Competing

Chapter 179 True and False Seals
As Ziying expected, Lan and Tian's two battles against Liu Bang ended in failure.There is only a small army left in Qin State. Generals such as Zhang Han and Wang Li are gone. Qin State basically has generals who can lead the army in battle. How can we talk about defending against the enemy?

Zhang Han's 20 troops surrendered, and then they were killed by Xiang Yu, which directly shattered the morale of the Qin army.How can we resist Liu Bang's army, which is advancing all the way with high morale?So failure is to be expected.

Liu Bang's army has come towards Xian and Yang, how to deal with it?Defend the capital to the core, perish with the city, and die for the country?Or leave Xianyang, hide among the people, die in old age, or try to make a comeback?Or take the initiative to surrender to Liu Bang?
Ziying's heart is in a mess, and the result of sticking to it can only be death. It doesn't matter if he dies, but will he implicate the people of Qin State?War is ruthless. Once the flames of war rage, casualties are inevitable. Do we really want to destroy the capital that our ancestors have devoted their efforts to?Do you really want to let the weather-beaten people suffer?

Hiding among the people?It is bound to live a life of hiding in Tibet, a life of darkness, which is not what he wants.Conspiring to make a comeback and restore the country?Ziying shook his head involuntarily, the once powerful country has been ruined, and he and Qin have nothing left, so what can we do to restore the country?Isn't it an idiot's dream?
So surrender Liu Bang?A thought similar to that of the general of Wuguan came to Ziying's mind.His father, Fusu, was known for his benevolence, so the Mohist Dengling School, who absorbed part of Confucian benevolence and righteousness, got close to him and assisted him with all his strength.

Ziying was influenced by his father since he was a child, coupled with the subtle influence of Deng Lingmo, his benevolence is far more than that of his father Fusu.So at this time, the first thing he thought of was the people of Qin, which became the focus of his weighing the pros and cons.

Xiang Yu killed the soldiers, which shows that this person is cold-blooded and cruel, and he is absolutely unwilling to hand over the people of Qin to him.On the contrary, this Liu Bang, who has always been known for benevolence and righteousness, is much stronger.

In fact, the most suitable person is not Liu Bang, but Yin Xu. Ziying doesn't know him, but he has a very strong impression of him.The only one who dared to offend Xiang Yu, could not afford to kneel down to plead for mercy for the Qin State, he believed that this person also had a benevolent heart, and it would be best if he ruled.He believed that the people of Qin State would be as grateful to him as he was.

It's a pity that he is just a Marquis of Chu State and a general suppressed by Xiang Yu. Maybe it will be possible in the future, but there is no chance now.So I can only settle for the next best thing and choose Liu Bang.

Sitting on the throne in the main hall, I picked up the tiger talisman on the table and held it in my hand with complicated emotions.Back then, my grandfather used him to mobilize Qin's million-strong army, rush out of Hangu Pass, and wipe out the six eastern countries.But holding it in my hands at this moment, there is no hope at all!
Immediately, he grabbed Fang Baoyu and stroked it in his hand, almost crying.Back then, Bian He, a native of Chu State, found a piece of jade in the mountains and offered it to the king of Chu several times, but he was not believed and was punished for it.It wasn't until later that the new King of Chu accepted Bian He's offering of treasures. After polishing, he found a piece of beautiful jade, which was the famous He's Bi.

Later, King Zhao obtained Heshibi, and King Qin coveted it, saying that he was willing to exchange fifteen cities for it.Zhao Guo sent Lin Xiangru and He Shibi to Qin as an envoy, not wanting that the king of Qin had no intention of exchanging, and tried to blackmail him.Lin Xiangru preserved He's Bi with his own courage and wisdom, and only then did he have the allusion of returning the Bi to Zhao.

Later, Qin State defeated Zhao State, and Heshibi finally fell into Qin State.It was Grandpa Li Si who engraved the eight characters "Accepted by Heaven, Longevity and Prosperity" on it as the national seal of Qin State.The grandfather, the first emperor, once said that this object should be used as the jade seal of the Qin Dynasty, and it is intended to be passed on to thousands of generations.

However, at this moment, it is over when it is passed on to him, and there is no chance to pass it on.Ziying's eyes blurred, he let out a long sigh, and finally made a difficult decision.

On this day, Ziying, who had just been born on the 46th day, put on white clothes, held the jade seal and tiger charm of the Qin State, and went out of the city to meet Liu Bang.

The soldiers took Wuguan without bloodshed, defeated the Qin army easily, and passed Lan and Tian directly to Xian and Yang.Already one step ahead in Guanzhong, Qin Guoguo is already in sight, as long as it is captured, the content agreed by King Huai will be achieved.The throne of the King of Guanzhong is already shining with golden light, beckoning to himself, tempting endlessly.There are countless wealth and beauties in the Qin Palace, which makes people covetous.

Everything is only the last barrier, the city walls of Xian and Yang over there, as long as they conquer the Yue Kingdom, everything is in their pockets.Liu Bang had expected for a long time, how would he enter the capital of Qin?Will the Qin people fight to the death there?Recalcitrant?What price would I have to pay to break through the city and enter?

Liu Bang made many guesses, but none of them got it right.He didn't expect Qin Ziying to come out in white clothes, kneel on the left side of Xianyang Road, present jade seals and tiger charms and surrender to himself!
Liu Bang was a little flattered that his luck was so good.There are not a few cities that have surrendered to themselves all the way westward, and it is precisely because of this that many troops have been merged and incorporated, and the strength of today's troops has been gathered.

But he never thought that there would be such a coincidence in the land of Qin State?First, the guard of Wuguan surrendered inexplicably. He entered the land of Guanzhong all the way. He thought there would be a fierce battle under the city of Xian and Yang. Unexpectedly, there was no bloodshed again. Prince Qin came to surrender...

Ziying knelt on the ground, holding up the gold plate in his hand, the jade seal carved from beautiful jade was crystal clear.The bronze tiger talisman is simple and elegant, and everything passing through Xuyi is shining with the light of power.Yes, that's right, that once represented the supreme power in the world!

At this moment, these two things are about to be handed over to him, and the power of the world is about to be handed over to him... Could it be that he is really destined by destiny?God will make himself the king of Guanzhong?Liu Bang was so excited that he had completely forgotten about Xiang Yu's worries.

Holding the jade seal and the tiger amulet, Ziying said in a loud voice: "Ziying of the Qin family can't fulfill the destiny above, and can't show mercy to the people below, and dare not take the throne. Today, the benevolent and righteous teacher of Peigong came, and obeyed the destiny. Peigong."

"Mr. Ziying, please get up!" Liu Bang immediately stepped forward to help, and the address on his lips changed in an instant.Ziying is among Fusu, and it is reasonable to call him "Young Master". He has already surrendered himself, and if King Qin no longer exists.Liu Bang called it that, waiting for Ruo to accept Ziying's surrender.

This moment marks the most powerful nation among the Seven Heroes of the Warring States Period, which has existed for hundreds of years.The Qin Dynasty, which destroyed the six kingdoms and ruled the world for less than ten years, officially collapsed.Qin Shihuang's beautiful hope of thousands of generations has not been realized, but he died in three generations!It is really unpredictable, the vicissitudes of life are lamentable!
It was also at this moment that Liu Bang already regarded himself as the king of Guanzhong, the most precious in the world.

Ziying didn't get up immediately, and said: "Pei Gong, Ziying has entrusted the people of Guanzhong to you, and I hope you will show mercy and love!"

After Liu Bang nodded, Ziying got up and was led down by Cao Shen.

Seeing them walking away, Fan Kui immediately came up to him and said, "Pei Gong, Ziying is the king of Qin and the current enemy chieftain. If he beheaded, it would be a great achievement!"

Li Shiqi immediately rushed forward and said, "No, Ziying has already surrendered on his own initiative. If he beheads him, what is the difference between his behavior and Xiang Yuxin'an's killing and surrendering? Mr. Pei is benevolent and righteous, such unjust actions are absolutely unacceptable!"

Xiao He also said: "General Fan's words are wrong. The reason why Wuguan thought of not fighting, and Ziying offered the jade seal soldier talisman to surrender? Apart from being unable to resist, an important reason is that he is afraid of Xiang Yu's cruelty and grateful for Pei Gong's benevolence. Today In the hearts of the people in Guanzhong, Pei Gong is a symbol of benevolence, righteousness and love. If Ziying is killed at this time, the people of Qin State will hate in their hearts and resist, and the hearts of the people in Guanzhong will be lost. How to secure the throne of Guanzhong King?"

Zhang Liang wasn't there, Xiao He's words still carried a lot of weight, Fan Kui blushed, feeling very embarrassed.

When Liu Bang was excited, there was a smile on the corner of his mouth, and he said: "Ziying can't be killed, take care of him first, and treat him generously!" .

Liu Peigong's words saved Ziying's life, but made him live under house arrest again.

Zhou Bo thought for a long time, and said: "Pei Gong has just entered Guanzhong, and if he wants to stabilize the situation, his previous prestige and reputation alone are not enough. If he wants to make Qin people wholeheartedly surrender, it is best to unite with Qin's local forces!"

Xia Houying was thoughtful and asked, "How to unite?"

Regarding his throne, Liu Bang also expressed his concern.

Zhou Bo said: "We can consider using some talents from Guanzhong as officials to assist Peigong!" He hesitated for a while, looked at the crowd hesitantly, and finally plucked up his courage, and said: "For example, you can consider using Ziying as a chancellor!"

"Ziying is the prime minister? Don't forget that he is the grandson of Qin Shihuang, the former king of Qin!" Fan Kui was shocked and shouted a rhetorical question.This sound was just right, "Ziying is a relative" happened to reach the ears of some people, such as Cao Wushang!

Zhou Bo explained: "That's right, just because Ziying is the grandson of the first emperor, the former King of Qin has a high status in the hearts of the people of Qin. If he is appointed as the prime minister, it will be enough to show Peigong's mind and self-confidence. Keep it in your eyes, and your gratitude and attachment to Pei Gong will increase day by day, and there will be only benefits and no harm to Pei Gong's governance."

Li Shiqi stroked his beard and said, "I'm afraid this is a bit inappropriate. There are many people in Qin State who cherish their homeland. If Ziying is appointed as the prime minister, will most of the people in Qin State be attached to Ziying or to Pei Gong?" ?Because the Prime Minister must have relevant power connections, if they are used by those who want to collude with each other, I am afraid that they will not justify the rule of Pei Gong. Therefore, General Zhou Bo's proposal may be a bit inappropriate!"

Xiao He also felt a little abrupt, thinking that it is not appropriate to proceed with this proposal now, but it might be possible in the future.

After Liu Bang thought about it, he also expressed his veto opinion, and ordered: "The few things to do now are to take over the defense of Xian and Yang, and control Guanzhong in the hands of our army."

Zhou Bo said: "Don't worry, Mr. Pei, Fan Kui and I will settle the matter at this time."

Xia Houying said: "Pei Gong, Ziying surrendered, but I heard that he still has two sons, and the Qin State also has a clan. If some people take advantage of it, take him away secretly, and come under their banner to restore the country and rebel. It's not good. At this time, we must be on guard, so the general suggested that all the Qin clan should be placed under house arrest."

After the establishment of the new dynasty, the remnants of the old dynasty often used the banner of the orphans of the royal family of the old country to rebel and restore the country. Such things are not uncommon.Liu Bang was naturally aware of the harm and understood that what Xia Houying said was true.

Immediately ordered: "Xia Houying is right. I will entrust you with full responsibility for this matter. The important tasks will be under house arrest, and the other clan children will watch them secretly. Don't give them a chance to slip away. But you must be careful, and you must not give up on the truth. Let people grasp the handle. Now that we have just entered Guanzhong, everything is just the beginning, it can be said that we are walking on thin ice, and if we are not careful, all previous efforts may be wasted!"

Xia Houying agreed: "Pei Gong can rest assured that nothing will go wrong!"

Liu Bang was still in awe for a long time, and excitedly said: "Let's go! Enter Xianyang and see Qin Shihuang's luxurious Efang Palace!"

The luxury and wealth of the Qin Palace has long been known throughout the world. When the generals heard this, they couldn't help but burst into excitement and applauded.Xiao He moved his mouth, wanting to say something, but seeing everyone's expressions, he shook his head lightly, sighed softly, and finally said nothing!

This is an exciting day. Liu Bang's army marched towards Xian and Yang with laughter and laughter all the way!

In the evening, two old men sat opposite each other in Jingshui Palace, silent.They had just received the news that Ziying had surrendered to Liu Bang, and the heavy blow made them unable to hold their heads up!
The middle-aged beautiful woman Shiman sat together and wept and sighed: "Ziying, a silly child, how can he voluntarily surrender?"

The man with a long beard for a long time said: "Fusu Ren'ai went against the first emperor, so he was demoted to Shangjun. I didn't expect his son's benevolence to be stronger than his, but..."

The white-haired old man sighed: "Daqin is completely finished, Ziying, a silly child, why is he so impulsive?"

Shiman sighed and said: "I can't blame him for this matter. Zhang Han surrendered, and now Xiang Yu killed even the surrendered soldiers. Ziying is also desperate. He has been kind and loving since he was a child. He didn't want the people who care about him to be harassed by the flames of war. That's the choice." After all, the news of Zhang Han's surrender was not hidden from him, and he knew everything clearly.He knew a lot about his nephew, so he justified it.

As he spoke, he complained: "Who told you not to take the initiative to see him? You are all hiding. He is still a child. What should he do in an isolated and helpless situation? If you are by your side, there may not be such consequences, Daqin It's over, the father's foundation is all ruined!"

When Zhao Gao was killed last time, they had contacted Ziying, and they only said that he was an old minister of the former emperor and loyal to Daqin.As for the specific identity, he did not explain to Ziying in time, because the old man with long beard was not sure whether Ziying could accept him.

Hearing what Shiman said, the white-haired old man sighed sadly: "Yes! This matter is my fault in the end. If it wasn't for my mistake that day, how could Daqin have come to where it is today. If we can find some people who are open and honest with Ziying, maybe there will be more A chance, it’s too late now! I’ve made too many mistakes, I’ve already lost face in this world, even if I’m underground, I’ll have no face to see His Majesty the First Emperor and Fusu, Yu’er!”

The long-bearded man comforted: "Li Xiang, you were coerced by others at the time, and you had difficulties. You must not blame you for this matter. Besides, you also made amends after the incident. However, the world did not meet people's wishes. I want to be with Ziying and Ziye brothers and sisters. Explain, but there has been no chance. Why are you talking about life and death at this time? Are you willing to leave with regret? Are you willing to let the Ziye brothers and sisters always harbor resentment and puzzlement? Besides, Daqin really has no chance at all?"

The white-haired old man was hit hard, and immediately came to his senses, and said: "Brother Liao is right, there is still in the tomb of His Majesty Li and Shanshi Emperor... By the way, this thing is still with me!" A piece of precious jade was taken out, and it happened to be exactly the same in appearance as the Jade Seal of Chuanguo carved by He's Bi.

It was the first time for Shiman to see him holding this object, and she said in surprise: "Li Xiang, this...isn't..." His eyes were full of astonishment and doubt, too much to believe...

The white-haired old man nodded, and turned the jade over, and there were eight big characters marked on the vermilion mark of the floor - "Ordered by the sky, you will live forever!"
He only heard him say: "That's right, this thing was carved and inscribed by me personally with He's Bi, it's the Jade Seal used by His Majesty the First Emperor!"

According to historical records, the eight characters on the Chuanguo Yuxi came from Qin Prime Minister Li Si.That's right!This white-haired old man is none other than Li Si, the former prime minister who feigned death to save his life!

And the long-bearded man who was with him was Qin Shihuang entrusted him with a heavy responsibility to help plan the destruction of the six kingdoms, the former Qin Tai Wei Liaozi, people used to call him Wei Liao!

Shiman was surprised and said: "Li Xiang, why is the Jade Seal of Chuanguo in your hands? Where is Xianyang Palace...?"

Li Si explained: "It's false. In the past, the first emperor ordered to engrave characters on the He's Bi and make it a jade seal to be handed down forever. Naturally, he dare not be careless in such an important task. How dare He's Bi be carved lightly, and it will be damaged if you are not careful. For the sake of safety, I ordered people to prepare similar jade carvings for experimentation. You know the skill of jade craftsman Sun Shou! Only after he made a god-like product did he dare to work on He's Bi. Xianyang Palace is the most It is similar in spirit, the difference is very small, and it is difficult for non-intelligent people to detect it. I kept it secretly in the past, and it will come in handy today.”

"After Shaqiu was hijacked by Zhao Gao, I expected some things in the future, so I prepared early and tampered with the jade seal, exchanging the fake for the real. The purpose is to hand it over to Ziying one day, and arouse the enthusiasm of the subjects of Qin. support!"

Shiman sighed: "Li Xiang is very foresighted, he is really planning for a rainy day!"

Wei Liao said: "So it's a fake that Liu Bang got. With the real Jade Seal in hand, we still have hope."

Li Sidao: "If Ziying doesn't surrender, and if the other clan's children are in hand, the two will work together to develop power secretly. In the future, they will rise to the top and win the support of the people of the old country of Qin, and there may be a chance to make a comeback."

Shiman said: "Ziying has been taken care of by Liu Bang, let's find other clan disciples!"

Wei Liao shook his head and said, "Liu Bang has already reacted first, and has secretly guarded all the clan's children, especially Ziying's two sons, who are under strict house arrest."

ah?Shiman exclaimed, greatly disappointed.

Li Si said: "For the current plan, we can only try our best to find a way, the best way is to rescue Ziying, who will have a stronger appeal than him?"

(End of this chapter)