"If we flew all over the world like this, using our divine power to subdue mortals, and if other systems came to our plane in the future, we could probably just ask anyone who the host was and who had the system." Hao Jiu suddenly felt a little regretful; he was so young.
Xiang Yu chuckled. "Does the God of Wine think we can fool the other systems by not flying around? Didn't the God of Wine say that the Lone King in history committed suicide at the Wujiang Pavilion ferry? If any system that understands history learns that Liu Ji was killed, wouldn't it be able to guess that I'm the host?"
"Well, that's true. The best way to hide is to avoid interfering with history. Whoever does something that violates historical records and common sense will be exposed first," Hao Jiu pondered.
"So the system in this plane is a master. At least based on our current investigation, everything is proceeding according to historical records," Xiang Yu said solemnly.
Hao Jiu's expression was also not good. "What Xiang Yu said is very true. There are probably two possibilities for a system that can not interfere with history at all. One is that the system does not give the host any help and lets it develop freely. The other is that the system knows what will happen in the future and selects a host that is bound to succeed."
“Success is inevitable… So it’s Liu Xiu, isn’t it?” Xiang Yu thought that if the target system really chose Liu Xiu as its host, he wouldn’t have to worry about anything and could unify the world, because that’s how history has always been.
"I also think Liu Xiu is very likely. If I were in this world, I would definitely bind myself to Liu Xiu. But finding a system that is good at hiding is obviously not that easy. What if they do the opposite?"
Even if it is the second possibility I just mentioned, the target system may deliberately not select Liu Xiu, making Liu Xiu a decoy to attract attention, and the system may bind a general or minister in Liu Xiu's camp who can have a good end.
It's important to know that Liu Xiu was one of only two feudal emperors in history, after Liu Ji, who did not kill meritorious officials to consolidate his power. Quite a few of the regional officials who died peacefully in the end were also involved. If this system is to continue to survive, a month might not be enough time for us.
But if it's the first possibility, then it's even more troublesome. If this system doesn't care about the host's life or death, it can simply wait for the host to die before replacing it with the next host.
"If the system cares about the host's life or death, it will only exert its power when the host is in mortal danger. At that time, history will be changed, and we will be able to catch him." Hao Jiu felt a headache coming on.
Xiang Yu frowned. "God of Wine, you may have overlooked something. Perhaps the problem we face is more complex."
"Hmm? Please speak, King Xiang." Hao Jiu felt that he was smarter than Xiang Yu, but his knowledge and modern way of thinking were more advanced. Xiang Yu was very likely to offer better suggestions.
"Didn't Dionysus say that the historical records we see in the future might have omissions or even be altered? So how do we determine whether history has changed?" Xiang Yu raised a very serious question.
Hao Jiu suddenly felt a headache coming on, but he didn't want to be stumped by Xiang Yu's questions. Didn't the system have any dignity?
"Historical records have many omissions and some falsifications. But in general, there are still many true records, and the inaccurate parts are in the minority. Moreover, many of them can be identified as true or false through analysis."
We can select records with high accuracy for reference, such as the life and death of historical figures. Historical records generally don't write things down carelessly; if someone is dead, they are dead; if someone is alive, they are alive. If someone who shouldn't have died dies prematurely, then we can follow the clues to find the target.
Furthermore, besides historical records, can't we also judge based on common sense? An excessively powerful person is likely to be a target. At least I don't believe there should be anyone in this world more powerful than Xiang Yu before he met me.
So, for now, Xiang Yu will revert to his state from a year ago and use that standard to judge the suspects. Don't worry, even if we're unlucky enough to fail to complete the task within the deadline, the System God still owes me a request; a few months' grace shouldn't be a problem.
Xiang Yu nodded repeatedly, "In that case, I will suppress my strength and temporarily refrain from using the Divine Halberd and Overlord Aura."
"Using domineering aura to defend vital points is still possible, but caution is always wise." Although Hao Jiu had just boasted, if he used up his last chance because of the second mission, he would be devastated. Besides, it would be too embarrassing, too humiliating! The first two missions required the intervention of the system god to complete; he might as well just crash into his chest and die.
Therefore, Hao Jiu already had a contingency plan in mind: if the target system hadn't been found by half the deadline, then they would do something exciting.
The city gate of Chang'an was right in front of them when Xiang Yu's clone caught up from behind and directly entered the space of the Emperor's Sword.
The guard nudged the officer beside him, "Boss, you were right, that man really is a general."
"Huh? Quick! Quick! Everyone get out of the way! Make way for the general!" The military officer hurriedly ordered his men to clear a path through the city gate.
Xiang Yu had already slowed down, but seeing this, he nodded slightly to the military officer, then spurred his horse, and the black steed suddenly accelerated out of the city gate, running faster and faster, kicking up a cloud of dust...
The officer's eyes lit up with joy. "The general just nodded at me!"
Chapter 239 Battle Before Kunyang
Kunyang was located between Nanyang Commandery and Yingchuan Commandery, roughly in Ye County, a little south of modern Pingdingshan City.
The Green Forest Army originated from the uprising in Xinshi. Because they were stationed in Green Forest Mountain, they were called the Green Forest Army. The term "Green Forest Heroes" comes from them. Their leaders were Wang Kuang and Wang Feng.
Later, it gradually grew stronger and formed alliances, creating four major factions within the Green Forest Army: Xinshi Soldiers, Xiajiang Soldiers, Pinglin Soldiers, and Chunling Soldiers.
The Chunling soldiers were the troops that Liu Yan and Liu Xiu led when they started their rebellion in Nanyang.
After the Green Forest Army controlled Xinshi, Pinglin, Chunling and other places, they began to march north to attack Wancheng in Nanyang.
However, since the city walls of Wancheng were tall and sturdy and difficult to capture in a short period of time, Liu Yan, Shen Tu Jian and others were left to lead most of the main force to attack Wancheng, while another part of the Green Forest Army bypassed Wancheng and continued to attack Kunyang and other places to the north.
At this time, because Liu Xuan had already proclaimed himself emperor, restored the Han system, and set the era name as Gengshi, the Green Forest Army was also renamed the Gengshi Han Army, or simply the Gengshi Army.
After the Gengshi army captured Kunyang, Dingling, and Yanxian, they left a portion of their troops to defend the cities and sent a vanguard of 3,000 men through Yingchuan to attack Yangguan, northwest of Yuxian, in order to pave the way for the next step of advancing on Luoyang.
However, when this vanguard army arrived at Yangguan, the main army of Wang Yi, the Grand Minister of Works of the new dynasty, who had set out from Luoyang, had already joined forces with Yan You's army stationed in Yingchuan.
Thus, the Gengshi army found themselves in an awkward position. They had not yet occupied Yingchuan; they had only repelled Yan You, and then they were eager to attack Luoyang.
When Yan You had no reinforcements, he dared not do anything to the Gengshi vanguard army. But after receiving reinforcements, he would not only have to fight the 3,000-strong vanguard army, but also the Gengshi army that occupied Kunyang and the main force of the Gengshi army that besieged Wancheng.
Coincidentally, one of the two commanders of this 3,000-strong vanguard army is none other than our chosen one, General Liu Xiu, the Grand Master of Ceremonies!
"Report! Your Excellencies, Wang Yi and Yan You's 100,000-strong vanguard has already set off for Kunyang! Behind them, nearly a million main forces are stretching for thousands of miles, with supplies and provisions arriving in an endless stream." A junior officer from the Gengshi Army ran into the central command tent, his brow beaded with sweat.
"Hiss..." Liu Xiu gasped, "So fast! What can we do?"
"We can no longer attack Yangguan according to the original plan. We must retreat immediately, otherwise the enemy can block us under Yangguan by sending 20,000 troops here." Song Tiao made a decisive decision.
"Yes, retreat immediately, get out of here! We can't fight this battle!" Liu Xiu said, slightly flustered. "I told you not to rush to attack Yangguan. What are we going to do now? If the enemy sends cavalry, can we escape? If only my brother were here, but he's far away in Nanyang. What can we do?"
“Look at your cowardice. Don’t panic. The enemy is far away. Although your elder brother Liu Yan is not here, I am still here. I promised him I would take care of you and I will protect you. Reorganize the army immediately. You lead the infantry first, and I will lead the cavalry to cover the rear. Do it quickly.” Song Tiao patted Liu Xiu on the shoulder.
Liu Xiu composed himself and said solemnly, "No, Brother Song, go first. I'll cover the rear!"
Song Tiao smiled with satisfaction. "You are a promising young man. What you have always lacked is this courage. How can you achieve great things if you always live under the protection of others? The Grand Minister did not keep you by his side this time, which was also to train you."
However, this is not the time to act rashly out of loyalty. I am more skilled in mounted combat than you, and only I am confident that I can hold off the enemy and buy them time. Besides, bringing the brothers safely back to Kunyang is no easy task. We must act quickly and prevent the army from scattering. Go and do it immediately.”
"Yes." Liu Xiu bowed respectfully, then turned and left the central command tent.
Meanwhile, at the entrance of the new army camp.
"State your name!" a soldier from the new army on the tower called out.
"I am Xiang Yu, the General Who Pacifies the East, appointed by His Majesty. I wish to see the Grand Minister of Works. Please inform him immediately," Xiang Yu said, clasping his hands in greeting.
Seeing Xiang Yu's imposing demeanor, the junior officer guessed that what he said was mostly true, but still asked in a businesslike manner, "Does General Wang have any proof?"
"The imperial edict of appointment is here." Xiang Yu took out the edict and held it high.
"Please wait a moment, General, I will have someone inform them immediately." The gatekeeper then beckoned to the person beside him, "Go and return quickly!"
"Here you go."
...
A moment later, the soldier who had gone to report the incident ran back.
"The Grand Commandant has ordered that General Wang be invited into the camp for a meeting. Open the camp gates!"
Squeak squeak...
The camp gates opened wide, and Xiang Yu rode his horse slowly into the camp. Soldiers took the reins and led him to the central command tent.
While generals may ride horses within the military camp, they are not allowed to gallop freely without reason.
Soon, Xiang Yu arrived at the central command tent, dismounted, and strode inside.
"General Xiang, who has pacified the east, greets the Grand Minister of Works!" Xiang Yu said, clasping his hands in greeting to the elderly man in the main seat, whose armor gleamed.
Wang Yi sized Xiang Yu up and down, "Good, good, good! Indeed a fierce general! General Wang's arrival is timely; this is a great fortune for Daxin!"
"You flatter me, Grand Commandant." Xiang Yu said, glancing at the generals and strategists on both sides out of the corner of his eye. There were no particularly tall people among them, so Ju Wuba was obviously not there.
"Bring me the imperial edict to see." Wang Yi raised his hand.
A general standing beside Xiang Yu took the imperial edict and presented it to Wang Yi, who then returned it to Xiang Yu after reading it.
"General Wang, please take your place first. After I have arranged the important matters of the expedition, I will have a banquet prepared to welcome you." Wang Yi didn't know what was wrong with him, but he just found himself liking this General Pingdong more and more. His elder brother had sent him here alone at this time, which must be because he valued his talent and thought he was worth winning over.
"Yes," Xiang Yu replied with a fist salute, then stood in the empty space next to him.
Wang Yi scanned the crowd and said coldly, "Gentlemen, the rebel army of over three thousand men at Yangguan is an easy victory. Is there no one who dares to go with the Beast Army? General Yan You, why don't you go?"
Xiang Yu followed Wang Yi's gaze and saw that the person who had just forwarded the imperial edict for him was Yan You. Hao Jiu had mentioned him before; although he was a general with a miscellaneous title, he was quite capable.
If Wang Yi had listened to Yan You's advice, he might not have lost the Battle of Kunyang.
"Reporting to the Grand Commander, why should the Beast Army be sent to fight a mere three thousand rebels? This humble general can capture Song Tiao and Liu Yan's brother by leading five thousand cavalry alone! However, if we go with the Beast Army, I am not familiar with their coordination and it would be easy for the enemy to take advantage of our weaknesses. It would be better not to go and give the opportunity to others," Yan You said, clasping his hands in a fist salute.
Xiang Yu's eyes lit up. "God of Wine, isn't Liu Yan's brother Liu Xiu? The Fierce Beast Army must be Ju Wuba's army, right?"
"That's interesting, isn't that a coincidence?" Hao Jiu smiled slightly.
Wang Yi's face was grim. "His Majesty has high expectations for the Beast Army. This battle, in which the Beast Army decisively defeated the rebels, will surely terrify them. Then our army's attack on Kunyang and other places will be much more effective. But the Beast Army has not yet frightened the rebels, yet you are already afraid, are you?"
The generals remained silent. Of course, who wouldn't be afraid of so many ferocious beasts! What if those beasts were released from their cages and went looking for food nearby?
Just then, a refined scholar stepped forward and said, “Your Excellency, I observe that the newly arrived General Wang seems to possess the courage of ten thousand men. I imagine he is not afraid of our own beast army. Why doesn’t Your Excellency inquire about him?”
Wang Yi laughed heartily, "Mr. Jiao is right!"
Chapter 240 Sparring
Mr. Jiao? Mr. Jiao? Surely it's not Mr. Jiao!
Hao Jiu's lips twitched violently. This surname is truly unbeatable...
Wang Yi's smile faded, and he said solemnly, "General Wang, the strategist just recommended you and the Beast Army to wipe out Song Tiao's three thousand rebels. Do you dare to go?"
"What is there to be afraid of?" Xiang Yu glanced at the scholar and said expressionlessly.
"Hahaha... Excellent! In that case, let's turn General Wang's welcoming banquet into a victory celebration! General Nayan, quickly take General Pingdong and lead 5,000 cavalry, along with the Beast Army, to set off immediately!" Wang Yi was overjoyed; finally, a capable general had joined the army!
"Yes!" Yan You secretly breathed a sigh of relief. If it weren't for General Wang's arrival, he and General Chen Mao would probably have had to go, or most likely it would have been him.
It should be noted that Chen Mao had served as Grand Marshal. Although he had been dismissed for several years due to the solar eclipse, Wang Yi would still give him some face and would not force him to go on the expedition.
In fact, not only Yan You, but also Chen Mao and others breathed a sigh of relief. The commander of the Beast Army was just like a beast, or even more terrifying.
Only the strategist, Mr. Jiao, maintained a mysterious smile, as if everything was irrelevant to him.
...
Xiang Yu followed Yan You to muster the troops. "General Yan, who exactly is this strategist? The Grand Minister of Works seems to value him highly."
"Oh, so he's the one who supposedly mastered the military strategies of the Sixty-Three Schools. He does know them very well, and no one can stump him. His name is Jiao You, Jiao from Jiaozhou. His father was called Uncle Jiao. He did lead troops and fight battles, but unfortunately, he died young." Yan You's tone revealed a hint of disdain, clearly indicating that he did not approve of this strategist, Jiao.
Just then, a tiger's roar came from afar, a howl...
"General Yan, what is this...?" Xiang Yu wondered to himself, "This must be one of the beasts from the Beast Army."
Yan You hesitated for a moment before finally speaking, "Uh, General Wang, that roar should be from the striped tiger in the Beast Army. General Wang need not worry. Although the Beast Army's commander, Ju Wuba, is not talkative and has an eccentric personality, he is still confident in controlling these beasts."