Chapter 4 Section 2 The monarchs of the five countries arrived at Fengze on the same day

The morning in Fengze is exceptionally magnificent.The vast water surface is sparkling with golden waves under the fiery red sky.A round of red sun emerges from where the water and the sky meet, and the landscape suddenly becomes a hazy red silhouette.The vast reed grass rolls with golden red long waves.The continuous and magnificent camp of various military tents, chariots, banners, and spears formed a huge arc around the water surface.The melodious and heavy horns came and went one after another accompanied by Xiao Xiao Ma Ming.On the official road on the bank, a fast red horse galloped towards it, looking like a flying boat in the long waves of reed grass.

Just as Pang Juan was sitting in front of the long table and preparing to open the cauldron for dinner, he heard the neighing of a horse outside the big tent.He was slightly stunned, and the guard at the tent had already announced loudly: "The messenger from Anyi has arrived——!" Before Pang Juan could stand up, the courier hastily entered the account. He took out a brass tube from his back and cupped it in both hands to report: "The king of Wei is in a hurry, and hand it over to the general to open it." A roll of parchment was opened, and two lines of big characters came into view: "Pang Juan, my uncle, the uncle and the prime minister are ill, and today I am writing that Pang Juan, my minister, is the king's special envoy to meet the monarchs of the five countries on behalf of the king, and to prepare for the business alliance. The sixth day of the fourth month of the eighth year." Pang Juan felt a surge of excitement in his heart, but he said calmly, "Please tell my king, Pang Juan will do his best to maintain it and live up to my king." The six-inch long bronze command arrow was handed over to the courier as a receipt.The messenger cupped his hands and said: "The receipt is as good as a letter, I am leaving." He strode out of the tent, got on his horse and galloped away.

Holding the parchment, Pang Juan ordered loudly: "Hang up the special envoy's flag! Prepare your car for patrolling!" Half an hour later, outside Pang Juan's big tent, two large flags unfurled in the wind.On one side is a big book "Special Envoy Pang of the Alliance of Six Nations", and on the other side is a big book "General Pang of the State of Wei".Hundreds of armored knights guarded a bronze chariot and drove out of the tent. The three knights in front of the chariot guarded a red banner of "Six National Alliance Special Envoy Pang", forming a special envoy guard of honor to welcome the alliance king.Sima of the Chinese army gave a high report, and Pang Juan strode out of the military tent, dressed in luxurious general armor and a radiant red cloak.Behind him was a chief secretary in a red long gown, holding a golden sheathed long sword in his hand, and jumped onto the shaft of the chariot first, standing solemnly.Pang Juan helped Shi board the car, and ordered in a low voice, "Go out for patrol." The banner was first, the car was launched, and the guard of honor set off calmly to the Huimeng camp.

Pang Juan looked at the vast camp area connected by Xingyuan, and a kind of pride emerged spontaneously.God really took good care of him, just when he needed Gongshucuo to disappear most, Gongshucuo suddenly fell ill, if it wasn't God's will, there is really no explanation.The Six National Alliance was originally planned by Pang Juan, but it was because Uncle Cuo was the old prime minister who was in charge of state affairs, but he insisted on squeezing in to be the special envoy of the alliance of King Wei Hui, to welcome the monarchs of the Five Kingdoms on behalf of King Wei and to discuss the Six Kingdoms in advance. Covenant of Nations.Pang Juan was a hundred times unconvinced and a hundred times worried.The Alliance of the Six Nations was originally planned for Wei Qin's strike against Uncle Cuo's proposal, how could this old and incompetent power minister get involved?During the battle of Shaoliang, Gong Shucuo was originally captured by the Qin army, but by mistake, he reached a peace treaty with Qin to stop troops.Pang Juan resolutely opposed it, and advocated the continued use of troops against Qin, so that World War I could eradicate this serious trouble.However, King Wei Hui believed that the peace treaty between Gong Shucuo and the State of Qin would be of great benefit to the State of Wei. He reoccupied Qin State's five hundred miles west of Hexi without fighting. Why not do it?Gong Shucuo has made up for it.Naturally, Pang Juan couldn't resist the unanimous opinion of the king and the prime minister, so he planned the six-nation alliance to destroy Qin with the help of the six countries.King Wei Hui also greatly appreciated Pang Juan's plan. Wei Guo did not break the contract and gained greater benefits. Why not do it?However, Gong Shucuo was very unhappy because of this, and he directly remonstrated with the King of Wei, accusing Pang Juan of making Wei Guo dishonorable to the world!King Wei Hui laughed out loud, but he ignored Gong Shucuo's advice.The old uncle had no choice but to squeeze in to join the alliance of the Six Nations. Pang Juan strongly denied it, but Wei Hui Wang agreed with a smile. Pang Juan was so angry that he scolded the old thief and blamed Wei Wang for being ignorant.What are the talents of Uncle Cuo?When it comes to generals fighting, they were defeated by Shimen once and then by Shaoliang, but they were so shameless that they did not let go of their positions.If Pang Juan hadn't cleaned up the situation and defeated Chu once, Qi again, and Zhao Han's allied forces three times, Wei Guo would only be ashamed.In terms of governing the country, Gong Shucuo abided by Li Kui and Wu Qi's laws and did not make any changes for 30 years. Seeing that the treasury of Wei State was gradually empty, he was at a loss what to do.Such a stupid old man became a prisoner once, and he is still higher than Pang Juan, and he is the prime minister in charge of state affairs. Can Wei Guo revive his hegemony and unify the world?But this kind of unfairness in the officialdom, Pang Juan cannot openly discuss it.Although Pang Juan is a celebrity who competes based on strength, he must be patient and wait for the opportunity.Right now, just as the alliance of the Six Nations is reversing the warring states situation, the old and incompetent uncle Cuo, who likes to stir up troubles, suddenly falls ill. Could it be that God has eyes and gave him a big opportunity for Pang Juan?

Man proposes, God disposes.Pang Juan really wanted to believe this old saying. Now that he has become the legitimate special envoy of the alliance, Pang Juan will make the alliance etiquette extraordinary.Originally, he proposed a set of reception strategies and alliance specifications to King Wei.However, Gong Shucuo didn't take it seriously, saying that he couldn't let the five great powers feel that Wei Guo was domineering.This kind of pedantic view does not understand the true intention of the six-nation alliance, but Wei Wang is noncommittal, and Pang Juan is not good at insisting on objecting.Today's stumbling block automatically gave way, and Pang Juan's ambition suddenly revived, and he was determined to restore the alliance to a pattern centered on Wei.He knew that the king of Wei actually agreed with him very much. As a king, who wouldn't want to dominate the world and control the fate of others?It's just that Wei Wang is not like his father Wei Wuhou and grandfather Wei Wenhou, who are like iron-fisted monarchs. He often loses his mind when he encounters a choice between this and that, and he is at the mercy of his ministers.Uncle Cuo is ill, and no one opposes his Pang Juan's claim. King Wei will not refuse to be the hegemon of the world, so why not let go of his hands and feet?

Pang Juan's first move was to rearrange the positions of the six kingdoms.Uncle Gong's original arrangement was that the six kingdoms line up in a circle, regardless of priority.Pang Juan ordered that the position of the Xingyuan of the Six Kingdoms be changed into a square. The Wei State sits on the north and south and occupies the position of the leader of the alliance alone. The east side is Qi and Zhao, and the west side is Yan and Han. Chu is a powerful country second only to Wei. It is far away from the state of Wei in the south.The second action is to change the position of the throne in the big tent of the alliance according to this pattern, and also change the circular seat into a square seat.In order to be quick and effective, Pang Juan did not let Daliang Shou lead the peasants to complete these two urgent tasks, but let his well-trained thousand soldiers do it.When the sun is three poles high, the changes in the big picture are all ready.

Pang Juan's third move was to send out two thousand armored knights to form a mile-long armored corridor on the avenue outside the Xingyuan District.A team of two riders, a big red flag, and a big bronze axe.Outside the Xingyuan District, the red flags were unfurled, and the ax and ax were shining brightly, and the prestige was much stronger than before. When Pang Juan's chariot was making its final inspection, a scout horse flew into the camp to report: Han Zhaohou, the monarch of South Korea, led a thousand guards and accompanied the ministers, and had entered the Xingyuan District Avenue.

Pang Juan calmly ordered: "Han Hou's chariot drove into the place of an arrow outside the gate, and the drums and trumpets sounded. Go out to welcome." When Pang Juan's special envoy drove out of the Yuanwai corridor, he saw a large green flag waving in the wind on the avenue, and it was obviously Han Zhaohou's Huimeng convoy.When the convoy drove into the stone monument marked by a stone's throw, the drums outside the soldier's corridor were loud, and two rows of trombones rose to the sky, humming together.Pang Juan solemnly bowed his hands in the car, and shouted loudly: "Pang Juan, Special Envoy of the Alliance of Six Nations, welcome Han Hou to drive—"

On the oncoming king's chariot, a monarch in his thirties sat solemnly.He is Han Sohou, the sixth king of Korea.This prince is a well-known frugal prince in the Warring States Period. He is vigilant and introspective, and he is simple in every way. He is not afraid of the laughter of the nations.The king's chariot he was riding in was actually a wooden cart wrapped in iron sheet, the wheels rattled and creaked, and the canopy in the carriage was also made of wood, shaking even with slight bumps.Only two gray zebras were driving, and they were obviously not famous horses.Han Zhaohou himself was wearing a very ordinary green cloth gown with a collar, a tall bamboo skin crown on his head, a long beard fluttering, and his expression was light, dignified and sad.If they met on the side of the road for no reason, let alone Pang Juan, no one would just recognize him as an ordinary wandering scholar.

A scornful smile leaked from the corner of Pang Juan's mouth, but it immediately turned into a solemn and solemn smile.He can laugh at Han Zhaohou's shabbiness, and even think it is hypocritical.But he must not underestimate South Korea, which has the same origin as Wei, and must not laugh at the "Jin Han" who has the largest iron mountain and the best iron workshop in the world.Pang Juan coughed lightly, and his cart slowly came up to him. Han Zhaohou had already heard Pang Juan's voice coming from the wind, but he didn't answer.He always felt awkward looking at this general from a neighboring country. He looked so powerful after a few victories, and he was full of jewels and jewels.However, he only frowned slightly.When the two cars met each other, he cupped his hands and said indifferently: "The general is honored as the special envoy of the Huimeng. Congratulations."

"Prime Minister Gongshu is ill. The king of Wei ordered Pang Juan to act as a special envoy. Please forgive me." The friendship between Han Zhaohou and Gong Shucuo is respected. "May I ask the general, which is the first family of the Marquis to arrive?" Han Zhaohou changed the subject and smiled faintly. Pang Juan cupped his hands and smiled and replied, "Your Majesty is the first to win, the first one. Please, Your Majesty." Han Zhaohou frowned slightly again, but his face was indifferent: "Han Wei is a neighbor, so naturally he will arrive early. Please." "Your Majesty, please first." Pang Juan waved his hand, and a cavalry guide came out behind him, holding up a green flag with the word "Han" embroidered on it, and shouted in front of Han Zhaohou's car: "The last general will guide you to drive the chariot!" ——"Turn the horse's head, and walk into the soldier's corridor. Han Zhaohou closed his eyes and rested his mind, neither looking at Pang Juan, who was half a car behind, nor at the armored knight with red flags and axes shining brightly.Pang Juan looked at Han Zhaohou with a smile all the time, escorted him silently, and never took the initiative to find words, but secretly laughed at the pedanticness of this prince in his heart - he was obviously guilty and contemptuous. Pass through the armored soldier corridor, enter the gate of Xingyuan, and then go on horseback for a few miles, and come to the vast north bank of Fengze, and see a green military tent forming a huge ring, and inside the ring military tent is a ring surrounded by military vehicles. The green copper-roofed tent is surrounded by soldiers and chariots in the center, and a large flag with the word "Han" is unfurled in the wind at the gate.Pang Juan cupped his hands and said, "Look, my lord, this is the Xingyuan of your country. The military tent outside Xingyuan can be stationed with a thousand soldiers brought by the lord." "That's good, that's good. General, please be busy with official duties. I'm tired from running around, and I want to take a break." Pang Juan originally thought that Han Zhaohou would at least invite him into the account for a little greeting, and he also wanted to take this opportunity to discuss and test with the monarchs of various countries first, so as to lay a solid foundation for the King of Wei.Unexpectedly, Han Zhaohou blatantly rejected him without making any gestures.In an instant, Pang Juan felt that this poor monarch was quite difficult to deal with.At this time, a scouting horse flew over and reported that Duke Yan was coming.Pang Juan cupped his hands and said with a smile: "Your Majesty's chariots and horses are exhausted, you should take a rest, Pang Juan will leave." Smoke and dust rolled up again on Fengze Avenue, and red and blue flags could be seen flying over.Pang Juan thought, after all, Yan State is a veteran vassal, and the country is not weak. Judging by the speed of the car, it is obvious that Yan Wengong led the Yanshan elite to the alliance.In the eyes of the people of the time, the Seven Warring States——Wei, Chu, Qi, Zhao, Yan, Han, and Qin, among them, only the Yan State was the old vassal state with a "public" name and the first king who was directly entrusted by King Wu of Zhou after he destroyed the Shang Dynasty. It was Zhao Gongshi, the younger brother of King Wu of Zhou, who had been in power for more than six hundred years.In the other six countries, Chu was a barbarian tribe that established itself as a vassal state. It was only officially conferred by King Zhou Kang, the third emperor of the Western Zhou Dynasty. It has a history of 500 years so far.The state of Qin was a feudal vassal conferred by King Ping of Zhou after he moved to Luoyang. It has been more than three hundred years so far.The current Qi State is not the old Qi State entrusted by King Wu of Zhou. The monarch of that Qi State was surnamed Jiang, and the first monarch was the well-known Jiang Shang, who is called "Jiang Qi" by the world.The current state of Qi is Tian Qi, a minister surnamed Tian of the old Qi State, who killed the monarch surnamed Jiang when he became powerful. Tian Qi established himself as the monarch, and it has been passed down for six generations. more than one hundred years.The Three Kingdoms of Wei, Zhao, and Han were originally the three ministers of the veteran vassals of the Jin Kingdom. After they became powerful, the three families jointly divided the Jin Kingdom.In the 43rd year of Marquis Wen of Wei, King Zhou Weilie had to formally canonize the three families of Wei, Zhao and Han as vassal states, and it has only been more than 40 years so far.That is to say, among the Seven Great Wars, four were established by seizing power—Qi Wei Zhao Han; And the vassal states that extend in one continuous line.Yan State was the founding vassal of the Western Zhou Dynasty, and Qin State was the founding vassal of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. Yan State was exactly an entire era older than Qin State. Because of this, the Yan Kingdom is the most arrogant family among the Seven Great Wars, and the current Yan Wengong is the most rebellious one among the successive monarchs of the Yan Kingdom. Pang Juan didn't have the slightest reverence for such old-fashioned princes, but he found it very ridiculous.The princes of one side have been quietly doing nothing for more than 600 years, and they are still living in the world with arrogance and peace of mind. It is really hopeless.Look at this Yan Wengong, with a bronze chariot and four horses, a gold-roofed chariot cover, a black jade scale crown, a golden sheath sword in his hand, and a long beard fluttering like a god standing in the chariot, how can he have the slightest sense of shame? When the drums were beating loudly and the trombones were beeping in unison, Pang Juan had recovered from his daydreams. He signed up in the car with neither humble nor overbearing, and greeted the only old aristocratic monarch with the royal blood of the Western Zhou Dynasty on the spot. Duke Yan Wen had already seen the guard of honor of soldiers outside Xingyuan District and Pang Juan's chariots, and he was quite satisfied with such a grand welcome.The royal family of the Ji family, who respect Zhou Gong's etiquette system, are very particular about everything, and the more details, the more particular.Gradually, he has discovered more than a dozen flaws in the guard of honor that is not in accordance with the etiquette system. The most conspicuous thing is that there is no band for the welcome, but only trombones and drums.As the special envoy of the leader of the alliance, Pang Juan should go out of the car to greet Li, but he just waited in place.The State of Wei is known as the strongest in the world, how could it be so unrefined to blaspheme rituals and music?So what?Yan Wengong let out a long sigh, just like he had despised all the rituals and arrogance for many years, he once again despised Wei's ignorance and ignorance. "General Wei, Pang Juan, special envoy of the Six Nations Alliance, welcome to drive by Mr. Yan." Pang Juan respectfully. Yan Wengong's reserved and elongated voice: "General, where is King Wei?" "Back to Duke Yan, the leader of the alliance, King Wei, will arrive tomorrow, and today the envoy will greet us on behalf of the king." "Leader? You haven't met the leader yet, so where is the leader?" Yan Wengong sneered. "Back to Lord Yan, this alliance is of great importance. All the countries have already written back and supported my king as the leader of the alliance. How can Duke Yan be so forgetful?" "Since it's the ceremony of the alliance, why is it so unreasonable? The country of Yan is not Han Zhao, so I will dissolve the alliance." With a wave of the long sword in his hand, "Go back to Yan!" Pang Juan showed no signs of haste, cupped his hands and said in a loud voice: "Dong Yan, who has been a nobleman for six hundred years, ignores trivial matters that require etiquette and law. How narrow-minded is he? The king of Wei was late, not because he did not respect Yan Gong, but because Planning a great gift for the country of Yan." "What does the general mean?" Yan Wengong turned back to the car, his tone obviously gentle. Pang Juan smiled slightly, "Zhongshan is a real piece of meat." "Marquis Zhongshan went to Wei State?" Pang Juan nodded, "At this moment, the King of Wei is afraid that he is helping the Marquis of Zhongshan." Yan Wengong was silent for a while, and laughed heartily: "Okay! My lord, let's take a look at the methods of King Wei." At this moment, smoke and dust rose like thunder on Fengze Avenue.Tanma Feibao: Zhao Chenghou, the monarch of Zhao State, led two thousand elite soldiers to the alliance!Pang Juan smiled and said, "How about asking Duke Yan to welcome Marquis Zhao together?" "It is enough to have a general to welcome Zhao Zhong. I don't need the general to accompany you." Yan Wengong looked at the "Zhao" banner coming from afar, and sneered contemptuously. Pang Juan ordered loudly: "Guide officer, lead Yan Gong into Xingyuan to rest." The guide officer of the red-clothed horse held high the red and blue "Yan" banner, and walked in front of Yanwen's bus, and the Yanwen bus entered the Xingyuan District. Pang Juan naturally knew that Yan and Zhao were fighting for the Zhongshan Kingdom in the Taihang Mountain area of ​​​​Hedong. If it hadn't been for Wei Guo's mediation, the two countries would have fought each other long ago.Between Yan and Zhao, Pang Juan liked Zhao Guo.It's not because Zhao State and Wei State belong to the same "Three Jins". Pang Juan was not from Wei State in the first place, and he didn't have the common sense of the old Wei people.What Pang Juan likes is the heroic style of Zhao State, which has been established for less than 50 years, and what he despises is the old spirit of Yan State, which is 600 years old.In terms of strength, it is entirely possible for Zhao State to swallow Zhongshan State and defeat Yan State.But Wei Guo could not support Zhao Guo.Because in that way, Zhao Guo will become a first-class powerful country that can rival Wei Guo.In order to maintain the strength of the other six great powers at the status quo and maintain a large gap with Wei's powerful strength, Pang Juan proposed the strategy of "supporting Yan and suppressing Zhao" to the king of Wei, setting the starting point for Wei to mediate the dispute between Yan and Zhao. Prevent Zhao Guoqiang from going up.Although this is against Pang Juan's emotional inclination, it is the spirit of loyalty and seeking the country that Pang Juan must have as a general of the Wei State. Otherwise, why would Pang Juan be called the number one disciple of Mr. Hehe Guiguzi? "General, are you safe?" Zhao Chenghou laughed unrestrainedly, pointing the sheathed sword at Pang Juan. Pang Juan suddenly came to his senses, laughed and jumped out of the car, and bowed deeply: "Marquis Zhao is here, but Pang Juan was so distracted by longing, I am extremely ashamed, please forgive me." "Simu? Hahahahahaha!" Zhao Zhong leaned on the chariot with his long sword, and shot at Pang Juan with his eyes like lightning, "Have you set a trap for Zhao Zhong again, huh?" "No matter how big the cover is, it won't be able to cover Zhao's 200,000 armored knights." Pang Juan smiled slightly. "Well said! Zhao Zhong believes in strength and has never been afraid of other tricks. Anyone who knows Zhao Zhong is a general!" "But I want to say that the one who knows Pang Juan is the Marquis of Zhao." "Ahahahahaha, why don't you become an orangutan and pity the orangutan?" Pang Juan also laughed for a while, and jumped onto the cart, "Marquis Zhao will go first, and Pang Juan will accompany Xingyuan." Zhao Chenghou stroked his long beard, turned his head and pouted his lips back and said with a smile: "There are others who are more powerful than Zhao Zhong. The general waits to welcome him, and you and I will avoid lying, and I will go." Pang Juan bowed his hands generously, "If Marquis Zhao does not give up, Pang Juan will be the general of Zhao in his next life." Zhao Zhong smiled secretly, "The next life? The country of Zhao only lacks a farmer, not a general. Let's go!" Stamping their feet, the caravans and horses rumbled towards the shaft.Suddenly, Pang Juan clearly smelled the lofty goal hidden deep in Zhao Zhong's heart - to unify the world and release Ma Nanshan!In an instant, Pang Juan was impulsive and felt that he had voted for Wei by mistake.Thinking for a long time, then burst into a smile, Zhao Guo can't even take down a small Zhongshan country next to him, is it just a dream to unify the world?Proudness is one thing, and strength is another. How could one's consistent spirit be out of shape by Zhao Zhong's arrogance? "Report to my lord special envoy that King Qi's chariot has entered the land of three arrows." The master secretary reported loudly. Pang Juan was refreshed, he had already seen the word "Qi" on the purple flag coming towards him, and immediately ordered loudly, "Welcome King Qi with one arrow." With a flick of the reins, the three fiery red horses galloped out briskly. The fourth person to arrive was King Qi Wei, named Tian Yinqi, who was the sixth generation monarch of the Qi State of the Tian family.He is less than thirty years old, and he has only been on the throne for two years, but he is already the hero Tian who has made the world look up to him.In two years, Tian Yinqi rectified the administration of officials, reduced taxes, recruited virtuous and talented people, and set up a school. The state of Qi was full of vitality; Suddenly, the reputation was greatly boosted.Pang Juan paid close attention to and understood the situation in Qi State very much. He admired the young monarch's thunderbolt skills very much, and marveled at him as a genius.Among the Seven Warring Kingdoms, the Chu State was already crowned king in the early Spring and Autumn Period, the Wei State was crowned king eight years ago, and the Qi State was proclaimed king by the young monarch one year after he ascended the throne.In this way, there are four kingdoms in the world: the central kingdom in name only - Zhou, and the three princely kingdoms - Chu, Wei and Qi.King Qi Wei dared to boldly claim the title of king, which undoubtedly declared to the world Qi's confidence and determination to dare to contend with the world.Pang Juan, as the general of the Wei State who is about to unify the world, is actually the Qi State who has the most doubts in his heart.Qi State is far away from the coast of the sea, with fertile land and strong folk customs. Not only has a military family like Sun Wu emerged, but also in recent years, the style of writing has flourished, and industry and commerce have prospered. Linzi has become a commercial metropolis second only to Daliang, known as "Qi City".At present, there is such a king with great achievements, and he really has no idea to destroy Qi.But in the final analysis, Pang Juan is not optimistic about Qi.The foundation of Qi Guotian's founding is far less solid than that of Wei Guo.After more than a hundred years of bloody struggle, the Wei family divided up the state of Jin together with the Han and Zhao clans.It is not the case in Qi State. The Tian family mainly won the Jiang Qi regime by usurping and killing the upper class. The old aristocrats are very powerful. After the Tian family came to power in Qi State, they did not completely reform and reform. Not solid and reliable.For such a big country, Pang Juan's strategy is to "emphasize peace and despise war, and wait for changes." , the world can be determined. King Qi Wei, who came from afar, didn't have such complicated thoughts as Pang Juan. He looked at Xingyuan's aura and was just thinking, how could Qi State find a great talent like Pang Juan?There is no shortage of famous generals in the Qi State, but there is really no such person as Pang Juan who coordinates the overall situation and is in charge of the generals.The outstanding thing about this young king is that he is not shallow and narrow-minded like ordinary young men, but he loves talents and is very tolerant.At this moment, looking at the luxurious and mighty General Wei Guo in the car, he couldn't help but sigh with emotion, "A good general in the country is like Pang Juan, how safe is it?" However, Pang Juan had already handed over his hand to report the number, and he got out of the car neatly, came forward to meet him and bowed in salute, saying: "King Qi is here, and Pang Juan is far away from welcoming him, please forgive me." King Qi Wei also jumped out of the king's chariot almost at the same time, and laughed heartily, "The general is a hero in the world, why is he so polite and treats me, Tian Yinqi, like a layman?" "Pang Juan respects King Qi for his hard work, so why dare to make a mistake?" Pang Juan replied with a humble smile. "General," King Wei of Qi smiled while holding Pang Juan's hand, "Tian Yinqi invites you to visit the country of Qi and teach the generals of the country of Qi, how about it?" "King Qi is serious." Pang Juan laughed, "How dare Pang Juan be a teacher? If you are lucky enough to come to Qi State, you will definitely listen to King Qi's great theory on governing the country." "General, don't say who listens to whom. If you come to Qi, you will be the prime minister of Qi for three months. Tian Yinqi will grant you Tiankehou, and three counties will be fiefs. How about it?" Qi Weiwang smiled With sincerity. "Tian Kehou? The king of Qi is so talented! Maybe the king of Wei will send Pang Juan as an envoy to Qi one day, and Pang Juan will definitely learn what it is like to be a heavenly guest." "Okay! It's a deal, the general is waiting for the good news." King Qi Wei shook Pang Juan's hand vigorously. "King Qi, please board the carriage, and Pang Juan will accompany Xingyuan to rest." Pang Juan didn't want to continue this topic. King Qi Wei turned around and got into the car, bowed his hands to Pang Juan and said with a smile: "Don't bother me, General, Tian Yinqi also wants to take this opportunity to visit Fengze. Guiding officer, let's go." Pang Juan had no choice but to send him off. For such a powerful and unconstrained extraordinary monarch, being too rigid would only lead to boredom, and it would be safe to just let it happen.Then, only the king of Chu is not here.Pang Juan looked at the sky, it was past noon, and it was half past noon. According to the itinerary reported by the scouts, the monarchs of the five countries could reach Fengze Xingyuan before noon. Why was the king of Chu driving so slowly?Pang Juan is the talent of a general, and the actions and dispatches of this alliance are all planned by the art of war. Everything is arranged in a compact and orderly manner, and there will be no miscalculation or omission of any monarch's itinerary.Pang Juan looked at Fengze Avenue where there was no movement, thought for a while, and realized the cause of the accident, secretly smiled, and ordered loudly: "The honor guards and drums and music will be withdrawn, the whole army will have dinner, and we will go out to the camp at Youshi to line up!" The main book said softly: "General, what should we do if the king of Chu arrives at your hour?" Pang Juan smiled coldly, "I don't know people from Chu, so don't say too much." Back in Xingyuan, Pang Juan still had a tripod of Fengze yellow mutton, no soup cakes, no other dishes, let alone wine.After more than ten years of training in the mountains, Pang Juan has become accustomed to the simple and rough life.He disapproved of spending a long time wasting cumbersome food and drink, thinking that it was a waste of good time.For Pang Juan, as long as there is a pot of meat or a pot of soup cakes for each meal, he is satisfied.When marching and fighting, as long as there are three things, dried meat, dried meat, biscuits, and water bags, they are never used in the Chinese military camp.Ever since he came out of the mountain to become an official in Wei State, what Pang Juan felt most headaches were the frequent official banquets and extravagant entertainment.For all banquets, big or small, Pang Juan simply eats his fill, and then quietly watches all kinds of people lie and get drunk.Over time, this habit of his was also familiar to the upper echelons of Wei and the generals in the army.The upper echelon seemed to be slightly indifferent to him, but the lieutenant soldiers sincerely supported him and admired him in every way, and were naturally willing to obey his strict military orders and harsh training methods.Pang Juan didn't care how those dandies despised him, and he didn't care how the soldiers praised him for his simple living. He deeply understood that in the Warring States era, when there were endless swords and soldiers, the fundamental point of foothold was merit and victory.As the general in command of the three armies, if he loses his army and loses his ground, the support and praise of the soldiers will turn into cursing or rebellion overnight.If he could destroy the country and pull out the city, those rich young men would also kneel down at his feet overnight.The winner is a prince and the loser is a thief. In the age of swords and iron blood, this is an eternal iron rule. After hastily consuming the yellow mutton and rinsing his mouth with salt water, Pang Juan immediately walked into the inner tent.Different from ordinary commanders, Pang Juan's Chinese military tent has a small front tent and a large rear tent.The front tent is only one zhang square, and it is as simple as a big case for placing tiger charms, command arrows, and king swords, and thirteen bluestone plinths for the generals to discuss affairs.The back tent is a full three feet square, except for a military couch that can only fit in, the neatly stacked bamboo slips take up three-quarters of the space in the back tent.In addition, it is a huge topographic map of various countries that is more than ten feet square.This picture is not drawn on sheepskin, but engraved on ten wooden boards and assembled with mortise vertebrae. When marching, they are disassembled and packed into wooden boxes, and when camping, they are assembled and unfolded.This wooden picture is the brainchild of Pang Juan, who studied and traveled around the world under his teacher, and its accuracy was highly praised by his teacher Gui Guzi.This wooden picture was placed in the back tent and covered with a layer of white cloth, which shows that Pang Juan treated it as a military secret.Normally, no one is allowed to step in the back tent, except Pang Juan's bodyguard. At this moment, Pang Juan pulled back the white cloth, sat in front of the desk behind him, and looked at the seven great kingdoms on the map. His eyes swept over, and he fixed his eyes on the state of Qin in the west of the river.In terms of homeland, Qin State borders Yan, Zhao, and Zhongshan in the north, Wei State in the southeast, South Korea in the south, and Chu State in the southwest. Except for Qi State, which is far away by the sea and does not have a border with Qin State, the five major powers are all close to Qin State. State-owned territorial interests.And the western part of Qin State is the far-reaching and unfathomable alpine grassland and desert, without any allies that can be used as backup.Among the seven great powers, Qin is located in the west, but it has the most neighbors, and it is currently the weakest and the smallest... "Report--!" A sharp cry came from outside the tent when the horse was approaching the tent. When Pang Juan walked to the front tent, the scouts had already lifted the tent and entered. He bowed and reported, "General, the King of Chu has already entered Fengze, where he hunted and drank thirty miles away. He didn't enter the official road. Why?" "In an hour and a half, the King of Chu will arrive." Pang Juan ordered, "Let's explore the horse and go far away, don't worry about the King of Chu anymore." "Obey!" The scout shouted and rushed out. Pang Juan was very clear about the cunning of King Chu.Scholars in the Central Plains scolded the Chu people for being crowned with monkeys. Although it was mean, it was indeed wonderful.Monkeys are shrewd and can be crowned after taking a bath, but they are not human in the end.In the final analysis, this is a mockery of the people of Chu who are good at calculating but lack big plans.Let's just talk about Mi Liangfu, King Xuan of Chu at the moment. He obviously arrived at Fengze in the early morning according to the schedule, but he just didn't enter the Xingyuan District, and all his thoughts were to arrive last to show his dignity.For this reason, they stopped and hunted thirty miles away, and sent out scouts to investigate painstakingly. They had to wait until Han, Zhao, Qiyan and other countries entered before entering, perhaps waiting for Pang Juan to go thirty miles away to welcome them solemnly.Pang Juan has always sneered at this perverse and meticulous calculation.What can a country do if it does not focus on its fundamental strength, but only pays attention to these trivial etiquettes?Since Chu State annexed Wu State at the end of the Spring and Autumn Period, the land was 5,000 miles wide and the population was nearly ten million.The mountains are heavy and the rivers are complex, and the territory is so deep that no powerful country can swallow it in one gulp.If the upper echelon of Chu State has a high-level bureau, reforms and seeks to become stronger, and advances northward to the Central Plains, why worry about not being able to complete the unification of the hegemony?It's a pity that this country sticks to the barbarian bad habits, and rarely absorbs the essence of the civilization of the Central Plains. The government, military system, and people's government are all their own, and they never learn from the civilization and legal systems of the Central Plains countries.The prime minister is called "Ling Yin", the top doctor is called "Zuo Yin", the minister of royal affairs is called "Mo Ao", the top general is called "Great General", and there are also Deng Tu, Zhu Guo, Ci Fei, Zhi Gui, Sanlu Doctors, etc. All kinds of inexplicable official names.This vassal state, which was established by the mountain tribes and then recognized by the Zhou Dynasty, has many aspects that are difficult for the Central Plains culture to understand.During the period of Marquis Wu of Wei, Wu Qi, who was versatile in civil and military affairs, fled to Chu State because he was rejected by the treacherous craftsman and was not trusted by the monarch.At that time, King Mourning of Chu appointed Wu Qi as Ling Yin (Prime Minister), determined to reform and strengthen himself.Wu Qi used an iron fist to forcefully change Chu's backward and ignorant old system, but he almost made himself a loner.Once King Mourning of Chu died and Wu Qili was brutally murdered, Chu State became a strange warring state with "three parts new and seven parts old", always sluggish and unable to do anything.In order to choose the country he wanted to serve, Pang Juan made an in-depth travel study on Chu State, and believed that Chu State was still a hundred years away from the civilization of the Central Plains.Wu Qi's failure in Chu State was not due to mistakes in the reform itself, but because the country was backward, ignorant and closed, and there was still a long way to go from the foundation needed for the reform, and it would be difficult for anyone to reverse it in a short period of time.One of the important reasons is that the upper-class nobles of the Chu State have always preferred the closed mountain country, and have not looked at the world to compete for survival.Every major event in the Central Plains countries cannot be separated from the participation of Chu State, but no country pins its own hope of survival on Chu State.The small and medium-sized vassal states seldom seek the protection of Chu State on their own initiative.Among the seven great powers, Chu and Qin had the fewest affiliated states.Because Qin State was closed to the west of Hangu Pass by the six kingdoms of Shandong, it was impossible to go east to compete for the subordinate state of the Central Plains.However, Qin State annexed and annexed almost all the western Rongdi tribal states during the time of Qin Mugong, and almost all the grassland tribes that were not integrated also surrendered to Qin State.Qin is also a vassal state that is actively moving closer to the civilization of the Central Plains. No matter how much the great powers of the Central Plains despise Qin, Qin always regards the civilization of the Central Plains as a model.The lack of effective integration of the southern barbarian tribes in Chu State is mostly due to the lack of progress.For example, in Baiyue in the south of the Lingnan, the state of Chu was only satisfied with loosely "serving vassals and paying tribute" instead of including this thriving and populous tribe into the overall national power.The state of Chu has tens of millions of people in name, but only hundreds of thousands of troops can be mobilized, which is not as good as the possible mobilization of troops in the state of Zhao, which has only a few million people.In the final analysis, it is also caused by this titular bulk. During the in-depth investigation, Pang Juan also found that the upper class of Chu State had a restlessness of inferiority and unwillingness to give in to the civilization of the Central Plains.There is always a strong demand for the Central Plains civilization to recognize them and accept them, and they always keep a certain distance from the Central Plains civilization vigilantly.If they are not taken seriously, they will look for opportunities and reasons to demonstrate to the Central Plains and show their strength.If the great powers of the Central Plains open their minds, they will automatically retreat, fearing to be assimilated by the Central Plains.Three hundred years ago when King Zhuang of Chu was king, everyone knew that the power of Chu State was far inferior to that of Jin State in the Central Plains, let alone the combined strength of many princes.However, King Zhuang of Chu wanted to take advantage of the opportunity of allied forces to resist the army. Chen Bing in the outskirts of Luoyang challenged Wang Sunman, the labor envoy of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, and asked how important the Luoyang Jiuding was?At that time, Jiuding was a symbol of the emperor's royal power, and aspiring to the emperor was tantamount to challenging the emperor's royal power.Wang Sunman replied: "Although Zhou De declined, the destiny has not changed." King Zhuang of Chu had no choice but to return angrily.From then on, Chu's ambitions for the Central Plains became known to the world, causing various troubles with the Central Plains royal family and vassal states. Later, Chu State had a period of hegemony and lacked strategy. It didn't know how to set up the banner of "respecting the king and fighting barbarians" like Duke Huan of Qi and Guan Zhong did, but ordered the Central Plains fiercely and eagerly.As a result, it provoked a battle with Chengpu of the Jin State, and was completely defeated. Since then, it has been depressed for more than two hundred years.庞涓认为，这些都是因为楚国缺乏大器局所致。在庞涓看来，这样的国家最好对付，最难对付的是那些不拘小节，甚至不计一城一地之得失，却又雄心勃勃的国家，譬如赵国，譬如齐国。甚至秦国也同样。刚继位的这位秦国新君，竟将已经夺回大部分的河西土地拱手相送以求休兵罢战，简直匪夷所思！这种人不是懦弱昏聩，就是机谋深沉。他们对这些先来后到、座次排列之类的邦交细节绝非迟钝，可是在表面上却浑不计较，一心只在大事上做文章。一个国家，若果处处在这种细节游戏上较真儿，无疑已经是衰老了，因为他们已经没有更大价值的东西去计较了。楚宣王正是这样，给他一个尊贵的座次，再给他一点看得见的好处，他就会大喊大叫的用难懂的楚语为盟主捧场。这一点，庞涓早就算定了。 酉时一到，魏国的铁骑仪仗准时在行辕区外展开，漫天晚霞中显得整肃威武，一片灿烂。庞涓的轺车驶出行辕时，逢泽大道上也卷起了阵阵烟尘。 担任司礼的主书轻声笑道：“上将军，果真妙算！” 庞涓嘴角掠过一丝轻蔑的微笑，缓缓举起右手。骤然间，鼓声大起，长号向天呜呜齐鸣，声势很是雄壮。一箭之地处，黄色大旗上的“楚”字已经清晰可见，王车上青铜伞盖的熠熠闪光也已经映入仪仗铁骑的眼里。 “上将军，王车上如何不见楚王？”主书困惑的问道。 庞涓没有答理主书，只是恭敬的深深一躬，低声命令，“报号。” 主书醒悟，连忙以司礼身份高声唱道报，“六国会盟特使、魏国上将军庞涓，恭迎楚王大驾——！” 王车上，楚宣王芈良夫特别兴奋。一路上，他都是躺在特制的大型王车中想心事。因生得特别壮硕长大，兼之做国王后又日渐见肥，寻常轺车根本容不得他坐，更别说躺下睡觉。为此，郢都的王室作坊受命专门打造了这辆异乎寻常的王车——车厢丈二见方、高三尺六寸，青铜车盖盖高八尺，径直一丈，车轮几乎比寻常车轮大两圈。中原王车是四马驾拉，这辆王车是六马驾拉，一旦启动便辚辚隆隆气势慑人。这辆王车的最大不同，就是车中永远有两个侍女为常年挥汗如雨的楚宣王把扇、拭汗、喂水。行进到距行辕一箭之地时，楚宣王推开给他喂水的侍女，趴在车厢前方的望孔上瞄向魏国仪仗。瞄来瞄去，没有看见魏王的迎接车驾，心里顿时觉得空落落的又有些恼火。转而看见了魏国上将军庞涓车前的“六国会盟特使”旗号，也看见了庞涓肃然躬身的谦恭姿态，才颇感欣慰的喃喃自语：“魏王不迎我，暂且作罢，谁让人家是盟主呢？” 一刹那，楚宣王芈良夫已经打定一个讨回尊严的主意，六国会盟特使庞涓迎接他时一定要讲出“代魏王迎接楚王”的话，否则他立即回马。想到这里，他精神一振，扶着两个侍女的肩膀霍然站起！两个黄衫侍女差点儿被压爬下，却又连忙同时用力扶起庞大的国王。 隆隆驶来的大型王车伞盖下，突然冒出了天神一般的楚宣王！ 魏国仪仗骑士与鼓号手死死忍住大笑，却将一股喷然之气弄成了一片喷嚏吹进呜呜咽咽的号声。司礼的主书也连连打了几个响亮的喷嚏，憋得眼泪流到了鼻端也不敢擦。要不是魏国军士训练有素，非弄成一团儿戏大笑不可。 庞涓知道身后发生了什么，却沉静得浑然不觉。待楚宣王的超大王车嘎嘎吱吱的刹住，楚宣王目光盯住他却不说话时，庞涓庄重清晰的遥遥拱手道：“六国会盟特使庞涓，代魏王迎候楚王大驾，楚王万岁！” 楚宣王心中大感快慰，一双大手拱成了斗大的拳头：“魏王大礼，芈良夫何敢承受？魏王康健万岁。”硬是不涉庞涓而只提魏王。 “魏王恭请楚王，先入行辕歇息。晚来戌时，魏王为楚王接风洗尘。”谦恭的庞涓也始终只提魏王而不涉自己。 楚宣王依旧摇晃着斗大的拳头，满脸笑意，“魏王忒得多礼啦，芈良夫何敢叨扰啦？” “请楚王入营，魏王特使相陪。” “芈良夫谢过魏王，忝为先车啦，入营！” 马蹄沓沓，车声隆隆，楚国的车队人马器宇轩昂的开进了会盟行辕。楚王芈良夫扶着高高的车轼，庄重肃穆的巡视着行辕，脸上充满了尊严。