After learning that Fangzheng had marched into Guanzhong, Xiang Yu and the vassal armies were shocked. Then, they were enraged.
In an instant, many vassal armies' representatives requested to see Xiang Yu, hoping that he could head to Guanzhong as soon as possible to eliminate Fangzheng's army.
It wasn't surprising that the vassal armies had such thoughts. Ever since the start of the rebellion, Fangzheng's army had always been isolated from the rest. He had rejected Chen Sheng's offer of enfeoffment, so he naturally lost contact with the peasant rebel army. In the eyes of the rebel army's upper echelons, Fangzheng was more like a bandit who had taken over a mountain and not a rebel army general.
Apart from that, Fangzheng's ideology was completely different from the rest. Not only did he want to overthrow the tyranny of the Qin Dynasty, but he also wanted to eliminate the remnants of the nobles and enfeoffment system. This was simply against the natural order of the vassal armies. It could also be said that Fangzheng was basically fighting against both the rebellion army and the Qin Dynasty by himself.
This was also another reason why Fangzheng's forces expanded the slowest. In fact, there were historical figures who wanted to join Fangzheng. For example, the famous Han Xin once met with Fangzheng. However, both sides couldn't reach an agreement on the issue of enfeoffment system. Fangzheng clearly expressed that he wanted to strengthen the centralization of power and abolish the enfeoffment system. This was unacceptable to people like Han Xin who wanted to restore the glory of their homeland, so both sides parted ways.
It was also because of this that the rebel army viewed Fangzheng as the second ferocious Qin King. Now that they saw him taking the opportunity to take Xianyang, they were immediately infuriated. All of them requested for the army to open up a path so that they could wipe out this group of unscrupulous thieves.
Facing the instigation of the vassals, Xiang Yu was in a difficult position. On one hand, he was dissatisfied that Fangzheng ambushed Xianyang during the Battle of Julu. On the other hand, unlike the vassals outside, Xiang Yu was very clear about the story of Fangzheng's reincarnation.
Based on the current intelligence, Fangzheng had less than a hundred thousand troops, while Xiang Yu had four hundred thousand troops. However, Xiang Yu knew that four hundred thousand was nothing compared to Fangzheng's zither music. Almost all of them would die. He once heard the story of how Fangzheng and his zither annihilated 10,000 bandits in an instant from his father, Xiang Shaolong. Back then, this story left a deep psychological shadow in Xiang Yu.
So what if he had 400,000 soldiers? At most, he could play 40 tunes.
However, Xiang Yu could not show weakness. Moreover, he could not tell anyone about this. Xiang Yu was very clear that if the vassals knew that Fangzheng and his zither could kill them all, they would definitely run as far away as possible.
Thus, Xiang Yu had no choice but to lead the army into Hangu Pass under the urging of the vassals.
However, when Xiang Yu led the army to Hangu Pass, the scene before them left everyone dumbfounded.
They originally thought that Fangzheng would deploy his army to defend Hangu Pass to the death. At the very least, he would send a large number of soldiers to defend it. However, when the vassals reached Hangu Pass, they found that in the huge Hangu Pass, other than the bright red flags fluttering in the wind, there were only a few dozen commoners sprinkling water and sweeping the walls, as if no one was there. Meanwhile, Fangzheng was sitting on top of a tower with a zither in his hand. Behind him stood two maidens, looking very relaxed.
What the hell?!
Xiangyu felt goosebumps all over his body when he heard the report from the frontline scout.
Young Master Fang had already taken out his zither. In Xiang Yu's view, the meaning was very clear!
However, the others did not know.
"Great General, this is clearly a trap set up by the traitor to confuse the troops! Please allow this one to lead three thousand cavalry and take down Hangu Pass! "
"Wait!"
Hearing his subordinate's request, Xiang Yu hurriedly extended his hand to stop him. He was very clear that although many people thought that this was a trap set up by Fangzheng, in reality, he could really do it! If he nodded and his subordinates really led three thousand cavalry into Hangu Pass, they would definitely not return. Perhaps they would even have to send another three thousand horses in.
However, this was not important. What was important was that the news that Fangzheng could kill with his zither would spread throughout the vassal army. At that time, the 400,000 soldiers would definitely be in chaos. Even if Xiang Yu was not an expert in this aspect, he knew that if this happened, it would be truly troublesome.
Thinking of this, Xiang Yu made a decision.
"Great General, are you inviting me to a feast at Hongmen?"
Looking at Xiang Yu's servant, Fangzheng was somewhat surprised. He only wanted to cosplay as an empty fort, but he did not expect to be invited to a feast at Hongmen.
Of course, he had to go. This was the famous feast at Hongmen. Wouldn't it be a waste if he did not go and take a look?
Also, that Xiang Zhuang … I wonder if I can meet him?
To be honest, Fangzheng was not interested in men's swordsmanship. But no matter what, it was still a legend, so of course he would not miss it.
Thinking of this, Fangzheng smiled faintly.
"Please tell the Great General that I will be there on time."
On the morning of the second day, Fangzheng rode on a white deer and leisurely arrived at Xiangyu's camp at Hongmen. Upon hearing Fangzheng's arrival, Xiangyu immediately sent someone to invite Fangzheng into the camp and set up a banquet.
"It has been a few years since we last met, Young Master Fang. Seeing you today, Young Master Fang is still the same as before."
Looking at Fangzheng, Xiangyu couldn't help but sigh with emotion. He also knew that Qin Shihuang had put in a lot of effort to obtain the Elixir of Immortality. However, whether or not the Elixir of Immortality existed was still a mystery. But now, Fangzheng was truly immortal. At least in Xiangyu's opinion, Fangzheng had almost never changed after all these years.
Thinking about how Qin Shihuang, who ruled the world, still tried in vain to obtain immortality, Xiangyu could not help but sigh at the sight of this Immortal who was obviously already immortal.
"You seem to have aged a lot. It seems that arranging the army and conquering the world is a very exhausting thing."
Fangzheng poured himself a cup of wine and started drinking. At the same time, he glanced at the camp. At this moment, there were only four people in the camp. Apart from Xiangyu and Fangzheng, the other two were Uncle Xiang and an old man. If Fangzheng guessed correctly, the old man should be Xiangyu's strategist, Fan Zeng, whom Xiangyu respectfully addressed as' Second Father '.
"There is one thing that Xiangyu does not understand. Why did Young Master Fang choose to enter at this time? Seize Xianyang? Xiangyu originally thought that Young Master Fang was not interested in conquering the world. "
Seeing Xiangyu's attitude toward Fangzheng, Fan Zeng's eyes flashed with a trace of doubt. He was only Xiangyu's strategist after the uprising, so he didn't know much about the relationship between Xiangyu and Fangzheng. However, seeing how Xiangyu was so respectful toward Fangzheng, who looked much younger than him, as if he was treating an elder, Fan Zeng was rather surprised.
"If it was purely conquering the world, I am indeed not interested. However, for the sake of the people and this land, I have decided to come out and try."
Fangzheng put down the wine cup in his hand and looked at Xiangyu.
"You have your ideals, and I have mine. Now, I will say the same thing. Xiangyu, why don't you help me conquer the world? I am not afraid to tell you the truth. I have said it before, and I will say it again. You are suitable to be a general, but you are not suitable to be an Emperor. Because you are too upright, too loyal, and too principled. These are all good qualities, but it's different for the Emperor, especially for a mortal like you. "
"Young Master Fang, this Xiang does not understand."
Upon hearing this, Xiangyu frowned.
"Why can't a mortal be loyal to an Emperor?"
"Because a mortal's lifespan is limited. Even if they have a good relationship with the important ministers when they are on the throne, they will have to consider who the country belongs to after they pass away. Even the relationship between father and son may be cut off. Aren't you aware of this?"
Fangzheng silently pointed out Ying Zheng and Qin Shihuang. Xiangyu remained silent and after a few moments, he replied softly.
"Xiangyu has once said to Young Master Fang that Xiangyu will not be such a person."
"That is why you are not suitable to be an Emperor."
Fangzheng shook his head.
"Look, if you are only a general, you can chat and laugh with your companions in the imperial court and forge friendships. But what if you become an Emperor with a weak body like Ying Zheng who could die at any time? When that happens, won't you be worried that your friends will have too much power inside and outside the imperial court? Or even plot to seize the throne? When that happens, it will no longer be a matter of whether you want to or not. "
"…"
Upon hearing this, Xiangyu held his wine glass and drank without saying a word. At this moment, Fan Zeng finally spoke.
"Young Master Fang, are you saying that you want the General to surrender? Is Young Master Fang able to guarantee that the unparalleled achievements of the General will not be forgotten? "
"Haha, of course not."
Fangzheng shook his head.
"As for why, your General knows best. Besides … I will adopt a brand new political governance system. Of course, I can't say that it will be 100% successful, but we have to give it a try, right? Xiangyu and I are fated. Frankly speaking, I don't wish to fight with Xiangyu on the battlefield. That is why I came to the banquet in hopes of persuading the General to surrender. "
Fangzheng didn't intend to adopt the governance system of his previous life. After all, theory had to be combined with reality. Fangzheng intended to adopt a constitutional monarchy as a transition. After all, a brand new political system and development required a leader. As for Fangzheng, as the reincarnation of a celestial being, he didn't have any descendants, so he didn't need a monarch to seize power. And with Fangzheng's ability, there was no need to worry about him being assassinated or a situation where there was no monarch in the country.
As long as things could be stabilized, Fangzheng could guide the entire system to transition to a republican system. After all, the biggest resistance to the system change came from the monarch himself. However, Fangzheng could delegate power at any time and didn't have a morbid desire for power, so it was naturally much easier to reform.
Xiangyu wanted to say something, but Fangzheng waved his hand again.
"I know what you want to say, but I want to tell you clearly that the vassal armies must die. These old nobles of the six countries were the main cause of the Qin Dynasty's destruction and will also become the most unstable factor in the new dynasty. I'm not afraid to tell you this. Whether you choose to surrender or not, I will kill all of these old nobles of the six countries in one fell swoop. "
"…"
Facing Fangzheng's words, Xiangyu's expression became more solemn. At this moment, Fan Zeng gazed at Fangzheng without changing his expression, but he secretly signaled to Xiangyu with his eyes.
Sensing Fan Zeng's signal, Xiangyu was speechless. In fact, before Fangzheng arrived, his' second father 'had advised Xiangyu to take down Fangzheng at the Feast at Hongmen. After all, Fangzheng didn't have a valid reason to do so. Besides, the ideas he promoted were considered 'disrespectful' in the eyes of the ruling class of this era. As long as Xiangyu announced to the public that he wanted Fangzheng to surrender and that Xianyang refused to surrender, Xiangyu would be able to take him down logically.
It was a good plan, but it was a pity that Fan Zeng didn't know that Fangzheng wasn't an ordinary person and Xiangyu couldn't tell him directly. He could only find an excuse that Fangzheng was an old friend of his and couldn't bear to kill him. Of course, if he really did kill Fangzheng, he wouldn't know who the culprit was.
Seeing that Xiangyu didn't respond, Fan Zeng was secretly anxious. He really didn't understand why Xiangyu valued this young man so much. He even raised the jade ring several times to signal Xiangyu to make a decision, but Xiangyu still ignored him.
It seems that the General won't take action.
Looking at Xiangyu who was drinking and pretending to be a fool, Fan Zeng's eyes glinted. He swept a glance at Fangzheng again. Then, he stood up and left the tent using the excuse of going to the toilet.
Fangzheng didn't mind Fan Zeng's departure. On the contrary, he used this opportunity to continue explaining his thoughts to Xiangyu.
"General, you should also know that the Xiongnu in the North have been eyeing this land covetously. Indeed, many people lost their lives when Qin Shihuang built the Great Wall. However, the Great Wall also stopped the Xiongnu from invading. When the world is united again, we need a brave General to lead the army and suppress the Xiongnu in the North. What do you think, General? "
"Hmm … Hmm …"
Xiangyu was hesitant. On one hand, he was listening attentively to Fangzheng's words. On the other hand, he couldn't bear to make such a decision.
After all, he was now a world-renowned General and no longer the young boy from before.
Fangzheng didn't care about Xiangyu's reaction. He continued to talk, drinking and eating from time to time. At this moment, the curtain of the tent opened and a figure walked in.
Then, a voice sounded.
"General Xiang Zhuang is here to pay his respects and propose a toast."
Oh, so this is Xiang Zhuang … Hmm?
Fangzheng, who was fighting with the pig's leg in front of him, was stunned for a moment. Then, he lifted his head. Because the voice he just heard was crisp and pleasant, like an oriole flying out of a valley. It didn't sound like a man's voice at all.
Could it be that Xiang Zhuang is a trap boss?
However, when Fangzheng lifted his head, he couldn't help but be stunned.
In front of him was a young girl wearing a long-sleeved shirt. The corners of her eyes were high, and she had a cunning and arrogant aura. She was very beautiful and charming.
"Why are you here?"
Xiangyu looked at the girl in front of him and asked. The girl smiled slightly.
"I saw General Xiang and Young Master Fang drinking here. There isn't much entertainment in the camp, so please allow me to perform a sword dance to liven things up."
"Okay."
Xiangyu didn't think much of it and nodded.
As for Fangzheng, he was dumbfounded.
Xiang Zhuang is a girl?
Are you kidding me?!
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