Chapter 259 Luo Cai
Xiang Yu gave Liu Bang time to catch his breath, so Liu Bang did not even return to Guanzhong and directly defended the important town of Xingyang.
The princes of the world have completely understood the situation. The position of the common leader of the world is either Han or Chu, and everyone can only choose one of them.
Originally, the State of Qi was equally powerful, but after the King of Qi killed the nobles, a large-scale civil war broke out in the State of Qi, and the national strength declined instantly.
In addition, with Xiang Yu fanning the flames, the State of Qi was very empty, but the King of Qi was full of fighting spirit. Of course he could guess the current outcome.
Although they no longer had the strength to dominate the world, they could still harass the Chu army from the rear. When Xiang Yu attacked, they would slip back into the city and defend it. When Xiang Yu left, they would harass the Chu army from the rear.
With this in mind, the King of Qi sent an envoy to Liu Bang and first informed Lu Ze. Lu Ze was overjoyed. If they could really form an alliance, it would be a great help to him. There were only a few people in the Lu clan who could be truly verified, so of course they had to unite.
Moreover, as the smoke of the Xiang Ying battle cleared, news came out that Empress Lü and Liu Ying were not dead, but were merely imprisoned in Xiang Ying by Xiang Yu with the treatment of kings and princes.
Since Xiang Yu is not going to kill them now, he can find a chance to exchange them for Lu Zhi and Liu Ying later. Even if it means losing everything, Lu Ze is willing to do so.
The King of Qi's alliance shocked the world. When Xiang Yu had all the advantages, there were still princes who dared to stand against Xiang Yu.
Liu Bang took advantage of the situation to contact heroes who had been hesitant, such as the King of Jiujiang. Xiang Yu was also contacting these people, but unfortunately, their reputations were completely different, and their lobbyists were also different. These people all came to Liu Bang.
Liu Bang held Xingyang for nearly a year, but the gap in hard power between the Chu and Han sides was still huge. Eventually his food supply was cut off and he had to retreat. He was caught up and defeated by Xiang Yu, and the group had to flee again.
This time, Luo Yi was not with Liu Bang, but went to contact other princes for him to stabilize the morale of the alliance. Moreover, having Zhang Liang and others in the army was enough.
Liu Bang looked worried and sighed, "We have been defeated again. Xiang Yu is too strong. Where can we find troops to continue defending?"
Zhang Liang saw that although Liu Bang was discouraged, he was still courageous. After such a great defeat, he still wanted to continue fighting. He could not help but admire him and said, "Your Majesty is really a great man. You are indomitable. It would be unreasonable if you could not succeed."
At this time, Lu Wan suddenly rushed in and said happily: "Your Majesty, the general defeated the Wei army of tens of thousands in one battle, broke through the Wei capital in three days, killed the King of Wei, and captured all the cities of Wei in another month. The people of Wei surrendered at the sight of him."
Liu Bang and Zhang Liang looked at each other with surprise. Han Xin only brought 10,000 men with him when he left. Although based on the consumption of food and grass, there are almost 100,000 men now, but there is basically no difference between having so many new recruits and having no recruits at all.
A month ago, Han Xin was still wandering in the Wei State and had made no progress. This was consistent with Liu Bang's cognition. Who knew that the situation would be reversed to this point in the blink of an eye? But if it is true, it is really timely.
Liu Bang suddenly thought of something, then glanced at Zhang Liang, and found that Zhang Liang was also looking at him, and whispered: "Borrow troops."
Liu Bang nodded slowly. The most urgent task now was to stop Xiang Yu. Han Xin's army was crucial.
…
Liu Bang wanted to go directly into Han Xin's army in the early morning. Han Xin had no confidants, and the generals in the army were all Liu Bang's men, so it was easy for Liu Bang to enter and exit here.
Then, no one expected that in the central army camp, they met a completely unexpected person - Luo Cai!
Luo Cai sat upright, wearing an elegant robe. She was truly a stunningly beautiful woman, but in the eyes of everyone, she was extremely shocking.
"Your Majesty."
Luo Cai bowed slightly and smiled softly, "The monarch has come, but the minister did not go to meet him. This is not in accordance with etiquette. Cai apologizes to you on behalf of Han Xin."
Although her words were soft, they were pierced with thorns. There was a smile on her beautiful face, but there was a sharpness in her eyes.
A delicate and gentle woman, standing in the hall, was so awe-inspiring that most people were frightened and dared not speak.
Liu Bang was not afraid, but just felt a little embarrassed that he was caught in the act. However, he was thick-skinned and immediately started to make up stories.
"Madam Luo, the situation is really critical. I rushed all the way here, and even lost two horses. I was so anxious that I didn't have time to inform Zimu. If there is a next time, I will definitely come without notifying you."
Liu Bang explained that the most important thing now was to make his purpose clear.
Luo Cai certainly knew what kind of person Liu Bang was, and she didn't believe what he said at all, but she understood that the matter should end here.
Then he suddenly realized and said, "So that's how it is. Your Majesty, please take a seat. I will send someone to call Han Xin over right away."
Seeing that he could not seize the army directly, Liu Bang could only sit in the hall, waiting for Han Xin's arrival. Zhang Liang and others were even more worried. These people knew Han Xin very well and were sure about this matter, but no one had expected Luo Cai to be so serious, and the result turned out like this.
Han Xin was awakened from his sleep. Hearing that Liu Bang had suddenly arrived at the army and was now in the central army hall, he quickly stood up and asked, "Where is Cai Niang? Go and call her over."
The attendant immediately said: "Madam Luo is already in the lobby."
Han Xin paused, then quickened his pace and hurried to the hall. When he saw Liu Bang, he immediately bowed and said, "Xin greets the king. It is a sin for Xin not to greet you from afar when you come."
Liu Bang helped Han Xin up and said, "General, you have made great contributions in destroying the Western Wei. I am thinking about how to reward you for your great contribution."
Han Xin said quickly: "Your Majesty, it was because you held Xiang Yu back in Xingyang that I was able to achieve this feat. I really don't dare to take credit for it."
After Han Xin finished speaking, he looked at Luo Cai. These words were taught to him by Luo Cai when Han Xin conquered the Western Wei Kingdom. He did not expect that Liu Bang would actually say that he would reward him handsomely.
Luo Cai blinked slightly, and Han Xin was hugged by Liu Bang and sat beside the main seat. Han Xin woke up from his dream and asked, "My king, you suddenly came to my camp, is there something important?"
Liu Bang had nothing to be ashamed of, and said directly: "Zi Mu, Xiang Yu is really strong. I held out for nearly a year, but was finally defeated in Xingyang.
But I will not surrender and will fight to the death with Xiang Yu. There are countless important towns west of Xingyang, and I want to see if Xiang Yu can conquer them one by one.
But the problem is that we don't have any elite troops capable of fighting, so we want to ask you, Zimu, for troops. You have extraordinary talents, and this group of recruits can be trained into elite troops in just a few months.
I think it will be the same in the future. After much thought, I think only you, Zimu, can help me rise again."
Han Xin was silent. Although I am indeed fast at training soldiers, there is still a limit. In the stage of preparing to attack Zhao, most of the elite troops were suddenly withdrawn. Then I would have to use new soldiers to attack Zhao. Han Xin felt a little stressed.
However, if these elite troops can be used to hold back Xiang Yu and give him time to develop, then the cost will be worth it.
Liu Bang valued him and showed him kindness, so he should repay Liu Bang. Thinking of this, Han Xin said, "Your Majesty, I am just a commoner, but you have promised me the position of general. If I don't repay your kindness, it will be unforgivable.
There are 100,000 troops in the camp now. You take 80,000 troops and I will take 20,000 troops to recruit new soldiers from Western Wei, and then go straight to Zhao.
Once I conquer Zhao, the entire Jin area will be under your control. With Guanzhong and Jin, even Xiang Yu will not be your opponent. "
Upon hearing this, Liu Bang actually felt a rare flash of guilt in his heart. He wondered if it was wrong for him to bully an honest man like this. Han Xin was indeed a man who knew how to repay a favor.
However, his strong psychological quality quickly wiped out this trace of guilt. He thought to himself that when he gave rewards in the future, he would definitely put Han Xin at the top of the list of meritorious officials.
After Liu Bang left, Han Xin felt something was wrong, and belatedly asked, "Cainiang, why do I feel something is wrong?"
Luo Cai felt that Han Xin's silly state was quite good. The king liked him like this, as he was unafraid. With his own shock today, there would surely be fewer hidden arrows shot at Han Xin.
So he smiled softly and said, "My dear, don't think too much. Your assistance to the King of Han this time is no less than the great achievement of destroying Wei. In fact, the loyalty you showed today is more important than your defeat of Wei.
If you can destroy Zhao and Dai, or even defeat Xiang Yu, and the world's historian comes from the Luo family, you will be written about prominently in the history books, and will be remembered by future generations far more than all the generals in the past.
You will have countless resounding titles, words like god, saint, and immortal will all be attributed to you, you will be the best in the world, and people will still remember you thousands of years later."
These words made Han Xin's blood boil. He believed what Luo Cai said. The pen was in Luo's hands. He now wished he could lead his army to Zhao immediately and defeat the King of Zhao appointed by Xiang Yu.
Luo Cai looked at Han Xin in front of him, the invincible god of war on the battlefield, but he was a silly boy who was so easily instigated. Many people probably couldn't have imagined that.
The next day.
Han Xin looked at the empty military camp, but was still full of high spirits. It was just a matter of starting over again. The two kings of Zhao and Dai, just wait for death.
(End of this chapter)
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