Chapter 85: Withdrawal from Handan (Three)

  Geng Zhong responded with a "yes" and was about to leave when Yan Zhong rushed over and said to Gao Yuan, "Sir, someone claiming to be Fa Jia's disciple Shen Chen has come to request an audience with you."

  Gao Yuan was taken aback, he had met Shen Shen once at Zhao Jia's house, but the two of them hadn't exchanged many words, and after that, they hadn't been in contact again. What did he want to do by coming to find him? If it were some time ago, it would still be understandable, after all, Gao Yuan was still holding the position of Shang Daifu at that time. But Shen Shen couldn't possibly not know about what happened this morning, and Gao Yuan's position as Shang Daifu was definitely untenable now, and he might even be declared a rebel by Zhao Guo. So what could he want to do by coming to find him at this time?

  However, since they've come all this way, the plateau couldn't just ignore them, so he nodded and said, "Alright, please let him in."

  Before long, Shen Chen was led by Yan Zhong to the main hall and met with Gao Yuan. After exchanging greetings, Gao Yuan asked, "Mr. Shen has come to find me, what's the matter?"

  Shen Sheng said: "I have come specifically to surrender to you, sir."

  "Betrayal?" Gaoyuan was also stunned for a moment, betraying oneself, actually means being willing to be one's own door guest. Of course, in this era, this is a very normal thing, because although in this era, ordinary civilians can directly petition the emperor, explain their academic ideas, gain the emperor's appreciation, and then enter the imperial court as an official, such opportunities are extremely rare, after all, the emperor's affairs are numerous, it is impossible to carefully watch every petition from anyone, unless they are a world-renowned scholar.

  Generally, people with talent but no reputation would go to a high-ranking official or famous scholar and ask them to recommend them to the ruler. This path is relatively easier because it's usually easier to meet a high-ranking official than the ruler, and officials often have the responsibility of recommending talented individuals to the ruler. In fact, many famous ministers during the Warring States period rose to power through this route, such as Shang Yang, Zhang Yi, Zhao She, and Lin Xiangru. Therefore, it was reasonable for Shen Zhi to want to become a guest at Gongsun's residence, but perhaps the timing wasn't right.

  Shen Chen said, "The last time I met you at Gongzi Jia's mansion, although your words were few, they hit the essence of both Confucianism and Taoism. For the past two months, I have been thinking about what you said, and I feel that my understanding of Confucianism and Taoism has made great progress, all thanks to your one conversation. Therefore, I am willing to follow you as a disciple. In the future, I also hope to hear more of your wise words."

  Gao Yuan smiled and said, "I don't have any lofty views, I'm just a bystander who can see things clearly, that's all. If we're really talking about academic achievements, I'm still far behind you, Mr., as well as Tian Lao and Gong Sun. So in terms of academics, I'm afraid I won't be able to help you much. If you've come to my place because of some academic idea, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed."

  Shen hurriedly said: "I am willing to submit to your lordship, not entirely because of your learning, but also because I deeply admire your character. Moreover, you are a rising star in the world, and your future prospects must be boundless, so I am willing to submit to your lordship in order to seek development for myself."

  Gao Yuan gazed at Shen Chen for a long time before speaking, "I'll be honest with you, the prophecy of Star's arrival is nothing but nonsense. I'm just an ordinary person, and although I hold the position of Grand Master, my tenure in office has not been long, and I have no strong connections in the imperial court. Moreover, as you should know, today's events may lead to me being viewed as a traitor by the Zhao kingdom, and my family being destroyed. Therefore, at this time, it would not be beneficial for you to join my side. If you're seeking advancement, it would be better for you to join Prince Jia's side, perhaps you can secure an official position."

  Shen Chen shook his head and said, "The fact that you can say this, sir, shows that you are a straightforward and honest person who treats others with sincerity. I will also speak the truth to you, sir. If I really wanted to be an official, I am confident that I could do it with my abilities. However, at present, the ruler of Zhao is foolish and there are treacherous ministers in power. If one were to become an official at this time, either one would be unable to accomplish anything or one would offend those in power and be unable to exert oneself. Therefore, I would rather devote myself to study and teaching than enter officialdom."

  Gao Yuan laughed and said: "If Zhao Guo cannot meet your expectations, then why don't you switch to another country? I remember that you are not a native of Zhao, but a native of Han, so there is no need to stick to one corner of Zhao."

  Shen Cheng smiled wryly and said, "To be honest with you, sir, I have also thought about defecting to another state. However, Korea has already perished, and the Wei state has never valued talent. When even Prince Xinling, a prince of the Wei state, could not be tolerated, how could an outsider like myself? The Yan state prides itself on being descended from the Zhou dynasty and stubbornly adheres to the rituals of its ancestors, without considering reform. If it weren't for its remote location, it would have perished long ago. The Chu state is large, but it is also complacent and only maintains what it has, lacking in opening up new territories. Moreover, within the Chu state, the aristocratic families hold power and engage in internal strife, making it not a place where I can display my talents. The Qi state's scholarship flourishes, with the Jixia Academy being the most renowned in the world. However, its situation is similar to that of Zhao, with King Jian being weak and incompetent, comparable to King Jia of Zhao. The prime minister, Tian Wen, holds power and his treachery is no less than that of Guo Kuo. Moreover, the Qi people are fond of empty words and do not value practicality, making it difficult for great achievements to be made."

  Gao Yuan nodded and said, "Sir, you have indeed made a very in-depth study of the situation in various countries. However, sir, you haven't mentioned Qin State yet. Qin State values law, and as a student of the Legalist school, sir would be in high demand there. Moreover, it seems that Qin State doesn't have the shortcomings you mentioned earlier in other states. Sir, didn't you ever think of developing your career in Qin State?"

  Shen Dao said: "In all aspects, the conditions of Qin are indeed stronger than those of the six states in Shandong. However, now that Qin has an abundance of talented people and its chief minister Li Si is a master of the Fa School, even if one were to go to Qin, it would be difficult to make a name for oneself without having any reputation or virtue."

  "But as I said earlier, I'm having a hard time myself, and if you were to join me, it seems there's no way out either."

  Shen Chen shook his head and said, "Sir, you're joking. The city of Handan is already under the control of Wu Anjun. With just one order from him, he can enter the palace at any time. How could you possibly be in danger?"

  Gao Yuan nodded and said: "So, Mr., do you think Wu Anjun will kill his way into the palace?"

  Chen Sheng said: "I don't think so, Wu Anjun has always been loyal to the state of Zhao and would never do such a thing as rebelling against Zhao and killing the king. Moreover, if Wu Anjun really wanted to kill the king, he could have done it when he raised his troops in the morning and threatened the palace, instead of withdrawing his troops and only controlling Handan city. Therefore, I think Wu Anjun will not attack the palace."

  Gao Yuan listened and found it somewhat unexpected that Shen Chen's analysis of Li Mu's character and the situation was quite reasonable, not just a scholar who buried his head in study. So he also said: "So what do you think Wu Anjun will do next?"

  Chen Ping said: "It's hard to guess what Wu Anjun will do, but in my humble opinion, the best course of action for Wu Anjun is to leave Handan and retreat to Dai Prefecture to govern independently. Because currently, the city of Handan is a complex web of various forces, and Wu Anjun is originally an external general with no power in the court. Therefore, even if Wu Anjun were to kill his way into the palace, kill Guo Kui, and depose King Zhao, the royal family and other powers would not submit to him, and Qin would inevitably take advantage of the situation to attack Zhao. Wu Anjun staying in Handan will only lead to difficulties and being trapped between two sides. On the other hand, Wu Anjun has been stationed in Dai Prefecture for many years and has won over the hearts of the people there. Moreover, his current army is composed of local soldiers from Dai Prefecture, so Wu Anjun can guarantee absolute control in Dai Prefecture. With Zhao's current strength, they cannot do anything to him. Even if Qin were to break through Handan and destroy Zhao, Wu Anjun could still use the power of Dai Prefecture to resist Qin, then unite with other states to form an alliance against Qin. With Wu Anjun's military abilities, it is not impossible to defeat Qin and restore Zhao's independence as a king. He can advance to reclaim his throne or retreat to defend Dai Prefecture, which would also be a respectable achievement. This is my humble opinion, for your reference."

  Gao Yuan was also greatly surprised, because Shen Shen's suggestion and Ning Qi's three strategies were almost identical, and he had already thought of the plan after arriving in Dai Prefecture. Shen Shen was only around thirty years old, yet he could see this far ahead, truly a talented individual. This was something that even Gao Yuan himself hadn't thought of, and now he felt a sense of clarity about the future. If he could really recruit Shen Shen under his wing, then in the future, he would certainly have great use for him.

  Shen Zhi continued, "Moreover, the Lord of Wu'an has no son, and everyone in Zhao knows it. You and the Lord's daughter are mutually fond of each other, and this is also well-known throughout Handan. Therefore, after the Lord passes away, you will inevitably inherit his legacy. Even if you cannot inherit his legacy, you will certainly become a high-ranking minister under him. If I submit to you now, there will definitely be opportunities for advancement in the future."

  Gao Yuan also laughed, this guy is really very frank and has thought deeply about it. He even considered that he and Li Yinghong would get married in the future and inherit Li Mu's legacy. However, this is also the biggest difference between the Legalists and the Confucians. The Legalists are more practical and can choose different methods according to the situation, while the Confucians only cling to morality and righteousness without considering whether it is appropriate or not.

  Gao Yuan Dao: "Although what you think, sir, has some reason to it, have you considered that the world is unpredictable and things change constantly? The situation may not develop as you expect. If you join my sect, not only will you never achieve success, but you might even bring about your own downfall. So I ask you, Mr. Shen, to think carefully."

  Shen Cen also smiled, because Gao Yuan said so, in fact, he had already accepted his surrender. He said: "If it really comes to that point, I'll just admit it, but at least it's better than a life of mediocrity."

  "Alright, since Mr. Shen has been so frank, I would be too inhumane if I were to refuse again. If the situation really develops as Mr. Shen predicted, I will definitely not let him down."