korea, how should the widow deal with himself? Han Wang threw out this year's question.

This is also a feature of South Korea's New Deal, South Korea's assessment of 2,000 stone of high-ranking officials is divided into two aspects, one is the one-year contribution under his rule. At the local level, how much the population has increased, how much money and food have increased, and so on, these are hard indicators; In the case of the central government, it depends on the tasks completed under the administration, and there are different standards for different departments. This is one of them, and the other is the king's arbitrary strategy. or people's livelihood or military, or on a case-by-case basis or on a wide range of topics. And so on. Like now, in view of Wei Zhe's identity as a military commander, talking about it is just the current situation, which is appropriate and appropriate.

On the way here, Wei Zhe knew about the chaotic situation in the world. Enter Xinzheng. From time to time, I also heard the news that Chu Guo came to Xinzheng to ask for help from South Korea. Wei Zhe naturally thought about this question, and now that King Han asked, Wei Zhe only groaned slightly, and then said slowly: "The minister thinks that it is easy to save Chu." It is difficult for Qi and Wei to covet the heart of Chu; It is easy to cut down Chu, but it is difficult to destroy Qin and Zhao. ”

King Han smiled but said nothing, waiting for Wei Zhe's next high talk.

"Qi and Wei are pro-Han, and the world knows it! Today, the cause of the Wei State is the Chu State of Qi, if there is no matter of the Chu State of Qi, why would the Wei State attack Chu?! If the king listens to the words of Chu and uses troops to Huaishui, then Qin and Zhao will be happy. Why? If the land of Huaisi is good for the Chu country, then Han will lose Qi and the heart of Wei! The name of Korean benevolence and righteousness is also lost! And this, South Korea is not with Zhao Hao in the north, Qin Huan in the west, Qi and Wei in the east, and all the countries in the world, only Yan and Chu can be foreign aid. The state of Chu is heavy on profit and light on (big) power, and one country is willing to cede land to make friends with Chu, while South Korea is making enemies on all sides, and it is afraid that there will be a disaster of overthrowing the country! Even if Qi and Wei did not hold a grudge and turned their backs on Korea, Chu could not coexist with Qi and Wei. Why? Wei and Qi are neighbors to the north and Yan and Zhao to the north, and look to Korea to the west. Zhao and Han are strong, and Wei and Qi are invincible; Yan is weak, and it is an alliance (friend) of the two countries. If Qi and Wei wanted to expand their territory, they could only go south to attack Chu. Even if the king saves the state of Chu this time, the next time, the next time, he can't stop it! The so-called when a person's wealth is like killing a wife and concubine, endure it today, endure it tomorrow, and rise up the day after tomorrow to resist tyranny! If South Korea wants to save Chu, if it blocks the financial routes of Qi and Wei, how long can Qi and Wei endure it? Therefore, it is easy for the ministers to save Chu, but it is difficult for Qi and Wei to covet the heart of Chu. ”

After a slight pause, Wei Zhe sighed: "However, the minister boldly speculated that the reason why the Qi State attracted the Wei State to attack Chu was not to ask for help from our Korea, I am afraid that it has the heart of self-reliance." Not rescuing the Chu State is just to earn a righteous name and maintain the alliance of Han, Wei, and Qi. In today's Warring States world, etiquette and music are broken, and the princes do not say what is righteous, since the king wants to level the world with the way of the overlord, this righteous word cannot be lost. What's more, the minister thought that the king of Chu was profitable. The last thing that the profiteers do not allow is that their interests are infringed, and the king of Chu was angry and raised hundreds of thousands of troops to the Northern Expedition, which was as easy as a snap. Why didn't the king lead the three kingdoms of Chu, Wei, and Qi to compete and reap the benefits of the fisherman? ”

King Han nodded and asked, "Then Aiqing means not to rescue the Chu State, nor to crusade against the Chu State, and let the Three Kingdoms fight?" But in this case, Chu State will fall to Zhao State, Zhao State is my Korean rival, with the help of Chu State, the pressure on our South Korea will be much greater, right? ”

In the eyes of King Han, he wanted to maintain the alliance with Wei and Qi as much as possible, and also wanted to protect the interests of Chu. This is a thing that cannot be both, but Han Wang always feels that there is a way to have the best of both worlds. However, at the moment, it seems that unless South Korea uses a large number of swords to scare Wei and Qi and make them dare not betray South Korea, there is no way at all.

"Yan and Qi have formed an alliance, and Zhao has suffered from the trouble of the abdomen and back, and is already at a disadvantage against our South Korea. The so-called way of others to govern their bodies, Zhao State to win over Chu State, let them make trouble behind our backs is understandable! However, the minister thinks that this is precisely our opportunity for Korea. Wei Zhe explained confidently.

"I want to hear about it!" King Han said eagerly.

"Now the king sits on the land of eight counties, resisting Zhao in the north, resisting the tyrannical Qin in the west, making friends with Wei in the east, and connecting the heart of Chu in the south. In a few years, the king wants to expand his territory, where should he go? To the west and north, there are many resistances, and to the east, once Wei is attacked, the countries will inevitably come to the rescue. Only to the south, through the Chu country is the right way. But every time the king sends troops, he is famous, and the state of Chu does not offend our place in Korea, but treats the king with great courtesy, what reason should the king take to attack the state of Chu? It is better to let the state of Chu take the initiative to turn away from Korea, and the king can capture the capital of Yingdu in a grand manner, and force the state of Chu to move the capital to avoid the edge. (To be continued......)

PS: Leave a cliffhanger