Lu and Han were concentrating on their training and were training their troops enthusiastically.
Many Chu officials in Xianyang City were busy trying to win over the hearts of the people in a clumsy and unfamiliar manner, and were often overwhelmed by the slow progress.
The various princes who failed to get a seat at the feast of Xiang Yu's division of land and enthronement of kings were all filled with resentment and soon rekindled the flames of war in their respective territories.
The first people to have a conflict were not Tian Rong as Han Xin had speculated, but Han Guang, King of Liaodong, and Zang Tu, King of Yan.
He was originally the King of Yan, but because he made too little contribution to the defeat of Qin, Xiang Yu forcibly appointed him as the king of distant Liaodong.
The vast land of the former Yan State was all given to Zang Tu, a Yan general who had followed Xiang Yu to rescue Zhao and enter the Guan Pass.
A mere general of Yan became the King of Yan. He was the descendant of the Yan Kingdom, but he was banished to that remote and desolate land in the Far East and changed his title to the King of Liaodong!
How could Han Guang be willing to accept allowing his former subordinate Zang Tu to openly invade his territory
Han Guang did not dare to directly disobey Xiang Yu, who had a large and powerful army, but he treated his former general Zang Tu with impunity.
After he led his troops to the territory of Yan State, he returned to the capital with confidence.
Faced with the angry Zang Tu, he simply sent his lobbyists to find all kinds of excuses to refuse the move to Liaodong.
Han Guang didn't know that Zang Tu had to work hard to conceal his ambition. Ever since he was publicly bestowed with the title by Xiang Yu, he could no longer be a mere general who was willing to submit to orders.
After suppressing his anger and repeatedly "asking" Han Guang to move to his fiefdom in Liaodong without success, Zang Tu could no longer tolerate it, and bared his ferocious fangs, and personally led his army to expel him.
One is the pampered royal family, and the other is a general fighting on the battlefield. How could Han Guang, who only has an arrogant attitude, be a match for the furious Zang Tu
Han Guang hastily organized an army to fight against them, but his army was defeated and routed. After his newly appointed general was killed by Zang Tu with a single blow, he was so frightened that he didn't even care about his soldiers and drove away under the protection of his confidants.
As soon as he fled to Wuzhong area, he was caught up by the relentless Zang Tu, who killed him on the spot and cunningly sent someone to inform Xiang Yu.
Although Zang Tu had not had many dealings with the famous King of Chu, he had a good understanding of the other's temper.
He believed that his experience of being a general of Yan but killing the King of Yan with his own hands was very similar to his experience of being a general of Chu but having a bad relationship with the King of Chu, the latter of whom died of a subtle cause.
Moreover, given Xiang Yu's proud and conceited temperament, it would be better to tell the truth rather than hide it and anger the other party.
If all the faults were put on Han Guang, who refused to leave Yan and was obviously dissatisfied with the other party's fiefdom, he would certainly not be punished.
Zang Tu's plan turned out to be 80% successful.
Xiang Yu, who was already worried and annoyed about winning the hearts of the people in Guanzhong, was extremely furious when he first learned that Zang Tu had killed Han Guang without authorization.
However, after the constant instigation of the envoys sent by Zang Tu, who cleverly put all the blame on Han Guang's blatant disobedience, Xiang Yu's anger gradually subsided, and the words even aroused some resentment towards the former King of Chu, and he vaguely felt some empathy.
—Yes, if Han Guang had evil intentions and openly disregarded the land granted to him, repeatedly delaying his trip to Liaodong, how could he have angered Zang Tu, whose territory was occupied, and brought him to death
Just like that damn Xiong Xin at the beginning, if he had not been suppressing and competing with him, and at the same time desperately praising that despicable villain Liu Bang, how could he have been forced to have such a murderous intent
Seeing that King Xiang's expression had gradually eased, the envoy sent by Zang Tu secretly breathed a sigh of relief and took the opportunity to ask, "Now that Han Guang is dead, Liaodong has returned to being ownerless. I wonder who the king will appoint as king in the future?"
The land of Liaodong was remote, bitterly cold, and except for King Zang Tu of Yan, whose territory was adjacent to it, most of the princes looked down upon it, let alone actively asking for it.
He originally wanted to strike while the iron was hot and persuade Xiang Yu to grant Liaodong to Zang Tu as a reward for killing those who disobeyed his orders.
Unexpectedly, after hearing this, Xiang Yu remained expressionless and did not do as he wished.
Just as he was hesitating, not knowing whether to wait a little longer or to deliver the treasures that the King of Yan had ordered him to bring with him right now, Xiang Yu coughed lightly without comment, and gently put down the bronze cup in his hand, making a slight sound.
The halberd-bearing officer who had been listening to the noise inside received the signal, walked into the hall immediately, and politely invited him to a separate hall used to entertain envoys from princes.
Xiang Yu was about to agree to it, but for some unknown reason he drove the man out first. After hesitating for a moment in the hall, he sent someone to summon his staff to discuss the matter together.
Fan Zeng was suddenly summoned by King Xiang, but he did not rush to go. Instead, after finding out the general situation, he hurriedly wrote a letter to be on the safe side and ordered people to call Lu Bu, who was training troops outside the city, as soon as possible.
After all, there have been sudden changes recently. Even though outsiders think that Lu Bu holds a high position in the Chu army but has very little experience, he is already full of trust in this General Lu who has come up with many ingenious strategies and has strong execution ability.
What made him think highly of Lu Bu was not his brilliant strategies and foresight, but the fact that Xiang Yu, who had a stubborn and arrogant temper, was somehow particularly receptive to his opinions.
Although Fan Zeng had "executed" Lu Bu first, in order to avoid making things worse, he still "reported" it later and sent someone to inform Xiang Yu.
As he expected, after Xiang Yu learned of his action, he really chose to acquiesce.
So, while Lu Bu was training his troops, he was caught by the messenger sent by Fan Zeng. After asking him three questions in disbelief, "What the hell does this have to do with me?" but getting no answer, he had to take a shower and change clothes in a hurry with a sour face under the other party's constant requests and urging.
He then rode at full speed, but was still the last person in the meeting to return to the city and enter the palace.
Lu Bu, dressed in military uniform, strode into the hall with his head held high. Without looking around, he was led directly to the seat of the former Xiang Bo. However, the other shrewd aides in the hall continued to discuss the matter tacitly, without showing any surprise.
After what happened last time, they had unknowingly understood that they should treat Lu Bu differently, who was nominally a military general but often gave advice to King Xiang and, more importantly, was repeatedly adopted.
Even though Lu Bu did not try to hide his bad mood caused by being inexplicably summoned here and listening to people's nonsense, and he sat half-paralyzed with his long leg indecently placed on his other knee, no one looked at him.
Only Xiang Yu couldn't help but glance at him a few more times.
He was used to seeing Lu Bu's impetuous and carefree demeanor. If someone else did this, he would just frown in disapproval or scold them. But when Lu Bu did it, it seemed so natural, revealing his unrestrained and uninhibited nature.
It also made him naturally think of himself when he was just starting out, young and energetic, and couldn't keep a stern face to maintain his dignity, so he couldn't help but be more tolerant.
That's all.
Xiang Yu thought indifferently: Heroes with great talent are hard to come by and should not be constrained by common sense.
After Xiang Bo's betrayal, Xiang Yu gradually began to summon his aides to discuss matters when he was indecisive.
But he was always the one who made his own decisions, and his subordinates each had their own opinions, and their statements were different. It seemed that both sides had some truth to them, but they were just so incompatible, which gave him a headache.
Seeing that he was indecisive, his staff members argued even more vigorously, and the main purpose gradually deviated from arguing with reason. In the end, Xiang Yu's face turned black and he was completely impatient.
Fan Zeng, who had been distractedly observing Xiang Yu's expression, hurried forward when he saw this. Before the Overlord could get angry, he broke up the meeting and ordered everyone to go back.
As soon as the staff left, Lu Bu, who had been maintaining the same posture, finally moved.
He yawned and stretched openly, then jumped up as nimbly as a cat and said happily, "Is it done?"
Training soldiers is tiring enough, and there are dozens of nagging ghosts like Chen Gongtai in his ears, quibbling over words and muttering to him non-stop. How can Lu Bu endure it
The familiar boredom soon brought him deep sleepiness, and he even used the magical skill of sleeping with his eyes open without anyone noticing when the meeting just started, and went to meet Zhou Gong with a serious face.
Xiang Yu glanced at Lu Bu, who was rubbing his dry eyes, and said sullenly, "Not yet."
Lu Bu's smile suddenly froze on his face.
Damn it, I’ve been forced to sit here with him for the entire night. Is he going to do it again
He had suffered greatly from the nagging of those civil officials and counselors, and now that he was no longer in charge, he naturally did not want to suffer this misfortune again.
While secretly cursing the foolish King of Western Chu who was looking for trouble, he also had to grind his teeth secretly and put on a smile on his face, saying: "The king has many talented people in his tent, and the nearly one hundred counselors are all loyal to the king. There is really no need to summon Bu, a reckless man, to accompany him."
Xiang Yu did not comment, but the corners of his lips curled up slightly.
Fengxian... is indeed full of the frankness of his youth.
Just like at this moment, his face was full of the urgent thoughts that said "Don't call me again", and I could see it clearly with just a glance.
He inexplicably had the strange thought of teasing the other party, but his face remained stern and he said coldly: "According to Fengxian's opinion, how should the matter of Zang Tu killing Han Guang be handled?"
Lu Bu, who had been absent-minded and slept the whole time, was stunned when he heard this. Fortunately, Han Xin had planned a roundabout plan for him to kill Liu Bang, so he at least remembered the names of all the princes.
He also remembered that Zang Tu had once been a general under the command of Han Guang, the King of Former Yan.
Lu Bu was stunned for only a moment, and then his strong intuition and obsession took effect. Suddenly, a flash of lightning flashed in his mind, illuminating his tiger eyes. He said excitedly: "Congratulations, Your Majesty! This is undoubtedly the perfect time to swallow the swallow!"
Every time this foolish king swallowed up a vassal state, he would be one step closer to his ultimate goal of killing Liu Bang. How could he not be excited!
This time Xiang Yu was stunned.
…What does this mean
He hid the surprise in his eyes very well and said calmly, "Oh?"
Lu Bu said confidently: "Even if Han Guang really doesn't go to Liaodong, he was also conferred the title of King of Liaodong by the king. Those who disobey the order should be reported immediately and dealt with by the king. How can he act beyond his authority, kill him first and then ask for a reward? If he acts on his own initiative, doesn't he even take the king into consideration!"
However, Lu Bu's face was filled with gloating over Zang Tu's misfortune. He clapped his hands triumphantly and laughed wildly, saying, "That thief Zang is really stupid and vicious, but he is so bold that he dared to play with the king's mind and treat the king like a monkey! But he didn't think about it. Who would be willing to let go of the big handle that he was originally a general of Yan, but now he openly killed the King of Yan and killed his former master with his own body? In the eyes of those people who have nothing better to do, it is the most evil crime that harms the world and is very dangerous. What's more, if the king lets him commit the crime of regicide, how can people in the world believe that the death of Xiong Xin was the plot of Liu the thief, and not the king's?"
Xiang Yu: “…”
Lu Bu didn't notice Xiang Yu's suddenly ugly expression. He spoke more and more excitedly, and couldn't help slapping his thigh when he was excited: "Call him a thief, and the enemy will be subdued. He gave him a handle, and the king can send troops to attack him! Since the King of Yan is immoral and unworthy of his position, and the King of Chu is righteous and awe-inspiring, it is natural to take back his fiefdom and put it in your pocket? It's really wonderful!"
At this point, Lu Bu could not help but glance at Xiang Yu, who was still sitting upright with a mysterious look on his face, motionless. He did not realize that this fool was still considering something, but he himself became anxious first.
He knew very well that speed was of the essence in war and that opportunities never come easily. He rolled his eyes and made up his mind. He bowed firmly and said in a deep voice, "I am just a kid named Zang Tu. Why should the king go to the battle in person? Although I am not talented, I am willing to volunteer here. As long as the king gives the order, I will lead my soldiers to fight the enemy today and make the king proud!"