Jishi's other courtyard.
Ji Le was extremely angry when he heard that Ji Sun Yiru actually attacked Li Ran in broad daylight.
He was about to call the servants to find trouble for Ji Sun Yiru, but was unexpectedly stopped by Li Ran.
"Don't be impulsive. You can't deal with them with brute force alone. The Ji family has deep roots in the Lu country. If killing Ji Sun Yiru can overthrow the Ji family, then we don't have to make so many plans before."
Li Ran also sighed immediately, shook his head helplessly and said:
"Ah Chou is about to take over the throne. At this moment, the Ji family must not dare to cause trouble again. In fact, Ji Sun Yiru was also provoked by my words today, so he became angry and took action... Don't be too impatient to sacrifice the girl, there will be more to come. Chance."
When Ji Le heard Li Ran's words, he smiled knowingly and said:
"Haha, okay, you, the person involved, have said so, so what else can I say? That's up to you. Really, you are the one with the most clever ideas!"
…
In this way, several months passed by, and soon it was the beginning of the spring season of the coming year. Everyone in Qufu was busy taking care of things inside and outside, because the new king was about to ascend the throne.
One day, Shusunbao came to the Jishi Courtyard specially. Li Ran naturally knew the purpose of his visit, and before Shusunbao could say anything, he immediately stepped forward to greet him:
"Doctor Shusun, now we should consider how to meet this envoy from Jin."
The people sent by the State of Jin to watch the ceremony have arrived and are currently resting in the Guanyi in Qufu City.
This time, the Marquis of Jin sent people to watch the ceremony. On the surface, it was a sign of respect for the King of Lu, but in fact, he was also declaring his hegemony of the Jin State.
After all, all the heaven-sacrifice ritual vessels from various countries came from the Jin Dynasty. It should have been the "responsibility" of the Zhou royal family to send people to witness the king of Lu's accession to the throne.
Therefore, acting on behalf of the King of Zhou naturally showed his dominance of the Jin Kingdom.
Obviously, how to handle the relationship with this messenger is the top priority now.
Ji Le originally wanted to go along to meet the envoy from the Jin Kingdom, but Shusun Bao declined because of her daughter's identity. It's really not easy for girls to attend this kind of thing. Ji Le had no choice but to mumble what was in his heart.
Li Ran comforted her again, and then set off with Shusun Bao.
In the chariot, Li Ran asked the envoy his name. Only then did he know that the person who came to the Lu State to watch the ceremony was none other than Yang Tongui, who had secretly helped them in the Jin State.
Yangyu Ge, surnamed Ji, Yangyu family, courtesy name Shuxiang, was a doctor of the Jin Dynasty and a famous politician. He was as famous as Zheng Guo's son Chan and Qi Guo's Yan Ying.
"Uncle Xiang, I have always heard that he is knowledgeable and eloquent. He has always advocated the use of rituals, music and regulations to educate people's hearts, which is quite the style of ancient sages. But for the Jin Dynasty, he is a different kind."
Li Ran's words are indeed true. If we want to say that in the Spring and Autumn Period, the chaos of order, the collapse of etiquette and the collapse of music did it start from which country? The Jin State is second to last, and there is absolutely no one who dares to claim the first place.
Since Duke Wen of Jin came to dominate, the Jin State has embarked on a path that is different from other vassal states, that is, "conferencing based on merit." Therefore, almost without exception, the five sages and six ministers of Jin were not direct descendants of the official family.
This is the secret weapon that allowed the Jin State to dominate the country for a time, and at the same time, it is also the underlying reason for the current decline of the Jin State.
And Shu Xiang, as the most far-sighted politician in the Jin Kingdom, of course saw the pros and cons clearly. However, this "vision" seems a bit out of tune with the times.
"It seems that the Marquis of Jin sent him here this time with the intention of educating the State of Lu."
It's no wonder, after all, Ji Sunsu's previous sacrifice to heaven on behalf of the emperor was against Zhou etiquette. In addition, this matter offended the Marquis of Jin, and in the eyes of the Jin State, the Lu State was no longer the little follower who knew the rules and followed the rules.
The Marquis of Jin sent Yang Tongu to come to watch the ceremony. To put it bluntly, he wanted to "mentor" this follower so that the Lu State would not make any more messy things that violated etiquette and laws.
Shu Sunbao also knew this very well.
"Well, today, we have to meet this envoy from Jin."
As soon as he finished speaking, the carriage had arrived at Guanyi. Shusun Bao sent someone to greet him and led Li Ran to wait outside the door.
"Hey, Doctor Shusun, I haven't seen you for many years, but you still have the same style!"
When the two stood at attention, they saw an old man with a red face coming out from the inside. This man looks to be in his late fifties, but he is still full of energy, with particularly bright red and phoenix eyes. He is dressed in plain white clothes and has an air of immortality.
"Brother Uncle Xiang came to Qufu, but Leopard couldn't welcome him personally, so I still hope to see Haihan!"
The person in front of him was none other than Yang Yangui. After Shusun Bao greeted him, he introduced him:
"This is Li Ran and Li Ziming, the former Luoyi Keeper's Secretary mentioned by Leopard."
"Not so good, Li Ran, I've seen Doctor Sheeptongue."
Li Ran followed Shusun Bao and also bowed.
Speaking of which, Yang Tongue was still the one who helped him after all, so this courtesy was necessary.
Hearing the sound, Yang Tongue immediately turned his attention to Li Ran, looked up and down, and then said in surprise:
"What a formidable young man. My nephew is no more than the age of his hair, right? I am really impressed that such a young man can do such a thing and have such courage and courage! Come on, please come in and talk."
The three of them were welcomed into the house, and after they each took their seats, Shusun Bao continued what Yang Tongue had just said:
"Unknown to my uncle, our country of Lu has been in a troubled period recently, and has been quite chaotic. Thanks to Ziming's advice, the leopard was able to avert the danger. If not, it is still unclear whether the uncle can see the leopard today. "
"Well...although I am in the Jin Kingdom, I have heard a little bit about what happened in Qufu. I heard that the death of the prince was also quite strange. It was all thanks to Zi Ming's strategizing that the situation was controlled. It can be seen from this that Zi Ming's Judgment is truly a miracle in this world!"
"I wonder what position the wise nephew Zi Ming holds in the Lu Kingdom now?"
As for the news in Qufu City, Yang Yangui actually knew as much as anyone else. This is all because he will go through various channels to find out all the information before each mission. Therefore, he is extremely well prepared, which can be regarded as Sheep Tongue's usual style of doing things.
"This junior has not yet become an official."
Li Ran answered clearly.
After listening, Yang Tonguo's face showed a thoughtful expression, and after a moment he said:
"Oh? In the early years, I also visited Zong Zhou, and I heard the late prince mention Zi Ming. I never thought that I would be lucky enough to see him today, and it would be like a lifetime ago. It is really a trick of fate. Since Zi Ming didn't If you serve as an official in the State of Lu, what plans will you have in the future?... In addition, I heard that Prince Chou is the candidate recommended by the Ji family as the new king. Can you be confident about handling him in the future?"
Shusun Bao was startled when he heard this. He didn't know what he meant. He immediately declined:
"Uncle Xiang was joking. The prince's position is important and is related to the foundation of the country. How can we be disrespectful? Although Ziming has never been an official now, he will definitely shine in our country of Lu in the future. Please wait patiently, brother Shuxiang. Watch it.”
Sheep Tongue has always been eager to seek talents for the Jin State. He values his talent rather than his appearance. This is also the Jin State's way of employing people. Yang Yangui had already found out everything about what Li Ran had done in Qufu before, so he wanted to win over him.
But Uncle Sunbao finally managed to share weal and woe with Li Ran and unlock the achievements of a close friendship. How could it be easily sent to Jin?
"Doctor Shusun's words are obvious. People of the Ming Dynasty don't tell secrets. Since I came to Qufu today, I naturally know everything about Qufu. Now that the new king has taken the throne, you don't have many chips in your hands. Once Fighting with the Ji family again... Haha, the outcome is unknown."
As he spoke, Yang Tongue twirled his short beard, his face full of noncommittal expression.
Although he helped Shusun Bao, it was because it was beneficial to the office and it was a business matter. But Shu Xiangzi would never let go of what he wanted.
The meaning of what he said is actually very obvious.
The dispute between your uncle Sun and Ji is a private matter. If anyone needs help from my uncle in the future, please leave Li Ran to me. We reciprocate courtesy, and I will definitely take care of you in the future in Jin.
But if you don't listen and insist on holding on to Li Ran as a treasure and never let go, then in the future we will keep the same and I will turn a blind eye and watch, and you will cry when the time comes.
Li Ran didn't expect that he could actually become a favorite in the heart of the Jin Shangqing. I thought I was just a hanger-on, nothing, so why did I become a hot commodity that these big guys were vying to praise?
If this was applied to other diners and so many big shots took notice, they would probably wake up laughing in the middle of the night.
But Li Ran is different. As a person from the future, he clearly knows that he is not a thing. Where is the point in being sent around?
Therefore, he adhered to the principle of dealing with things that people in the future would call "my life is good and my life is not good", and finally spoke out. Just listen to him saying politely and politely:
"However, when I became famous at a young age, I was framed by others, so I had to leave Luoyi. Fortunately, I was retained by Dr. Shusun, and I am content for now. As for my thoughts about other places, I can wait until I travel to various countries in the future to discuss. The Jin country is He is the current overlord and is expected by everyone, so why not leave?"
This is true. Although I don’t go now, it doesn’t mean I won’t go in the future.
Don't worry, you have to eat the food one bite at a time and walk the road step by step. There is always a process for everything, right?
As soon as Yang Tongue heard Li Ran's statement, he understood. He immediately smiled and clapped his hands and praised:
"Oh, okay, okay, then I will wait for the good news of my nephew..."
Immediately afterwards, the three of them chatted over wine again. When it got dark, Li Ran and Shusun Bao came out of the post.
…
The next day, Prince Chou finally officially ascended the throne and became the future Duke Zhao of Lu.
(Later, Duke Zhao of Lu was known as Gongzi Chou, and Prince Chou was collectively called the Marquis of Lu)
No one objected again, and no more troubles occurred. It can be said that his accession to the throne went smoothly, and the entire Lu Kingdom was filled with praises.
Needless to say, there is no need to say more in the Lu Kingdom. After all, the Ji family and the Meng family supported him to rise to power, and he was secretly supported by Li Ran and Shusun Bao, so the three parties in the country seemed quite quiet.
Outside the country, large countries such as Jin and Qi, and small countries such as Ju and Zhu all knew something about the newly enthroned Marquis of Lu. Everyone also knew that this was a young man with a not very bright mind, and of course they were happy to see him succeed.
As a result, Gongzi Chou's accession to the throne seemed particularly smooth...
However, what everyone in Lu did not expect was. Just like this, the Marquis of Lu, as soon as he came to the throne, issued the first decree to reduce or reduce the taxes of most cities.
This was of course Li Ran's idea.
Ji Sunsu naturally objected fiercely, because among the "most cities", his fiefdoms accounted for the vast majority. If the taxes were really reduced or reduced, wouldn't the expenses of the Ji family be completely wiped out?
Which aspects of the family chief, the city chief, the deceased, the retainers, and the maintenance of the relationship network are free of money? After all, it is easy to go from frugality to luxury, but it is difficult to go from luxury to frugality!
Who can bear this? !
And what Li Ran wanted was for him to object. Because only in this way can Li Ran's second round be carried out.
In the Jishi Villa, Li Ran had told Shusun Bao part of the plan and asked him to make preparations first. Immediately afterwards, Li Ran entered Lu Palace again.
The Marquis of Lu, who had inherited the throne, was not as free as before, let alone leaving Lu Palace every day. So when I saw Li Ran coming in, I was very happy and immediately asked what I should do next.
"Your Majesty, tomorrow you will propose to pay homage to the Marquis of Jin in the court. It has been an ancient tradition for a new king to visit the kings of other countries after he ascends the throne. The Ji family and the Meng family will definitely not stop you."
This is the beginning of the second game.
Marquis Lu was very surprised and said:
"Go to Jin? Continue to use Jin's help to deal with the Ji family?"
Li Ran shook his head first, then nodded and said:
"Yes, but also no."
"Um?"
"Although Jin is the overlord now, even if the Marquis of Jin wants to intervene in Lu's internal affairs, I'm afraid the six ministers will not help him."
"In today's world, people are all seeking profit. If we can't give the Six Ministers more substantial benefits and want them to contribute, it will be difficult to reach the sky... The purpose of entering the Jin Dynasty this time is to allow the princes to temporarily After leaving the State of Lu for some time, as for the purpose, the princes will know for themselves in the future."
Li Ran did not tell him the details of this part of the plan because he was still a little unsure at this time.
After all, this time Yang Tongue came to the Lu State to observe the ceremony, and he did not give them the enthusiasm they imagined. On the contrary, he was more probing.
