Chapter 112: King’s Domination (4)
When seeing Zhao Ziheng, Zhou Cheng's first reaction was that he had an aura that was completely different from what he remembered. He could ignore the paleness on his face, but he could not ignore his eyes and his whole demeanor. Zhou Cheng couldn't help but think that it had only been a short time since they last met, but Zhao Ziheng had transformed into someone he could never see through.
"Then, I wonder why the King of Zhou came to visit in person?"
Ignoring Zhou Cheng's gaze, Zhao Ziheng went straight to the point. At this time, besides them, there were also Wang Ye, Zhao Ziyan, Shan Zhen and Xue Han in the imperial study.
"If I just drop by to greet Prince Jing who is already here, and pick up Princess Zhaoren who visited Zhao State earlier, will Prince Zhao agree?"
Zhou Cheng was very tactful in keeping the topic in suspense and did not directly answer Zhao Ziheng's question. As soon as he said this, it was clear that the next topic would not be simple.
"King Zhou is joking. It's nothing for him to come by and see his brother. He just wants to take Princess Zhaoren back. King Zhou should know that it's not okay."
"Oh? Why is it not possible? Can't I come and take my sister back?"
"...Yes, but only if she can go back."
Zhou Cheng did not expect Zhao Ziheng to be so direct, and was speechless. Although Zhao Ziheng had suppressed the fact that Yin Yin was the suspect in this incident, of course Zhou Cheng also knew that Yin Yin would not be taken away so easily, but he did not expect Zhao Ziheng to say so directly. Zhao Ziheng said it so directly because he knew that he already knew everything about the matter. At first, Zhou Cheng just wanted to test it, but he did not expect Zhao Ziheng to bring it up as soon as the topic started.
"As for the reason, you should know it very well, so don't waste your breath on it. I don't think King Zhou is someone who likes to beat around the bush, right?"
Before Zhou Cheng could speak, Zhao Ziheng continued to speak. This time, Xue Han and Shan Zhen began to waver. They had all met Zhao Ziheng, and this time was nothing more than another confirmation of Zhao Ziheng's kingly spirit. He interrupted Zhou Cheng's test from the very beginning and got straight to the point. It was not known whether Zhao Ziheng did not want to waste his words or had other plans. At least one thing was that Zhao Ziheng and Zhou Cheng seemed to have the same concerns as other kings. Their tone was more like "friends" than confrontation?
Xue Han's eyes unconsciously glanced at Wang Ye beside him. It was unknown what Wang Ye was thinking, but a meaningful smile appeared on his lips?
"Then I wonder what the King of Zhao thinks of the recent strange behavior of the Han Kingdom?"
After a moment of silence, Zhou Cheng responded to Zhao Ziheng without any retreat. Perhaps because the topic changed too quickly, Zhao Ziheng's expression paused slightly, but in a flash, Zhao Ziyin's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise.
"Regarding this, I don't mind hearing King Zhou's opinion first."
As if they had entered into a real topic, the expressions of the others began to become serious.
Zhou Cheng did not mind expressing his opinions and analysis one by one. Xue Han and Shan Zhen did not seem to be indifferent, after all, they were in the same group as Zhou Cheng. Wang Ye looked at Zhou Cheng with no change on his face as always. Zhao Ziyin seemed indifferent. As for Zhao Ziheng...
It took a long time.
"That's the thing, I think these are all worthy of investigation."
Zhou Cheng summarized what he said. On the surface, he seemed uncertain, but in fact, he had been confirmed by the previous words. After a pause, Zhou Cheng continued: "Of course, I said this because I believe in the character of King Zhao. He should not protect him just because of his relationship with the Han Kingdom and the fact that his subordinate general's wife is a Han princess, right?"
The words were addressed to Zhao Ziheng, but his eyes intentionally or unintentionally glanced at Zhao Ziyin who was standing there with an expressionless face.
"If it is true as King Zhou said, I will not cover it up. But you also said that Han State has grain exchanges with our Great Zhao and is an indispensable ally. The princess of that country is the wife of the first general of our Great Zhao. Therefore, I cannot rule out whether King Zhou is deliberately instigating..."
"Your Majesty, King Zhao, are you doubting the friendship between the Great Zhou and the State of Zhao?"
As soon as Zhao Ziheng finished speaking, Xue Han spoke up, because he felt that Zhao Ziheng's words were too explicit. Even if he was suspicious, he should not say it so blatantly and directly. He thought that this was not what a wise ruler should be praised by the world; but then, he accidentally saw Wang Ye's gaze towards him, and he regretted it, regretting that he should not be so impulsive. When he felt ashamed of his behavior, Zhao Ziheng's voice rang out again.
"That's right, but I said that because I believe in the friendship between our two countries. King Zhou should think so too, right? That's why I said those words here."
Zhao Ziheng calmly replied to Zhou Cheng's previous words exactly as they were meant to be, firstly as an explanation, and secondly as a kind of trust.
"I apologize for the offense, King Zhao, please forgive me."
As a qualified king, Prime Minister Zhou should have come forward to express his condolences for Xue Han's behavior at this time, and he did so. Xue Han had completely calmed down. Although he felt ashamed of his impulsive behavior, he had to calm down again. The topic had just begun, and as a minister of the Zhou State, he could not lose his composure at this time.
"No, the fact that he can say it so directly proves his loyalty to the Zhou Kingdom. I am happy that the King of Zhou has such a wise minister."
Even though they all knew that it was just a polite remark, Zhao Ziheng had to give Zhou Cheng face. Even if it was not for Xue Han, he had to give a corresponding response for Zhou Cheng's sake. However, he didn't take Xue Han's impulse to heart at all.
