Chapter 4 Chapter 4 The Taurus Strategy, Zhang Yi Leverages His Strength to Open the Road to Shu

Zhang Yi still lives in the original courtyard of the Yunlai Inn, and Wu Qing temporarily lives in Jia Sheren's courtyard.In the morning of the next day, Chi Liji came early and led Zhang Yi, Xiang Nu and Wu Qing to inspect the house rewarded by Duke Hui Wen. Several carriages and horses turned left and right, and stopped in front of a tall courtyard.When everyone got out of the car, an internal official who was responsible for the delivery of the real estate was already waiting outside the mansion, greeting them with salutes. Several people walked into the gate of the mansion under the guidance of the internal officials, but they saw deep houses, gardens, rocks, exotic flowers and plants, everything is there.Among them, the luxury is even more than that of the mansion of Lord Zhaoyang of the Chu Kingdom. Wu Qing's eyes were straightened when he saw it.

Zhang Yi was stunned for a while, then turned her head to look at Chiliji: "Brother Chuli, don't you make a mistake?" "Your Majesty personally chose it, you can't go wrong!" Chu Liji laughed. "Your Majesty personally chose it?" Zhang Yi became more and more surprised, "Your Majesty's reward, even the house must be appointed by the emperor?" "Yes, yes," Chi Liji laughed again, "Your Majesty is like a big butler. If you have any concerns, no matter how big or small, you must personally ask about them. By the way, Zhang Zi guesses, where is the origin of this house?" ?”

"I'm going to ask Brother Chuli about this." "This house is the well-known Du Mansion in Xianyang City. Du Men, the third generation of officials, has been running it for several generations and has a lot of savings. After moving from Liyang, he built a large-scale construction project here, and built Du Mansion into one of the few in Xianyang City. It is one of the most wealthy mansions, and its luxury is far more than those built by Taifu and Daliang. Later, Du Zhi and a group of old parties ransacked all the houses because of the Shangjun case, and this house was taken into the palace. Over the years, how many people have coveted this house, including many relatives and princes, but the emperor has not allowed it. Mr. Zhang came from behind!" Having said this, Chi Liji laughed out loud.

"In this way, I am flattered." Zhang Yi also laughed. A few people inspected the mansion, and Xi Liji ordered the palace officials to hand over the house deed to Xiangnv, and handed over the things bestowed by the emperor one by one, and stood up with Wu Qing to leave.The palace officials summoned all the servants to meet Zhang Yi and Xiangnu, and told them to go on their errands. At noon time, an envoy from the palace sent an imperial plaque with the words "Youshu Changfu". Xiangnv looked at the plaque for a while, and whispered: "You Shu Changfu?" Frowning slightly, she looked up at Zhang Yi, "This name is weird, what kind of official is it?"

Zhang Yi smiled and said: "This is the official name of the Qin State. After the reform of the Qin State, the official ranks are divided into twenty levels, starting from the tenth level Zuo Shuzhang to the eighteenth level Dashuzhang, which is equivalent to Qing. The middle levels are, The 11th level is the right shift, the 12th level is the left guard, the 13th level is the middle shift, the 14th level is the right shift, the 15th level is Shaoliang Zao, the 16th level is Daliang Zao, and the 17th rank is Siche Shushu Chiefs are all Qing positions. The lower ranks are scholars and officials, and there are ten ranks in total. The upper ranks are kings and lords. There are two ranks in total. The upper ranks are the public."

Xiangnu asked with some perplexity: "According to this, my husband's official rank is not high, how can he live in such a fine mansion?" "Madam doesn't know," Zhang Yi laughed again, "According to the Qin law, the ranks of subordinates are no longer small! The Qin State's officials and nobles are one, and the Qin law stipulates that military merits are only used for promotion, and military merits are not earned, unless the emperor gives special gifts. Can't be promoted, so, so far, many officials and titles above Qing are empty. When Gongsun Yang first carried out the reform, he was only the elder of the left concubine, and he was below the elder of the right concubine. Later, because of his meritorious service in the reform, the emperor was promoted exceptionally He was built for Daliang and ranked sixteenth. If it weren't for the achievements of Hexi and Shang in the two wars, Gongsun Yang would not be called Shangjun. I just arrived here, and the merits of size have not been completed. Qin Gong immediately named You Shuzhang, It's already very useful. As for this house, there may be something else—”

Xiangnv was about to ask him what was wrong with him, when the doorman reported the guest to see him.Zhang Yi had just arrived and had no acquaintances. She was puzzled, and when she went out to meet her, it was Jia She who was waiting outside the door. Zhang Yi was full of surprises, hurried forward to meet him, cupped his hands and said, "Brother Jia——" Jia Sheren also cupped his hands and congratulated: "Hey, Zhang Zi will be well developed after a few days' absence!" "What prosperity?" Zhang Yi laughed, "Things that are easy to get go quickly." He went forward and took Jia Sheren with him, "Brother Jia, please come to the house!"

The two walked into the gate of the mansion and enjoyed the scenery in the courtyard for a while. Jia Sheren congratulated again: "Zhang Zi has this promotion, so he can show his fists." Looking at the row upon row of houses and the well-proportioned scenery, Zhang Yi sighed: "Alas, speaking of which, this success is all thanks to Brother Jia!" "Zhang Zi was joking." Jia Sheren laughed and said, "These are all given by Duke Qin, how dare I take credit for them?" "I'm sincere, you don't have to be too modest, Brother Jia." Zhang Yi sincerely thanked, "Without Brother Jia, I wouldn't have gone to Handan, I wouldn't have been humiliated, I wouldn't have entered Qin, and of course there would have been no This encounter." When mentioning Handan, I couldn't help but think of Su Qin, and my teeth gritted loudly, "Su Qin Shuzi, I regard him as an old friend, but he... a villain who has achieved his ambition, actually showed such a face, I really let you—— "Stopping the conversation, for a while, he slammed his fist on a willow tree, "Brother Jia, look at it! Isn't this person dreaming together? I will let him see it, what is a dream?"

Hearing this, Jia Sheren slowly suppressed his smile, looked at Zhang Yi, and let out a long sigh: "Oh!" Zhang Yi felt something strange, looked at Jia Sheren and asked, "Why is Brother Jia sighing?" Jia Sheren said slowly, "It's Su Zi." "For him?" Zhang Yi was taken aback, "Where did you start talking about this?" "If there is one person Zhang Zi can thank for today, it should be Su Zi." "You should thank him!" Zhang Yi sneered, not without resentment, "However, I won't finish thanking him all at once, I will thank him slowly, bit by bit, first break his bond, and then force him to thank him." He is desperate, life is better than death, and then find another opportunity, thank you in person!"

Hearing such vicious words from him, Jia Sheren sighed heavily again and shook his head again and again. Zhang Yi said in a daze, "Brother Jia doesn't mean that I shouldn't treat him like this?" "How Zhang Zi treats Su Zi is Zhang Zi's business, and it has nothing to do with me. However, if Zhang Zi is willing to listen, I can tell a story of the past." "Brother Jia, please speak." Jia Sheren sat down on the grass, and recounted the past, especially how Su Qin painstakingly forced him to enter the Qin Dynasty, etc., from beginning to end, Zhang Yi was stunned for a long time, and just woke up like a dream, took a long breath, Slowly exhaled: "So it is!"

Jia Sheren sighed softly: "Oh, so why is Su Zi trying to shame you? Su Zi wondered that you might be embarrassed in Chu State, so I urgently invited you to Zhao. Su Zi also wondered that you are committed to unifying the country in this life. Lu, will definitely not follow him to join forces, and Fang today, the only one who can unify Qin, Zhang Zi has a gap with Qin, and he will definitely refuse to join Qin. Su Zi was thinking hard, and then he thought I humiliated you and forced you to enter the Qin Dynasty. On the day I humiliated Zhang Zi, I was in Su Zi's mansion. After Zhang Zi left, Su Zi felt pained and burst into tears. That kind of sadness really made me sad. That night, Su Zi I haven't slept all night. In the Tingyu Pavilion, I recalled your past from the beginning. Every bit of it is in his heart. I can see that if Su Zi only has one confidant in this world, it must be you .” Zhang Yi changed from sitting to kneeling, buried her head on the ground, tears flowed down like rain, and wept in a trembling voice: "Brother Su——" Jia Sheren glanced at him, and then said: "Before leaving, Su Zi repeatedly told me not to tell Zhang Zi. Seeing that Zhang Zi hated Su Zi so much, I couldn't bear it, so I confessed the truth. Now Zhang Zi is proud of himself. , I will return to the mountain after finishing my secular affairs, and this is to bid farewell to Zhang Zi." "Returning to the mountain?" Zhang Yi didn't understand at first, then was startled, then startled again, sat up suddenly, looked at Jia Sheren with wide eyes, "Which mountain does Brother Jia want to return to?" "Mount Zhongnan." "Didn't you just come back from Mount Zhongnan?" "That was a lie to you." Jia Sheren cupped his hands and said apologetically, "I'm sorry Zhang Zi." After a burst of horror, Zhang Yi closed her eyes and thought about it. After a while, she opened her eyes and sighed, "Oh, I miss Zhang Yi. Ever since I was born in the womb, I have always played tricks on people, including Su Qin, Sun Bin, and Pang Juan. , Tricked the King of Yue, Tricked the King of Chu... I claim to be smart, but I never thought that within a year, I would be tricked again and again!" "It doesn't matter who traps who," Jia Sheren smiled faintly, "Zhang Zi came out of Ghost Valley, so he should understand that." Hearing this, Zhang Yi suddenly thought of the words "the end of common affairs" just now, Zhang Yi couldn't help being shocked, staring at She Ren and said: "Dare to ask Brother Jia, who is it?" Jia Sheren said slowly: "Since Zhang Zi asked, I dare not hide it. I am a disciple of Hanquanzi in Zhongnan Mountain. A few years ago, he was ordered by his family teacher to come out of the mountain to find someone who can govern the country for Duke Qin. Now that Zhang Zi is here, I'm going to return to the mountain and return to my life." "Zhongnanshan Hanquanzi?" Zhang Yi murmured and repeated, as if trying to remember the name. "Yes." Jia Sheren said solemnly, "My teacher and Mr. Guigu are brothers from the same sect, and the same teacher is from the ancestor Guan Yinzi. Master Zhang Zizun should be the next uncle, we are from the same sect." After a few months of acquaintance with Sheren, Zhang Yi knew that they were from the same sect, so she couldn't help being shocked again. She was stunned for a long time, and then she cupped her hands and said, "Zhang Yi, a disciple of Mr. Guigu in Yunmeng Mountain, has seen Senior Brother Jia." Jia Sheren also bowed: "Mr. Zhongnanshan Hanquan's disciple Jia Sheren has seen Junior Brother Zhang." All the clouds of smoke dissipated in a moment.The two looked at each other for a moment, clapped their hands and laughed. Just as Jia Sheren left, Shaoliang ordered Wu Qing to bid farewell.Zhang Yi asked him to send a message to Xiao Shun'er, asking him to arrange the affairs of Zhang Yi and come to Xianyang quickly. A few days later, Qin Guodaliang made Gongsun Yan envoy Wei back, but before returning to the mansion, he went directly to the palace to report to Huiwen Gong that Su Qin had successfully merged with the Three Jins. Duke Hui Wen seemed to have expected this ending, and asked lightly: "What is Su Zi's next plan?" "Go to Qi State." Gongsun Yan responded. "Qi State?" Duke Huiwen frowned, staring at Gongsun Yan without blinking, "He should go to Chu State." "After Qi enters the vertical, he will go to Chu." Duke Hui Wen was taken aback: "You mean, Su Qin wants to unite the six kingdoms and only fight against the few?" Gongsun Yan nodded slightly, frowning. "Didn't he preach the unification of the Three Jins? When did he change to the unification of the Six Kingdoms?" "It was changed after he went to Wei. This is the weakness of the alliance. It was because of this that the humble officials attacked him, so that the king and ministers of Wei did not join the alliance. I think Su Zi realized it and urgently changed his views. To strengthen Qin." "What communism? He's destroying Qin and widows!" Duke Huiwen was furious and shouted. "Your Majesty," Gongsun Yan thought for a while, then whispered, "As far as I know, Su Zi doesn't seem to have such intentions." "That's not what he meant," Duke Hui Wen was still furious, and he was still knocking on a few cases, "What did he mean?" "Before leaving, I went to visit Su Zi and chatted with him. Su Zi said frankly that He Zong aims to build a peaceful and prosperous world where princes live in peace, all countries live together, and the world is governed together. According to Su Zi's vision, the six countries have Qin. If the six countries are united, there will be no disputes; if the six countries will not contend, the central plains will be safe; if the central plains are stable, Qin will not dare to move, and the world will have no disputes. There will be no disputes in the world, and the princes can sit down calmly and seek common ground while reserving differences. Seek the way of republic and co-governance, and return to the republic and prosperity of Zhou Chu Zhou and Zhao Er Gong." Duke Hui Wen said "pedantic" several times, jumped up from the table, paced back and forth in the hall a few times, stopped suddenly, and shouted: "Come on!" The minister rushed in: "The minister is here!" "Quickly call Xi Liji, Sima Cuo, and Gan Mao into the palace to discuss matters!" The minister responded and was about to withdraw, when Duke Huiwen added: "Well, and also, ask the uncle and the elder you to come too!" The inner minister withdrew, Gongsun Yan was startled for a moment, and said in a low voice, "May I ask your lord, who is the right concubine?" "Zhang Yi, Aiqing knows about him." "Zhang Yi?" Gongsun Yan was taken aback, "Isn't he in Chu State?" "I'm here in Qin State now." Duke Huiwen replied, sat down, closed his eyes slightly, and began to meditate.Gongsun Yan couldn't ask any more questions, and didn't dare to say leave, so he straightened his clothes and closed his eyes slowly. In less than half an hour, Xi Liji, Sima Cuo, Gan Mao, Zhang Yi and others rushed to arrive, but the former Grand Tutor Yingqian was still on the way because of his legs and feet.The inner minister ordered everyone to wait in the side hall, and went to the gate of the palace to meet Yingqian, and came in with him, and then went in and said: "Your Majesty, the old lady Fu and your lords have arrived, and I will see you outside." Duke Huiwen's anger had long since eased, and his face returned to calm, and he said lightly: "Let them in!" The old lady Fu took the lead, and all the people entered in a single file, and greeted each other separately. Duke Hui Wen smiled, got up and helped Yingqian, helped him to sit down beside him, pointed to the other seats and said to everyone: "Sit, sit, sit!" Turning to the courtiers, "Tea!" The ministers clapped their hands, and several court ladies turned around, poured tea respectively, and bowed to retreat. "Uncle, all dear ones," Duke Hui Wen took a sip of tea and said slowly, "Just now, Gongsun Aiqing sent Wei back, and reported that Wei State has entered into a marriage relationship, and Su Qin has separated the three Jin and Yan States. Together. Gongsun Aiqing also said that Su and Qin did not give up, and planned to go to Qi and Chu, and wanted to make the six Shandong countries marry each other and control Qin together." He paused, and took another sip. Obviously, this was a big change. Except for Gongsun Yan, all the officials were shocked and looked at each other in blank dismay. Duke Hui Wen glanced at the ministers, his expression gradually became serious: "Three Jins are united, and there is no Qin anymore, let alone the Six Kingdoms? Dear friends, the Great Qin has come to the autumn of life and death. I urgently call you here. I would like to ask everyone to discuss the matter. Response." For a long time, no one spoke, and the scene was deathly silent. Duke Huiwen turned his head to Yingqian: "Uncle, you are very knowledgeable, do you have any countermeasures?" Since his resignation, Duke Qin seldom consulted him about the state affairs, and Yingqian seldom paid attention to the state affairs.Seeing the call at this moment, and being the first one to be asked, Yingqian looked very cramped, rubbing his hands together for a while, and finally managed to utter a word: "Hit!" Everyone laughed. Duke Huiwen didn't smile, and looked at him solemnly: "Excuse me, uncle, who did you hit? Where did you hit?" "Hit Zhao people! Hit Jinyang!" Duke Huiwen lowered his head, lost in deep thought, and for a while, raised his eyes to look at the ministers: "A few months ago, the widows announced that they would attack Zhao, which was considered a false shot. Uncle suggested that this shot should be real, what do you think?" Sima Cuo immediately said: "I agree with the attack on Zhao! The Zhao people are the first to advocate a joint vertical, and they should pay the price! I am willing to lead the military order, not to Jinyang, and vow not to return to the division!" Hui Wengong glanced at Zhang Yi from the corner of his eyes, and saw him sitting upright with his eyes closed, with a half-smile at the corner of his mouth, like a clay sculpture. He knew the truth in his heart, but he didn't ask him. Uncle Gong and Sima Aiqing both want to attack Zhao, do you have any objections?" Gan Mao hesitated for a moment, then said slowly: "I think that if you want to attack Zhao Jinyang, you should attack Han Yiyang." Duke Hui Wen's heart moved, he leaned over and asked, "Oh, why is this?" "Zhaozhi's Jinyang is located on the plains, and there is no danger to defend. The Zhao people colonized with high walls and deep ditches to store grain. They are very well-prepared. I have no chance to take advantage of it. I can't attack it repeatedly. On the other hand, Yiyang is surrounded by high mountains and dangerous rivers. The Koreans are so defensive, I can take advantage of it, or have a chance of winning. Besides—” Gan Mao paused intentionally, and looked at Hui Wengong. "Go on!" Hui Wengong looked at him without blinking. "Jinyang is poor, and it is useless to occupy it. In recent years, copper is not as good as iron, and Yiyang is known as the capital of iron. If I get it, I don't know how much money I can save!" "Weichen agrees with what Zuo Geng said." Gongsun Yan continued, "I have been thinking about this all the way back from Daliang. Although He Zong started from Zhao, Zhao is a hard bone, and it is not easy to chew. Wei You Pang Juan, Hui Shi, Zhu Wei, etc. are not suitable for the present. Among the three Jins, only South Korea can take advantage of it. Shen Buhui died early, and Han Hou is getting older and unable to do what he wants. The few sons of the Han family are all mediocre. Su and Qin joined forces, and Marquis Han responded positively, because of this. Wei and Han have always been at odds. If I attack Yiyang, Wei will not move. Zhao people are far away from Yiyang, and there is nothing they can do. If I win Yiyang, I can use it to blackmail Han Hou, force Han Hou to retreat. As long as the Han people retreat, Su and Qin will defeat themselves without attacking." "Well, Aiqing takes it one step further." Hui Wengong nodded approvingly, "It's the short-term goal to break the iron, and the long-term is to break the joint vertical! However, as Gan Aiqing said, although Yiyang is cut, it is surrounded by mountains and rivers. There are high mountains and dangerous rivers, and the Wei people occupy Xiaoguan, so I have no way out, how can I cut them down?" "Your Majesty, don't worry," Gongsun Yan seemed to have a plan in mind, "I have already thought about this matter. During the Wei Dynasty, I visited the Hanyu Valley, and learned from the local hunters that Hangu Guandong is more than ten miles away from the river. As far as going up, you can enter the Luoshui Valley by crossing Mashou Mountain. This time, I came back and checked it myself, and it is indeed feasible. On the other hand, going south from the east side of Huadong, Yue Kuafu Mountain, Yanghua Mountain, etc., can also pass through the Luoshui Valley. Attack Yiyang." "What Daliang said is true," Sima Cuo continued, "Back then, I used Yiyang to enter Luoyang to meet my relatives. I walked on Kuafu Mountain. Although the road is long, I can walk on horseback. However, this is a dangerous road. If you are aware, there are special checkpoints. Back then, the Koreans were allowed to enter Luo through the road. If they entered from this way, as long as the Koreans were a little prepared, they would be in a desperate situation." Duke Huiwen's heart was shocked, and he turned to Gongsun Yan: "Has Gongsun Aiqing ever considered this?" "Think about it." Gongsun Yan nodded, "The use of troops is strange, cunning, and sudden. If the Koreans are prepared, there is only one explanation, that is, we are not well prepared, and the use of troops is not surprising." Duke Huiwen closed his eyes, pondered for a while, then raised his head again, and glanced at Zhang Yi, and saw that he was still sitting upright with his eyes closed. The only difference was that the corner of his mouth was no longer a half-smile, but a smirk. Duke Hui Wen clasped his fists slightly, leaned over and asked, "What do you think of the right Shu?" All the ministers turned their attention to Zhang Yi. In the past few days, the news that Zhang Yi went to Qin and paid homage to the right concubine has spread like wind in Xianyang, but because Zhang Yi never went to court, even Sima Cuo, Gongsun Yan, and Yingqian saw him for the first time. His eyes were full of curiosity. Zhang Yi opened his eyes, cupped his hands towards Duke Huiwen and said, "Your Majesty, should you ask about conquest, or should you deal with Hezong?" Duke Hui Wen asked in surprise, "Is there any difference between the two?" "Of course." Zhang Yi replied, "If you ask about the conquest, I have just arrived, and I don't know the situation, so I dare not speak nonsense." "So, Ai Qing already has a clever strategy to deal with He Zong?" Duke Huiwen leaned over and asked anxiously, with a happy face. Zhang Yi shook her head and said, "There is no good plan." "Then... can Aiqing have a countermeasure?" "Wei Chen is considering." Zhang Yi went around and said a bunch of nonsense.All the ministers were disappointed, but they also thought it was fun, so they all laughed. It is obviously inappropriate to joke at this time, Duke Huiwen coughed, sat up straight, glanced at the ministers, and said slowly: "My dear friends, let's discuss here for the time being. As for whether to attack Zhao or Han, we will discuss it later Discuss with you in detail." All the ministers resigned. Zhang Yi was originally known for his kind words, but today he kept his mouth shut at such a high-level meeting, which was beyond everyone's expectations.After leaving the palace, almost no one paid attention to Zhang Yi, and Zhang Yi also ignored them, and went back to their homes by car. At dusk, a group of palace guards suddenly came rushing in front of Zhang Yi's mansion. Zhang Yi heard the news, before he could go out to greet him, Duke Qin had already walked in, and all the guards were standing in the courtyard like lances. Zhang Yi kowtows.Duke Huiwen helped him up, and sat down among the monarchs and ministers. He laughed and said, "Aiqing has moved to the house for a few days. I should have come to set up a stove for Aiqing, but there are always chores. I have a little free time now. Thinking of this, I asked The ministers said that it was an auspicious day for Liaozao, so I rushed here.” Liaozao is also called offering sacrifices to the Kitchen God, which is a custom in Qin.Whenever you move to a new house, there are always relatives and friends coming to congratulate you, each bringing gizzards, salted fish and other food, shabu-shabu test stoves, and a big feast.Hexi was originally the land of Qin, and Zhang Yi grew up in Hexi, so he naturally knew this custom, so he bowed his hands and thanked him: "The Kitchen God should be satisfied if there is a king who can light a stove for a humble minister." Duke Huiwen laughed and said, "The Kitchen God can't afford to offend you!" He turned to his courtiers, "Hurry up, offer the gills." The ministers waved their hands, and several people carried several food baskets, which were filled with various foods such as gizzard meat and fine wine. The minister asked Zhang Yi to inspect it, ordered the servants to carry it down, and then rushed to the kitchen with Xiangnv and the royal cook in the palace to worship the Kitchen God and prepare food and wine.In just a moment, the imperial chef reheated the dishes that had been prepared and warmed up the wine, and the courtiers ordered them to be served, filling the hall. Duke Hui Wen pointed to his belly and smiled, "Since I came to Liaozao, my stomach must be empty. I heard that there are so many lovers, and our monarchs and ministers will never stop getting drunk." The minister waved away the servants and poured the wine himself. After a few rounds of drinking, Duke Hui Wen seemed to be in a good mood, and ordered the Jue to be replaced with a large bowl, and he drank several bowls in a row, pushed the bowl and said, "Aiqing is so generous, she drank so much, and she seemed to be fine. But the widow, A little dizzy." Zhang Yi also put down the big bowl: "Your Majesty is not dizzy, and the minister is not dizzy, but he is also dizzy." Hui Wengong blurted out praise: "Good words!" After thinking about it for a while, he appreciated it more and more, and nodded again and again, "I heard people say that good wine can refresh the mind, and drinking it to a good place will make your heart like a mirror. When Aiqing said this, see It’s a good time to drink.” Zhang Yi said casually: "Your Majesty's sage judged, this humble servant has indeed had a good drink." "Oh," Duke Huiwen said with a chuckle, "Since Aiqing has had a good drink, you should also take care of the things you worry about during the day." Zhang Yi nodded and said, "Report to Your Majesty, I have made up my mind." "Okay, okay, my widow just happens to drink it to the best place, so you can listen to it." "Weichen thought of a formula that might be able to deal with He Zong." "What formula is it?" Zhang Yi closed his eyes slightly, as if he was reciting a letter: "Lian Heng strengthened Qin, rectified his name Tuotu, attacked east and west, made friends from far and attacked near." After saying that, he closed his eyes completely. Duke Huiwen pondered for a while, then raised his head and asked, "This formula is very difficult. I'm a fool. I can't figure it out for a while. I hope Aiqing will explain it in detail." Zhang Yi opened her eyes: "Dare to ask your majesty what is unknown?" "Aiqing's first sentence is the outline, and the next three sentences are the eyes. Su Qin is vertical, and Aiqing should be horizontal. It is a wonderful work. Strong Qin is the foundation, and it is also the will of the widow. The last three sentences are logically speaking. , the widow still understands, it is just a concrete implementation, the widow has not figured it out yet, please Aiqing teach the widow." "Your Majesty is too modest." Zhang Yi cupped his hands slightly, and said eloquently, "I think that the so-called rectification of names means respect in the south. Since the meeting in Mengjin, the situation has changed greatly, and the world has entered the era of kings. At present, the kingdoms of Shandong, Song, Zhongshan Just for fun, let’s just talk about the six big countries. Wei, Chu, and Qi have already become kings. If Su and Qin are united, they will definitely be the kings of the six countries. Shandong is the king of the six countries, and Qin is still the principality. He will be inferior to others, and although he gains morality, he loses his kingly spirit." "What about expanding the land? If the six countries are in dispute, I may take advantage of the chaos and eat away at something. If the six countries are integrated, one hair will move the whole body, how will I be able to expand the land?" "If you can't eat it, you can swallow it." "Whale Tun?" Duke Hui Wen opened his eyes wide, staring at Zhang Yi, leaning forward slightly, "Where is Whale Tun?" "Ba, Shu." Master Huiwen took a deep breath and closed his eyes again. "Your Majesty," Zhang Yi said slowly, "Fang today, it is not the Three Jins, nor the Kingdom of Yan, but Qi and Chu that can compete with your Majesty. But it is different. Chu has already conquered Wu and Yue, and the next step is to explore Ba and Shu. Ba and Shu have a radius of no less than two thousand miles, rich products, hundreds of thousands of people, and simple customs, which are not inferior to Wu and Yue. Ba and Shu are the upper waters of Chu. If you get Shu, you get Chu, and if you get Chu, you get the world. Besides, if you don’t want it, you will get it from Chu. Chu was originally a vast country, and you have already got Wuyue. It is said that it is going out to fight for the hegemony, even if it is in the middle of the pass, it may not be possible." "Well," Duke Hui Wen nodded and said, "This should be Xixi in Aiqing's formula. Where's Shengdong?" "Attack Korea." "Attacking Korea?" Duke Huiwen was startled, then nodded again and again, "Well, Aiqing has a great idea! There is one last sentence, far away and close at hand, can Aiqing explain it?" "Flying far away to the Yan State to control Qi, and attacking the Three Jin Dynasties to gain real benefits. However, I think this is a later story. The most urgent thing is to attack the east and west and seize Bashu." Duke Hui Wen frowned for a moment, looked at Zhang Yi, and said slowly: "The four formulas given by Zhang Zi are strategically placed, practical and feasible, and very suitable for everyone. Su Zi also mentioned the matter of name rectification, which was rejected by everyone. Zhang The son mentioned it again today, so it can be seen that the hero sees the same thing. However, this matter is very important, and I can still consider it. I have thought about it before when I was far away from the country of Yan. The eldest daughter of the widow is about to grow up, and the widow intends to marry her To marry the crown prince of the Yan Kingdom. I heard that the crown prince of the Yan Kingdom has a bad heart, and I am a little hesitant. After Zhang Zi said this, this matter can be settled. As for Xituba and Shu, I have been thinking about it for a long time. Now the opportunity has come. It can be considered. Sima Cuo is clear about the internal affairs of Ba and Shu, we can listen to what he said." Turning to the courtiers, "Call Sima Cuo, let him come to the Youshu Changfu quickly, and say that the widow invites him to drink .” The minister agreed and left in a hurry. Duke Hui Wen made a decision on the spot, and was so decisive, obviously he had planned a long time ago, and his plan was exactly in line with his own thinking.Zhang Yi was very impressed, stood up and kowtowed: "Your Majesty is really a virtuous king, Zhang Yi is too late to go to Qin!" Duke Huiwen laughed several times, stood up and helped him up: "If you can win a good minister, you will be a good king. The poem said, 'Qingqing Zijin, take my heart'! Zhang Zi's talent has been admired by the widow for a long time, and today the sky meets me. May it be soon! Come, come, let's have a few more bowls before Sima Aiqing arrives!" The two drank for a while, and Sima hurried over by mistake. Hearing that Shu was about to be conquered, Sima Cuo smiled, rubbed his hands together and said cheerfully, "I have been waiting for this day for a long time. My lord, if you win Shu, you will win Chu, and if you win Chu, you will win the world!" Duke Huiwen laughed and said, "Sima Aiqing, in these two sentences of yours, you didn't say the first one, but Zhang Aiqing already said the latter one just now. You are a warm leftover." "Oh?" Sima Cuo seemed taken aback, and turned to look at Zhang Yi, "So the hero sees the same thing." "Your Majesty also said this sentence just now." Zhang Yi continued. Sima Cuo was stunned again: "Okay, okay, I won't say anything!" Taking a bowl of wine, he drank it in one gulp, making everyone present laugh. Sima finished drinking by mistake, took the wine jar and wanted to pour it again, Duke Huiwen laughed and said, "Sima Aiqing, if you keep silent, we won't be able to hear the story." "what story?" "Ba, Shu! I heard that there are beautiful scenery there, and there are hidden caves. We all want to hear about it!" Sima Cuo chuckled: "Speaking of Ba and Shu, I don't care about leftovers!" Everyone laughed, and while drinking, they listened carefully to Sima Cuo's talk about the situation in Ba and Shu, especially the interests, contradictions and conflicts among Ba, Shu, Ju, and Chu in recent years. The three of them discussed until the sky was bright and the rooster was crowing. Qin Gong seemed to be tired, yawned, and said slowly: "The two lovers are now in conflict with each other in Shu, and they both ask for help from the widow. It is a good opportunity. Conquer The matter of Ba and Shu is settled in this way. As for how to conquer, the two love ministers conspired to come up with a perfect plan and reported it to the widow. This matter must be kept top secret and must not leak. We will only discuss Conquer Yiyang." The two kowtowed in unison: "The humble minister leads the decree!" On this day in the court, Duke Hui Wen really discussed with the court to attack Han, and the court made a decision, named Gongsun Yan as the chief general, Gan Mao as the deputy general, and sent 100,000 troops to conquer Yiyang.Since Yiyang is a mountainous area, Duke Huiwen also ordered the three armies to immediately practice mountain warfare, and at the same time asked Gongsun Yan to draw up another call to attack Korea and spread it to other countries. Gongsun Yan was puzzled by Hui Wengong's decision.To conquer Han Yiyang, the most important thing is to send troops from the sky, so we must fight without declaring it.Hui Wengong's request to spread the call to the nations is tantamount to publicly declaring that he will not attack.Besides, using Gan Mao as the lieutenant also puzzled him.Although Gan Mao is familiar with Yiyang because of the pig iron trade, this by no means constitutes a reason for him to be the lieutenant general.Gan Mao has been in charge of the Six Mansions and is not familiar with the three armies, so how can he be a deputy general?Conquering Yiyang cannot leave Sima Cuo. However, the emperor dared not disobey the imperial edict.Gongsun Yan returned to the mansion depressed, closed the door and thought hard for a day, but still couldn't understand Qin Gong's true meaning. The next morning, Gan Mao asked to see him.Gan Mao has dealt with warehouses and supplies for several years. He was appointed as the deputy general when he was aggrieved. Yan reported. Gongsun Yan was suspicious, but he didn't dare to speak lightly, especially not to Gan Mao.If Gan Mao learns that the emperor is not attacking Han, he will be disheartened, which will shake the morale of the army, and he has the intention to do so.After thinking for a while, Gongsun Yan made up his mind, carefully reviewed his plan without showing any signs of expression, proposed several amendments, and reported it to Duke Huiwen together with the essay he had drawn up last night.Hui Wengong read it, and as expected, he did not review it. He immediately ordered to spread the order to all the countries, prepare the supplies, and step up military training. Gongsun Yan's heart was like a bright mirror, and he didn't have time to think about it after returning to the mansion, so he handed it over to Gan Mao for execution. Zhang Yi and Sima made a secret discussion to attack Shu. Sima mistakenly believed that the biggest obstacle before him was not the people of Shu, but the road of Shu.Sima Cuo found a map of Bashan and Shushui made by Bashu merchants, and pointed to the map: "Brother Zhang, look, this is Qinchuan for eight hundred miles, and this is Baohanchuan, which is the Hanzhong Valley. From Qinchuan to Hanzhong Valley , is Zhongnan Mountain with a width of about 600 miles. Not to mention the Shu Road, just crossing Zhongnan Mountain is a big problem. Zhongnan Mountain has high mountains and deep valleys, and there are many cliffs. It is absolutely impossible to come to march and fight, and to transport luggage." Zhang Yi pointed to the winding thin lines in the picture, and said with a smile: "Brother Sima, do these thin lines lead to Hanzhong?" "Exactly." Sima wrongly pointed to the lines and explained one by one, "From west to east, the westernmost one is Chencang Road, next to it is Baoxie Road, then Tangluo Road, and the easternmost one is Ziwu Road. These four Among them, the Chencang road is the best, but it is the farthest, with a length of more than 1,000 miles. The closest is the Baoxie Road, which is more than 700 miles long. However, if you want to cross Taibaiding, the main vein of Zhongnan Mountain, you can walk by people or horses. It is more difficult. As for the two roads to the east, the roads are long and obstructed, and there are many curves. Except for the mountain people, most merchants will not go." "In that case, let's take Chencang Road." "Chen Cangdao is currently in the hands of the Shu people." "Hey, didn't you hear that the land of Hanzhong is already in our hands?" Zhang Yi was taken aback. "Sigh, it's hard to say anything about this matter." Sima Cuo sighed softly, and then talked about the hundreds of years of competition between Qin, Shu, and Ba around the land of Hanzhong. According to Sima Cuo, due to the poor road from Qin people to Hanzhong and lack of energy, Hanzhong has always been owned by Ba and Shu.When the Ba people are strong, the Ba people will occupy it; if the Shu people are strong, the Shu people will occupy it.At the time of Xiangong, the Qin people were defeated by the Wei Dynasty. Xiaogong once sent sharp soldiers out of Taicang to attack Hanzhong and seized several fortresses, but they were taken away by the Shu people soon.The Shu people learned their lesson and set up several checkpoints in succession on Chencang Road. Since then, the difficulty of advancing troops on the road has increased.Besides, even if we win the land of Hanzhong, there will be many obstacles in the south.To the south of Hanzhong is the endless mountains of Bashu, with impassable water veins and continuous peaks and ridges, almost without roads.Every time the people of Ba and Shu came to Qin, it took several months to go back and forth.Many dangerous passes are even more dangerous, and it is almost impossible for Wan Fumoke to send troops on a large scale. The two discussed for several hours, but there was no solution on how to conquer.Sima Cuo was a little frustrated, but Zhang Yi was not reconciled. He asked Sima Cuo to find a few merchants who were familiar with the situation in Ba and Shu. know.The Ba people are based in the mountains of eastern Sichuan, rich in salt and iron, brave and good at fighting, have brute strength, can bear heavy loads, are good at walking on mountain roads, have no words, are superstitious about gods and witches, and are happy to know their fate.The biggest enemy of the Ba people is the Chu people. For nearly a hundred years, the Chu people have been nibbling and attacking along the river in order to gain an advantage in Shangshui. The Ba people could not resist the enemy, and their strength was greatly reduced. contend.The Shu people are based in Pingchuan in western Sichuan. They are rich in rice grains, good at irrigation, and make a living on farming. Their biggest opponent is the Ba people.Although the Shu people were not interested in the Baren Mountains, they coveted the Hanzhong Sichuan to the north of the Ba Mountains. They wanted to turn it into a land of fish and rice like the blessed land in western Sichuan, in order to solve the growing population crisis.To achieve this goal, the Shu people fought against the Ba people year after year, and gradually seized the source of diving. Not only did they infiltrate the power into Hanzhong, but they also defeated the Qin people and gained an advantage in Hanzhong.The Ba people were frustrated by Chu in the east and Shu in the west. Under the pressure of the two strong forces, they had to retreat to several big salt springs, desperately trying to protect the last foundation of their survival. If you go on a conquest, the Ba people have nothing to fear. There is only one opponent, and that is the Shu people.Zhang Yi's eyes fell on the land of Shu on the map, and he drew a big circle with his pen. The Ba people like mountains and don't like Pingchuan, and they are not good at farming. With the salt in their hands, the people of Shu dare not give them food, so they are not interested in the agriculture of Shu, and they have never regarded the people of Shu as their enemies.The land of Shu is surrounded by fortifications, and because of the large number of people, there is no fear of Ba people, so there is almost no city defense.The land of Shu practiced slavery, and there were only two types of Shu people, one was born aristocrats and the other was born slaves.The nobles are hereditary and obey the King of Shu.The king of Shu was ordered by heaven. Since Xia Qi, he has gone through the five dynasties of Baiguan, Cancong, Yufu, Du Yu, and Bieling, and is nearly 2,000 years old.The last two dynasties of Shu were Du Yu and Bie Ling.Du Yu is also known as Wangdi, and Bieling is his virtuous minister. Because of his meritorious service in water control, Wangdi gave the country to him and retreated to the mountains and forests.Bie Ling called himself Emperor Cong, changed the name of the country to Kaiming, and changed the emperor to king in the tenth generation, and called him Shangwang Kaiming.The son of King Shang succeeded to Tong and was called Empress King. The son of Empress King is the current King of Shu. His name is Luzi, and he is the twelfth grandson of Emperor Bieling.The queen passed away early, and Lu Zi was still young when he succeeded, and his mother was in charge of politics.The queen mother doted on her second son, and made Luzi enshrine his younger brother Weizi as Marquis of Ju, who ruled Judi.Juhou possesses Diving Shangyuan and Hanzhong Sichuan, and his power is growing day by day. He is gearing up secretly and intends to win the ancestral land.Lu Zi was not one to wait for nothing, he took the lead in attacking Ju.苇子抵敌不住，只好向巴人求救。巴人苦于楚患，亦想向西拓展，遂与苴侯合兵抗蜀。交战数年，蜀人占上风，苴人败退，但仍凭借地势和巴人支援，死命抵抗。苴侯见情势吃紧，提请议和。蜀人见一时不可强图，允准苴侯所请，引兵退去。 张仪得到这些细情，心底渐渐明朗。苴、蜀、巴、楚争端纷起，正是图谋良机。就眼前而言，唯一的难关是蜀道。欲征巴蜀，必辟蜀道，难点在于如何去辟。自己开辟几乎不可能，一是劳民伤财，二是巴、蜀不会坐视。唯一的可能是，设法说服蜀人和苴人，让他们自己开辟一条通路。 看似不可能之事，张仪却是认定了。张仪苦思数日，设计许多方案，又都被他一一否定。正自烦恼，小顺儿、小翠儿两口子带着两个孩子风尘仆仆地从张邑赶来。主仆相见，自是一番热闹。张仪问过张邑的家事，见他安排得十分妥当，甚是高兴，马上召集所有仆从，当场宣布小顺儿为家宰。小顺儿受命，即刻忙活去了。 香女与张仪结婚数年，不知何故，依然没有身孕。出于天性，香女甚是喜爱孩子。两个孩子在张邑时与她混得熟了，尤其是那个大的，屁股还没坐稳，就缠住香女，定要让她讲个故事。 香女看到张仪过来，指着他笑道：“你们要听故事，该去找老爷。老爷肚里的故事，保证能讲三年。” 两个孩子看看张仪，却不敢过来，依旧纠缠香女。 香女无奈，学起讲故事的老者样子，清清嗓子，拉起长腔，有声有色地缓缓说道：“在很久很久以前，在很远很远的地方，有个老爷爷，与他老伴相依为命，靠几亩水田为生。老两口年老无子，一日凌晨，忽然听到啼哭声，出门一看，门口竟然放着一个刚刚出生的孩子。老两口喜不自禁，祭天祷地，将那孩子养大成人，成为一个美少年。美少年出外打猎，看到一个漂亮姑娘。少年一见钟情，回来后茶饭不思，老爷爷再三询问，方知少年陷入爱河。老爷爷四处打探，方知姑娘是有钱人家。眼见少年害了相思病，老爷爷只好硬着头皮上门，代子求亲。姑娘的老父是个贪心人，知道老人家穷，捡起一块石头，张口说道，'癞蛤蟆也想吃天鹅肉！好吧，想娶我女儿可以，就拿这么大一块金子来！'说罢，将那石块丢予老爷爷。老爷爷家徒四壁，哪来那么大的金子，想想伤心，抱上那块石头，一路哭着回去了。” “后来呢？”两个孩子听得两眼大睁。 张仪也听得出神，站在那儿不动了。 “后来，”香女接道，“少年的相思病越来越重，眼看就要死去，他家的老犍牛突然嘶叫一声，屙出一堆金子，正好与那石块一般大小。老爷爷一看，知是天助他家，赶忙抱着金子和那石头，赶到姑娘家中，如愿娶回姑娘。那个少年的病，自也好了！” 张仪心里一动，凑前一步：“夫人，你从何处听来的？” 香女笑道：“小时候，香女闹人时，荆叔讲的。听说是越地传说，专哄孩子。” 张仪转身离去，径至书房，静坐下来，将香女所讲与近日听闻的巴、蜀风情从头至尾细细思忖一遍，猛拍脑门道：“有了！” 张仪立即召来小顺儿，对他如此这般吩咐一阵。及至天黑，小顺儿领着一个老石匠疾步走进，小声禀道：“主公，小人打探过了，此人是咸阳城里最出色的石匠，小人看过他雕刻的石兽，就跟活的一样。” 张仪点点头，将石匠打量一番，问道：“能雕牛吗？” 石匠笑道：“小人连麒麟也能雕，何况是牛？” “本府要的是会屙屎的牛，你能雕吗？” “屙屎的牛？”石匠怔了下，“是真屙屎，还是假屙屎？” “石头当然不会真屙屎。”张仪笑道。 “若是假屙屎，倒也容易，小人只需在牛屁股上做个机关，将屎事先放进去，一拍尾巴，屎就屙出来了。” “好！”张仪击掌叫道，“本府要的就是这个！说吧，雕一头多少钱？” “三金足矣。” 张仪叫小顺儿拿出三金递给石匠：“这是定金，若是雕得好，本府加赏三金。” 石匠谢过，接过定金，接着问道：“官人要用什么石料？” 张仪问道：“你都有何石料？” 石匠屈指说道：“有青石，有碣石，有黑石，有彩石，有绿石，有红石，有白石……” “停！”张仪问道，“何为彩石？” “有红有白有黑有蓝有紫，就跟日出时的云霞一样，也叫彩霞石。” “此石产于何处？” “终南山里。” “别处可有？” 石匠摇头。 “好好好，”张仪乐不可支，击掌应道，“就用此石！你马上回去雕，越快越好！记住，不可对任何人讲，若有泄密，按秦法治罪！” 石匠应过，回去后辞别家人，带上几个爱徒前往山中，日夜赶工，不消十日，果然雕出一头形象逼真的五色彩牛。张仪亲去验看，轻轻一拍尾巴，只听“啪哒”一声，牛屁股里屙出一堆牛屎。 张仪呵呵直乐，叫小顺儿又付三金，吩咐石匠依样做出五头。 看过石牛，张仪径直驰往国尉府，笑对司马错道：“天大喜讯，蜀道有了！” 司马错惊问：“蜀道在哪儿？” “马上使人开辟。” 司马错大失所望，苦笑一声，连连摇头道：“张子莫要说笑了。辟路之事，在下考虑多次，断不可行。” “我们不可行，有人却行。” "Who?" “蜀人。” 司马错先是一怔，继而扑哧笑道：“蜀人开山辟路，再让你沿路攻伐他们，这不是与虎谋皮吗？我说张子，你别是想路想得昏头了！” 张仪亦笑一声：“司马兄若是不信，在下与你赌百金如何？” 司马错哈哈笑道：“若是此说，在下愿赌千金。” “百金足矣。”张仪笑道，“多了你是拿不出的。不过，此事若成，还得司马兄助力。” “在下如何助力？” “听司马兄说，你与苴侯的通国太子过往甚密，可否设法邀他来咸阳一趟。” “不用设法，此人已经来了。” “哦？”张仪瞪起眼珠子，“几时来的？” “就在昨日，”司马错道，“苴侯派太子通国问聘君上，带来不少贡品呢！” “真是天助我也。”张仪喜道，“太子现在何处？” “在驿馆里。在下打算冷他几日，然后引他觐见君上。怎么，张子寻他有事？” 张仪喜不自禁，呵呵乐道：“司马兄，你这百金，在下赢定了！”凑前一步，在司马错耳边嘀咕几句，要他如此这般。 司马错听得云里雾里，半信半疑，点头允诺。 从司马错府中出来，张仪急至宫中，将石牛之事细细禀报惠文公。 惠文公听完，呵呵笑道：“爱卿若是成功，当为千古奇谈了！”转头吩咐内臣调拨专人听命于张仪，全力以赴地应对苴国太子。 张仪叫来乐坊令和库房令，吩咐他们如此这般，二人应过，分头准备去了。 三日过后，司马错带通国上朝觐见。通国献上贡品，惠文公回赠金子千镒，赐美女两名，旨令右庶长张仪全权负责太子在秦事宜。 张仪引领通国赶赴乐坊。乐坊分为内坊和外坊，内坊的歌女、乐手宫中自用，内臣监管，外坊的全部赠送列国，由黑雕台负责培训，公子华监管。 通国随张仪前往外坊。 外坊紧挨宫城，四面封闭，从各地选招的处女约数百名，包括秋果姑娘，从十二岁到十六岁不等，皆在此处教习，或舞乐，或对弈，或作画，或骑射，或唱歌，有动有静，甚是齐整。着装也不一样，花花绿绿，耀人眼目。 张仪他们一到，乐坊令急迎上来。张仪要通国太子自己挑选。蜀地不缺美女，但蜀女不化，不似此处美女个个知书达理，多才多艺。太子看花了眼，秦公却只许他挑选两名，他只好走游一圈，选出两个养眼的，乐坊令使人引领她们沐浴更衣去了。 张仪见通国的目光仍在其他女孩子身上扫瞄，笑道：“太子，该去金库了。” 听到金库，通国只好转身，随张仪走向金库。 金库在宫城外面，是几排砖房，并无戒严，看上去甚至有点破旧，只有两个中年男人守在一处小房子里，显然是掌管钥匙的。 通国看到，惊道：“你们的金库，怎么如此破旧，也无人看守？” 张仪笑笑，没有理他，吩咐二人开门。一人懒洋洋地走过来，打开大门，张仪引通国径走进去。 一进库门，通国顿时大睁两眼，看得呆了。偌大一个库房，黄澄澄的尽是金子。旁边还有一堆金子，形状甚是古怪，像是刚拉出来的堆堆牛屎。 通国惊道：“天哪，这么多的金子？” 张仪笑道：“太子说笑了。这不算什么，似这样的库房，在我们秦国有几十处之多。” 通国悟道：“难怪你们不贵重金子！” 张仪又是一笑：“什么贵重？粮食贵重！在我们这里，没有人喜欢金子，因为金子是粪土。君上之所以收集这些粪土，是因为有人喜欢它们，我们可以拿它们换来粮食。” “哦？”通国怔道，“在我们蜀国，粮食如粪土，金子才是宝贝。”扫一眼旁边如牛屎一般的金块，联想起张仪方才所说的粪土之语，甚是不解，“请问右庶长，你们的金子为何这般形状？” 张仪应道：“太子若有兴趣，在下可以带你看样宝贝。见到它，你就明白了。”指着库中金子，“君上赏赐的千镒金子，太子是否这阵儿就领？” 通国忙道：“不急不急，先去看那宝贝。” 太子通国喊上助手，张仪也叫上司马错，众人分乘几辆驷马大车，径出咸阳，一直来到终南山里。众人驰至一个偏狭处，弃车登山，走有许久，行至一处山坳。坳中草木萋萋，一头彩牛立在草丛里，旁边坐着一个少儿，显然是个牧童。 太子大奇，近前视之，竟是一头石牛，五色斑斓，通体如霞，若不细看，竟如正在吃草的活牛一般无二。 张仪笑问：“这就是宝贝，是我们君上祈请上天赐予的。” “真是神牛啊！”太子不曾见过如此彩石，赞叹一声，上下左右抚摸一时，抬头问道，“此牛可与金子相关？” “正是。”张仪点点头，指着牛屁股，“此牛夜间吸纳天地灵气，白日便金。太子所见的库中金子，全是由它们屙出来的。” 太子不信，问张仪道：“能便一金吗？” 张仪扭头问旁边的牧童：“今日之金便否？” 牧童应道：“回禀大人，尚未便出。” “几时可便？”张仪问道。 牧童仰头看天，点头道：“嗯，看时辰，是该便金了。” 张仪对通国笑道：“太子算是有福气，此牛刚好到便金的时辰了。”转对牧童，“让它便吧。” 牧童应一声，走至牛头处，呢呢喃喃地与神牛耳语几句，似是安抚神牛，又似是说咒语，然后走到牛尾处，轻拍尾巴。连拍几下，越拍越重，拍到最后一声，只听“啪哒”一响，一块金饼从牛屁股里应声而落。 太子及随行蜀人大奇，捡起金饼，细细一看，湿漉漉的，拿手一摸，竟然有些温热。 蜀人皆奇。太子也学牧童的样子走到牛头处，低语一阵，走至牛尾，轻拍几下，却不见屙金。 太子怔道：“它为何不屙？” 牧童笑道：“大人有所不知，神牛一日方便一次，若是下雨，两日或三日才能方便。今日已经方便过，是以便不出了。” 太子甚是懊丧。 张仪笑道：“太子若想亲自验看，明日此时复来如何？” 通国点头允了。 翌日是好天，在后晌的同一时辰，张仪偕同太子一行再来山坳，通国亲拍牛尾，神牛果然又便一金。太子使属下验看，是真金。 太子大服，不无感叹地对张仪说道：“唉，在我们巴蜀，炼金不知遭受多少辛苦，是以金贵。贵国有此神牛，无须劳苦，一日就可便出许多，真是宝贝呢！敢问庶长，贵国就此一牛吗？” 张仪笑而不言。 太子转向司马错，司马错无奈，只好凑前一步，小声说道：“此为秘密，太子不可多问。” 想到库中那么多的黄金，太子认定秦国断然不会只有一头神牛。心中有底，太子当下也不多话，回至驿馆，备上厚礼，夜至司马错府。司马错悄悄告诉他，秦国共有神牛百头，全部散养在终南山里，归右庶长监管。太子恳请石牛，司马错要他去求右庶长。 太子备上厚礼，邀司马错一道去求张仪。 张仪连连摇头，摊开双手道：“太子殿下，不是在下不帮忙，而是此事重大，在下不能做主啊。”略顿一下，压低声音，“不瞒殿下，此牛是君请神授，专以用来为秦国换粮的，君上严旨不得外泄。因殿下是司马兄挚友，在下与司马兄情如兄弟，这才引太子一开眼界。太子能够目睹，已是大幸，还望太子回去，不可轻泄此事，万一为贼人所知，皆来抢夺神牛，秦国就会失去粮源，秦人就得挨饿。” 通国长叹一声，目露失望之色。 司马错见状，拱手求情：“庶长大人，太子此来，诚意睦邻，实为难得，既已开口，就不能空口收回，望庶长大人成全。再说，太子仅求一牛，我们有那么多，在下以为，纵使少个一头两头，也无伤根本。” “是啊，是啊，”通国急道，“在下只求一牛。” 张仪低头陷入深思，有顷，抬头说道：“单是一头，不会屙金。牛分雄雌，只有雌牛会屙金，但没有雄牛，雌牛也不出金。若是送牛，至少得两头