lady, please calm down

"., King Jin, the rest is easy to talk about, but the conditions of the sinner's edict, His Majesty's surrender in person, and the compensation of 10,000 taels of silver are absolutely impossible for our government to do!"

Shen Gai, the Minister of Rites of Lin'an Dynasty, had already adopted a pleading tone.

He is already the second group of envoys to come to Huaibei Military Camp for peace talks in three days.

On September 12th, the Northern Room official of the Privy Council in charge of Qi affairs brought the men of Wan Qixi's family to negotiate peace for the first time. The King of Jin accepted this 'sincerity', but the terms of the peace talks he opened his mouth were basically a lion's mouth.

When the peace negotiation failed, the officials from the north side brought the Huaibei Army back to Lin'an with a series of conditions. Emperor Zhou became furious upon hearing this and turned his anger on the peace envoys. If the court officials had not dissuaded them, he would have almost jailed the envoys.

Also, no emperor would be able to calm down after hearing such humiliating conditions!
In anger, Emperor Zhou shouted a slogan for a decisive battle with the Qi army. But after only one night, Emperor Zhou calmed down and withdrew the order, and sent Shen Gai, the minister of rites, out of the city to negotiate peace.

Last year, Shen Gai was so angry that he vomited blood when he was in charge of the peace negotiations in Anfeng. He really didn't want to get involved in this job. However, he had no choice but to bite the bullet and try again.

King Jin also gave him face and received him in person, but there were many harsh conditions.

Seeing Shen should bargain, Han Shizhong, who was sitting at the bottom, was displeased and scolded: "Qi and Zhou are brothers, but you, Zhou, betrayed the alliance and attacked in secret! How many of our brothers in Huaibei died in this battle, fuck your mother , I didn’t ask your emperor to pay for it with my life, it’s already considered my grandpa’s kindness, you still have the nerve to feel aggrieved?”

Last year, the King of Jin had already announced that the palms and backs of the hands of Qi and Zhou were full of flesh, so he would not participate in the peace talks between Qi and Zhou, but would only be present as a witness.

The person in charge of negotiating with Shen Gai this time was the most rogue under the King of Jin, Po Han Wu.
When a scholar meets a soldier, there is no reason to explain. Last year, in front of Han Shizhong, Chen Jingan was at best a yuppie. At least Mr. Yanagawa could not open his mouth like an old man or shut up a grandpa.

Shen Gai'er heard that Han Shizhong was disrespectful to the emperor, but he did not dare to get angry at the latter. He was as helpless as a little girl trapped in a dark alley by a gangster, so she had no choice but to look at King Jin.

"Ahem, General Han, don't be rude to Master Shen."

As soon as King Jin opened his mouth, Han Shizhong restrained himself a little, took out a thick stack of paper from his sleeve pocket, and asked someone to hand it over. At the same time, he said: "Here, look at how much damage it has caused to Huaibei. I want you to give it to me." How much does it cost to fuck your mother?"

At the end, I still couldn't help but add a spoken word.

"General Han, be more polite!" King Jin had to remind him again.

"Oh. Greetings to your mother!"

Han Shizhong quickly changed his tune. Greeting your mother does sound more elegant than fucking your mother.

I don’t have the same experience as you, a rogue!
Shen Gai did some mental self-construction, and then took the letter and read it. It listed the damage caused to Huaibei by the Zhou army during its northern invasion.

For example: The city walls of Caizhou, Sizhou and Boshan counties were damaged, and the price was 9,327,600 taels.

What city wall? The repair cost is so high?
Underneath, there are also things like fertile farmland and water conservancy facilities destroyed by the Zhou army, people's homes damaged, chickens, ducks, geese, pigs, cattle and sheep robbed, compensation for soldiers killed in battle, pensions for widows and children, etc.
Okay, we, Zhou, are the ones who attacked first, so we are at fault, but is the number of your soldiers killed in the battle too many?
Thirty thousand people were killed in battle and fifty thousand were disabled. Each person killed in the battle was compensated 300 taels and the price was 9 million taels. Each person who was disabled was compensated 100 taels and the price was 5 million taels. For this alone, a compensation of 1,400 yuan was required. One million taels!
Shen Gai resisted and did not go to greet Han Shizhong's mother. If my Zhou army has such combat power and can kill 80,000 of you in one battle, can you still defeat Lin'an City?

But even so, the sum of these items would not reach the ten million taels of silver requested by Han Shizhong!

As soon as Shen Gai raised his question, Han Shizhong hurriedly groped around on his body for a while, and then took out a piece of paper and said, "Oh, I missed one item, and this!"

Shen Gai took it and took a look, only to see that it said, "Mental loss costs forty million taels."

Adding these 40 million, the compensation is indeed enough for 10 million taels, or even more than 7,000 taels.

"Our army is benevolent and righteous! I don't need the extra seven thousand taels. Let's round up the whole number to ten million taels. Is it reasonable?"

It's so reasonable!
Shen Gai shook the last piece of paper and frowned: "May I ask General Han, what is mental damage compensation?"

"嘁~"

Han Shizhong gave Shen Gai a contemptuous look and said, "You don't understand mental damage compensation? It's a waste that you are still a scholar! This is called post-war trauma."

Han Shizhong, who looked arrogant, was also stuck when he said this. Hey, what is the trauma after the war?

Subconsciously, Han Shizhong looked at Chen Chu.
Chen Chu, who was sitting at the top, was quite speechless. He couldn't even remember the words "his mother"!
"Cough cough~"

Chen Chu clenched his fist and covered his mouth, and reminded in a very low voice: "Stress syndrome."

"Yes! Postwar Trauma Win Chicken Syndrome! We, the four million soldiers and civilians of the six prefectures of Huaibei, are all so frightened that they can't eat or sleep because of your shameless invasion of the north by Zhou State. Each person will be compensated ten taels on a per-capita basis. How about that?"

Han Shizhong spread his hands and saw that Shen Gai's face turned red and remained silent, so he said to Chen Chu again: "Your Majesty, you are here to judge. Each person will pay ten taels, how about that?"

"Ahem, you talk about your own affairs, I won't interfere."

Shen Gai on the side knew without looking that one of the two men had a white face and the other a black face. The reason why the Huaibei Army dared to blackmail them like this was because Da Zhou couldn't defeat them.

But Da Zhou really couldn't achieve these conditions!

Not to mention that the tens of millions of taels of compensation could not be raised, but it was impossible for the emperor to agree to the request that the emperor issue an imperial edict and leave the city to surrender.

At this thought, Shen Gai couldn't help but sigh, and said with cupped hands: "General Han, if you really don't want people to be devastated, the matter about our emperor must be removed from the terms of the peace negotiation. As for the compensation, our court really can't come up with it. The most we can give to General Han is a thousand." Ten thousand, but it won’t be paid until the end of the year.”

Ten million was the bottom line that Emperor Zhou personally told Shen Gai before leaving.

The gap between the two parties' demands for compensation was too big. Han Shizhong became angry when he heard it. He stood up and said, "Fuck you. Greetings to your mother! Send me a beggar! Go back and tell the emperor, and he will give it to you." If you don't let Grandpa wait, take Lin'an and move it to the imperial city in person! Today is September 13th. I will wait until September 15th at the latest. If you can't accept all the conditions by then, I will kill you, Lin'an, and chop you down! That bird emperor’s head!”

Han Shizhong is tall and has a sinister face. Coupled with his arrogant and tough attitude, it is indeed a bit scary.

"General Han!"

Fortunately, King Jin shouted to stop Han Shizhong's output, and then turned to Shen Gai and said with an apologetic expression: "Hey! Lord Shen was made to laugh. General Han was worried about the Huaibei incident, so he spoke rudely. Hey, these soldiers You bastard, this king is hard to control!"

"."

At this time, Chen Chu sent Shen Gai away from the camp. On the way, he kept gently apologizing to the latter.

Shen Gai is not stupid. Han Shizhong's statement about bombing the city on September 15 just now was just an ultimatum for the King of Jin.

In recent days, although the Huaibei Army has not formally attacked the city, it has been shelling continuously. The west and north walls are already riddled with holes and are on the verge of collapse.

Not only did Emperor Zhou have no confidence in defending the city, but neither did the civil and military forces of the DPRK. The only hope at this time was that it would take at least a month for the Sichuan and Shu troops to arrive at Lin'an City.

Far water cannot quench near thirst!

So, when Shen Gai was leaving the camp, he told the conditions that Emperor Zhou had privately asked, "The King of Jin is benevolent and righteous. Everyone knows that the prince is a minister of Anfeng, and he and our emperor are also members of the same family. To fight against each other like this is harmful to the harmony." "My emperor wants to choose a Shuhui and beautiful clan daughter as his adopted sister, and betrothed to the prince to turn the celebration into a war. What does the King of Jin want?"

It seems that the rumor of Brother Chu's beauty has spread all over the world, and this is another tactic to give away women.

But no woman is worth ten million taels of silver, right?

Naturally, we cannot do this loss-making business.

But Chen Chu seemed to have thought about it seriously, shook his head and said: "Thank you for your kindness, your Majesty, but I have never been a womanizer in my life. Now that the northwest has not been settled and the Golden Kingdom outside the Pass has not been destroyed, I really have no intention of being in such a gentle country!"

"."

just you? Not good at women in your life?
Before Shen Gai could speak again, he suddenly saw several people coming towards him. The person in front of him was Luo Ruji, who was on an envoy to Jiangning last month.

The Huaibei Army camp stretches for ten miles. It is definitely not a coincidence that the two of them are facing each other here.

However, the two of them could not help but be startled, but Chen Chu smiled heartily and greeted from a distance: "Master Luo, Master Sang, you are here."

Then he turned to Xiao Yi behind him and said, "Xiao Yi, send Master Shen off for me."

Having said that, he stepped forward enthusiastically and put his arms in with the confused Luo Ruji.

As they passed each other, Luo Ruji and Shen Gai looked at each other for a few breaths. They both seemed to have a lot to say and wanted to ask each other, but due to the wrong occasion, they ended up saying nothing.

On that day, around noon, Shen Gai entered the city in a hanging basket.

Emperor Zhou quickly summoned the central officials to hold a small court meeting.

After Shen Gai reported that the Huaibei Army refused to give in on the peace terms and had issued an ultimatum, Emperor Zhou was furious at first.

The ministers were well aware of his nature and just waited for him to calm down.

Sure enough, after Emperor Zhou scolded him for a while, "You are a treacherous minister and traitor, I have 40 million soldiers and civilians sitting thousands of miles away, how can I allow you to bully me like this?" After that, he sat back on his throne and was silent for a long time. Finally, he wiped away tears and said to the ministers : "Everyone, there is another way to save me, the Great Zhou Sheji. If I really follow the instructions of the Huaibei Army and leave the city to surrender, how can those Huaibei generals let me go?"

The ministers were silent, but their eyes always glanced at Qin Huizhi from time to time. You have been alone for ten years, controlled the government, and enjoyed all the glory. Even this Northern Expedition was all your idea.

Now that I messed up, you will naturally be held responsible.

However, Qin Huizhi was like an old monk in meditation, not making eye contact with any officials.

He has been in power for many years and has naturally made many enemies. Handing over the Wanqixi family has greatly damaged the intimidation of his powerful officials. At this time, as long as he dares to speak, no matter what he says, he may be attacked by a group of people.

At this time, Hu Quan, the director of the Privy Council's Speed ​​Chamber who was responsible for the intelligence work of the Qi State, took the initiative and said: "Your Majesty, for the current plan, the only way is to ask Mr. Chen to come out and negotiate with the Huaibei Army!"

Since the Li Zhengmen scholars made a big fuss in Renshoufang a few days ago, Chen Bokang has stayed in the house and stayed behind closed doors.

It's not like Emperor Zhou didn't send someone to invite him, but he kept complaining of illness.

"Master Chen" Emperor Zhou couldn't help but sigh when he mentioned Chen Bokang.

Everyone present knew that the reason why Chen Bokang claimed to be ill at this critical moment was precisely because of resentment in his heart.

Last year, he was imprisoned without incident. Although he was later released, at that time Emperor Zhou and Qin Huizhi were wary of his relationship with Huaibei and did not allow him to leave the capital, but they also did not arrange new jobs for him.

For more than half a year, it was like being unemployed and locked up.

Now that something has happened and someone else is needed again, it's strange that Chen Bokang feels at ease.

In the silence, it was Hu Quan again, who said in shock: "Your Majesty, Mr. Chen had a lot of insights into the economy when he was in Huainan. In just a few years, he managed Huainan in a good way. Why not invite Mr. Chen to serve as the Third Secretary Envoy? !”

Even in such a serious occasion, many ministers still stared at Hu Quan with their eyes wide open, and then looked at Qin Huizhi.
For ten years, there was only one prime minister in the Zhou Dynasty, Prime Minister Qin, who had overall control over the military, government and finance.

The third minister has been vacant for many years. Hu Quan is trying to seize a piece of power for Chen Bokang from the hands of Prime Minister Qin!

Even if this move is to appease Chen Bokang and invite him to come out to preside over the peace talks, will Prime Minister Qin agree?
Even Emperor Zhou looked over. Of course he had no objection. As long as the peace negotiation was successful, not to mention the three envoys, even the title of marquis would be fine!
However, Qin Huizhi did not feel any discomfort in being noticed. He did not even wait for Emperor Zhou to take the initiative to ask his opinion. He stood up slowly and said: "Your Majesty, I think that Mr. Chen's appointment as the third envoy will make full use of his talents! I second my opinion."

'Buzz~'

The Qinzheng Hall became unusually lively.

No one expected that Prime Minister Qin, who regarded power as his destiny, would so smoothly agree to Chen Bokang's appointment as the third envoy.

It wasn't until the eunuch beside Emperor Zhou shouted for silence several times that the palace gradually calmed down.

If Emperor Zhou is willing and Qin Hui is willing, all procedures will be simplified.

The emperor of Zhou immediately dictated it, and Xiaohuangmen quickly wrote down the imperial edict, which was then sealed by the former.

At the end of noon, a group of ceremonial guards issued decrees left the imperial city and went straight to the Chen Mansion.

But the atmosphere in the palace was particularly strange. Some people felt that Prime Minister Qin was willing to delegate power because of the huge pressure from the Huaibei Army outside the city.

Some people also think that this is Prime Minister Qin's initiative to show his kindness to Chen Bokang, who has many connections with Huaibei, to leave a way out for himself.

Others believe that Prime Minister Qin must have reached some kind of agreement with Chen Bokang privately.

However, no matter which idea you have, one thing is clear to everyone. With the Supreme Emperor in charge of Anfeng, whoever can establish a relationship with Huaibei, or whoever can establish a relationship with the King of Jin, will be invincible in the Lin'an Dynasty. land.

While everyone was waiting for Chen Bokang's arrival, Shen Gai hesitated again and again and finally told him that he had met Luo Ruji, Sang Yanting, and Zheng Huaihan in the Huaibei military camp.

The atmosphere in the hall couldn't help but become dull again.

Since the Huaibei army occupied Huainan, there are many examples of Zhou Chen turning to Anfeng on a large scale.

But Luo Ruji was the arm of the Qin Prime Minister who was as famous as Wan Qixi at the beginning, and he was also an imperial envoy. Moreover, he was a court official, and his family members were still in Lin'an!

Isn't he afraid that the court will take out his family's anger later?

Emperor Zhou's face is quite ugly, and the look he looks at Qin Xiang is not so gentle. Look, who are the people you promoted? Even if you have caused such a big trouble for me, Luo Ruji will not care about the emperor. So generous, even he voted!

It wasn't until Chen Bokang arrived at the Qinzheng Hall that Emperor Zhou changed his expression to a gentle expression.

"Minister, please see Your Majesty. Ahem."

After all, he was claiming to be ill, and the rosy-faced Chen Bokang even coughed twice to perform the trick.

Emperor Zhou was also very cooperative, "Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Chen. If the country is in trouble, please help Mr. Chen take his illness to share my worries and grant me a seat as soon as possible."

Originally, only Qin Huizhi was given a seat in front of the emperor. Now, Chen Bokang also has this honor.

After some greetings, Emperor Zhou couldn't wait to get to the point. After all, the day after tomorrow is September 15th.

After all, other conditions, such as the removal of the royal concubine, trade, etc., can be agreed to.

However, if the Emperor of Zhou was asked to issue an imperial edict to punish himself and go out of the city to surrender, he must be removed. Even the compensation of 10,000 taels could not be done.

Chen Bokang thought about it carefully. Although there was a tacit understanding between him and Chen Chu, if he wanted to successfully secure the position of the three envoys, he must try his best to help Emperor Zhou gain dignity in this peace negotiation and pay as little as possible.

Just when he was thinking about how to speak, a small yellow door suddenly came from outside the palace to report, "Master Luo, the Privy Council has decreed that he has entered the city!"

Emperor Zhou's face darkened, and he couldn't tell what he meant: "He still dares to come back? Bring him over quickly!"

With this interruption, the peace talks were temporarily stopped. Everyone wanted to see what Luo Ruji was doing by going to the city alone.

Even Qin Huizhi couldn't figure out the intention of his bastard.

It wasn't until a quarter of an hour later that the tired Luo Ruji arrived at the Qinzheng Hall.

When entering the door, Luo Ruji, who hurried in, stumbled over the one-foot-high threshold and fell, looking extremely embarrassed.

Emperor Zhou, who was sitting on the throne, looked even more displeased.

But before he could speak, Luo Ruji was seen rolling and falling in front of the emperor, shouting: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty! I'm so happy, so happy!"

At present, Lin'an is in danger of overthrowing at any time. When the anxious Emperor heard the news, he couldn't help but get angry and reprimanded in a low voice: "There is no trace of official dignity in such a panic! How happy it is to get up and talk properly!"

But when Luo Ruji, who was kneeling on the ground, raised his head, tears were streaming down his face. He just heard him say: "Your Majesty! Fortunately, I have not disgraced my order. The King of Jin is willing to withdraw his troops!"

Emperor Zhou jumped up from the throne, but the surprise on his face disappeared in an instant, and the next moment he frowned, "You agreed to his conditions! But you have to leave the city to surrender!"

The tone of the last sentence was serious.

But Luo Ruji hurriedly shook his head and said: "Your Majesty, the King of Jin has promised to the ministers that there is no need for Your Majesty to issue an imperial edict to offend oneself, and there is no need for Your Majesty to submit a surrender statement. Even the silver compensation can be reduced by one or two!"

"Seriously!" Emperor Zhou's voice even trembled.

"Everything I say is true! I will never deceive Your Majesty!"

"Lord Luo, you are truly my humerus!"

In ecstasy, Emperor Zhou strode down the imperial steps and picked up Luo Ruji with his own hands. The emperor and his ministers looked at each other and both shed tears.

Inside the Qinzheng Hall, it was as if a pot had exploded.

Only Qin Huizhi and Chen Bokang were a little confused.
Since Luo Ruji entered the Qinzheng Palace, he has never made any eye contact with Qin Huizhi.

Although this is a very small detail, according to the past, Luo Ruji would definitely ask Qin Huizhi's opinion with his eyes before speaking.

Qin Huizhi felt keenly that the dog he had raised seemed to have a new owner and a new backer.

Chen Bokang was also uncomfortable. Ordinarily, the great achievement of achieving the peace agreement should fall on him.

Where did this Luo Ruji jump out from?
What he said were all my words!

What went wrong? (End of chapter)