Volume 4: The Chu Army Chapter 71: Stellar Image

  Night, sleep tight!

  The evening wind blows gently, with a sky full of stars. Today's Xinying City is exceptionally lively, and it hasn't become quiet due to the arrival of night.

  On June 10, Huang Dao Jiri, Taizi Xiongxin ascended to the high platform inlaid with gold and jade, which was exactly the enthronement as king, also known as Chu Huaiwang. And in the rebuilt palace, he accepted the congratulations of the ministers, and the state of Chu was officially restored.

  After ascending to the throne, Xiong Xinzheng issued a decree in the name of King Chu, appointing Xiang Liang as Supreme Pillar of State and Duke of Wu; Liu Bang as Marquis of Pei; and Yin Xu as Marquis of Shaoxing. These were all decided a few days ago, and now it was just a matter of going through the motions. At the same time, Xiang Yu was also enfeoffed as Duke of Lu, Ying Bu's title as Lord of Dangyang was formally legitimized, and other ministers and generals also received titles and rewards.

  What shocked everyone the most was Song Yi. Just a few days ago, Xiong Xin had already appointed Song Yi as the commander-in-chief of the army, responsible for military affairs in Chu State. No one expected that at the court meeting after the coronation ceremony, Song Yi's honor would be further elevated, and King Hui of Chu even gave Song Yi an honorary title "Qīngzǐ Guànjūn". Qīngzǐ is a term used to praise someone, equivalent to "young master". The phrase "Guànjūn" means the highest military commander, and the degree of praise is evident. Song Yi became the de facto number one minister in Chu State, with an aura of being above everyone else except for the king.

  Song Yi swept away the bad luck of the past few days, feeling refreshed and more arrogant, looking down on everyone. The people under Xiang Liang were greatly neglected, reaching an all-time low in terms of popularity and prestige. Yin Xu should also be depressed, as he had carefully planned to take advantage of Song Yi's provocation to corner him at the imperial court that day, forcing Chu Huai Wang to make a choice with a tough attitude.

  However, the result was somewhat unexpected. Yin Xu admitted that he had underestimated Mu Tong Taizi a bit. Xiong Xin played a perfect balance again with different degrees of temptation and suppression for each person. Song Yi, who was relatively weak in strength, temporarily gained the upper hand with the support of King Chu's power. Tonight, apart from the celebration in the palace, Song Yi's mansion also had a grand feast, which was very lively.

  Song Yi sent a grand and majestic invitation, but Yin Xu frowned and declined with an excuse. Not going now would be humiliating! How could the Marquis of Shaoxing be willing to suffer this insult? He called for Pu Jun, Gao Yi and others to drink early.

  Xiang Yu was also quite depressed, the crown prince Xiong Xin did not know good from bad, after finding him with great difficulty, he repaid kindness with enmity. Although Xiong Xin had just been forced by circumstances, Xiang Yu had already begun to hate him and Song Yi together in his heart, the determination to kill them with a painful heart many years later was not necessarily not starting from today.

  Xiang Yu returned to the mansion and saw a lone figure standing in the shade of a garden, gazing up at the sky. It was Fan Zeng. Xiang Yu shook his head slightly, took a cloak from the house, and quietly walked over to drape it over Fan Zeng's shoulders.

  Fan Zeng turned his head and saw Xiang Yu's respectful concern, his heart was filled with waves of emotion.

  Xiang Yu said in a low voice: "Mr. Fan, it's cold at night and you're old, so you should take care of your body."

  Fan Zeng nodded, feeling warm in his heart. He had no children of his own. His disciples mostly treated him with reverence, and the ordinary care between a master and his apprentices was something Fan Zeng rarely experienced. Thinking about this, he couldn't help but sigh at the age of seventy.

  "Is Mr. Fan gazing at the stars?" Xiang Yu asked tentatively.

  Fan Zeng collected his thoughts and said: "That's right, the stars in the sky are connected to human affairs. Observing the changes of the stars can give people some inspiration."

  Xiang Yu asked: "I don't know if Mr. Fan gained anything from observing the stars tonight?"

  "Look, the large star in the northwest sky is dim and without light. That is the Emperor's Star. The former Qin Shi Huang was brilliant, but now the current Qin Er Shi is acting contrary to morality and his country is on the verge of collapse, so the Emperor's Star is dull."

  Xiang Yu nodded silently, humbly seeking guidance. Fan Zeng continued: "Look over here, the star in the middle that is shining brightly is the General Star, radiant and resplendent. Its appearance has caused the Emperor Star in the northwest to gradually lose its luster, symbolizing the commander-in-chief who led the expedition against Qin. Do you know who this General Star refers to?"

  Xiang Yu hesitated for a moment and shook his head slightly.

  "You know, it's just that I'm too embarrassed to say it!" Fan Zeng smiled and said: "The general star refers to you and your uncle and nephew in the Xiang family. More precisely, it is you who will eventually take over this great foundation."

  Hehe, Xiang Yu rarely smiled with a hint of shyness: "Thank you for your auspicious words, I, Xiang Ji, will definitely exert my utmost effort to make it prosperous and glorious."

  Fan Zeng smiled lightly, seemingly not having heard, and walked a few steps forward, sighing: "The general's star is still shining with a faint light, but its brightness has already greatly diminished compared to before, and there's even a tendency for it to continue to fade!"

  The star represents his uncle and nephew, the dimming of the star is not his uncle and nephew... Xiang Yu hastily asked: "Mr. Fan, what do you mean?"

  "Look!" Tonight is exceptionally bright, the stars are very clear. Fan Zeng pointed to the direction where the star was located and said: "There is a star over there with a faint tail, rushing towards the general star. This is what is called 'the destroying star offending the master'. Who do you think this destroying star is?"

  Unconsciously, Fan Zeng's way of addressing Xiang Yu also changed. Perhaps neither of them noticed, perhaps they both understood each other tacitly. In short, from that night on, the emotions between Fan Zeng and Xiang Yu underwent some subtle changes.

  "Right!" Xiang Yu replied firmly.

  "Not bad! It's indeed Song Yi, a petty person who has achieved his goal, but it won't last long. As for King Hui, there's no need to worry, he's just a teenager, playing some small clever tricks! These are exactly the current situation of Chu State.

  Fan Zeng said: "However, these are not the key points. Lately, I have been observing the stars and found some unusual phenomena."

  "Really?" Xiang Yu's interest was suddenly piqued.

  Fan Zeng pointed to the starry sky and said, "In addition to the guest stars and the collision of stars in the heavenly field, there are two small stars. The small purple star on the north side is gradually shining brightly, with a great possibility of dazzling eyes. There is also a small star next to the general star, emitting a faint light, subtly reflecting the general star."

  Xiang Yu looked in the direction of Fan Zeng's pointing finger and indeed saw a small star, its light still smiling, if not careful, it would be easy to overlook.

  Fan Zeng said: "Before, I was always unclear and didn't know who this star represented. It wasn't until recently that things became clear."

  "Who?" Xiang Yu hesitated and looked at Fan Zeng who had been silent for a long time, and only after a while said: "You are referring to Liu Bang and Yin Xu?"

  "Not bad! At the coronation ceremony in the Temple of the King, two men were conferred with noble titles. Lao Fa suddenly realized that it was indeed those two people." Fan Zeng spoke slowly and deliberately: "I am not worried about Song Yi's guest star, but rather Liu Bang, whose purple star is shining brightly. Liu Bang appears to be a rogue, but in reality he has great ambitions, and his future is unpredictable due to his cunning and treachery. Moreover, he has wise men like Zhang Liang, Xiao He, and Zhou Bo who are willing to assist him, making it difficult to predict what will happen in the future. General, you underestimate Liu Bang too much, and the events at Peng City have already created a grudge between them. You must not be complacent!"

  Xiang Yu then realized that Fan Zeng was so concerned about himself, and a feeling of deep gratitude suddenly arose in his heart. Fan Zeng continued: "This time he colluded with Song Yi, currying favor with both sides, becoming the actual biggest winner. Be careful when doing things in the future!"

  "Yes!" Xiang Yu nodded and thought for a moment before asking: "Mr. Fan, what about Yin Xu?"

  "Can't see through!" Fan Zeng's answer was too abrupt, and Xiang Liang couldn't help but feel a shock in his heart.

  After a long time, Fan Zeng sighed and said: "This little star is beside the general star, its light is just born, and it's not eye-catching. Most of the light is reflected from the general star, but...". Mr. Fan hesitated for a moment and said: "It's also possible that its light is covered by the general star, once it breaks free from the general star's oppression, who knows if it will shine brightly? Nobody knows... In short, keeping it by our side will be very beneficial, if we can't keep it, I'd rather it didn't exist... Do you understand?"

  Fan Zeng's words were profound and far-reaching, Xiang Yu was shocked, his eyes flashing, his face changing several times. Zheng Ke nodded heavily, with a sense of certainty in his heart.

  "Cough! Cough!" Fan Zeng suddenly coughed repeatedly!

  Xiang Yu hastily went up to help him relieve his energy and comforted him, saying: "Mr. Fan, it's getting cool at night, let's go back to the room to rest!" The overbearing king who could move mountains and cover the world with his energy, carefully supported Fan Zeng and walked into the house.

  Until the two figures' silhouettes completely disappeared around the corner, a figure quietly emerged from behind a row of flowers, apparently having been hiding there for some time. He looked up at the twinkling stars, seemingly lost in thought, and revealed a subtle, enigmatic smile before turning to leave.