Chapter 16 Section 4 Ambition says long-term strategy

Looking at the palace leisurely, Su Qin didn't have the embarrassment of ordinary scholars waiting to see him. There are only three palaces in Xianyang Palace, the central main hall and the east and west side halls.The front of the main hall protrudes and is built on a hill more than six feet high. In the open square, there are 36 white jade steps leading directly to the main hall, making the main hall look like a towering city, with the potential of a dragon tower and a phoenix pavilion.This is the highest palace of the Qin State. It is not a large-scale court meeting or receiving foreign envoys, so it is easy not to handle daily government affairs here.The two side halls are located on the flat ground behind the main hall.Except that the square in front of the hall is paved with white jade, the three sides are green: the bamboo forest in the west, the green pine in the north, and the grassland in the east.The west side hall is where the monarch's study and bedroom are located. Except for summoning trusted officials, there are few ceremonial meetings here.The east side hall is much larger than the west side hall, with nine bays and five entrances. It is the main place for the monarch's daily state affairs. There are many doors and households, dividing many areas.Except for the last entrance, which has a separate portal, which is the confidential official office where Changshi and his subordinate officials drafted, transcribed edicts, and disposed of official documents, the other four entrances are connected and divided into three areas: the middle area is the Yizheng Hall, and the east is the Out of the government hall, to the west is the Shuchang hall.

Seeing Xianyang Palace from a distance, Su Qin had a strange feeling.The royal city of Luoyang and the palaces of the six kingdoms of Shandong have large roofs and long cornices. Looking from a distance, one can see overlapping cornices, magnificent, rich and luxurious. Under the cornices, iron horses are blowing in the wind, and the tinkling is pleasant, giving the atmosphere of a palace and heaven.Although Xianyang Palace is grand, it is very simple. When you look at it at first glance, you always feel that there are many things missing in your sight.After careful inspection, I saw that the roof of Xianyang Palace was very small, about five or six feet above the wall, protruding obliquely, without the gorgeous cornices like crown tassels.At first glance, it looks like a giant wearing a corrugated hat. Although it looks handsome, it is always missing something, and it is naked!Su Qin thought that the Qin people were simple and pragmatic, and when Xianyang was built, it was Mohist engineers who were in charge of the "yingguo" plan.The Mohist's idea of ​​frugality coincided with the simple tradition of the Qin people, so it is not surprising that such a palace style was produced.

Entering the hall, one can see that the hall is spacious and tall, but the furnishings are extremely simple.In the center is a black wooden screen that almost runs across the hall, and the two big copper characters on the screen are particularly eye-catching - Guoyi!In the middle of the front of the screen is a large book case, with several smaller ones on each side.Outside the book case area, there are two huge copper tripods and two almost equally huge incense burners, other than that, no decorative furnishings can be seen.There is no red felt on the white jade floor, and even the seats behind the desk are made of natural straw.Once you enter the hall, you will immediately feel empty and deserted, without the comfort and warmth of the oriental palace with its heavy curtains, magnificence and luxury.Compared with the halls of Daliang Palace, the word "cold" is everywhere here.The strange thing is that Su Qin spontaneously developed a kind of respect for this kind of "cold" palace that has no comfort at all. He felt that as soon as he entered this palace and saw the two big characters "National Conference", his mind would be concentrated, Involuntarily cheered up.

"Teacher, the doctor is here—" The waiter's long, thin and bright call came from outside the hall. Su Qin suddenly came to his senses, raised his eyes, and saw two men in black walking outside the corridor of the hall, they looked very strange.One is wearing a bamboo hat that resembles a bamboo hat, and a wide black veil hangs from the brim of the crown. He has a thick and straight body, and he walks bravely with long strides.The other one was short and strong, with bow legs and swaying duck steps, waddling and walking beside the masked man, looking rather comical.Su Qin glanced at it and quickly concluded: the masked man is the world-famous vengeful son Yingqian, and the fat and duck-walking man is Chuliji who defuses the rebellion in the west!One is the pillar of the public clan, and the other is the senior official who is in charge of government affairs. They are both important figures in Qin State at present... With a thought in his mind, Su Qin turned his back to the palace gate and stared at the two big characters of "National Council".He heard footsteps behind him entering the hall, but there was no movement.By feeling, Su Qin knew that the eyes of these two people were looking at him, but he still stood there contemplatively.

"Dare to ask, but Wang Che is a famous scholar from Luoyang traveling west?" Hearing this casual and smiling tone, Su Qin knew who this person was, and suddenly turned around and said calmly, "I am Luoyang Su Qin." Chi Liji smiled: "Mr. Qin is very fortunate to have come from a long way. This is Mr. Qian, the grand master. My servant, the senior doctor Chi Liji. I think you understand it too." Su Qin smiled faintly, nodded slightly but did not speak. He not only expressed his approval of Chu Liji's agent, but also expressed his noncommittal to Chu Liji's humor, but he did not "meet" the two important ministers.Yingqian, who had been cold and silent all this time, gave a deep bow, "Sir, it was hard work to come to Qin from a long distance." Su Qin didn't expect it, and bowed quickly, "It's not unusual for scholars to travel around. Thank you for your kindness. .”

"Hey, entering Qin is a family, how polite? Come, sir, take your seat." Xi Li smiled and asked Su Qin to sit on the left of the central case, which is the first seat in the east, and pushed Yingqian to sit on the right In the first seat, I sat in the last seat on the right, and then I cupped my hands and said with a smile: "Sir, you have come a long way, must there be a good plan?" Su Qin originally wanted to follow the etiquette and wait for Qin Gong to enter the hall and pass the ceremony before taking his seat.When I saw the arrangements made by Xi Liji, I couldn't help thinking: Could it be that Mr. Qin arranged for these two to test me first?It feels bad.However, Su Qin's mind is very fast, and he can make up his mind in an instant, and he can make up his own mind as the other party arranges.Seeing Chi Liji asking such a question at this moment, it was naturally expected, so he calmly cupped his hands and said: "The superior is in charge of the state affairs, and there must be a good strategy for governing Qin. Su Qin is willing to learn a thing or two."

Chu Liji laughed hehehe: "Mr. has the arrow to turn back, it's really extraordinary!" Patted his protruding belly: "Look, Chu Liji is a wine bag and rice bag, full of cattle, sheep and bitter vegetables. If Mr. If you have the medicine of gold and stone, you might as well point it out, why should you be humble?" "A proverb says: If you have bitterness in your belly, you must have a heart of wisdom. The doctor is full of bitterness, but he has no wisdom and good ideas?" Su Qin saw that Xi Liji was avoiding cleverly, but still forced himself to speak, so he also smiled and walked away.

Chi Liji was taken aback, and quickly said, "Okay! Come here, bring the national map." Suddenly, I heard the servant call loudly: "The Duke is here——!" The high-pitched voice was still lingering, Ying Si had already calmly walked out from behind the wooden screen of the "National Conference", before the three of them stood up, he waved his hands and said, "Don't worry, just sit down." The sharp and vigilant Su Qin almost aimed at the exit on the left side of the wooden screen along with the shrill voice of the servant.In an instant, he collided with the bright eyes from those slender triangular eyes!Su Qin was about to lower his eyebrows to avoid it, but the light in his triangular eyes had already drooped and disappeared.At this moment, Su Qin felt a thrill in his heart - this Duke Qin is extraordinary!With a flash of thought, he stood up and bowed: "Luoyang Su Qin, see Duke Qin."

Before Ying Si was seated, she immediately supported her with empty hands: "Mr. came from a long way, and Ying Si could not be greeted by the suburbs. How dare you do a big gift? Sir, take your seat, and Ying Si has been educated here." After speaking, she turned around and told the waiter: "Serve herbal tea. " Two servants in black came with light steps carrying things wrapped in a thick cotton cover, and put them away in the open space beside the seat.Then two maids floated out lightly, one held several pottery bowls and a long-handled wooden spoon on a large copper plate, and the other untied the cotton cap with a thick cotton cover.Su Qin couldn't help being surprised, it turned out that what was wrapped in the cotton cover was actually a ceramic jar with a thin neck!The maid took a long-handled wooden spoon from the copper plate, then put the wooden spoon into the vat, scooped out a bright red juice, and briskly filled several pottery bowls.The maid holding the plate came over lightly, and put a big pottery bowl on Su Qin's table first.Then put them one by one in front of Duke Qin, Yingqian, and Chi Liji.Su Qin couldn't help being surprised and sighed again - he is familiar with all the generous and hospitable places in the world, but no matter how hospitable the country is, as long as the monarch is present, no matter how honorable the guests are, the courteous treatment is also after the monarch; that is to say, serving tea and wine, of course They will first present the monarch, and then talk about the number of guests.Even in the Warring States period, when rites were broken and music was broken, this was a common practice without any objection, and even the most aloof celebrities took it for granted.However, in the palace of the Qin State, the "first place" is dedicated to the guests, which is really unique in the world!From this alone, we can see that the strength of the Qin State is by no means accidental.

While Su Qin was in a trance, Qin Gong Yingsi had already held up the big pottery bowl with both hands and said with a smile: "In the scorching heat of summer, replace wine with tea, Mr. Quan can wash away the dust and catch the wind." Like a farmer drinking cattle. Born in Wang Ji’s wealthy merchant’s family, he was educated by a famous teacher, not to mention already having a reputation as a celebrity, but based on the influence of Luoyang Wang Ji and the cultural etiquette of Wei State, Su Qin’s words and deeds all have a strong aristocratic and famous color— —Bold yet reserved, free and easy without losing etiquette, without the slightest vulgarity.Suddenly, seeing Qin Gong drinking tea like a farmer in the field, Su Qin suddenly felt a kind of contempt, and the emotional respect just now disappeared completely!

Even so, he had no time to think about it. He held up the big pottery bowl with both hands and replied respectfully: "I am so loved by Duke Qin, and Su Qin is ashamed to accept it." Then he smiled at the two ministers: "Teacher, doctor, you two Sir, please." After speaking, he took a sip—huh?It was cold and refreshing!In a moment of hesitation, he involuntarily raised the big pottery bowl and gulped it down. After drinking, he put down the big bowl with a "boom!", dripping from the corner of his mouth, and his chest heaved and panted continuously!Suddenly, I felt a coolness pouring directly into the dantian, and the whole body was cool and comfortable.Suddenly, Su Qin blushed, cupped his hands and said, "I'm ashamed, ashamed, Su Qin lost his composure... I don't know what this is? What kind of famous tea?" "Hey, this kind of tea needs to be drunk like this!" Yingqian: "Sir, I don't know. This is a herbal tea sold by farmers in the mountains. It is boiled with thick tea stalks and placed in the cave at Tiantou to quench thirst during work breaks. The Duke chills it in the cellar to cool off the heat. " "Qin Gong is elegant, turning a stone into gold! Su Qin admires it." Ying Si smiled slightly: "Sir, it's a false award. The common people are like a vast ocean, how much can the court know?" "The common people in the countryside are the foundation of the country. Qin Gong has this insight, and the great cause of the Qin State is hopeful." Ying Si's slender triangular eyes suddenly lit up!He admired Su Qin's ingenious turning point, knowing that it was the beginning of this celebrity's speech, so he bowed his hands solemnly: "What is the great cause of Qin? Mr. Shang Wang taught me." Su Qin calmly looked at the new lord of Qin State who was regarded by the six eastern countries as "a bird of prey that is hard to fathom". His tone was very peaceful: "Where is the way out for Qin State? Talk too much." "Sir, do you know about rhinoceros policy theory?" Ying Si was quite surprised. "Mr. and I met unexpectedly. After drinking, we sighed and talked about strategies." "Since this is the case, Mister must have other ideas, and Ying Si is willing to be taught." Su Qin shook his head: "The great cause of the Qin State lies, Su Qin is the same as the rhinoceros head, there is no one without him." "Oh? So, why did you teach me?" Ying Si smiled teasingly.Grand Tutor Yingqian and senior doctor Xi Liji also showed expressions of surprise and confusion. Su Qin didn't seem to notice it, and calmly replied: "Strengthening the country and trying to dominate the king is like a famous person who makes contributions. It is the most common and inevitable destination. Even the sky can't change it. How about rhinoceros and Su Qin? That's the only way. The strategy of the king and the tyrant is not a strange strategy, it is the road that a strong country must follow. How do those who have a strange plan and a different plan realize the plan of the king and the tyrant? Does Duke Qin think so?" "That's right! Sir, please continue." Ying Si's spirit suddenly lifted. "Since ancient times, kings and hegemons have been nothing more than two ways: one is to suspend the people and punish crimes, and replace them with the emperor, like Tang Wen and Zhou Wu. Jin Wen is also true. However, in today’s world of warring states, the emperor exists in name only, and it has become meaningless to punish the people and punish crimes. The Warring States stand shoulder to shoulder, rule the roost and self-government, and the leader dominates the hegemony. None of them can realize the career of king and hegemony, and a third way must be created. This is the new way of the great cause of king and hegemony, how to create this new way? Only then is the real ingenious strategy.” It was very quiet in the hall.Yingqian waved impatiently to the maid who came softly to pour herbal tea and the old waiter who was waiting beside the seat, and the maids all retreated behind the wooden screen.The spacious National Assembly Hall was even more spacious, and Su Qin's clear voice had some echoes, as if in a deep valley.Ying Si just looked at Su Qin intently, but her face was so calm that there was no expression. Su Qin believed that his opening remarks had already deeply attracted the emperor and ministers of the state of Qin.Even so, he, who is well versed in debate skills, knew that the opening speech at this moment was just an introduction to the main topic, and it was not enough for the listeners to ask questions, so he made a very short pause, and immediately met their eyes and spoke eloquently: " The new way of kingship must come from the Warring States period, which is also the trend of the time. Su Qin believed that the great cause of the king's hegemony in the Warring States period was not to punish the people, nor to contract with the princes, but to unify China. This kind of unification is different from The monarchy and feudal system of the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties is different from the princely covenant system of the Spring and Autumn Period. Instead, it must be a great struggle to destroy the country and unify it by force, so that the land of the common people in the world will be governed by one country. Those who achieve this great cause will be immortal through the ages Looking around the world, the one who can take on this important task is none other than the State of Qin. That’s why Su and Qin entered Qin.” Having said this, Su Qin stopped suddenly.This is a brand-new topic, and it is a brand-new insight that he has pondered over. He wants to see if Qin's monarchs and ministers have a minimum reaction.If they don't have the corresponding determination and insight, the Qin State will be lifeless. "In my opinion, the king of the Warring States dominates the great cause, and he must win the country of destroying people, and take it from the battlefield?" Yingqian's voice in the black mask was a little hoarse and panting. "Extremely true. In today's world of great strife, when you are competing for strength, you cannot accomplish great things without competing for strength." "After the country is destroyed, can we not separate the princes and govern the world under the law of one country?" Chi Liji asked. "Yes. This is the foundation of Zhanwanghege. Divide and rule, then disperse and retreat; rule, then consolidate and unite." Ying Xi's face was still calm and indifferent.But from his suddenly bright eyes, Su Qin felt that the monarch recognized his opinion.I saw him habitually tapping on the book case with his right hand: "Mr. said that the country of Qin must bear this important task. How can you see it?" Su Qin's spirit was lifted, and he cleared his throat and said: "Qin country can be a great leader, there are four things: first, its strength is strong, its wealth and army are much larger than that of the six countries, and it can support long-term wars. Second, the people of Qin are good at fighting, The government and the people are united, the whole country is armed, and the speed of expanding its military strength is much faster than that of the six countries in Shandong. At the end of the war, hundreds of thousands of troops are only a short-term achievement. Third, Qin is surrounded by mountains, with Xiaoshan Hangu Pass in the east and Chen Cang in the west. Dasan Pass has Nanshan Wuguan in the south and a plateau in the north. Surrounded by mountains and rivers, according to the shape of the victory, it is no different from adding 100,000 troops. But in this way, Qin has no worries, and can devote all its troops to Shandong. Only this One point, the four warring states in the Central Plains cannot match it. Fourth, the reform of the Qin State is thorough, and the legal system is formed. It is the only country that can replace the division of princes and rule the world. With these four, the great cause of the unification of kings and tyrants is only Qin. The country can be accomplished!" While Su Qin was talking about it, Ying Xi's eyes gradually dimmed, and Ying Qian in the black mask didn't seem to respond.What's wrong?Su Qin seemed to have noticed something, so he paused, and the hall was quiet for a while.Only the long-smiling Chili glanced around, clasped his hands and asked with a smile, "Sir, is it a long-term plan? A short-term plan?" Su Qin: "A great plan for hegemony is a long-term plan. It starts with a single step, and it is also a short-term plan." "It's good to be eloquent!" Chi Liji laughed loudly: "But, sir, do you want Qin to prepare for a long-term plan? Or go east immediately?" "Master, the Qin State should immediately start the grand scheme of domination. But if it has a long-term plan, it must be near-term." Yingqian in the black mask took a deep breath, and seemed unable to hold back his mouth: "Mr. The estimate of the expansion of Qin's military strength is too high, and the estimate of the strength of the six countries in Shandong is too low. Not to mention that Qin's current new army is far from enough to fight against the six countries. In terms of military expansion, an army of hundreds of thousands How can a large army be successful in one year? In the Spring and Autumn Chariot War, it takes at least ten years to accumulate tens of thousands of chariots. Now the new army is fighting on foot and cavalry, with a total of 200,000 troops, not to mention The collection of fine iron, weapons, and war horses is only based on conscription training, and at least three years will not be enough to form an army. Sir, do you know how long Pang Juan has been training for Wei's more than 200,000 elite soldiers? Also, the strength of the six Shandong kingdoms Wei and Zhao each have more than 200,000 troops, Chu and Qi each have more than 300,000, and the remote Yan and the smaller South Korea each have about 100,000. In comparison, Qin has the smallest army. , the shape of the mountains and mountains of the Qin State is victorious, although it is easy to defend and difficult to attack, but if it has no strength, it is not always true. Wu Qi has a saying that the country cannot be secured by the danger of mountains and rivers. If the Guan Mountains must be able to strengthen the country, how could the State of Wei take the six hundred miles west of our river back then? Compress me into a corner?" Yingqian is a famous general of the Qin State, who loved military affairs all his life. Although he retired from the political arena during the Qin State Reform, he did not stop thinking about his military career.These remarks are well-founded, and they were obviously unbearable to blurt out Su Qin's theory of discussing soldiers.With Yingqian's prestige and prudence, these words are like declaring: Su Qin's remarks are absurd and unbelievable! But Su Qin didn't panic.He came prepared and naturally imagined various countermeasures.After a little thought, Su Qin said with a smile: "Since the Taifu knows about soldiers, Su Qin dare to ask, why are the six countries in Shandong all strong, but they are all on the defensive? Why is Qin's army not yet strong, but already on the offensive?" Yingqian was startled, and there was a "goo" in his throat, he couldn't figure it out eagerly, but he didn't answer the words, so he stood there silently. Chu Liji answered alertly: "In my opinion, why?" "The essence of this is that we should not judge our soldiers by their own. National strength is the cornerstone of a military struggle, and it is not all about formed soldiers. Without the strength of people and wealth, even if there are good soldiers, they will not last long. The reverse is also true. In the previous years, Lord Xian of the Qin State led the troops who were accustomed to fighting, but finally Shimen was defeated, and the army was lost. This caused all the countries to be inferior to Qin, and the filial piety was indignant and erected a monument of national shame. What is the reason for this? It was not that the Qin State was weak at that time, but the real Qin State was weak; it was not the soldiers of the Six Kingdoms Strong also means that the six countries are rich. Today's situation is the opposite. Qin is rich and strong, so although the army is small, it is on the offensive against Shandong; the strength of the six countries is greatly reduced, so the army is willing to defend. It is not caused by mere military strength, but actually by national power. Only in this way, judging by soldiers, one cannot see the secrets of the world. What does the Tai Tuo think?" Su Qin felt that the two ministers had to use profound insights to make them unable to question in order to achieve The purpose of persuading Duke Qin is to say something very imposing. However, Chi Liji laughed: "Mr.'s words sound like a famous saying. National strength and military strength are like chickens and eggs. It depends on how you say it." "Avoiding the truth and pretending to be empty, it doesn't make sense." Yingqian sneered, and suddenly stood up: "Your Majesty, I will take my leave." After speaking, he strode away.Su Qin's heart sank, he was very surprised - how could this Qin official be so rude? The monarch Ying Si didn't seem to see it, and said with a faint smile: "Mr. Yingsi's opinion, let Yingsi think about it before deciding. Come, I will reward you with two hundred gold." The voice fell, and there was a shrill answer from behind the wooden screen. The old waiter walked out with the plate in his hand, as if he was ready. In an instant, Su Qin's face turned red, and his blood rushed to the top of his head!He lowered his head and clenched his teeth, took a long breath, forced himself to calm down, stood up calmly and cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Mr. Qin, for your kindness. Su Qin's food and clothing are still in place. Farewell." After speaking, he waved his big sleeves and walked away. "Go slowly, sir!" Chu Li hurried to the carriage and racecourse panting, stopped Su Qin in front of the carriage and bowed deeply: "Sir, don't be too thoughtful, the king's reward is the heart of respecting the virtuous, not contemptuous sir." "If you don't receive rewards for meritorious deeds, it's the constant festival of scholars." "Sir, would you be willing to take the post of Shangqing? Plan a military plan?" Su Qin looked up to the sky and laughed loudly: "How can Su Qin disdain the rhinoceros head? Go to the doctor and take your leave." With one hand cupped, he turned and stepped on the bronze cart, shook the reins and rattled away.Xi Liji stood in the square in a daze, looked at Su Qinyuan's back in perplexity, and sighed heavily.