Chapter 33 2. Each has a ghost

Xiang Yu's advisers, generals, princes from all walks of life and their main civil and military officials came to the big tent early in the morning.A large tent can accommodate no less than a hundred people.Xiang Yu deliberately made the scene very big, the purpose is to clarify the facts in front of the princes of the world. If Liu Bang can explain clearly, then he can have a good time; Put to death, lest he die in an unclear manner, and let himself be charged with the crime of unjustly killing an anti-Qin hero.As soon as Tyranny was overthrown, he began to kill each other for power and profit. Xiang Yu was afraid of such a notoriety.As Zhang Liang said, he is a man bound by benevolence, righteousness and morality, and lacks the courage and means that an emperor must possess.Such a person will not be able to master the "art of the monarch facing south" in "The Art of War".

Seeing Xiang Yu greet so many people, Fan Zeng was so angry that his beard cocked up.With so many people present, it is even more difficult to get rid of Liu Bang. How can we do it without giving everyone an explanation?But Xiang Yu has turned the meeting with Liu Bang into a grand banquet, and the fait accompli cannot be changed. We can't drive back all the guests who came to the banquet!It wasn't a simple faux pas, but self-defeating, and it was clear that there was a ghost in his heart, and the suspicion was even greater.Let Xiang Yu, who cherishes his reputation, do this, he is absolutely unwilling. "Let's play by ear!" Fan Zeng also made the same plan as Xiang Yu.

However, Fan Zeng had already selected a group of brave warriors from the army and arranged them around the big tent, surrounding the big tent like an iron barrel. There were also heavily armed soldiers on both sides of the road from the camp gate to the big tent.As long as Liu Bang walks into the big tent, he is a bird in the cage, and he can't escape with his wings! But this scene didn't frighten Liu Bang, so it startled the princes from all walks of life who went to the banquet. Everyone was terrified when they saw this murderous scene, although they knew that this posture was for Liu Bang who came to the banquet. Yes, but no one dares to guarantee that the spearhead will not be pointed at himself. In case Xiang Yu wants to stew all the princes and Liu Bang together, annex all the people and horses, rule the world, and become the second Qin Shihuang, it will not be easy!This possibility was constantly magnified by the fear in their hearts. The princes' psychological balance, which was already inclined to Liu Bang, was one-sided this time, and they all unconsciously stood on Liu Bang's front, treating themselves as victims like Liu Bang.

Freezing three feet does not happen in a day.These princes have been suppressed for a long time under Xiang Yu's command.Although Xiang Yu is the general and the commander-in-chief of the coalition forces recommended by the princes from all walks of life, these princes have their own mountains and are not under Xiang Yu's subordinates. They are naturally dissatisfied when they are called around by Xiang Yu.It's just that he was frightened by Xiang Yu's prestige and didn't dare to show it openly.Therefore, they naturally tended to Liu Bang in the dispute between Liu and Xiang.Imagine, if Liu Bang is wiped out by Xiang Yu along the way, will he be the next unlucky one?Rather than being defeated individually, it is better to form a group now and compete with the strongest overlord Xiang Yu.

In fact, Xiang Yu was very wronged, and he didn't want to do this, but he had already promised Fan Zeng yesterday, so he couldn't go back on his word and asked Fan Zeng to remove him. When Xiang Bo saw so many warriors outside the tent, he became angry. He strode into the tent, pulled Xiang Yu who was joking with the rushing princes behind, and asked angrily, "Your Majesty, what do you put out?" What is this posture for?" "What posture?" Xiang Yu didn't know whether he was referring to the princes in the big tent or the warriors outside the tent.Xiang Bo misunderstood that Xiang Yu had changed his mind midway and wanted to deal with Liu Bang, so he said eagerly, "Hasn't the matter been basically cleared up? Today you and Pei Gong met as brothers to clear up the misunderstanding. Why did you arrange so many warriors? Do you want to kill Liu Bang again?" Pei Gong?"

With an innocent face, Xiang Yu smiled wryly and told the story of Fan Zeng coming to persuade him yesterday after Uncle Xiang left. "Yafu insists on doing this, and I can't help it!" "Then what are you going to do?" "Let's play by ear! Although Yafu has made such an arrangement, he still has to obey my orders. If Liu Ji is not at fault, I will not kill innocent people in vain! Uncle, don't worry!" Xiang Yu comforted Xiang Bo. Uncle Xiang nodded and thought to himself: How can I feel at ease if you are so capricious and indecisive?He had no choice but to remind himself to cheer up, keep an eye on Xiang Yu and Fan Zeng, protect Liu Bang, and never make a mistake, otherwise he would be ashamed of his benefactor Zhang Liang and his in-law Liu Bang.He never thought about whether he would disappoint his nephew Xiang Yu.Xiang Bo decided to vaccinate Xiang Yu again, "Liu Ji was the first to enter the pass, forced his son to surrender, took Xianyang, and comforted the people in the pass, maintained law and order, and guarded the treasury and palace. Without him, you could have entered the pass so smoothly. Is it off? He has such merits, if you harm him without authorization, it will be unjust!"

Xiang Bo knew very well how important the word "unrighteous" was to Xiang Yu, who valued his reputation.He let go of such cruel words, which is to add a moral burden to Xiang Yu and make him an extra obstacle when dealing with Liu Bang.Xiang Yu nodded and returned to the big tent. The guard came in and announced: "Pei Gong's motorcade is not far from the gate of the camp!" Xiang Yu heard the news, got up and left the table, and walked outside.The princes and the people present were stunned for a moment, then got up one after another, and walked out with Xiang Yu.In Xiang Yu's view, Xiang Bo and Fan Zeng had completely different reactions to this move.

Uncle Xiang knew his nephew very well. He was arrogant and defiant. When others came to see him, he rarely went out to greet him.Now he went out to welcome Liu Bang, which was really a very high courtesy, which showed that he was showing kindness to Liu Bang, or that he felt guilty for misunderstanding Liu Bang.In this case, Xiang Yu should not harm Liu Bang again. Seeing that Xiang Yu treated Liu Bang so courteously, Fan Zeng clearly had no malice towards Liu Bang. Xiang Yu is a person who is not good at hiding his inner feelings, and he will show his likes and dislikes.Then, it seems impossible for him to kill Liu Bang.Fan Zeng had a premonition that his plan might go bankrupt, but now that the arrow is on the line, he can only wait for the opportunity. "This child's ears are too soft, she has the benevolence of a woman, and is easily influenced by others. If you can't make up your mind, I can only do it for you!"

The Hongmen feast that has been passed down through the ages has not yet started, and the diners have their own thoughts and plans.The best meal in history has been very delicate from the very beginning, changing rapidly.Different forces quietly launched a game under the table.In this case, the development of the situation is even more unpredictable.A change in a detail may change the direction of the whole event. Walking outside the big tent, Uncle Xiang said to Xiang Yu: "Your Majesty, you and the princes from all walks of life are waiting here! I will go to the gate of the camp to meet Pei Gong!" Xiang Yu nodded in agreement, and the princes had no objection and stopped in their tracks. .Xiang Bo is Xiang Yu's uncle with a distinguished status. It is not rude for him to greet Liu Bang.

When Xiang Bo rushed to the gate of the camp, Liu Bang's motorcade arrived just as well.Liu Bang got out of the car, and seeing Uncle Xiang being very affectionate, he went up to hold Uncle Xiang's hand and said, "Brother, in-laws..." Uncle Xiang motioned him to keep his voice down, as no one knew about his relationship with Liu Bang. .Liu Bang asked in a low voice: "How is the situation inside? What did the general say?" "Don't worry, Mr. Pei, I've explained the matter clearly to King Xiang, and King Xiang has no malice towards you." He didn't dare to tell Liu Bang about Fan Zeng's interference, fearing to frighten him, he turned around and ran away.After greeting Zhang Liang, Uncle Xiang looked behind them and asked, "Where is Concubine Yu?"

Liu Bang paused for a moment, and said, "Concubine Yu is feeling a little unwell. When she gets better, I will send her back immediately." Uncle Xiang glanced at Liu Bang suspiciously, and immediately said angrily: "Pei Gong, you are so confused! If you don't send Yu Ji back, can King Xiang let you go? Isn't this using Yu Ji to blackmail him? He was angry Next, even if I don't kill you, I'll take you as a hostage and exchange Yu Ji. When the two families turn against each other, there will still be a fight. Didn't we all agree yesterday, how can you not keep your promise? " Faced with Xiang Bo's repeated questioning, Liu Bang was speechless.Zhang Liang hurriedly pulled Xiang Bo aside and explained: "Brother Xiang, Pei Gong is justifiable for doing this. Look at the current tense situation. He came to Hongmen at the risk of his life in order to calm down the two sides. It is reasonable to let Yu Ji stay for a while, and his life will be more guaranteed. Therefore, I ask Brother Xiang to deal with this matter in front of King Xiang." Xiang Bo waved his hands again and again, and said: "It seems that you still don't know the root of this misunderstanding. For King Xiang, Concubine Yu is everything. He can want nothing, but he can't live without Concubine Yu, let alone allow anyone The idea of ​​attacking Concubine Yu. You are holding Concubine Yu back now, and King Xiang will never let it go. There is no room for maneuver in this matter. If you want to clear up the misunderstanding and make Peigong retreat, you must return Concubine Yu." Seeing Bo Xiang's attitude was so firm, Zhang Liang lost his mind and was in a dilemma.Unbearable to see Engong in such a difficult situation, Uncle Xiang couldn't bear it. He sighed and said, "I have a solution." As if he had grasped a life-saving straw, Liu Bang quickly asked, "Brother Xiang, what can you do? Tell me quickly!" Xiang Bo said: "Hurry up and send someone back to pick up Yuji. Bashang and Hongmen are only forty miles away, so there should be time to hurry. When you meet with General Xiang Wang, you will say that Yuji is weak and the horses and chariots are only You can walk slowly, but you are in a hurry to get here, so you left Yu Ji behind and will arrive later. The general is very clear about Yu Ji's physical condition, so he should not be suspicious. You must send Yu Ji safely Come back, otherwise this game of chess will become a dead game!" Liu Bang hurriedly greeted his followers and sent someone back to Bashang to pick up Concubine Yu.Xiang Bo saw that the situation had come to this point, so he had to wait and see what happened, and led Liu Bang and Zhang Liang into the barracks.Fan Kui and others wanted to follow in, but were stopped by soldiers guarding the gate of the camp, "Your Majesty has an order: no one with weapons is allowed to enter!" This was actually Fan Zeng's confession. Liu Bang walked in front, turned around and walked back when he heard this sentence. Seeing this, Fan Kui and others made a gesture to rush in, trying to snatch Liu Bang back.Xiang Bo held Liu Bang back and said, "It's this time, why do you still want to run back? A big battle is imminent, and it's normal for the barracks to be on guard. Pei Gong doesn't have to worry. Just let the guards stay outside. Come on! I'll be your bodyguard!" After saying that, Xiang Bo patted his sword vigorously. Xiang Bo said so, and Liu Bang couldn't argue anymore, so he bit the bullet and walked in with Xiang Bo.The soldiers on both sides of the road who were armed and full of fear made Liu Bang's heart rise again quickly.But now there is no way out, even if there is a dragon's pond and a tiger's den in front of him, he can only break into it. However, when he reached the gate of the big tent, Liu Bang's heart was a little more stable. With the presence of various princes, under the watchful eyes of everyone, even if Xiang Yu wanted to move himself, he had to give everyone a fair and honest reason.Looking at Xiang Yu again, he lost his usual arrogance and violence, his smile looked very kind, and he went outside to greet him in person, which was a treatment he had never had before.Even in Pengcheng, when the two were brothers and got along very happily, he had never received such courtesy.Liu Bang's heart became more at ease. He walked a few steps quickly, went forward to greet Xiang Yu, and greeted the old acquaintances of various princes, then turned to Xiang Yu and said, "I will fight side by side with the king to defeat the Tyrant Qin. The king fought in Henan, and I traveled in Hebei. I I didn't expect to be able to enter the customs first, and I didn't expect to be able to welcome the king alive under the city of Xianyang. What was even more unexpected was that there were villains who sowed discord and created conflicts between us brothers..." Although Liu Bang's words were humble, he expressed all his credit and hard work, and the purpose was to win the sympathy and support of the princes from all walks of life.He said that "there is a villain sowing dissension" is completely his own guesswork, and there is no conclusive evidence.But to Xiang Yu's ears, he felt that Liu Bang already knew about Cao Wushang's denunciation.In addition, Liu Bang's words were plausible and high-sounding. Xiang Yu was afraid that Liu Bang's righteousness would make him narrow-minded and unable to tolerate his brothers. In desperation, he hurriedly said: "This is all caused by Pei Gong's left Sima Cao Wushang, otherwise , I will not be so impulsive!" Xiang Yu's original intention was to wash himself off, and shifted the responsibility to Cao Wushang, and indirectly to Liu Bang, implying: You can't restrain your subordinates well, and you come to me to inform, how can you blame me for causing trouble?Even your own people say that, I have no reason not to believe it!However, he casually said that he hurt Cao Wu badly! Hearing Xiang Yu's words, Fan Zeng gritted his teeth, closed his eyes, and said in his heart, "You just cut off an inside line just like that!" , didn’t even confess Cao Wushang, and I didn’t expect Xiang Yu to expose it in public. In this way, who would dare to provide you with information in the future? Zhang Liang and all the princes present and Xiang Yu's advisers and generals were equally surprised and disdainful when they heard what Xiang Yu said.Zhang Liang secretly said: "It seems that this Xiang Yu really only has the courage of a man, and he actually said such foolish words! To achieve great things, you must not only have courage and courage, but also must have strategies and means. Such a person is not born to be an emperor! " The happiest one should be Liu Bang.Only then did he suddenly realize that it was the traitor Cao Wushang who was doing the trick.Even though he wished to rush back to Bashang immediately and tear Cao Wushang into pieces, he remained calm on the surface, "Your Majesty is wise, you didn't listen to that villain's slander, and you hurt our brother's friendship!" Everyone's reaction Xiang Yu didn't notice it at all.He is conceited and has a rough nature, so he is not good at observing words and expressions, and rarely pays attention to the subtle changes in the thoughts and attitudes of the people around him.Therefore, after betraying Cao Wushang, Xiang Yu didn't feel anything wrong. He looked behind Liu Bang and asked, "Where is Yu Ji?" Although Liu Bang's heart was pounding, he still said very calmly on the surface: "Concubine Yu is weak, and the carriage moves slowly. We are rushing, so she lagged behind, and then arrived!" Seeing that Liu Bang did not show any guilty conscience , Uncle Xiang couldn't help admiring his acting skills, he really is a good actor!When you tell a lie, your face doesn't blush and your heart doesn't beat. "Maybe it's because I played too crazy with Lu Zhi yesterday, and I'm a little tired!" Xiang Bo chimed in and said, he was afraid that Xiang Yu would be worried about Yu Ji's body, so if he continued to question, if Liu Bang accidentally revealed his secret, it would be troublesome ! Xiang Yu let out an "oh", believing it was true, without doubting it at all.But Fan Zeng felt that something was wrong, and was about to question Liu Bang, but Xiang Bo beat him to the front, "Your Majesty, hurry up and enter the account! There are so many people waiting!" Hearing this, Xiang Yu quickly let Liu Bang into the big tent, and the others also took their seats.