Chapter 65: Petty Person

  Liu Xiang was overbearing and domineering, Wang Lei's anger suddenly surged up in his heart, and he couldn't wait to leave the scene immediately.

  However, his face was calm and peaceful, suppressing his anger, and he said with a bow: "Reporting to Your Highness, Yan Liang and Wen Chou led the army into Zhongshan State, with an overwhelming momentum that shocked everyone. The 13 counties of Zhongshan State all surrendered at the sight of the enemy, except for Wuji County and Xinshi County, which vowed not to surrender. It's hard to resist the enemy, currently all the forces in the county are focused on strengthening defense and increasing the combat effectiveness of soldiers, there is no extra money to support the songstress.

  He stood up and walked to the center of the hall, pointing at the wine and meat on the case table, and said solemnly: "Without deceiving Your Highness, this table of wine and meat was purchased with the little remaining money in the treasury. The county is already destitute and has no extra funds."

  Zhongshan Guo hummed and said indifferently, "Who is to blame for the poverty of Wujixian County? Of course it's you, the county magistrate. If you were capable, you wouldn't even have a few songstresses."

  Guo Xiang is Wang Lei's direct superior, and as soon as he spoke, the atmosphere changed instantly.

  Wang Lei replied, "War is merciless. If Yuan Shao had not initiated the war, Wuji County would not have ended up like this. Due to Yan Liang's invasion, Wuji County's wealth has been completely used to purchase armor and weapons, which is the reason for its poverty. If the Prime Minister can lead the army to resist Yan Liang's forces, Wuji County will not be reduced to such a state."

  "How dare you!"

  Zhongshan's face turned red with anger, his heart filled with indignation.

  The county magistrate in front of me, what a big nerve.

  Wang Lei took a deep breath and said calmly, "I am only stating a fact, I dare not be rude. Yan Liang's army has entered the border, and Wuji County may be attacked at any time, but His Highness King Zhongshan still has the leisure to watch singing and dancing, which is really inappropriate. The Prime Minister is appointed by the Emperor as the governing official of the state of Zhongshan, responsible for the safety of tens of thousands of people, and also assists His Highness King Zhongshan in his duties. If His Highness King Zhongshan makes a mistake, but you, sir, do not correct him, instead helping him to do evil, this is not the way a Prime Minister should act, Wang Lei does not dare to follow."

  "How dare you!"

  The prime minister's son was trembling with fear and felt even more humiliated.

  He would have liked to chop off Wang Lei's head, this kid is too arrogant.

  Liu Xiang's face looked unpleasant and he was also very unhappy.

  Guo Jia sat in the back with a smile, looking like he was enjoying the show.

  At this time, Ren Cheng Wang Liu Tuo spoke up and said: "Xian nephew, I congratulate you."

  "Oh, where does this joy come from?" Liu Xiang asked.

  Liu Bei flung open his sleeves and laughed, saying: "Worthy nephew, take a look at my Hebei state. When Yan Liang and Wen Chou led their troops into the border, not one person from each county stood up to resist, they all surrendered to Yuan Shao. In contrast, in your Zhongshan state, you have a county magistrate like Wang who is so loyal, why shouldn't you be overjoyed? County Magistrate Wang's straightforward advice and noble integrity are truly admirable. You have such a worthy talent, I am envious!"

  At this moment, Liu Xiang's anger turned into joy, and his mood became pleasant again.

  Liu Xiang was concerned about losing face in front of Liu Tuo, but Liu Tuo voluntarily praised him and gave Liu Xiang a step down, so the anger in his heart also dissipated.

  Unfortunately, Zhongshan's national anger still remains.

  Wang Lei returned to his seat and the banquet continued.

  Before long, a hurried footsteps came from outside the hall.

  A soldier ran to Wang Lei's side and whispered something in his ear. After listening, Wang Lei waved his hand for the soldier to leave, then stood up and said: "Your Highnesses, Ren Cheng Wang, Yan Liang and Wen Chou's troops have left Lushui County and are heading towards Wujie County to kill. I must return to the military camp immediately to command the soldiers to meet the enemy. I can no longer entertain Your Highnesses, please forgive me."

  "Go down! Go down!"

  "Your Highness, Wuji County is the last pass of Zhongshan State. If Wuji County fails, we can only go south to Julu County to hide. This battle is crucial, and I think the two princes must take charge personally. Why don't the two princes and King Xian go to the military camp together to assist King Xian in formulating strategies, so as not to make mistakes."

  Wang Lei's expression changed, he looked up and saw that Zhongshan Guo's face was full of satisfaction.

  Liu Xiang thought the national advisor's suggestion was good, and smiled saying: "Don't worry, County Magistrate Wang. The king and Prince Wang will not interfere with the war in Wuji County, we'll just watch from the sidelines. Let's withdraw the banquet and go to the military camp together."

  Wang Lei's mouth twitched, suppressing his murderous thoughts.

  This Zhongshan country's prime minister is really a stirring stick in the manure, thinking of dying soon.

  The little man is so pitiful!

  This person is undoubtedly an odious little man.

  Wang Lei could not refuse and said, "Since Your Highness has the intention, please follow me to the military camp with the two of you." The group began to prepare, and soon Wang Lei and Guo Jia took Liu Xiang, Liu Tuo, and some officials to go there, while the others returned to the post house. The military camp was outside the city, on the way, Wang Lei and Guo Jia were in one carriage.

  Wang Lei shrugged and said helplessly, "Feng Xiao, those who are so arrogant are really detestable. If I had known earlier, I should have cut off their path to Wuji County and let Yan Liang and Wen Cuo catch them."

  Guo Jia smiled slightly and said, "Your Excellency, everything has its pros and cons. We have secured the safety of Prince Rencheng and Prince Zhongshan, and this achievement will greatly enhance your reputation once it is made public. However, how to make them obey us depends on your strategy."

  Wang Lei rolled his eyes and thought to himself that this matter was not simple.

  The carriage stopped outside the military camp.

  The Zhongshan State's prime minister, seeing this, frowned and loudly rebuked: "Prefect Wang, the Kings of Zhongshan and Hejian have arrived at the camp. Can't they even drive their chariots into the camp? Order the soldiers at the gate to retreat and let the chariots enter the camp."

  He didn't like Wang Lei and started to provoke him.

  Liu Xiang highly trusted the Grand Minister, and he himself did not want to get off his carriage either. He lifted up the curtain of his carriage and gave an unquestionable order: "Prefect Wang, time is pressing, enter the military camp."

  "Your Highness, you must get off your carriage before entering the military camp," said Wang Lei, shaking his head.

  "Hmm..."

  Liu Xiang furrowed his brow, and a hint of displeasure flashed across his chubby face.

  Wang Lei hummed in his heart, he didn't put Liu Xiang in his eyes, and said lightly: "During the reign of Emperor Wen, because of the ferocity of the Xiongnu, he personally went to inspect the military camp. When the emperor arrived at the gate of Zhou Yafu's camp, the vanguard arrived, but was blocked outside the camp. Even when the front-line soldiers told the guarding guards that it was the Son of Heaven who came to comfort them, the captain of the guard refused on the grounds that 'the army only listened to Zhou Yafu's orders and did not listen to the emperor's edict', making it difficult for the emperor's chariot to advance."

  The Emperor Wen arrived, and the envoy took the imperial seal to report, only then did Zhou Yafu open the camp gate to welcome him.

  "It was originally thought that the carriage could enter, but the guarding guard told Emperor Wen's entourage, 'Zhou Yafu ordered that no horse or carriage be allowed to rush into the military camp', and blocked a large number of carriages. Emperor Wen, the monarch of the country, listened to the words of the soldier guarding the camp, not only did he not get angry, but instead happily agreed with Zhou Yafu's decision, praising such a military camp as the true military camp."

  After a pause, Wang Lei said calmly: "The Emperor of Wen is the respected ruler of the country, and he can still follow the rules of the military camp. Is it that the King of Zhongshan does not follow? I know that the King of Zhongshan is broad-minded and can listen to advice, but he has been misled by his subordinates."

  His gaze swept across the Zhongshan country, and he glanced at Guo Guo.

  In an instant, the national preceptor's face was burning with rage.

  Guo Xiang scolded Wang Wei for being treacherous, and even brought up the intimidation of Emperor Wen. With such words, not to mention Zhongshan King, a Han dynasty royal family member, even if the emperor himself were present, no one would dare to refute him.

  Zhongshan King Liu Xiang glared at the national minister, and had no choice but to get off the carriage obediently. He walked slowly over, smiling: "The king's words are very good, lead the way ahead!" Immediately after, Liu Tuo also got off the carriage.

  Soon everyone got off the horse-drawn carriage and went towards the main tent of the imperial army.