After meeting Han Jian, Zhu Tongjing closed the door in the post house and did not see anyone, even Gu Weipan sent someone to contact him, but he was refused. In the eyes of outsiders, Zhu Tongjing's expression was very abnormal, but Han Jian could realize that Zhu Tongjing at this time should be asking for the opinions of the people of Southern Qi, and he would not make any statement on the matter of borrowing grain until he received an accurate reply from the Southern Qi court.

The war in the north once again entered a relatively peaceful state at this time, and the Luoyang army and the Northern Wang army took some painless cities after the initial onslaught, but they also sighed at the big cities with high walls. No city can be captured overnight, and the Dongwangfu side has formulated a strategy of holding on from the beginning, no matter how arrogant and provocative the soldiers and horses outside the city are, it is to fight behind closed doors, so that the Luoyang army and the Beiwang army have no good strategy.

At this time, a war of public opinion was secretly launched.

Among the people, there are constantly rumors about whether Yang Yu Tianzi is reasonable and legitimate.

In the eyes of some people, Yang Yu is the concubine of the former emperor and has orthodox royal blood, and it is understandable that he wants to ascend the throne. But the problem is that Yang Yu's way of ascending the throne is too extreme, it is a "usurpation", but he did not kill the empress, and he also made the empress regain the throne when she arrives in Jiangdu, and regards him as a rebel.

Yang Yu tried every means to win the hearts of the people, first in Luoyang City to win over some originally inconspicuous nobles, divide the fields of the old nobles, buy people's hearts, and then open the imperial examination, trying to figure out the mouth of the guò scholars, to consolidate his throne. However, in the newly opened imperial examination in Luoyang, there were very few candidates, and the scholars seemed to be looking forward to the "orthodox court" of Jiangdu at this time. And disdain Yang Yu's puppet court.

By mid-April, the Luoyang army and the Beiwang army had suddenly intensified their plundering of Jiangdu and sent a large number of cavalry to harass the supply lines of some cities, causing heavy losses on the side of the Eastern Palace. By this time, the displaced people in Jiangdu had lost their places and suffered unspeakably. Even the people who entered the city in the early stage were faced with hunger and cold, and epidemics continued to occur in the city, and many people died.

Han Jian became more and more desperate to get outside support, but at this time. Zhu Tongjing is still closed. Han Jian even suspected that Zhu Tongjing had left Jiangdu.

Han Jian's deadline for Zhu Tongjing was one month, but he would not wait for a month, since Zhu Tongjing did not come out, he personally went to the door to find it. was even refused entry by Nanqi's attendants.

Han Jian was outside the post house. The guards surrounded the entire inn. No one inside is allowed to enter or leave. The atmosphere suddenly became tense, and Han Jian sat down leisurely at the tea shop opposite the post house, waiting for Zhu Tongjing to come out. If Zhu Tongjing can't come out. That means that Zhu Tongjing has indeed left Jiangdu, and he is fleeing, which means that Nanqi is about to send troops soon, otherwise Zhu Tongjing has no reason to escape.

Not long after Han Jian sat down, Zhu Tongjing came out of the post house alone and was stopped by the guards of the Dongwang Mansion. As soon as Han Jian sent someone over to say it, Zhu Tongjing came out, walked over to the tea shop, and went up to the second floor, and there were only two of them.

"Dongwang is not busy with business, how can he have spare time to come out to drink tea?" Zhu Tongjing first saluted, and then said in a somewhat relaxed tone.

Han Jianguan and Zhu Tongjing still looked leisurely and complacent. Zhu Tongjing is among men, and he can be regarded as a little white face among the little white faces, and some of his "hidden feelings" with the Empress Dowager of Nanqi can be said to be known to the world, but this party can be like a fish in water in the officialdom of Nanqi, even if it is Xie Rumo, there is nothing to help him.

Han Jian said: "Master Zhu has not gone out for many days, and I think you have returned to the Qi Dynasty." I couldn't find anyone, so I had to come to the door to ask for a meeting. I can't see it, so I have to use some small means. ”

Zhu Tongjing said with a smile: "The East King is so sure that he will come out in the future?" ”

"I'm not sure if you'll come out, but I'm sure that if you don't come out after I finish drinking this cup of tea, I'll force myself in. When the face is not good-looking, it is not my intention. Han Jian replied.

Zhu Tongjing smiled awkwardly, he understood what Han Jian meant, since Han Jian was here, he must see others, surround the post house and wait outside, just to warn him and let him come out, if he comes out to see him, he will know each other, if he doesn't come out to see, then he can't blame Han Jian for being polite.

"The king of the east should come here to borrow grain?" Zhu Tongjing sat down, poured himself a cup of tea, and asked.

"Since Master Zhu understands my intention, then let's get straight to the point, is your dynasty willing to borrow grain?" Han Jian said.

Zhu Tongjing looked out the window, and wanted to change the topic, but he was stared at by Han Jian, and he also knew that avoiding it was not a way.

"The king of the east forgives me, and I will write back to His Majesty and the Queen Mother in the next time, but I have not yet received a reply." Zhu Tongjing was calm and said with a helpless expression.

"Understood." Han Jian got up directly and said, "Then Master Zhu, please leave to return to the Qi Dynasty today, and we'll see you on the battlefield in the future!" ”

After speaking, Han Jian went straight downstairs, which made Zhu Tongjing quite embarrassed. He didn't expect Han Jian to be so difficult to speak, he originally thought that although he was coerced, in the final analysis, the initiative to borrow grain was him, and at the negotiation table, whoever occupies the initiative will occupy the right to speak, and he can use this initiative to exchange a lot of favorable conditions for aligning with the dynasty.

But Han Jian obviously knew these truths, and when he came, he looked unreasonable, first forced him out to speak, and if he didn't agree with him, he was going to leave, and he didn't give room for negotiation at all.

Although he knew that Han Jian was intentional, Zhu Tongjing still had to get up and stay.

"Why is the king of the east in such a hurry to leave? Maybe in a day or two, my messenger will bring back the news? Zhu Tongjing said, "Isn't there still a period of time before the agreed deadline?" ”

Han Jian didn't stop and said, "Master Zhu is busy, and the land of Jiangdu can no longer be retained. Master Zhu, please go back, from today onwards, the East Wangfu will no longer entertain Master Zhu. ”

After speaking, Han Jian went downstairs directly, making Zhu Tongjing stand on the spot.

Angry from the heart, Zhu Tongjing picked up the teacup and fell to the ground, but to no avail.

……

……

When Han Jian returned to the Dongwang Mansion, he began to write his letter of allegiance, and the object of his allegiance was the rebellious Yang Yu in his eyes.

Although it is a gesture, it is also necessary to put a posture very sufficiently. If no one is watching, you have to play the play well.

Just when Han Jian was halfway through writing a letter that even he thought was very lame, a guard outside came in to report that Zhu Tongjing was asking to see him in front of the Dongwang Mansion.

"Let Master Zhu come to the study." Han Jian said, the pen in his hand did not stop, and continued to write.

Not long after, footsteps came, and Zhu Tongjing arrived in the study under the guidance of the guards. Soon, Zhu Tongjing walked inside.

"Master Zhu, is this here to say goodbye?" Han Jian took the pen and glanced up at Zhu Tongjing. Asked.

Zhu Tongjing stood at the door. Glancing at the pen in Han Jian and Han Jian's hands, he smiled and said, "I just got the news of my envoy, and I have sent a messenger to His Majesty and the Queen Mother." Borrowing food. There's news. ”

Han Jian frowned and said, "Master Zhu is joking? No news just now. News so soon? ”

"The messenger was delayed on the road for two days. Only then did the letter come, so why should the king of the east be in a hurry? Zhu Tongjing said and took two steps forward. But he stopped, looked around, and felt that something was wrong.

Zhu Tongjing noticed that there was something wrong with this study, but he obviously couldn't tell what was wrong.

Han Jian said: "Then your dynasty, are you willing to borrow grain and Jiangdu to tide over the difficulties?" ”

"This ...... It is possible to borrow grain, but it cannot be called borrowing, if there is a loan, you must pay it back, and after I have transported the grain, I am not ready to let Jiangdu return it. Zhu Tongjing couldn't think of anything wrong, so he said to Han Jian.

"Then Master Zhu means that he can only be sold?" Han Jian said coldly.

"Wait for the price to sell, but not for real money to buy, but for ......"

Han Jian raised his hand to stop Zhu Tongjing's words and said, "Master Zhu doesn't need to say anything. Master Zhu's words are contrary to the mention of the Eastern Prince's Mansion, so there is no need to talk about it anymore. We are ready to borrow grain, borrow and return, and we can write down the favors. If it is a sale, what is to be sold at a price, then there is no need, even if Jiangdu has what you want, he is not ready to exchange it. A piece of paper can be exchanged for the peace of Jiangdu, why bother to harm the interests of Jiangdu to exchange with your dynasty? ”

As he spoke, Han Jian lowered his head and continued to write his statement.

Zhu Tongjing was also very angry, but he still couldn't attack. He already felt that Han Jian was competing with him, he could completely turn around and leave, and when the time came, he wanted to see if Han Jian would really go to the table to be loyal to Yang Yu. But now he is riding a tiger again.

If this had been changed more than ten days ago, before he had gone to ask the Empress Dowager of Nanqi, he would not agree if he did not agree, and it would not hurt if he left. But now that he has obtained the letter of state from Nanqi, he can sign a contract with the Dongwang Mansion at any time, and now that he is leaving, won't he have failed to complete the task? After he goes back, he will be investigated for dereliction of duty, and even the Queen Mother may not be able to protect him, and Xie Rumo will definitely make a big fuss about it.

Zhu Tongjing scolded in his heart, good you Dongwang, first set a trap for me, let me see if your empress is there, arouse my curiosity, and force me to agree to your conditions. Now I can't even put forward the conditions, so I have to promise you so?

"Dongwang, is there an urgent document to deal with? That's down there...... Why don't you go outside and wait first? ”

"No need. Drop-off. Han Jian shouted, and the guards outside the door had already come in, meaning to send Zhu Tongjing out.

Zhu Tongjing gritted his teeth, he really wanted to go up and fight with Han Jian, but he knew that it would be futile in this way. As an envoy, the proper demeanor still needs to be maintained.

"Wait, there is another sentence to say to the East King, it's not too late to leave after speaking." Zhu Tong said respectfully.

Han Jian raised his head again and waved his hand to let the guards leave.

After the guards retreated, Zhu Tongjing said: "The king of the east is so aggressive, he really can't show the sincerity of cooperation. ”

"That's what you said?" Han Jian frowned.

"In the next sentence, I want to ask the king of the east, the king of the east is ready to borrow my Qi Dynasty grain for so nothing? If I borrow a load of rice, will I also complete my mission? ”

"Then you just have to borrow a load and see if the Dongwang Mansion will accept it!"

Zhu Tongjing smiled again and said, "Why is the King of the East so angry? In fact, it is not difficult to borrow grain, but it is also necessary to have an explanation for the next return, if there are no conditions, just take out the grain, and you will not be able to pay the difference in the next return. If there are too many conditions, the king of the east will definitely not agree. Then why don't you mention it to the king of the east, if you think it is appropriate, how about agreeing? ”

By the time Zhu Tongjing said everything, it was already the result of Han Jian's pursuit.

If it is completely borrowed in vain, the Nanqi side will not agree, and there are some conditions that it will be opened, but it cannot be opened by the Nanqi people, because that will mean that the lion will open his mouth.

"500,000 quintals of grain in exchange for trade between the two countries, and the trade route is unimpeded." Han Jian said.

Zhu Tongjing smiled bitterly and said, "King Dong, aren't you joking?" In general, the two countries have their own interests, how can this be considered a condition? At least...... There must be one or two cities, right? ”

Han Jian sneered: "The city is the foundation of my Jiangdu, how can it be used as a condition?" ”

Zhu Tongjing sighed, but scolded Han Jian's ancestor in his heart. borrowed grain from him before, and said that he would exchange more than a dozen cities, at that time, the initiative was not uncommon for him, but now he only mentioned a few cities at the beginning, and Han Jian directly rejected him, and the contrast between the conditions was too great.

The food is his own, and he originally borrowed it if he wanted to, but now he is asking others to borrow it. This taste made Zhu Tongjing very uncomfortable.

"Do you want the king of the east to ...... A little more conditions? Zhu Tongjing had no choice but to retreat and use a tentative tone.

Han Jian said: "In addition to the city, other conditions can be discussed, but the city cannot be discussed." If Master Zhu thinks it's not appropriate, then there's no need to talk about it. ”

Zhu Tongjing was silent for a moment, and said: "That's it, the two countries are reconciled, and the king of the east will make a promise on behalf of the Wei court, and Jiang will not be allowed to submit to Luoyang." And if Jiangdu is in difficulty, and I Qi Dynasty should send troops to help, and Jiangdu must not stop it, how about it? ”

When Han Jian heard this condition, he also thought about it.

Zhu Tongjing means that Nanqi can borrow grain, and it doesn't need Jiangdu to pay it back, so it should be regarded as free aid. But the condition is that if Jiangdu really can't withstand the double pressure of Luoyang and Beiwangfu, he must ask for help from Southern Qi, and he must also lead soldiers and horses from Southern Qi to Jiangdu to relieve his difficulties, which is almost like losing power and humiliating the country.

"Sending off guests." Han Jian said again.

"King Dong, you ...... Too overbearing, right? Zhu Tongjing saw that the guards had already come up to take him away, and he no longer cared about his identity, and shouted, "With such low conditions, you still haven't agreed, what do you want us to do?" Is it just giving food to my people and causing it to suffer? ”

Han Jian said: "If Master Zhu feels difficult, he didn't say that Master Zhu must agree. In the next is already ready to go to the court, as the new court's obedient people, in this way, your Qi Dynasty saves food, and you don't have to be embarrassed by Master Zhu, isn't it the best of both worlds? ”

Zhu Tongjing scolded in his heart, the best of both worlds, your mother! But he said, "Okay." In this case, King Dong, I finally make a condition, if you don't agree, I will die here today, and I am not ready to go back to Jinling! ”

Han Jian glanced at Zhu Tongjing and knew that he had driven this sinister villain to a dead end this time.

"Master Zhu, then let's just say it." (To be continued......)