After Xiang Liang planned to kill Yin Tong, he raised an army in Kuaiji and recruited 8,000 soldiers. He joined the Huanchu, Longqie, and Xiang clansmen, etc., and used troops aggressively in Kuaiji. In just a few months, he recaptured Haiyan, Wucheng, Qiantang, and so on.

The power of Quan, Juzhang and other counties increased greatly, and the Xiang family's foundation in Kuaiji gradually became stronger.

After consolidating Kuaiji County, the Xiang army did not stop. They continued to march westward towards Zhang County. At this time, a thousand vanguard troops, led by Xiang Zhuang, marched slowly on the winding road.

In half an hour, you can reach Zhang County, the county seat of Zhang County.

After conquering Zhang County, it can be said that Zhang County is in a state of half-tiled body, without a leader, and Zhang County is the one in the bag.

At this time, a group of scouts rushed towards Xiangzhuang's position. Soon, the scouts came to Xiangzhuang's horse. A scout leader led by him clasped his fists and saluted: "General, there are still thirty miles to Zhangxian County. There are no roads along the way."

When I discovered the Qin army, Commander Ma asked me to ask if I would prepare a ladder?"

Chief Ma is Xiang Zhuang's right-hand subordinate. His famous name is Ma Tianhong. He was once a pawn in Yin Tong's private army. There is nothing special about him. However, Xiang Zhuang led his army as a vanguard and captured Qiantang and Youquan. Ma Tianhong each time

They all took the lead and made outstanding achievements in battle, so Xiang Zhuang promoted him to the position of commander and put him in charge of the scouts. At this time, Xiang Zhuang got the information brought back by Ma Tianhong and fell into deep thought.

As the saying goes, attacking the city is the priority, and attacking the heart is the priority. Xiang Zhuang believes that there is no need to start a war rashly. There are only a few defenders in Zhang County, and sooner or later the Xiang family will take advantage of it. With this in mind, Xiang Zhuang looked at the scout captain and ordered:

"Leave the city ten miles to the stronghold and wait for the arrival of the army."

The scout captain cupped his hands, turned his horse's head, and left with a few scouts. At this time, Xiang Zhuang looked at the messenger soldier beside him and ordered: "Order, the whole army will advance as fast as possible and march towards Zhangxian County!"

In the east of Zhang County, red Chu flags fluttered in the wind. Chu camps stood proudly on the mountain plains, with numerous fences and walls and heavy antlers. Chu army scouts were galloping back and forth, inspecting every inch of land five miles away from the Chu camp, and in the Chu camp

To the south, outside the gate, Xiang Zhuang was waiting anxiously with more than a dozen of his followers.

The sun is setting, night is about to fall, and according to time estimates, the large army is about to arrive.

Soon, dust started to rise in the distance, and horse-drawn carriages loaded with supplies appeared on the mountain roads. This was the arrival of a troop carrying logistical supplies. This troop consisted of more than 500 people and more than a thousand chariots. They were responsible for transporting Chu troops.

Soon after they appeared, cavalry began to rush toward the camp. This was the arrival of the main force.

When Xiang Zhuang saw that the large army had arrived, he couldn't help but feel happy. He rode his horse forward to greet him. After about a hundred meters, he saw a young general wearing silver armor. He held a long spear in his hand and a hard bow at his waist.

Who is this person if not Xiang Yu?

Xiang Zhuang was extremely happy. After ten days of rapid march, he and Xiang Yu had not seen each other for a long time. At this time, Xiang Zhuang galloped on his horse, waved his right hand, and shouted: "Brother..."

...

Late at night, the main force of the Chu army had set up camps in the mountains. At this time, the Chu army had more than 50,000 people. They came from various counties in Kuaiji. They were soldiers and horses captured and collected by the Xiang family from time to time during the campaign.

The Xiang family is not worried about the supply of weapons. After all, the Xiang family has started to accumulate weapons a few years ago. However, these new soldiers have received little training due to the war, and their combat effectiveness is not very strong. However, they are not as strong as the Qin army.

After the first battle, these recruits have also been appropriately promoted. As the saying goes, heroes are made from hundreds of battles, and those who can survive in the battle are all elites.

At this time, in the center of the dense camp, there was a very spacious tent. This was Xiang Liang's tent. The tent was brightly lit, and a map was placed in front of everyone. Everyone gathered around the map and were discussing something.

Soon, Xiang Yu's rough voice sounded: "I don't agree to make peace. Tomorrow my uncle will give me five thousand troops and horses. I will take this city, present the Qin general's head, and serve my uncle with wine!"

This is Xiang Yu's refutation of Cao Wujiu. He doesn't think that Cao Wujiu's policy of courtesy first and then fighting will have any effect. On the contrary, it will waste time. It is not as enjoyable as fighting in. However, since Cao Wujiu proposed the principle of making peace first, there must be some

At this time, when Cao Wujiu saw that Xiang Yu disagreed, he said angrily: "Fighting and killing are not the actions of a wise man after all. Brother Liang, I think we should attack the heart first!"

Cao Wujiu's words were in line with Xiang Liang's thoughts. Even if Cao Wujiu didn't propose peace, Xiang Liang would first surrender Zhangxian. If they persisted, Xiang Liang would consider attacking Zhangxian. After all, after every war

, will bring considerable harm to the army, the people, and the city.

At this time, there was silence in the tent, everyone was waiting for Xiang Liang to make a decision. On the side, Xiang Bo also coughed dryly and said with a dry smile: "I also agree with Brother Cao's opinion."

Seeing that no one supported him, Xiang Yu just snorted coldly, picked up his sword and walked out of the tent. Looking at Xiang Yu's leaving figure, Xiang Liang sighed softly, his nephew was too irritable.

After Xiang Yu left, Xiang Liang thought of Xiang Zhuang on the side again. He couldn't help but look at Xiang Zhuang and asked with a smile: "Tell me, should we make peace first or attack the city first?"

"I think attacking the heart is the best, and I agree with Uncle Cao's idea." Xiang Zhuang said with a smile.

Xiang Liang nodded with satisfaction and ordered: "Since everyone agrees to make peace first, we will rebel at five o'clock tomorrow. We will send out troops early in the morning and line up in the city. We will pay homage first and then attack."

Everyone sang the promise loudly, Xiang Liang put away the map and ordered: "Let's disperse."

Everyone left one after another, but Xiang Zhuang did not leave. When he saw that everyone had almost left, he said, "Uncle, there is something I want to discuss with you."

Seeing his nephew being so polite, Xiang Liang couldn't help but smile and said, "Why is it so mysterious?"

When Xiang Zhuang saw what his uncle said, he smiled sheepishly: "It's about the iron mine. Not long ago, I captured a Qin army commander and learned from him that there are three iron mines in the Dabie Mountains of Hengshan County.

Mines, the Qin army doesn’t pay much attention to these iron mines.”

Speaking of this, Xiang Zhuang glanced sideways at his uncle and saw that he was still listening, and continued: "Although the Qin army does not pay attention to iron mines, if these three iron mines are in our hands, it will have a great impact on military and political reform.

With a big boost, it can also increase military requirements and increase weapons production?"

After listening to Xiang Zhuang's words, Xiang Liang nodded slightly. He thought for a moment and expressed his thoughts: "Although the weapons made from iron ore have the best hardness and toughness, the output of weapons cannot increase. For us,

, it makes no sense, I prefer to mine copper mines, at least, we can mass-produce weapons."

Seeing that his uncle was not very interested in iron ore, Xiang Zhuang was slightly anxious and said loudly: "Uncle, it all depends on manpower. One day, we can develop a method of mass production of iron ore, but first, we must have a stable iron ore supply base.

.”

Seeing that his nephew was so interested in iron ore, Xiang Liang could only nod his head and sighed: "Okay, I promise you first, we will discuss this matter after Zhangjun is stabilized."

After saying that, Xiang Liang walked quickly outside the tent.

...

In the early morning, under the city of Zhang County, nearly 20,000 Chu troops were waiting in formation. Chu flags were flying and war drums were roaring. Soon, the gate flags were raised, and Xiang Liang led the generals to gallop out slowly. Xiang Liang was in front, and everyone was behind.

Line up the words.

On the city tower, the governor Ma Dai also came to the city tower accompanied by everyone to watch the Chu army's formation, the tight formation, the fierce flags and the shining weapons. Ma Dai had mixed feelings in his heart. He had once dominated and unified the city.

Why did the Great Qin Empire in the world fall to this point? As a county guard, I was unable to go out of the city to fight and suppress the rebellion.

At the moment, we can only defend the city, but there are less than two thousand defenders in Zhang County. It is very difficult to fight against the Chu army. Thinking of this, Ma Dai couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

Under the city tower, Xiang Liang raised his right hand, the drum sound gradually disappeared, and all the Chu troops were ready for battle. On the city tower, Ma Dai also immediately ordered: "Archers, prepare."

The archers immediately ran to the battlements, drew their bows and nocked arrows, knelt on one leg, aimed their bows and arrows in the air, and waited for orders.

While the two armies were in a tense confrontation, Xiang Liang took a few steps forward on his horse. He looked at Ma Dai, who was wearing official robes on the tower, and said loudly: "Please have a conversation with the governor!"

Ma Dai replied in the city: "I am Ma Dai, the governor of Zhang County. If you have anything to say, please tell me."

"Since ancient times, tyranny cannot last long. Shang conquered Xia, Zhou conquered Shang, and now, Qin has imposed heavy taxes, the emperor is fatuous, and the descendants of the six kingdoms all hope for the revival of Chu. I, the Xiang family, are the queen of the generals, and even more...

…”

Before Xiang Liang finished speaking, Ma Dai roared angrily: "Shoot an arrow and shoot him to death!"

On the city tower, arrows were raining down. Xiang Liang reacted very quickly. He immediately reined in his horse and returned. Xiang Yu saw this in his eyes. He roared angrily, took out his bow and arrow from his waist, aimed at Ma Dai at extremely fast speed, and shot towards the city.

He shot upward, but only hit Ma Dai's left shoulder. Ma Dai was in pain and ran back, but at this moment, an iron arrow whizzed over and pierced the back of Ma Dai's head.

"Pfft..." The iron arrow came out from Ma Dai's eyebrows, and there was a chaos on the city tower. At this point, Xiang Liang had to give up the plan of peace talks. He pulled out his sword from his waist, swung it forward, and the Chu army collapsed like a mountain.

The tsunami surged forward. Long Qie, Ji Bu, Xiang Han, Xiang Guan and others took the lead, regardless of their own safety. Xiang Yu could not hold back at this moment, waved his long spear and rushed forward. At this moment, the war started.

...

Ten days later, the Chu army continued to advance westward and appeared near Yi County, the westernmost part of Zhang County. The mountain road was difficult to travel. The Chu army was a little tired. Everyone frowned, and in the middle of the team were the 1,200 troops.

General Xiang Zhuang.

Since the Battle of Zhangxian, the Chu army has successively captured three cities of the Qin army. The war is burning from east to west, but the Chu army has gradually become exhausted. As long as Yi County is captured, Xiangzhuang will rest in Yi County for half a month.

Soldiers and horses, this is also something that the soldiers of the Chu army look forward to.

The sun was high in the sky, and several scouts came on horses. Xiang Zhuang raised his eyes and looked forward. The person who came was the scout commander Ma Tianhong. He looked extremely anxious. Soon, he came to Xiang Zhuang, cupped his hands and said

: "General, three thousand Qin troops have been spotted ahead, galloping towards our direction."

Xiang Zhuang was slightly surprised after hearing this, and after a brief pause, Xiang Zhuang shouted loudly: "Stop advancing, hold down your position, and form an array!"

"Array up!"

"The general has orders to form a formation..."

The war drums were beating slowly, and more than twenty chariots were in front, with cavalry passing through them, and infantry following behind. The army quickly completed the formation. At this time, the dust started rising on the opposite side, and the Chu army's scouts hurriedly

Rushing back, not long after they returned to the formation, a Qin army of about 3,000 people came across from the opposite side, but their flag was not the black of the Qin army, but the unique grass green of Wu.

Just when Xiang Zhuang was surprised, a general rushed out from the opposite formation and shouted between the two formations: "Are you Xiang Zhuang's army?"

Xiang Zhuang recognized that the person who came was Ying Bu. He couldn't help being overjoyed. He rode his horse out to meet Ying Bu. They were a hundred steps apart. Ying Bu held his hands on the horse and smiled and said, "Ever since I learned that you have raised troops in Kuaiji, I have been thinking about you every day.

, I recently learned that the Chu army was passing through the border, and came here to help."

Xiang Zhuang was overjoyed, raised his hands and said with a smile, "Thank you so much, brother Qingbu."

Tingbu nodded, turned around and shouted: "Turn around and clear the way for the Chu army!"

The soldiers and horses behind Yingbu began to stir and turn around. At this time, from the path behind Xiangzhuang, a messenger soldier came galloping over, shouting: "Urgent report! Urgent report...!"

Soon, the messenger came behind Xiang Zhuang and reported: "Dongyue is stupid//stupid//desires// to spy on Kuaiji. General Xiang Liang orders you to return to the army immediately without delay!"

The messenger soldier left. Xiang Zhuang sighed softly and looked helplessly at Ying Bu, "It seems that you and I have to say goodbye."

Tingbu also looked a little disappointed and said helplessly: "In that case, let's say goodbye. I hope you can come to Lujiang County in the future to talk about it. I will be there, waiting for you!"

After saying that, Tingbu once again cupped his hands, turned his horse's head, and galloped away to the west with his army.
Chapter completed!