My father, King Chu, was besieged at Gaixia

Chapter 131: Fight Back

"I will always remember the order of the eldest master. General, follow me." The old craftsman was in high spirits, his eyebrows and eyes were dancing, and he led Xiang Zhuang away from the drill ground and came to the military camp next to him. In the large open space of the military camp, cloth was stretched with wooden sticks to shade the sun. In the shadows below, rows of equally thin and dark craftsmen sat, using a variety of tools such as saws, chisels, planes, and hammers, with wood chips flying and shavings drifting, concentrating on making crossbows.

The entire camp was completely transformed into a wood tool processing workshop, and the air was filled with the pleasant fragrance of wood.

In a warehouse nearby, rows of finished crossbows were neatly displayed on sturdy, thick, and narrow wooden shelves. There were probably thousands of them.

The old craftsman was in high spirits, spitting all over the place: "General, in my opinion, the eldest son and the Overlord are both gods who have descended to earth. According to the 'assembly line production method' left by the eldest son, I asked the craftsmen to disassemble all the components of this crossbow, and then make 'standard parts' of the same size and specifications respectively, and assemble them uniformly in the last process. Tsk tsk, general, guess what? The craftsmen only make one component, and they become more and more skilled, and the more skilled they are, the more they produce. Now the 300 craftsmen in the craftsman camp can produce as many as 500 to 600 crossbows a day. As long as you give me some more time, I promise to equip all the infantry with one crossbow for each person."

The cavalry of the Great Chu was famous throughout the world, invincible and victorious in all battles, but its infantry had always been at a disadvantage compared to the Han army. This was because the Han army had an absolute advantage in terms of numbers of infantry, and the physical fitness of the soldiers was not inferior to that of the infantry of the Great Chu.

Xiang Chang designed and improved the "Chu Chang Crossbow" based on the later "Zhuge Crossbow" in order to make up for this shortcoming and maximize the combat effectiveness of the Chu infantry under limited conditions.

The crossbow was invented very early, but it has never been popularized because of its many defects. First, it has many components, which makes it difficult to make in large quantities and easy to damage. Second, the firing process is time-consuming, and it is inconvenient for soldiers holding crossbows to use other weapons at the same time, which makes it a bit useless. Third, the range is not far enough and the lethality is not strong enough.

The improved "Chuchang Crossbow" not only greatly shortened the firing process, but also enabled continuous firing, strong penetration, and high hit rate. Even a civilian who had not received formal military training could use it skillfully after three days of practice and easily kill a battle-hardened soldier. In contrast, it takes at least three years to train an archer, and there is a limit to the number of arrows an archer can shoot per day, no more than 100 arrows a day.

In addition, Xiang Chang introduced the assembly line operation of later industries, disassembling all the components of the repeating crossbow and having craftsmen produce all standard parts, which were then assembled uniformly, greatly improving production efficiency and making it possible to equip the army with large-scale crossbows. Damaged components could also be replaced at any time, extending their service life.

Obviously, this batch of "Chuchang Crossbows" were truly equipped to the infantry. Before the two armies engaged in battle, a round of continuous firing was carried out, which was enough to severely strike a wave of enemy charge arrogance and severely dampen their fighting spirit, which was a great advantage.

"Very good!" Xiang Zhuang patted his shoulder with satisfaction, "I also promise you that as long as the military order is fulfilled, you will be promoted to a general. Master Chang regards the Injured Battalion and the Craftsmen Battalion as treasures, and specially placed your two battalions on the left and right sides of the Overlord's tent. Doctor Li Zhong of the Injured Battalion took care of the wounded in the previous battle with the Han camp, so that a large number of wounded who should have died helplessly finally returned to the barracks alive and well. His achievements are outstanding, and he was promoted to a general by the eldest master. It's up to you next."

The head craftsman was so full from the huge pancake that Xiang Zhuang roughly stuffed into his hand that he burped. With red eyes, he patted his skinny chest and promised again to complete the task.

During the Eastern Zhou and Warring States Period, when Mohism existed, craftsmanship was still of high status in various countries, and was highly respected and honored wherever he went. In particular, the debate between Mozi and Gongshu Ban on Chu's attack on Song shocked the princes and made these kings pay more attention to craftsmanship.

But later, when Qin unified the country, in order to maintain the stability of the empire, the craftsmen were severely degraded and their status was directly reduced to the same level as slaves and prisoners. They were all classified as lowly, and this has continued to this day. Therefore, it can be said that during the Qin Dynasty, the craftsmen had a miserable life, getting up earlier than chickens, sleeping later than chickens, and eating less than chickens. Now they unexpectedly met a nobleman who valued them. Not only was he willing to take them off the lowly status, but he even set up a camp to select the best among them and grant them official positions. Isn't this simply going to make these craftsmen crazy?

The head craftsman secretly made up his mind to squeeze these military craftsmen. Humph, those short-sighted bastards, they said that using this "water line production method", their skills will be abandoned over time, and I am afraid that even the best craftsmen will find it difficult to successfully make a tool on their own. Pah, one person can't make one in a few days, what's the use of such skills? Who dares to complain again, I will see how to punish them.

"General, the Overlord has ordered you to go to the commander-in-chief's tent immediately to attend a military meeting." A cavalryman came and delivered the message.

Xiang Zhuang encouraged the old craftsman a few more words, waved his hand and sent him back to do his own thing, then walked out of the "Craftsmen's Camp" with his hands behind his back.

As soon as he left the "Craftsmen's Camp", the relaxed and happy smile on his face gradually disappeared. Looking towards the direction of Xiang Yu's commander-in-chief's tent, he could not help but reveal a look of deep worry.

It had been more than 20 days since Xiang Chang left Gaixia for Linjiang Kingdom. As early winter approached, the weather was getting colder, and the winter uniforms for the 100,000-strong army of Da Chu had not yet been found. Every day, the soldiers were shivering from the cold, their faces were blue and purple, and they could hardly hold their weapons. All the trees within a radius of dozens of miles were cut down to make fire to keep warm and cook.

In addition, the damage to weapons and military equipment and the urgent need to replenish military supplies such as ironware, wooden sticks, tendons, cowhides, horsehair, etc. are also urgent matters.

However, the most pressing and most pressing issue was that the army's rations could not last much longer. Fortunately, the dead horses had supported them for a while, otherwise they would have run out of rations.

Under pressure, Zhongli Mei and other generals began to try to advise the Overlord to change the soldiers' daily meal from two to one.

Xiang Zhuang naturally strongly opposed this.

He was now Xiang Chang's spokesperson in the Great Chu camp, and no one dared to ignore his opinions, even the Overlord would often take them seriously. Seeing his opposition, the matter was dropped.

The reason why Xiang Zhuang firmly opposed it was that not only would one meal a day affect the morale of the army, but it would also be a heavy blow to the good military discipline and law that had just been established and implemented in the barracks, and there was even a possibility that all previous efforts would be wasted.

Xiang Chang killed Zhuang Zhuer in Wangjia Village, wrote a military report and sent it back to the entire military camp. Zhuang Zhuer not only had outstanding military exploits and was commended twice by the Overlord, but also killed seven enemy soldiers in one battle. Everyone from officers to generals knew him. More importantly, he was one of the leading figures established by Xiang Chang who achieved a counterattack from a sergeant to an officer through military exploits. Especially among the lower-level soldiers, his charisma was even greater than that of Hei Shi.

However, such a rising star in the Chu camp was killed by Xiang Chang himself because of a mistake. This incident undoubtedly showed Xiang Chang's determination to rectify military law and discipline in the Chu camp, and everyone was shocked. After that, Xiang Chang's implementation of military law became very smooth.

During the time Xiang Chang was away, the crimes, thefts, robberies, and private fights that were common in the Chu army were almost eliminated. As for the common practices of bullying the people in the city, robbing their property, food, and warm clothes, and even killing their entire families over a disagreement, they also disappeared.

The direct consequence of strict military discipline and law was that the people in the city changed from being afraid of the Chu army to being very friendly to them, and a feeling of getting along well with them emerged.

Xiang Zhuang knew that the reason why military discipline and law could be maintained so strictly was because it was based on the military merit reward system of the Great Chu and the ability to ensure that the soldiers had enough food.

Both are indispensable.

So how could he agree to the proposal to change the military camp's meal policy to one meal a day?

Compared to the decreasing military rations, which obviously could not last long, what worried Xiang Zhuang the most was that the Overlord Xiang Yu began to get anxious, like a trapped beast, and his temper, brutality, and rage could no longer be suppressed. Xiang Zhuang understood this very well. Trapped in an isolated city, unable to do anything, watching the 100,000-man army gradually collapse, how could the Overlord be willing to accept this? How could he endure it and do nothing?
In fact, in recent days' military meetings, the Overlord has proposed several times to lead the army to plunder the Han camp's grain road and seize the Han camp's food. However, each time he was stopped by Xiang Zhuang.

The Han camp is currently built with deep walls and high fortifications, like a giant turtle that has retreated into its shell, leaving the Chu army with only 100,000 soldiers but unable to do anything. No matter how clear its intention is, it is just waiting for the arrival of the severe winter, waiting for the day when the Chu army's food runs out, and - waiting for the day when the Chu army collapses on its own.

The reason why Xiang Zhuang dared to persuade Xiang Chang was that he had fully anticipated the current situation before he left and had a deep discussion with him. The Han camp was determined to trap the Chu army to death. With Han Xin's cunning tactics, he would definitely make trouble for the grain route. Once they attacked their grain route, it would definitely play into their hands. He must persuade the Overlord to stop.

Xiang Chang had naturally discussed the same things with the Overlord, but based on his understanding of his father's character, it was impossible for him to endure and do nothing - that would not be the Overlord of Chu!
This time, the Overlord sent a message to summon all the generals to discuss military affairs again, fearing that his patience had reached its limit. This time he must lead his army to attack the Han camp's grain route.

Xiang Zhuang slowly raised his head and took a long breath of the icy cold air. The worry and hesitation on his face gradually dissipated, replaced by endless determination and resolve - this time, even if he died, he would stop the Overlord.

The reason for this decision is that Xiang Zhuang chose to continue to trust Xiang Chang!

In the previous battle with the Han camp, Ying Bu's army on the left was defeated and fled. The central army, led by Overlord himself, was in a stalemate and could not break through the center of the Han camp. On that day, he hesitated and doubted Xiang Chang.

And the result naturally proved that he was wrong.

From that moment on, Xiang Zhuang decided that he would unconditionally trust Xiang Chang and resolutely execute any military orders from him throughout his life. Even if he suffered a crushing defeat and was doomed to failure, he would never hesitate or retreat.

Today, it was undoubtedly the time for him to stick to his beliefs. And he was ready.

Slowly drawing out the sword, Xiang Zhuang's eyes swept over the bright and cold blade calmly and peacefully. Then he flipped his hand, put the sword back into the sheath, and walked towards the commander's tent resolutely and quickly.

Not far away, he suddenly spotted a familiar figure on horseback, stretching his head and peering furtively at the heavily guarded craftsman camp.

Xiang Zhuang narrowed his eyes.

The figure also saw him, was startled, shrank his neck, turned around and rode away.

This general was Ji Bu's uncle Ding Gu, who was demoted two ranks by Xiang Chang for his crimes, from General of the Central Army to Lieutenant General.

Ding Gu, who ran away in a panic, secretly cried out "bad luck" in his heart!
During this period, Chen Ping of the Han camp was pressing him to find out what kind of military equipment the newly established craftsman camp in the Chu army was secretly developing behind closed doors.

Some time ago, Xiang Chang first sacrificed the stirrup, and then showed the "detoxification medicine". The stirrup was put into the battlefield and gave the Han army a big blow, and the "detoxification medicine" relieved the worries of the soldiers of Da Chu and greatly improved their morale. These two are both excellent things. Therefore, Xiang Chang also created the "Craftsman Camp" and guarded it tightly, which no outsider knew about. That's why Chen Ping was so anxious and gave Ding Gu a death order to investigate it thoroughly.

Ding Gu was forced to spend a lot of money to bribe the guards and officers of the Carpenters' Camp. The benefits moved the guards and officers, and they were very relaxed. They accepted his money reluctantly, and he disappeared the next day. No matter how he tried to find out, no one knew about him. It was as if he had never been in the camp.

This naturally aroused Ding Gu's high alert. He dared not continue to bribe people and instead went out in person to spy.

Looking at his departing figure, Xiang Zhuang's eyes flashed with anger, and he said coldly to Xiang Gou who was following him: "Keep watching him closely, and don't miss even a few times he poops a day."

Xiang Gou nodded heavily and agreed in a deep voice.

When Xiang Zhuang arrived at the commander-in-chief's tent, he saw that the Overlord had not arrived, but Zhongli Mei, Xiang Sheng, Ji Bu, Xiang Guan, Huan Chu, Wu She and other high-ranking generals and officials had all arrived and were kneeling quietly in their seats waiting.

Xiang Zhuang glanced around and found that some of the generals and ministers had their eyes slightly closed and were resting peacefully, some had their brows furrowed with worry, and some had wandering eyes and were distracted.

Thinking of how Master Xiang Chang was risking his life in the Linjiang Kingdom, doing his utmost to fight for a glimmer of hope for the 100,000-strong Chu army, and how these generals and ministers were not only sitting back and reaping the benefits, but were also unable to control themselves in the face of the Overlord, and were about to burst into a furious battle again. Each of them was as indifferent as a dead body. He could not help but feel a surge of rage rising up in his heart, and with a "swish" he drew out his sword, waved his hand, and stabbed it heavily into the ground in the middle of the tent.

All the generals and ministers were startled, and those who had closed their eyes to rest opened their eyes and looked at Xiang Zhuang in surprise.

"You all know why the Overlord summoned us here to discuss this. I just want to ask you, what is your intention?"

Faced with Xiang Zhuang's blunt questioning, the generals and ministers frowned and were very dissatisfied.

Right General Ji Bu snorted and said coldly: "Captain Xiang, don't be anxious. The Overlord is also forced into a corner. Captain Xiang is also aware of the current situation in the military camp. Are we going to continue to wait until the food and grass are exhausted and the army collapses without a fight?"

Xiang Zhuang raised his eyebrows, looking furious. Before he could speak, Zhongli Mei sighed, his tone was also very heavy: "We also know that Overlord's move is a bit too risky. Liu Bang and Han Xin are used to robbing our Great Chu's grain route. They must have strict defenses on their own grain route. Han Xin may even have set a trap and wait. But as the right general said, if we continue to wait, there is only one way to die. Instead of sitting and waiting to die, it is better to fight while the soldiers still have the strength to fight."

Zhongli Mei was the general of the Great Chu camp, holding a high position and great power. Even though he had spoken, Xiang Zhuang did not dare to confront him head-on.

Xiang Zhuang held back his anger and said patiently, "The eldest son is currently in Linjiang Kingdom, trying to conquer it and have it join our Great Chu. Linjiang Kingdom has not seen war for many years, and has abundant military supplies such as food, weapons, and cloth. Once it joins our Great Chu, it will be continuously supplied to us, and the situation in our Great Chu will be completely changed. Therefore, the eldest son convened a military meeting before leaving, and explained everything to you all, and you all agreed that day."

(End of this chapter)