Chapter 172: Not Returning to Qin Country Anymore

  On the surface, King You of Zhou did not investigate who was behind the attack on the Princess of Wei. This move shocked those behind the scenes and also caused a stir among the various states.

  Such brutal means, naturally caused the anger of Confucianism and Mohism schools. In response to their verbal attacks, King You of Zhou said: "Disturbing the alliance between two countries, attempting to provoke war, with a heart so wicked! Compared to the safety of the people of both countries, what do 300 people count for? I would rather bear the infamy for all eternity!"

  What a grand and majestic righteousness.

  "Haha!" Song Chu couldn't help but hold his belly in laughter upon hearing Gu Han's words about Ying Zou.

  Gu Yan frowned and raised an eyebrow, "Sir, what are you laughing at?"

  Song Chu smiled and coughed dryly, "I'm glad you care so much about the common people."

  This praise is suitable for Duke Xiao of Qin, who was different from his father.

  Gu Yan saw that she had become much more serious and continued to report, "The young master's illness has already reached Qin, and Master's letter will definitely arrive in Xianyang before the New Year."

  Song Shi nodded slightly and said, "Let's talk about the Battle of Ba Chu."

  Ten days ago, Chu State had 20,000 elite soldiers who marched into Ba State's Fish Reproduction along the river. Ba State knew that Chu State was eyeing them from behind, but for some reason, they declared war on Shu State, leaving their rear empty and being taken advantage of by Chu State. However, the people of Ba were famous for their bravery and managed to block the 20,000 elite soldiers of Chu State at Fish Reproduction.

  In the past two days, both sides have sent reinforcements, and the battle has been deadlocked. If Chu really made up its mind to take down Ba-Shu at all costs, Ba-Shu would be in danger!

  Guhan Road said, "The leader of the 20,000 elite soldiers is Han Gu, the deputy general is Dong Xu, and the other one is a new and unknown person named Bi Guan Wu."

  "Good boy!" Song Chu's spirit was shaken, and he realized that Yan Wen was not an ordinary person. He had risen from a low-ranking officer to the position of deputy general in a short period of time, which was no easy feat. Although this position was temporary and unstable, as long as they won this battle, Yan Wen would likely be able to solidify his position.

  "Gu Yan didn't understand and said, 'Sir is saying...'"

  Song Chuoyi slightly raised his hand, but did not dispel his doubts. Instead, he said, "Let's observe the situation for now."

  Gu Yan replied, continuing, "There's another thing, news has come that Wei and Zhao have made peace, the details are not clear."

  "Sir, the matchmaker has arrived." The maid reported from outside the door.

  Song Chu raised an eyebrow and said, "Please let him in."

  Yu Cheng hurried in with quick steps, slightly bowed his head and said, "The king has summoned you, please enter the palace immediately."

  "So anxious?" Song Chu asked, but his face showed no surprise at all.

  The trade negotiations have been dragging on for so many days. The King of Shu is used to relieving his stress with women, but these days he finds every beauty uninteresting, and almost every other day he would summon Song Chuyi again. Let her talk about the beauties of the various kingdoms. Song Chuyi not only talked about the beauties of the various kingdoms, but also listed all the beauties of the various countries, and the King of Shu listened with a desire to immediately send someone to search for some.

  At the beginning of the Song Dynasty, Yi Liang tidied up his collar and followed Yu Cheng out the door.

  In the main hall of Shu Wang Palace, the powerful ministers gathered together, and the atmosphere was solemn. It had been more than half a month since Song Chu arrived in Shu Kingdom, and this was the first time he received such a formal reception.

  "The vassal has seen the king." Song Chuoyi swung open his large sleeves and bowed.

  The King of Shu said, "Dispense with the formalities, please take a seat."

  Song Chuanyi sat down on the guest seat. Then he heard Shu Wang say, "Prime Minister, tell the envoy the result of the negotiation."

  The chief minister who stood at the forefront spoke, "We think that trade between Shu and Qin is feasible, but if Qin wants to buy grain from our country, they must show their sincerity by paying tribute to the king every year."

  "What's going on?" Song Chu furrowed his brow.

  The vassal states presenting property and goods to the Son of Heaven can be called paying tribute, and the dependent states submitting goods to their suzerain state can also be called paying tribute. The meaning of Shu Guo obviously belongs to the latter.

  It's just a business deal, how can you make such an impolite request!

  At the beginning of the Song Dynasty, suddenly a burst of laughter was heard, "I dare ask King Wang, who came up with this condition?"

  In fact, there is no need to answer this question, regardless of who came up with the condition, others will eventually agree.

  "What's wrong, is Qin State unwilling?" The Prime Minister asked coldly upon seeing Song Chu Yi's reaction.

  "It's not that I'm unwilling." Song Chu looked at the Prime Minister, "Now that Zhou Tianzi is still around, Qin Guo openly paying tribute to Shu is an act of rebellion, and it will inevitably bring disaster. Qin may be short on food and grass, but would they dare put themselves in danger just for the sake of provisions?"

  At the beginning of the Song Dynasty, Yu Guang glanced at Zhu Heng who wanted to speak, and turned to him, continuing, "Moreover, when Qin surrendered to Shu and paid tribute, how would the six countries in the east think? They must have thought that Shu had the intention of extending its hand to the Central Plains. If they were led to rise up and attack together, even with heavy natural barriers, it was not necessarily possible to keep Shu safe. Therefore, this condition is difficult for both Qin and ourselves."

  Ba and Shu were not within the jurisdiction of the Zhou royal house, and Qin had no reason to demand tribute from them.

  Seeing everyone falling into contemplation, Song Chu-yi timely gave a suggestion, "The so-called 'tribute' is just a name, the two countries have diplomatic relations, Qin Guo will not be stingy with goods, why bother about those two words? What does your majesty think?"

  It's not just a matter of two words, the Prime Minister wanted to speak up, but was one step slower than the King of Shu.

  "The ambassador is right!" The King of Shu smiled and said, "Since that's the case, I agree to trade with you. If Qin and Wei can form an alliance through marriage, why can't Qin and Shu trade? I see that Duke Qin is compassionate and empathetic towards his people, a truly virtuous ruler."

  At the beginning of the Song Dynasty, one side had a subtle smile, the King of Shu was anxious to get beautiful women and thought that communicating with merchants would not be a big obstacle, so he casually found an excuse. She wouldn't think that the King of Shu truly praised her.

  All the ministers could not find any excuse to argue at that time, and the matter had been discussed for half a month. If no reply was given, it would be unreasonable.

  Things were settled in such an "agreeable" way.

  The King of Shu returned the letter to the country, and Song Chu immediately handed over the things to Gu Han, ordering him to bring all the swordsmen with him, riding fast horses to send the message back to Xianyang.

  In the evening, the King of Shu held a farewell banquet and only then did he learn that all the Qin people had already left, leaving behind only Song Chuyi.

  "Why are you leaving in such a hurry? Why doesn't Huai Jin walk with us?" The King of Shu asked puzzled.

  Song Chu closed his eyes and smiled, "They were deceived by me to return to Xianyang. The scenery in Shu is great, with plenty of food and clothing, I plan to stay in Shu for a long time. Wang Shang also knows that we Taoists prefer to be carefree."

  The King of Shu said in surprise, "Doesn't Huai Jin plan on returning to Qin to take office?"

  "I'm not bothered by the simplicity of food and clothing, but I have gained a deeper understanding of Taoism, and I plan to stay in Sichuan for a few more years." said Song.

  The King of Shu recalled that Zhu Heng had once told him that the Qin state envoy was poorly dressed and had not had a good time in Qin. The King of Shu had been in contact with Song Chuyi for these days, and judged that she was different from Zhuangzi, who was truly free from worldly ties, while Song Chuyi was one who pursued pleasure. Although she said she understood the Taoist teachings, who knows whether she thought Shu state was rich and stayed to enjoy herself?