The so-called Envoy is merely a gimmick that borrows the term. Only an envoy representing the national image, dispatched according to the Sovereign's orders, can be called an Envoy. Although Luzi also entered the Qi State under the command of King Zhao of Qin, his status is still not that of an envoy from the Qin State.
After all, there is a particularly uncomfortable identity tangled within, and no one dares to disregard it. It is precisely for this reason that what King Zhao of Qin conveyed to Luzi was merely a Royal Decree orally, rather than a written imperial edict.
Since he was not burdened by the status of a Qin State envoy, there was naturally no need to follow the reception protocol for an Official Delegation when entering and exiting the capital. Therefore, after Luzi and his companions entered the capital of Qi State, Linzi, they did not go directly to meet with the ruler of Qi State to reminisce. Instead, they first went to the branch office of Prosperity Record established in Linzi because Chang Yu and Keeper Kong Liang, who had arrived earlier, were waiting for him.
It should be noted why Chang Yu and Kong Liang waited inside the branch office instead of going out to greet him. According to relevant regulations, it is prohibited for the Big Shopkeeper to have any reception arrangements when inspecting a branch. For instance, how far out to greet someone or what kind of specifications and arrangements are strictly forbidden. As for issues like food and accommodation, there are also regulations that must not be prepared in advance.
The drinks served during reception can be placed on the table, but the meals must consist of a standard four dishes and one soup. The current Qin State is at war; even the king is advocating frugality among the people. Therefore, private meetings among brothers do not need to be as extravagant as receptions for outsiders.
While it is prohibited to go out and greet the Big Shopkeeper, there are no restrictions on activities within the courtyard. As Luzi was welcomed into the large residence by Chang Yu and Kong Liang, dozens of brothers were spiritedly puffing out their chests. This was a personal visit from the Big Shopkeeper! If they were too timid to speak properly, they could not blame fate for not giving them opportunities!
After a simple welcoming ceremony, Lu Ziran told everyone to get back to their tasks. In his words, those with abilities need not worry about losing their positions. Those without abilities are like Keeper—handsome but merely decorative pillows; such people cannot survive in Prosperity Record! Doing one's own work well is more important than anything else!
Once all the brothers dispersed, Luzi gathered several Managers from the area for a brief meeting. He needed to understand Qi State's current attitude towards the Shangdang Campaign and the movements of the main force of Qi Army. As long as Qi's forces had not formally intervened, he believed there was still a chance to retract this arrow.
After the meeting officially concluded, Luzi kept Kong Liang and Chang Yu behind for a reprimand. As his representatives, Luzi wanted to know what Chang Yu had been doing these past few days! To learn about such significant matters from the king was simply ridiculous! This was an utter disgrace for Qin State's intelligence department!
The two men were drenched in sweat as they received the Big Shopkeeper's wrath, not daring to wipe their cold sweat away. This was a serious offense; it was already fortunate that they hadn't trembled into a complete mess!
In truth, it wasn't entirely unreasonable for Luzi to be furious; after all, there was still Prime Minister of Qi involved on this side. When a nation mobilizes military force, its leader cannot possibly be unaware. From issuing mobilization orders to assembling an army cannot be completed in just three days or so.
Since news could reach King Zhao of Qin, who was still training troops in Hanoi, regarding Qi State's preparations for military action had likely been underway for more than ten days or half a month! Moreover, this isn't just about moving a few troops; mobilizing hundreds of thousands requires significant commotion! Are your eyes blind? Or are you just here for food?
Li Xin had never seen Luzi so furious before. He secretly exchanged glances with the foolish Sun Thirteen, who was still standing there in a daze. The two understood each other immediately and quickly began to chant incantations, preparing to escape.
Once there was no movement from Big Shopkeeper's side, they heard the sound of someone drinking water. Chang Yu discreetly glanced at the sweating Kong Liang, who nodded in acknowledgment, indicating that he had news to report.
Anyone who entered Prosperity Record was not an ordinary person, and those who led these individuals were elite among elites. The Keeper position was undoubtedly held by someone exceptional. For this reason, after Luzi finished speaking, he would listen to explanations. Otherwise, relevant instructions would have been issued long ago!
At this moment, upon hearing that Chang Yu wanted to explain, Luzi set down his teacup to indicate that he could continue. The subsequent answer was as expected: Prosperity Record, located in the capital of Qi State, Linzi, had indeed transmitted the news about the Qi Army preparing to mobilize. Based on the Messenger's departure time, King Zhao of Qin should have received the news long ago.
This meant that the Messenger responsible for delivering the letter had failed to complete his mission! Something must have happened along the way that caused this delivery failure. However, as a branch of Linzi, there were still mistakes present here.
For such significant military communications, there are auxiliary methods to ensure that situations like those mentioned above do not occur. To avoid incidents where messengers encounter problems en route and fail to deliver messages, intelligence is generally categorized into several levels with corresponding solutions.
Except for particularly urgent trivial matters, personnel responsible for transmitting messages would also set up auxiliary personnel based on the intelligence level to follow along. The loyalty of the messenger is beyond doubt; strict screening ensures that they are reliable.
However, there are always unforeseen circumstances during the delivery process that must be faced. Sometimes uncontrollable events occur that cannot be countered by human effort.
This raises the requirement for how to ensure that delivery tasks are completed efficiently and effectively—specifically how to minimize potential risks. Thus, some suggested reforming the outdated delivery system by categorizing single pieces of information into several levels and then determining the transmission method based on the confidentiality of the letter.
For instance, messages regarding military mobilization among various Feudal States also have levels and are divided into three categories: military exercises of a Feudal State constitute the first level; external military actions against other lords fall under the second level; while actions threatening Qin State belong to the highest level—the third level.
It is well known that Qin and Zhao are pouring national resources into resolving territorial disputes over Shangdang Region. At this time, with the Qi Army preparing to head towards Shangdang, it would indeed apply to the third level. As an urgent intelligence of the highest level, any messenger dispatched would require accompanying secret auxiliary personnel!
If there were any interruptions in communication during transit, even if a messenger were sacrificed, subsequent secret auxiliary personnel would be informed. These so-called secret auxiliary personnel are not just one or two individuals; they assess situations reasonably based on actual occurrences. They then decide how to handle matters next and subsequently send someone to relay dangerous information back to headquarters or branches for support.
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