Chapter 9 Chapter Nine: The Alliance, Su Qin is in charge of the six kingdoms

After the news that King Chu Wei led an army of 80,000 to attend the meeting, the special envoys of various countries were all excited, they wrote books one after another, and rushed to report to their respective kings.Prince Ang, the special envoy of the State of Wei, was even more overjoyed. While sending a fast horse to announce the good news, he bid farewell to Su Qin and galloped back to Daliang without stopping. Before Young Master Ang arrived in Daliang, the subjects of Wei State had already heard the good news.King Hui personally greeted him to the south gate, took him by the hand and boarded the king's chariot together, leaving behind the three important officials Pang Juan, Hui Shi and Zhu Wei who came with him.

Back in the palace, King Hui listened carefully to Young Master Ang's vivid report, especially when he heard that Su Qindang's court exposed Cang Wuzi's deceit, he respected Su Qinqin and praised: "Good Suzi!" Laughed a few times, looked around, "You all heard it, this is the bear merchant, he is pretentious, but he fell into the hands of the countrymen if he didn't want to, hahaha, he actually believes in the art of immortality! Hahaha, the widow is considered a You see, Xiong Shang is afraid of death! Birth, old age, sickness and death are human nature, he doesn't even understand this, he is in vain to be smart!"

All the ministers laughed. "What the father said is very true!" Young Master Ang continued, "At that time, the King of Chu was holding an elixir in his hand, staring at Cang Wuzi's fake ears and eyebrows, his face was red and white for a while, he was really ashamed !" "Okay, okay!" King Hui tapped on a few cases, "When he goes to the meeting, I will definitely find an opportunity to ask him about the art of longevity and see how he speaks!" The ministers laughed again. When the laughter fell, King Hui stopped laughing and glanced at the officials majesticly: "My dear friends, Xiong Shang led an army of 80,000 to Mengjin. How should I deal with it? Please discuss together!"

"Your Majesty," Pang Juan cut straight to the point, "I think that the King of Chu's visit may be fraudulent." "Ai Qing, tell me, what is he cheating?" "The King of Chu seldom visits abroad, and he also excused himself from the previous meeting in Mengjin. This time, uncharacteristically, he took the lead in saying that he would go to the meeting, which made people suspicious. Besides, since he came here to indulge his relatives, why did he lead an army of 80,000 people?" intention?" All the ministers nodded.King Hui frowned gradually. "Also." Pang Juan further deduced, "According to what I know, before the special envoy of Zongqin went to Ying, Zhaoyang was in full swing, mobilizing troops and generals, conscripting an army of more than 200,000, plotting to kill me and avenge Xingshan. , I also drew my sword and drew my bow, ready to wait for the battle. Later, because Zhaoyang lost his mother, this matter was put on hold for the time being. Therefore, this minister thought that the Chu people suddenly changed their original intentions, regardless of the previous suspicions, and their motives were not pure."

King Hui turned to Hui Shi who had been half-closed his eyes: "Pang Aiqing thinks that Chu people are deceitful, what do you think of Aiqing?" Hui Shi opened his eyes, clasped his fists and said: "His Majesty Hui Zou, I think that what General Pang said is true, I should be on guard!" "Well," King Hui nodded repeatedly, and told Zhu Wei, "Zhu Aiqing, when the Chu people come, you can tell them that you are only allowed to bring 10,000 troops to the meeting, just in case!" Zhu Wei replied: "This humble minister leads the decree!" However, the development of things was beyond Pang Juan's expectation.A few days later, the envoys of Qi came to hire, saying that the king of Qi Wei would go to the meeting and send out 50,000 armed forces to show his prestige. At the meeting, each sent an army of 30,000; Xu was far away, and the envoy of Yan came the latest, but the letter of appointment was the most touching. It said that Yan Gong, regardless of his old age, led a car and rode 30,000, and went to the meeting with his wife.

The monarchs of the five countries came together, and they all brought their troops. Pang Juan couldn't understand it. He closed the door in the big tent to thank the guests. He thought hard for three days. It seems that Erchen was wrong." "Hehehe," Hui Wang said with a smile, "it's not wrong, you call it prudent. All the countries have married relatives, hundreds of thousands of troops gathered at our door, it's common sense for a son-in-law to be careful, why is there anything wrong?" "Thank you, Father Wang, for your kind words!" "My son-in-law," King Hui smiled, "I have thought about it over and over again. This time, Su Zi advocated indulgence, and all the countries responded to punish Qin. This is God's blessing for our country, and I must not miss this opportunity. I called you to discuss this matter, and you came here, it seems that our father and son have a good understanding!"

"Father—" "Your son-in-law," Hui Wang said sincerely, "I have experienced everything in this life, and it can be described as ups and downs. It is thrilling! In the experience of my widow, the saddest thing is the one in Hexi. Loss; the happiest thing is the victory of Huangchi. The loss of Hexi is due to the widow; the victory of Huangchi is better than the son-in-law.” "Father—" Pang Juan's voice choked up. "My son-in-law, in this life, I have many regrets, but also many lucks. The most regretful thing is to miss Gongsun Yang, and the luckiest thing is to get a good son-in-law."

"Father—" Pang Juan was sobbing. "Hey, let's not talk about the past," King Hui sighed, "The opportunity is here now, whether I can get rid of the old shame and regain Hexi depends on my son-in-law!" "Father, don't worry, I will do my best to capture Duke Qin alive, take back Hexi, and avenge the 80,000 soldiers who died!" "Okay!" King Hui said with the boxing case, "I am very comforted by my son-in-law who has such great ambition!" After a short pause, "However, my son-in-law, this is not what it used to be. It has become four blocks, easy to defend and difficult to attack!"

"Reporting to my father," Pang Juan said, "My son heard that in the past, Wu Zi once went boating and swimming on the West River with his ancestor Wuhou. When he reached the middle of the river, the ancestor praised him sincerely, 'It is beautiful, the solidity of mountains and rivers, and the treasure of Wei State. Yes!' Wu Zi replied, 'The solidity of mountains and rivers lies in virtue and not in danger. If the emperor does not cultivate virtue, the people in the boat will be enemies!' The first gentleman sighed, 'It is so good, what Wu Zi said!'"

King Hui was moved, and got up and held Pang Juan's hand: "It's good, what Pang Zi said!" Pang Juan's nose was sore, and his voice choked up again: "Your Majesty, how to attack Qin, I have already figured it out. As long as the six kingdoms unite and really contribute, don't say that Qin is strong, even if it is as solid as iron, I can defeat Qin. Turn it into dust!" "What good plan does the son-in-law have, can you tell the father?" "My son's plan is to attack Qin in three routes. The Chu people on the south route go out of Wancheng, attack the merchants in the valley, and go out from Wuguan to Lantian, and go straight to Xianyang. The merchants in the valley are the pain of the Chu people, and Chu will do their best. The middle route The allied armies of Han, Wei, and Qi marched out of Xiaoguan, attacked Hangu in the west, and recaptured the natural danger of Hangu. From Hangu Road, they went out of Yinjin and went straight to Xianyang. The Qin people repeatedly threatened to attack Yiyang for iron, and the Han people were trembling. Even though the people of Qi and Qin are far apart, they have coveted the states of Sishang for a long time. As long as the father allows him to rule the states of Sishang after breaking Qin, especially the state of Song, Qi will do his best. North Route Yan and Zhao soldiers out of Jinyang, march westward along the Fenshui Valley, and cross the river to attack Hexi. There is a gap between Qin and Zhao, and the Zhao people will do their best. Although the Yan people are far away from Qin, as a joint vertical sponsor, Yan The country has to do its best. Therefore, Beilu should also be a strong force."

"The virtuous son-in-law's plan is very good, but—" King Hui hesitated to speak. "Father," Pang Juan seemed to have guessed King Hui's concerns, and said with eloquence, "The three-way offensive is a plan by my ministers who are suspicious of soldiers, and they can be feigned attacks. But in fact, my ministers plan to gather elite troops secretly and wait for the enemy's army to go away." In response to the three-way attack, the soldiers went out of Fengling, used sheepskin rafts and gourd rafts as weapons, crossed the river secretly, attacked the Yin and Jin Dynasties with lightning speed, cut off the retreat route of the Qin army in Hangu, and then went north along the river to capture Linjin Pass. Build a pontoon bridge to welcome the army to cross the river and occupy Hexi in an all-round way. After I regain Hexi and Hangu Road, the Allied Forces of the Six Nations will be able to storm Xianyang and flatten Guanzhong.” "Okay!" King Hui heard his blood rushing and trembled again. "Your Majesty," Pang Juan knelt down, emotionally, "The above is just the first step for me." "Oh?" "After Qin is destroyed, my ministers can take advantage of the opportunity to divide Qin to stir up disputes between Qi and Chu, or unite with Qi to destroy Chu, or unite with Chu to destroy Qi. As long as Qi and Chu are weak, the world can be settled!" King Hui's eyes were wide open, his ambition swelled, and his blood-red eyes stared at Pang Juan for a long time. After a long time, he clenched his fists and shook the table heavily. After a muffled sound of "dong", a hoarse trill came out of his chest: "it is good!" "Father," Pang Juan lowered his voice, "Military secrets must not be revealed." King Hui nodded solemnly, his voice was lower and deeper, and he could hardly hear: "Okay." In the valley from Zhongnan Mountain directly to Nanzheng, Hanzhong County, there is the sound of clanging beating and the sound of chants carrying stones and wood, and more than 10,000 Qin soldiers are rushing to repair the plank road day and night.Zhang Yi, the right concubine, and Sima Cuo, the captain of the state, accompanied by the official Li Lei who was in charge of the project, inspected the construction site along the valley. Looking at a high mountain and valley rising from the ground in front of him, Zhang Yi turned to Sima Cuo and sighed: "Good guy, this mountain has caught up with Monkey's Watch." "Monkey Watchtower?" Sima Cuo looked in shock, "Where is Monkey Watchtower?" Zhang Yi pointed to the sky in the northeast direction and said with a smile, "It's there, deep in the sea of ​​clouds!" Looking back at the mountain again, he pointed to the servant Ding who was hanging by ropes on the cliff in the distance to make a hole for the plank road, and turned to Li Lei. , "Doctor Li, how long will this plank road be built?" "If you go back to Shuchang You, this Juegu alone is 32 miles long, and you need to build a plank road for 18 miles, and you can use the terrain to make a way." "How about repairing to Hanzhong?" "Five hundred and eight miles, two hundred and fifty-one miles of plank roads are needed." "Is it all such a desperate valley?" "Yes. This place is considered a small valley. In Taibaiding, the mountain is far more dangerous than here." "My dear," Zhang Yi smacked her tongue, "Zhang Yi is convinced!" Looking back at the plank road that has been repaired for a while, staring at the distance with fixed eyebrows, for a while, "May I ask Dr. Li, when will this road be repaired?" "Returning to the right concubine's words, according to expectations, it should be completed in the late autumn of the next year." "Is there any difficulty?" "Yes." Li Lei hesitated, and said bluntly, "The project is far more difficult than expected. For example, the weather is unpredictable. It is good and bad, and the mountains are covered with heavy snow in winter. It is difficult for people, even wild boars, to travel. The general is worried, if something goes wrong, the punishment will be minor, and if he misses state affairs, the general will not be able to bear the crime." "Doctor Li, how about I add another five thousand people and double the financial resources?" "Thank you, Master Shu!" Returning to the big tent from the plank road construction site, Zhang Yi and Sima Cuo were still sitting on their buttocks, and several riders flew up. One of them was a palace guard and said that it was called by Duke Qin urgently.Zhang Yi and Sima didn't have time to eat, so they rushed back to Xianyang with Gong Wei. Walking to Lantian, I saw the sound of gongs and drums in front of me. I looked around and saw a group of chariots and horses approaching with the banners of "Chen", "Qin" and "Emissary". .Zhang Yi asked the officials at the post office, and learned that it was Chen Zhen, the guest minister of the state of Qin, who had returned triumphantly. Sima wrongly clamped his legs against the horse's belly, and turned to Zhang Yi: "Go, meet him." Zhang Yi snorted through her nose: "I want to welcome you, what are you doing now?" Sima wrongly reined in the horse's head and said with a smile, "Brother Zhang, you don't want to see him?" Zhang Yi turned her head contemptuously: "I have known him for a long time." He rode forward and galloped towards Xianyang without looking back. Sima Cuo was slightly taken aback, turned his horse's head, and followed closely. The two rushed to Xianyang, and before they could enter the south gate, they saw pedestrians avoiding the two sides. After a while, a group of chariots and horses galloped out of the city gate. Behind the guards were more than a hundred officials from Zhongdafu. It's Gong Zihua.The four-horse bronze cart of the old lady Fu Yingqian, who has long been idle and has long hair, followed closely behind. Zhang Yi and Sima Cuo followed the crowd to avoid the side of the road.When the chariots and horses were approaching, the doctor rushed to sweep them to two people. He reined in the horse and reported it to the courtiers. Zhang Yi and Sima Cuo went to the front of the chariot. After seeing the ceremony, Duke Huiwen laughed and said, "It's just in time for the two lovers to come back!" Hua, "Let's drive!" Young Master Hua raised his whip to urge the horse, and the chariot started again.Zhang Yi didn't know who the nobleman was, and it was inconvenient to ask more questions, so he rode his horse along with Sima Cuo in the queue. The brigade of horses and chariots marched ten miles away and stopped in front of the post station.Duke Qin stepped out of the chariot, walked to a temporary earthen platform, and looked south from the platform.Hundreds of officials are listed behind him, each standing according to their rank. Seeing the quietness of all the officials, all the ministers looked south with Qin Gong, Zhang Yi couldn't hold back, and asked Sima Cuo in a low voice: "Hey, who is the nobleman, do you know?" Sima Cuo frowned and pondered for a while: "Could it be Chen Zhen?" "How is it possible?" Zhang Yi burst into a smile, "How can your majesty greet that kid with his virtue?" When the voice fell, someone shouted: "Look, it's coming!" Sure enough, smoke and dust billowed in the distance, and after a while, the flags of "Chen" and "Qin" were faintly visible. Zhang Yi saw it clearly and was stunned. When Chen Zhen's chariot and horse approached, Duke Huiwen waved his hand and said, "Play music!" Military musicians on horseback began to play. For a while, bells and drums rang, cymbals sounded together, and flutes were played horizontally. What was played was the general's triumphal song "Broken Array Music", which is said to have been composed by Jiang Ziya. Three hundred steps away, Chen Zhen jumped off the carriage and rushed over in a staggering manner.When Duke Huiwen saw him approaching, he also stepped down from the platform and went forward to meet him. Chen Zhen's knees went limp, he fell to his knees, kowtowed like pounding garlic, weeping uncontrollably: "Your Majesty—" Duke Huiwen strode up to him and said, "Aiqing, you've worked hard all the way!" Chen Zhen burst into tears, and what came out of his mouth was trembling: "Your Majesty—" Hui Wengong reached out to take his arm, and pulled him up: "Aiqing, the widow is going to court, and I heard that you are coming back, no, you didn't even go to court, and all the officials came to welcome you! Look , They are all wearing court clothes!" All the officials congratulated in unison: "Congratulations to Chen Shangqing for his triumphant return!" Facing all the officials, Chen Zhen bowed deeply, turned to Duke Hui Wen and bowed to the ground, weeping: "How can a humble minister dare to ask your lord to welcome you in person?" Duke Hui Wen gave him back a bow, and said with a smile: "The merit of loving you can reach the three armies!" Gently took his hand, "Go, get in the car with the widow, and our monarchs and ministers will enter the palace to talk." The two monarchs and ministers boarded the public chariot amidst the congratulations of the ministers, and the brigade of horses and horses immediately turned around and rumbled away towards Xianyang. Back in the palace, Qin Gong dismissed all the officials, completely forgot about Zhang Yi and Sima Cuo, and only had a secret talk with Chen Zhen in the Hall of Yiqing. Feeling lost, Zhang Yi walked down the steps in front of the palace and was about to return home when she saw Young Master Hua stepping out of the palace gate, rolled her eyes, raised her hand and shouted: "Young Master, stay a step!" Gong Zihua came over, clasped his fists and said with a smile: "Hehe, it's Brother Zhang! I haven't seen you for a few days, and I miss you very much. I asked someone, saying that you have gone into the mountains. There are many rare treasures in the mountains. You must have brought back something rare. , let me open my eyes." "I didn't bring anything." Zhang Yi bowed back and responded with a smile, "I brought back two jars of old wine, which are said to be quite old." "Hey," Gong Zihua said with a chuckle, "Speaking of drinking, in Xianyang, I am afraid that no one can compare with me. I have drunk, how many years do you think? One hundred and twenty years! Guess who it is Filial? It’s Fan Chef in the residence of your younger brother Pang Juan. This person’s ancestor was a brewer in Wei State, and the jar of old wine is in his family’s collection.” "Hey," Zhang Yi said with disdain in his eyes, "One hundred and twenty years is considered old wine. It seems that the young master drank less! To tell you the truth, the two jars I brought back should be at least one hundred and fifty years old. year!" "What?" Gong Zihua's eyes widened, "One hundred and fifty years!" Then he laughed loudly, "You can brag. In this Great Qin, there is really such a good wine, how can you hide it from me?" "I didn't believe it at first," Zhang Yi suppressed her smile and admitted the truth, "but the owner insisted that it was brewed by his grandpa's grandpa. If you do the math, according to his calculations, at least one hundred Fifty years!" "Let's go!" Gong Zihua grabbed Zhang Yi, "I'll come to your house and drink it!" The two drove straight to Zhang Yi's mansion, and Zhang Yi ordered Xiangnv to prepare vegetables. When the wine and food came, Zhang Yi poured it out with her own hands, held it up and respectfully said, "My lord, please drink this wine." Gong Zihua took a sip and smacked his lips a few times. Zhang Yi looked at him eagerly: "How?" Gong Zihua put down his jue, stared at Zhang Yi, and said with a smile: "Master Zhang, let's put aside the matter of the wine for now. If you coax me to come, there must be something wrong?" "It's nothing." Zhang Yi said with a chuckle, "I invite you here, just for this purpose, to taste wine! I have a good wine, I dare not enjoy it to myself!" Gong Zihua pointed at Jiu Jue: "Then...Master Zhang, am I telling the truth, or telling the truth?" "Of course it's true." "To tell the truth, this wine is just an ordinary vintage, at most thirty years old." Zhang Yi feigned disbelief, drank it with a sip, sipped it for a while, made a grimace, and smiled bitterly: "Oh, my son, I sincerely invite you. I wanted to drink a good wine, but I was fooled. It seems that Murano's words are not true. Believe me!" Filled up the two empty lords again, "Well, it's a matter of mood to drink, although this wine is generally aged, it can be regarded as a top-grade wine. We brothers will make up for it, and drink to our heart's content." "Brother Zhang is right!" Gong Zihua also laughed, "To tell you the truth, thirty-year-old wine is still a good wine. If you dare to ask for a hundred-fifty-year-old wine, I still dare not drink it. If you can smell it The taste is satisfying." "Young master, be happy! Come, drink up this wine!" The two of them raised the bar frequently, and within half an hour, they were all in perfect condition, and the topic started to change from the wine, which became more and more general, and gradually led to the main topic. Zhang Yi cast a sideways glance at Young Master Hua: "Young Master, I really don't understand that everyone in the world does not know that Chen Zhen is a villain, but Your Majesty... I will not talk about what happened today." Young Master Hua responded with a smile: "Brother Zhang, all civil and military men in the Manchu Dynasty can ask this question, but Brother Zhang cannot." "Oh, why is this?" Zhang Yi opened his eyes wide. "Hehehe," Gong Zihua leaned forward and lowered his voice, "To tell you the truth, if it wasn't for Mr. Chen, Brother Zhang might still be in the Great Chu Kingdom right now!" Zhang Yi was surprised at first, then smiled and said, "My lord, you are joking. I am going to Qin, what are you doing with that guy?" "May I ask Brother Zhang, why did you leave Chu State?" Gong Zihua got the power of alcohol and got serious. "Framed by traitors." "Who framed it?" "Zhaoyang Shuzi!" Zhang Yi squeezed through his teeth. "Why did that guy from Zhaoyang harm you?" "He wants to be the Minister of Chu, and he sees him as a stumbling block." "Hahahaha," Gong Zihua pointed at Zhang Yi, and let out a long laugh, "Brother Zhang is so smart, but he is so stupid now! Let me ask you, is Yi Zhaoyang's talent, brother Zhang your opponent? " Zhang Yi shook her head. "That's it." Gong Zihua took another drink, breathing heavily, "Since we are a family, I might as well refer this old matter to Brother Zhang, and Quan Bo will smile." Zhang Yi kept pouring wine and said with a smile, "I will listen carefully." Gong Zihua drank several lords again, full of arrogance, how he planned Chen Zhen in Chu, how he framed Zhang Yi with He Shibi, forced Zhang Yi to flee to Zhao, and how Su Qin used tricks to force him to Qin, from the beginning to the end. Come.Gong Zihua has always been in charge of the Black Diaotai, and Chen Zhen's every move in Chu naturally cannot escape his control. Now that he has the power of wine, he has no fear, and speaks vividly and thrillingly. Zhang Yi always thought that it was Zhaoyang who harmed him, but at this moment when she understood the whole story, she was stunned for a long time, before she realized: "That's good, that's a good plan!" Then he was stunned for a while, burst into a long laugh, and praised again, "It's really true." What a plan! It’s strange that the Lord Dao thinks so highly of this person, so he is a great hero! Come on, young master, do it for this great hero!” "Dry!" After seeing off Gong Zihua, Zhang Yi tossed and turned, unable to sleep.Thinking of how she risked her life to talk more, worked hard for hundreds of days, and was about to realize her ambition, but was destroyed by this fellow, and thought of all the sufferings she had suffered because of it, Zhang Yi became more and more angry.Thinking further that in just one year, the kingdoms of Shandong have made Su Qin a group, making a fuss to control Qin, and Qin Gong summoned him and Sima Cuo urgently, in order to find a solution, Zhang Yi couldn't sleep any more go.After tossing until midnight, Zhang Yi simply sat up from the couch, meditating on the countermeasures. There will be no morning next day.The sky was just shining, and someone from the palace summoned him.Zhang Yi washed and combed for a while, changed into court clothes, and drove directly to Miyagi.Outside the palace gate, Zhang Yi jumped out of the cart and was about to step up the steps when she suddenly heard the sound of carriages and horses behind her, she turned around and saw that it was Chen Zhen. Zhang Yi stopped and waited on the steps, squinting at Chen Zhen.Xu Shi talked with Qin Gong for a long time last night, Chen Zhen went back late, and got up too early, looking sleepy and listless. Seeing that it was Zhang Yi who was blocking the way, Chen Zhen was secretly startled, bravely walked up the steps, stopped in front of him, and said, "I have met Zhang Zi." "I've seen it before." Zhang Yi also bowed, speaking with sarcasm, "Chen Shangqing, you were so majestic yesterday!" "Your Majesty fell in love with you by mistake." Chen Zhen smiled awkwardly. "Chen Shangqing served as an envoy to Chu for the country, and made extraordinary achievements. How can you fall in love with him?" Hearing him mention the matter of Chu State, Chen Zhen laughed even more awkwardly: "I'm not talented, I'll make Zhang Zi laugh." "Chen Shangqing went from Wei to Qin, and from Qin to Chu, he moved up and down, took advantage of both sides, and manipulated the three major countries in the world. This kind of ability is beyond the reach of the world's great talents. How can you be so humble now? ?” Chen Zhenzheng was self-consciously embarrassed, and important officials such as Daliang Zao Gongsun Yan, Shang Dafu Chi Liji, Guo Wei Sima Cuo, You Geng Gan Mao and others rushed to the scene.Chen Zhen took the opportunity to turn around, greeted everyone, and walked into the palace gate together. When he arrived at the Hall of Yiqing, Duke Huiwen was already waiting.Duke Huiwen was also exhausted and pale. From his appearance, he must have stayed up all night. After seeing the ceremony, Duke Hui Wen smiled, his voice was slightly hoarse, his tone was flat, and he cut to the point: "My dear friends, I invite you to discuss with the court today, and there is only one topic - to deal with Shandong Hezong." His eyes swept over the ministers one by one, Falling on Chu Liji, "Ci Li Ai Qing, please talk about the situation first." As usual, Xi Liji coughed first: "Your Majesty, Qi Zuo, according to my investigation, the location of the marriage alliance has been set, it is Mengjin in Weidi, and the date is this year's autumnal equinox." Slowly placed a bundle of bamboo slips on the table. In several cases, "This is a copy of the outline of the six countries of Chu, Zhao, Qi, Wei, Han, and Yan who participated in the indulgence of relatives, drafted by Su Qin. According to reliable reports, as of now, Chu has sent out an army of 80,000, and the chief general Zhao Yang, the king of Chu went to the meeting in person; Qi sent an army of 50,000, the leader Tian Ji, and the king of Qi went to the meeting in person; Zhao sent an army of 30,000, the leader Fei Yi, and Zhao Hou personally attended the meeting; Hou went to the meeting in person; Yan sent an army of 20,000, the main general, and Duke Yan attended the meeting in person; Wei sent an army of 120,000, the main general Pang Juan, and the king of Wei went to the meeting in person." "Sima Aiqing," Hui Wengong turned to Sima Cuo, his tone was still flat, as if he was talking about family matters, "How many soldiers and horses are there in total for the combined vertical army?" "Returning to Your Majesty, the total is 330,000." Sima paused every word. "So many?" Duke Hui Wen's tone became more casual, and the atmosphere created became more depressing, "What about us? How many fighters are there?" "340,000!" Sima Cuo looked serious, and his words were like hammers, "Including 150,000 for the defense of each city, and 100,000 for military service, apart from the two, only 90,000 are used for maneuver." Duke Hui Wen suppressed his smile and closed his eyes slightly. All the ministers looked at each other, and the atmosphere became more dignified. Time was like an old man with his legs tied to lead, moving step by inch.The monarchs and ministers present all closed their eyes like Duke Huiwen, and no one spoke.Yes, 330,000 troops gathered at the gate, facing Qin unanimously. At this moment, any words are pale. After a long time, Duke Huiwen opened his eyes slightly, and smiled a little bit bitterly: "My dear friends, speak up! The widow summons you, not to look at you, but to ask for an idea!" As the chief of the hundred officials, Daliang Zao Gongsun Yan couldn't hold back his face anymore, and spoke first: "Return to the emperor, the soldiers will come to block, and the water will cover up. Although there are many combined vertical troops, they are not terrible!" "Gongsun Aiqing, tell me, why are you not afraid of the 330,000 army?" "My minister thinks," Gongsun Yan said eloquently, "there are three main reasons. One is that the six kingdoms seem to be in harmony with each other, and cannot form a joint force. Thinking about the time when the Zhi clan coerced the Wei and Han clans to work together to divide Zhao, as a result, Zhao was not divided, and Zhi However, the family was divided into three families. What is the reason? It is that Han, Wei and Zhi are not of one mind, and they seem to be in harmony. The second is that I have the strength of mountains and rivers, and the danger of four fortresses. The natural moat of the river can reach 100,000 elite soldiers. Another 100,000 strong soldiers arrived; as for the six hundred miles of Shangyu Valley, it was even easier to defend and harder to attack. The third is that the enemy is in front of us, and life and death are tied on the front line. Our monarchs and people are forced to fight, and there is no way out, forming a mourning army. We must be able to unite as one and share the same hatred. In view of the above three points, I believe that joining forces is not terrible, what is afraid of is that we will lose our will and confidence first." "Well said!" Duke Hui Wen glanced at the ministers one by one, "When the two armies meet, the brave wins!" After thinking for a while, he raised his head again, "What Gongsun Aiqing said is an analysis of the general situation and a specific response. I still want to hear it." Listen to everyone." Turning to Sima Cuo, "Sima Aiqing, the soldiers are coming to block, how do you deploy, do you have a plan?" "Report to Your Majesty," Sima replied wrongly, "If the countries offend me, they must divide into three routes. One is the people of Chu, who send troops from Wan and Xiang to attack us in the valley; the other is the vertical army going west along the south side of the river. The third is to cross the river to the west and invade the west of Hexi. Therefore, I believe that I should focus on defending the above three places, setting up passes, stocking more grain and grass, dividing troops to resist, and fighting against the strong. The enemy will fight decisively at the gate of the country." "Well," Duke Hui Wen nodded, and turned to Chu Liji, "Chu Li Aiqing, what's your point?" Chili bowed and said: "Back to the king, I think that I can make good friends with Yiqu and Xirong countries and ask them for help. If I can get the help of Zhurong, the six countries will not be afraid. In addition, I can levy more Sergeant Ding, recruit another 100,000 soldiers to strengthen the city walls and ravines, in case the enemy invades, it will be a long-term plan." "Very good!" Duke Huiwen turned to Zhang Yi, "Zhang Aiqing, please say a few words!" "Qizou Your Majesty," Zhang Yi said slowly, "I visited Zhongnan Mountain with General Sima a few days ago. I have promised Dr. Li that I will allocate 5,000 more soldiers for him, and double the food supply. I hereby ask for your permission!" As soon as this remark came out, everyone in the audience was shocked.The state of Qin is at a critical moment of life and death, and all the important officials are discussing how to deal with the national crisis, but Zhang Yi came to play such trivial matters, which is really unimaginable. Duke Huiwen was also startled, he frowned and pondered for a long time, but he still couldn't understand what he meant, but he couldn't make a statement, so he had to brace himself and agreed, "Zhu Aiqing's play." After speaking, he seemed unwilling to give up, and leaned over He asked again, "The matter of the plank road should be a long-term consideration. Can Aiqing deal with the urgent matter at hand?" Zhang Yi smiled slightly, and said casually: "You two ministers can defeat a thousand troops." "Speak, Aiqing!" Duke Hui Wen's heart lit up. The corner of Zhang Yi's eyes slanted towards Chen Zhen, and he glanced at Xi Liji again, shook his head, and said in a strange voice, "The first person is Chen Shangqing, who can envoy Chu. The second person is Dr. Xili, who can envoy Yan." As early as when Zhang Yi moved to a new home and Hui Wen's parents went to Liaozao, the two had discussed how to deal with He Zong. Zhang Yi's mention of the two at this time was nothing more than a rehash of the old story.However, this was originally a matter between the monarch and his ministers, and others did not know it.Therefore, as soon as Zhang Yi's words fell, everyone was surprised, even if Gongsun Yan and Sima were wrong, they were still stunned. Chen Zhen, who had just returned from the state of Chu, had lingering fears in his heart, but the scene outside the palace gate just before his eyes, knowing that Zhang Yi had bad intentions and intentionally harmed him, couldn't help becoming nervous: "Your... Your lord..." Duke Huiwen understood Zhang Yi's words, but before Chen Zhen finished hesitating, Zhenji shouted: "Okay!" Almost without thinking, he turned to Chen Zhen, "Chen Aiqing, I have to trouble you before using Chu. But , you just came back yesterday, so you can rest for ten days, and you can do it before it's too late!" Turning to Chu Liji, "Ci Li Ai Qing, but you can't delay! Get ready now and leave tomorrow!" Hui Wengong issued a decree in an instant, obviously not on a whim.Chen Zhen couldn't say anything more, so he had to join with Chi Liji, clasped his hands together and said: "This humble minister leads the decree!" After the ministers dispersed, Duke Huiwen specially left Chen Zhen and Chi Liji behind to discuss the details of the mission, and ordered that Chi Liji be the Ming envoy and Chen Zhen the Yin envoy.Jiming envoy in Xili married the eldest daughter to the Crown Prince of Yan, but Chen Zhen secretly envoys divorced him, and returned to Chu again to make a secret alliance with Zhaoyang, acting according to circumstances. After Chi Liji and Chen Zhen led the decree away, Duke Huiwen sat alone for a while, and issued several decrees one after another.Make Gongsun Yan mobilize the whole country and recruit 200,000 people; make Gongzi Hua release all the black eagles, densely distributed in Jinyang, Hedong, Luoyang, Mengjin, Nanyang, Xiangyang, and Xiaoguan; make Sima Cuo strengthen Xihe, Hangu and Shang He guarded the whole line in the valley; he also sent his close ministers to Yiqu and other countries to bring generous gifts to appease the tribes of Xirong. As the reunion day approached, Hedu Mengjin, which was less than a hundred miles away from the Great Zhou King City, once again became the focus of the world. At the end of June, Su Qin, the special envoy of the six countries, led more than 20,000 relatives and horses to arrive first.Meng Jin was the closest to the Zhou family, but most of the Huimeng Zongguo had become kings and fought against the Zhou family. Su Qin had no face to pass the Zhou Dynasty, so he set up camp in Zhicheng, a hundred miles north of the river.Zhecheng was originally the land of Han, and it was seized by Wu Qi during the time of Marquis Wen. King Hui was a native of Han, and specially turned it into a garden and built a palace here. Young Master Ang wanted Su Qin to live in the Xinggong Palace, Su Qin smiled and said goodbye, and lived with Lou Huan and others on the bank of Yunshui on the east side of the Xinggong Palace.Young Master Ying figured out that Su Qin still cared about the status of monarch and minister, so he no longer forced himself to live with Gongsun Kuai, Gong Zizhang, Gong Ziru, Tian Wen and other noble deputy envoys. Su Qin built a temporary pavilion of three feet square on the bank of Yunshui. Whenever he had free time, he walked alone, sat on the pavilion, or stared at the quiet Yunshui with his eyes open, or closed his eyes to meditate. Or deal with the affairs of nations. So far, things are going well.Driven by the king of Chu, the princes and princes of all countries participated in the marriage with the highest etiquette and the largest lineup, which flattered Su Qin. Among the six kingdoms of Zongqin, except Yan, all the five countries came to report, and the king of Chu had already set off.Su Qin didn't dare to delay, and as soon as they settled down, Lou Huan led a group of Confucian scholars who were familiar with etiquette to Mengjin, where they set up a meeting and stage according to the Zhou rituals, and arranged for all the countries to travel. Under the control of the Emperor of the Great Zhou, the six top powers will join forces under the eyes of the Emperor of the Great Zhou, and jointly deal with another great country under the control of the Emperor of the Great Zhou. The whole thing cannot be said to be unprecedented, but it is also unprecedented. Can learn from. What's more troublesome is that three of the six kingdoms have merged into kings, and the etiquette system was lost first. As a Zhou citizen, Su Qin had no reason to invite the Great Zhou Emperor to lead the alliance.However, there are three kings, one prince and two marquises in the six kingdoms. After thinking about it, Su Qin still has no perfect plan in terms of etiquette, regulation, and main alliance.With such a great alliance, any lack of etiquette will have unimaginable consequences. In the afternoon of the day, Lou Huan returned from Mengjin to report on the preparations for the meeting and other facilities.Su Qin thought about it again and again, and ordered him to prepare according to the regulations of Duke Huan of Qi and Jiuhe princes in the Spring and Autumn Period in terms of etiquette regulations. Lou Huan replied: "Chu, Qi, and Wei are all kingdoms, if they treat them with the rites of princes, I'm afraid there will be troubles." "The emperor of Zhou is still here, and the next is Zhou people. If we follow the royal system, if people don't talk about it today, we will be reviled by future generations!" "Su Zi, what do you think of this?" Lou Huan had an idea, "We neither follow the royal system nor the marquis system. I mean, it is half a rank lower than the royal system, and half a rank higher than the ordinary alliance between princes!" Su Qin thought for a while, nodded and agreed: "This method is feasible. There are also established cases. Chu Zao and the Zhou family were kings, but when they met with Zhou, they performed courtiers, and the Zhou family treated Chu, that is, this system. However, this matter should not be publicized, we just do not talk about it.” "I understand." "There are also the words of the alliance. How to word it has a bearing on the overall situation." "I think it's more appropriate for you to be the chief author." "For me, I can use my words," Su Qin smiled wryly, "I'm not good at juggling pens and inks. However, I can think of one person. Let him take the lead, and there may be surprises." "Who?" "Qu Ping." "Is it the young man next to Young Master Ru?" "Exactly." "How could he do it?" Lou Huan shook his head again and again, "He's only a teenager, and he's a jujube. With such a heavy responsibility, he was even scared to faint." Su Qin smiled and said: "Green dates have the smell of green dates." Turning to Zou, who was guarding the door with a flying knife, "Brother Zou, go to the embassy of Chu State, please Qu Ping!" Qu Ping came at the invitation. Qu Ping was surprised when he learned that he was writing the speech of the alliance, and he accepted the order gladly.Su Qin discussed with him until near black, and told him the general speech of the alliance one by one.The two were discussing, and Zou, the flying knife, reported to Gong Sunkui, the deputy envoy of Yan State, to ask for an interview. Su Qin looked at Qu Ping: "Qu Zi, I've said everything I need to say. You can write as you please, don't be too long, and don't cover everything. Just write the essentials. Make a draft first, and everyone will discuss it later. I have official business, so I won't accompany you any longer." Qu Ping stood up and said, "Don't worry, Su Zi. Although Ping is not talented, he will do his best. Su Zi stay behind, and Ping will say goodbye!" Su Qin insisted on sending him downstairs, bid farewell to him, and took Gongsun Kuai's hand to the pavilion again, where the guests and hosts were seated. Gongsun Kui smiled and said, "Su Zi invited Qu Zi to come, do you want to hear Chu Le again?" A wry smile appeared on Su Qin's face, and he let out a long sigh: "Oh, even if I want to hear it, I don't have the time to relax!" Pushing a water cup over, "There is no more tea, so I can only ask Gongsun to drink water." Gongsun Kui took the cup and took a sip. "Did Gongsun come here for something important?" Su Qin also took a sip from the water glass, with a tired expression on his face. Gongsun Kui took out the letter from his sleeve and presented it with both hands. Su Qin took it, glanced at it, put it on a few cases, and said slowly: "Is it the express report of Yan's dispatch of troops?" "Yes." Gongsun Kui replied cheerfully, "It was from General Zizhi, saying that my grandfather came to the meeting in person regardless of his elders, and General Zizhi led an escort of 30,000 troops, and he is already on his way." "Oh." Su Qin replied absently, turning his head to look at the pool in the twilight. "Su Zi," Gongsun Kuai leaned forward slightly, "Guess who came with grandpa?" Su Qin still did not raise his head: "Who is it?" "My little grandmother, Mrs. Ji." “哦？”苏秦一震，扭过头，直盯公孙哙，眼中现出亮光。但这亮光就如昙花一现，转瞬即逝。 公孙哙细审苏秦，见他满脸阴郁，细想这些日来，苏秦一直心事重重，不由纳闷，小声问道：“苏子，您好像有心事？” “是的。”苏秦点头。 “是何心事，可否告知在下？” 苏秦从潭水上收回目光，望向公孙哙：“公孙，你且说说，我们为何合纵？” “消除纷争，实现天下和解。”公孙哙顺口应道。这是苏秦挂在嘴边上的话，他早已熟记于心了。 “你说，此番会同，我们真的能够消除纷争，实现天下和解吗？”苏秦盯住他。 "Of course." “你为何如此有信心？” “因为……在这天底下，没有苏子做不成的事儿。” 苏秦似是没料到公孙哙会如此应答，愣怔一下，扑哧笑道：“你真的这么想？” 公孙哙郑重点头。 “谢公孙信任了！”苏秦盯住他又看一时，从几案下缓缓摸出四封快报，一字儿摆在几案上，从左至右，是楚、齐、韩、赵、燕五个信函。 公孙哙看一会儿，仍是不解：“苏子？” 苏秦指着快报：“你看，这些快报，报的无一不是军情。楚王亲来，引军八万；齐王亲来，引军五万；韩侯、赵侯亲来，各引军三万；还有你爷爷，引军两万；剩下大魏，在下这也得到消息，庞将军正在四处调兵遣将，磨刀霍霍。各路烟尘，都在朝孟津滚哪！” 公孙哙越发不解：“这说明天下列国重视合纵呀！合纵旨在制秦，没有兵马，何以制秦呢？” “是啊，”苏秦轻叹一声，连声重复，“是啊是啊，你说得对极了！没有兵马，何以制秦呢？可……这么多兵马聚在一处，怎能不起刀兵呢？你看看，此番会同，哪一家都是剑拔弩张啊！” “起刀兵就起刀兵。”公孙哙不假思索，“依我看，干脆借此机缘，将暴秦灭掉。灭掉暴秦，一劳永逸，天下不就永享太平了吗？” “你呀，”苏秦连连摇头，苦笑道，“看的只是表层。真要灭掉暴秦，天下可就更难太平了！” 公孙哙大怔。 翌日晨起，苏秦正在允水岸边散步，屈平造访，说是盟誓拟好了。 苏秦甚是震惊，接过他呈送的竹简，连看数遍，细细品味良久，两道目光不可置信地射向他。 “苏子？”屈平的心忐忑直跳，声音小得不能再小。 “你是个奇才。”苏秦将竹简又看一遍，“更是个急才。仅此一夜，你就写出这般誓约来，实令在下敬服！” “在下……”屈平以为苏秦是在奚落他，面红耳赤，“在下是急性子，回去后一宵未睡，方才拟出这份草稿，自觉不好，却又不好给他人审看，一大早就……就……就拿过来了。苏子若是觉得不妥，在下可以重写。” “为何要重写呢？”苏秦将竹简又看一遍，“如此美文，求还求不到呢？” 屈平眼睛瞪大。 “不过，也并不是完璧无瑕。” “请苏子指正！” 苏秦指着中间两句：“请看这两句。” 屈平打眼一看，写的是：“肌肤润于锋镝，骸骨难入丘冢。” 苏秦缓缓说道：“六国纵亲，当整齐划一才是。此文通篇皆是四言，此处却是六言，变化虽有，却失齐整。就好比两军作战，对方未冲，先乱阵脚，不妥。可否改作'肌肤润镝，骸不入冢'？” “好！”屈平脱口而出。 “还有下面一句，'鬼怒神斥，民怨沸腾'，可以改为'鬼神震怒，民怨沸腾'。以'震怒'对'沸腾'，顺口不说，对仗也工整。盟誓是要念出来的，最好是朗朗上口。” “苏子改的是，在下叹服！” “该叹服的不是你屈子，而是我苏秦。”苏秦由衷赞道，“此文一夜而就，一气呵成，滴水不漏，朴实无华，外契天下大义，内含纵亲要旨，由首至尾，字字珠玑啊！” “谢苏子夸奖！”屈平腼腆地笑了。 最先到达安邑的是魏惠王，魏室重臣庞涓、惠施和朱威等，全都陪他来了，只留下太子申、白虎及一帮老臣在大梁守值。 魏惠王由衷感激苏秦，到轵后不顾旅途劳顿，即派王辇接苏秦入行宫。苏秦赶到时，惠王跣足迎至宫外，携苏秦之手，与他并肩步入宫中，促膝谈至深夜。 在惠王与苏秦谈心时，魏国三军逾十万众，包括庞涓的虎贲之师，分路开至河东，依庞涓指令屯扎于孟津、安邑附近，理由冠冕堂皇，保障列国君主的人身安全。 接踵而至的是楚王，再后是齐王。因会同地点在魏国境内，列国军队均需接受魏国指令。在庞涓部署下，楚军七万屯扎于宛城以北的方城，楚威王仅带人马一万赶至孟津，住进早已搭好的楚国行辕。齐威王引兵五千，余众屯于宋、卫境内。再后是赵肃侯和韩昭侯，各带兵三千。燕人一则距离远，二则燕公老迈，只能日行五十里，来得最晚，在秋分的前三日方才迤逦赶到。 此番会同，魏惠王如同换了个人，再没有上次他在孟津齐诸侯朝王时的不可一世。作为东道主，他甚至表现出前所未有的谦恭和殷勤，无论哪家君主赶到，他都要拉上惠施、朱威等魏室臣子，亲迎数里，把盏接风。 见六国君主均已光临，苏秦于秋分前一日，以六国特使身份，在会同台东侧不远处的一片山林里，设便宴招待。 这片山林位于河水北岸，鹤鸣山下。鹤鸣山顶有一巨石突兀而出，状似鸣鹤之首，因而得名。此处依山傍水，视野开阔，风景极佳，堪为风水宝地。 为示公允，苏秦如法炮制，将六个几案摆成圆圈，使所有几案没有正向，不定方位，因而也就没有上下主客，首席末席。六位君主赶到，先是一怔，继而一笑，嘻嘻哈哈地各选席次，围作圆圈坐了。苏秦虽是东道主，身份却是臣子，因而没给自己设席，恭身侍立，待侍者端上饭菜，他就接过，按年岁大小呈予每位君主，博得众口称颂。 席宴更是特别，没有山珍海味，没有鱼肉腥荤，没有美酒佳酿，只有素菜、鲜果、稀粥和窝窝头，全是此地百姓吃的。虽是粗茶淡饭，却是宫墙之内不曾见到的，加之苏秦特请厨师精工细作，味道别具一格，众王侯无不狼吞虎咽，津津有味，连赞好吃。 见诸侯吃饱喝足了，苏秦这才走到靠近河水的地方，北面而立，正襟跪地，奏道：“诸位君上，明日即为秋分日。一年四季，日升日落三百六十日，月圆月缺十二度，唯有两日最是公允，一是春分日，一是秋分日，是以鲁人仲尼撰史，名之以《春秋》。今六国纵亲，天下会同，诸位君上以天下百姓安乐为念，抛却前嫌，不畏劳苦，长途远涉，会聚于此，求同存异，盟誓纵亲，足令天地动容。苏秦谨代天下百姓，向诸位君上致敬！” 言讫，苏秦站起，正正衣襟，行三拜九叩大礼。 六位君上互望一眼，一齐站起，共同走到苏秦跟前，魏惠王、楚威王分别伸手，一人扯住苏秦一只胳膊，笑吟吟地将他拉起。众人簇拥苏秦走到圈内，韩昭侯亲自动手，将自己与紧挨的赵肃侯几案挪了挪，腾出一个空位，招呼侍者抬来一张几案，魏惠王、楚威王将苏秦按坐在几案后面，这才各回席位。 苏秦拱手一周，再次致辞：“周人苏秦谢诸位君上抬爱！”微微一笑，直入主题，“诸位君上，明日即行盟誓，微臣有一事启奏，还请诸君定夺！” 众位君上齐望苏秦。 “诸位君上，会盟诸事，主要参照旧时会同规制，其中仪礼、程式、规制、乐舞、仪仗、盟书等具体细节，微臣与列国副使各具奏本奏报，诸位君上也分别降旨允准，因而，大体上可以确定。迄今为止，坎已掘就，牲已备好，会盟物器均已备齐，只待良辰吉时。微臣所奏之事是——”苏秦顿住话头，挨个扫过诸位王侯，“按照旧制，诸侯会同，歃血盟誓，须有执牛耳之人。明日盟誓，该由何人执牛耳，微臣奏请诸位君上公议！” 自古迄今，执牛耳者即为盟主。因而，苏秦一语说出，在座六人尽皆敛神，面面相觑之后，各自正襟端坐，闭合双目。 苏秦又扫众君主一圈，亦将眼皮微微闭合。 场面静寂，唯有河水的惊涛拍岸声和林中小鸟的唱和声隐约传来。 过有许久，魏惠王率先打破沉寂，扑哧笑道：“我说诸位，养啥神哩？不就是推举执牛耳之人吗？依魏罃看来，有一人最是合适！” 众人纷纷睁眼，目光尽皆落在魏惠王身上。 魏惠王连晃几下肥硕的脑袋，手指苏秦，一字一顿：“他，周人苏秦！” 话音落处，赵肃侯、韩昭侯、燕文公纷纷附和：“好，当由苏相国执此牛耳！” 没等两个威王表态，苏秦已是叩首于地：“诸位君上，此事万万不可！” 魏惠王大是诧异，圆睁两眼：“请问苏子，有何不可？” 苏秦再拜：“天下会同，歃血盟誓，此乃明于天地鬼神，非身贵言重者莫能为也。苏秦出身草野，身贱言轻，何堪当此重任？苏秦再请诸位君上收回贵言，另推人选！” 魏惠王略显失望，身子朝后微微一仰：“依苏子之见，何人可执牛耳？” “此事关系纵亲大业，微臣不敢建言，还请诸位君上共议！” 场上再现冷静。 韩昭侯突然冒出一句：“要不，诸位共执牛耳，如何？” “成何体统？”楚威王陡然发话，“苏子一直强调古时成制。按照成制，何时有共执牛耳之说？” 韩昭侯遭此抢白，不无尴尬，嘴唇巴咂几下，半带讥讽道：“本侯说错了，该由楚王陛下执掌牛耳才是！” “哈哈哈哈，”楚威王长笑一声，“熊商世居蛮荒，何德何能，敢到中原执掌牛耳？不过，熊商倒想推举一人，请诸位公议！” 楚威王公然推脱不说，反而推举他人，大出众人所料。 楚威王的目光缓缓转向齐威王，朝他微微点头。就在众人皆以为他推举的是齐威王时，楚威王陡然转向魏惠王，指他呵呵笑道：“就是他，魏兄！” “田因齐也举魏兄！”齐威王的大手也指过来，朗声附和。 魏惠王做梦也没料到两个老对手会共同推举他，顿时蒙了，好半天也没反应过来。韩、赵、燕三君无不记挂当年魏罃在此朝王时的嚣张旧事，原本排斥他，未料到楚、齐竟然联袂推举，一时竟也语塞。苏秦心里一横，由不得打个寒战，睁眼盯向魏惠王。 魏惠王这才反应过来，爆出长笑，“哈哈哈哈”的声音比楚威王发出的还要响亮，笑毕方道：“我说熊兄，还有田兄，前番孟津之会，是魏罃不自量力，执牛耳了。魏罃何以敢执牛耳？因为两位仁兄大驾未至！此番两位仁兄皆在，魏罃何德何能，敢再逞狂？”转向其他诸侯，“以魏罃之见，这只牛耳由熊兄执掌，诸位意下如何？” 不待众人接腔，楚威王连连摇头，拱手推辞：“魏兄不必过谦！前番孟津之会，熊商身体欠安，未能赴会，一直引以为憾。槐儿回去，熊商再三向他征询大会盛况，对魏兄能力、德望，甚有感触。此番我等又在孟津会同，执此牛耳，自是非魏兄莫属！” “是啊，”齐威王再次附和，“前次田因齐也未到会，此番算是将功补过！魏兄不必推辞，田因齐实意推举，并无半点虚假。”扫向众公侯，语气诚恳，“也请诸位听因齐一言。因齐之所以推举魏兄，原因有三，其一是，魏地处中国，为天下中枢，当执牛耳；其二是，我等会同合纵，意在摒秦，魏西接强秦，抗秦首当其冲，因而魏兄当执牛耳；其三是，昔日文侯内实仓廪，外修甲兵，中和德政，数合诸侯，堪为天下典范。及至魏兄，内善治国，外善治兵，足当此任！” 齐威王连说一二三，真真假假，听得魏惠王耳根发热，脸颊热烫，双手再推：“不可，不可，魏罃没此德望，不敢再执牛耳矣！” 楚威王望向苏秦：“苏子，群龙不可无首！合纵是你倡导的，牛耳你又坚辞不执。熊商与田兄实意举荐魏王，他又不肯，你来说句公道话，由谁执掌合适，我等尽皆听命！” 众人齐望苏秦。 平心而论，六国纵亲，实力最强的是楚，称王最早的也是楚。楚威王拒执牛耳不说，这又力荐魏惠王，实出苏秦所料。见他此时将球推过来，苏秦只好接招，笑道：“六国纵亲，即为一家，自应不分主次，不论大小。因而，谁执牛耳皆可，不过是代行公道而已。因而，苏秦建议，纵约长之位，可由诸位君上轮流担当，每君轮值一年。” 如此大的难题，苏秦轻轻一句就化解了。六国君主一听，皆是振奋。尤其是韩、赵、燕三个小国公侯，见苏秦此言一如所摆圆席，丝毫没有蔑视他们邦小势弱，内中充满感动。 “诸位君上，”苏秦环视一周，缓缓说道，“至于此番会同，苏秦倒有一个建言。方才楚王建议由魏王执牛耳，苏秦窃以为在理，因为会同地点是在孟津，属魏国地界，魏是东道主，魏王理当出任合纵会同首任纵约长，任期一年，至明年秋分日为止。至于下一年由何人接任，苏秦另行奏请诸位君上，他日复议如何？” 赵肃侯、韩昭侯、燕文公尽皆点头，楚威王、齐威王轻轻鼓掌。 魏惠王不好再推，拱手一圈：“诸位兄长，苏子，既然大家都来抬爱，魏罃就不推辞了，明日权执牛耳，竭尽