Chapter 42 United Troops 4

  After listening to Xiang Yu's words, Xiang Liang seemed to be deep in thought. He closed his eyes slightly, stroked his long beard and said with a sigh: "The heroes are vying for hegemony, each with their own ulterior motives. This world is indeed unpredictable!"

  Xiang Yu's words, Xiang Liang naturally understood very clearly. However, he also knew that the number of people who could truly convince him was not many. Most people were only afraid of his power and did not necessarily sincerely believe in him. On the other hand, the matter of claiming the throne could not be delayed, otherwise, it would be difficult to control the various lords. Therefore, after careful consideration, Xiang Liang decided to settle the matter of proclaiming himself King of Chu as soon as possible, so that he could have peace of mind.

  Originally, Xiang Bo wanted to stop Xiang Liang's actions, because although Xiang Bo was loyal and honest, he was also good at befriending people. In his interactions with friends, he knew many things, and some of his friends had repeatedly asked him to persuade Xiang Liang not to claim the throne so early, if he wanted to go further. However, this time when he went to invite Zhang Liang, he couldn't bring Zhang back in a short period, and Xiang Liang already had a big opinion about him. It was only because of their shared clan that he didn't pursue his responsibility. Therefore, at this critical moment, Xiang Bo naturally didn't dare say anything more.

  As for Xiang Liang's reputation, he had long known that he was a man of great talent and learning, and indeed a rare and valuable individual. However, Xiang Liang also had a high opinion of himself, knowing that no matter how powerful or talented one might be, ultimately they still needed to rely on some authority or power to achieve their goals. And in today's world, there was no other force that could rival the strength of his own army. Therefore, with such great power at his disposal, Xiang Liang did not believe that any wise or talented individual would not want to join him and serve under his command, for it was only by relying on a powerful organization that one could fully utilize their abilities. This was a very obvious truth, and in this regard, Xiang Liang was quite confident. He did not think that Zhang Liang would abandon him halfway and go to serve another army instead of coming to join him. Besides, even if that were the case, Xiang Liang would not be bothered. As long as his own strength was evident, there were plenty of other talented individuals in the world; surely he could still achieve great things without Zhang Liang?

  "Hmm, I think that Zhang Liang, even if he can't make it today, should be here tomorrow. I did make an appointment with him, and I know his temperament well - he's not someone who doesn't keep his word." Xiang Bo also felt uneasy about not being able to bring Zhang Liang over in time, so he chuckled and said the above words.

  "Hmph!" Xiang Liang snorted, thinking to himself, this matter, you'd better not mention it, now that you've mentioned it, heh heh, the anger in my heart has grown even greater. Good grief! From childhood on, he's always been like a half-empty bottle, swaying back and forth!

  So Xiang Liang didn't react to Xiang Bo's words either, and just hummed a sound from his nose, which was also very ugly.

  "Xiang Liang, Xiang Liang, if you don't come soon, I won't wait for you anymore!" Xiang Liang muttered to himself in frustration. But just as he finished speaking, a sudden burst of laughter came from outside the tent. Xiang Liang was startled and his first reaction was to look at the two people in front of him, Xiang Bo and Xiang Yu, who were also looking terrified. He knew it wasn't them, so he shouted loudly: "Who is it that dares to mock me?"

  Even Xiang Bo and Xiang Yu changed their faces as soon as they heard the cold laughter, naturally because they were very clear in their hearts that in the military camp, any disrespect to superiors could lead to death. Moreover, the other party was not like them, all of whom were descendants of the Xiang family. Who would it be? How dare he be so bold?

  "I don't know which bold guy it is, probably someone who's tired of living?" Xiang Yu turned his face towards the outside of the tent, and soon, based on the voice, he figured out who had spoken. Han Xin? You little brat, you're really asking for death! I've been keeping an eye on that little guy for a long time, and it's about time to get rid of him or chase him away, just to clear my eyes!" Xiang Yu sneered in his heart.

  "Who dares to mock me?! Report your name at once!" Xiang Liang shouted loudly again.

  "It's me, General Han Xin." Outside the tent, a calm and collected voice came through, not showing any signs of being intimidated by having enraged Lord Item. Clearly, he had made up his mind to say this, and was fully prepared for it, as if he had everything under control.

  "Bastard! Quick, bring the account master to speak!" Xiang Liang heard that it was actually Han Xin, the man from Huaiyin who had suffered humiliation at his hands, and who he had arranged to be a gate guard in front of his own large tent. Damn it, this little brat, daring to mock General Xiang! Bring him into the tent and listen to what he has to say. If he can come up with a reasonable explanation, then that's fine. But if this guy can't come up with any justification and is simply mocking General Xiang without reason, then don't blame me for being ruthless.

  At this time, Han Xin quickly entered the account, then knelt down on both knees and shouted deeply: "Han Xin, the halberd-bearing officer, pays his respects to the three generals." The three generals he referred to were naturally Xiang Liang, Xiang Yu, and Xiang Bo.

  "Xie Ji Lang Han Xin, you'd better say something. What were you laughing at just now? Were you mocking me?" Xiang Liang's face sank as he shouted at Han Xin.

  "Xí Jǐ Láng didn't dare. Xí Jǐ Láng was just laughing uncontrollably when he was on duty outside the tent earlier." Han Xin saw Xiāng Liáng's murderous aura and was also frightened, so while speaking, he involuntarily lowered his voice, and seemed to be stuttering a bit.

  "Is it unintentional? Can't help it? Han Xin, I'm asking you, you've been in the Chu camp for so many days, don't you know the rules of this army? Or are you deliberately breaking them? Is it unintentional? Can't help it? Han Xin, I'm asking you, you've been in the Chu camp for so many days, don't you know the rules of this army? Or are you deliberately breaking them?" Xiang Liang was already unhappy in his heart, and today when he heard Han Xin, a small spearman, daring to mock him outside his tent, he naturally became furious.

  "Gentlemen, you are all guilty of a crime punishable by death! Gentlemen, you are all guilty of a crime punishable by death! Han Xin couldn't help but burst out laughing. Please forgive me, gentlemen. Han Xin couldn't help but burst out laughing. Please forgive me, gentlemen." Han Xin looked like he was trembling with fear, but in his heart, he was secretly gloating because this was an opportunity for him to find a new way out. He naturally seized it.

  Because Han Xin was well-read, he naturally knew some famous anecdotes, especially about the famous scholars and gentlemen within a few hundred miles. As for Zhang Liang, he was also like those other people, almost as soon as he heard his name, it was like thunder in his ears. However, Han Xin was after all Han Xin, he naturally had a broader vision than others, and more extensive knowledge. He not only knew that there was a person named Zhang Liang, but also knew that Zhang Liang's teacher was Huang Shi Gong, and knew that within this hundred-mile radius, there was an old man, whose surname was Fan and name was Zeng, who was also a disciple of the same teacher as Huang Shi Gong.

  Moreover, in Han Xin's view, no matter what, Zhang Liang was only a junior, while Fan Zeng was a senior. This junior could not be compared with the senior. So when he heard that Xiang Liang was just waiting for Zhang Liang to arrive, it seemed that if Zhang Liang did not come, his plan to declare himself King of Chu would not work out. Han Xin thought this was laughable, and also wanted to take advantage of the situation to show off his skills. If the opportunity arose, he might be able to gain a chance to advance to an even higher level. Han Xin knew that opportunities were always reserved for those who were prepared, and also for those who were good at grasping them.

  "Xie Jue Lang Han Xin, this cold laugh of yours is quite chilling! Are you not ridiculing General Item?" Item Liang asked Han Xin again.

  "Han Xin couldn't help it. He thought to himself, 'All of you generals are staring at Zhang Liang, but don't realize that Zhang Liang's teacher is right in front of your eyes!' So Han Xin couldn't hold back his laughter and burst out laughing. Please forgive me for my rudeness, gentlemen. Must you all die hanging from the same tree? Why not think of another plan? There aren't only one or two talented people in this world!"

  "Huh? Are you saying that Zhang Liang's teacher is actually you, Han Xin? Haha, what a joke!" Xiang Yu heard Han Xin say this and naturally felt very resentful, coldly laughing.

  "Han Xin dared not. He had long heard that in the Huaiyang Ju Chao, there was an old man with white hair and beard, who looked like a Taoist immortal, and was highly intelligent and resourceful, famous for hundreds of miles around. Didn't all the generals know?" Han Xin asked back.

  Han Xin's rhetorical question was indeed very clever. On the one hand, in this tone of questioning, Han Xin expressed his disapproval of the several members of the Xiang family: such a great man, and you don't even know him, what a ridiculous thing! And others don't know, but he himself knows exactly, doesn't that perfectly show off his broad knowledge? Especially that young whippersnapper Xiang Yu, who needs to be taken down a peg. What's the big deal about being from a noble family? In short, that's just a mere martial artist!

  Xiang Liang listened to Han Xin's words and pondered for a moment, then asked Xiang Yu and Xiang Bo: "Have you two ever heard that in Huaiyang there is an old man named Fan Zeng?"

  Xiang Yu, although proud, also knew that such things were a matter of knowing or not knowing. How could one pretend to know when they didn't? He shook his head in doubt and turned his gaze to Xiang Bo, hoping he would know something and be able to salvage some dignity. Perhaps he could get Xiang Bo to reveal that Han Xin was just talking nonsense, which would be even better. However, to Xiang Yu's disappointment, Xiang Bo also nodded silently and said: "Yes, I've heard of such an old man too. He has always lived a simple life and didn't want to contribute his skills. Oh, that was a long time ago, who knows what he's like now?"

  Xiang Liang listened to Xiang Bo's words, and after a moment of contemplation, he said thoughtfully: "Hmmm, alright. General Han Xin, I will send someone to investigate Mr. Fan Zeng in the Huaiyang area on another day. If what you say is true, this general will certainly reward you greatly. But if what you say is false, you'd better watch your head! Alright, you may withdraw for now!"

  "Thank you, General." Han Xin responded with a single word, then stood up and returned to the outside of the large tent, picked up his own weapon - that long spear, and continued to serve as his spearman.

  When Han Xin had left the main tent, Xiang Liang then said to Xiang Bo: "Younger brother, tomorrow morning, you will have to make another trip to Huaiyang and investigate whether there is really a man named Fan Zeng. If he exists, be sure to invite him back. After all, if one wants to achieve great things, relying solely on strength is far from enough; one must also have wise strategists and sages to guide them."

  "Alright, I'll set off early tomorrow." Xiang Bo replied.

  At this time, Xiang Yu snorted coldly from his nostrils and said: "I think that kid Han Xin likes to show off, what he just said, hum, I think it's purely nonsense, he must be trying to deceive Uncle to get some benefits."

  Xiang Liang listened and didn't say anything else, he just silently gazed outside the big tent, as if thinking about something.

  On the second day, Xiang Bo set out as promised and led a fine horse from the stable. He once again embarked on the path to find a wise and virtuous person. Naturally, this time he was going to visit Fan Zeng. Just after Xiang Bo had departed, Liu Shanhe followed Zhang Liang and drove together in tandem, traversing several hundred miles of rugged terrain before finally arriving at the Xiang clan's military camp.

  Liu Shanhe was naturally very excited and thrilled all the way. This was Zhang Liang's first time to plan for himself, letting him borrow troops to seize the city. Just from this move by Zhang Liang, Liu Shanhe really admired this high-ranking scholar. Although it is said that since ancient times, there has been a saying about borrowing troops, but that also depends on who borrowed from whom. This time, Zhang Liang proposed that he let himself borrow troops from Xiang Liang, and he felt that there shouldn't be too much of a problem. First, he and Xiang Liang both belonged to the righteous army against Qin, and were fundamentally consistent, being friendly armies that supported each other, which was also reasonable; second, with Zhang Liang, this famous scholar, speaking on his behalf, it would naturally have a better effect than if he himself spoke. After all, Zhang Liang was a strategist that the Xiang family had tried their best to invite, so they should give him some face. Third, Xiang Liang's troops were numerous and powerful, with a strong force that far surpassed his own small army. So, since Xiang Liang had such a strong military backing, he wouldn't care about a few thousand troops. And if Xiang Liang himself was busy with his own affairs, would he still have the mood to lend troops to others?

  In addition, Liu Shanhe also pondered that since Xiang Liang was currently the strongest, he must have his own ambitions. In this case, it would be just the right time to use people, so it's not impossible that he might take advantage of this opportunity to borrow troops for himself and win over some people to vote for him in the future when he declares independence.

  Liu Shanhe and Zhang Liang arrived at the Chu camp, after reporting, someone immediately led them to the central army tent where Xiang Liang was. As soon as they entered the tent, Liu Shanhe took three steps forward, quickly raised his hands behind him, and bowed to Xiang Liang who had also come out to greet him: "Liu Bang of Pei pays respects to General Xiang Liang! I have long heard of your great name, General, and have always wanted to meet you in person. Unfortunately, I never had the chance until now. To be able to see you today is truly a fortunate encounter!" Liu Shanhe was using his old skill of speaking to people's faces, which he had practiced for many years, and it came in handy at this moment.

  Item Liang also knew that at this time, they should flatter each other a bit. So he searched out some details about the man who would later be called "Marquis of Pei" and organized them into a flattering speech to Liu Shanhe: "I've long heard of Marquis Pei's great name! From the Battle of Mangdang, to capturing Pei City without shedding a single drop of blood or losing a single soldier, and afterwards repeatedly winning battles, quickly becoming famous throughout the land, greatly increasing his power. Truly admirable, truly admirable!"

  "It's nothing, General, you're overpraising me! I, Liu Bang, have only achieved some small victories, what's there to brag about?!" Liu Shanhe naturally had to show some humility, then he promptly gestured towards Zhang Liang and said to Xiang Liang: "This is~~~"

  Zhang Liang naturally also knew a little, knowing that at this time if he only let Liu Bang introduce himself to Xiang Liang, it would seem too passive. After all, although they were in a relationship between two masters, he was also the strategist invited by Xiang Liang (although his position had not been determined yet, but he came with such a reputation). Thinking of this, Zhang Liang quickly cupped his hands and said to Xiang Liang: "I am Zhang Liang, Zhang Zifang, greeting General Xiang Liang."

  Xiang Liang naturally understood the situation, as Xiang Bo had already told him why Zhang Liang hadn't returned with him earlier. He turned to Zhang Liang and said: "Zifang, you're late! You've kept this general waiting for a long time! Hahaha!"