Martial arts crossing begins with the story of looking for Qin

Chapter 49 Envoy to Qi State
During this mission, Ji Yanran actually asked to go with her.

Xiang Shaolong asked, "Why do you think of going to Qi?"

Ji Yanran said: "My adoptive father, Master Zou, died of illness in Linzi a few years ago. I will go to pay respects this time. I will collect my adoptive father's works and prepare to come back and publish them."

Xiang Shaolong asked: "Master Zou is Master Zou Yan who founded the 'Five Virtues Ending and Beginning'?"

Ji Yanran said: "That's right. He studied in Jixia Academy in the era of King Xuan of Qi, and made known to the princes with the mastery of yin and yang. Later, he entered Yan and became the teacher of King Yan Zhao. Later, when the five kingdoms destroyed Qi, my foster father cherished his homeland and never let him go. Ken participated, was imprisoned by King Hui, returned to Qi State after being wronged, concentrated on finishing his studies, and died of illness in Linzi six years ago. The main purpose of my trip this time is to bring back his works and edit and publish them.” (Historical History Zou Yan died around 250 BC)
Xiang Shaolong nodded, he was not very interested in Zou Yan's theory, in his eyes, Zou Yan was closer to an alchemist.But in this era, he was indeed famous, and his theory designed a new political plan for the ruler, and was valued by various kings.

Xiang Shaolong has always believed that "what exists is reasonable", he thinks that he has only a superficial understanding of the theory of yin and yang, and the prosperity of culture is to "unleash a hundred schools of thought and contend for a hundred schools of thought".No matter what theory, Xiang Shaolong is willing to spread it, and will not be biased because of his own likes and dislikes.There are many smart people in the world, and if someone is willing to believe in his theory, it means that there is still a market for him, so Ji Yanran agrees to publish Zou Yan's theory.No matter what, the most frightening thing is that one family dominates the family, and one flower blooming alone is not spring, and a hundred flowers blooming together makes the garden full of spring.

Qin State's envoy to Qi State must pass through Wei State. Last time Xiang Shaolong was robbed and killed halfway when he was envoy to Zhao State, there was Wei State's shadow behind him.Among all the countries, Wei State was the one he was most worried about. What's more, his trip to Qi State had the intention of targeting Wei State.

So Xiang Shaolong decided to go there secretly, break it up into parts, and sneak into Linzi first with the advance troops.And his entourage was broken down into multiple teams, they just followed Xiang Shaolong not far away, they didn't know Xiang Shaolong, if there was no emergency, they would go their separate ways.

Xiang Shaolong only brought Ji Yanran and a follower with him, and rode on an ordinary bad horse, turning himself into an ordinary commoner on the road.

All the way to the outside of Linzi City safely, the advance personnel contacted Qi Xiang and won.Knowing that Xiang Shaolong was coming, Hou Sheng went out of the city to meet him personally, for fear of neglecting Xiang Shaolong.

The guests and hosts were seated in the prime minister's mansion, and Hou Sheng raised his glass first, saying: "It is a great honor for Mr. Zuo Prime Minister to go to our country as an envoy. What's even more rare is that Ji's talented girl Fang is here in person. All of my Jixia students admire me."

Ji Yanran said: "Yanran's trip is only to pay homage to her adoptive father, Master Zou. She has nothing else to do. I dare not bother Mr. Xiangguo."

Xiang Shaolong said: "I have come here this time because I have an important matter to discuss with Xiangguo." He said and took out a sample of refined salt and handed it to Housheng.

Xiang Shaolong dislikes beating around the bush the most, playing tricks to get him.This is the case with the use of troops, and so is the bribery.Go straight in, cut through the mess quickly, and don't bargain, just amplify the tricks and use money to smash the opponent to the ground.

Xiang Shaolong said: "I have the technology to produce this kind of refined salt. Unfortunately, Daqin is located in the west and lacks raw materials. I have long wanted to find a partner to make this business bigger and stronger. Since I met Xiangguo last time, I have been thinking about it. With a preliminary idea, I will provide the technology, and the rest will be handed over to Xiangguo, and I will share the profits with Xiangguo, how about it?"

Hou Sheng was overjoyed, and heard that Xiang Shaolong meant to cooperate with himself, not Qi Guo, and the difference here is quite big.

This kind of refined salt has not appeared for a few years, but unfortunately the output is small and the price is high, so it has only been circulated in the upper class.Qi State is close to the sea, and the salt industry is an important pillar industry of Qi State. They have long wanted to find this technology.But the source of the refined salt has never been found, and it was unexpectedly in Xiang Shaolong's hands.

With Qi's geographical location, how much profit he can make in the future is beyond his imagination.He didn't even think that this was Qin Guo's ulterior motives, intending to buy him, he just regarded it as a transaction between Xiang Shaolong and him, and wanted to make a fortune silently.Or maybe he thought about it, but pretended not to know.

Hou Sheng patted his chest and assured: "Master Zuo, don't worry, everything is taken care of by me."

The next day, Xiang Shaolong had an audience with Qi Wangjian at Huan Gong Terrace.

Huan Gong Terrace is the most magnificent building group in Wangdian District, located in the west of the northern part of the small town.Only more than eighty feet away from the west wall of the small city, it is a magnificent high platform.This rectangular high platform is 25 feet long from north to south, [-] feet from east to west, and more than [-] feet high. Its majestic momentum can be imagined.On the high platform, you can overlook the large square between Huan Gongtai and Jinluan Hall, which can accommodate thousands of soldiers to perform.

Huan Gong Terrace itself is very distinctive, like a flat-topped pyramid, with two floors on the top of the platform, with a steep slope in the east, west and north, and a slightly gentle south side. Low flower wall.In the middle of the top of the platform is a square platform about five feet higher. The platform is paved with patterned square bricks, which is elegant and extravagant.

Qi Wangjian, in his 30s, of medium build and ordinary appearance,

After the ceremony, Xiang Shaolong sat on the head of King Qi.

King Jian of Qi said eloquently: "Since the previous king proposed to respect the king and fight against the barbarians, my great Qi has always embraced the ambition of rejuvenating the world and uniting the princes. When the reform of the Shang Dynasty in your country, we Qi and Qin are hidden as the two great powers of the east and the west. It is beneficial to unite. , the division is harmful, and the situation is obvious."

Xiang Shaolong said: "Duke Huan cultivated politics and economy internally, and managed military equipment externally. He established Qi's hegemony in one fell swoop, and saved the Central Plains by resisting the barbarians and Didi. Those who are good at fighting are invincible. The contribution lies in the country. I have always admired it. In the flourishing culture, it is the leader of all countries. Shaolong came here with a learning attitude and came to pilgrimage. The prosperity of Qi’s literary style is far better than that of Daqin. I intend to follow the example of Jixia Academy and run a school for my Daqin. , I have come here to learn from the scriptures, and I hope that your majesty will not hesitate to teach you."

King Qi was overjoyed to see Xiang Shaolong's humble attitude.Since the state of Qi was almost destroyed, his mentality immediately became a little timid. He was immersed in the glory of the past all day long, talking empty talk, timid to attack, and facing Qiang Qin, he became more and more afraid.

Xiang Shaolong chatted with the King of Qi one after another, at this time a close minister walked up to the king's platform, knelt down and presented a letter to the King of Qi, and said a few words.

The King of Qi was surprised when he heard that, he looked towards Xiang Shaolong and said, "Mr. Cao said that there is a silk letter, please pass it on to the general."

King Qi sent his courtiers to deliver the letter to Xiang Shaolong.

After Xiang Shaolong took out the silk book and read it, he smiled and said, "Mr. Cheng Cao thinks highly of it. It will be a great honor for General Yue Mo to compete in the Star Observation Platform of Jixia Academy in three days' time."

Jixia sword sage Cao Qiudao, Xiang Shaolong are like thunder, every martial arts practitioner has a totem in their minds, Cao Qiudao is the totem figure in the minds of warriors of this era.

If it was other masters who challenged Xiang Shaolong, Xiang Shaolong would simply ignore it, and his status would not pass.

Xiang Shaolong is the left minister, the top general, or the crown prince, so not everyone can challenge him.

But Cao Qiudao is different, he belongs to No.1 in the industry, and is fundamentally different from other so-called masters, he can completely ignore other status restrictions.Wen Wu is the first, Wu Wu is the second, in the swordsman industry, he is the emperor, Xiang Shaolong must accept his challenge.

King Qi's heart was shocked and his face turned pale.Cao Qiudao, as the master of the king, has a supernatural status, if he does not know the severity of his attack and kills Xiang Shaolong, it will be a disaster for the Qi country.

Back at the Prime Minister's Mansion, Hou Sheng was also worried, and asked, "Does Master Zuo know Mr. Cao? Mr. Cao's swordsmanship is extraordinary, and it is difficult for even the king to influence him."

Xiang Shaolong said: "I don't know Mr. Cao. I have admired Mr. Cao as a sword master for a long time. I didn't expect him to challenge me."

Xiang Shaolong was also very surprised, as the number one expert in the world, shouldn't he just sit at home and wait for someone to come and challenge him?Why are you still interested in yourself?Isn't he afraid that Qi State will offend me, Da Qin?
Ji Yanran interjected: "He is Han Jie's master, so it's normal to challenge you."

Xiang Shaolong was taken aback for a moment, he forgot about Han Jie.At that time, Lu Buwei also mentioned that Han Jie was Cao Qiudao's disciple, but Han Jie was really an insignificant person to him, and he didn't think about this matter at all when he came to Qi this time.

Seeing that Xiang Shaolong was stunned, Ji Yanran asked, "You don't know that Han Jie is Cao Qiudao's disciple, do you?"

Xiang Shaolong said: "I know, I know, but I forgot about it."

Ji Yanran was very helpless, she really didn't know whether Xiang Shaolong was confused or out-of-mind, and asked, "So how much do you know about Cao Qiudao?"

Xiang Shaolong said: "I only know that he is known as the sword master and invincible in the world, but I don't know anything else."

Ji Yanran said: "In today's world, when it comes to swordsmanship, no one ranks higher than Cao Qiudao, who is known as the Sword Master of Jixia and calls himself Mr. Wangyou. Cao Qiudao opened a dojo in Jixia, and the acceptance of disciples is extremely strict, so There are no more than a hundred apprentices. It is said that he once told the king of Qi that among the apprentices he accepted, only three had received his true biography, and one of them was this Han Jie. Go to Qi to challenge Cao Qiudao and cut off his tail finger. If Cao Qiudao makes a move, he will either die or be injured, so be careful."

Xiang Shaolong asked, "How old is he?"

Ji Yanran said: "He became famous very early, at least 60 years old."

Xiang Shaolong said: "Old people don't rely on their muscles and bones. Fist is afraid of being young. Even if he was invincible in the world, but after all, he is old and weak, so I have nothing to fear."

60 years old is considered a long life in this day and age.Although Xiang Shaolong has done a lot of mundane things these years, he practiced unceasingly every day, and now he is in the peak state of his body, how could he be frightened by an old man.

Ji Yanran said: "Don't be careless, Guan Zhongxie is probably the most powerful in Xianyang at present. His master was defeated by Cao Qiudao, Han Jie's reputation was not weaker than Guan Zhongxie when he first arrived in Xianyang, but It fell into your hands by accident. From this inference, Cao Qiudao must have lived up to his reputation, I heard that he is best at health and Qi training, and his physical strength is probably not weaker than that of young people."

(End of this chapter)