When Fan Ju left Handan City, he was still worried about Zichu's safety. Ever since he boarded Luzi's pirate ship, he had become tied to Proton, who remained in Zhao State. To praise Zichu upon his return, he also advised Zichu to study diligently at home. If the king were to send someone secretly to inspect the officials, at least Zichu could leave a good impression on the Disciplinary Committee.
From this, it was evident that Fan Ju was indeed shrewd. This time he came to see Zichu; if he spoke too much upon returning home, it would inevitably arouse King Zhao of Qin's suspicion. This Powerful Minister colluded with Wang Sun, which could lead to serious consequences. If it escalated, it could mean the extermination of nine clans; if it were minor, it could still result in dismissal and investigation. After all, the world was too chaotic at present, and anyone would be cautious. Especially since there were those attempting to control the future royal power of Qin State, that was practically a death wish.
At this time, the King Qin had already reached the age of sixty and had become quite astute. His ministers had to ponder their words carefully before speaking; sometimes it was better to say nothing than risk saying the wrong thing. Even those with a clear conscience were cautious, let alone those who were already troubled.
Fan Ju naturally believed that he had nothing to feel guilty about regarding Qin State and King Qin; supporting Wang Sun's ascension was not treasonous. However, with Gongsun Yang's achievements in strengthening Qin State looming over him, even a clear conscience could lead to dismemberment by five horses. No matter how great his contributions to Qin State were, they paled in comparison to that merchant minister. If he did not know his place, he might end up being torn apart!
Zhao State indeed placed great importance on the safety of Qin State's Chancellor; King Zhao did not disappoint Fan Ju by dispatching Plain King for escort duty. At this time, the escorting troops not only selected the so-called best Charioteer Camp but also sent swift horses along the way to notify each City Defense Force responsible for support. Strict orders were given that there must be no break in communication during the escort; both sides' troops must complete handover procedures at the border before withdrawing. Each stationed unit could consider sending a Thousand-Man Squad for support and could dispatch Two Thousand if necessary.
This was not because King Zhao valued Qin State; rather, it was due to the many Feudal States' people present in Handan City at this time. There were good people fearing chaos and bad people hoping for it as well. If they took advantage of this opportunity to ambush the envoy and frame Zhao State, it would be no different from swallowing a fly.
The reason for using the term "best Charioteer Camp" was also because Zhao State's best Cavalry Unit had been assigned to Zhao Kuo. Thanks to King Zhao issuing this order, the generals of the stationed troops along the route took it seriously.
To thoroughly execute the king's will, hiring some crowd actors temporarily was also acceptable! When Qin State's Chancellor passed through this area, what he saw was indeed a magnificent Cavalry Unit. The flaws in this setup went unnoticed even by Wang Jian. If there had been a little golden man award at that time, these crowd actors would surely have won it.
To cut a long story short.
When Fan Ju saw the Qin Army appear at the Boundary, he knew it was time to part ways. While expressing heartfelt thanks to Plain King for seeing him off from afar, he ultimately refrained from inviting him to visit Qin State in the future. After all, given their previous unpleasant experience, it would likely evoke more nostalgia than anything else.
Fortunately for Fan Ju, Plain King was perceptive; seeing Fan Ju hesitating with his words made him understand what his companion wanted to say. How could I, Zhao Sheng, bear to see my brother in such difficulty!? So he interjected and expressed that if there were opportunities in the future, he would definitely visit Xianyang to see Prime Minister.
Sighing inwardly at Plain King's character, Fan Ju quickly affirmed that this was indeed what he meant earlier. Setting aside past grievances and looking forward to the future was what we should do most. After saying this, he also asked Plain King to take extra care of Gongsun from Qin State on behalf of his brother. Regardless of how things turned out between Qin and Zhao in the future, this kindness would always be unforgettable.
If these words were spoken by the King Qin, the Plain King, who values brotherhood above all, he would have immediately changed his expression. However, since these words came from a benefactor, he naturally agreed without hesitation. As the saying goes, one should repay even a small favor with great gratitude. As long as I, Zhao Sheng, am alive, no one dares to harm Zichu!
A gentleman's word holds true; even in an era of chaos and decline, it remains trustworthy. Fan Ju sought this very assurance from the Plain King because he firmly believed in Zhao Sheng's promise. Thus relieved, he parted ways with the Plain King in tears.
Time flies swiftly; a glance back may reveal a world transformed. Brothers part ways here, unsure of when or where they will meet again. The Plain King's farewell was heartfelt; he wiped away his tears with his sleeve while watching Fan Ju disappear into the horizon. Only when he could no longer see him did he turn and return to Handan.
In the end, the Plain King fulfilled his promise. Whether during the aftermath of the Changping Campaign or when the Qin Army surrounded Handan, he stepped forward to protect the Qin State's Wang Sun and stood firm against opposition at crucial moments. How later generations perceive him is unimportant; what matters is that there was once a true gentleman in this world. He demonstrated to everyone how vital it is for a person to stand by their word.
If one day promises can turn into lies, how can a person stand in this world!?
After returning to his country, Fan Ju reported truthfully about what he had seen and heard in Handan City. Naturally, when discussing Wang Sun Zi Chu, he spoke positively. King Zhao of Qin only had a vague impression of this Wang Sun; upon hearing that Zichu, as a Proton, still remembered to study, he nodded approvingly.
Great Qin has never lacked strategists and brave generals; what determines the future of the Qin State is its future heir. As long as this heir understands the importance of diligence and governance, it will be a blessing for the Qin State!
Before Fan Ju arrived in Qin State, Zichu had already settled in Handan as a Proton. In truth, they never had the chance to get to know each other. Even if they had interacted for a few days in Handan City, it was likely just a fleeting acquaintance. As for any exaggerations in the reports, there surely were some! King Zhao of Qin thought about this and encouraged Fan Ju to take a few days off to rest. Unless something significant occurred, there was no need for him to attend court during these days.
Participating in the Selection bidding created quite a stir among the feudal states. It was impossible to keep it hidden; rather than waiting for news to reach King Qin's ears, it would be better to admit mistakes proactively!
Receiving the notice of leave, Fan Ju did not leave immediately; while kneeling in gratitude, he asked King Zhao of Qin to punish him. Then, before the puzzled King Qin, he candidly admitted his involvement in the Selection in Handan City due to its urgent nature which led him to act unilaterally.
Hearing that his Chancellor participated in such chaotic matters made King Zhao of Qin furrow his brow. However, out of trust, he believed that Fan Ju must have had compelling reasons at that time. Moreover, since the deed was already done, even if he scolded Fan Ju on the spot for kneeling before him, it wouldn't change the facts. Thus, he decided to grant him a favor instead!
Understanding the situation, Fan Ju realized that King Qin might misunderstand and think he went to Handan City to steal a bride. So he reiterated seriously that this time he was actually looking for a granddaughter-in-law for His Majesty.
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