Chapter Twenty-Four: The Dinner

On a dark and windy night, an elderly figure hurriedly rushed out of the Xiang family's military camp and went straight to Liu Ji's military camp on the edge of Xianyang City. He was going to tell his old friend Zhang Liang an extremely important military secret. This seemingly rebellious move affected the development of the situation thereafter, as well as the development of Chinese history.

He is Xiang Yu's uncle Uncle Xiang. Since Xiang Liang's death, Xiang Bo has become Xiang Yu's closest elder relative, and at this time he is assisting Xiang Yu in the Xiang family's army and serving as Zuo Yin (that is, Zuo Prime Minister). Xiang Bo and Xiang Liang's personalities are different, Xiang Liang's character is resolute and decisive, dares to think and do, and has strategies and tactics, and is a natural leader; Xiang Bo, on the other hand, seems to be a little gentle and pure, and even has some women's kindness, and values friendship more. After Xiang Liang killed people back then, not only did he not shy away from it, but he also swaggered to make friends with government officials and enter and leave high society, as if killing people was not a big deal; And Xiang Bo also killed people back then, but his reaction was more in line with the psychological characteristics of ordinary murderers. Like other fugitives, Xiang Bo was frightened and hid in fear of being captured by the government (this is the psychological characteristic of a good murderer). And it was Zhang Liang who took him in back then, so he was full of gratitude to Zhang Liang.

This time, Xiang Bo is going to return the favor to Zhang Liang. Xiang Bo persuaded Zhang Liang to leave Liu Ji's military camp quickly and not to make fearless sacrifices.

However, Zhang Liang felt a little embarrassed.

Zhang Liang is not afraid of death, because he has already seen through the meaning of life, and has already put life and death and glory and wealth aside. Zhang Liang cares about the revival of South Korea, and the revival of South Korea must largely rely on Liu Ji. Because the Han royal family's restoration army is weak, it is currently under the name of Liu Ji and is under the control of Liu Ji. If Yoo Ji is defeated, the South Korean army will lose its support. Therefore, Zhang Liang's dream and Liu Ji's life and death are tightly tied.

Time is of the essence. Zhang Liang didn't talk nonsense with Xiang Boduo, there was no need for politeness between them. Zhang Liang clearly told Xiang Bo that he was going to discuss it with Liu Ji.

Zhang Liang hurriedly walked into Liu Ji's barracks, pulled up Liu Ji, who was sleeping, reported this emergency military situation to him, and asked him two simple questions straightforwardly, do you want to go against Xiang Yu? Is there confidence? (Pei Gongcheng wants to double the feather evil?) Can Pei Gong do his own thing? Book of Han - Volume 40 Biography of King Chen and Zhou)

And Liu Ji's answer is also very simple - no! I don't have the confidence to go against Xiang Yu. I have this idea, but I don't have the ability.

So what to do? - For the sake of the general.

【Liu Ji】

In the following time, Liu Ji participated in two important dinners. These are two crucial dinners that will determine Liu Ji's life and death, and will have a profound impact on the direction of China's history.

The first dinner was relatively simple and monotonous. Only Liu Ji, Zhang Liang and Xiang Bo participated in the dinner, and the organizer was Liu Ji, and the location was in Liu Ji's barracks.

When he followed Zhang Liang to meet Liu Ji, Xiang Bo was not surprised. He didn't even feel that there was anything to hide, his nephew Xiang Yu just wanted to send troops to punish you Liu Ji. In the eyes of Xiang Bo, and even in the eyes of the entire high-ranking members of the Xiang army, almost everyone thought that Liu Ji was nothing more than an inconspicuous team, nothing more than a small branch of the Chu State Group, and nothing more than a fluke to enter the customs. The prestige of the Xiang family far surpassed that of any army, and no one dared to oppose it.

Solving major problems at the dinner table is a habit of the Chinese, and it is Liu Ji's specialty. Liu Ji has always been comfortable with this, he married his wife at a dinner before, and he will win the world at a dinner in the future.

Liu Ji was full of confidence in the control of the dinner, and showed the enthusiasm of the owner at the beginning. Before Xiang Bo stepped into the door, Liu Ji had already walked up quickly, holding Xiang Bo's hands excitedly, the left sentence hated each other, and the right sentence had been admired for a long time. My Liu Ji's admiration for Uncle Xiang, your admiration is like a surging river, and like the Yellow River overflowing and out of control......

Then he took the initiative to give up his seat to Uncle Xiang, as if he was the greatest Venerable of this dinner. A series of sweet words and sugar-coated shells made Xiang Bo dizzy, and he didn't even remember his father's surname.

Xiang Bo is a good man, and he doesn't know how to refuse others. When Liu Ji proposed to befriend him as a brother and agreed that the two parties would marry as sons and daughters, Xiang Bo did not refuse. He couldn't find any reason to refuse. Of course, Liu Ji just said casually, of course, this agreement was not fulfilled later.

After a few rounds of drinking, when everyone was almost drunk and dizzy, Liu Ji threw out the most critical and core question. That is, ask Xiang Bo to arrange another dinner for him and Xiang Yu.

Liu Ji looked at Uncle Xiang with very sincere eyes, and explained to him that he had no intention of betraying the Xiang family at all, let alone dare to go against the Xiang family. The precious belongings of the Qin State did not dare to move by themselves, and they were sealed in the palace intact, just waiting for the arrival of the Xiang family. The reason why troops were sent to guard the Hangu Pass was to prevent other thieves from robbing these treasures and property belonging to the Xiang family. I, Liu Ji, look forward to the arrival of General Xiang Yu every day, and I want to wear through my eyes, and I can't wait for it. (I entered the customs, Qiu Hao did not dare to get close, the people were registered, the treasury was sealed, and the general was treated.) Therefore, send the guards to prepare for him to enter and exit and be extraordinary. Looking at the general day and night, how dare you rebel! ）

【Hongmen Banquet】

The next dinner will be the most famous dinner in history - the Hongmen Banquet. In this dinner, the joyful laughter is filled with a strong smell of death, and the elegant dance hides an aggressive murderous aura.

In this kind of political dinner, what you eat is not the most important, but who you eat with is the most important; What you say is not the most important thing, but how you say it. In the dinner, there were only 5 participants - Xiang Yu, Fan Zeng, Xiang Bo, Liu Ji and Zhang Liang.

The 25-year-old Xiang Yu is the youngest, most handsome, strongest, and most prestigious. He is undoubtedly the master of this dinner and the supreme person of the audience, and he sits on the throne as a matter of course. Sitting around were some seniors who were older than him, like Fan Zeng, who was already gray-haired. It stands to reason that Xiang Yu, as a junior, is not an exaggeration to call them uncles.

As soon as Liu Ji entered the arena, he already felt murderous. The protagonist Xiang Yu did not greet him warmly, and he didn't even have the necessary polite words. And Fan Zeng, the elder next to him, was cold-eyed and angry, as if to imply that Liu Ji's fate was decided. Because Fan Zeng had persuaded Xiang Yu to get rid of Liu Ji many times before, he could see that Liu Ji would become an important opponent of Xiang Yu in the future. His task is not to eat, but to take Liu Ji's life.

Zhang Liang followed behind Liu Ji, and his task was not to eat, but to save Liu Ji's life. But on such occasions, he could not speak at all. Similarly, although Fan Zeng is determined and resolute, and has a specific intention to kill Liu Ji, it is impossible to talk nonsense and make decisions on such occasions, everything depends on Xiang Yu.

At the dinner table, the forces of both sides were balanced, and it seemed that neither could overpower the other. If you want to fight at this time, both sides may not be able to gain the upper hand, and it is not known who will win or lose. But don't forget, there is also a very important intermediary - Xiang Bo. Xiang Bo is undoubtedly the key to this dinner and drinking field, if he comes out to block and tilt it slightly, then the victory or defeat is likely to be in favor of that side. Xiang Bo seemed to be from Xiang Yu's camp, but at this time he stood on Liu Ji's side, and he was already moved by Liu Ji's sincerity.

Okay, Liu Ji, please start your performance-

Liu Ji entered the arena and saw that the atmosphere was so embarrassing, and he hesitated slightly. However, he showed no stage fright and quickly turned the situation around. As soon as he met, he first thanked Xiang Yu and lowered his posture. A few words of greeting are indispensable, and he wants to thank Xiang Yu for clearing the obstacles for him, thank Xiang Yu for his care, support and help over the years, and thank Xiang Yu for his trust and affirmation.

After a few cups, he began to call Xiang Yu brothers. said that they are not only comrades-in-arms on the same front, but also buddies who are born and died. The general fought in Hebei, he fought in Henan, and everyone worked together to attack Qin. said proudly, almost knelt down to worship, hugged each other and sang friendship years - to forget the wrong, to miss the past, there is always fun to spend the difficult days together, do not believe that there will be despair, do not feel hesitant, compete in the dream and strive desperately every day......

However, before he was halfway through the song, Liu Ji began to change his painting style, bursting into tears, telling his bitterness. said that after fighting so many difficult wars, he was able to save his life, and he was able to drink and talk about life with his buddies here. I didn't expect that there was a villain who wanted to stir up feelings between us today, which is really sad.

The audience was shocked.

Almost all the audience present were deeply moved by Liu Ji's performance, and seemed to feel that Xiang Yu really did something wrong. In particular, Xiang Yu was fascinated by it, and was brought in unconsciously.

Xiang Yu felt very ashamed that he was suspicious of his brother. Like all children who dare not bear the fault alone, Xiang Yu confessed his inner ghost without thinking, hoping to alleviate his guilt and guilt. He said that the villain who provoked the feelings between them was Cao Wuxian, the general next to you, Liu Ji. It's your side's business, and it's none of my business.

The situation became harmonious. Xiang Bo and Zhang Liang both felt that the atmosphere was much more relaxed, and what they wanted was this kind of ending.

However, Fan Zeng was unmoved. In his eyes, Liu Ji's clumsy performances will only make him more determined to kill Liu Ji. Because he saw through Liu Ji's tricks and knew how powerful Liu Ji was, he coaxed the bloody Xiang Yu into a daze with just a few simple sweet words, which was really terrifying.

Fan Zeng began to feel a little flustered, and he had to do something to reverse this harmonious situation. This is the best opportunity, if you let the tiger return to the mountain, I am afraid that there will be endless troubles. He couldn't even eat, and kept giving Xiang Yu a look, suggesting that Xiang Yu kill Liu Ji. Fan Zeng also frequently raised his jade Jue, which meant to immediately break off (decide) with Liu Ji. still has to play this kind of trick at an age, Fan Zeng is really heartbroken.

However, Xiang Yu was unmoved, and was still chatting with Liu Ji with a smile. Xiang Yu didn't see it, but felt that Fan Zeng, the old man, was too verbose, long-winded, and nagging...... I usually can't get used to him, and I still point fingers on such occasions.

Of course, Liu Ji and Zhang Liang also saw Fan Zeng glancing at Xiang Yu, but they didn't see it like Xiang Yu. The things at the dinner table are often not expressed, but can only be understood.

Fan Zeng must bring in more force to break this deadlock. He got up angrily and went out to summon a strong man in. The name of this strong man is Xiang Zhuang, he is Xiang Yu's brother and Xiang Bo's nephew. Like Xiang Yu, since he was a child, he and his uncle Xiang Liang died in the world, and later made a revolution and rioted together. His sword dances well and is capable of killing people invisibly. Although his strength is smaller than Xiang Yu's, his heart is more ruthless than Xiang Yu's. Xiang Yu can't bear to do it, he can do it.

Fan Zeng told him that Xiang Yu was merciful and reluctant to kill; Please enter the sword dance and take the opportunity to kill Liu Ji. Otherwise, everyone will be killed by Liu Ji. (The king is unbearable, if he is a man who is alive before entering and is finished, please dance with a sword, because he sits on Pei Gong and kills him.) No, if it is all, it will be captured. "Historical Records - Xiang Yu Benji")

Xiang Zhuang, who didn't know what was going on outside the tent, heard Fan Zeng say this, and suddenly felt that the situation inside was very grim. He followed Fan Zeng into the dinner, but he was not qualified to sit down to eat, and his task was not to eat.

Xiang Zhuang made a request to add some joy to the dreary dinner, and that was his specialty - sword dancing. (The king and Pei Gong drink, there is no joy in the army, please dance with a sword.) "Historical Records - Xiang Yu Benji")

After getting permission, he danced the cold long sword, which was aimed directly at Liu Ji's throat.

Xiang Bo and Zhang Liang both saw Xiang Zhuang's intentions - Xiang Zhuang danced the sword, which was intended for Pei Gong. Xiang Bo didn't think about it, and he didn't ask his nephew Xiang Yu for instructions, so he immediately picked up his sword to block Xiang Zhuang, he couldn't let Xiang Zhuang kill Liu Ji.

Xiang Yu watched the swordsmanship of these two uncles and nephews seem to be dancing more and more exquisitely, and couldn't help but clap his palms. He didn't realize what was wrong. However, Xiang Zhuang felt a little puzzled, he didn't understand why his uncle Xiang Uncle wanted to help Liu Ji, why it wasn't like Fan Zeng said.

Xiang Zhuang's sword began to dance a little out of order, and his heart was chaotic and his swordsmanship was also chaotic.

Seeing this scene, Zhang Liang immediately got up and went out. He also needs to bring in more power to break the deadlock. He also went out and summoned a strong man in, this strong man's name was Fan Xu, who was Liu Ji's brother-in-law.

Fan Hao has always listened to Zhang Liang's words. He was fully equipped, holding a shield in his left hand and a sword in his right, and he was so angry that he wanted to break into the dinner and knocked two doormen to the ground, because they prevented him from entering.

The atmosphere of the dinner became tense. Xiang Zhuang and Xiang Bo didn't know what was going on, and the sword dance stopped. Of course, Xiang Yu was also taken aback, and pressed his sword and glared, who dared to break into the general's dinner. (Who is the guest?) "Historical Records - Xiang Yu Benji")

However, after knowing that the person who came was Liu Ji's guard, Xiang Yu's heart suddenly settled down, and it turned out to be his buddy's comrade-in-arms.

Fan Xu, who was not eligible to participate in the dinner, was not kicked out in the end. On the contrary, he was also rewarded with wine and meat, and his rude and wild eating appearance and unrestrained and heroic drinking style were also appreciated by the protagonist Xiang Yu! What a strong man! Xiang Yu saw Fan Hao holding a shield and cutting flesh with a sword, and he couldn't help but feel a feeling of sympathy, this guy is interesting.

In the end, Fan Xu also obtained the qualification to give a seat to participate in the dinner.

At this moment, the situation suddenly tilted back to Liu Ji's side. Here are Liu Ji, Zhang Liang, Fan Xu, and the middleman Xiang Bo, and there are only Fan Zeng and Xiang Zhuang who is not qualified to sit down-Xiang Zhuang is still stunned with a sword, standing there at a loss, and the Supreme Xiang Yu is completely inclined to Liu Ji. The lonely Fan Zeng has no choice at all.

Liu Ji recalled that the sword was only 0.01 cm away from his throat at that time, and he felt a little afraid. He decided to tell a lie, and although he had told countless lies in his life, this one he thought was the most concise and perfect......

Liu Ji stumbled to his feet, saying that he was almost drunk, and he was going to go to the toilet and drink it again when he came back. But as soon as he stepped out of the tent, Liu Ji never returned, because he had fled back to the barracks.

The rest of the aftermath will be left to Zhang Liang to deal with. Zhang Liang explained that Liu Ji was too drunk and had returned to the barracks. Subsequently, Xiang Yu and Fan Zeng were presented with two precious gifts - a pair of white walls and a pair of jade buckets. Isn't this the treasure looted from the Imperial Palace of the Qin State?

Xiang Yu didn't realize that there was anything wrong, and happily accepted the gift presented by Zhang Liang on behalf of Liu Ji, isn't this the etiquette that should be the leader of the coalition army.

And Fan Zeng obviously doesn't care about gifts, what he cares about is Liu Ji's life! When he knew that Liu Ji had fled back to the barracks, Fan Zeng was so angry that his beard stood up. He slammed Liu Ji's jade bucket to the ground, but he still didn't understand his hatred, and then drew his sword and stabbed it violently, and the fragments of the jade bucket splashed everywhere. There is not only hatred for Liu Ji, but also anger towards Xiang Yu.

- Alas! You stinky brat, you're not a conspirator! We've all been killed by you! In the future, we will all be captured by Liu Ji! (Alas!) The erector is not enough and strategic. Whoever wins the king of the world, he will be the prince of Pei, and I will be captured for it today. "Historical Records - Xiang Yu Benji")

Fan Zeng finally lost control, and he warned Xiang Yu fiercely, completely ignoring Xiang Yu's feelings. Moreover, Zhang Liang was still at the scene at that time.

Xiang Yu really didn't understand what kind of medicine this old man had taken today, and he was always nervous. He didn't understand that Liu Ji was just a small pavilion chief, and what ability he had to go against the Xiang family. And Liu Ji is not at fault now, what reason is there to kill him. If Liu Ji is killed rashly, won't it cause turmoil in the army?

The dinner ended unhappily, everyone put down their glasses, and time seemed to stand still. Xiang Yu and Xiang Bo looked helplessly at Fan Zeng, who was dejected, while Zhang Liang was secretly happy in his heart but was silent.

The ground was full of jade bucket fragments, and the whole table of food didn't seem to have been touched, and no one had the heart to take this meal seriously......

Liu Ji won completely, Fan Zeng lost completely, but Xiang Yu didn't feel any loss. Cao Wu, who betrayed Liu Ji, was executed by Liu Ji without any suspense.