In a huge mansion in Handan City, the intense heat in May caused most of the pool in the mansion to dry up, exposing stones.
In the corridor.
More than a dozen men, women, and children were discussing with each other in twos and threes.
"The country of Zhao is not the only country affected by the severe heat this year. South Korea is also affected. Eight hundred shi of food is already the most that our clan can provide."
"Although there is no drought in Wei State, food! Alas, I can't get much at that time!"
"Yeah yeah!"
In the slightly noisy discussion, everyone, old and young, frowned and sighed.
Food is now a topic they can't avoid.
These people are all anti-Qin people. Now they have come all the way to Zhao to gather together. Their purpose is to help Zhao and resist Qin.
However, what Zhao State lacks most right now is not money, but food.
If it were money, none of them could afford dozens of gold. But if food was stored at home, it would be easily stolen by rats. Who would save so much food?
Everyone is worried that if something goes wrong and a group of rats come to eat them, they will lose a few gold coins or lose all their money.
"The master is here!"
Suddenly, everyone who was talking suddenly saw a thirty-year-old man in the distance, wearing silk clothes and a jade pendant, walking slowly, followed by many maids.
Saw the man.
Everyone turned around, faced the man, and raised their hands.
"Master!"
"Master!!"
Everyone bowed their hands and saluted.
Because the man in silk clothes was the son of King Zhao Daoxiang, Zhao Jia, and now the brother of King Zhao Qian.
Among the crowd, the man crossed the crowd and came to the pavilion behind the corridor.
In the huge pavilion, there are more than ten seats and wooden tables arranged in sequence.
"I am very grateful to you all for your hard work and effort in coming to Handan!"
After Gongzijia came to the main seat in the pavilion, he turned around and bowed his hands to the more than ten noblemen, lowering his head to be level with the hands.
In today's scorching summer, the hot temperature makes people sweat profusely. However, seeing Gongzijia's behavior, everyone feels that no matter how hot it is, it is worth it.
When all the nobles bowed their hands and saluted again.
After the ceremony.
"Everyone, please take a seat!"
Gongzijia said to everyone and motioned to take a seat.
The seat at the head was naturally Gongzi Jia's. After Gongzi Jia took his seat, he watched many nobles go to their respective seats, knelt down and turned around to order the maid to serve tea.
More than a dozen maids came forward with teapots, and other maids also came up at this time with plates of wild fruits.
"Everyone, the State of Zhao is suffering from drought, and the sky has no mercy on our State of Zhao. In previous generations, natural disasters have hit the land again! People's corpses litter the fields. The State of Qin took the opportunity to attack our State of Zhao at this time."
Prince Jia cupped his hands and said, "Jia is here today, and I sincerely ask you all to lend a helping hand to our country, Zhao!"
After Gongzijia finished speaking, he stood up and took two steps back, knelt on his knees, put his hands on the ground, and slowly lowered his head to the ground.
This is the most solemn salute among all etiquettes. Before the Spring and Autumn Period, it was often used by ministers to pay homage to the king. Later, these great salutes were also used to worship heaven and earth, and to worship teachers.
"Master, please get up!"
"Master, please get up!"
As an old noble man spoke, other noble men also raised their hands and said in unison.
All the nobles understood that the prince was a prince, and the previous courtesy was as a prince, but now the courtesy to them is a request as a descendant.
After seeing Gongzi Jia stand up, an old man walked out first and held his hand towards Gongzi Jia.
"Young Master, although the Cai family is weak, you can still provide eight hundred stones of grain and grass. I would like to accept the offer on behalf of the Cai family. I will send the grain and grass to Handan soon to offer it to the young master."
The old man raised his hands and said.
In fact, the old man just now planned to promise Zhao Guo seven hundred stones of food and grass for Cai, but after seeing Gongzi Jia's actions, the old man finally decided to add another hundred.
Don't look at it, it's only a hundred stones. Under the current circumstances, it's not that easy to find a hundred stones of food and grass.
"Jia, thank you, Mr. Cai, for your help!"
Young Master Jia just stood up and saw Mr. Cai saying that he was sending eight hundred stones of food and grass, and he immediately handed over his hands with gratitude.
Before Gongzi Jia could finish his words, other nobles also stepped forward.
"I would like to send 540 grains and grass to the young master!"
"Mr. Zan, I would like to give you four hundred stones as a gift to the young master!"
"Shi Shi is willing to give nine hundred stones to the young master!!"
In the pavilion, all the nobles came forward and offered their hands.
These nobles came from various vassal states and had different family backgrounds, so the amount of food and grass they could produce was more or less different.
But when he heard these numbers, Gongzijia was still full of excitement.
For Gongzi Jia, it was enough for him to be grateful that these nobles could come to Zhao to lend a helping hand.
Not to mention, these nobles also sent food and grass.
What Zhao Guo is short of now is not money. Even his own mansion has a lot of wealth. What Zhao Guo is short of is food.
However, no matter how much money you have, you can't buy food and grass now.
Because of the relationship between Qin State.
Wei and Qi did not dare to lend grain to Zhao, and Yan was even more incapable. Chu had a vast territory and fertile land, so it was indeed capable.
But after Han was destroyed, Chu wanted to send grain to Zhao. Not only could it not pass through Han, but it could not even go to Wei. The detour was too far. When it went from Qi to Zhao, there was no food left. It’s just that the gain outweighs the loss.
Therefore, Zhao State encountered this natural disaster and had no place to find food and grass. At this time, Qin State sent troops to attack Zhao State.
Not to mention the people suffering from hunger, the Zhao soldiers who fought with the Qin army also needed to eat food to be strong.
"Jia, thank you all!"
Gongzijia's eyes were red. He was in his thirties and with tears in his eyes, he slowly saluted everyone.
"Jiahui has prepared generous gifts. Thank you for your help. After retreating from Qin, Zhao has regained its strength. Jiading will repay you generously!"
After Gongzijia saluted, he made a promise to everyone.
The food that these more than ten noble clansmen promised him was at least four hundred dan, and at most a thousand and eleven.
All added up, there are more than 8,000 stones.
With so much food and grass, when Zhao Guo recovers, he will definitely repay these people on behalf of Zhao Guo.
Inside the pavilion.
Many nobles handed over their hands one after another, smiling and declining modestly.
Hearing Gongzi Jia's words, these nobles felt a little proud in their hearts. Although it was painful for the family to take out so much food and grass at once.
But I can get these words from Gongzijia.
worth!
"Sir, Cai Sui, Liang Jin, and Wu Cheng have returned!"
A servant hurried to the pavilion and reported to the young master.
Hear the words.
"Please!"
Gongzijia said.
The servants were ordered to retreat.
Soon, Mr. Cai, who had just contributed 800 shi, and Mr. Wu, who had contributed 400 shi, turned their heads and saw their grandchildren rushing towards them in the distance.
When Liang Jin, Cai Sui, and Wu Cheng arrived at the pavilion, they saw Master Jia here, and their eyes were filled with surprise and joy.
"Cai Sui pays homage to the young master!"
"Liang Jin pays homage to the young master!"
"Wu Cheng pays homage to the young master!"
After the three people arrived at the pavilion, under the gaze of everyone, they stepped forward to salute Young Master Jia.
"No need to be polite! Does Xu's shop sell grain?"
Gongzijia asked with his hands raised.
The Kingdom of Zhao has been suffering from drought for years. Unlike the King of Zhao who went to other countries to ask for help, Gongzijia has always cared about the nobles of various countries. As long as he knows that the nobles have food, Gongzijia will send people to contact them.
Therefore, he had received news about Xu's shop a few days ago, but yesterday he sent someone to inquire, but was told that there was no food.
"Sir, yes!"
Cai Sui nodded to Gongzi Jia and said softly.
One sentence.
Ling Gongzijia almost didn't react. He just asked, but Cai Sui actually said that Xu's shop had food!
"oh!"
Gongzijia now became curious.
Inside the pavilion.
Under everyone's gaze, Cai Sui slowly told the whole story, including the fact that Xu's store said there was no food at first, but later Wu Cheng heard that there was something in Xu Zixiao's words.
"I see!"
Young Master Jia nodded. Now he finally understood why the servants said there was no food, but Cai Sui said there was food.
Think of this.
Young Master Jiaman looked at Wu Cheng in surprise and realized that this man was indeed talented.
"Haha~!"
Mr. Wu, who was kneeling at the table, smiled and stroked his long beard when he saw Gongzi Jia looking at his grandson.
Although the Wu family could not afford much food, his grandson Wu Cheng was well-known in Jixia Academy of Qi State.
If he is appreciated by Gongzi Jia and joins Gongzi Jia's family this time, it will be a blessing for Wu Cheng and the Wu family.
The only regret is that it would be great if Gongzi Jia succeeded to the throne as King Zhao.
Zhao Guo will definitely be much better than he is now.
"I'm a little worried. The implication of that man's words is that he wants an official position, and he also wants the young master to be his backer!"
Just when everyone thought that Gongzi Jia had found another source of food and grass, Cai Sui's grandfather Cai Lao suddenly spoke.
Mr. Wu, who originally looked proud, frowned slightly when he heard Mr. Cai's words.
Mr. Wu had naturally come into contact with this Mr. Cai, and he was very jealous. If he spoke now, he would inevitably be suspected of jealousy.
But Mr. Wu also knew that the words of the descendants of the Xu family could indeed be understood in this way.
"What, do you want an official position? Do you want the young master to be your backer?"
"this"
The two nobles discussed with each other.
The other nobles also frowned slightly at this moment, listening to what Mr. Cai just said.
One has no official power, and the other has no power!
Thinking about it this way, this really requires authority and someone in Zhao State to be his network backer!
"Xu family, Xu family of Qi State?"
Among the many nobles, an old man named Hui Gong sat in front, stroking his beard for a moment and frowning.
This old man named Hui Gong is the only one among all the people who can provide 1,100 dan of food.
Its branch is the branch of Hui. His ancestor Hui Shi was in the Wei State and served as the Prime Minister of the Wei State. Zhuangzi was his good friend. When he was old, he even fought against Zhang Yi and became famous in various countries.
Unfortunately.
After the fall of Wei, after Hui Shi, Hui Shi never produced a 'great master' like Hui Shi.
"Although I am in the Wei State, I also know the customs of the Qi people. I have also heard a little bit about the several Xu clans in the Qi State. Although there is food, it is impossible to have as much as a thousand stones!"
At this time, Hui Gong looked at Gongzi Jia and said.
After speaking, Huigong was worried that others would not understand, so he explained patiently.
The Qi State has been without war all year round, the land is fertile, and there is indeed enough food and grass. However, most of the nobles will not choose to store food. Instead, they will change their money like normal people.
Therefore, most of the grain and grass are in the Qi State treasury. Even if some other big families have it, they will be carefully watched by the King of Qi and the State of Qin.
Therefore, regardless of whether Xu Zixiao is the Xu family of Qi State, the food he can get at the moment will never exceed a thousand stones.
"So, even if you only have a thousand stones of food, you are asking for an official position. This man has the mouth of a tiger and a wolf, and his greedy nature, I really don't even bother to conspire with him!"
"Yes, you are a villain!"
"In the final analysis, that person just took advantage of Zhao Guo's weakness to speak harshly. Such a move is not among my colleagues. In my opinion, I don't mind if I don't want this food!"
Hearing Hui Gong's words, the other nobles in the pavilion started making noises.
When they heard that a son of a noble family with no more than a thousand stones of food and grass dared to make such a big show of being an important official, everyone couldn't help but feel indignant.
There is indeed a lot of food for Qianshi, and it is even more difficult to find it now, but if Qianshi wants to be an official, it is too greedy.
You must know that just now, anyone here would be given at least four hundred stones, which is close to half of a thousand stones.
Hui Lao, being alone, agreed to give him eleven hundred stones.
"Xu Zixiao!"
Gongzijia sat on his knees on the seat, listening to the arguments among the many nobles in front of him, without speaking in a hurry.
But Gong Zijia's brows furrowed slightly and it could be seen that he was also a little unhappy with the implication of 'Xu Zixiao'.
"Wu Cheng, you will entertain this man for me and ask him how much food and grass he has. I am willing to pay twice as much! So that he does not have to worry about Qin's revenge."
Although Gongzi Jia was disgusted, he still valued the thousand stones of food and grass.
At present, whether it is Dai County or Wu'an Lord, they all need food and grass, and one more stone can make a big difference.
"Son."
Wu Cheng frowned slightly when he heard Gongzi Jia's words, because he felt that Xu Zixiao was a stable person, and if Gongzi Jia didn't come forward to personally agree, he probably wouldn't speak.
In fact, Wu Cheng felt that Xu Zixiao might not be what Mr. Liang said at all.
But looking at Gongzi Jia, Wu Cheng obviously knew that Gongzi Jia was no longer willing to see the Xu family children because of what Mr. Liang and Mr. Hui said.
That’s it!
"Wu Cheng obeys the order!"
Wu Cheng said to Gongzi Jia, cupping his hands.
Later, Wu Cheng saw that other elders from the gentry clan were praising Gongzi Jia for his kindness. He knew that the other party was a villain, but he still endured humiliation for the sake of the Zhao Kingdom.
Wu Cheng felt helpless when he saw this scene.
After a long time.
As everyone retreated, Wu Cheng came to his grandfather's side and walked outside the mansion together.
When no one was around, Wu Cheng told his grandfather his worries.
As Wu Lao walked, he sighed a little while listening to Wu Cheng's words.
"Maybe there is someone else who can be solved!"
In Handan City, in another mansion.
It is also in Liang Nei, but what is different from Gongzi Jia's mansion is that the pavilion is filled with the sounds of warblers and swallows.
Several women were sitting on their knees in the pavilion, drinking tea and talking and laughing.
It's time to talk and laugh.
A man in the distance walked over slowly.
"Wu Gao, thank you princess!"
The man was Wu Gao. Wu Gao, who looked weak at this moment, cupped his hands to Princess Zhao Zhao Qiu and thanked her.
Looking at Zhao Qiu, Wu Gao couldn't help but feel his heartbeat quicken and feel panic.
Zhao Qiu is twenty-one or two, famous for her beauty.
"Is the wound getting better?"
When Zhao Qiu saw Wu Gao, his beautiful eyes smiled and he asked softly.
Wu Yun sensitively noticed that Wu Gao's Adam's apple moved when he heard Zhao Qiu's soft voice.
So Wu Yun quickly stood up.
"Wu, thank you very much for your kindness, Princess!"
Wu Yun saluted Zhao Qiu.
This Zhao Qiu is too charming, not weaker than the Empress Dowager Zhao at all. Her beauty and temperament are even more impressive, and she also has a peculiar fragrance in her body.
Wu Yun didn't want her brother to become Zhao Qiu's plaything and die without knowing how.
"It doesn't matter. Speaking of which, it's because Zhao Guo is not the right one."
Zhao Qiu looked at Wu Yun.
She has already ordered people to deal with the officials in that village and city, and they should be able to come back with the heads in a few days.
At this moment.
A maid quickly came to the pavilion with a roll of bamboo slips and handed it to Zhao Qiu.
"Princess, Mrs. Wu is sending a letter outside the door!"
The maid said to Zhao Qiu.
Because of the appearance of the maid, Wu Gao just breathed a sigh of relief and turned to look at his eldest sister.
I have been taking medicine for the past two days, and although the wound is still painful, I have become more awake and can walk around.
Wu Yun looked at Wu Gao. Because of the specialness of the Wu family, in order to protect the safety of the Wu family, Zhao Qiu hid their siblings and some other noble clans from others.
Wu Yun thought about finding an opportunity to move out first.
This Zhao Qiu is too charming.
Rumors spread throughout the city of Handan that as soon as Zhao Wangqian's father, King Zhao Miaoxiang, died, King Zhao Miaoxiang's brother Chunping Jun had an affair with Chang Hou.
But who would have thought that Lord Chunping would actually appear at Princess Zhao Qiu's residence.
"Xu Zixiao? Interesting."
After Zhao Qiu read the bamboo slips, he smiled and murmured.
No one else reacted when they heard Zhao Qiu's words. They had never heard of the name Xu Zixiao, but Wu Yun and Wu Gao immediately looked at Zhao Qiu with wide eyes.
At this moment, Zhao Qiu also looked at Wu Yun and Wu Gao with a smile.
She had heard Wu Yun say with her own ears that the person who saved her and her brother was a descendant of the Xu family named Xu Zixiao.
This is obviously the same person mentioned in the bamboo slip.
When she heard what Wu Yun said, she was quite curious about Xu Zixiao. She never thought that he might also be a man who came to Qi State to seek official positions and power.
Thousands of stones of food, this appetite is too greedy.
"Princess!"
Wu Yun and Wu Gao looked at the princess with some doubts. Just as they were about to ask, they saw Zhao Qiu getting up and handing the bamboo slips to them.
Hearing Zhao Qiu whispering to everyone that they had something important to leave, Wu Yun opened the bamboo slips and started reading.
After reading the contents, Wu Yun and Wu Gao looked at each other in surprise.
Unexpectedly, Xu Zixiao, who saved their lives, would come to Zhao to sell grain!
And it is very possible that, as Huigong said in the bamboo slips, he is here to seek power.
Looking at Zhao Qiu passing by and asking about Zhao Qiu's scent, Wu Yun frowned slightly. Princess Zhao Qiu was obviously going to the restaurant to meet Xu Zixiao.
I really want to tell you why I want to write about the estrangement, but the editor won't let me tell you, so I won't publish it until I write it, and you will know it later!
(End of chapter)
