Chapter 49 United Troops 11

  But Lü Zhi, on the other hand, cooperated perfectly and also brought her face close to Fan Kuai's, saying with a different meaning: "You must come back often, I can't give birth alone?" One sentence, actually made Fan Kuai become infatuated, staring at Lü Zhi without blinking. Afterwards, Fan Kuai suddenly picked up Lü Zhi and said: "Forget it, I'll go back today, also to fulfill my loving wife's good intentions~~~~"

  Then, the oil lamp was suddenly blown out again. Inside the mosquito net, a series of rapid gasps for breath and the woman's stifled screams could be heard...

  Liu Shanhe accompanied Zhang Liang, following the departing troops for a while, with a reluctant look in his eyes. Zhang Liang saw that it was almost time and cupped his hands, saying to Liu Shanhe: "Sir, please return!"

  Liu Shanhe let out a long sigh and said to Xia Houyu, who was following closely beside him: "General Xia Hou, bring the horse carriage over!" Then Liu Shanhe turned to Zhang Liang and said: "Sir, this horse carriage is one that Liu Qi usually rides in. I'd like to give it to you for use on your journey, so as to reduce some of the hardships of traveling on horseback."

  Zhang Liang was taken aback, and immediately bowed his hands to Liu Bang, saying: "Sir, Zhang Liang has not yet rendered any service to you, how dare he accept such a great reward!"

  "Sir, your words are truly enlightening! As the saying goes, 'listening to one's words is better than reading ten years of books!' Your teachings have made me, Liu Bang, suddenly feel enlightened and my eyes wide open, as if I've seen the sun breaking through the clouds! From now on, every step I take will be a reminder of your gracious teachings! As the saying goes, 'once a teacher, always a father!' This is not something that can be measured by mere inches or compared to anything else! Whenever I think of your teachings, Liu Bang feels that even three kneels and nine bows would not be enough! I've also prepared some silver and cloth in the carriage, just a small token of my gratitude, but it's far from expressing my true feelings! Only heaven can know the sincerity of my heart!" As he spoke, Liu Shanhe couldn't help but shed tears.

  This time, Liu Shanhe was really heartbroken. It wasn't because he had fewer soldiers and generals now, nor was it because there were no outstanding advisors or strategists around him. Rather, it was because of Zhang Liang, who since that night when they had a deep conversation, seemed to have spoken directly to his heart with every word. His profound understanding of the great affairs of the world, his grasp of the current heroes and their strengths, and the techniques and methods he shared on how to win in chaotic situations, all left Liu Shanhe deeply convinced. However, Zhang Liang still had a mission to fulfill and couldn't stay by his side to plan for greater things together. Fortunately, he had promised that after completing his own tasks, he would return to Liu Shanhe's side again. Thinking of this made Liu Shanhe feel even more sorrowful.

  "Sir, we will meet again!" Zhang Liang was deeply moved by Liu Shanhe's words earlier. At this moment, he was even more determined to return and assist Liu Shanhe after completing the restoration of the Han state. In Zhang Liang's eyes, people like Liu Shanhe were truly rare in this world. Not to mention others, just talking about the three volumes of military books he had studied, no matter who he told them to, they couldn't understand the secrets within. Only Liu Bang not only could listen and understand but also could infer and apply, which really moved Zhang Liang at that time, thinking that he had finally found a kindred spirit.

  Moreover, this Marquis of Pei has the greatest advantage, that is, he can truly be humble and courteous to others, especially to himself, with special respect. Compared to Xiang Liang's uncle and nephew, it's really a world of difference! So, no matter from which aspect, following Liu Bang to plan for great things should be his best choice.

  Liu Bang was arranged by Xiang Liang to join the attacking line of Chengyang, and then followed Xiang Yu to defeat the Qin army in Chengyang, pursuing them all the way and successively occupying Puyang and Yongqiu in Henan, achieving a complete victory with high morale and great ambition. However, the troops led by Xiang Liang, Fan Zeng, and Zhang Yi were initially quite smooth, but later on, after occupying Kangfu and Dong'a in Shandong, they directly attacked Tao. At this critical moment, however, General Xiang Liang became too careless and complacent, resulting in a great disaster.

  That day, Xiang Liang had already besieged Dingtao with an impenetrable encirclement. In his own words, the Qin general Zhang Han inside was like a bird with its wings clipped and could not escape from his grasp.

  Originally, according to Xiang Liang's plan, these two days should be enough to cut off the head of that single item and eliminate the last branch of the Qin army. However, who knew that the Qin general Zhang Han was a real old slippery head, seeing Xiang Liang's army coming with great momentum, intentionally avoiding his edge, deliberately closing the door and not going out, and putting Xiang Liang's troops in a difficult situation, refusing to open the city gate and fight Xiang Liang. And Xiang Liang had no way, so he could only let his soldiers wait patiently. However, until now, two days have passed, but the enemy's city gate still has not been opened. At this time, the military officer said that their army's grain and grass were almost gone, and they could hold on for at most another two days. For a while, Xiang Liang became somewhat anxious and uneasy. However, he was still unable to come up with a plan, and had no choice but to drown his sorrows in wine every day and night with his trusted subordinates.

  Outside the military account, the person standing with a halberd was still Han Xin, who had defected to Xiang Liang several years ago and was appointed as the Halberd Gentleman by Xiang Liang. At this moment, the cold wind outside the account was howling, and a thick frost had already formed on Han Xin's mustache. Inside the large account, however, it was warm and spring-like, with Xiang Liang drinking wine with his generals, including Song Yi. Only then did Xiang Liang say in a loud voice while drinking: "Haha... this is truly 'what you hear may not be true, but what you see is'! I originally thought that Zhang Han was a skilled general, good at governing the army, and a hero who could conquer and fight well. Otherwise, how could he defeat Chen Wang? But in fact, Zhang Han is just like this, all name and no substance!" Having said this, Xiang Liang downed a cup of fine wine and burst into loud laughter.

  And then, another general under Xiang Liang in the big account also followed Xiang Liang's words and said: "General Xiang Liang is absolutely right! In my opinion, Zhang Han is not a hero at all, but a fake hero! He's not even as good as a dog bear! Hahaha!" After finishing speaking, that person also burst into loud laughter like Xiang Liang, which was very piercing to the ear. Hearing this conversation, Han Xin, who was still standing at the entrance of the big account holding his halberd on duty, couldn't help but frown deeply.

  "Hmm, you're absolutely right! You're absolutely right! After we break through the city gates tomorrow, I'll definitely behead that Zhang Han with one slash of my sword! Hmph! What hero? I'm the real hero!" Another deputy general said brazenly while taking a big bite of meat.

  "Ah, ah, just wait until I capture Dingtao and behead Zhang Han. The Qin army will then have hardly any more capable generals! By that time, our great cause of destroying the Qin dynasty will basically be accomplished! Haha... the great cause of destroying the Qin, it's within sight, it's imminent!" Xiang Liang once again raised his head, and drained a cup of wine.

  At this time, Song Yi, who was below, couldn't listen anymore and bowed his head towards Xiang Liang, saying: "General, now that Dingtao is so difficult to attack, if we can't take it down for a long time, the Qin army will surely come to reinforce. If that happens, then..." But before Song Yi could finish speaking, he was interrupted by Xiang Liang, who said: "What's going to happen? Don't be afraid! Now the Qin army is defeated everywhere, where can they get reinforcements from? Besides, I've always been afraid of having too few soldiers, not too many. I'm only worried that the Qin army doesn't have enough soldiers for me to kill!" Xiang Liang glanced at Song Yi with a sunken face, clearly unhappy in his heart, resenting Song Yi for spoiling his mood by saying discouraging words.

  "Hmph, even if he can come to reinforce with troops, it's still within my expectations! Ah, exactly what I wanted. Like that old scoundrel Zhang He, only knowing how to hide in the city and shut the gates, damn it, I look down on people like him who only know how to be turtles! People like him, hiding their troops in the city and not daring to fight, heh heh, this general is the most infuriated, the most infuriated! Ah? Hahahaha!" Xiang Liang didn't bother with Song Yi's words anymore, continuing to speak to himself.

  "General Song Yi, General Song Yi! I see that you must have stayed under Chen Wang's command for too long and were intimidated by Zhang Han during the battle. Otherwise, why are you so afraid when mentioning old Zhang Han?" Another deputy general in another large tent sneered at Song Yi.

  Song Yi really couldn't listen anymore, hummed and stood up, walking straight towards the outside of the big tent. At this time, a general saw Song Yi's face was not right, hurriedly stepped forward to block Song Yi, smiling at him: "General Song Yi, General Song Yi, ah, what was said earlier were just jokes, just jokes, why take it seriously? Ah? Why take it seriously? Come on, let's get back together, we'll continue drinking, we'll continue drinking!"

  However, Song Yi was no longer willing to sit down, fiercely staring at the general who had encountered the battle, and then rushed out of the main tent. Han Xin, who was still on duty at the entrance of the main tent, saw Song Yi's angry departure and couldn't help but shake his head in dismay.

  Inside the big tent, however, came a voice full of triumphant laughter. Amidst the laughter, Xiang Liang's voice could be heard constantly, "Come on, come on, all you generals! Tonight, we'll drink till we're drunk, and only then will we rest!"

  After Song Yi left the main tent in a huff, he mounted his horse and galloped straight to the capital city of Huaiyin where Emperor Xiaowu was.

  Just as Song Yi had left, General Fan Zeng hastily got up and saw that Xiang Liang and others were still in the main tent, holding cups and drinking bitterly. He couldn't help but frown, then he rushed into the tent without any courtesy, standing in the center of the tent, with a face full of anger, looking like an angry god, awe-inspiring without being angry.

  Fan Zeng took a moment to calm down, then spoke to Xiang Liang in an urgent tone: "That Zhang Han is a renowned general of the Qin army! Since he left the pass, it's been three months and he has hardly ever lost a battle. This man has both bravery and strategy, we can't underestimate him! Although they've suffered consecutive defeats recently, they've closed the city gates and refused to come out. They must be sharpening their swords and preparing for battle inside. General Xiang Liang, we can't afford not to be on guard!"

  After hearing his words, the crowd did not speak, and Fan Zeng continued to say: "On the other hand, looking at our army's generals and soldiers now, they are drinking and celebrating day and night, as if they have already defeated Zhang Han. Moreover, our army's discipline is lax, morale has plummeted, how can we defeat the enemy in this situation? And if it goes on like this, if we encounter Zhang Han's army at this time, it will be a certain defeat!" Fan Zeng seemed to have reached his limit of patience and only then spoke out these words.

  But Liang, who was originally still drinking with the others, couldn't help but turn pale upon hearing Fan Zeng's words. He stared at Fan Zeng with a pair of bewildered eyes, then stood up and walked towards him, his hand still holding a cup of wine.

  "Sir, you, you, you, you talk endlessly, even uttering alarming words. Are you, are you laughing at me, saying I don't know how to use troops?" Xiang Liang stumbled and staggered in front of Fan Zeng, spraying wine breath as he spoke.

  Fan Zeng, even if he didn't know the situation, wouldn't be foolish enough to touch a hot stove. In this army, his position was still very clear. So Fan Zeng cupped his hands and said: "General, please calm down! General, please calm down! I have been entrusted by the King of Chu with a heavy responsibility, to assist the general. If I don't speak my mind today, how can I face the King of Chu? Therefore, even if it means offending the general, I must express my thoughts! Please calm down, general, and think clearly!"

  This time, Fan Zeng was wrong again. He was indeed willing to follow the orders of King Chu for this anti-Qin undertaking, but he forgot a most basic fact: how did that King Chu Sun Xin come to power? And the person who could make Sun Xin king could also abolish him. He should know that for Xiang Liang, making King Chu was just a trick, and did he really put that King Chu in his eyes? So when Fan Zeng mentioned King Chu, Xiang Liang was already angry, and now he became even more furious, saying to Fan Zeng: "What are you talking about? What are you talking about? Who is the King of Chu? Who made him king? It's ridiculous that you dare to use that child to scare me! You should know who made that child king, and who he should listen to!"

  Xiang Liang's words almost made Fan Zeng so angry that he rolled his eyes. After a long time, Fan Zeng finally said with extreme excitement: "I am already over 70 years old and have no intention of joining the military, but I admire General Xiang's reputation and am willing to help him destroy Qin and take the world, building an eternal achievement. But now it seems that this is all my fault!" After finishing speaking, Fan Zeng turned around and left without looking back.

  Just as Fan Zeng had just walked out of the gate, a voice suddenly came from behind: "General, General! Why not send someone to Xiang Yu and Liu Bang for help immediately? The military situation is urgent, don't delay, General!"

  Fan Zeng turned his head and saw that it was General Han Xin. After hearing Han Xin's words, Fan Zeng suddenly froze for a moment, not moving from the spot for half a day.

  Fan Zeng knew that what the halberd-wielding young man Han Xin had just said was quite reasonable. According to general rules, if Zhang He really knew how to use troops, then now would undoubtedly be an excellent opportunity. The Chu army's vigilance had greatly relaxed, and it was a great opportunity for a surprise attack. And if Zhang He really did that, then Xiang Liang would undoubtedly be defeated. And when that time came, whether the lives of these subordinates under Xiang Liang could still be preserved was also an unknown quantity.

  However, even if I secretly send someone to ask for help from Xiang Yu and Liu Bang, and the siege of Zhang Liang is lifted, what's the use? Even so, because of Xiang Liang's arrogant and self-willed personality, he still won't listen to his own account. Alas, it seems that I was wrong, I was really wrong!

  Fan Zeng shook his head at Han Xin, his expression extremely dejected, the sparkle in his eyes gone, a look of helplessness and despair on his face. "Alas, all things in life are predetermined, knowing that something cannot be done yet doing it anyway will surely lead to nothing, surely lead to nothing! I was wrong, I was wrong!" After saying this, Fan Zeng walked away dejectedly to his own residence. He didn't care about the rest of the matters, nor could he care. Whether it was life or death, success or failure, let Han Xin handle it himself! Only Han Xin was left standing there, dazed and confused, holding his spear in a trance-like state.

  Han Xin's mood was also very complicated at this time. Due to his errand, he understood some things about the high-level military very clearly, and he also understood the current battlefield situation very well. Based on the places he had grasped in these days, Han Xin vaguely felt that an ominous cloud was surrounding them. At this time, he really hated Xiang Liang, who didn't have any strategy at all, only knew how to fight happily, and engage in a fierce battle with the enemy army. If the enemy army refused to come out, he would be helpless. If it were him, Han Xin would never do things like that. But did he, Han Xin, have the right to speak here?

  Han Xin smiled self-deprecatingly, shook his head, and still tightly grasped the steel spear in his hand. He let out a cold breath, stood like a stake, straight as a pen, and continued to stand guard outside the central army account. Inside the central army account, Xiang Liang's drunken words came up again. Heaven knows, this was actually Xiang Liang's last time getting drunk.