Martial King Inherited the Unfinished Business
（5）
The light of dawn seeped into the hall, and the furnishings on the table could be vaguely seen in the darkness. In the middle of the table was an exquisitely carved wooden tablet with the words "The memorial tablet of King Wen Ji Chang" carved on it. This was the memorial tablet left behind by King Wen of Zhou after his death. There were a few offerings in front of the memorial tablet, including grains, livestock, water, and soil. There were two bowls of oil lamps on both sides of the memorial tablet. They had just been blown out, but a wisp of smoke was still rising from the lamp stamen. The entire hall seemed even more quiet and solemn in the early morning atmosphere. As the place where a country discussed state affairs, this hall was indeed shabby. It had been built since King Wen moved the capital here. It had a history of nearly 30 years. As a place for hard work, it could be said to be practical and compatible. In King Wen's later years, although he had built a large-scale new palace, it was only a symbol. He still lived in the original shabby old house and retained the usual practice of discussing matters in this hall. Now, King Wen's memorial tablet was quietly placed on the table, facing the gradually brightening morning light, as if it was peacefully paying attention to something and expecting something.
King Wu came to the table and stared at King Wen's memorial tablet. He slowly knelt on the seat cushion, cupped his hands in front of his chest, and prayed silently. Thinking about the first large-scale operation after he took over the throne today, a passion surged in his heart, and the boiling blood tide quickly spread throughout his body. Today's operation was only a military operation of the Zhou Country, but it would affect the various vassal states of West Earth. This was a crucial step in the journey to realize the cause of King Wen. King Wen, ah, father, King Wu was lost in his memories when he saw the tablet…
King Wen, ah, father, you have escaped from the bitter prison and returned to the western frontier. From your own bumpy life, you have realized the law of nature when the sun rises, and you have understood the mysteries of human society and the heavens. "You are glad that you returned to the west and began to work hard again. You have formulated a long-term national policy for the development of the Zhou Country, which is to expand the power of the Zhou Country to the east where the sun rises, to save the people who are in the midst of fire and water under the tyrant's rule, and to let the fertile land benefit the people of the world. For this reason, you took a series of measures and took the first step to turn the weak Zhou into a powerful country in the Western Regions and realize the grand goal of the Eastern Expedition. You began to pour your life's energy into the cause of striving for hegemony.
Father, you recruited talents and used wise people to make decisions. With the help of Shi Shangfu and others, you worked hard to promote benevolent politics. They united their neighbors and lived in harmony with the various marquises. You attach great importance to the development of national strength, especially the development of agricultural production, which is the top industry, and mobilize the people to work together. They also recruited refugees and escaped slaves from the west to open up wasteland and turn the wasteland of the west into a world with abundant grain production. You understand that it is a long-term and arduous task to make the country rich and strong. Only by relying on the concerted efforts of the entire country can we accumulate a powerful force and change the disparity in the strength of the Shang and Zhou Dynasties.
The strength of the Zhou Country grew day by day. You used the name of the 'Conquering Right' that you obtained from King Zhou of Shang to carry out the operation of conquering violence. They conquered the Quanrong tribe, which often disturbed the peace of the western marquises and countries. They conquered the Quanrong tribe and united all the small marquises and countries in the western region to form an alliance. This strengthened the strength of the western Zhou country and eliminated the worries in the future. "After unifying the western region, you developed the Zhou Country's forces eastward. You personally led a strong army and attacked the Li Country in the southeast and the Han Country in the northeast, cutting off the flanks of King Zhou of Shang.
Father, you haven't forgotten the national disaster and family hatred. Your efforts have made your ideal goal come true step by step. The Zhou Country is already strong enough to resist the power of King Zhou of Shang. For the sake of the Eastern Expedition, you have used the strength of the entire country to besiege the last stubborn obstacle on the road to the East-Chongguo. He didn't hesitate to take the risk of arrows and stones to lead the armored soldiers. After a month, he finally took down Chongguo and opened the door to the east. However, you suffered a fatal arrow wound. Father, you used your blood to pave a road to the east, but you didn't reach the place where the sun rose.
Father, you know how great and difficult this undertaking is. It requires the efforts of several generations. When you started preparing to destroy the Shang family, you also began to train the next generation. You always bring me along when you encounter problems, letting me experience and absorb your experience and knowledge. You also let me follow Lu Shang to study military strategy and combat techniques. Let me undergo strict training to improve my wisdom in governing the country. With your care and guidance, I grew up very quickly, from a young man to the heir of Zhou Country. Your life experiences are also the process of my growth. After experiencing this process, he had already suffered more than 30 years of tempering. The national policy you have formulated has never changed, and is gradually approaching the date of implementation. But at this moment, you passed away due to the relapse of your arrow wound, leaving this hope behind for me. Ah, father, you have given your life's work to this cause, but you have left the glory of victory to future generations.
Father, you always cared and taught me. Even before I died, you called me to my bed and told me to remember three important words. When you see good things, don't be lazy and do nothing. When you see bad things, quickly avoid them. When the time comes, don't be skeptical. I will remember your words and respect Shi Shangfu. Today's operation is the first step in inheriting your will. You have created the foundation, and future generations will follow this foundation to achieve their goals. Father, your last wish must be fulfilled, and it will definitely be fulfilled.
Ah, Father.
The Martial King recalled his father's experiences and summarized the process of his growth. He deeply felt that from the benevolent politics of the country to the diplomacy of the confederation, and even the human and financial resources of the people, everything revolved around the central national policy of developing the country's strength. The realization of this national policy required long-term preparation and the joint efforts of the entire country. Today, they had only reached the final stage of materializing the rewards. This final journey still had to be achieved through their own efforts and the efforts of the entire country. Although he was confident in the future, he still carefully formulated a series of measures with Lu Shang. Today's operation was inevitable and large-scale. Today's operation was only the beginning of a series of measures…
As King Wu thought about it, he prayed silently in his heart. I hope that my father's god will protect me and supervise me to complete this final stage of the mission.
Time passed in silence, and the sky was already bright and white. The tens of thousands of rays of light illuminated the dark hall and dyed it with a thin layer of yellow color. The earth was bathed in the glow of the sun, and it welcomed the rising sun with vitality. The neighborhood was bustling with noise. One could clearly hear the neigh of horses, the noise, and the hurried and loud footsteps. The Martial King thought that today's operation had already begun.
"Bang!" The ajar door was suddenly pushed open. Uncle Guan shouted,"Big brother, the sun is high up in the sky. When are we leaving? Everyone is ready. The car is waiting outside.”Before he could finish speaking, he appeared behind the Martial King like a gust of wind.
The Martial King raised his head from his deep thoughts. His face, which was illuminated by the rays of the sun, revealed a solemn expression that made people respect him. He looked to be in his fifties, but there were a few deep and long wrinkles on his reddened forehead. He glanced at Uncle Guan behind him. Just as he was about to ask something, an even louder noise came from outside the door. Duke of Zhou Dan, Duke of Zhao Shuang, and a group of people swarmed through the door and came behind King Wu one after another. The Martial King stood up and looked around silently. The solemn atmosphere immediately infected everyone and spread throughout the hall. After this noise, although many people had entered the hall, it immediately returned to its original silence. A moment later, Martial King broke the depressing atmosphere and said,""Today is a solemn day. The entire country is moving in unison. The Eastern Expedition is about to begin. Our clan members must cooperate well.”He looked around the hall again and asked,""I wonder if Father Shang is ready?”
Zhou Gongdan took a step forward and replied softly,""I just sent someone to ask. Father Shang has already gone out, and his car is about to set off to the square.”
The Martial King took two steps forward and thought for a moment. Then, he raised his head and said loudly,""Let's get ready to go…" Before he could finish his sentence, there was a commotion outside the door. A servant reported loudly at the door,"Imperial Preceptor has arrived."
Everyone in the hall exclaimed in unison. King Wu waved his hand and said,""Let's go welcome them." He took the lead and walked towards the door.
Before the Martial King and the others arrived at the door, Lu Shang strode through the door first. When he saw everyone present, he asked cheerfully,"Are you all ready?"
When he saw the Martial King who came to welcome him, he was surprised for a moment before he smiled." Today is really an auspicious day. Look at the colorful clouds in the sky. The heavens have come to deliver good news."”As he said that, he bowed to King Wu and then walked straight to the table with King Wu through the path that everyone had made way for.
King Wu asked Lu Shang happily," Why did Father Shang come here again? Didn't we agree to go directly to the square this morning last night?"”
"I woke up early in the morning and couldn't sleep.”"At this time, even people will look ten years younger," Lu Shang said meaningfully. King Wen's last wish was about to come true, and everyone was equally excited. I'll go to Hou Ban's place early in the morning to see him off. His operation was also a key part of today's operation. After sending him away, I came to you. I met a centurion on the way and he gave me a ride.”Lu Shang was about to talk about the discovery of the chariot when he thought that there was no time to discuss it at this moment. It would be better to mention it later. He paused and looked at the Martial King and the crowd. He changed the topic and said,"It's time for us to prepare to set off.”
The Martial King then ordered," Prepare to move.”He turned around and faced the table.
Everyone stood solemnly. For a moment, the hall was silent again.
King Wu knelt in front of the table, cupped his fists and bowed a few times. He said,""This child has inherited father's will. Today, we are going to the east.”
Everyone also knelt down and bowed.
After paying his respects, King Wu stood up and carefully and respectfully held up King Wen's memorial tablet. He slowly turned around and walked out of the door under the escort of the crowd.
It was very lively outside the door, with horses and carriages neighing. Under the weak morning sunlight, it was busy. The servants had already prepared the chariots and had all equipped them with strong horses. The Tiger Troop soldiers held bronze daggers in their hands and carried bows and arrows on their shoulders. They valiantly lined up beside the line of carriages and waited. The crowd immediately quieted down when they saw the Martial King holding the memorial tablet of King Wen in front of his chest and stepping out of the door. Queen Jiang Yi, who was waiting at the door, held her son's hand and chanted. She took the lead and bowed to welcome him. It was another round of etiquette.
King Wu silently placed King Wen's memorial tablet on the seat of King Wen's car before he waved to the people behind him, signaling them to get on the car. At the same time, the Martial King called for Lu Shang to board the chariot behind the King Wen's spirit carriage. Everyone rushed to their own cars and boarded one after another. King Wu looked around and waited for all the clan relatives and the Tiger Troop soldiers to board the carriage. Even the women and family members boarded the carriage at the back.
"Let's go!" With a shout from the Martial King, the carriage leading the way began to move. The flag made of colored cloth on the carriage also began to flutter in the wind. The convoy set off one after another, driving onto the main road and turning towards the square.
Along the way, many chariots were already converging on the main road. The chariots that were originally driving on the road ahead all moved to the side of the road to give way when they saw the Martial King's convoy approaching. Then, they sped up and followed closely behind the convoy, driving forward together. The convoy grew longer and larger, like a growing rolling dragon surging towards the square.
King Wu and Lu Shang sat in the carriage silently. At first, they didn't say a word, and they both stared at the vanguard with deep eyes. After a while, Lu Shang broke the silence and said,""I reckon that Hou Ban has already crossed the bridge. He was old, and there was no one like him in the country to replace him. At this stage, his wisdom and experience could come in handy.”
"When my father was alive, it was all thanks to the wisdom of you seniors that he could have today. You should have been enjoying your old age at home. You didn't expect that the country's affairs were heavy and your future was bright. You old meritorious officials were still tired. I feel uneasy too." Martial King continued the conversation.
"The king is wise and wise, and I will do my best to use him. Only by working together could one achieve great things. All of us are old and want to use our remaining years to make contributions again.”Lu Shang turned around and pointed at the convoy behind him."Although there are many people in the country, they are all united. With a command, they advanced with all their might. They were indeed the backbone of Zhou Country.”
"This is all thanks to the efforts of Father and Father Shang.”The Martial King said excitedly," The morale is really high. This can produce tremendous power. I am assured that the people are united, but what I am worried about is the attitude of the lords. When his father was alive, the marquises loved him and obeyed his orders. Only then could the alliance of the marquises of the Western Regions be formed. But could it still be like this after his father died?”
"I think that if they support King Wen, they will definitely support you. However, politics is complicated and the situation is chaotic. What rules and regulations must be established to strengthen the interests of cooperation if the alliance is to be maintained?”Lü Shang had long understood King Wu's worries, so he took the opportunity when Hou Ban brought back the news to discuss this large-scale operation. The purpose was to understand the attitudes of the marquises. He comforted them," Although time changes after people die, King Zhou of Shang is cruel and hated by the world. This is the best factor to unify the will of the marquises."”
After hearing Lu Shang's words, King Wu still could not let go of the worries in his heart. He said in a deep voice,"So far, the various marquises have reconciled as usual, but I dare not be careless. I need to further investigate their true attitude. This was to prevent any complications at the critical moment. If they could strengthen the alliance of the marquises in this operation, it would be the best thing that could happen.”
"With common interests, we will naturally unite. But with the addition of prestige, we can also achieve the same goal for those who hesitate.”Lu Shang changed the topic and pointed ahead with a smile." We're at the square."”
At this moment, the convoy was already approaching the square. At first glance, the bright sunlight shone on the square. People moved and cars came and went. A magnificent animation was displayed in front of them. The bronze daggers were shining, embellishing the scene even more dazzling and showing a lively scene.
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