GBP Chapter 143 King Chu is persuaded by Yao Jia
Chapter 143 King Chu is persuaded by Yao Jia
When Yao Jia learned that the King of Chu had rejected Qin's offer of peace, a sense of anxiety welled up within him. He knew the significance of this peace offer for both Qin and himself; if the King of Chu refused, not only would the situation in Qin become even more tense, but his own future would also be affected.
Yao Jia decided to persuade the King of Chu again, and he tried every means to gather more evidence and information favorable to cooperation between the two sides. He carefully prepared his words, hoping to emphasize the enormous benefits that the economic zone would bring to the State of Chu, and persuade the King of Chu to agree to cooperate with the State of Qin.
At the same time, Yao Jia understood that simply persuading the King of Chu was not enough; he also needed to win the support of the Chu ministers. Therefore, he privately visited some enlightened Chu ministers, explaining the benefits of the economic zone and requesting that they speak on his behalf to the King.
After Yao Jia made his preparations, he requested an audience with the King of Chu again. This time, the King of Chu did not meet Yao Jia in the court, but in a side hall where he was resting.
Upon meeting the King of Chu, Yao Jia said, "I urge Your Majesty to reconsider the proposal of the economic zone. Once this economic zone is established, Chu's goods will flow freely into Qin and even further afield, and Chu's wealth will flow like a mighty river, never ceasing. Moreover, Qin is willing to build roads for Chu, which will greatly facilitate the travel and trade of Chu's people, making Chu even more prosperous." Yao Jia's words were earnest, and his demeanor respectful.
Then, Yao Jia said, "Your Majesty, Qin's proposal this time is by no means a conspiracy. If Qin and Chu can join hands and abide by the agreement, they will surely achieve mutual benefit and win-win results. Moreover, Qin is trustworthy and will never break its promise. If Your Majesty has any doubts, you can send an envoy to Qin to investigate and witness Qin's sincerity with your own eyes."
Seeing a slight shift in King Fuchu's gaze, Yao Jia felt reassured and continued, "Once this economic zone is established, it will become a hub connecting trade between Qin and Chu. Chu is rich in resources, renowned throughout the world for its exquisite silk fabrics, lacquerware, and sugarcane. Qin, on the other hand, possesses a powerful military and advanced production technology. Our Qin has recently acquired a new plow called the curved-shaft plow, which is extremely labor-saving and inexpensive for plowing, greatly benefiting our people. When the cooperation is finalized, we can also sell this curved-shaft plow to Chu. The two countries can exchange goods within the economic zone, Chu's specialties can sell well in Qin, and Qin's technology can also help Chu's development. In this way, Chu's wealth will surely increase day by day, and the lives of its people will become more prosperous."
At this moment, the ministers of Chu began to whisper among themselves, discussing the matter. Xiang Yan still questioned, "Qin has always been ambitious; who knows if there's a trap?"
Yao Jia remained calm and composed, replying, "General Xiang is mistaken. If Qin had ill intentions, why would it go to such lengths? All the other states are watching closely. If Qin were to act unjustly, it would surely lose the trust of the world. The King of Qin understands this principle well, which is why he sincerely cooperates with Chu to jointly build the economic zone, for the long-term prosperity of both countries, not for short-term personal gain."
Xiang Yan countered, "Establishing an economic zone may require opening borders and building roads, which will make Chu's military defense more difficult, and Qin's army can more easily enter Chu's territory."
Yao Jia laughed heartily and said, "General Xiang, the economic zone is established within the territory of my Qin state. If we're talking about making military defense more difficult, shouldn't it be my Qin state that's facing more difficulties?"
Xiang Yan was speechless for a moment, and Yao Jia continued, "Your Majesty, Qin is well aware of Chu's concerns, so Qin is willing to consult with Chu on the management of the economic zone to ensure fairness, impartiality, and transparency."
Time seemed to freeze at that moment, and the hall was completely silent.
Huang Xie said, “Your Majesty, the current situation is complex, and all countries are seeking ways to develop. Since Qin has proposed to establish an economic zone and is willing to build roads, this may be an opportunity for us. At present, Chu is in a difficult situation. If we do not seize this opportunity, we may never have a chance to turn things around. Moreover, Qin has shown such sincerity this time. If we simply refuse, it would not be good.”
Some ministers hesitated, seeing both the potential benefits and the risks of cooperation. The king said, “Your Majesty, this is indeed a difficult decision. While cooperation offers opportunities, the risks cannot be ignored. We must weigh the options carefully and not make a hasty decision.”
The young and impetuous Lord Zhao said passionately, "Your Majesty, although Qin is strong, Chu is not weak either. We should not fear Qin. If Qin has any ill intentions, we can certainly resist it with force. What is there to fear? We cannot miss the opportunity for development because we are afraid of Qin."
King Fu Chu of Chu narrowed his eyes slightly, lost in thought. His fingers tapped lightly on the armrest, his mind churning with complex emotions. On one hand, he saw the immense benefits this proposal could bring. In recent years, Chu's national strength had been severely depleted, and the lives of its people had become increasingly difficult. If they could cooperate with Qin to establish an economic zone, the prosperity of trade would undoubtedly bring abundant wealth, potentially improving the lives of the people and allowing Chu to rise again.
However, the King of Chu was well aware of Qin's ambitions. Qin was known for its domineering nature, maneuvering among various states with far more than just simple economic exchanges. He both desired Chu's prosperity and feared being exploited by Qin.
King Fu Chu of Chu thought of the people of Chu, who yearned for peace and prosperity. He believed that cooperation with Qin might bring them a better life. But where should Chu's future lie? Should it risk cooperating with Qin, or refuse to cooperate and guard against potential risks?
Yao Jia anxiously awaited King Fu Chu's response, silently praying for the mission's success. Finally, King Fu Chu slowly spoke: "Qin envoy, your words make sense. The cooperation between Qin and Chu in building an economic zone is indeed a good thing. I agree to this, but Qin must keep its promises and refrain from any fraudulent actions."
Upon hearing the King of Chu's words, a subtle ripple spread throughout the Chu palace. A few ministers hesitated, their eyes flashing with opposition, worried that this sudden cooperation would bring unforeseen risks to Chu; however, the majority of ministers were full of approval, knowing the severity of the current situation and understanding that only by cooperating with Qin could Chu find a way out.
The King of Chu gazed quietly at his ministers who had reacted differently. Seeing the stark contrast between the few opponents and the majority of supporters, his anxiety gradually dissipated, replaced by a strange sense of certainty.
Yao Jia was overjoyed and quickly bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, rest assured, Qin will certainly keep its promise."
King Fuchu of Chu looked at Yao Jia and said, "Let the two countries sign an agreement tomorrow. Qin envoy, go back and make preparations as soon as possible."
Yao Jia bowed and said, "This humble subject takes his leave." After saying this, Yao Jia turned and left.
Stepping out of the Chu palace, Yao Jia breathed a long sigh of relief; a huge weight had finally been lifted from his heart. The success of this mission would bring new opportunities and development to both Qin and Chu.