Chapter 114
Book 11 Chapter 05 – a.n.a.lyzing the Situation
Three days before Lu Buwei is leading the army to invade Eastern Zhou; Xiang Shaolong left Xianyang with his team and travelled east towards the Yellow River. They were protected by one thousand elite Qin soldiers.
Except for Ji Yanran, Wu Tingfang, Zhao Qian, Teng Yi and Jing Jun, the other representatives from the Wu Family are the twelve elite brothers. Despite their limited number, everyone is highly skilled and should not be taken lightly.
From Lu Buwei’s side are Li Si, Xiao Yuetan and three hundred family warriors. These men report directly to Xiao Yuetan. Luckily, this talented man is on fantastic terms with Xiang Shaolong and there should be no conflict of power.
Of course there are Meng Ao’s sons Meng Wu and Meng Tian. Despite their young age, they are full of respect for Xiang Shaolong. Teng Yi and the rest doted on them as well.
The leader of the soldiers is Major Lu Xiong, a relative of Lu Buwei. He appears to be respectful towards Xiang Shaolong but he has s.h.i.+fty eyes and Xiang Shaolong did not have a good impression of him. Since they are travelling together, he can only pretend to be courteous towards him as well.
Compared to the trip to Zhao, they have more men but Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi felt that they were less powerful instead.
They reached the west bank of the river and will soon cross into Han’s border.
The river is flowing to the east and the surrounding hills are different in height. Overall, the scenery is mesmerizing.
The snow fall has resumed last night after stopping for five days. Everyone started to put on their fur coats. Dressed in their snow white fur coats, the three girls are as pretty as Barbie dolls.
They are happy to be part of the trip and pointed at the different sceneries and are chatting with enjoyment. Chun Ying and her three fellow maids are travelling behind them.
Along the way, Li Si mixed among the family warriors of Lu Buwei so as to avoid letting Xiao Yuetan learn about the special relations.h.i.+p he has with Xiang Shaolong.
At evening time, they camped on a high ground between the river and a red pine forest. They are prepared to cross the river tomorrow morning.
Lu Xiong sent a few hundred men to find wood to build rafts. Sounds of chopping wood and grunting can be heard from the forest.
While the maids are managing the tents, Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi strolled along the river.
Although the weather is extremely cold, the river did not turn into ice. Since the air is cold and the water is warm, the river water evaporates and crystallizes into ice on the tree branches along the river. It is a miracle to see these silvery white crystals hanging like a Christmas decoration.
With a beautiful picture laid in front of them, neither of them wanted to say anything.
As they stepped onto the soft snow, a light squis.h.i.+ng sound can be heard. Looking at the snowy forest and the snowflakes dancing in the air, all their worries are gone with the wind.
Unknowingly, they have left the camp boundaries.
Footsteps can be heard from behind. As they turned around, Li Si appeared among the while background.
Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi caught each other’s eye, knowing that Li Si is not here for an idle chat.
Teng Yi laughed: "Is it cold?"
Li Si hands are hidden in the sleeves of his outer robe. When he breathes, the air leaving his mouth is whitish. He came directly in front of Xiang Shaolong. Looking up at the flying snow and looking back at the red pine forest, he shared: "This red pine tree is highly resistant to bugs and is very good for building houses or furniture. It can be made into turpentine as well and be used for lamps."
Surprised, Teng Yi stated: "I was born in the wilderness and naturally knew about this tree. I did not expect Brother Li to know this as well."
Li Si smiled: "Travelling ten thousand miles is better than reading ten thousand books. Since young, I love to travel and learn at the same time. I also make friends with capable people and learn from them. The more you ask the more you know. Brother Teng, please don’t laugh at me."
Xiang Shaolong was impressed with his elegant speech, knowledge and experience. No wonder he can help Xiao Pan unite the world. Clapping him lightly on his shoulder, he suggested: "Let’s continue to explore this area!"
Li Si nodded his head happily and they proceeded to walk upstream.
Teng Yi pointed at the icicles hanging on the trees and commented: "When the sun is up, these icicles will fall to the ground like flowers. That will be a rare sight."
Xiang Shaolong saw that Li Si is unresponsive. After a quick contemplation, he is certain that Li Si has something to say. He sincerely asked: "We are all brothers of the same family. If Brother Li has anything on his mind, feel free to say it!"
Li Si smiled: "Both brothers are farsighted and knowledgeable. What is your opinion of the six states?"
Teng Yi laughed: "Brother Li is a scholar and we are unrefined boors. Why don’t you enlighten us instead?"
Li Si expressed his modesty and explained: "Both brothers must not laugh at me. I love to fantasize but there is something I cannot explain. The six states are Qi, Chu, Yan, Zhao, Wei and Han. Except for Han who is always the weakest, the other five states have had a period of prosperity and power and many talented men in service. Why have they been unable to unite the world?"
Both Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi are flabbergasted. This theory sounds simple; if you cannot defeat the other states, you cannot conquer their lands. But to find a really convincing reason is harder than it looks.
Li Si stopped speaking. Watching the river flow below him, his eyes shone with wisdom. Recollecting a memory, he leisurely said: "On an evening three years ago, I witnessed a strange event at the border of Wei and Chu. There was a bunch of frogs stuck in a dry well. For some reason, they begin to fight among themselves. There were some stronger frogs who won every fight. When all the weak frogs are dead, the strong frogs begin fighting among themselves. By then, all the frogs are weak and injured. Even the last frog died because of excessive bleeding. I was enlightened that the six states are like the frogs in the well. Limited by the environment and fighting relentlessly, they will be defeated and killed. I was motivated to relocate to Qin to try my luck. There was only one thing on my mind: Only Qin, the frog who is watching the fight outside the well, will be the last and final winner."
Xiang Shaolong and Teng Yi nodded in agreement. This a.n.a.logy explains why Qin can eventually catch up and annihilate the other six states. Qin is further away in the west and is unaffected by the constant inter-state battles.
Li Si has been deprived of a chance to showcase his talent. Now that he has started speaking, he continued