Speaking of which, Zhong Xingyin, after taking over the order to quell the rebellion in Handan, asked Ji Qin to lead Lu Hun's army and surround Handan.
However, Qin's siege of Handan was always besieged but not attacked, and not a single soldier was used.
Not only had not a single soldier been mobilized, but even movement inside and outside Handan City was still unimpeded.
Rather than saying that he was besieging Handan, it was more like protecting Handan.
Tian Qi from Qi State also stationed his troops not far away. But seeing this situation, they actually returned to Qi State in a tacit agreement.
In fact, all this was agreed upon in advance between Fan Jishe and Tian Qi.
For several days, there was no sign of siege. Jiangcheng did not receive any battle reports, and Jin Houwu felt baffled by this. So, he asked Zhong Xingyin directly during the morning court:
"Zhongxingyin, what's going on over there in Handan?"
Since Bank of China Yin was fully responsible for this matter, he had no shirk of responsibility and immediately came out:
"Your Majesty, Handan is currently besieged by the army led by Sima Ji Qin. Seeing that our army is approaching, the Qi army has already retreated. I am now thinking that Handan is our city of Jin after all. You don’t have to fight them to the death.”
"So, I simply ordered them to besiege but not attack. Wouldn't it be better if we could subdue the enemy's troops without fighting?"
Jin Houwu couldn't help but nodded and said:
"That being said, it seems to make some sense."
At this time, Han Buxin said:
"There is plenty of food and grass in Handan City, but now Zhonghang's troops are not cutting off water or food. What can be done with such a siege?"
Zhongxing Yinze was not to be outdone and said:
"The Handan Zhao family has been in our Jin country for four generations! Now just because the family leader was killed, the people are excited and intend to raise troops to avenge the master. This is human nature and is reasonable!"
"Even if what they are doing now is somewhat inappropriate, it happened for a reason after all. I think we should still give them a chance. Besides, there are so many people, women and children of our Jin country in the city, how can I be too decisive? This is why we continue to cut off its waterways!”
At this time, Fan Jishe also said:
"That's right! The doctor of the Bank of China cares about the common people of Handan, and he is really kind and righteous. Besides, the city of Handan is already strong. Once attacked, heavy losses are bound to be suffered."
"In the past, the state of Lu fell into the third capital, and I don't know how many people were lost. In order to avoid repeating the same mistakes, the doctor of the Bank of China did this for the sake of the overall situation!"
Han Buxin cast a cold gaze at Fan Jishe:
"Since the doctor of the Bank of China asked Fan to help, then...why has Fan's army not moved yet?"
Fan Jishe smiled slightly and responded:
"Haha, I, the Fan family, have actually made preparations for a long time. As soon as the war breaks out, my Chaoge master will definitely arrive in Handan!"
There was something in Fan Jishe's conversation. The implication is that if they can't afford the war, they won't move. On the other hand, he didn't say who they were going to fight.
However, no one present could hear the implication of Fan Jishe's words.
Just listen to Zhao Yang continue to say:
"It is a good thing that Mr. BOC has such a benevolent heart. But... Handan is for rebellion after all. I think... Mr. BOC cannot just sit idly by and ignore this, right?"
When Jin Houwu heard what Zhao Yang said, he immediately nodded and said:
"Well, what Zhao Qing said is not unreasonable. Mr. Zhongxing, the Handan matter will eventually be settled. I wonder what your opinion is now?"
Zhong Xingyin had no choice but to reply:
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty, I will order Qin to wait for the opportunity and put an end to the rebellion in Handan as soon as possible!"
Jinhou Wu smiled and said:
"Good! Since Mr. Zhongxing said so, I will wait and see."
After the morning court, Zhongxingyin and Fan Jishe immediately returned to Zhongxing's mansion.
Zhong Xingyin called Gao Qiang again and sent a letter to Ji Qin. This letter was not to ask Ji Qin to rush to attack Handan, but to ask Ji Qin to contact Handan directly, and to make preparations and wait for the movement in Jiangcheng, so that he could act according to the opportunity in the future.
Later, Zhong Xingyin asked Gao Qiang again:
"Gao Qiang, how are Jiangcheng's preparations going?"
Gao Qiang replied:
"The private soldiers in the city have been prepared, but it's best to find a way to lure them out! Zhao Yang... seems to be aware of it, and the mansion is always heavily guarded inside and outside!"
Zhong Xingyin sighed:
"This excuse... I'm afraid it's hard to find. I want to keep him from noticing, and I also want to get him out of the house..."
Gao Qiang also said more cautiously:
"And...if he can't hit it with one hit, Zhao Yang will definitely flee back to Jinyang to prepare for war! Moreover, I'm afraid Han Buxin and others in Jiangcheng will also speak for Zhao."
"At that time, the situation may be even more unfavorable to us!"
Hearing this, Zhong Xingyin thought for a while, then nodded and said:
"Well... But there is no need to be so cautious. As long as Zhao Yang leaves Jiangcheng, everything will be easy to handle! Isn't he going back to Jinyang? Then we will ambush him on the road he must pass! If the ambush fails, then We can quickly withdraw Lu Hun's division, join forces with Handan and Chaoge's divisions, directly surround Jinyang, and capture it in one fell swoop!"
"As for the Lord... Humph! Why worry? As long as Zhao Yang is defeated, the Lord will naturally side with us! He is just a puppet, what can we do?"
Gao Qiang said worriedly:
"But……"
Zhong Xingyin stretched out his hand to stop Gao Qiang's words.
"Gao Qiang, just do as I say. Our current situation is completely different from what you experienced in Qi State. You don't have to worry too much about this."
When Gao Qiang was in this situation, he had nothing to say, so he could only say:
"No, I understand..."
…
But Zhao Yang was not idle after the morning court.
He hurriedly arrived at Xun Shu's residence. Seeing this, Xun Shu roughly understood that Zhao Yang must have a request, so he led him directly into the inner hall and screened him away.
Zhao Yang bowed deeply to Xun Shu and said:
"Please help me, Doctor Xun!"
Xun Shu's eyelids twitched involuntarily:
"Oh? Why did Dr. Zhao say this?"
Zhao Yang said:
"The Zhongxing family and the Fan family have been plotting secretly in recent times. They have deployed a large number of private soldiers outside my house. I am afraid that they will take action against me soon..."
When Xun Shu heard this, he couldn't help but sigh and laugh:
"Hey...is Dr. Zhao a little too cautious? Dr. Zhao can't just let the wind be the rain?"
Zhao Yang shook his head and said:
"It's absolutely true! Now Xun Zhongjun is the chief minister of our Jin country. Is it possible that he will die without saving his life?"
Xun Shuang smacked his lips again:
"It's just... our Xun clan is of the same clan as the Zhonghang clan after all, so how can we publicly embarrass the Zhonghang clan? What's more, they haven't openly broken their faces now. I'm afraid I'm powerless in doing this!"
Zhao Yang stood up and looked up, and said anxiously:
"Since Dr. Xun is unwilling to help, then... I have nothing else to ask for. Now I just hope that Dr. Xun can remain neutral! If unfortunately, he is betrayed by Zhao Yang, I hope Dr. Xun can protect the king! In this way, Dr. Xun can make the decision in Jiangcheng, and Zhao Yang can handle it with peace of mind!"
When Xun Shu heard what Zhao Yang said, he finally understood Zhao Yang's true intention.
It is undoubtedly the most beneficial thing for the Xun family to allow them to remain neutral in this internal struggle in Jin.
Therefore, how could Xun Shu refuse Zhao Yang?
"Please be at ease, Doctor Zhao. As for the monarch, even if Doctor Zhao doesn't say anything, I will protect him!"
Zhao Yang smiled slightly and said with a pretentious expression of gratitude:
"Then...thank you so much, Doctor Xun!"
(End of chapter)
