Chapter 358: Qi Guan

wooden bucket stood nearby.It seemed she was carrying the bucket back and forth to draw water.Thinking of her small stature, carrying a full bucket of hot water back and forth with such difficulty, Ji...All the participating armies from throughout the land marched towards the Guanhe Platform.

The Qi army set off from Linzi, passing through Zheng to the west, detouring north of Jing, and finally passing through Ji before going to Guanhetai via Wo.

Speaking of it, Jing Guo is right west of Qi Guo, and Guanhetai is right west of Jing Guo.

The Qi army marched straight through the Jing Kingdom and headed west, clearly taking the fastest route.

But obviously it couldn't go this way...

To put it simply, if the Qi army passes through Jing's borders, would Jing's officials allow them to pass unimpeded

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Do you follow the rules and Taoist rituals of the Jingguo

As all of us are among the top six teams in the world, it wouldn't look good if any of us let anyone else down.

Let's just go our separate ways.

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The Qi team went every year to go all the way around the big boss, passing through Wo country to reach Guanhe Terrace.

On the side of State Jing, there was no response. You can leave as you please.

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The location of "Land of Abundance" is naturally excellent, and the land is very fertile.

But what truly made this small country prosperous was the confluence of the Yellow River.

The so-called "Yellow River section" of the land expanse is located between the Wuo Kingdom and the Jingguo Jingtinfu.

West of Woguo lies the Heavenly Horse Plateau.

As for the countries coming from the south, we won't mention them. But those coming from the north mostly have to pass through Wuo country on their way to Guanhetai.

The eastern state of Qi, accustomed to traveling via alternate routes, even established a "Qi Pavilion" in the land of Wo, to accommodate their people passing through. Of course, its primary function was to provide a resting point for Qi's military contingents when they reached their target water level on the Yellow River.

In this place, there was also a "Pasture Garden" belonging to the State of Mu and a "Jing Tower" built by the State of Jing.

As for other small countries, there's no need to go into detail.

With so many national forces establishing their bases here, it's surprisingly harmonious. They coexist peacefully, each minding their own business.

As a result, the country of Wo became a transportation hub, flourishing with diverse cultures. Merchants from many nations inevitably stopped there during their travels.

Moreover, due to the checks and balances among various parties, a certain degree of independence was maintained.

Of course, being so close to the Jing Guo, it's impossible to completely shake off its influence. It can prosper, but not become powerful.

Cao Jie was not tall and wasn't very strong.

Even his features, within their gentleness, naturally carried a hint of sorrow. There was almost no aggression to be found, instead, he seemed very easy to take advantage of.

If saying that Minister Jiang Ruhui's face is "a grandma's face," then he can be said to have a "young daughter-in-law's" face.

Both of them were also equally understated.

Jiang Ru Mo could be said to be the Qi phase with the lowest sense of presence throughout history. His policies were mild, his dealings were smooth, and he advocated for win-win situations. He often acted like spring breeze and rain, nourishing things silently, without a trace, and things were already done.

There is an old story or incident that can illustrate Jiang Ruimo's style of doing things.

When he was at the Ministry of Rites, there was a fellow officer, a junior minister, who saw him as his biggest rival and always acted against him.

If it were an ordinary person, they would have long since tried every means to fight to the death with their opponents. Those high-ranking officials had walked all the way up, and behind them, countless political enemies had fallen.

But what did Jiang Rumuo do

At that time, there was a rare opportunity to be appointed as the county magistrate. Having served as a county magistrate or governor of a region was also very valuable experience for those seeking advancement in court politics.

Jiang Ruimo had a greater chance, but he voluntarily gave it up and recommended the minister who was his enemy to the government office.

The Imperial Censor became the County Magistrate and specially flaunted himself in front of Jiang Ruimo, finding every opportunity to belittle him. Jiang Ruimo also smiled politely, swallowing his resentment.

>

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Later, the master of that official couldn't bear it any longer and informed him of the truth.

This is a test of the translation function.

Only then did he realize that his position as county magistrate was entirely due to Jiang Rumuo's recommendation. From then on, he held Jiang Rumuo in high regard and even said, "In this life, I am willing to serve as the gatekeeper for Lord Jiang."

... As for Jiang Rumuo, with one less adversary constantly hindering him within the Ministry of Rites, and gaining a kindred spirit outside the capital, he found himself in a more favorable position. The other officials in the Ministry also came to admire him, finding his work smoother and more efficient, achieving notable results. After several years, when the post of Minister of Rites became vacant, almost every official within the ministry unanimously nominated him for the position.

From then on, he was unstoppable, ascending the ranks with ease and eventually entering the political hall as a senior advisor. To this day, he has reached the pinnacle of his power, becoming the prime minister of the Qi state and leading the political hall.

In comparison, Cao Jie in the military affairs hall was also not very well-known.

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He was not like the ferocious butcher, a renowned general known throughout the land for his ability to silence even a crying child. Nor was he like the god of war, Jiang Mengxiong, who conquered all battles and remained undefeated in every engagement.

He fought in many battles, but he did not command any famous ones.

In some famous battles, he either fought alongside this renowned general or that one.

In summary, he was steady and reliable. While other generals shone brightly on the battlefield, he calmly remained in the rear. He always received only minor accolades, "second-class merit" or "third-class merit."

Furthermore, he had suffered many defeats. The number of his defeats outnumbered all the other Nine-Cohort Commanders in the military hall combined. However, there was never a complete annihilation of his army.

No matter what the situation, he could always ensure that a portion of his forces retreated. But that was all. He rarely achieved any last-ditch counterattacks or turned defeats into victories.

Thus, this seemingly unremarkable general ranked second only to Jiang Mengxiong in the military council.

The Qidi once said, "In the world, using troops is paramount and serves to secure the nation. Among all those who are skilled in warfare, Cao excels."

"Zhèngguó" is Generalissimo Jiang Mengxiong, the Grand Marshal of the State.

In Emperor Qi's view, the greatest military strategist in the world was General Jiang Mengxiong of the Qi army. However, when it came to skilled warriors, the first person that came to his mind was Cao Jie.

Of course, this evaluation, the people of Qi recognized, people from other countries would not recognize it.

Even within China, there are many people who do not agree with the second half of the statement.

It is difficult for people to understand how Cao Jie, who seemed insignificant, could be compared with the god of war in terms of military strategy.

The army of Spring Death was renowned throughout the land, but many people would have to ponder for a long time before remembering who commanded it.

In short, that's just an ordinary person.

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At first glance, most people probably wouldn't feel much awe towards Cao Jie.

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He doesn't really stand out.

But when he sat there, wanting to say something, a natural air of composure and solidity descended upon him.

At this moment, at least within the "Qi Pavilion," none of the three peerless talents of the nation who sat opposite him dared to underestimate him.

“Do you know why the Yellow River Conference was first held” Cao Jie asked.

At this moment, there were only the four of them in the hall.

Ji Zhao nan didn't speak, he naturally understood.

> Chongxuan smiled but said nothing.

Only Jiang Wang looked confused and asked, "Uh... divide territory"

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He was indeed unaware of the details, but there wasn't much to hide.

Cao Jie smiled: "It's not unreasonable."

He looked at the three national prodigies, mainly addressing Jiang Wang: "Since ancient times, the Human Emperor chased the Dragon Emperor into the East China Sea, and the dragon clan disappeared from the world, never appearing before humans. But in fact, there are still dragons in this world, an old dragon."

He drew a long line on the table with his hand, then tapped it with his finger: "He is the Lord of the River, bestowed by the Emperor during the Middle Ages as the Dragon King of the Long River to suppress the water veins. In name, he rules over all aquatic creatures in the present world."

Jiang Wang was astonished and bewildered.

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He had been to the Changhe River many times, and had a certain understanding of aquatic life. He believed that there must be aquatic creatures in the Changhe River. But he never knew that there was an old dragon here!

"During the Medieval Era, didn't all of the dragon clans follow the Dragon Emperor into exile in the depths of the sea after his defeat" Jiang Wang asked.

Cao Jie said meaningfully: "Anyone with wisdom has their own thoughts. Not all dragons agree with the Dragon Emperor's ideas."

"The river is vast and immense. After the Dragon Emperor was banished, relying solely on the power of the River Dragon King was insufficient to suppress it. Therefore, in ancient times, there were frequent disasters along the river, ravaging both banks. Countless people on both sides suffered from the calamities."

The sages built the Observatory on the Yellow River section to jointly suppress the power of the river. Since countless lives depended on the Yellow River for survival, they could not kill it. Controlling its power meant sealing it, but the seal would inevitably loosen under the constant erosion of the river. Therefore, every certain period, the sages had to come and reinforce the seal. This was the earliest Yellow River Conference.

Jiang Wang thought for a moment and said, "I'm afraid there is also a meaning of showing off one's martial arts."

He noticed Cao Jie's emphasis on that one sentence—the Longjun of the Great River, in name, ruled over all water creatures in the mortal realm.

Cao Jie laughed, feeling a sense of encouragement for the student. "Long He Dragon King, you are currently only in name ruling over all aquatic creatures in the world. In the early days of ancient times, he was not just in name, but in fact ruled over all aquatic creatures, the true master of water."

Jiang Wang couldn't help but think, wouldn't that be another Dragon Emperor

However, without the support of other dragon clans and with half of the aquatic races withdrawing after the Sea of Chaos' disappearance, this water race lord's power and strength were far inferior to the Dragon Emperor's.

The splitting of the aquatic race probably has something to do with the layout that the Human Emperor orchestrated. This Long River Dragon King must be the Human Emperor's pawn within the aquatic race.

The final result was also very satisfactory — at least for humanity.

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After the Aquatic Clan's great split, they were still able to roam the vast oceans and fought fiercely against the Eastern Domain humans in the Mystical Realm. This shows how powerful the earliest Aquatic Clans must have been.

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And during such a glorious era, Emperor Li Shan of Humanity subdued the Dragon Emperor in the East China Sea, broke the water tribe in the Long River, and secured the position of the human race as the ruler of the present world. It has to be said that this is a truly remarkable achievement.

Afterwards, over a long period of time, the Dragon King of Chang He gradually lost his power to control the waterways of the world, serving only as the nominal supreme ruler of all aquatic creatures. In reality, various water tribes had either become self-governing or formed joint governments with the human race.

All that the Dragon King of the Long River can control is now the Long River itself.

Or maybe we can't even control the Yellow River, because every gathering of the Yellow River is a time when powerful nations from different countries suppress the water level and flaunt their military might...

>

Through the efforts of countless sages, and through the conscious or unconscious yielding of the Dragon King of the River.

Once at odds with the human race during the medieval era, the aquatic race now coexists in harmony. Humans and merfolk uphold the ancient pact, becoming as one.

At least on the surface, many believe that merfolk are simply humans who live in the water. The two races are said to be of common origin and deeply intertwined.

This is already a sign of great integration.

Therefore, when Jiang Wang saw someone privately plundering water tribe women by the Qingjiang Riverbank, he felt angry.

He was educated like this from a young age. He was guided by the noble zeal and simple emotions of his youth, viewing aquatic creatures as "people."

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This is exactly what those sages of old wanted to see.

However, probably because time has passed. Many people probably feel that humanity no longer needs the help of the aquatic race. Whether it's in external wars or suppressing and regulating water veins, they no longer talk about grand unification or remember ancient pacts.

Now there are even countries like Luo Guo that openly sell aquatic slaves, and monarchs like Zhuang Gao Xian who oppress and manipulate aquatic creatures, treating them as war tools...

But how to say it

As Master Guan Yan said, everyone has his "should," and everyone has his own ideal world.

In many people's "ideal world," aquatic life would only exist as slaves or tools of war.

As for this world, Jiang Wang was slowly getting to know it, but he was far from understanding it.

He journeyed along, always thinking, but never daring to say that his thoughts were right.

He wanted to learn some lessons from Cao Jie.

But Cao Jie did not continue the topic, but turned to say: "Besides Zhonan. The two of you, do you know what was allocated at the confluence of the Yellow River"

>

Chong Xuan smiled but said nothing.

Ji Zhaonan has already been removed, so there's naturally nothing more to say...

"Jiang Wangze resolutely shook his head: 'I only heard Xuan Sheng say that everyone would sit down and divide the territory, but I didn't ask about the specifics of how or what territory to divide.'"

Cao Jie looked at him, dumbfounded and chuckled, "You haven't figured anything out, have you And you come to the Yellow River Conference"

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Jiang Wang said frankly: "I only know that I want to be the number one in the world. Knowing this is enough for me."

This is probably a somewhat arrogant statement, but when he said it, he was sincere and certain. He truly thought so, that's why he said it.

Upon hearing this, Ji Zhaonan tugged at the corner of his mouth and smiled with appreciation.

Zhong Xuanzun couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

Just now, he suddenly thought. If at that time he had not chosen to break through, but fought alongside Jiang Wang before the Taimiao Temple, it would have been quite a spectacle...

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"Very good," Cao Jie praised. "Knowing what you want is already difficult. Deciding firmly what you want is even more difficult."

His eyes swept across Jiang Wang, Chong Xuan Zun, and Ji Zhao Nan one by one: "I expect you to fly the flag for our country!"

General Cao, representing the State of Qi, expresses his aspiration here. At the meeting by the Yellow River, he desires to...

win three top prizes!

Jiang Wang wasn't being humble at this time, only saying: "I did my best."

Ji Zhao'nan sat upright and composed, saying nothing. But his presence here was answer enough.

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And Chong Xuan wore a faint smile on his lips, as if he didn't think this was an impossible goal.

Cao Jie smiled, feeling very satisfied.

Of these three, Jiang Wang is candid and unpretentious. When she doesn't understand something, she asks openly and frankly. If she has doubts, she boldly speculates, unafraid of making mistakes. She is very clear-headed and resolute.

While Ji Zhaonan and Chong Xuanzun knew a great deal about the information gathered at the confluence of the Yellow River, they did not rush to display their knowledge. They refrained from vying for attention at this moment, remaining silent and attentive listeners...

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They are all people with backbone. He thought.

Everyone urged and encouraged each other, all because they liked this book. Don't argue.

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I'll try to write more, at the peak of the Yellow River meeting, something like 10,000 words.

Love you all.

Let me know if you have any other text you'd like translated!meone elseThese questions strike at the very core of one's being. They seem to pull all the darkness out from the deepest recesses, forcing us to confront it and repent.That voice said: "The deepest d...