Chapter 8 Section 2 The Secret Rumor Shakes the State of Qin

That night, there was an inexplicable restlessness and uneasiness in Liyang City. It was too late for the news brought back by the messenger of Jin Lingjian to spread from the palace. It is said that this small castle that has experienced many storms should be quiet as usual.But what Qin people did not expect was that in order to win their own interests in the action of carve-up of Qin, the six countries of Shandong first found out the details of Qin.They sneaked into Qin State, first to collect military and political information, and second, to spread rumors to create chaos.These spies who infiltrated all parts of the Qin State did everything possible to make friends with important officials of the state government and local officials, and secretly leaked the news of the division of Qin among the six countries to them, hoping to divide the upper echelons of the Qin State and disintegrate those stubborn old Qin people.

At that time, the Qin State was blocked by the Wei State to the west of Lishan Mountain for a long time, and the supplies were scarce, and the country was weak and the people were poor.Therefore, he was extra generous to these businessmen who brought rare goods in the name of doing business. They never thought that they would be spies from the six countries, and the news they spread was regarded as folk rumors, and they never cared.According to Pang Juan's secret instructions in advance, as soon as the six-nation alliance is over, it will be the mobilization day for spies to spread rumors all over Qin.The envoy of Jin Lingjian entered Liyang at dusk, which is a major event that everyone knows.It gave the spies a signal that their time had come.As the night fell, wandering mysterious businessmen began to appear in sporadic shops. While shopping for something, they chatted with shopkeepers and customers inadvertently, saying bad news they had "heard"; Merchants who had contacts with the old Qin people in Liyang brought a few pieces of dried meat to visit their old friends. While deliberately inquiring whether the old friends knew the bad news, they unintentionally shared even worse news about the soldiers from the six countries.In two or three hours, bad news spread throughout Liyang City.The small city of Liyang only has a population of 50,000 to 60,000, and all of them live in the native people of the old Qin State. They have fought against Shandong for generations, and they have never heard the news that that country is going to fight Qin.But this time is different. This time, the six major powers in Shandong used troops against Qin at the same time. Isn't Qin facing a catastrophe?How many people will die then?Are cities, land, shops, cattle and sheep, old people, and children all destroyed?The panic and fear among the crowd are mutually contagious, and the pervasive infection invisibly exaggerates this fear and panic.Liyang City, which had always been calm and composed, suddenly fell into panic overnight.

All of this, Qin Xiaogong and Qin's important officials were unable to notice.The panic continued to permeate and intensify in the dark night. When the sky is turning four drums, the study room of Zhengshitang is still brightly lit with candles.Qin Xiaogong has been pacing and meditating in front of the big sheepskin picture, sometimes stopping to write a few words on the bamboo slips, and then starting pacing again.Hei Bo, the old housekeeper, has cooked the cauldron of beef stew five times, but still put it on the desk.Heb was just hot over and over again, never going to bother his young monarch aloud.On the contrary, seeing the monarch's heavy thoughts, his white-haired old face was very peaceful.Before his death, the first master Xiangong suffered from an arrow injury and pointed to him and said to the future monarch: "Uncle Hei has been loyal to the third generation of the Qin Dynasty, and Quliang treated him kindly." For this entrustment, the old servant Hei Bo canceled The idea of ​​returning to the homeland of the Western Regions still remained with the new king.Uncle Hei, who has experienced many vicissitudes of life, has a strange feeling for Xinjun. This young man is as deep as an old man like him. He speaks very little. Eat on time more often.Based on experience, Heibo knows that he must not nagging and remind such a master who is always frowning and thinking deeply. He will laugh it off when he breaks a vessel, but if he interrupts his meditation, he will definitely lose his temper. .When the monarch was immersed in contemplation, Uncle Hei always patiently stood in the shadows outside the study, waiting to meet any needs he had come to his senses.

Suddenly, Hebo heard something!With a vertical leap, it lightly landed in the courtyard. "Uncle Hei, is Yongcheng here as an envoy?" Qin Xiaogong's calm voice came from the study. At the end of the sentence, the general of the palace gate had already strode in, cupped his hands towards the lighted window and said: "Report to Your Majesty, Yongcheng ordered the starry night to come from the east and enter the city through a secret way, requesting an urgent audience." "Please." Qin Xiaogong has already walked out of the study and stood under the eaves. The general flew out.In a moment, a man in black with a dusty face stood in front of Qin Xiaogong, "Yongcheng ordered Yingshan to be abrupt in the middle of the night, please forgive me."

Qin Xiaogong walked down the steps, looked at Yongcheng Ling and said with a smile: "It seems that the secret road in Liyang is too narrow, and even made a general look like a mole." He said and took Yongcheng Ling's hand, "Come on. , go to the study to talk. Uncle Hei, let’s have a pot of stewed mutton.” As soon as he entered the study and sat down, the order of Yongcheng hurriedly cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, there are rumors everywhere in Yongcheng, saying that the six kingdoms of Shandong are going to attack Qin together and annex Qin! People in Yongcheng have already fled. I came east overnight On the way, the people who saw the land of Fenghao were also fleeing eastward in sparse numbers. I don’t know what happened? If we don’t stop it, the hinterland of Qin will collapse without a fight!”

Qin Xiaogong suddenly stood up, thought for a while and ordered decisively, "Uncle Hei, do a few things immediately. First, immediately order the effective guards to go to Liyang City to find out what's going on. Second, announce the order of Liyang to come and see immediately. Third, quickly hold The soldier talisman dispatched two thousand knights, who will be on standby in front of the gate of the government in half an hour. Fourth, please send 20 cadres to stand by immediately, Chief Zuo Shu.” Uncle Hei, who had just walked into the study, put down the food tripod, promised, and walked away lightly.

Yongcheng ordered Huo Ran to stand up, "What is the order of the emperor? I will die as soon as possible." Qin Xiaogong pressed his hands: "You finish this tripod of mutton first, and then gather some strength to talk." At this time, hurried footsteps sounded in the courtyard.Qin Xiaogong's eyes lit up, and a general in full armor was standing in front of him, "Liyang Ling Zi'an is ordered to meet you!" "Zi'an, so fast!" "I inspected in front of the gate of the state mansion, and just happened to be summoned by the palace envoy, so I came to see him immediately."

"Okay." Qin Xiaogong's face suddenly became serious, "Have you ever noticed any movement in Liyang City?" Liyang Ling shook his head ponderously, "I didn't notice anything unusual. It's just that there are more pedestrians on the street tonight. In the past, there were very few pedestrians in the street at Fourth Gengtian." Qin Xiaogong sneered slightly, "You are also a little dull. Rumors have spread in Yueyang Yongcheng, and even the entire Qin State, and people have begun to flee. Rumors spread all over Qin overnight, and this can only be the six kingdoms of Shandong. It is definitely not him. The Qin State is not afraid of the invasion of soldiers, but is most afraid of internal landslides. Tonight is the juncture of Qin's life and death, understand?" The tone of his words was stern, and his expression was awe-inspiring.

"Yes! I am stupid, please punish me." Liyang Ling bowed to plead guilty. "I will send you two thousand additional troops to arrest all the merchants from the six countries in Liyang City before dawn. But you are not allowed to touch the property, and you are not allowed to kill any of them. They must survive as usual. One, only you can ask! Can it be done?" "Yes! If there is anything wrong with this subject, please come and see me!" Li Yang ordered passionately. At this time, the white-haired Uncle Hei had already stood silently at the door of the study, holding the military talisman in both hands and said: "Your Majesty, two thousand knights from the army are already waiting in line at the palace gate."

Qin Xiaogong nodded, "Uncle Hei, hand over the military talisman to Liyang Ling. Zi'an will act immediately." Liyang Ling Zi'an took the heavy bronze soldier talisman, clasped his hands together, "I will leave." He strode away. "Your Majesty, I want to rush back to Yongcheng immediately and detain the merchants of the six countries." The Yongcheng Order had already been arranged by Qin Xiaogong to the Liyang Order, and he felt the urgency and seriousness of the matter, and also knew the danger from the new king's judgment. the root of.In an instant, he admired the young monarch's fortitude, determination and quick handling. He hurriedly swallowed a pot of fat mutton, and suddenly got up to ask for orders.

Qin Xiaogong held up the hands of the order of Yongcheng and urged, "Brother Shan, Yongcheng is the foundation of the old Qin, and it is also the base camp guarding the west. It must not be disturbed by the merchants of the six countries. For the sake of the 400-year-old Qin State, we will continue to send it to us. Brother Shan, thank you for your hard work." "Your Majesty," Yong Chengling said with tears in his eyes, "the old Qin clan has been refining refined iron, and Yingshan will definitely not disgrace the king's life! I bid farewell." "Brother Shan, wait a minute." Qin Xiaogong turned his head to Uncle Hei, "Bring my Tongyun Colt and wait here immediately." Then he turned back and said, "Brother Shan, I will send another twenty special envoys to set off with you, and stay in each city along the way." One, announced the urgent order of the public office to search and arrest the scouts from the six countries. If there are any obstacles in the cities along the way, Brother Shan has the right to kill first." After finishing speaking, he turned back and took down the rusty handle from the sword stand He held the ancient sword in front of Yongcheng Ling with both hands, "This is the life and death sword left by the ancestor Mu Gong. Please take this sword and go west." Of course, the order of Yongcheng knew the great power of this bronze sword of Duke Mu, and he also clearly felt that the new king placed the heavy responsibility of stabilizing the west on his shoulders like a mountain.He respectfully took the bronze sword of life and death and hugged it in his arms, arched his hands to Qin Xiaogong, and strode out of the study. Outside the gate of the state mansion, Uncle Hei led a flaming steed and waited quietly. When he saw the order of Yongcheng coming out, he bowed and said, "My lord, twenty special envoys from Zuo Shuchang's residence are waiting here." Ying Shan glanced, and saw that the twenty special envoys were all wearing soft armor and carried a long bamboo tube on their backs. Knowing that they were ready, he ordered loudly: "Everyone get on the horse!" Jump on horseback. At this time, Tong Yunju of Xiongjun saw the master on the steps of the palace gate, and couldn't help scratching the ground and sniffing.Qin Xiaogong strode down the steps and patted Tong Yunju on the head, pointing at the order of Yongcheng, "Tongyun, you and Brother Shan will go to Yongcheng, I'm sorry, ah." Tong Yunju neighed shortly and rubbed his master's face , then quiet down.Qin Xiaogong handed the reins to Yongcheng Ling with both hands, "Brother Shan, please get on the horse." Yongcheng Ling took the reins, turned on the horse, shook the reins, Tong Yunju neighed at Qin Xiaogong, and galloped towards the long street. Qin Xiaozheng wanted to turn around, but he heard horseshoes raining like rain, and another fast horse flew towards him.The visitor got off his horse, cupped his hands and said in a loud voice, "Mr. Zuo Shu, Yingqian, I'm here to see you." "Brother? Good! I'm about to invite you. Come on, go in and talk." "Your Majesty needs twenty special envoys on the fourth watch, which is unusual. I rushed over as soon as I dispatched a special envoy." Qin Xiaogong was obviously happy - Yingqian, Zuo Shuchang, came at just the right time.After entering the study, Qin Xiaogong hurriedly explained the crisis situation of the Six Nations Alliance and Ye Lai, as well as his own deployment.After Yingqian heard this, his eyebrows became pimples, and he scolded: "Wei Ying! Dogs don't eat! Qin is so easy to swallow? The fat man is full of dog teeth!" Qin Xiaogong couldn't help laughing, "Brother, right now our stomachs are hurting. Is there a good medicine?" Yingqian seemed to feel that something was wrong just now, and solemnly said: "Your Majesty, don't worry, and make the country stable first, and then discuss how to deal with the six Shandong countries. There are many old Qin people in Liyang and Yongcheng, so it is not easy to cause chaos. Now As an emergency measure, after detaining the profiteers and secret scouts from the six countries, immediately dispatch dozens of civil servants to dispel the rumors among the Chinese in the city, saying that the division of Qin between the six countries is a bluff, and the public office has its own countermeasures. After a long period of storms, once the government clarified it, the hearts of the people will be at ease. The stability of Yongcheng and Weishui River should not be difficult, but Beidi, Longxi, and Shangyu counties have high mountains and long roads, and it takes a little effort." "What big brother said is true. This matter needs to be dealt with immediately. Please elect an officer in the government and announce it to the people in half an hour to make people feel at ease. The government will send another special envoy, Xingye, to go to the mountainous outskirts." Qin Xiaogong got up, solemnly cupped his hands and told him, "Brother, this is a big matter, please don't give it to others." Yingqian bowed his hands solemnly, "Your Majesty, don't worry, Yingqian will personally lead the officials to the city to announce the decree." After speaking, he strode out in a hurry. Qin Xiaogong sent away Yingqian, the elder of the left concubine, and after a moment of contemplation, he ordered: "Uncle Hei, give me civilian clothes, and I want to walk around the city." "Your Majesty, you haven't eaten or slept all day and night." Uncle Hei finally couldn't help but softly dissuade him. "Uncle Hei, aren't you the same?" The young monarch smiled, "I will not die if the six kingdoms perish and I will be able to eat and sleep peacefully? Go." Uncle Hei went to get the clothes without making a sound.During this period, the servants and civil servants who were sent out to listen to the movement in the city came to report one after another. People in Liyang City were indeed panicked. The spies of the country's businessmen, the spies were crying and crying, the chickens were screaming and the dogs were barking in the city, the people of the country were very scared, and almost every house was closed.Qin Xiaogong felt uneasy when he heard this, and was even more determined to go out of the country to see how chaotic the people of the country are.Liyang is the foundation of Qin and the six kingdoms of Shandong to fight to the death. If Liyang is in chaos, how can Qin be peaceful? At this moment, Uncle Hei brought a suit of coarse clothes, and he himself turned into an ordinary old man in common clothes, and his hale and vigorous look miraculously disappeared from his face. "Uncle Hei? You? Go too?" Qin Xiaogong was quite surprised. Uncle Hei nodded, "Jiu Jiu, old Qin, went to the national crisis together. An old saying left by the ancestors." In an instant, the sockets of the young monarch's eyes became moist.He silently took the coarse cloth and put it on, and said in a hoarse voice, "Uncle Hei, let's go." Then he strode out.When two commoner Qin people, one old and one young, walked into the winding and narrow stone alley, the roosters in Liyang City began to crow, and the towering Arrow Tower of Liyang City had already shown a ray of dawn.