Was Xiqi territory of Great Shang?
Was it? The sudden question left Zi Shou bewildered. Why ask me? I don't know either!
The feudal lords' territories existed in a state where they both belonged and did not belong to Shang. When the King of Shang was strong and the lords weak, they belonged to Shang; when the lords were strong and the king weak, they belonged to the lords.
By that reasoning, Xiqi belonged neither to Great Shang nor to Ji Chang. It must belong to Schrödinger.
"Yes?"
A trace of uncertainty colored Zi Shou's answer.
Ji Chang said solemnly, "Then am I a feudal lord of Great Shang?"
"Of-of course?"
Ji Chang demanded, "Then why does Your Majesty chill the hearts of us feudal lords?"
Ji Chang's voice rang out in an instant. None of the other lords had expected him to say such a thing.
After all... this was King Zhou, their nominal overlord, who had just hacked down Marquis Li without a second thought.
But on reflection, Ji Chang did indeed have the standing to challenge him. He had won the people's hearts through decades of painstaking work in Xiqi, and everyone sang his praises.
A fine reputation, powerful backing, a heavy fist, and plenty of supporters.
Pair after pair of eyes turned toward King Zhou. How would he respond?
Zi Shou smiled, ordered You Hun to warm the wine, then slowly poured himself a cup and drained it.
"Why bring this up again, Marquis of the West? Come, let us first admire the Flower and Stone Transport together. We can discuss the rebellions afterward. Bo Yi, Shu Qi, play some music for me."
Concern showed on Bo Yi's face, but he still switched to a new zither and began playing. He trusted that the wise sovereign