Chapter 17: Calming the Chaos

Now the army to support the king is divided into three routes, with the Marquis of Jin leading 50,000 soldiers to go along the Yi River and detour to the west of Xiongdun.

The Duke of Qi and the Duke of Song led their armies to confront Xiong Dun head-on on his north side, and they were slowly approaching. The key was to have consistent military orders to prevent Xiong Dun from using his best short-distance combat skills.

The third route was led by Zheng Bo. Their main task was to occupy Fang and Cai and prevent Xiong Dun from plundering to the east.

During these days, the coalition forces of the princes had fought with the Chu army many times and had a deep impression of the bravery of the Chu soldiers, especially Xiong Dun himself. No one could be his opponent, and even armor was useless, as he could directly beat the armor into a dent.

However, Xiong Dun's situation was still not very good. After all, the Chu soldiers were still few in number, and the gains in this battle were so great that the Chu soldiers all wanted to return home. Now they were completely suppressed by relying on his high prestige.

During these days, cartloads of slaves, treasures, and food were transported to the State of Chu. The wealth of the entire State of Chu instantly more than doubled. The wealth brought by Ji Wan's southern expedition alone was so great. One can imagine how much wealth there was in the royal capital of Luoyi.

Luo Su has a clear understanding of the situation of both sides. He came here to quickly end the current state of confrontation. Maintaining the current huge army to support the king puts a huge pressure on the finances.

In fact, although the Qinwang Army has now formed a three-sided siege on the Chu Army, the Chu Army can go down the Han River directly at any time if they want. Now all the five cities along the Han River are in Xiong Dun's hands. He can attack or defend, and the strategic initiative is completely in his hands.

Luo Su arrived at the front line without any delay and directly sent an envoy to the Chu army to discuss with Xiong Dun.

Xiong Dun had always wanted to meet Luo Su, which was one of the reasons why he did not withdraw his troops. After many years, the two met again, but everything had changed.

A breeze blew on his face. The two men sat facing each other. Luo Su did not bring any guards. He thought about whether he could capture Xiong Dun by using guards, but finally gave up because there was no need and he was not sure.

Xiong Dun filled a cup of wine for Luo Su and himself, and said with some emotion: "Lord Luo, I have wanted to see you for a long time. I still remember that in Luoyi, you were the only one who praised me as the 'pillar of the Zhou Dynasty and the light of the Xia Dynasty'. I didn't expect that when we meet again, the king you were loyal to died in my hands."

Facing Xiong Dun's claim of being the lord, Luo Su did not have any special reaction. He just said calmly: "Chu Zi, You Ji and the other two were afraid that the loyal and upright people would purge the emperor's side, so they held the emperor hostage, causing him to die in the chaos. You are not a regicide, otherwise I would not be sitting here now, but would have mobilized my entire army to fight you to the death."

The negotiation can only go on if Xiong Dun's regicide charge is removed first. Otherwise, there is really nothing to talk about. If the regicide is not avenged, how can the etiquette and laws of Bang Zhou continue to operate?

"Hahaha."

Xiong Dun laughed heartily. He was not at all annoyed that Luo Su called him the Prince of Chu, because Luo Su was the descendant of the Su King, and it was almost instinctive for him to maintain the system. "Lord Luo is really a wonderful person. It's a pity that you are the descendant of the Su King. Otherwise, if I bring you back to Chu, I might also be blessed by destiny."

Luo Su looked at Xiong Dun who was laughing, and said calmly: "Chu Zi, what happened yesterday cannot be reversed. People should always look forward. Now that I have arrived here, you should withdraw your troops and return to Chu."

Xiong Dun put away his smile and said coldly, "Lord Luo's words are arrogant and ridiculous. I have an army of 100,000 soldiers under my command. Ji Wan and his son raised all the troops of Bangzhou, but they were defeated by me. Now we are advancing to the land of Han River and occupying Shenlu. We can attack Luoyi directly from three sides. Do you want us to retreat?"

Xiong Dun's face turned cold, but Luo Su started laughing instead.

"As Chu Zi said, I am the descendant of the Su King. The fate of the Zhou State and the destiny of heaven are all in my hands!"

He stared straight at the rolling river behind Xiong Dun, and suddenly asked a completely unrelated question: "Chu Zi, do you know that the will of heaven is like a knife? Those who go against heaven will be punished by it.

The Shang Dynasty was not immune to this disaster for 600 years. The land of Shen and Lu is indeed a beautiful place, but what would happen if it snowed heavily and the rivers froze?"

When Xiong Dun heard Luo Su's threats, he said indifferently, "Lord Luo really has a fantastic idea. I have been through life and death and don't believe in these things. It's June now, how could it be possible..."

As he was speaking, he saw that Luo Su still had a serious expression on his face. He suddenly recalled the legend recorded in the classics that when King Su went on the Eastern Expedition, he borrowed strong winds from the sky. A biting chill instantly rushed to his forehead.

If heavy snow falls and the river freezes, the Chu army will die without a burial place!

Xiong Dun was filled with murderous intent. He stared at Luo Su and said in a hoarse voice, "Lord Luo must be joking with me. God..."

Luo Su seemed not to feel the murderous aura that was almost materialized. He still had a warm smile on his face and said, "Chu Zi, please sit down and try this glass of ice wine. When I came here, I specially went to the ancestral temple and asked the ancestors for it. It is a pleasure to drink a glass at this time of year."

Ancestor!

The King of Vegetarian!

"Lord Luo, don't joke. King Su died during the reign of King Kang."

As Xiong Dun spoke, he involuntarily reached out to pick up the glass of wine, only to feel a bone-chilling chill. He looked closely and saw that there was actually a thick layer of ice condensed on it. He was so frightened that he fell to the ground in despair, muttering, "Su Wang, is this the blessing of destiny?"

Looking at Luo Su's elegant face, he wondered how many Chu soldiers would be able to escape if heavy snow fell.

Xiong Dun couldn't help but have a desperate idea in his mind. He decided to kill Luo Su first, and then lead his army to fight against the coalition forces to make his life in this world worthwhile.

As soon as he saw Xiong Dun's expression, Luo Su knew that Xiong Dun was probably thinking about killing him. He didn't intend to force Xiong Dun into a corner, so he took out another wine cup, filled it with wine, and pushed it over, saying with a smile: "Chu Zi, there is no need to panic. If you want to wipe out the Chu army, I would not be sitting here today."

Xiong Dun, who was already in shock, hurriedly said, "Why did Lord Luo teach me? No, he taught me."

Seeing that Xiong Dun's attitude had undergone a drastic change, Luo Su couldn't help but sigh that the artifact was really useful.

Just now, he used a bamboo stick given by his ancestor to condense ice on the wine cup. Combined with the reputation and deeds of his ancestors, as well as Bang Zhou's unswerving propaganda of the Mandate of Heaven over the years, he subdued Xiong Dun in an instant.

In fact, even if June snow was really used, it would not be possible to freeze a large river. At most, it would hit the morale of the Chu army and weaken its combat effectiveness.

"Don't worry too much, Lord Chu. Although you have usurped the throne in recent years, you have only been showing off in the country. I know that when you conquered the barbarians, you still used Zhou rituals to educate them. This is your achievement, and it is also the reason why I am here to save you now.

In the past, my ancestor King Su promoted feudalism. Maintaining the eternal mandate of Zhou was only secondary. In fact, it was for the sake of the Xia monarch and the Yi people. The heaven issued a decree that all places that the sun could shine on would be turned into a paradise for the Xia people.

You have made contributions to the Chinese nation, so I have been trying to ease the relationship between the State of Chu and the emperor, and I am even willing to ask for the title of marquis for you.

But you made a big mistake in the Battle of Han River this time, and all your previous achievements have been wiped out. I would like to ask you, are you willing to make meritorious contributions while at the same time being punished?"

Xiong Dun knew that he had no ability to refuse, and he now only wanted to bring the Chu army back to Chu.

These people followed him to the battle, and he couldn't let them all die in a foreign land, so he said dully: "Lord Luo, please speak frankly. In the current situation, do I have any other choice?"

Seeing Xiong Dun's statement, Luo Su told him all the countermeasures he had been thinking about: "Chu Zi, you should submit a letter of apology to Luo Yi, and you must point out these points.

First, usurping the title of king was just an angry remark. You know in your heart that you have not received the mandate from heaven, so you have never called yourself the Son of Heaven. Now you are willing to give up your title of king, submit to Bang Zhou, and release the nobles you captured earlier.

Second, you raised an army to rebel against the emperor, but you were proud of your great contributions to the state of Zhou, but you were not rewarded. Unexpectedly, the emperor was killed by treacherous ministers, and the mountain collapsed. You were heartbroken, blamed yourself and felt guilty, so you offered the treasures of Chu to the emperor as burial objects to show your loyalty.

Thirdly, you will definitely not be able to occupy the land of Shen and Lu. As for the five kingdoms, I want to take back the two territories of Sui and Tang and send important officials to establish a marquisate. This will be good for both you and me. Deng, Lu and Yu will be left to you. Otherwise, I am afraid you will not be able to explain to the country.

This time I let you go back, you must forge ahead. My ancestor King Su once said that to the south of Chu, there are three thousand miles of beautiful mountains and rivers, you can take them all. That’s all I have to say. That’s all.”

Xiong Dun's mood had gradually calmed down. Seeing that Luo Hou still considered him, he was somewhat touched. He bowed solemnly to Luo Su and said, "I swear here facing the Han River that as long as Luo Hou is in the royal capital, the Chu army will never turn north. If the future monarch of Chu is fortunate enough to go to the Central Plains, let him go to Luo Hou's tomb to pay homage."

Both of them knew that even if they paid tribute again, Xiong Dun was different from other princes and it was impossible for him to go to Luoyi to pay homage to the emperor. After this separation, the two might never see each other again.

As for the promise not to march north, firstly, it would provide additional support for Luosu, and secondly, he understood that if he retreated, he would never have the chance to march north again.

"Lord Luo, see you later!"

Xiong Dun turned and left.

"See you later." Luo Su stood up to see Xiong Dun off, watching him walk away.

…

"Ancestor, Xiong Dun is leaving now. The south is vast, and the Chu State will definitely be a major threat to our Zhou State in the future."

"You still chose to let him go."

"Grandfather, you are extremely wise. Did Su do the right thing?"

"I can predict a thousand years ahead and a thousand years after, but I can't say a word. I can only teach you some principles of life. How to do things depends on you."

"Su knows."

…

As soon as Luo Su returned to the King's Marching Camp, a bunch of princes surrounded him, "Master, what did Xiong Dun say?"

Among these people, some hope that the negotiations will fail so that they can seize power in the war, while others hope that the peace talks will be successful because the war is not the important issue now, and politics is the big problem.

Luo Su then informed everyone of the results of their discussion.

"Master, you are not kidding, right?"

"Can a rebellious person like Xiong Dun agree to such conditions?"

"It is normal for Shen and Lu to give up their lands, but can he also give up Tang Sui's lands? Does he really want to become a vassal again?"

Voices of disbelief were heard one after another. Xiong Dun was quite powerful, and most importantly, he was able to bring his entire country with him. The two sides had different goals for this war from the very beginning, and this was the fundamental reason for the stalemate between the two sides.

The Five States along the Han River were far away from the Central Plains, with a sparse population and many barbarians. It was said that there was also miasma, and it was a wild land. Even if they were granted a fief, not many nobles were willing to go there. For most of the princes, establishing a country here would be a waste of manpower and material resources.

But they knew that Sui and Tang were core interests for the State of Chu. Once they gave up this place, Luoyi would be able to quickly rebuild a line of defense.

"Although Xiong Dun has surrendered, the defense against Chu cannot be neglected. I have decided that after the crown prince ascends the throne, I will ask the new emperor for a golden book to confer four titles of marquis of 300 li in Shen, Sui, Tongbai, and Tanghe, and station troops for three years to stabilize the four countries."

Four marquises!

This is a big deal. The enthronement of each marquis means the redistribution of wealth, so now the enthronement of princes is becoming more and more cautious, and only real princes and sons can be enthroned.

As for the possibility that the emperor would disagree, that is simply impossible. Ji Xi is not yet an adult, and the one who will be in charge at that time will definitely be Luo Su, just like the former King Su.

The only difference is that Ji Zhao was the regent at the time according to the will issued by King Wu himself. He was in charge of the Zhou state and government affairs on behalf of the king and had all the power of the emperor. Luo Su did not have a will, and many people would oppose him. At that time, there would definitely be a fight in Luoyi.

After Xiong Dun handed in the letter of apology, Luo Su sent an army to take over the land of Shenlu. Only after these two cities were in his hands was the confrontation completely over.

Xiong Dun retreated quickly. He needed to return to the country to reward the nobles, and he also needed to explain the reason for his sudden withdrawal.

The army that came to support the king also began to withdraw slowly. Most of the troops were taken back to their fiefdoms by the subordinates of the princes. As for the princes themselves, they would naturally not go back. The coronation ceremony of Crown Prince Ji Xi had already begun to be prepared when Luo Su left. This time when they returned, they would support Ji Xi to ascend the throne.

Many people came to ask Luo Su when he would support the prince. Even though according to the etiquette, Ji Xi's ascension to the throne was a foregone conclusion, but the merit of supporting him would be recorded in the book, and various rewards would be listed at that time.

Normally, for something like this, everyone would rush to be the first to make themselves known to the prince, but now Luo Su has refused the credit that was given to him for free, and it is obvious that he has some plan in this matter.

Under such circumstances, even those princes who were at odds with Luo Su did not dare to become the target of public criticism.

Luo Su could only tell everyone again and again: "I have a good plan in mind. I will tell you when I return to Luoyi."

In fact, Luo Su had already drawn up a list of people to support him. There is no trivial matter in politics, and the future political order of Luoyi will be laid out from this support.

The most important thing now is to recuperate and never get involved in internal strife, so Luo Su spent a lot of time thinking about it. After returning to Luoyi, the princes finally received the list from Luo Su.

Faced with this list and thinking about Luo Su's intentions, everyone could only admire him, believing him to be the descendant of King Su.

There are more than a dozen princes on the list, divided into four groups.

The first batch included the three most powerful princes of the Ji clan, namely Luo Hou, Yan Hou and Jin Hou. This was an announcement of the recognition of the Ji clan princes as his eldest heir. Luo Su deliberately did not include Wei Hou among them.

The second group includes the two kings and three Ke. As guests of Bang Zhou, their political status is still very high, demonstrating the orthodoxy of Bang Zhou's mandate of heaven.

The third group is the heavyweight relatives of Qi State, who are powerful enough to demonstrate the power in the hands of the emperor.

Finally came the representatives of other princes of different surnames. Their existence was mainly to prove that the Zhou Dynasty was not just a place for concubines, and that the emperor treated all the subjects of the world with benevolence.

With everyone's persuasion for Ji Xi to ascend the throne, the Zhou Dynasty welcomed a new emperor, Ji Xi.

————

King Dun of Chu defeated Zhou, attacked Ba, and suppressed the barbarians. He fought more than a hundred battles and was victorious in all of them. People of his time all called him the master of the army.

The waiter said: Why don't you go north to ask about the weight of the tripod?

The king said: "Lou Hou is the descendant of King Su and is in charge of the kingdom. The mandate of heaven is with Zhou. I respect heaven and know my destiny, so I will not turn north." - "Records of the Grand Historian: The Family of Chu"

A person's success depends not only on his own ability, but also on the course of history. Xiong Dun, a hero in troubled times, ended up like this, which is a microcosm of many loyal ministers and famous generals in history.

…

I feel that updating at that hellish time every day is really not a good idea, so I'll probably update at this time in the future. To prevent everyone from waiting too long, I'll add another chapter today.

This is such a thoughtful author. Everyone, please move your hands and cast your vote. Thank you on Yueye Night.

(End of this chapter)