In Jinling City, people's hearts are floating.
The Jin State was defeated one after another, and various places on the front line were captured by the Qin State one after another. The news spread in Jinling City, and countless people were panicked.
Many officials are even thinking about the future.
Looking at the current situation, the future of Jin is uncertain.
Therefore, it is impossible to judge what Jin will be like in the future based on the current situation. Like the turmoil in the officialdom, Jin's local business was also greatly affected. Many businessmen were worried about war in Jinling, so they voluntarily evacuated.
The business in Jinling City is somewhat depressed.
The only things that were not affected were the painting boats on the Qinhuai River and the brothels by the river, which were still noisy and overcrowded.
Sima Chong also knew that people's hearts were floating, but he had no choice. In order to fight a protracted war, Sima Chong had withdrawn his troops from the front line and hoarded food in the city, in order to delay the Qin army in the coming war.
Although the imperial court said it had plenty of supplies, prices in the city began to rise. The price of food has risen from eight cents per catty to twenty cents per catty, and the people living in the city have become increasingly stressed.
The people were in trouble, but it never affected a big family like the Xie family.
There are countless amounts of food in the granaries of major families.
Inside Xie's house, the backyard pond.
Xie Chong is fishing.
It has entered February, the weather has warmed up, and the warm sunshine of early spring is shining, making people feel warm.
Xie Chong slightly squinted his eyes, seeming to be sleeping but not sleeping, seeming to be awake but not awake.
While he was fishing, there was a sound of footsteps. Xie Xuan walked to the side and sat down, saying softly: "Father."
Xie Chong opened his eyes and said slowly: "You are in charge of government affairs now and are busy with affairs. If you don't go to the court to take charge of the overall situation, why are you here here?"
Xie Xuan looked bitter and sighed: "Father, my son is here to ask you to come out. After Gu Shangshu's death, your Majesty said that he would consult his father on important matters and ask him to make a decision, but I am responsible for the specific affairs of the court."
"I have the heart, but I don't have the ability. The situation is difficult, I have exhausted all my energy and can't hold on."
"Many officials in the court are also calling for my father to preside over the government again."
"As long as my father is here, I have a backbone."
"The Kingdom of Jin is at its most dangerous time. If Qin's attack cannot be stopped this time, the Kingdom of Jin will collapse."
Xie Xuan said: "I ask my father to put state affairs first and serve as an official in the court again."
Xie Chong stroked the beard under his chin, shook his head and said: "Even if I enter the court, it won't change anything. The Qin State has become a general trend, and it will be difficult for the Jin State to resist the attack. Now the only way to turn the tide is the Qin State itself. If something goes wrong internally, otherwise Qin will be crushed and no one can stop it."
Xie Xuan sighed: "Father, is it really impossible to stop me?"
Xie Chong looked coldly and continued: "Comparing the Qin State with the Jin State, the Qin State was once a barbarian in the West, and they only knew how to fight fiercely. But after the Qin State's reform, earth-shaking changes took place."
"The Qin State is united and determined to destroy the Jin State, and the hearts of the people can be used."
"Where is Jin State now?"
"The Gu family of Jiujiang County submitted to the Qin State and became part of the Qin State."
"The latest news is that the Lu family of Lujiang has also surrendered to the Qin State. You also know Lu Xun. This person is very powerful, even far more than Gu Xi. He has surrendered, which shows how corrupt the situation is."
"Gu Chunqiu of the Gu family was appointed governor, and Lu Xun became Qin's official minister. These two changes were deliberately made by the Qin State. Upon seeing this, the aristocratic families of the Jin State would submit one after another, because they all know how to submit. There are benefits to conquering Qin."
Xie Chong's eyes were clear and he continued, "One more thing is that the combat effectiveness of Qin's army has always exceeded that of Jin. Originally, Jin's army was not strong enough. If morale drops and people's hearts shake, the army will lose its fighting spirit."
"The Jin Kingdom is even more unstoppable."
"In that case, how can we stop it?"
"Even if I take office, there is nothing I can do. This is not based on personal ability or prestige."
"If His Majesty had not provoked the Qin State without permission, and the Jin State had not attacked Qi State, weakening the Qi State, and the Jin State lost its reputation, it would not be like this now, and the people's hearts and righteousness would be lost."
Xie Chong shook his head and said: "If you pity your father, don't come forward and let me do things."
Xie Xuan looked bitter.
His father's judgment was always correct. When he first attacked Qin, his father opposed it. Xie Chong also disagreed with many of Jin's subsequent strategies.
However, Xie Chong did not bring it up.
Xie Xuan thought for a moment and said solemnly, "Father, are you really hopeless?"
"Hopeless."
Xie Chong answered firmly and said sternly: "I have already said that the Qin State is in a state of affairs and cannot be blocked. The surrender of major families has become a common practice, which will lead to the surrender of more aristocratic families in the Jin State."
"The Kingdom of Jin has always been a coexistence of the royal family and the aristocratic families. Only with the support of the aristocratic families can the prosperity of the Sima family and the Jin Kingdom flourish."
"His Majesty's actions interrupted all of this. Your Majesty wanted to centralize power and weaken the family, but he was too eager for success and ignored the overall situation of the world. As a result, the situation collapsed and completely lost control."
"Right now, there's no solution."
"People are against you and no one supports you. How can your Majesty resist?"
Xie Chong's eyes were deep and he said: "Writing is a university science, fighting intelligence and fighting logistics, but everything is done by people and relies on people for support, so what we fight is the people's hearts after all."
"Just like this, there will be a lot of help for those who are in good ways, but few help for those who are unjust."
“Without the support of the people, nothing can happen.”
"If your majesty can unite the hearts of the people, even if the Qin State is like a wolf and a tiger, but the hearts of the people are united, and the Jin State needs food and weapons, it will not be afraid of Qin's attack. Now the people's hearts are scattered, even if there are supplies and food, It’s still unstoppable.”
"Of course, you said if there is a way, I also said the only way is if there is civil strife and turmoil in Qin."
"Only in this way can we have a chance."
"But if the Qin State is united and united, can it be turbulent?"
"The deceased Ying Jiuxiao worked hard to govern and appointed talents. The successor Ying Yuqian continued Ying Jiuxiao's national policy. He did not mess around, was not good at power, and was not extravagant and wasteful. He devoted himself to national affairs."
"How can such a Qin country not succeed?"
"Civil officials work hard and are neither greedy nor ignorant; military generals kill the enemy with blood and are fearless in life and death. The people believe in the court and live and work in peace and contentment. Even Lin Feng on the front line is a once-in-a-century commander and reformer. He is the leader. , Qin is as solid as gold."
"If the Qin State fails, where is the law of heaven?"
Xie Chong looked at Xie Xuan and said again: "Are you clear?"
"My son understands."
Xie Xuan looked bitter.
He felt more and more that he was hopeless because he couldn't find a solution.
Xie Xuan looked serious and said: "Father, my son knows. Now that the matter has come to this, I will still do my best and fight to the end."
Xie Chong nodded and said: "Go."
Xie Xuan was about to leave. At this time, there was the sound of hurried footsteps. The attendant came in, walked to Xie Chong's side, and reported: "Master, a decree has been sent from the palace, asking you and the young master to enter the palace to discuss matters."
"knew."
Xie Chong nodded in reply.
He shook his head, with a look of helplessness on his face, stood up and said, "You can't hide even if you want. Let's go into the palace."
Xie Xuan followed Xie Chong into the palace hand in hand.
The father and son entered the main hall, saw Sima Chong, and saluted together.
Sima Chong's face was full of irritability and anger. When he saw Xie Chong entering, his eyes lit up and he immediately said: "Mr.
"At the same time, the Qin army led by Wang Lie on the northern front temporarily went south and was restrained by Qi. Unfortunately, Qi was unable to break through or even destroy Wang Lie, so Qi's army was unable to go south to rescue Jin."
"We are now facing two armies from Qin State, Lin Feng and Meng Chong."
"What do you think Mr. Xie should do?"
Sima Chong said seriously: "If the current problem is not solved, the Jin Kingdom will perish."
Xie Chong looked at Sima Chong, whose eyes were a little crazy, and frowned slightly. Sima Chong's situation was such that he could no longer control his emotions.
This is the most dangerous.
The more so, the more cautious you need to be.
Xie Chong thought for a while and said sternly: "Your Majesty, with the current development, Jin has only two choices."
Sima Chong said: "What two choices?"
Xie Xuan also looked at Sima Chong, with curiosity in his eyes. Previously at home, my father was not optimistic about Jin. He also said that Jin would be defeated and Qin would win.
Now, two more options?
What did the father think about it?
Xie Chong said respectfully: "Your Majesty, the Qin State is powerful. If we fight Qin State head-on, we will not have any advantage. The most urgent task is to choose defense and delay it first. The more difficult it is to stop it, the less panic it can be. "
"As soon as you panic, the situation will collapse immediately."
"Don't panic, only then will you have a future."
"As long as we defend Jinling City, there will be a turnaround. In times of difficulty, the importance of perseverance is self-evident."
Xie Chong talked eloquently and continued: "This time, the Xie family and Your Majesty will live and die together. My Xie family donated 300,000 catties of stored grain for Your Majesty to resist the Qin Dynasty."
During this period of time, Sima Chong felt that the other person had turned against him.
Xie Chong's words made Sima Chong feel at ease.
Sima Chong forced a smile on his face and said with approval: "In times of crisis, a loyal minister shows his true nature. Mr. Xie's actions show his noble character and integrity. I accept the support of the Xie family."
Xie Chong looked humble and continued, "Your Majesty, while we are holding on, the State of Jin will continue to operate. Please arrange for someone to sneak into the State of Qin and spread the news in the State of Qin, saying that Lin Feng has won over the local big families in the State of Jin and is independent." No matter whether it can be done or not, just throw dirty water on it, what if there is a chance?"
"Yes."
Sima Chong nodded, looked at Jian Xingmao, the general manager at the side, and ordered: "Arrange this matter immediately."
"Old slave, I obey."
Jian Xingmao answered immediately.
Xie Chongyou said: "Your Majesty, the second option is the most helpless one. We have been holding on to Jinling City and looking for opportunities to counterattack. However, we must consider the worst-case scenario. Once we are at the end of our rope, Your Majesty will only If we can evacuate Jinling City and go south to avoid the Qin army, we can leave the green mountains without worrying about having no firewood. As long as your Majesty is here, there will be hope for the Jin State."
Sima twitched his cheek.
He felt a little uncomfortable hearing this suggestion. Is it so difficult for Guo Zuo of Jin?
But think about it, it’s really like this.
Jin could not stop the Qin army.
Sima Chong nodded and sighed: "I know what to do. I will stick to it and resist with all my strength. Next, please thank you for taking the trouble to rectify people's hearts and stabilize the situation."
"Old minister, I obey!"
Xie Chong humbly agreed.
Sima Chong waved his hand, and Xie Chong and Xie Xuan exited the hall.
The father and son walked some distance away, and Xie Xuan said: "Father, your arrangement is the same as no arrangement. It is getting more and more difficult to hold on now."
Xie Chong said seriously: "It is indeed not easy to hold on, but that's why you must go all out to resist the Qin army. I am not optimistic about the defense on the front line. Here in Jinling City, you must control the garrison and forces of all parties. , resist with all your strength.”
"My son understands."
Xie Xuan used it immediately.
Xie Chong's eyes narrowed, and he and Xie Xuan left the palace and boarded the carriage. He lowered his voice and said, "You didn't understand what I said before. I asked you to resist with all your strength, not to show your loyalty, but for the sake of loyalty." Thank you for planning."
"ah!"
Xie Xuan was surprised when he heard this.
He looked surprised.
Unexpectedly, his father said such words.
Xie Chong's eyes were deep and he said slowly: "The Xie family, like the Gu family and the Lu family, is a big family in Jin. When doing things, the Xie family must consider the future inheritance of the family. My Xie family is the largest family in Jin. "
"It was like this in the past, and it will be like this in the future. The Xie family cannot be weaker than the Gu family and the Lu family."
"So what we have to do now is to mobilize the power of the Jin State and go all out to resist, showing the character of the Xie family and the ability of the Xie family. In the future, if the Qin State cannot capture Jinling City, it will surrender. "
"The conditions for recruitment and surrender back then were different."
"So, you have to give it your all."
Xie Chong's eyes were dazzling, and his pair of dark eyes shone with a captivating light, "Now, do you understand?"
"me……"
After Xie Xuan heard this, he stuttered for a while.
Xie Chong snorted and said: "What are you doing? If the Jin State can stop the Qin army and make the Qin State withdraw its troops, the Xie family will naturally be fully loyal to your majesty. When it becomes impossible to stop it, the Xie family will surrender to the Qin State, which is also in line with the trend. "
"My Xie family has gone all out, is it possible that the Xie family should be buried with us?"
"impossible."
"The Xie family has done what they should do, but the rest of the family still has to be considered. As an official in the court, although you are loyal to the emperor and the court, you must not forget that in the words "family, country and world", family comes first."
Xie Chong said sternly: "If you don't even have your own family, what else can you talk about?"
"Yes, my son understands."
Xie Xuan replied helplessly.
He looked at Xie Chong and wanted to speak to express his attitude. Xie Chong just closed his eyes and calmed down. When the words came to his lips, he swallowed them back.
Take it one step at a time.
Now, that's all he can do.
