The Conqueror Isn’t Alone

Chen Ping slowly explained the reasons. Although Lu Bu remained silent, he was also thinking hard.

Although he didn't know whether the person in front of him had good or bad thoughts, whether he was loyal or "treacherous", at least he couldn't see anything "wrong" with the strategy he was proposing at this moment.

Zhang Er, Shen Yang and Sima Yan were all former Zhao generals and had a close friendship. This can be seen from the fact that Zhang Er did not go to take over the three counties after Xiang Yu took back the Changshan fiefdom, but went straight to Shen Yang's command.

Zhang Er must have hated Xiang Yu deeply for taking advantage of the situation to rob and seize Zhao's land. Telling the messenger will be a waste of effort and will only cost the messenger his life.

King Chengyong of Han was cowardly and incompetent, and his army was weak. In order to survive, he decided to attack Qin Muchu. There was no need to waste words, he just didn't dare to act rashly as soon as the soldiers pressed down on the formation.

The reason why Chen Ping advised Wei to get it quickly was because of the crucial two words - grain road.

It is a fantasy to rely solely on the land of Dong Chu to supply a total of 400,000 Chu troops with food and grass.

Now that the war has just begun, there are already signs of being stretched.

Not to mention that Ting Bu also deliberately committed evil, burning grain depots and destroying fertile farmland, which made the situation worse.

Fortunately, Zhou Yin's rebellion failed and Xianyang was not lost. This not only meant that the gold and silver treasures, grain and grass supplies of the former Qin Dynasty were preserved, but also meant that the people's hearts in the pass were further stabilized, and fertile land harvests would be available in a few months.

As long as the land in Guanzhong is not lost, food, grass and soldiers can be continuously supplied, making the Chu army's military morale firm and backed by strong backing.

In order to transport grain, grass and soldiers from Guanzhong to the battlefield in the Central Plains, this vital grain road needs to be opened as soon as possible.

From Xianyang to Pengcheng, you must pass through the Wei and Yin countries.

In such a concise place, it is absolutely not credible to just form an alliance and say surrender.

Once Wei Bao becomes disloyal and attacks the grain team, won't the lifeline of the Chu army fall into the hands of others?

Only by completely falling under the control of Chu can we truly feel at ease.

Since it is a must-have, there really is no need to bother talking about it.

——Alas, it’s a pity that his cheap brother Han Xin is not here!

Unknowingly, Lu Bu was in a state of confusion, secretly feeling sad.

At this moment, the fox-eyes that had been buzzing nearby suddenly paused and coughed several times.

He suddenly came back to his senses and thought that this civil servant was too delicate, but he pretended to be concerned on his face and thoughtfully ordered: "Don't bring me the soup yet!"

After a short while, the hot soup was served by the guard.

Chen Ping thanked Chen Ping, but Lu Bu stopped him with his hand, filled a bottle for him himself, and then pretended to say: "I only regret that I am in the army and can only drink soup instead of wine. Otherwise, I would have to drink a full bottle to listen to what you said." Bottle, you will feel happy."

Chen Ping smiled happily and took it generously.

He didn't refuse. He took a few sips to soothe his dry mouth and tongue. Just as he was about to speak, he heard Lu Bu say: "Since your plan has been so detailed, there must be someone in your heart who wants to recommend it!"

After being told his thoughts, Chen Ping smiled leisurely and said calmly: "To be honest, this matter is of great importance and is closely linked. There is no room for error. If you leave it to others, I will really not feel at ease. If the general is willing to take my place, I will I have been recommended by the king, and although I am not talented, I am willing to go to Zhao Di Di to meet Zhao Xie in person, explain how powerful he is, and persuade him."

Lu Bu raised his eyebrows with a half-smile, and cast his sharp eyes directly at him: "How sure are you?"

Really straightforward.

Chen Ping sighed secretly in his heart, raised the corners of his lips slightly, and silently revealed undisguised pride in his eyes: "I will definitely catch you."

Lu Bu let out a light chirp.

The next moment he waved his hand: "Wait here."

These words seemed to be meaningless, but Chen Ping understood them instantly and nodded calmly: "Thank you, General."

Lu Bu had a fiery temperament. Since he knew that the envoys would leave the camp tomorrow, he had to get it done immediately.

Although he had suffered greatly from Jia Xu's poisonous tactics and was driven out of Chang'an by Li Jue and Guo Bang, who had always looked down upon him, he had somewhat figured out the temperament of this kind of counselor.

He is not only good at assessing the situation, but also good at seeking advantages and avoiding disadvantages.

Since you want to use him, don't doubt him.

There may be suspicions of seeking the skin of a tiger, but it is like driving a fierce horse. As long as it makes one of them prosper and both suffer losses, this person will do his best and use any means to plan for his own advantage.

As for whether that idiot will be used up in the future and thrown away...

Lu Bu narrowed his eyes slightly, a violent glare appearing in his eyes.

...Chen Ping also has to survive until that day.

Lu Bu walked slowly to Fan Zeng's tent, went directly inside, pulled the quilt, roughly woke up the old man, dragged the people to the king's tent, and asked to see the king.

It was late at night and Xiang Yu had changed into his bed clothes and was about to take a rest.

Xu was acquainted with him once and twice, but this time he heard that Fengxian suddenly came to see him, but there was no trace of surprise on his face.

Even though he was a personal guard who had served King Xiang for many years, he was completely unable to detect the glimmer of expectation flashing in the eyes of the majestic and cold king.

As soon as he got the king's order, he turned around and went out of the tent to inform the two of them. However, he was stopped by the king as soon as he took two steps.

Xiang Yu looked as normal and said: "I will come here first in the future, no notification is needed."

As soon as Yun Danfengqing said these words, the bodyguard was shocked on the spot and remained motionless for a long time.

Not to mention Fan Zeng, who was respectfully called Yafu, even his former uncle Xiang Bo had never received such a high degree of trust that he could enter the king's tent without a pass!

Xiang Yu frowned in confusion when he saw the guard standing there in a daze for no apparent reason.

Why don't you go?

No wait

When he opened his mouth again, the bodyguard seemed to have murderous intent. He suddenly got excited and hurried out of the tent.

Seeing Ai Jiang and Yafu walking in hand in hand, Xiang Yu's eyes quickly flashed with a look of surprise, and he changed his sitting posture without leaving a trace, with a calm expression on his face: "What's the matter?"

Lu Bu didn't want to show off, so he simply explained Chen Ping's plan, then turned to look at Fan Zeng, who was deep in thought, and asked patiently: "What do you think, Yafu?"

Xiang Yu pursed his thin lips tightly and frowned slightly.

Lu Bu only concentrated on waiting for Fan Zeng to answer, not expecting this fool to express any decent opinions.

Little did he know that this move was too natural and too obvious.

Even someone as slow as Xiang Yu felt a little displeased at being ignored by his beloved general on the spot.

Fan Zeng had no idea that he was being roasted on the fire, and was thinking to himself.

He really didn't have a deep impression of Chen Ping.

This person is usually very low-key and reserved, and he did not recommend himself to him for this mission.

How come you only found Fengxian?

As soon as this thought surfaced, Fan Zeng was instantly relieved.

Also, if you want to persuade the king, you should really seek out Feng Xian.

He thought carefully for a while and felt that it made sense. Just when he was about to speak, King Xiang, who was usually taciturn, took the lead and said, "What do Fengxian think?"

Lu Bu said lazily: "It's not bad."

Xiang Yu was confused.

——Just make do?

Lu Bu saw that this fool had a weird attitude and erratic eyes. He didn't know what he was thinking. He couldn't help but said: "I think there is no perfect strategy in this world that will hit every time? Anyway, if you fight early or late, you will always have to fight." Fight, if this plan doesn't work, then try another one. If it still doesn't work, just stretch your muscles and lead the army to do the damn thing!"

These domineering and straightforward words made Fan Zeng laugh uncontrollably, and they also struck a chord in Xiang Yu's heart.

Chen Ping didn't wait in Lu Bu's tent for too long before he got the news he was looking forward to.

He stood up happily, saluted and thanked Lu Bu, and leisurely prepared to go back to his tent.

"Wait a minute," Lu Bu suddenly remembered something, slapped his forehead and stopped him again: "How much will it cost to complete this matter?"

Lu Bu lived much more poor lives than rich ones in his previous life.

He knew that whether he was meeting with princes or high-ranking officials, or lobbying, the expenses of managing servants and bribing high-ranking officials were indispensable.

Fang Chenping didn't mention it, and he almost forgot to ask.

Not to mention the heartless idiot, even the somewhat clever old man Fan seems to have forgotten all about it - thanks to my carefulness!

Lu Bu felt secretly proud.

Chen Ping was slightly startled.

He looked intently at Lu Bu, who had a nonchalant look on his face, and after a moment said, "...One hundred yi gold is enough."

"One hundred yi gold?"

Lu Bu repeated it in disbelief and exclaimed: "What can that accomplish?"

Before Chen Ping could speak, he waved his hand and said boldly: "That's all, you go back to your tent and have a rest first. Then I will order someone to take 300 yin and send it to you to cover your expenses for this trip. There is no need to be financially strapped."

Chen Ping opened his mouth to speak, but Lu Bu added: "When this matter is completed, your Majesty will definitely give you a heavy reward, so you can rest assured."

Anyway, it's not his money, and it doesn't feel bad to spend it.

"Thank you, General."

Seeing Lu Bu's heroic appearance, Chen Ping seemed to be flattered and leaned over to thank him again.

On his face, which was facing the ground and invisible to Lu Bu, his romantic and affectionate fox eyes turned into two crescent moons, and the corners of his lips were slightly raised, revealing a faint but genuine smile.

In a blink of an eye, you will know the depth of winter.

Nearly two months have passed since the day the lobbyists left Chu Di, but there has still been no good news.

The Chu camp where Lingbi was stationed had no impetuous atmosphere - not only because there was an overlord in charge, but also because the New Year was approaching.

Long Qie and Zhong Lizhen led the troops and chased after Wu Bing's tribe. Although they failed to catch the two men, they defeated the tribe in pieces.

Ying Bu and Wu Bin took the remaining 10,000 soldiers and horses and fled to where they were hiding in the huge Jiujiang County. Long Qie and Zhongli Mei, who could not find their traces, simply changed their direction and captured the empty-defense capital of Jiujiang. , just waiting for King Xiang’s order.

King Xiang’s military order was to repair on the sixth day and celebrate the New Year before setting off again.

Seeing that the king was so considerate to the soldiers, the soldiers of Chu were moved and no longer realized the hard work of the army.

On the New Year's Day, Xiang Yu held a banquet in the tent, congratulated the generals, and ordered people to bring out the wine he had purchased recently. Except for the officers who were on duty in turn, everyone drank from the cups to their heart's content.

In this way, the monarch and his ministers are happy together, sweeping away the gloom of recent months.

Most of the soldiers under King Xiang's command were from Chu.

It was a rare occasion to return to their homeland to celebrate the festival, and they were given drinks. Although they could not return home to visit their families, it still made the soldiers happy.

After downing several bottles of wine, the poor drinker was already blinded. He tapped his tongue on the cauldron and sang a song vigorously.

——Can this be considered ‘embattled on all sides’?

This strange thought quietly came to Lu Bu's mind.

Although he drank a few bottles, these drinks were not as good as the fine wine that had been poured into him a while ago, so his fair face was only slightly red, and his consciousness was still mostly awake.

But this three points of drunkenness made him show off his ten points.

Lu Bu rarely had this opportunity to be lazy, so he indulged himself and reclined comfortably on the seat, his tiger eyes slightly narrowed.

seems to be focused

He looked at the various activities in the banquet and burped from time to time.

Unaware that Xiang Yu, who was in the main seat, turned his head frequently and looked elsewhere.

After three rounds of drinking, the people at the table were already 80% drunk.

Lu Bu fully learned the lesson from the false alarm last time. As soon as his head felt hot, he immediately stopped, put down the wine bottle, and stopped drinking.

At this moment, a soldier suddenly rushed into the banquet, bowed down, and announced in a hurry: "Report to your Majesty, Chen Yu has led two thousand cavalry towards Pengcheng!"

Xiang Yu frowned and said slowly: "Chen Yu?"

That day Chen Yu fled without a fight, allowing the Chu army to seize Zhang Er's Changshan Kingdom. Xiang Yu was extremely disdainful of such timid and timid young men.

I don't know where the remnants of Chen Yu's troops fled to and have been dormant to this day. How dare they take advantage of the Chu army to celebrate the New Year in the mainland and take advantage of the situation to cause "rebellion" when their defenses were slack.

Little did they know that Chen Yu rushed to Pengcheng not only to take advantage of the opportunity to retaliate against Xiang Yu, but also to replenish the shortage of food and supplies.

After a hasty retreat that day, the people around him gathered and dispersed several times, and in the end there were still two thousand loyal horsemen left.

If there were only a few hundred people before, they could still rely on temporary hunting to maintain their needs; now there are two thousand cavalry, and which part of the mountain would have enough prey?

With a flash of inspiration, Chen Yu simply sneaked into South Korea and joined forces with the King of Han who also hated Xiang Yu. He pretended to be a Korean soldier on weekdays, paralyzing Linchu's vigilance and waiting for the opportunity.

However, it was getting colder and colder this year, and the harvest was severely poor this year. It became increasingly difficult for Han Wangcheng to support these two thousand knights, and his attitude suddenly became cold.

Chen Yusheng was arrogant by nature. Although he was living under someone else's roof, he could not bear Han Wangcheng's cold words.

After enduring it for a few times, he couldn't bear it anymore and led his army to leave again.

Han and Chu were close neighbors, so he came up with the idea of ​​taking advantage of the Chu people's celebrations to retaliate and plunder to supplement their money and food.

After a moment, Xiang Yu finally remembered who Chen Yu was, snorted coldly, and said scornfully: "How dare a dog that has lost its family dare to come here and bark!"

He was about to get up and kiss the guards on duty to fight, but he heard a cold scoff from his beloved general.

Lu Bu stood up quickly, his dark eyes were clear, how could he be half drunk?

He smiled lazily, flicked his two bright red pheasant tail feathers perfectly, and his whole body showed a arrogant mockery: "Since it is a bereaved dog, why does it need to be driven by the labor king himself?"

He raised his chin lightly, looked at Xiang Duzi proudly, and said arrogantly: "A feast is rare, how can we let the barking dog disturb the king's elegance! Bu is willing to lead the troops to go out, and he will take the head of the guy before the banquet is over, and give it to the king. Wine makes you happy!"