Chapter 22: Borrowing Strength to Overpower (Part 2)

  Lin Xiangru and Lian Po's "cutting throat friendship" was highly valued by the world, and it was passed down as a beautiful story. Today, when it came out of Qin Yiren's mouth, it became Lin Xiangru's fatal weakness, and Qin Yiren's ability to distort facts was indeed impressive.

  Lin Xiangru and Lian Po were extremely close friends. When Lian Po was stripped of his military power, Lin Xiangru repeatedly tried to dissuade him from giving up, but ultimately failed. However, he did not give up his efforts for Lian Po's reinstatement, continuing to run around and persuade others on his behalf, seizing every opportunity to advise King Xiaocheng of Zhao.

  At that time, King Zhao of Chu still thought they were on good terms, but after listening to Qin Yiren's words, he realized that there was also a private interest involved that no one knew about.

  Thinking about it, with the friendship between the two of them, if Lian Po were to rise again, wouldn't Lin Xiangru have benefited from it? Wouldn't Lian Po speak up for him? If Lian Po didn't speak up for Lin Xiangru, he would be unworthy of the idiom "General and Prime Minister's harmony".

  Two men, one literary and one martial, with great prestige and power, joining forces, can't they control the government?

  At this point, Zhao's situation is precarious, like a pile of eggs; how can he not be on guard?

  "Can this work too?"

  "What a fine young man!"

  Meng Zhao, Ma Gai, Fan Tong, Hei Bo and Mo Er had originally given up all hope, thinking that they would surely die today. But unexpectedly, Qin Yi Ren spoke a string of words that moved the heart of Zhao Xiao Cheng Wang, it seems there is still hope for their lives. They are deeply impressed with Qin Yi Ren.

  The most depressing thing is Lin Xiangru, he and Lian Po are gentlemen's friends, but in the mouth of Qin Yiren, they are actually connected by private interests, and they are also sleeping with the same woman. Look at the group of ministers whispering to each other, their faces trying to hold back laughter, it's clear that after today, their friendship will change.

  Fortunately, Lin Xiangru was Lin Xiangru, and he persisted in his persuasion. Since he had already spoken out, he went all the way and loudly advised: "Your Majesty, the great defeat at Changping has resulted in the loss of Zhao's elite troops, Handan is empty, and we should make preparations for war as soon as possible. I request that Lian Po be appointed. Lian Po is a pillar of Zhao, if we want to fight against Qin, who else can we rely on?"

  Lin Xiangru is the pillar of Zhao, if you want to fight with Qin, Lin Xiangru must be used, all the ministers agreed and echoed in unison: "Please let the monarch decide."

  King Zhao Cheng was displeased but had to admit that Lin Xiangru's words were reasonable, and he nodded slightly, falling into deep thought.

  The Pingyuan Jun was extremely unwilling to let Lian Po make a comeback, but he also had no choice but to admit that at present, the only one who could hold up half of Zhao's rivers and mountains was Lian Po, so he had to shut his mouth.

  Lian Po's return is now unstoppable, and Lin Xiangru was greatly relieved. After running around for so long, his efforts had finally paid off, and Lian Po could be reinstated.

  However, at this time, Qin Yiren's crow mouth was hooked again. He heard him laugh loudly and say: "Lin Xiangru, Lin Xiangru, you are so old and don't know shame. For personal gain, you are so thick-skinned that I am embarrassed for you. Who says that defending Handan must be Lian Po?"

  "Shut up." Lian Shangru was very displeased, but didn't take it to heart, because at present, apart from Lian Po, there was no one else who could undertake this task.

  "Who?" Pingyuan Jun was most worried about Lian Po's return, and after hearing Qin Yiren's words, he seemed to grasp at a straw like a drowning man, and hastily asked.

  "Isn't Yue Yi in Handan?" Qin Yiren shouted at the top of his lungs, as if afraid that others wouldn't hear him.

  "Le Yi?" A loud murmur arose, and the officials all opened their mouths wide. First, they looked stunned, then nodded heavily, loudly agreeing: "Yes, Le Yi can also take on this task!"

  "Le Yi? How could I have forgotten him?" King Zhao Xiao Cheng slapped his forehead heavily, feeling quite regretful that he hadn't thought of it earlier.

  "Le Yi is a great talent and must be kept in Handan." The Prince of Pingyuan was anxious and immediately expressed his agreement.

  "You... I..." Although Lin Xiangru was an eloquent person, he was also tongue-tied at this moment.

  He was determined to bring back Lian Po, but forgot about Le Yi, this great talent. In terms of strategy, in terms of military tactics, in terms of governance, and in terms of diplomacy, what did Lian Po have that could surpass Le Yi?

  "To save my life, I must think of a way to get rid of this old man Cui Xiangru. This old man is wise, as long as he is here, I will not be able to escape today." In the imperial court with so many people, Qin Yiren only feared Cui Xiangru, and began to harbor evil intentions in his heart.

  "Lin Xiangru, you old man, tell me, in what way is Lü Bu not as good as Zuo Qiuming?" Qin Yiren was like a proud crow, loudly singing: "Lü Bu governed weak Yan, and with one move, Yan became the strongest country in the world. Lü Bu commanded the armies of the world, and with one move, he defeated Qi, capturing over 70 cities of Qi, almost destroying Qi. In terms of strategy, governance, military tactics, diplomacy... what can Zuo Qiuming do that is comparable to Lü Bu? You don't recommend Lü Bu, but instead recommend Zuo Qiuming, what are you thinking?"

  Lü Buwei was a renowned general who shook the world, on par with Bai Qi of Qin. His military prowess was in no way inferior to that of Lian Po. Moreover, Lü Buwei could govern the state, devise strategies and form alliances, three areas where Lian Po couldn't keep up even if he tried his best.

  Lian Po was an old general, with no problem in using troops. However, when it came to overall strategy and statecraft, he was far from being a match for Yue Yi.

  "Yes indeed." The officials nodded heavily in agreement, loudly voicing their approval.

  "Tigers and wolves of Qin, I'll kill you!" Xiangru knew that if he didn't stop the Qin envoy's words now, he would miss his chance today. With a loud shout, he snatched a sword from one of the red-clad guards, his momentum fierce as he charged straight at the Qin envoy, looking like he wouldn't rest until he had beheaded him on the spot.

  "Whoosh." Qin Yiren exerted himself, broke free from the red-robed swordsman, and darted to Zhao Xiangong's back with a speed akin to that of a rabbit. A sly smile spread across his face like that of a fox as he whispered, "Lin Xiangru, I'll drive you away right now."

  "How dare you, Lin Xiangru, to attempt to assassinate the Great King." In the Warring States period, the ruler of one's own state was referred to as "Your Majesty", while the ruler of another state was referred to as "Great King". Qin Yiren used honorific language to provoke Zhao Xiaocheng.

  "Stop him!" Looking at Lin Xiangru's fierce appearance and the shining sword in his hand, King Zhao Xiao hastily retreated. If Lin Xiangru took the opportunity to kill him, he would really be helpless. It was known that the great defeat of Changping had greatly reduced his prestige, and killing him was a good opportunity, so he couldn't help but fear.

  The red-clad swordsman hastened to welcome him, but was forced back by Lin Xiangru, who drew his sword and went straight for Qin Yi.

  "You all saw that, didn't you? Lin Xiangru is going to assassinate the king and establish a new ruler." Qin Yiren would not miss such a good opportunity, shouting loudly: "Lin Xiangru wants Lian Po to come out again, it's to control the army and force his way into the palace. Lian Po often says that there are traitors in the court who mislead the king, if he comes out again, he will surely clear the ruler of evil."

  This sentence is very vicious, and it not only seriously injured Lin Xiangru and Lian Po, but also made King Zhao of Zhao and Pingyuan Jun have their own concerns at the same time.

  Zhao Kuo was a general, and he was highly recommended by Pingyuan Jun. Who is this traitor? It's obvious, no one else but Pingyuan Jun himself.

  If Lin Xiangru were to come out again and take control of the troops of Zhao, it would not be impossible for him to join forces with Lian Shangru to carry out a change in the ruler. King Xiaocheng of Zhao's heart was racing with anxiety.

  "Expel him! Expel him!" Lord Pingyuan's face turned iron-green with rage, as if he wished Lian Shangru would drop dead on the spot.

  "Yes! Get out! Without the king's order, you are not allowed to enter the palace!" Zhao Xiao Cheng Wang also couldn't wait for Lin Xiangru to roll far away.

  The red-clad swordsman rushed up like a wolf and tiger, snatched the sword from Lin Xiangru's hand, and walked out with him.

  Lin Xiangru struggled with his mission, but was powerless, and could only be taken out.

  "Hmm!" Qin Yiren secretly let out a sigh of relief. As long as Lin Xiangru was not around, he might have a chance to survive.

  "Tiger and wolf-like people of Qin, how vicious you are!" The roar of Xiangru's voice came from outside the palace, filled with despair and unwillingness.

  P.S: There will be an update in the wee hours of the morning. Please vote.