Chapter 249 Chapter Seven: Linzi, the Ancient Capital

The founding monarch of Qi State was Lu Shang. King Wu of Zhou established the Western Zhou Dynasty after destroying Zhou. After the Western Zhou Dynasty and the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, Qi State was a big country, and the industry and commerce were developed, and the benefits of fishing and salt were obtained, and the country was prosperous. However, the most important reason why Qi State became the overlord of the Spring and Autumn Period was that Qi Huan was established as a public official, appointed Guan Zhong as prime minister, and carried out reforms that only Qin State Shang Yang could match.

Another key is to clear the Laiyi that ravaged the border.As early as when Taigong founded the country, the Laiyi people, who accounted for most of the Qi people's sea area, dealt a head-on blow to the Qi people.Since then, the struggle with Qi State continued intermittently until the Qi people destroyed Lai in 567 BC. From then on, Qi State not only got rid of the long-standing border troubles, which increased the country's land by more than half, but also truly became a country near the sea, unlike before, which only owned half of Laizhou Bay. The people of Qi have always been known for their tyranny. They not only oppressed the neighboring state of Lu, but also continuously annexed the small countries around them.

Because the people of Qi blocked the way, the people of Chu could not aspire to the north, so they turned to expand to the southeast, and the people of Qi had nothing to do.The Zhaoling Alliance marked the pinnacle of Qi people's hegemony, and it was also the pinnacle of the careers of Duke Huan of Qi and Guan Zhong.After the death of the two, the five sons competed for the throne, Qi lost its center of gravity, and it was the turn of other great powers to appear. During the Warring States period, the people of Qi used Sun Bin to encircle Wei and rescue Zhao according to his plan, and went straight to Daliang.

The people of Qi became ambitious again, taking advantage of the internal turmoil among the people of Yan, they invaded and occupied the capital of Yan for three years before they were willing to retreat.In the self-satisfied words of King Xuan of Qi, "Use a country of ten thousand chariots to defeat a country of ten thousand chariots, and take it at five ten days!" Such martial arts have never been tried by even the people of Qin.And Chu turned from prosperity to decline, and the three Jins split, and Qi and Qin became the two major powers protruding from the east and the west among the countries.

Just when the people of Qi were majestic, conquering east and west, and wasting their national power, the people of Yan, who had a deep hatred with Qi, seized the opportunity and joined forces with Qin, Chu and the three Jins to attack Qi. Yan general Le Yi invaded Linzi, copying the atrocities committed by the Qi army in Yanjing thirty years ago.The jewels, treasures, vehicles, armors, and treasures were all robbed. If Arita Dan hadn't turned things around and left the Yan army, Qi might have perished early.However, the state of Qi has been ravaged to the point of ruin, from its peak to its sudden decline.

But when Xiang Shaolong came to Linzi, it was already more than 30 years ago, and Tian Dan also entered the twilight years when his power was challenged from the peak. Linzi city is built on the west bank of Zihe River, west according to the time and water. It is composed of two cities, big and small, with a total area of ​​more than 60 square miles. The buildings in the city are magnificent, and the traffic avenues are all centered on the palace in the north of the small city. The ancestral temples, government offices, and residences of officials at all levels are all concentrated near the palace. The streets in the city are lined with towering ancient trees, but at this time they are covered with crystal icicles.

Although it has been subjected to war, Linzi is already prosperous at this moment, with a large population and a prosperous economy. When the fleet was berthed in the east of the city, the dignitaries and dignitaries of Linzi came out from their empty nests to welcome Feng Fei, the famous concubine who is well-known all over the world. While waiting for the guard of honor to play the welcome music, Feng Fei, supported by Xiao Ping'er, stepped down to the shore in a stately manner. Her demeanor and appearance were so graceful that everyone was amazed. Then came Dong Shuzhen and other twelve singers, which also made people dizzy.

Xiang Shaolong had already seen that Tian Dan was among the welcomers, so he hurriedly mingled among the generals, so as not to be recognized by Tian Dan in a blink of an eye. But this is unlikely. Under Xiao Yuetan's instructions, he put on the brown clothes of ordinary servants, plus a sheepskin jacket made of dog and sheep wool, and a cloth belt was tightly tied around the waist of the clothes, which not only covered up his bear waist, It also made him look like he had a big belly. At the wharf, Tian Dan and other dignitaries all wore furs made of deerskin, mink, etc., plus brown clothes, so that the animal hair would not be exposed and affect the appearance.

People pay more attention to clothes, but the change of clothes makes Xiang Shaolong much less conspicuous. And after Xiao Yuetan's skillful hands, his face became thicker and darker, and he was at least ten years older. When Xiang Shaolong saw the reflection in the bronze mirror, it was difficult for Xiang Shaolong to think of his handsome appearance before. Xiao Yuetan and Feng Fei were the first batch of people to disembark, and they exchanged polite greetings with the welcomers. As it was still snowing finely, Feng Fei immediately boarded the carriage and entered the city immediately with Qi Bing leading the way.

Xiang Shaolong didn't dare to ride a horse, so he got into Xiao Yuetan's carriage, and said with a smile: "It seems that you are quite respected here." Xiao Yuetan said a few words modestly, and then said: "This is called mental calculation without intention. I paid attention to Tian Dan just now. Except for Feng Fei, this guy doesn't seem to be able to see anyone else. Alas! He looks older than when we saw him last time." A lot." The carriage drove out with the brigade and slowly entered the city. Xiao Yuetan said: "There are eight city gates in the Great City. The two avenues running from east to west are East Avenue and West Ave. There are also two avenues running from north to south. They are called South Avenue and North Avenue. They are very easy to remember."

Looking out the window, Xiang Shaolong thought to himself that he had finally come to Linzi, he hoped he could leave alive! In the wind and snow, there were not many pedestrians, and they all passed by in a hurry, casting curious eyes on the convoy. Xiao Yuetan said: "The east-west two avenues and the north-south avenues intersect. It is known as Little Linzi. It is the most lively and prosperous place. It is a must-visit place for those who come here. I will take you there tonight to take advantage of the excitement! " Xiang Shaolong smiled wryly: "I shouldn't show my face like this!" Xiao Yuetan said: "The more you flinch, the more suspicious you will be. Even if outsiders don't notice it, Zhang Quan and his subordinates will always be suspicious." Xiang Shaolong had no choice but to say: "Then follow your words!" Ever since Xiao Yuetan knew that Lu Buwei was the messenger behind Zhang Quan, he was excited, and now he was even more excited. He pointed to the mansions along the way and said, "These are rich people's mansions. There are many courtyards, tiled roofs and white walls, single-story There is a big difference between courtyards and ordinary houses lined up with streets and alleys." Xiang Shaolong watched carefully, and saw that the East Street he was walking in front of him was as long as two feet, and four carriages could pass through it, and there were shops on both sides. The alley is the next level of road, which is a residential area for residents and is only for pedestrians. The streets of the whole city are neat and tidy, and most of the sights are mansions with high walls, and the facades are very particular, which is worthy of the atmosphere of the capital of a big country. Suddenly, he felt that his trip was worthwhile. Xiao Yuetan pointed out: "Little Linzi is full of shops, you can buy and sell everything you can think of here, and the fortune-telling masters here are even more famous all over the world." Xiang Shaolong thought of Jixia Sword Master Cao Qiudao because he was "famous in the world", and asked, "Where is the Jixia Academy?" Xiao Yuetan said happily: "Just outside the Jimen Gate of the city, there is an astonishingly magnificent building. Those who come here to give lectures and show off their knowledge are honored as "Mr. Jixia", and the disciples are called "Scholar Jixia". Thousands of them." After a pause, he continued: "I was also invited there to teach music and medicine, so I am highly respected like a prince." Xiang Shaolong whispered, "Where is Zou Yan?" Xiao Yuetan frowned and said, "I'm not quite sure about this." Xiang Shaolong suddenly thought of Shanrou again, it would be great if he could find her. Xiao Yuetan said: "Being able to become Mr. Jixia is not trivial. Those who are particularly outstanding are regarded as top doctors, but they can talk about politics without governance. Zou Yan is one of them. I just need to ask and I can tell you the answer." Xiang Shaolong asked: "Then what kind of person is Cao Qiudao?" Xiao Yuetan revealed a look of respect, but lowered his voice and said, "This person has a detached status in the Qi State. He is the master of the King of Qi. Ministers and ministers will kowtow to him when they see him. He lives alone in a small room outside the Jixia Academy. I am afraid that he will be fifty years old this year, but he only looks like thirty people, and it is not easy for ordinary people to see him." Xiang Shaolong originally wanted to inquire about Shanrou's whereabouts from others, but now that he heard this situation, he had no choice but to give up the idea. Xiao Yuetan continued: "This person's swordsmanship has reached a state of perfection. In recent years, he has seldom fought with others because there is no one who dares to challenge him." Xiang Shaolong said: "Did people often challenge him before?" Xiao Yuetan said: "Whoever can defeat him will be able to ascend the throne of Jixia Sword Master and become famous all over the world. However, this person's sword has never been humane, and the loser will either die or be injured, so now no one is willing to compete .” Xiang Shaolong secretly thought that if he had the Hundred Wars Sword in his hand and he was not afraid of revealing his identity, he would try to see how powerful his sword skills are.Of course, what he embraced was only the heart of learning from each other, not fighting for life and death. At this time, the carriage drove into the "Tingsong Hotel", one of the 16 hotels specially built for receiving distinguished guests on East Street, and stopped one after another. Xiang Shaolong knew that it was time for him to do business, so he hurriedly got out of the car, and accompanied by Zhang Quan, he met with the manager in charge of the annex, and arranged for the upper and lower people to wait for check-in. When Fei went to the palace dinner. Tian Dan came to pick up Feng Fei in person, and Xiao Yuetan was also an accompanying guest. Xiang Shaolong deliberately came out to do some sorting, and confronted Tian Dan and his two big bodyguards Liu Zhongxia and Liu Zhongshi proudly, but the three of them didn't care about him as a "servant". After seeing off Feng Fei, Xiang Shaolong's heart was filled with joy.If even a shrewd person like Tian Dan can't recognize him, the others don't have to be fooled. ◇◇◇◇◇◇ After dinner, Dong Shuzhen's daughters rehearsed songs and dances in the hall according to Fengfei's instructions, while he went to the east courtyard to find Zhang Quan. After closing the door, Xiang Shaolong said: "I have obtained precious news. If Brother Zhang is willing Pay the deposit, and the younger brother can tell the truth." Zhang Quanxi said: "That would be the best. However, our master has not arrived here yet, and the deposit will be delayed for two days, but Brother Shen, can you reveal a little bit first." Xiang Shaolong pretended to be mysterious and said: "It turned out that the person who promised to help him was the Xiangguo Tiandan who came to pick her up for the banquet just now. This person has the power to overwhelm the whole country and is not easy to mess with." In fact, Zhang Quan already knew the answer, and just used it to test his loyalty.Hearing what he said, he naturally didn't take it seriously, and replied lightly: "I have my own discretion in this matter, so don't be afraid of him." Xiang Shaolong saw that he was putting enough money, he felt amused, and said: "But besides Tian Dan, our master's opponent also has a very important person named Zhongsunlong, Brother Zhang, have you heard of it?" Zhang Quan's face changed: "What?" Xiang Shaolong added salt and vinegar and said, "This is what the lady told me. Brother Zhang should have known that when he was in Daliang, Zhong Sunlong had come to look for her and forced her to marry him. After being rejected, he declared that he would do anything to marry her." Got it." Of course Zhang Quan knew about this, and he didn't dare to suspect that Xiang Shaolong's information was false, he frowned and said, "This news is very important, we must inform the master as soon as possible, otherwise there may be side effects." He let out another breath and said, "This man is a vampire who specializes in usury. He is so ruthless that even ministers and ministers dare not offend him. The most troublesome thing is that he has countless capable people under him, so it is very difficult to deal with." What Xiang Shaolong remembered was Feng Fei's precious kiss that he had received under half-force last night. Zhang Quan pondered for a while, and finally said: "Brother Shen Liang, you are very capable. You have obtained so much useful information. I wonder if you have found out who Miss Ren's lover is." Xiang Shaolong smiled and said: "I trust Brother Zhang, so I am willing to reveal one or two things. As for the rest, Brother Zhang is a sensible person, please forgive me for keeping it a secret." Zhang Quan couldn't help him, and sighed: "We'd better cooperate sincerely, otherwise one is not good, not only can't complete the task ordered by the master, but also die without a whole body. Sigh! I would rather offend King Qi than offend Zhong Sun Long." Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Zhang Quan opened the door and saw that there were more than a dozen masters and generals standing outside the door, saying they wanted to find Deacon Shen. Xiang Shaolong walked out of the room, led by Lei Yun'er, a young boy who had been in the same room with him and who looked like an ape, he said: "We have nothing to do, and want to go for a walk in the street, please give permission from the deacon." Seeing everyone's expectant gazes, Xiang Shaolong knew that if he didn't approve, it would immediately cause dissatisfaction, so he smiled and said, "How can I prevent you from having fun, but remember not to make trouble, and you must come back before dawn." Everyone was overjoyed and rushed away. Zhang Quan beside him said: "How can you agree to them. Zhongsun Long is eyeing them, maybe he will use them to vent his anger." Xiang Shaolong sighed: "It's not a solution to worry all the time, but Zhongsunlong shouldn't cause any trouble before the eldest lady's singing and dancing. He should give King Qi and Tian Dan some face!" Zhang Quandao: "King Xiang of Qi is so old that he is so old that he clearly established the eldest prince Tian Sheng as the crown prince, but then deposed him because of a trivial matter, making people panic. Now Zhongsun Long is trying his best to recommend the second prince Tian Jian as the crown prince, fighting against Tian Dan What a joy. Inviting three famous concubines, including the eldest lady, to celebrate Qi Tu's birthday this time is Tian Dan's way to curry favor with King Xiang, so maybe Zhong Sunlong will deliberately sabotage it!" It was the first time Xiang Shaolong heard about this, he immediately felt something was wrong, apologized, and hurried away.Walking to the gate, he asked the guards where Lei Yun'er and others left, and hurriedly chased after him. It was raining and snowing, and when he set foot on the streets of Linzi where the lights were just lit up, he clearly felt that he was deeply involved in the vortex of the struggle for the throne of Qi in some strange way.