Heaven rewards those who work hard: There is no bottleneck in my martial arts

Chapter 202 Zhao Guo cedes thirty cities

"It's work!"

Zhang Yi's attitude was very respectful, without any arrogance or pride. He showed a maturity that he should not have at his age, which Jia Qifang, a novice, did not dare to underestimate.

He motioned for Zhang Yi to follow him, and his attitude became more and more harmonious.

After walking for a while from the palace, Zhang Yi heard the subtle chirping of birds and the sound of gurgling water in the distance.

In front of him was a beautiful royal garden located within the Zhao Kingdom Palace.

The garden is very elegantly arranged, and every flower bed, stone step, pavilion, and pond is very elegant. As soon as you walk in here, you feel like you are in a paradise.

The trees are shady and the branches and leaves are hanging on the corridor.

The flower beds are filled with all kinds of flowers, and the colorful petals sparkle in the sun.

Looking around, the sea of ​​flowers in full bloom forms a sharp contrast with the solemnity of the palace, making people feel extremely comfortable and relaxed.

Jia Qifang paused for a moment, waited for a moment and Zhang Yi said: "This is the envoy, please."

Zhang Yi nodded, and while admiring the beautiful scenery of the garden, he quickened his pace slightly and followed Jia Qifang closely.

The royal garden located in the Zhao Palace covers a vast area.

After walking for about the same amount of time as a cup of tea, along the winding path, Zhang Yi and Jia Qifang arrived in front of a rockery covered with emerald green and flowing gold.

The streams in the mountains are flowing, the stone paths bend according to the direction of the streams, the water ripples, and the scenery is picturesque.

There is a pond around the rockery.

Fish are playing in the green water bottom, occasionally jumping out of the water and splashing, as if adding a touch of fireworks to the entire royal garden.

"Messenger, Your Majesty is right in front." Jia Qifang said with a finger.

Jia Qifang pointed to the small pavilion next to the pool.

A young man wearing a red-blue brocade robe was sitting boredly on a sandalwood chair.

I threw some fish food into the pond and watched the koi fish fighting in the pond.

To his left and right stood an expressionless guard.

Zhang Yi observed carefully and found that there was not even a eunuch serving the Emperor of Zhao. The two guards were more like surveillance than guards.

The royal family of King Zhao has been embraced, oppressed, and even ostracized by the martial arts forces outside the palace.

This formed a completely different situation from that of the current Emperor of Wei.

The first king of Zhao State was the same as the first king of Wei State. He was a strong man with an open-minded character and decisive actions.

The Wei Kingdom has experienced more than two hundred years of management, and now the survivors of Fen Sixth Generation have become a powerful country in the world. On the other hand, the descendants of the first generation king of Zhao Kingdom have been so unsatisfactory that they can no longer control even the small area of ​​​​the imperial palace.

He couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

Zhang Yi gathered his thoughts and said: "Thank you for your hard work, Jia Xingren is a good person."

Jia Qifang, a young traveler, smiled and said, "Envoy, just go with me."

With that said, he persuaded Zhang Yi to walk towards the pavilion of Emperor Zhao Guochengxiang.

When he approached the small pavilion, Zhang Yi stopped decisively and insisted: "I am the envoy of Yingjun. It is not in line with the king's etiquette to meet directly. I'd better go through it with the hard-working Jia Xingren."

His voice was neither soft nor loud, and Emperor Chengxiang of Zhao who was feeding fish in the pavilion could just hear him.

Seeing Zhang Yi like this, Jia Qifang, a young traveler, had no choice but to follow him and went to report it alone.

He walked up to Emperor Chengxiang of Zhao State and said directly without the courtesy of a monarch or a minister: "Your Majesty, King Wu of Wei has sent an envoy to see you."

Emperor Zhao Guochengxiang, who was feeding the fish, looked stunned. He obviously did not expect that the envoy of King Wu of Wei would want to see him.

Emperor Cheng Xiang was a little puzzled and said: "Didn't I leave this matter to Pang Xiang? Why do you come to me?"

Jia Qifang said: "Pang Xiangguo has already received the envoy. This is the envoy from King Wu of Wei who took the initiative to see His Majesty."

Emperor Cheng Xiang's face became even more suspicious.

However, as an emperor, he also knew some royal etiquette. He put down the fish food in his hand, clapped his hands and said, "Let him come over."

Jia Qifang nodded, returned to Zhang Yi and said, "Your Majesty declares you to come."

"it is good."

Zhang Yi straightened up his appearance and walked into the pavilion with a solemn expression. When he saw Emperor Zhao Guochengxiang, he saluted and said: "Zhang Yi, the envoy of King Wu of Wei, pays homage to your majesty."

"Messengers, there is no need to be polite." Emperor Cheng Xiang asked curiously: "Does the envoy have any special requirements when he comes to me? If Prime Minister Pang cannot agree to the envoy, I will not agree to it either."

Zhang Yi shook his head and said with a smile: "Your Majesty, that's not the case."

"Then why does the messenger want to see me?"

"As the envoy of King Wu of Wei, I was entrusted by His Highness King Wu to go to the State of Zhao and discuss important matters related to Hedong. Your Majesty is the monarch of the State of Zhao and the master of this country. How can I, as a guest, not see the master? "

Zhang Yi's tone was very sincere when he spoke. Emperor Cheng Xiang suddenly felt that he was respected, which made him feel very fond of the envoy in front of him.

He said happily: "Envoy Zhang, I have heard about the name for a long time. What is the purpose of your mission to Zhao this time?"

Zhang Yi looked around and said: "This is not a place to discuss state affairs. Your Majesty, please change the venue."

Emperor Chengxiang understood clearly and knew that Zhang Yi wanted to talk to him alone.

He ordered: "Jia Xingren, take the envoys into the propaganda room, where I will receive the envoys who have come from afar."

Jia Qifang, who was standing next to the pavilion, heard the words and did not refuse, and quickly prepared.

In his opinion, it was normal to receive the messenger in the propaganda room.

The announcement room was not far from the royal garden. It took only a moment for both parties to reach the announcement room of the palace.

The whole announcement room was quiet, as if it had been covered in dust for a long time.

Entering from the gate, you can see the tall jade seat in the center of the hall.

On both sides of the jade throne are a row of bronze statues, depicting influential figures of the Zhao Kingdom in the past dynasties.

Although the palace showed signs of cleaning, there was still some dust scattered on the ground, making it look deserted and lonely.

After entering the announcement room, Emperor Cheng Xiang sat directly on the jade throne and screened away some irrelevant people.

"Envoy, now you can tell me the purpose of your mission."

Zhang Yi's face suddenly became serious, and he said seriously: "Now, His Majesty the State of Wei is gathering an army of 20 to prepare to attack the State of Zhao, so I dare not conceal the true situation and tell His Majesty it in advance." "This... ..." Upon hearing the news, Emperor Cheng Xiang suddenly panicked.

The slight changes on his face were captured by Zhang Yi.

Zhang Yi was secretly happy in his heart and continued: "Your Majesty, you must have known that our Highness King Wu has occupied thirty cities in the east of Hedong. His troops defeated General Li Mu and were at their peak. Every soldier can fight one against ten. If There will be 20 troops arriving later, and Zhao Guoze will become very dangerous."

Regarding Li Mu's defeat, the ministers have repeatedly mentioned it every morning in recent days.

In order to find reasons for Li Mu's defeat, the bureaucrats belonging to Li Mu's camp exaggerated the combat power of the Wei troops occupying Hedong in front of Emperor Chengxiang.

Emperor Chengxiang was in the palace, and the information around him was limited. He didn't have a clear judgment on this, and he just followed what others said.

In his opinion, the Wei soldiers who occupied Hedong were very strong.

So I firmly believe in Zhang Yi’s words at this time.

Emperor Chengxiang asked: "Then according to the envoy, how can I avoid this war?"

Zhang Yi knew that Emperor Chengxiang had begun to waver: "I am thinking about it privately for Your Majesty. Why don't Your Majesty summon the ministers and announce the cession of thirty cities east of the river in the State of Zhao to King Wu of Wei, and then draw up a document and make an agreement to ask King Wu not to attack."

"Isn't this a cession of territory? I don't think the ministers will agree." After hearing this, Emperor Chengxiang frowned and said with a look of embarrassment: "This request is a bit too much."

"Your Majesty, I understand your concerns. But please think about it. If the army invades, can your Zhao country find a more capable general than Li Mu? Is there a warrior stronger than the leader of the Haoran clan? Once the army breaks through the capital, Pang Both the Prime Minister and General Li Mu are capable of protecting themselves, and the most dangerous one is your Majesty. What I said is all for your Majesty's sake."

Emperor Cheng Xiang hesitated for a moment, but still had reservations: "I need to think about it again."

Zhang Yi struck while the iron was hot: "Your Majesty, the situation is changing rapidly. If the 20-strong army officially sets out, it will shoot without turning back, which will directly threaten the security of Zhao State. The only way is to cede thirty cities east of the river to Zhao State. Emperor Cheng Xiang, you Only then can you continue to be the emperor of Zhao."

"Otherwise, if your Majesty wants to continue fighting with us, then you can only send Prime Minister Pang She to lead the troops. Regardless of success or failure, this will strengthen the power of the Pang family. Presumably this is not the result that your Majesty wants to see. I hope that your Majesty will get it as soon as possible. Make up your mind"

Emperor Chengxiang fell into deep thought. Although he had doubts about Zhang Yi's words, he was also moved by his lobbying.

Fighting or not fighting seems to be extremely detrimental to him.

The lesser of the two evils.

After some weighing, Emperor Chengxiang finally made up his mind, "Okay, I agree to cede thirty cities in the east of the river. I will discuss this matter with many ministers at the meeting tomorrow."

Zhang Yi smiled confidently and said: "Your Majesty, if you propose this point, there will definitely be support from the ministers in the court, and we are willing to withdraw our troops thirty miles first to support your Majesty's decision."

"Then that would be great."

Seeing that Zhang Yi had achieved his expected goal, he suddenly felt relieved, and his eyes couldn't help but reveal a happy look.

He looked at Emperor Chengxiang of Zhao State again and felt that this young man, who was not much older than the King of Martial Arts, was very pitiful.

Thousands of miles away, the emperor has no control, but within ten steps, the emperor is no different from ordinary people, so the emperor's power is only ten steps away, within a thousand miles... and he is trapped within ten steps.

When Zhao held a court meeting the next day, Emperor Chengxiang kept his promise and proposed the idea of ​​ceding thirty cities east of Hedong.

Emperor Chengxiang, who was sitting on the throne, said: "I want to cede thirty cities east of Hedong to end the war in Hedong. I wonder what you ministers think?"

Seeing that Emperor Cheng Xiang offered to cede thirty cities east of Hedong, a look of surprise flashed across Pang She's face.

Then the last trace of doubt in my mind was dispelled.

Zhang Yi's proposal yesterday had actually moved him, but if he proposed to secede the city, it would be easy for him to lose the truth, and it would not be good for his reputation if it spread out.

There is no guarantee that Li Mu will criticize him on this point.

He originally planned to ask one of his men with a bad reputation to raise the matter and then put pressure on Emperor Cheng Xiang, but now it seems that there is no need for it.

Pang She remembered that Zhang Yi met Emperor Cheng Xiang alone yesterday.

It was him who persuaded Emperor Cheng Xiang.

Sure enough, people cannot be judged by their appearance, and sea water cannot be measured.

Although the envoy sent by King Wu of Wei is young, he does have a deep chest and is somewhat impressive.

Just after Emperor Chengxiang proposed the idea of ​​​​cutting the city, a minister from Li Mu's camp immediately stood up and objected: "Your Majesty, you are using the land to serve Wei, and you are still holding firepower to put out the fire. If the firepower is not exhausted, the fire will not be extinguished. This is to take advantage of it." The way to die."

Emperor Cheng Xiang looked a little nervous, but considering his own safety, he still said bravely: "Then according to Wang Aiqing, now that General Li Mu has been defeated and is recuperating at home, the leader of Haoran is injured, and the Wei army has occupied thirty cities in the east of the river. Handan County and Taiyuan County are eyeing each other, how should we deal with this situation?"

The minister who stood up had a dull look on his face and said: "Your Majesty..."

Pang She, who was on the side, saw this scene in his eyes and signaled with his eyes to a young official behind him.

The latter immediately stood up and said: "Your Majesty, the current situation is really unfavorable for our country, Zhao. I also believe that we should cut off thirty cities east of the river and trade space for time."

"What do you think, Aiqing?"

"The six countries in the world are constantly attacking, and there are many cases of ceding cities to compensate for the loss of land. I have never heard of a country that perished just because it ceded some cities. Besides, our country, Zhao, has a vast territory and rich resources, and thirty border cities are a big threat to me. For Zhao, it's just a drop in the bucket. Besides, the temporary change of hands in the city doesn't mean anything. It's not impossible for Zhao to take it back when the opportunity comes in the future."

As soon as these words came out, many ministers from Pang She's camp stood up and said: "I second my opinion."

The ministers who belonged to Li Mu's camp immediately realized something was wrong and found that Pang She and others were not interested in drinking.

They were quick to fight back, standing up and rebutting.

In the blink of an eye, the court was quarreling with each other, and many ministers began to fight.

Seeing that something was wrong, Emperor Chengxiang looked at Pang She and asked, "What does Prime Minister Pang think?"

As soon as these words came out, everyone stopped talking and looked at Pang She.

Facing so many eyes, Pang She's eyes were as deep as water, and he said for a long time: "I think your Majesty's words are reasonable."

"Wow..."

There was a commotion in the court hall.

One of Li Mu's courtiers cursed excitedly: "Pang She, you are colluding and betraying the country."

Pang She glanced at him and said, "You mean His Majesty is betraying the country? I think you have a cruel heart."

Facing the big hat that Pang She put on his head, the minister who spoke turned blue and red.

At this time, it was Emperor Chengxiang who proposed that although Emperor Chengxiang had no real power, his identity was extremely useful as a banner and a fig leaf, and he could not refute it.

Emperor Chengxiang couldn't help but breathed a sigh of relief and said: "In that case, King Wu of Wei's envoy is still in Handan City, so we will draw up a document with him to make an agreement not to invade each other and to stop the war."

When the ministers saw that the matter of cutting off the city had settled, they immediately stopped talking.

That afternoon, Zhang Yi, who was still in Handan City, got the documents he wanted and the jurisprudence of Thirty Cities in Hedong, and couldn't help but laugh.

"This mission to the State of Zhao has finally fulfilled its mission and achieved the expected goal. I will be able to explain to King Wu when I return, and my position next to King Wu will be completely stable."

　Thousands of miles away, the emperor has no control, but within ten steps, the emperor is no different from ordinary people, so the emperor's power is only ten steps away, within a thousand miles... and I am trapped within ten steps. ——From Ruzi Emperor
　　
　
(End of this chapter)