Chapter 40 Chapter 39 United Troops 1

  However, fortunately, Zhang Liang's mentality was good, and he was also born with a high tolerance. Especially after experiencing the pain of national destruction and family annihilation, and the regret of not assassinating Qin, his will became even stronger, and he looked at things more openly. So, it wasn't worth arguing with that old man anymore.

  Only then did Zhang Liang raise his head and take a closer look at the old man's face. He saw that the old man had white hair fluttering in the wind, with a youthful complexion, and an air of elegance about him. Upon seeing this, Zhang Liang felt even more at ease in his heart, and he kept telling himself: "Alas, it's all right, first of all, the other party is an elderly person, if it were a young man of my age, that would be absolutely impossible; moreover, looking at this person with an air of elegance, he seems to be a transcendent being. Not to mention whether he is really a transcendent being or not, just his appearance alone is enough to make me feel that I shouldn't feel ashamed. If it were a rough and unrefined rustic fellow, Zhang Liang would absolutely not have done so either.

  In fact, Zhang Liang also relied on his profound cultivation and the kind of worldly wisdom that came from experiencing many things to do that thing. As a hot-blooded young man, especially one born into a noble family like him, his lofty vision and proud temperament were very obvious. However, it was precisely this that made Zhang Liang's differences with ordinary noble youths even more apparent.

  In this way, Zhang Liang carefully put the shoes on the old man. Then he looked at the old man again and asked: "Sir, is there anything else you would like to instruct? As long as I can help, I will do my best to assist you."

  Zhang Liang thought to himself, "Anyway, I've already helped him this far, might as well see it through and send him all the way home!" However, that old man didn't even say a word of thanks, just looked at Zhang Liang with a smile. The old man's smile seemed to have some deeper meaning to it. But at this point, Zhang Liang didn't have the mental energy to ponder over it, he just smiled wryly and turned back around, leaning against the railing to gaze out at the western sky which was gradually turning a deep red color.

  The old man still didn't say a word, but just smiled to himself, then took slow steps, one step at a time, towards the bridgehead. Before long, he was already more than a mile away from Zhang Liang. As for Zhang Liang, he continued to gaze out at the western sky, which had already darkened, as if what had just happened had nothing to do with him, looking like he was above it all.

  However, just as Zhang Liang came to his senses and wanted to return home, he suddenly found that the old man had turned back again. Not long after, he had already arrived at his side, looked Zhang Liang up and down, nodded slightly, and said: "Hmm, you're still worth teaching! Hmm, not bad, not bad. Alright, let's meet here again five days later in the morning, I have important things to tell you."

  "Five days later, at dawn? Still here? Is there something important you want to tell me? Old man, what is it that can't be said now? Why must we wait until five days from now?" Zhang Liang couldn't help but feel puzzled by the old man's words.

  "Young man, why so many idle words? I told you to come in five days, and you will come in five days. Why ask so many whys? You should know that there are many things in this world that shouldn't be asked about, because there is no reason for them. Do you understand?" The old man's tone seemed somewhat annoyed when speaking to Zhang Liang, and after finishing his words, he didn't say anything else, but immediately turned around and left, like a celestial wind, with his clothes fluttering behind him, leaving Zhang Liang almost stunned. If Zhang Liang still hadn't figured out anything by this time, then the old man would have misjudged him.

  He stood there for a long time, and Zhang Liang finally walked towards the direction of his home as if he had just woken up from a dream. Along the way, he repeatedly thought about the strange behavior of the old man he had met earlier, and in his heart, Zhang Liang felt that this might be an opportunity given to him by heaven. Of course, as for what this opportunity was, Zhang Liang couldn't say clearly either.

  Five days later, at dawn, Zhang Liang arrived early on the wooden bridge as promised. However, from a distance, he saw a figure that looked very familiar. Upon closer inspection, it was indeed the old man! Zhang Liang's heart skipped a beat as he thought to himself, "What is going on? Why did the old man arrive here so early?" As he approached the old man in surprise, he bowed and said, "Sir, I apologize for being late!"

  That old man looked very dissatisfied, and in a bad mood, he said to Zhang Liang: "How can you, a young man, do this? You made an appointment with someone of my age, but you actually came late. This is really too much! You are also too unfaithful to your promises. Alright, alright, let's not count today, and after five days, we will still meet at dawn on this bridgehead. It's settled, don't fail to appear. However, don't make me wait in vain again! I have been waiting for you here for a long time!"

  "Yes, sir, it's all Zhang Liang's fault. Next time I will definitely come earlier." Zhang Liang said to the old man with great embarrassment.

  Although Zhang Liang couldn't understand why the old man had arrived so early, he had to admit that he himself was late. This was an undeniable fact. So, in his heart, Zhang Liang secretly vowed: "I'll be damned! Next time, I must arrive even earlier than that old man! This is just too weird!"

  Five days passed in the blink of an eye. Zhang Liang got up at midnight five days later and rushed to the wooden bridge without even washing his face. Zhang Liang thought that no matter what the other party's idea was, he must get to the bottom of it.

  This time, on that small wooden bridge, there really wasn't the old man's figure. Zhang Liang couldn't help but feel a wave of great joy in his heart, thinking to himself, Ha ha, this time I've arrived early! Let's see what you have to say this time!

  Actually, at this time, Zhang Liang also had some emotions to a certain extent. Or, he was betting on a breath: How could I, a young man, not even surpass an old man? Wouldn't that be a great shame and humiliation?!

  However, this time, although Zhang Liang kept his promise and arrived at the agreed location early, the old man did not arrive until much later. Zhang Liang had been waiting since midnight, but he didn't see the old man until the third watch, when he saw him walking towards him with a slow pace, yawning constantly.

  Actually, to be honest, Zhang Liang had indeed thought of giving up at the beginning. You know, for a person to wait from midnight to sunrise, that requires what kind of willpower and determination? He also wondered if that old man was intentionally teasing him, playing a prank on him? But later he thought carefully and felt that such things were impossible, because after all, that old man was also nearly seventy years old, how could he possibly use this way to joke around? Then his heart simply thought, well, forget it, since I've waited anyway, might as well wait till the end! I'd like to see what that old man wants to do.

  Thus, Zhang Liang finally passed the test of the old man with his unyielding determination. Zhang Liang's sincere character and his ability to endure humiliation moved the old man. The old man was none other than Huang Shi Gong, a mysterious figure who was said to be the master of Fan Zeng, who later became a strategist for Xiang Yu.

  "Zhang Liang, after repeated testing, I feel that you are indeed a talent to be cultivated. This time we meet, it is fate and destiny. Here, I have the three volumes of Taigong's Art of War. Are you willing to become my disciple and learn these three volumes with me?"

  Zhang Liang was a clever and astute person, so he naturally understood the weight of Huang Shi Gong's words. He knew that this time he had encountered a superior person, so he immediately knelt down, kowtowed, and said: "Zhang Liang is fortunate to have been accepted as a disciple by his benevolent teacher. Zhang Liang is willing to follow his benevolent teacher to learn the Taigong military strategy and will certainly not disappoint his benevolent teacher's high hopes, striving to achieve academic success in order to repay his benevolent teacher."

  Huang Shi Gong stroked his silver beard, feeling very satisfied with Zhang Liang's performance. After a moment of contemplation, Huang Shi Gong continued, "Hmm, good, good, you are indeed a worthy disciple. Now, I will pass on the Taigong Bingfa to you. Once you master it, you can become a kingmaker. If you assist the right person, you will help them achieve great things, and you will also be able to showcase your own talents and achieve great success, making this life worthwhile!" With that, he took out three volumes of military strategy from his bosom and handed them over to Zhang Liang.

  "You can thoroughly read this military book, and if you achieve success, then ten years later, you will be able to help others establish a great empire. And thirteen years after that, we will still have a chance encounter. At that time, when you arrive at the foot of Valley Mountain in Jibei, you will see a yellow stone. That stone will also be me." After saying these words, the mysterious old man with the yellow stone immediately disappeared into the vast morning fog, without leaving any trace behind.

  Zhang Liang held the three volumes of Taigong's military strategy, standing on the bridge, feeling as if he was in a dream. Later, Zhang Liang relied on his innate cleverness to read this military book, and it took him three years. During these three years, Zhang Liang had already grasped the true meaning of the three volumes of Taigong's military strategy and had made great progress. However, when he understood the subtleties of the text, he would often involuntarily explain them to others. But those who listened to him speak did not understand his words, and some even discussed whether Zhang Liang was crazy, talking nonsense every day, which left Zhang Liang crying and laughing at the same time.

  The heavenly book can only be understood by a genius like Zhang Liang, how could ordinary people comprehend it? Later, when Zhang Liang followed Liu Bang on the journey north to Guanzhong, he saw a yellow stone at the foot of Mount Gui. Zhang Liang calculated with his fingers that thirteen years had passed since his teacher Huang Shigong taught him the art of war.

  Then Zhang Liang brought the yellow stone back home and worshipped it day and night until his death. Moreover, when he was dying, Zhang Liang also instructed his descendants to bury the yellow stone with him, in order to be together with his benefactor forever. This is a later story.

  It is said that everything has its own destiny. At the same time, Liu Shanhe was frustrated about not being able to capture Fengxiang and take Zhang Liang alive, which would have lifted a weight off his mind. He couldn't help but think of the encounter between Liu Bang and Zhang Liang back in the day. However, as for this matter, he wasn't sure what to make of it either. In this time period that he had crossed over into, there was indeed another Zhang Liang, who was said to have obtained three volumes of heavenly scriptures and was an extraordinary individual. This aspect was also consistent with the historical figure of Zhang Liang. But would heaven really bestow such a blessing upon him, allowing this transmigrator to meet Zhang Liang as well? If that were truly the case, then Liu Shanhe's confidence in conquering the world would be boosted a hundredfold.

  And that's why Liu Shanhe was so excited when he heard the news from his subordinates that Zhang Liang and Xiang Bo had come to visit. As a traverser, Liu Shanhe naturally knew how important this talented Zhang Liang, Mr. Zhang Zifang, was to him.

  "This time, since I still have fate with Zhang Liang, then I must keep this master here. Otherwise, it's hard to say who will win the world in the end. Moreover, a genius like him, if he doesn't follow me Liu Shanhe, but follows someone else, such as helping Xiang Yu conquer the world, wouldn't that be a waste of his talent? With Xiang Yu's stubborn and self-willed personality, he won't appreciate Zhang Liang's clever strategies like I do. Hmm, I must keep this Zhang Zifang here!" Liu Shanhe had already made up his mind.

  At this time, Zhang Liang had already followed Xiang Bo to Liu Bang's military account, and Liu Bang? Also didn't even wear shoes, just ran out with bare feet. Seeing Zhang Liang, he was stunned for a moment, thinking in his heart: "Is this the Mr. Zhang Liang who will help me conquer the world?" While thinking so, he had already spoken. Liu Bang cupped his hands and bowed deeply to Zhang Liang and Xiang Bo, saying: "Welcome, Mr. Zifang! I, Liu Bang, am truly honored!"

  Zhang Liang also smiled humbly and bowed his head slightly towards Liu Banghe, saying: "Oh, I was just passing by this place and saw a large camp, so I asked around and found out it was the military camp of the Duke of Pei, so I came to pay my respects."

  "Please come in, please come in!" Liu Bang said, leading Zhang Liang and Xiang Bo into his own large tent. It wasn't until then that Zhang Liang was shocked to discover that this Lord of Pei wasn't even wearing shoes!

  Liu Shanhe smiled awkwardly and explained to Zhang Liang, "Hehe, hehe, I was originally washing my feet in the tent. When I heard you arrive, I rushed out to greet you in a hurry, so I forgot to put on my shoes. I'm afraid I've made a fool of myself."

  Zhang Liang was taken aback and immediately said: "I let Lord Pei down, I'm ashamed, I'm ashamed!"

  Liu Shanhe had come to his senses and bowed to Zhang Liang, saying: "Mr. Zifang's move at Bolangsha is truly admired by Liu Bang! I wonder how many people in the world can make a surprise attack on that tyrant during his tour? Although it was not successful, Mr. Zifang's righteous act has shaken the heavens and earned the utmost respect of all!" This method of meeting someone and lavishly embellishing their shining points, Liu Shanhe still had some insight into it.

  It can be said that Zhang Liang's rise to fame was due to his attempt to assassinate the Qin emperor at Bolangsha. Although it failed, this act alone would have been enough to make him a legendary figure in history. Of course, his success was also due to his choice of supporting Liu Bang as his lord, who eventually unified China and laid a solid foundation for the Han Dynasty's 400-year rule. As for himself, he achieved great success and fame, and later retired from public life, which is another story altogether.

  After Zhang Liang heard Liu Bang's words, he was naturally very pleased and had a good first impression of him. Later, Zhang Liang also bowed deeply to Liu Bang and said: "The Duke of Pei is really overpraising! The cruel Qin dynasty is brutal, everyone in the world wants to destroy it, and I just did what everyone else wanted to do, unfortunately, I didn't kill that tyrant." Then, Zhang Liang pointed to Xiang Bo beside him and said to Liu Bang: "This is General Xiang Bo, a clansman of Chu General Xiang Liang, also my good friend. This time, being able to meet the Duke of Pei, thanks to General Xiang Bo's guidance, otherwise, even if Zhang Liang admired the Duke of Pei's great name, I'm afraid we wouldn't have had the chance to meet."

  Since he came with Xiang Yu, naturally he wouldn't just focus on talking to Liu Bang and leave Xiang Yu behind. So Zhang Liang introduced Xiang Yu to Liu Shanhe. Actually, this was the first time Liu Shanhe had heard of Xiang Yu. But once he learned that he was a brother of Xiang Liang's family and a close friend of Zhang Liang's, he realized that this person wasn't simple either. So Liu Shanhe also bowed deeply to Xiang Yu and said: "Oh, you are General Xiang Yu, what an honor to meet you!"

  Xiang Bo also cupped his hands towards Liu Shanhe: "Nice to meet you, nice to meet you. Today I have the opportunity to meet Lord Pei, it is a great honor for Xiang Bo."

  After the three of them sat down in their seats, Liu Shanhe asked Zhang Liang and Xiang Bo: "You two are dusty from traveling, I don't know where you came from?"

  Zhang Liang said: "Since we joined hands at Bo Lang Sha, I have been avoiding disaster in Xiaoyi. Recently, I heard that General Xiang Liang's military strength is very strong, shaking the four sides, and also has the introduction of his brother Xiang Bo, so I specially came to visit this time, wanting to borrow the power of the Xiang family to protect my hatred for the Han dynasty."