We promised to develop a game called Candy Crush, what the hell is the Third Reich?

Chapter 151 [The Feast at Hongmen: A Battle of Wits] [Enduring hardship is the only way to endure hardship] (7k combined)

For the Han Dynasty, Wei Ze had just been beheaded by Ma Yuan, leaving a very deep shadow.

But what if it had been nipped in the bud before the Han Dynasty came into being?

It doesn't seem impossible, does it?
The Chu-Han Contention.

That means the 'Chu' faction is also very strong. Why not try choosing the 'Chu' faction?
The viewers in the live stream also agreed.

Meanwhile, in other live stream rooms, people were also discussing whether to choose Chu or Han.

The game will be released in two days.

As the word spread, it also attracted many players from other circles or history enthusiasts.

After all, the original "World War II: Rise of Empires" was mostly aimed at young people, while the "Chinese History Series" has no audience limit.

Based on the CG visuals, even elderly people can enjoy the [Chinese History Series].

Choose the identity of a wealthy man, find a secluded paradise, row a boat, and fish—it's no different from fishing in real life, and there are even many species that don't exist on Earth.

This game has attracted quite a few anglers alone.

Everyone is waiting for the game to launch in two days.

Two days later.

As the time approached 10 a.m.

The historical game "Huaxia" by Polaris has been officially released.

Great Xia Federation, Kyoto University.

Inside the history department building.

In the professor's office on the top floor, several virtual reality pods had been set up, and Professor Qi Hui, who was about 50 years old, was lying inside one.

Next to him was a young student named Chen Feng, who was lying in a virtual reality pod, fiddling with the live stream screen.

With the game's release.

Professor Qi Hui urged:

"Hurry up, stop doing your live stream."

"The game is now online."

"Let's team up, let's team up."

As soon as Chen Feng's live stream started displaying the image, he quickly said:
"I'm coming."

Despite his age, Qi Hui is an expert in virtual reality headsets, which have been around for over two hundred years and virtual motion-sensing pods for over a hundred years.

At this moment, he was even more adept at using the virtual motion-sensing pod to download games than Chen Feng, a young man.

If Chen Feng hadn't come up with the idea of ​​live streaming to earn some funds for the history department, Qi Hui would have already gone in and played around with it himself.

no way.

History was largely destroyed by the meteor shower; what is occasionally unearthed are only fragments of artifacts, not even enough to piece together a complete history.

Therefore, funding for the history department has always been very limited.

Most people choose this line of work out of passion, and when an opportunity to make money presented itself, Qi Hui had no choice but to agree.

What if it really becomes a hit?

What Qi Hui didn't know was that he had indeed become popular because Chen Feng's livestream room was named...

[A top historian from the Great Xia Federation takes you on a journey through ancient China!]

The Great Xia Federation, a top master of history, travels freely through ancient China.

Each one could become a hot topic and attract people to come and watch, so as soon as Chen Feng started his live broadcast, a lot of people flocked in. However, Chen Feng's live broadcast was also a sudden idea.

I didn't even understand how to use the chat or switch back; I completely forgot about the live stream once I got into the game.

With this pair of historians forming a team.

Selecting the [Immersive Story] mode and looking at the various identities, Qi Hui pondered for a moment.

To experience ancient times, one should start with the folk traditions.

Only the daily lives of ordinary people can reflect the social environment of that time. Although this is a game, its details are crucial.

Considering the Warring States period storyline I've seen before, the game's details should be fine.

Don't let him down.
After making their choices, Chen Feng followed the professor's advice and chose the commoner option.

The screen flashed.

A wave of scorching heat swept in.

What comes into view is loess and piles of stones.

Snapped!
A crack of a whip came from afar, followed by shrill screams and the overseer's curses.

Qi Hui looked down and saw that he was wearing linen clothes and there was a pile of stones at his feet. He followed the example of the people around him and started moving stones while observing his surroundings.

At this time.

Chen Feng's voice rang out from the side, whispering:
"teacher."

"Isn't this right?"

"Didn't we elect ordinary people?"

"How did this become a slave?"

Both of them entered in their original forms, so they were easy to recognize.

Qi Hui looked around and said:
"What slaves?"

"We should be serving in the military."

“Those over there are the slaves.”

As he spoke, Qi Hui gestured for Chen Feng to look toward the spot where the sound of the whip had just come from.

Chen Feng looked over.

Sure enough, those people were barely clothed and were all emaciated. Watching them move stones, you could feel that their bodies would be torn apart by the stones at any moment.

They were wearing hemp clothing, and their complexions were slightly better than the other side, though not by much.

After reading it, Chen Feng turned his head and said in a low voice:

"teacher."

"I know about this corvée labor, but are we just going to keep doing it like this forever?"

Playing games and farming gold? Are you crazy?!
Who designed this?!
Qi Hui was also unsure:

"Let's get started."

"This game should have a 'skip' option, right?"

"What's wrong with doing some work?"

"You can't do these kinds of jobs on Earth. This is a good opportunity to toughen up your will."

"So that you won't complain endlessly when you have a headache or fever."

"Let's get started."

Chen Feng's lips twitched, but he dared not refute.

Okay, let's do it.

The two of them worked from the blazing midday sun in the game until dusk when it was getting dark.

Fortunately, time flows relatively quickly in this game, otherwise I really wouldn't have been able to keep going.

Unbeknownst to the two, the viewers in the live stream were completely bewildered.

These master and apprentice are too honest! They just entered here, died easily, and changed identities, and now they're just doing manual labor.

[He seems to be a new streamer; this guy hasn't even looked at the comments yet.]

[Are you just going to keep working hard? Are all history students this honest?]

I came to see the master, but I watched him lay bricks for two hours.

[This is hilarious, these two are definitely going to be famous.]

The comments in the live stream chat were going on.

Meanwhile, the master and apprentice in the game found a corner, took some dry rations, and started eating with furrowed brows.

hard to swallow.

These were the only words in Chen Feng's mind, but he couldn't refuse to eat, so he forced himself to swallow and said:
"Teacher, have you figured anything out?"

"How are the details in this game?"

Qi Hui nodded and said affirmatively:
"This game is very good."

"Every detail is perfect."

"Among the incomplete historical records of our planet Earth, there are some records of corvée labor, but they are incomplete. I didn't expect that this [Chinese History Series] game would restore them."

"But this intensity is a bit too much."

"I don't know if this was the design, or if this is how Chinese history has always been."

"But Chinese history was also created by game developers, so it must have been designed that way by the game developers."

Chen Feng had no objection to this:
"Yes."

"In just this afternoon, dozens of people have died from exhaustion or been beaten to death."

"At this rate, it won't last three months."

"These few people will be exhausted."

Qi Hui spoke up:
"That won't happen."

"After all, there should be a time limit for our corvée labor service."

"It won't be as tiring as over there."

"But it's not easy either. By the way, how many days will the nutrient solution in the virtual reality pod last?"

Chen Feng spoke up:
"Seven days."

"Oh right, I'm still live streaming, let me find the button."

"."

"hiss--"

"Teacher, we're famous now!"

"More than 3 people in the live stream!"

Qi Hui's eyes lit up:
Anyone sending virtual gifts?

Chen Feng glanced at the comments section, his expression strange:
Yes, it exists.

"But they all just watch us do the hard labor."

Qi Hui immediately perked up:

"Then let's go to sleep quickly and skip the plot."

"Let's keep going tomorrow."

"Anyway, it can last seven days in real life, so it would probably take a month or two in the game."

"The history department's funding for this semester depends on the two of us."

"Work hard, and I'll give you extra credits."

Chen Feng felt a chill run down his spine.

isn't it?
Carrying bricks? Repairing roads? Working for a month?

however.

Qi Hui had already closed his eyes and started sleeping in order to skip the plot, and Chen Feng could only close his eyes and sleep as well.

A moment later, the plot skips.

Chen Feng's lips twitched. What kind of sleep is this? He opened and closed his eyes and was back to doing hard labor.

Hearing the overseer's shouts from afar, Qi Hui and Chen Feng got up.

Qi Hui still looked relaxed and content, seemingly enjoying himself immensely.
"Young man, it's good to endure more hardship."

“Look at me, I’m over 50, but I’m still doing it.”

Chen Feng couldn't help but rub his forehead.

How could this game of Gouba have such a perverted system as corvée labor!

Looking at the road that seemed to have no end, Chen Feng sighed. "Let's do it!"
Follow the group toward the pile of rubble.

fifth day.

In the game, it's evening.

Chen Feng looked at the gifts in the live stream and gritted his teeth to endure them.

But Qi Hui can't see that. After working for three days straight, he's really starting to feel the strain.

I've long forgotten the grand pronouncements I made a few days ago.

"Chen Feng, have you found the settings on your end?"

How can I reduce the pain level?

Chen Feng chuckled upon seeing this:
"Teacher, didn't you say that suffering a little is good for you?"

Qi Hui couldn't help but kick him:
"But I didn't say I'd keep eating it!"

"where?"

Chen Feng chuckled as he explained:

"Just set it up, then."

Gifts kept flying into the live stream room.

Day 13.

Four days have passed in reality, and four days have also passed since the game was launched.

evening.

Qi Hui was helped back by Chen Feng.

The hempen clothes that were once intact now had several bloody welts on the back. Qi Hui trembled, his voice shaking, whether from pain or anger, he didn't know.

"Rebellion! We must rebel!"

"I'm furious!"

"This system is absolutely outrageous!"

"I only learned today that the corvée system here begins for men at the age of fifteen and ends at the age of sixty; those with noble titles are exempted at the age of fifty-six."

Do you know what that means?

Chen Feng shook his head in bewilderment, then nodded:

"I can understand a little bit."

Professor Qi Hui, who is over 50 years old, said with a toothache:

"That is to say, commoners without titles began to perform corvée labor at the age of 15 and were not exempted from it until the age of 60, while commoners with titles were exempted from corvée labor at the age of 56 and were exempted from it for one month each year."

"That means ordinary people have to work until they are 60 years old."

"At this level, older people would probably be exhausted to death."

He was required to perform corvée labor for a month each year, but even he couldn't handle it, let alone the malnourished people of ancient times.

Chen Feng chuckled upon hearing this:
"Aren't you almost 60?"

"If I keep going for a few years, I might be able to retire."

Qi Hui's lips twitched:

"I'll hold on my ass!"

"If I keep working for another half month, my physique will be ruined."

His physical attributes are from his original body, far surpassing the physical condition of ordinary Chinese people. But even that couldn't last for more than half a month.

Where can I work for a few more years?
talking.

Qi Hui fell silent, leaving Chen Feng somewhat puzzled:
"teacher?"

Qi Hui sighed and said:
"I suddenly understood what the phrase 'the dead are countless' meant in the bamboo slips we unearthed earlier."

"I didn't have a clear concept of it before, but I can understand it now in this context."

"In this period of time, hundreds of people have already died from exhaustion or been beaten to death, right?"

Chen Feng also nodded solemnly:
"not enough."

"More than these."

Qi Hui sighed and said:

"Yes."

Then Qi Hui perked up again:
"I suddenly thought of a new idea."

"Since we can analyze and reconstruct some of the records on bamboo slips from this perspective, could we analyze those bamboo slips that we haven't yet understood by using different identities?"

“Just like the bamboo slip records of ‘the dead are countless,’ we don’t have an intuitive concept of it.”

"But I personally experienced what it was like to be a civilian forced into labor, and saw so many people being worked to death or beaten to death."

"I can understand the meaning of what is written on it almost without thinking."

"Although the histories are different, many things are the same."

The more Qi Hui thought about it, the more excited he became, and he felt it was a good idea:

"quick!"

"Contact your senior classmates and ask them to come and perform corvée labor."

Chen Feng and the viewers in the live stream gasped in shock.

That's pretty harsh!
However, Chen Feng acted quickly, relaying the teacher's orders to his senior brothers and sisters!
All of you, come and do your corvée labor!

Who says hardship is good? You'll know once you try it!

Chen Feng and Qi Hui's live stream was only moderately popular.

The real hits were those live streams where people chose an identity and were randomly assigned to the live streams of influential figures.

For example, someone might choose the character "Emperor".

The first thing I saw was the magnificent palace, and before I could even feel excited, I heard a gruff voice shouting from outside:

"I have been ordered by the Prime Minister (Zhao Gao) to execute Your Majesty on behalf of the people. Although you have said much, I dare not reply!"

Before she could even react, she was forced to commit suicide.

It's unclear whether it's due to the timing or something else, but there's currently only one storyline where you choose the emperor. Many players speculate that this is because it's the last emperor they'll ever have.

After all, in the Chu-Han Contention, whose world was it fighting for?
It must be from the previous dynasty.

As a result, players abandoned the "Emperor" option and instead chose a variety of other identities to engage in the "Immersive Story" mode.

at this time.

TianSha Live, [Huaxia] Games Zone, Live Stream Room.

Fei Lang, a streamer who chose the role of a retainer, was currently among the most popular streamers in the [Huaxia] game section.

Because the number of retainers can be randomized.

However, he was randomly assigned to the original shares of the Han Dynasty.

The option chosen was to assume the NPC's identity.

Her current identity is Lu Wan.

At this moment, in a corner of the banquet hall, while eating and drinking, he introduced the original shareholders of the burly man inside to his viewers in the live stream:
"Brothers, after I kept skipping the plot..."

"Finally, I've joined forces with these original shareholders."

"Now open the Polaris website, find the 'Chinese History Series' database, and let's compare them~"

The Immersive Story mode and the Multiplayer mode are different. Just like in World War II, the Multiplayer battlefield cannot skip the story, but the Immersive Story mode allows you to skip it at will.

At this moment, Ferrand's gaze swept over everyone in the room, finally settling on a burly man:
"Look, that one."

"That's Fan Kuai."

[Founding Military General: Fan Kuai]

[Origin: A chivalrous man from Pei County, he worked as a dog butcher in his early years. He became close friends with Liu Bang and joined him in his rebellion against the Qin Dynasty, becoming the most valiant general in the early Han Dynasty.]

[Early achievements: He stormed into the tent with a shield at the Feast at Hongmen, angrily rebuked Xiang Yu, and protected Liu Bang to safety, becoming renowned for his bravery and loyalty.]

[Peak Achievements: During the Chu-Han Contention, he repeatedly served as the vanguard, breaking through enemy lines. In the Battle of Xingyang, he led a suicide squad in a breakout. In the siege of Gaixia, he led infantry and cavalry in a charge, inflicting a major defeat on the elite Chu army.]

[Later impact: His act of "rushing into the tent to protect his lord" became a model of loyalty and bravery; his legendary rise from a dog butcher to a marquis was admired by later generations of humble military generals.]

[Note: The wrath of Hongmen still echoes through the ages! Players who unlock the template can be included in the "Records of Commoner Generals and Ministers" series.]

"Look at this introduction, he's obviously a fierce general."

"The vanguard breaks through the enemy lines, and the infantry and cavalry charge into the enemy formation."

"That sounds really exciting."

"And that one over there, that's Zhang Liang."

[Hidden Strategist: Zhang Liang]

[Background: Descendant of Korean nobility, whose ancestors served as prime ministers of Han for five generations. After Qin destroyed Han, they vowed revenge.]

Early Life: He received instruction in the "Art of War" from Huang Shigong, gaining profound knowledge of military strategy. In the early stages of assisting Liu Bang, he used the "Xiayi Plan" to unite with Ying Bu and Peng Yue, reversing the disadvantage of the Chu-Han Contention and laying the foundation for the counterattack.

[Peak Achievements: Before the Feast at Hongmen, he devised a plan to befriend Xiang Bo, helping Liu Bang escape danger; during the Chu-Han Contention, he helped the Han army pacify the Three Qin regions; before the Battle of Gaixia, he strongly advocated for encircling Xiang Yu, ultimately leading to the ambush from all sides.]

[Later Influence: His strategies of "planning strategies within the command tent and winning battles a thousand miles away" were revered as the golden rule of military strategists, and he was known as one of the "Three Heroes of the Early Han Dynasty" along with Xiao He and Han Xin. Later generations honored him as the "Sage of Strategy," and the *Su Shu* (Book of Plain Words) was attributed to him, exerting a profound influence.]

[Note: "Strategic planning can secure the nation, and wisdom can stabilize the country!" Players who unlock the template can be included in the "Anthology of Wise Men Throughout the Ages" series.]

"He's a big shot too."

"These are all available in the Polaris official website database."

"As for the other figures like Liu Bang, Xiao He, and Xiang Yu and Xiang Bo mentioned here, there are no updates on the Polar Star official website yet."

"But just looking at that experience is amazing."

Netizens on Earth were also very interested in the introduction, saying things like "the most powerful general in the early Han Dynasty" and "strategizing and winning battles from afar"—these descriptions sounded impressive.

How did these ancient people discover these words?

hiss--

At this time.

As a soldier barged in, the hall fell completely silent.

After a while.

Everyone gathered in front of Liu Bang. Liu Bang looked at the words on the brocade in his hand and then looked at the crowd:

"What do you think Xiang Yu meant by inviting me to a banquet at this time?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the people around him started chattering all at once:

"You can't go, my lord."

"can not go!"

"Xiang Yu is definitely up to no good! We absolutely mustn't go!"

however.

Xiao He, standing to the side, turned to look at the crowd:
"But this banquet at Hongmen was actually to clear up the misunderstanding about guarding Xiaoguan Pass."

"If we don't go, it would be an admission to the world that we have betrayed King Huai."

He was immediately reprimanded by someone nearby:

"no!"

"This Feast at Hongmen is clearly a trap set by Xiang Yu and that old codger Fan Zeng to kill our lord. We absolutely must not go."

"Yes, we can't go!"

A heated debate ensued in the hall.

Ferrand, on the other hand, perked up. This had triggered a plot point, and given his status as a retainer, wouldn't it be better for him to offer a strategy now?
Thinking back to the introductions of Fan Kuai and Zhang Liang, both mentioned this Feast at Hongmen.

Doesn't that mean that with these two people involved in the trap, everything will be fine?

"Adding him wouldn't be a problem, right?" Ferrand immediately stepped forward and spoke up amidst the cheers of the viewers in the live stream:
"My lord, I think we should go!"

Everyone looked over and, seeing it was Lu Wan, their expressions were all strange.

Does this guy even have the brains? What good ideas could he come up with?

Liu Bang also became interested:
"Oh?"

"Lu Wan, tell me."

Ferrand, recalling Fan Kuai's earlier description and his rebuke of Xiang Yu, coupled with Fan Kuai's formidable fighting prowess, realized they could certainly expand their gains further.

"My lord, I think we can pretend to attend the banquet."

That's a normal statement.

Those around him nodded, and Liu Bang also nodded, signaling Fei Lang (Lu Wan) to continue.

Then Ferrand (Lu Wan) spoke up:
"Then, taking advantage of the opportunity to toast, he brought Fan Kuai closer to Xiang Yu."

"With General Fan Kuai's bravery."

"Within ten steps, no one can stop him; within three steps, he will surely capture Xiang Yu."

"As long as we keep Xiang Yu in check, the Feast at Hongmen will fall apart on its own."

Ferrand's voice was resounding, striking the hearts of everyone in the hall.

Even though Fan Kuai and Lu Wan didn't get along, when he heard Lu Wan boasting about himself like this, he couldn't help but blush, not from being flattered but from being angry.

If you want me dead, just say so!

I'll fight Xiang Yu?

At this moment, Liu Bang was still completely bewildered.

"no?"

"That's Xiang Yu?!"

Seeing Liu Bang like this, Fei Lang (Lu Wan) was somewhat puzzled:

"Yes, what happened to Xiang Yu?"

Upon seeing this, Liu Bang slapped his forehead, looking troubled. He seemed about to say something but hesitated, only able to look at Fei Lang (Lu Wan) with a disgruntled expression.

"You still know that's Xiang Yu?"

That's Xiang Yu!

Ferrand (Lu Wan) was a little confused. What was wrong with all these people?
"It's Xiang Yu."

What happened to Xiang Yu?

"We have Fan Kuai!!!"

The most valiant general in the early Han Dynasty, certified by the official Polar Star website database, how could this be fake?

Upon hearing Fei Lang's (Lu Wan's) words, Fan Kuai, his face flushed red, was about to step forward when he was quickly restrained by four or five people around him. Enraged, Fan Kuai pointed at Fei Lang and shouted:

"Lu Wan! I do have some issues with you!"

"But it doesn't have to be this bad!"

Upon hearing this, Ferrand (Lu Wan) also realized something. Was Xiang Yu really that powerful? But even if he was powerful, wasn't he still just a human? Besides, the records said that you had angrily rebuked Xiang Yu.

Why can't you be a little more assertive and take two more steps forward to let Xiang Yu pin you down?
Being pointed at and scolded by an NPC, Ferrand (Lu Wan) was somewhat indignant and looked at Liu Bang, saying:
"My lord, how about we replace the general?"

“I think General Fan Kuai is a bit timid. How about this, I’ll prepare some poison and coat it on the dagger. As long as he gets close to Xiang Yu, even if it just scratches his skin a little.”

"It could even kill him!"

"This kind of great opportunity doesn't come around every day!"

Liu Bang's head was buzzing, and he waved his hands repeatedly to shoo them away, unable to bear the sight.

"Please don't say anything more."

"Get out! Get out now!!!"

As they were talking, Liu Bang got so angry that he picked up a wine cup from the table and threw it at Fei Lang (Lu Wan). Fei Lang (Lu Wan) quickly dodged and could only leave.

Even after leaving the main hall, she was still a little unconvinced and complained to the live stream audience:

"I'm impressed by these guys."

"Since you've already stepped forward to angrily rebuke them, why don't you expand your gains?"

"If you mix some poison and just slash him with a dagger, that'll be enough to make him suffer."

"People in ancient times were too worried."

"We still need to think of a way. This treacherous banquet seems to be a key point."

If Liu Bang, Fan Kuai, and others knew about Fei Lang's complaints, they would probably rush out and kick him. This is not a matter of whether he has the guts or not!

That's Xiang Yu!

Fan Kuai: Am I a **?! Me, going head-to-head with Xiang Yu?!!!!
at this time.

Inside Polaris Corporation, Zhao Ming looked at the backend data.

At this time, the backend data for "World War II: Rise of Empires" was still stable. Although the daily active users dropped a bit, the online activity on the [China] side continued to climb.

Currently, World War II: Rise of Empires has around 7000 million daily active users, and its player base is already stable.

On the other hand, in "World War II: Rise of Empires".

The Battle of Kharkiv has just ended, and the game is currently in a period of attrition warfare.

From the perspective of the Blue Star players, the current situation remains difficult to resolve.

After all, they had just won the Battle of Stalingrad, but then immediately lost the Battle of Kharkov.

Wait until next month.

The situation will only become drastically different when the game progresses to the start of the Battle of Kursk.

Therefore, Zhao Ming took advantage of this time to launch the [Huaxia] series.

The [Huaxia] series currently boasts over 2000 million daily active users, most of whom are new players, ranging from the elderly to children.

It has expanded to include a new player base.

It does not conflict with players of World War II: Rise of Empires.

Just watching the live stream, quite a few history students have been drawn into the game by their teachers. A complete ancient society is still very worthy of study.

Currently, the daily active users of [Huaxia] are still steadily increasing, and Zhao Ming is researching how to create a collaboration with food delivery services.

This will also boost the promotion and sales of the "Chinese Delicacies" series.

the other side.

Regarding the discussions about the Feast at Hongmen, Ferrand (Lu Wan) was kicked out and didn't know the details, but she still managed to find out when they would depart.

However, on the very day that Liu Bang, Zhang Liang, and Fan Kuai set off...

Ferrand (Lu Wan) ran over with a small dagger coated with poison in his hand:
"My lord! My lord!"

"Count me in!!!"

Ferrand (Lu Wan) appeared.

Liu Bang looked speechless, Zhang Liang had his usual unchanging expression, while Fan Kuai's disdain was obvious, as he said with a furrowed brow:

"no?"

"Lu Wanni"

Damn it! What bad luck!!!
(End of this chapter)