Chapter 44 Chapter 44: Raise the Army

In the Yamen courtyard, Xiao Chuan and Xiang Yu walked up to the high platform in the center of the courtyard. Under the high platform, the brothers of Juxian Hall stood with solemn expressions.Xiaochuan announced to his brothers with a solemn expression: "Now Juxiantang is raising the banner of rebellion in order to overthrow the tyranny of Hu Hai and Zhao Gao. I will also officially change my name back to 'Yi Xiaochuan' and sever ties with the Qin army." Hearing this, the brothers in the audience applauded in unison, shouting "Master Yi". Xiao Chuan discussed with Xiang Yu and Xiang Liang that he would go north to Pei County and organize an uprising there to cooperate with the uprising in Kuaiji.Xiang Liang asked Xiao Chuan if there was anyone there, and Xiao Chuan told him there was Liu Bang. Xiang Liang said disdainfully, "This guy has thick skin and a dark heart, and he can't be trusted."

Xiao Chuan nodded, he also knew Liu Bang's character, so he decided to go alone and let Xiao Yue stay here.Xiang Yu immediately nodded and agreed after hearing this: "Leave it to me, it will make Xiaoyue happy, don't worry." Xiaochuan bid farewell to Xiang Yu, and Xiaoyue hurried to Pei County.Xiaochuan came to the door of Lu's house and got off his horse sideways. The Lu's house in front of him was quite dilapidated. A child ran out of the door, and there was a scolding sound from behind, and the child hid behind Xiaochuan with a "whoosh" . Wrapped in an apron, with loose hair and the appearance of a yellow-faced woman, Lu Zhi chased out with a broom in hand, and did not put away her fierceness when she saw someone.When Xiao Chuan saw Lu Zhi's appearance, he couldn't help sighing in his heart, time makes people old, and Lu Zhi, who was young and beautiful back then, has now become a market woman.Xiao Chuan took off his bamboo hat, and when Lu Zhi saw it was him, his face immediately turned livid, he quickly fixed his hair, and led him to meet Lu Gong.

In Lu's mansion, the main house is already a bit dilapidated, and there are a lot of things missing.Seeing Xiao Chuan, Lu Gong couldn't help but sighed. Xiao Chuan asked Lu Gong: "Lu Gong, where is Liu Bang now?" Lu Gong pointed to the two children outside the door and said: "This is Liu Ying, Liu Bang's son, but Liu Bang is still hiding in the mountains and falling grass." Xiao Chuan said this time that he wanted to raise the flag of the uprising when the uprisings were raging everywhere, and do a great cause, so that he could also take Liu Bang down the mountain and reunite their husband and wife.

Lu Zhi returned to the main room with the tea, his hair was neatly tidied up, apparently he had been washed, and he looked much fresher than before.Lu Zhi interrupted and said: "The uprising is not as easy as it says. Since Liu Bang was wanted, no one came to the Lu family's private school. Now there is no money to raise trouble." Xiao Chuan had already made up his mind, and took out the Ye Mingzhu and handed it to Lu Zhi. Lu Zhi's eyes widened when he saw such a treasure.Xiaochuan asked her to sell Ye Mingzhu, and the money he got was used for the uprising. He immediately went up the mountain to find Liu Bang to discuss.

As soon as Xiao Chuan left, Lu Gong regretted it, and sighed: "Oh, I didn't expect Xiao Chuan to become the all-powerful Meng Yi, and now he is going to do another big thing. I really lost my sight and bet the treasure on Liu Bang. body." Xiao Chuan finally found Liu Bang in the valley.In a dilapidated camp, several ragged men were lying on the ground, lazily falling asleep.Xiao Chuan found Liu Bang and woke him up. When Liu Bang saw Xiao Chuan, he was taken aback, thinking he was dead? Xiao Chuan saw his surprise from Liu Bang's expression, and he said to Liu Bang: "I am not dead, and now I have restored the name of Xiao Chuan, in order to sever ties with Tyranny. This time I came here to see you together. Pei County revolted and conspired for great things."

Who knew that Liu Bang pulled Xiao Chuan aside in surprise, and said in fear: "In the past, I ran away alone, but if it was a rebellion, the whole family would be beheaded. I have a wife and children now, so I dare not take this risk." risk." Now it was Xiao Chuan's turn to be dumbfounded, thinking: Han Gaozu made his fortune by relying on the uprising in Pei County, why is the real Liu Bang so timid? No matter how Xiaochuan persuaded, Liu Bang just didn't listen, and finally just lay back on the mat and went to sleep. When Xiao Chuan returned to Lu's house, he found that Lu's house had been cleaned up, and little Liu Ying was not so messy anymore.

Lu Zhi put on the gold silk feather shirt again, and she told Xiao Chuan bluntly that she borrowed some money to redeem the pawned dress, because it was her favorite dress and it was the first time she saw it. The clothes I wore when I arrived at Xiao Chuan were the clothes that Xiao Chuan wore when he hugged her for the first and only time. Xiao Chuan sighed and said, "I am not the Xiao Chuan I was back then, and Ms. Lu is already married as a wife. Let's take this lightly." Lu Zhi glanced at Xiao Chuan, disappointed and said: "I just like this suit, and I will help Liu Bang become a dragon among men stronger than you."

Xiao Chuan nodded: "He will have such a day in the future." When Lu Zhi asked about Liu Bang's situation, Xiao Chuan shook his head and sighed: "Brother Liu was worried about being convicted and refused to go down the mountain. I can only lead the uprising alone." Lu Zhi was so angry that his brows stood on end, and he said, "It's so muddy, it really can't support the wall!" The sub-helm of the Juxian Hall in Peixian County was crowded with people, and everyone was discussing: "Master Yi has returned from the dead, and the news of his return to the rivers and lakes has been widely known. I don't know if it is true or not."

As soon as Xiao Chuan appeared, everyone exclaimed together: "It's really the leader!" Xiao Chuan clasped his fists at everyone, and said: "The imperial court wants to drive us all to extinction, just to force us to rise up. Now that Juxian Halls all over the country have joined the rebel army, I plan to build a rebel army in Peixian County, and lead everyone to achieve a great cause together!" Everyone cheered for a while, and someone raised a thing and shouted: "Go and grab the county government office now! Let's take up our weapons and go together!"

Liu Bang was lying on the mat and sleeping, when someone kicked him suddenly, Liu Bang moved his body and continued to sleep, the person kicked him again, Liu Bang opened his eyes impatiently and wanted to scold him, but he saw, Standing in front of them were Lu Zhi and his son Liu Ying.Liu Bang hurriedly stood up with a smile on his face, Lu Zhi gritted his teeth angrily, and said, "This is what you said about plotting a big deal! Why don't you go down the mountain and start trouble with Xiao Chuan?" Liu Bang prevaricated: "It's not for the safety of you and your children. If the uprising fails, we will all be beheaded."

Lu Zhi nodded and said: "Okay, since you are worried about this, I just brought the child with me today, and our mother and son will jump off the cliff to commit suicide tonight, so you will have nothing to worry about!" Lu Zhi pulled Liu Ying and walked towards the cliff. Liu Ying cried in fright, and Liu Bang hurriedly dragged and dragged, begging.Lu Pheasant dragged his son to the edge of the cliff, and hung Liu Ying over the cliff. Liu Bang was so frightened that his legs became weak, and he knelt on the ground and begged: "Madam, absolutely not! As long as your mother and child are safe, I, Liu Bang, will agree to anything! " Liu Bang fulfilled his promise the next day and immediately went down to join the uprising. Then, Lu Zhi found Xiao Chuan and reminded him that he had promised Lu Su to take care of Lu's family. She also said that this time she had persuaded Liu Bang to go down the mountain to participate in the uprising, and she must arrange a good position for Liu Bang. Xiao Chuan told Lu Zhi that he would leave Pei County temporarily. Tomorrow, the Pei County Uprising Army will hold a meeting to elect a new leader. He will definitely let the new leader take care of Liu Bang. After Lu Zhi heard this, his eyes rolled and his heart came into focus. When Lu Zhi returned home, he told Liu Bang that it was so and so, and even turned on the lights to fight at night, and made a set of red clothes for Liu Bang overnight. At the uprising army meeting, Xiaochuan said to the brothers: "Now Xiang Yu of Kuaiji has found the descendant of King Huai of Chu and wants to support him as king, so I will leave Peixian temporarily to go to Kuaiji to discuss with all parties. Now Peixian needs One person assumes leadership responsibility." Everyone started talking, and suddenly someone in the crowd laughed loudly, the crowd was commotion, and everyone gave way to the road.I saw Liu Bang, who was wearing a red gown, strode forward chicly and stepped onto the stage. As soon as Liu Bang came to the stage, he immediately laughed and hugged Xiao Chuan, saying: "My dear brother, you are safe and sound! After leaving Xianyang, it has been a few years. My brother is so happy to see you today! I think we were married in Jinlan back then, and we met to plan great things together. We can finally start today!" Everyone immediately discussed: "Who is he?" Liu Bang took a step forward and said: "In Xiapei County, Liu Bang and the leader are sworn brothers, but because they couldn't bear the tyranny of Qin to persecute the people, they let go of the corvee without authorization, so they had to live in the mountains. This time, we know that my brother is in trouble, and we are friends of fate. , how can we not come to help him!" Someone shouted: "He is Liu Bang! The son of the Red Emperor who killed the son of the White Emperor!" Someone picked up and said, "No wonder he is dressed in red, I didn't expect him to be the leader's elder brother." Someone shouted again: "How about we elect him as the new leader?" Liu Bang also pretended to be modest and said: "How can Liu Bang be so good, he dare not take on this important task, and ask the leader to decide." Xiao Chuan was about to speak, but found that Lu Zhi was looking at him from the audience, his eyes were full of expectation, and his mouth seemed to say "Lu Su".Xiao Chuan hesitated for a moment, and finally announced: "Follow everyone's call, so I ask my brother to take more care." Liu Bang clasped his fist at Xiao Chuan and bowed to everyone, and several people took the lead in shouting. Xiao Chuan was about to leave, he bowed his hands to say goodbye to everyone, Liu Bang led the crowd to return the gift to him, Xiao Chuan flew on his horse and left Pei County.Liu Bang waved off Xiao Chuan who was leaving, and couldn't help laughing. In Lu's mansion, Liu Bang was complacent and poured himself a drink. He did not expect to become the leader of the Peixian uprising army so easily.Lu Zhi rushed towards him, and Liu Bang also poured her a glass of wine, wanting to celebrate with her. Who knew that Lu Zhi slapped the wine glass and jug flying: "I have worked so hard to get you the position of leader. Is it for you to enjoy the blessings? Since you are the leader, you have to work hard and work hard on government affairs, but you are hiding in the Drink here!" Liu Bang waved his hand: "A small Pei County, why bother to manage it? What I think in my heart is how to win the world." Lu Zhi sneered: "Hmph, don't be too high-minded, you're just wishful thinking." Liu Bang smiled: "Hehe, that's all, let Madam see how low my hand is today." In the county yamen, there were high piles of slips and slips on the case table, and the subordinates reported that they had accumulated five days of official documents. Liu Bang sat down, rolled up his sleeves, and began to inspect the official documents. He saw that Liu Bang reviewed the official documents quickly, gave instructions like flying, dispatched the servants in an orderly manner, and finished processing the official documents in less than half a day. Liu Bang looked at the sun and yawned: "You can still sleep for half a day, and you can come here once every ten days." Lu Zhi finally couldn't hold back a satisfied smile: "I didn't expect you, a lazy man, to have some tricks." Liu Bang smiled: "Otherwise, how can we marry my wife back?" Before Liu Bang finished laughing, the messenger came to report: "Qin Bing suddenly appeared dozens of miles away!" Liu Bang's complexion changed drastically, and he slapped the table angrily: "I knew that Xiao Chuan didn't give way so kindly. He must have known that Qin Bing was coming, so he ran away first, and left this mess for me to carry! He was full of benevolence and morality, Villain, villain!... No, I won’t hold this tank, and then go up the mountain and drop the grass!” Liu Bang stood up and was about to run, a knife was on his neck, but Liu Bang took a closer look at Lu Zhi, who was furious! Lu Zhi said angrily: "If you go to Luocao again, I will be the first to kill you!" Liu Bang looked at Lu Pheasant, and smiled unhurriedly: "Madam, don't get angry, I'm just trying to make you happy!" Liu Bang issued an order: "Immediately gather all the troops in the county and prepare to meet the enemy soldiers." . Lu Zhi shook his head and sighed, "Which one of your words is true?" Liu Bang smiled wryly: "The next sentence is true. Ma'am, I think if we really can't hold on, it's better to make plans early." Liu Bang and Lu Zhi were galloping forward in the fleeing carriage, and Lu Zhi complained: "How can you be the leader of Pei County, so vulnerable, where else can we settle now?" Liu Bang wasn't angry either: "I know I'm not made for war. Among the heroes of the world, I, Liu Bang, can't be ranked at all. It seems that if I want to make a big deal, I have to think of other ways!" Lu Zhi asked, "What should we do now?" Liu Bang nodded: "There is only one way now, go to Kuaiji and ask Xiaochuan to borrow troops! Save your strength and wait for the opportunity!" Lu Zhi doubted whether Xiao Chuan would lend him troops, Liu Bang smiled: "The Shanren have their own tricks!" When Liu Bang and Lu Zhi arrived in Wuzhong County, when Liu Bang saw groups of mighty soldiers on the street, he couldn't help cursing: "Look here, what Xiaochuan left me in Peixian County are all broken soldiers, no wonder I lost the battle !" Lu Zhi glared at him and said, "Then why did Xiao Chuan win many battles when Xiao Chuan was in Pei County, but you were defeated as soon as you took over?" Liu Bangdao: "This is because Xiao Chuan is always scheming, and I am too generous and kind!" Lu Zhi sighed: "It doesn't matter whether you win or lose in the battlefield, you, Liu Bang, must be the most cheeky in the world!" While speaking, Xiang Yu galloped excitedly, and a cloud of dust rolled up, making Liu Bang and Lu Zhi look dusty. Lu Zhi was so angry that he was about to curse, but Liu Bang covered his mouth: "This is Xiang Yu!" Xiang Yu rushed into Xiaoyue's study room, saw no one was around, took out a box and placed it on Xiaoyue's desk.Then he heard Xiaoyue's footsteps, and he immediately hid in a corner. Xiaoyue smiled when she saw the box on the desk, deliberately ignoring the box, and asked the maid to throw it away. Xiang Yu ran out in a hurry and said, "Wait a minute! How can I lose it? This is the spoil of war I brought back from the battle, and it is specially brought to you." Xiaoyue smiled, pointed at the bottles and cans in the room, and said: "Every time you win a battle, you will send something. There is no room in the room. In fact, you don't need to send anything. As long as you come back safely, I will give you something." Very happy." Xiaoyue took out a small amulet and gave it to Xiang Yu, saying: "I asked for this, it can keep you safe." Xiang Yu deliberately refused to pick it up and asked Xiaoyue to put it on for him. He also deliberately straightened his body and raised his head.Xiang Yu was tall and tall, and Xiaoyue stood on tiptoe to wrap the amulet around his neck with great difficulty. The moment Xiaoyue's hands wrapped around his neck, Xiang Yu stretched out his arms and gently moved Xiaoyue to his chest.Xiaoyue stared at Xiang Yu, Xiang Yu deliberately teased her and said, "Slap on the left or the right this time?" Xiaoyue's hands were still on Xiang Yu's neck, she didn't resist, she leaned gently on Xiang Yu's chest, closed her eyes, and Xiang Yu also hugged her gently. The messenger broke in suddenly, and Xiaoyue left in a hurry with some embarrassment. The messenger reported that Liu Bang from Pei County came to visit, and Xiang Yu frowned: "Why do you interrupt every time because of him!" In the garden, Liu Bang, Xiang Yu and Xiao Chuan drank at the same table.Seeing that Xiang Yu's expression was wrong, Liu Bang kept praising that Xiang Yu's men were full of elite soldiers and strong generals who were invincible, and they were simply gods of war. Liu Bang took the opportunity to say: "Since Xiao Chuan and I are sworn brothers, and Brother Xiang and Xiao Chuan are also sworn brothers, the three of us might as well form a fraternal alliance so that we can take care of each other in the future." Xiao Chuan wholeheartedly wanted to break into Xianyang as soon as possible, and he very much agreed, proposing to attack Da Qin with the strength of the three of them. Xiang Yu immediately agreed, and he had long wanted to capture Zhao Gao for revenge.Under Xiang Yu's suggestion, the three made a covenant and competed to see whoever broke into Xianyang first would be the king of Guanzhong. Liu Bang sighed and sighed: "The Qin army's soldiers are overwhelming, and I am defeated. How can Brother Xiang's elite soldiers compare with me? It seems that I, Liu Bang, are destined to lose." Xiang Yu was full of pride: "In this case, for the sake of fairness, I will borrow three thousand soldiers from Brother Liu, and the three of them will rise on the same day to see who will rush into Xianyang first!" Liu Bang was overjoyed, and the three clapped their hands together as an oath. On the battlefield, the soldiers fought fiercely and fought hand-to-hand. Xiao Chuan took the lead and forced the Qin soldiers to retreat steadily. Xiao Chuan led the soldiers to pursue with the banner of "Yi".On the other side, Xiang Yu commanded the soldiers to break through the city gate, and fought hand-to-hand on the city wall. Amidst the smoke, Xiang's banner was planted on the city tower... Liu Bang, with a smile on his face, personally gave food to the refugees in the market, and gave a speech at the crowd gathering place, talking loudly, while Lu Zhi watched secretly anxiously. Back at the official office, Liu Bang put chess pieces on the map, making gestures.Lu Zhi said anxiously: "Why are you so slow in advancing troops, how can you be the king of Guanzhong like this?" Liu Bang has self-knowledge: "I am not as good as Xiang Yu in terms of force, I am not as good as Xiao Chuan in the art of war, so I have to think of other tactics. I have done good deeds everywhere along the way, and now the world knows that I, Liu Bang, am a teacher of benevolence and righteousness. Therefore, let Xiao Chuan and Xiang Yu's army The momentum ahead is like a broken bamboo, so I just need to follow unhurriedly. It’s still far away from Xianyang, so I just need to accumulate strength and wait for the opportunity.” Lu Zhi nodded, and said: "It's not unreasonable to say that, it seems that you are planning to reap the benefits of being a fisherman, um, you are really wise." Liu Bang bowed to Lu Zhi and said, "Thank you Madam for your compliment." Xiaoyue knelt in front of the incense burner, clasped her hands together and prayed silently for Xiang Yu and Xiaochuan.The maid came in to report that Xiang Yu had won another battle and would return to camp triumphantly today.Xiaoyue immediately laughed heartily and asked the maid to help her dress up.Xiaoyue prepares food and wine, and happily waits for Xiang Yu's return.As soon as Xiang Yu entered the door, Xiaoyue greeted him, but this time Xiang Yu did not have the usual joy, but a look of sadness on his face. Seeing Xiang Yu like this, Xiaoyue asked anxiously: "What's the matter?" Xiang Yu said with tears in his eyes: "Uncle... died in battle!" After speaking, tears welled up in Xiang Yu's eyes, Xiaoyue burst into tears as she watched, walked to Xiang Yu's side, stretched out both hands to hold Xiang Yu's hand. Xiang Yu raised his head, looked at Xiaoyue, held her hand tightly, and said, "I, Xiang Yu, will avenge my uncle in this life!" Xiang Yu stood up and was about to leave, Xiaoyue gently held him, and wiped away his tears: "You must come back well, I will wait for you here." Xiang Yu immediately hugged Xiaoyue tightly into his arms. Xiaochuan's army met Li You's army. After a fierce battle, Xiaochuan won a complete victory.The Sichuan army surrounded the Qin army.At this time, there were only some wounded and disabled soldiers around Li You. Xiao Chuan couldn't bear to kill Li You, and said: "Now you have been defeated, only a few hundred soldiers are left, and you are surrounded by me. Any further resistance will only increase the casualties. .If General Li is unwilling to surrender, I will let you live, and I will take it as my admiration for you, General." Li You smiled and said: "I, Li Yousheng, belong to Daqin, and death is Daqin's ghost. Now that Daqin is about to perish, what's the use of stealing my own life?" Li You returned to his soldiers. The soldiers were all in a panic. Li You patted their shoulders one by one, and then ordered them to either join Xiaochuan's army or go home to farm. Finally, Li You was the only one left under the banner of "Li".Xiaochuan got on his horse and left with the soldiers, leaving Li You standing there alone.Li You took out a piccolo and played a piece of music. Listening to the music, Xiao Chuan walked farther and farther away. Suddenly, the sound of the flute stopped. Xiao Chuan stopped his horse and turned his head slowly. He saw Li You's long sword slashing across his neck, and his body was on the verge of falling. Grabbing the flagpole with the word "Li" written on it, his eyes wide open, he refused to fall down for a long time. Seeing this scene, Xiao Chuan felt sad and desolate in his heart, tears filled his eyes...