Competing

Chapter 191 Zhang Liangji

In the cold wind, both Liu Bang and Zhang Liang stood at the gate of the camp, watching General Yin leave.

The muscles at the corners of Liu Bang's mouth seemed to be a little tired, and the smile on his face sank.However, the spirit of the whole person has improved a lot, perhaps because he has some confidence, the whole person has relaxed a lot, and his mood has improved a lot.

Seeing Yin Xu disappearing completely into the night on his horse, Liu Bang didn't turn his head and said, "Do you think his story can be trusted?"

Needless to say, this question was naturally asked by Zhang Liang's ovary!
Zhang Liang replied: "It's believable. How can Xiang Yu deal with Peigong? He can do it casually. Why bother to go around such a big detour? Naturally, there is such a big commotion and Yin Xu's tricks. After the battle of Julu, Xiang Yu rose , Yin Xu also rose up, and Xiang Yu and Fan Zeng have been wary of Yin Xu since then. Xin'an's killing and surrender was an outbreak, and Xiang Yu wanted to do something to Yin Xu, and Yin Xu also felt threatened!"

"Those 3 horses were his only support, but they were left in Xin'an by Fan Zengsheng. Yin Xu would feel lonely and helpless when he entered the customs alone. I think Xiang Yu might find a way to cut off Yin Xu's life by doing this. With [-] subordinates, secondly, it is possible to directly attack Yin Xu."

Liu Bang nodded slightly, feeling that Zhang Liang's words were all reasonable.

Zhang Liang continued: "Yin Xu is not a simple person. He is in his 20s. He is quite capable and has a very keen sense. He must have sensed danger. He must have sensed danger and felt alone and weak, so he thought of seeking outside assistance. In fact He dared to come tonight to show that he really wanted to form an alliance, not to mention that what he said was the same as Xiang Bo, so it can be seen that neither of them knew that Xiang Yu had sent us, so we can rest assured and deal with it calmly! "

In fact, Zhang Liang, who is cautious, still has a little doubt about the purpose and motivation of Xiang Bo's trip.After all, in the face of politics, kindness and friendship are relatively insignificant, even not worth mentioning, especially in this turbulent time.

Zhang Liang didn't feel relieved until Yin Xu got it, which was exactly the same as the information provided by Xiang Bo.Unavoidably feeling guilty in his heart, Xiang Bo sincerely came to save himself, but instead he doubted him and even used him.Thinking of this, Mr. Zifang blushed a little, feeling guilty!
Liu Bang also had the same idea, but Xiang Bo was just a tool for him to use. Is it still useful after the matter has passed?

"It can be seen from his words that he must have considered the benefits and gains and losses before coming here. This kid is not simple, he is very good at judging the situation, you are not in a good situation when you leave Peigong first, he will immediately Seize the opportunity to form an alliance. It is good for us, and it is also a great help for him!"

Liu Bang laughed and said, "So, isn't he here to use me?"

Zhang Liang shook his head and said, "Everyone has their own needs! He needs Peigong's foreign aid, so he will do what he wants. He is of great value to you, Peigong, and he is willing, so it is a good deal."

Liu Bang smiled noncommittally, and said, "This kid is too smart, and making an alliance is an alliance. We still have to guard against him in the future!"

Zhang Liang nodded and said, "That's right, it's essential to be on guard against others, especially people like Yin Xu!"

Liu Bangdao: "Xiang Bo and Yin Xu have already explained that Xiang Yu will hold a banquet at Hongmen tomorrow, and it is very likely that he will do it at that time. How should we deal with it now? We should think of a way to deal with it earlier!" Liu said during the speech Pei Gong's eyes full of expectations fell on Zhang Liang, and now his reliance on and need for Zhang Liang is higher than ever.In an instant, Liu Bang realized that Zhang Liang was too important to him to leave.

Zhang Liang thought for a while, then pondered: "Xiang Yu is dissatisfied with Pei Gong that you entered Guanzhong first, but he can't blame you for saying this, after all, King Huai agreed to be there, and you and he are both from the state of Chu. A subject. Therefore, Xiang Yu will definitely hold on to Peigong’s guilt of planning to use Ziying as his prime minister, and the joint claim to be the king of Guanzhong will also become a crime!”

Liu Bang said coldly: "It's all Cao Wushang, this despicable little thief, if it wasn't for him, why would it be here?"

Zhang Liang comforted him and said, "Calm down your anger, Duke Pei. If you want to accuse him of crimes, there is nothing wrong with him. Even without Cao Wushang, Xiang Yu would fabricate other things to accuse Pei Gong. You must be mindful of this matter. He wants to accuse Pei Gong of calling you the king of Guanzhong." , then tell him with practical actions that you won’t do it. Cao Wushang accused you of wanting to use Ziying as a relative, then it proves that you won’t do that!”

Liu Bang asked: "How to proceed?"

Zhang Liang whispered: "Just give Xiang Yu one person and one thing!"

Liu Bang looked at Zhang Liang suspiciously, with searching and doubtful eyes, and did not speak.

Mr. Zifang said: "One person is the baby, and one thing is the jade seal of the country."

This……

It's nothing to hand Ziying over to Xiang Yu, Xiang Yu thought it would be even better if he killed Ziying by the way.It's just that this Jade Seal, which is a symbol of legitimacy and power, was given to Xiang Yu so easily?Liu Bang is really reluctant!

Zhang Liang didn't care about the change of Liu Peigong's expression, and continued: "Peigong, your decision is very wise. Xiang Yu's banquet will be held tomorrow evening, and it is most suitable for you to go there tomorrow morning. You can prove your courage and concern to the world. No shame, it would also disrupt Xiang Yu's original deployment. When I go tomorrow morning, I will bring Ziying and Yuxi along with me."

"If Ziying falls into Xiang Yu's hands, it may be more dangerous than good. In this matter, Pei Gong has already done his best, and it is also a helpless act!" Zhang Liang analyzed: "If Ziying is handed over, there will be no such thing as Pei Gong making Ziying his prime minister." Possibility. Chuan Guo Yuxi... Chuan Guo Yuxi..."

Zhang Liang was too focused, and only then did he notice that Liu Bang, the Duke of Pei, had an unnatural expression on his face. It was inevitable that he would be heartbroken if he had to hand over such a coveted treasure.

Zhang Liang smiled in his heart and said: "Pei Gong, those who achieve great things don't need to care about these small gains and losses. The Jade Seal handed down to the country is precious and is a priceless treasure, but at this moment, it is worthless to Pei Gong. Instead, it is a disaster, harmful and useless! Give it to Xiang Yu , There are more things that can be exchanged, this thing is related to the safety of you and the hundred thousand soldiers, Pei Gong, if you own it, there are many dangers, and if you hand it over, there is a glimmer of hope!"

Liu Bang had no choice but to smile bitterly, the fact is indeed the case, this Chuan Guo Yuxi is a hot potato in his hands.Making Xiang Yu more jealous and dissatisfied will also become an excuse for him to blame himself. Can this thing still be held in his hand?

If you don't hand it over, your life will be in danger.No matter how good the Jade Seal of Chuanguo is, no matter how tempting power and the title of King of Guanzhong are, can it be more important than one's own life?Without Qingqing's life, what can I use to enjoy all this?Liu Bang still understands this truth. Although he was a little bit reluctant and heartbroken, he was relieved after a little hesitation.

Seeing this, Zhang Liang smiled slightly, nodded in satisfaction and said, "Handing over the Jade Seal of the Chuan Kingdom, Xiang Yu will have no excuse, and the world will see your noble character, Mr. Pei Gong. Moreover, it is precisely because the Jade Seal of the Chuan Kingdom is so precious, It has an unparalleled symbolic meaning, Xiang Yu will also attach great importance to it, and wants to have it very much. Once he gets what he dreams of and is satisfied in his heart, he will relax his vigilance and vigilance against you, Pei Gong. Therefore, this one person and one treasure must be handed over. For Xiang Yu, there are only advantages and no disadvantages!"

Liu Bang nodded, since that's the case, let's make a fool of ourselves, so let's give Xiang Yu two big gifts!Cannibalism is the shortest way, and the method of taking people, will Xiang Yu keep a little bit of morality?

Zhang Liang continued to explain: "More than that, these explanations can only evade the guilt on the surface, and there must be some excuses for Pei Gong's entry into the Guanzhong, and a reasonable explanation is good!"

Seeing Zhang Liang's smiling face, Liu Bang thought about it, and said, "Mr., is it already in your mind?"

Zhang Liang smiled, and then said solemnly: "Pei Gong forgive me, Zhang Liang's move is a bit risky."

"Adventure?" Liu Bang was stunned. He saw Zhang Liang smiling just now, but now he suddenly became so dignified.Liu Peigong has been under a lot of pressure recently, and he even had the foreshadowing of a frightened bird. He couldn't help but chuckled in his heart, with a trace of cold sweat on his forehead, and said, "Mr. Zifang, please explain clearly!"

Zhang Liang explained: "Pei Gong still remember what Zhang Liang said to Pei Gong in the main hall of the Qin Palace when Zhang Liang first arrived in Guanzhong?"

Liu Bang nodded, silently waiting for Zhang Liang's next words.

Mr. Zifang said in a deep voice: "Zhang Liang asked you to close the treasury, and there are three chapters in the contract, and return to the army. In fact, only one of these three items is completely correct."

After all, Liu Bang is also an extraordinary person. After thinking about it carefully, he immediately came to his senses and broke out in a cold sweat.

Zhang Liang hastily explained: "The only wise thing is to return the army to the hegemony. Seal the treasury, the property will not be taken, and the father and daughter will have no luck; abolish the severe punishment law of Tyranny, and make three chapters with the people of Guanzhong. These are indeed desperate and dangerous."

Liu Bang had already thought in his mind that Xiang Yu was already suspicious and hated him, and cared a lot about him.When he was in Chu State, he had a reputation for being a good-looking woman and a rich man, but when he entered Guanzhong, he was uncharacteristically. It was obvious that he was trying to buy people's hearts.

Buy people's hearts?In other words, Liu Bang intended to seek Guanzhong, and the reason why he entered Wuguan first was to obtain the throne of Guanzhong King.This is quite different from my own explanation, and even runs counter to it.Will Xiang Yu still believe in himself?Xiang Yu's suspicion of himself also deepened.

In fact, throughout the ages, there are not a few ministers who have been jealous of the emperor.In order to protect themselves, reduce the king's suspicion and gain trust, the ministers are full of tricks.Among them, self-pollution must be very common and effective.Officials in high positions deliberately made some insignificant mistakes, which made other officials or the people dissatisfied.Under normal circumstances, not only would the emperor not blame such a crime, but he would reduce his suspicion or trust the minister more.

For example, when Liu Bang, the emperor of the Han Dynasty, was in power, there were many heroes who were killed and relegated, but one person was spared, and that was Xiao He.It's not that Xiao He has never been suspected, but why can he stand like an evergreen tree?

In addition to the reason why he has been with Liu Bang since his hometown and assisted him conscientiously, Xiao He's own intelligence is also a very important aspect.When Xiao He realized that the old emperor Liu Bang was suspicious of him, Xiao He adopted the tactic of self-defilement, occupying other people's fertile land in the Guanzhong area.What should a courtier who is tarnished and has a bad reputation have to worry about?

Xiao He escaped a catastrophe because of this, but what is he doing now?Zhang Liang's suggestion?Who is Zhang Zifang?Is it possible not to know the importance of this matter?Why is there such an arrangement?Liu Bang was puzzled and curious at the same time. Zhang Liang was not the kind of reckless person who was aimless. Since he did this, he deliberately called names, obviously for a purpose. It can be seen that this matter is not so simple, and most of it has other secrets.

Thinking about it, Liu Bang's eyes fell on Zhang Liang, full of exploration and anticipation!
Zhang Liang was apologetic, and explained: "Pei Gong, the reason why Zhang Liang did this is not for the present, but for your future. Self-defilement or inaction can only have a temporary effect, and Yu Peigong's benefits are extremely Small. Just imagine, if Peigong defiled himself for self-protection and "behaved badly" in Guanzhong, although Xiang Yu was happy, what would the people in Guanzhong think? All will be lost. In contrast, Zhang Liang thought it was not worthwhile to damage the long-term interests for a short-term benefit. So after thinking about it, he persuaded Peigong to make such a decision."

"Of course, the result of doing this is that Pei Gong lost a good reputation and won the support of the people in Guanzhong. But it attracted Xiang Yu's stronger suspicion. Zhang Liang is guilty of trapping Pei Gong into such a dangerous place!"

Mr. Zifang suddenly pleaded guilty, which caught Liu Peigong by surprise.Liu Bang was stunned, and immediately rushed to help Zhang Liang, and said: "Mr. Zifang, please get up quickly, you are doing this for a long-term plan, and everything is for me, Liu Bang. What is the crime? Liu Bang is too late to thank you, How can you blame it?"

Regardless of whether he is happy in his heart or not, even if he really blames, Liu Bang will not show it.At this moment, the reliance on Zhang Liang can be said to be unprecedented. How dare you blame him at the most important time?Furthermore, Liu Bang believes that if Zhang Liang dares to do this, there must be a solution, so Liu Bang is still full of expectations for Mr. Zifang.

Sure enough, Zhang Liang explained apologetically: "Pei Gong, Zhang Liang's move is indeed a bit risky, but there are huge benefits in taking the risk. As long as the Hongmen goes to the banquet this time, as long as it survives, the people in Guanzhong will play a role in the future development of Pei Gong. The impact is immeasurable."

Risks and benefits are always directly proportional, Liu Bang's heart is like a mirror, and he knows it very well.Everything goes back to the original question, how will the Hongmen of Tomorrow deal with it?In addition to handing over Ziying and Chuanguo Yuxi, what tricks will the cautious Zhang Liang have after taking the risk?

Zhang Liangdao: "Use these two gifts to gain Xiang Yu's tolerance, confuse him and let him relax his vigilance. But all this is only temporary, the key lies in the fact that Pei Gong entered Guanzhong first. Pei Gong, you must explain clearly to Xiang Yu that he entered Guanzhong first There is no other intention, the most important thing is to express that I have no desire or idea for the King of Guanzhong. Only when Xiang Yu agrees with this point can I have a chance to escape."

Liu Bang nodded slightly, thinking that he was impulsive at the time, couldn't stand the huge temptation of the king of Guanzhong, and entered Wuguan rashly.So much so that it caused so many influences in the follow-up, and now there is such a "duplicity" explanation to Xiang Yu... Sigh!

Zhang Liangdao: "When the time comes, Duke Pei insisted that he entered Guanzhong to defend it for the allied forces of the lords and not to be disturbed by the remnants of Qin and bandits. You entered Guanzhong to wait for Xiang Yu to enter and guard it for Xiang Yu, not to think about it. We must occupy Guanzhong alone. When Xiang Yu entered Guanzhong, we just blocked the treasury and palace and returned the army to Bashang. This is a good explanation. As for the third chapter of the agreement, these are for Xiang Yu to eliminate the bandits in Guanzhong, in case someone destroys it s method."

Liu Bang's heart moved, as expected, Zhang Liang did it with confidence.It is true to take risks, but it is not aimless.Although they were all excuses, they sounded logical.

In front of many princes, what can Xiang Yu do with such an explanation?Anyway, Guanzhong was handed over to him, and there are sufficient reasons for these "high-sounding" explanations, so what else?It will always be much more convenient to act morally.

Zhang Liang continued: "Even if Xiang Yu cannot be convinced by such an explanation, it can still make him speechless. Without a valid reason, it is impossible for you to deal with Peigong openly. Then what he needs to guard against is Xiang Yu's risk. The world is in disarray, and there are assassins secretly."

Liu Bang's heart was shocked. This is probably the most important thing to guard against at the Hongmen Banquet.It is reasonable to travel all over the world, that is when everyone is educated and reasonable.Xiang Yu is arrogant and arrogant, and his strength is unprecedentedly strong. If he really becomes arrogant, is there any reason?In Xin'an, he dared to do an injustice that shocked the world, killing 20 unarmed Qin soldiers.

It is unreasonable in Hongmen now, why is it impossible to kill Liu Bang?Even if everyone in the world blames him, what can Xiang Yu do?At this moment, no one can tell what Xiang Yu will do.There is only one life, how dare Liu Bang take risks easily?

Although Yin Xu had vowed that Liu Bangji was a man of heaven and would be able to survive this danger safely.But perhaps only Chen Pinghui in this world really believed in General Yin's amazing intuition. Both Liu Bang and Zhang Liang were sweating in their hearts, and they were a little dangling... It was precisely because of this that Liu Bang and Zhang Liang dared not be rash or take risks!So you have to be prepared.

Both Xiang Bo and Yin Xu have said on this point that they will increase their assistance.Yin Xu even promised that he would arrange in advance to help Liu Bang escape from the path...

Zhang Liangdao: "Yin Xu came to form an alliance sincerely, and there will be many times when Pei Gong will be needed in the future, so this time, he should be able to do what he says. If he wants to leave the coalition camp at Xinfeng Hongmen smoothly, there is no insider to cooperate and help No, we have to rely on Yin Xu for this. After leaving the camp, take a small road, it doesn’t matter if you use Yin Xu’s people or not. For safety’s sake, our own people have arranged in advance to come and meet them. it is good."

Liu Bang nodded and said, "Leave this matter to Zhou Bo. He is smart and careful, and has always acted safely. He can't do it well."

Zhang Liang nodded: "Okay, let's send General Zhou Bo there, it's getting late, and after dawn, Pei Gong has to go to Hongmen. Why don't we call all the generals to discuss matters now, so we can make some arrangements!"

Arrangements are necessary, Liu Bang immediately nodded in agreement, and ordered his soldiers to notify the senior generals to come to the Chinese army's tent to discuss matters.

At the same time as the personal soldiers went, before the generals arrived, Zhang Liang continued: "Pei Gong, Zhou Bo is on the outside to support, Yin Xu and Xiang Bo are on the inside, but how to fade out of Xiang Yu's sight is also a very important link. .”

Liu Bang sighed softly, this Hongmen Banquet is a matter of family life, and if there is the slightest problem, it will be lost forever.So no matter which link can go wrong, it is really an unprecedented heavy test.At the same time, he is also fortunate that if there is no such thoughtful counselor as Zhang Liang, he will make such careful countermeasures and plans bit by bit.I am afraid that I will be unable to move an inch at the Hongmen Banquet, and most likely I will never return.The reliance and gratitude to Zhang Liang flooded into my heart in an instant, human emotions are always so changeable and complicated, alas!

Zhang Liang had an idea early on, and said: "General Fan Kui is a brave and heroic man, but he is comparable to Xiang Yu in terms of temperament and arrogance. Xiang Bo admires heroes very much on weekdays. If General Fan Kui was present, there might be unexpected surprises." Not only can it attract Xiang Yu's attention, but it can also deter Xiang Yu and the princes, letting them know that there are many heroes under Peigong's account."

Yin Xu nodded lightly. Fan Kuai is usually a little reckless and impulsive, but it will still have a special effect at critical times.Of course, at the Hongmen Banquet, it is indispensable for a man to be able to bend and stretch, and it is indispensable to endure humiliation, and Fan Kuai must be instructed to restrain himself.With Fan Kui's loyalty and closeness to him, he will definitely do well for himself.Liu Bang is full of confidence in this.

At the same time, I also remembered Yin Xu's intentional or unintentional order before he left, asking him to take Fan Kuai with him when Liu Bang went to the banquet.Liu Bang couldn't help wondering, could it be that Yin Xu also had a plan long ago and coincided with Mr. Zifang?In his heart, he took a fancy to Yin Xu even more, and at the same time, a slightly sour jealousy... or an indescribable emotion filled his heart.

Many generals were already striding towards the big tent, Liu Bang let out a sigh of relief, this sleepless night was finally coming to an end.Can the most difficult tomorrow be so smooth?Except for their own adequate preparation and response, everything else was placed on Xiang Bo and Yin Xu.Thinking about it, Liu Bang couldn't help but look up at the east. Have Xiang Bo and Yin Xu safely returned to the princes' coalition camp at Xinfeng Hongmen?Didn't Xiang Yu notice it?

Xiang Bo returned to the camp relatively early. In the dark night, it was freezing cold, and no one noticed Xiang Bo coming and going.Of course, there are always exceptions. General Yin's magical intuition predicted when he left, and Yin Xu saw him come out of Liu Bang's barracks with his own eyes in Bashang.When he came back, he had already been noticed.

Xiang Bo didn't know that somewhere in the barracks, there was a pair of deep and wise eyes staring at him, full of expectation and a hint of doubt, as if waiting to verify something!After seeing Uncle Xiang enter the camp quietly, the black shadow showed a faint but very satisfied smile.He only heard him murmuring softly: "As expected, he really hit the spot. This intuition is really amazing!" After that, the figure retreated quietly, and his eyes fell on the long road outside the barracks. He should be back soon, right? !

It was already dawn when Yin Xu returned to Hongmen, and the journey to be bullied went smoothly.Following Chen Ping's suggestion, he reached a cooperation agreement with Peigong Liu Bang.

In fact, Yin Xu also hesitated about this. Is it appropriate to discuss the alliance with Liu Bang now?After careful consideration, Yin Xu agreed with Chen Ping's idea.This moment is definitely the lowest ebb for Liu Bang, when he needs help the most.

Now looking for him to discuss cooperation, Liu Bang is naturally the most willing, and it is a good thing that he can't wait for.If we wait until the future, the external conditions for cooperation still exist, but the specific operation will be much more difficult.Anyway, there will be such a thing sooner or later, so it's better to do it as soon as possible.

What's more, if the alliance relationship is clarified, it will be much more convenient to cooperate with each other, and they will be able to better deal with the murderous crisis in front of them.

Of course, Yin Xu is also very clear that the premise of the existence of the entire alliance is the strong existence of Xiang Yu. Once this common threat does not exist, or other factors appear, everything will disappear.

Who is Liu Bang, General Yin knows it well, he hides his sword in his smile, hypocrisy and insidious... Think about the three great generals Han Xin, Peng Yue, and Yingbu in the early Han Dynasty who made great contributions, and the result?Can a good death be?Even if they are like this, Liu Bang will treat him kindly as the most threatening ally at any time?Forming an alliance with someone like Liu Bang is undoubtedly seeking skins with tigers and dancing with wolves. You have to be careful at all times, and if you are not careful, you may be doomed.

In fact, to put it more bluntly, the relationship between myself and Liu Banghe can be regarded as mutual use!Liu Bang wants to use himself to save his life and strength, but he hopes that Liu Bang exists to contain Xiang Yu. In the end, they just get what they need!

Yin Xu also clearly foresees one thing, that one day in the future, the alliance with Mrs. Liu Bang will break down sooner or later.Now in order to contain Xiang Yu, he had to support Liu Bang's growth. When he decided to do this, he had to be clear about the risk of cultivating opponents!

Let's talk about it in due time!

Yin Xu quickly and quietly returned to his military camp on the edge. When Su An saw him, he finally let out a mouthful, and said in surprise, "General, you are finally back, you are so worried about me!"

"It's okay, didn't I come back safely? Don't worry!" Yin Xu smiled softly, calming the hearts of Su An and all his cronies.

Su An said: "General, how can you not be worried? You risk leaving the barracks at night and go to Bashang! No matter if you are discovered by Xiang Yu and others, or if there is any change in Liu Bang, your safety will be threatened. I am If you promised to come over to Brother Jun and Brother Jiao, if you have any dereliction of duty, there is no way to explain to them."

It was not the first time that Su An followed him alone. Every time Pu Jun gave him a thousand instructions, and this time he added a Su Jiao to let Su An conscientiously act as a personal bodyguard.However, General Yin likes to go alone every time and do some adventurous things, which makes Su An very nervous.

Yin Xu asked: "Is there anything unusual in the military camp?"

Su An nodded and said: "It's okay, everything is in order, and no one has noticed that the general has left!"

Yin Xu heaved a sigh of relief and walked out of the tent, a ray of dawn had already appeared in the eastern sky.It was dawn, and the turbulent day finally began...

(End of this chapter)