While speaking, Lou Chang looked at King Zhao and saw that his face was already very gloomy. It was obvious that King Zhao was quite unhappy with Zhao Kuo's behavior. He immediately added jealousy and said: "At the foot of the palace, in the capital, this son is so arrogant and domineering, one can only imagine how self-reliant he must be in the army!"
The minister who had just retorted heard Lou Chang's confusing words, his chest was heaving and his face was even darker. But what can he do? What Lou Chang said is true to King Zhao. How can you refute it? Isn't that a slap in King Zhao's face?
After sighing softly, he just turned away and remained silent. Silence is the greatest good deed he can do as a mere courtier.
"Cough...cough...cough..."
At this time, an old voice came intermittently from the right side of King Zhao.
"Mr. Pingyang, what you said is wrong!"
When everyone heard this, they quickly turned their heads, who could it be if it wasn't Lin Xiangru who was seriously ill. Obviously, Zhao Kuo's return not only alarmed them, but also affected Lin Xiangru who was staying at home.
Or maybe Lin Shangqing, who had been dormant for many days, was waiting for the moment when Zhao Kuo returned? Who knows.
Seeing Lin Xiangru's arrival, all the ministers bowed and clasped their fists in greeting, saying, "I've seen you, Your Majesty." Even Pingyang Jun and the doctor Lou Chang, who were not willing to deal with him, had to bow to greet him.
Although King Zhao in the center of the crowd did not like this old man who liked to educate others, King Zhao also knew that this old man's prestige in the court was unparalleled. He had turned the tide many times and had already put him on the altar, and dozens of After serving as an assistant for many years, he accumulated countless disciples. Therefore, even if you don't want to see it in your heart, you still have to do your best on the surface.
Then King Zhao immediately stepped forward, held Lin Xiangru's arm with both hands, and asked with concern: "Lin Shangqing! It's windy above, why are you here?!"
Lin Xiangru smiled slightly, bowed slightly, and said slowly: "Old minister, I am very quiet and thinking! I also heard that the general has returned and the people are eating pots of pulp. How can I not come and watch it?"
Is there any wind above the turret? Maybe, but it was not a reason to stop Lin Xiangru from coming, but King Zhao still asked, seemingly caring about Lin Xiangru's health, but in fact the subtext was saying: "Shang Qing, you shouldn't have come. "
When Zhao Kuo returns, will the people have food and drink? Although the scene of the siege was quite magnificent, there was really no such thing as emptying the pot of slurry, but that's what Lin Xiangru said. And this is also a response to King Zhao's subtext: "Zhao Kuo is deeply loved by the people, and there must be no loss. I will protect him."
In just two sentences, the attitudes of both parties have been clearly revealed.
Of course, everyone present was also a smart person, and they were obviously aware of the two men's agility. For a moment, the turret was as quiet as ice. Even King Zhao paused unconsciously when he held Lin Xiangru's hand.
However, Prime Minister Lin immediately turned his gun and said slowly: "Zhao Lin was ordered to defeat the Qin army's tiger and wolf divisions with his weak division. This general Lian Po could not match it. Moreover, he defeated the Qin army and forced Bai Qi to do so." Kill yourself and take the land of two counties, even if you say you will win a great victory, it is not impossible."
Lin Xiangru's slowly stated achievements did not give Lord Lou Chang and Ping Yang any face. Of course, Lin Xiangru did not directly reveal the issue of "attack and stop" ordered by King Zhao, which could be regarded as giving King Zhao some face.
As for what Lin Xiangru said, it was exactly the truth, and all the officials nodded frequently. This truth may only be told by Lin Xiangru.
However, Lin Xiangru's words were obviously more than that.
"The three-year confrontation in Changping has worked hard for the people and lost money. The people have suffered from Qin for a long time! Therefore, they were all overjoyed when they heard that our army defeated the Qin army. Have you ever remembered that on the day when you learned that our army was victorious, the people of our capital The whole night of carnival, even if the old ministers are staying in their houses, they can still see the joy that fills the city. Therefore, when the Lord of Changping returns, is there any reason why the people should not gather to welcome him? The people gather to welcome him. This is a natural principle. How can we say that it is crazy? Contrary words?" Lin Xiangru looked at Lord Pingyang and asked with burning eyes.
Hearing this, Lord Pingyang could only bow his head and say yes.
But Lou Chang on the side was eager to refute. Of course Lin Xiangru would not give him this chance, and immediately continued: "As for him being convicted and imprisoned for his great merit, the people complained about him, even if he had a few complaints It is also reasonable, and the most valuable thing is,
It is a great good thing that a person who is on horseback and surrounded by the king can actively persuade the crowd to break the siege, instead of bringing the crowd with him to claim credit or to force the king. "
After saying this, Lin Xiangru started coughing again. Obviously, the long series of words just made his already tattered body even more unbearable. However, Zhao Kuo's image was finally established, and even King Zhao was thoughtful.
It has to be said that Lin Xiangru has become mature with age. He knows very well what King Zhao is worried about and what King Zhao wants. Instead of arguing about the meaningless question of whether Zhao Kuo has meritorious service, it is better to tell King Zhao that Zhao Kuo is trustworthy. "Loyalty" or not is the ultimate criterion by which King Zhao judges a minister.
Obviously, Lin Xiangru prescribed the right medicine from here.
It's a pity that although his opponent is greedy, he is by no means a fake person. At least in the treacherous field of human heart, his opponent has studied it very thoroughly.
Taking advantage of Lin Xiangru's coughing break, Lou Chang immediately whispered to King Zhao in a sinister voice: "Because of his merits, if he covets popularity again, this is already a pardonable crime!"
Suddenly, the beautiful image created by Lin Xiangru collapsed instantly! Yes, you are a general who leads troops, and you have already achieved great success. The military power is not counted, but you have so many people supporting you. What do you want to do? Isn't this what King Zhao is most worried about: if he wants to rebel, he will definitely be able to do so?
Lou Chang's kick made Lin Xiangru cough deeply. Lou Chang's rebuttal was wonderful in seconds. He did not discuss the issue of Zhao Kuo's loyalty, but directly raised it to the level of ***. He didn't know whether Zhao Kuo was loyal or not. What he knew was that Zhao Kuo's popularity and military power were already serious. This greatly affected the authority of King Zhao. Based on this alone, Zhao Kuo's crime is already unpardonable.
It's like using your spear to attack your shield.
In an instant, King Zhao's face, which had just softened slightly, turned livid again.
"Order: Escort Mr. Mafu to the dungeon. Tomorrow, the court will convene and discuss the verdict and punishment!" King Zhao said harshly.
"My king will pause his thundering anger and listen to what I say!" Lin Xiangru stopped coughing, covered his chest with one hand, pinched his back molars, and said urgently: "What Dr. Lou said is heart-breaking. What's more, Just speculating, if my king believes this and easily deals with Lord Ma Fu, it will be painful for his relatives and happy for his enemies! If the Qin army comes again, who will be willing to put on armor and go into battle to resist our king? Who can stop him? Where are the steps of the Qin army!"