Chapter 379: Stalemate 02

  But Meng Tian was also too simple-minded. The Xiongnu people had long been resentful of him, so one day, they pretended to summon Meng Tian for a meeting, but actually set up an ambush with assassins in the big tent. As a result, when the Chanyu gave the order, the assassins all sprang into action. Although Meng Tian was highly skilled in martial arts, he was vastly outnumbered and soon fell to the enemy's blades. A great general of his generation thus met his demise, leaving one with much to lament and sigh about.

  In the Mangdang Mountains, by adopting Lv Zhi's method, on the one hand, he organized his brothers to open up farmland in the mountains and plant grain. On the other hand, he sent special personnel to collect scrap iron everywhere, and after returning, they were forged into various weapons and equipment. For a time, the entire Mangdang Mountains were a prosperous scene.

  Having solved the two biggest problems, Liu Shanhe felt a lot lighter in his heart. Moreover, at the same time, more and more people came to join him, and the scale of his troops was also getting bigger and bigger, eventually developing into nearly a thousand people. The development of the situation is very pleasant, while at the same time, due to Qin Ershi's tyranny and incompetence, the national uprising trend is surging, and the Great Qin State is now on the verge of collapse, extremely dangerous.

  Dazhe Township. Overcast with continuous rain.

  There were more than 600 soldiers who went to garrison the border in Yan territory. Among these 600, Chen Sheng and Wu Guang were the ones responsible for delivering messages.

  At night. In the dense forest. The heavy rain poured down. Looking at the weather, it seemed that there was no intention of stopping at all. Chen Sheng and Wu Guang were secretly plotting with their heads down. Chen Sheng said: "Brother, I think we can't go on like this."

  "What do you think?" Wu Guang's tightly knitted eyebrows moved slightly, saying: "Do you think I want to be like this? But what other way out do we have besides this? You say it and see!"

  Chen Sheng and Wu Guang, two brothers in distress. Two brothers with the same fate. It was fate that brought them together.

  "In my opinion? Haha, in my opinion, let's just go back to our mother's and be done with it! Why are we still here suffering from this bird's temper?! It's meaningless! It's meaningless!" Chen Sheng sighed and said, his words filled with too much helplessness and indignation.

  Chen Sheng let out a long sigh, and couldn't help but think of something that had happened to him a few days ago when he was working in the fields for someone else. The person, the employer, was a rough-looking guy who never had a good expression on his face all day long towards those workers. However, because Chen Sheng had some ability, the employer was relatively polite to him compared to others.

  That day, the weather was very hot and the sun's rays were poisonous. There was no wind, and in the sky there were only a few strands of faint clouds floating about. Chen Sheng felt somewhat tired from working and sat down on a slightly raised ridge in the field, saying to his employer: "Employer, oh, I know you've always been good to me. If I, Chen Sheng, ever make something of myself in the future, then I will definitely not forget about you, my employer!"

  "Wahahaha~~~~" was immediately followed by a wildly arrogant laughter that sent shivers down one's spine.

  Chen Sheng couldn't help but feel a wave of surprise, and looked at the landlord in confusion, saying: "Landlord, landlord, what are you laughing at? Is something wrong?"

  "Hahaha, Chen Sheng! You? Just you? Someone like you still thinks they'll have a future? Hehehe, you really are something else! Thinking of eating swan meat? Someone like you will amount to nothing! Bah! You're truly overestimating yourself, truly overestimating yourself!"

  Chen Sheng was naturally very displeased when he heard this, but he couldn't say anything else. He just let out a long sigh and said, "Alas, how can this little sparrow know the lofty ambitions of a swan?" This remark left the other person speechless.

  Yes, no matter when, it is always the times that create heroes. And even if you are a real hero, but if there is no suitable opportunity, and you have been buried in the city or countryside all along, then what's the point of being a real hero? It's just like this, just like this!

  But now, it should be said, is a very good opportunity. A great opportunity for Chen Sheng to realize his grand ideals and ambitions. Of course, any opportunity also has two sides. On the one hand, if successful, then naturally can get what they want; but once failed, the consequences are unthinkable. And this success or failure, often just in a moment's thought.

  "Old Wu, look at this continuous rain for days, it has already delayed our arrival in Youyang. According to the Qin Dynasty's law, if we are late, we will be punished with death, and we can't escape being beheaded. In my opinion, going is death, not going is also death, so why must we still go? Why don't we just rebel against him?"

  "Now, since the Second Emperor Hu Hai ascended to the throne, the court has been corrupt, treacherous officials have dominated, and all the virtuous and worthy men have been killed. Adding to that, these past few years have seen natural disasters and chaos, with the people unable to survive. I think this Qin dynasty's rule is almost at an end! Anyway, things have already come to this point, what else do we have to fear? Old Wu, what do you think?" Chen Sheng said excitedly to Wu Guang.

  Because Chen Sheng had been working with Wu Guang for a long time, he didn't particularly appreciate or trust this brother. The two people, it should be said, both belonged to the kind of people who were meticulous in their thinking and skilled at adapting to changing circumstances, so their cooperation also carried some meaning of mutual appreciation.

  Wu Guang remained silent, Chen Sheng continued to persuade him: "I know you're a meticulous person and may consider many things. But I can tell you that I've thought about this for a long time, and the possibility of our success is still very strong. Of course, the most important thing is the issue of influence. You and I are ordinary people, naturally without any appeal. But if we pretend to be some influential and charismatic people, wouldn't things become easier? That way, I think the chances of winning would also increase. Old Wu, think about it, how about it? Without your support, I dare not act alone!"

  "Uh, okay, I support you. But can you first tell me how we're going to impersonate those influential people?" Wu Guang showed a very cautious attitude.

  "Alright, you see, I once heard that there was a Chu general named Xiang Yan who was extremely brave and invincible, and also took great care of his subordinates, so he was deeply loved by them. Later, some people said he had died, while others said he hadn't actually died but had gone into hiding in the mountains. If that's the case, I think we can pretend to be General Xiang Yan and use his name to command others. There's also another person who would be great to impersonate - Prince Fusu. Almost everyone thinks Fusu is extremely capable, and there are rumors among the people that if he were in charge, Qin wouldn't be in its current state. However, Prince Fusu was demoted to the northern border to guard against the barbarians with General Meng Tian because he repeatedly offered honest advice to Emperor Shi Huang, who became enraged. But according to some reliable sources from the folk, actually, Prince Fusu had already been murdered by Second Emperor Hu Hai and Zhao Gao in a joint plot. However, this news hasn't spread among most people yet. So we can also take advantage of Prince Fusu's influence. We can do it like this: you be Xiang Yan, I'll be Fusu. With the powerful influence of these two men, I don't believe we won't succeed!"

  Wu Guang was also moved by Chen Sheng's words and nodded vigorously, his eyes fixed straight on Chen Sheng.

  Wu Guang was slightly more thoughtful than Chen Sheng. After thinking for a while, he immediately realized that there was a big loophole in Chen Sheng's previous words: the prince Fu Su and the Chu general Xiang Yan were originally sworn enemies, with a relationship of "you die or I die". How could they possibly be together? This is like saying that a cat and a mouse are partners in battle, working closely together - is that possible?

  However, Wu Guang was also a meticulous and astute person. Although he had picked up on the huge loophole in Chen Sheng's words, he knew that if he were to completely reject Chen Sheng's idea at this point, it would greatly dampen Chen Sheng's enthusiasm, thereby severely impacting their plans. Thinking of this, Wu Guang smiled slightly and said to Chen Sheng: "Hmm, Old Chen, what you just said is quite suitable. I think we can proceed with the plan. However, for further insurance, I think it's best if we go and consult the gods once more before proceeding. After all, for such a major undertaking, listening to the will of the gods is still necessary."

  Chen Sheng listened and thought it made sense, so he said to Wu Guang: "Hmm, okay, okay, Old Wu, let's do it as you said!"

  Then, the two of them secretly found a diviner and asked him to divine their fortunes. As it happened, the diviner was a smooth-talking guy who, as soon as he saw Chen Sheng and Wu Guang's aura, knew that these two men were somewhat stern. So, he went along with the wind and said: "Hmm, I just divined a fortune, and the gods say that your actions this time will definitely be successful! The gods want you to let go of your hands and feet, be bold and do it, and also say that the heavy responsibility of saving the world is entrusted to you two! Let you two not disappoint the gods' expectations of you, and you must make a good show of it!" The diviner's words were smooth as jade, endless and confusing, but what he said was also reasonable, and Chen Sheng and Wu Guang were completely convinced, like they had fallen into clouds and fog, and for a while, they couldn't tell east from west.

  Chen Sheng and Wu Guang were overjoyed after hearing the diviner's words, they thanked him profusely and promised that if their plan succeeded, they would not forget his contribution. The two men emptied their pockets, managing to scrape together a few dozen coins, which they handed over to the diviner. At first, the diviner pretended to decline, but eventually, he smiled and accepted the money, laughing as he did so. However, in his heart, he was coldly sneering: "Fools!"

  In fact, the diviner's words meant more than just a boost in confidence for Chen Sheng and Wu Guang. More importantly, they reminded them of a method to further implement their plan - by pretending to be possessed by spirits. Because both of them knew that for those blind followers who believed in the gods, the words of the gods would have the greatest persuasive power. But how exactly should they put their plan into action?

  On the way back, Chen Sheng and Wu Guang whispered to each other. Suddenly, Chen Sheng clapped his hands together with a joyful expression, saying: "Ah ha! I've got it! I have an idea!"

  "Brother Chen, quickly tell me, what method have you come up with?" Wu Guang also looked surprised.

  "We can..." Chen Sheng leaned in close to Wu Guang's ear and whispered. When Wu Guang heard Chen Sheng's words, he couldn't help but be extremely impressed, exclaiming that Chen Sheng's plan was simply too good, and saying that if they adopted this plan, their scheme would definitely succeed.

  Chen Sheng took action. He first wrote the three words "Chen Sheng Wang" on a piece of cloth with an ancient font and clumsy handwriting, then secretly took a fish from the ones that had just been caught and put the cloth into the fish's belly through its mouth. After completing this task, Chen Sheng quietly released the fish back into the water.

  Everything was ready, Chen Sheng just waited for the appearance of that dramatic scene. Sure enough, not long after, those in charge of cooking, when they cut open the belly of the fish, suddenly pulled out a piece of silk from inside. The person felt very strange, and unfolded the silk to take a look, seeing three ancient words written on it: "Chen Sheng Wang".

  "What's going on here? What's going on here? It's really too strange, it's really too strange!" The news of a silk cloth being cut out from the belly of a fish quickly spread throughout the entire army. Everyone was whispering to each other about something. And Chen Sheng, the one who started it all, was secretly sneering at this moment!

  "The good show is yet to come!" Chen Sheng couldn't help but smile secretly in his heart.

  That night, Wu Guang sneaked into a temple and imitated the strange cry of a fox: "The Chu state is rising! Chen Sheng is king! The Chu state is rising! Chen Sheng is king!"

  That strange voice, on a starry but moonless night, came from that temple which looked very ominous and frightening. It made those who heard it extremely frightened. Oh my god, what's going on? How could even a fox speak human language? And it said "Chu State will rise, Chen Sheng will be king"? This is too terrifying!

  The next day, someone secretly told Chen Sheng what he had heard the night before about the fox's cry of "Chu State will rise, Chen Sheng will be king" from the old temple. One after another, people came to Chen Sheng and expressed their willingness to follow his orders. Chen Sheng and Wu Guang smiled at each other when they saw this. Their plan had succeeded! Everything was going according to their pre-arranged design, step by step.

  "Old Wu, our plan is almost about to succeed! I think the timing for implementing the final step should be ripe soon. Do you think we should start implementing our final step?" Chen Sheng said with a smile to Wu Guang.

  "Ah, all right! I'll go make the arrangements today!" Wu Guang still greatly admired and respected Chen Sheng's keen sense of opportunity.

  The troops were still marching with difficulty. Escorting these hundreds of people to Puyang, there were three Qin generals, each holding a long sword, fully armed, and looking very majestic. Moreover, these three Qin generals were also quite arrogant, often using whips to lash out at the conscripts, too much dissatisfaction and hatred had accumulated in the hearts of those poor conscripts, just like the molten lava inside the volcano, churning and surging, until a suitable opportunity came, they would erupt.

  Wu Guang also spotted such an opportunity. One day, he deliberately said in front of the Qin general: "Alas, I really don't want to stay here! If I could leave this godforsaken place as soon as possible, I'd do whatever it takes! As long as I don't have to continue suffering in this foreign land, that's all!"

  In front of the Qin general, he actually dared to say such a thing, it's really unbearable. Then, that Qin general glared at Wu Guang fiercely and shouted loudly: "You little boy, are you tired of living? Looking for death? Who do you think you are, the King of Heaven? You're really overestimating yourself! Come on, take a whip from me, so you can remember it forever!" As he spoke, the Qin general picked up that long leather whip and swung it at Wu Guang.

  Wu Guang saw that the Qin general had finally been provoked by him, and his provocation method was successful! He was naturally very happy. However, he also knew that the most critical step was about to begin! Thinking of this, Wu Guang first deliberately endured a whip from the Qin general, then suddenly flashed and moved his body to another place. Then he stared at the Qin general who was about to be unlucky, watching him without blinking, waiting for an opportunity to find the weakness of the Qin general.

  This was also in line with the bad luck of that Qin general, and it was also in line with Wu Guang's good fortune. Just as that Qin general thought he could continue to whip and beat Wu Guang, unexpectedly, the sword at his waist fell off his body. And Wu Guang was a man with extremely sharp wit, seeing that his opponent had finally revealed a flaw, he couldn't help but be overjoyed, taking a big step forward, then quickly picking up the precious sword from the ground, and then standing up straight, glaring angrily at the Qin general.

  But the Qin general was also stunned by this sudden change, and he stood still for a moment. Suddenly, he finally understood what had happened, and he rushed to Wu Guang, shouting: "You dare, Wu Guang, do you want to rebel? If you know your place, quickly return my sword to me, and I might consider sparing your life. Otherwise, I'll make sure you die without a burial!"

  Wu Guang held the precious sword and did not respond, but instead coldly smiled at the Qin general, and step by step, he pressed closer to the Qin general.

  Facing the Qin general who had snatched his own defensive weapon, Wu Guang was really stunned at this moment. He never thought that Wu Guang would be so bold and dare to rebel! However, now he couldn't care about anything else, and could only pretend to calm down again, shouting at Wu Guang: "Wu Guang, Wu Guang, don't you care about the laws of the Great Qin Dynasty? You're really bold enough! Quickly put down your treasured sword, let's talk things over, let's negotiate!"

  At this point, the tone of the Qin general's words was already quite conciliatory. Just then, Wu Guang began to speak: "You running dog! We all know that Emperor Er Shi is a tyrannical and cruel ruler who harms loyal officials, and yet you still willingly serve as his running dog. Today is your last day!" As he spoke, Wu Guang took a step forward and stabbed the Qin general in the chest with his treasured sword. The Qin general let out a groan, spat up a mouthful of blood, and fell to the ground with his eyes wide open.

  Just at this moment, before Wu Guang could even catch his breath, the other two Qin generals also rushed over. They were in another place earlier, discussing how to make this batch of poor devils who didn't seem very obedient hurry up, when they heard a series of shouts coming from the other side. So, the two of them instinctively drew out their precious swords and quickly hurried over with three steps for every two strides.