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The three brothers, unaware of the near scare that Big Shopkeeper experienced last night, were waiting for Luzi to join them for a meal. Unexpectedly, before Luzi could come downstairs, Sun Thirteen, rushing in with a carriage, arrived first. After confirming that Thirteen had not had breakfast yet, he invited him to join for breakfast.
Sun Thirteen did not recognize the person sitting across from him, Feng Quji, but he looked familiar. Upon hearing Chang Yu introduce this person by surname, he immediately associated him with Feng Ting from Shangdang. Fortunately, being an experienced individual, he concealed any expression behind his meticulous thoughts.
Since they needed to enter Qi King's Palace, after finishing breakfast, Lu Ziran and Chang Yu accompanied Feng Quji back to Prosperity Record to report. Then they hurriedly made their way to Qi King's Palace with Sun Thirteen and Li Xin.
Although it seemed urgent for Qi State to send troops to Shangdang, it was not as straightforward as it appeared; after all, troop movements do not happen overnight. As long as there was an order from King Qi, even if the elite Qi Army had already set out, they could still be recalled.
However, there was clearly a problem: why would you, Lu Ziquan, stand up for Qin State!?
It is well known that the Shangdang Region is embroiled in conflict between the two feudal states of Qin Zhao. Preventing Qi State from sending troops to Shangdang would raise suspicions. As a merchant, one naturally seeks profit. Offending any lord could jeopardize their interests in that territory.
But now there was no time for hesitation; after all, the main force of Qi State was about to head to the front lines for a decisive battle against the Qin Army!
On the way to Qi King's Palace, Luzi kept his hands in his pockets and closed his eyes to rest. For him at this moment, all possibilities and impossibilities were unknowns. Rather than getting lost in chaotic thoughts, it would be more practical for him to respond as situations arose.
It truly was puzzling!
Why did the previously secretive feudal states suddenly stop hiding and directly send troops to support Zhao? This situation had occurred before when Su Qin, who held the position of Chancellor of the Six States, orchestrated it! Could it be that Zhao successfully persuaded various lords this time, leading to an actual alliance and diplomacy!?
“Innkeeper! We have arrived at Qi King's Palace!”
With this reminder, Luzi, who had promised himself not to think about anything yet still found himself thinking, was pulled back to reality. He reached out to take a sandalwood box from Sun Thirteen, adjusted his attire, and informed the attendant outside the palace gate.
The keeper of Prosperity Record, Lu, requests an audience with King Qi.
Waiting always feels like the hardest part, filled with too many unknowns. Just as Luzi began to doubt whether the attendant inside had gone off due to an upset stomach, he heard a call for summons from within.
Receiving the summons, Luzi tidied his attire once more and strode confidently toward the inner city. He had made up his mind to complete the task assigned by King Zhao of Qin, as the Qin State had poured all its national strength into this battle to reclaim Shangdang.
This battle must not be lost; it can only be won!
To the outside world, Luzi's current identity was not that of an envoy from the Qin State but rather that of a private visitor. Therefore, King Jian of Qi did not send anyone to greet him with formalities but waited in a side hall for Luzi to come and catch up.
The gift Luzi brought this time was a thousand-year-old He Shou Wu, which had already grown into a human-like shape. With arms and legs complete, it resembled a little chubby doll. It was said that consuming it could prolong life.
King Jian of Qi, having seen many fine things, naturally understood that this precious gift was hard to come by. He ordered someone to offer a seat, showing due respect.
Once the formalities of meeting the sovereign were completed, King Jian of Qi waved his hand, signaling that he did not regard Luzi as an outsider. When only the two of them remained in the hall, he smiled and said, "How is business at Prosperity Record lately? Lu the Shopkeeper must be extremely busy; how is it that you have time to visit me now?"
Luzi, who had been sitting sideways, heard King Jian's inquiry and quickly stood up to pay his respects. "Thanks to Your Majesty's care and with the blessings of the Empress Dowager, Scoundrel's business is doing quite well. Compared to Your Majesty, how could Scoundrel dare to say he is busy?"
King Jian of Qi nodded with a smile and suddenly said, "Lu the Shopkeeper is a businessman; naturally, no one rises early without profit in mind. I do not wish to hear any more tales about the Li Family; let us get straight to the point!"
Lowering his head with a grin, Luzi immediately replied, "Your Majesty is a wise ruler; your civil and military achievements surpass those of past kings! Scoundrel indeed has some news to report and hopes Your Majesty can forgive his boldness."
King Jian of Qi merely grunted in response and urged Luzi to discuss serious matters. In his view, Qi State was already in a period of peace and prosperity. The people within Qi State could live and work in peace, celebrating festivals with songs and dances. Such scenes were rare in other Feudal States, as their fortunes had long been dragged down by war.
Luzi understood that what came next was crucial; success or failure hinged on this moment. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Scoundrel has entered our Qi State territory and heard that Your Majesty intends to send troops to support Zhao State in its battle against Qin at Shangdang..."
Upon hearing this, King Jian of Qi couldn't help but gasp. He had thought that Luzi had come bearing gifts for land development but never expected such news! Mobilizing troops was supposed to be done secretly; how could it be common knowledge?
"This news travels fast!"
Lowering his head, Luzi heard the exclamations from Above and let out a quiet sigh. If all intelligence regarding the movements of the Qi Army could be questioned, then at this moment, King Qi's words had ruthlessly shattered all expectations.
"Could it be that the news of our Qi State sending troops is true!?"
Just as King Jian of Qi was frustrated about how such a significant military situation had leaked, he suddenly realized that the mobilization of troops would certainly create a stir. Moreover, many of the soldiers were children of commoners. Without a Royal Decree demanding secrecy, it was quite normal for news to spread. Thus, he simply confirmed the matter.
With a look of fear on his face, Luzi bowed and said, "Your Majesty! How wonderful it is for our Qi State to enjoy peace here; why must we provoke the Qin People?"
King Jian of Qi looked at the merchant who was already pale with fright and shook his head with a smile.
"It’s not that I’m saying this, you merchants! Sigh! Your minds are filled with your own interests and you never care about national honor. Why don’t you think about where your foundations come from? If the country and army that protect your homes and wealth were gone, would all the riches you’ve painstakingly accumulated still belong to you!?"
Luzi immediately acknowledged, "Your Majesty speaks rightly! If I lose my life, then naturally I will lose everything else. The Scoundrel finally understands! If Your Majesty needs it, the Scoundrel will contribute money if he has it or strength if he can provide it!"
Upon hearing this, King Jian of Qi laughed heartily.
"Shopkeeper Lu's insight is indeed not low; it's thousands of times better than those merchants who only care about money! I also know that Luzi's business has branches in various Feudal States, so I won’t press you further. As for national affairs, they are not something you merchants should concern yourselves with! If there’s nothing else, you may leave!"
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