Chapter 248
Book 22 Chapter 07 - Ancient Capital Of Lin Zi
The founding King of Qi is Lu Shang. After King Zhouwu annihilated the Zhou Dynasty and set up Western Zhou, he a.s.signed Lu Shang to Qi and bestowed him the position of Protector Jiang. He built the capital named Yin Qiu but was later renamed Lin Zi.
Surviving through the periods of Western and Eastern Zhou dynasties, Qi remains a vast country with flouris.h.i.+ng commerce, coupled with lucrative fis.h.i.+ng and salt trade. It is a strong and prosperous nation.
Qi has been a dominant force during the Spring & Autumn Period, mainly due to the efforts of King Qi Henggong and his Premier Guan Zhong. Together, they introduced a set of reforms that strengthened the country significantly. The wealth and growth of the nation is comparable to the Golden Age of Qin. The country is doing well by all accounts and can be considered a superpower.
Another crucial factor is the conquest of the Laiyi Tribe residing at its borders.
As early as when the Protector is conducting his nation building, the Laiyi Tribe, which shares the sea border with Qi, began to launch aggressive attacks. The hostility continued on and off for several years until Qi officially routed them in 567 BC.
Not only did Qi finally rid itself of a persistent thorn in its flesh, the country’s land occupation increased by more than 50%. In addition, it now owns the entire sea border, compared to owning half of it previously.
The people of Qi are known tyrants and constantly hara.s.sed the nearby State of Lu and conquer smaller surrounding States. Using the Alliance of Zhaoling, it even managed to wrest control of the State of Zheng from the powerful Chu. Chu is located at the south of Qi.
Due to the alliance and with Qi in the way, Chu is unable to expand northwards and focused their armies on expanding their territory southeast. Qi can only watch on helplessly.
The Alliance of Zhaoling signals the peak of Qi’s military expeditions. In the same breath, it signifies the crowning glory of Qi Henggong and Guan Zhong’s career.
After their two deaths, the authority of Qi descended into a power tussle between five princes. Without a commanding figure, it is now the time for the other States to showcase their might.
During the period of the Warring States, Qi got General Sun Bin to attack Wei in an attempt to save Zhao from Wei’s armies. The invasion was a success and soon, the Qi army has reach Daliang. The next year, the army of Wei was soundly defeated by the army of Qi at Maling. From then on, Qi has replaced Wei as the leading state of eastern China and the States of Wei, Zhao and Han pays tribute to Qi.
With newfound ambition and taking advantage of Yan’s internal strife, Qi invaded Yan and occupied the capital of Yan for three years before recalling their armies.
King Qi Xuan arrogantly proclaimed: "One superpower against another, tasting victory in 5 days." It is truly a feat that even the powerful Qin has yet to accomplished.
Chu declined in strength and Sanjing was broken up, resulting in Qi and Qin becoming the two strongest states in China. Qi is in the east and Qin is in the west.
Just when Qi was tasting every success and occupying countless new territories, they realized that war had emptied their treasury. Bearing intense hatred for Qi, Yan made use of this golden opportunity to launch a joint attack with Qin, Chu, Wei, Zhao and Han.
Yan General Yue Yi overran Lin Zi and repeated the atrocities Qi inflicted in the capital of Yan thirty years ago. Every single piece of valuable, treasure, carriage or weapon is not spared from plundering. If not for Tian Dan turning the tide and defeating the army of Yan, Lin Zi will be burnt to the ground.
Nevertheless, much of Qi has been pillaged or destroyed, and the country is once again in decline.
By the time Xiang Shaolong arrived in Lin Zi, another thirty years have come and gone. In a similar fas.h.i.+on, Tian Dan has declined from the powerhouse he once was to his twilight years where he faces challenges to his authority.
The City of Lin Zi was built along the west sh.o.r.e of River Zi and is actually two cities linked together, namely Big City and Small City. The total surface area of the Big City and the Small City is approximately sixty square miles.
Within the city, the buildings are grand and imposing. The Qi Palace is situated at the north of the Small City and all major roads are constructed with the palace as a central guideline. The monasteries of Qi and residences of officials are within proximity of the palace. The two sides of the roads are lined with ancient tall trees but their branches are covered with icicles due to the harsh weather.
Although it had suffered the carnages of war, Lin Zi has recovered speedily to become a lively civilization. The city is well populated and the economy is thriving.
As the fleet of s.h.i.+ps docked at the east of the city, all the noteworthy officials and men of importance had gathered around, welcoming the world famous courtesan Feng Fei.
A waiting military band began to conjure a friendly tune as Feng Fei elegantly came ash.o.r.e with Little Ping’er supporting her. Her curvaceous figure, graceful walking style and delicate features left the audience awe-struck.
Following behind Feng Fei are Dong Shuzen and the twelve courtesans, causing everyone to stare at them without blinking.
Xiang Shaolong had identified Tian Dan among the welcoming party and quickly mingled among the family warriors, making it harder to be identified by Tian Dan's sharp observation skills.
In reality, the likelihood of being spotted is not high.
As directed by Xiao Yuetan, he is wearing a worker’s s.h.i.+rt with a woolen lamb fur jacket on the outside. Below his s.h.i.+rt, he is wearing a cloth belt in order to conceal his muscular waist and at the same time, create a fake potbelly.
Standing on the pier, Tian Dan, as well as the rich and powerful residents of Qi, was all dressed either in deer fur coats or fox fur coats. A s.h.i.+rt is worn outside the coat, covering the animal fur, enhancing the exquisiteness of their appearances.
Humans are judged firstly by their external looks. By simply downplaying his dressing, Xiang Shaolong is not as prominent looking as before.
Under Xiao Yuetan’s skillful hands, his facial complexion has darkened and is easily mistaken for a man ten years his senior. The effect is so startling that when looking at his own reflection in a bronze mirror, even Xiang Shaolong cannot believe the difference between his current look and his previously handsome looks.
Xiao Yuetan and Feng Fei are the first batch of people to disembark the s.h.i.+p and were exchanging pleasantries with the welcoming party.
As the sky is still snowing, Feng Fei climbed into her carriage immediately and entered the city under the escort of the Qi soldiers.
Xiang Shaolong dared not ride a horse and sneaked into Xiao Yuetan’s carriage, admiring: "You seemed to be highly respected in Qi."
Xiao Yuetan humbly