"You two wait outside. I need to speak with His Highness for a few minutes," Xiahou Ying said, pulling Han Xin to a halt at the doorway. He then turned to Xiang Yu and his own personal guards.
"Yes," Xiang Yu and the guard replied in unison, then turned and stood guard at the door.
"Uh, my lord, this man is a trusted confidant of my king, there's no need..." Han Xin was interrupted by Xiahou Ying before he could finish speaking.
"Alas~ These words are only for the two of us to hear." Xiahou Ying said, then pulled Han Xin into the bedroom and closed the door.
Han Xin turned to look at Xiang Yu and saw that Xiang Yu was indeed standing motionless at the door like a loyal guard. He was slightly relieved, but he was terrified. What if Xiang Yu misunderstood?
"Does Your Highness know how dangerous this journey is?" Xiahou Ying asked in a low voice.
"I know, please save me, my lord." Han Xin bowed deeply.
Xiahou Ying lowered his voice again, "Alas, I can't help with this matter. I can only remind Your Highness that it's easy to get into Prince Chen County but hard to get out. Since you're here, just make the best of it. The only way to save your life is to try your best to curry favor with His Majesty. As for the title of Prince of Chu, you might as well give it up. Remember that."
"Hiss..." Han Xin gasped. "What should we do? Is there no way to make His Majesty understand my loyalty?"
"It is precisely because His Majesty believes you are innocent that you have a chance to live. But you should forget about the title of King of Chu. If you can win His Majesty's favor and everyone speaks on your behalf, perhaps you can be granted a marquisate. By the way, did Your Highness bring any generous gifts?" Xiahou Ying asked.
"Uh, I brought a box of precious gold and jewels, including a jade ruyi," Han Xin answered truthfully, his heart sinking.
"Hey! This is hardly a generous gift. At least we should have brought Zhongli Mei here. But it doesn't matter. I think the guard at the door who looks just like Xiang Yu is also a gift that will surprise His Majesty. You know His Majesty has always been resentful that he couldn't personally kill Xiang Yu." Xiahou Ying laughed.
Han Xin turned his head blankly, "That's quite a pleasant surprise..."
Chapter 160 A Premeditated Crime
Han Xin was initially debating whether to take this opportunity to tell Xiahou Ying that Xiang Yu was outside, but upon hearing Liu Ji's plan for how to deal with him, he abandoned the idea of informing him.
Ironically, Xiahou Ying actually suggested that he send Xiang Yu to Liu Ji as a gift, which was simply asking if Liu Ji had too much time on his hands!
Han Xin and Xiang Yu's original plan was for Xiang Yu to approach Liu Ji under the pretext of presenting a treasure, then kill him on the spot and reveal his identity.
Shocked by the crowd, Han Xin raised his arm again and listed several crimes of Liu Ji, completely rebelling against Liu Ji. It was thought that many other lords would respond.
Of course, Xiang Yu also told Han Xin that even if the situation became uncontrollable after killing Liu Ji, he would do his best to ensure that Han Xin could break through the encirclement.
The biggest problem with this plan is that Xiang Yu might be blocked outside. Han Xin could take the box of jewels himself, or have it given to Liu Ji's guards to take inside.
Now, Xiang Yu has become a gift, and a wonderful surprise at that.
There may not be much joy, but the shock is truly immense, enough to astound the world!
"Oh dear, Your Highness is lucky. If it weren't for this person in the army, you would have had a hard time getting through this. At the very least, you would have been branded as a traitor who betrayed his friend to save his own life. Alright, enough of this small talk. I'll head back now. Once Your Highness has finished washing up, please go and pay your respects to His Majesty. I will assist you at the banquet. Farewell," Xiahou Ying said, clasping his hands in a fist salute.
"Thank you very much, my lord! I am deeply grateful!" Han Xin quickly returned the greeting.
"Hahaha... Your Highness must be tired from your journey. Please rest well. I'll take my leave now. Please wait!" Xiahou Ying said loudly, then turned around, opened the door, and left the room. He gave Xiang Yu a meaningful look before leaving with his guards.
Xiahou Ying thought to himself, "He really looks like him, only much younger. Could he be Xiang Yu's son? Oh, what a disaster! I hope Xiang Yu in heaven won't cause me any trouble."
Meanwhile, Han Xin was anxiously waiting for Xiang Yu's arrival inside the house.
But Xiang Yu remained on guard outside, showing no intention of coming in.
Han Xin wanted to confess to Xiang Yu, but he didn't know where to begin. He and Xiahou Ying spoke very quietly, so Xiang Yu outside certainly couldn't hear them.
What if Xiang Yu thinks he has secretly told Xiahou Ying the truth?
How do you explain this?
worry!
What if Xiang Yu didn't believe him after he finished explaining?
I don't know how much time passed before the door finally opened.
"Your Highness, the water is ready. You may bathe and change now," Xiang Yu said, clasping his hands in greeting.
Han Xin came to his senses and said, "Well, I have something important to tell King Xiang."
"Oh? What is it?" Xiang Yu smiled slightly.
"It was my conversation with Xiahou Ying just now..." Han Xin said, then came to Xiang Yu's side and whispered in Xiang Yu's ear the whole story of his conversation with Xiahou Ying.
Although Han Xin didn't know if Xiang Yu would believe him, he thought that there was no other good way but to do it this way. As the saying goes, "A person with a clear conscience has nothing to fear," and speaking the truth always brings more peace of mind.
Moreover, according to information obtained from Xiahou Ying, Liu Ji had no intention of letting him continue as King of Chu; the best outcome would be to demote him to a marquis.
Liu Ji's actions truly chilled his heart. Why should he have his throne, which he earned through military achievements? How could he possibly take it back after pacifying the world?
Chen County, Liu Ji's temporary palace.
"Halt!" The guard raised his hand, blocking Han Xin and Xiang Yu's retreat.
"You audacious brat! How dare you be so disrespectful to His Highness the King of Chu!" Xiang Yu shouted angrily, holding the jewelry box.
The guard sized up Xiang Yu, thinking to himself, "Where did Han Xin find such a formidable and imposing guard?"
"Well, Your Highness King of Chu, no feudal lords are allowed to bring guards to today's banquet. Your Highness may enter, but this valiant man is not permitted."
Just then, Xiahou Ying walked over. "What's all this commotion?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, we just prevented His Highness the King of Chu's guards from entering, which angered them," the guard replied respectfully.
Xiahou Ying nodded and said, "I am aware of this matter. After searching him and taking his weapons, let this person accompany Your Highness inside."
"Yes, sir!" the guard replied, clasping his hands in a fist salute.
Guessing that a body search wouldn't be difficult, Xiang Yu and Han Xin didn't bring any weapons. After a few pats, the two entered the palace without any trouble.
"Thank you for your help, my lord. I will repay you handsomely," Han Xin said, bowing.
"Your Highness is too kind. His Majesty was in high spirits upon hearing of Your Highness's arrival, and with this delightful surprise gift, I'm sure today's matter will be a success." Xiahou Ying glanced at Xiang Yu as he spoke.
Han Xin's lips twitched violently. "What you say is absolutely right, my lord."
Soon, the group arrived at the venue.
Liu Ji half-reclined, half-sitting, holding a chicken leg in his hand, taking a big bite, chewing it with crunching sounds, skin and bone.
"Your humble servant greets Your Majesty." Han Xin bowed deeply.
Liu Ji looked up at Han Xin and asked, "I have heard that the King of Chu intends to rebel. Is this true?"
"Your humble servant dares not," Han Xin said, bowing respectfully.
"Dare not? Heh heh, when you took in Zhongli Mei, did you dare not do so at all? Humph!" Liu Ji threw the remaining half chicken leg back into the bowl.
"Why can't we take in Zhongli Mo? Although he is a former subordinate of Xiang Yu, the world has been pacified. I am the King of Chu appointed by His Majesty. Zhongli Mo has a past relationship with me and surrendered to me. What crime has he committed? Didn't His Majesty also take in Ji Bu and others?" Han Xin felt indignant and had to speak out.
Liu Ji was dumbfounded. He thought that after presenting Zhongli Mo as evidence, Han Xin would have no choice but to admit it, but he did not expect that the other party would mention Ji Bu. The two were very similar in many ways, the only difference being that one surrendered and the other surrendered to Han Xin.
However, Liu Ji couldn't openly say that surrendering to Han Xin was not an option. He could at least secretly sideline Han Xin, the King of Chu, because some things were better left unsaid.
There were many feudal lords present. Besides Han Xin, the King of Chu, there were two other kings: King Peng Yue of Liang and King Han Xin of Han.
Chen County is not too far from the fiefdoms of Peng Yue and Han Wangxin, so they have to come whether they want to or not.
At this moment, Peng Yue and Han Wangxin did not utter a word, but they also turned their gazes to Liu Ji. If Liu Ji were to convict King Han Xin of treason without any explanation, then they would have to make plans as soon as possible.
Xiahou Ying looked anxious. He never expected Han Xin to say such a thing. Liu Ji would definitely be unhappy and might even kill Han Xin.
"Your Majesty, although Han Xin has done some wrong things that raise suspicion, his attendance at the banquet is enough to prove that he has no intention of rebelling. I hope Your Majesty will be lenient in your punishment."
Liu Ji didn't know how to answer Han Xin, nor how to deal with Peng Yue and Xiahou Ying, so he looked at the strategist Chen Ping beside him. It was Chen Ping who came up with the plan to hunt in Yunmeng.
"Chen Ping, is that so?"
"Your Majesty, there is no problem with Zhongli Mo surrendering to Han Xin and Han Xin taking Zhongli Mo in. However, this does not mean that the two will not make mistakes in the future. Han Xin's coming here this time shows his determination and courage to clear his name, but it is also possible that his secret deeds were exposed, and he was afraid of Your Majesty's wrath, so he had no choice but to take this risky move. If he succeeds in escaping, he will naturally be rewarded, but even if he fails, it is better than hastily raising an army with no chance of winning." Chen Ping said, cupping his hands.
In fact, Chen Ping had already planned how to deal with it. For him, turning black into white was the easiest thing in the world. Even if Han Xin brought Zhongli Mo here this time, he could say that Han Xin was guilty and had no intention of repenting. Even if he wanted to repent, he would still have to demote the king to a marquis as a punishment.
"Haha, my dear minister, you are right. What else does Han Xin have to say?" Liu Ji laughed triumphantly.
The crowd thought it made some sense, but who could be fooled by the trickery involved? This banquet in Chen was becoming more and more like the Feast at Hongmen, except that Liu Ji was not Xiang Yu, Chen Ping was not Fan Zeng, and Han Xin was not Liu Ji. Their lives were in grave danger this time.
Han Xin's breath hitched for a moment, then he gave a cold laugh. "If Your Majesty were to believe the slanderous accusations of this villain without question, I, Han Xin, would have nothing to say. However, I have heard a few sayings: 'When the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked; when the birds are all gone, the good bow is put away.' And another saying is: 'If you want to condemn someone, you can always find a pretext!'"
Liu Ji's smile froze on his face, and he seemed about to explode. At worst, he would just be confirmed as a tyrant. As for mere lackeys, he could kill them if he wanted. They were not strong enough to do anything to him.
Xiahou Ying sighed, rubbing his forehead, and stepped forward again. "Your Majesty," he said, "King Chu has come with sincerity to apologize and has prepared a surprise gift for you. Han Xin, why don't you present this gift now?"
Chapter 161 Strength to Uproot Mountains, Aura to Overwhelm the World
"Oh? What a wonderful gift! Open it and take a look," Liu Ji said, pointing to the box Xiang Yu was carrying.
Judging by the size of the box, it seems it could hold a human head. If Han Xin brought Zhongli Mo's head, it would be really difficult to kill him. Liu Ji couldn't help but worry.
Click! The box opened, revealing a jade ruyi and precious gold and jewels inside.
"That's it?" Liu Ji looked disgusted, and at the same time, he was somewhat resentful of Xiahou Ying, even suspecting that Xiahou Ying had been bribed by Han Xin.
"Your Majesty, the surprise I was referring to was not the box itself, but the person who carried it." Xiahou Ying decided to reveal the answer for Han Xin to prevent him from offending Liu Ji again.
"Oh? What's so special about this person?" Liu Ji carefully examined the person carrying the box, feeling that he looked somewhat familiar, but not quite like Zhongli Mo.
“This person looks a lot like someone else,” Han Xin interjected.
"Who?" Liu Ji craned his neck.
"Xiang Yu, the Overlord!" Han Xin sneered.
"Xiang Yu? Interesting. Come here and let me see him." Liu Ji became interested. There was actually someone in this world who looked like Xiang Yu. He could have some fun with him. He just didn't know how similar they were.
Xiang Yu smiled slightly, picked up the box, and walked towards Liu Ji.
Liu Ji's eyes widened slowly, then he exclaimed excitedly, "So alike, so very alike! Excellent! Excellent! This gift is truly a pleasant surprise! Come, come, this King Xiang, come and kneel down and beg for mercy from me. If you perform well, I will reward you with a chicken leg, hahaha."
"Hahaha..." Xiang Yu laughed wildly, his voice instantly drowning out Liu Ji.
"Oh, your laughter is quite interesting, it has that flavor." Liu Ji looked at Guo Meng and the guards who were on high alert and felt relieved, but he still vaguely felt that something was wrong. "Why are you laughing so much?"
"I recall the scene at the Feast at Hongmen, when you knelt before me like a stray dog begging for mercy!" Xiang Yu's smile vanished, and his demeanor suddenly changed.
"Protect the Emperor!" Guo Meng sensed something was wrong and immediately drew his sword.
Clang!
Liu Ji sneered, "You ignorant fool, do you think you have the skills of a hegemon just because you look like Xiang Yu? I'll sit right here today and see what you can do to me! Guards, seize this man! No, seize Xiang Yu for me! Hehe! I'm going to teach him a lesson!"