The younger brother of the First Emperor

Chapter 191: A gentleman can be killed, but not humiliated.
"Why is it so?" Kong Bin's face was full of anger.

He stood up and stepped forward, shielding his friend behind him.

The situation changed drastically in an instant, and even he, who had served as the prime minister of Wei State, felt at a loss.

Prince Chengjiao wanted to seek support from his disciples.

Kong Bin was good friends with Lu Zhonglian and had complete faith in Lu Zhonglian's character.

If that's the case, then isn't it the best of both worlds for him to bring his good friends to meet Master Cheng Jiao?
How did it come to a situation where people had to fight to the death?
Ying Chengjiao retreated behind Gai Nie and squinted his eyes at Kong Bin, who was tall and had his clothes bulged by his muscles.

"Can you kill Lu Zhonglianzi if Zishun is stopping you?" he asked Gai Nie.

Gai Nie's eyes fell on Kong Bin's empty hands and he nodded expressionlessly:
"can."

Kong Bin with weapons and Kong Bin without weapons are two different Kong Bins.

This sentence applies to the vast majority of martial artists.

"How long?" Ying Chengjiao asked again.

If it lasts too long and attracts other people's attention, it will be counterproductive.

"It takes five breaths to kill one, and three breaths to kill two." Gai Nie said truthfully.

Even at such an urgent moment, Ying Chengjiao was slightly surprised.

Does killing one person take more time than killing two people?

Gai Nie had no intention of explaining.

Ying Chengjiao had no intention of explaining.

After being surprised, the boy nodded slowly.

Five breaths.

Even if Lu Zhonglian shouted for help loudly, someone happened to pass by the door outside the house, and happened to notice Lu Zhonglian's cry for help.

As long as Lu Zhonglian dies within five breaths, the young man will be able to get away with it.

He is not the Prince Cheng Jiao who has just arrived at the Jixia Academy.

Instead, he was the Jixia Scholar of the Jixia Academy, a synonym for gentleman.

Yingzi, Ying Chengjiao.

Kong Bin's whole body tensed up and his heart beat faster.

He stared at Gai Nie, searching with the corner of his eye for any handy weapons around him.

It doesn’t matter if it’s not handy, it’s better to have it than not to have it.

The six arts of Confucianism: rites, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics.

Among them, "she" means shooting arrows, and "yu" means driving a chariot.

A true Confucian scholar can sit in the court and go to the battlefield.

When you're going to fight, you never talk nonsense.

Ying Chengjiao confirmed that everything was under control before he began to answer Kong Bin's questions.

The boy was very angry, helpless and speechless:
"Zishun, do you know what we are going to do?"

The boy was a little excited and his face flushed.

Even though he suppressed his inner anger, the flame that could burn from heaven to hell still burst out and materialized on the boy's face.

Kong Bin said in a deep voice with a cold face:
“I know it all too well!
"But you, do you know what you are doing?
"If you don't trust Brother Lu, don't let him join, just let him go!
"But you let Gai Nie in with a sword, what do you want to do?"

A boyish smile and a high pitched voice:
"Walk?

"You mean, let Lu Zhonglian know about our plan.

"Walk?"

The young man took a step back, and his momentum of questioning weakened.

But Kong Bin showed no joy at all. Instead, he became more cautious, and even his pupils shrank.

From Qin to Qi, it runs through the east and the west.

Along the way, he rode in the same carriage with the boy and had some understanding of the boy's temperament.

There is a line in the boy's mind.

However, the young man was very cautious about that line. He preferred to plan before acting and would not stand under a dangerous wall.

Once you cross that line, you'll be mad as hell and won't care!
The boy took a step back, but moved forward in action.

The boy is one step closer to ordering Gai Nie to kill!
Ying Chengjiao sneered:

"Shang Zi reformed the Qin State, and the Qin nobles lost 700 heads before they succeeded.

“What we are going to do is far beyond Shang Yang.

"Reform is no longer enough to describe our plan. I think it would be more accurate to call it revolution.

“Reform means changing the laws.

"Revolution is about changing people's lives!

"Zishun, are you really confused or just pretending to be confused?

"Don't you know that once we succeed, almost all the nobles in the world will move their heads?
“This world is still dominated by the nobility.

“Once this matter gets out, don’t say it’s you or me.

"The Kong family behind you and the Qin State behind me, combined, can't bear it! They will all die without a burial place!
"Shang Zi has done a great favor to Qin.

"My ancestor King Huiwen was the first monarch of the Qin State.

“You could say King Huiwen was a king of tigers and wolves.

“But can you say that King Huiwen was a foolish ruler, or that he did not know the benefits of Shangzi’s law?

"In our highly centralized Qin State, King Huiwen, who dared to call himself king, did not dare to protect Shangzi, and caused Shangzi, who had made great contributions, to be torn into pieces by five oxen, a miserable death!
"Doesn't this serve as a warning to you?
"If you want to die, just hang yourself on a crooked tree.

"Don't hold me back, okay?"

Kong Bin vouched for his friend and said solemnly:
“I believe in Brother Lu, just like I believe in myself.

“Since you have taken the initiative to investigate Brother Lu, you should know Brother Lu’s character.

"He won't do anything to betray us."

Ying Chengjiao laughed twice:
“Yes, of course I know.

"How could I not know the great name of Lu Zhonglianzi?
"After making great contributions in the Battle of Handan, Lord Pingyuan wanted to reward Lu Zhonglianzi, but Lu Zhonglianzi repeatedly declined.

"Pingyuan Jun settled for the next best thing and hosted a banquet for Lu Zhonglianzi.

"When they were drunk, Lord Pingyuan stood up and offered a thousand gold coins to Lu Zhonglianzi as a reward.

"Lu Zhonglianzi said the words that brought his fame to its highest point.

"Lu Zhonglian said: 'The reason why outstanding people are admired by the world is that they can help others eliminate disasters, resolve misfortunes, and resolve disputes without asking for compensation. If they ask for compensation, it will become a business behavior, and I, Lu Zhonglian, will never do that.'

"After saying this, Lu Zhonglianzi said goodbye to Lord Pingyuan and left Handan.

"It is really like leaving after the work is done, hiding the merit and fame."

Lu Zhonglian smiled bitterly.

He gently pulled Kong Bin's arm, took a half step forward, looked at Master Cheng Jiao and said:

"Yingzi used such a sarcastic tone of voice to make me think that what I did was not worthy of praise.

"If we stand on the Qin's side, there is nothing wrong with saying this.

"But I think Yingzi would not be such a superficial person, so why did Yingzi say that?

"Could it be that Yingzi agrees with Confucius' view that it is right to receive rewards for doing good things?"

Ying Chengjiao had a cold face:

"I only have one question for Lu Zhonglianzi.

"How does your reputation compare to mine?"

In today's world, when it comes to knowledge, Ying Chengjiao is not ranked high.

But when it comes to personal fame, no one can compare with Ying Chengjiao.

The State of Yan was deeply involved, and other countries attacked Yan.

The five states united and forced Qin to control its floods.

He wore the seals of five countries and was awarded the title of Zi at the age of eight, becoming the youngest scholar in the history of Jixia Academy.

The most important thing is that the foundation of all this is Ying Chengjiao’s reputation as a gentleman.

Lu Zhonglianzi figured out what the young man was going to say, and his smile became even more bitter.

The bitterness was not for his own life, but for the lack of trust in his character.

"Far from it." Lu Zhonglian sighed.

"My reputation is greater than yours, but I am not a true gentleman. I want to save your life." The young man narrowed his eyes: "I don't even believe in myself, how can I believe in your reputation?"

Kong Bin said anxiously:
"Cheng Jiao, you misunderstood. Brother Lu is a man of true noble aspirations!"

Ying Chengjiao said "Oh", pointed at Lu Zhonglian, and then pointed at himself:
"When Zishun entered the door, he said, 'Lu Zhonglianzi and I are of the same kind.'"

Kong Bin was angry:
"Don't use debate skills against me!"

"I think so." Ying Chengjiao took another step back: "Debate is better than swordsmanship."

The boy stood still:

“I’ve taken two steps back.

“There’s a saying that things never happen more than three times.

"If I take the third step back, I can only apologize."

The young man stretched out a finger and said in a deep voice:
“You still have one more step to convince me.

"Why would Lu Zhonglianzi, who was free and easy but took the initiative to rebel against Qin, follow a prince of Qin?

“If I were a true gentleman, this would be fine.

"But since Zishun has told you everything, you should know that I am not a gentleman!"

Lu Zhonglianzi showed no fear.

In his mind, life and death were no longer things to be afraid of.

He spoke slowly, seemingly unaffected by the boy's three-step theory, and clapped his hands as he spoke:

“Before I came here, I was still wondering whether Zishun had been deceived.

"A prince of Qin, renowned throughout the world, with the potential to become the King of Qin, the greatest noble in the world.

"Why would you want to eliminate the aristocracy and replace it with various schools of thought?
"Before I answer your question, can you please answer my question first?"

The boy shook his head:
"No."

Move your right foot back.

"No!" Kong Bin shouted anxiously.

Its muscles bulge.

The clothes on his body actually made a "crunching" sound and seemed to be about to burst!
The boy landed on his right foot, but Gai Nie did not move.

Because it's not a step.

"You still have half a word to say." The young man looked at Lu Zhonglian seriously and said, "Don't think I'm joking."

Lu Zhonglian was silent. The young man debated with Gongsun Long, but Gongsun Long easily led the young man to a defeat with just a few words.

Fake, all fake, this boy is not someone who can be easily led... He thought, and said:
“I don’t know how to gain your trust.

“My knowledge of you is limited to rumors, what I have seen over the past month, and what Zishun said.

"Please tell me what I'm going to do to make you believe it.

"After all, you know me a little better."

The boy moved his left foot slightly, as if he was about to lift it up:

"Lu Zhonglianzi, this is a bit like bullying a child.

"If I knew how to trust you, why would I ask Gai Nie to enter with a sword?"

Kong Bin's clothes were torn and his forehead was covered with sweat. He was ready to grab the table and throw it over.

The reason why he didn't go to grab the case now was because the Sword Saint Gai Nie put extremely heavy pressure on him.

He felt as if he was being stared at by a ferocious beast, and the slightest movement would cause the beast to attack!

At this extremely urgent moment, Lu Zhonglian grabbed Kong Bin's shoulders:

"Zishun, this matter has nothing to do with you."

With a "hiss", Kong Bin's clothes were torn off.

The sound touched Gai Nie's sensitive nerves.

The Sword Master's eyes changed.

Without waiting for his master to take the third step, he did extraordinary things in extraordinary times.

He swung his wrist, and the sound of "swoosh" breaking through the air rang out almost simultaneously with the "hiss" sound!

And just at this moment, the table flew up!

Lu Zhonglian's voice was drowned out by the sounds of cloth tearing, swords being unsheathed, tables flying up, and swords chopping wood!

In a flash, Ying Chengjiao saw a complete table fall to the ground with two clangs and broke into two irregular pieces.

Gai Nie stood there, as if he had never moved, just holding a piece of clothes in his hand.

Kong Bin was breathing heavily, as if he had just experienced a fierce battle, and his eyes glanced at the collar below his neck.

There's a piece missing there.

Kong Bin's face looked extremely ugly.

With his arms bare, he still stood in front of Lu Zhonglian.

He stared at Gai Nie without saying a word.

The sword master flicked the corner of his clothes into the air.

The corner of the green clothes fluttered, leaving an irregular trajectory and landed on Kong Bin's shoulder.

The Sword Master said expressionlessly:

"If I can cut your shirt off your chin, I can slit your throat."

Confucian scholars are a very capable school among all schools of thought, but they are still a little behind Gai Nie, who has been extremely skilled in swordsmanship throughout his life.

Especially empty-handed.

Kong Bin said nothing, thinking there was no need to talk more.

He is standing here today, and as long as he is alive, he cannot let Lu Zhonglian die.

It doesn’t matter if it’s all explained here.

His family education never taught him to abandon his friends.

Lu Zhonglian smiled bitterly and walked forward:
"Yingzi hasn't taken the third step yet, right?"

"Brother Lu!" Kong Bin shouted, trying to stop his friend.

But he didn't dare move.

He had just tried it, and the result was not ideal.

Gai Nie's sword was so fast that it could not be seen.

Gai Nie moved his eyes to Lu Zhonglian, not allowing him to come any closer.

Lu Zhonglian only walked one step past Kong Bin and stopped, smiling and opening his arms:

"I have no other intention, I just don't want Zishun to be implicated because of my death.

"Yingzi and Zishun are the ones who really want to do great things.

"If the relationship is hurt because of Lu Zhonglian and important things are delayed, then even Lu Zhonglian's death cannot make up for it."

The boy wanted to lift his left foot and take a step back, but suddenly he felt his left foot was a little heavy.

Lu Zhonglian's words sounded very familiar to him.

He suddenly understood how other people felt when they saw him putting on a show. It was a bit fascinating...

Although he himself felt a little ashamed every time.

"Lu Zhonglianzi, I have said the same thing to you, more than once." The young man said coldly: "This will not save your life."

Lu Zhonglian tilted his head to the right, revealing the left side of his neck.

When Kong Bin shouted angrily, "What's wrong with you?", he smiled calmly:
"Then I have nothing more to say, please step back, Yingzi.

"I heard Ying Zi once said: 'Death can be as light as a feather or as heavy as Mount Tai.'

"If I must die here today, please help me complete my final mission.

"Let my death become a handful of dirt on Mount Tai.

"If Yingzi fails to accomplish his great cause."

Lu Zhonglian said as if he was joking:
"Wouldn't my death be worthless? This is too worthless.

"When I go down in the underworld, I will definitely seek justice from Yingzi."

Ying Chengjiao gritted his teeth gently.

The sound of teeth rubbing against each other was transmitted through the bones and entered his mind.

Sounds that others could not hear were clearly audible in his mind.

Rustle, rustle, rustle...

If he had only taken one more step back, everything would have been solved.

But he just couldn't take a step, just like the day he met the Chu Mo leader Deng Lingxue.

Some people, when they appear in front of you.

Even if they are temporarily hostile, I can't bear to kill them.

"Heh." The young man exhaled and smiled with a complicated tone: "Reputation is really a good thing. I thought I could make use of it and had already seen through it. I didn't expect that I would still be burdened by it today."

The boy took a step forward with his right foot and stood with both feet together.

A look of joy appeared on Kong Bin's face, thinking that the matter had finally been resolved.

Gai Nie nodded to the two people in front of him, which was considered an apology.

In his heart, he didn't want to take action against these two people.

Especially Lu Zhonglianzi.

Gai Nie heard everything Ying Chengjiao said and knew that Lu Zhonglian had done a great favor to the State of Zhao.

But I have to obey the orders of my lord.

The Sword Master wanted to leave the house, but as soon as he moved his arm slightly, his sleeve was grabbed.

The young man reached out and grabbed Gai Nie's sleeve, looking at Lu Zhonglian with his neck tilted:
"The reputation I'm tired of is not my reputation, but the reputation of the master.

"Mr.'s actions and his reputation made me decide to make an exception and trust him once.

“I heard that although you were often summoned to the palace by the King of Qi to discuss politics, you never held any official position in Qi.

"Your Excellency is the only Jixia scholar who is known as a son but is not a high-ranking official in Qi.

“In addition, you took the initiative to go to Handan to fight against Qin, and after your success, you left without seeking fame or gain.

“Therefore, I tentatively believe that you are a person who cherishes his reputation, has great ambitions, and has noble aspirations.

"Can you discard a little feather for your greater ambition?

"If you kneel before me, I would be willing to walk with you."

Kong Bin's face changed and he was extremely angry, even angrier than when he knew that Ying Chengjiao wanted to kill his friend.

He rushed forward and shouted:

"A scholar can be killed! He cannot be humiliated!"

Gai Nie's hand touched the hilt of the sword for the second time.

Killing people, he would.

There was a "pop" sound.

Lu Zhonglian knelt in the wood chips and said with a smile:

"Is that all that's going to happen?"

He was extremely careful about his reputation in his experience and seemed to not care about his own reputation at all.

“Ying Chengjiao!” Kong Bin hugged his friend and tried to pull him up, shouting at Ying Chengjiao: “The Kong family will not help you anymore!”

Ying Chengjiao glanced at Lu Zhonglian with a more complicated look:

"enough."

Under Kong Bin's angry gaze, the young man took Gai Nie out of the door.

He didn't know whether what he did was right or wrong.

If Lu Zhonglian was a hypocrite like himself, he would not care about shame or not in the face of life.

What if his plan is spread everywhere as soon as he goes out?
"Oh." The young man said to himself softly, "Forget it. If I really kill Lu Zhonglian here, what will happen to Zishun? Should I kill Zishun too? Let him live..."

The boy knew that these were words of comfort.

He didn't want to kill Lu Zhonglian.

"Master!" Hu, who had been waiting outside, called out softly when he saw Ying Chengjiao coming out.

There was a look of determination in his eyes, and he slashed at his throat with a dagger in his hand:

"Hu will not betray the master!"

He heard it all, too.

With a "bang", the dagger was knocked away.

The sword master held the sword in his hand and knocked it away with the scabbard.

He was too lazy to draw his sword.

Ying Chengjiao waved his hand:

“Don’t give yourself too much drama.

"You heard it, so what? What's the big deal? Are you Lu Zhonglianzi?
"As if anyone would believe you if you said it.

"whispering sound."

(End of this chapter)