The elite forces of Ying Bu struck straight at Hangu Pass. Xiang Yu openly disregarded the covenant with King Huai, stormed the pass, and pushed west of the Xi River, positioning his army exactly across the mountain from Liu Bang’s garrison at Bawang. His intent was to let his troops rest for a day, then annihilate Liu Bang in one decisive blow.

Ye Xiu was somewhat astonished by the turn of historical events, and Liu Bang’s rapid growth in strength exceeded his expectations. Considering Liu Bang was his brother-in-law, the journey from a mere minor official to the leader of a massive rebel army must have required tremendous effort. By the terms of King Huai’s agreement, Liu Bang should already be styled as the King of Qin; however, if no one could stop Xiang Yu now, this potential kingship was likely doomed to an early demise.

The moon hung cold and solitary; frost descended all around. Ye Xiu meticulously straightened his tunic and blew warm air onto his hands. Being a common soldier was most agonizing at moments like this—it was undeniably freezing outside the tent. The camp was pitch black, yet distinct, faint footsteps reached Ye Xiu’s ears—a sound only those versed in martial ways could discern.

Was it Xiang Bo? Ye Xiu carefully lowered his halberd and followed stealthily. Xiang Bo was also one of Xiang Yu’s uncles; though he rarely involved himself in the camp’s daily affairs, his status as an elder still carried weight, and Xiang Yu, to some extent, had to heed his counsel. But why was he leaving so late? Leaving the camp?

Xiang Bo and two attendants quietly mounted their horses and slipped out of the camp. They dared not whip their mounts too fiercely, fearing the horses’ sharp neighs might wake the sleeping soldiers. At a fork in the path, the trio veered sharply onto a gloomy, overgrown track. Of course, Ye Xiu could match that pace without a horse. He trailed Xiang Bo silently, knowing their destination was none other than the Pei Gong’s camp across the mountain at Bawang.

The two armies were terrifyingly close. Xiang Bo and his entourage hadn’t traveled long before reaching the Pei Gong’s location. Outside the perimeter, a figure dressed in fine, soft silks was already waiting on the path some distance away to greet them. Ye Xiu recognized him instantly: it was Zhang Liang from days past.

“My lord, please come this way.” Zhang Liang seemed somewhat nervous, yet a smile managed to play across his delicate features. “Pei Gong has been waiting inside his tent.”

Xiang Bo nodded, instructing his two attendants to lead the horses aside while he followed Zhang Liang into the Pei Gong’s command tent. Meanwhile, Ye Xiu employed the Ghost Step technique, flashing above the tent to observe everything inside with cold detachment.

“Lord Xiang Bo’s presence here is an honor; Liu Bang greets you belatedly, forgive my lack of decorum.” Liu Bang was the same as ever, presenting one face to the public and another in private. In matters of social grace, he was far superior to Xiang Yu.

“Pei Gong, I trust you are well.” Xiang Bo returned the courtesy as protocol demanded and was invited by Liu Bang to sit.

Zhang Liang turned and took a seat opposite Xiang Bo: “A few days ago, Lord Xiang Bo’s written message indicated General Xiang intends to eliminate Pei Gong. Is this true?”

“Zifang, the situation is critical; how could that be false?” Xiang Bo, being the youngest of Xiang Yu’s uncles, once found refuge with the young Lord Han, Zhang Liang, after committing murder. “Zifang owes me a favor, and I am a man who values loyalty; you can be completely assured of that.”

“General Xiang intends to eliminate me? What is this all about?” Liu Bang feigned deep grievance, his expressions wildly exaggerated. “I have been utterly loyal to General Xiang; does he truly believe I harbor rebellious thoughts?”

Xiang Bo, mindful of Zhang Liang’s presence and moved by Pei Gong’s agitation, felt a stirring of pity. “General Xiang heard that Pei Gong intends to rebel and claim the title of King, seizing Xianyang; that is the reason for this plan.”

“That is pure fabrication! Which malicious soul seeks to sow discord between General Xiang and me!” Liu Bang declared, immediately dropping to his knees inside the tent, raising one hand solemnly: “I, Liu Bang, swear that if I ever hold disloyal thoughts toward General Xiang, may I be struck by heavenly lightning and meet a terrible end.”

“Pei Gong, there is no need for such an oath, rise quickly.” Xiang Bo was shaken by Liu Bang’s display and hastily helped him up. “My presence here today is partly due to my friendship with Zifang, but more importantly, I have always believed in Pei Gong’s loyalty.”

“Alas…” Liu Bang stood up reluctantly, tears actually welling in his eyes. “General, you are a man of great righteousness, yet today Liu Bang is to perish because of slanderous words. It is truly tragic.”

Hmph, quite the performance. Ye Xiu, situated above the tent, saw the three men with perfect clarity. His own brother-in-law, Liu Bang, was hardly the type to wear his heart on his sleeve. Except for Xiang Bo, everyone else could see this was an act, and even the nearby Zhang Liang displayed superb acting, his demeanor perfectly complementing Liu Bang.

“Lord Xiang Bo, did you come today with a strategy?” Zhang Liang gently soothed the atmosphere, speaking softly. “If what you say is true, and General Xiang Yu attacks us tomorrow, we need not resist. If we are truly branded as rebels, both Pei Gong and I are prepared to die to prove our innocence.”

Xiang Bo composed himself and replied, “I came precisely to hear what Pei Gong had to say. Now that I see the matter of rebellion and claiming the throne is indeed rumor, I am certain I can persuade Xiang Yu to halt the advance. You all simply follow my arrangements.”

“Thank you, Lord Xiang Bo, for your kindness.” Hearing Xiang Bo’s words, Liu Bang was overcome with gratitude again, personally pouring a cup of wine for Xiang Bo in thanks. “With this cup, Liu Bang kneels to respect Lord Xiang Bo and express my gratitude.”

“Pei Gong, please rise! I judge the matter, not the man. Cheers!” Xiang Bo, being an upright man, downed the entire large cup of wine in one gulp.

Seeing this, Zhang Liang added another proposal: “Lord Xiang Bo has been a general for many years; I wonder how your family fares? Pei Gong has a niece of stunning beauty who seeks a talented general as a husband. I wonder if Lord Xiang Bo might be interested?”

“This…” Xiang Bo’s face flushed slightly after drinking, and hearing talk of a beautiful companion brought immediate delight to his features.

Liu Bang, not yet calming his tone, poured another cup for Xiang Bo, then downed a cup himself as a toast: “Lord Xiang Bo, please do not refuse. It would be the greatest fortune for me to become related to you through marriage. This matter is settled.”

“En.” Xiang Bo readily agreed. He seemed convinced of Liu Bang’s absolute loyalty to Xiang Yu, assuming that once the Chu army unified the realm, they would both serve the same master, making a marriage alliance perfectly logical. “Thank you for Pei Gong’s generous offer. That is all for today; moving forward, Pei Gong should follow my direction.”

“Please! Liu Bang will surely host a banquet another day to thank you profusely, my Lord.” Liu Bang smiled widely, respectfully escorting Xiang Bo out. Such deference, bordering on subservience, shown by one rebel leader toward the subordinate of another rebel leader—perhaps only Liu Bang could manage such a feat.

“Zifang, can we trust this Xiang Bo?” Once Xiang Bo departed, Liu Bang’s expression turned calm and severe as he turned to Zhang Liang. “We must prepare for both eventualities. Even if we cannot repel Xiang Yu’s main army, we absolutely must not allow him to enter the pass so easily.”

Zhang Liang wiggled his fingers and gave a cold smile: “Pei Gong, rest assured. Although Lord Xiang Bo lacks great intellect, he is honest and upright. This time, he will certainly be of use to us.”

“Let us hope…”

Watching Liu Bang’s performance, Ye Xiu felt a surge of hatred. He recalled his ambush by Fan Kuai’s group, an act orchestrated by his own brother-in-law, Liu Bang. This man was truly formidable and required careful vigilance.

The next day, the Chu army camp was orderly and peaceful. It seemed Xiang Bo had kept his word; he had successfully persuaded Xiang Yu to cease the punitive expedition against Liu Bang.

Ye Xiu had also slept poorly the previous night. When he awoke, he found himself lying inside Zhang Han’s tent, but the person sitting before him was not Zhang Han, but Fan Zeng.

“My lord, why are you here?” Ye Xiu’s mind was slightly foggy, but he reasoned that Fan Zeng was a figure of immense stature within the Chu army, second only to the commander; he could be anywhere he wished.

“Boy, you are finally awake. Do you know that a halberd attendant neglecting his duties faces military law?” Fan Zeng put down his bamboo slips and joked with Ye Xiu. “I have matters to discuss with you and wish to hear your opinion.”

Ye Xiu lowered his head, walked to Fan Zeng’s side, and leaned in to ask: “Is General Xiang perhaps angering you again?”

“Heh heh, the boy is indeed clever.” Fan Zeng smiled kindly and sighed. “Originally, we were scheduled to march against Liu today, but A-Ji suddenly changed his mind. Not only that, he decided to host a banquet tonight at Hongmen, just outside Xianyang, to entertain Liu Bang.”

“Oh? Is there anything wrong with that?” Ye Xiu felt a wave of relief but suppressed it in front of Fan Zeng. “Perhaps General Xiang and Liu Bang have reached an agreement, avoiding bloodshed. A peaceful resolution benefits both sides.”

Fan Zeng started, looking at Ye Xiu with suspicion: “Boy, this isn’t like your usual style. Are those truly your honest thoughts?”

Ye Xiu’s intentions did not escape Fan Zeng’s sharp eyes, yet both publicly and privately, Ye Xiu felt he should side with Liu Bang. “As things stand, although Pei Gong can rival General Xiang, he commands only ten legions of mixed troops, hardly a threat. A reconciliation between the two parties would naturally be best.”

“Hmph!” Fan Zeng suddenly grew displeased, standing up and brushing dust from his robes. “All of you are short-sighted fools—A-Ji is, Ying Bu is, and I never expected the boy to be the same.”

“Please enlighten me, Lord.” Ye Xiu feigned tension, though he inwardly knew what Fan Zeng sought to elicit from him. Xiang Yu and Ying Bu might indeed be short-sighted, and Ye Xiu knew he could not afford to add any more flattering words for Liu Bang. This Liu Bang was profoundly treacherous, yet exceptionally skilled at utilizing talent. Looking at his advisors and generals alone, one could tell this man was destined for greatness one day.

“Alas, boy, you do not know the full picture.” Fan Zeng spewed out the frustrations he hadn't fully voiced to Xiang Yu. “What allowed Liu Bang to rise from a mere minor official to the leader of such a rebellion? He championed righteousness and earned widespread fame and high prestige among the rebels. Furthermore, what was the purpose of the Three Articles of Law he imposed upon the people of Qin after entering the pass? Was it not to win hearts? A man who plots so meticulously and plans so far ahead—what kind of ambition does he harbor? That is as plain as day!”

“What Lord says is entirely correct.” Ye Xiu bowed his head. Fan Zeng’s worry was absolutely valid, but unfortunately, that obstinate and soft-hearted fellow Xiang Yu was destined not to have the last laugh.

Fan Zeng continued, his face showing a touch of helplessness: “The current A-Ji is not the man he used to be. Being lauded by these regional lords all day long, he has forgotten his original great ambition.”

“The open disregard for King Huai’s covenant—doesn't that demonstrate General Xiang’s fighting spirit?” Ye Xiu tried to console Fan Zeng, but even as he spoke the words, he felt they lacked any real impact.

“What good is discarding it? Now, even killing King Huai is useless. As long as Liu Bang lives, A-Ji will never sleep soundly.” Fan Zeng’s eyes flashed menacingly. “Let alone Liu Bang, even you…”

“Me? What about me?” Ye Xiu felt a cold sweat break out upon hearing his name, turning behind him to grip his demonic blade.

“Boy, I won't hide my thoughts from you.” Fan Zeng dropped the bamboo slips and looked intently at Ye Xiu. “In my view, besides Liu Bang, you are the greatest obstacle to A-Ji’s success.”

“Hoo…” Ye Xiu met Fan Zeng’s eyes and felt an intense chill.

“I don't know your true origins, but a person who deliberately conceals his abilities while hiding in the lowest ranks of the army is never simple. I believe you have your own agenda, and you simply haven't found the opportunity—or perhaps the catalyst—to unleash yourself. Once triggered, you could soar to the heavens.” Fan Zeng paused, deliberately emphasizing his next words: “If, one day, you cannot be utilized by my Chu army, I would rather kill you.”

Ye Xiu showed no visible shock upon hearing this. He was fortunate to have formed a bond of friendship beyond his years with Fan Zeng, a relationship that seemed deep enough for them to discuss the value of each other's existence openly. He knew Fan Zeng was serious, and Ye Xiu himself harbored a strange anticipation for the day he might have to break that bond with Fan Zeng.

“Enough, there’s no need to be nervous. If that day comes, perhaps A-Ji wouldn't allow it, and perhaps I would be reluctant as well.” Fan Zeng regained his composure and sat down again. “Those are irrelevant now. What matters is tonight’s banquet at Hongmen.”

Ye Xiu had certainly heard of the Hongmen Banquet, but what did Fan Zeng intend to do? Did he truly plan to eliminate Liu Bang there?

Fan Zeng gave a cold laugh: “Boy, you will go tonight as well. You will replace them in guarding the camp. Ying Bu will also go, and Xiang Zhuang will go.”

Xiang Zhuang performs his sword dance with the intent to attack Pei Gong! Ye Xiu was startled. This was all Fan Zeng’s scheme. Xiang Yu would never agree to such a drastic measure, so Fan Zeng had summoned Ye Xiu, Ying Bu, and Xiang Zhuang.

“I will have Xiang Zhuang dance to entertain, creating an opportunity to assassinate Liu Bang on the spot.” It seemed Fan Zeng had made all arrangements in advance. “If nothing is achieved inside the tent, boy, you must join Ying Bu in utterly killing Liu Bang and his entourage. I have decided to trust in the capabilities of you two.”

“What? You want me to kill Liu Bang!” Ye Xiu never imagined he would participate in the legendary Hongmen Banquet in such a capacity.

“Exactly. Any defiance will be dealt with according to military law.” Fan Zeng nodded firmly, confirming the order without giving Ye Xiu a chance to argue.

Ye Xiu’s heart pounded. How could he possibly execute Liu Bang? Even though Liu Bang was hypocritical and cunning, how could he kill him? The Lord of the Eastern Sea had told him about history, and he had tried to alter things, but while the process could change, the ending must remain fixed—that was history. However, the bloodthirsty Ying Bu couldn't be controlled by such philosophical concerns; his actions were beyond Ye Xiu’s reach.

“Everything is settled. Rest briefly and prepare to accompany the troops,” Fan Zeng said quietly before exiting the tent. Everything was within his grasp; he intended to secure the future for A-Ji.

The long river bathed in the setting sun, the moon climbed high peaks, and a damp wind stirred the withered banners. The entire Hongmen grounds lay in deathly silence. Xiang Yu, Ying Bu, and Xiang Bo were already within the main encampment, three men sitting together, each lost in their own thoughts, speaking no word while awaiting Liu Bang’s arrival.

Ye Xiu stood before the camp, feeling anxious. Liu Bang’s attendance at this feast was akin to walking into a tiger’s den, and Ye Xiu was determined to ensure his safety no matter what. History recorded that Xiang Bo would shield against Xiang Zhuang’s sword dance, but now, inexplicably, Ying Bu was added to the mix. If Ying Bu intended to kill, Liu Bang’s few worthless guards would be no match. What should he do?

“Giddy-up…” At that moment, a small troop of horses galloped toward the front of the camp. Ye Xiu intentionally hid behind a tent structure, watching from a distance. There were only five riders: Liu Bang, Zhang Liang, Fan Kuai, and two unidentifiable fellows who looked particularly ugly. At this moment, Liu Bang was clearly transformed from the minor official of before, presenting an air of calm maturity, possessing the bearing of a king.

Ye Xiu carefully concealed himself, knowing it was unwise to show himself. He needed to monitor Ying Bu, who had ridden out to meet Liu Bang.

“Go inside.” Ying Bu’s voice was harsh, showing Liu Bang no courtesy.

“Your subordinate, Liu Bang, has come to beg General Xiang’s forgiveness!” Disregarding Ying Bu’s cold words, Liu Bang, along with Zhang Liang, immediately performed a deep kowtow to Xiang Yu upon entering the tent. His entire purpose for coming was to ease the tension between himself and Xiang Yu; enduring any humiliation was worthwhile.

“Pavilion Chief Liu, you have finally arrived. Please sit.” Although Xiang Yu was angry, he refrained from verbal abuse. With a small wave of his hand, he motioned for Liu Bang to rise and sit in a corner of the tent. “I have wine and meat here; Pavilion Chief, please help yourself. Oh, and this lady beside you…”

Zhang Liang knew Xiang Yu intended to insult him but could only yield with a smile: “General Xiang jokes. I am Zhang Liang.”

“You are the Young Lord of Han, Zhang Liang, who attempted to assassinate the First Emperor at Bolangsha?” Xiang Yu seemed incredulous that the renowned hero possessed such feminine features. “You are the universally acclaimed chivalrous master, Zhang Liang Zifang?”

“Heh heh, Zifang, General Xiang is praising you; why don’t you offer your thanks?” Liu Bang subtly signaled Zhang Liang with his eyes.

Zhang Liang naturally understood and performed another deep bow to Xiang Yu: “Today, Zifang is immensely fortunate to witness General Xiang’s might. I hear General Xiang is upright and broad-minded, terrifyingly dominant in battle, invincible—the victory at Julu, where your army of sixty thousand swept away Qin’s main force of two hundred thousand, truly establishes you as the overlord of the realm. How dare a mere assassin like myself presume to flatter General Xiang.”

“Hahahaha, Zifang is indeed eloquent. Please sit,” Xiang Yu said, beaming from Zhang Liang’s praise. He ordered wine to be poured for Zhang Liang as well, and they toasted each other.

“I hear General Xiang is always discerning, capable of identifying loyalty and treachery at a glance. Zifang admires this greatly.” Zhang Liang finished his cup and spoke eloquently again: “But how then did the loyalty of Pei Gong come to be doubted?”

Xiang Yu’s good mood vanished instantly upon hearing Zhang Liang’s subtle reproach, and he put down his wine cup: “I have always held Pavilion Chief Liu in high regard; how could I listen to the slander of traitors?”

Seeing Xiang Yu growing displeased, Liu Bang quickly stood up and bowed deeply: “Since my uprising, Liu Bang has received continuous care from both General Xiang Liang and General Xiang Yu. Without the righteous support of you two generals, where would Liu Bang be today? My loyalty to General Xiang is as evident as heaven and earth.”

In just a short time, Xiang Yu had received three deep bows from Liu Bang, and his heart was naturally soaring. However, suspicion lingered regarding Liu Bang—after all, Liu Bang had seized Xianyang amidst the chaos, and though the Three Articles of Law were ostensibly for the people of Qin, the first article already signaled his ambition to become king: “I believe in Pavilion Chief Liu’s loyalty, but why did you seize Xianyang ahead of my army while we were fighting Qin’s main force, and why station troops at Hangu Pass?”

Liu Bang gasped in alarm and stepped forward again: “Please forgive my ambition, General Xiang! I only wished to destroy the tyrannical Qin to save the common people from fire and water. Coincidentally, General Xiang was valiantly fighting Qin’s main force at Julu, creating the perfect opportunity for our forces to enter the pass. All credit belongs to General Xiang; how would I dare claim it for myself? Furthermore, although the Qin army was routed by us, they remain ambitious and continue to harass the populace in Xianyang. I was compelled by necessity to dispatch men to garrison Hangu Pass to guard against a Qin counterattack; there was absolutely no intention to block General Xiang.”