Chapter 6 Chapter 6 Brothers are fighting each other, Su Qin helps Yan to justify the civil strife

Zhongshan, a small country, is sandwiched between the three big countries of Zhao, Yan, and Qi, and it is adjacent to Mount Huan in the north.The vast mountains and grasslands on the north and west sides of Huanshan Mountain were originally the territory of Beihu Daiguo, which was later destroyed by Zhao Xiangzi. Daiguo also became a county of Zhao State and was renamed Daijun. The acting lord's son, Fan Jiang, set up a large tent in Hongshangsai in the east of Huanshan Mountain, and 80,000 Zhao troops stationed in the vast area east of Huanshan Mountain. Deer, south to Lexu, the border of Yan State, which is about hundreds of miles long.Zizhi, the leader of the Yan army who had just entered the age of 30, did not show any weakness. He led 60,000 troops along Yishui Xiazhai, and set up the Chinese army tent in Longdui, which is less than a hundred miles away from Hongshang Fortress, to compete with Zhao Jun.

In the evening of the day, a group of more than ten riders galloped towards Hongshangsai as if they were flying. When the door was about to close, Wu Chengjun, dressed as a wealthy businessman from Hudi, and Ji Yu, the eldest son of Yan State, reined in their horses, turned to Ji Qing who was following closely, and said, "Ji Zi, I really don't understand, why did Zhao Fan decide?" Want my father-in-law to come?" Ji Qing shook his head and said: "I don't know, I think he has something important to discuss with the lord." Wu Chengjun frowned: "In your opinion, he won't have any schemes against me, right?"

Ji Qing shook his head again: "How can it be! If Lord Fengyang plans to do something big, he still has to rely on the power of the lord. This is a chain knot, which is beneficial to everyone. The good show has not yet begun, and son Fan will definitely not be against the lord .” Wu Chengjun meditated for a while, and with a slight effort on his legs, he urged the horse under his crotch to walk forward slowly.After a while, all the riders galloped to close the gate, Ji Qing dismounted, and the officer guarding the gate came forward to meet him.Ji Qing took out a token from his sleeve, the lieutenant inspected it, and reported it to the general.

General Guan rushed out to greet him, met with Wu Chengjun and Ji Qing one by one, and led them to the main tent of the Chinese army in a hurry. The young master Fan Wenbao in a suit of armor came out to welcome him, walked into the big tent with Wu Chengjun's hand, and sat down among the guests and hosts.Young Master Fan clapped his hands lightly, and two kabukis turned out beside them, and put a big bowl in front of each of them, filling it with spirits from the previous generation. Young Master Fan hehe said with a smile: "Here in Hudi, I have to drink from a big bowl according to Hu people's customs!" Holding up the wine bowl with both hands, he cupped his hands at Wu Chengjun, "Come on, Wu Chengjun," turning to Ji Qing, "and Ji Zi , You have worked hard all the way, I will serve you a bowl of beer wine to welcome the two of you!"

Wu Chengjun glanced at Ji Qing, held the bowl and said, "Ji Yu, thank you General for your hospitality!" After everyone finished drinking, Ji Qing got up, moved the wine jar, poured it for Young Master Fan, then poured a bowl for himself, held up the wine and said, "I have heard about the mighty power of the Great General for a long time, and I am very respectful to see it today. I borrow the name of the General A bowl of fine wine in return for the General!" After speaking, he drank it all in one gulp. Young Master Fan laughed and said, "Ji Zi is a cheerful person! Well, I'm going to drink it!" He raised a bowl and drank it.

Ji Qing filled it up again, clasped his fists at Young Master Fan and said, "Last night at Haishi, I heard that the General had a call, and my lord did not dare to neglect, so I set off on a starry night to arrive. Dare I ask the general to call my lord urgently, is there something important?" Young Master Fan Yi clasped his fists and said, "Well, since Ji Zi has a question, I will speak directly. At the request of Young Master, Mr. Xiangguo dispatched 20,000 chariots from Jinyang to help Dai County. However, the General As expected, the land is poor and the food and grasslands are not enough. Today, the increase of 20,000 troops is undoubtedly worse. To tell you the truth, the general has 80,000 soldiers, and the food and grass are no longer available. Although the general has urgently reported to the Prime Minister, requesting more Dial, but the far water can't quench the near thirst. This general—"Pause for a while, "I heard that there are many savings in Wuyang City, so I think—" Stop talking, and look at Wu Chengjun.

Wu Chengjun's complexion changed slightly: "May I ask how much food and grass the general needs?" "Ten thousand shi of corn is enough." "Ten thousand stones?" Wu Chengjun was slightly surprised. "Why, you are reluctant to part with it?" Young Master Fan's expression was slightly cold, half-smiling. "No, no, no." Wu Chengjun denied it, while looking anxiously at Ji Qing. Young Master Fan's gaze also shot over. "Hahahaha," Ji Qing laughed loudly, and cupped his fists at Young Master Fan Weiwei, "Less, less! Zhao and Yan have lived as neighbors for generations, Yan State is in trouble, and the general has worked hard on expeditions. How can I get this little corn? My family My lord is willing to reward you with 15,000 shi of corn and 1,000 carts of horse grass, and I hope the general will not give up."

As soon as Ji Qing said this, not to mention Wu Chengjun, even Young Master Fan was startled, and it took him a long time to react, and he laughed repeatedly: "Hahahaha, Ji Zi is really a refreshing person!" "But—" Ji Qing hesitated to speak, his eyes slanted to Young Master Fan. Young Master Fan said anxiously: "Ji Zi has something to say, just say it." "My lord also has an invitation." "Let's talk." Young Master Fan waved his hands carelessly, "It's fair only when there's coming and going." "My lord loves horses like an idiot, and there are good horses from the land. Can the general sell us some good horses from the land?"

"Whether it is for sale or not, I have plenty of military horses here, and if you need a few horses, you can open your mouth." "Two thousand horses." "Two thousand horses?" Young Master Fan Yi was startled, stunned for a moment, scratched his head and said, "This—" "Don't worry, General." Ji Qing smiled again, "My lord is only borrowing it temporarily. When the great event is accomplished, I guarantee that the two thousand army horses will not be mentioned, and another five hundred swallow horses will be given as a reward. "

"Okay!" Young Master Fan Wen heard this and made up his mind, "It's better for Ji Zi, this matter is settled!" "One more thing," Ji Qing said in a calm tone, "Has the general thought about how to hand over the food and grass?" Young Master Fan seemed to have never thought about this matter, and was stunned for a while.Right now Yan and Zhao are at the border with large armies. Although they haven't fought yet, they are like fire and water. Even if Wu Chengjun is willing to give these grains and grass, how he can get them is really a problem.

"General, do you think this is possible?" Ji Qing seemed to have made up his mind a long time ago, "Zhuolu, an important town in the border town, is the boundary of the lord, and the lord has a grain depot in the town, with ten thousand stones of grain and five hundred carts of horses and grass. Recently we Then send five thousand stones of grain and five hundred chariots of horses and straw to this place, and then report to the general, who will send troops to attack and occupy the town, and the matter will be completed. When the general arrives, he will abandon the city and leave. The general can get the important town of the border city at his fingertips, report his military success, and secondly, get the above-mentioned food and grass, wouldn't it be good?" Young Master Fan Lian nodded and turned to Wu Chengjun: "What do you think, Young Master?" "This—" Wu Chengjun hesitated for a moment, looked at Ji Qing, and saw that he was determined, so he nodded, "Just as Ji Zi said." Young Master Fan Zhuan turned to Ji Qing: "How do you hand over the matter of the army and horses?" "After the general and the horse are ready, a horse dealer named Tou Lizi will come to receive them. The general only needs to hand over the horse to this person." "Okay!" Young Master Fan made a final decision, "Let's do it like this!" As soon as the door was closed, Mr. Wu Cheng couldn't hold back, called Ji Qing aside, and scolded him: "How can you afford so much food and grass? Also, Zhuolu is an important town in our border town, with a population of no less than 10,000 households. That's it. Hand over to the people of Zhao, you... how do you ask me to explain to the people of Yan?" "Those who do big things don't forget about small mistakes." Ji Qing replied in a low voice, "Ji Qing did this for the sake of my lord's great plan. My lord has also seen it. Wuyang is less than a hundred miles away. With Zi's army at his side, how can the lord make a big picture? Although the Zhao army is marching to the frontier, it is nominally threatening Zhongshan, not conquering the country of Yan. If the son doesn't move, the Zhao army has no reason to attack. If the lord takes the initiative Abandon the turbid deer, son Fan is greedy for merit and money, and will send troops to attack. At this time, the lord will ask the general of the son for help, and the son will come to rescue, and Yan and Zhao will also go to war. When Yan and Zhao go to war, Jicheng will be empty. If the lord takes the opportunity to raise troops -" Needless to say Ji Qing, Wu Chengjun already understood, nodded repeatedly, got on his horse, whipped his whip and galloped away. On the evening of Haishi the next day, Duke Yan Wen, who was over 60 years old and was exhausted, walked slowly into the Gantang Palace with the support of the old courtiers. Gantang Palace is the main palace of Yan Palace. The wife of Yan State, Ji Xue, rushed out of the palace gate with her personal maid, Chunmei, and took a few steps to replace the ministers, one on each side, to help Duke Wen enter the main bed, with gentle movements The ground undressed Wen Gong. In front of the aging Yan Wengong, the 23-year-old Ji Xue looked youthful, beautiful and full of vitality.Seven years of time still cannot change the fact that Ji Xue is the most beautiful woman in this palace city.Her eyes are still as big and bright as they were in Luoyang, her curved eyebrows are still frowned from time to time, and there are still traces of sadness hanging between her brows. However, careful people will still find some changes: the true feelings in her eyes are gone, the innocence between her brows is gone, and the smile on her pretty face is gone.Ji Xue seemed to be a different person, with coldness in her gentleness, and alertness in her kindness, just like a stray cat that has been displaced and alone in the wilderness. Before Wen Gong's clothes were finished, the old courtier approached and whispered: "Your Majesty, Your Highness is asking to see you." Yan Wengong frowned slightly, his face was displeased, and he asked without raising his head, "It's so late, why is he here?" The old courtier hesitated for a moment, and his voice was lower: "The old slave looks at His Highness's expression, and seems to have something important to do." Yan Wengong pondered for a while, he did it himself, put on his clothes again, turned to the old courtier and said: "Okay, let him have an audience in the front hall." The old minister hurried out. Yan Wengong smiled wryly at Ji Xue and shook his head slightly.Ji Xue didn't speak, and gently helped him to the front hall outside the bedroom.When approaching the door, Ji Xue let go of her hand, took a step back, and said, "Your Majesty, the ministers and concubines are staying here." Yan Wengong bowed back and said, "Thank you, Madam." He walked out of the bedroom door and sat down in the main seat in the hall. Accompanied by the old courtiers, Prince Ji Su hurriedly walked in, knelt down and kowtowed: "My son bows down to father-in-law!" Yan Wengong asked slowly: "Su'er, it's already late at night, why are you so urgent?" Seeing the old courtier and two court ladies standing next to him, Prince Su hesitated for a moment, then hesitated to speak.The old courtier was about to withdraw, but Yan Wengong waved his hand and said to the prince, "Tell me, there are no outsiders here." Prince Su hesitated again, stood up and took a step forward, whispering something in Duke Wen's ear. Yan Wengong's face changed gradually, he began to pant, his eyes were fixed on Zisu, and he paused every word: "Is this really true?" Prince Su took out a token and a secret fold from his sleeve, held both hands to Duke Wen, and said in a low voice: "This is the token for the rebels to enter and leave Zhao Jun's camp, and the details are written in the secret. It's discounted." Duke Yan Wen opened the secret folder and read it carefully, his complexion became worse and worse, and he raised his head after a long time: "You...how did you know this?" Prince Su showed a complacent expression, glanced left and right, and said in a low voice: "Reporting to father-in-law, Ziyu's personal bodyguard has the eyeliner of this minister, and his every move is under the control of this minister. As far as I know In recent years, Ziyu has recruited soldiers and bought horses in Wuyang and other places, gathering more than 10,000 soldiers and thousands of good horses, and intends to seek great things. This time, he secretly tied up with the Zhao people and subsidized the Zhao people's army with 15,000 shi..." Before Prince Su finished speaking, Duke Wen covered his chest with his hands and gasped for breath. After a while, his eyes went dark, he vomited blood, screamed, and fell to the ground.Prince Su Wan didn't expect such a change, his face turned pale with shock, and he cried, "Grandfather—father—" The old courtier was also dumbfounded, just as he was astonished, Ji Xue had already rushed out of the inner bedroom, threw herself in front of Duke Yan Wen, hugged him in her arms, pinched him, and shouted urgently: "Your Majesty—" Turning to the right The old courtier said, "Hurry up, call the imperial physician!" The old courtier also realized this, and said to the pale maid: "Hurry up, call the imperial physician!" When the two palace maids rushed over with the imperial physician on duty, Yan Wengong had already recovered his breath. He opened his eyes and saw that Ji Xue, who had tears in his eyes, hugged him tightly, and the tears flowed out. . The imperial physician knelt on the ground, pressed Wen Gong's pulse, grasped it for a while, took a long breath, and was about to speak, Wen Gong waved his hand, and said to Prince Su who was still kneeling on the ground at a loss: "You... go!" Seeing Duke Wen's eyes staring at him, Prince Su knew that he was speaking to him, he was taken aback, bowed up again, and exited angrily. Back in the East Palace, Prince Su seemed very irritable, pacing back and forth in the hall. After walking around for a while, Prince Su frowned, and wrote a letter at the desk with a seal, and shouted loudly: "Come here!" The prime minister in the Eastern Palace walked in: "The minister is here!" "Call Ji Kuai!" After a while, the elder grandson Ji Kuai walked in and kowtowed: "Your minister kowtows!" Ji Kui has just passed the crown year, and he is honest and honest, and he is loved by the palace people and courtiers, including the old Yan Gong who also praises him quite a lot.Prince Su glanced at him, and asked slowly: "I heard that you get along very well with General Zizhi, is there such a thing?" "That's right." Ji Kui replied, "I get along well with my ministers, and often teach them the skills of riding and shooting and the strategy of using troops." "It's so good." Prince Su handed the secret letter to Ji Kuai, "You set off overnight, bypassing Wuyang, and deliver this letter to your general before dark tomorrow! Remember, this is a very important matter, and you must not do anything about it. Outsiders know!" "My son, please listen to your orders!" Ji Kui received the letter, bid farewell to his father, led several servants, called open the south gate of Jicheng, and drove to Longdui in the starry night. Jicheng is 600 miles away from Longdui on the main road, and it takes another 50 miles to go around Wuyang.Ji Kui and the others raced on and rushed to Longdui at Shenshi the next day, where they were welcomed into the tent of the Chinese army. Zizhi is the third son of Ji Li, the fifth younger brother of Duke Wen of Yan. Dewen Gong attaches great importance to it.Due to the discord between Zisu and Ziyu brothers, although Ziyu was proficient in the art of war, Duke Wen did not dare to hand over the military power to him without authorization. Therefore, three years ago, Zizhi was appointed as a general to control the three armies. The son is over 30 years old, and he is of the same generation as the prince. In terms of seniority, he is Ji Kuai's uncle, so he has always been treated as a junior, and he is very caring.The two parties had met the ceremony and sat down separately. Zizhi knew that Ji Kuai had something to do, so he said first: "Looking at Gongsun's face, it doesn't look like he came here for riding and shooting. What's the big deal, can you tell the general?" Ji Kui took out Zisu's secret letter from his sleeve and handed it to Zizhi: "My father will present this book to the general himself." "Oh, it's a secret letter from His Highness." Zizhi hurriedly took it, opened it for a while, his expression was shocked, his brows were condensed, for a while, he closed the letter, closed his eyes and meditated. Seeing Zizhi's expression, Ji Kui asked anxiously, "General, is there something important?" Zizhi opened his eyes and looked at Ji Kuai with some surprise: "Does Gongsun know nothing about what is written in the letter?" Ji Kuai shook his head. "Ah," Zizhi sighed, "Don't hide it from Gongsun, the country is in crisis!" Ji Kuai asked in surprise: "General, tell me quickly, what country is in trouble?" "Wu Chengjun recruited soldiers and horses in Wuyang. He has recruited more than 10,000 warriors and thousands of good horses. He colluded with the Zhao people and plotted to commit crimes! The Zhao people used Zhongshan as an excuse to suppress the situation and wanted to help Wu Chengjun plot against him!" "Wu Chengjun?" Ji Kui asked in surprise, "You said uncle wanted to plot rebellion?" The son nods. "Why did uncle plot rebellion?" "Compete with His Highness for the crown prince!" Ji Kui was silent for a while, then raised his head and asked, "What does my father want the general to do?" Zizhi handed the letter to Ji Kuai: "Gongsun read it for himself!" Ji Kui took the letter, read it hastily, and said in surprise: "My father wants the general to turn around and besiege Wuyang?" "Ah!" Zizhi sighed, "The enemy is overwhelming, but our own people fight first!" Ji Kuai asked anxiously, "What is the general's plan?" "Ah," Zizhi sighed again, "One is Your Highness, the other is the eldest son, and both are the master of the last general, so what can the last general do?" After a moment of contemplation, he raised his head and looked at Ji Kuai, "Gongsun will go back now." , forwarded it to His Highness, and said that His Highness's request, it is really difficult for the final general to obey! The final general is ordered by the emperor, and he only listens to the emperor's will. Don't say that Zhao people are by his side, even if there is no Zhao people, if there is no king. The generals don’t even dare to mobilize a single soldier! As for the situation ahead, you can pass it on to Your Highness. With the last general around, Zhuolu will never lose it. The Zhao people can’t even take a grain of Wu Chengjun’s 15,000 shi army rations. !" The son's country first came after the family, and the king was the most important, so the arrangements were tight. Ji Kui nodded and said good-bye, and after a night's rest, he set off to return to Jicheng the next morning. The son's envoy visited Zhuolu unannounced, and it turned out that there was a steady stream of chariots and horses from Wuyang to transport grain there.Zizhi ordered 20,000 soldiers from the right to set up a tent at the throat of Zhuolu, 40 miles west of Zhuolu, and set up a tight defense. Angle. When Ji Kuai returned to the palace, he reported in detail what his son had said, and remonstrated: "Father, how can the people of Yan fight first when the enemy is at hand?" Prince Su Bai glanced at him: "You doll, what do you know?" Ji Kui was about to remonstrate again, but Prince Su waved his hand at him angrily: "Kuai'er, you are tired of thinking after walking all this time, go back to your room and rest!" Seeing that Huatou had been cut to death, Ji Kui had no choice but to leave. As soon as Ji Kui left, Prince Su yelled at Nei Zai angrily: "Huh, Zizhi is really disgusting. Father-in-law asked him to manage the army, but he caught the little one and enlarged it. Putting the cart before the horse! What is the chaos of Wuyang? That's the root!" "Your Highness," Nei Zai took a step forward, "I think it's not impossible for Zi Zhi to calm down the chaos." "Without the Tiger Talisman, he would not send troops." There is something in Nei Zai's words: "Why don't your highness go and get a tiger charm for him?" Prince Su Bai glanced at him: "You are too! If I can get the tiger talisman, why should I beg him? Using the tiger talisman to kill Ziyu, my father-in-law will never do it. Ziyu is also sure of this point, so he has no fear. " "From my point of view," Nei Zai lowered his voice, "If His Highness wants to obtain the Tiger Talisman, it's not difficult." Prince Su's eyes widened: "If you have any good ideas, tell me!" "Your Highness, inside and outside Yan Palace, whose words does Your Majesty listen to the most?" "You mean—" Prince Su was stunned for a while, then suddenly came to his senses, put his fist on the table, and said regretfully, "Eh, why did I forget her?" There is a small inn in a remote place not far from Miyagi. The three ink characters "Old Yan people" on the lintel attracted Su Qin who was looking for a place to stay along the street.He stopped the car and walked forward. An old man heard the noise, came out to meet him, bowed and said: "I have seen the guest officer." Su Qin bowed his hand and returned the gift: "Su Qin, the late student, has seen the innkeeper." He glanced into the store, "May I ask the innkeeper, do you have any vacant rooms in this inn?" "Yes, yes," the old man said repeatedly, "This is an old shop with dilapidated furnishings and a remote location. The business was good a few years ago, but the business has not been good in the past two years. From the beginning to the end of the year, it has never been full. Su Ziruo Don’t mind, you can come in and have a look.” Hearing that the old man exposed his family's ugliness in such a way, Su Qin was very moved, and handed the reins to the old man: "Don't look at it, I will live with the old man in my later life." The old man turned his head and called for Xiao Er, who asked him to drive the cart to the backyard, turned to Su Qin and said, "Su Zi, please come to the store." Su Qin nodded and followed the old man into the inn. The old man led him to a small courtyard, opened the door and said, "Please look, Suzi, do you see this entering the courtyard?" Su Qin walked into the courtyard, inspected around, and saw that although the courtyard was not big, it was clean and tidy. He nodded repeatedly: "That's right, it's here." After a short pause, "Excuse me, old man, how is the shop's money calculated?" "Three copper coins a day, plus meals." Hearing that there were only three copper plates, Su Qin nodded, reached into his sleeve, touched a few times, but only touched a few copper plates, his heart sank, and he smiled awkwardly: "Wan Sheng put the money in the package." The old man saw it, and said honestly: "Money is a trivial matter. Su Zi can stay here. When he wants to leave, it won't be too late to settle the money." Su Qin hurriedly cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, old man." The old man was about to thank him, when he entered the courtyard, there was a dispute, and then he heard someone moving things outside.The old man saw that Xiao Er had finished unloading his horse and walked in with Su Qin's package, and told him, "Xiao Er, wait for Su Zi to settle down, and lead him to have dinner in front." He bowed his hands to Su Qin and walked to the courtyard. After Su Qin settled down, he walked to the front with Xiao Er, and saw two men who looked like scholars had moved several boxes of luggage to the courtyard, one of them was settling the rent with the old man, and the other was waiting aside. After calculating the rent, the two of them did not leave in a hurry, but stared at Su Qin to size him up and down.Su Qin felt strange and was about to speak, when one of the older men cupped his hands and said, "My dear friend, did you come to Yan to seek an official position?" Su Qin also bowed and said, "I'm Su Qin from Luoyang. He's just here. Please take care of me." The scholar smiled wryly, shook his head and sighed sadly: "Oh, what's the point of taking a photo at this point! I advise my dear brother, don't waste your time here, let's go as soon as possible!" "Oh?" Su Qin said in a daze, "Why did you say such a thing?" "To tell you the truth, dear friend," the scholar pointed to the other person, "We are two brothers. We live in Zhongshan and practice the five elements hard. We know the changes of yin and yang. When we go to Yan this time, we wanted to find a job in Yan Palace. After waiting for several months, not to mention being able to see your majesty, you don’t even know what the inside of the palace gate looks like.” "Why, the country of Yan doesn't want to be a monk?" Su Qin asked in surprise. Before the scholar could speak, his younger brother coughed and imitated the voice of the palace gate guard chasing guests: "Your Majesty has a decree, and there will be no guests—" The person who spoke before gave another wry smile and stopped talking. "So that's it." Su Qin took a deep breath and let it out slowly, "Where are the two brothers going?" The man sighed softly: "I don't have a copper plate on my body, so I can't go to far places. I heard that Wuyang is recruiting talents, and I want to go there to make a living." "Wuyang?" Su Qin was taken aback, "Are you going to join Wu Chengjun?" His younger brother said excitedly: "Of course! Wu Chengjun is recruiting talents in Wuyang, and most of the scholars who went to Yanyan voted for him. I originally said to vote for him last month, but my brother refused to die. No, I have survived until today." , he had nothing to say, so he had no choice but to go this way. I said my dear friend, if you wish to go to Wuyang, we will just be together." "Thank you for your kindness!" Su Qinchao clasped his fists and said with a slight smile, "Since I come to this city, no matter what, I have to see what it looks like inside the palace gate." The two brothers shook their heads again and again, waved their hands away, each carried a package on their backs, and staggered away along the street. In the morning of the next day, Su Qin rushed to Miyagi early and saw eight guards holding halberds standing on both sides of the red lacquered gate from afar.When Su Qin approached, two guards with halberds stopped him.Su Qin bowed and saluted, took out the already written greeting card from his sleeve, and handed it to the guard.The guard didn't even look at it, handed it back, and sang the newspaper loudly.Hearing the sound, a door captain came out of the ear room, looked at Su Qin, and said in a drawn-out voice, "Who is here?" Su Qin said: "Luoyang scholar Su Qin." He presented the famous card with both hands. The door captain took the name card, examined it, and asked, "Who do you want to see when you come here? What do you want to do?" "I have important state affairs, please see Duke Yan." The door captain snorted through his nostrils, handed back the name card, and dragged out his voice again: "Your Majesty has a decree, no guests will be seen!" Turning around, without returning the salute, he went straight into the ear room. Su Qin pondered for a while, then walked along the palace city to the next few gates, and asked them one by one. As the two scholars said, the gate captain didn't ask any questions, and immediately said: "Your Majesty has a decree, and there will be no visitors!" Su Qin was repeatedly robbed, so he had to go back to the shop angrily, close the door, and think about where to start. It is true that Duke Yan Wen could not see guests. In the main hall of Mingguang Palace, Duke Wen was lying quietly on the couch with his eyes closed, his complexion pale and yellow, his whole body motionless, like a dying person. Ji Xue stood in front of the couch, softly humming a Yandi folk song: 〖The trees of Yanshan Mountain are green, The son set off. The trees of Yanshan Mountain are withered, Hu does not return. 〗 She had learned this folk song mourning Zheng Ren from Yan people not long ago from an old court lady.At this moment, Ji Xue thought of something, and hummed casually.The tune was originally sad, but Ji Xue sang it repeatedly, making it even more sad.Wen Gong listened for a while, and two lines of muddy tears flowed from the corner of his eyes. He stretched out his right hand, grabbed Ji Xue's slender hand, and squeezed it tightly.Duke Wen used too much force, and Ji Xue felt the pain, so she held it back and let him pinch for a while, before she said softly, "Your Majesty, you are awake." Wen Gong seemed to realize something, let go of his hand, opened his eyes, and looked at her somewhat apologetically: "Ma'am, I hurt you." Ji Xue's voice was softer: "Your Majesty, you...are you crying?" As she spoke, she withdrew her hand and gently wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes with a silk handkerchief. Duke Wen smiled wryly: "Madam sings really well." Ji Xue responded, "Your Majesty has a kind heart." Turning to Chunmei, "Your Majesty is awake, pass on the medicine." Two maids of honor came in one after the other with trays, a bowl of decoction in one tray, and a bowl of honey water in the other tray.Chunmei took it, and Ji Xue took the spoon, scooped out a spoonful, tasted it herself, and said softly: "Your Majesty, I have tasted it, it's not too bitter, hot and cold are just right." But Wen Gong waved his hand to let her take it down. Ji Xue picked up the medicine bowl and begged, "Your Majesty, you... just for Xue'er's sake, close your eyes and drink it." "Ah," Mr. Wen sighed, shaking his head, "Ma'am, I don't know, no soup or medicine will help the widow's illness." Tears flowed out of Ji Xue, and she knelt down slowly: "Your Majesty—" Just as Ji Xue was about to persuasion, the old courtier came in, stood at the door coughing, and called softly, "Madam." Ji Xue looked up and saw the old courtier gesturing at her, as if something was urgent.Ji Xue was startled, put down the medicine bowl, got up and walked over.The old courtier whispered a few words in her ear, and Ji Xue said in a daze, "This—" glanced at the monarch, hesitating. The old courtier gestured again, telling her to go out immediately.Ji Xue had no choice but to go out with him.As soon as he left the gate of the palace, the old courtier hurriedly said: "Madam, go quickly, His Highness will be waiting for you in the front hall." Hearing that it was His Highness, Ji Xue's heart sank, she stopped, and looked at the old courtier coldly: "This palace has never had anything to do with Your Highness, why is he looking for this palace?" "I don't know either," the old servant replied, "However, looking at His Highness, it seems that there is something big going on. The old slave thinks that no matter what happens, it's better for Madam to go there." Ji Xue thought for a while, and followed the old courtier to the side hall. As soon as he entered the gate of the palace, Prince Su rushed up to greet him, knelt on the ground with a plop, and kowtowed repeatedly, crying uncontrollably: "Mother——" Seeing this woman, who was almost twenty years older than her, kowtow to the crown prince and call her mother, Ji Xue's heart twitched, her face was embarrassed, and she shouted: "Your Highness, you... hurry up!" Crown Prince Su Sheng burst into tears: "Mother, please show mercy and save the country of Yan!" Ji Xue was startled and said, "Yan... what happened to the country of Yan?" "Mother, Ziyu is planning to rebel in Wuyang and is about to break into Jicheng!" "This..." Ji Xuehua turned pale, "Ziyu...that's impossible!" "It's absolutely true, Queen Mother!" Prince Su said anxiously, "Ziyu has tens of thousands of troops in Wuyang, and now he is secretly cooperating with Zhao people. He will soon invade Jicheng and force his palace!" Ji Xue gradually came back to her senses, and looked at Prince Su coldly: "Your Highness, if Ziyu really wants to call, what can I do with a weak woman in this palace?" "Mother," Prince Su Nadi bowed again, "I implore the mother to ask the father-in-law for a tiger talisman, and the army of tunes will help defend Jicheng. Otherwise, Jicheng will not be safe. The mother—" "Your Highness, you mean... Tiger Talisman?" "That's right, it's the Tiger Talisman! This son-in-law has already asked the general of the son, and the son will definitely ask the son-in-law to take out the father-in-law's Tiger Talisman, otherwise, he will not send troops." "This——" Ji Xue hesitated for a while, and finally found an excuse, and said slowly, "Since ancient times, women have not been allowed to interfere in political affairs, and military conquests are a major national event. Your Highness will report to the King in person. How can a woman in the harem speak?" ?” After saying that, he turned around and walked out the door. Prince Su, on the other hand, acted like he was going crazy. He took a step forward, held on to the corner of Ji Xue's skirt, kowtowed like garlic, and wailed loudly: "Mother——" "Your Highness—" Ji Xue was ashamed and impatient, stomping her feet, "You...you...what are you talking about, get up!" Prince Su became more and more frantic, hugging her legs with both hands, kowtowed vigorously, and said in a loud voice: "Queen Mother, if you don't agree to my son, I will... just kneel here and die, and I won't get up! " "Okay, okay," Ji Xue cried anxiously, "I promise, I promise. Get up... get up!" Prince Su burst into tears with joy, let go of his hands, and bowed again: "My son... my son thanked my mother!" Ji Xue was not willing to listen to what he was talking about, she dodged her way out the door, and fled towards the main hall as if flying.When approaching the gate of the palace, Ji Xue stopped her steps, leaned on the porch pillar to pant for a while, breathed evenly, and stabilized her mind, then entered the door and walked to Wen Gong's bed. Duke Wen opened his eyes and said, "Ma'am, you seem to be busy?" Ji Xue's face was flushed, and she mumbled, "No...it's nothing." "Let's talk," Duke Wen looked at her calmly, "it's nothing serious." Ji Xue calmed down: "It's His Highness who is calling for my concubine urgently." "Su Er?" Duke Wen was startled, struggled a bit, sat up hastily, and fixed his eyes on her, "What did he call you for?" "Your Majesty," Ji Xue thought for a while, and then said straightforwardly, "Your Highness wants my concubine to ask for a tiger charm from your Majesty, and he said yes—" Before she could finish speaking, Duke Wen immediately waved his hand to stop: "Stop talking, as long as he comes, there will be nothing else. To be honest, as long as the widow is alive, the Tiger Talisman cannot be handed over to Zisu. " Ji Xue was surprised: "Zi Sugui is the crown prince. After hundreds of years, you can't say it's a tiger talisman. Even if the country and the country belong to him, the result is not the same if you give it to him earlier or later?" "Ah," Duke Wen sighed, "Ma'am doesn't know, once the tiger talisman is in his hands, the country of Yan will be devastated!" Hearing what Duke Wen said, Ji Xue also felt that the matter was of great importance. She thought about it for a while and said, "I heard from Your Highness that Ziyu is currently recruiting troops in Wuyang, planning to do something wrong. If he leads troops here first, Yan Guo Isn't there still a bloody disaster?" Duke Wen lowered his head, and after an unknown period of time, he sighed again: "Oh, Ma'am, this is exactly what I am worried about. Don't hide it from Madam. I will tell Madam about the pain in my heart. I am afraid that Madam will be worried. Don't tell me. I'm really going to suffocate the widow!" "Your Majesty," Ji Xueyi sat on the couch, "If you feel aggrieved, just say so!" "Thinking about it," Duke Wen grabbed Ji Xue's slender hand, feeling very emotional, "Madam is the only one in the world who can share the worries of the widow!" Looking at Ji Xue, with old tears streaming down his face, he sighed again, "Oh, madam , if the tragedy of fratricide happens, it will be the fault of the few!" Ji Xue was startled and said, "Why did your majesty say such a thing?" "It's a long story," Duke Wen said slowly, "The widow and my first wife, Zhao Ji, have two sons together. They are twins. When they were born, Ziyu came first and became the eldest son, and Zisu came after him and became the second son. Although the two are twins, their temperaments are quite different. Ziyu favors martial arts, and Zisu favors literature. According to the practice of the Yan family, the widow should make Ziyu the crown prince." Duke Wen coughed, and Ji Xue took a glass of boiling water and handed it to Duke Wen's lips: "Why didn't your majesty set up Ziyu?" Wen Gong took a sip: "The widow originally wanted to set him up, but this kid has been practicing martial arts since he was a child, and he always loves to fight and kill. He also speaks straightforwardly, unlike Zisu, who is well-educated and well-spoken, slowly taking my heart away. Yes. When the twins were sixteen years old, the widow had a sudden whim, and regardless of the objections of the officials, he decided to make his son Su the crown prince. Ziyu thought that the crown prince belonged to him, so he was dissatisfied and asked Wuyang to be the fiefdom. Zhao Ji also thought that the widow There is a negative fish, please plead for him. I feel ashamed in my heart, so I agree to make him Wu Chengjun." Ji Xue thought for a while, and asked again: "Why did Ziyu ask Wuyang to be a fief?" "Wuyang is just like Jinyang in Zhao State. It is the former capital of Yan State, also known as Xiadu. In Yan State, besides Jicheng, Wuyang City is the largest city, with fertile land, abundant food and grass, large population, and internal communication with Jicheng. The city, connected to Qi, Zhao, and Zhongshan, is a hub. If there is a rebellion, you can attack Jicheng if you advance, and you can retreat to Zhongshan, Zhao, and Qi, and cut the city for yourself!" "In this way, Ziyu has a long-term plan for Wuyang." "Yes," Duke Wen nodded and said, "After Zhao Ji passed away, I knew that she had two intentions in her life, so I warned him. I don't want him not to listen, but to feel resentful. He didn't come to court without speaking, and secretly made friends with Zhao people. Want to seek great... great treason!" "Your Majesty may be overthinking. According to my concubine, Ziyu is a straight person. I don't think he will come to this point." "Alas," Wen Gong sighed, "He didn't know how to do it originally. But...but...but in the past few years, he has been bewitched by counselor Ji Qing, and gradually changed." "Ji Qing? Who is Ji Qing?" "Ji Qing is the son of the widowed former Situ Jiwei. The brothers fought internally, and the courtiers were divided into two. Some supported Zisu, or supported Ziyu. The widow established Zisu, and the courtiers who supported Ziyu strongly opposed it, especially Situ Jiwei. , repeated admonitions, seeing that the widows would not listen, resigned in anger, and died in depression. Ji Qing buried his father, sold his property, dismissed his family, and went to Wuyang alone, vowing to help Ziyu regain the crown prince as a reward My father's long-cherished wish. This man has great ambitions, a strategy, and vicious tactics. He is a ruthless character. Ziyu is deceived by him and obeys his advice." Ji Xue seemed to understand the whole story, thought for a while, and comforted her: "Your Majesty has appointed Zi Su as the crown prince, I think it is the arrangement of God. Ziyu dares to disobey, and God will punish him. Don't blame yourself, Your Majesty, you will be hurt." Dragon body." "Oh, madam doesn't know something, the real heart trouble of the widow is not here." Ji Xue said in surprise: "Apart from this matter, does your lord still have a heart disease?" Duke Wen was silent for a long time, saddened: "In recent years, my widow has scrutinized carefully, and Ji Weixu is right. My widow, alas, maybe he really chose a non-virtuous person." Ji Xue was even more shocked: "Your Majesty is saying... Your Highness?" Duke Wen asked her back, "What do you think of Su Er, madam?" Since entering the Palace of Yan, the last thing Ji Xue wanted to see was Prince Su, because when Prince Su saw her sooner or later, his eyes were always straight, always aiming at her everywhere, which made Ji Xue very uncomfortable.What he did just now made Ji Xue even more apprehensive. However, when Wen Gong asked, Ji Xue couldn't say much, and said casually: "It seems to be fine. The concubine and His Highness have never been in touch. When they meet occasionally, he is also母后长母后短的。臣妾……臣妾小他许多，听他叫得亲热，就耳根发烫，能躲也就躲他一些。” “这些都是外在。” “外在？” “是的。”文公的语气毋庸置疑，“事到如今，寡人才知他根性卑劣，可……夫人，寡人实在……实在是……进退维谷了。” “天之道，顺其自然。”姬雪安慰道，“君上已经尽心，未来之事，就随天意断吧。” 文公点点头，深情地望着她：“夫人……唉，不说也罢。” “君上有话，还是说出来吧。” “唉，”文公叹道，“寡人老了，力不从心了。要是再年轻几年，能与夫人育出一子，由夫人亲自调教，何来今日这些烦恼？” 姬雪脸色羞红，泪水流出，将头轻轻伏在文公身上：“君上——” 苏秦早早起床，赶到外面转悠。 尽管在表面上他显得若无其事，内心却是焦急。无论如何节俭，一日至少也得吃上两餐，几日下来，囊中已无一文。小喜儿原本送他一百多枚铜币，在邯郸时虽未花去多少，但来蓟城这一路上，却是开支甚巨。一要赶路，二要养马，三要住店，根本无法节俭，因而在赶至蓟城时，囊中已剩无几。他对老丈说钱在囊里，无非是个托辞。好在老丈为人厚实，没有让他预付店钱，否则，一场尴尬是脱不了的。 眼下急务是尽快见到姬雪。包袱中羞涩倒在其次，情势危急才是真章。听到贾舍人说起燕国内争，他的心里就起一种预感，姬雪需要他，燕国需要他，他必须出面制止这场纷争。燕国一旦内乱，受到伤害的不只是姬雪一人，燕国百姓也将遭难。 再往大处说，无论武成君成与不成，燕必与赵交恶，这就直接影响到合纵方略的整体实施。 将近午时，苏秦仍在大街上徜徉。这几日来，他考虑过进宫求见的各种途径，竟是没有一条可以走通。燕公卧病在榻，谢绝一切访客，也不上朝，莫说是他，纵使朝中诸大夫，也只能在府候旨。他又以燕国夫人的故人身份求见姬雪，因各门守尉俱已识他，压根儿不信。 依据苏秦推断，燕公之病就是眼下武阳的乱局。如何解此乱局，在他来说却是小事一桩。然而，如果见不上燕公，再好的对策也是无用。 苏秦又走一时，肚中再次鸣叫起来。苏秦知道已到午饭时辰，抬眼望去，街道两边的商贩或在用餐，或在准备用餐，远处有慈母在扯着嗓子唤子吃饭。赶街的路人开始朝两边的饭馆里钻，小吃摊位上饭菜飘香，四处都是吞咽声。 望着这一切，苏秦咽下口水，往回走去。不一时回到“老燕人”客栈，厅里已有几位食客，面前摆满酒菜，吆五喝六，狼吞虎咽。 老丈静静坐在柜前，见苏秦进来，也不说话，拿眼盯他一下。苏秦给他个微笑，算作招呼，看也不看那群食客，径直走过饭厅，回至自己的小院。 苏秦关上院门，倚门闭目一阵，走进屋子，舀出一瓢凉水，咕咕几声灌下，至榻上坐下，闭目养气。 过有一个时辰，门外传来脚步声，有人敲门。 苏秦一怔，睁开眼睛，缓缓起身，打开门，见是小二。 小二揖道：“苏爷，掌柜有请。” 苏秦心里一沉，闪过咸阳的那个黑心店家，忖道：“店家都是一般黑心，观老丈方才的眼神，想是已经看破端倪，担心我付不起店钱了。” 这样想着，苏秦的脸色陡阴，淡淡说道：“那日住店时，你家掌柜亲口说过，店钱在离店时打总儿结清，你这——” 不及他将话说完，小二扑哧一笑：“苏爷想到哪儿去了，我家掌柜不是来讨店钱的。” 苏秦心里一怔，也觉得自己唐突了，尴尬一笑，不好再问什么，顺手带上房门，随小二走进厅中。 几个食客已走。老丈端坐于一张几案后面，案上摆着四大盘老燕人常吃的小菜、一壶老酒和两只斟满酒的精铜酒爵。 苏秦心里忐忑，躬身揖道：“苏秦见过老丈。” 老丈也不动身，拱手还过一礼：“老朽有扰苏子了。”指着对面席位，“苏子请坐！” 苏秦不知何意，再次拱手：“老丈有何吩咐，但说就是。” 老丈微微一笑：“苏子坐下再说。” 苏秦走至对面，并膝坐下，两眼望着老丈。 “是这样，”老丈缓缓说道，“今日是老朽六十整寿，活足一个甲子了，也算大喜。老朽心里高兴，略备几盏小菜，一坛薄酒，以示庆贺。苏子是贵人，老朽冒昧，欲请苏子共饮一爵，讨个吉祥，还望苏子赏光！” 苏秦的直觉完全可以感受出老丈说出此话的真实用意，当下心里一酸，眼眶发热，声音多少有些哽咽：“老丈——” 老丈却似没有看见，指着面前的酒爵笑道：“这两只铜爵可不一般，全是宫里来的，若不是逢年过节，祭祖上坟，老朽舍不得用，今日也算大喜，拿出来恭请苏子了！”端起一爵，“苏子，请！” 见老丈一脸慈爱，满怀真诚，苏秦似也平静下来，端起酒爵，拱手贺道：“晚生恭贺老丈，祝老丈寿比青山，福如大海！” 二人相视一笑，各自饮尽。 老丈放下酒爵，拿起箸子，连连夹菜，放在苏秦前面的盘子里，笑道：“这些小菜是老朽亲手烹炒的，也算是燕地风味，请苏子品尝。” 苏秦夹起几块，分别尝过，赞道：“嗯，色香味俱全，果是人间佳肴！” “谢苏子褒奖。”老丈说着，再次为苏秦夹菜。 二人吃菜喝酒，相谈甚笃。 酒坛将要见底时，老丈从袖中摸出一只钱袋，推至苏秦身边：“苏子早晚出门，腰中不可无铜。这只袋子，暂请苏子拿去。” “老丈，”苏秦面色大窘，急急推回，“这……如何使得？” “如何使不得？”老丈复推过来，呵呵笑道，“不就是几枚铜币吗？” 苏秦凝视老人，见他情真意笃，毫无取笑之意，甚是感动，跪地谢道：“老丈在上，请受晚生一拜！”连拜三拜，“老丈大恩，苏秦他日必将厚报！” “苏子快快请起！”老丈急急起身，拉起苏秦，“苏子是贵人，老朽何敢受此大拜？再说，区区小钱，苏子不弃也就是了，谈何厚报？老朽已是就木之人，几枚铜币在老朽身边并无多大用处，苏子拿去，却能暂缓燃眉之急。” 苏秦真正被这位老燕人感动了，将钱袋收入袖中，朝老人拱手道：“老丈高义，晚生见笑了。” 老丈坐回身子，冲他点点头，举爵道：“为苏子前程得意，干！” 苏秦亦举爵道：“谢老丈厚爱！” 二人饮尽，又喝几爵，苏秦缓缓放下酒爵，两眼望着老丈：“晚生有一惑，不知当讲否？” "Su Zi, please tell me." “晚生与老丈素昧平生，今投老丈客栈，老丈见微知著，看出晚生眼下困顿，请吃请喝不说，又解囊相赠，实出晚生意料之外。晚生甚想知道，老丈是生意人，接待八方宾客，为何独对晚生有此偏爱？” “苏子既然问起，”老丈微微一笑，缓缓说道，“老朽也就照实说了。老朽在此开店三十五年，来往士子见得多了，眼力也就出来了。不瞒苏子，打一见面，老朽就知道你跟他们不一样，是干大事的。” 苏秦亦笑一声：“老丈这是高看苏秦了。” “不过，老朽不求厚报，也不是不求回报。”老丈敛起笑容，眯眼望着苏秦。 “这个自然。”苏秦不知老丈要求何事，心中微凛，但此时已无退路，只得拱手道，“老丈请讲。” “他日得意，求苏子莫要忘记燕人。”老丈一脸严肃，字字恳切。 听到老燕人说出的竟是此话，苏秦心中甚是震撼，颤声应道：“晚生记下了。” “记下就好。”老丈直盯住他，“苏子此来，可是欲见君上？” “唉——”苏秦长叹一声，脸上现出无奈。 “欲见君上，倒也不难。” 苏秦眼睛大睁，不无惊异地盯着老丈。 老丈缓缓说道：“老朽膝下犬子，名唤袁豹，眼下就在宫中当差，是太子殿前军尉。今日老朽六十大寿，他说好要回来的，但在两个时辰前，却又捎来口信，说是今日申时，他要护送太子殿下、燕国夫人前往太庙，怕是回不来了。老朽在想，苏子若至宫城东门守候，或可谒见殿下。若是见到殿下，或可谒见君上了。” “燕国夫人？”苏秦既惊且喜。 “是的，”老丈点头应道，“君上龙体欠安，夫人欲去太庙，说是为君上祈福。” 苏秦拱手道：“谢老丈指点！” 吃完饭后，苏秦辞别老丈，回至房中坐有一时，见申时将至，动身前往燕宫。 苏秦在东门外面守候片刻，果然看到宫门洞开，一队卫士涌出宫门，开始清理街道。又候一时，大队甲士走出宫门，队伍中间，旌旗猎猎，两辆公辇辚辚而行。公辇前面，一匹高大的枣红马得得而行，马上一人手执长枪，虎背熊腰，两眼冷峻地望着前方。 无需再问，苏秦一眼看出，此人必是军尉袁豹。 卫队走出宫门不久，苏秦看得分明，就像当年在洛阳一样，从街道上斜刺里冲出，不及众人反应，已经跪在大街中央，叩拜于地，大声自报家门：“洛阳人苏秦叩见燕国太子殿下！” 袁豹大惊，纵马急冲上前，大喝一声：“快，拿下此人！” 众卫士一齐围拢过来，早有两名甲士上前，将苏秦的两只胳膊分别扭住。袁豹环视四周，看到再无异常，缓出一气，回马驰至太子驾前，大声禀道：“启禀殿下，有人拦驾！” 这场惊变突如其来，太子苏以为是公子鱼派来的刺客，吓得魂飞魄散，在车中如筛糠一般，颤声问道：“可是刺……刺客？” “回禀殿下，”袁豹朗声说道，“拦驾之人自称是洛阳人苏秦，声言求见殿下！” 听到不是刺客，太子苏总算回过神来，掀开车帘，大声喝道：“什么苏秦？就地杖杀！” “殿下，”袁豹略一迟疑，轻声奏道，“末将察看此人，似无恶意。是否——” 太子苏眼睛一瞪，截住他的话头：“惊扰国后就是死罪，还不快拉下去！” “末将遵旨！”袁豹转过身来，下令道，“殿下有旨，洛阳人苏秦惊扰国后车辇，犯下死罪，拉下去就地杖杀！” 众甲士正欲行杖，苏秦爆出一串长笑：“哈哈哈哈，燕国无目乎！燕有大难，洛阳人苏秦千里奔救，却遭杀身，燕国无目乎？” 太子苏怒道：“大胆狂徒，死到临头，还敢恃狂，行刑！” 话音未落，后面车驾里陡然飘出姬雪声音：“慢！” 姬雪的声音虽然柔和，穿透力却强，众甲士正欲行杖，闻声止住。 姬雪缓缓说道：“把拦驾之人带到这里。” 袁豹听得明白，即令卫士将苏秦扭至车前。 姬雪轻轻拨开车帘，见拦车之人果是苏秦，心中一阵狂跳，将手捂在胸前。好一阵儿，她压住心跳，放下珠帘，颤声说道：“拦驾之人，你说你是洛阳人苏秦？” 分别七年，苏秦再次听到姬雪声音，虽然激动万分，却也只能强自忍住，沉声说道：“启禀燕国夫人，草民正是洛阳人苏秦。” 又顿一时，姬雪轻声说道：“袁将军，松开此人。” “末将遵旨！”袁豹应过，回身下令众卫士放开苏秦。 苏秦跪下，叩道：“洛阳人苏秦叩见燕国夫人，恭祝夫人万安！” 姬雪颤声道：“苏子免礼。” 太子苏看到袁豹将苏秦放了，一时不明所以，跳下车辇，急对姬雪道：“启禀母后，这个狂徒拦阻母后大驾，已犯死罪，为何将其放掉？” 姬雪这也恢复镇静，淡淡说道：“殿下，此人是洛阳名士，不是狂徒。” 太子苏似也明白过来，眼珠儿一转，态度大变，转对苏秦深揖一礼：“姬苏不知苏子是母后的家乡名士，得罪之处，望苏子包涵！” 苏秦朝他叩拜：“草民谢殿下不杀之恩！” 太子苏亲手将他扶起：“苏子请起。” 苏秦再拜起身。 太子苏不无殷勤地说：“姬苏与母后欲去太庙，苏子可否随驾同往？” 苏秦拱手道：“谢殿下抬爱。” 太子苏为讨好姬雪，邀请苏秦与自己同辇，传旨继续前行。不消半个时辰，一行人马赶至太庙，姬雪、太子苏在太庙令的安排下步入大殿，按照往日惯例献祭，为燕文公祈寿。 祭祀已毕，太庙令叩道：“请国后、殿下至偏殿稍歇。” 姬雪、太子苏起身步入偏殿，分别落席。刚刚坐下，太子苏心中有事，急不可待地屏退左右，伏地叩道：“母后，儿臣所托之事，君父可准允否？” 因有前面的尴尬，姬雪对此早有准备，大声叫道：“来人！” 太子苏无奈，急急起身，端坐于席。 老内臣急走进来：“老奴在！” 姬雪朗声吩咐：“有请苏子！” “夫人有旨，有请苏子！” 顷刻之间，苏秦走进，伏地叩道：“草民叩见燕国夫人，叩见太子殿下！” 姬雪摆手道：“苏子免礼。”手指旁边的客位，“苏子请坐。” “谢夫人赐座！”苏秦再拜，起身坐于客位。 姬雪将苏秦细细打量一番，缓缓问道：“请问苏子，这些年来何处去了？” “回禀夫人，”苏秦拱手答道，“草民与好友张仪同往云梦山中，拜鬼谷先生为师，修习数载，于前年秋日出山。” “张仪？”太子苏大是震惊，两眼大睁，一眨不眨地盯住苏秦