The Great Wei Empire in the Warring States Period

Zhao State Court

Zhao Yu was shocked when he learned that Zhao Ke was defeated. He said in panic: "Everyone, Zhao Ke was defeated and has led a large army to escape back to Handan. Now he is coming to Handan for military reasons. If this continues, I will become the king of a fallen country! Everyone, what solutions do you have? As long as we can get through this crisis, I am willing to grant him a hundred miles of land immediately!"

The ministers looked at each other, not knowing how to answer. If they were asked to do their duties at ordinary times, they could do it, but once it came to making plans, these ministers really couldn't do it.

Zhao Yu hurriedly asked Prime Minister Tai Chengwu: "Prime Minister, if I go to Daliang to submit to Wei and become a minister of the King of Wei, will Wei withdraw its troops?"

Tai Chengwu shook his head and said: "Your Majesty, the Wei army is about to reach Handan City. Do you think Wei will give up this opportunity to destroy our Zhao? Not to mention surrendering, even if I become his son, he will destroy us."

After hearing this, Zhao Yu sat down on the ground, horrified: "Is the foundation of Zhao going to be destroyed in my hands? I am unwilling! I still want to lead Zhao to be strong!"

Military Advisor Fei Yi stood up and said: "Your Majesty, don't worry, I have a plan!"

"What is it, military advisor, tell me!" Zhao Yu said anxiously.

Fei Yi said: "First, send nine special envoys to Qi and Chu. Qi and Chu are both big countries in the world, especially Qi. After its current monarch worked hard to govern, the national strength has been growing day by day, and it has the potential to compete with Wei. As long as we return all the land occupied by Qi to Qi, Qi will definitely send troops to rescue Zhao. Second, send people to Daliang, Wei, to spread rumors that Prince Ang has raised troops to establish his own country. Prince Ang is the younger brother of the King of Wei. You must know that the current King of Wei also seized the throne, so he will definitely not be at ease. Third, the prime minister will lead the troops to defend Handan. The prime minister is also well versed in military tactics. Now the soldiers in the city plus the remnants led by Zhao Ke are close to 40,000. It is not a problem to go to Handan safely."

"Okay! I agree with all! Send envoys to Qi and Chu immediately, and send people to Daliang to spread rumors that Prince Ang has raised troops to establish his own country!" Zhao Yuling said.

Gongzi Ang led the army to Handan. Gongzi Ang carefully observed Handan City and ordered: "Order the whole army to surround the eight gates of Handan, repair the fortifications and arrow towers, and do not let anyone out of the city! Turn Handan into a dead city. I want to trap them here bit by bit!"

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Qi State Court

Qi Gong Tian Yinqi listened to the Zhao envoy's cry. If he did not know that he was running to ask for help, he would have thought he was here to mourn. Seeing Zhao Shiyin rushing desperately, his whole body was wrinkled, and his crown was nowhere to be found, Tian Yinqi felt sick and said disgustedly: "Zhao envoy, don't cry. I know the current situation of Zhao, but I still have to discuss with the ministers and give an answer in a few days!"

When Zhao Shi heard this, he said anxiously: "Qi Gong, as long as Qi sends troops to rescue Zhao, Zhao is willing to respect Qi Gong as king and return all the occupied Qi land to Qi. AlsoPlease, Duke Qi, save us! Zhao can't hold on any longer."

Tian Yinqi said kindly, "The envoy of Zhao is lying. I will give you an answer tomorrow. Go down and have a rest first."

After the envoy of Zhao left, Tian Yinqi asked, "Everyone, Wei has attacked Zhao and has now surrounded Handan. Zhao is not far from destruction. Should Qi save Zhao?"

Prime Minister Zou Ji stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I think Qi should not save Zhao. Qi has finally recovered for many years and its national strength has gradually increased. However, the strength of Wei is not something that Qi can defeat, so I think it is better not to save Zhao."

Tian Yinqi agreed, but Tian Ji stood up and objected, "Your Majesty, I think Zhao should be saved!"

"Why? ”

“Your Majesty, if Wei annexes Zhao, its national strength will surely increase greatly. After destroying Zhao this time, it will be Qi’s turn in the future, so we must save Zhao!”

Tian Ji’s words also made Tian Yinqi a little shaken, but Tian Ji only gave the reason but did not say how to fight, so he did not dare to take the risk.

Counselor Gongsun Lu stood up and said: “Your Majesty, I think we should save Zhao, but we should not go directly to save Handan, Zhao.”

“Why? Can Zhong Daifu explain it more clearly?” Tian Yinqi asked in confusion.

Gongsun Lu explained: “If we send troops directly to Handan, we will have to fight the Wei army head-on, and our Qi army is not as good as the Wei army, so the best way is to send a large army to attack Xiangling, an important town of Wei. In this way, the Wei army will definitely lead the army back to rescue Xiangling, and our army can defeat the Wei army with ease!”

“Good! I have decided to send troops, but who will be the commander in chief in this battle? "

"Sun Bin."

"Please come, military advisor!" Tian Yinqi ordered.

After Sun Bin was carried up, Tian Yinqi personally walked down the steps and asked respectfully: "Sir, now Wei is attacking Zhao, I want you to be the commander, I wonder if you have any strategy to deal with the enemy?"

Sun Bin smiled and refused: "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty, but my legs are disabled, and the soldiers will not obey me. Let Tian Ji be the commander and I will be the military advisor."

"Well, may I ask if you have any strategy to deal with the enemy? "Tian Yinqi asked again.

Sun Bin said cruelly: "Your Majesty, we must save Zhao, but not now. What Qi wants is a weak Zhao, not a strong Zhao. We can just let Wei consume Zhao's strength. It will take Wei a year to capture Handan. It is best to wait until Zhao is at its wit's end before we save Zhao! By then, Zhao will be crippled and Wei will be exhausted. Only in this way can it be in the interests of Qi!"

Gongsun Qian was also shocked when he heard it. Sun Bin's plan was even more cruel than his. He thought that the Duke of Qi would reject this plan, but in the end.

Tian Yinqi said happily: "Sir, you are really amazing. I agree!"

After leaving the court, Zou Ji found Gongsun Qian with a displeased look on his face and said angrily: "Gongsun Qian, you got this position because of my recommendation. Why don't you help me but help Tian Ji instead! ”

Gongsun Qian was anxious when he heard Zou Ji's words, and argued: "Prime Minister, I dare not help Tian Ji, butHelp you!"

"Oh! Gongsun Hao, then tell me how you helped me!" Zou Ji's eyes seemed to be staring at Gongsun Hao like a knife. If he didn't convince himself, he would definitely remove him from his official position.

Gongsun Hao also saw it. If he didn't say something, he would probably lose his official hat. He flattered: "Prime Minister, think about it. Tian Ji led the army to attack Wei. The king must have asked you to be responsible for the food and grass of the army. If you won the battle, it was because you planned well. The weight of an army lies in food and grass. You can take credit for it. If you lose the battle, if Tian Ji doesn't die on the battlefield, he will definitely die in vain under military law when he returns to the country."

Zou Ji thought it was reasonable and smiled: "I was just joking with you just now. Go away."

The next morning court

The envoy of Zhao State walked in and said sincerely: "Duke Qi, when will your country save us? ”

Tian Yinqi replied: "My Qi agrees to send troops to rescue Zhao."

The Zhao envoy was overjoyed. This was the happiest thing for him during this period. He hurriedly asked: "Then please send a large army to Handan with me. Handan can't wait any longer."

As a result, Tian Yinqi didn't know how to answer. Yesterday he planned to use Sun Bin's plan. It was impossible to rescue Zhao now. Just when Tian Yinqi was a little flustered.

Prime Minister Zou Ji stood up and said to the Zhao envoy: "Zhao envoy, marching and fighting food and grass first. It will take several days for my Qi army to gather 100,000 troops, and it will be impossible to complete it in seven or eight days. It is better for the Zhao envoy to go back first and inform the Zhao Hou, so that the Zhao Hou can rest assured!"

The Zhao envoy thought Zou Ji was right, so he bowed and said: "Then I will go back to report first. ”

After the Zhao envoy left, Tian Yinqi was very satisfied with Zou Ji's flexible answer and said: "Zou Ji will be responsible for the food and grass of the army this time. Tian Ji will be the chief general, Tian Pan will be the deputy general, and Sun Bin will be the military advisor. They will lead 100,000 troops and wait for the right time to move!"

"The king is wise!"

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