On the official road leading to Guzang County, a group of people was driving slowly.
There are about thirty people in this team.
The leader was slightly fat and over 20 years old. His name was Qu Guang, and he was the prince of Gaochang Kingdom.
On this mission, he is the official envoy.
The deputy envoy of Gaochang State is named Ma Yan, who is the prime minister of Gaochang State. Ma Boya is from the Ma family. In terms of relationship, Ma Boya is Ma Yan's cousin. Ma Yan is in his late fifties, has a very thin figure, and gives off a shrewd and steady appearance.
Although Qu Guang was a little fat, his facial features were standard. He rode a horse and said as he walked: "Prime Minister, we are going to Xianyang to welcome the bride. Do you think we can get the consent of the Emperor of Qin to marry the princess of Da Qin?"
"Great Qin and the countries in the Western Regions have always had more conflicts and less harmony. Especially in the hundreds of years since the founding of the Qin Dynasty, there has never been a precedent for marrying a princess to a country in the Western Regions. Under such premise, it may not be easy to get the Emperor of Great Qin to agree."
When Qu Guang said this, he paused and said, "Princess of Da Qin, just think about it."
Ma Yan stroked the beard under his chin and said calmly: "Our countries in the Western Regions also have some connections with Daqin. Among the countries in the Western Regions, except for the countries in more remote places, such as the area near Congling, they were established by the Turks Territory, those of us from various countries in the Western Regions are also from Liangzhou."
“Looking back to our roots, we can also be considered Qin people.
"So when we go to ask for the princess, as long as we use emotion and reason, we will have a certain chance."
"In recent years, Gaochang Kingdom has relied on the king's hard work to govern, and its development trend is very good. However, it has also fallen into a bottleneck. The only way to break the bottleneck is to annex neighboring countries. But if Gaochang Kingdom wants to annex other places, it must first have Da Qin as its backing."
"Prince, by marrying the princess of Da Qin, Gaochang State and Da Qin will have a connection. With this relationship, the countries in the Western Regions will not dare to be enemies of Gaochang State. When the time comes, Gaochang State will use the prestige of Da Qin to annex some nearby small countries, step by step Cannibalizing space.”
Speaking of this, Ma Yan had a hint of expectation in his eyes.
He immediately thought of Xia Guo.
The Xia Kingdom in the Central Plains, known as the Xia Kingdom in Zhongzhou, was the center of the world. In the eyes of Gao Changguo, Xia State was an invincible existence and invincible.
This is the news that Gao Changguo found out in the past.
"Our Gaochang State is located in the Western Region. It is impossible to reach the level of the Xia State. But in my opinion, if we can be like the Jin State to the south of the Xia State, or like the Qi State to the east of the Xia State, or even like the If Da Qin can stand firm like this, that’s good.”
"Our Gaochang Kingdom will be able to stand on a foothold with Great Qin by sweeping across the Western Regions. From now on, we will not be afraid of Great Qin."
"So, if you seek the princess of Da Qin, you must succeed. This is related to the future of Gaochang State. With the princess of Da Qin, even when Da Qin dowries, many craftsmen and classics will inevitably be married. With this knowledge, the strength of Gaochang State will be further improved. , it will far surpass Loulan, Wusun, Qiuci and other countries."
"Gaochang Kingdom has always been developing in a low-key manner to achieve its current strength. Now, it is time for further transformation. As long as it is achieved, it will completely transform into a butterfly."
Ma Yan's eyes sparkled.
He is the Prime Minister of Gaochang State and has been developing Gaochang State. Fortunately, the king of Gaochang State, Qu Yan, also has great ambitions.
Therefore, the current development is possible.
Qu Guang said: "Prime Minister, the matter of acquiring the princess requires the full authority of the Prime Minister. Similarly, it is not easy to recruit Lin Feng to our Gaochang Kingdom. This person is highly regarded by the emperor in Da Qin."
When Ma Yan came to Guzang County, his first intention was to poach Lin Feng. As long as things are done, Gao Changguo will have one more talent.
With a smile on his face, Mr. Ma Yan said: "Prince, even if Lin Feng doesn't want to go to Gaochang Country, it doesn't matter. We go to visit with a respectful attitude. This is respect for him and recognition of his talent."
"With such a premise, we have a good relationship with Lin Feng. In other words, if we can get Lin Feng to go to Gaochangguo, we will make a profit. If it fails, we will have a good relationship with Lin Feng. If he expresses his stance, support It will be easier for the emperor to agree to the marriage between Da Qin and Gaochang."
"So, Lin Feng is very crucial."
"This time, whether we succeed or fail, we must win Lin Feng's favor and let Lin Feng support us."
"We came to Da Qin to seek support from more people. When we arrive in Xianyang, the imperial capital of Da Qin, we have to visit officials of Da Qin one by one, such as Zhang Yi, the Minister of Personnel, and Wang Tang, the Minister of Hubu, these important people in the court. "
"With these people expressing support for the marriage, it will be easier for you to marry the princess."
Ma Yan looked like he was strategizing.
He knew everything.
Qu Guang said with admiration on his face: "The Prime Minister is indeed a master, and he is extremely powerful in strategizing. It was indeed a wise move for the Prime Minister to go to Xia Kingdom to study. Speaking of which, if we scholars from Gaochang Kingdom can continue to go to Xia Kingdom How great would it be to study?”
Ma Yan was nearly fifty years old. When he was less than twenty years old, he went to the Xia Kingdom. At that time, the Xia Kingdom was still powerful.
At that time, Ma Yan returned to Gaochang after studying for several years.
For this reason, he greatly admired the culture of the Xia Kingdom. Even when Ma Yan returned to Gaochang, he also imitated the Xia Kingdom, adjusted the official system of the Gaochang Kingdom, followed the Xia Kingdom in formulating laws, established the Imperial Academy to cultivate talents, and made Gaochang Kingdom's strength in the Western Regions stronger. Be aggressive.
There was a look of pride on Ma Yan's face and he said: "It is not that easy to arrange for people to go to Xia Kingdom. On the one hand, Xia Kingdom may not be willing to accept it. On the other hand, it is difficult for most people to adapt. After I have arranged for several People passed by. However, these people either achieved nothing, or simply stayed in Xia Kingdom to live."
"In the end, I gave up and just relied on the Imperial College of Gaochang to train my own scholars."
"When I was in the Xia Kingdom, I heard that Xunzi, a great scholar of the Xia Kingdom, defeated more than seventy great scholars of the Xia Kingdom in a row. He was extremely powerful. If such a person could come to our country of Gaochang to preach and teach, I am afraid that in the future our country of Gaochang will be even more powerful than the capital of Qin. More powerful."
When it comes to Xunzi, Ma Yan admires him even more.
His greatest regret in life was that he never met Xunzi.
Qu Guang said: "I believe that the Prime Minister can succeed this time."
Ma Yan smiled and said, "I hope so."
Qu Guang changed the topic and said: "I heard that Guzang County is very prosperous. In addition to salt, there are other products. After arriving in Guzang County, I will go to the local area to find out more. At that time, I will ask the Prime Minister to see Li Dongshan , what do you think about talking to Lin Feng again?"
Ma Yan glanced at Qu Guang.
Qu Guang wanted to have fun, and he knew Qu Guang well. This master is eloquent and has some talent. It's a pity that he has a lively temperament and likes to visit Goulan places.
This is the case in Gaochang State.
It was the same when I arrived in Guzang County.
Ma Yan thought for a while but still did not stop him, and reminded: "Your Highness, you should keep a low profile in Daqin and don't cause trouble."
"I understand."
Qu Guang was overjoyed and his eyes shone.
The group went to Guzang County. When they arrived at Guzang County, Ma Yan took people to visit Li Dongshan at the Governor's Mansion, while Qu Guang disappeared on the street with his bodyguards.
Ma Yan entered the governor's office, saw Li Dongshan, cupped his hands and said: "Ma Yan, Prime Minister of Gaochang, pays homage to Li Dongshan."
Li Dongshan said quickly: "Prime Minister Ma, I am not the governor yet, I am just acting on behalf of the governor temporarily."
Ma Yan said with a smile: "This is a matter of time. With Li's ability, it is natural for him to serve as governor. What's more, although I am in Gaochang State, I have also heard from some businessmen of Gaochang State that as soon as Li Jishi took office, Liang Liang The state's atmosphere has changed and the people live and work in peace and contentment. This is all the result of Governor Li."
Li Dongshan listened with joy in his heart.
He clearly knew that the other party was flattering, but people are like this and like to hear good things.
Who doesn’t like carrying people in a sedan chair?
Li Dongshan had a humble look on his face and said: "Mr. Ma is serious. The development of Liangzhou is not the result of my own efforts. It depends on the efforts of everyone."
Ma Yan said, "Li Cishi is so humble and admirable. Speaking of which, Lin Feng, the magistrate of Guzang County, is as outstanding as Li Cishi. I want to see Lin Feng, but I don't know what will happen to this matter. Will Lin Feng agree?" "
Li Dongshan said: "Master Hou has already agreed."
"Thank you, Governor Li."
Ma Yan flicked his sleeves and ordered: "Someone, bring it up."
After the words fell, an attendant entered, holding a brocade box in his hand, and handed it directly to the desk in front of Li Dongshan.
Li Dongshan frowned and asked: "Ma Xiang, what does this mean?"
Ma Yan said: "Li Cishi, this is just a piece of unicorn jade. I, Gaochang State, produce jade, this is not a good thing. I rely on you to pull the strings. If you don't show anything, but it doesn't make sense, please Li Cishi accept it. It's not a good thing." Please don’t mind it, Governor Li, as it is a valuable item.”
Li Dongshan took it and opened it to take a look.
There was a look of surprise in his eyes. The jade stone was engraved with a picture of a unicorn stepping on the clouds. You could tell at a glance that the jade was of excellent quality and was not an ordinary jade. After Li Dongshan read it, he knew that the jade was very expensive.
Fortunately, he had asked Lin Feng for permission before, so he accepted it and said with a smile: "Ma Xiang is so polite. Now that Ma Xiang has arrived in Guzang County, when will he go to see the Marquis?"
"Going right now."
Ma Yan was very urgent.
It is said that Lin Feng is a disciple of Xunzi. He naturally hopes to meet such a person sooner. If Lin Feng can be dug up and Lin Feng goes to Gaochang Kingdom, even if he offers it, it will be of great help to Gaochang Kingdom.
Li Dongshan no longer delayed and took Ma Yan to the county government office. Because Li Dongshan had mentioned it to Lin Feng before, he entered the hall smoothly and waited for Lin Feng to arrive.
Ma Yan looked around the hall.
The decorations in the county government office are uniform and there is nothing special about them.
Ma Yan was thinking about winning over Lin Feng. What should he say about it?
Not long after, there was a sound of footsteps. Ma Yan turned around and was stunned for a moment when he saw Lin Feng entering.
Lin Feng is too young, in his early twenties.
Ma Yan did not dare to underestimate him. Ma Boya and others suffered great losses at the hands of Lin Feng; Shen Quan, the governor of Liangzhou, was executed because of Lin Feng; the powerful Yang family in Guzang County was exterminated because of Lin Feng. .
People like Lin Feng are by no means good.
With a smile on his face, Ma Yan cupped his hands and said, "Ma Yan, Prime Minister of Gaochang Kingdom, has met the Marquis of Zhen Kingdom."
Li Dongshan cupped his hands and said, "Master Hou."
Lin Feng nodded and waved his hand for Ma Yan and Li Dongshan to sit down. He sat down and said, "Prime Minister Ma worked tirelessly to come to Daqin from Gaochang State. What can I do?"
Li Dongshan was also curious.
Ma Yan wanted to see Lin Feng, why?
The goal of Ma Yan and others was to go to Da Qin as envoys. They had something to do when they went to Da Qin, but they had to find Lin Feng alone.
Ma Yan smiled and said: "Master Lin, I am here to visit today because I have admired the name of Lord Lin for a long time. I invite Lord Lin to serve as an official in Gaochang Kingdom."
boom! !
Li Dongshan was confused.
Ma Yan is here to poach someone. Ma Yan is an old dog with bad intentions. What if Lin Feng went to Gaochang State and he was the one who brokered this matter? If the emperor got the news, he wouldn't be able to eat him alive?
Even if Lin Feng refused and the news spread, the emperor knew that he was the one pulling the strings and would never let him go.
Li Dongshan's heart suddenly became anxious, and he said angrily: "Ma Yan, you didn't tell me that you were asking the Marquis to go to Gaochang Kingdom. If I had known this, I would not have agreed to your request. I tell you, the Marquis is the leader of the Great Qin Dynasty. It is absolutely impossible for a person to go to Gaochang Country."
Lin Feng was also a little surprised. He had never thought of such a request.
I thought I was here to stir up trouble.
Or maybe it's to take advantage of it.
I didn’t expect it to be poaching.
Lin Feng said: "I appreciate Prime Minister Ma's kindness. I am in Daqin, everything is fine, and I have no plans to leave."
Ma Yan said quickly: "It is normal for Lord Lin to be attached to his homeland. It's just that our Gaochang Kingdom does not allow Lord Lin to stay in Gaochang Kingdom all the time. I didn't make it clear just now. Although our Gaochang Kingdom said it was following the example of Xia Kingdom, in fact, There are still many nondescript places.”
"We admire Xia State and Da Qin, and hope that someone who is familiar with Xia State and Da Qin will come to Gaochang State to give guidance and correct the chaos, so that Gaochang State can be like Xia State. All we ask is to invite Lord Lin to Gaochang State. , give guidance for a year or two.”
"When the time comes that Lord Lin will come back, he will come back. This is our request. We sincerely ask Lord Lin to go to Gaochang Kingdom and give us advice for the sake of our sincere admiration for the Kingdom of Heaven."
Ma Yan still wants to poach people.
As long as Lin Feng goes to Gaochang State and stays for a long time, variables will arise.
Lin Feng was a disciple of Xunzi, and his status was enough to enhance the influence of the Great Gaochang Kingdom.
Li Dongshan said quickly: "Master Hou, don't listen to the tricks of this old man Ma Yan. You must never go to the barren land of Gaochang."
He broke his face directly.
Ma Yan is a hateful old man and wants to harm him.
Lin Feng chuckled and said: "Don't worry, Governor Li, I won't go to Gaochang State. I appreciate Prime Minister Ma's kindness. If Gaochang State admires Da Qin, I can ask Da Qin to arrange people to go to Gaochang State to preach and teach. You see how?"
Ma Yan directly poached people.
Lin Feng couldn't see the problem for the time being, but Ma Yan was the prime minister of a country. Every move of such a person should have rules and intentions.
Lin Feng could only test it.
The pupils in Ma Yan's eyes shrank. Asking Great Qin to arrange for people to preach and teach in Gaochang Kingdom was tantamount to allowing Great Qin to plant spies in Gaochang Kingdom, and even allowing Great Qin's people to win over people from Gaochang Kingdom. This is absolutely not allowed.
Otherwise, Gao Changguo may fall into chaos sooner or later.
Simple preaching and teaching was possible in Da Qin, but Ma Yan didn't believe it in Gaochang State.
Ma Yan said modestly: "I think it's better to forget it. Gaochang Country is remote and many people are not willing to go there. Besides, there are also some people in our Gaochang Kingdom who preach and teach. What our Gaochang Kingdom needs is talents like Lin Houye , I look down upon the rest of them."
These words directly rejected and elevated Lin Feng, making people unable to feel the slightest disgust.
Lin Feng heard Ma Yan's intention and sighed: "In that case, it would be a pity."
Ma Yan changed the topic and suddenly said: "Master Lin, Gaochang Kingdom has always admired Da Qin, and I wish that everyone in Gaochang Kingdom would imitate Da Qin. I, the prince of Gaochang Kingdom, have heard that the Da Qin Princess is virtuous and virtuous, and I want to ask for the Da Qin Princess. You Look, how about the marriage between Gaochang State and Da Qin?"
Lin Feng raised his eyebrows.
He understood that this was the intention of the old man Ma Yan.
Asking for the princess of Da Qin.
Of course, seeking the princess of Da Qin is just a superficial thing. Gaochang State wants to obtain benefits through marriage and enhance Gaochang's national power.
This is fundamental.
Lin Feng opposed such a marriage from the bottom of his heart. A marriage-like marriage would be a disaster for the princess of Da Qin, and it would also be a disaster for Da Qin. The princess of Da Qin lived a good life in Da Qin, but she had to marry in a foreign country, and everyone looked at her was a stranger.
This is what Lin Feng hates.
Lin Feng disagreed with this matter.
