Chapter 46 Return to Qi
The sound of galloping horses broke the tranquility of Zhaoyi, and Luo Xi hurried into the palace with an excited look.
"Father, the great event has been accomplished. The continuous shooting was brilliant. One arrow killed the Marquis of Qi, Wu Jiu. The minister An Ning is currently killing Wu Jiu's relatives.
Now Qi has no king. Doctor An Ning has sent an envoy to invite Xiao Bai to return to the country to inherit the throne. Now you can send Xiao Bai back to the country!"
The politics of most countries are now in chaos. It is common for princes to go into exile in other countries, and it is also not uncommon for them to be sent back to their country by a certain prince to inherit the throne.
When the political chaos in Qi State began, Prince Xiaobai's mother was worried about the danger, so she sent him to Luo State for refuge.
As expected, Lu Wujiu later killed the king and seized the throne.
Xiaobai's biological brother was killed by Lu Wujiu because he stayed in the country.
Now Doctor An Ning of Qi has killed Duke Wujiu of Qi. The two sons of the former Duke of Qi are both in foreign countries. Now no matter which one of them returns to the country, he can directly ascend to the throne.
Luo Xiu has put in so much effort, of course he won’t make things easier for others.
He immediately said: "Xi'er, call Xiaobai here, and tell your uncle to prepare to send troops to escort Xiaobai back to the country.
Also, make arrangements for the young man from the royal family who will be accompanying Xiaobai to Qi State. You will have to escort him personally when the time comes."
Since he was going to send Young Master Xiaobai back to his country, Luo Xiu would certainly not let him go back alone to be a puppet.
Not only should a group of capable people be drawn from the Luo State army to serve as his guards, but also those who can govern the state affairs should be drawn from the royal family and noble families of Luo State to serve as his eyes, ears and feet.
These things should have been prepared for him by his mother, but his mother died early, so they could only be given to him by his uncle.
Luo Xi nodded excitedly and said, "Okay, father.
In addition, I have sent people to Qu State to kill Prince Shao, in order to prevent other noble families in Qi State from welcoming Prince Shao back to Qi State. The news should be on the way now."
The Luo royal family has trained a group of assassins, all of whom were adopted as death warriors since childhood. They specialize in doing this kind of thing and have never failed so far.
The reason why Prince Shao was not killed earlier was because Lu Wujiu was not dead yet. That would be too blatant and he was worried about arousing Lu Wujiu's vigilance.
Now that Lü Wujiu is dead, Prince Shao may become the one who seizes the throne of Xiaobai, so he must be killed. The State of Luo cannot tolerate internal strife and struggle for the throne among the royal family of Qi in the short term.
In order to ensure that Lu Xiaobai could ascend the throne smoothly, Luo Xiu put in a lot of effort.
Nowadays, there is basically no country that chooses its heir according to the patriarchal system.
Even if he was clearly designated as the crown prince, other princes all had the right of inheritance, so incidents of monarch murder often occurred.
This kind of situation has never happened in Luo State. After all, who would dare to go to the ancestral temple to worship King Su if he killed the king to ascend to the throne?
There is also the ring that has been passed down from generation to generation by the head of the family. It is as heavy as a thousand pounds and the one who killed the king to ascend to the throne cannot wear it at all.
Luo State was not like other vassal states where illegitimate sons also had inheritance rights. In Luo State, illegitimate sons did not have the surname Luo, so there were very few princes in Luo State, and basically everyone knew who would be the next in line.
Upon hearing that his uncle was summoning him, Lu Xiaobai quickly came to the palace.
"uncle!"
Lu Xiaobai saluted Luo Xiu respectfully. He was very grateful to Luo Xiu. If it weren't for Luo Xiu, he would probably be a corpse now.
"noob.
A coup d'état took place in Qi State, and Doctor An Ning killed Lü Wujiu. Now he has sent envoys to Luo State to welcome you back to Qi State to be the king.
Are you willing to return to your country?
If you are willing, your uncle will send soldiers to escort you back."
Luo Xiu said while looking at Lu Xiaobai with a smile.
Lu Xiaobai just stood there in a daze. Who could remain calm after hearing such news?
But soon his face was filled with excitement. As a young man living under someone else's roof, although Marquis Luo had always been very good to him, what man doesn't have a dream of holding power in his hands?
In his dreams at midnight, didn't he ever think about borrowing his uncle's troops and returning to the country to seize the throne?
But he understood that as long as Lu Wujiu had no intention of destroying the Ji-Jiang alliance, his uncle would not attack Qi.
This is the principle that every generation of Luo Hou adheres to!
Now his uncle was willing to send troops to send him back to his country, and even asked him if he was willing. That was the throne of the Eastern great country Qi, who would be unwilling!
Without any hesitation, Lu Xiaobai knelt on the ground and bowed to Luo Xiu as a father and son. He hugged Luo Xiu's thighs directly, tears welled up in his eyes, and he cried bitterly, "Uncle, my nephew is willing to return home.
Five years!
That evil villain, Lu Wujiu, killed his father and brother, massacred countless members of the royal family, and even spared his brother's three-year-old baby.
Such evil villains are even more hateful than Laiyi!
My hatred for him is like a river winding into the sea. Unless the mountains and rivers stop flowing, there will never be a day when the hatred ends.
I know that you, my uncle, are the monarch of Luo State. In order to maintain stability among the states, you cannot take action against such a big country.
So I never asked you to avenge me.
This hatred is like a ball of fire, burning in my heart. My nephew tossed and turned every night, unable to sleep.
May Heaven have mercy on me. Now that I have this opportunity, how can I not avenge my father?
When I return to the country, I will definitely kill all of Wujiu's relatives, drag out his corpse, and grind his bones to scatter ashes.
I hope my father can rest in peace now.
Uncle, you are willing to protect me and raise me in times of danger. This is something only a father would do.
Now they are sending troops to help me return to my country. What a great favor this is!
Even if I engrave it on Mount Tai, even if I swear on the Luo River, I cannot repay even a single bit of it. I really don't know how to thank you.
If I can return to Qi, I will give you five cities in Lu as a token of my filial piety and as a way of repaying your help to me."
Lu Xiaobai's words were so tearful that he was even choked with sobs and couldn't speak. It seemed that he had been suppressing his emotions for too long.
He came to Luo State when he was young. While living in Luo State, he heard the news that his father and brother were killed, which made him unable to return home. His hatred for Lu Wujiu was truly genuine.
Luo Xiu patted Lu Xiaobai's shoulder and comforted him, "Xiaobai, your mother died early, and you are the only child she has left in this world.
This time you can become the king of Qi, I believe she will be proud of you in heaven.
After returning to Qi, you must be a wise monarch and treat your people well, whether they are ministers, nobles, or common people, and treat them fairly. I believe that in this way you will be able to sit on the throne safely.
Qi was a big country among the Xia states, and the Dongyi still needed Qi's efforts to suppress them.
You have Luo's blood in your body, so you are responsible for the revitalization of the Chinese nation. I am looking forward to your future, and your mother must also be looking forward to your achievements."
After saying this, Luo Xiu pondered for a moment and then said, "You will be a monarch, and you will have many beauties and many children in the future. But Xiyi has been with you since she was a humble girl, and she has been devoted to you all these years. You must treat her and her children well.
I sent a letter to the Marquis of Yan. Before, you were a guest in Luo State and had no fiefdom, so he just gave you some wealth.
Now that you have inherited the throne, I am afraid that soon a large number of Xiyi's relatives and nobles from Yan will go to Qi to serve, and these will all help you."
Xiyi is Lu Xiaobai's legal wife, a noble lady from the royal family of the State of Yan. Originally, as Prince Xiaobai was exiled to a foreign country, she was no longer worthy of a woman of such status.
But Luo Xiu only had this one nephew, and since the saying goes, "the mother's brother is the most important", he specially sent Luo Xi to the State of Yan to ask for a noble lady for him to marry.
"uncle!"
Lu Xiaobai kowtowed heavily again, the gratitude in his heart was beyond words.
[A major historical event has begun! Your luck points increase faster! ]
The system's prompt attracted Ji Zhao's attention. Major historical events were the logical programs built into the bottom layer of the world.
Unlocking historical events requires the right people and the right time. Because history has deviated significantly, not all events will continue to occur.
After Lu Xiaobai left Luo Xiu, he was completely unable to suppress the joy on his face. He even wanted to laugh out loud, but his reason told him that he had to go find Guan Zhong immediately.
If he wanted to leave Luo and return to Qi, Guan Zhong was someone he must take with him, otherwise he would not be able to accomplish anything after returning to his country.
Guan Zhong was a member of the royal family of the State of Luo and had become somewhat famous in recent years.
Although he had not yet entered officialdom, the Luo royal family provided him with an independent small courtyard and even a maid.
That day he was still revising his "Respect the King" in the house, determined to achieve a stunning effect.
Unexpectedly, Lu Xiaobai came to visit him suddenly. Guan Zhong had been busy writing these days, and Lu Xiaobai knew it, so he didn't come to disturb him.
Guan Zhong did not put away "Respecting the King" either, and the bamboo slips were placed on the table one by one.
He welcomed the hurried Lv Xiaobai into the house with some confusion and asked, "Xiaobai, why did you come here suddenly? Is there something urgent?"
Lu Xiaobai directly pulled Guan Zhong to the table and laughed loudly, "Ah Zhong, there was a coup in Qi State, and Doctor An Ning killed Lu Wujiu.
Now Qi has no king, and Doctor An Ning has sent envoys to Luo to welcome me back to Qi to inherit the throne. My uncle just told me that he will send troops to escort me back to the country. "
Prince Xiaobai is returning to his country to inherit the throne?
My best friend is about to become the ruler of a great country?
Guan Zhong was a little dazed.
"I came here not to say goodbye to you, but to invite you to go to Qi with me.
I know that you have extraordinary talent and are a sage who is no less than Lord Wen of Luo.
King Su once said, if a monarch knows that there is a virtuous person but does not respectfully invite him, can his country become strong?
If you can get a virtuous person, you can give up mountains of gold.
You are such a wise man. If I want to achieve something, I definitely need your assistance.
So I came here hoping that you could follow me to Qi. You are my best friend and I trust you immensely.
After returning to Qi, I am willing to hand over the ruling position to you, and I will support all your policies. "
In fact, when Lu Xiaobai said that he was going back to his country, Guan Zhong had already guessed that Lu Xiaobai wanted to invite him.
Faced with Lu Xiaobai's invitation, Guan Zhong was a little hesitant. He was a member of the royal family of Luo State, so naturally he wanted to serve in Luo State.
But Lu Xiaobai was his best friend and would soon become the Marquis of Qi.
How could he refuse when the monarch of a great country invited him so respectfully, trusted him so much, and gave him such great power?
King Su once said, if the king regards his subjects as his own hands and feet, then the subjects will regard the king as their own heart and soul!
King Su, what should I do with such a courtesy?
When Lu Xiaobai saw Guan Zhong hesitate, he naturally knew what Guan Zhong was thinking, and he bowed solemnly and said, "Ah Zhong.
I know what you are thinking. You are a member of the royal family of Luo State, so you want to help the royal family of Luo State.
But forgive me for being frank, the royal family of Luo State is full of talented people, and even without A Zhong, it can still maintain its status as a great power.
The State of Qi is different. After experiencing several civil wars, the country is now in a state of desolation. It is a perfect time for you to make your mark.
King Su said, "Respect the Chinese and despise the barbarians." He also said, "It is better for the Chinese to have no king than for the barbarians to have one." To transform the barbarians into Chinese is a great cause of the kingly way, and the Luo State can accomplish it without your help.
But Qi can’t do that!
And didn’t you say you wanted to respect the king?
Duke Hui, the first ruler of Luo, once said that the Luo family had not paid tribute to Zhou for a hundred years. Your theory of respecting the king has no place to be implemented in Luo.
As long as you follow me back to Qi, I will follow your advice.
My uncle told me today that we must prosper the State of Qi, and the heavy responsibility of suppressing the Dongyi will fall on my shoulders.
As the grandson of Prince Su, A Zhong, don't you want to completely eliminate the Laiyi Kingdom to the east of Qi, which has been like a thorn in its side for many years?
Ah Zhong, you always ask me what my ambitions are.
A poor young man who was exiled to another country was able to survive only by relying on the blood of the Luo family. Could he ask for more?
Now, I can say.
I want to wipe out the Dongyi people who have not been wiped out for three hundred years, and accomplish the great cause that the predecessors of Qi have not completed. This is the expectation of all our ancestors.
I must uphold justice, revitalize the Chinese nation, and inherit the will of the Su King. This is what I should do with my half-blood of the Su King and ten years of education in the Luo family.
I need you. You are a wise man who can assist the Holy King. Without you, I cannot do this."
Regardless of Lu Xiaobai's specific ability to govern the country, at least his personal charisma is very strong.
This speech took into account everything from the relationship between the two, to Guan Zhong's political ideals and identity, and even the blueprint for the future.
No matter who looks at it, this is an outstanding ruler!
Having said this, Guan Zhong no longer hesitated and bowed directly, saying, "Guan Zhong greets the king."
With this bow, the relationship between the ruler and his subjects was determined.
Lu Xiaobai excitedly helped Guan Zhong up and laughed loudly, "We are just acquaintances, but with your help, I will accomplish my great goal."
Sending a prince back to his country to inherit the throne is not an easy matter, especially when the help involves political investment.
Luo Xi led 5,000 soldiers and horses to escort Lu Xiaobai all the way to the border of Qi State. All the small countries along the way had already been greeted, and most of them were vassal states of Luo State.
On the other side of the border, the royal family of Qi were already waiting there. In this era, the importance of bloodline was reflected here.
When Lu Wujiu was alive, Lu Xiaobai's identity as the son of the former Marquis of Qi was naturally worthless.
But as long as an opportunity like the present one arises, his undisputed inheritance rights will be a priceless treasure, which is called a rare commodity.
The interests of countless people among the royal family and noble families of Qi were born to be tied to him.
Luo Guo could give him help openly, and the wealth that could make anyone rich and prosperous for a lifetime would be invested in him without blinking an eye.
Those nobles in Yan State who had never seen him would automatically serve him after Xi Yi married him, and they were willing to do so, and they were even grateful to this down-and-out young man whom they once looked down upon.
All this was because his name was Lu Xiaobai. He was a prince of Qi, the nephew of the monarch of Luo, and the husband of the princess of Yan.
The current Duke of Qi!
These people bowed before him one after another. With the lives and deaths of millions of people in his hands, Lu Xiaobai had never felt so noble, nor had he ever felt that his responsibility was so great.
He also bowed to these Qi nobles. In this era, the relationship between the monarch and his subjects was generally equal. The subjects bowed to the monarch and the monarch also bowed to the subjects.
"Xiaobai, you will be returning to your country soon. Don't forget the sincere teachings of your teachers in the academy over the years. Be a wise monarch and revitalize Qi and other countries."
Luo Xi was very happy for his cousin. Xiaobai had lived in Luo State for ten years, and the relationship between the two was quite deep.
"Guan Zhong is accompanying you to Qi State. This is your good fortune. He is a talented person among the royal family. When he arrives in Qi State, he will definitely be given an important position.
You have just ascended the throne, and I am afraid that there are no reliable guards in the palace.
Your father has selected three hundred warriors for you in Luo State. They are all your old followers. Their families are still selling their property in the country and will come to Qi State later.
Lu Wujiu was assassinated, you have to be careful. With them protecting you, I can feel more at ease.
Xiaobai, let’s say goodbye now!”
Lu Xiaobai asked himself, the treatment he received in Luo State these years really wasn't like that of an exiled prince. Luo Xi had always taken good care of him. When he saw Luo Xi was about to return to Luo State, he held his hand and said emotionally, "Brother, I have no way to repay you for your ten years of raising me.
Please also tell your uncle that your hard work will never go to waste."
The two brothers said goodbye, and Luo Xi led the army back to Luo State.
Lu Xiaobai took Guan Zhong and three hundred armored warriors across the border to meet those Qi nobles who had become somewhat unfamiliar to them.
The royal family and nobles of Qi State flocked to the country in large numbers. Most of these people did not belong to Wujiu's party and were excluded when Lu Wujiu was in power.
Therefore, he is most excited about Lu Xiaobai's return, and hopes to gain enough benefits in the new situation.
Doctor An Ning was naturally at the forefront. The An family killed Lu Wujiu and welcomed back Lu Xiaobai. He was the chief contributor, and Lu Xiaobai would definitely use him.
"My Lord, you are finally back!
The An family was deeply blessed by the previous emperor, but his descendants were forced to live in exile. This is a shame for a minister!
Now that you have finally returned to Qi, I will not be ashamed to see my late king after my death."
Lu Xiaobai held Doctor An Ning's hand and shed tears, saying: "Only when things are tough can loyalty be shown. Doctor An Ning avenged me, and I will never forget it.
This time when I return to my country, I will definitely wipe out the evil and save my relatives and nobles from the troubles caused by the traitor Wu Jushi.
An Qing, I am here to introduce you to Guan Qing, a great sage from the Luo clan. My uncle reluctantly gave him to me. In the future, you two will serve as the left and right prime ministers and assist me together."
Lu Xiaobai's words pushed Guan Zhong to the forefront of the Qi State and pointed out his identity, making everyone dare not look down on Guan Zhong.
After arriving in Linzi, he sorted out the relationships within Qi State, and with several reinforcements arriving in Qi State, Lu Xiaobai immediately appointed Guan Zhong to govern the country in order to change the weak situation of Qi State in recent years.
An Ning glanced at Guan Zhong secretly and saw that he had a handsome face, a calm expression, and a stern temperament. It was obvious that he was not an ordinary person.
Is this the person from the royal family recommended to Lu Xiaobai by Luo Hou?
As for the killing of Lü Wujiu, he was the one who knew the whole process best in the entire State of Qi.
Although everyone was saying that he was the one who killed Lu Wujiu, he himself knew very well that Lu Wujiu died at the hands of an assassin from the State of Luo.
If the Luo State assassin had not taken action, it would not have been so easy to kill Lu Wujiu so easily.
Thinking back to when Luo Xi had stood with the young man in front of him, he immediately thought that this was really arranged by Luo Hou.
So he said with a smile on his face: "Sire, if we don't use a high position to entertain the great sage recommended to you by Luo Hou, how can we show the friendship between our two countries?
It is my honor to work with such a wise minister. How could I be dissatisfied?
As long as it is your order, I am willing to carry it out faithfully."
Lu Xiaobai was very satisfied with Doctor An Ning's statement and laughed loudly, "I have a great sage like Guan Zhong and a loyal minister like Doctor An Ning. With so many sages assisting us, how can the country not prosper?"
"Congratulations!"
The nobles cheered.
…
Duke Huan appointed Guanzi as prime minister. Guanzi had the talent to judge people. He advised Duke Huan, "A building is not built by a single piece of wood; the vastness of the ocean is not the result of a single stream. If you want to achieve great things, you must first employ people. Qi has four wise men who can be employed. If you employ them, the country will prosper."
Duke Huan asked, "Who are these four people?"
Guanzi said: "Zhang Qi is a noble son of Yan State, strong and powerful, and knowledgeable about military affairs. He can be the Grand Marshal; Wang Cheng is a great sage of Qi State, fair and just, and does not accuse innocent people. He can be the Grand Minister of Justice; An Ning is a member of the royal family of Luo State, loyal and upright, and knows the importance of the people. He can be the Grand Tutor; Lü Chan is a son of the royal family, is good at studying tricks, and is good at distinguishing mountains and rivers. He can be the Grand Minister of Works."
Duke Huan said, "Good!"
Ten years later, the people of Qi said, "Ren Huan and Guan Yu are four great men, so Qi is prosperous." - Guanzi: Admonitions
(End of this chapter)
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