Chapter 008: How Did It Come to This

"Doping Jun? Do you not have anything to tell me, Your Majesty?" King Zhao inquired.

I am using the Duke Ping of the State of Zhao, what do you think about it

Why is that

Indeed, I have not chosen the wrong person. Yi Ren is unafraid of danger and is willing to remain alone in Handan, not worrying about his own safety, yet he must remind himself. Lü Buwei's expression gradually became solemn as he said with gravity: "This time I go, I will certainly accomplish this matter for the young master. If I fail, I am willing to die." Ying Yiren stood at the door, watching Lü Buwei's carriage slowly depart. Ying Yiren stood at the door for a long time before finally entering the courtyard. Lü Buwei's expression also gradually became solemn as he said with gravity: "This time I go, I will certainly accomplish this matter for the young master. If I fail, I am willing to die." Ying Yiren stood at the door, watching Lü Buwei's carriage slowly depart. Ying Yiren stood at the door for a long time before finally entering the courtyard.

Ying Yiren nodded, feeling that Lü Buwei's words were very reasonable. He then asked, "What should I do next?"

King Zhao let out a long sigh of helplessness and said, "You may return to rest now." Only then did Tian Dan rise, bowing to King Zhao before leaving the palace. Inside the palace, only King Zhao remained with another legendary figure of Zhao, an elderly man sitting before him, who occasionally coughed, his hair and beard completely white. This sight made King Zhao reflect on the power of time. He respectfully lowered his head and asked, "Lord Lin, do you have anything to inform this humble one?"

Lü Buwei said with a smile: "The matter of Zhao Kuo is merely a trivial issue for the young master. The reason I have you propose this matter is to remind the Qin people that there is still a young master like you. The King of Qin is already old, and your father, Lord Anguo, has been established as the crown prince. Lord Anguo currently favors your brother, Zizhan, who has the support of his mother in the harem. As for you, being in the middle of the siblings, with your mother not being favored, after the King of Qin passes away and Lord Anguo ascends to the throne, do not expect to compete for the position of crown prince with your elder brother and the other brothers who are always by the King of Qin's side."

Du Pingjun was known as Tian Dan. He was originally from the State of Qi, and during the time when Qi was on the brink of destruction, it was he who saved the state. It can even be said that he single-handedly forged the State of Qi. However, because of this, he became a source of concern for King Qi, who could no longer tolerate him. Seizing the opportunity, King Zhao exchanged more than fifty cities for Tian Dan, appointing him as a general of the State of Zhao, and later he became the Prime Minister of Zhao.

At this moment, Xu Li also met King Zhao once again

Zhao Wang Dan ascended to the throne at a young age. He has always aspired to establish the hegemony of the Zhao state, compelling the various states to submit to the formidable power of Zhao. In the first year of his reign, he allied with the Qi state and repelled the invasion of the Qin people. From that moment on, he was constantly thinking about avenging himself against the Qin. He made every effort to attract talented individuals, believing that as long as Zhao had enough talent, the Qin would not be a match for Zhao. He exchanged fifty cities for Tian Dan.

Ying Yiren summoned a retainer and instructed, "Please buy me a set of Chu clothing." The retainer accepted the order and left. The reason for wanting to wear Chu clothing was that Madam Huayang was from the State of Chu, and she usually wore Chu attire, often expressing her longing for her homeland. Standing in the courtyard, Ying Yiren muttered helplessly, "I also have to learn the 'bird language' of Chu, it really is troublesome..."

Sitting before King Zhao was indeed a former Prime Minister of the Zhao State, Lin Xiangru

"I have followed your arrangements and informed the general of the Qin state of your strategy, yet until now, your strategy has not taken effect. What could be the reason for this?" Ying Yiren inquired with a puzzled look at Lü Buwei, who was kneeling before him. Lü Buwei, sensing the implication of his question, remained unfazed and replied with a smile, "I had Xu Li recommend Zhao Kuo to the King of Zhao merely to ensure that the King remembers that there is still a young man named Zhao Kuo."

Xu Li's expression was somewhat awkward, but he still remembered Zhao Kuo's instructions and did not say much more. He sighed deeply and said: "I say this not to seek merit in front of Your Majesty, but because I have come for General Lian Po." King Zhao laughed heartily and then said: "I understand, please rest assured, I will not heed rumors."

Zhao Wang Dan clenched his fists tightly, his eyes filled with bloodshot veins

After he left, King Zhao finally turned to the two individuals on his left and asked, "This is certainly not something Xu Li could have said. May I ask who taught him this?" At that moment, two elders were seated to his right. Both were not particularly young; one was tall and had a stern expression, sitting upright with half-closed eyes, while the other was continuously coughing, which made King Zhao feel a bit distressed.

But why is it that things do not turn out as one expects? Why is it that the Zhao people cannot defeat the Qin people?

He has a very poor relationship with several generals from the Zhao state

I have privately heard that Lord Angguo is very fond of Lady Huayang. Although Lady Huayang has no children, she is able to participate in the selection of the crown prince, which means we can only approach her. You are quite impoverished and are a guest here, unable to offer much to your relatives or to cultivate connections with guests. Although I, Lü Buwei, am not wealthy, I am willing to offer a thousand gold pieces to support your journey to the State of Qin, to serve Lord Angguo and Lady Huayang, and to persuade them to appoint you as the crown prince

Ying Yiren was taken aback and asked, "In that case, what should I do?"

He seized the opportunity and used a letter from home to persuade Le Yi to surrender

Lü Buwei said nothing further, rising to bid farewell to Ying Yiren. Yiren accompanied him to the door, then took his hand and earnestly reminded him: "More than the success of the matter, I care about your safety. I hope you can return safely, and please do not take risks because of this matter." Even though he understood that Ying Yiren's concern was merely a means to win him over, Lü Buwei still felt somewhat moved.

General Le Yi has just submitted, yet King Yan harbors a deep hatred towards him and wishes to kill him. If the sovereign intends to employ General Le Yi, it is likely to provoke the anger of the Yan people. The State of Zhao is struggling to stand against the Qin on its own and is in dire need of assistance from neighboring states such as Yan, Qi, and Wei. Therefore, the sovereign cannot appoint him as a general. As soon as Lin Xiangru finished speaking, he began to cough again, and blood flowed from the corner of his mouth. King Zhao was greatly alarmed and hurriedly supported him personally.

Although Zhao Kuo is young, he has a great reputation, said King Zhao

"If Your Majesty were to appoint Zhao Kuo solely based on his reputation, it would be akin to gluing the tuning pegs of a zither in place and then attempting to play it, demonstrating a lack of adaptability. Zhao Kuo only knows how to read the books left by his father and does not understand the importance of being flexible and responsive," said Lin Xiangru.

Since he was given to King Zhao by King Qi in exchange for fifty cities, Tian Dan has become increasingly taciturn. This man, who was both literate and martial, and who fought to the death to save the State of Qi, was sold for the price of fifty cities. Even though King Zhao treats him with great respect, Tian Dan remains cold and indifferent. He is still alive, yet the savior of the State of Qi, who was once capable in battle and defeated Le Yi, seems to have already perished.

If you, my lord, can trust me, then I implore you to stay in Handan, don the attire of Chu, and cultivate more friendships

Xu Li then stood up, bowed deeply to King Zhao, and carefully left the royal palace

The warrior escorted Lin Xiangru back to his residence, repeatedly reminding him to take good care of himself. King Zhao sat alone in the palace, his expression forlorn

King Zhao sat in the upper seat, with two of his high ministers seated to his left, while Xu Li sat to his right and solemnly said: "This is the story of Zeng Mu losing her shuttle. I hope Your Majesty can discern the rumors and trust General Lian Po. - Tu - Shu" King Zhao remained silent for a long time. He then raised his head and carefully scrutinized Xu Li before emotionally saying: "I originally thought that Xu Li was merely capable of fighting, but I did not expect that I had underestimated him."

The current state of the war has not yet reached a level of crisis that would cause King Zhao to panic. If King Zhao were as desperate as a drowning person, would he not grasp at the lifeline that is Zhao Kuo

You yourself are in the unpredictable state of Zhao. If the Qin people defeat Zhao and besiege Handan, would the King of Zhao spare your life?

Ying Yiren, upon hearing this, hurriedly bowed deeply to Lü Buwei and respectfully said, "If your plan is realized, I am willing to share the land of the Qin state with you."

Lin Xiangru raised his head, and his pale face made King Zhao feel quite distressed. He said, "Xu Li's suggestion was rejected by the sovereign, and he must have gone to visit Zhao Kuo. Perhaps it was Zhao Kuo, or one of his attendants, who informed Xu Li. However, Xu Li was not wrong; General Lian Po should not be replaced."

General Tian Dan had conflicts with many other generals, and given his deep concern for the State of Qi, upon arriving in the State of Zhao, he felt utterly despondent. He would not care for the survival of Zhao as General Lian Po would. I believe he is unsuitable for this role

Then I wish to use the talents of all of you, what do you think of this?

Upon hearing the inquiry from King Zhao, Tian Dan said: "I have only a nodding acquaintance with Xu Li, having merely encountered him on the road, and I am not aware of his matters"