Zhao Kuo didn't know King Wei's anger, and even if he knew, he wouldn't take it seriously.
To be honest, except for Qin and Chu who have the strength to fight Zhao, other countries are like that.
After all, Wei Wangyu was not Wei Wenhou. He was indecisive and timid. He was destined to only take advantage of small things and never achieve great things.
Historically, the Qin State failed in the Battle of Handan, and Wei Wuji led the coalition forces to fight back to Hangu Pass. Wei Wangyu not only failed to take this opportunity to unite the six eastern countries, pursue the victory, weaken Qin State, and improve Wei State's international status. Instead, they took the opportunity to destroy Wei State, seize Qi State's Pinglu, pull out the Han Guancheng, and defeat Chu State in Suiyang, Cai, and Zhaoling.
Taoyi of the Qin State was also occupied by the Wei State during this period.
The state of Wei seems to be majestic and majestic, and its reputation shocks the world. In fact, it offended all the surrounding countries.
When Qin attacked Wei again, no one came to support Wei.
The Kingdom of Wei was a place of four wars. During the periods of Wei Wuhou and Wei Hui, the country was much stronger than it is now, and was beaten several times by the surrounding countries together.
King Wei of Wei did not learn his lesson. Instead, he behaved like the boss in the sky, the second boss in the earth, and the third boss in the earth. He did not know how to unite some and suppress others. Instead, like his ancestors, he beat up the surrounding countries.
As for the other three countries, there is no need to say more.
According to the history that Zhao Kuo knows and the current situation of the three kingdoms of Yan, Qi and Han, unless a miracle happens, there is no hope.
Regardless of whether King Wei was working in the right direction, at least he was working hard.
The three kingdoms of Qi, Yan and Han fell flat.
"It's better to go back to Handan."
Zhao Kuo was lying in the courtyard of the palace, with sisters Tian Shu and Tian Xi beating his legs. The sunlight that was not dazzling was shining on him, and accompanied by a light breeze, the sound of leaves rustling could be heard in his ears. How comfortable.
"Who made your Majesty have to work so hard and go out on patrol in person for more than half a year?" Tian Shu scolded.
"Some things can only be done by one person. There is no other way. Maybe it's because the able ones work harder." Zhao Kuo stretched his waist, "But until the Chinese New Year, there shouldn't be any worries anymore."
Winter is coming soon. Under normal circumstances, countries would not start a war in winter.
Another thing is that Qin and Chu, who are capable of starting a war, have been fighting for several months this year. They are exhausted and it is time to rest.
Although the Jiuding he obtained flew away, which made Qin very angry, the King of Qin also had to consider the feelings of the soldiers.
"I wonder if the Chu State has annexed the Yue State. With the strength of the Chu State, there should be no surprises." Zhao Kuo thought in his mind.
"What about next year?" Tian Shu asked.
"Let's talk about next year. Anyway, there can be no peace in the world in troubled times." Zhao Kuo picked up two grapes and put them in his mouth. Now only Handan can eat grapes among the countries in the Central Plains. "Not to mention other things in the Western Regions, the fruit is still It’s very delicious. Not only can it be grown outside, but it can also be grown inside the palace. Just like grapes, it can grow in any corner with a wooden stick.”
"Your Majesty, I heard that fewer trees should be planted in the palace. It is best not to plant them, because trees can provide hiding places for assassins and pose a safety risk." Tian Xi raised his head and said.
"Then don't plant it." Although Zhao Kuo didn't think anyone would hide under the vines and assassinate him, there was no need to give it a try.
There is no benefit if you win the bet, and you will lose blood if you lose the bet.
"Your Majesty, Si Shang (Zhao Mu) wants to see you." At this time, the guards came in to report.
Since Zhao Kuo's tour, Zhao Mu moved out of the palace and lived back in the former Mafu Jun Mansion.
After all, the palace is just like that if there are too many people living in it. Apart from being a little bigger, it is no different from the Ma Fu Jun Mansion. Moreover, after Zhao Kuo went on a tour, the palace was full of female relatives except him. It was not good to continue living there, so Zhao Mu moved out.
"Let him come in." Zhao Kuo said.
"Then I will take my leave first." Tian Shu and Tian Xi bowed and retreated.
"Brother Wang." Zhao Mu said, cupping his fists.
"Yes, more mature." Zhao Kuo looked at Zhao Mu and nodded approvingly.
A few years ago, Zhao
Mu was still a young boy with a childish look on his face. Now he has become the largest businessman in the world and has a beard on the corner of his mouth.
"Brother Wang, I have come here this time because I want to discuss something with Brother Wang." Zhao Mu sat down and said.
"What's up?"
"I want to lead a caravan to the Western Region." Zhao Mu said.
"No." Zhao Kuo said immediately. I really think that the Western Region is fun, but it is a deadly place. I won't say anything harsh even if I kill you. Who cares if you are King Zhao's brother or not.
"The Chamber of Commerce is on the right track, and there is nothing left to do. Brother Wang, please let me go to the Western Region once. I want to see the outside world. I heard that there is a country over there that is no less important than our Zhao Kingdom." Zhao Mu shouted.
Now the Zhao Guo Chamber of Commerce has completely monopolized the business of Zhao and Yan, and most of the industries in Qi, Wei and Han have been squeezed out by the Zhao Guo Chamber of Commerce, and the rest are just holding on.
Originally, the Zhao Chamber of Commerce's next plan was to occupy the markets of Qin and Chu.
However, the opening of the Hexi Corridor and Juyan Ancient Road made Zhao Guo Chamber of Commerce give up this option.
When doing business between Zhao and Chu, the normal profit is only more than ten percent. Even if you risk beheading, it will not exceed 100%.
But it was different in the Western Regions. Even the most common silk, porcelain, and lacquerware would be worth several times the profit if shipped to the Western Regions. Then buying jade and spices from the Western Regions and shipping them back to the Central Plains would be several times the profit.
Not only does it not break the law, but it will also be supported by Zhao Guo.
As for the dangers along the way?
Haha, don't say it's just dangerous.
Even a knife from heaven can't stop businessmen from making money.
Zhao Mu is not a natural businessman. He lacks the ruthlessness of a businessman and is more chivalrous. However, he also has a great talent and acumen for business, as well as an adventurous spirit.
Without the support of Zhao Guo, Zhao Mu might be able to make a name for himself in business, but in the end, like some protagonists, he would be betrayed by his brothers and wives, and all his assets would be taken away, and he would return to before liberation overnight...
But with Zhao Guo here, no one dared to trick him.
Therefore, Zhao Mu thrives in business.
Some time ago, Bai Yan and Duanmu Ying approached Zhao Mu and proposed to expand the size of the caravan heading to the Western Regions and send a vice president to lead the team in person. It would be best if Zhao Guo could arrange an official identity and get a scepter or something. So as to deter those small countries.
When Zhao Mu heard this, I just had to go in person. I have both the Chamber of Commerce and the official status, and I am also the younger brother of King Zhao.
Although Bai Yan and Duanmu Ying disagreed, how could they stop Zhao Mu? As long as Zhao Kuo agreed, even if they disagreed, Zhao Mu could form a caravan himself.
"How many people have you organized this time?" Zhao Kuo asked.
"We have forty-five merchants from the Zhao State, and there are also one hundred merchants from the Yan State, Qi State, Wei State, and South Korea, for a total of one hundred and forty-five merchants. In addition, we also plan to hire a Thousands of people serve as guards. There are also some guides, Feng Shui masters, translators and the like. There are about 1,500 people in total," Zhao Mu said.
A caravan of this size is enough to sweep through some small countries in the Western Region.
Originally they just wanted to unite the merchants of the Zhao State, but they did not expect that after the merchants from all over the world learned about it, they all wanted to come and participate. After all, it was easy to enjoy the shade under the big trees, and who didn't know the strength of the Zhao State's caravans.
If something unexpected happens, it will be the Zhao caravan that will suffer the most, so they can feel better.
"With so many people, Juyan Ancient Road may not be able to support supplies." Zhao Kuo shook his head.
The Juyan Ancient Road is not as good as the Hexi Corridor. The Hexi Corridor is a real oasis. There are many rivers in the territory. In addition, the rainfall during this period is relatively abundant, which not only allows for grazing, but also agricultural production.
Most of the Juyan Ancient Road is desert and sandy land. Not to mention farming, no one even wants to graze, so supplies are very difficult.
"We are not going to take the Juyan Ancient Road, but the Hexi Corridor." Zhao Mu said eagerly.
"Take the Hexi Corridor?" Zhao Kuo frowned, and then slowly relaxed. It was not impossible to go to the Qin State. The Qin State did not
Businessmen will be prohibited from entering, but they are very welcome. As for Zhao Mu's identity, there is no problem.
Even if Qin knew that this caravan was led by Zhao Mu, it would not threaten Zhao with Zhao Mu because it was meaningless.
Qin Wangji's biological son was in Wei and his biological grandson was in Zhao. Qin still sent troops to attack Wei and Zhao, let alone the king's younger brother.
The king of Chu was deceived by Qin. The king of Chu was replaced by another king without accepting the threat of Qin.
only……
"How did you, a thousand guards, enter the Qin State? It is impossible for the Qin State to let you bring so many people into the country. With so many people, you can attack the city." Zhao Kuo said.
Don't say that a thousand people are together, even if they are separated, the Qin State will strictly inspect them, and lock them up if there is anything wrong. Otherwise, just find some businessmen, lead the guards separately into the city, and then cooperate inside and outside, you can earn a city.
In fact, although this situation occurs, it is rare.
"Our merchants from various countries are separated. Each caravan only brings a part of the guards, so that they will not attract attention. After they meet in Xianyang, they will obtain the customs clearance documents from the Qin State and then recruit the remaining guards. The Qin State has been very good to the merchants in recent years. Friendly merchants, especially those traveling to the Western Regions, will not limit the number of caravans," Zhao Mu said.
Not all cities need to be inspected when entering the city. Only during special periods or in border cities will they be inspected. After entering the hinterland of Qin, it will be much more relaxed.
The journey from Qin to the Western Regions was smooth.
However, you will still be subject to interrogation when you return, and your identity will be calculated in order to collect business taxes.
"It seems you have thought it through very clearly." Zhao Kuo looked at Zhao Mu.
"Yes." Zhao Mu nodded solemnly.
"Go and talk to your mother. If she has no objection, I will let you go." Zhao Kuo said.
"Okay, I'm going to find my mother right now." Zhao Mu got up and ran towards an attic not far away.
"There is indeed a need for someone to explore the way to the Western Regions." Zhao Kuo thought in his mind that in his plan, he had the idea of reaching all the way to the Western Regions, but he didn't know if he could realize it in his lifetime.
After all, Zhao Guo has not even taken the first step to unify the world.
"It's still too far to think about this. Let's take it step by step." Zhao Kuo sighed and looked at the southern sky. He didn't know what happened to Le Yi's trip to Wei.
After a while, Zhao Mu walked out of the attic with a look of joy on his face.
"Brother Wang, mother agreed."
Zhao Kuo didn't know how Zhao Mu persuaded his mother, but since his mother agreed, he didn't stop him.
After all, Zhao Mu is already an adult and has his own thinking and path to take.
"Has the date been set?" Zhao Kuo asked.
"Not yet, but only for the past few days. If I hadn't waited for you to come back, I would have set out two months ago." Zhao Mu said.
"Winter has already entered, and it will snow soon." Zhao Kuo said.
"It will take a year or two to go on the road. It doesn't matter when we set off. Moreover, we will be delayed in Qin for a while. We may have to wait until spring before setting off." Zhao Mu said.
"Since you have made up your mind, I won't say much more. Let me know when the date is set. Brother Wang will go see you off in person." Zhao Kuo patted Zhao Mu on the shoulder.
After this farewell, I don’t know when we will see each other next time.
After seeing Zhao Mu off, Zhao Kuo had nothing to do. He looked back at the palace, gave up the idea of announcing the announcement during the day, and turned towards the front hall.
Since returning to Handan, he has not handled government affairs yet.
Perhaps because Lin Xiangru and others blocked him at the entrance of the palace last time, they felt a little guilty, so they didn't bother him in the past few days.
"Your Majesty, you are a rare visitor." When Zhao Sheng saw Zhao Kuo, he stood up quickly and pretended to be very surprised.
"Uncle Wang can make fun of people now." Zhao Kuo said angrily.
"It's just that the king hasn't appeared in the front hall for more than half a year, so I'm a little surprised." Zhao Sheng said with a smile.
"As long as you are here, I will let you go
Heart. "Zhao Kuo said.
"Your Majesty, I just received a piece of news. The State of Yue was destroyed, and all the hundreds of thousands of people in the State of Yue were annexed by the State of Chu. Almost no one fled into the mountains." Lin Xiangru said, holding a document he had just obtained.
"Chu State is so generous. Within a hundred years, there will be no more troubles in the southeast of Chu State." Even though he had speculated before, Zhao Kuo still felt a little emotional.
Both Zhao and Qin wanted to put a nail in Chu's back to check and balance Chu.
Unexpectedly, this nail was pulled out by the Chu State in just a few years. Not only did it not weaken the national power of the Chu State, it actually improved the Chu State's strength.
This is a big variable for Zhao Guo.
The goal of Zhao State is Yan State. During this period, it is best for all countries to have something to do, just like the war between Chu State and Yue State, and the war between Qin State and Han Wei, so that no country has the energy to intervene between Zhao State and Yan State. country's war.
And the previous situation was indeed moving in a direction favorable to Zhao.
But soon, the war ended on both battlefields.
Of course, the battle between Chu and Yue was within Zhao's expectation. After all, the disparity in strength between the two sides was too great. After Yue emerged from the mountains, the right time, place, and people were all on Chu's side.
If the Chu State cannot win in this way, the King of Chu and all the civil and military ministers of the Chu State can throw themselves into the Miluo River.
"By the way, where is the King of Yue?" Zhao Kuo asked.
"There is no news about the King of Yue." Lin Xiangru shook his head.
"Send someone to send some gifts to the King of Chu, saying that I congratulate him on destroying the Yue Kingdom, and that he will be able to regain his old capital and revitalize the Chu Kingdom in the future. In short, just direct the King of Chu's interest in regaining his old capital." Zhao Kuo Said with a wave of his hand.
As long as you are the king of Chu, there is no one who does not want to regain his old capital. It is just a matter of whether you dare to do so.
"I would like to be sent as an envoy to Chu." Gongsun Long stood up and said.
"Okay, then leave it to Mr. Zi Bing." Zhao Kuo nodded.
