News of Yan State's unusual movements soon reached Luo State, along with reports of unusual movements among the northern Hu People.
"Does Yan State intend to meddle in the affairs of the six states before it has even dealt with the Rong and Hu to its north?
"That cannot be allowed. Send someone to Yan State and inform the Marquis of Yan of the Hu People's movements."
Luo Chang gave the order directly. Luo Qing asked, "Father, what if the Marquis of Yan refuses? Reports from Yan State say he wanted to attack Qi State twenty years ago."
Stopping a Lord of the State was no easy matter, especially one as foolish and oblivious to his own foolishness as Yan State's ruler.
Murder filled Luo Chang's eyes as he sneered. "If the Linhu fail to break into Yan territory, then leave it at that. But once they enter Yan territory, breach Yan State's cities, and plunder and abduct the people of All Xia-
"Send death-sworn men to kill him. How could such a ruler be allowed to govern a realm of All Xia spanning two thousand li?
"Simply because the blood of the Ji lineage flows through his veins?
"Someone who brings shame upon his ancestors does not deserve to live in this world."
Luo Qing nodded in agreement. He saw nothing particularly serious about killing a ruler of noble blood. To the Luo Clan, achievements and moral character were the only talismans of protection.
Just as Xiong Dun had committed such a grave wrong all those years ago, yet Duke Wen of Luo had spared him because of his service in repelling the foreign tribes-this had always been the Luo Clan's way.
Luo Qing left and began watching the Linhu's movements. He was already all but certain they would