"General Zhang, quickly rise." Xiang Yu wore a smile, though somewhat forced, it was offered nonetheless. "Xiang Yu is deeply grateful for the goodwill of all the generals; I will rely heavily upon you all from this day forward."

With Xiang Yu's support, Zhang Han straightened up, his voice booming like a great bell: "We shall certainly follow General Xiang Yu, and obey the commands of King Huai of Chu."

"Swear to follow General Xiang! Swear to follow General Xiang!" The Qin soldiers by the river echoed Zhang Han's words, raising their long halberds and roaring, and the Chu soldiers in the great camp joined this resounding chorus without yielding an inch.

"Master Fan." Sima Xin felt he owed Fan Zeng a great debt of gratitude. While he had also tried to persuade Zhang Han to surrender, he felt his own contribution paled in comparison to Ye Xiu’s influence. "I have truly failed in my commission. It is only thanks to the assistance of the brave and resourceful men under your command that this matter proceeded so smoothly."

"What do you mean by that?" Fan Zeng was pleased by the incorporation of Zhang Han's forces, yet Sima Xin's words gave him pause. "Were there others involved in this affair?"

"Is Great General Ye Xiu someone assigned by Elder Master Fan?" Sima Xin was utterly confused by the situation.

"That lad? You’ve met him?" Fan Zeng was both surprised and delighted, wondering what new surprises Ye Xiu might bring him this time.

Sima Xin dared not conceal anything, stating the facts plainly: "Zhao Gao likely learned of General Zhang's intent to rebel and sent assassins to strike him down. Unexpectedly, General Ye saved him at the critical moment, which is why General Zhang has been so resolute."

"Heh, I wouldn't have thought it." Fan Zeng smiled broadly, his expression never having been so relaxed. That boy Ye Xiu was truly a prodigy of his time. He mused that Ye Xiu and General Pu must still be waiting across the river for those two to return, and when they did, he ought to make an exception and share a few cups of wine with them.

"General Zhang, please come into the main tent to rest. Today, I, Xiang, intend to drink until we all drop," Xiang Yu had not felt such high spirits in a long time. Seeing so many great generals and troops added to his banner today, he felt that unifying the realm was truly imminent. He set aside all matters, great and small; at a time like this, only true camaraderie and drinking among men felt satisfying.

Zhang Han smiled apologetically as Xiang Yu pulled him slowly toward the Chu camp. Yet, he kept glancing left and right, unable to spot Ye Xiu. That boy had promised to drink heartily with him yesterday; perhaps he had some reservations, Zhang Han could not know. As things stood, his grand ambition would have to unfold alongside this man named Xiang Yu. Once he shattered the tyranny of Qin, executed Zhao Gao, and won the title over the feudal lords, he could then counteract the Western Chu and revive the banner of his Qin dynasty.

"Gentlemen, please!" Ying Bu seized the moment with a welcoming smile. He had not relaxed the sword in his hand until this moment. Behind him stood two hundred thousand Qin troops—remember, these were troops of Qin. How could they possibly fight sincerely for the sake of righteousness under heaven against his own forces? Had Xiang Yu and Fan Zeng gone mad? Absolutely not! These two hundred thousand men could not be kept; they could defect at any moment. He absolutely had to persuade that fellow Xiang Yu to find an opportunity to eliminate all twenty thousand of them, hmph!

"Hmph! I think it’s about time for the two of us to return to camp." Ye Xiu listlessly bit his steamed bun and pointed toward the banks of the Zhang River. "General Pu, did you hear the sound of marching troops crossing the water? I think General Zhang Han's entire army has surrendered."

"What, surrendered?" General Pu, who had been somewhat dejected, instantly livened up upon hearing the word 'surrender.' "But it does sound a bit strange. Could it truly be..."

"Not 'could be,' it is certain. The Battle of Jiyuan is over; Zhang Han will surely submit to Chu." Ye Xiu stretched out his arms, letting out a long yawn. The ensuing history was about to become much more spectacular.

In 207 BCE, the Qin general Zhang Han led two hundred thousand troops to surrender to Xiang Yu. From this point on, Xiang Yu became the nominal leader of the various feudal lords. When his Western Chu army reached Xin'an, fearing defection among the Qin troops, he, along with Ying Bu, General Pu, and others, ordered the mass burial of all the Qin soldiers. Although this displeased the Qin generals and King Huai, no one dared to question the action. Not long after, Duke Pei, Liu Bang, led his righteous army to break through Wanguan Pass and enter the Guanzhong region. The Qin prince, Ziying, surrendered to Liu Bang, who then entered Xianyang and established the Three Articles of Law with the Qin people, stationing troops at Hangu Pass. The situation within the righteous army suddenly shifted.

"That bastard Liu Bang." Xiang Yu had been furious for days. The elite forces of Qin had clearly been broken by the Chu army he personally led, yet now Liu Bang had scooped up such a massive advantage.

Inside the tent, both Fan Zeng and Ying Bu wore expressions of displeasure.

"What a fine 'Three Articles of Law,' 'Three Articles of Law'!" Xiang Yu slammed the table repeatedly when mentioning Liu Bang's actions. "The first article mentions that whoever enters the pass first shall be king—this is clearly a provocation aimed at me."

Fan Zeng also deeply felt Liu Bang's perfidy: "The decree that whoever enters the pass first shall be king was an agreement between King Huai and the various lords, A-Ji. What plans do you have?"

"Plans! I have decided to send troops to attack Hangu Pass." Xiang Yu was straightforward and impatient, unwilling to tolerate this any longer. "Ying Bu, take ten thousand of our elite troops with me to strike Hangu Pass directly. We must teach that fool Liu Bang a lesson he won't forget."

"As you command." Ying Bu bowed with his sword, thinking that it had been too long since he had taken a life on the battlefield. He must sharpen his sword skills on those soldiers and civilians at Hangu Pass.

"General Ying, attacking the heart is best; just frighten Liu Bang. Absolutely do not harm the common people," Fan Zeng had many concerns, but his deepest worry was about King Huai. "A-Ji, have you considered what King Huai will think if you use force against Liu Bang in this manner?"

"King Huai, King Huai..." Xiang Yu held a shred of respect for King Huai, as King Huai of Chu, Xiong Xin, had been enthroned by his own uncle, Xiang Liang. Disrespecting him would feel like a betrayal of his uncle.

Fan Zeng saw through Xiang Yu’s thoughts immediately and stated firmly: "A-Ji, do you know that after Lord Xiang Liang died, King Huai seized considerable military authority under the pretext of balancing the strength of the various lords?"

"I know that, especially his supporting that fellow Liu Bang," Xiang Yu nodded in affirmation. "But what of it? Although King Huai is merely a puppet, he is still the King."

"Oh." Fan Zeng was somewhat surprised by Xiang Yu’s attitude. "I had assumed A-Ji intended to usurp King Huai. Was I overthinking things?"

"My foster father, you..." Xiang Yu heard the words and felt them resonate deeply. Wasn't Fan Zeng suggesting he rebel?

Fan Zeng exchanged a knowing glance with Ying Bu, beckoning him closer. "A-Ji, if you send troops against Liu Bang, it is tantamount to proclaiming to all the lords that King Huai's agreement is mere child's play. If King Huai holds you accountable then, what shall be done?"

"Hmph... What can that puppet emperor hold me accountable for? I must vent this anger over Liu Bang." Xiang Yu pondered the matter and found it troublesome; he decided to simplify things. "Ying Bu, just take your troops and launch a surprise attack. I will handle King Huai."

"Yes, General!" Ying Bu bowed to Xiang Yu, then to Fan Zeng, and turned to leave resolutely.

Xiang Yu also intended to leave the camp, but he saw that Fan Zeng remained standing exactly where he was, eyes closed.

"Foster Father, what is it?" Xiang Yu felt helpless.

"Simply kill King Huai, and be done with it," Fan Zeng’s tone suddenly turned sinister and low. The words that burst from his mouth seemed to have been deeply considered, yet how could he utter such a thing?

Xiang Yu froze upon hearing this. Was this the same loyal, high-strategizing Foster Father he knew?

Fan Zeng walked slowly toward Xiang Yu, his expression grave. "A-Ji, you must do it. Kill King Huai with your own hands and take his place."

"Foster Father... This..." Xiang Yu had never harbored such a thought, but seeing Fan Zeng’s focused expression, he knew his foster father was serious. Thinking back, ever since his uncle Xiang Liang started the uprising, King Huai had only enjoyed the benefits, while every soldier had faced blades, wrapped in horse blankets, surviving on raw food and drink.

"The realm's situation is settled for now; except for Liu Bang, no other lord poses a threat to A-Ji," Fan Zeng stared hard at Xiang Yu and spoke fiercely. "Eliminate the King first, then destroy Liu Bang, and the power of the world will be entirely in your grasp."

"Hoo..." Xiang Yu drew a heavy breath, his hand trembling slightly. This hand had gripped swords countless times, killed countless people, and never shaken before, yet now, after hearing Fan Zeng’s words, it involuntarily trembled—was it fear, excitement, or a craving for power?

"It is all dependent on your single thought," Fan Zeng delivered his final words and departed alone. His silhouette was sharply cast by the oblique sunlight outside the tent, leaving on the ground a shadow as dark and profound as an abyss.

Xiang Yu’s chest heaved uncontrollably. To be king or general now rested entirely on his decision. He knew he had no other choice; he knew anyone in his position would have no choice. "I think I know what to do," Xiang Yu slowly curved his lips; his smile had never been so subtle before.

...

Ye Xiu returned to the Chu forces but declined Fan Zeng's offer to become a general, choosing instead to diligently resume his post as a personal attendant (Zhi Ji Lang Zhong). Unluckily for him, the tent he was assigned to guard happened to be Zhang Han's.

"Brother Ye, are you truly content to be a mere foot soldier your entire life?" Zhang Han asked Ye Xiu more than once. "With your abilities, what position in this army could you not fill?"

Ye Xiu knew Zhang Han harbored resentment toward Xiang Yu, especially considering those two hundred thousand troops had once been like his right and left hands. "Thank you for the compliment, General. I have no interest in military leadership. Truthfully, I joined the army only to find a man named Han Xin."

"Han Xin? I have never heard that name. Is he a relative of Brother Ye?" Zhang Han asked casually. "The person Brother Ye seeks may not be ordinary; I truly have not heard of him."

"Yes, he is certainly not ordinary, but he is a damned good-for-nothing who has yet to appear." Ye Xiu sighed deeply. It seemed he joined the army for this Han Xin, yet after asking everywhere, there was no such person. Had the historians made a mistake with the name, miswriting someone else?

"Heh, having a goal is certainly more pleasant than my current state of aimlessness." Saying this, Zhang Han lowered his head again and poured himself a bowl of wine.

Ye Xiu understood Zhang Han's pain. He had hoped to rely on those two hundred thousand troops to find an opportunity to rise again, only to have his hopes shattered instantly by Xiang Yu. Regret and sorrow were inevitable.