The Second Volume Wu Zhong Ke Chapter 34 Making Up One's Mind

  In the 25th year of Qin Wang Zheng, the former Wu and Yue territories were established as Kuaiji Prefecture. Qin Shi Huang, accompanied by Prime Minister Li Si, traveled over a thousand miles to Shaoxing's Kuaiji Mountain to worship Da Yu. At that time, Kuaiji was an ancient place name known throughout the world, so this region was called Kuaiji Prefecture.

  During the Qin and Han dynasties, the pattern of division was adopted by the county governor. The county government was once in Wu County, and the commander's office was in Shanyin, with 26 counties under its jurisdiction. Because Kuaiji Prefecture was a major border town, and there was a precedent for the Yue State's contention for hegemony, the commander's office was even more important. For example, in Shanyin where the commander's office was located, the right colonel Zhou Kang stationed 30,000 troops.

  For some reason, the troops under Shan Yin Zhou Kang's command suddenly marched west to Peng Ze Lake to suppress bandits. This wouldn't be a big deal normally, but unfortunately, it coincided with the outbreak of the Daze Xiang Uprising. In a certain courtyard in northern Jiangsu, a group of "scholars" were among the first to receive news and sat together discussing current events freely.

  "Brother, it seems like chaos is going to erupt again!"

  "It's all over. From the day Qin Zheng died, the Qin dynasty was doomed to perish! What a pity that this unified empire lasted for only a few decades before it fell apart again."

  "Alas! The great master's grand vision was abandoned halfway through, it's truly a cause for sighs and regrets!"

  "In those days, the Mozi disciples spared no effort to assist Qin Shi Huang in unifying the world, but unfortunately he ruled with violence and tyranny, so it was ultimately impossible for him to last long!"

  "I thought Deng Ling would follow Fu Su and have a chance to rise, but now it seems that all of us Mo family descendants are just like pouring water into a bamboo basket - a complete waste."

  "The Dengling family is no longer part of our Mohist school, their arguments are no different from Confucius', they have long deviated from the ideas of our predecessor Mozi." The old man subconsciously listened to this point, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

  "Junior brother, why are you so extreme? The world is changing, Mozi's old ideas... should also change! Our Confucianism has new propositions too!"

  "Yes, the Dengling clan's old men fantasize about governing the world with benevolence, but unfortunately Fu Su is dead and everything has become empty talk. In a chaotic era, without a strong unified government, everything is empty talk. Therefore, in a chaotic era, our Xiangli clan's approach of stopping war with war is still correct."

  "Yes, the Mo family has fallen into three parts. The Xiangfu family has declined and is nowhere to be found. The Dengling family followed Fu Su's side, and now they are suffering together with him. Now that the world is in great chaos, it should be our Xiangli family's time to rise and shine."

  Cough! Cough!

  The disciples turned around and saw a white-haired old man standing behind them. They all bowed down at the same time, respectfully calling out: "Master!"

  "Hmm!"

  "Are you discussing the situation in the world?"

  "Yes, Master, the disciples are discussing today's situation and the situation of our Mo School."

  "Ah, okay!"

  "Master, I dare to ask, what are your plans? What should I do and where should I go?"

  The old man stroked his white beard and said, "I will consider it myself..." As he spoke, the old man couldn't help but fall into deep thought. In his youth, he had also been ambitious, but due to various reasons, he was unable to achieve his goals, leaving him with a belly full of talent that could not be displayed, causing him to hold regrets for many years.

  Many years later, today, the opportunity has reappeared, but he is already old. Is it going to be buried like this, with a talent comparable to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi? No! Jiang Ziya was not also eighty years old when he assisted King Wen, and I am now less than seventy. Strong ambitions and unwillingness are still strong, thinking of the letter that came a few days ago, he made an important decision.

  Ten days later, the old man appeared in the living room of a certain household in Wu County, on the banks of Lake Shiyan in Kuaiji Commandery.

  "It's truly a great fortune for me that you have arrived, sir!" said the middle-aged man.

  "Fan Zeng of Hebei has seen the General!"

  This man was none other than Fan Zeng, the famous first strategist under Xiang Yu, but he is not Xia Hua yet.

  "Mr. Fan is so courteous and can accept my invitation, it's really a great honor!"

  Xiang Liang was the son of Xiang Yan, a famous general of Chu State, and the uncle of Xiang Yu.

  Xiang Liang smiled and said: "Sir must have come prepared, I wonder what teachings you have?"

  "I dare not accept your teachings!" Fan Zeng said: "Now the Central Plains righteous army has suddenly risen, and the Jiangbei region is ablaze with anti-Qin flames. I have heard that the governor of Kuaiji, Yin Tong, intends to make General as his arm and start a rebellion against Qin? Although I am old and my years are numbered, this old bones still has a few years left, willing to serve as a humble horse or dog."

  "Thank you for your kindness, sir, but..." Xiang Liang's face was filled with worry.

  Fan Zeng smiled and said: "It's just that Yin Tong is hesitant and indecisive, delaying the uprising again and again, still observing and waiting."

  Xiang Liang's eyes showed a few points of admiration, and he said: "What you said is not wrong, Mr. Liang has no choice."

  Fan Zeng shook his head and said, "What's so difficult about this? What use is there in leaving such a two-faced traitor?"

  "Hmm..." Xiang Liang hesitated: "I am after all his general, if it is so, would the people of the world not accuse me, Xiang Liang, of regicide?"

  "It's no big deal to be particular about trivial matters, but Yin Tong is not suitable for important tasks. As a renowned general and descendant of famous generals, you should take on heavy responsibilities. Now, with the 30,000 troops under Right Colonel Zhou Kang still at Pengli, it's an excellent opportunity to start an uprising, and this great chance must not be missed."

  "This..."

  "It takes only one brave warrior to slay it, why must the general hesitate?"

  Xiang Liang got up and paced back and forth, hesitating.

  "Uncle, Mr. Fan is right, don't hesitate anymore." Someone pushed the door and came in.

  "Ji er, how did you come?"

  Fan Zeng looked up and saw a young man coming in, eight feet tall, strong and powerful, with a strong aura emanating from his body, giving off an unstoppable sharpness. His firm face was determined, especially those piercing eyes that were deep and profound, exuding an air of heroism, and...

  Double pupil?

  Fan Zeng's eyes widened, his body suddenly shook violently. No mistake, this young man was indeed a heavy eyeliner, just like the legendary Chong'er, Yu Shun and Zhong Er. This alone could be inferred that this person had boundless prospects. What made Fan Zeng even more convinced was that the youth showed an air of dignity, which subtly implied a king-like demeanor.

  This man is none other than Xiang Yu, the Overlord of Western Chu, whose prestige shook the mountains and covered the world.

  "Uncle, as in the past when our grandfather was killed by the Qin people, our Chu state also perished at the hands of Qin. The last words of the Duke of Nan were: 'Although Chu has only three households left, it is certain that Qin will be destroyed by Chu.' You have taught me this since I was young. Now is exactly the good opportunity to avenge ourselves against Qin. That Yin Tong will only cause trouble, Mr. Fan also said so. Uncle, you must not hesitate any longer. I guarantee, with just one sword, I can ensure that Yin Tong's head falls to the ground."

  Fan Zeng said: "Yes! General, now that you have killed Yin Tong and timely pacified Kuaiji, if Zhou Kang returns, all your previous efforts will be in vain! With Kuaiji in our hands, we can maneuver against Zhou Kang, not to mention that he has Fan District's Wu Rui behind him, as well as many bandits, whom we can plot to recruit and attack from both sides. Then Zhou Kang will not be worth fearing."

  "Good!" Xiang Liang finally made up his mind! That night, Yin Tong summoned Xiang Liang, and Xiang Yu followed him, beheading him with one sword. Xiang Liang then rose in revolt under the name of a descendant of Xiang Yan in Jiangdong, raising flags to resist Qin.

  Immediately afterwards, Zhou Kang's troops under Peng Yue returned to aid in the suppression of the rebellion at Guiji. Encouragingly, Fan Village's Wu Rui also rose up in arms and together with bandits who had come to surrender, ambushed and killed Qin general An Tong, slaying 4,000 Qin soldiers.

  For a time, the morale of the Jiangdong righteous army was greatly boosted. Xiang Liang urgently wrote a letter to Wu Rui asking for his assistance in dealing with Zhou Kang. They did not know that Yin Xu had already discussed and agreed with Wu Rui and Ying Bu to follow Xiang Liang and jointly resist the Qin army, and several thousand horses and men were already on their way.