Chapter 12 Banquet at the Hongmen (Part 2)
The theater was filled with the sound of rumbling war drums. The sound of drums echoed everywhere in the hundreds of miles of coalition camps. The soldiers took their weapons and hurried out of the camp to assemble in the open space.
This is the prelude to the upcoming attack on Liu Bang. However, in the south corner of the play area, there is a large camp that stretches for more than ten miles. There is no sound here. There is no rumble of drums or the sound of horns to gather troops. It seems that something is about to happen. The war seems to have nothing to do with them,
At this time, the camp was as calm as usual. Except for the soldiers patrolling everywhere, there were cavalry galloping out of the camp. They wanted to patrol a hundred miles radius.
And just after the cavalry ran out less than a stick of incense, a team of thousands of people came quickly. The first team of cavalry held high the flag. They were the first to step into the camp. Then, Xiang Zhuang led Mei Rong and other generals. Xiang Zhuang also hurried back, got off his horse, and hurried to the big tent.
Just as he entered the big tent, one of his followers took off Xiang Zhuang's cloak and then left. There was a charcoal pot in the tent, and the heat wave surged. Xiang Zhuang and others gathered around the charcoal pot to keep warm. At this time, Kong Ji, Li Hong and others Most people also hurried over,
Everyone gathered in Xiangzhuang's tent. Xiangzhuang was warming up next to the charcoal pot. Then he looked at Letian aside and ordered: "Bring him here."
Letian nodded and went out in person. Soon, Cao Wushang, led by Letian, walked into the big tent. At this time, he had put on new robes, had another full meal, and the fatigue just now was gone. And Kong was much more energetic. At this time, he came to Xiang Zhuang, cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, General Xiang Zhuang, for saving me."
At this time, Cao Wushang had recovered from his panic. He also thought about it carefully. It was no coincidence that he suddenly encountered Xiang Zhuang and escaped from his arrow. I was afraid that Xiang Zhuang had already targeted him.
But why he wanted to save himself made Cao Wushang a little confused. However, one thing Cao Wushang was sure of was that Xiang Zhuang had no ill intentions. Otherwise, he wouldn't need to take action at all.
"General Cao doesn't have to be so polite," Xiang Zhuang smiled and helped Cao Wushang up. After a brief look at each other, Cao Wushang sighed: "This time, thanks to General Xiangzhuang's intervention, otherwise, I would really have died in the rebellion. ,"
After a pause, Cao Wushang saw Xiang Zhuang's expressionless face. He couldn't guess what Xiang Zhuang was thinking at this time, so he could only continue: "A few days ago, I sent someone to secretly communicate with General Xiang Yu to report that Liu Bang intended to occupy Xianyang resisted the coalition forces, but offended Liu Bang and almost died there."
Having said this, Cao Wushang sighed softly. He knew very well that Xiang Zhuang was Xiang Yu's younger brother. He must know that he did not need to hide this matter, but being honest about it might win Xiang Zhuang's trust.
Cao Wushang briefly explained the whole story. Although he was biased toward himself and said Liu Bang was useless, Xiang Zhuang didn't care about that. What he wanted was Cao Wushang, this tiger general. He wanted Use Cao Wushang as his general, a general capable of commanding an army.
But right now, the situation is still very confusing and everything is just an assumption.
Since Cao Wushang could face him calmly, Xiang Zhuang had no choice but to put on a posture and said with a smile: "General Cao, there is no need to panic. Li Shang has retreated. No one can come and arrest you at this time."
When he heard that Li Shang had retreated, Cao Wushang knelt down on one knee in great excitement: "I still want to thank General Xiang Zhuang for saving his life."
After a pause, Cao Wushang sighed with a hint of melancholy: "Since I have nowhere to go at this time, I sincerely ask General Xiang Zhuang to recommend me, and I am willing to serve under Xiang Yu."
"Surrender to the general, haha, I'm afraid no one can protect you except me at this time," Xiang Zhuang snorted coldly. This Cao Wushang, until now, still can't see the situation clearly. If he goes to Xiang Yu's command, once he Liu Bang pursues rebellion because of this matter. How can Xiang Yu openly refuse?
Although Xiang Yu has this strength, he will never do this because of Cao Wushang.
Being refuted by Xiang Zhuang, Cao Wushang was ashamed. He also vaguely felt that Xiang Zhuang was deliberately trying to bribe him. After thinking about it for a while, Cao Wushang had to change his tone and said: "In this case, please accept me, General Xiangzhuang. I will fight with swords and fire." , without any hesitation,”
"Okay, you are very enlightened. I will accept you as a partial general and stay under my command. Are you willing?"
"I am willing to serve you general," Cao Wushang offered his hand again. Xiang Zhuang laughed heartily and helped Cao Wushang up. At this time, a man hurriedly walked in from outside the tent. He was wearing a robe and red leather armor. He is Gui Yinghao who just returned from Xianyang.
Gui Yinghao came back this time and brought great news to Xiangzhuang. Han Xin, whom Xiangzhuang wanted to see the most, had been found in Gaoling County, north of Xianyang. He had lived there for a long time and almost all his money had been spent. Guang, if Hua Yu hadn't disguised himself, socialized with him, and helped him, I'm afraid Han Xin would have been living on the street by now.
As long as the whereabouts of Han Xin were known, Xiang Zhuang no longer felt anxious. It was also when Gui Yinghao rushed back that Xiang Zhuang temporarily asked him to lead the team to spy on Liu Bang's military situation. Under arrangement, he rescued Cao Wushang during the day.
At this time, Gui Yinghao cupped his hands beside Xiang Zhuang and said: "General, Liu Bang and his party are almost arriving at Xiying."
The camp to the west is where the Yan army is stationed. Xiang Zhuang nodded after hearing this. He waved to everyone and laughed and said, "Follow me to meet old friends."
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Liu Bang and his party did not pass through the Yan Army camp. They turned to Hongmen from the nearby Chi Road. After walking for several miles, Liu Bang and his party saw Xiang Zhuang and others not far away, who had been waiting for a long time.
Xiang Zhuang did not bring many soldiers and horses. This is where the coalition forces are stationed. When Liu Bang arrived here, he could do nothing. Therefore, Xiang Zhuang met Liu Bang unscrupulously.
The two were far away, and they were already looking at each other. It wasn't until Liu Bang and others got closer that Xiang Zhuang laughed and said, "Brother Liu Bang, we said goodbye. We haven't seen each other for a long time."
"Brother Xiang Zhuang, I miss you day and night," Liu Bang smiled, got off his horse, walked forward, hugged Xiang Zhuang, and said with a smile: "Ever since we met by chance in Daze, I know that I have never crossed paths with anyone in my life. You will always be my good brother,"
Although this sentence sounded extremely hypocritical, Xiang Zhuang had to continue what he said with a smile: "Me too,"
The two laughed for a while. If you didn't know them well, you would definitely think that they were good brothers reunited after a long separation. But in fact, their hatred was as deep as the sea at this time, and there was always an insurmountable barrier between them.
After exchanging a few words of greeting, Liu Bang saw Cao Wushang standing behind Xiangzhuang. Although he was filled with hatred, he did not dare to show it. He could only look at Xiangzhuang and sighed: "There have been too many misunderstandings among Guanzhong and his party this time. I I deliberately paid a visit today, hoping to resolve the conflict between us,"
"Okay, General Liu has this intention. I think my brother will be very happy. Please come with me and I will personally escort you to Hongmen."
Xiang Zhuang asked Letian to lead the team in front, and he personally accompanied Liu Bang in the middle army. The team was huge and marched towards Hongmen.
After walking for a while, there was the faint sound of drums in the distance, and the low sound of horns whined in the air. The Hongmen was already close at hand.
Liu Bang's heart beat faster, and he felt a hint of murderous intent. Although Chu Ying was still some distance away from him, Liu Bang could feel that his entire body seemed to have turned to stone.
Zhang Liang seemed to notice Liu Bang's nervousness. Sweat was dripping from his neck. Perhaps he was worried that Liu Bang would change his mind before the battle. Zhang Liang dismounted and took the reins of Liu Bang's horse. He looked at Liu Bang with a smile and said, "Ahead is Xiang Yu's camp. Now, I'm here to lead the way for the general,"
Everyone began to walk towards Xiang Yu's camp, and as they got closer, Liu Bang could clearly see groups of Chu soldiers arrayed on both sides, equipped with swords, guns, swords and halberds. The soldiers were all wearing armor and standing upright. with,
The drum beat louder and louder, welcoming Liu Bang's arrival. Xiang Zhuang got off his horse and said with a smile: "Let's go, Brother Yu is waiting in the camp."
After passing through the long human wall, there were several camps, and everyone arrived at the Chinese army's tent. Before they entered the tent, Liu Bang could faintly feel Xiang Yu's anger and murderous intent. He trembled all over and broke out in cold sweat.
Zhang Liang ordered Fan Kuai and his son Zhang Buyi to wait outside the tent. He, Lu Wan and Li Shang accompanied Liu Bang into the tent.
Inside the tent, the generals were divided into two sides. There were Xiang Yu's favorite generals and generals from the coalition forces of various countries. Beside Xiang Yu, there were two seats. One was occupied by Fan Zeng, and the other was probably reserved for himself.
But Liu Bang knew very well that if he said something wrong, Xiang Yu would probably be furious and he would die here. But no matter what, Liu Bang had no way out.
He gritted his teeth and walked to the tent. Xiang Zhuang and others had returned to their seats and sat down. Liu Bang took Zhang Liang and others to the center of the tent, cupped his hands and said: "General, Liu Bang has not yet entered the pass." I am able to welcome you from afar. I am here to pay you a visit today to express my respect. I hope the general will not blame you."
"Liu Bang, what a sin you have," Xiang Yu yelled with no clue, making Liu Bang tremble. He thought for a moment and replied softly: "I don't know why the general asked this."
"Hehe, you're quite good at pretending to be stupid," Xiang Yu laughed angrily. He looked at Liu Bang angrily and said, "Hangu Pass, why did you set up a heavy army to guard and reject our army?"
Seeing that Xiang Yu really used this matter to make trouble, Liu Bang could only sigh softly and replied again: "The general and I sent out troops at the same time, each occupying one side. The general fought in Hebei, and I fought in Henan. If I didn't rely on the general's tiger power, how could I have easily Entering the pass, now that the Qin State has surrendered and the pass has been initially settled, all forces are stupid//stupid//want// to move, and thieves are raising barriers, often endangering the people. Therefore, I ordered Xiahou Ying to lead the army to strictly guard Hangu Pass, and I don’t want the general to However, at this time, Xi entered the pass and failed to communicate with Hangu Pass in time, causing the defenders to resist the general. This is really a misunderstanding, and the general should be aware of it."
After saying that, Liu Bang pretended to be aggrieved, covered his face and continued: "Since entering the pass, I have not slept peacefully for a day. I have locked up the Xianyang treasury and the palace, and I have not even done anything to deal with Ying Ziying. I only waited for the general to enter the pass. After that, he took charge of the overall situation. Now that the general has entered the theater, I came here to pay homage to the general. I hope that the general can march to Xianyang as soon as possible and take charge of the overall situation, so as to relieve the world's admiration."
Xiang Yu didn't have any opinions at first, but now Liu Bang always said what he said was reasonable and reasonable, which made Xiang Yu speechless. He thought silently for a moment, then looked at his uncle Xiang Bo beside him, and saw that he nodded slightly, Xiang Yu couldn't help but raise his head. Laughing: "In that case, General Liu Bang might as well take a seat,"
Liu Bang bowed his hands and thanked him, and he and Zhang Liang and others took their seats. Xiang Yu smiled brightly and said: "Play music and serve wine and food."
...
Chapter completed!