Su family's village is not far from Chentang Pass. Dengchanyu ordered Jade to rest first and went to visit her brother Deng Xiu by the way.
After the siblings met, Deng Xiu asked in a low voice: "Sister, how should the Deng family choose next?"
Xigiqi and the Deng family have been conducting secret transactions. The fertile land in Guanzhong stretches for thousands of miles, with mountains of grain, and the south has abundant ore, animal skins, and timber. One side has grain while the other has mines, both parties feeling quite content with the trade. Now that the grand merchant and Xigiqi have become enemies, Deng Xiu feels somewhat at a loss.
Dengchanyu gently points to her brother: "With the people of Jiangnan, we will decide the fate in two battles. We will compete with the world, brother, I am better than you."
Deng Xiu nodded particularly naturally: "We should nominate and appoint talents, each doing their part to protect Jiangnan. I am also inferior to sister. You have said it too many times. There is no need to repeat it. Let's talk about the present situation instead. If the capital issues an order, will we go to Xigiqi?"
Leaving behind the protection of Deng Jiugong, Deng Xiu has made some progress recently. He often humbly seeks advice from Li Jing on military tactics, strategies, and the experience of governing a region.
Li Jing is very straightforward in this area. He knows no secrets and tells all. Deng Xiu records the content of their conversations. If he can't understand it at the moment, he will go back to his residence to ponder over it. In half a year's time, he has written a book called "Li Gong Qiwu". Recently, his scholarship has indeed grown and he is no longer the iron-clad naive look when he first came out of the gate.
Deng Chanyu: "......In my view, we can just quietly observe. Xigiqi occupies a strategically important area, with a prosperous people and a strong state, under the rule of a wise ruler and the guidance of famous ministers. The number of fully equipped soldiers reaches tens of thousands. The Marquis of the North and the Marquis of Ji Zhou were soundly defeated before, and now there is only the Marquis of the North left to lead an attack. Haha, he is bound to lose without a doubt. With winter approaching, it is unlikely that he will be able to raise another large army to attack this year. The remaining matters can be discussed next year."
She fought against Yuan Fu Tong in order to fulfill the orders from Nvwa. Zhou? Zhou is just a precious stone!
If it comes to that, and the Deng family has to go to the front line, then bribe Fei Zong and snatch a position as a logistics officer.
It doesn't matter who, just go fight at the front line. If you lose, our Deng family will run away on our feet.
As for now, "investing with capital" to join Xigiqi, she didn't even think about it. It's not because it's so important, but just too early.
The Deng family has 300,000 fully equipped soldiers, governing a territory covering one county, six provinces, and 79 counties. It doesn't include the barbarian tribes. There are over ten million registered households within its jurisdiction. Southern China's 200 feudal lords have been reunified by them, and they also hold one of the three great passes in the land, which makes their strength comparable to Xigiqi's.
Jiang Zitai went to Xigiqi alone and was eventually able to be granted a title for Qi. The Deng family, with such a huge power, joined Xigiqi when they were at their lowest point, and after unifying the world, how would the Zhou dynasty reward them? Poisoning or assassination? The merit is too great, which would cause trouble instead.
The "Deng Xiu" who captured Yuan Futong on the battlefield had long been in the King Zhou's radar, but thanks to Fei Zhong's help, the Deng family has been resting in the rear as an excuse for heavy casualties. However, Fei Zhong is not omnipotent. If Chonghouhu keeps losing battles and reminds King Zhou of the Deng family, then Deng Xiu's 8,000 soldiers and the entire Deng family would become cannon fodder in subsequent battles.
"Brother, be careful. If it's not possible, return to Nanjun immediately."
"I understand."
Deng Xiu will continue to study military strategy with Li Jing. Deng Chanyu hired a carriage, accompanied by Daji, Bing'er, and Biaozi, and set off. She intends to go to the capital first, as she still has the task of getting acquainted with Jiang Ziya.
...
Just as Deng Chanyu and Daji were about to enter the city of Chaogu, the Dragon King of Jing River, who was leaning on a cane, arrived at the southern gate of Chaogu City.
Without the edict of the Heavenly Court, members of the dragon race, especially those who hold the position of overseeing rain, are not allowed to approach human cities.
Only when authorized by the Heavenly Court can the dragon rain, otherwise, it cannot rain!
The rules are very strict. Dragon King of Jing River is taking a great risk this time, coming here to present treasure.
Descend in the form of a dragon to Chaogu? The Heavenly Emperor can immediately dispatch heavenly soldiers and generals to capture him and sentence him at the Dragon Slaying Platform.
Just across the Yellow River, eight hundred miles from Chaogu City, he descended from the clouds, took on human form, leaning on a cane, and slowly moved in the direction of Chaogu.
There were numerous bandits and horse thieves along the way, and after a difficult journey of several months, he finally reached Chaogu City.
He asked several passersby and found out that he could not meet King Zhou directly. Such matters usually require a request to the Grand Minister of Advice, Fei Zhong. Only after Fei Zhong agrees would he then accompany the person who presents the treasure to meet King Zhou.
Fei Zhong is a giant corrupt official, but he has strict rules at home. Whoever dared to steal money would be beaten to death.
Today, the Dragon King of Jing River had pretty good luck. The steward of Fei's mansion heard that he was coming to offer treasure and immediately led him to meet Fei Zhong.
"It's you... offering a treasure?" Although Fei Zhong found the Dragon King of Jing River disheveled, he did not disdain him. When the jade belt appeared, his eyes were completely attracted to it. Even without any cultivation, he could sense the extraordinary nature of such a magnificent work of the heavens and earth.
"That's right." It was impossible for the arrogant Dragon King of Jing River to refer to himself as "below" or "commoner," and he couldn't say "this king," so he had to make do with vague expressions in terms of his title.
Fei Zhong was somewhat displeased. A beggar who has lost a foot, when he meets with this official, dares to have such an attitude? If you succeed in offering the treasure and gain the favor of King Zhou, won't you ride roughshod over me then?
He stroked his goatee, asking in a vague and ambiguous manner: "Is there anything else you want to offer besides this jade belt?"
"People matter?" The Dragon King of Jing River had no idea what he meant by that.
He was getting a bit impatient: "Grand Minister of Advice, this jade belt has collected the essence of the earth's veins from all over the world. It is a journey of thousands of miles that I have undertaken specifically to present it to Great Shang."
Fei Zhong nodded with a sarcastic smile.
At this moment, gifts from Deng family, Chonghouhu, and others are given half by King Zhou and half by Fei Zhong. He doesn't even dream of having "people matter" equal to this jade belt. But if you don't give him any "expressions," you completely ignore Fei Zhong!
"Then it's no people matter, right? Alright, I understand. I'll take you to see the emperor."
The Dragon King of Jing River regarded himself as a mere tool and paid no attention to Fei Zhong's attitude. He leaned on his cane and followed him to King Zhou's palace, the Palace of Shou Xian.
It wasn't long before they were summoned to see King Zhou.
"Do you mean to offer a treasure? I'm curious what kind of treasure it is?" King Zhou asked.
The Dragon King of Jing River glanced at the dragon bed below King Zhou, and his peripheral vision swept over to the dragon chair, the coral tree, and other decorations, which all seemed very familiar...
The Dragon King of Jing River was extremely angry in his heart. He thought it was the sage who stole my belongings, but it's you!
Now that he is in such a sorry state, he dare not say anything, much less curse, he can only endure.
He forced a smile and said, "I have a piece of unparalleled jade belt, which is the essence of the heavens and earth, capable of protecting the human race for ten thousand years. I wish to present it to Great Shang."
"Oh? So wonderful? Quickly bring it over." King Zhou was delighted and told him to present the jade belt.
The Dragon King of Jing River looked back at Fei Zhong. He had handed over both the jade belt and his personal sword to the palace guards when he first entered the hall.
Fei Zhong waved his hand, and the jade belt presented to King Zhou by the palace guards suddenly transformed into a black stone.
The Dragon King of Jing River: "????"
My jade belt? How did it turn into this? What kind of sorcery is this?!
