...
The tidy courtyard is adorned with clusters of flowers.
The elderly woman, dressed in fine clothes, slowly put down the water ladle in her hand, turned around gently, and then two streams of clear tears instantly welled up in her eyes…
The following day, Xiang Long announced at the morning court session that the country's name would be changed to Great Chu, and no one objected.
Three days later, during the grand ceremony to worship Heaven, Xiang Yu rode his black horse Wuzhui, arriving amidst the clouds. After receiving the worship of the new emperor and his officials and soldiers, he departed gracefully.
It is said that Xiang Yu made these arrangements and inquired about many things when he went to see the mother of this plane.
If they hadn't learned that Xiang Yu had killed Liu Ji with divine might at Bairen, hadn't had Ji Bu and his brothers vouch for them, and hadn't had Empress Lü's advance decree to return the empire to the Xiang clan, the Xiang clan would never have left their secluded place.
In fact, imperial power did not hold much appeal for the Xiang family; rather, it was only through imperial power that they had a chance to see Xiang Yu again.
In the eyes of the Xiang family, since Xiang Yu had become a god and been resurrected, why didn't he come looking for them?
Either Xiang Yu had forgotten the mortal world and didn't want to see them, or he couldn't find them.
Therefore, the Xiang clan risked their lives to take over the world, eagerly awaiting Xiang Yu's arrival day and night.
The events that occurred in the fourth plane served as a wake-up call for Xiang Yu. After hearing the news of the Overlord God, could the Xiang clan, who had originally lived in seclusion and were detached from worldly affairs, still remain in seclusion?
Although his relatives in the split dimensions were just clones, Xiang Yu could not simply ignore them.
The problem is that Xiang Yu doesn't have enough time and energy to take care of seven times the number of his family members. What can he do?
Hao Jiu offered two options: either find the Xiang clan members first and bring them back to the main plane to merge, or give them the power to protect themselves, or a power that surpasses that of mortals.
The benefits of fusion are obvious, but keeping a clone is not without its advantages. Moreover, it wouldn't be good if something like the fourth dimension, which has already ascended to the throne, suddenly disappeared.
Therefore, the final solution was to temporarily prevent the family members from merging, but it was still necessary for them to meet. Furthermore, the old lady's health condition needed to be monitored closely, and if she felt unwell, she should be returned to the main plane and merged with her original body.
As for how to empower the Xiang clan to protect themselves, that was not a difficult task.
Before leaving the fourth position, Xiang Yu taught Xiang Sheng the method of cultivating domineering power and bestowed upon Xiang Long an Emperor's Sword.
The fragment of Xiang Yu's soul is still inside the sword, and Hao Jiu has already reached an agreement with the Lord inside to protect Xiang Long's safety.
Xiang Yu was naturally generous to the old lady in this world, and also gave her a health-preserving jade pendant.
In addition, Xiang Yu left behind some healing and stamina-boosting medicines, and informed them about the Zhongshan Time-Space Gate, just in case.
After leaving the fourth plane, Xiang Yu immediately returned to the sixth plane, found the secluded place of the Xiang clan, and followed the same procedure as above. He then informed Lady Tong about Xiao He's situation and the matter of merging.
After discussing it with his wife and two sons, they decided to temporarily stay in Zhongshan instead of going to the fourth dimension, and let their two sons find jobs there.
Xiang Yu naturally wouldn't object; having someone help guard Zhongshan was a good thing.
The fifth, third, and second planes were handled in the same way as the fourth plane. In this way, the Emperor's Sword, which contained Xiang Yu's divided soul, was distributed among the five swords. As long as Xiang Sheng could cultivate his domineering aura to the Emperor Realm, he would be completely safe.
Of course, Xiang Sheng could also teach the domineering cultivation method to other members of the Xiang clan, but very few people who have never been on the battlefield possessed killing intent, so it was not easy to get started.
The situation in the first plane is different from the other planes. This plane is already a relatively stable Xiang family's domain. Xiang Yu only went there to teach the method of cultivating domineering energy, and many generals who were loyal to Xiang Yu also obtained the cultivation method.
Similarly, Xiang Yu strictly forbade these people from spreading the domineering cultivation method outside, limiting it to his trusted confidants.
This was also Hao Jiu's suggestion. This kind of high-end product is not suitable for widespread promotion yet. At least let your trusted confidants cultivate to the Emperor Realm first.
After resolving the issue of the split planes, Xiang Yu, who had been going in and out of the secret chamber of Fangxian Temple several times, finally stayed in the main plane.
"Welcome, Great God, King Xiang. Uh, King Xiang, are you done with your work?" An Qisheng bowed respectfully.
"Yes. Is everything alright here, Immortal Master?" Xiang Yu asked, cupping his hands in greeting. He had indeed been very busy these past few days, and hadn't even had a chance to exchange more than a few words with An Qisheng while moving through this secret chamber.
"The world is at peace, but I've heard that Han Xin of Qi is making some underhanded moves." An Qisheng smiled.
"Oh, then let's unify them," Xiang Yu said before leaving Fangxian Temple.
The next day, Xiang Yu finally learned what An Qisheng meant by "small tricks": Han Xin had assembled a cavalry army of over 100,000.
"I wish to become emperor. What do you all think? Should I first pacify the various feudal lords, or should I declare myself emperor first?" Xiang Yu rarely attended court, so he had to ask his ministers for their opinions.
When the ministers heard that Xiang Yu was going to declare himself emperor, they all showed joy.
As the prime minister, Xiang Ta was the first to express his opinion: "Your Majesty, I believe that we should first issue an edict to all the states, that those who are willing to support Your Majesty as emperor can be forgiven for their past mistakes, and those who are not willing can be mobilized by the feudal lords of all states to jointly attack you after you have become emperor."
"I second that proposal," Kuai Che was the first to agree, and then many court officials followed suit.
Zhang Liang stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, I believe that we should first destroy one state to demonstrate the power of Chu, and then issue an edict to inform the other feudal lords that Your Majesty has declared yourself emperor.”
"Which country should we conquer first?" Xiang Yu asked.
"Qi is the first choice, followed by the new Han. Although Qi is powerful, its territory is not large, making it the most suitable," Zhang Liang replied.
Xiang Yu smiled slightly, "Then let's fight together. Order Ji Bu, Zhongli Mei, and Xiang Sheng to each lead an army to attack Xin Han. I, the King of Qi, will personally lead the army and destroy Qi within half a month! Immediately announce to the world that I will ascend the throne as Emperor in one month. I'd like to see who opposes me!"
Chapter 224 Taking the Flight
Let's fight together!
But does this mean attacking both the State of Qi and the State of Xin Han at the same time?
This is like attacking the entire world at once!
"Your Majesty, you mustn't!" Xiang Yu was truly terrified. If they did that, wouldn't they be squandering Chu's excellent situation for nothing?
Kuai Che hesitated for a moment before stepping forward, "King Xiang! This move is too risky. Moreover, with wars raging against multiple countries at the same time, our country's food supplies will be insufficient."
"We urge King Xiang to rescind his order!"
"We urge King Xiang to rescind his order!"
...
The vast majority of the court officials voiced their opposition, almost all believing that Xiang Yu was too arrogant, too risky, and too reckless.
Zhang Liang frowned. He didn't think Xiang Yu was a reckless person, but where did this confidence come from?
Moreover, Xiang Yu made this decision after learning about the 100,000-strong Qi cavalry army; how could he act recklessly?
The only reasonable explanation is that Xiang Yu's announcement of this decision was a smokescreen, or rather, a bait, to test all the vassal states except for Qi and the new Han!
The old saying goes that the real intention was not in the wine; half a month was just enough time for the various vassal states to express their stance, and Xiang Yu would attack whichever one did not comply!
Don't forget that Xiang Yu only sent three of his five tiger generals, leaving one to guard the home base, and one remaining.
However, if the other feudal lords could be pragmatic or see through Xiang Yu's schemes, they might outwardly submit to the State of Chu while secretly preparing to join forces with the State of Qi and the new Han to besiege the State of Chu.
The key to this battle lies in whether Xiang Yu can destroy the State of Qi within half a month. Once Qi is destroyed, all those who feigned surrender will become those who truly surrender.
The final result was the destruction of the four kingdoms of the new Han dynasty, and the world was unified from then on!
Xiang Yu scoffed, "You all oppose my decision?"
"Your humble servant agrees with King Xiang!" Zhang Liang said, bowing.
"Zhang Liang! What are your intentions!"
"Xiang Yu must not listen to Zhang Liang!"
...
Many people in the court were skeptical of Zhang Liang's defection, after all, Zhang Liang had been Liu Ji's right-hand man and mentor.
"Why?" Xiang Yu looked Zhang Liang up and down with great interest. Could it be that this guy has really figured it out?
"Your humble servant believes that King Xiang will surely destroy the State of Qi within half a month. At that time, what will the remaining feudal lords have to fear? In terms of politics, I may not be as good as you all, but in terms of military affairs, I am confident that I can understand King Xiang's true intentions. I advise you all to trust King Xiang!" Zhang Liang said, glancing at the court officials.
Kuai Che's expression changed slightly. "We naturally trust King Xiang, but is there really no need to take such a risk?"
"Hahaha... Then let Zifang be the strategist to lead the three armies in this attack on Xin Han. Once I have destroyed Qi, you will know whether I have taken a risk or not," Xiang Yu laughed loudly.
"Yes! Your humble servant will certainly live up to King Xiang's high expectations!" Zhang Liang bowed deeply, unable to hide his excitement.
He now truly wants to serve Xiang Yu. Liu Ji is dead, and Zhang Liang's past loyalty to Liu Ji is far from enough to make him serve Empress Lü or Liu Ji's descendants.
The key point is that Zhang Liang already knows about Xiang Yu's subjugation of An Qisheng, who is a legendary immortal, someone even the Qin Emperor couldn't invite!
Zhang Liang always believed that his teacher was an immortal, otherwise how could he have turned into a piece of yellow stone?
In Zhang Liang's view, Huang Shigong might not have died at all, but simply didn't want to see him again.
Now that Zhang Liang, who is quite interested in becoming an immortal, has learned that another immortal is at Fangxian Temple, how could he not be tempted?
However, Fangxian Temple is a forbidden area, and Zhang Liang, in his current status, cannot enter it at all. He guarded outside several times but did not see An Qisheng come out.
After figuring things out, Zhang Liang began to actively consider Xiang Yu's interests, aiming to become Xiang Yu's confidant. But first, he needed to secure an opportunity, and this attack on the new Han state was the opportunity that Xiang Yu was giving Zhang Liang.
How could Xiang Yu not use someone as talented as Zhang Liang? He just wanted a loyal Zhang Liang.
To be honest, Hao Jiu couldn't see through Zhang Liang's hatred for Liu Ji after being forced to protect himself in the split plane, or whether he had truly become indifferent to everything and had no desires.
The key issue is that Zhang Liang played too well, not even giving Xiang Yu a chance to rescue him. The methods used to win over Han Xin and Xiao He were not suitable for Zhang Liang.
Then we need to think of another way, and the new Han Dynasty is a good touchstone.
It's not necessarily about conquering it; the key is attitude.
After Xiang Yu left the court, he went to Pengcheng, where Xiang Zhuang was located.
"General Xiaohu, how have you been?" Xiang Yu suddenly appeared in Xiang Zhuang's central command tent.
Xiang Zhuang suddenly looked up and rubbed his eyes hard. "King Xiang?"
"Haha, cousin, it's only been a short time since we last met and you don't recognize your brother anymore," Xiang Yu laughed.
Xiang Zhuang quickly stood up. "Brother, why do you say that? I was just a little surprised. May I ask what brings you here so suddenly?"
"I have an important matter to entrust to you, my worthy brother. I wonder if you would be willing to share the burden with your elder brother?" Xiang Yu smiled slightly.
"I would gladly give my life, even at the cost of my life!" Xiang Zhuang solemnly declared.
“Excellent! My brother, do you know why I was able to subdue An Qisheng?” Xiang Yu asked solemnly.
Xiang Zhuang pondered for a moment but had no answer. Even the First Emperor had refused An Qisheng's invitation; what could possibly move such a reclusive immortal? Could it be Xiang Yu's personal charisma that made An Qisheng submit? That seemed unlikely. Mortals might have such feelings, but how could an immortal…?
"I don't know."
"Birds of a feather flock together, and immortals are no exception. To tell you the truth, I am now a first-rate immortal, and I even have a powerful true god as my backer. Come, let me take you flying." With that, Xiang Yu pulled Xiang Zhuang away.
Xiang Zhuang was completely bewildered. "Xiang Wang has become an immortal, and he wants to take me with him?"
Xiang Yu pulled Xiang Zhuang to a secluded spot, then grabbed his waist and leaped upwards. Suddenly, a cloud of auspiciousness flew over and caught both Xiang Yu and Xiang Zhuang.