Born Saints: Starting from Liaozhai

Chapter 115 The Fate of Guan Zhong and Duke Huan of Qi

While the various states were abuzz with discussion about what happened during Duke Huan of Qi's sacrificial ceremony.

Time also flows by slowly.

In the blink of an eye, several years have passed.

During these years, many things happened in the State of Qi, one of the hegemons.

Linzi was the capital of the Kingdom of Qi.

Deep within the palace.

Guan Zhong lay on his couch.

The prime minister Guan Zhong, who once held the reins of Qi, established its hegemony, and controlled the feudal lords, is now barely alive.

He was already thin, but now he was even more emaciated, with a sallow complexion and graying temples. Only his eyes remained deep and clear.

Beside the bed.

Duke Huan of Qi personally sat in the watch, his former majesty and composure gone, replaced by anxiety and unease.

a long time.

After grieving for a while, Duke Huan of Qi asked in a low voice, "Uncle Zhong, to whom shall I entrust my successor?"

Guan Zhong slightly opened his eyes, his breath weak, and said with effort, "The one who can be used is Xi Peng."

Duke Huan of Qi nodded, then suddenly asked, "What do you think of Yi Ya? He is skilled at preparing the five flavors, and I am very pleased with him."

Guan Zhong frowned, his cloudy eyes darkening, and he said weakly, "Your Majesty, Yi Ya cannot be used!"

Duke Huan of Qi frowned, puzzled. "Why?"

Guan Zhong sighed and shook his head, "It is human nature to love one's own child, yet Yi Ya was willing to cook his own son and offer him to the emperor. This man is heartless; he can even abandon his own child, let alone the emperor."

In a short time.

The hall was silent.

Duke Huan of Qi's expression changed, and after thinking about it, he realized it was true, so he didn't refute it.

After a moment, he couldn't help but ask again, "What about Shu Diao? He castrated himself to enter the palace; his loyalty is beyond question!"

Guan Zhong shook his head again, "It is human nature for everyone to cherish their own body. Shu Diao castrated himself to get closer to the ruler. This man's desire for profit is more important than his life. If there is a greater benefit, he may abandon the ruler!"

Duke Huan of Qi frowned more and more deeply, yet he remained undeterred. "What about Kaifang? This man has abandoned his own country to come to Qi, and he serves me with utmost deference!"

Guan Zhong still disagreed, saying, "Kai Fang betrayed his lord and abandoned his country to come here. This man is unrighteous. If he can abandon his lord today, he can abandon his lord tomorrow as well!"

Duke Huan of Qi was taken aback.

Finally, Guan Zhong mustered all his strength and whispered, "Your Majesty, never forget the words of the God of Mist Mountain!"

"If one befriends virtuous people and keeps away from petty people, the state of Qi can be at peace; otherwise—"

He didn't finish his sentence, but Duke Huan of Qi understood the unspoken meaning.

Mentioning the God of Mist Mountain, Duke Huan of Qi recalled his words from several years ago, and his expression changed.

The mysterious voice of the Mist Mountain God seemed to faintly echo in his ears.

"You really want to know?"

"Since you want to know, then I'll tell you."

"Ruler of Qi, in your later years you will indulge in sensual pleasures and extravagance. While Guan Zhong is alive, things will remain peaceful. But once Guan Zhong dies, you will appoint treacherous officials, leading to chaos in the court and the decline of Qi."

"You lack the ability to recognize and utilize talent effectively, and to distinguish right from wrong."

"As a hegemon, as the ruler of the strongest vassal state in the world."

"How tragic and lamentable that you will be trapped in the palace in your later years and starve to death!"

Duke Huan of Qi was in a bad mood.

He was furious about the prophecy made by the God of Mist Mountain that day, and even thought that the God of Mist Mountain was just playing a trick on him, but now that he heard Guan Zhong mention it, he still couldn't help but feel a tightness in his heart.

At the same time, he was also somewhat unconvinced, not believing that it would be as the God of Mist Mountain had said.

As he was thinking this, Guan Zhong, who knew Duke Huan of Qi very well, naturally noticed his expression and couldn't help but sigh inwardly, his expression becoming somewhat dazed.

Years ago, when he heard what Wushan Shenjun said, he also thought it was absurd and impossible, but now, on his deathbed, he thinks back on it again and analyzes it carefully.

After analyzing the Lord's personality, he felt that what the God of Mist Mountain said might not be false.

Given the ruler's personality, he may very well end up like this!

What the God of Mist Mountain said is very likely true!

Guan Zhong's expression was complex.

Unfortunately, what will happen next is something he, a terminally ill man, cannot see.

Guan Zhong felt a pang of regret.

At the same time, he sighed even more deeply, hoping that His Majesty would heed what the God of Mist Mountain had to say.

Soon after, Guan Zhong passed away.

On that day, in the mourning hall, white banners fluttered like snow, and the wind whispered mournfully.

Guan Zhong lay in the coffin, his face serene, as if still contemplating state affairs.

And below the hall.

Duke Huan of Qi stood before the spirit tablet, feeling not only grief but also an indescribable emptiness in his heart.

Time passed slowly.

After Guan Zhong's death, Duke Huan of Qi listened to his advice and felt that Guan Zhong's words made a lot of sense, so he expelled Yi Ya, Shu Diao, and Kai Fang.

Unfortunately, things went well at first, but not long after the three left, Duke Huan of Qi began to feel uneasy.

With no one around to please him or to speak or act according to his wishes, he felt lonely, irritable, and uncomfortable all over, as if he had lost his soul.

The longer the days went by, the more he missed the days when the three of them were by his side, and the feeling of being pampered, having everything go smoothly, and hearing every word they said.

Honest advice may be hard to hear, but it can't compare to being cared for day and night.

Duke Huan of Qi was shaken.

During this process, he couldn't help but think of what the God of Mist Mountain had once said.

As he pondered this, Duke Huan of Qi sneered inwardly, thinking, "As long as I am careful, what the God of Mist Mountain said will certainly not come to pass!"

Soon, he, who was fond of pleasure and stubborn, could no longer restrain himself. Ignoring the earnest advice of Guan Zhong before his death, he sent people to summon Yi Ya, Shu Diao, and Kai Fang back to the palace, believing that he could control them.

As time went by, he grew older and weaker, and became more afraid of loneliness and more dependent on Yi Ya and others.

After Yi Ya, Shu Diao, and Kai Fang returned, they began to plan the change of the crown prince.

The current Crown Prince Zhao is upright and follows the rules. He will definitely not give them important positions when he ascends the throne. What they want is an obedient, easy-to-control ruler who will allow them to continue to hold power.

Therefore, they chose Prince Wukui, the son of Princess Changwei.

At the urging of Lady Changwei, Duke Huan of Qi's most beloved concubine, Duke Huan's mind wavered, and he considered deposing Crown Prince Zhao and installing Prince Wukui in his place.

When Crown Prince Zhao learned of the situation, he knew things were going badly and fled without saying a word.

Upon hearing the news, Duke Huan of Qi was both angry and anxious. His already frail body completely collapsed, and he fell ill and could no longer attend court.

Because of his serious illness, he lost control of the government.

Once Yi Ya and his associates gained power, they no longer had any scruples.

They sealed off the palace and announced that the Duke of Qi was seriously ill and recuperating, strictly forbidding anyone from visiting him.

The palace gates were tightly closed, and new high walls were built. Under layers of guards, the inside and outside were completely isolated, and no outsiders were allowed to enter, nor were any messages allowed to get out.

Even doctors were not allowed to set foot inside, and food and water were cut off.

It was as if the person in the palace was no longer the ruler of Qi, but merely an abandoned, dying old man.

The royal palace of the King of Qi.

Inside the palace.

The light was dim, the curtains were drawn, and a dull, putrid stench filled the air.

Duke Huan of Qi lay alone on the couch with his eyes open, staring blankly upwards.