Lingbi, the main camp of the Chu army.
Xiang Yu had strong and handsome eyebrows, a high nose bridge, and eyes as cold as ice sculptures. At this moment, he was wearing shiny silver armor and sitting upright in the main seat, looking extremely majestic.
He looked indifferently at the military officers sent by Han Xin, but in fact he had been fully alert and listening to the battle reports.
He was not optimistic about it, but he reluctantly promoted Han Xin because his favorite general had recommended him several times without reservation. Han Xin performed brilliantly in this expedition. In less than half a month, he captured the King of Wei with a brilliant strategy, swept through the counties, and pacified the Wei area...
He remained calm, but a rare hint of surprise flashed across his pupils.
That day in Jiyin, I watched Han Xin marshalling his troops. Since Han Xin was an expert in leading troops in battles, it was not difficult to see that he did have some ability.
But he didn't expect that Han Xin was just as talented and capable as Fengxian, and that his talents and military knowledge were far more than what he showed that day.
To go deep into the enemy's territory alone, outnumbered by the enemy, seems like a reckless act of seeking death.
But in the eyes of a good general, using such tactics is to risk one's life and then survive, just like the battle he fought at Julu.
Xiang Yu's gaze subconsciously drifted to his beloved general who was standing beside him with a smug look on his face and a smile on his lips.
I praised in my heart: Fengxian really has a keen eye.
There are countless rotten wood in the world, but it is easy to pick out pillars from them.
When Xiang Yu learned that Han Xin had asked him to allocate 20,000 elite troops from the main army in Lingbi so that the Chu army in Wei could further strengthen its strength and cooperate with the main army to attack Qi, Zhao, Yan and other places in the future, he fell into deep thought and did not approve it immediately.
After a while, Xiang Yu suddenly raised his eyes to look at his beloved general who had remained silent all the time, and asked, "What do you think, Fengxian?"
Lu Bu, who was happily absent-minded and quietly chewing some dried meat sprinkled with salt, was caught off guard and almost choked.
As the Overlord asked this question, everyone in the tent who was originally lost in thought raised their eyes, some expectant, some inquiring, and at once all cast their gazes at General Lu, who was recognized as a man of extraordinary talent.
Ask, ask, ask, what's the point of asking me questions all day long
While Lu Bu was complaining in his heart, he hurriedly swallowed the meat that he hadn't chewed yet. He narrowed his tiger eyes and said sternly, "Of course."
Han Xin selected soldiers, the more the better - if he really let him make the final decision, why would he just give the minimum number required by the cheap brother? He would definitely give 10,000 or 20,000 more.
The situation of the Chu army is very good right now. Unless Hanzi makes a series of stupid moves, it will be difficult for them to be defeated with this absolute advantage.
Lu Bu was thinking about it out of boredom and was too lazy to even think of words to explain.
Unexpectedly, Xiang Yu, whom he thought was just a casual question, nodded slightly the next moment and really spoke according to what he thought.
Not only did he transfer a full 40,000 elite troops, but he also formally issued a military order, asking Han Xin to strengthen the training of the 50,000 Wei prisoners. Once the reinforcements arrived, he was allowed to rest in place for a maximum of half a month, and then he had to set out to capture the Yin capital Chaoge as soon as possible and open up the corridor.
Since Xiang Yu had truly taken Han Xin's abilities into consideration, he immediately adjusted his strategy.
Since there is such an unexpectedly strong army helping out on the flank, which immediately establishes the initial advantage in the northern battlefield, the main army of Lingbi should also move out to respond and quickly expand the results of the battle.
After discussing with his staff and asking his favorite generals, Xiang Yu formally decided to lead his troops northward in half a month, dividing the troops into three routes to march into the three kingdoms of Qi, Yin and Henan, in order to unify the north as soon as possible.
Lu Bu, who was called into the tent early in the morning and was still drowsy, woke up instantly when he heard these words.
He stared with eyes wide open, staring blankly at the silly king who was like a dozing tiger, suddenly waking up, full of energy, and decisively giving orders... He almost suspected that the other party either took the wrong medicine or had a last burst of energy.
He is so wise and brave, and he makes decisions promptly. He has the same style of decisiveness as Laozi in the past. How can he be the foolish King of Western Chu that I am familiar with!
Although he was shocked, Lu Bu had long been bored of staying in Lingbi, and now was the chance to stretch his muscles, which he was more than happy to do.
Moreover, the sooner the Chu State unified the Central Plains, the sooner it would be able to free up its hands to attack Bashu, which was exactly what he wanted.
As for Chen Huli who volunteered to go north, there has been no news since then. When the war breaks out, he will inevitably be implicated. It is not difficult to send someone to notify him and bring him back secretly.
So when the foolish king finished speaking, he immediately responded excitedly: "I am not talented, but I am willing to lead the western army and join forces with Han Xin to defeat Yin!"
It had been a long time since Lu Bu spoke to his cheap brother Han Xin. Although he saw that things were going smoothly, he still felt a little uneasy.
After all, according to Han Xin's previous plan, he would have to wait for four years.
It's only been less than half a year, how come they are singing songs of victory everywhere and looking like Chu is about to unify the world
Lü Bu was afraid that there might be some omissions, so he had to discuss the matter with Han Xin as soon as possible before he could feel at ease.
Xiang Yu frowned, but did not agree immediately.
It should have been easy for Han Xin to defeat the tiny Yin State with nearly 200,000 Chu troops. Why should he add icing on the cake and send another brave general like Fengxian
only…
Xiang Yu looked silently at his beloved general who was full of expectations, and it became difficult for him to say no.
If you think about it carefully, he will lead the central route himself, Long Ju will lead the eastern route, and Zhongli Mei will guard the rear. Each army has a capable general in charge, so there should be no problems.
That's all.
Let Fengxian go to meet his brother Han.
After some thought, Xiang Yu finally suppressed the inexplicable unhappiness in his heart and decided to fulfill his beloved general's wish.
As soon as he nodded in agreement, Lu Bu cheered without any concealment, looking eager to try and couldn't wait.
When Xiang Yu saw this, his face became even more gloomy and his chest felt stuffy.
Everyone in the Chu camp had been eager to fight for a long time, and they were all excited to see that they would finally leave the Lingbi base.
Only Fan Zeng had hidden worries.
When there were many people around, he did not say anything, but just silently considered his words. When everyone in the tent had left, he still stayed seated and did not leave, which attracted Xiang Yu's attention.
Fan Zeng bowed his hands and said solemnly, "Although I know that Your Majesty has made up his mind, I still have a few words to say. I hope Your Majesty will take the trouble to listen to me."
Xiang Yu was always polite to this strategist with white hair and beard who worked hard for him. He nodded and said, "Father, please speak."
Fan Zeng wanted to say something but hesitated, feeling deeply embarrassed.
He knew very well that once these words were spoken, it might be a blessing or a curse, but he had worked hard for the Chu army for years, and seeing that victory was in his grasp, he really did not dare to turn a blind eye to this huge hidden danger.
Fan Zeng thought about it, took a deep breath, and slowly expressed his lingering concerns: "Your Majesty initially decided to use Han Xin as a general, but was it because of Fengxian's words?"
Xiang Yu nodded without hesitation: "Yes."
Fan Zeng asked again: "Han Xin relied on Guanzhong and the ragtag army for only half a month, and he conquered Qi with lightning speed. This shows that he is both brave and wise, like a leopard emerging from the mountains or a phoenix soaring into the sky."
Xiang Yu listened quietly with a blank expression on his face.
Fan Zeng hesitated for a moment and continued, "He has captured tens of thousands of Wei prisoners. If they are incorporated into the army, the number of soldiers will be as many as 150,000 or 160,000. Even if they are not the enemy of the 400,000 Chu troops, they should not be underestimated."
Xiang Yu's eyes were as calm as still water as he looked at Fan Zeng calmly, his mind moving slightly.
Fan Zeng gritted his teeth and slowly said what he was most worried about: "Fengxian's loyalty to the king is witnessed by heaven and earth, and there is no doubt about it. However, Fengxian values this brother of a different surname very much, and treats him with all his heart and soul, and he is also unreserved."
Xiang Yu, who had been silent all this time, suddenly had an idea and revealed Fan Zeng's real thoughts: "My father is worried that Han Xin keeps asking for troops, or he has the ambition to collude with the princes. He may counterattack the food supply of the Chu army in the future, and he will inevitably use Fengxian to act?"
Fan Zeng did not expect that Xiang Yu could see everything so clearly without his further explanation, and was slightly stunned.
The next moment, he admitted it with a wry smile, and simply said in one breath: "Your Majesty is wise. In my opinion, not only should we not increase the troops, but at this critical moment, we should also reduce their followers, or send trusted people to assist them, in order to prevent any changes—"
Before Fan Zeng could finish his words, he was interrupted by Xiang Yu's chuckle.
The smile was fleeting, but very clear.
Fan Zeng happened to catch it and couldn't help but show an incredible expression.
"Father."
Xiang Yu raised his chin slightly, and his double pupils flashed darkly.
His extremely dignified and handsome features were no longer filled with the heavy feelings of the past, but were instead filled with pride.
He looked into the distance and stated calmly, "It has been five years since I started the rebellion with my uncle. I have fought countless small battles and forty big battles. Whether I am fighting in person or deploying troops, no matter how many soldiers I have, I am always invincible and victorious. Only then can I dominate the world!"
Fan Zeng was touched by these words and lowered his head without saying anything.
He knew in his heart that the meaning behind King Xiang's words was clear.
Not to mention that Han Xin was just a newcomer, even if he was really the reincarnation of a military god and could command troops like a god... Xiang Yu, as the unrivaled overlord of the State of Chu, had no intention of fearing a fight.
Why should he be afraid
How can I be afraid
Since there is no fear, just use it. If Han Xin wants to rebel in the future, let him do it.
—With the magnanimity of the King of Chu, he would not be so cautious and guard against capable people, or even use all kinds of means to restrain them!
Even though Fan Zeng was in his seventies, he was still so excited when he heard Xiang Yu's domineering and fearless words.
He took a deep look at the king, who was awe-inspiring without being angry, and whose domineering aura echoed in his heart, but an unprecedented sense of submission.
How can a wooden cage for a sparrow confine a roc with spread wings
A mediocre ruler is wary of a brave general because he knows he is inferior to them and is afraid that they will be attacked back at some point.
The Overlord is incomparably brave, awe-inspiring, and confident, so there is no need for him to be suspicious of his capable ministers!
He could not help but bow to King Xiang and said, "Your Majesty, I admire your wisdom."
Having said that, he stopped persuading.
Xiang Yu watched Fan Zeng's departing back calmly, his mind clear.
To this day, he still often thinks of the words his beloved general yelled that night when he personally led a military remonstrance to persuade Mo to not massacre the cities of Qi.
"If the king's ambition is only to be a prince, he can also be a general of the army." Xiang Yu was lost in thought, and his mind kept echoing: "If you are determined to unify the world, you must be open-minded and be a king of generals..."
Xiang Yu was deep in thought when he heard sporadic footsteps outside the tent.
The next moment, the guard reported: "Your Majesty, the Guanzhong Army's messenger wants to see you."
Coming again
Xiang Yu frowned slightly and said in a deep voice: "Let go."
The five people walked in tremblingly, and the person surrounded in the middle was clearly a woman.
Xiang Yu's eyes were heavy and cold. He swept over the woman and then fell on the messenger in the lead: "Speak."
The messenger was already trembling with fear at the Overlord's undisguised might. After a long while he found his voice again and tremblingly told the whole story.
Dragon seed? Son of Heaven
Xiang Yu sneered.
He didn't even bother to give the woman a second glance, and sneered, "The Taoist's talk is nonsense, only a fool like Wei Bao would believe it!"
Even though Xiang Yu was not angry and only mocked Wei Bao, everyone still held their breath and trembled, not daring to speak.
Fortunately, the next moment, King Xiang slowly said, "Send this woman to Fengxian."
After these six months, how could there be anyone in the Chu camp who didn't know who "Fengxian" referred to
Since the king did not believe in the "dragon seed" theory at all and looked down on the woman's beauty, it was only natural for him to order the beautiful woman to be given to other meritorious generals.
They felt relieved and were about to take the hot potato of the Bo family away.
As a result, just as they stood up, the Overlord called them coldly: "Wait."
Their hearts suddenly trembled, and they dared not move, and they all froze on the spot.
Xiang Yu changed his mind and his mood suddenly turned bad.
Although he didn't know where the nameless evil fire came from, he instinctively changed his words: "Send this woman back to where she came from."
He changed his mind at the last minute, but no one dared to question him. They quickly responded and walked out carefully.
Fortunately, the king did not ask for our release.
Xiang Yu's face was as gloomy as water, and the sudden restlessness gradually dissipated, and he suddenly snorted coldly.
How can a common and vulgar woman be worthy of Fengxian
Xiang Yu thought indifferently that if Han Xin liked him, he could keep him.