Yizhou, Chengdu.
After Yiji got the mission, he happily went to Chengdu.
After learning that Zhang Xiu's envoy was coming, Liu Zhang also sent Zhang Song to greet him ten miles outside Chengdu to show his welcome to Zhang Xiu's envoy.
Yiji was riding in a specially made carriage with comfortable cushions on one side and ice cubes for cooling. Not only was he not tired during the journey, he was actually comfortable. Because he was not in a hurry, the fifteen-day journey took a full twenty days.
Ten miles away from Chengdu, the carriage stopped and a group of people arrived.
It was Zhang Song who brought several Chengdu officials to come ten miles to greet Liu Zhang on behalf of Liu Zhang to show respect. When Zhang Song went to Chang'an, Yi Ji was still in school and had heard about his deeds. Now that Zhang Song came to greet him, Yi Ji immediately got off the bus.
When Zhang Songyao saw Yi Ji get off the bus, he clasped his fists early and smiled: "I heard that Ji Bo (Yi Ji's word) was ranked second in high school. I hate that Yunshan is so far away that we can't meet each other. It's really a blessing to see my good brother today."
Yi Ji raised his head and saw the other person. He was born with a jue forehead, a pointed nose, a dented nose, and exposed teeth. His body was less than five feet short. His speech was like a copper bell, and he had a loud voice and an ugly appearance.
I had heard about Zhang Song's appearance for a long time, and when I saw it with my own eyes, I couldn't help but feel disgusted in my heart. But at this moment, Yi Ji represents Jingguo, and his behavior must be generous and decent, so he replied with a smile on his face: "Brother Yongnian, thank you. Back then, you followed Sui He's example and burned down the post house, and that's how the two places of Jingshu and Sichuan are now! Compared with my elder brother's talents, they are far away from each other."
Seeing Yi Ji's extraordinary conversation and decent manners, he liked it in his heart and said happily: "My dear brother is too modest. I have been ordered by the King of Shu to travel far and wide for my dear brother. Please go to Chengdu to meet the king."
Yi Ji turned around and invited: "Brother, please get in the car. We will ride together in the car."
Zhang Song's evaluation of Yi Ji was even higher, "In this case, you and I will ride together in the same car!"
With that said, Yi Ji helped Zhang Song get into the carriage.
The thin silk curtain was opened, and a refreshing coolness hit the face, cooling the whole body. Inside the carriage, there were two benches on the left and right, a desk in the middle, and a short bed inside for people to sleep.
Zhang Song was surprised: "Do they all use carriages like this when traveling in Jingdi?"
Yi Ji said: "No, this carriage is a special gift from King Jing. It cannot be used by people who are not important ministers and members of the royal family."
Hearing this, Zhang Song glanced at Yi Ji solemnly.
Being able to give such a luxurious carriage to Yi Ji shows how important Yi Ji is in Zhang Xiu's heart.
Zhang Song cupped his fists and said with a smile: "A good brother is not as talented as a good brother!"
"Brother, please take a seat!" The two of them sat down. Yi Ji opened the drawer under the table, took out the iced fruit, put it on the table, and asked Zhang Song to taste it.
Zhang Song felt like Grandma Liu had entered the Grand View Garden and was dazzled by what she saw.
After the carriage started for a long time, Zhang Song remembered his purpose and immediately asked: "Xian brother, I wonder what the purpose of Prince Jing's envoy is?"
Yi Ji had long guessed that Zhang Song came to greet him for a purpose, and said without any concealment: "Of course I am here for the good of the Qin and Jin Dynasties."
"How to tie it well?"
"The mountains and rivers in Yizhou are dangerous and difficult. It is as difficult to enter Sichuan as to go up to the blue sky, and it is also difficult to leave Sichuan. It has seriously affected the trade between the two countries. Therefore, I came here under orders to discuss with the King of Shu to open a pipeline in and out of Yizhou. To seek benefits for the people of both countries.”
"Opening an official path?"
Zhang Song was stunned. After thinking about it, he had no idea that the purpose of Zhang Xiu's envoy was to open an official career. This made him a little confused and had no idea what Zhang Xiu was playing.
"Yes, the city defenses along the passes are still in the hands of the King of Shu, but merchants are not allowed to stop them." Yi Ji mobilized Zhang Song's thoughts to trade. With the popularity of tables and chairs, trade between Jing and Shu became quite frequent. , he used this excuse to open a path that was in line with the present moment.
"Well... this matter is indeed a blessing for the people of both countries," Zhang Song thought quickly in his mind as he answered, "But the opening of official channels may have an impact on our country's military defense, so we need to consider it carefully."
Yiji immediately pledged his vote and said, "Don't worry about this. King Jing has also taken your concerns into consideration and expressed his willingness to sign a non-aggression treaty with King Shu."
Zhang Song groaned for a moment: "Let us discuss this matter."
As he was talking, he had already entered Chengdu, and there was a noisy shouting from outside the carriage. This was deliberately arranged by Liu Zhang, so that Ambassador Jing could feel the excitement of Chengdu.
Yiji knew it well, pointed out the window and said with a smile: "Chengdu is as prosperous as Chang'an! It's just that the voices of the people of Chang'an are not as loud as those of Shu."
Zhang Song heard Yi Ji's irony and smiled awkwardly.
It's not that Zhang Song can't argue, but the hawking outside is too exaggerated. It's not hawking at all. He's almost shouting, for fear that Yi Ji in the carriage won't hear, and he doesn't look like a normal businessman at all.
After settling in the inn, Zhang Song said goodbye.
…
In the palace of King Shu.
After Zhang Song said goodbye to Yi Ji, he hurriedly came to see Liu Zhang and told Liu Zhang in detail the conversation he had with Yi Ji. He even said the mocking words he had made after entering Chengdu.
Liu Zhang looked embarrassed and stared at Zhang Yu who was standing aside.
Yes, this idea came from Chang Yu, but he was laughed at by others.
"Do you think the opening of the official road proposed by King Jing is feasible? If the official road is opened, our geographical advantage in Shu will be greatly reduced!" Liu Zhang was somewhat reluctant. Relying on the separation of mountains and rivers, he can sleep without worries. If he opens the official road, he will feel uneasy.
Zhang Song said: "The official road can be opened, but we must build passes in favorable terrain to make Zhang Xiu's army intimidated. In this way, commerce can come and go, and our army's advantage remains."
"No!"
Zhang Yu stopped him, "How can Zhang Xiu be so ambitious and have good intentions? This must be Zhang Xiu's plan. If the official route is opened and he invades with a large army, how can we resist it?"
Zhang Song said: "Iji said that Zhang Xiu is willing to sign a non-aggression treaty with our army."
Zhang Yu sneered: "Can you believe Zhang Xiu's words?"
Zhang Song's face turned pale: "If you don't agree, Zhang Xiu will take this opportunity to raise troops to attack. What can he do?"
Zhang Yuzheng said: "Stand by the natural dangers, Zhang Xiu's million-strong army will not be able to enter Yizhou even half a step. If the official road is opened, what is the difference from surrendering in Kaicheng?"
Zhang Song's eyes widened: "Zhang Xiu has raised his troops to invade, will you be a pioneer officer?"
"Zhang Ziqiao! Do you want to put Shu Kingdom in danger?"
"Zhang Nanhe! It's you who put Shu into trouble!"
The two faced each other, staring and blushing.
Liu Zhang's face was full of melancholy, and he put on a sad face: "Why do you two have to argue? Prince Jing cannot be offended, but we must also consider the country of Shu, so it is better to find a compromise."
"snort!"
The two of them snorted disdainfully at the same time and turned away.
After a moment, Zhang Song thought for a while and said: "Your Majesty, the mountains and rivers of Yizhou cannot be opened on official roads, but small roads can be opened for merchants to travel. In this way, we can not only comply with King Jing's request, but also protect our mountains and rivers."
Liu Zhang was overjoyed: "This method is very wonderful, just follow Zi Qiao's words."
Zhang Yu snorted coldly and said nothing.
Liu Zhang straightened his face and shouted toward the door: "Xuanjing's envoy Yi Ji has entered the palace!"
Outside, Yiji was ready.
