In a fit of anger, Wang Ling surrendered to Liu Ji. Although it was later discovered that Xiang Yu was not responsible for cooking the corpse, Wang Ling never had the chance to follow Xiang Yu again.
Now that Liu Ji is dead, would Wang Ling still be loyal to Liu Ji's son?
Taking this opportunity to switch allegiance to Xiang Yu would have been a wise move, and that's exactly what Wang Ling did.
Xiang Yu's attitude towards Shen Yang and Wang Ling was the same: to forgive and forget.
Shen Yang initially joined Liu Ji out of respect for his former leader Zhang Er. However, after surrendering, he was immediately stripped of his throne and sidelined, which greatly displeased Shen Yang and even made Zhang Er resentful.
Since Shen Yang was able to be made a king by Xiang Yu, he must have had some ability. Zhang Er was able to be made a king largely because of the contributions Shen Yang brought him.
Hao Jiu also praised Wang Ling as a talented individual. He was appointed Right Chancellor during the reign of Emperor Hui of Han, but was dismissed for preventing the Lü clan from being granted the title of king. He was a man of excellent character.
Therefore, Shen Yang was appointed by Xiang Yu as the governor of Sanchuan Commandery, and Wang Ling was appointed as the governor of Nanyang Commandery. Together, they became generals of the western front of Chu.
Although it was not enough for just these two to guard the western gate of Chu, Guanzhong was too busy to send troops to cause trouble at this time, and the adverse effects of Liu Ji's sudden death were gradually becoming apparent.
Upon learning of Liu Ji's death, Guo Meng, Lady Qi, Zhuang Bushi, and Li Ji in Shouchun, as well as Zhou Bo, Zhou Chang, Zhao Yao, and Yang Wu who had endured countless hardships to reach Shuxian, all rushed back to Guanzhong immediately, gathering scattered troops from various cities along the way to strengthen their own power.
Guo Meng, Zhuang Bushi, and Li Ji supported Lady Qi's son, Liu Ruyi, who was about to turn three, to succeed to the throne, claiming that they were following Liu Ji's will.
Zhou Bo, Zhou Chang, Yang Wu, Zhao Yao and others wanted to establish Liu Heng, the one-year-old son of Bo Ji, as the King of Han, claiming that Liu Heng had the appearance of a true dragon.
Some people secretly contacted Liu Ji's eldest son by a concubine, Liu Fei, also wanting to participate in the struggle for the throne, since Liu Fei was the only adult among Liu Ji's four sons.
As Liu Ji's eldest son, nine-year-old Liu Ying was the most likely to succeed to the throne. However, everyone knew that he was timid and weak, and no matter how you looked at it, he was not capable of taking on a great responsibility. On the contrary, Liu Ruyi and Liu Heng were more malleable.
At the critical moment, Liu Ying's birth mother, Lü Zhi, stepped forward and sought the support of Xiao He, Lu Jia, Lu Wan, Shen Shiqi, and others, barely stabilizing the situation. It wasn't until Lü Ze's army returned that they finally regained their confidence.
With Lü Ze's backing, Lü Zhi quickly overwhelmed the other three forces, successfully securing Liu Ying's ascension to the throne and allowing herself to rule from behind the curtain.
Of course, the three forces also joined forces to deal with Lü Zhi and Lü Ze, forcing Lü Zhi to make significant concessions.
The eldest son, Liu Fei, was enfeoffed as the King of Beidi, ruling over Beidi and Shangjun. The two commanderies originally had a large territory, but now a large part of the land had been occupied by the Xiongnu.
Liu Ji's strategy was to secure internal stability before dealing with external threats. He concentrated all his forces to attack Xiang Yu first, while ignoring the invasion of the Xiongnu. Large tracts of land, including Jiuyuan Commandery, Beidi Commandery, and Shang Commandery, were seized by the Xiongnu while Liu Ji was fighting Xiang Yu. The total area of the occupied land was about the same size as the State of Qi.
Historically, after Liu Ji'an's rebellion, he lacked the ability to fight external threats and could only devise a different strategy: a marriage alliance. On the surface, this exchange of women and wealth secured temporary peace, but in reality, it tacitly allowed those territories to fall into the hands of the Xiongnu, which were not finally reclaimed until the reign of Emperor Wu of Han.
Therefore, the two commanderies that Liu Fei obtained were largely unreliable, and were the worst areas in the Han state.
Liu Ji's third son, Liu Ruyi, was enfeoffed as the King of Hedong, ruling over Hedong Commandery, Taiyuan Commandery, and Shangdang Commandery, which were originally Wei territory. This was considered the best piece of land he received outside of Guanzhong.
In fact, Lady Qi's side was originally the weakest, but unexpectedly it received the support of Ren Ao, a general appointed by Liu Ji to govern the Wei region, and thus the three counties came under Liu Ruyi's control.
Helpless, Zhou Bo and the others had no choice but to endure it, no matter how unwilling they were.
Liu Heng was eventually enfeoffed as the Prince of Dai, in charge of Jiuyuan Commandery, Yunzhong Commandery, Yanmen Commandery, and Dai Commandery.
Of course, much of Jiuyuan County was also seized by the Xiongnu, and now only a small portion remains. Whether it can be preserved is a question, but it is still better than the two counties that Liu Fei had.
With this, Liu Ji's four sons completed the division of the family property, and the political landscape of the world changed dramatically as a result.
Judging from the current situation, if we disregard nomadic peoples such as the Xiongnu, the Western Chu, Qi, and Xin Han are the top three in terms of strength.
Then, the second tier consists of the Nanyue Kingdom, Hedong Kingdom, Yan Kingdom, Zhao Kingdom, Hengshan Kingdom, and Linjiang Kingdom.
Finally, there are the Minyue, Dai, Beidi, Southwestern Yi, and Baima Qiang.
However, although the four Liu brothers have separated and become their own kings, they have still formed a relatively reliable alliance, and at least for the time being, they can still work together.
If Peng Yue's Liang Kingdom had not been destroyed, its strength would have been considered second-tier, but unfortunately Xiang Yu did not give him that opportunity.
After news of Xiang Yu's seven-day conquest of the Liang Kingdom spread, the various vassal states became even more wary of Xiang Yu and the Chu Kingdom. They dispatched numerous scouts and spies to the Chu Kingdom, fearing that the Chu Kingdom would continue to attack them. At the same time, they racked their brains to find ways to deal with the Chu army's elite cavalry, which was renowned throughout the world.
The secret of the fall of Suiyang was eventually revealed, but all the states knew that Xiang Yu had personally breached the city gates, but they did not know the specific methods he used.
The common view is that Xiang Yu was stronger than before. Long ago, Xiang Yu could lift a thousand-pound cauldron with one hand. Now that his strength has increased again, it is somewhat plausible that he broke through the city gate while the Liang army was off guard.
Therefore, each country mobilized its skilled craftsmen to find ways to reinforce the city gates, and prepared earth, stones, and huge timbers next to the gates in preparation for blocking them at any time.
However, despite the constant vigilance and precautions taken by the various warlords, Xiang Yu had no intention of attacking any of the states.
Because Xiang Yu is about to travel through time, he will go with Hao Jiu to the split plane to continue completing that ridiculous beginner mission, while also solving the problem of the collapse of the Chu-Han plane.
Moreover, in those six branching worlds, there are six Liu Ji waiting for Xiang Yu to kill!
Chapter 114 Triumph
After Xiang Yu destroyed the Liang Kingdom, he returned to Jiangdong in a grand manner, without any intention of re-establishing the capital in Pengcheng. Therefore, the capital of the Chu Kingdom remained Jiangcheng for the time being.
For Xiang Yu, time travel was not as simple as taking a long trip. Once he traveled through time, he would be completely cut off from this world. No matter what happened here, Xiang Yu would be unable to help. Even Hao Jiu was unsure whether using that item would cause any accidents. What if he couldn't come back in the short term?
Therefore, Xiang Yu could only travel through time with Hao Jiu after everything in Chu and at home was properly arranged.
The first issue to be addressed was military affairs. On Hao Jiu's advice, Xiang Yu appointed five tiger generals: Ji Bu, the Divine Tiger General; Zhongli Mei, the Thunder Tiger General; Xiang Zhuang, the Flying Tiger General; Xiang Sheng, the Fierce Tiger General; and Ji Xin, the Mighty Tiger General.
Ji Bu was stationed in Luoyang, Sanchuan Commandery, and commanded the defense of the three commanderies of Sanchuan, Nanyang and Yingchuan. His main task was to defend Guanzhong and take care of Hebei.
Zhongli Mei was stationed in Boyang, in charge of the defense of the three commanderies of Dong, Xue, and Dang. His main task was to prevent the State of Qi from taking over Hebei.
Xiang Zhuang was stationed in Pengcheng, in charge of the defense of the three counties of Langya, Donghai and Sishui. His main tasks were to defend against the State of Qi and to train new infantrymen.
Xiang Sheng was stationed in Shouchun, commanding Chen Commandery and Jiujiang Commandery. His main tasks were to defend Hengshan, support Xiang Zhuang, Ji Bu and Zhongli Mei, and train a new cavalry army.
Ji Xin remained in Jiangdong, primarily tasked with defending against Wu Rui and Minyue, while also being responsible for training new infantry recruits in Jiangdong.
The next issue to be addressed was the administration of the government. Xiang Ta was appointed as the prime minister, in charge of all internal affairs of Chu and to establish a six-ministerial system, which was essentially a simplified version of the Three Departments and Six Ministries system, or somewhat similar to the Three Departments and Six Ministries system of the Tang Dynasty. In the Tang Dynasty, there were six ministries, but in reality, only one person was in charge of the three departments, thus avoiding the inefficiency caused by the three departments fighting amongst themselves.
Of course, with all power concentrated in the hands of the prime minister, the requirements for the prime minister's character and loyalty are quite high. Although Xiang Ta, as a member of the Xiang clan, had a history of surrendering, it was out of necessity, and he still deserved to be given a chance by Xiang Yu.
Then Xiang Yu selected some local talents with good reputations and outstanding abilities to serve as governors of various prefectures.
All prefects, including Wang Ling and Shen Yang, had a probationary period. If they were incompetent or failed to perform their duties, they would be dismissed.
Below the prefect were positions such as county magistrate and township head, all of which had a probationary period. The final power of appointment and dismissal rested with Xiang Yu, while Xiang Yu, as the prime minister, only had the power of temporary appointment and dismissal.
Besides military and political affairs, Xiang Yu had another important matter to attend to, but he needed to discuss it with Yu Ji first.
Kuaiji Mountain was the place where the Xiang clan lived in seclusion.
Xiang Yu led a group of personal guards to Mount Kuaiji to worship Yu the Great, and then secretly came here.
The old lady, along with Yu Ji, Xiang Long, and others, arrived at the door early to greet them. It was hard not to know that Xiang Yu had come with a caravan this time.
"Father! Father is back! Father..." Xiang Long cheered and rushed out of the house.
Xiang Yu jumped off his black horse, picked up Xiang Long, and then rubbed the little head.
"My dear son!"
Well, that was Hao Jiu's own interpretation; in reality, Xiang Yu simply responded with a soft "yes."
Xiang Yu put Xiang Long down at the door, then took a few quick steps and bowed deeply.
"May your mother be well."
"Good, good." The old lady wiped away her tears, too excited to speak. Xiang Yu's safe return meant that the Xiang family had completely overcome the crisis.
"King Xiang..." Yu Ji bowed, and the others followed suit.
"I have returned! I have personally killed Liu Ji!" Xiang Yu said to the crowd, finally fixing his gaze on An Qisheng.
"Wow!" The crowd cheered.
An Qisheng remained in the posture of worship, but his eyes were fixed on the black horse.
Turu turu~~
The black horse snorted, gave An Qisheng a disdainful look, and then turned its head away.
An Qisheng's lips twitched violently, and he immediately realized that he had lost his composure. "Congratulations to King Xiang on his triumphant return!"
"It seems Immortal Master An is quite fond of Wuzhui, but unfortunately Wuzhui is a close friend of mine, so I cannot give it to you. I am very grateful for your help in taking care of my family these past few days, and I must express my sincere thanks. Please feel free to ask for my request." Xiang Yu cupped his hands in thanks.
"Uh, no rush, no rush. I won't disturb King Xiang and his family reunion any longer. I'll come to visit again tomorrow. Farewell," An Qisheng said, cupping his hands in farewell.
"Immortal, please wait. I have come today to take my family to Jiangcheng. I will not be here tomorrow. Why don't you come with us?" Xiang Yu invited An Qisheng again at Hao Jiu's suggestion. They were about to travel to another plane, and it would be good if An Qisheng could help them guard their home.
As for how to persuade An Qisheng, Hao Jiu had his own methods. An Qisheng was far from becoming an immortal and was far from reaching the state of being without desires. At the very least, attaining enlightenment and ascending to heaven was an irresistible temptation for An Qisheng.
“Uh, this…” An Qisheng hesitated. In Kuaiji Mountain, he could be said to be cultivating while helping Xiang Yu take care of his family. If he went to Jiangcheng, the nature of the situation would change, as if he were being recruited.
“There is a Zhongshan Mountain in Jiangcheng, which is also a good place for quiet cultivation. I, the King, plan to build a Taoist temple for you on Zhongshan Mountain. It will not delay your cultivation,” Xiang Yu added.
An Qisheng glanced at the black horse, then at Xiang Yu, and said, "Well, it's alright. I can't refuse King Xiang's hospitality, so I'll have to trouble you for now."
Xiang Yu clapped his hands and said, “Excellent! Immortal, you can go and pack your things first, and then come over at noon to have lunch together. After that, we can leave this place together. I have already prepared a carriage at the foot of the mountain.”
"Thank you, King Xiang. I'll take my leave now." An Qisheng bowed slightly and then left the Xiang family's courtyard.
...
Inside the house, only Xiang Yu and Yu Ji were present.
Yu Ji was somewhat shy, wondering what important matter Xiang Yu wanted to discuss with her alone so urgently.
"Yu, take one of those miraculous medicines," Xiang Yu suddenly said.
"Hmm? Why do you say that, King Xiang? I am not injured," Yu Ji said, puzzled.
"That miraculous medicine can not only treat external injuries, but also cure hidden ailments. It can cure the sick and strengthen the body. I think that after you take this medicine, you will definitely be able to help me have more sons." Xiang Yu guessed that the reason why he and Yu Ji did not have children was related to Yu Ji's miscarriage, which caused her to have hidden ailments. The healing medicine was so miraculous that it could solve this problem.
Upon hearing this, Yu Ji became even more ashamed. "Why is King Xiang in such a hurry?"
"Because I want to establish a crown prince as soon as possible, I'm afraid I won't have much time to manage the affairs of the world." Xiang Yu now fully understands what he needs to do after binding himself with Hao Jiu.
Just like this time when I traveled to the split plane to complete the mission, I will have to keep going to many planes to complete the missions in the future. The mission given to me by the true god above Hao Jiu must be completed.
Furthermore, Xiang Yu now knows about other planes of existence. Even if he unifies this plane, there is still a possibility of war with other planes in the future. Even if he doesn't take the initiative to attack others, others may still attack them.
If he wants to protect his family, he has to keep improving himself. Moreover, immortality is indeed a great temptation for him. If he can achieve immortality, his family can too. What could be better than that?
Yu Ji was slightly taken aback, then covered her mouth and laughed, "If King Xiang wants to establish a crown prince, wouldn't Long'er be fine? Why must he wait for me? I have already regarded Long'er as my own flesh and blood. Even if I give birth to another son for King Xiang in the future, there is no need for me to compete for the position of crown prince, is there?"
"Yu, this prince is not merely the prince of Chu. I, the king, will surely unify the world and ascend the throne as emperor. The prince will be the second emperor of the Great Chu," Xiang Yu said earnestly.
"So what? I've already said that Long'er is my own flesh and blood. It is only right to make the eldest son the crown prince. Besides, Long'er is smart and clever, and I think he should be able to be a good crown prince." Yu Ji's eyes were clear, and she didn't seem to be lying.
Hao Jiu kept staring at Yu Ji, admiring her magnanimity. What empress wouldn't want her own son to inherit the throne?
"Then let Long'er be the crown prince." Xiang Yu, having confirmed Yu Ji's sincerity, stopped trying to persuade her.
Then, Xiang Yu took out a healing pill from his pocket and held it to Yu Ji's lips, saying, "Open your mouth."