Competing

Chapter 55 Fan Zeng Meets Liu Bang for the First Time
Xiang Liang was a little arrogant and contemptuous in his attitude towards Liu Bang, and he kicked the Peixian army out of the battle of Pengcheng without hesitation.Qin Jia won't be held accountable for breaking out from Xicheng, but he won't leave any credit for his achievements.Even so, when it comes to treating his own people, Generalissimo Xiang performed very well.

Yu Ziqi, Ying Bu, and Chen Ying successfully captured Pengcheng, and Jing Ju, a nobleman of Chu State, died in the rebellion.

After chasing for two consecutive days, Yin Xu finally caught up with Qin Jia, the chief minister of the puppet Chu State. After a fierce battle, he killed Qin Jia, the leader of the rebellion.So far, the Pengcheng suppression of the rebellion has come to a perfect conclusion, and Yin Xu has also successfully won the last and most eye-catching credit.

As for Liu Bang, after going to congratulate him that afternoon, he deeply apologized for letting Qin Jia go.While blaming himself, he asked to lead troops to attack Hu Ling and help Yin Xu defend Zhou City in Wei State.After a brief consideration, Xiang Liang immediately agreed.

Liu Bang didn't delay either, even though it was already noon, he immediately led his troops to set off.When Liu Bang first raised his army, he once attacked Huling. The Fengxian area was naturally familiar with the road, and Xiang Liang's side was also happy and quiet.

After Yin Xu came back, he understood the ins and outs of the matter, his heart was like a mirror, and he knew what Xiang Liang'an was thinking.The success of the First World War made Marshal Xiang a little smug and a little arrogant. There were also many personal emotional factors in the process of treating Liu Bang, but it was more of a politician's perspective.

It can be seen that Kuaiji is far in the southeast, separated by a big river, so it is not very suitable as an anti-Qin base.It is an inevitable trend for the Kuaiji army base to move north, and Pengcheng and the nearby Xuedi are the most suitable place. Xiang Liang has already moved his mind to capture Pengcheng this time.As for Liu Bang's attitude of cooperation, in Xiang Liang's eyes, how could he be willing to sit on an equal footing with a gangster? Since he doesn't belong to him, he should go on his own!Leave Pengcheng to me.

The reason why Zhang Liang suggested that Liu Bang march into Huling was also out of such considerations. On the one hand, he could expand his base area, and on the other hand, he could expand his own strength and influence. To put it bluntly, he was gaining political capital.

But in Yin Xu's view, Xiang Liang might have another meaning of beating.The capture of Pengcheng this time contributed a lot to the extermination of the rebels Yin Xu and Ying Bu. He showed his own strength and proved that he was not in vain.At the same time, it also brings about related influences. If a tree is big, it will inevitably attract people's hatred. By belittling Liu Bang, Xiang Liang may have the intention of beating Yin Xu and Yingbu.As for the protection of the outstanding generals under his command?Or shock?I don't know.

When he couldn't feel his pulse, Yin Xu resolutely chose to keep a low profile. He firmly believed that a little tree is beautiful in the forest, but the wind will destroy it.Especially when this will be the first time to make great achievements, it is especially necessary to keep a low profile.

When summer came, Xiang Liang led an army to Xuedi, and his power expanded to the northernmost part of the old Chu state.When the news was sent back to Kuaiji, there was joy. Xiang Yu and Fan Zeng led the army northward, and the anti-Qin base of the Chu army in Kuaiji officially moved northward.

At the same time, the unfortunate news was confirmed—Chen Sheng was really dead!
Chen Sheng, the leader of the anti-Qin uprising army, died, although some general Lu Chen formed the "Cangtou Army", defeated the Qin army, recaptured Chen County, and executed the subordinate Zhuang Jia who killed Chen Sheng.Xiang Liang of the Shangzhu Kingdom wiped out Jing Ju and Qin Jia who had established themselves in Pengcheng, and their power was greatly enhanced.But an indisputable fact appeared in front of them, the rebel army fell into a state of group control without a leader.

If the situation is allowed to develop like this, Zhang Han's army will be defeated separately, and it will only be a matter of time before the rebel army is disintegrated.Therefore, a new leader of the rebel army is a top priority and very important.In May, on the day that Xiang Yu led the army to arrive, Xiang Liang held a meeting in Xuedi, calling all anti-Qin rebels and princes to form an alliance to discuss the anti-Qin plan.

On this day, leaders from all walks of life gathered together to discuss major issues. Wu Rui, who was far away in Panyi, also rushed over, and Yingbo, the son-in-law, immediately stepped forward to greet and talk.Of course, there will be no shortage of Pei Gong Liu Bang who has temporarily emerged in the Huling area. Xiang Liang's goal has been achieved.

At the meeting, Yin Xu's position was obviously improved a lot. As the No. 1 meritorious service in this Pengcheng battle, he was congratulated by all the princes.It was also the first time that everyone recognized this young and weak general, and praised Yin Xu for being young and promising.The more so, the more humble and low-key Yin Xu behaved.

Even so, there are still some discordant eyes floating over, especially the dragon.Yin Xu once again proved his strength, let his doubts fail again, and gave a big credit for nothing.Looking at Long's unfriendly gaze, Yin Xu was going to make some sarcasm at him, but after thinking about it, forget it.

On the contrary, Xiang Yu was very enthusiastic. He helped Fan Zeng through the door and just saw Yin Xu, and immediately stepped forward to congratulate him: "Dong Lai, you did a good job this time, well done!"

"Brother Xie Yu, praise!" Others often called Xiang Yu Xiang Ji, but Yin Xu called Brother Yu from the beginning, and the relationship between them was much closer.

"There is no need to be modest in Donglai. It is very good to independently capture Tongshan and besiege Pengcheng within two days!" It was Fan Zeng who spoke.

Xiang Yu joked with a hearty smile: "See, Mr. Fan doesn't praise others easily." When Fan Zeng lived in Kuaiji for a period of time, Xiang Yu was very respectful and often waited on his left and right.Perhaps it is precisely because of this that Xiang Yu's deep fan Zeng's heart will be able to "love father and son" in the years to come!
Yin Xu was overwhelmed by flattery, and said modestly: "Mr. Fan is absurdly praised!"

Fan Zeng's compliment was surprising, but Yin Xu didn't relax his vigilance and dealt with it cautiously.This old gentleman is very scheming, and being praised by him and cared about by him may not necessarily be a good thing.

Later, Zhong Limei and Ji Bu also expressed their congratulations. Yin Xu proved his ability with facts and convinced the two men in terms of force and military exploits.

"By the way, I heard that there is Liu Bang, the Duke of Pei, assisting you this time?" After joking for a while, Zhong Limo asked curiously.

"There is such a thing. Liu Peigong ambushed Yong Chi and sent reinforcements, just in time for Su An to surrender and open the city gate, so that Tongshan could be captured smoothly." Yin Xu replied.

Ji Bu said: "Who is this Liu Peigong? I really want to see him!"

Yin Xu said with a smile: "A few days ago, he led troops to attack Hu Ling. It stands to reason that he will come today, alas! Look, he is talking to Mr. Xiang Bo over there!"

Everyone followed Yin Xu's gaze and saw that two men were talking to Uncle Xiang, followed by a few civil servants and military generals, it was Liu Bang and a group of civil servants and military generals from Pei County.

Seeing everyone's puzzled looks, Yin Xu explained: "The man in red is Peigong Liu Bang, and the scholar in brown next to him is called Zhang Li. He is very resourceful, and he is an old friend of Mr. Xiang Bo." Rumor has it that Yin Xu has heard that Liu Bang is always dressed in red wherever he goes, and his ambition is self-evident.

Xiang Yu turned back and said, "You know? Back then, my uncle was hunted down for murder, and he got help from Mr. Zhang Liang when he went out to hide."

Fan Zeng also turned around curiously, and asked, "So this old man also wants to get to know Liu Peigong!"

At this moment, Xiang Bo invited Liu Bang and Zhang Liang to come forward together.

As Liu Bang got closer and closer, the smile on Fan Zeng's face dimmed and froze in the end, his body trembling uncontrollably.Yin Xu was clearly aware of Fan Zeng's emotional changes. Seeing the old gentleman staring at Liu Bang, biting his lips tightly, his expression was agitated.Yin Xu's heart trembled, thinking of the records of Fan Zeng asking Xiang Yu to kill Liu Bang many times in history, he thought: Did he really see something?
When Liu Bang approached, everyone was about to say hello when Zhong Limo shouted, "Mr. Fan, what's wrong with you?"

When everyone paid attention, Fan Zeng staggered and nearly fell, but fortunately Xiang Yu and Zhong Limei caught him in time.

Yin Xuquan did not expect that Fan Zeng's first meeting with Liu Bang would be like this, and he would have such a big reaction. It seems that some things are not rumors...

(End of this chapter)