The Third Volume: The Guest of Kuaiji Chapter 56: Duke Pei's Proposal

  "Pei County Liu Bang has seen everyone!" Liu Bang bowed his hands and paid respects, showing great humility and courtesy.

  Everyone was exchanging pleasantries, but only Fan Zeng's eyes showed extreme unfriendliness, his expression changed and he turned to leave, Zhong Li Mei worried about his safety and hurriedly followed. The crowd didn't understand what was going on, Fan Zeng was a man of high virtue and prestige, and although he had a proud temper, he usually appeared affable, why did he have such a big reaction when he saw this Pei Gong Liu Bang?

  As the nephew of Xiang Liang, Xiang Yu naturally stayed to entertain the guests. Even if Liu Bang was not seen by Xiang Liang and Fan Zeng, he still showed enough dignity and courtesy towards Liu Bang.

  Liu Bang wore a fiery red robe, and Chi Emperor's son came face to face with him. Xiang Yu was majestic and heroic, with an aura of bravery surrounding him. As the two men approached each other, people standing by could clearly feel a strong gust of air hitting them in the face, forcing them to take a step back involuntarily. In the chaos, everyone failed to notice that only Yin Xu remained calm and composed, not retreating half a step. Fan Zeng, who had already walked far away, turned his head just in time to see this, revealing a hint of astonishment on his face, with his eyes becoming extremely complex.

  Yin Xu sighed: Two dragons fighting each other, indeed the momentum is extraordinary. The first meeting caused such a big commotion, it seems that it's really fate? As for Fan Zeng's great anger and departure, perhaps only he can guess one or two things. In various versions of historical records, Fan Zeng was well-versed in astronomy and geography, with precise calculations and divination of the stars. From his expression just now, could it be that he saw something unfavorable from Liu Bang's facial features?

  Yin Xu glanced at Fan Zeng's seat unintentionally, thinking: What is this old and cunning guy looking at me again? He felt a slight chill in his heart.

  "Welcome Liu Bang to join forces and discuss plans for the great rebellion against Qin!" Xiang Yu spoke with confidence, dignity and authority.

  Liu Bang smiled and said: "As it should be, Ji Gongzi is indeed young and promising, a talented and handsome man, with an extraordinary bearing!"

  Xiang Yu smiled faintly, and the conversation between the two was formal and brief. The first meeting between "Han Gaozu" and "Chu Bawang" ended with this.

  In half an hour's time, all the guests had arrived and the grand assembly of the alliance began.

  As the initiator of the alliance, Xiang Liang, the son of General-in-Chief of Chu State, Item Yan, spoke first.

  "Welcome, everyone, to give Xiang Liang this face and attend the alliance meeting. Xiang Liang thanks you here. In those years, the Qin army was powerful, attacking our six eastern nations, and the people of the six nations suffered humiliation and oppression. These years, the First Emperor Ying Zheng and Second Emperor Hu Hai were cruel and inhumane, indulgent and lawless, and the people of the world were in a situation of deep water and scorching fire, suffering unbearable hardships. The brutal Qin is lawless, we gather together for one purpose: to overthrow it, rescue the people, and restore our country."

  This era is not popular with applause, Item Liang just stopped in time, the cheers in the field have become a piece of music, greatly different but equally effective.

  Xiang Liang continued: "Chen Wang's great cause started from Daze Village, awakening the people of the world to jointly rebel against Qin. In the Central Plains, the momentum was immense, and it seemed that a great success was within sight. Unfortunately, Chen Wang was harmed by treacherous people." At this point, Xiang Liang couldn't help but have his eyes redden, almost with tears streaming down, whether it was an impromptu performance or genuine emotions. The conversation about Chen Sheng moved the crowd somewhat. Chen Sheng's significance in the rebellion against Qin is self-evident, but currently, it is limited to the Central Plains region, and the effect of the battle is also limited. As for the phrase "great success", it is obviously an exaggeration, but who would delve deeper into it?

  "Now that Chen Wang is gone, the righteous army has lost its leader and its strength has greatly diminished. Zhang Han's army is pressing in on all sides, with a strong momentum to break through our defenses. Therefore, the most urgent task at present is to elect a new leader, unite as one, and jointly resist the Qin army. I don't know if you gentlemen agree?"

  "Not bad, General Item is right!"

  "Zhang Han's forces are strong, and the righteous army can only unite as one rope to resist the enemy together."

  "It is necessary to elect a leader, have unified command, in order to reasonably dispatch troops, jointly resist the enemy, and avoid individual actions, as few can defeat many!"

  ……

  Various righteous armies have spoken out in support, apparently the current situation has made them feel heavy pressure, and also made them realize the importance of unity.

  "Then who will take over and lead the righteous army in what capacity?" Someone quickly raised a question.

  Chen Sheng and Wu Guang are dead, Lv Chen is the king of Wei, but his power is limited, and he is not a legitimate ruler, so it's hard to choose a new leader.

  Yin Xu looked around, the crowd whispered to each other, Xiang Liang sat in the main seat, smiling but not speaking, Fan Zeng and Xiang Yu sat on the mat very calmly. Although Yin Xu did not know what they were thinking, he knew in his heart that according to historical records, the alliance leader would certainly not be the descendant of the King of Chu, Xiong Xin. As the crowd had not yet discussed a result, he did not want to and could not reveal anything.

  Yin Xu noticed that Zhang Liang leaned in close to Liu Bang's ear and whispered a few words, after which Liu Bang stood up to speak. Yin Xu immediately focused his attention, wanting to see what clever plan Zhang Liang had come up with for Liu Bang. From the moment he arrived until now, Zhang Liang had been very low-key. Apart from exchanging greetings with Xiang Bo, he hadn't made contact with anyone else. But Yin Xu had been paying close attention and saw that Mr. Zifang was not idle, constantly observing the people present.

  Liu Bang stood up and said: "I have something to say!"

  Xiang Liang's eyebrows moved slightly, and he didn't expect the first to speak would be Liu Bang, whom he had previously disliked. He immediately smiled and said: "Liu Pei Gong please speak!"

  Different occasions, different attitudes.

  Liu Bang said with a smile: "The leader of the alliance against Qin must have enough ability, prestige and status to guide the righteous army in resisting the brutal Qin. What do you gentlemen think?"

  "What Mr. Liu said is absolutely right!"

  "After Xiang Yu rose in rebellion, there were first the independent regimes of Wei, Zhao and Yan, and later the recent uprisings of Jing Ju and Qin Jia. However, they are nothing but jumping clowns, not enough to lead the crowd. This time, after pacifying the Pengcheng Rebellion, General-in-Chief Xiang Yu achieved great merit, everyone knows that in his family's generation, he was a famous general of our Great Chu, with extremely high status, ability and prestige. Therefore, I suggest promoting General-in-Chief Xiang to be King of Chu, leading the Great Chu Righteous Army, together resisting the brutal Qin!"

  Today, the righteous army that came to form an alliance were almost all from Chu, and as soon as they mentioned establishing a king for Chu, the crowd was instantly stirred up.

  Li Jianguo was the king of Chu?

  The crowd was shocked, and the scene suddenly fell into a whisper. Including the generals under Xiang Liang's command, they couldn't help but whisper to each other, apparently they were also "excited" at this time. Looking at Xiang Liang again, he was calm as usual, but the breath revealed between his eyebrows and eyes had a few points of surprise, yet there were also a few points of worry.

  The leader thought that the King of Chu had never had any intention.

  Yin Xu's heart skipped a beat, what is Liu Bang singing about? Establishing Xiang Liang as the King of Chu? Fortunately, he thought of it. What is this guy's intention? Is it to curry favor for the last time? Flattery? Obviously not, Liu Bang is not that kind of person. Moreover, Yin Xu had just seen clearly that Zhang Liang was whispering in Liu Bang's ear, and this matter was likely planned by Zhang Liang.

  What kind of person is Zhang Liang? The things he does will not be simple, and it must have a deep meaning. It's okay to support Xiang Liang as the alliance leader, but this guy directly speaks out in support of the King of Chu, which is clearly not good-hearted.

  "Yes, General Xiang's virtue is high and his reputation is great, he should be established as the King of Chu!"

  "This time Pengcheng pacified the rebellion, General Xiang's achievement is great, worthy of a major responsibility!"

  "General Item is quite suitable as the alliance leader, but this King of Chu seems a bit unsuitable?"

  "Alas, everything should be proper and in order. General Xiang is about to ascend to the throne of Chu, which is perfectly legitimate, and he will lead the great army of Chu!"

  ……

  The debate was in full swing, and Liu Bang's proposal undoubtedly dropped a bombshell. Yin Xu was well-versed in history and naturally knew that the throne of Chu would not fall to Xiang Liang's head, but since there were still people who had not spoken up front and Xiang Liang himself had not expressed his opinion, it seemed somewhat inappropriate for him to speak at this time.

  Just as Yin Xu was hesitating, a loud voice rang out: "What's all the commotion..."