That night, after Feng Guanzi and Pang Nuan left, Meng Zhong lay in the tent and tossed and turned, thinking carefully about what Feng Guanzi said to him today.

After repeated thinking, Meng Zhong believed that what Feng Guanzi said about "the sun and the moon compete for light" should refer to the two master Zhao's father and King Zhao He and son.

To be fair, the competition between the sun and the moon should be interpreted as "competing with the sun and the moon", because the phenomenon of "competing with the sun and the moon" is impossible. How can the sun and the moon appear under the same sky at the same time and shine at the same time?

However, the current situation in Zhao State is a situation where "the sun and the moon shine together": Zhao Zhufu, as the old monarch who has abdicated, is unwilling to be lonely and refuses to hand over all the power in his hands to the new monarch; and Zhao Wang He, as the new monarch, is also unwilling to lose the throne and power.

In the words of the 未分 Guanzi, this violates the natural phenomenon of "the sun falls and the moon rises", and belongs to the reason why the 未分 Guanzi said, "Now the Zhao State loses the right path."

After interpreting this meaning, the rest of the words of the skull are easy to interpret.

Meng Zhong once thought that the conflict between Zhao Zhufu and Zhao Wang He was only because Zhao Zhufu gradually lost the support of Zhao ministers after he gave up the throne. Therefore, he was unwilling to accept it, so he suggested that Zhao Wang He respect Zhao Zhufu more.

But now after hearing what Feng Guanzi said, Meng Zhong suddenly realized that the conflict between the father and son may not be as simple as he thought.

To put it simply, what Zhao Master wants may not be just that King Zhao and the ministers of Zhao State respect him more.

Although Meng Zhong still couldn't figure out the original reason, after communicating with Yu Guanzi, he vaguely grasped one thing, that is, Zhao Zhufu really wanted to abolish the new king Zhao He who had once been promulgated.

Why?

Why do we have to do this?

Meng Zhong lay on the couch and pondered about this guess.

Suddenly, he remembered the system of Tianqu Ri technique that Zhao Zhufu and Feng Guanzi were discussing recently.

Regarding "Tianqu Ri Technique", because Zhao Zhufu and Feng Guanzi did not avoid Meng Zhong when discussing it, Meng Zhong also had a little understanding of this system.

He knew that this system was born from the old system of Chu State and was a system that could strengthen the power of the royal family.

In today's world, there are only two countries that use this system, namely Chu and Qin, when the two countries adopted this system one after another, and Qin should have followed the example of Chu.

After all, the Qin State was looked down upon by the Central Plains for a long time, and only the Chu State, which claimed to be "barbaric", was willing to make friends and intermarry with Qin State. Therefore, in terms of national system, the Qin State, which was far behind the Central Plains, was used to learn from and imitate the Chu State system. This is also a reasonable guess.

But if Zhao State wants to adopt the "Tianqu Ri technique", it will be more difficult than the Qin State back then.

Because Zhao State was separated from Jin State, and the state of Jin State has always been the governing model of the Zhou royal family, that is, "the king and the wise ministers rule the world." Part of the king's power is scattered in the hands of the wise ministers, and the position of the wise ministers in their respective titles is actually as if the king is just a difference between "name" and "utensils".

Such a state-government model will lead to a problem, that is, the old aristocratic faction will not be defeated and hinder the royal orders. Just like when Zhao Zhufu once promoted Hu clothing and cascade, he was opposed by the old aristocratic faction such as Anping Jun Zhao Cheng, and almost caused this change to be still in the womb. So that Zhao Zhufu, who had been in power for 19 years, had to promote policies that benefit the country by persuading Anping Jun Zhao Cheng.

I have to say that this is indeed an incredible thing.

On the other hand, Meng Zhong of Qin did not understand Qin either, but he and his other righteous brother Tian Zhang had briefly discussed the Qin policy, and knew that Qin was far faster than other countries in this regard. As long as the king's order was issued, all local counties and counties would immediately implement the new policy.

Perhaps this is the reason why the Qin State has developed rapidly in recent decades and has gradually surpassed the Central Plains countries.

"If Master Zhao really wants to implement the Tianqu Ri technique..."

Meng Zhong thought about it carefully.

He must admit that forcibly implementing the Tianqu Ri technique in Zhao State will inevitably cause a great impact, and may even lead to civil strife between the royal family and the old nobles. However, it is undeniable that as long as the reform is successful, it will also have great benefits for Zhao State in the future. After all, all power will be borne by the royal family from now on, and the monarch and the prime minister can implement various policies that are suitable for the current situation more smoothly, and will not be hindered by some people.

"Is this the purpose of Zhao Zhufu's father trying to regain power? Because he knew that neither Zhao Wang He nor Gongzi Zhang had the ability to implement such reforms in a short period of time?"

After thinking about it for a long time, Meng Zhong still didn't know.

The next day, when Meng Sui, Le Yi and others selected the best young and strong expansion guards among the miscellaneous soldiers and nearby towns, Meng Zhong rode back to Handan on a horse and came to the mansion of Zhao Xiangfeiyi. Please see Feiyi and beg Feiyi to allocate a group of arms to arm the newly expanded 500 new soldiers.

After learning about Meng Zhong's arrival, Fei Yi immediately met the former.

At the first moment of seeing Meng Zhong, Fei Yi said in regret and emotion: "I have implicated my little brother..."

After Meng Zhong left Handan yesterday, Fei Yi learned about this not long after. When he learned that Zhao's father ordered the recruitment of the Tan Wei of Pang Yan to replace the Xin Wei Army as the guard, Fei Yi realized that Meng Zhong was probably "out of favor".

As for the reason for "falling out of favor", it was simply that Meng Zhong intervened in the internal conflicts of the royal family.

This is exactly the reason why he was moved, and Meng Zhong lost the favor of Zhao Zhufu in order to try his best to save the civil strife in Zhao.

As for regret, even through this incident, he also verified one thing, that is, the father of Zhao did not support Zhao Wang He, and even favored Gongzi Zhang, otherwise, why did Zhao Wang's father transfer Meng Zhong, who was interested in helping Zhao Wang He?

"The military affairs and the enlistment of the people are all for me."

After learning about Meng Zhong's purpose of his trip, Fei Yi, who felt guilty about Meng Zhong, responded without hesitation.

To be honest, even if Fei Yi, as the prime minister of Zhao, was not easy to do this because of the order of Zhao Zhufu, the other ministers of Zhao did not dare to hinder him. But now Fei Yi has to use his own power to help Meng Zhong and Xin Wei Jun to make up for Meng Zhong's debts that he lost favor to Zhao Zhufu because he wanted to help Zhao Wang He. This is not an easy task.

After all, since the incident between Xue Gongtian Wen, Meng Zhong has long been regarded as an enemy general who is "not to be underestimated" by Anping Jun Zhao Cheng, Fengyang Jun Li Dui and others.

"Thank you, Fatty."

Seeing Fei Yi agreeing, Meng Zhong had a better impression of this old minister of Zhao State.

"Young brother, don't thank me. I just want to make up for the debt. If it weren't for this, I would still be the guard Sima of Master Zhao's father, and whether it is conscription or military equipment, it would not be..." At this point, Fei Yi sighed slightly, and then, his heart suddenly moved and said to Meng Zhong obscurely: "Meng Zhong, when I entered the palace a few days ago, I met Xinqi when I entered the palace. At that time, I also talked to him about you. As far as I know, Xinqi is interested in the soldiers you trained. If you are interested, I can recommend you to the Lord and transfer you to the palace guard... I can guarantee that it is no less than serving as the guard Sima of Master Zhao's father."

How could Meng Zhong not hear such an obvious intention to recruit?

He shook his head and said, "Thank you for your kindness, but Master Zhao promoted me to the Guard... Well, I believe in the Sima of the Guards and once taught me and my companions the martial arts. I am sorry that I cannot betray Master Zhao."

Seeing that Meng Zhong values ​​love and righteousness so much, Fei Yi felt very moved.

Immediately, when Meng Zhong was about to say goodbye and leave, Fei Yi asked casually: "Isn't my little brother going to the city to visit you?"

Meng Zhong hesitated for a moment, and finally shook his head and said, "I am no longer the identity of Master Zhao's father, Sima, and it is very inconvenient to enter the palace, let alone, if I fail to persuade him, I will not have the face to see you..."

Indeed, what is the point of meeting King Zhao at this time?

Is it just to make King Zhao remember his "paying"?

Meng Zhong is not a person who can do such things.

Fei Yi nodded and watched Meng Zhong walk out of his study until Meng Zhong was about to step out of the threshold. Fei Yi suddenly said, "Meng Zhong, the Lord value you very much. I hope you will stick to your own mind and don't step on the wrong path and let your trust in you down..."

"The way?"

Meng Zhong stopped, looked back at Fei Yi, and then suddenly understood Fei Yi's meaning, barely showed a hint of chuckling, and finally walked out.

He knew that the wrong way Fei Yi mentioned was probably to assist Gongzizhang and help Zhao Zhufu do things that were unfavorable to King Zhao.

“…”

The guest who slowly walked to the study room looked at Meng Zhong's leaving back. Fei Yi stroked his gray beard and sighed.

Meng Zhong's reluctant bitter smile just now made him vaguely guess a little.

For example, if the conflict between Zhao's father and Zhao Wang He really had to break up, then this young man who values ​​love and friendship would probably stand on Zhao's father's side and be enemies with them.

"I would have left this son and sent him to the palace to accompany the emperor..."

After a long time, Fei Yi sighed again.

What he was referring to was obviously when Meng Zhongchu arrived in Zhao State and had not yet met Zhao's father.

But to be honest, although Fei Yi had learned that Meng Zhong was a disciple of the two families, who would have thought that Meng Zhong, who was only fifteen years old, was a talented person with both civil and military skills and courage far beyond ordinary people?

After thinking about it, Fei Yi still went to the palace and told King He about Meng Zhong.

At this time, King Zhao He knew that Meng Zhong had been transferred to the outside of Handan City by Master Zhao's father, and also said with guilt: "I am the one who harmed Meng Qing..."

It has to be said that although Zhao Zhufu "telled a lesson" to Meng Zhong in the name of "expanding the army", how could people who have been in the palace for a long time not see the clues?

Within two days, the news that "Sima Meng Zhong of Xinwei Army fell out of favor and was transferred outside the city by Zhao's father" was circulating among the celebrities in Handan, and Anping Jun Zhao Cheng specially held a banquet at home to celebrate.

It is no wonder that since she was scolded by Meng Hu as a "shameless old thing" at the palace banquet that day, and then she was ridiculed and ridiculed by Meng Zhong, Anping Jun Zhao Cheng has a deep hatred for Meng Zhong and his group of people.

Now Meng Zhong is arrogant and involved in the conflicts in the royal family, but he loses the favor of Zhao Zhufu, even if he is temporarily out of favor, which also makes Anping Jun Zhao Cheng quite happy.

However, Li Dui, the Fengyang Jun, felt that this might be an opportunity to "incite" Meng Zhong, so when Zhao Cheng was about to block the batch of arms that Meng Zhong begged for Fei Yi, Li Dui dissuaded Zhao Cheng and suggested to Fei Yi that his son "Li Ji" would escort the batch of arms to wait for an opportunity to restore his relationship with Meng Zhong.

After all, after deducting Meng Zhong's position, Fengyang Jun Li Dui still admires talented young people like Meng Zhong.

Fei Yi could naturally guess the intention of Fengyang Jun Li Dui, but he did not think that Li Ji could "incite" Meng Zhong to "rebel against" Meng Zhong, thanks to King He of Zhao and his friendship between Fei Yi and Meng Zhong, could not take the opportunity to win over Meng Zhong during the period when Meng Zhong was "despaired by Zhao Zhufu", let alone those who were Li Du?

However, with the intention of "trying is not harmful", Fei Yi agreed.

As expected, a few days later, Li Du's son Li Ji escorted the military camp to the Xinwei Army. Although he was also received by Meng Zhong, Meng Zhong ignored Li Ji's obscure intention of recruiting him.

In the blink of an eye, it was the last day of June. Le Yi, Meng Sui, Hua Hu, Mu Wu and others were busy expanding the Xinwei Army. After obtaining the permission from Handan, they selected about a thousand strong men from nearby towns, and together with about one hundred and fifty candidate soldiers selected from the miscellaneous soldiers, they conducted the final screening outside the military camp.

The screening standard is very simple, that is, if these about 1,200 candidate soldiers follow the daily training of the old soldiers of the Xinwei Army, they can keep up with the training intensity of the old soldiers and persist until the last 500 people, they will be qualified to become a member of the Xinwei Army.

I have to say that during the screening period, when I saw the old soldiers wearing three thick armors and carrying a log on their shoulders running around the barracks, the young and strong men recruited were all stunned. The about 150 men selected from the Xinwei Army soldiers carried the logs without hesitation, and ran with the Xinwei Army soldiers to train their physical fitness.

It's no wonder that these people have long been accustomed to the daily training of the Xinwei Army, so how could they be as stunned as the more than a thousand foreign candidates?

Later, during the screening process, the scene was very happy and I didn’t know if it was the veterans of the Xinwei Army who deliberately gave these newcomers a warning. Therefore, they deliberately accelerated the speed of running on the logs, so that many young and strong men could not keep up with the rhythm, and fell to the ground tiredly and gasped wildly.

"What a bunch of waste!"

"I can't hold on like this? You haven't worn three layers of thick armor yet!"

"Are you guys, what qualifications are you to join the I-Xinwei Army? Go home and have a breastfeed!"

I don’t know if it was influenced by Zuo Sima Leyi. While the old soldiers of the Xinwei Army were still carrying logs to run around the circle, they spoke ill of each other when passing by the new men who were lying on the ground, including vulgar words to greet the female elders in the other family. Some of the new men were angry and jumped up to fight with the abominable old soldiers, but were beaten by the old soldiers on the ground with a blue face.

"There are more than a dozen new men out there, who are besieging six or seven old soldiers. Wouldn't you stop them?"

Seeing several new veterans fighting in front of him, Meng Sui whispered to Le Yi.

Le Yi shook his head expressionlessly and said lightly: "Hmph, how can the old soldiers in the army not even deal with a few newcomers?"

"I don't have any questions... I'm afraid that the newcomers will be beaten to death by the old soldiers."

After saying something secretly, Meng Sui shook his head and said, "I mean, after all, the old man was provoking first... wouldn't he stop it?"
To be continued...