From Handan west to Hangu, the whole journey is more than a thousand miles. If we just talk about the distance, it is almost the same as the last expedition to the north.
But the road is much easier to walk. The army crossed the Yellow River to the south and found a wide, endless plain area. The infantry could march at full speed for half a month, and the cavalry could only reach it in seven or eight days.
According to the original plan, the army was to pass through Xinmi, Yangcheng (Dengfeng), Yinque (Yinchuan) in Xingyang to the south, then turn north and bypass Wangji (Luoyi) of Emperor Zhou.
However, the war situation seemed to be urgent, so Zhao Yong ordered the army to go west directly along the Yellow River, passing through Hulaokou, crossing the Eastern Zhou Kingdom and the Western Zhou Kingdom, passing Mianchi, and arriving at Hangu.
(The Eastern and Western principalities were vassals entrusted by the Emperor of Zhou. The Western Zhou principality preceded the Eastern Zhou principality. The first monarch of the Western Zhou kingdom was Ji Jie, the younger brother of the former King Kao of Zhou. His posthumous title was "Huan", which was Duke Huan of the Western Zhou Dynasty.
The first king of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty was Ji Gen, the grandson of Duke Huan of the Western Zhou Dynasty and the youngest son of Duke Wei of the Western Zhou Dynasty, the second king of the Western Zhou Dynasty. Forty years ago, Duke Wei of Zhou passed away. His successor, Duke Hui of the Western Zhou Dynasty, had a disagreement with his younger brother Ji Gen. Ji Gen then ran to Zhao. With the military support of Zhao Chenghou and Han Gonghou, he forced the emperor to confer Ji Gen with the title of Lord of Eastern Zhou. , that is, Duke Hui of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty.
After the establishment of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, the only territory directly under the jurisdiction of the Emperor of Zhou was completely enfeoffed. Today, the king of the Emperor of Zhou, Luoyi, is within the borders of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. )
The Eastern Zhou Kingdom and the Western Zhou Kingdom are different from other princes. In terms of blood, their countries are close relatives of the Emperor of Zhou. Geographically, they are a natural barrier to consolidate the emperor's kingdom, so the two countries have always remained neutral among the princes. manner.
After various countries became kings one after another, the authority of Emperor Zhou plummeted. Today, Emperor Zhou is more like a mascot who is enshrined high.
However, after all, the emperor is still the nominal co-owner of the world, unless he has absolute strength or necessary interests. No prince is willing to risk the disapproval of the world to capture the last three acres of Wang Ji.
The army passed through Hulao Pass and marched westward for an hour. On the north side of the broad straight road, a large city appeared faintly, Gongdu (Gongyi, Henan), the capital of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty.
Regarding the actions of the Five Kingdoms in conquering Qin, the two small countries of Eastern Zhou and Western Zhou, which were attached to the emperor, upheld a public attitude on the surface, but secretly they had to be coerced by other countries and were forced to finance a lot of iron tools and equipment for the coalition forces. .
The Emperor of Zhou did not show any dissatisfaction with the Zhao army crossing his territory. The king of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty even went out of the city in person to meet with the King of Zhao outside the city.
The current king of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty is the son of Hui Gong of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, who is also the second king of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. He is called Ji Zhao (Jun Zhaowen). I heard that this king is also Zhang Yi's Bole.
Ji Zhao is a man in his thirties, standing alone under a pavilion next to the Chi Road.
Just looking at his face, he looks polite and elegant. This is the second meeting between the two people. The first time they met was when Xing Xiang and the Five Kingdoms were kings. Zhaowen Jun followed the emperor's order and gave the newly crowned Zhao and Yan countries a crown.
Perhaps due to the pressure from the army not far away, Ji Zhao had a look of fear on his face at this time.
Guards stood around the pavilion. They bowed to each other and sat separately on the mat. The palace maid slowly stepped forward and laid out the practical objects on the table.
The gentle autumn wind caresses people's faces. Zhao Wenjun's face returned to normal, he smiled at Zhao Yong and said: "King Zhao, please." After saying that, he drank the clear wine in the glass and said: "Xing Xiang met, and it lasted for several years. Looking at Zhao Guo's military strength and prosperity, it is really a blessing from God. ."
Zhao Yong smiled and waved his hand and said: "God's blessing is impermanent, just follow the way of humanity. If all the major affairs of the country are left to the way of heaven, I am afraid that I will still be dreaming about the guild in Handan."
"Hahahahahaha." Zhao Wenjun laughed suddenly and said: "Wang Zhao, I have a great opinion. In this world of great strife, there are people who are unwilling to be mediocre, and there are those who do not forget their ambitions. They can achieve things without the blessing of heaven."
Zhao Yong nodded in disbelief.
"The same is true for a country... If you are prepared for danger in times of peace and work hard to become stronger, you will definitely become a strong country." Zhaowen Jun raised his finger and pointed at Luoshui on the south side, and said sadly: "Who would have thought that the ministers who used to guard the four directions would become There is a huge flood today. Looking at today, among all the princes in the world, no one remembers that there is an emperor who lives huddled in Luodong!"
Zhao Yong's eyes narrowed slightly, and he didn't know whether this guy drank too much or was deliberately sarcastic. Are you really not afraid that he will raise his troops and destroy his small Eastern Zhou country first?
"Now that the Zhou Dynasty is in a weak position, you still regard Zhou Libing as your responsibility, and I admire you." Zhao Yong said quietly.
Zhaowen Jun seemed to have done this on purpose, sighing deeply and continuing: "The world is in chaos, the country is seeking its survival, the people are mourning for their survival, and benevolence cannot survive."
Benevolence and righteousness? Etiquette... has reached the point of respecting benevolence and righteousness, and the world must be in chaos. Benevolence and righteousness without thinking about change is pedantic in troubled times. Before the sword, how many people would talk about benevolence, righteousness and reason for you.
However... Zhao Yong does not deny Zhao Wenjun's way of obedience. The world becomes so interesting just because of these 'cute' people.
He still respects a person with ideals.
However, Zhao Yong shook his head: "In the age of great strife, benevolence and morality are not suitable for everyone...Do you know the theory of heaven?"
"The way of heaven?" Zhao Wenjun raised his head and looked at Zhao Yong in confusion, bowed and said: "I respectfully listen to what King Zhao has to say."
Zhao Yong leisurely said: "Heaven's way has more than enough damage but makes up for the deficiency; humanity's way has not enough damage but has more than enough. Human nature is like this. Looking at today, the people of the world are in chaos. Only by raising righteous soldiers can we fight against chaos and prohibit violence. Your Majesty. Benevolence can rule the world, but how can it prevent chaos?"
After saying that, Zhao Yongfu sighed again, stood up slowly from the collapse, narrowed his eyes slightly, and looked into the distance, "I hope that this world will be like what you said, that the country will not conquer and the people will not beg for mercy. But, You want to implement benevolent government, but the turmoil continues, benevolence cannot be forced."
Zhao Wenjun's eyes flickered and he said calmly: "Does King Zhao have the heart to aspire for the throne?"
"Aiming for the title?" Zhao Yong sneered inwardly. Then he turned around and stared at Zhaowen Jun, and said solemnly: "Throughout the ages, all those who have aspired to the throne have become a passing thing, and the princes, generals and ministers are just passers-by. I have no intention of aspiring for the throne. I only hope that tens of millions of years from now, my name can remain in the history. A bold stroke!"
"It's getting late, it's time for me to leave." Zhao Yong said, stepping forward and grabbing a few wine glasses, and drank them all: "Thank you for the wine. When you go to Handan another day, I will go." I will definitely treat you with Zhao wine."
"King Zhao, please wait." Zhao Wenjun stood up quickly and bowed respectfully to Zhao Yong. Then he took off the long sword from his waist and held it up in front of Zhao Yong with both hands: "This sword has been in the deep palace for a long time, and its sharpness has been wasted. Now I give it to King Zhao."
Zhao Yong had never noticed the exquisitely crafted scabbard on the opponent's waist just now. He took the long sword and slowly pulled the blade out of the sheath under the gaze of the two men.
Accompanied by a harsh sound of gold and iron clashing, the guards not far away from the pavilion heard the sound and turned their heads in surprise. However, they were relieved when they saw that it was King Zhao holding a sword.
So sharp! This was the first impression this sword gave Zhao Yong.
The hilt of the sword is about three inches long, and the sword body is about two feet long. The whole body emits a frightening cold light. This sword should not be produced in the Central Plains countries, because its material is obviously bronze. Nowadays, most of the utensils made by the countries in the Central Plains are made of iron.
Looking more closely, I saw two small seal characters engraved on the sword body.
"Zhan Lu?" Zhao Yong asked in shock.
He had heard about this legendary 'Sword of Humanity' for a long time. Unexpectedly, this sword was actually in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty.
"King Zhao knows this sword?" Zhao Wenjun was also a little surprised.
"Naturally. The famous Zhanlu sword was cast by Ou Yezi, a famous craftsman from Yue in the past. It is known as the sword of benevolence and righteousness. It was once owned by Gou Jian, and later in the battle between Wu and Yue in Kuaiji, Gou Jian dedicated it to Fu Chai. Legend has it that Fu Chai was unkind and the sword disappeared. , I never thought that this treasure would be hidden in your hands." Zhao Yong explained slowly.
Zhaowen Jun sighed: "In the Warring States Period, morality and justice were abandoned, so the sword of benevolence and righteousness had to be hidden in the Zhou Dynasty..." Then he changed his subject and said, "But in these troubled times, there is a wise king, and this sword should have a wise master."
"Okay! Okay! Okay!" Zhao Yong said three good things in a row. He couldn't put it down for this sword, but more importantly, he could get the sword as a gift from Lord Dong Zhou who was attached to the Zhou royal family. It's self-evident what he meant.
"I will remember the gift of the sword from you today." Zhao Yonggao looked at him meaningfully and then left.
…
After passing Gongdu, the army continued to move west. During the march, Zhao Yong thought of what Zhao Wenjun said to him from time to time.
Ji Bian, the emperor of Zhou, is about the same age as Wei Ying, and he is also an "old man", but at the moment, he only has a few years left to live.
'Could it be that Lord Zhaowen wants to be the new emperor? ' Zhao Yong suddenly thought.
Earlier, Zhao Wenjun said some benevolent words to him, as if he was showing his noble character to Zhao Yong again. Then he presented the sword again, which was obviously trying to please him.
However, he didn't pay much attention to the turmoil between the Eastern and Western Principalities and the Zhou royal family.
Or maybe he is overthinking it. After all, there are people in this world who value morality more than life.
But, as the king of a country, is Ji Zhao really such a person?
Zhao Yong shook his head and shook off these messy thoughts. It is useless to think about this now. Although the Zhou royal family is weak now, it still has a certain degree of autonomy in its own three-acre land.
..."The south of the mountain is yang, the north of the mountain is yin, Henan is yin, and Hebei is yang." The south side of Wangji Luoyi is Luoshui. Its palace and city are built close to Luoshui, and Luoshui is equivalent to its moat. .
When Zhao Jun crossed Wangjiluoyi, it was already dusk. The army faced the palace city across the river. Although they could not pass through it, they still attracted the attention of most of the soldiers when they saw the palace bathing in the sunset.
It is impossible for people not to notice those palaces and palaces, because their scale occupies half of the entire royal territory, and the structure is far higher than the outer city wall.
It is hard to imagine that such a magnificent building complex has experienced hundreds of years of wind and rain, and it is not easy to survive to this day. Zhao Yong glanced sideways for a long time, looking at the palace city built on Luoshui River. He felt that the interior must be much larger and more luxurious than the Handan Palace of Zhao State.
The majestic high-rise hall soaring into the sky seems to show the world the Chinese ethnic group, the country in the center, the fighting spirit of being the master of the world, and the uneasy but courageous ambition to make progress.
Zhao Yong couldn't help but yearn for it.
But no matter how powerful the empire is, it cannot withstand the erosion of time. No matter how powerful the empire is, it will eventually come to an end. And this day is coming much faster than the founders imagined.
The afterglow gradually fell, and when I looked at the luxurious palace, I couldn't help but feel a bit desolate and lonely, completely unpopular. A cool breeze blew by, adding to the feeling of desolation.
Today, the Zhou royal family is like the city in front of them, and the sun is setting over the mountains.
The wars of the Six Kingdoms did not seem to have affected this place at all. Pedestrians in twos and threes could still be seen on both sides of Luoshui. They didn't know which country's army they were in front of, so they could only blindly bow their heads and kneel on the ground. They quietly raised their heads and looked up curiously. He looked at the slowly passing passer-by with awe.
Zhao Yong turned around and looked firmly at Yuhui ahead.
That night, Zhao Jun camped for the night on the south bank not far from Luoyi. The location had been chosen by the Zhou royal family. There was even a small village that had been evacuated in the middle of the camp. It seemed that Emperor Zhou's act of borrowing the road from Zhao had already begun. It was a matter of resignation.
…
As the main route connecting Fenghao (Chang'an), the western capital, to Luoyi, the eastern capital, Hangu Pass was easy to travel.
Three days later, the Zhao army slowly marched to the coalition formation at Hangu Pass.
Before arriving at the camp, the commanders of Han and Wei were already waiting in front of the camp. Everyone recommended themselves for official positions and met with Zhao Yong. "Foreign minister, pay your respects to King Zhao!"
Most of the people were familiar faces. After greeting each other, the marching commander came forward to arrange the Zhao army's camp.
Looking at the camp like a black dragon, Zhao Yong became more confident in grasping the battle situation.
Several people surrounded him and walked into the handsome tent. They exchanged greetings with each other, and they quickly got to the point of the topic.
Zhao Yong sat at the top, glanced at Gongsun Yan, and motioned for him to speak first.
Although Zhao Yong had the highest status in the military tent, the nominal commander-in-chief of this battle was Gongsun Yan.
Zhao Yong had no objection to this. As the initiator of Hezong, Gongsun Yan had been the highest military commander of the Qin State and was familiar with the Qin army's combat style. No one was more suitable than him.
Gongsun Yan stood up, bowed to Zhao Yong first, and then described the current battle situation between the enemy and our armies to the Zhao generals who had just arrived: "The Qin army has successively increased its troops to Hangu Pass from various places to 150,000, and now the Qin army has joined forces with us. The confrontation has lasted for more than a month, and we still can’t get out.”
Zhao Yong nodded and asked, "How long can our army's rations last?"
"Half a year is enough." Han Cang, the uncle at the side, said.
"The king personally led the army. The morale of our army has reached its peak. The foreign ministers thought it was time to attack the Qin army." Han Yue said.
Zhao Yong glanced at the other party, and then asked Gongsun Yan: "What do you think of Xishou?"
"The Qin army refused to defend the pass and rushed to attack the city. If they failed to win, it would damage the morale of our army. The foreign minister thought that it was better to wait for the arrival of the Yan and Chu armies before joining forces to break the pass..."
