Chapter 90: The Revengeful God
When it comes to how to deal with Helu's corpse, Ji Zha is the person with the most say besides Qingji.
This is because Ji Zha's two sons and one grandson were all forced to death by Helu, and Ji Zha's daughter-in-law also committed suicide indirectly because of Helu!
The lives of the family of four are closely related to Helu.
In the face of such deep blood feud, how could Ji Zha stay out of it?
"Your Majesty, I will take your decision and have no objection!"
But, Ji Zha did not make his own decision in the end and just let things take their course.
Because in the eyes of wise men like Ji Zha, Helu was already dead and the matter should be over. Taking out anger on Helu's corpse at this time would be of little benefit and might even damage one's own reputation.
It's not worth it!
The moral standards that Ji Zha adhered to would never allow him to desecrate other people's corpses to vent his personal anger.
Of course, Ji Zha will unconditionally obey any decision made by Qingji.
"good!"
Qingji nodded slightly and said, "Then, follow Bo'an's advice and place Ji Guang's head in front of the deceased king's spirit for three days, then offer it in the Imperial Ancestral Temple and pray to our ancestors."
"His body is hung at the west gate of Wudu City. No one may take it down for burial without my order!"
"Your Majesty is wise!"
After Qingji made the decision, all the ministers and officials had no objection.
It does not seem very kind to desecrate someone's body after his death.
But, this is actually not contrary to the current trend!
In this era of great contention, the custom of treating enemies is quite cruel, which may seem too bizarre and barbaric to future generations.
For example, Zhao Wuxiu later made Zhibo's skull into a wine vessel, which he used for drinking during the day and as a urinal at night.
For example, Wu Zixu in history, after leading his troops to capture Yingdu, dug up the body of King Ping of Chu, which had long been in a tattered state, and whipped the corpse...
This kind of behavior of venting hatred can sometimes make people feel happy.
Of course, according to the moral standards of this era, they are still despised by the world!
"My friends, the battle report from the front line is that the Grand Marshal has led his army to capture Shudi. However, I am afraid that the people of Shudi will cause chaos and collude with the Chu army in Qianyi to attack our Wu army from both sides. Therefore, the Grand Marshal asks me to send more reinforcements."
"Do you agree with me, my friends?"
As soon as Qingji finished speaking, all the ministers couldn't help but whisper to each other.
"Your Majesty, I think that is not possible."
Senior official Shen Xi stepped out and said, "Our Wu army has fought many battles and our soldiers are exhausted. How can we go on a long expedition to support Shudi? Your Majesty, please tell the Grand Marshal to hold on to Shudi. I believe that with 20,000 soldiers, we will be able to ensure the safety of Shudi!"
"I second the motion!"
"Your Majesty, what the senior doctor said is absolutely right!"
All the ministers stood up and agreed with Shen Xi's proposal.
But how could Qingji not understand the current situation and the truth?
The 20,000-man Wu army was indeed enough to defend Shu.
But Qingji's strategic goal also has Zhaoguan!
If Zhaoguan is not conquered, Qingji will not be able to rest in peace!
Because Zhaoguan was like a nail stuck in the . If Zhaoguan was not removed, Qingji would feel really uncomfortable.
"We will discuss this matter later!"
In the end, Qingji did not make a ruling.
Because he knew in his heart that the Wu army, which had experienced so many wars, would most likely be on the verge of collapse if it were to send troops on another long expedition!
People are not made of iron, nor are they machines, so how can they not get tired?
After a long period of continuous fighting, the Wu army has reached its limit.
Otherwise, Sun Ping would not have asked Qingji for reinforcements!
…
After retiring from court, Qingji changed into his regular clothes and took a carriage to the prison to visit Wu Zixu.
At this time, Wu Zixu was sitting on a pile of hay in the prison with his eyes closed.
Even though he encountered so many misfortunes, was in danger several times, and became a prisoner, Wu Zixu was never discouraged or became decadent.
With messy long silver hair, jet-black beard, a resolute and weathered face, and broad shoulders, Wu Zixu looked down and out, yet he still had the grace of a nobleman!
He seemed not to be worried at all that he was about to be beheaded.
"Open the door."
Qingji waved his hand, and the jailer following him opened the prison door.
Wu Zixu, who was originally meditating with his eyes closed, opened his eyes when he heard the noise and glanced at Qingji lightly.
It seemed that he had already guessed that Qingji might come to the prison to visit him.
The guards behind him wanted to hand over a cushion for Qingji to sit on, but the latter waved his hand to refuse and just sat on the dirty and quite damp haystack.
"Wu Yuan, I haven't seen you for a long time. How have you been?"
Qingji looked at Wu Zixu expressionlessly.
"Thanks to the great blessing of King Wu, I am now a prisoner of King Wu. My head is still on my neck. I wonder how long I will be free?"
Wu Zixu smiled faintly.
His life and death is just a matter of thought for Qingji!
Judging from common sense, Wu Zixu was doomed to die.
However, in Wu Zixu's opinion, Qingji was not a person who could be judged by common sense!
The revenge for his father's murder might not be unforgivable or unpardonable for Qingji.
"Wu Yuan, tell me, how should I deal with you?"
"It's nothing more than death."
Wu Zixu sighed and said, "King of Wu, I am originally from Chu, and my family has been nobles for generations. It was only because King Ping of Chu, Xiong Ju, believed the slander of Fei Wuji that he killed my father and brother and wiped out my entire Wu clan!"
"I was lucky enough to escape all the way to Wu State, where I served the former King Liao of Wu and gave him advice. Unfortunately, King Liao of Wu was not the wise ruler I had imagined, and he could not trust and respect me!"
"In this case, I may never be able to avenge my blood feud with the State of Chu in my entire life."
Upon hearing this, Qingji narrowed his eyes and asked, "Is this the reason why you recommended Zhuan Zhu to Ji Guang to assassinate my father?"
"Exactly!"
When Wu Zixu talked about the hatred between him and Chu, he could not help but get angry. He glared and said, "Anyone who dares to stop me, Wu Zixu, from attacking Chu for revenge is my enemy and I will kill him!"
"Although King Liao of Wu and I have no grudge, he will not stop me from attacking Chu for revenge. However, my lord Wu Guang has long been rebellious and has the ambition to usurp the throne. I recommended Zhuan Zhu to him for assassination, which was just a matter of convenience."
Qingji nodded slightly. He believed that what Wu Zixu said was what he really thought.
If Helu had no idea about the throne, the instigation of others would be useless. Wu Zixu only played a role in adding fuel to the fire and was an accomplice!
In Wu Zixu's opinion, Helü was more suitable to rule the State of Wu than King Liao of Wu.
This is because Helü was a very shrewd person, and his great talent and strategy were far superior to that of King Liao of Wu, who was willing to slowly defend the territory and expand the borders.
Furthermore, Wu Zixu was not highly regarded by King Liao of Wu and had little trust in him.
