Zhao Kuo was not very happy, not because of Wei Wuji, but because he saw in Wei Wuji the resistance to unifying the world.
Qin State attacked Wei State, and Wei Wuji rushed to Daliang all the way even though he risked his life.
If there is a war between Zhao and Wei, or even if Zhao wants to annex Wei, what should Wei Wuji do? Is it to sit back and do nothing or even help Zhao State annex Wei State?
Neither.
There is more than one Wei Wuji in the State of Zhao.
There are also Tian Dan, Han Fei, Tian Shu, and ministers that Zhao Kuo doesn't know. They will also not watch Qi and South Korea perish.
It's not just Wei Wuji who is working hard these days, Han Fei is also running for South Korea, but his words are too light and his power is too small to influence the court's decision-making.
The princes of the world have established their country for hundreds of years, the people's hearts are set, and the foundation is solid. At the same time, there is me among you, and you among me. There are many talented people in each country who hold high positions in other countries, and even become prime ministers.
They may usually put their mother country aside, but it does not mean that they have forgotten their mother country. At a critical moment, these people may jump out to stop Zhao Guo.
Not everyone is Cai Ze. Cai Ze is not an official of the Yan State, nor can he be reused by the Yan State. He has no feelings for the Yan State, and can use the Yan State to realize his ideals and ambitions without any scruples.
But not others.
Historically, Han Feizi kept running between Qin and South Korea in order to prevent Qin from destroying Korea, and even wanted to use Zhao to attract Qin's firepower.
Xiong Qi, the son of Chu State, served as the Prime Minister of Qin State and assisted the King of Qin in his administration for decades. Finally, he gave the Qin army a fatal blow at a critical moment and was crowned King of Chu, leading to the failure of Qin State's first attack on Chu.
When the two countries are in peace, it is normal for even royal offices to serve in other countries. Once a war breaks out, these royal offices in other countries will become a factor of instability.
In the past, Zhao Kuo always felt that as long as Zhao State was strong enough, he could crush it and annex the six countries.
But this time he realized that the stronger the Zhao State, the greater the internal resistance. And unlike the external resistance that could be crushed, it was impossible for Zhao Kuo to kill Wei Wuji, Tian Dan, and Han Fei, let alone kill them. He killed his own wife and expelled talented people from other countries.
"It's a bit troublesome!" Zhao Kuo sighed. The special nature of the Warring States Period was unprecedented in the two thousand years before and after, and the difficulty of unification was far higher than that of other eras.
Fortunately, there is still time. At least there will be no internal resistance for Zhao to annex Yan.
Neither Cai Ze nor Li Fu, who was sold by Yan State, nor Le Cheng had any deep feelings for Yan State.
Moreover, there is no official in the State of Yan in the State of Zhao.
This is a very good start for Zhao Guo.
However, the top priority is how to rescue the Wei State. As for the annexation of the Yan State, it can only be left behind.
After returning to Handan, Zhao Kuo immediately summoned all ministers to discuss how to support Wei and South Korea.
Although he promised Wei Wuji that he would support the Wei State, because of the involvement of the Qin State and the fact that the Zhao State had been on the sidelines before, the Wei State not only distrusted the Zhao State, but also had resentment.
At this time, if Zhao Guo rashly intervenes in the war, it is likely to be self-defeating.
Therefore, a proper plan must be negotiated, and the soldiers cannot die in vain.
After receiving the order, the ministers came to the political hall one after another. When they saw Wei Wuji sitting in the front, they were immediately unhappy and at the same time admired. After all, not everyone can give up everything for the motherland like Wei Wuji.
Zhao Sheng was very happy. His brother-in-law did not have to die, his family was finally stable for two days, and his wife no longer had to quarrel with him every day.
"Jun Xinling is so clever." Lin Xiangru walked to sit opposite Wei Wuji and snorted coldly, his face gloomy.
He and Cai Zelian had almost prepared a plan to fight against the Yan Kingdom. They were waiting for Xia Geng to split their troops into two groups and march directly to Jicheng, the capital of Yan.
As a result, without paying attention, Wei Wuji kicked them out of the water.
Who can bear this.
If their relationship hadn't been good, and Wei Wuji had no choice but to do so, Lin Xiangru and others would have turned against each other long ago.
"I'm sorry." Wei Wuji stood up, bowed solemnly, and said extremely apologetically. This was the first time in his life that he bowed to others.
"Okay, it's the decision made by me, don't blame Lord Xinling." Zhao Kuo waved his hand, attracted everyone's attention, and said in a deep voice.
"I am young, have no city, and have little endurance. The Qin State dares to plot against our Zhao State, and I must take revenge. In addition to supporting the Wei State, I will also leave 200,000 Qin troops in the Wei State to completely defeat the State. Cut off an arm of the Qin State and make it impossible for the Qin State to move eastwards within ten years. If the Qin State cannot be crippled, no matter what our Zhao State does in the future, we will be constrained by the Qin State. This is something I cannot tolerate. .”
"The Qin State is ambitious and determined to destroy our Zhao State. If we cannot cripple it, after our Zhao State defeats the Yan State, the Qin State will definitely unite with other countries to attack our Zhao State. We must take precautions and nip it in the bud." Kong Bin said.
He never relaxed his vigilance towards Qin.
"It's just that... this reinforcement is not easy to send. I dare to ask the right minister, but I am sure that Wei and Qin have not secretly formed an alliance. And are you willing to trust my Zhao country? Cooperate with my Zhao country to act together?" Cai Ze looked at Wei Wuji.
"I'm sure that there is no secret alliance between Wei and Qin. It's just that Wei Guo will not trust me, Zhao. It's hard to say. I will try my best to convince Brother Wang." Wei Wuji did not hide anything.
"The State of Wei doesn't trust us, how can we support the State of Wei?" Cai Ze's eyebrows were locked together. It's not the best way to treat someone's hot butt with a cold face. With this skill, how good would it be to attack the State of Yan?
"What about South Korea?" Zhou Zi asked.
"The situation in South Korea is not as urgent as that of Wei. The Qin army Zhang Ruo and the Han army Bao Yuan are facing each other in Huayang. Although the Korean army is at a disadvantage, it occupies a favorable location and Zhang Ruo cannot capture Huayang in a short time." Liu Ping said.
"Perhaps we don't need to directly support Daliang. The Qin State has a long front line and attacks South Korea and Wei at the same time. The troops are scattered and the pressure on food and grass is huge. Instead of supporting Daliang, it is better to attack it to save it, cut off the Qin Army's retreat, and implement counter-encirclement against the Qin Army. . In this way, we can avoid fighting side by side with the Wei army and have the opportunity to severely damage the Qin army." Le Yi looked at the map behind Zhao Kuo and said slowly.
"Where is the place where the Qin army must rescue?" Zhao Sheng asked.
"Xingyang." Le Yi said, "Xingyang is the place that Qin must pass through when going east. Whether it is transporting troops or grain, it must pass through there. Moreover, Xingyang has convenient transportation, and Qin can directly use the gap to transport soldiers, grain and grass to Daliang City Outside. As long as Xingyang is occupied, the Qin army will have to detour hundreds of miles to transport grain and grass, and will not be able to use waterways. The loss of grain and grass will increase several times. On the other hand, Zhao State can use the Yellow River to transport soldiers and grain to Xingyang , reducing losses on the road.”
"What about Wei and South Korea? Just ignore it?" Zhao Sheng asked again.
"No. We, the State of Zhao, cannot retain the Qin army alone. We must unite the three countries of Zhao, Wei, and South Korea to have a chance. Therefore, the military orders of the three countries must be unified, and there must be no mistakes. We, the State of Zhao, need to send two people to Wei and South Korea to serve as head coaches respectively to ensure that The two countries will not be defeated by the Qin army, and they will cooperate with our army after our army cuts off the Qin army's retreat." Le Yi said solemnly.
The state of Qin is not the state of Qi, and the king of Wu'an, Bai Qi, is not the commander-in-chief of the Qi army, Chuzi. Even though the combined strength of the Zhao, Wei and Han armies had exceeded that of the Qin army, Le Yi still did not dare to be careless in the slightest.
The top commander can catch a small oversight on your part, and then continuously magnify it, turning your oversight into a flaw, a weakness, and then defeat you mercilessly.
As for whether Wei and South Korea will agree, as long as they want to defeat the Qin army, the possibility of agreeing is very high.
It is normal for guests to have guests these days. Yan Ju of Zhao State, Xinyuan Yan of Wei State, and Hu Yang of Qin State were all guest generals at the beginning.
Moreover, as long as the soldiers are from the country, the military power can be lifted at any time, and the monarch does not have to worry that the guests will do things that endanger the country.
"I would like to go to the Kingdom of Wei." Wei Wuji said directly.
Zhao Kuo nodded. It was most appropriate for Wei Wuji to go to the Kingdom of Wei. Although the King of Wei was afraid of Wei Wuji, he was still a father. At critical times, he still had to rely on his own brothers, and outsiders could not be trusted.
But the candidate to go to South Korea is difficult to decide. He must have enough identity to convince South Korea, and he must also be able to lead troops in combat and cooperate with Le Yi.
It’s not easy to choose.
"Go and call Han Fei." Zhao Kuo suddenly thought of someone and turned around and said to the guard next to him.
After more than half an hour, Han Feicai ran over panting. At this time, everyone had almost discussed the details and just decided on the candidate to go to South Korea.
"I...I don't know how to lead troops in battle." Upon hearing this, Han Fei waved his hands quickly.
What he actually wanted to say was that he had neither enough status nor the ability to lead troops in battle. Although the King of Han was his father, he didn't like him, and even hated him a little, and would not listen to him at all.
"Du Pingjun, how about you and Han Fei go to South Korea together?" Zhao Kuo looked at Tian Dan.
He does not need Han Fei to lead the army in the battle. Tian Dan has enough strength and reputation, but he needs someone to mediate the relationship between Tian Dan and South Korea. This person can only be Han Fei.
"No." Tian Dan said, cupping his fists.
After the discussion, Zhao Kuo did not immediately give the order. Instead, he sent someone to send a letter to Wei and South Korea. He first told about the friendship between the three countries, and then said that Zhao had some problems in the country some time ago and couldn't spare manpower. Now that the country has just stabilized, he will immediately summon the ministers to discuss supporting you. .
However, the military orders of the three countries must be unified. We, the State of Zhao, will arrange for generals to temporarily serve as commanders of the Wei and Han armies until the end of the war. Do you agree?
The two countries were immediately overjoyed after receiving the letter. They did not dare to waste time and immediately agreed to Zhao Guo's request.
Although they know that Zhao is not a good person and most of what they say in the letter is an excuse, they are still more willing to believe in Zhao than Qin. After all, Qin is even less good.
"All generals listen to the order. With Le Yi as the chief general, Jia Yan, Yan Zhou, Le Cheng, Yan Ju, Ju Xin, and Yan Xiong as deputy generals, Xunzi, Gongsun Long, and Li Si as military advisors, they will lead 40,000 elite troops to attack Xingyang. Cut off the Qin army's retreat. We will also select 50,000 strong men from the Hu captives as auxiliary troops. Those who have made meritorious deeds will be stripped of their slave status and given houses and fields."
After Zhao Kuo received the replies from Wei and South Korea, he immediately summoned the ministers of civil and military affairs.
In order to retain the Qin army, Zhao Kuo pressed on half of the troops outside Handan City, including Zhao Feiqi, Shesheng Battalion, and the newly formed Youyun Iron Cavalry and other military soul corps and super elite corps.
It can be said that nearly half of Zhao’s family wealth is here!
"No." All the civil and military ministers whose names were called stepped forward, clasped their fists and said.
"Send Wei Wuji to Wei State to command the Wei army. Tian Dan and Han Fei will go to South Korea to command the Korean army." Zhao Kuo ordered again.
"No." Wei Wuji, Tian Dan, and Han Fei said loudly.
"Okay, go down and get ready." Zhao Kuo waved his hand.
The next day, Wei Wuji, Tian Dan, and Han Fei set out on the road.
Although Wei Wuji did not lead an army, he still brought along a thousand disciples he had recruited, including two extraordinary generals, Zhu Hai and Li Tong, and a top adviser, Hou Ying.
Although the number is small, it can be called the essence.
Tian Dan and Han Fei had no followers and only brought 500 soldiers as guards.
As for the army, it will have to wait until the auxiliary troops are selected before setting off, which will take more than half a month at the earliest. However, the troops and horses have not yet moved the food and grass, which has already been transported to Hanoi by water.
After the auxiliary army arrives in Handan, they will take a boat to Hanoi with the main army.
"Why didn't the king recruit strong men, but instead recruited soldiers from the barbarians?" Ben asked puzzledly.
As a noble Chinese, Ben looked down on these barbarians in his heart.
"Save money. If a strong man is killed in battle, the court needs to pay a pension. If you have done meritorious service, the court needs to reward money. If the Hu people die in battle, they will die in battle. If they have made meritorious service, they will only be given a piece of land. And some Hu people will be freed from slavery. It can inspire other barbarians and at the same time increase the population of our Zhao country." Zhao Kuo said.
The motivation to kill enemies for yourself and to kill enemies for the court are completely different.
The reason why the Qin people fought bravely was because they were killing the enemy for themselves. Shang Yang used the military merit system to mobilize all the subjective initiative of everyone.
"And these barbarians can ride horses. As long as they are given a horse, their combat capabilities will not be much worse than our Zhao army, and their strength will be much stronger than the strong men they just recruited." Zhao Kuo continued.
Now the State of Zhao can be regarded as a country on horseback. 'But in terms of riding skills, if you throw away the blessing of equipment, it is still far behind the barbarians.
For the Zhao people, horseback riding is an advanced skill, but for the Hu people, horseback riding is a survival skill. The productivity of the grassland is limited, and the competition is far more intense than in the Central Plains. Those who are not proficient in riding skills will die early in danger.
"As a result, the pressure on food and grass will greatly increase." Zhao Sheng said worriedly.
War horses need to eat refined grains, and they will lose their fighting power by eating grass.
"Don't worry, does our Zhao State still worry about food and grass?" Zhao Kuo waved his hand disapprovingly, thinking that the current Zhao State is the Zhao State ten years ago? "By the way, Uncle Wang, you choose two people to go to Qi and Chu, and invite the two countries to attack Qin together. If you don't agree, forget it."
"Okay." Zhao Sheng nodded.
"In addition, I ordered Feng Ting to pay close attention to the situation in Hedong and Hanoi. If Qin shows signs of attacking the two places, he can send troops to intervene first and then report." Zhao Kuo said.
