Chapter 436: I don’t know people by their appearance, but by their fate
The second time!
This is the second time!
The corners of Zhang Liang's eyes kept twitching, and the vibration frequency of his heart was even faster than that of his eyes.
An uncontrollable cough rose from the lungs, rushed to the throat, and burst out of the mouth.
Cough cough cough~!
With his right fist clenched to his mouth, Zhang Liang kept coughing, his throat aching and his back bent.
Ever since the change in Handi, he was forced to lead his family to flee in a hurry, and he developed this coughing problem. Whenever he was in great mental fluctuations, he would cough non-stop.
I have seen many excellent doctors, and they all said that there is nothing wrong with my body, but it is a mental problem.
Chen Ping walked over quickly, patted Zhang Liang on the back, and said with a worried look on his face:
"Is Zifang all right?"
Zhang Liang was filled with anger and resisted the urge to draw the sword from his waist and chop off Chen Ping's head. His voice was cold.
"Stay away from Liang!"
Chen Ping did as he was told and took two steps back, his face showing no emotion.
Zhang Liang coughed twice more and felt his throat was no longer itchy. He took three light breaths according to the breathing method and then stood up.
His face was pale and sickly. If a lustful person like Long Yangjun saw him, he would definitely feel pity for him.
"All the people of Lanling County died because of you. You have done such a heinous thing and you still don't know how to stop?"
Chen Ping had just found a random house and entered it, when he heard the voice coming from afar.
"If you're talking about stopping, why didn't Zifang give up on restoring Han? Didn't Zifang know that once the war started, the number of civilians killed and injured would be more than ten Lanlings?
"Lanling will not be abandoned for too long. Time is limited. Zifang should go back and make preparations early. Ping will pick up some money here."
A few days later, the Tian family, the most aristocratic family in Di County, bought up all the livestock that had died of disease, infection, or were to be burned in the neighboring counties at a low price.
No one is hoarding these things; they are meant to be burned, so it's a blessing if someone pays for them.
The people who sold their dead animals were all in tears, and they were grateful to the Tian family. If it weren't for the Tian family buying them out with money, they would have lost everything, and many of them wouldn't even be able to survive this winter.
After the investigation by Yin Tong, the prefect of Kuaiji, Lanling was found to have been led by the newly appointed prefect of Donghai to summon people from the nearby villages to settle in the city.
There were crowds of people coming and going, countless people willing to join in, and everyone was extremely happy.
From a safety perspective, a village in the wild would at most have a fence to protect it from wild animals. However, Lanling was a county town, protected by a wall, and there were troops stationed outside the city.
Wronged ghosts seeking revenge? What does their death have to do with us? Besides, aren't there enough mass graves in the wild?
Considering the living conditions, most villages only have one or two doctors, but Lanling has a clinic. Most villages only have rice shops and cloth shops, but Lanling sells everything, with a large number of vendors.
A few months later.
Outside Lanling City, walls were erected and the fields were cleared.
The troops stationed outside the city took turns guarding the city day and night, but if anyone came out of Lanling, they would be shot with arrows from a distance. The bodies would be burned on the spot, and black smoke would continue for months.
The Qi region began to spread ballads such as "When the King of Qin is born, the people of Qi die. When the King of Qin dies, the people of Qi are born." The three Tian brothers had saved a group of people by buying plague-stricken livestock some time ago. With a reputation for being generous and righteous, many people came to join them.
This is a later story, so let’s not discuss it for now.
Kuaiji County, Kuaiji County.
The First Emperor came to Wei Liao's residence.
As soon as he entered, the First Emperor was surprised. Wei Liao's residence was not much different from his own palace.
There are pavilions, towers, winding streams, and corridors that wind around and around, and entering the place is like walking through a maze.
Compared with the residence in Xianyang where Wei Liao lived when he was the national commander, there is a huge difference between heaven and earth.
When the First Emperor saw this, he immediately understood why Wei Liao left him and why he repeatedly accused him of being mean and ungrateful.
Guanzhong, which was strictly controlled by the Qin Law, did not provide fertile ground for wanton enjoyment.
And Wei Liao was obviously a person who was greedy for pleasure.
"I, your old minister, pay my respects to Your Majesty."
Wei Liao behaved with all due courtesy, just as he did in Xianyang.
Even at his age, he was still kneeling on the ground, with his head lowered, and spoke sincerely.
The First Emperor looked at Wei Liao and recalled the famous scholar from Wei State who was over sixty years old and came to Qin State with the military book "Wei Liaozi" which was not recognized by the world.
In less than ten years, the famous scholar from the Wei State did not change much in appearance, but his heart changed drastically.
It's not just Wei Liao. Wang Wan, who was a servant at that time, also became a powerful figure after becoming the right prime minister.
The First Emperor felt a little upset.
When we were conquering the world, you were all outstanding people and discussed great plans with me. Now that the world is in our hands, how come you have all changed?
I won't do such rotten things as abandoning the dog after the rabbit has died or putting away the bow after the bird has been killed. I have shared wealth and honor with you and sworn a solemn oath in front of you, so why do you all want to leave me?
"Which is better, Kuaiji or Xianyang?"
“Huiji.”
"Why? Is it because I am not in Kuaiji?"
The First Emperor's eyes were bright and sharp.
"To be honest, I don't blame you. You have followed me for several years, so you should know my character."
Wei Liao lay on the ground, facing the yellow earth.
"Can the old minister please stand up and speak?"
"Can."
The old man looked up, his eyes filled with moisture.
He stood up, and as he was standing up his legs slipped and his body fell.
If the First Emperor had not held on to him with both hands, he would have fallen to the ground.
"I am old and frail, and I want to live a few more years. The sandstorms in Xianyang are harsh and far less nourishing than the sea breeze. Moreover, I have to sign my name every day and sit in court for a whole morning. I can't stand it."
"I see. I didn't think it through."
"Your Majesty is not wrong, this old minister cannot do that."
Wei Liao led the First Emperor into the mansion, and the two sat opposite each other and talked and laughed, recounting past events and discussing future wars.
The First Emperor first inquired about the details of the war between the Xiongnu and the Baiyue. Wei Liao's reply was very simple: he was not optimistic and it was not advisable to start a war.
Qin has occupied the whole world. Its territory is so large that even the hundred Yue and the Xiongnu combined do not have half of it. As long as there is no war, Qin's advantage will grow. After a dozen years, perhaps Qin will not even have to fight, the hundred Yue will surrender and the Xiongnu will pay tribute.
"It's all in the bag, why rush?"
The First Emperor praised:
"That's a brilliant idea. Baiyue is not far from Kuaiji. Are you willing to recruit them for Qin?"
Wei Liao said politely:
"A place full of poisonous insects and uncivilized people, Wei Liao should not approach it, or he might lose his life."
"I see. I was inconsiderate again."
"Your Majesty is not wrong, this old minister cannot do that."
After that, the First Emperor never mentioned the matter of using him again. He chatted with Wei Liao for half an hour and said with a smile:
"After chatting for so long, I feel a little tired. But you are just as tired as before we started talking. Is this what you mean by lack of energy?"
Wei Liao's expression remained unchanged, he bowed and complimented:
"This is all thanks to your Majesty. I have long been exhausted and tired. But seeing your Majesty, I am overjoyed and excited, and I am no longer tired."
The First Emperor said for the third time:
"I see. I was inconsiderate to have you drag your tired body to talk to me. You should go down and have a rest."
This time, the First Emperor did not leave any room for Wei Liao to say anything extra.
"only."
Wei Liao opened his mouth and prepared to speak, but he could only lower his head, change his tone, respond respectfully, and retreat.
The best house in the mansion was left for the First Emperor - as early as after knowing that the First Emperor had entered Qi, Wei Liao had cleaned this house and spiced it with incense every day.
Wei Liao walked hurriedly, steadily but quickly, and met another person.
His teachers, Guiguzi, Wang Chan.
As soon as the two met, before Wei Liao could perform the ceremony of paying respect to his teacher, Guiguzi quickly said:
"Release Huangshi."
"Yes, after His Majesty leaves."
"Can."
Guiguzi seemed to be thinking about something.
"What kind of person do you think His Majesty is?"
Wei Liao blurted out.
"Mean and ungrateful."
If you don't share the world with them, what else can you say if it's not mean and unkind? Zhou divided the world among 800 princes, but what about Qin? Not even one prince was truly divided!
The parallel system of counties and kingdoms is nothing more than the chastity of girls in the towering houses. It is really ridiculous!
"Then why don't you follow my advice and rebel to establish yourself?"
Wei Liao sneered, showing no respect at all towards his mentor.
"Rebellion? How is that different from seeking death?
"Your Majesty's tour to the east, the itinerary is not disclosed, but there are only a few thousand soldiers and horses, the number of soldiers and horses maintained by the nobles of the six countries is far greater, how come no one has stopped them, ambushed them, or killed them?
"In this far east, where the Qin Law has no influence, your majesty killed a man from Lanling County. The people of Chu dared to be angry but did not dare to speak out, and the Xiang family fled overnight like a dog that had lost its home.
"Your Majesty's power is unparalleled throughout the ages. During the Spring and Autumn Period, when the Qin State was at its peak, how could it be possible for it to be defeated? Teacher, Liao is not a chess piece in your hand, and neither is Your Majesty. Times have changed, and the world is no longer a plaything in your hand!"
Guiguzi nodded and said approvingly:
"You can see that times have changed. Even though it's a glimpse, it can be considered as some progress."
On the night when Meng Ao passed away, Guiguzi observed the stars and predicted the end of another era. Although Wei Liao was not familiar with corpse magic, he could make a similar judgment, which comforted Guiguzi.
"You have good luck. Do you know if there is anyone named Xiang Yu?"
"The Xiang clan is headed by Xiang Liang, the son of Xiang Yan, and Xiang Liang's nephew Xiang Ji, whose name is Yu."
I actually found it, what a coincidence, what good luck.
Guiguzi looked his disciples up and down.
He asked this question only because he heard Wei Liao just said "Xiang clan", and suddenly remembered that the man with double pupils was called "Xiang Yu", so he asked it by the way.
He could only calculate that people with double pupils appeared in the area of Qi, and he learned the name "Xiang Yu" from Ying Chengjiao.
Qi is so large, with a population of nearly ten million. It is not easy to find someone, but Wei Liao can find him.
"He has double pupils. When the King of Qin dies in the future, you can seek refuge with him. With your luck, you will be given important positions."
"Dead? Who died?"
Wei Liao actually heard it clearly, but he didn't quite believe his ears and thought he had heard it wrong.
Guiguzi said:
“Ying Zheng.
"Don't worry, it will be soon."
Wei Liao was sure he heard it clearly this time. He looked at Guiguzi as if he was looking at a dead man.
Those who wanted Your Majesty dead are all dead.
All the countries that wanted Your Majesty to die have been destroyed.
Guiguzi didn't care at all about his disciple's rude looks, and didn't explain much. There was no need to explain. The facts spoke for themselves.
Except for the fun of arguing with the emperor, Xunzi, and scientists, most of the time it is boring.
The First Emperor lived in Wei Liao's mansion, along with his concubines and ministers.
The next day, Zhao Gongming, who was placed alone in a courtyard, had just woken up from his bed when he heard the black tiger in the courtyard eating and human voices. He couldn't help but feel a little surprised.
This black tiger is very human-like, except that it cannot speak. It is very alert and will never eat food fed by strangers, even if you feed it to him.
In addition to the black tiger eating, Zhao Gongming was also wondering who had such courage?
Black Tiger's physique is no joke. Ordinary people are considered brave enough to look at him within three meters. His extra-large independent courtyard is a benefit obtained by Black Tiger.
Wearing simple plain clothes, the dark-faced man pushed open the door barefoot and saw a man squatting in front of the black tiger's mouth, stuffing a chicken into the black tiger's mouth, a whole roasted chicken, and stuffing it into the black tiger's mouth with his hand.
Hearing the noise, the man looked up with the most sincere smile on his face.
"Brother, do you still remember the letter?"
Zhao Gongming's eyes opened wide, with a look of disbelief.
The man in front of me was wearing a tall hat and a wide belt, and he looked heroic and heroic, with a ruddy complexion. He was wearing extremely luxurious clothes, a moon-white straight-collared robe. You could feel its smoothness just by looking at it , and it was definitely made of top-quality fabric.
"Han Xin!"
"Brother, can you recognize this?"
Han Xin's eyes were wider than Zhao Gongming's.
When the two met for the first time, it was the fifth day since he ran away from his brother and sister-in-law's house in anger.
Not only was he pale and skinny from hunger, but his tender face was also covered in mud from catching loaches. He looked very dirty and was wearing the same old linen shirt that the eldest brother had worn, with three patches on it.
It can be said that although the two are the same person, their images are completely different. Even he himself might not be able to recognize him, but Zhao Gongming recognized him at once.
Han Xin was shocked and delighted.
Roar~!
The black tiger growled in dissatisfaction.
We may be familiar with each other, and we may chat, but take your hand out of my mouth, or I’ll give you more food!
Han Xin cried out "Ah!", quickly pulled his hand away, and apologized to Hei Hu.
The black tiger purred, indicating that it forgave you.
The two had known each other for a long time. When Zhao Gongming met Han Xin, he was holding a black tiger that had just grown to half a meter long in his hand.
"If it were someone else, I definitely wouldn't be able to recognize him. But you, kid, I recognized you at first sight."
Zhao Gongming laughed out loud.
The two men entered and sat down. Han Xin placed the food he brought on the table and a jar of wine. The two men ate and chatted.
"Why are you here? You are not in Huaiyin anymore? I don't recognize you after not seeing you for several years."
"Don't tease me, kid. My brother has traveled all over the world, is a martial arts expert, and has a unique skill. I dare not approach my brother, and that's the truth."
Han Xin recalled:
"When we met, I was bigger than Black Tiger and I said I was going to eat him. He was so scared that he kept trying to get into my arms. After so many years, he has grown so big that he is bigger than three of me. He still holds a grudge against me and just now he opened his mouth to pretend to eat the letter."
Zhao Gongming drank wine and ate meat, with his mouth full.
"I was wondering who was brave enough to get close to the black tiger and feed it. It turned out to be you. Fortunately, it still holds a grudge and remembers you, otherwise you would have been its food by now."
Han Xin didn't believe it.
"Brother, you are trying to scare me. Without your words, how could Black Tiger kill anyone?"
Han Xin clinked his wine bowl with Zhao Gongming's and exhaled , looking puzzled.
"How did you recognize me, brother? I haven't changed at all in all these years."
Zhao Gongming wiped his mouth and said straightforwardly:
“I know people not by their faces, but by their fate.
"Do you remember I told you that you were born under the fate of Greedy Wolf?"
