The ministers of the Han State arrived in the hall one after another and took their seats in order. Liu Bang hurried in last and plopped down at the head, with Luo Yi close behind so he could offer reminders at any moment.
Since everyone had already learned what had happened on the way there, Liu Bang wasted no words and asked directly, "What should we do now?"
Lü Ze immediately said, "Your Majesty, my ancestor was a king of Qi, and I know the nobles of Qi all too well. In ordinary times, they fought for power and profit and plundered Qi's wealth, yet when their state fell, they abandoned their lord outright. Their shamelessness knew no bounds. Search every history book, and you will find no ministers like the nobles of Qi. The King of Qi must have reached the end of his endurance before killing them."
What Lü Ze said was indeed true, but the King of Qi was also his kinsman, and Lü Ze likewise wanted an opportunity to draw him in as an outside ally.
Liu Bang nodded slightly at this. Qi had surrendered without a fight, and only its king had died for his state. This was well known among the various states.
After a year of Luo Yi smoothing things over, Liu Bang and Lü Ze had gradually recovered their former harmony. Especially now that they were beginning to sense the situation under heaven descending into chaos, neither man was someone who failed to grasp what mattered. Naturally, they had to move forward hand in hand.
Lü Ze continued, "The Hegemon-King was wrong to interfere so high-handedly with the King of Qi's proper actions. The Sage King said that aiding the tyrant was the greatest scourge under heaven. Now, knowing what is right