Chapter 27: The Lord of Xinling

  The capital of the Wei State, Daliang (now Kaifeng in Henan Province), covers dozens of miles, with high walls and thick ramparts. It was a famous stronghold during the Warring States period and also one of the most famous and largest cities under heaven.

  The State of Wei was the overlord at the beginning of the Warring States period. The wise and virtuous Marquis Wen of Wei ruled for more than 50 years, selecting and employing worthy officials and generals such as Li Kui and Wu Qi. As a result, the territory of Wei expanded rapidly, its population grew dramatically, and it seemed to be on the verge of dominating the entire country.

  At that time, Daliang was the largest city in the world, with treasures and wonders. The prosperity of Daliang was respected by the whole country, and scholars were proud to enter Wei State and enter Daliang.

  However, with the defeat of "Maling" and "Guiling", Wei State was greatly hurt and no longer regained its dominance. Immediately afterwards, Qin State rose to power, and Wei State was under the military attack of Qin State. King Hui of Wei moved the capital from Anyi to Daliang, and since then, Daliang became the capital of Wei State.

  Unfortunately, Wei State no longer has its former dominant style. The prosperity of Daliang was replaced by Linzi of Qi State.

  In the center of Daliang City, there is a very large mansion with hundreds of rooms, each one extraordinary, with intricate carvings and paintings on the beams and pillars, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship. This was the residence of Xinling Jun, one of the "Four Noblemen of the Warring States" (located at the present-day Temple of the Great Tang in Kaifeng).

  Hundreds and thousands of slaves went in and out, busy and bustling, a lively scene.

  In the study, Prince Xinling was discussing matters with his trusted advisor, Hou Ying.

  The Prince of Xinling wore a jade crown on his head, a golden brocade robe with gold and jade decorations at his waist, and was extremely extravagant.

  The Prince of Xinling was handsome and extremely good-looking, a perfect ten in terms of appearance. He was eight feet tall, with a strong and majestic physique, surpassing ordinary people. His eyes were particularly bright and piercing, shining like the scorching sun in the ninth heaven, dazzling to behold.

  What's more important is that he has an air of superiority, and his every move reveals it naturally, making people feel like they don't dare look up to him.

  "Gentlemen, you cannot hesitate like this, you must make a decision and take great action." Hou Ying was somewhat urgent and his words were slightly severe: "In terms of reputation, in terms of gathering talented individuals, in terms of winning the hearts of the people, which one are you inferior to others? This is precisely the foundation for great deeds. Gentlemen, you cannot hesitate again, hesitation will lead to changes."

  Prince Xinling appears to be uninterested in state affairs, but in reality, his trusted advisor, Hou Ying, knows that Prince Xinling secretly harbors ambitions and intends to contend for the throne of Wei, but is hesitant due to concerns about tarnishing his own reputation.

  For this reason, Hou Ying repeatedly remonstrated with Lord Xinling, urging him to take drastic action and seize the throne of Wei.

  "The gentleman must not speak recklessly." Xīn Lǐng Jūn refused as usual: "Wú Jì has a heart of utmost loyalty, the world can be witness to it, sir, you must not use such reckless words to tarnish my reputation."

  If it were possible, the Prince of Xinling would have taken action long ago. He has been hesitant due to various concerns, which is why he has delayed until now. Hou Ying deeply understood his thoughts and said, "Is the prince worried about the rusticity of Jin?"

  A hint of resentment flashed across Prince Xinling's eyes, and he fell silent.

  This is the default. Hou Ying called out to him, saying: "This old scoundrel, Jin Bi, is a major obstacle for Master's affairs. Master, you must find an opportunity to get rid of this old scoundrel."

  He was a veteran of the Wei state, having served four generations of Wei kings. His military talent was not outstanding, but he was a qualified general. More importantly, he was loyal and only acknowledged the king's orders, ignoring all else, earning the trust of successive Wei kings and being relied upon as a pillar. The more loyal he was, the more unfavorable it was for Lord Xinling, who had long wanted to eliminate him but lacked the opportunity.

  This was an important reason for Zhu Hai to kill Jin Bi during the time of Prince Xinling's "stealing the tally to rescue Zhao".

  "Be careful with your words." The Prince of Xinling fell silent for a moment, shook his head vigorously, and looked like he didn't want to hear any more.

  The biggest characteristic of Xinling Jun is that "he wants to be a prostitute and also set up a plaque", he wants to seize the throne of Wei Wang, but does not want to leave a bad name, this is the main reason why he hesitates and delays until now.

  Hou Ying looked on with great discontent in his heart, but had to put on a pretentious air of admiration and praise: "The young master's benevolence is unmatched in the world."

  "Report to the young master, Lu Zhonglian requests an audience." Just then, a gatekeeper came in to report.

  "Qianli Ju?" Prince Xingling jumped up like his buttocks were on fire, and rushed out like the wind. He rushed so hastily that his forehead came into intimate contact with the door frame, but he couldn't care about the pain, and stepped out in one stride.

  "Be careful, young master." Hou Ying hastily reminded him and followed him out.

  "Haha! Qianliju!" The clear and loud laughter of Xinling Jun rang out, and he loudly instructed: "Prepare wine, Wuji wants to host a grand welcoming feast for Qianliju."

  The Prince of Xinling called Wei Wuji by his own name, which was because he had a very good relationship with Lu Zhonglian.

  When Hou Ying arrived, he saw Xingling Jun with a bright red face and a happy smile, holding hands with an eight-foot-tall, extremely handsome man.

  This man was Lu Zhonglian, also known as the "Last Horizontal and Vertical House", a native of Qi State, nicknamed "Thousand Miles Colt". Lu Zhonglian studied the art of horizontal and vertical alliances, relying on his eloquent mouth to persuade the world, becoming a famous family for a time, and having a very good relationship with Xinling Jun, Pingyuan Jun, and Chunshen Jun.

  "Brother Wei, let's put off the drinking and feasting for now. I've come to discuss a major matter with you." Lu Zhonglian's voice was clear and resonant, like a magnet, having a kind of attractive force.

  "Good! Please come in, please come in!" Prince Xinling grasped the hand of Ruzhonglian, and the two entered the study together. Prince Xinling helped Ruzhonglian sit down, moved a low table over, sat down opposite him, and asked with a smile: "Qianliju has come from afar, what teachings do you have for me?"

  "Brother Wei, what I'm about to say is extremely dangerous. Do you have the guts to do it?" Lu Zhonglian's face turned solemn and he spoke in a low voice.

  "Haha!" Prince Xinling laughed and said: "Qianliju, you can say whatever you want, I will do my best to help."

  "Good! That's exactly what I wanted to hear." Lu Zhonglian nodded heavily, a big smile on his face, and said: "Wei brother, why don't you go into Handan?"

  "Handan?" Wei Wuji exclaimed, his eyes wide with incredulity, his face filled with disbelief, thinking he had misheard.

  "A thousand li horse, stop your reckless words." Hou Ying rebuked in a low voice, "The great defeat at Changping, the tiger-like Qin state is about to destroy Zhao, Handan is the most dangerous place under heaven, how can you, young master, take risks lightly?"

  After the Changping War, Bai Qi was regrouping in Ye Wang, sharpening his knife, and preparing to destroy Zhao. At this time, entering Handan would be looking for death! In the world, everyone avoids it as much as possible, but Ruzhonglian wants Prince Xinling to enter Handan, he must have been pinched by a door.

  "Is there a way?" The Prince of Xinling trusted Lu Zhonglian extremely and knew that he wouldn't speak without reason, so he must have had some insight.

  "Handan is a place of danger, but for Brother Wei, it is a place of good fortune." Lu Zhonglian explained in a low voice, "If Brother Wei enters Handan at this time, he will surely gain the praise of the world and his name will be unmatched for a time. Is this not a wonderful thing?"

  "Hmm!" The light in the eyes of Xinling Jun flashed, he had thousands of guests at his gate to boast for him and gain a good reputation. Wasn't it all for the sake of a good reputation? If he were to enter Handan now, the good reputation he would gain would far surpass what his thousands of guests could boast about for him. He would surely be revered by the world.

  "What you are worried about, Wei brother, is just the army of Qin State." Lu Zhonglian bluntly broke through the worries of Xinling Jun and analyzed: "Wei brother is a famous scholar in the world, admired by the world. Would the people of Qin dare to make things difficult for Wei brother?"

  The reputation of Xinling Jun as a "virtuous name" is outside, if Qin Guo is in trouble, he will be blamed by the people of the world, this statement is very persuasive.

  "Moreover, if the Qin people are having trouble with Wei, it means they are enemies of Wei. If my brother shouts loudly from a high place, he will certainly get a response from all under heaven, and an alliance can be formed. What is there to fear from the Qin people?" Lu Zhonglian's words were very insightful, something that even Prince Xinling had not thought of.

  Prince Xinling's eyes shot out a sharp light, his mind greatly moved. With such a beautiful thing in front of him, he naturally wouldn't let it slip away.

  "If Zhao is destroyed, my brother will have a good reputation; if Zhao survives, it will all be due to my brother's efforts. My brother has taken advantage of Zhao's strength to achieve great things - how can they not succeed?"

  The Prince of Xinling had always wanted to take action, but he didn't have much strong support. If he could get the full support of Zhao State, ascending to the throne of Wei would be a sure thing. The Prince of Xinling breathed rapidly, his face flushed with excitement.

  "How to enter Zhao?" Zixi, a wise and decisive man, had already decided to enter Handan, but he himself went too unceremoniously, losing face.

  "Exactly!" Lu Zhonglian whispered in the ear of Prince Xinling.

  "Good! Adopt!" The Lord of Xinling lightly clapped his hands and loudly cheered, laughing: "A thousand-mile horse is indeed a thousand-mile horse!"