What kind of honor is this? It's simply humiliating!
The so-called demotion ceremony is when the king comes down from the reception platform, so it is called demotion. In addition to being used when receiving kings from other countries, it is only used when foreign generals return in triumph.
If the Qin army was completely slaughtered, it would be normal to receive this demotion. However, although the war ended in peace, the Shangdang could be defended, but this achievement did not require the gift of demotion. Of course, from the perspective of King Zhao, this gift of demotion was compensation for Zhao Kuo and his army, but in the eyes of Zhao Kuo and other parties involved, this gift was no different from humiliation.
Wang Zhongzhong just said it, but Lou Chang said it specifically. Doesn't that mean he pointed at his nose and scolded: Your little merit is worthy of a demotion?
However, are Zhao's hundreds of thousands of troops really unworthy?
It's obvious that you don't allow us to make meritorious deeds, but you accuse us of being incompetent? Not to mention how aggrieved the generals were, they all stared at Lou Chang with righteous indignation. Some of them had already touched the long knife at their waist, waiting for Zhao Kuo to give the order.
Looking at Zhao Kuo who had not accepted the order for a long time and the generals behind him who were about to make a move, he saw that things were about to develop in the most unfavorable direction. Pingyuan Jun on the side saw it and was anxious in his heart. Looking at Qin Prime Minister Fan Sui who was resting, Pingyuan Jun knew very well: "Zhao Jun cannot be in chaos!"
Then he hurriedly took two steps forward and whispered softly into Zhao Kuo's ear, "There is no other way. Zhao Kuo is the only one who can solve this situation now." The reason why it was Zhao Kuo and not anyone else was simple: Whether it was out of responsibility for Zhao or for his own benefit, Zhao Kuo had to restrain his men and take over the king's orders.
Pingyuan Jun whispered in a voice that only two people could hear: "Pingyang Jun still has a king's order. If the general does not accept the king's order, Pingyang Jun will take away the general's military power. Lou Chang's words may be to anger the generals. .For the sake of the Zhao State, I also ask the general to temporarily put aside his thunderous rage and accept the king’s orders.”
Zhao Kuo actually didn't feel much about Lou Chang's irritating words. After all, he didn't value the so-called courtesy very much. Living in the 21st century, Zhao Kuo, who was used to the saying "everyone is equal", found it difficult to understand what "lowering" meant. "The Ceremony of the Order" has some impulsive feeling. Even if Di Pangpang can be demoted for beating up a little traitor, it doesn't seem to be much of a courtesy.
Of course, Zhao Kuo was still surprised by Pingyuan Jun's words.
King Zhao actually wants to replace himself with Lord Pingyang? This is even more outrageous than replacing Lian Po with himself! At least he was still a general and had fought several battles with his father, Ma Fujun. Where is Mr. Pingyang? I'm afraid I can't even dance with a long sword!
If Lord Pingyang is allowed to become the commander-in-chief, I am afraid that the combat power he has managed to retain will be destroyed.
Nodding, Zhao Kuo finally spread his hands flat and said loudly: "Wei Chen takes the order!"
It was just four words, but it was extremely frustrating to hear. Behind him, there were generals who punched the ground to vent their anger. The two generals Lian Po and Tian Dan behind him also sighed deeply when they heard this.
Lou Chang on the opposite side was a little surprised. How could Zhao Kuo endure such provocation? Is this still the general in my impression?
Fortunately, Lord Pingyang also felt a little pity. If Zhao Kuo could refuse sternly, even if he said half a word "no", he would be able to control the entire army, and the reputation of defeating the Qin army might be lost. On his own head. Obviously, the "credit" of Pingyuan Jun who just whispered next to Zhao Kuo is indispensable.
Thinking of this, Lord Pingyang even regretted that Lord Pingyang had just been tricked out of his trap so easily. However, firstly, this kind of thing does not happen once or twice; secondly, if these hundreds of thousands of troops are really handed over to his own hands, Lord Pingyang will still be a little panicked.
Passing the king's order silk book with both hands, Lord Pingyang immediately helped Zhao Kuo up.
"This is Fan Sui, the Prime Minister of Qin. The general can discuss the follow-up matters with Fan Xiangguo." Pingyang Jun pointed to Fan Sui beside him and said to Zhao Kuo.
"Actually, there is nothing to discuss. The general has made a statement. Just open the gate at Lingjiepailing. As for the land of Taoyi, the general can accept it at any time. My king's order should have arrived at Taoyi." After watching a scene. Fan Sui, who was in a good mood, immediately stepped onto the stage and said with a smile, his words were as easy as in the market.
Like picking leaves.
"That's right, that's right! There's nothing to discuss." Lou Chang on the side followed Pingyang Jun's words and said.
After saying this, everyone looked at Lou Chang with colder eyes. If eyes could kill, Lou Chang would probably be riddled with holes at this time, but unfortunately it couldn't. Even everyone was helpless against Lou Chang's obvious traitorous behavior. Even Lord Pingyang who came here also frowned slightly.
But Lou Chang is not afraid at all, because Lou Chang knows very well: as long as King Zhao trusts him, he will naturally be able to stand firm in the court of Zhao!
It is precisely because of this that Lou Chang can be so unscrupulous.
It's a pity that he met Zhao Kuo, a guy who never played his cards according to common sense.
"Who is the one who says it is non-negotiable?" Zhao Kuo's cold voice suddenly sounded.
Everyone who heard this was obviously a little confused. How could Zhao Kuo, the son of Ma Fujun, not recognize Lou Chang, the senior official in his court?
Lord Pingyuan on the side was even more puzzled. Zhao Kuo had clearly said that he wanted Lou Chang's head to be sacrificed to the flag before he went on the expedition. How could he not recognize who the speaker was?
But Mr. Pingyuan quickly realized—Zhao Kuo was going to cause trouble!
Although he was afraid that Zhao Kuo would make some big move, Mr. Pingyuan, who had been frustrated for a whole time, still decided to help Zhao Kuo. After all, the king had already taken over his life. How big could a big move be? Kill Lou Chang? That doesn't seem impossible...
"Report to the General: The person who spoke is the deputy envoy ordered by the king to go to the doctor Lou Chang." Pingyuan Jun replied from the side.
"Oh?" Zhao Kuo then looked at Lou Chang and said slowly: "The envoy hasn't spoken yet. When will it be the deputy envoy's turn to make a decision? Moreover, my king's order is just for you to pass the order, and the king's order has been accepted. Your responsibilities have been fulfilled. Why do you go beyond what you are doing with your barking words? And who gave you the right to answer for me? Doctor Lou, do you still see me and my king in your eyes?"
After asking three questions, Lou Chang was immediately confused.
This was the top line. If the answer was not good, Zhao Kuo would kill Lou Chang directly on the grounds of "disobeying the king's orders and disturbing the king's affairs", which was also reasonable. Even because Lou Chang's words just now were so offending and Zhao Kuo's cold aura, no one at the scene spoke up for Lou Chang.
The generals behind Zhao Kuo even shouted "Shuangli" one by one!
