Chapter 379: Stalemate 02

  Liu Shanhe grasped Fan Qiang's hand and said, "Come on, brother! Today, the two of us brothers will definitely drink to our heart's content, until we can't speak!" At this time, the wine and dishes had also arrived, so the two people began to clink cups and drink freely.

  "I'm telling you, brother, I'm guessing that this time you came, it's definitely not just to see me, right? There must be something important going on. Quickly tell your third brother about it, you know that your third brother is a straightforward person, can't hide things in his heart, don't let your third brother get anxious, ah?"

  After three rounds of drinks and five flavors of dishes, Liu Shanhe began to urge Fan Hui to speak up. Relying on intuition and adding some rational analysis, Liu Shanhe could easily see that this time Fan Hui came, should not just be to see him, there must be something important going on inside. However, seeing Fan Hui's hesitant expression, Liu Shanhe was certain that this matter might be a bit tricky. Nevertheless, no matter what kind of thing it is, saying it out early would also allow oneself to have some mental preparation.

  But Fan Qiang saw that Liu Shanhe had already said so much, first hesitated for a moment, then drank a mouthful of wine in one gulp, staring at Liu Shanhe with his bloodshot eyes and said: "I'm telling you, third brother, I think this thing is actually a good thing! Yeah, it's really a good thing."

  "Come on, just say it already! When did you become so nagging!" Liu Shanhe was getting impatient.

  "Ah, Third Brother, that's how it is. Now isn't the world in great chaos? Our county magistrate hopes you can lead your several hundred men and horses back to our Pei County city to help him protect the city. He also said that as long as you can return, those past matters will all be written off." Fan Kuai said.

  "Oh?" Liu Shanhe gazed at Fan Qiang, looking thoughtful.

  "I also heard that this idea was actually Fan Zhong's idea!" Fan Kuai added.

  "Who? Xiao He? Is this Xiao He's idea?" Liu Shanhe heard that it was Xiao He's idea, and his face changed unpredictably. Not long after, he suddenly clapped his hands and exclaimed: "Great, great, great! This matter is settled then. I've had enough of staying in these deep mountains and old forests too. This is a perfect opportunity! Let's do this: we'll set off tomorrow! We'll set off tomorrow!"

  Two people were talking, Lü Zhi returned from collecting medicine outside. As soon as she saw Fan Kuai, she was naturally surprised and hurriedly said: "Ah, it's actually Brother Fan Kuai! How did you have time to come here? Is there something that can't be done?" Lü Zhi is a meticulous person, seeing her own brother-in-law suddenly appearing in the deep mountains and old forests, she guessed about 80-90% of the situation.

  "Oh, sister, that's what happened. The county magistrate sent me to ask Third Brother to go back in order to prevent the righteous army from breaking into the city. He also said that as long as Third Brother goes back, all his past affairs will be written off and there will be no further investigation." Fan Qie said to Lü Zhi.

  Lü Lü sneered coldly after hearing Fan Kuai's words, saying: "Hmph, all the past events are to be written off with a single stroke? What kind of write-off is this? That corrupt official locked me up in prison for over a year, how can this account be settled? He wants to settle accounts with us, but we won't let him! If I don't settle accounts with him, I, Lü Lü, will not rest until I die!" When Lü Lü said these words, her eyes were blazing with fury, and it seemed that even killing the county magistrate would not satisfy her. Fan Kuai was a ruthless man who had killed dogs in the past, but after seeing Lü Lü's venomous gaze, he couldn't help but take a cold breath.

  However, fortunately, Liu Shanhe had a long-term vision. He hurriedly accompanied Lü Yu with a smile and said: "Madam, don't worry, I will definitely put this account in my heart. This time, since that corrupt official asked us to come back, it must be because he needs our help. With the few people under his command, even if we enter the county city of Pei, he can't do anything to us. I've already considered this, and there's nothing to worry about. As long as we enter the county city, aren't we in charge? Hehe, let's behead that corrupt official first and avenge you! With such a great opportunity, if we don't take advantage of it, wouldn't we be missing out? So, madam, even if that corrupt official didn't invite us, we would still kill our way back. Now that he has invited us, why not take the opportunity to enter the county city and act accordingly? When the time comes, we'll kill the corrupt official, seize the county city of Pei, and use it as a base to develop further. In this way, our foundation will also have a general outline."

  Liu Shanhe's words made Lü Zhi silent. In fact, although Lü Zhi said so earlier, it was just her temporary words, and she would naturally consider this important matter from a global perspective.

  "Uh, I agree with your idea. Let's do it! Fan Kuai, you go back and report first, tell the county magistrate that we will definitely return to the county city on time tomorrow, don't worry." Lü Bu finally returned to his calm and composed demeanor.

  Fan Qiao heard that Lü Zhi wanted him to return first and report back, so he was not very happy in his heart. He said: "Sister, what are you talking about? I've finally arrived here, I should take a good look around, have a few drinks with Third Brother, and then leave! I'm not leaving yet, if we're going to leave, let's go together tomorrow!"

  "After returning, you two brothers still have no time to drink? Must you drink in this deep mountain and old forest?" Lv Bu sneered at Fan Qiang.

  "Ah, isn't this place different! Look here, the mountains are clear and green, the air is fresh, the birds are singing, and the flowers are fragrant. What a wonderful haven on earth! Drinking wine in front of such beautiful scenery, it's an experience that can't be compared to being at home! Besides, I think that after Third Brother returns, he'll definitely be busy to the point where he won't even have time for himself, let alone drink with me, a small fry like you. So, let's just drink our fill here first!" Fan Kuai said, already slightly tipsy and slurring his words.

  After having enough wine and food, Liu Shanhe led Fan Qiang along the small path in the mountains to where his soldiers were training. When Fan Qiang saw that Liu Shanhe had gathered so many people under him, he couldn't help but widen his eyes and say: "Wow, wow, I said Third Brother, you really are something! In such a short time, you've actually gathered so many people? You're really too amazing!"

  "Haha, Fan Zeng brother, this is not your third brother's prowess, but rather the tyranny of Qin, which has driven the common people to desperation, and they have come to surrender to me." Liu Shanhe said with emotion.

  "I say, Third Brother, now that we have so many soldiers and horses under our command, why must we still rely on others? Wouldn't it be better for us to take matters into our own hands and make a big move on our own?" Fan Kuai suddenly turned his large head, as if deep in thought.

  After listening to Fan Qiao's words, Liu Shanhe couldn't help but stare at him deeply, with a profound meaning in his eyes. For Liu Shanhe, he was now in the midst of nurturing his spirit and accumulating energy, but this matter of raising an army was a heavenly secret that could not be spoken of casually.

  "Could it be that Third Brother doesn't have this intention? Thinking of Third Brother, he used to speak loudly and grandly all day long, saying that his luck was bad, otherwise he would have achieved great things. But now, with this situation, can also be considered an opportunity, but Third Brother is silent? Is he afraid to make a decision?" Fan Qiang seemed to be in a state of not giving up until the goal was reached.

  Liu Shanhe paused for a moment, patted Fan Qie's shoulder, and seemed to say casually: "The matter of rising in revolt is only a matter of time. When that time comes, you will be my vanguard!"

  "Really, Third Brother? You're not joking with me, are you, Third Brother?" Fan Qiang had always considered Liu Shanhe to be his only loyal follower. When he heard that Liu Shanhe really agreed to start a rebellion, he was overjoyed.

  At this time, Liu Shanhe called the three little heads over and said to them: "You quickly tell your brothers, hurry up and pack our things, tomorrow morning, we will set off towards the county town!"

  After the three little leaders passed on Liu Shanhe's words, for a time, the mountain forest almost exploded. Everyone has lived here for too long and has been wanting to leave this place that is not suitable for humans. It's just that the timing isn't ripe yet. Although the Mengdang Mountain is not small, there aren't many caves, so most people still live in the woods. They really are exposed to the wind and rain, and their lives are very hard. Fortunately, most of the brothers have a generous temperament, and every day they hear Liu Tingchang's words, saying that one day he will definitely lead everyone to achieve great things, and when that time comes, all those who started the uprising here will be promoted to officials and enjoy the rich salaries of official families for generations.

  For those who have been poor for a long time, if they can live a life of luxury and abundance, it's something they wouldn't even dare to dream about! But that kind of thing that they wouldn't even dare to dream about is spoken by Liu Shanhe every morning as if it were easy as taking something out of one's pocket. And this point is also the main reason why those guys who have been in the deep mountains and old forests for a long time, never left Mangdang Mountain, but instead listened to Liu Shanhe's orders until death.

  At night, in the mountains of Mangdangshan, bonfires were lit everywhere, and the aroma of various game meats being roasted wafted through the air, filling the entire forest with a hazy mist, creating a lively scene.

  Liu Shanhe's hundreds of brothers under his command were sweeping the floor, holding cups and drinking heavily, eating meat in big chunks, bringing out all the stored meat; they also brought out the cellar wine that they usually didn't drink, everyone was drinking freely and joyfully, the festive atmosphere was soaring to the sky.

  Suddenly, Liu Shanhe held up a large bowl and stood up, facing everyone: "Brothers, you don't despise me, Liu Bang, and come to this mountainous and dense forest of Mangdang Mountain with me. Firstly, it's because you look up to me, Liu Bang, and we have a similar temperament; secondly, it's also to make a name for ourselves in this chaotic world. Think about the Qin Dynasty, where corrupt officials hold power, and the foolish and incompetent Second Emperor only knows how to indulge in wine and women, while ignoring state affairs and leaving them to be handled by the eunuch Zhao Gao. As a result, the entire country is in turmoil, and the people are suffering, with everyone living in a desperate situation.

  It was under such circumstances that Chen Wang launched the uprising in Daze Township, and afterwards, heroes from all sides responded, and there was no place in the entire Qin State where the wind was calm. Our county magistrate of Pei County sent someone to deliver a message to me today, saying that in order to ensure the safety of Pei County, he specially invited us back to the county government office.

  Everyone also knows that I and the county magistrate, actually didn't have any deep grudges. It's just that after I released everyone due to the rain delay, the county magistrate ordered his men to arrest me everywhere. And when he couldn't do anything to me personally, he even had my wife Lü Zhi thrown into prison.

  However, Liu Bang is not a narrow-minded person. He does things with the big picture in mind. For the sake of our fellow townspeople in Pei County, I, Liu Bang, have decided to let bygones be bygones and not bother with that county magistrate anymore. So tonight, let's all drink and feast together! Tomorrow morning, we'll set off officially! If there's a battle ahead, please remember the slogan we chanted when we first rose up: "Together on the road, sharing wind and rain!"

  "We will always follow Master Liu, through thick and thin!" Those people were also quick to respond to Liu Shanhe's slogan, shouting in unison "Through thick and thin, sharing the same fate" The scene was once again lively.

  "Cheers, cheers, cheers~~~~~" "Drink, drink, drink~~~~~" The loud noises were endless. Liu Shanhe knew that his heroic deeds in Pei County were about to officially begin.

  Jiangsu Huaiyin. By the Yangtze River, a middle-aged man lay straight on the riverbank, his breath as thin as a thread, and he seemed to be dying at any moment.

  A village woman who came to wash clothes here every day saw the sturdy man and walked over curiously. She checked his breath and found him still alive, so she woke him up and asked: "Sir, sir, what's your name? What happened to you? Can I help with anything?"

  A kind-hearted woman met a frustrated and ambitious man - Han Xin.

  Han Xin heard someone calling him and opened his eyes with great difficulty. The sun was shining brightly, dazzlingly bright, and directly stabbed at his eyes, making them want to tear up. So, he only opened them for a moment before quickly closing them again. The river breeze blew gently, cool and comfortable, and very pleasant. He even felt a little resentful towards the woman who had woken him up.

  He was just drowsy, actually he was having a dream, a very beautiful dream. In the dream, he returned to his mother's side again, listening to his mother telling some stories about monsters and ghosts that he always liked to hear; in the courtyard, there was a small vegetable garden, in that sunny spring day, in that small vegetable garden, colorful butterflies were flying, rape flowers were so bright yellow, looking like the sun. He lay in that small vegetable garden, breathing evenly, letting the warm sunshine gently caress him...

  That was the most beautiful time for him. That was also his happiest time. At that time, he was so carefree and innocent. Until he grew up a bit, his father taught him to practice swordsmanship. His father said that a man should have ambitions in all directions, but if you want to make a name for yourself, you can't do it without learning martial arts. So, his father borrowed money from everywhere to hire a teacher to teach him how to use a sword. But he thought that the sword was not very useful. He once told his teacher, "What's the point of learning this sword? Even if I become really good at it, I can only kill a few people. Can killing a few people solve any problems? A real man should learn something that can defeat thousands of soldiers!" His words scared his teacher half to death, and he said that he couldn't teach this child anymore. So, his father had no choice but to think about hiring some military strategists to teach him. But it wasn't easy to find a good military strategist. And at home, they had already borrowed a lot of money to hire the sword teacher, so where would they get the money to hire a military strategy teacher? But the child was fascinated by the idea of being able to defeat thousands of people, and every day he would draw on the ground and mutter to himself, but nobody could understand what he was drawing or saying.

  Later, Han Xin's parents both passed away, and he became an orphan. At that time, he was already a 13 or 14-year-old youth, and he began his wandering life. One day, he wandered into the city of Huaiyin, where he coincidentally ran into a group of fashionably dressed young men who were competing in martial arts. Among them, a rich young man who had been defeated was feeling very upset, but then he saw Han Xin walking towards him. The rich young man's eyes lit up with an idea, and he quickly rushed forward, grabbing Han Xin by the collar as he walked with his head down, and said to him with a laugh: "Hey, hey, poor kid, where are you rushing off to? Come on, let's have some fun!"

  Han Xin felt a shock in his heart as he was grabbed by the other person's arm. Although he had also learned a few sets of swordsmanship, however, he hadn't eaten anything for several days and didn't have any strength left in his body. Even if he were an exceptional martial artist, he wouldn't have had the energy to use it. Moreover, when he was learning sword fighting back then, he wasn't serious about it at all. To put it bluntly, he was now just a half-baked knight-errant.

  Han Xin was thus seized by the arm by that rich young man, just like a captured rooster, and dragged to where those rich young men had been showing off their martial skills earlier.

  "Hey, poor boy, I see you're still carrying that precious sword on your back. Let's have a match then! If you win against me, I'll let you pass. But if you can't beat me, you'll have to crawl under my legs. If you win against me, I'll let you pass. But if you can't beat me, you'll have to crawl under my legs." The rich young master sneered at Han Xin.

  And what about Han Xin? He also knew he was no match for the opponent, but if he were to crawl through someone else's legs, that would be even more unbearable! For a man, being made to crawl through another man's legs is the greatest humiliation!

  "How's it going? Hurry up and draw your sword!" The young master urged again.

  Han Xin thought to himself: If he endured humiliation and crawled past his opponent, at most, it would only damage his reputation a bit. Moreover, this was in the city of Huaiyin, where almost no one knew him. So what if he crawled? He wouldn't be afraid! But if he didn't crawl, then he would have to engage in a real fight with his opponent. However, Han Xin knew that his swordsmanship and martial arts skills were not great, so he was worried that if things went wrong, he might really get hurt by his opponent! If that happened, it would be better to temporarily endure the humiliation, and when he became more capable in the future, he would definitely not let those villains off!

  So, after careful consideration, Han Xin decided to swallow his pride for the time being. Thinking of this, he respectfully said to the young noble: "Sir, your martial arts skills are unparalleled, how can I be a match for you?"

  "Alright then, since you admit that your skills are inferior to others, what are you waiting for? Come on, come on! Ah? You're really something, but it's quite cool here!" As soon as he finished speaking, all the guys who were competing with him in martial arts, including himself, couldn't help but burst out laughing.

  Han Xin's face was ashen, but the expression on his face was very resolute. He seemed to have a hint of surprise, but still knelt down and crawled past that young master like a dog.

  "Little boy, you're lucky to have crawled through my legs, don't forget to come thank me if you make a name for yourself in the future!" The young noble saw that Han Xin had indeed crawled through his legs and laughed as he gave him this parting shot. At the time, he was just trying to humiliate Han Xin further. But he didn't know that perhaps it was precisely this prank that helped establish Han Xin's reputation as a great general. Later, when Han Xin was appointed as the Marquis of Huaiyin by Liu Bang, he didn't forget the humiliation he had suffered. He even summoned those young nobles and instead of taking revenge, let them work under him. His magnanimity was truly beyond that of ordinary people.