Chapter 49: United Troops 9

  The crowd's reaction was naturally within Fan Zeng's expectations. He smiled slightly, looked around at the crowd, and then said with an unchanged expression: "Yes, I really think that General Xiang Liang cannot be the King of Chu! Moreover, not only can General Xiang Liang not be the King of Chu, but none of you present here can be the King of Chu! Let me say it again. General Xiang Liang cannot be the King of Chu! Moreover, not only can General Xiang Liang not be the King of Chu, but none of you present here can be the King of Chu! I'll say it again."

  Fan Zeng's words stunned everyone present! This is truly astonishing! It seems that this old man really has a remarkable background! Hmm, he indeed has a remarkable background!

  Whether it was Xiang Liang or Xiang Yu, the natural shock was even greater. Only Xiang Yu's eyebrows were furrowed and his eyes were blazing with anger, staring at Fan Zeng as if he wanted to swallow him whole. As for Xiang Liang, he had a look of confusion on his face, his brow furrowed in puzzlement, every bit of which was written all over his face.

  "Mr. Fan, I don't know what you mean by that?" Xiang Liang finally asked in puzzlement. Of course, this question from Xiang Liang was also the common question that everyone else sitting there wanted to ask.

  Fan Zeng was still calm and composed, although he was thin as a rake, but he had an otherworldly air about him, his spirit was sharp, his hair was white but his face looked youthful, and his eyes sparkled with boundless wisdom. When Xiang Liang asked him, Fan Zeng coughed lightly and said: "Alright, I'll ask the general one question first. May I ask General Xiang Liang, why did Chen Sheng ultimately die a defeated man, his head and body separated?"

  Xiang Liang was taken aback by Fan Zeng's sudden question and couldn't answer. In fact, Chen Sheng's defeat was due to multiple reasons, which Xiang Liang hadn't carefully considered. So, he shifted his gaze to Xiang Yu. Fortunately, Xiang Yu was young and clever, with a natural air of superiority that made him disregard the old man in front of him. He spoke fluently: "Isn't it obvious? Chen Sheng was a farmer by birth and naturally didn't know how to command an army. In ancient times, who has ever seen a farmer lead troops into battle? Firstly, his subordinates were mostly selfish and undisciplined, with lax military discipline and no clear orders, so they couldn't defeat Zhang Han. Therefore, it's only natural that Chen Sheng was killed by Zhuang Jia's chariots. I say, this is something a wise person can see at a glance, what more explanation do you need?"

  Xiang Yu felt very pleased with himself after finishing his speech. After all, his words were logical and well-founded, and he had delivered them with great momentum. So, he couldn't help but feel proud of his own eloquence.

  Fan Zeng listened to Xiang Yu's words and stroked his beard with a smile, saying: "General, your words are reasonable, General, your words are reasonable! However, General, you only know one side of the matter, but not the other. You only see the branches and leaves, but not the root."

  "Oh? What's the meaning of this?" Xiang Yu naturally didn't expect Fan Zeng to respond in such a way, and he didn't continue with another round of praise.

  Fan Zeng smiled and said, "The reason Chen Wang ultimately failed was that he did not establish the descendant of King Huai of Chu as king, but instead declared himself king. The reason is very simple, but unfortunately, not many people can see this fact, and instead they keep talking about other things. What a pity!" At the same time, Fan Zeng didn't forget to strike Xiang Yu again.

  After hearing Fan Zeng's words, the heroes and heroes present were stunned. Everyone looked at each other in dismay, thinking quickly about what Fan Zeng had just said. Although it seemed very reasonable, it was difficult to clearly explain the underlying logic, leaving some people bewildered.

  Xiang Yu and Xiang Liang exchanged a glance, both of their faces showing great confusion. However, the others in the tent had already begun to nod in agreement with Fan Zeng's words. Therefore, Xiang Liang, who was sitting in the main seat, asked Fan Zeng urgently: "Please, Mr. Fan, tell us more about it, we are all ears."

  It's clear that things have developed to such an extent, Fan Zeng's words have already stolen the hearts of many people. Naturally, everyone's view of him has also changed greatly compared to when he first entered the account.

  At that moment, Fan Zeng became the most eye-catching person in the big account. Naturally, everyone also put their eyes on him, and their ears perked up one by one, as if they were afraid of missing any word he said. Everyone's attitude made Fan Zeng very satisfied, so he slowed down his speech, but his tone was still loud and clear, exuding a strong sense of confidence.

  Everyone only heard Fan Zeng continue to say: "Qin destroyed the six countries, and the suffering that Chu State received was the most profound. This point, everyone is also very clear. In those years, King Huai was deceived into Xianyang, but ultimately died in a foreign land. Therefore, the parents of Chu State were heartbroken and vowed to report this revenge. So, the former philosopher Nan Gong had predicted that since only three households were left in Chu State, it would be the people of Chu State who would eventually destroy Qin State! Lin Feng, how deep is the hatred of the people of Chu State for the cruel Qin!"

  Fan Zeng saw that everyone was listening very seriously, and he himself felt a bit proud. He paused for a moment, then continued: "Well, all the generals know that General Xiang Liang started his uprising in Jiangdong, and heroes from all over the world came to join him enthusiastically. Why is this? In my opinion, it's not just because of General Xiang Liang's extraordinary strength, but also because he is a descendant of a famous general of Chu State, and his family has been producing generals for generations. This is very well-known throughout the country. So they all believe in you, General, and are willing to follow you to death to rebel against Qin. If you cling to fame and power, and declare yourself king, then you will inevitably disappoint the people of Chu State! That's why I said earlier that you absolutely cannot be called king, and neither can any of the heroes and generals present here!"

  Having said that, Fan Zeng deliberately stopped for a moment, seemingly to see the reaction of those people inside the big account. At this time, whether it was Xiang Liang or the people below, they all expressed their approval one after another. Moreover, some people had already lost control of themselves and couldn't help but discuss it in an uproar.

  Fan Zeng saw this, and his voice became even more loud and clear. He continued to say: "At that time, not only will the cruel Qin dynasty not be overthrown, but General will also bear a reputation for being unfaithful and unjust, becoming a sinner for all eternity! In the end, he will become the target of public criticism! If it really comes to that point, even if General Item regrets it later, it will already be too late! I hope General Xiang Liang can see clearly and think carefully!"

  After listening to Fan Zeng's words, Liu Shanhe and Zhang Liang looked at each other, the meaning in their eyes was very clear, that is, let's wait and see! Of course, although Liu Shanhe and Zhang Liang originally supported Xiang Liang's approach, Xiang Liang was very satisfied. However, halfway through, a Fan Zeng appeared, stirring up the water. At this time, Zhang Liang naturally couldn't argue with him about who was right or wrong, not to mention that he was his own uncle in terms of seniority, even if it were an ordinary relationship, it would be impolite to be too presumptuous. Waiting and seeing has always been Zhang Liang's principle.

  After listening to Fan Zeng's words, Xiang Liang was deeply moved. His eyes were wide open like bronze bells, and his eyebrows were tightly furrowed as he said: "Mr. Fan is right! Mr. Fan is absolutely right!"

  However, at this time Xiang Yu was no longer calm. He looked around and then said to Xiang Liang: "Uncle, we can't just listen to someone's temporary words and ruin our great cause! We can't just listen to someone's temporary words and ruin our great cause!"

  It's not hard to see from here that, in comparison, Xiang Liang has some vision and strategy compared to Xiang Yu. He not only has his own point of view (naturally at critical moments), but also can listen to others' correct opinions and suggestions, while Xiang Yu is different, he is just a stubborn person who doesn't like to listen to others' correct opinions in daily life, and when it comes to critical moments, he can't make the right decisions, instead being indecisive, just like a woman. And finally losing to Liu Bang's hands, it seems that it was destined.

  After listening to Xiang Yu's words, Xiang Liang decisively raised his hand and said, "Don't say any more!" Then he stood up again and walked towards Fan Zeng, saying, "Mr. Fan, since King Huai was captured by the cruel Qin and taken to Xianyang, he died soon after being tortured, and his descendants have disappeared without a trace. I want to establish his heir as king, but where can I find him? Can't just grab someone on the territory of Chu and make them the King of Chu? Does Mr. Fan have any wise ideas?"

  It should be said that Xiang Liang's move was quite clever. Because the things he considered were indeed facts. Since King Huai of Chu was taken away by Qin, his descendants had all changed their names and hidden their identities, fearing to reveal their true identity again for fear of being harmed by Qin. By asking this question, Xiang Liang on the one hand showed that he really understood Mr. Fan's suggestion and greatly appreciated it, and firmly supported it; On the other hand, he also paved the way for his next plan: although I strongly support your suggestion, Mr. Fan, but if we can't find the descendants of King Huai, then this is an impossible task, and your previous words will only be empty talk, not practical. In that case, Xiang Liang could only establish himself as the king of Chu.

  Jian Xiangliang's attitude was very sincere, and Fan Zeng was extremely delighted. Because after all, his previous words had not been spoken in vain, and his suggestions seemed to be adopted, he was naturally overjoyed. It is worth noting that the method of thoroughly changing others' already formed ideas through one's own words still gave him a sense of accomplishment.

  "General, don't be impatient. As for the King of Chu's successor, I know a thing or two about him." Fan Zeng said with a smile to Xiang Liang.

  "Really?" Xiang Liang couldn't believe his ears, and suddenly grabbed Fan Zeng's arms with both hands, his eyes wide with surprise.

  "Really, of course it's true!" Fan Zeng laughed even more happily.

  "Alright, Mr. Fan, you'd better take the trouble yourself now and set off immediately to lead the horses and carriages to find the descendants of King Huai. I'll dispatch a troop specifically to protect you! We're all waiting in the big tent for the good news that Mr. Fan will bring back after finding the descendants of King Huai. Set off immediately, lead the horses and carriages to find the descendants of King Huai. I'll dispatch a troop specifically to protect you! We're all waiting in the big tent for the good news that Mr. Fan will bring back after finding the descendants of King Huai."

  Fan Zeng smiled slightly and said, "General Xiang Liang, why not follow me to go together? Wouldn't that be better?" Xiang Liang listened and also thought it made sense, so he nodded in agreement. Then he ordered people to prepare some troops and horses, and followed Fan Zeng, Xiang Yu, and some other important generals on the road. As for the other heroes from various places, they were temporarily arranged to stay in their lodgings, waiting for their return.

  This mighty army, with its countless flags and banners, stirred up a massive cloud of dust that filled the sky. The western wind swept across the endless sea of flags, making them appear even more majestic. At the very front of the procession was a vanguard of several dozen men, each holding aloft a large banner emblazoned with a giant "Chu" character; behind them came the canopy carriage carrying Xiang Liang and Fan Zeng, its massive canopy enveloping the two men beneath it. Further back still was a grand palanquin, bearing what looked like a small house. This was clearly an imperial conveyance, prepared especially for the search for King Huai of Chu. It was evident that Xiang Liang had every confidence in this expedition to find the king.

  A large group of people were marching forward, when suddenly Xiang Yu rode a fast horse to the front of Xiang Liang's chariot and said: "Uncle, not far ahead there is a small village." It can be seen that in this action, Xiang Yu was entrusted with the vanguard mission.

  Xiang Liang listened to Xiang Yu's report and then consulted with Fan Zeng in the same carriage. He then turned to his generals beside him and said, "Xiang Bo, Zhong Limo, Ding Gong, Ji Bu listen to my orders! You will divide your troops into two routes and continue searching thoroughly!"

  "By your order!" The four generals heard this and quickly led their warhorses, continuing in the two directions to search further.

  At this time, on the second floor of a small pavilion in Xue County's Xiang Liang barracks, Liu Shanhe was gazing out of the window. His mood was very complicated, and he stood by the window with his hands behind his back, looking into the distance, as if thinking about something.

  Liu Shanhe's current mood is very complicated. On the one hand, he envies Xiang Liang for having such a brilliant strategist today. That man named Fan Zeng, although nearly seventy years old, has extraordinary talent and wisdom. The words he spoke in the main tent also made Liu Shanhe feel deeply moved and admire the old man's profound insight. This person speaks to the point, sees problems from a unique perspective, and has an air of indifference, as well as a calm and composed demeanor, all of which make Liu Shanhe extremely impressed. Alas, who let his own strength be insufficient? Otherwise, Fan Zeng might not necessarily have come to join him either!

  In addition, Liu Shanhe also sighed at the strength of Xiang Liang's army. Comparing others' strength to his own, it was truly a difference between heaven and earth! The gap was really too big! Alas! Liu Shanhe stood by the window, letting out a long sigh.

  He also thought that although he and Zhang Liang had a good conversation, after all, Zhang Liang still had to go to restore his Korea, and it was unlikely that he would be able to make plans for himself again. Seeing that Xiang Liang's tent had many strategists and strong horses, while he was the opposite, how could his heart be calm?

  Fan Zeng actually relied on his own understanding, knowing that the descendants of Chu Huai Wang should be nearby, but as for where he was, he couldn't know the exact location. So, he could only search and explore in this general area.

  Fortunately, Fan Zeng's memory was good, and they finally met a farmer in the wilderness. They asked if there were any descendants of King Chu nearby. The farmer initially didn't want to say anything, but Xiang Liang gave someone next to him a signal, and that person quickly walked forward and gave the farmer a gold ingot. When the farmer saw such a large sum of money, he couldn't help but smile with joy and hastily told Xiang Liang: "Sir, sir, it's not that I didn't want to say anything, but our village has reached a consensus that no matter who asks, we can't tell them where King Huai's descendants are. You see, our King Huai was deceived into going to Xianyang and then killed. So, his descendants, we absolutely won't tell anyone about their whereabouts. However, I think you few don't seem like bad people, so I'll tell you! Do you see that little kid not far in front of us? He is the descendant of our King Huai - Sun Xin."

  "Is that so? Well, we've finally found him!" Fan Zeng was overjoyed when he heard that the little boy herding sheep not far ahead was actually a descendant of King Huai of Chu, Sun Xin. He immediately followed Xiang Liang and others to approach the little boy who was just ahead.

  That child was herding a flock of sheep with a long whip, concentrating on driving the sheep. The child looked a bit chubby and very cute. All I saw was that the child swung his long whip with a loud crackling sound, and the flock of sheep under his control were very obedient to him, or perhaps they were afraid of his whip. Wherever he whipped, the sheep would definitely rush in that direction...