Teasing the First Dragon at the Start

Xiang Yu was taken aback: "Why?"

Han Xin frowned deeply and said, "Although both sides need time to regroup, and it seems that temporary peace talks are beneficial, let's not forget that we are already at a disadvantage. Taking a breather has completely different meanings for both sides. We..."

Just then, a guard came in and clasped his hands in greeting, saying, "General, a woman who calls herself Yu Ji is standing outside the camp and says she wants to see you."

Xiang Yu was taken aback for a moment, then hurriedly ordered, "Go...go and invite Yu Ji in. Han Xin, you may leave for now. I have important matters to discuss with Yu Ji. We can talk about other things later."

"General... I..."

Han Xin opened his mouth slightly, wanting to say something, but faced with Xiang Yu's completely indifferent gaze, he could only sigh and shake his head helplessly.

"This subordinate understands..."

After bowing to Xiang Yu, she slowly retreated. As she reached the door, she paused, glanced back at Xiang Yu, and murmured softly, "In the end, he was destined to achieve nothing great."

Before they had taken two steps, a cheerful young voice came from the side: "Why does the general say that General Xiang is unlikely to achieve great things?"

Han Xin's calm eyes widened slightly. He looked in the direction of the voice and saw Bai Su standing lazily at the camp entrance with her hands in her sleeves, smiling at him.

She bowed and said calmly, "Greetings, Grand Chancellor..."

Bai Su waved her hand: "No need to be so formal. It's just a form of address. You can call me Bai Su. I'm just curious and would like to ask General Han why he was so certain that General Xiang would lose?"

After all, from an outsider's perspective, the Chu army is currently almost invincible, suffering almost no losses except for a slight setback when facing Bai Su.

In contrast, the Xia army suffered almost constant defeats, losing cities and territories.

Moreover, in addition to the main force of the Chu army, there was also the allied forces of the six states as allies. By all accounts, the Chu army should have the advantage.

Han Xin didn't hide anything too much. She followed Bai Su's example, tucking her fair hands into her warm sleeves, exhaling a puff of white mist, and said, "This is all just an appearance."

A hint of curiosity appeared on Bai Su's face: "Appearance?"

Han Xin's gaze was as still as a deep pool, showing no ripples. He said, "The Chu army seems to have the advantage right now, but it's just that the Xia army, this war machine, hasn't been fully mobilized yet. Their main force is on the northern expedition."

"The Chu army did not fight any tough battles in a short period of time. In addition, King Huai of Chu's banner still had a certain influence in the area, and the general stationed there was not a famous general. Therefore, it was naturally easier to win."

"But once you get to the North, it's a different story. Six out of ten of the population in the Central Plains are concentrated in the North. To stabilize the situation there, Xianyang built various official roads, cities, passes, and post stations."

"In addition, the Grand General had a good reputation in commerce and agriculture that he had cultivated among the people for many years. He could almost call out to anyone and get a response from all sides."

"Don't be fooled by the fact that the Chu army currently occupies a large territory; in terms of population alone, it accounts for less than 20-30%."

"If the allied forces want to win, they must launch a northward expedition before the Great Xia war machine is fully operational, and divide the northern border into pieces. Only then will they have a slight chance of winning."

"Otherwise, once Xianyang's war machine is fully mobilized, the two sides will be on completely different levels in terms of troop strength, population, and supplies."

“As long as the overall trend cannot be reversed, winning more tactical victories is meaningless.”

Bai Su glanced at Han Xin with some surprise. She hadn't expected Han Xin to have such a long-term vision. While others were struggling with the current situation, Han Xin had already seen the future.

He couldn't help but smile and ask, "So, do you want to work for me?"

Han Xin gave Bai Su a strange look: "Are you trying to poach her from the team?"

Bai Su nodded and said, "That's right. A good bird chooses a good tree to perch on, and a good minister chooses a good lord to serve. Since you have such talent, why not choose a better stage to realize your ambitions?"

"If you are willing, I can recommend you so that you will have the opportunity to become a regional protector in the future."

Han Xin couldn't help but feel a little tempted.

It should be noted that the Protector-General is a powerful regional official who commands a territory, and currently only the Meng sisters, Meng Tian and Meng Yi, hold this position.

Bai Su's willingness to use the Protector-General's position as a bargaining chip for the invitation demonstrates his sincerity.

But after thinking it over, she shook her head: "I am truly grateful for the sincerity of the Grand Master, but I am sorry, I still have to refuse your offer."

Bai Su was taken aback when her attempt to recruit him failed, and couldn't help but ask, "Why?"

Han Xin raised his head, his clear black and white eyes looking at the starry sky, and said, "No matter what, Xiang Yu has been kind to me. When I was bullied on the street, she stood up for me."

"After she took me back, she gave me clothes to wear, food to eat, and the opportunity to command an army. To thank her for recognizing my talent, I am willing to stay by her side until the very end."

Bai Su couldn't help but sigh, "That's such a pity."

Although he said that, he wasn't surprised at all; in fact, it seemed like he had expected it all along.

After all, in a sense, Han Xin and Xiang Yu were very similar in character; both valued relationships, cherished old friendships, kept promises, and possessed the spirit of the Spring and Autumn Period.

It is almost impossible to win them over easily by simply relying on fame, fortune, and status.

To win over such people, you must gain their approval.

Bai Su seemed to have thought of something, and reached into her bosom, taking out a small object: "This is for you..."

"what is this?"

Han Xin instinctively reached out and took it, only to find that what he held in his hand was a long tube made of bronze, which startled him.

Bai Su smiled and said, "This item is called a telescope. It can easily see the scenery a hundred feet away. I feel that I have a connection with General Han, so I gave it to you. General, there is no need to return it. It is just a small item in the palace and is not a bribe."

Han Xin originally wanted to return it, but after hearing what Bai Su said, she had no choice but to nod and say, "In that case, I will accept it."

Following Bai Su's instructions, she placed the object in front of her left eye and looked in that direction. She saw that the rugged mountain path in the distance and the flickering campfire seemed to be right in front of her. The magical sight amazed her.

Seeing the carriage approaching, Bai Su said, "Then I'll take my leave for now."

Han Xin couldn't help but ask, "Is the Grand General preparing to go to the northern desert?"

Bai Su nodded: "Just like the song at the banquet, what I, Bai Su, want to do has always been clear and transparent, without the slightest concealment. The dragon stretches across the East, gathering from all four seas, uniting the nine provinces..."

"I will first head to the northern deserts to quell the natural disasters. Then I will gather people from all corners of the world to unite the nine provinces of China. I hope that General Han can join me for a drink then."

A rare, faint smile appeared on Han Xin's usually taciturn face: "If it were the Grand Chancellor, regardless of victory or defeat in the future, Han Xin would be willing to share a cup with the Grand Chancellor."

"Alright, then I'll take my leave."

After bowing to Han Xin, Bai Su lifted the curtain of the carriage and, escorted by a group of guards, gradually drove away.

Han Xin held a telescope, watching the carriage gradually disappear into the distance. He glanced back at Yu Ji, who was dressed in red and slowly walked into the tent, and couldn't help but sigh: "In terms of bravery, General Xiang is undoubtedly the best in the world, and no one can compare with him. But in terms of magnanimity, General Xiang is far inferior to Lord Bai."

Chapter 326 The Calm Before the Storm

Inside the large tent.

Xiang Yu looked at the woman in red in front of him with a face full of joy and said, "Yu Ji, have you been alright these days? I haven't heard from you for a long time, and I was very worried."

Yu Ji's expression was somewhat complicated, and she shook her head slightly.

Xiang Yu paused, then looked at Yu Ji with a curious expression: "I feel you've become much more beautiful now."

Yu Ji immediately became a little nervous: "Is...is that so?"

Xiang Yu shook his head slightly, his almond-shaped eyes fixed on Yu Ji, and said earnestly, "It's true, not only has her skin become smoother and more delicate, but her temperament also seems to have matured."

At this moment, Yu Ji's jet-black hair was tied up high, with a delicate jade hairpin tucked into her temple. Her slender and voluptuous figure was dressed in a long red dress, exuding a dignified yet mature and charming aura. Her eyes, which glanced over unintentionally, were full of allure.

Even Xiang Yu's heart raced; Yu Ji was simply too stunning.

"It's probably just my imagination because we haven't seen each other for many days."

Yu Ji brushed aside the strands of hair between her brows, bit her lip lightly, and said.

"is it?"

Xiang Yu tilted his head slightly.

At this moment, facing Xiang Yu's pure gaze, she felt a pang of guilt.

She didn't know why, but even though she had wanted to meet Xiang Yu more than once, she felt a pang of guilt after actually meeting him.

It's like a piece of paper that's been stained; it can never be the same again.

Xiang Yu didn't think too much about it. She smiled brightly and then asked, "I'm relieved to see you're alright. By the way, there's something I want to ask you. What was the map from the other day?"

She followed the instructions in the secret letter, but instead fell into Xia Jun's ambush. This incident remained a knot in her heart, and she could not untie it for a long time.

Upon hearing this, Yu Ji explained, "I accidentally took the wrong map."

Xiang Yu was taken aback: "Did you get the wrong map?"

Yu Ji nodded slightly and recounted in detail the story of how Bai Su had just changed the blueprints that day.

Xiang Yu breathed a sigh of relief after hearing this: "I knew it. I knew you wouldn't betray me, Yu Ji. I suppose that letter saying you fell in love with Bai Su was a lie."

Upon hearing this, Yu Ji's heart tightened.

She wanted to say that she, too, had been missing you.

But when she thought about how Xiang Yu was now the commander-in-chief of the Chu Kingdom and even the allied forces of the six states, while she was just a spy who had failed in her assassination attempt and was burdened with a stigma, she realized that he was now a powerful figure in the Chu Kingdom.

If they were to return to Xiang Yu's side, what would others say about him?

Although Xiang Yu himself might not care, she couldn't let Yu'er be implicated.

Moreover, although Lord Bai was an enemy, he had always been like a warm harbor to her, which made her heart flutter. Compared to the pure and innocent Yu'er now, Bai Su, this mature man, was more suitable to be her home.

Therefore, after hesitating for a long time, Yu Ji nodded and said, "That's right, I have fallen in love with Lord Bai and hope to stay by his side from now on."

Xiang Yu stood there stunned for a long time before slowly coming back to his senses.

She forced a smile and said, "I've probably been a bit busy lately. I think I was hallucinating. I just heard you say that you've fallen for Bai Su."

Yu Ji stared straight at her with her beautiful eyes: "No, this is not a hallucination. I have really fallen in love with you, sir."

Xiang Yu's smile froze instantly. She looked at Yu Ji in disbelief, and seeing that Yu Ji's expression was serious and there was no sign of her being fake, she couldn't help but tremble: "You... are you serious?"

Seeing Xiang Yu's sorrowful expression, Yu Ji felt a pang of pain in her heart.

But in order not to jeopardize General Xiang Yu's dream, she forced herself to nod and said, "I am doing this for my husband. I hope that you, Yu'er, can make peace with the lord and stop fighting."

Xiang Yu bit her red lips tightly with her pearly teeth, and her slender jade hands clenched so tightly that they made a "crackling" sound.

After a long pause, her voice was slightly hoarse: "What if I say no and insist on being his enemy?"

Yu Ji's fingers trembled slightly within her sleeve, a complex emotion flickering in her eyes: "Then I have no choice but to sever all ties with the General."

She silently said to herself, "Only by leaving you can I avoid tarnishing your reputation, Yu'er, and stay by your side so that I can help you when you are defeated in the future."

But these words could not be told to Xiang Yu.

The two locked eyes for a moment, and the atmosphere in the entire tent froze.

.......

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