After Tian Qi heard what Li Ho said, he nodded slowly and said:
"Well...this is exactly why I asked you to come here!"
Li Ho was very happy to receive Tian Qi's affirmation, so he continued:
"The villain thinks that before Confucius opened a school in the state of Lu, he accepted countless disciples. Even in our state of Qi, many people worshiped him as their teacher. Moreover, now he has also photographed the affairs of the state of Lu. , its momentum can be described as extreme.”
"Therefore, Your Excellency, you still need to pay attention to this talent. If he is allowed to continue to develop like this in the Lu State, I am afraid that he will be worse than Cao Hui back then! Therefore, what the villain means is that it is better to take advantage of his wings. If it is not yet abundant, we should get rid of it as soon as possible to avoid future troubles!"
Hearing this, Tian Qi narrowed his eyes and asked with interest:
"Oh? You think so too?"
After hearing this, Li Ho was even more inspired:
"Oh? Could it be that...this is what your lord planned? By the way, above the court, your lord once proposed to form an alliance in Jiagu...and Jiagu is the place where Lai is...could it be that you want to borrow Lai's help? With your own hands, kill Confucius?"
Tian Qi was noncommittal and looked at Shu Niu again.
But Shu Niu asked tentatively:
"It's just that this matter is not trivial. If your name is recorded in history books in the future, might it be detrimental to you?"
Li hoe immediately replied:
"This is simple. You can blame Lai Ren for this disaster! This way you can ensure that you have no worries!"
But Zhu Niu said again:
"Having said that... I'm afraid the Lu people's history books won't take it this seriously."
When Tian Qi heard this, he couldn't help but burst into laughter!
Shu Niu and Li Hoe were confused.
Afterwards, Tian Qi said:
"Hahaha! It's just a false name, so what's there to be afraid of? Even if our Tian Qi sins are committed by the present generation, for my Tian family, it is a contribution to the future! As for the events behind his death, after all, they are still made up by future generations. ?”
"Haha, as long as I, the Tian family, don't fall, why worry about being unknown? On the contrary, if I, the Tian family, are really destitute, then what's the use of gaining these false names?"
Zhu Niu listened on the side and admired Tian Qi's insights and courage.
After all, few people would dare to kill a great sage like Confucius.
What's more, he has to face the notoriety behind him. Tian Qi obviously took this very lightly, which indeed required great courage for people of that era.
Because, at that time, the vast majority of people, especially those in high positions, still believed that "a house that accumulates good deeds will always be blessed, and a house that accumulates bad deeds will always be in trouble."
Most of them believe that once a person's reputation is nailed to the pillar of shame, their descendants, or even themselves, may suffer retribution and liquidation.
For example, when it comes to future generations, there is the case that Zhao Dun's regicide caused his descendants to suffer from the palace. And there are cases like Cui Zhu who are directly unlucky.
Therefore, "morality" was such a conspicuous banner in that era that no one dared to ignore it.
And Tian Qi's extremely transparent words clearly broke out of this "iron law".
He even believed that all "morality" is actually defined by future generations. Therefore, as the head of this life, you should seek greater benefits for yourself and your family.
Only in this way can our family remain invincible for a long time.
…
Let’s go back to the State of Lu.
After Confucius took Fei Yi, he just breathed a sigh of relief and was thinking about how to attack Ji's Fei Yi.
At this moment, the State of Lu suddenly received an edict from Chujiu, the Marquis of Qi. The Marquis of Lu and Song also urgently recruited Confucius and discussed it together.
After reading it, Luhou Song didn't say much in front of the Qi envoy, he just said:
"You envoys should go down and rest first, and then make a decision after I discuss it with all the ministers!"
The envoys from Qi bowed and left. After Lu Hou Song Shi watched them leave the hall, he couldn't help but throw the letter away and said angrily:
"These Qi people are simply bullying others too much. Even though their Qi country is more powerful than our Lu country. But both Qi and Lu are marquises, and he actually wrote this edict in the tone of a minister. It's really true. That’s unreasonable!”
Confucius stood up and bent down to pick up the letter from the ground. He bowed and put it back on Luhou's desk, and said:
"Since Duke Huan of Qi, Qi has always regarded itself as a country of uncles. It always thinks that it is superior to other princes. This is because they are not familiar with etiquette. Your Majesty does not need to be angry because of this."
After hearing what Confucius said, Marquis Song of Lu gradually regained his composure and sighed:
"Hey...Now that the Marquis of Qi has asked me to go to Jiagu to meet with the alliance, I wonder what Kong Qing thinks?"
Confucius looked around and saw Ji Sunsi, Meng Sun, He Ji and others, all bowing their heads and saying nothing. So, he opened his mouth and said:
"I believe that we must go on this trip! If we don't go, we may be given the excuse that all the princes in the world will attack Lu together!"
When Lu Housong heard this, he couldn't help but hesitate for a moment:
"But...that place...even though it is the border between Qi and Lu, it does not mean that we are being treated badly by Lu. But the Lai people over there...if the Marquis of Qi has ulterior motives, I'm afraid..."
Confucius bowed his hands and said:
"Your Majesty, please do not be in a hurry to reply to the envoy from Qi State. This matter will be discussed with you and your lords before it is too late to decide!"
Lu Housong couldn't help but nodded and replied:
"Well, in that case, there is Lao Kongqing!"
Lu Housong rubbed his temples at this time and felt that his head was big. When all the officials saw this, they also resigned one after another.
At this time, Ji Sunsi, Meng Sun He Ji, and Shu Sun Zhou Chou also found Confucius outside the palace.
Ji Sunsi spoke first:
"Lord Sikou, in fact, it is up to you to make the decision on this important matter such as the Jiagu League meeting! We all have no objections!"
Meng Sunhe Ji also said quickly:
"Exactly, as the teacher says, the disciple will do it!"
Confucius glanced at Shusun Zhouqiu, who was standing aside and had no words, and sighed slightly:
"That being the case... Qiu please ask Mr. Ziming about this matter before making a decision!"
At present, no one in Sanhuan has the ability to take charge of the Lu State. Ji Sunsi and Meng Sunhe Ji are even worried about the internal troubles in their own families.
As for Shusun Zhouqiu, because of the matter of Li Yi, he still didn't know what to do with Li Yi.
But it's no wonder
After all, Shusun Zhouqiu was still young. Although he had some opinions, he was still unsure about things he didn't understand.
Confucius did not dare to neglect. After saying goodbye to Sanhuan, he immediately got into the carriage and went straight to Xinglin.
When Li Ran saw Confucius, he already knew his purpose and said:
"Marquis Lu must go to the Jiagu meeting! And if Marquis Lu goes, then Brother Zhongni will also have to go."
After Confucius expressed his worries, Li Ran couldn't help but snorted:
"Of course I know that the Qi State must have ulterior motives! It is not even ruled out that they will use force to force the emperor to submit. Moreover...Qi Hou Chujiu has always regarded Qi Huan Gong as his example, how could he not know that Ke Zhimeng 's story?"
"Back then, Duke Huan of Qi wanted to coerce Duke Zhuang of Lu in the alliance with Ke, but he was ultimately thwarted by Cao Hui. Obviously, if Brother Zhong Ni goes on this trip, it will probably be more dangerous than Cao Hui did back then!"
"However, if Brother Zhongni wants to rectify the three cities now, the two countries of Qi and Lu must be stable. If Qi and Lu are not stable, then there will be a reason for the three cities not to fall. Moreover, if the Qi State takes the Lu Marquis's failure to go to the alliance as an excuse Using this excuse to once again call on the princes of the world to attack me, wouldn’t it be terrible?!”
When Confucius heard this, he also said helplessly:
"Yes! In fact, Qiu Zuo also thinks so. So this alliance seems to be inevitable!"
"It's just...as the saying goes, 'Those who are good at civil affairs must be equipped with military equipment; those who are involved in military affairs must be equipped with military equipment.' Now it is clear to Qi people that those who come here are not good, and I am afraid that Qiu cannot take them lightly!"
Li Ran responded:
"Well, what Zhong Ni said is true. Therefore, although this alliance is mainly about civil affairs, it must also be equipped with commensurate military affairs before it can go!"
Confucius thought for a moment, nodded and said:
"Well, in that case, Naqiu will ask your Majesty to take the left and right Sima with him!"
The so-called left and right Sima are actually the commanders of the three armies who protect the safety of Marquis Lu.
If you are participating in an ordinary alliance, you will generally not consider using the three armies to protect it. Usually, you will only order one minister to lead the personal army.
On this trip to Jiagu, Confucius actually planned to directly use the three armies, which shows his cautious attitude.
However, despite this, Confucius still had another layer of worry:
"It's just that if this happens, Qi will probably send more troops to match..."
Li Ran said:
"Zhongni can rest assured. Although the Marquis of Qi is very fond of great achievements, he is also very face-conscious. If it is absolutely necessary, he will never go to war with us in Jiagu. Brother Zhongni can just act according to the situation, as long as it is If you act with justice and etiquette, you will be blameless."
"As for Jiagu, this place is mostly inhabited by Lai people. I'm afraid, this is where Tian Qi's conspiracy lies!"
Confucius could not help but frown:
"It seems that Marquis Lu's trip is indeed extremely dangerous. Alas... Qiu is afraid that he won't be able to handle it by then."
Li Ran saw that Confucius was looking sad again, so he couldn't help but smile and said to him:
"Haha, forget it! Then follow Brother Zhongni and accompany Lu Hou! What do you think, Brother Zhongni?"
Hearing this, Kong Qiu suddenly raised his head and looked at Li Ran in surprise.
Of course he knew the weight of Li Ran's words.
If he can really go there, it will be like a life-saving straw for him.
But at the same time, it also means that once Jiagu goes wrong, they will have no room for maneuver.
Confucius asked hesitantly:
"My benefactor...really choose to go?"
——
Chapter 644_Jiagu Conspiracy
Li Ran nodded firmly:
"This matter is not only related to the State of Lu, but also... Haha, I, Li, also want to see what this Tian Qi is capable of!"
At this time, Li Ran knew very well that in the Battle of Liyi, he was actually involved in the world's disputes again.
And he also wanted to take this opportunity to declare his return to the Dark Walkers!
When Confucius heard this, he couldn't help but be overjoyed.
He was still a little hesitant at first, but now with Li Ran's acceptance, he is convinced.
He didn't say anything about it, and immediately got up to say goodbye to Li Ran, and went to see Lu Hou Song alone.
Confucius mentioned Li Ran to Luhou Song.
Of course, Lu Housong also knew about Li Ran, and also knew that Li Ran had been running around to support his brother Lu Zhaogong.
That was all. After Lu Zhaogong passed away, Li Ran wanted Lu Zhaogong's two sons to inherit the throne.
It was precisely because of this incident that Lu Housong didn't like Li Ran very much in his heart.
Therefore, although Li Ran has lived as a guest in the State of Lu for many years, he and Li Ran have hardly met each other.
However, Lu Housong had already heard about Li Ran's abilities.
The Jiagu meeting was also full of crises for him. He also knew very well that if this person went with him, as the Marquis of Lu and Song, he would not refuse.
"I have nothing to say about Kong Qing's suggestion, but do I really have to go to Jiagu? I always feel unsure in my heart!"
Confucius said seriously:
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, as the saying goes, 'Those who have civil affairs must have military preparations; those who have military affairs, must have military preparations." Since ancient times, when princes want to cross their borders for civil or military affairs, they must be equipped with military equipment. Civil and military officials will serve as your entourage. Therefore, for this trip to Jiagu, I also ask you to accompany the left and right commanders with the three armies, so that everything will be safe!"
Lu Housong nodded.
"In that case, I will write a letter and let the envoy from Qi bring it back!"
Confucius bowed and said:
"I have drafted it for you, please take a look at it!"
Confucius handed the letter he prepared to Lu Hou Song. After Lu Hou Song read it, he said:
"The words are appropriate, neither humble nor arrogant, very good! Very good!"
Song, the Marquis of Lu, took out the great seal of the State of Lu and stamped it. He also ordered someone to invite an envoy from the State of Qi, explain the whole story, and ask him to bring back the answer and give it to Chujiu, the Marquis of Qi.
The envoy from Qi took the letter and replied:
"I'll go back to meet you soon!"
Confucius personally escorted the Qi envoy out of the city gate, and then simply left the city gate and went to Xinglin to discuss matters.
…
Tian Qi, after receiving the reply from Luhou Song, summoned Shu Niu, Li Ho and others to discuss the matter together.
When Zhu Niu heard this, he smiled.
"As expected, Lord Lu finally chose to go to Jiagu!"
Li Ho also said from the side:
"Haha, Li Ran is also among them. It's really God's help that made everything possible! This time, with the help of others, we can eradicate Li Ran and Confucius in one fell swoop, and avoid future troubles forever!"
Tian Qi also nodded proudly, stroking his beard and said:
"Are you ready for what I asked you to prepare in advance?"
Shuniu replied:
"I have already made an agreement with the leader of the Lai people. When the alliance comes, they will send people to pretend to be a rebel, then kidnap the Marquis of Lu, and then take advantage of the chaos to kill Li Ran and Kong Qiu!"
Tian Qi said:
"Well, that's very good. But...I heard that Marquis Lu went to Jiagu this time with all three armies! So, this move...may not be possible!"
Standing up the chest said confidently:
"Don't worry, Mr. Tian, even if this plan fails, Shu Niu has made careful arrangements for the next gift! Shu Niu has arranged for You Shi (a dwarf) to act as a show, but in fact he has hidden weapons inside On top of enjoying the gift, you can also take advantage of him when he is not prepared and kill him in one fell swoop!"
"Moreover, the high platform set up in Jiagu has been chosen by Shu Niu. It is far away from the place where the Lu army will meet. We can send troops to ambush near Jiagu. Once the former fails, we can still do it without stopping. Ambush it!”
"Shu Niu just doesn't believe it. How can Confucius and Li Ran still have the ability to reach heaven?"
When Tian Qi heard this, he couldn't help but smile and said:
"That's very good! These arrangements for erecting the ox are very much in line with my wishes! Remember, there must be no mistakes!"
The vertical cow bowed and said:
"Don't worry, sir!"
Afterwards, Tian Qi looked at Li Ho again.
"Li hoe, you will go to Jiagu and build a high platform for peace talks. I will enter the palace to meet with you again to discuss this matter!"
"Shu Niu, you also go with Li Hoe. You must confirm with the leader of the Lai people and tell him that if this happens, I will receive a heavy reward!"
Tian Qi was very confident. He was sure that Qi Hou Chujiu would definitely obey his words.
Therefore, he asked Li Ho and Shu Niu to go to Jiagu in advance to make complete preparations.
Li Hoe and Shu Niu took the order and left, while Tian Qi packed up his appearance and entered the palace to pay homage to Chujiu, the Marquis of Qi.
Chujiu, the Marquis of Qi, had no objection to the alliance.
However, he had some doubts about the equipment required by Lu Hou Song to equip the left and right Sima.
"Tian Qing, this time we are just having peace talks with Marquis Lu. Why does Marquis Lu have to recruit all the commanders and horses? Why does he have so many soldiers and horses?"
Tian Qi said calmly:
"Your Majesty, if the Lu State is like this, then we can just take it with us, so why worry about it?"
Qihou Chujiu nodded and said thoughtfully:
"That's true. Our Qi State's national strength is several times that of Lu State. Are we still afraid of them? Tian Qing, please pass on the order for me. Instruct the Guo and Gao families to send three thousand troops each to go to Jiagu with me! He Marquis Lu can lead troops and horses, so why can’t I? This time, I just happened to go and meet this young brat!"
Qi Hou Chujiu himself had a feeling of superiority. When Lu Zhaogong fled Qi, Qi Hou Chujiu didn't have much respect for Lu Zhaogong.
He was even regarded as a minister, and Zijiaji had argued hard for this.
As for Lu Hou Song, as the youngest brother of Lu Zhaogong, Qi Hou Chujiu would naturally not take him seriously.
However, Qi Hou Chujiu seemed to have thought of something again, and he said to Tian Qi in a serious and thoughtful way:
"Tian Qing, although this time is to make the Lu State surrender to our Qi State, Tian Qing still needs to remember that unless he has no choice, he must not conflict with the Marquis of Lu in person! Otherwise, he may be laughed at by the people of the world!" You must not hurt Marquis Lu! Do you understand?"
Tian Qi's heart skipped a beat, but he still pretended to agree:
"Your Majesty, please be at ease. I have to put the overall situation first and will never do such rude things rashly!"
Tian Qi was obviously playing a trick. It sounded like he had agreed in front of the king, but in fact it was in vain.
What does "putting the overall situation first" mean? What is "not hasty"?
"Focusing on the overall situation" means that we should adapt to changes.
"Not hastily" means careful consideration and preparation.
At this time, Qi Hou Chujiu naturally could not understand the reason for Tian Qi's words. He just nodded and then asked:
"By the way, Li Ran, who is famous in the world, is also on the list of envoys this time. This person has always been famous and thunderous, and this time I can see his real person! Then... according to Tian Qing's knowledge, Is this person really as powerful as the rumors say?"
Tian Qi sneered and replied disapprovingly:
"Going back to your Majesty, the world has a lot of praise for Li Ran, but in the eyes of me, he is just a person who is just trying to gain fame! Otherwise, how could King Chu Ling, Wang Zichao, Duke Zhao of Lu, etc. have suffered such a complete defeat?"
(End of chapter)
