Yan country, Jicheng.

King Yan did not follow the Gong Xiu Immortal on the river today, but like Qin Wangji, he was lying on a rocking chair basking in the sun.

At this time, it was the end of spring and the beginning of summer, even in the northernmost Yan country, the weather had warmed up, but Yan Wang was still covered with a thick blanket, his pale face occasionally showed abnormal blood, his eyes were cloudy, and he coughed a few times from time to time.

Jiang Qu looked at King Yan in a complicated way, in all fairness, King Yan was not a qualified monarch, and he ignored the government and politics during his reign, and only cultivated immortals.

But for him, it is like a mountain.

Without the trust of King Yan, there would be no current Jiangqu.

Jiang Qu was grateful to King Yan in his heart.

Seeing that King Yan was terminally ill, Jiang Qu couldn't help but feel grief in his heart.

"King, the State of Qin has sent an envoy." After a while, Jiang Qu leaned over and said.

"What are you going to do?" King Yan slowly turned sideways.

"Invite us to attack Zhao together." Jiang Qu said.

"Attack Zhao State? What does Sangkook think? King Yan didn't wait for Jiangqu to answer, and then waved his hand and said, "There is no shortage of people, Xiangguo will deal with it himself." ”

"Old minister...... Retirement. Jiang Qu sighed deeply and turned to leave the palace.

Back in the mansion, the general asked the canal to summon the Qin envoy.

"The Qin envoy also knows that my Yan country is located in a remote area, my strength is weak, and I have been humiliated by Zhao State repeatedly, and if Zhao State does not use troops against my Yan country, my Yan country is very grateful, how dare I take the initiative to attack Zhao country?" Jiang Qu smiled bitterly.

If there is a chance, Jiang Qu will definitely not mind taking revenge and taking back the land lost by the Yan State from the hands of the Zhao State.

But reason told him that even if Qin contained part of Zhao's forces, Yan was not Zhao's opponent.

Yan State was originally located in the north, the land was not fertile, agriculture was not developed, and commerce was not good, and a few years ago it lost 250,000 young people, how could it be qualified to fight with Zhao State.

If it weren't for the civil strife of the Hu people in the north and their inability to invade the border of Yan State, even if Zhao State was completely empty, Yan State would not be able to draw troops to go south.

"Didn't Xiang Guo think that if Yan Guo didn't attack Zhao State, Zhao State wouldn't do anything to Yan State? Instead of passively facing the enemy, it is better to take the initiative. In addition to Zaixia, my Qin State also sent envoys to Qi and Chu, even if Zhao is strong, it is not an opponent of our four countries. Qin Envoy said in a deep voice.

"Isn't the messenger a fool? Mo said that the Zhao State has not attacked my Yan Kingdom, even if it is really attacked, can defending the city be the same as taking the initiative to attack? Besides, the elite of the Zhao army, I'm afraid that the Qin army is inferior in field battles, not to mention my Yan country. Other than that...... The Qin envoy dared to guarantee that the Qi State and the Chu State would definitely agree to send troops? Jiang Qu sneered.

He had seen the military strength of Zhao State, and when more than 10,000 cavalry rushed towards him, he couldn't afford to resist at all.

Compared with Zhao Jun, Yan Jun is as weak as a child.

If it is to use the city wall to defend and weaken the advantage of the cavalry of the Zhao State, Jiang Qu still has some confidence. But if it is a tough encounter in the wild, Yan Guo is definitely not Zhao Guo's opponent.

The Qin State just wanted to use the Yan State to contain the Zhao State.

Although he agreed to unite with Qin to fight against Zhao, it was impossible for him to betray the interests of Yan to serve Qin.

"Since this is the case, then I have no choice but to go back and advise the king to withdraw his troops. It's just that...... I, the Qin State, can withdraw to the Guannei, I don't know where the Yan State can withdraw......" The Qin envoy shook his head with a pretended regret and got up to leave.

"Wait." Jiang Qu hurriedly said.

The most touching words are the truth, and what Qin Envoy said was the truth.

Although Zhao Guo has not attacked Yan State now, Jiang Qu knows that Zhao State will attack Yan State sooner or later.

Just like Han Wei knew that as long as Qin Guo had the opportunity, he would definitely fight himself.

Because there is no other choice.

To the south and southwest of Zhao is the ally Wei State, and to the east is the marriage Qi State, only the Yan State has nothing to do with the Zhao State, but has a lot of grudges, and the strength is the weakest.

If he is the king of Zhao, he will also choose to attack the Yan Kingdom.

"If the Qin State can persuade the Qi State and the Chu State to send troops, my Yan State will take a gamble." Jiang Qu gritted his teeth and said.

It is impossible for Yan Guo to face Zhao Guo alone.

But if there is the addition of Qi and Chu, they may really be able to regain the lost territory and even counterattack Zhao.

……

Compared with the impoverished Yan Kingdom, the Qi Kingdom is much better.

In addition to the fact that there is no natural danger, the geographical environment belongs to the world's first-class, the land is fertile, there are few floods, and there are the benefits of fishing and salt, and the cultural and academic atmosphere is strong.

In ancient times, if the imperial court wanted to restore its national strength, or make the country and the people rich, there was a very simple way, that is, to toss less, or even not toss.

If the court does not toss, there is no need to levy conscription, and conscription will kill people. Without forced labor, the people could farm at home in peace, and there would be no complaints against the court.

If the court does not toss, the officials below will have no excuse to exploit the people.

As long as there are no major natural disasters, the food grown is absolutely enough for the family to eat, and there is a surplus after paying taxes, so they will naturally become rich.

That is what Taoism calls the rule of inaction.

The Tao Te Ching has a saying, "Too high, the lower knows it." Secondly, it is praised by relatives. Secondly, fear it. Secondly, humiliation. ”

In other words, the best way to govern a country is when the people below only know that there is such a leader. The level is a little worse, but the people below are close to praising this leader. What's worse is that I'm afraid of this leader. The worst part is that everyone scolds this thing.

Interestingly, it is not a high level.

Empress Dowager Qi was not born in a famous family, but by chance, Linzi was broken by Le Yi, and King Qi Xiang, who was a prince, hid in her house as a servant, and finally the two fell in love with each other and made a private lifelong commitment.

When Tiandan returned to Qi, the down-and-out King Qi Xiang became the King of Qi, and he did not forget his bad wife, and the Empress Dowager Qi became the queen.

As a woman, it is naturally impossible for Empress Dowager Qi to learn how to govern the country from an early age. She knew that her ability was limited, and if she didn't have someone to help her, it would be impossible to govern the Qi country well.

After being so tired that she fell ill once, the Empress Dowager Qi chose the path that was most suitable for herself and the most suitable for the Qi country, that is, to cure by inaction.

Facts have proven that unless there is a cross-era vision of development, the rule of inaction is indeed the best way to restore national strength.

In just a few years, the country of Qi has completely walked out of the haze of defeat, the people live and work in peace and contentment, and there are many dogs barking and chickens crowing in the countryside, and children running.

Merchants also gathered in Linzi, bringing a large amount of commercial taxes to the Qi State.

After having money, the Empress Dowager Qi learned from Zhao Guo to start building roads, this time she did not levy conscription, but chose to spend money to recruit workers, and it was the same as Zhao Guo.

The people don't hate to work, they hate to be free to serve as a conscript, and to bring their own food, and if there is a salary, everyone is still happy.

These years have been the fastest developing years after the restoration of Qi.

But there is a prerequisite for inaction, and that is that the external environment must be stable.

If someone comes to beat you twice in three days, or if you want to beat someone twice in three days, it is impossible to do nothing.

Empress Dowager Qi is very satisfied with the current situation of Qi Guo, she does not toss, her son has a weak personality, and she does not like to toss, and her grandson will succeed to the throne in a few decades, at least she can leave a solid foundation for her grandson.

The main thing is that the grandson is still young, and there is still salvation.

Now that Empress Dowager Qi is no longer so tired, she has a goal, and with her grandson by her side, her complexion is better than before.

"Sister, the State of Qin has sent an envoy?" On this day, Empress Dowager Qi was teaching her grandson to read, and Hou Sheng walked in.

"Qin State? They want to invite me to send troops from Qi to Zhao State? "Empress Dowager Qi frowned slightly, she just sent the envoy of Zhao State away, and the State of Qin sent a messenger again, which is really interesting.

"Not bad." Hou Sheng nodded.

"No, let them go back." Empress Dowager Qi said unhappily, "In the future, as long as it is an envoy who comes to invite me to send troops from Qi country, he will not be seen, no matter which country." ”

Whether it is the Qin State or the Zhao State, they all have bad stomachs, and the Qi State has suffered enough losses, and it is not easy to stabilize for a few years, and it must not be mixed in.

As for whether it will offend the two countries, Empress Dowager Qi is not worried.

Qin Qi is east and west, separated by thousands of miles, and it is impossible for Qin to send troops to attack Qi alone.

And Zhao is the marriage of Qi, although the relationship between the two countries is not good, but it can barely get by, and every year Qi sends gifts to King Zhao.

However, what the Empress Dowager Qi didn't know was that all the gifts given by Qi Guo to Zhao Kuo fell into his brother's pocket, and even Zhao Guo took a lot.

Hou Sheng, as an uncle of the country, never bullied men and women, and his biggest hobby in this life is gold and silver treasures.

"Okay, I'll go back and tell the Qin envoy." Hou Sheng turned around and left very neatly, and did not say good things for the Qin State, although he accepted the gift from the Qin State.

Qin and Zhao are enemies, Zhao Guo also gave gifts last time, and he gave more than Qin Guo, he didn't say good things for Zhao Guo, so naturally he can't say good things for Qin Guo this time.

He still has this work ethic.

"It's not convenient for me to go out of the palace as a woman, if you are okay recently, help me inquire about where there are famous people in Qi Country, I plan to find a teacher for the prince." Empress Dowager Qi called Hou Sheng.

She understands that after all, it is limited, and the prince is growing up, and he also needs a teacher.

"Why don't I teach the prince?" Hou Sheng's eyes lit up, he was used to being the uncle of the monarch, and it was not bad to be a prince teacher, and he would be the monarch's teacher in the future.

This is the highest honor for a scholar.

"I don't know what level you are? Still want to teach the prince? You teach yourself well first. Empress Dowager Qi reprimanded angrily.

"I ...... I don't teach anymore. I will definitely find a good teacher for the prince. Hou Sheng shrank his head, from childhood to adulthood, he was not afraid of heaven and earth, but he was afraid of his sister.

"When you are usually fine, eat and drink less with those who are not careful, you are now the uncle of the country, don't lose the face of the palace. Read more books, and I'll be able to let you do something. What Qi Guo is like now, you also know that my sister hopes that you can stand up and help your sister. Empress Dowager Qi sighed, with sadness in her words.

Her husband died early, her son was young, her younger brother was still a gentleman, and she supported the entire Qi country alone.

Who knows how she's come through all these years!

"Brother...... Remembered. After a while, Hou Sheng nodded firmly.

Looking at Hou Sheng's back, Empress Dowager Qi sighed again, this is not the first time Hou Sheng has guaranteed, I hope it can be improved.

Then he suddenly smiled, what happened to him today, he would believe that her brother would change his ways, it was ridiculous, let's put my hope on my grandson.

……

The envoy to the state of Chu was happier than the previous two, at least he had seen the king of Chu.

Although no matter how much he spoke, he even told the king of Chu that as long as the state of Chu sent troops, the state of Qin could return a few cities.

The state of Chu did not agree to send troops.

After sending off the envoy, Huang Xie came to the palace, where the king of Chu was holding his month-old son and smirking.

It's not the first time I've seen this scene Huang Xie, since he had a son, the king of Chu has been like a demon, holding his son all day long and laughing, and he is not too tired.

"Great King, now that the Qin State and the Three Jin Dynasty are at war, it is an opportunity for my Chu State." Huang Xie clenched his fists and said.

"Didn't you say that you wouldn't get involved in the war between Qin and Zhao?" The king of Chu handed over his son to the maid and motioned for Huang Xie to sit casually.

Whether it was the previous Zhao State inviting the Chu State to attack the Qin State, or the Qin State inviting the Chu State to attack the Zhao State.

The state of Chu refused.

Qin and Zhao are the two strongest countries in the world, while Chu ranks third in strength, and no matter which country wins, it is not a good thing for Chu.

What the King of Chu wants to see most is that Qin and Zhao are both defeated!

"Not to participate in the war between Qin and Zhao, but to destroy Lu. At this time, all countries are fighting and are unable to take care of our Chu country, and our Chu country should seize the opportunity to strengthen itself. Huang Xie is colored.

At this time, there are not many places in the world that can be used for the expansion of the Chu State, and it can even be said that there are only a handful, except for those powerful princes, only the Wei State and the Lu State are left, and the Wei State does not border the Chu State, so the Chu State can only attack the Lu State.

Moreover, in the previous war, the state of Chu had already captured most of the territory of the state of Lu, leaving only a few cities such as Qufu, which could be destroyed overnight.

When the time comes, it will not be too late to pick up some cheap from the Qin-Zhao War according to the situation.

"Xiangguo is right, Qin Zhao has another big war, which is the opportunity for my Chu State to rise." King Chu glanced at his newborn son, and his whole body was full of energy.

"King, the country of Lu is just a small country. Why don't you send some young generals to experience it? Compared with Qin and Zhao, there are too few famous generals in our Chu State who can lead troops to fight. Huang Xie said.

"Then let Xiang Yan's kid be the boss, he fought well in the previous battle, and then select a few young people to be deputy generals, and pull the newly recruited soldiers to the battlefield to experience and experience, and strive to train them into elite soldiers." The king of Chu is as good as a stream.

"In addition, there is one more thing. The Yue Kingdom has died, and there are only three nobles left in Jiangdong, and all the others have died at the hands of the Yue Kingdom. The imperial court could move some nobles from the Huaisi region to Jiangdong to weaken their influence, and it was also convenient to find out their acres, and punish the nobles who seriously encroached on the fields. Huang Xie said.

If the state of Chu wants to really rise, and the king of Chu wants to hold real power, he must weaken the nobility.

The king of Chu has been doing this, but he doesn't make a big move, and he doesn't dare to make a big move, and Huang Xie plans to take advantage of the annexation of Yue to weaken some nobles.

"I'm afraid the nobles won't agree." King Chu shook his head.

"What if the minister is willing to take the initiative to move the fief to Jiangdong?" Huang Xie said slowly. He is the biggest feudal monarch of Chu State, if even he moves his fief, what face will the rest of the nobles oppose.

"Xiangguo...... You ......" King Chu looked at Huang Xie with great emotion.

"For the sake of the Chu State, what is the minister's personal interests." Huang Xie is very free and easy.