"Please wait a moment."
Just when Li Ning was about to leave with great ambition, a young man's voice suddenly stopped him.
Li Ning turned around and saw a thin young man slowly walking out of the screen.
He didn't recognize this person, so he looked at Pang Ji.
Pang Ji's face showed dissatisfaction, but he still introduced: "This is Quanzi, the way of small characters."
The small character is probably a title similar to a nickname, but it was not popular in the Song Dynasty.
However, this may simply be an elegant nickname for the nickname.
But no matter what, Li Ning knows the importance of this young man.
After all, Pang Ji is getting older, and his ability to accept new things has obviously declined.
But this young man is different. Although he looks frail and sick, according to Sima Guang's records, he should be extremely smart.
"Brother Zhidao, I'm Li Ning, this is polite."
"Young man, there is no need to be polite. I am convinced by your plan just now. With people like you by my father's side, I believe that Emperor Song can still survive this change."
"Our emperor, Zuo, of the Song Dynasty, is indeed not that easy to break."
Everyone chuckled, but Pang Zhidao suddenly asked: "Sir, do you believe in the theory of ghosts and gods?"
Li Ning's logic was "drifted", and the topic jumped a bit too fast.
But he still quickly gave a standard answer: "The Master said, respect ghosts and gods and stay away from them. It's hard to talk about whether you believe in something you haven't seen before."
"Sir, that's true. However, that Macedonian king doesn't seem to think so. I heard my father talk about your interrogation of prisoners. Since that king said that the light curtain was the manifestation of his ancestor, then he must have survived. The idea of using gods to secure one’s position.”
"I'm afraid so."
"In this case, the soldiers in this country must be more ignorant. Why don't you, sir, take advantage of this and make a small article."
"Why use this? I, Emperor Song..."
"My Emperor Song Qian has many good things, but they are not enough for outsiders. Besides, relying on those to scare the barbarians may be very slow and not as effective as gods. According to what Mr. just said, in business, we should pay more attention to deceiving people. Actually, sir, you must be aware of the same thing, especially in diplomatic relations."
"Li took what the yamen said to heart. In a short time, he came up with three or five tricks to appetize that guy!"
"Okay, then my little brother will go with you."
Of course, Li Ning was happy to see him join his career, so he just asked him to take care of himself before taking him out.
At this time, Alexander's army had basically withdrawn from the light curtain, and the prisoner exchange ceremony between the two sides had also ended.
When Li Ning arrived at the light curtain, Alexander was looking back at the prosperous city of the Song Dynasty reluctantly.
Pang Zhidao frowned unconsciously, but Li Ning's expression remained normal.
He walked to Alexander and said softly: "Your Majesty, it's time to change your straw sandals."
Alexander looked down and smiled: "It can still be worn."
"How about I give you a pair of cloth shoes from heaven."
"The kingdom of heaven? Is it the kingdom of God?"
"No." Li Ning smiled, and then started his big deception, "This is just a kingdom controlled by gods, not a kingdom where gods gather."
"Oh. Have you seen your god? Why haven't I seen the temple?"
"There are temples too. It's just different from the ones in Greece, so you can't recognize it. The god here is called Haotian God, also known as the Jade Emperor. There are many temples about him around here. Speaking of which, he and Your country’s king of gods, Zeus, is a good friend.”
"Yeah?"
Pang Zhidao and the tongue man in the distance were already laughing.
But Li Ning was still talking nonsense seriously: "Yes. Many years ago, he sent an oracle, saying that a descendant of Zeus would be lost here. He hoped that we could help him then. You know, we are just clouds in the sky, Feng Yi I don’t know what kind of life I will lead, how dare I try to help other lost lambs. In addition, it has been a long time, and I have forgotten it. But when I went back just now, someone suddenly reminded me that you seem to be the lost sheep. of……"
"Lamb?" No one in the pre-Christian Eastern Mediterranean world had heard of this argument, so Alexander laughed.
He was indeed lost, but not as fragile as a lamb, so there was anger hidden in this smile.
But Li Ning has a way to make this anger disappear.
"Your Majesty. Whether you agree with this rude idea or not, I hope you can give us a chance to try to fulfill God's will."
"You want to help us?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"But we just finished fighting."
"That just proves that you are the lost lamb. We have decided to ignore the actions of you and your men. Anyway, both sides have released their prisoners, so why don't we sit down and see if there is anything that is beneficial to each other? For example ,trading."
"Haha." Alexander laughed.
For a person who likes to play with the name of God, the last two words Li Ning said are the real clues.
"Okay. Then my dear...what do you call me?"
"Li Ning, you can call me brother. Because in the years to come, we will treat each other sincerely."
"Well, my respected brother. What trade can we do between us?"
"There are many. For example, your straw sandals. Although our cloth shoes are of higher value, because you are the person the oracle speaks of, we only charge you three hundred talents of gold for thirty thousand pairs of cloth shoes."
One pound of gold is enough for a young person to buy a house and land in Greece, marry a wife and have children. And three hundred talents of gold, even the king cannot completely ignore it.
"What are the benefits of those cloth shoes? Why are they so expensive?"
"Sturdy and warm. In short, they are better than straw sandals in all aspects."
"But three hundred talons is too expensive. Can it be cheaper?"
"Yes, but you have to agree to one condition."
"What? Allow us to do business freely in your country, hire troops at will, and follow you to participate in the Eastern Expedition."
"Eastern March? Why?"
"Persia is really a vast empire and very rich. This makes us envious. At the same time, our empire is a country that likes to do business. I know you are too, at least Athens and Sparta are like this. So, I ask You allow our caravans to participate in your eastern expedition."
These words pleased Alexander. The intrinsic purpose of the Eastern Expedition was, of course, to conquer rich lands. Of course he'd love to hear like-minded people. But he still asked: "What do I get but a friendly force?"
"There are many. But the most important thing is that you got the opportunity to make the country richer!" Li Ning said softly, "After all, war is for interests, so is peace, and even more so in business. No one will refuse benefits, let alone Will refuse to seek common interests with a hero. Although this may sound a bit flattering, unfortunately, you may have to use your strength to deny this concern."
This was a bit awkward to say, and it took a while for the people around to understand it, and burst into laughter.
Li Ning took advantage of the situation and put the finishing touch: "Through this, the wealth of our heaven will continue to flow into the Mediterranean coast. And all you have to do is conquer those places."
"Impassionate!" Alexander clapped his hands and praised!
But then he turned cold and said: "Tell me, where do you make money from?"
Li Ning's face looked a little unhappy: "Our caravan is guarded by rural soldiers, and there is no problem with transportation safety. Therefore, we can transport supplies for you. I believe you are willing to pay a commission for this. At the same time, the caravan can also convert your loot into For money. At critical times, the combat power of the rural soldiers can also help you in the war. I believe you have seen their strength. If you turn your enemies into comrades, it will be a double gain for you!"
Alexander liked this statement very much, so his expression became much warmer.
According to his understanding of the soldiers of the Song Dynasty, the poor and weak Song Dynasty was enough to pose a threat to the rear of his Eastern Expedition. Therefore, alliances were indeed very important to him.
In fact, he also thought about staying here and fighting against the Song Dynasty. But he faced many problems.
First of all, the combat power displayed by the Song Dynasty's army - although it was seriously overestimated - made him a little worried.
Secondly, it was not wise to attack a country that it did not understand. The two-hundred-year grudge between Persia and the Greek city-states made it the primary enemy both rationally and emotionally.
Third, the ambitious Alexander did not want to change his plans, especially because of such unpredictable events, which might have an impact on his personal prestige.
In addition, the monarch of a slave country needs mysterious things to add mystery to his crown, but he does not need these things to be counterproductive.
For Alexander, this is of great significance that Li Ning cannot put himself in his shoes.
Therefore, the source of the light curtain must be properly accounted for.
Li Ning's statement coincided with his previous lies.
This makes him more inclined to cooperate with Li Ning'er.
After all, if that screen of light could bring Alexander an ally, soldiers of all faiths would view their king in a new light.
Therefore, it is impossible for Li Ning not to receive Alexander's kindness: "Okay, I agree with your suggestion! We will return to the banks of the Granikas River and continue to compete with the Persians. If you are interested, welcome to see Our enemy."
Parmenios on the side smiled and said: "They have three heads and six arms. Young man, are you afraid?"
The attendants around him laughed. Only Li Ning remained calm: "To be honest, I'm a little scared. But I'm not welcome here. If I want to make some achievements, I have to take this risk. In fact, I have already guessed that there will be many people in the court." They objected to what I was doing, so I had no choice but to succeed, otherwise I would be charged with treason.”
"In that case, the Macedonian infantry phalanx welcomes you. Our king can appoint you as the commander of the double phalanx." Parmenios did not forget to make a counterpoint.
The so-called double phalanx commander is roughly equivalent to a division commander and can command 8,192 heavy infantry. It is a very important position in the Macedonian military sequence.
But Li Ning just replied and said: "It's a pity, Your Majesty the King. Although I am a minor official who is not valued, and I also want to fight with you, I can't leave my civilization now. That land has nurtured Us, even if the current regime makes me feel no sense of belonging, I can't leave easily. Of course, if one day I have nowhere to escape, you will be my first choice!"
Alexander didn't expect that the other party valued him so much, and he was very happy at the moment. Even Parmenios was surprised: "You admire our king very much. How do you know him?"
Of course, Li Ning can't say that he is a time traveler, but his admiration is true. After all, he is facing Alexander the Great.
So lying is inappropriate again.
So he could only say vaguely: "I read it in a book."
Alexander smiled, knowing that he was not yet widespread enough to appear in the parchment records. But he had no intention of exposing the other party's "lie", so he just regarded it as flattery.
However, Parmenios did not think so. He feels that Li Ning is a very pragmatic person. So, at least Li Ning is expressing a good feeling.
This is a good opportunity to strike while the iron is hot.
As a result, Parmenios' price was raised higher.
"If unfortunately that day comes, then the position of commander of the quadruple phalanx is waiting for you!"
The commander of the quadruple phalanx is naturally the army commander, commanding 16,384 heavy infantry. Coupled with the auxiliary army and cavalry, a complete system force can be formed. Such a force is generally commanded by the king himself, or at least by his personally designated adjutants.
This is already a top-level general, but Li Ning only regarded this as a joke: "I only hope that you and His Majesty the King can live a long and healthy life. All achievements must be alive to see the final perfection and magnificence."
He meant what he said.
The official business has been completed. It is also a very good choice to ferment personal feelings and consolidate the relationship between the two parties.
Parmenios was a veteran who had followed the previous king, so he naturally liked to hear such congratulations. But Alexander only heard the word magnificent. His blood was burning, and he couldn't help but get up and walk to Li Ning. He patted the other person's shoulder and said excitedly: "I believe I will live until that day."
These words moved Li Ning for a moment, and he couldn't help but leak some secrets and said: "If you can, please let the river water keep flowing. That is the safest way."
Alexander frowned: "Jiang Shui? My friend, what do you mean by this?"
"That's right. If it keeps flowing, won't there be a flood?"
"Hahaha!" The attendants laughed again.
“If the floods of Greece can cause Persia to burst, let him fall down!”
As soon as these words came out, Alexander was no longer the only one who was excited. The entire team of attendants went crazy. Some even took out their wine glasses and wanted to get drunk with Li Ning!
But Li Ning wanted to explain his words clearly: "After defeating Persia, the floods will not stop. I want to go with you to the coast of the East China Sea, the Horn of South Africa, the Arctic, and the bottom of the Western Ocean!"
Listening to this series of words, everyone in the workplace feels the vastness of the world.
Amintas even pushed his king away excitedly, and then "covered" Li Ning with a strong bear hug.
"Brother, I want to go to these places you mentioned! Let's go conquer them together, and don't go back."
Li Ning thought that his nerves had short-circuited. When he heard these words, he knew that this guy was too excited. At that moment, he just patted him on the shoulder and said: "Even if I go back, I will not miss my journey to conquer the world. But I am serious, for the sake of you calling me brother. Don't stop. Stop, It’s easy to have problems.”
Parmenios was stunned for a moment, his words seemed to make sense somehow.
Then, he pricked up his ears and wanted to listen more carefully to Li Ning's words, but Li Ning only had the last sentence left - but the essence was concentrated. It was this sentence that made Parmenio Si will remember it for the rest of his life: "There is an old Chinese saying: Running water does not rot, and door hinges do not suffer from beetles."
When Li Ning translated these words, he had made it as clear as possible, so Amyntas did not need to look through any classical Chinese dictionary like a Chinese child to understand Li Ning's instructions.
The scene suddenly became serious.
Finally, they realized that the other party's words contained not only impassioned speeches, but also worries and warnings.
Of course, what some people hear may be a curse.
But no matter what, in this formal diplomatic situation, no one is stupid enough to seize on such vague words and hold on to them. Otherwise, he will easily get an answer full of positive energy to humiliate his impulsiveness, ignorance and arrogance. .
Therefore, even Alexander, who calmed down, did not show any disgust, but just smiled like Amyntas and said: "I'll wait until you arrive to conquer all directions!"
"In life, you should scold Fang Qiu, and in death, you should be wrapped in horse leather."
This was said directly in Mandarin. Not to mention Alexander, even if Pang Ji was here, he still had to think about this weird accent - huh? Why does it smell like Khitan?
Mandarin without the Ru tone does sound very Khitan-because around the eleventh century, it was when the Ru tone gradually disappeared from northern Chinese.
Chinese has been simplified in the process of evolution. Thousands of years ago, Chinese also had various cases and forms, just like English. But the Chinese people later threw away all those junk gadgets, thus greatly simplifying and enriching language applications. Of course, the price of this flexibility is that it brings certain difficulties to foreign learners. If this article is fortunate enough to be read by foreign friends, please allow me to ask: Have you passed Chinese Level 8 (the common HSK is only Level 6)?
There’s no need to count on Alexander’s level 8 in Chinese, as he has passed the best age for language learning.
But he could tell that Li Ning was very excited - he excitedly used his native language and had no time to translate it into Greek - this excitement was no different from Alexander's emotion just now.
This is undoubtedly a sign of sincerity!
At the same time, it also dispelled the doubts of many people present.
They think: they have gained a true friend.
Perhaps in the new journey, there will be many new discoveries because of this person.
But they could never imagine how Li Ning would evaluate the relationship between the two parties at this time.
