Chapter 53: Giant Deer 4

  The next day, the old minister who said "it's a deer not a horse" in the grand hall was killed by Zhao Gao with a random excuse. From then on, no one dared to offend Zhao Gao again. As a result, Zhao Gao became even more powerful and arrogant, dominating the court and covering up the sky, unstoppable.

  It was also from this that the power struggle between Zhao Gao and Qin Er Shi Hu Hai officially began. Hu Hai was not actually stupid, he naturally knew that Zhao Gao's ambition had already been fully exposed. And before this, such a thing would never have happened!

  "No matter how powerful or capable you, Zhao Gao, may be, the power you wield is still granted to you by me. I have been lenient with you because of your contributions to my ascension to the throne. Moreover, you do possess some abilities, and it so happens that I am in need of people like you to serve me."

  "But now, looking at your behavior, it's clear that you want to squeeze out the emperor and seize power. It seems that the common saying is true after all: 'The heart of man is like a snake that can swallow an elephant.' However, if you think that the emperor is also easily deceived, then you are wrong, and greatly mistaken! The emperor will make you pay dearly for this!" Qin Er Shi Hu Hai thought to himself.

  From that day on, the power between Qin Ershi and Zhao Gao was basically in a clear state.

  At that time, in the palace of Chu Huai Wang in Peng City, Song Yi, the most trusted minister of Huai Wang, was discussing with Huai Wang about how to send troops. And why Song Yi could gain favor with Huai Wang was also an inevitable result. On the one hand, Huai Wang was eager to win over some talents for his own use, and Song Yi was undoubtedly a best candidate. This person has always been humble, easy to talk to, and often shows loyalty to Huai Wang in daily life. In addition, Song Yi is also a talent, which is a conclusion drawn by Huai Wang from the event where Song Yi persuaded Xiang Liang.

  At that time, Xiang Liang had originally besieged Zhang Han's troops in Dingtao, but Zhang Han closed the city gate and refused to come out for battle. At that time, Zhang Han thought that his military strength was far inferior to that of the Chu army. Moreover, the morale of the Chu army was high, if he rushed into battle hastily, he would surely fall into the enemy's trap and suffer a defeat. And Zhang Han's skill in using troops was also a good performance at this time.

  On the one hand, he sent people to ask for reinforcements, and on the other hand, he closed the door and refused to fight. Even when Xiang Liang's men scolded at the city gate for three days and nights, he remained calm and did not open the city gate. As a result, the morale of Xiang Liang's army was worn away, which perfectly achieved Zhang Han's goal of "avoiding the sharp edge". On the other hand, it also created an illusion that this side was vulnerable to attack, which paralyzed the opponent and created conditions for their own future surprise attack.

  So, it can be said that Zhang Han's battle in Dingtao that year was a series of linked rings, one step leading to another, which ultimately led to the success of the surprise attack and achieved the strategic intention of winning with fewer troops and weaker forces. Of course, at that time, there were also people who were not fooled by the Chu army's camp, and they were not few in number. For example, Han Xin, Fan Zeng, and Song Yi. Especially Fan Zeng and Song Yi, they repeatedly warned Xiang Liang about the dangers facing the righteous army: the enemy was waiting for an opportunity to strike, while their own troops, from the commander-in-chief to the soldiers, were still indulging in the small victories they had recently won, day and night drinking and celebrating, thinking that Zhang Han's troops were nothing special. As Xiang Liang said: "People are still spreading rumors that Zhang Han is a god of war, but now it seems that it's just a rumor, just a rumor! He, Xiang Liang, is not so divine after all! It's nothing more than that, nothing more than that!"

  It is true that "if the upper beam is not straight, the lower beam will be crooked". If the general is so contemptuous of the enemy, then the general's attitude will naturally affect his subordinates. So all the soldiers were complacent and neglected their defenses, which also laid the foundation for Zhang Han's successful surprise attack that night.

  It was for this reason that King Huai of Chu praised Song Yi's behavior at the time. "You were able to see through the military situation, which is not easy to do. And you also strongly advised Xiang Liang not to underestimate the enemy, although Xiang Liang did not listen, but as a general, you have already fulfilled your responsibility." King Huai of Chu said this to Song Yi.

  It was precisely because Song Yi had some impressive performances that King Huai thought of him as his trusted advisor. As for Song Yi, if he had the same abilities as Xiang Liang and his nephew, it's likely that he wouldn't have been so humble. However, back then, he had joined Xiang Liang's camp after Chen Sheng's defeat, when he was at a loss for what to do. Therefore, he naturally didn't have the same demeanor as Xiang Liang and his nephew, always being cautious in his words and actions. Later on, Xiang Liang's roughness and stubbornness made Song Yi somewhat unbearable. However, since he was living under someone else's roof, he had no choice but to endure. As the saying goes, "Under someone else's eaves, one must lower their head."

  However, Song Yi was after all a hero of his time. In the past, he had to submit to others, which was also an unavoidable thing. Once he had the opportunity, he would definitely stand out and no longer be controlled by others. Yes, he was waiting for such an opportunity. And now, such an opportunity seemed to have arrived. He finally got on King Hui's chariot and finally escaped from the helpless and oppressive situation he had been in before.

  Song Yi was very clear that if Xiang Liang did not die, then King Huai would find it difficult to truly be in control and would have become a real puppet. However, now that Xiang Liang is dead, only Xiang Yu remains. After all, no matter from which aspect, Xiang Yu still cannot be compared with his uncle Xiang Liang, although he still holds the powerful army, but his influence has already greatly diminished. And this, for Song Yi, was undoubtedly a heaven-sent opportunity!

  Thus, one eager to obtain the effect of a loyal minister, and the other seeking a truly reliable great mountain, Song Yi followed Prince Huai, both of whom were without real power, and they walked together, embarking on the same boat of fate.

  "Zhang Han killed Xiang Liang in Dingtao, the situation in the south was settled, so he thought that the Chu army was no longer a concern. Therefore, he led his troops north to attack Zhao Guo. Now, his 300,000-strong army has besieged King Zhao in Julu City, and it's extremely urgent!" Song Yi said to Prince Hui in the inner palace of Prince Hui.

  Chu Huai Wang listened to Song Yi's words, his eyebrows furrowed involuntarily, and after a moment of contemplation, he said: "Now Zhang Han's military strength is very strong, and now he is attacking Zhao Guo in the north, and has already besieged King Zhao Xie in Julu City. Looking at the momentum, it is so fierce and ferocious, how should our Chu army respond?" In fact, from the essence, Huai Wang was still worried about the current situation. After all, he himself was because Zhang Han killed his general Xiang Liang in the battle of Dingtao, and then moved the capital of Chu Guo from Xuancheng to Pengcheng. If Zhang Han destroyed the army of Zhao Guo again, then he would really have nowhere to escape. Although he had brave warriors, there would be no stage for him to perform on anymore.

  "Don't worry, Your Majesty! Let's take action. Look at the current situation: the Qin army led by Zhang Han is gaining momentum and attacking Zhao. In terms of military strength, apart from Zhang Han, it's only our Chu army that can match them. However, although Zhang Han seems to be on a roll, it's just the last rays of sunlight for the Qin dynasty. Your Majesty should think about it: the brutal Qin has actually run out of power, and Zhang Han's troops have basically exhausted all the forces that can be mobilized from the Qin dynasty. If not, everyone knows that no one would release those prisoners to fight unless absolutely necessary. So, although Zhang Han's army is winning battle after battle, it doesn't serve much purpose. In short, the Qin dynasty won't last for many more years."

  "So, Your Majesty, if we divide our troops into two routes, I think we can achieve great results. If you are still interested in my words, then Song Yi will explain them to you one by one." Song Yi appeared to be quite cautious, fearing that his words would be too boastful and provoke the king's displeasure.

  Song Yi recalled the time he followed Chen Sheng and Wu Guang to carry out tasks. At that time, it was also because of his own words that he was demoted from office. Therefore, having learned from past experiences, Song Yi naturally would not make the same mistake again.

  However, who would have thought that after Chu Huai Wang finished listening to Song Yi's words, he actually appeared to be very appreciative of Song Yi's idea. He then encouraged him with a nod and said: "Well, please go on, General Song!"

  "Our king need not worry. Although the Qin army looks very powerful now, it has already reached its strongest point. As long as we divide our troops into two routes, one to go north to rescue Zhao and the other to attack Xianyang, the capital of Qin in the west. In that case, we will definitely make the Qin army unable to take care of both ends, and defeat them with one blow, and the great cause can be achieved!" Song Yi spoke enthusiastically.

  It should be said that Song Yi's words are quite insightful. On the one hand, he saw through the Qin army, which was still very arrogant at the time, but in fact, it had already reached its peak and was like an autumn grasshopper, with not much time left to jump around. On the other hand, the current strategy of dividing troops required not only vision but also wisdom and courage. It is worth noting that one of the reasons why Xiang Liang's army was defeated at Dingtao was because of the division of troops. If they had not divided their forces and sent Liu Bang and Xiang Yu to attack another direction, even if Zhang Han had more strategies, he would not have been able to defeat the Chu army of nearly one million soldiers.

  Last time, they lost because of division of troops, and now, Song Yi actually proposed the idea of dividing troops again. If he didn't have a certain degree of courage, it would be impossible to do so. And in fact, the situation was just as Song Yi had expected, the Qin army at this time really only had Zhang Han's main force. Even convicts were sent out to fight, what other troops did he have?

  At this time, it's like playing a game of chess. Playing chess requires considering the whole board. The rational part of Song Yi's idea of sending two routes to scout is to attract and tie up Zhang He's forces, or rather, to eliminate him. On the other hand, this allows for freeing up resources to specifically target the enemy's lair. In this way, the enemy's destruction is truly just a matter of time.

  After hearing Song Yi's words, King Huai was extremely pleased and clapped his hands, saying: "Excellent, excellent! Brown Ai Chen, Song Ai Chen, let's issue an edict according to your words! Let's issue an edict according to your words!"

  The next day, in the imperial court, all the heroes from various places had arrived. After King Hui took his seat, he first glanced around at all the people present in the great hall, with a firm and confident gaze in his eyes. The current King Hui was naturally no longer that little kid who cried out not wanting to be king, having undergone the high teachings of Shu Sun Tong and the rich experiences of these few years, it was undeniable that this King Hui was indeed a person with great imperial talent. It's just that he was born at the wrong time, otherwise, he would definitely have been a very accomplished monarch as well.

  It seems that we can only sigh at the tragic fate of Chu State! If such a wise king had appeared earlier, perhaps Chu State would have been quite different!

  At this time, in the grand hall, Chu Huai Wang's voice was loud and magnetic, showing an irresistible majesty.

  "Gentlemen, generals, and nobles, since last month when Wu Xinjun led the western expedition against Qin but unfortunately suffered a defeat at Dingtao and lost his life. However, Zhang Yan's morale has been greatly boosted, and he is now leading an army of 300,000 soldiers west across the Yellow River, besieging Zhao State and trapping King Zhao in Julu City. The current situation is extremely critical. If Zhang Yan defeats Zhao State, then we will be his next target! Therefore, we must discuss this matter and come up with a plan!" King Huai said anxiously.

  Having said that, King Huai looked at the crowd again and continued to say: "So far, Zhang Han has been besieging Zhao Wang Xie in Julu City for over a month! The city's food and grass are exhausted, and the situation is very severe. The people of Zhao had long since sent flying letters to come and said that more than half of the people in the city had died. Everyone thinks that if Zhang Han defeats the army of Zhao, his strength will naturally increase and improve. And when that happens, it's harder to destroy him than to ascend to heaven! So now, the top priority is to come up with a plan, that is, how we should deal with this matter.

  "However, the morale of the Qin army is high, but the capital city of Xianyang is definitely empty. We can take advantage of this and catch them off guard. So, I have discussed with the ministers and plan to send two routes of troops to attack Qin. One route has 300,000 soldiers, which will rescue Zhao and compete with Zhang Han's last Qin army. After success, we will take advantage of the victory and march south to Xianyang; another route is to send more than 100,000 elite soldiers and generals to head west and directly attack the capital city of Qin, Xianyang." King Huai said slowly, as if he was afraid that people would not hear clearly.

  After a while, King Huai continued: "In order to boost morale, I have discussed with the ministers and made an agreement with you all. Whoever can enter Xianyang first and occupy it will be crowned king in Guanzhong! Whoever can enter Xianyang first and occupy it will be crowned king in Guanzhong! Does everyone understand?"

  When Xiang Yu heard what Hua Wang had said, he became impatient and wanted to get up and argue with him. In Xiang Yu's mind, why did they have to divide their troops again? Although Zhang Han was currently besieging Zhao Guo, he himself was thinking of competing with Zhang Han and killing the old thief to avenge his uncle. After killing Zhang Han, he would lead his army south and take Qin's capital, Xianyang. At that time, the whole world would be his. Xiang Yu felt that he had such ability and strength. But Hua Wang said something about dividing their troops into two routes! What did it mean? If it were true, then neither route would be ideal for him. If he chose to take the western route and head straight for Xianyang, he would lose the opportunity to personally kill Zhang Han and avenge his uncle. Moreover, fighting Zhang Han was one of his wishes. This was a temptation that Xiang Yu, who had been brave and warlike since childhood, could not resist. On the other hand, it was likely that the other route would take advantage of the situation and head straight for Xianyang. By then, it would be too late to do anything. No matter what was said, it would only sound good. This was something that Xiang Yu could not accept. Hadn't he and his uncle been fighting from Jiangdong just to arrive at that day as soon as possible? If someone were to preempt them, they would have no choice but to acknowledge it.

  And another route, Xiang Yu had also considered earlier, was not the ideal route he thought, that is to go west and take Qin's capital Xianyang directly. However, firstly, there were only 100,000 troops, and the journey was long. Moreover, what made Xiang Yu feel that he couldn't take that route was that if he did, he wouldn't be able to avenge his uncle. For someone like Xiang Yu, the world could be given up, but since he was raised by his uncle from childhood, he couldn't let go of avenging his uncle's death at the hands of Zhang Han.