Guo Kai's words were impeccable. Not only did he describe the matter of leading the troops to stop him as admiration in a few words, but he also kept his attitude very low, which gave Su Qi'an enough face.
At this time, if Su Qi ignored his arrangements or forced his way through the border, he would only end up with an arrogant and domineering person who would give others excuses.
Su Qian sat on the horse, listening to Guo Kai's words, with a calm face, and returned the greeting with cupped fists.
"Since Guo Zhoumu invites you so sincerely, if I refuse, it will be a disgrace to Zhou Mu, so please ask Zhou Mu to lead the way."
Guo Kai nodded, with an even bigger smile on his face. He was riding a horse, with only a hundred or so people following behind him. Su Qi'an and Xie Cang followed quickly.
Soon they were walking side by side with Guo Kai. Behind them, there were not many troops, they were all personal soldiers. Their location was not far from Shanxi County, less than ten miles away.
The large forces on both sides were stationed in place and did not follow. With this kind of invitation, Su Qi'an was not worried about any ambush.
Not to mention his identity, he led the troops on the expedition. He was appointed by the emperor. He traveled openly and openly, but there was no ambush at this time.
Guo Kai is not the one who can take the blame, and the King of Jin behind him will have to be implicated. Anyone with a brain would not do this.
And Su Qi'an has reason to believe that this invitation is largely to show him around, and this kind of visit will probably benefit someone.
Originally, Su Qi'an didn't care how he lived and worked in the land under the jurisdiction of King Jin. Since Guo Kai had to show off, no wonder he wanted to find out.
The two sides rode horses in parallel, a distance of more than ten miles, and it didn't take much effort to arrive. It seemed that Shanxi County had been notified long ago, the city gates were wide open, and the city gate officials were separated on both sides, crossing the road to welcome them.
The strange thing is that when Su Qi'an and Guo Kai entered the city, there were no so-called county magistrates leading other county officials to greet them, only city gate officials.
Not only that, as they entered the city, the wide street in front of them, except for the space left for them in the middle, the shops on both sides were open for business normally, and all the people coming and going were very disciplined and did not go near the middle street.
Even when they walked in front of them, these traders and people did not show any surprise. They all saluted calmly. Then, when Su Qi'an and the others walked away, they stood up and continued to do their own things.
It seemed that they had become accustomed to the sudden appearance of officials like them. This would be unimaginable in other states and counties.
But only in Jinzhou, such things seem to be normal.
Su Qi'an was surprised, and Guo Kai on the side smiled and replied, "Haha, the princes don't have to be so surprised. These people's actions are completely based on the will of His Highness the King of Jin. When meeting any official, they only need to salute, and then they can do it My own business."
"This is also an order given to us by His Highness the King of Jin. No matter how big an official is, he must always remember to put the people first and serve the people. Don't be self-righteous and hinder the normal life of the people because of some etiquette. This system has been promoted in Jinzhou It’s been four or five years.”
"From the current point of view, this system has indeed benefited the people a lot, and they are very fond of His Highness."
Su Qi'an did not speak as Guo Kai explained, but nodded calmly. No one could guess what he was thinking.
Guo Kai did not feel any embarrassment, and continued as he walked, "The original intention of Jinzhou's offense today is to let the two princes see the changes in Jinzhou and whether the people are satisfied with us and other officials. I just want to show the princes." Let me take a look around. In Daliang, in addition to the two marquises, His Highness the King of Jin is also a wise king. Having His Highness the King of Jin is also a blessing to Daliang."
"Oh, is Mr. Zhou Mu's flattery a little too much? If some people hear it, he may be impeached, saying that you intend to curry favor with His Highness the King of Jin." Xie Cang on the side spoke leisurely at this time.
Guo Kai was startled and said with a smile, "Haha, Lingdong Marquis reminded me that if this were placed in other states, I would definitely not dare to talk like this, but this is Jinzhou, the fiefdom of His Highness King Jin, these It is obvious to all how His Royal Highness the King of Nian Jin governs Jinzhou."
"It's not that I'm deliberately flattering, but it's the fact. I can say this. On the street, if the Marquis asks anyone he wants, no one will say anything bad about His Highness, Prince Jin."
"If Jinzhou is not well managed, His Majesty the King of Jin will not be favored by His Majesty. This is not only His Majesty's favor to His Majesty the King of Jin, but also an affirmation of Jinzhou's people."
Guo Kai's face was filled with unstoppable pride. That kind of pride came from the bottom of his heart. His admiration for Su Zhe was no less than Huang Wenyan's expression when he talked about Su Qi'an. He was a complete fanboy.
Being able to make a state pastor be so obedient and convinced, if nothing else, is enough to show that Su Zhe is very capable.
While Guo Kai was talking eloquently, Xie Cang didn't say much, but listened silently. It wasn't that he couldn't win against Guo Kai, but that facing an official who was like a fanboy, no matter how much he said, it would not help, so why not Listen silently.
This kind of heartfelt praise did not last long and did not stop until they entered the county government.
The county government in Shanxi is not big. It is the size of an ordinary county government, but its location is very advantageous. It is on the central axis of the entire county. Compared with other county governments, it is only one floor and has many houses.
The Shanxi County House is different. It has five floors, just like a restaurant. The highest floor is still a semi-open-air platform. When you walk up, you can overlook the entire Shanxi County.
Looking far away, you can also see the city tower in front of you. Even the city tower is shorter than the Shanxi County House. Such a special construction is something Su Qi'an and Xie Cang have never seen before.
In Guo Kai's words, it was built like this to cover up any accidents, so that the beacon fire could be lit on the tower, and the county government would be able to see it immediately, so they would know what happened and be able to make quick judgments to protect the safety of the people in the city.
The starting point of everything is for the people in the city. This proposal also follows Su Zhe's arrangement.
It can be seen how great Su Zhe's prestige is in Jinzhou. As Guo Kai said, if the people and officials of Jinzhou only praise Su Zhe and do not slander him, then Su Zhe really deserves it. He is a wise king. reputation.
Entering the county house, Guo Kai did not stop and took Su Qi'an and Xie Cang to the semi-open-air platform on the fifth floor.
On the platform, dishes and wine have been prepared, waiting for the two of them to arrive.
Guo Kai invited the two of them to sit down and looked around. They felt like they could see all the mountains at a glance. The gentle breeze was blowing, which made people feel comfortable.
Guo started to pick up the wine glass and said with a smile, "I know that the two princes are passing through Jinzhou with heavy responsibilities and cannot stay for a long time. I know the rules and prepare some light wine. After eating and drinking, I will personally escort the two princes. Leave the country.”
"Here, I would like to wish the marquises in advance their triumphant return. His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin has already greeted me. As long as the two marquises are in need, I will do my best to satisfy them without any delay. I just want to do my little bit to help. Lord Marquis, your expedition went well."
Guo Kai's words were really beautiful. They not only gave Su Qi'an face, but also completely considered them on the side of Su Qi'an and Xie Cang.
Those who knew he was Zhou Mu, but those who didn't know thought Guo Kai was Su Qi'an's younger brother. As the old saying goes, don't hit the smiling person with your hand.
Guo Kai's performance today was nothing but flattery. As long as Su Qian opened his mouth, Guo Kai would have to take care of everything.
Su Qi'an and Xie Cang also picked up their wine glasses, and in a harmonious atmosphere, the three of them drank it all.
Then, Su Qi'an put down the wine glass, with a calm expression on his face, and said to Guo Kai.
"Lord Zhou Mu, I have also drank this wine. I have visited Jinzhou. I have seen almost all the counties along the way in the past few days. It is the same as what Lord Zhou Mu said. Jinzhou can have His Highness the King of Jin because it is the people of Jinzhou. blessing."
"But I am a straight-tempered person and like to go straight. Mr. Zhou Mu has gone to such great lengths and gone in such a big circle. I'm afraid the real purpose is not just to let us visit, right? If you have any ideas, just tell me directly, and it won't be a waste of time. Let me guess."
Su Qi'an's frankness was unexpected by Guo Kai. He said with a smile on his face, "What do the Hundred Lords mean? I don't understand. This invitation is really from the heart. I want the two marquises." Those who visit, what’s the purpose?”
"Oh, is that right? That's because I'm overly concerned. Now that I've seen the tour and drank some wine, I won't stay any longer. Mr. Zhou Mu can just do his own thing well. As for me, I won’t bother you, sir. Thank you, brother, let’s go.”
After saying that, Su Qian stood up immediately and turned around to leave without any hesitation.
Su Qi'an's straightforwardness immediately stunned Guo Kai. Is this the Su Qi'an he learned about the intelligence analysis?
When was it so straightforward? Not playing by common sense at all.
If Su Qi'an really left like this, it would be over. After so much effort, he just left like this. How could he deal with Su Zhe.
Guo Kailai didn't have time to think too much and said quickly, "Wait a minute, Baishouhou is staying. We really have important matters to discuss in this state."
When these words came out, Su Qian's footsteps stopped, then turned around, without returning to his seat, he stood there and looked at Guo Kai quietly.
Guo Kai stood up, looked sincere, and said solemnly, "To be honest, I am inviting the two princes today. In addition to wanting to make friends with the princes, I also have an important matter. I want to ask the princes for help."
"I hope that the two princes can lend a helping hand to His Highness Prince Jin and help us in our great cause!"
Su Qi'an was not surprised by Guo Kai's words. Su Zhe had been recruiting him for more than a day or two. Compared to Su Tai, Su Zhe was a lot more tolerant of him, and he knew all of this.
But what surprised him was that Su Zhe actually entrusted Jinzhou Mu to recruit him. Even he himself couldn't succeed. How could he be sure just by relying on a Jinzhou Mu who he didn't know very well?
Seeing Su Qi'an not saying a word, Jinzhou Mu thought it was a show, and then said calmly.
"As for the dispute between the King of Jin and the King of Zhao, I don’t need to say much. I think the two princes also know it. What I want to say is that the sun is setting in the Great Liang Mountains now. Although Your Majesty is in the prime of life, the country cannot live without it for a day. Crown Prince."
"How does King Jin compare to King Zhao? I think the two princes should be able to see something when they come to Jinzhou. To be honest, I sincerely invite you to visit this time just to let the two princes have a real experience. Let’s see what kind of person His Highness King Jin is! Is he worthy of assistance?”
