Chapter 15 Section 5 The two envoys who entered the Qin Dynasty were in panic

As soon as the solar terms arrived, "Yi Qi arrived", King Qi Min ordered Su Dai to go to Qin immediately. It was Wo Dongshi's plan to go to Qin as an envoy, so Su Dai naturally took it to heart.He originally planned to travel westward after the Qingming Festival, when the ice and snow cleared, one way is fast, and the other way is in line with the custom of envoys traveling in spring in March, so as not to make Qin feel awkward.Su Dai didn't expect that King Qi Min was more anxious than him, and immediately urged him to go on the road.The thirty seasons of the Qi State, even the Qingming solar term, is more than ten days earlier than the Qingming Festival in the Central Plains. This "righteousness" is actually still in early February, which is the time when the spring is cold and the roads are frozen and the fields are covered with snow. Let alone envoys, Even business travel is extremely rare.However, King Qi Min's temperament cannot be disobeyed, so Su Dai has no choice but to go on the road.

Although I walked early, I walked slowly on the road. One is that I can't go fast, and the other is that I don't want to go fast.Su Dai knew very well that the secret of diplomatic mediation lies in being natural and decent, especially in detecting the other party's movements, let alone leaving no trace.In the cold spring, rushing into the Qin Dynasty, but only saying some casual words, it will be embarrassing in all likelihood.But if diplomatic relations failed, the government and the public would only condemn him, Su Dai, and no one would blame King Qi Min to excuse him.As long as you leave Linzi, the speed is your own business, which can be regarded as "the general is outside, and the king's fate is not accepted".So, Su Dai traveled westward slowly all the way, and when he arrived in Xianyang, it was already the beginning of March when the new branches of willows were born.

The first thing Su Dai wanted to see was Chuliji, and the first thing he wanted to see was Chuliji.The reason why he wanted to see Xi Liji first was because this person had a close friendship with Su Qin, Zhang Yi and Meng Changjun, and he was familiar with him, Su Dai, and he spoke easily and freely, not as bluntly as the upstart prime minister Wei Xun.And this Chiliji happened to be Prime Minister You who was in charge of Qin's foreign affairs, and he was in charge of the "pedestrian" of the State Diplomatic Office. All foreign envoys must first come here to submit documents for inspection, arrange a date for meeting with the emperor, and arrange the level of the post office.In this way, just in line with Su Dai's wishes, ten guarding knights in a bronze chariot rumbled to Prime Minister You's mansion.

The state of Qin has never had any disturbing joints between the door officials. As soon as the horse team with the flag of "Special Envoy of Qi State" came to a stop, a door official greeted him with strides: "Dare to ask the special envoy's name? But I will see the prime minister immediately." As soon as the clerk behind Su Dai signed up and nodded, the door clerk quickly walked to the foyer and called out to the courtyard: "Special envoy Su Dai of the State of Qi, please see the prime minister—!" An official in black hurried out to greet him, and cupped his hands in front of the car, saying: "The prime minister is unable to walk, and he is a pedestrian in his subordinate position. Welcome to the special envoy." Su Dai said "Thank you" and got out of the car with a clerk following him. The pedestrian entered the mansion gate.

"Hehe, Shangqing is coming from afar, but the old man is rude, please take a seat." Xi Liji is obviously old, but he is still wearing a suede fur robe when the sun is warm. Already had a gray beard, except for those still bright and deep eyes, at first glance, it seemed that there was an old barbarian chief in front of him. Su Dai bowed deeply: "The prime minister's legs are cold, Mr. Mengchang asked Su Dai to bring a taste of sea medicine, which may be useful." After he waved his hand, the clerk behind him held a copper box more than two feet high, Respectfully put it on the big case in front of Chi Liji.Su Dai stepped forward and pressed the top of the copper box, "Dang!" With a sound, the copper box turned into four copper sheets spread out on the table, and a pottery vase with a thin neck and a big belly stood in front of his eyes.But there are three completely irrelevant things painted on the belly of the pottery vase: a strange colorful snake, a strange grass that looks like wheat but has blue flowers, a strange red beetle, and three coiled things. The song entanglement is exceptionally eye-catching!

Chi Li quickly sized him up and said with a smile: "Hey, Mr. Mengchang is here to torment the old man again. These monsters are sea medicine?" "Old Prime Minister, this is the secret medicine of the fisherman tribe on the sea, called Great Dispelling Cold." Su Dai pointed to the pottery vase painting with great interest, "Look: this strange grass is called 蒒, and it grows where the big river enters the sea. The isolated island matures in July every year, but it cannot be harvested immediately. It is necessary for fishermen to set up tents and watch it until it dries up in winter before uprooting it. The fishermen call this weed "Yu Yuliang", which means that it was cold when Dayu controlled the water. Frozen, the grain cakes were frozen into stones, and people could not eat them. Dayu ordered to throw them into the river to hydrate them, but he didn't want to soak them in the river water. A large piece of cake dregs drifted into the sea with the waves, and was hit by the waves on the island, which gave birth to this kind of fennel. The fruit of fennel is like a grain of wheat, and fishermen call it "natural valley". It has excellent heat power and is used as medicine to dispel cold and also."

"Hehehe, where is this strange snake?" Seeing that Su Dai spoke clearly, Chi Liji became interested. "This is the Dongying sea snake. Its color is like fiery red. It grows and eats in the extreme cold of the icy sea. It is extremely difficult to catch. Fishermen go to the sea by boat. Only when they go to a deserted island in winter can they catch one or two among the tide fish by chance. That’s all. But once a snake enters the boat, the fish boat will be as warm as spring, and the fisherman is also known as the Fire Sea Snake. It has infinite uses as medicine!” "Hey, so much attention? What about this hairy beetle?"

Su Dai pointed out: "This kind of beetle is called Shegong insect, and there are three other names: Sheying, short fox, and scorpion. This beetle was born in the damp place of Wuyue mountain stream. It is extremely cold and has a crossbow-shaped mouth. Yu Wai can shoot people with cold air. But when the middle air is shot, people will develop hot sores, which urgently need to be iced and applied for three days, otherwise there is no cure. One of each of these three things is put into a jar of Lanling fruit wine, soaked for three winters, and it will be cured. Become a peerless great dispelling cold."

Xi Liji couldn't help sighing: "This kind of kung fu is hard for Meng Changjun, and I am ashamed of it." "Why did the old prime minister say that?" Su Dai said with a smile: "Meng Changjun has attached a letter, and the old prime minister will know it at a glance." Xi Li quickly opened the mud-sealed copper pipe, and pulled out a piece of white silk, but saw a few lines of dripping big characters in front of his eyes: Xi Liji rubbed his eyes and smiled, "Hehe, this medicine is miraculous, but I'm afraid it's not good to drink." Su Dai said with a smile: "This medicine is the most delicious because it shoots workers. Please take a look, old prime minister." After speaking, he took down an inlaid pottery cup from the spread copper sheet, and pulled out another inlaid pottery cup. With a copper needle, tilt the mouth of the pottery cup to the black spot on the big belly of the pottery vase, and then use the copper needle to stab the black spot on the big belly of the pottery vase, and a stream of bright red juice will spurt out. Out, half a cup in an instant.Su Dai quickly stretched out his palm and slapped the clay bottle, and the bright red juice suddenly disconnected.Su Dai held the cup and said with a smile: "This altar has the spirit of archer's work, so it cannot be opened. Every three days, drink half a cup, the prime minister will remember it. Ordinary people can dispel the cold with a few cups. If the prime minister's old cold legs are not cured after one altar , Mr. Mengchang should try to find another way. Come, please drink this cup." Liji sighed leisurely: "This kind of heaven and earth is miraculous, one altar can't do it, it's the fate of this old man. How dare you try to find another way ? Come, the old man will drink!"

At this moment, a pedestrian next to him suddenly stepped forward: "Report to the Prime Minister: This medicine is weird, let the imperial doctor test it before you drink it." Chi Liji laughed loudly: "If you don't believe in Lord Mengchang, who in the world can you trust!" He raised the pottery cup and sipped it cleanly with a "squeak!", and pointed at the bottom of the cup to Su Dai, "Okay! It's business. Pedestrians first took the scribes to examine the documents, and Shangqing sat down." Su Dai took his seat and cupped his hands and said: "Su Dai's mission this time was originally about two things: one is about a personnel matter, and the other is about the new renewal of the old alliance between Qi and Qin. Neither matter is urgent, so I want to talk to the old prime minister first. It's over." Chi Liji blinked his small eyes quickly, waved his hands and smiled, "Rules of diplomatic relations: envoys talk privately, what's the point of talking? Besides, the old man's splitting up of pedestrians is just a greeting and seeing off. Is it a serious matter? It's not too late for you to talk about it when the old man arranges to meet you." Su Dai was originally astute, but when he saw that Chi Liji didn't want to say more, he said with a leisurely smile: "That's fine, I'll rest for two days and have a look at Xianyang It's a new look. Huh? The old prime minister is sweating a lot?"

While speaking, he saw that Chi Liji's forehead was dripping with sweat, his black face was flushed, and he kept shouting, "It's weird! Why is it so hot? Move the stove away!" When he moved away the charcoal stove next to the desk, Chili Li Ji still screamed that he was hot, so he took off the big fur coat with collar, stood up and said with a smile: "Zhi Niang, it's different when spring begins, it gets hot so fast. Hey! No, this kneecap is so itchy." It's so strange..." Su Dai suddenly realized, and laughed in surprise: "Great dispelling cold! It worked? That's right, the old prime minister is overjoyed!" Chu Liji also understood, hehehehe just kept laughing: "Zhiniang thief Tian Wen, this kid has tricks! But he taught the old man to be an adult who is not clear. Hehehe, it’s so weird, these limbs and bones are so soft that they are going to be crispy, crispy..." As he spoke, he stepped on his feet So soft that he fell down beside Su Dai.Su Dai was so excited that his face was flushed, and he even shouted, "Come here!" Two maids came flying, and Su Dai ordered: "Quick! Bring the bamboo couch and let the old prime minister lie down and rest." The lying bamboo bed was lifted up, and Xi Liji was helped up by two maids, still laughing non-stop: "Zhi Niang, you are so soft and happy, it's better than Tian Wen kid who tricked me into soaking in hot water on the green street. It's as strong as the sky!" Su Dai couldn't help but feel emotional when he saw Xi Liji muttering to himself, and he was so innocent and happy. It turned out that Su Dai didn't care about the little gift Meng Chang asked him to bring, and only made an introduction to start the conversation. Unexpectedly, this altar of sea medicine is miraculous and has immediate effects. How can it not make him very glorious ?After all, Xi Liji is a veteran of the Qin King's family and a famous think tank in the world. If he can recover from his half-dead state, Mr. Mengchang's affection is too great, and his mediation of diplomatic relations will also be invisible. many. After wandering around Xianyang for a day, Su Dai received a notice from passers-by: The Empress Dowager Xuan and Prime Minister Wei Xun will summon him tomorrow. At Maoshi the next morning, some pedestrians came to pick up Su Dai with the royal guard of horses and chariots.Arriving at the Wanggong Square, the light morning fog has dissipated, and the green tiles on the small roof of the Xianyang Palace are golden and red in the spring sunshine. There are rows of weeping willows on the square paved with rough jade bricks, and there are willows everywhere on the grass in the courtyard, which is light and elegant. The willow catkins filled the palace like flying snowflakes, which actually gave this simple and majestic palace a bit of ethereal meaning.Su Dai couldn't help but stood up suddenly from the car and recited: "I used to go, Yangliu Yiyi, now I come to think, the snow is flying, the catkins are flying, and the catkins are like this!" "The wind and snow in the palace and willows is worthy of the beautiful scenery of Xianyang." "Shangqing is a talented poet!" A burst of loud laughter was coming from the misty willow catkins and snow, "Wei Xie welcomes Shangqing." Su Dai hurriedly got out of the car and cupped his hands: "The Prime Minister is ashamed to praise you. Qi envoy Su Dai, please refer to the Prime Minister." Wei Xie greeted him quickly with a smile: "Su Zi, a famous scholar in the world, why should you be so rigid?" When he walked in front of him, he took Su Dai's right hand, "Come, you and I will go together!" All the etiquette for welcoming envoys was left behind.Su Dai didn't expect that entering the Qin Palace would be so easy. In a hurry, he couldn't deal with it. He was held by Wei Xie and hurried into a palace in the east. Wei Xie didn't let go until he bypassed a large black screen in the palace. Su Dai cupped his hands upwards: "Report to the Empress Dowager: Qi State Shangqing Su Dai has arrived." Su Dai came to his senses and bowed to the central government before he could take a closer look: "Qi State's special envoy is appointed Shangqing Su Dai, see the Queen Mother." "Su Dai, I'm here, but where are you looking?" A bright female laugh came from the east. Su Dai was embarrassed. When he looked up, he realized that the central throne was empty. There was only a woman in a toga with long sleeves sitting in front of the first table. Except for a long green jade hairpin in a high bun, But without any jewels and jade accessories, it is surprisingly simple and clean.But just that burst of sarcastic laughter made any envoy dare not be slighted.Su Dai has a long history of experience, so he knew at a glance that such a queen mother who does not rely on pomp and posture is really important, so he bowed solemnly again and reported again. "Su Dai, just take your seat." The Empress Dowager Xuan smiled, "The King of Qin is going on a tour to the west, and I will see you with the prime minister from now on. You are a master of diplomacy, what's the matter with joining Qin? But it's easy." While speaking, the maid who made tea A cup of steaming black tea has been brought to Su Dai.Su Dai took a sip from the cup, expressed his gratitude to his master for his respect, then cupped his hands and said with a smile: "Although Su Dai was ordered by the king to enter Qin, he wanted to talk about something other than his mission first. I wonder if the Queen Mother can allow it?" When he opened his mouth, Wei Xun said loudly: "The envoy of the state has no private words. Since he knows the mission, why should Shangqing say anything else?" The Queen Mother waved her hand and said with a smile: "The envoy is also a human being, so why can't he speak privately? Say, think Do you know what to say?" Some Qin and Chu colloquial words were so natural that there was no etiquette. Su Dai cupped his hands and said: "What the prime minister said is also reasonable. It's just that this matter is neither public nor private. Although it is outside the mission, it is related to the interests of the Qin State. Therefore, please agree before speaking. There is no one else." Hearing that the interests of the Qin State were related, Wei Xie's eyes lit up immediately: "It's very good, Shangqing, but it's easy to say." "Su Dai doesn't know anything, dare to ask the Empress Dowager." Before opening a topic, Su Dai said with a leisurely smile, "Gan Mao was ordered to go to Qi State for more than half a year. When the Empress Dowager saw me, why didn't she ask Gan Mao about the success or failure of his mission? " "Oh, Gan Mao." The Empress Dowager Xuan's eyes flashed, and she smiled suddenly, "If the envoy doesn't return, it means the mission is not over. Why ask? It's not like a child who went out to play and forgot to come back, but?" "If the Empress Dowager is so generous, Su Dai will admire her, so she has nothing to say." After Su Dai finished speaking, he took a leisurely sip of tea.Wei Xun who was next to him was anxious, cupping his hands and said urgently: "Shangqing said clearly, what happened to Gan Mao?" Su Dai didn't speak, but just smiled and sipped his tea.The Empress Dowager Xuan knew that Su Dai wanted her to speak, so she smiled softly and said, "Shangqing wants to say it, but it's easy, why buy joints?" , Gan Mao has already asked the King of Qi for refuge, and he does not want to return to Qin." The Empress Dowager Xuan said with a smile: "But the King of Qi sealed Gan Mao for hundreds of miles?" Su Dai said seriously: "Qi and Qin have always been good friends. , Qi Wang naturally dare not take it lightly. Right now, Gan Mao is only staying in the guest house temporarily. This is a big matter, but I don’t know how the queen mother will deal with it?" Wei Xing's face was frosty, and he slapped the long answer: "Treason Qi Guo should deport me immediately, and the punishment will be declared!" The Queen Mother Xuan glanced at Wei Xie and said, "Don't be impatient, don't be impatient?" Turning to Su Dai with a smile, "Since Su Zi said, there must be Good strategy, might as well teach me." Su Dai smiled and said: "Since the Queen Mother has asked you, you should know that you have nothing to say. In today's world, there are countless celebrities who have gone to the country. If they go to the country and kill them for the crime of treason, it is tantamount to cutting off the way for celebrities in the world to enter Qin. Sincerely It is not a good strategy. However, Gan Mao was a general and knew the truth and secrets of Qin's fortresses. If he united with the eastern powers to attack Qin, wouldn't it be a serious problem? But this is the case, Gan Mao should not be transferred to other countries. For Qin's national plan: don't be as good as Xu Ganmao It seems safe to welcome him back to Qin and imprison him in a secret place because of his high position. Does the Prime Minister of the Queen Mother think so?" "That's a great plan!" Wei Xie slapped the desk and laughed, "I think it's feasible. Shangqing is indeed a famous man and a good plan." "Su Dai," Empress Dowager Xuan smiled slightly, "Gan Mao is familiar with you, and you came up with this plan, but what is it?" "One is public and the other is private." Su Dai did not hesitate, "For the good of Qi and Qin, the state of Qi cannot tolerate Gan Mao. For private purposes, Qi has Gan Mao, but what should Lord Mengchang do with me? Of?" Empress Dowager Xuan smiled: "This is true, I believe it." Wei Xun also came to his senses: "So Qin is going to repay Qi?" "The prime minister is so blunt." Su Dai burst into laughter, "International relations are based on interests. Qi State punishes the people and raises troops to eliminate harm. If Qin State can help each other, it will complement each other. How can there be any repayment?" "Hang the people and punish crimes?" Wei Wei smiled coldly, "Whose family is Qi going to swallow again?" Su Dai sternly cupped his hands and said: "The queen mother and the prime minister know all about it: since Song Yan became king, he has cruelly abused the common people, desecrated the world, challenged his neighbors, seized three hundred miles of land north of Chu and Huaihe, captured five cities, and swallowed Teng Guoxue. The country is full of anger and resentment, and the world calls it "Jie Song". Isn't Qi's crusade against such an evil state a crime against the people? If Qin can help, the alliance between the two powers of the East and the West will shock the world. This state is also of great benefit , I hope the Queen Mother misses you." "Qin sent troops, maybe get half of Song's land?" Wei Xie said with a sullen face. Su Dai said with a smile: "Qin helped Qi to destroy Song, and Qi helped Qin to destroy Zhou. Although the land of Sanchuan is not as big as Song, it is more abundant." "That is to say, the Qin State only sent troops, not land." Wei Xun actually made it clear. Empress Dowager Xuan said with a smile: "It's good that Shangqing explained it. Why should the prime minister be so anxious. Su Dai, let me think about this big plan to destroy the country. I will return to you in three days." Then he got up and went on his own. "Pedestrians send Shangqing out of the palace." Wei Xie ordered, and then he also flung his sleeves away. At this time, the guests could only do as they please, and Su Dai returned to the post house with a slight smile.After finishing the evening soup, Su Dai wandered around the courtyard of the post house and began to think.Su Dai understood that this trip was just a test, and since it was a test, there was no need for Qin to make a clear promise, and he could just talk about it first and let Qin's monarch and ministers discuss it.Although it was not clear, Su Dai was keenly aware of the indifference of the Empress Dowager Xuan and Wei Xie in destroying the Song Dynasty, and even faintly felt a strong sense of hostility.Although destroying the Song Dynasty has been the dream of the Qi State for decades, without the right time, without the acquiescence and covenant of the world's major powers, this dream will hardly come true.The fundamental reason is that the Song State is a kingdom in the Central Plains second only to the Seven Great War Powers. After swallowing the two countries of Teng and Xue, the Song State became a vast buffer zone stuck between Chu, Wei, Qi, and Han.Whoever destroys the Song Dynasty will immediately face other major powers directly, forming a direct deterrent to several warring states in the Central Plains.Not to mention the two countries of Qin and Zhao, even Chu, Wei, and Han would not agree with Qi's monopoly on Song.It is precisely because of this restraint that no one can do anything to the several big countries that are coveted by the Song Dynasty and have the strength to destroy the Song Dynasty.But this King Kang of the Song Dynasty was so arrogant and obsessed that he really thought that the powers of the Warring States could do nothing to him. For more than ten years, he fought east and west, took advantage of the see-saw war between the six kingdoms of Shandong and the kingdom of Qin, and captured five cities and three hundred miles of Chu. He also swallowed up two small countries, but no one cares about it.As a result, Song State became the only big country in the Central Plains that was not a Warring States State, but it was much larger than the other Zhongshan State that took advantage of the chaos and became king.Song Kangwang is also old and spicy, but he is ambitious at the age of 80. He claims to be "the first to rejuvenate", and wants to restore Song Xianggong's grand plan and hegemony. Unexpectedly, in this way, destroying the Song Dynasty became a more difficult problem. King Xuan of Qi tried to destroy the Song Dynasty several times, but he gave up under Su Qin's persistent opposition. The reason was that the time was not enough.King Qi Min ascended the throne, with the destruction of the Song Dynasty as the foundation of his great cause, but Su Dai and Lord Mengchang also delayed with all their strength. The root cause was also waiting for an opportunity.According to Su Dai's plan: Qi State must first settle its hatred with Yan State, and then use the "division of Song Dynasty" as a covenant to unite at least four countries to destroy Song Dynasty before it can be accomplished.However, the surly King Qi Min insisted on going his own way and decided to monopolize the Song Kingdom.It was only because of Su Dai and Meng Changjun's repeated persuasion that King Qi Min reluctantly agreed to Su Dai's mission to form an alliance, but there was one iron rule: he could only seek troops from other countries, and he could not agree to divide the Song Dynasty from other countries!Such a covenant, but who can readily agree to it?I wanted to use the plan to dispose of Gan Mao in exchange for the support of Queen Mother Xuan and Wei Xun to destroy the Song Dynasty, but unexpectedly I hit a soft nail. Queen Mother Xuan was obviously displeased, but she didn't openly attack it. "Report to Shangqing," an accompanying scout dressed as a civil servant hurried over and whispered, "A black car picked up the special envoy of Song." "When? Where did you receive it?" Su Dai suddenly became alert. "About half an hour ago. The general followed out of the post house and watched the chariot enter the prime minister's mansion." "Okay, continue to keep an eye on this Song envoy. But if there is something unusual, report it immediately." "Hi!" The scout turned around and strode away in a hurry. It turned out that King Song Kang was also keeping a close eye on Qi Chu, Han and Wei.For more than 20 years, no matter how much the Warring States of the Central Plains cursed "Jie Song" and how much Lao Song Yan was "a man with a bright head", Lao Song Yan never relaxed.On the contrary, it was precisely this kind of overwhelming cursing and reprimand that fueled Lao Song Yan's ambition.At the celebration ceremony for winning the five cities of Qi State, Lao Song Yan said to a group of generals who followed him loyally: "This king ascended the throne at the age of fifty-three. In the whole world, except Qin, no one can stop my Great Song chariot." All the generals shouted in unison: "Long live the King of Song! Zhongxing dominates!" Old Song Yan burst into laughter: "This The king has only one word: fight! Fight to the eighth warring state in the world first." This goal seemed to be close at hand, and the generals even shouted: "Brilliant Song! Eighth warring state! Long live!" When Old Song Yan was secretly discussing with the generals and preparing to launch a war of annihilating the country against South Korea, the news came from the scouts that Qi would launch an army of 300,000 to destroy Song.No matter how arrogant old Song Yan is, he still knows the weight of an army of 300,000. After pondering for a while, he smiled coldly: "Who said the field is a green jellyfish? It's just a sea snake. The old man came here to plan a military campaign and unite with the Qin State , cut this sea snake!" Da Yin Hua Liao immediately agreed, and generously asked to be sent to Qin as an envoy. Old Song Yan nodded, and Hua Liao drove Jian Cong to Xianyang overnight. Dayin is the chief minister of Song State.In the Spring and Autumn Period, the Song State was a first-class vassal state. In order to support the dignity of the descendants of the Yin and Shang royal families, the official positions were set up as Huanghuang, Qichu, Liuqing, Fourth Division, and Fifth Division. There were forty-two ministerial positions alone.Although there are many official positions, the work is a mess.At that time, the world had a judgment on the setting of official positions in the Song Dynasty, saying that "the Song Dynasty was in power, not limited to one official, the ministers had no fixed positions, and the positions were not customized."For hundreds of years, it has become the tradition of the Song Dynasty that official positions are uncertain, and the powers of ministers are unclear.Since entering the Warring States period, the state of Song has shriveled up like a deflated windbag, and there are only seven or eight ministers in the state.Because Song State had been attached to Chu State for a long time in the early and middle period of the Warring States Period, it moved closer to Chu State in terms of official system, and all the ruling ministers such as Liuqing and Five Divisions disappeared inexplicably. "Da Yin" became the only consul, and his name was changed to "Ling Yin" of Chu State.The rest of the generals were named according to the situation, but there was no formula.When the old Song Yan seized the emperor and became the king, the only civilian minister left was this big Yin. This great Yin is the thirteenth generation of Hua's old family in the Song Dynasty, and he is called Hua Liao.Hua Liao's ancestors, Huayuan and Huadu, all served as high-ranking officials such as Shangqing and Youshi during the period of Song Zhuanggong, Song Jinggong, and Song Gonggong.When the old Song Yan came to the throne, Hua Liao was still ambitious, so he and a group of generals firmly followed the hero, and he was determined to be the eighth Warring States.Hua Liao had many ingenious schemes, and planned one after another shocking actions for Lao Song Yan that stunned the world-shooting the sky, whipping the ground, becoming king, attacking South Korea, attacking Qi and so on.Therefore, Lao Song Yan had a lot of trust in this half-literary and half-martial talent, so he handed over all the power of governing the country to Hua Liao, and he only focused on expanding the army and fighting.As a result, Hua Liao became the only civil servant in the whole country, and all government affairs were handled by his Yinfu, which was extremely efficient with twice the result with half the effort. According to Hua Liao's plan, Song and Qin have no boundary, Qin will not destroy Song, and Song will not attack Qin. As long as Song and Qin are united, they will be invincible in the world.The key to unifying the Qin State is to form a good relationship with powerful ministers. For the current Qin State, it is to form a good relationship with the Empress Dowager Xuan and the Prime Minister Wei Xie, and give them some benefits. The strength of the Qin State is the strength of the Song State.Hua Liao has been struggling in the muddy mud of the Song Dynasty for decades, and he firmly believes that in this world of great strife for profit, the power of land and goods is unrivaled. Unexpectedly, when he arrived in Qin State, not to mention the Queen Mother Xuan, even Wei Xie would not be able to see her.The passers-by in the prime minister's mansion just said: "The prime minister is busy with business and has no time to meet the special envoy. If you can wait, please wait. If you can't wait, please feel free." The implication is that they want to drive him back.Hua Liao naturally didn't believe this excuse, so he wrote a sealed letter in mud, and bribed the passerby with a lot of money, asking him to hand over the secret letter to the prime minister.Probably because of the golden bag of "Shang Jin", the passer-by finally agreed with a calm face.As soon as the secret document was sent away, Hua Liao saw the car with "Special Envoy Su of the State of Qi" driving into the post house, so he quickly closed the door and came out.He only made up one idea: before meeting Wei Xie, he must never meet this shrewd Su Dai.Unexpectedly, just after closing the door and resting for a while, a postman came in quietly, saying that the prime minister's mansion sent a chariot to pick him up.When Hua Liao was overjoyed, he turned over and sat up immediately, took Song Kang Wang Mixin with him, and then hurried to the corner gate and got into the black chariot with curtains on all sides. "Da Yin entered Qin in such a hurry, why did he do it?" Wei Xun didn't even say a word of politeness, so he said with a dark face. Hua Liao hurriedly bowed deeply: "Prime Minister Mingjian: Song Guo's heart is fully understood in the secret document." "Confidential document? Oh, I haven't opened it yet." Wei Xie waved his hand, "Da Yin, please take a seat first." Then he picked up a mud-sealed bamboo tube on the desk, and knocked a purple leather bag next to it rattling.Hua Liao's heart sank, it was clearly the bag of merchant money he gave to passers-by, how did it end up on Wei Xun's desk?Pedestrians don't like money?Or is Wei Xun too dark and cruel?I couldn't figure it out for a while. Wei Xun had already read the secret documents, and leisurely paced and said, "Da Yin is saying that Taoyi is going to be ceded to the prime minister as a fief?" "Prime Minister Mingjian." Hua Liao took a step forward, "Taoyi is the blessed place where Tao Zhugong made his fortune. It is called 'the middle of the world' by merchants all over the world. It is a first-class chamber of commerce with gold and jade. Hua Liao thought that the world Only the Prime Minister deserves to enjoy this place." "Alright." Wei Xun dismissed Tao Yi lightly, "Where's the Queen Mother? What gift did Dayin use to talk?" Hua Liao was stunned for a moment.The general rule of the world: only one person can bribe a powerful minister, and the other joints should be opened by the powerful minister who accepts bribes.How could such a piece of heart be cut off for the Prime Minister, and the Prime Minister actually wanted Song Guo to present a gift to the Queen Mother?Is there any city in Song State that is richer than Taoyi?Suddenly, Hua Liao glanced at the golden bag of the book case, and suddenly realized that this Wei Xun was too dark and ruthless, as small as taking bribes from his subordinates, as big as swallowing Taoyi alone, he was really a rare and corrupt official in the world.But what can I do?Once the mission of uniting the Qin State fails, that old Song Yan who changes his face as soon as he says he wants to find a scapegoat, how can he spare him?Hua Liao thought for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said, "If we can join forces with Qin, I would like to dedicate the five cities of Qi to the Queen Mother." "The five cities of Qi State? Is it the five cities captured by Song State?" Wei Xie smiled coldly. "Exactly. On the bank of Juye Ze, Qixi five cities, hundreds of miles of fertile land!" Hua Liao's spirits suddenly lifted. "However, how does the prime minister teach the queen mother to believe?" "This is a letter written by the King of Song. Please present it to the Queen Mother." Hua Liao quickly took out a long and thin copper pipe from his big sleeve. "Open it." Wei Xun ordered, and the clerk next to him took the copper tube, cut the sealing mud, lifted the tube cover, took out a roll of parchment, and handed it over with both hands.Wei Xie frantically unfolded the large parchment, glanced at it, then threw it on the desk and said coldly: "This is the private writing of the king of Song Dynasty, not a covenant of cooperation, so it can't be counted." "The prime minister is out of order!" Hua Liao was anxious, "Everyone in the Song Dynasty knows that the king of Song's handwriting is the most effective, much more useful than ordinary national books." Wei Xie said with a rare chuckle: "Still the Great Song Dynasty? It is a wonder in the world that the old king of the Song Dynasty wanted to join forces in a private letter. It is a wonder in the world that the Great Yin has been in charge of the state affairs for a long time, and he is also acting in this way. Also." It was actually a look of contempt and ridicule.Hua Liao couldn't help but blushed, and quickly bowed: "Prime Minister Mingjian: Song Guo has not been in touch with the world for a long time. It turns out that he has become estranged from the diplomatic relationship. What should we do? Ask the Prime Minister to give advice." Wei Xun said with a dark face again: "First, we need to make a covenant. Second, we need to demonstrate integrity." Hua Liao thought to himself, "It's easy to make a covenant, and it can be done in ten days. This shows integrity, but I have to ask the prime minister to let me go." Wei Xie He sneered and said: "Da Yin is stuck in the most important place? This prime minister will tell you clearly: those who show integrity, the land promised by Da Yin, Qin State will be the first to garrison." Hua Liao was stunned in surprise.With the old king of Song and his secret merchants, Taoyi is just a "profitable market" that attracts Qin and Song to join forces. If Qin really sends troops to protect Song and really defeats Qi, Taoyi can be delivered. Even then, The old King of Song also told Hua Liao clearly: only the land outside the city of Taoyi can be ceded to the private households, not the big city of Taoyi; in case the Qi State destroys the Song Dynasty, it is just a bluff, and it is natural to refuse to cede Taoyi.As for the Five Cities of Qi State dedicated to the Empress Dowager, it was originally Hua Liao's improvisational speech, and the old Song King had no intention of it at all, and he had to find ways to smooth it out afterwards.In Hua Liao's mind, since the emergence of the Strategist School, the Warring States and the Warring States have been intriguing. Don't Su Qin, Zhang Yi, etc. all rely on their eloquence to win the reputation of other countries?Not to mention that Zhang Yi cheated Chu State by ceding Fangling, who in the world doesn't know?It was with this idea that Hua Liao slipped his tongue and promised to dedicate the five cities of Qi to the Queen Mother.But he never expected that Wei Xun would first station troops on these grounds!In this way, wouldn't the Great Song Kingdom bleed before gaining benefits?If the state of Qi does not fight against the state of Song, will this large piece of land be returned? "Hmph," seeing Hua Liao in a daze, Wei Xie's face suddenly darkened, "As soon as you show your integrity, you will see the truth and falsehood, and you will be a bird together!" "Wait a minute, Prime Minister!" Hua Liao quickly stepped forward and grabbed Wei Xie's sleeve, and bowed deeply again, "I'm just thinking, should I report it to the King of Song and make a decision? I don't have any other intentions." "Is there any reason for this?" Wei Wei shook his sleeves and turned around, "Without the authorization of the old Song king, you, the great Yin, are considered a co-ordinated minister? The best policy is to go back and wait to be a prisoner of Qi." Lift your feet and go again. "Wait a minute, Prime Minister." Hua Liao gritted his teeth, "But it is the Prime Minister. But, I still have one request." "Say it." "One, Taoyi and the Song army in the five cities of Qi will not withdraw, but will be stationed together. Second, can the Qin army have a certain number of garrison troops? It is best, preferably 50,000. Otherwise, it is really not good for me. , It’s not good to report back to the King of Song.” Hua Liao’s face was flushed, and finally Ai Ai finished speaking. Wei Xun paced back and forth and thought for a while: "Forget it, give Dayin all face, that's the deal." "Thank you, Prime Minister!" Hua Liao's heart suddenly fell to the ground, "I will go back here, and after ten days, I will bring the letter of credence and covenant, and it will be the Song and Qin family." "Da Yin, wait a moment." Wei Yan said with a cold face, "how can you just say it is a matter of diplomatic relations? Just now, Da Yin has to make a promise first. Otherwise, how can I report it to the Queen Mother?" Hua Liao groaned again, saying it was easy, he saw that the king of Song still had room for change, if he made a contract with Wei Xie on the spot, and the black words fell on the white sheepskin, it would be tied to the death of Song State, but it was really embarrassing.But Wei Xun is famous for his tyrannical and courageous actions. Looking at his black face, if he doesn't make a contract, the cooperation will definitely fail.After thinking about it again and again, Hua Liao said decisively: "Okay! I will be the prime minister. It is just that one must be declared when making a contract. After signing the contract, Qin's army has to leave Hangu Pass to prevent the Qi army from attacking Song." "It's up to you." Wei Xuan laughed loudly, "Within ten days, the army will leave the customs! If Dayin agrees, I can also send 50,000 cavalry outside Shangqiu City, how about it?" . But Hua Liao didn't dare to answer any more. If he promised Qin to garrison the capital without authorization, Song would become Qin's territory.Seeing the scribe shaking his pen, Hua Liao came to the desk and asked, "Is it the agreement just now?" The clerk clasped his hands and replied, "Reporting to Da Yin: I just recorded the prime minister's answer with Da Yin. To sign a contract, Dayin must also write it himself, so as to show the sincerity of the relationship between the two countries." Wei Wei smiled leisurely: "Da Yin, let's do it." Hua Liao also had nothing to say, so he sat down in front of the big book case prepared by the scribe for him, picked up the brass goose feather pen and began to write.When he wrote down his official name on the blank space at the lower left hand of the parchment, Wei Xie walked over without saying a word, bent down, took the brass goose feather pen in Hua Liao's hand, and drew a few large characters.Rao Hua Liao has a wide range of knowledge, but he can't understand the things in his writing, so he can't help frowning: "Dare to ask the prime minister, is this the language of Qin?" Wei Yan laughed and said: "This is the old man's own writing. No one can imitate it! Everyone in the state of Qin, but seeing this word is like seeing an old man in person, and Da Yin can rest assured." Hua Liao said in his heart: "Since it is a covenant, each party should have a copy. I will write another one, and I invite the prime minister. A large seal has been stamped." However, a scribe next to him held a large piece of parchment with both hands and said, "Here is a copy from the State of Song, please take it away, Da Yin." Hua Liao took it and saw that it was copied by the clerk while looking at his pen, and even his neat ancient seal official name and taboo were on it, which was exactly the same.Next to it is the bright red seal of "Qin Prime Minister's Seal" in Zhu Wen.Hua Liao handed both hands to Wei Xun: "Dare to ask the Prime Minister to sign the characters." Wei Xun flicked his sleeves and said, "Da Yin is really a scorpion! Just now the old man said that this word is only for the Qin State. Is it for the Song State? , the prime minister’s seal is naturally the name of the country, the old man’s graffiti, isn’t it a snake’s foot?” In the end, he laughed and went away.Hua Liao was stunned in the hall, not knowing what to do.旁边书吏便是拱手笑道：“大尹安心回国便是，丞相做事最是有担待，旬日之内必有兵马进入陶邑。” 恍然醒悟间华蓼正要告辞，却见那个行人走了进来向书吏一点头，便将魏冄书案上的那袋金币提起来走了。华蓼大奇，连忙大步赶了出来，在粗大的廊柱下追上了行人，喘着粗气问道：“敢问行人，你又将这金币收回来了？”行人上下打量华蓼一眼，揶揄笑道：“如何？给了人又心疼了？”华蓼连忙摆手道：“非也非也。我只是新奇莫名，这金币本是送给你的，何以要交给丞相？既给了丞相，又如何能拿走？”行人眯起眼睛冷笑道：“大尹操心不少啊。”华蓼低声道：“好奇而已，岂有他哉！行人若得实言相告，我便再奉上两方老商金了。”眼见行人嘴角便绽开了笑意：“老商金何在啊？”华蓼立即从胸前贴身皮袋中摸出两方金币，手指一捻便是呛啷一阵金声。行人笑道：“嗬，手法捻熟，显见老于此道也。好，在下便对大尹说了：秦国吏员不拒使臣礼金，然却不得中饱私囊；但收礼金，须得禀报上司并经查点，而后缴于府库。”华蓼大是惊讶：“那你这是？”“上缴府库啊。”行人一笑，顺手一掠，华蓼的两方老商金便呛啷易手，留下一串笑声，行人却是飘然去了。 华蓼愣怔半日，竟是一时回不过味儿来，只觉得这秦国处处透着古怪——官员权臣不爱钱不贪私，却是拼命为邦国争夺土地财货，到头来究竟图个甚？叹息一声秦人可怜，华蓼便匆匆回到驿馆，一番收拾，竟是连夜便出了咸阳。 五鼓鸡鸣时分，苏代接到斥候密报，竟是惊讶莫名，一时揣摩不出此中虚实。 “华蓼进丞相府几多时辰？”苏代皱着眉头问。 “回上卿：至多一个时辰有余。” “华蓼出驿馆，可否有大臣送行？” “回上卿：华蓼一车十骑，没有任何人送行。” “函谷关之内，华蓼有无停留？” “回上卿：末将一直跟随华蓼到函谷关方回，未见他有片刻停留。” 这可当真是苏代斡旋邦交一来碰到的第一桩奇事。按照邦交常例：使节会见丞相只能确定使命的大体意向，最终决策立约，一定得在晋见国君之后。纵然某国丞相是权臣，某国国君是虚设，邦交大礼还是有定数的。强横如燕国子之者，每有邦交立约，也都是燕王出面的。一个使臣在会见丞相一个多时辰之后便匆匆离去，且没有任何爵位对等的大臣送行，说明了什么呢？猛然，苏代心中一亮——华蓼说秦不成，宋秦合纵破裂。对呀，一定是！魏冄做派强横，一定是想大占宋国便宜，而老宋偃则正在甚嚣尘上之时，专一的横挑强邻，如何容得被秦国大占利市？一个强横霸道，一个气焰嚣张，自然是一碰便生火气，岂有他哉！ 苏代精神大振，天刚蒙蒙亮便驾着轺车辚辚入宫请见秦王。此时咸阳宫广场已经是车马如梭人影流动，所有的官员都奔赴官署，准备在卯时开堂。早朝当值的内侍刚刚精神抖擞地走出来，便遇见了苏代手捧玉笏求见秦王，便是一声高宣传了进去。片刻之后，一个老内侍匆匆走出正殿高宣：“秦王口诏：齐国上卿苏代在东偏殿候见。” 苏代知道，咸阳宫正殿只是礼仪性的场所，这东偏殿才是秦王处置国务的日常处所，秦王要在这里召见他，便意味着秦国君臣要认真与他商讨邦交大计了。想到华蓼负气出秦，秦宋合纵破灭，苏代就觉得分外舒畅，他已经隐隐地有了一种预感——秦国不理睬宋国，齐王灭宋的宏图就要实现了。一想到这里，苏代的脚步就分外轻捷，虽然自己与孟尝君反对灭宋，但若秦国放弃了对宋国的保护，齐国在无可阻挡的情势下一举吞灭一个大国，又何乐而不为？再说，此事若成，他苏代分化秦宋合纵便是大功一件，他在齐国的地位便会大大巩固，岂非更是天遂人愿？ “齐国上卿苏代进殿——！”一个尖锐细亮的声音响彻在大厅。 苏代恍然抬头，见一个黑服玉冠的年轻人正站在大书案之后微笑地打量着他，这便是在燕国久为人质的秦王嬴稷么？遥遥看去，这个嬴稷虽然正在即将加冠的少年尾青年头年岁上，可那黝黑劲健的身姿却分明渗透出一种与年龄极不相称的沧桑风尘，竟是任谁也不敢将他做寻常的弱冠少年对待。苏代虽然久在燕国，却是从来没有见过嬴稷，今日竟是第一次见这个少年秦王，心中不禁便是油然感慨：如何上天独佑秦国，一代少年君王也是如此出色？饶是感慨良多，苏代也无暇品味，一个躬身大礼便道：“外臣苏代，参见秦王。” “上卿黎明即起，大非齐国富贵气象啊。”嬴稷亲切地笑着。 “人云：见贤思齐。秦人勤政，苏代何敢放任？” 嬴稷朗声大笑：“秦人苦做成习，何敢劳上卿思齐了？来，上卿入座便了。” 苏代坐进左下手的第一张大案，略一打量，便见与秦王大案并排的左手还有一张空案，心知那便是宣太后的位置，自己对面遥遥相对处也只有三张长案空着，可见这里只是秦王与几个栋梁大臣议事的殿堂，不禁便大是欣慰，直觉今日必成大事。 “上卿匆匆来见本王，何以见教啊？”嬴稷笑着开了头，分明是要苏代说话了。 苏代拱手笑道：“想必秦王已经知晓，齐国欲与秦国结盟，伸张天下公理，铲除桀宋。” “原是齐国想灭宋了。”少年秦王粲然一笑，“宋国夺齐国五城，齐王心疼了？” “秦王差矣！”苏代正色道，“老宋偃射天鞭地，穷兵黩武，大行苛政，人神共愤，天下呼为桀宋。齐国吊民伐罪，岂能以五城之恨论之？” “说得好听呢！”猛然听得大屏后一阵清亮的笑声，便走出一个散发长裙丰腴高挑的女子，不是宣太后却是谁？她瞄了苏代一眼，便径自坐到少年秦王旁边的长案前笑道：“吊民伐罪，那可是圣王大道呢。齐王不是青龙现世么，自顾去做便了，何须一呼拢拉上他人，莫得夺了齐国风光？”脸上竟是写满了嬉笑辛辣。 苏代何其机敏，立即拱手跟上：“太后明鉴：战国攻伐，利害相连。况桀宋横挑强邻，攻楚攻齐攻韩攻魏，竟是为所欲为而无人抑其锋芒。惟其如此，皆因天下战国相互牵制，全无公理大道。今齐王攘臂举旗，自是吊民伐罪，即或不联秦国，亦当于楚韩魏赵联兵，绝非市井之徒群强欺弱，何来齐国独占风光？”一席话竟是义正词严不容辩驳的架势。 “不愧苏秦弟也。”宣太后赞叹一句便沉下了脸，“邦交根本，不在说辞。我问上卿：这利害相连，却是甚个说法？灭宋但能分给秦国三成土地，秦国自然出兵。不然么，齐国大可去攘臂举旗，却休来咸阳聒噪。” 苏代大出预料，如何这秦国与宋国翻了脸，竟还坚执要分土才能出兵？莫非是自以为苏代不知情而漫天要价？可是，苏代就是不能答应他国分宋，这是齐王的严令。蓦然之间，苏代计上心来，微微笑道：“太后之意苏代明白：秦国隔岸观火，既不保宋，亦不干预他国联兵灭宋。若得如此，太后大是明断。” 宣太后却是咯咯笑了：“我却看你不明白呢，竟来糊弄一个女子，说我要隔岸观火，我说过么？想让秦国闪开道，听任齐国独吞了这块天下最肥的方肉？嘿嘿，上卿果然灵醒呢。” “太后明鉴：齐国是联兵灭宋，何曾想独占宋国？” “苏代啊，你就别给我施障眼法了。”宣太后揶揄的笑着，“若不想独吞，如何一说到分地便装聋作哑？我问你，联兵必分地，可是春秋以来联兵灭国的常例？避而不谈，不是想独吞却是个甚来？老身不答应，便想让我作壁上观，听任你等灭了宋国。可是？此等雕虫小技，也亏了你苏代竟堂而皇之地在这里卖弄！嘿嘿，还纵横名士呢，说得出口？” 苏代大窘，一时竟是满脸通红，不禁亢声道：“苏代唯问太后：秦国可是明白了要自外于中原六国，硬是要做桀宋后盾？” “嘻嘻，不知道。”宣太后竟顽皮得像个小女孩儿一般笑着。 猛然，殿中一阵沉重急促的脚步声，便有一个粗重的声音扑了过来：“苏代休得聒噪，魏冄与你说话。”话音落点，一身黑色甲胄的魏冄便铁塔也似的矗立在面前，“宋国已是秦国驻军属国，齐国要灭宋，先过我秦军大关再说。” 这一来，苏代可是惊诧莫名。宋国几时成了秦国的属国？还是驻军属地？直是滑天下之大稽也。蓦然之间，苏代哈哈大笑：“丞相之言，未免滑稽过甚了。苏代敢请秦王一句口诏定夺，秦国可是与宋国结盟了？”明知少年秦王不做主，苏代偏是要名正言顺的给魏冄一个难堪，若是缺乏邦交阅历的秦王说出一两句可供利用的话来，便有得机会了。 “上卿果然精明也。”少年秦王却是悠然一笑，“吾爱宋国，如爱新城、阳晋同也，岂有他哉？”说罢竟是大袖一甩径自去了。 魏冄哈哈大笑：“苏代啊，便宜没占上，快点儿回去准备灭宋了！” 宣太后却是冷冷一笑：“一条海蛇，竟是飞龙在天了？”说罢也径自去了。 苏代大是尴尬，羞脑攻心，一句话也不说，转身便大步出宫了。回到驿馆，草草收拾，立即出了咸阳，走到日暮时分，函谷关遥遥在望，才猛然想起还没有向樗里疾辞行，然则事已如此，再回咸阳岂不落人笑柄？想想一咬牙，脚下一跺：“出关！”一行车马便辚辚隆隆出了函谷关向东去了。