On this mission, Ji Yanran actually asked to accompany him.
Xiang Shaolong asked: "Why do you think of going to Qi State?"
Ji Yanran said: "My adoptive father, Master Zou, died of illness in Linzi a few years ago. This time I went to pay my respects and collect some of my adoptive father's works to prepare for publication."
Xiang Shaolong asked: "Master Zou is the master Zou Yan who founded the 'Theory of the End and Beginning of the Five Virtues'?"
Ji Yanran said: "That's right. He studied in Jixia Academy during the reign of King Xuan of Qi, and showed himself to the princes as the master of Yin and Yang. Later he entered Yan and became the teacher of King Zhao of Yan. Later, the Five Kingdoms destroyed Qi, and my adoptive father cherished his homeland. He was willing to participate and was imprisoned by King Hui. After his injustice was over, he returned to Qi and concentrated on sorting out his academic work. He died of illness in Linzi six years ago. The main purpose of my visit this time is to bring back his works, edit them and publish them." (History) Zou Yan died around 250 BC)
Xiang Shaolong nodded. He was not very interested in Zou Yan's teachings. In his eyes, Zou Yan was closer to an alchemist. But in this era, he was indeed famous. His teachings designed new political plans for rulers and were valued by various kings.
Xiang Shaolong has always believed that "whatever exists is reasonable". He thinks that his understanding of the theory of yin and yang is very superficial, and the prosperity of culture requires "a hundred schools of thought to bloom and contend." No matter what theory, Xiang Shaolong is willing to spread it and will not be biased by his own likes and dislikes. There are many smart people in the world. If someone is willing to believe in his theory, it means that there is still a market for him. Therefore, he agrees with Ji Yanran's intention to publish Zou Yan's theory. No matter what, the most terrifying thing is that one family is the only one. One flower blooming alone is not spring, but a hundred flowers blooming together fills the garden.
The Qin State's envoy to the Qi State must pass through the Wei State. The last time Xiang Shaolong went to Zhao State as an envoy, he was robbed and killed on the way, and the shadow of the Wei State was behind him. Among all the countries, the one he was most worried about was the State of Wei, not to mention that his visit to the State of Qi had the intention of targeting the State of Wei.
So Xiang Shaolong decided to go secretly, break it up into pieces, and sneak the advance troops into Linzi secretly. And his entourage was divided into multiple teams. They just followed Xiang Shaolong not far away and did not know Xiang Shaolong. If there was no emergency, they would go their separate ways.
Xiang Shaolong was accompanied only by Ji Yanran and an entourage, riding an ordinary bad horse and transforming into an ordinary civilian on the road.
The journey arrived outside Linzi City safely, and the advance personnel contacted Prime Minister Qi Housheng. When he learned that Xiang Shaolong was coming, Hou Sheng went out of the city to greet him personally, fearing that he would neglect Xiang Shaolong.
Guests and hosts were seated in the Prime Minister's Mansion. The latter raised his glass first and said: "It is a great honor for Mr. Zuo Prime Minister to go to our country as an ambassador. What is even more rare is that the talented girl Ji Fangjia is here in person. All the students in my country admire me."
Ji Yanran said: "Yanran is only here to pay homage to her adoptive father, Master Zou. She has nothing else to do and does not dare to bother Mr. Xiangguo."
Xiang Shaolong said: "I came here this time because I have an important matter to discuss with the Prime Minister." He took out a sample of refined salt and handed it to Hou Sheng.
Xiang Shaolong doesn't like beating around the bush and playing hard-to-get tricks. The same is true for using troops, and the same is true for bribery. Go straight in, cut through the mess quickly, without bargaining, just use your tricks to knock your opponent down with money.
Xiang Shaolong said: "I have the technology to produce this kind of refined salt. Unfortunately, Daqin is located in the west and lacks raw materials. I have long been interested in seeking a partner to make this business bigger and stronger. Since the last time I met the Prime Minister, I have been thinking about it. Once we have the initial idea, I will provide the technology and leave the rest to the Prime Minister. The profits will be shared equally between the Prime Minister and I, how about that?"
Hou Sheng was overjoyed to hear that Xiang Shaolong meant to cooperate with him, not with Qi State. The difference here was huge.
This kind of refined salt has only been around for a few years. Unfortunately, the output is small and the price is high. It has only been spread among the upper class. Qi State is close to the sea, and the salt industry is an important pillar industry of Qi State. They have long wanted to find this technology. However, the source of the refined salt has never been found, and I didn't expect that it would be in Xiang Shaolong's hands.
With Qi's geographical location, Hou Sheng himself couldn't even imagine how much profit he could make in the future. He never thought that this was the Qin State's ulterior motive to bribe him. He just thought it was a transaction between Xiang Shaolong and him, who wanted to make a fortune silently. Or maybe he thought about it but pretended not to know.
Hou Sheng patted his chest and assured: "Don't worry, Mr. Zuo Xiang, everything is taken care of by me."
The next day, Xiang Shaolong had an audience with King Jian of Qi at Huan Gong Terrace.
Huan Gong Terrace is the most magnificent building group in Wangdian District, located in the north and west of the small town. Only about eighty feet away from the west wall of the small town, it is a magnificent high platform. This rectangular high platform is twenty-five feet long from north to south, twenty feet long from east to west, and more than five feet high. You can imagine its majestic momentum. Climbing to the high platform, you can overlook the large square between Huan Gong Terrace and Jinluan Hall, which can accommodate tens of thousands of troops for drill.
Huan Gong Terrace itself is very distinctive. It looks like a flat-topped pyramid. The top of the platform has two floors. The east, west and north triangles are steeply sloping, and the south side is slightly gentle. There are more than 100 stone steps to climb the platform. The top of the platform is surrounded by gray bricks. Low flower wall. There is another square platform about five feet higher in the middle of the platform. The platform is paved with patterned square tiles, which is elegant and noble.
Qi Wangjian, in his thirties, of medium build and ordinary appearance.
After the ceremony, Xiang Shaolong sat at the head of King Qi.
King Jian of Qi spoke eloquently: "Ever since our ancestors proposed to respect the king and repel the barbarians, we, the Qi Dynasty, have always held the ambition of bringing peace to the world and uniting the princes. When your country's Shang Jun changed the law, our two countries, Qi and Qin, became two great kingdoms of the east and west. It would be beneficial to unite. , division is harmful, and the situation is obvious.”
Xiang Shaolong said: "Huan Gong cultivated politics and economics internally, and managed military armaments externally. He established the hegemony of Qi State in one fell swoop. He resisted the barbarians and Di and saved the Central Plains. Those who are good at fighting are undefeated. His contribution is to the country. I have always admired him. The country of Qi established Jixia Academy to cultivate At a time of cultural prosperity, it ranks first among all countries. Shaolong came here with the attitude of learning and came to make a pilgrimage. The literary style of Qi is far more prosperous than that of Great Qin. I intend to imitate Jixia Academy and run schools and teach for our Great Qin. , I came here to learn from the scriptures, and I hope that your Majesty will be willing to teach me."
King Qi was overjoyed when he saw Xiang Shaolong's humble attitude. After the Qi State was almost destroyed, its mentality immediately became a little timid. It was immersed in the glory of the past all day long, empty talk became commonplace, and was timid to attack. Facing the powerful Qin, it became increasingly fearful.
Xiang Shaolong was chatting with King Qi all the time. At this time, a minister walked up to the throne, knelt down and presented a letter to King Qi, and also said a few words.
King Qi looked surprised when he heard this, looked at Xiang Shaolong and said, "Mr. Cao said that he has a silk letter, please deliver it to the general."
The King of Qi sent his servants to deliver the letter to Xiang Shaolong.
After Xiang Shaolong took out the silk book and read it, he smiled and said: "I appreciate it, Mr. Cao, and I have arranged for you to compete at the Star Observation Deck of Jixia Academy in three days. I would be honored to do so."
Jixia Sword Master Cao Qiudao and Xiang Shaolong are like thunder. Every martial artist has a totem in their heart. Cao Qiudao is a totem figure in the minds of martial artists in this era.
If other masters challenge Xiang Shaolong, Xiang Shaolong will not pay attention at all, as his status is not up to standard.
As Xiang Shaolong, the Prime Minister, the General, and the Crown Prince, not just anyone can challenge him.
But Cao Qiudao is different. He is the first person in the industry. He is fundamentally different from other so-called masters. He can completely ignore other identity restrictions. Civil and military first, martial arts second. In the profession of swordsman, he is the emperor. Xiang Shaolong must accept his challenge.
King Qi was shocked and turned pale. As the emperor's master, Cao Qiudao had a transcendent status. If he killed Xiang Shaolong without knowing the importance of his actions, the Qi country would be in dire straits.
Back at the Prime Minister's Mansion, Hou Sheng was also very worried and asked, "Does Mr. Zuo Prime Minister recognize Duke Cao? Duke Cao's swordsmanship is extraordinary, and even the king can hardly influence him."
Xiang Shaolong said: "I don't know Mr. Cao. I have admired Mr. Cao as a swordsman for a long time. I didn't expect that he would challenge me."
Xiang Shaolong was also very surprised. As the best master in the world, shouldn't he sit at home and wait for someone to challenge him? Why are you still interested in yourself? Isn't he afraid that Qi will offend our country, Da Qin?
Ji Yanran responded: "He is Han Jie's master, and it is normal for him to challenge you."
Xiang Shaolong was stunned. He had forgotten about Han Jie. At that time, Lu Buwei also mentioned that Han Jie was a disciple of Cao Qiudao, but to him, Han Jie was really an insignificant person. When he came to Qi this time, he never considered this matter at all.
Ji Yanran saw Xiang Shaolong stunned and asked, "You don't know that Han Jie is Cao Qidao's disciple, do you?"
Xiang Shaolong said: "I know, I know, but I forgot about it."
Ji Yanran was helpless. She really didn't know whether Xiang Shaolong was confused or big-hearted, so she asked, "Then how much do you know about Cao Qidao?"
Xiang Shaolong said: "I only know that he is known as the Sword Master and is invincible in the world, but I don't know the rest."
Ji Yanran said: "In today's world, when it comes to swordsmanship, no one has a higher ranking than Cao Qiudao, who is known as the Sword Saint of Jixia and calls himself Mr. Wangyou. Cao Qiudao opened a dojo in Jixia and was very strict in accepting disciples, so There are no more than a hundred disciples. It is said that he once told the King of Qi that among the disciples he accepted, only three people had his true inheritance, and one of them was Han Jie. Zhao Jianzhai, the master of Guan Zhongxie and Lian Jin, was once led by Wei Go to Qi to challenge Cao Qiudao and have his tail finger cut off. If Cao Qiudao attacks, he will be killed or injured, so be careful."
Xiang Shaolong asked: "How old is he?"
Ji Yanran said: "He became famous very early, he must be at least sixty years old."
Xiang Shaolong said: "As old people do not use their muscles and bones for strength, their fists are afraid of young people. Even if he was once invincible, he is old and weak after all, so what should I fear?"
Sixty years old is considered a long life in this era. Although Xiang Shaolong has done many worldly things in recent years, he has practiced martial arts every day and is now at the peak of his physical condition. How can he be scared by an old man.
Ji Yanran said: "Don't be careless. Guan Zhongxie is probably the strongest in Xianyang right now. His master was defeated by Cao Qiudao. When Han Jie first arrived in Xianyang, his reputation was not weaker than Guan Zhongxie's, but I accidentally fell into your hands. From this, it can be inferred that Cao Qiudao must be well-deserved. I heard that he is the best at maintaining health and practicing Qi, and his physical strength is probably not weaker than that of young people."
