"Here." Shen Tu Jia slowly raised his head, staring at Xiang Yu. He was uneasy and his expression was not much better. He couldn't control his tension at all.
"Shen Tu Jia, if Zhang Liang is not genuinely helping me, but is in the Chu camp with his heart set on Han, would you still be willing to sincerely serve me? And how would you deal with Zhang Liang?" Xiang Yu asked, staring into the other man's eyes.
Shen Tu Jia quickly clasped his hands and said, "This humble general is willing. This humble general's service to King Xiang is not because of Zhang Liang. Whether he is sincere or not has nothing to do with this humble general. This humble general is just a squad leader in the Han army and is not given any important position. I was only given a temporary appointment as a fake general because of Zhang Liang's trust. But this humble general is originally a Chu person. It is only natural for this humble general to fight for Chu and for King Xiang. It is just that I have no opportunity."
As for Zhang Liang, whose heart lies with Han while serving Chu, I believe he should be imprisoned for now. Once Xiang Yu destroys Han and kills the King of Han, Zhang Liang will naturally return to Chu. I have served Zhang Liang for some time and am well aware of his talent. If he can be used by Xiang Yu, it would be a great fortune for Chu.
Xiang Yu nodded slightly and said, "Then I will trust you this once, but I won't even give you a fake generalship. You'll stay by my side as a halberd-bearer, at my beck and call. Are you willing?"
Shen Tu Jia was overjoyed upon hearing this, "I am willing!"
Shen Tu Jia couldn't help but be happy, because appointing him to the position of Langzhong meant that Xiang Yu intended to give him an important position, or even to teach him by example. Wasn't Han Xin able to learn Xiang Yu's military strategies by following him around?
In Hao Jiu's view, the halberd-bearer by Xiang Yu's side was equivalent to a male secretary to a modern leader. After two years of training, he could be sent out to take charge of things independently.
Unfortunately, Han Xin was young back then and didn't understand the benefits. He went to Liu Ji's side out of admiration, only to be assigned to watch the warehouse and become a warehouse manager.
Because of this incident, Han Xin put aside his arrogance and unrealistic fantasies and began to diligently manage the warehouse. Later, Xiao He finally discovered Han Xin's talent and recommended him to Liu Ji.
As a result, Han Xin became arrogant again. How could Liu Ji tolerate his behavior? A good-for-nothing who crawls between people's legs, he thought he could become a general just because he managed the warehouse? Without Xiao He stopping him, Liu Ji killed Han Xin and sent him away after giving him a good scolding.
This led to Xiao He chasing after Han Xin under the moon. After some guidance and advice, Han Xin finally realized that he was too impatient and lacked social skills. He had no military achievements, had not demonstrated his talents, and did not know how to please the monarch. Why should he be valued?
Liu Ji wasn't stupid. He saw that Xiao He valued Han Xin so much, and that Han Xin had returned and flattered Liu Ji by belittling Xiang Yu, which suited Liu Ji's tastes. Moreover, Han Xin had followed Xiang Yu for so long and knew Xiang Yu's military tactics very well. Knowing himself and his enemy, he appointed Han Xin as a general.
If Han Xin had understood these principles from the beginning, and had demonstrated his talent and pledged his loyalty to the Chu army, how could Xiang Yu not have given him an important position?
To be fair, Shen Tu Jia and Han Xin's situations were quite similar. Both of them never got the chance to prove themselves and were dissatisfied with their current situation. Han Xin was almost killed by Liu Ji, and Shen Tu Jia also had a knife to his throat.
Hao Jiu only hoped that Shen Tu Jia was a reliable person and wouldn't become the next Han Xin or Ying Bu. Xiang Yu really shouldn't have to endure the blow of betrayal again. Hao Jiu suggested that Xiang Yu keep Shen Tu Jia by his side to test his loyalty.
It's better not to take in an ungrateful person than to take in someone who is ungrateful. No matter how talented they are, they are useless. However, Shen Tu Jia did not forget Zhang Liang's kindness and took advantage of his misfortune, which was exactly what Xiang Yu wanted.
"Excellent. Pass down the order: all cavalrymen, line up in formation, and prepare provisions for the expedition!"
After Xiang Yu finished speaking, he looked at Ying Bu's unseeing face and then looked towards Juchao.
"Yingbu, don't worry, I will send Liu Ji down to keep you company right away!"
Chapter 83 The Decisive Battle of Jiujiang (Part 12)
In the Battle of Guangling, the anti-Chu coalition led by Ying Bu and Cheng Hei was completely annihilated, but Xiang Yu showed no sign of resting.
Time is money, time is life, and time is also a battle opportunity. Before Liu Ji receives news of the Battle of Guangling, a surprise attack on Liu Ji's camp, just like the long-distance raid on Pengcheng, will surely catch the enemy off guard.
Ten thousand cavalrymen, lightly equipped with only one day's worth of rations, embarked on a do-or-die gamble with Liu Ji.
After Xiang Yu led his army away, Zhang Ning was put in charge of handling matters in Guangling. He reorganized the surrendered troops, arranged the defenses of Guangling, and then led the main force back to Jiangdong, heading to Jiangcheng to prepare for dealing with the main enemy force crossing the river.
If Xiang Yu's surprise attack on Liu Ji fails, he will have to return to Jiangdong and defend it with all his might.
In the Battle of Guangling, with so many soldiers from the Huainan and Zhao armies, was there not a single one who escaped?
The answer is definitely yes, but even if someone escaped and wanted to report to Liu Ji, there were still hundreds of miles to stop him.
Xiang Yu's urgent journey to Juchao was precisely to overtake those who might inform Liu Ji.
Even if the messenger traveled by water, he could not possibly outrun the Chu cavalry while going against the current.
Of course, the fact that no one informed Liu Ji does not mean that Xiang Yu's surprise attack will necessarily succeed, but it does eliminate external interference to the greatest extent possible.
This gave Xiang Yu a relatively fair opportunity to confront Liu Ji directly and capture the leader of the bandits!
As dawn broke, the anti-Chu coalition launched its planned river-crossing operation.
The first to attack was Lü Ze's army. Generals such as Lü Shizhi and Jin Xi personally commanded the front line. The army advanced like a hot knife through butter and reached Jiangdong. Ji Xin led his troops to put up a brief resistance before abandoning the riverbank defense line and retreating into Wuhu City to defend it to the death.
Cao Can's Qi army then launched an attack on the Chu army's defenses around Rushan. The Qi master swordsman Chong Da, known for his swordsmanship, led the crossing of the river. After paying some price, he successfully captured the Chu army's riverbank defenses and chased the Chu general Zhao Yu's troops to Rushan.
Soon after, the main forces of both armies successfully crossed the river, and Lü Ze also repaired the pontoon bridge near Guchao, completely eliminating the worries of both armies regarding their rear.
Wu Rui's general, Gongshang Buhai, also led his troops to land in Jiangdong, preparing to attack Tongling again and open up the passage between Fanyang and Jiangdong.
According to Liu Ji and others, after the 300,000-strong army crossed the river, there was no need to fear Xiang Yu. Without the main force of the Chu cavalry, how could Xiang Yu possibly win with fewer troops?
That's just wishful thinking!
Moreover, with the help of Guan Ying and his cavalry, the Chu army would probably be crushed to dust as soon as they left the city.
"Hahaha! The situation is settled! What can Xiang Yu do but flee in a sorry state?" Liu Ji laughed triumphantly.
"Your Majesty is absolutely right," Chen Ping said confidently.
Not long ago, the last reinforcements from Guanzhong, led by Zhou Chang and Zhao Yao, with 50,000 troops, arrived at Guchao. Their arrival was just in time, greatly increasing the number of troops crossing the river.
In this way, even if Xiang Yu was very capable, he would probably only be able to hold out in the fortified city and put up a stubborn resistance.
Just then, soldiers rushed in in a panic.
"Report! Your Majesty! Three plumes of smoke are rising from the eastern mountain!"
"Huh? Three smoke signals?" Chen Ping's expression changed drastically. Those were the warning signals he had arranged. The three smoke signals meant that a large number of enemy troops were approaching the camp!
"Huh? What's going on?" Liu Ji's smile froze on his face.
"Quickly send scouts to investigate! Where did this large enemy force come from in the east?!" Chen Ping rubbed his face, wondering if the sentry had made a mistake.
Liu Ji instinctively sensed the danger. "Strategist, do you think it's possible that Xiang Yu didn't go to rescue Danyang at all, but instead took a detour to cross the river and come straight for us? What should we do?"
“Well… we have many patrol boats on our great river. If a Chu army of this size were to cross, they would surely know. But for now, this is perhaps the only reasonable explanation. Quickly summon Xiahou Ying and Chen Bi here to discuss countermeasures!”
Chen Ping felt a little panicked. The main force of the allied forces had gone to Jiangdong, and most of the troops left in Jiangxi were used to besiege the city. Moreover, due to the mountain range blocking the east of Juchao, they were the only isolated army north of Juchao.
Although 100,000 troops is a considerable number, it would be difficult to defeat them against Xiang Yu.
"How about we retreat back to Shouchun?" Liu Ji said, blushing slightly. He had just received news of the enemy's attack and hadn't even confirmed its veracity before thinking about running away, and he was already running back to Shouchun.
Chen Ping composed himself and said, “Your Majesty, please calm down. Even if Xiang Yu really attacks, he will not have many troops. We have 100,000 troops at our disposal, what is there to fear? If there is any danger, I will arrange for Your Majesty to take refuge in Chaohu. Zhou Bo’s army is just south of Juchao.”
"Oh, the strategist has thought things through very well, haha." Liu Ji felt relieved upon hearing this. In that case, Zhou Bo could also support them by ferry across Chaohu Lake. Although the number of ferries was limited and the number of troops that could be supported at one time might be a little small, they could make several round trips.
Soon, Xiahou Ying and Chen Bi arrived at the central command tent.
The current situation is that almost all of the camp's defensive fortifications are located in front of Juchao City to the south, while the defenses on the northeast sides are weaker, or rather, there is only one palisade.
When the Chu army first set up camp, they were already within the encirclement. The correct way to set up camp was to focus the defense on Juchao. However, now an enemy army of unknown origin has suddenly appeared from the east.
The scout has been out for a while, but hasn't returned yet, and we don't know the specifics.
"What can we do?" Upon hearing Xiahou Ying's description of the defenses, Liu Ji really wanted to leave the camp immediately.
"Your Majesty, do not worry. I will immediately lead the army into battle and form ranks to meet the enemy. I believe the enemy force is only around 30,000, which I can handle. General Chen Bi can lead the army in the camp as the second line of defense, and Guo Meng can lead his personal guards to protect the central tent as the third line of defense. The strategist can contact Zhou Bo to request reinforcements."
Xiahou Ying roughly estimated that the Chu army could mobilize at most 30,000 infantrymen. Even if Xiang Yu personally led them, he would still have the strength to fight and hold out until Zhou Bo's reinforcements arrived.
"Excellent. Uh, strategist, you must reserve a ferry for me." Liu Ji still felt somewhat uneasy.
"Yes, Your Majesty, please rest assured." Chen Ping smiled slightly.
...
Soon after, the faint rumble of thunder could be heard from the east.
"Strategist, is it going to rain outside?" Liu Ji blinked.
"Your Majesty, it is winter now." Chen Ping said and walked out of the tent, followed by Liu Ji and the others.
Then, a fast horse galloped towards them from afar. The rider had an arrow in his shoulder and shouted as he rode, "Your Majesty, Xiang Yu's Chu cavalry is coming! General Xiahou requests that Your Majesty board the ship and take refuge!"
"Did I hear that right?" Liu Ji looked in the direction of Juchao. If Xiang Yu had escaped from Juchao, that would be possible, but how could the Chu cavalry have also escaped?
Chen Ping was also completely bewildered. "How many soldiers does the Chu army have?"
"Reporting to the strategist, the Chu army was too powerful, numbering more than ten thousand cavalry! Moreover, Xiang Yu himself was leading the army. If I hadn't reacted quickly and turned back early, I would be dead," the scout said with lingering fear.
"What? This is terrible! Strategist, let's board the ship quickly, let's board the ship quickly!" Liu Ji recalled the painful memory of Xiang Yu's 30,000 Chu cavalry annihilating his 560,000 troops at Pengcheng.
"That's right, we need to hurry. Guo Meng, quickly lead the army to escort the King onto the ship!" Chen Ping suddenly realized that Xiahou Ying had already lost confidence in holding the line, let alone Chen Bi.
However, when they reached the lakeside, they were surprised to find two groups of boats, one chasing and one fleeing, one large and one small, heading towards them on Chaohu Lake.
"No way..." Chen Ping's eyes widened. Xiang Yu had hidden a naval force in Chaohu Lake?
At the same time, the north gate of Juchao was also opened wide, and the Chu army inside the city rushed out bravely, their battle cries shaking the heavens!
Chapter 84 The Decisive Battle of Jiujiang (Part Thirteen)
"What can we do, strategist?" Liu Ji's voice was almost choked with sobs. He thought of the nightmare he had just had, the same way Xiang Bo died—his head was ripped off, spun around and around, suffocating, torn apart, splatter...
Chen Ping wiped his sweat. "Your Majesty, I believe we can no longer escape by water, or we will most likely perish at the bottom of the lake. But we cannot afford not to escape either. If any of the three sides—east, west, or south—falls first, we are doomed. However, if we flee north, and are discovered by the Chu cavalry, we will die even faster!"
"That's right, we must run quickly, but why does it sound to me like the strategist is saying we can't escape no matter which way we go?" Liu Ji was somewhat bewildered. Was this the place they had chosen to set up camp? Was this their foolproof strategy?
Just when they were about to win a great victory, a main force of Xiang Yu's cavalry, which should not have existed, appeared from the east, a navy even stronger than theirs emerged from Chaohu Lake in the west, and Juchao City in the south even had the strength to counterattack their main camp!
It's one thing that Xiang Yu appears and disappears unpredictably, but where did the Chu army get so many troops in Juchao?
In fact, Xiang Yu played a risky game when arranging his troops. He only deployed 5,000 new soldiers and 5,000 laborers in Liyang, where the Han army was most likely to attack, while he deployed 12,000 elite infantrymen and 8,000 elite Chu cavalry in Juchao!
Just as Chen Ping suspected, Xiang Yu had indeed hidden a naval force in Juchao City, because Xiang Yu was also afraid that Liu Ji would set up camp by the lake and escape by boat if things went wrong.
In fact, there is more than one river connected to Chaohu Lake, and there is a river in Juchao City that flows out of Chaohu Lake.
Liu Ji's navy on Chaohu Lake was mainly to prevent the Chu army from breaking out of Chaohu Lake by water, but he underestimated the number of Chu naval forces in Juchao.
Xiang Yu had even prepared for the possibility that Juchao would be besieged by a large army, and that his 8,000 elite cavalry would escape the city by water.
The nest is surrounded by mountains and dense forests, so it is not difficult to secretly build enough rafts after sealing off all the entrances and exits.
Coincidentally, Liu Ji placed his main camp in the place Xiang Yu had anticipated, so the location of the decisive battle did not need to be changed; it was located north of Juchao.
For Liu Ji's safety, the Han army would not allow him to cross the river with the main force. Even if they wanted to go to Jiangdong, they would only do so after they had completely controlled the situation.
In addition, there is a crucial reason: Xiang Yu would never mistake Liu Ji's location.
Because Hao Jiu's system was bound to Xiang Yu, the super newbie gift pack he received included an item called the System Radar.
In Hao Jiu's eyes, this thing was a kind of black technology in the system. Whether it was a system that was already bound to a host or a system that did not have a host, it could find the exact location with a scan using this radar.
This radar item and another system capture item are the strongest guarantees for completing the beginner missions. What if you can't find the target without the system radar?