Linzi, the imperial capital of Qi State.
Langya Palace.
Tian Yu was quite nervous during this period of time. The news about Concubine Kang's illness has been spread through the eunuchs in Concubine Kang's palace. And what he was doing was just to make Concubine Kang sick. As for notifying Tian He, that was done spontaneously by the eunuchs in Concubine Kang's palace and had nothing to do with him.
This time, only Tian Yu and Yan Zichu knew about it, and no more people knew about it.
In the study, Tian Yu was looking through the latest news from the Supervision Department. There was no news from Yan Fei before, so Tian Yu wasn't worried at all and didn't pay much attention to the war on the front line. Because Yan Fei is here, Tian Yu can ignore it.
However, when Tian He went to the front line to cause trouble, the situation was different.
The situation is even more complicated.
Once Tian He is restrained at every turn, the battle may even collapse.
This is what Tian Yu is worried about, and Tian Yu even feels that over the years, Qi has become too carried away due to its continuous prosperity, and the emperor has been too impetuous. Such a situation is quite unfavorable to Qi.
Therefore, Tian Yu has been paying close attention to the war on the front line during this period.
While Tian Yu was flipping through the information, a rush of footsteps came from outside the hall, and Lin Jizhou, the deputy commander of the Supervision Department, entered.
Lin Jizhou looked panicked and said loudly: "Your Majesty, something serious has happened."
Tian Yu frowned and said, "What happened?"
Lin Jizhou shouted: "The frontline army was defeated, His Majesty was captured, Yan Fei and Sun Youdao died in the battle, and the entire army was wiped out."
boom! !
Tian Yu's mind seemed to explode, his mind was dizzy, and his eyes were completely blank.
After a long while, Tian Yu's vision returned, and his whole body felt like he was floating. He put his thin hands on the desk, his face was serious and cold, his eyes were sharp, and he said in a deep voice: "Lin Jizhou, is this serious?"
"It's absolutely true."
Lin Jizhou was extremely panicked and quickly explained: "The supervisory detective on the front line who is responsible for inquiring about information has sent back the exact information. The reason why this battle was lost was not because of greed for credit, nor because of General Yan Fei's command error. It's because His Majesty evacuated from the front line without permission."
"According to the Forbidden Army soldiers who escaped from the army, because Concubine Kang was ill, the eunuchs in Concubine Kang's palace left without permission to go to the front line and told His Majesty the news. As a result, His Majesty was so worried that he left the army directly."
"How did you know that His Majesty was evacuating, but his whereabouts were discovered by the Qin Army's sentinels. As a result, the Qin Army sent a large army to surround Your Majesty, and even adopted the strategy of encircling the points to bring reinforcements to plot against us."
"General Yan Fei got the news and rushed to help quickly."
"Because the Qin army continued to send troops to attack the Forbidden Army team where Your Majesty is located, the two sides started a war."
"While the two sides continued to invest their troops in fighting, General Sun Youdao led his men to a sneak attack on the Qin army's camp, but they were ambushed and General Sun died in the battle. Moreover, the Qin army also arranged for people to attack our camp."
"General Sun was killed, our camp was breached, and all the Qin troops gathered on the frontline battlefield. General Yan Fei could not stop us, and our army was defeated like a mountain."
"At that time, in order to allow His Majesty to withdraw quickly, General Yan personally led people to the rear to delay time for His Majesty."
"In the end, General Yan died on the spot."
"Countless of our Qi soldiers died. Your Majesty led his men to evacuate a long distance, only to be pursued by Lin Feng. Lin Feng pursued him for more than a day, and finally His Majesty was captured. Captured, the entire army was routed, and only a handful of people escaped.”
Lin Jizhou looked a little panicked.
Tian He is the emperor of Qi State and the foundation of the entire Qi State. Now that something is wrong with Tian He, Qi will inevitably be in turmoil.
Tian Yu's expression froze.
This battle was actually caused by Tian He's retreat. The reason why Tian He withdrew was because of his calculation. In order to prevent Tian He from constraining Yan Fei, he did this.
At this moment, Tian Yu felt extremely guilty.
If it hadn't been for his arrangements to make Concubine Kang sick, although the emperor on the front line would have restrained Yan Fei, at least he wouldn't have been defeated.
Seeing that Tian Yu was in a daze, Lin Jizhou just thought that Tian Yu was worried about the war on the front line. He quickly said: "Your Majesty, the situation is critical and we must respond immediately. It is conceivable that once the news spreads in Linzi City, it will definitely cause turmoil. "
"Come here, please invite Prime Minister Yan to discuss matters."
Tian Yu quickly gave the order.
The situation is turbulent and Yan Zichu must cooperate fully. Only in this way can the situation between Qi and the DPRK be stabilized. But as soon as the attendant walked out, another attendant came in and quickly reported: "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Yan wants to see you."
"Please."
Tian Yu quickly ordered.
"I'm already here."
Yan Zichu's voice came in. He entered the study room with hurried steps and ordered: "Everyone, please step aside. I have something to discuss with the prince."
"Everyone, please step back."
Tian Yu followed the instructions.
He knew that Yan Zichu must have also received the news, and he was so anxious that he made arrangements directly. He did not care about what Yan Zichu took the initiative to arrange.
The two sat opposite each other in the study. Yan Zichu said: "Your Majesty, I have just received news from the public that the Qi army was defeated on the front line. Yan Fei and Sun Youdao were killed in the battle. Your Majesty was made a prisoner. Seventy thousand of the army were killed." Many people, more than 10,000 people were captured, has the Inspectorate received information?”
Tian Yu nodded and sighed: "I have just received news from the Supervision Department."
"What exactly is going on?"
Yan Zichu is still a little confused now, and the situation on the front line has always been stable. Even if the emperor restrained Yan Fei, he would not be defeated suddenly.
This situation is too unexpected.
Tian Yu didn't go around in circles and directly explained the general situation. When Yan Zi first heard it, he was completely confused.
The collapse of the front line was actually caused by the emperor.
In other words, this is the result of the decisive arrangements made by him and Tian Yu.
Is this their fault?
Yan Zichu was extremely embarrassed. He was silent for a long time, and then slowly said: "We tried our best to plan, hoping that your majesty would not restrict Yan Fei. In the end, it was a combination of circumstances that led to the defeat of this battle. Your Majesty, we two This old guy worked hard for half his life and became a sinner of Qi State."
Tian Yu flicked his sleeves and said decisively: "Prime Minister, we have reasons, the frontline also has reasons, and Your Majesty also has reasons. Not all the responsibility lies with us. And now is not the time to discuss guilt."
"The truth is, of course, this is the truth."
Yan Zichu sighed and said, "My heart is really filled with panic. After all the hard work, the final result is self-defeating."
Tian Yu said: "Who doesn't feel uncomfortable? But feeling uncomfortable is of no use. What we have to do now is to solve the current dilemma and solve the troubles we are facing today. Only by solving these will the Qi country be stable. In addition, His Majesty was captured alive. , became a prisoner, we must exchange for His Majesty."
Yan Zichu said sternly: "I'm afraid I have to pay a big price in exchange for your majesty. This time Qin wins, it will never let go of the opportunity for blackmail. Especially Lin Feng is on the front line. This person is very difficult to deal with. He will definitely Make things difficult.”
Tian Yu thought for a while and said: "I also know this, but I have no choice but to bite the bullet. The key at the moment is to stabilize the government on the one hand, and to send envoys to the front line to exchange for His Majesty."
"In my opinion, we should first announce the news that His Majesty has been captured alive and let everyone know about it, and then arrange for the crown prince to supervise the country. You and I will still assist the government together. Finally, send envoys to the front line to negotiate."
"The prince's supervision of the country ensures the legal system and stability of Qi. No one will raise any objections. Even if there is, they can be suppressed. If your majesty really cannot come back, support the prince to ascend the throne and succeed us. Qi and Qin will fight to the end. Fight to the death.”
"If His Majesty comes back, as the prince's father, he will directly take charge of the overall situation and everything will transition smoothly."
"At this time, the government must stabilize the situation."
"Every slightest disturbance must be stopped, otherwise it will easily change. Therefore, the Imperial Army has fully taken over the defense of the imperial city. The troops stationed outside the city must also be under control at all times. As for the weapons arsenal inside the city, they must be firmly under control."
"Otherwise, it will be difficult to predict what other vassal kings have in mind."
Tian Yu's eyes were sharp and he said: "This time, the army and the government must be controlled at the same time. When His Majesty comes back, you and I will retire and return to our hometowns. Retreating each other will be considered a punishment for us."
Yan Zichu nodded, feeling relieved and agreed: "I have no objection to the prince's arrangement."
He was actually a little worried. What if Tian He was captured, what other thoughts did Tian Yu have?
Tian Yu is also a member of the royal family, and Tian Yu has great power and prestige.
After listening to Tian Yu's words, Yan Zichu no longer had any worries. He said: "Your Majesty, now we have to send envoys on an envoy. Who is the most suitable person to go?"
"Let Liu Gui go."
Tian Yu made a decision directly.
When Yan Zichu heard this, his eyes lit up and he praised: "Liu Gui and Lin Feng are from the same school, so it is indeed easier to negotiate. Although Lin Feng is unkind, we can still talk about it if we, Qi Guoguo, provide benefits. It's just that Lin Feng is unkind. What kind of conditions do you think the Qin Congress will propose?"
Tian Yu fell silent, thought for a long time, and then said: "Qin State sends troops to attack. It is impossible to simply ask for some food and money. I think the most basic conditions of Qin State will allow Qi State to cede the city."
Yan Zichu's expression suddenly changed, and he said in a deep voice: "Once we cede territory, we will lose our power and humiliate the country."
Tian Yu said: "There is no way."
Yan Zichu thought for a while and then said: "If it really comes to this point, I suggest that the Jizhou area be ceded. After all, this is not Qi's territory in the traditional sense. If these are ceded, the government and the public will still be able to accept it."
Tian Yu nodded and said: "That's the truth. The final bottom line is to cede Jizhou. Of course, it would be best to cede less of Jizhou. As for money and food, Lin Feng really wants to force it. It doesn't matter if he agrees. Qi can also give it. Money. The best result is to compensate a little money and grain; the second worst result is to cede a part of Jizhou. The worst result is to cede the entire Jizhou and then compensate the money and grain."
Yan Zichu said: "I will tell Liu Gui about this arrangement and let him consider and negotiate."
Tian Yu nodded and said: "Go ahead. After you arrange it, we will work together to stabilize the government. The key now is that the government and the country cannot be in chaos. Once the situation is messed up, others will take advantage of it. Maybe Qin's side , just waiting for us to have civil strife."
"Indeed."
Yan Zichu also nodded again.
He hurriedly left Langya Palace and returned to the Prime Minister's office, where he arranged for someone to notify Liu Guilai.
There was a look of sorrow on Liu Gui's face. It was obvious that he had heard the news from the front line and knew that the army on the front line was defeated.
Liu Gui saluted and said: "I despise my position and pay my respects to the Prime Minister."
Yan Zichu asked in a deep voice: "Do you already know about the defeat on the front line?"
Liu Gui replied: "The news I got from Beizhong are all rumors. Even the rumors have become more and more intense, and countless people are talking about it. It's just that I don't know whether the news is true?"
Yan Zichu sighed and said, "The news is true. I have already met with King Langya to discuss this matter."
Liu Gui said seriously: "How to deal with it?"
Yan Zichu said directly: "The imperial court will immediately arrange for the prince to supervise the country. Although the prince is young, with the person who supervises the country, there will be an heir to the legal system. In addition, as an envoy, you will go to negotiate with Qin. Negotiation The bottom line is roughly..."
Yan Zichu once again explained the terms of the previous negotiation between Tian Yu and Yan Zichu.
After explaining the general situation, Yan Zichu said: "Liu Gui, Your Majesty is the backbone of Qi State and cannot cause any problems. Therefore, Your Majesty must be replaced. If Qin State still wants to open its mouth, Qi State will become the same as Qin State. War. I, the State of Qi, are willing to give the greatest sincerity, but the State of Qi is not afraid of a war. If a war really breaks out, the State of Qi will accompany you to the end."
"Here!"
Liu Gui replied solemnly.
After hearing Yan Zichu's words, he generally felt confident and knew what to do.
Admittedly, Liu Gui also knew that Lin Feng had always dealt with business affairs and was not easy to negotiate. His mission this time was not easy, but he had to give it a try anyway.
"Go ahead."
Yan Zichu waved his hand.
Liu Gui bowed and bowed, returned home, changed his clothes, and left in a hurry.
Liu Gui was also worried about the situation on the front line, and even more worried about the emperor's safety. So this time he went on an envoy, instead of riding in a carriage, he rode on horseback and traveled as fast as possible. Fortunately, it's early summer now, and it's still not too cold at night. If we were traveling in the middle of winter, we wouldn't be able to keep moving forward.
Liu Gui galloped all the way and finally arrived at the front line, outside the Qin camp at Dafengkou. He shook his robe, looked seriously, raised his head and looked at the soldiers at the entrance of the camp, and directly ordered: "Liu Gui, the envoy of the State of Qi, is here to pay a visit. Please inform him immediately."
"Wait."
After hearing what Liu Gui said, the soldier gave the order and turned around to inform him.
