Seeing that I had something to say to Xiang Yu, Yu Ji pulled Baozi up and said, "Come on, sister, you can ride my horse. My horse is called Rouge Red, it's very beautiful."
I instructed Yu Ji, "Ride slowly, don't hurt my son from the jolting."
After the women left, Xiang Yu and I each lit a cigarette and puffed away like two men spoiled by their wives. I said, "Brother Yu, how's it going on your end?"
Xiang Yu frowned and said, "Overall, things went fairly smoothly. If it's convenient, find Wu Yong from Liangshan for me. That old man's strategies suit me, and I might need him in this battle."
I remember during the campaign against Lei Laosi, Xiang Yu greatly admired Wu Yong's local strategies, and the two even made a pact to cooperate sometime. I said, "Don't you have Fan Zeng?"
Xiang Yu said, “My advisor’s strategies are mostly about the big picture. He can calculate which battles you will win in ten battles and thus conquer the world. However, his specific strategies are not so precise. Besides, he is a bit too cautious, which is not in line with my style. In general, he can help you conquer the world, but he is not enough to conquer a single city. Geniuses are responsible for war, while talented people are responsible for campaigns. I am currently lacking talented people.”
I exclaimed in surprise, "It seems that talent isn't the only thing that's most valuable in the 21st century."
Wu Yong led a group of bandits in battle, so he was naturally good at strategizing in a region, and he was also most compatible with Xiang Yu's crude tactics.
I said, "I might be able to get Zhuge Liang for you in a while—" Then I cautiously asked, "But Brother Yu, you're not having second thoughts again, are you?"
"You mean the country?" Xiang Yu smiled slightly. "How could I? I just want to beat Liu Xiaosan into submission, then do him a favor and elope with A Yu."
I asked with relief, "Oh, what is Bangzi doing now?"
"That kid is currently stationing troops in Ba Shang."
I scratched my head and said, "Why does this place name sound so familiar?"
"Let me remind you, the place we're in now is called Hongmen."
I jumped up: "A trap?"
Xiang Yu said, "I've decided on the day after tomorrow. Cao Wushang has already informed me."
"How are you planning to eat?"
"Let's eat as usual then. I'll be a good boy again." Xiang Yu chuckled.
He seems to be in a good mood and doesn't seem to have anything to tell him.
I asked, "Is it peaceful here?"
"It's alright. It's just that there are still some warlords who keep rebelling and need to be dealt with. Liu Xiaosan is no match for me right now."
I stroked my chin and said, "After we finish eating, I'll take Baozi to the next stop—to see Brother Ying and the others."
Xiang Yu said discontentedly, "Why are you running away? Do you think your brother Yu's place is too shabby?"
I quickly smiled apologetically and said, "How could that be? I planned the itinerary before coming here. Didn't you see that I bought two of everything?"
Xiang Yu said, "What's the big deal about delivering things? Why don't you leave now and come back quickly? You can still make it back before dinner."
I sighed and said, "Normally I wouldn't be in such a hurry, but I just got a good job today. The eighteen heroes of the Sui and Tang Dynasties are fighting at Yucai."
Xiang Yu asked with interest, "Is it just Qin Qiong and Cheng Yaojin?"
I asked in surprise, "You know about this too?"
"Hehe, I used to hear Jing Ke on the radio all the time. I really wanted to know just how strong that guy named Li Yuanba really was."
"This... Brother Yu, you probably can't compare. I heard that guy's pair of hammers weighed over 300 jin each, and he was like he had a cheat code, rampaging through the Sui and Tang Dynasties, crying and shouting but unable to find a match. Truly, a badass life needs no reason."
Xiang Yu listened with rapt attention and couldn't help but say, "If I didn't need skill, I could also wield a hammer weighing over three hundred pounds. But this man's invincibility is definitely not just due to brute force. It seems that I, the Overlord, am still inferior to him."
I said dismissively, "He doesn't have the aura of a tyrant."
"...What kind of aura?"
"It's just a bastard's rage."
During the meal, Baozi finally cheered up, holding a sizzling lamb leg and chatting happily. Suddenly, he sighed, "Why don't we bring Shishi and Kezi over?"
It's true what they say, "Once you've got something, you want more." I said with a stern face, "Just eat your food. Everyone has things to do; who's like you?"
Baozi said, "Even if you're busy, can't you take some time to get together? You're not the president."
Xiang Yu and I both laughed: "You know what, there really is a president."
Baozi was speechless for a moment, then muttered, "Even the president needs private time, right?"
I said, "After you finish eating, let's go see that president."
Baozi exclaimed in surprise, "Really? Big Guy and Xiao Yu, shall we go together?"
Xiang Yu said, "I might have a few days of free time after I finish what I'm doing. We'll talk about it then."
Baozi asked, "What are you busy with? By the way, what has Bangzi been up to lately?"
I joked, "He got stuck in the real estate business in Shaanxi. Brother Yu will treat him to dinner the day after tomorrow."
Baozi happily said, "Then let's all have hot pot together the day after tomorrow!"
...
After we finished eating, Xiang Yu said to me, "Do you really have to leave? If not, leave the steamed buns here with me for now."
I said, "We'll come back in a while."
Xiang Yu snorted and said, "Are you afraid I can't protect Baozi?"
"No, no..." Actually, it is. At least Fatty had a safe base when he conquered the six kingdoms, but I'm really worried about Xiang Yu's constant wandering. Plus, with Baozi's love of excitement, I'm even more worried. If I gave her matching armor and put her among Xiang Yu's ugly guards... she'd be the ugliest one.