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墨書 Inktalez
Meeting the State Minister requires proper etiquette. After Luzi bowed to Housheng, he invited the Chancellor to enter the residence for a discussion. Once they were seated, and the servants had left after serving tea, they began their conversation.
Once there was no one else in the room, Housheng stood up and returned Luzi's bow, acknowledging the courtesy received at the entrance. Strangely, Luzi remained seated calmly and did not rise to reciprocate.
Not sensing anything amiss, Housheng spoke with a heavy expression: "I believe the Big Shopkeeper has already received news from outside the city. Time is pressing, so I will not say much more. The matter of King Qi mobilizing troops is not significant. However, the Qin Army's recent actions in Neutral Country will raise questions among the Feudal States!"
What Luzi was worried about was precisely this issue, and it was far more complicated than Housheng feared. As the saying goes, if you want to keep something secret, you must not do it yourself. Faced with years of warfare among the Feudal States, he had grown weary and decided to create a refuge for those fleeing from various Feudal States.
It can now be understood that Qi State's current policy is a result of discussions between Luzi and the Queen Dowager. Compared to Fan Ju's proposed strategy of distant alliances and attacking nearby enemies, Luzi's plan far surpassed Fan Ju's.
Fan Ju's distant alliance policy was merely a delaying tactic. Once Qin State eliminated five military powers, Qi State would no longer be able to obstruct Qin State's unification efforts. In contrast, Luzi aimed to take control of Qi State beforehand by repairing Jixia Academy and drawing in a large workforce from various regions, using all available means to consolidate power in Qi State.
However, only King Zhao of Qin was aware of this plan, which is one reason why King Qin allocated substantial military funds to support Qi State. The bold actions of the Qin Army might serve as a warning to someone not to harbor dreams of independence.
In fact, it is understandable that King Zhao of Qin harbored suspicions, especially since Qi Army was preparing to participate in the Shangdang Campaign. Was this a demonstration while Qin State could not spare troops? Or did you, Luzi, intend to use this opportunity to gain some political capital?
I am still alive! My Qin Army can go wherever it wants! If you've grown wings, then let me see you take down this Thousand-Man Squad!
Smart individuals do not need verbal communication; a gesture or glance can convey understanding. If Luzi had any ulterior motives at this moment, could a mere Thousand-Man Squad really march straight into Qi State's capital? Even ten thousand Elite Cavalry would struggle!
Seeing Luzi silent and brooding, Housheng had no choice but to remind him: "The Empress Dowager does not know if this is what the Big Shopkeeper intends; therefore, she strictly ordered that the Qi Army must not obstruct them along the way. They came here so boldly that by the time King Jian of Qi learned of it, he mobilized his main forces to protect the capital!"
Upon hearing this, Luzi could only swallow his frustration. He dared not mention that this was why King Zhao of Qin suspected him; after all, he never truly intended to declare himself king! Sigh! How difficult it is for people to trust one another!
“Empress Dowager, what is your opinion?”
Housheng looked around and stepped closer to Luzi. “Is Big Shopkeeper going to suffer in silence!? You are already suspected by King Qin, and this matter could escalate! You have been loyal to the Qin State, yet you find yourself in such a predicament! Your brothers feel it is unjust! Look at us now; we have soldiers and generals! With the main forces of Qin State trapped in Shangdang, the Allied Forces are ready. Why not take action ourselves!”
Luzi squinted at this excited individual and asked, “King Jian of Qi is your nephew and also the son of Empress Dowager. If we act this way, we can no longer speak of familial ties!”
Upon hearing someone express such softness, Housheng couldn't help but sigh deeply. “Big Shopkeeper! You know that the world has long been a place where the weak are preyed upon by the strong; how can you still say such things!? The peace we have in Great Qi is created by you, and all your brothers are well aware of this. They also know that for Qi State to maintain long-term stability, it depends solely on you, Lu the Shopkeeper!”
After Housheng finished speaking, he noticed that Luzi did not voice any objections. So he boldly added fuel to the fire.
“As a minister, if you are suspected by the king, the outcome is extremely tragic. As for what you have done for the country in the past, when it comes time for your own interests, no one considers those things. What about Gongsun Yang and Qin State!? Without him, there would be no Strong Qin today! In the end, didn't he also meet a tragic fate of being Dismembered by Five Horses!? Big Shopkeeper! Let’s not hesitate any longer!”
Luzi quietly listened to this supporter’s persuasion, sighed lightly, and shook his head. “Prime Minister! You just referred to me as Big Shopkeeper; you naturally know where that title comes from. One should remember their roots; this title of Big Shopkeeper was given to me by our King Qin! The peace in Qi State at this moment is also thanks to the support of Qin State! This is just between us; do not mention it to anyone else!”
“Alas!” Housheng saw that Luzi was so stubborn and unyielding that he stomped his foot in frustration. “Does this matter? If Lu the Shopkeeper were to disappear just like that, the peace you’ve worked so hard to maintain would come to an end! If someone else takes over, can Prosperity Record still be called Prosperity Record? Prosperity! Isn’t it just hoping for China to thrive?”
“Prosperity! Prosperity!”
Luzi softly murmured these words and couldn’t help but smile bitterly while shaking his head. On that night when the Thunderbolt Car troops crossed cold waters to find Zhao State, he had thought that little Sergeant Li Mu was insane. Such a stubborn mind could hardly be compared with the heroes of the world! However! Now that he faced a choice himself, he realized he was just as stubborn!
Is this called stubbornness? Perhaps not!
Luzi took a deep breath and said, “We have endured hardships yet remain steadfast; isn’t it our unwavering faith that supports us? If we question our beliefs due to personal safety, then what will our faith be from now on!? At this moment, with constant strife in the world, it is all rooted in rampant selfish desires!”
"Look at the picturesque Unity of the Realm, suffering greatly; this is where my conviction was born! From this moment on, I have found the ultimate goal I wish to pursue in this life, and I am willing to dedicate my entire life to realizing this ideal! Even if it means sacrificing my own life, I will not hesitate!"
"Big Shopkeeper..."
Luzi raised a hand to stop Housheng from continuing.
"I know that this is not just your idea; many brothers likely support you! You must remember! From today onward, put an end to this thought! There should be no more of it! Even if I, Luzi, were to be subjected to Dismemberment by Five Horses by our king for this, I would never regret my choice in this life! Moreover, you cannot entertain any improper thoughts because of this; we must still believe that there will come a day when our faith will be realized! Achieving faith has always required sacrifice! And that sacrifice can happen to anyone who holds a belief. It could be you! It could be me! Since we have chosen to walk this path, we must always be prepared to embrace sacrifice. Faith does not require anyone to understand it, nor does it care about any doubts raised against it! You only need to believe; it is always within your heart!"
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