After Xiang Liang died in the battle of Dingtao in Ziyou Pavilion, the state of Chu mourned. Many people were saddened by Xiang Liang's death, especially Xiang Zhuang.

After King Huai of Chu ruthlessly took back the military power of Xiang Yu, Xiang Zhuang and others, the Chu army was once in the hands of King Huai of Chu. He selected old generals of Chu State to divide the military power, but only left Liu Bang's military power and ordered Liu Bang to still garrison Dang. County, this shows that King Huai of Chu is extremely afraid of the Xiang family. He does not expect the Xiang family to fight for him on the battlefield at this time, as long as it does not cause him trouble.

This also invisibly made many old officials and generals of the Xiang family feel disappointed. For a while, the morale of the Chu army was low. Although they were trained rigorously, they were not as good as before.

King Huai of Chu was able to take away 30,000 elite men under Xiang Zhuang, but he could not take away Hengshan County under Xiang Zhuang's rule. Hengshan County still had nearly 20,000 troops at this time. These soldiers and horses, under Ding Gu's careful training, were very effective in combat. strong,

And Xiang Yu, with the support of Xiang Bo, Cao Wujiu, Kong Ji and others, took over the government and military affairs of Kuaiji County and Zhang County. However, Xiang Yu had no choice but to return to Jiangdong, and the actual government affairs of Liang County were tightly controlled. Caught firmly in the hands of Cao Wujiu and others,

On the surface, the Xiang family was in decline and lost power, but in fact, the Xiang family only lost part of its troops, but under its rule, they still supported homesickness. Even the counties in Jiangdong were dissatisfied with King Huai of Chu's move. By accident, King Huai of Chu lost the hearts of the people of Jiangdong.

In the name of offering sacrifices to his ancestors, Xiang Zhuang resigned from King Huai of Chu. In November last year, Xiang Zhuang left Pengcheng and rushed to Xiaxiang. He stayed in Xiaxiang for half a month and set up a mourning hall to mourn Xiang Liang. In the name of Xiang Liang, he called on the people of Chu to support King Huai. This move greatly won the trust of King Huai of Chu.

In December of the same year, Xiang Zhuang returned to Zhu County. At this time, Zhu County was heavily defended and the troops were stationed in dangerous passes. Accompanied by Cao Feng, Xiang Zhuang inspected the military camps and city defenses, and stayed in Zhu County for nearly two months. , in early February, marched to Kuaiji, Jiangdong,

Officials from Kuaiji County and Zhang County came to welcome Xiang Zhuang. At this time, Xiang Zhuang had received an edict from King Huai and was named Dangyang Lord. Relying on his illustrious military exploits and prestige in the Chu army, Jiangdong officials were more supportive of Xiang Zhuang taking over the old business, but Xiang Zhuang knew clearly in his heart that once the Xiang family seized the throne of King Huai, they would immediately lose the hearts of the Chu people. Moreover, the Xiang family no longer had military power at this time. Blindly wooing aristocratic families would arouse the fear of King Huai of Chu, which would in turn endanger him. ,

Therefore, Xiang Zhuang did not agree to everyone. Xiang Zhuang is a sensible man. He knows that when the time comes, everything can only be tolerated.

After returning to Kuaiji, Cao Feng had to stay with his father for a few days, and the family was reunited. Xiang Zhuang also returned to the Kong family. Kong Xiuyun, who he had longed for, finally got her lover back. She cried with joy, and the Kong family held a banquet. , entertain Xiangzhuang,

At night, Kong Xiuyun played the piano and Xiang Zhuang danced the sword. The two of them were in love, as if they were in a paradise in the depths of the world.

If possible, Xiang Zhuang really wants to live in seclusion in the mountains and forests, and live in obscurity like this with Kong Xiuyun, farming, raising silkworms, and having a bunch of children. What more can I ask for in such a day?

But Xiang Zhuang knows that since he came to this troubled world and possessed Xiang Zhuang, his fate has been determined. He is destined to fight for half his life and get involved in the flames of war.

The good days with Kong Xiuyun did not last long. Another war broke out in the Central Plains. Zhang Han led his army to cross the Yellow River north and march into Zhao. The situation in various places became tense again. Xiang Zhuang had to return to Pengcheng in a hurry. Moreover, Hua Yu had already rushed back to Pengcheng. , Xiang Zhuang was also anxious to see Hua Yu, so he said goodbye to Kong Kun, Cao Wujiu and others, and hurriedly took a boat across the river to the north.

It was May, spring was warm, flowers were blooming, and everywhere was full of vitality. In Dangyang Jun's mansion, Hua Yu brought several guests, one was Lotte, one was Zhou Sheng, one was Lotte's confidant Gui Yinghao, and another one was Li Si. The second son, Li Hong,

Since Li's mansion was blockaded by the Northern Army and people were ransacked and arrested, Li Hong happened to take refuge outside and escaped. Later, Li Hong received a letter written by Li Si before he was in trouble, telling him to stay away from Guanzhong. After hesitating for several days, Li Hong finally He made up his mind to leave Xianyang, but on the way to escape, he was captured by the Northern Army. Lotte tried to find out who Li Hong was, and discussed with Huayu. Finally, he quietly sent Li Hong away until the last moment when the Li Si clan was about to execute him. , Zhao Gaocai learned that Li Hong had trawled the net,

At this time, everyone was anxiously waiting in the mansion. Today is the day that Xiang Zhuang returns. A horse has come to report that Xiang Zhuang will be able to enter the city in half an hour. Therefore, everyone will come to the mansion in advance to wait for Xiang Zhuang. ,

When they left Xianyang with Hua Yu, everyone thought that they would live in seclusion in the mountains and forests for the rest of their lives. Although they had money, they had no place to spend it. It was not until they left Guanzhong that Hua Yu told everyone the truth and promised that he would They were offered positions in the Chu army. Although Xiang Zhuang was not famous at this time, everyone was willing to follow Hua Yu's arrangements and follow Xiang Zhuang to find a foothold.

Letian is a rough man, and he was born as a military commander. He thinks about many things in a single way. At this time, he asked slightly worriedly: "Will Lord Dangyang accept us?"

"Haha, don't worry, General Le. The most elite troops in the Chu army are my general's troops. The most meritocratic government office in the Chu army is also the Hengshan County under the rule of my general. So you can rest assured. "Hua Yu explained with a smile, but a middle-aged man's loud laughter came from outside the door: "When did General Hua learn to flatter?"

This voice was very familiar. Hua Yu looked back and couldn't help but exclaimed: "General,"

The person coming was Xiang Zhuang. He had just rushed back to the government office when he heard the conversation between Hua Yu and Letian. He couldn't help but smiled and answered. At this time, Cao Feng beside him had already reached out and took off Xiang Zhuang's cloak and hurriedly walked towards him. Walk outside the house,

Xiang Zhuang came to the main seat in the center of the living room and sat down, looked at everyone, and then smiled and said: "Everyone, sit down."

Everyone bowed back and sat down one after another. At this time, Xiang Zhuang said with a smile: "I have already received a report from Hua Yu. I know that some of you were once Zhonglang Generals of the Northern Army, some were Jing Zhaoyin, some were Sima, and some were..."

Xiang Zhuang almost forgot that Li Hong had no official position. He paused when he said Li Hong, with a trace of frustration on his face, and sighed: "I'm deeply sorry about Li Si. I couldn't rescue him. I..."

Xiang Zhuang sighed softly and said no more. At this time, Li Hong stood up hurriedly, cupped his hands and said: "General, you can take my father's affairs to your heart. Li Hong is here. Thank you, General."

Seeing Li Hong getting up, Xiang Zhuang smiled and waved his hand, indicating that he was not polite. At this time, Xiang Zhuang's mind reappeared with the figure of Li Si. When he first entered Xianyang, he had met Li Si once, but they did not know each other. , but Li Si's death still made Xiang Zhuang feel regretful. After all, Li Si was also a man of great talent, but he was too pedantic and was nostalgic for his title. However, I heard that Li Si's son Li Hong was also a well-read military man. ,Perhaps, Li Hong will also become a talent available to him in the future, but the premise is that Li Hong must be loyal to himself,

Xiang Zhuang suddenly felt that his train of thought seemed to go too far. He couldn't help but look at everyone and said with a smile: "I will arrange for you to serve in Hengshan County. I wonder if you are willing to go."

"As long as Mr. Dangyang doesn't give up, we are willing," everyone replied in unison, cupping their hands. At this time, a soldier walked in outside the door and whispered a few words in Xiang Zhuang's ear. Xiang Zhuang nodded and smiled at everyone. : "I have a guest here, so I'll excuse you for now. As for when to set off, I'll let Hua Yu inform you,"

Everyone bowed their hands and thanked them again. At this time, Xiang Zhuang stood up, patted Hua Yu on the shoulder twice, and told him: "Take good care of them."

,,,,,,

There is a pavilion and a small pond in the side courtyard of Dangyang Jun Mansion. The scenery is very elegant. At this time, Xiang Zhuang, escorted by several personal guards, hurried to the pavilion. Not far away, Xiang Yu was sitting on a stone pier. , holding the wine glass on the stone table, and kept pouring it into his mouth,

As the saying goes, one drink can resolve a thousand sorrows. Xiang Yu has been using wine to calm down his dissatisfaction in the past few months. Today, Xiang Yu came as soon as his younger brother Xiang Zhuang returned to his house. At this time, Xiang Zhuang had already arrived beside Xiang Yu. He couldn't help laughing and said: "When did my brother become an alcoholic?"

Regarding his younger brother's teasing, Xiang Yu felt that it was not funny at all. At this moment, Xiang Yu raised his wine glass and drank another gulp of wine. Then he said bitterly: "Back then, if it weren't for the support of my uncle, there would be no King Chu Huai today. But he Well, repaying kindness with hatred. Just after stabilizing the throne, they took action on our Xiang family. My poor uncle conquered here and there, spilled blood on the battlefield, and finally lost his life. In exchange, is it just the defeat of the Xiang family today?"

Seeing that Xiang Yu was giving up on himself, Xiang Zhuang couldn't help but sigh and comforted: "Brother, justice is in the heart of the people. Besides, the Xiang family has not been defeated. You and I are still in control of the three counties of Jiangdong. Although it is not as good as we want now, one day, We will have a chance to turn around, brother must learn to be patient,"

"Be patient," Xiang Yu muttered silently. He didn't know that he had to be patient, but this kind of thing is easier said than done. Xiang Yu was upset, so he picked up the wine glass again and took a big sip. At this time, he was already a little drunk. ,

Xiang Yu's self-destruction made Xiang Zhuang feel helpless. He only seized the military power. The Xiang family was still the most authoritative family in the Chu state. Moreover, when the army was pressed and the Chu army was in danger, the only thing Mi Xin could count on was There is the Xiang family, and only the Xiang family is the most capable commander of the Chu army. But now, we must find ways to cheer up Xiang Yu.

After hesitating for a while, Xiang Zhuang suddenly remembered something, so he sat opposite Xiang Yu and said with a smile: "Brother, I have something to tell you."

Xiang Yu put down his wine glass, looked at Xiang Zhuang, and said in surprise: "What's the matter?"

"I just received intelligence in the past few days. Zhang Han has led his army north and sent troops to Zhao."

Xiang Yu heard that Zhao Guo and Zhang Han were fighting. He couldn't help but cheer up. He stood up suddenly and said, "Great, I will ask the King of Chu for orders to lead troops north to avenge my uncle."

"Wait a minute," Xiang Zhuang called to Xiang Yu, who was ignorant of his brother. Xiang Zhuang said helplessly: "Brother, don't panic. This kind of thing has to wait for the opportunity. Don't rush for success. Besides, the King of Chu has just taken away our military power. How can we easily go north again, so you listen to me, cheer up and wait for the opportunity."

"Waiting for the opportunity," Xiang Yu muttered silently. He suddenly remembered what Fan Zeng said years ago, "The Xiang family was afraid of the King of Chu only if it was too powerful. Although Liu Bang was from a humble background, he knew how to hide his edge and survive in the cracks. Xiang Yu General, you have to study this hard,'

Fan Zeng's words still echoed in his ears. Xiang Yu pondered for a long time. He finally nodded and said, "Zhuang'er, I listen to you."

...
Chapter completed!