Although it had been decided to veto Qi's request, out of respect for the country and out of etiquette, the Ministry of Rites still held a banquet in Zichen Hall, not only to welcome Tian Hu and Bao Shu, the two envoys of Qi, but also to

Also to say goodbye.

Originally, Zhao Hongrun was not even interested in attending this banquet, but since Du You, the Minister of Rites, repeatedly mentioned that "we, the great Wei Dynasty, must not lose our etiquette," he had no choice but to attend.

On that day, all the officials in the court and the nobles and celebrities of Daliang received invitations. However, since Zhao Shen, the king of Chengling, and Wei Feng, the representative of the Wei family in Longxi, are still in the Hetao area, the celebrities from Wei who attended this banquet were really

There are not many. Among the more well-known Wei figures, there are only Zongfu Zongzheng Zhao Yuanyan, Zongling Yao Lord Zhao Sheng, Nanliang King Zhao Yuanzuo, Zongfu Zonglao Zhao Laiyu, Zhao Laituo, and ministers of various ministries. Among the generals

, Almost all the Wei generals who have gradually become famous in recent years are not in Daliang. Counting them, there are only Yang Yu, Pang Huan, Meng Lu, Chen Ji and others who suppressed the rebels, and Xu, who has resigned from military service long ago.

The three former generals Yin, Bailiba and Zhu Hai, as well as the general Hou Dan who was born in the Wei family in Longxi, etc. As for the other current generals of the Wei State who now hold heavy troops, almost all of them were not able to attend because they were not in Daliang.

But even so, the banquet held in the Zichen Hall in the imperial palace was still very lively.

But even so, Qi's envoy Tian Hu was still dissatisfied, because before this banquet, Du You, the Minister of Rites, had formally rejected Qi's request on behalf of Wei. In other words, this banquet was not so much about entertaining Tian.

Hu and Uncle Bao, the two envoys of Qi State, might as well say they saw him off and told them to get out as soon as they had fulfilled their courtesy in Wei State.

It is precisely because of this that after arriving at the Zichen Palace, Tian Hu had a straight face, as if someone owed him millions of gold. Maybe he still can't believe that Wei Guo would actually reject his request from Qi Guo——

Wei Guo actually dares to do this?!

As for the deputy envoy, Uncle Bao, there was also a look of regret on his face.

However, for Uncle Bao, Wei's response to rejecting Qi's request was not surprising. After all, when he came to Daliang, Uncle Bao had private meetings with left minister Zhao Zhao and right minister Tian Tao.

The two prime ministers of Qi did not express any hope for their mission to Wei this time, simply because they could not refuse the suggestion of Shang Qing Gao Xi.

After the banquet in the Zichen Hall gradually filled up with all the officials and invited guests, the crowd gradually became noisy.

These officials and invited guests all have their own channels for information. Of course, they also know that the Prince of the East Palace, Zhao Run, has rejected the rude request of the two Qi envoys - it is indeed a rude request, no matter it is

Zhao Yuanzuo, the king of Nanliang, or Zhao Yuanyan, the Zongzheng of the clan, or "Wei Ziyi, the head of the Wei family in Gangu", "Wei Qiu, the head of the Wei family in Wushan" who was born in the Wei family in Longxi, etc. Regardless of the various contradictions and ill-will within the Wei people,

But when it comes to targeting the "pseudo-Song", these Wei people have the same attitude: What qualifications does Qi, a has-been overlord of the past, have to point fingers at the Song Dynasty, a land that should belong to Wei's territory? I really think that

The State of Wei is still the State of Wei ten years ago, and the State of Qi is still the State of Qi ten years ago?!

In addition, they vaguely heard that Qi's envoy Tian Hu made many slanderous remarks about Wei on the way to Daliang. Therefore, at today's banquet, almost no one took the initiative to follow.

Tian Hu said hello and only focused on communicating with himself.

For example, everyone knows that Baili Ba, Xu Yin, and Zhu Hai, the three former generals who have abdicated in favor of others, are currently compiling military books in their respective residences, so they kindly tease these three generals or inquire about the progress of the compilation of military books.

.

Another example is Zongfu Zongzheng Zhao Yuanyan, who consulted Zhao Yuanzuo, the king of Nanliang, about the results of the treatment of the captured Lin Hu in the Hetao area.

The other officials in the DPRK and the invited guests also found chat friends and exchanged topics of interest to them.

This made Tian Hu and Uncle Bao, the two Qi envoys who were originally the focus of the banquet, even though they were placed in the VIP seats, they felt vaguely embarrassed that no one cared about them, and they were incompatible with the bustle in the Zichen Hall.

After a while, the visitors outside the palace sang loudly: "His Royal Highness is here!"

In an instant, the entire Zichen Hall became so quiet that you could almost hear a needle drop. Uncle Bao, the Qi ambassador, was secretly surprised and turned to look at the entrance of the hall. He saw a young man wearing a brocade suit with a vermilion pattern and a dragon.

Walking into the hall surrounded by a group of people, it was undoubtedly Zhao Run, the prince of the East Palace of Wei State.

Among the attendants sitting there, someone reminded in a low voice: "Doctor Bao, this person is Wei Gongzi Run."

When Zhao Hongrun, along with Li Zheng, the commander-in-chief of the Imperial Guard, Wei Jiao, the deputy commander-in-chief, and others walked into the palace, Uncle Bao secretly observed the heir to the throne of Wei.

In his eyes, Zhao Run had a smile on his face and seemed quite approachable, but the officials and guests in the palace were silent at this time, which fully reflected the prestige of Wei Gongzi Zhao Run in the Wei State.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Zhao Hongrun walked straight to the main seat in the palace, which was the throne that should have belonged to his father, Zhao Yuansi, and sat down.

Seeing this, although everyone in the hall showed a hint of surprise in their eyes, they were not very surprised.

After all, Zhao Hongrun now seems to have supreme authority in the Wei State. What he lacks is just a routine enthronement ceremony.

As for why Zhao Hongrun was sitting on the main seat today, the reason was actually very simple. It was simply that his father, Emperor Zhao Yuanci, did not want to attend the banquet.

It has to be said that the Emperor of Wei, Zhao Yuanxi, was very resistant to the intention of the two envoys from Qi, Tian Hu and Uncle Bao.

You must know that Zhao Yuanxi did not have many praiseworthy external martial arts in his life. Joining forces with Chu Yangcheng Lord Xiong Tuo to destroy the Song Dynasty can be regarded as the most praiseworthy military strategy. Don't look at Zhao Hongrun's numerous victories in the south and north before he became the prince of the East Palace.

After becoming the crown prince of the East Palace, he also pacified the Hetao area, but compared to his father Zhao Si, who achieved the feat of "destroying the Song Dynasty", he was still inferior.

But the Qi State is on the good side. Now it actually helps the "pseudo Song Dynasty" restored by Song Yun, the leader of the Beibo Army, and wants the Wei State to give up half of the sovereignty of Song County and hand it back to the pseudo Song Dynasty. That is to say, the Emperor of Wei Zhao Yuansi is now gradually downplaying himself.

, to increase the prestige of Prince Zhao Run in the country, otherwise, he would have come forward in person, called Tian Hu, and Uncle Bao would have gone back to the country as soon as possible - it is simply unreasonable!

In view of the banquet for the envoys of the State of Qi, it would be outrageous for the host to not show up, so Wei Emperor Zhao Yuansi asked the prince Zhao Run to take his place. Anyway, with the current power and grace of the prince Zhao Run, it would not be out of the ordinary to sit on the throne in advance. After all,

The latter is actually only one enthronement ceremony away from becoming a real monarch of Wei.

Speaking of this enthronement ceremony, Zhao Yuansi has actually urged it several times. Du You, the Minister of Rites, who is now the head of the hundred officials in the court, also hinted to the prince Zhao Run several times, but Zhao Hongrun suppressed it.

The reason is very simple, because during the critical all-out war between Wei and South Korea that determined the status of both sides in the Central Plains, Zhao Hongrun was prepared to formally propose the decision to "rename the Prince's Mansion to Tiance Mansion" and proclaim himself the "General of Tiance Mansion".

Preside over the war between Wei and South Korea, and end his term as crown prince with the victory of this unprecedented battle.

Zhao Hongrun had only mentioned this idea to his father, Zhao Yuanxi, and the latter would certainly not refuse - after all, given Prince Zhao Run's current position in the Wei State, if he personally served as the head coach to fight against the Korean army, it would be a great boost to the morale of the Wei army.

This thing is simply no less than a king's personal conquest.

Therefore, Zhao Yuancai took good care of his health and stood ready for this outstanding successor when his son personally led the army to fight against Korea in the future. When his son returned in triumph, he would officially abdicate and give up the throne.

When giving it to the prince.

If Zhao Hongrun only wanted to lead the army personally, then Zhao Yuanci actually wanted to do more.

In fact, he made this arrangement to prevent the slightest possibility: if the war with South Korea is victorious, then he will give up the throne to the crown prince Zhao Run. This will be a double-happiness event for the Wei State and will inspire Wei to the greatest extent.

But if the Wei Kingdom is defeated in this war, then he can bear the responsibility for the defeat on his behalf, and use the succession of Prince Zhao Run to dilute the impact of the Wei Kingdom's defeat, so that the Wei Kingdom will not be devastated by the defeat.

This was the last thing Zhao Yuansi, the emperor of Wei, could do for his son.

Of course, this was only his father Zhao Si's own consideration. As for Zhao Hongrun, he did not think that he would be defeated, let alone ask his father to bear any responsibility.

In full view of everyone, Zhao Hongrun sat on the only seat of honor and looked around at the guests in the hall.

To be honest, sitting in this position, it seems that you can indeed see many different things. In Zhao Hongrun's view, this is both an honor and a responsibility - sitting in this position, he is not the prince for the time being, but

He is the ruler of Wei State.

Perhaps because he saw Zhao Hongrun sitting on the main seat without saying a word, Du You, the Minister of Rites, winked at him anxiously: Even if you explain that this banquet is to entertain the envoys from Qi, you can at least say something.

!

However, what made Du You a little dumbfounded was that His Highness the Crown Prince actually laughed joyfully alone.

What is this?

Not to mention Du You, the Minister of Rites, was dumbfounded. The civil and military officials of the court and the invited guests were also dumbfounded. Tian Hu also had a look of disbelief on his face and his face turned red. He thought that this was Zhao Run, the Young Master of Wei.

Laugh at him.

Only Uncle Bao blinked and looked at Zhao Hongrun in disbelief. He felt that the Crown Prince of Wei State was very similar in character to the late King Lu Xi of their Qi State when they were young - their late king of Qi State.

Lu Xi was also a very troublesome king when he was young. He would always do inappropriate things in serious situations from time to time.

"Sorry, sorry, I suddenly thought of something...cough cough." After coughing twice, Zhao Hongrun raised his finger and pointed at Tian Hu and Uncle Bao, formally introducing him to the courtiers and guests in the palace.

The reason why he was laughing just now was because he remembered his father Zhao Si's angry look when he was called to the Manlu Palace when he came here just now.

I won’t go into some unpleasant words. In short, his father asked him to teach these two envoys a lesson, especially Tian Hu who spoke so freely in public. It was simply unreasonable that he dared to care about his Song Dynasty.

!

Not to mention, this is the first time that Zhao Hongrun has seen such a "childish" side of his father. Why did his father firmly deny the "pseudo-Song Dynasty"? He just doesn't want to be compared with his son - if he loses the merit of destroying the Song Dynasty

, Emperor Wei's military strategy will soon be compared to that of his son. How can the proud Emperor Wei tolerate this? At least wait until he abdicates!

It's a pity that Zhao Hongrun couldn't share this funny thing with everyone in the hall.

After a few casual opening remarks, as Zhao Hongrun took the lead in raising a toast, today's banquet officially began.

Suddenly, music sounded in the palace, and groups of court musicians wearing skirts walked into the palace to perform songs and dances.

Appreciating the choreography, tasting the food and wine, most people in the hall were in high spirits, except Qi Shi Tian Hu, who felt unhappy.

Tian Hu is not stupid. Since Wei Guo has rejected Qi Guo's request, but he has set up this banquet, it is obvious that he is told to get out and return home after the banquet.

Recalling that he had sworn to his minister Gao Xi before coming to Wei, Tian Hu felt extremely angry.

Thinking of his hatred, he ignored the inappropriate occasion and stood up and said to Prince Zhao Run: "Your Highness, is your country really determined to reject my friendship with Da Qi?"

Frightened by the swans, the music officials stopped playing, and the dancing musicians stood there at a loss.

"What's wrong with this guy?!"

Everyone in the hall frowned and looked at Tian Hu. Even Uncle Bao repeatedly reminded Tian Hu in a low voice.

Uncle Bao really didn't expect that Tian Hu would have the courage to persuade Mr. Wei at this time.

"..."

Zhao Hongrun glanced at Tian Hu. He did not intend to deliberately make things difficult for the two envoys as his father said, but he did not expect that Tian Hu would interrupt everyone's interest on such an occasion——

Don’t the arrogant Qi people know how to distinguish situations?

With a displeased snort in his heart, Zhao Hongrun said lightly: "The friendship between Qi and Wei? When your country asked me, the Wei Dynasty, to hand over the eastern part of Song County to Song Yun, the pseudo-Song Dynasty, I am afraid that there is not much left of the friendship between the two countries.
To be continued...