Chapter 2034 - 2032: The Banquet at Hongmen (Noon Mahjong All Honors Yakuman Win!)

Hearing the news that Fang Zheng had marched into Guanzhong, Xiang Yu and the Feudal Lords’ Army were all taken aback. Suddenly following this was extreme anger.

Immediately, representatives of many Feudal Lords’ Army sought to meet Xiang Yu, hoping that he would swiftly proceed to Guanzhong to eradicate Fang Zheng’s bandit army and restore order.

It was not surprising that the Feudal Lords’ Army had such thoughts. Ever since the beginning of the uprising, Fang Zheng’s insurgent army had always stood apart from other insurgent forces, appearing very isolated. He refused the division of territories by Chen Sheng, which naturally severed ties with the large contingent of peasant uprising troops. In the eyes of the high leaders of the insurgent forces, Fang Zheng seemed more like a bandit king occupying a mountain than a leader of the uprising forces.

Moreover, the ideology of Fang Zheng’s insurgent army was entirely different from other uprising forces. Not only did he aim to overthrow the tyrannical rule of the Qin Dynasty, but he also intended to sweep away the remnants of the nobility and the feudal system. To the Feudal Lords’ Army, this was an outrageous act—one could even say that Fang Zheng was essentially engaging in combat against both the insurgent forces and the Qin Dynasty with his own strength.

This was also another reason why Fang Zheng’s power expansion was the slowest. In fact, historical figures also desired to join Fang Zheng, such as the famous Han Xin, who had once met with him. However, they could not reach an agreement on the issue of the feudal system. Fang Zheng clearly expressed his intention to strengthen centralization of power and abolish the feudal system, which was unacceptable to someone like Han Xin, who sought to reclaim the former glory of his homeland. As a result, they parted ways.

The insurgent forces also regarded Fang Zheng as a second brutal King of Qin. Now seeing him seizing the opportunity to directly take Xianyang, they were instantly furious and clamored for a direct military campaign to annihilate this recklessly audacious bandit force.

Confronted with the goading of the feudal lords, Xiang Yu appeared troubled. On one hand, he was indeed dissatisfied with Fang Zheng for attacking Xianyang while he was engaged in the Battle of Julu. On the other hand, unlike the external feudal lords, Xiang Yu was acutely aware of Fang Zheng’s legend of reincarnation as a celestial being.

Although, according to current intelligence, Fang Zheng’s army numbered less than a hundred thousand, whereas Xiang Yu’s forces amounted to four hundred thousand, Xiang Yu was well aware that, in the face of Fang Zheng’s guqin-killing resonance, four hundred thousand were practically meaningless; they would almost entirely perish. He had once heard from his father, Xiang Shaolong, about a story where Fang Zheng, with his guqin, annihilated ten thousand bandits instantaneously. This story had left a profound psychological shadow on Xiang Yu.

What of a four hundred thousand strong force? At best, Fang Zheng would only need to play forty melodies.

Yet, Xiang Yu could not show weakness, nor could he disclose this matter to others. Xiang Yu understood that if the feudal lords knew that Fang Zheng could kill them with a guqin, they would promptly flee far away.

Thus, Xiang Yu was reluctantly compelled by the feudal lords’ urging to lead the grand army straight into Hangu Pass.

However, upon Xiang Yu’s arrival at Hangu Pass with his troops, the scene before them left everyone dumbfounded.

They had expected Fang Zheng to station a large army at Hangu Pass for a staunch defense or, at the very least, deploy a vast number of soldiers for fortification. Yet, when the Feudal Lords’ Army reached Hangu Pass, they discovered that besides the bright red flags fluttering atop the city walls, there were only a few dozen civilians sprinkling water and cleaning the walls, as if nobody else was there. Meanwhile, Fang Zheng sat calmly on the city tower, with a guqin beside him and two young girls standing behind him, exuding a tranquil demeanor.

What the hell?!

Hearing the report from the front scouts, Xiang Yu felt his hair stand on end.

The young master Fang had even set up his guqin. In Xiang Yu’s view, the intent was already quite evident!

But others didn’t know!

"Grand General, that’s clearly a cunning ploy, using the illusion of troops to confuse us! Please allow me to lead three thousand cavalry to capture Hangu Pass!"

"Hold on!"

Upon hearing his subordinate’s request to fight, Xiang Yu hurriedly reached out to stop him. He knew well that although many believed it was one of Fang Zheng’s deceptive maneuvers, in truth, Fang Zheng could indeed accomplish it! If he nodded now, and his subordinates charged at Hangu Pass with three thousand cavalry, there would undoubtedly be no return, probably losing another three thousand warhorses in the process.

Nonetheless, this wasn’t important. What was crucial was that once the news of Fang Zheng killing with a guqin spread across the Feudal Lords’ Army, the four hundred thousand strong force would definitely turn chaotic. Even though Xiang Yu was not adept in this area, he knew that if things turned out this way, it would be a real problem.

With this in mind, Xiang Yu made his decision.

"The Grand General is inviting me to a feast at Hongmen?"

Looking at Xiang Yu’s servant in front of him, Fang Zheng was somewhat surprised. He had only intended to replicate the Empty City Stratagem, but now, unexpectedly, even the Hongmen Banquet had come into play?

Of course, this must be attended! It’s the world-famous Hongmen Banquet; missing it would be a crying shame.

And that Xiang Zhuang... I wonder if I’ll get to meet him?

Truth be told, Fang Zheng wasn’t particularly interested in watching men dance with swords, but it’s a legend passed down through generations; how could he miss it?

With this in mind, Fang Zheng smiled slightly.

"Please convey to the Grand General that Fang will certainly arrive on time."

The next day, around mid-morning, Fang Zheng casually rode his White Deer to the encampment of Xiang Yu’s army at Hongmen. Upon learning of Fang Zheng’s arrival, Xiang Yu immediately sent someone to invite him into the tent, setting up a banquet.

"It’s been years since we last met, and today, seeing Young Master Fang, you are as unchanged as ever."

Looking at Fang Zheng, Xiang Yu, holding a wine cup, couldn’t help but sigh. He was aware of Qin Shi Huang’s exhaustive efforts in search of the Elixir of Immortality, yet whether it existed remained a mystery. However, Fang Zheng was truly immortal in front of him. At least from his perspective, Fang Zheng had remained unchanged over the years.

Thinking about Qin Shi Huang’s supreme power, but still futilely seeking immortality, and then looking at this evidently immortal celestial being before him, Xiang Yu indeed felt a bit sentimental.

"You’ve aged quite a bit. It seems deploying troops and battling for dominion indeed takes a significant toll."

Fang Zheng poured himself a cup of wine, drank it at his leisure, while glancing around the tent. Currently, there were only four people in the tent. Apart from Xiang Yu and Fang Zheng, the other two were Xiang Bo and an elderly man. If Fang Zheng guessed correctly, that old man must be Xiang Yu’s strategist, revered as "Yafu", Fan Zeng.

"Xiang Yu is puzzled. Why has Young Master Fang chosen this moment to enter Guanzhong? To seize Xianyang? I initially thought Young Master Fang was uninterested in vying for dominion."

Observing Xiang Yu’s demeanor towards Fang Zheng, Fan Zeng’s eyes flashed with confusion. He had only joined Xiang Yu as a strategist after the uprising, thus unfamiliar with the matters between Xiang Yu and Fang Zheng. However, seeing Xiang Yu so respectful towards the much younger Fang Zheng, as if treating him like an elder, surprised Fan Zeng.

"If it’s solely about vying for dominion, I’m indeed not interested, but for the common people and these lands, I’ve decided to give it a try."

Fang Zheng set down his wine cup and gazed at Xiang Yu.

"You have your ideology, I have my thoughts. I’ll reiterate now, Xiang Yu, why not assist me in unifying the realm? I won’t hesitate to tell you the truth, having said it before, I’ll say it again: you’re suited to be a general but unfit to be an emperor. Because you’re too straightforward, too sentimental, too principled. These are good qualities, but for an emperor, particularly a mere mortal like yourself, it’s different."

"Young Master Fang, Xiang doesn’t understand."

Hearing this, Xiang Yu frowned.

"Why can’t a mortal emperor be sentimental?"

"Because the lifespan of a mortal is limited, even if harmonious feelings are maintained with top ministers during their reign, when it comes to the realm’s ownership after one’s demise, even familial affection can be sacrificed. Aren’t you well aware of this?"

Fang Zheng silently pointed out Ying Zheng and Qin Shi Huang, while Xiang Yu remained silent, only answering in a low voice after a moment.

"Xiang Yu once told Young Master Fang that Xiang Yu would not become such a person."

"So you’re not suited to be an Emperor."

Fang Zheng shook his head.

"You see, if you were merely a General, you could laugh and chat with comrades who live and die with you on the Imperial Court, forging friendships. But if you become an Emperor, like Ying Zheng with a frail body, who could pass away at any moment? Then, would you worry that your friends might wield too much power within and outside of the Imperial Court? Even plotting a coup? When that time comes, it’s no longer about whether you want it."

"........."

Upon hearing this, Xiang Yu was holding a wine cup, drinking without speaking, while Fan Zeng finally spoke up.

"Since Young Master Fang says so, do you want the Grand General to surrender? Can Young Master Fang guarantee that with the Grand General’s unmatched achievements, he won’t be discarded once the birds are gone and the bow is useless?"

"Haha, of course not."

Fang Zheng shook his head.

"As for why, your Grand General knows best, and... I will implement a brand-new political governance system. Of course, I can’t say it will be 100% successful, but we must try, right? Xiang Yu and I are deeply connected, to be honest, I don’t wish to fight against Xiang Yu on the battlefield, hence I came to the banquet hoping to persuade the Grand General to surrender."

Fang Zheng does not intend to directly adopt the governance system from his previous life, as theory must also match reality. Fang Zheng plans to adopt a constitutional monarchy as a transition, since both a completely new political system and development require a leader. As Fang Zheng is the reincarnation of a Celestial Being, he has no descendants, nor worries about succession, thus eliminating the need for a monarch’s coup. Moreover, with Fang Zheng’s abilities, he doesn’t fear assassination, or a situation where there is no ruler domestically.

Once stability is achieved, Fang Zheng can guide the entire system towards a republic. After all, the biggest obstacle to systemic transition comes from the monarch himself, but Fang Zheng can release power at any time without an obsessively pathological desire for power, making reform naturally much easier.

Upon hearing this, Xiang Yu wanted to say something, but Fang Zheng waved his hand again.

"I know what you want to say, but I must clearly tell you that the Feudal Lords’ Army must die. The old nobility of the Six Kingdoms was the main reason for the Qin Dynasty’s downfall and will become the most unstable factor for the new dynasty. I am not afraid to tell you that regardless of whether you choose to surrender, I will wipe out all the old nobility of the Six Kingdoms, completely exterminating them, leaving none alive."

"........."

Faced with Fang Zheng’s statement, Xiang Yu’s expression grew more solemn, while Fan Zeng looked at Fang Zheng, his face unchanged, yet secretly signaling Xiang Yu.

Sensing Fan Zeng’s signal, Xiang Yu was speechless. In fact, before Fang Zheng came, his "Yafu" had already advised him to take down Fang Zheng at Hongmen Banquet. After all, Fang Zheng originated from nowhere, and the ideas he propagates are considered "disrespectful" in the eyes of this era’s ruling class, acting unjustly. Just by announcing outwardly that Xiang Yu wanted Fang Zheng to surrender, but the latter holds onto Xianyang, refusing to yield, it could justify taking him down.

A good plan, but unfortunately Fan Zeng did not know Fang Zheng was not an ordinary person, and Xiang Yu couldn’t tell him directly, merely finding an excuse, saying Fang Zheng was an old acquaintance, reluctant to make such a ruthless move — nonsense, if a move was really made, who’d make the ruthless move is unknown.

Seeing Xiang Yu unresponsive, Fan Zeng was secretly anxious. He really couldn’t understand why Xiang Yu valued such a young man so highly. He even repeatedly raised the Jade Pendant, signaling Xiang Yu to make a decision, yet Xiang Yu still pretended not to see.

No way, it seems the Grand General won’t act.

Looking at Xiang Yu, who was just drinking and playing dumb, a shrewd light flashed in Fan Zeng’s eyes as he glanced at Fang Zheng again. Then he stood up, excusing himself to go to the toilet and left the tent.

Fang Zheng did not care about Fan Zeng’s departure. On the contrary, he took this opportunity to continue explaining his ideas to Xiang Yu.

"The Grand General should also be very clear that the Huns in the north have been eyeing this land. Qin Shi Huang built the Great Wall, and indeed many died because of it, but this wall blocked the Hun invasion. When the world reunites, we need a valiant general to lead the army, suppressing the north and pacifying the Huns. What’s the Grand General’s opinion?"

"Hmm... uh......."

Xiang Yu was also quite hesitant at this moment. On the one hand, he truly listened to Fang Zheng’s words attentively, but on the other hand, Xiang Yu was reluctant to make a decision.

After all, he is now a renowned Grand General across the world, no longer just a young boy.

Regarding Xiang Yu’s reaction, Fang Zheng didn’t care; he just continued talking to himself, occasionally drinking and eating. And at this moment, the flap of the tent lifted, and a Shadow walked inside.

Then, a voice rang out.

"Xiang Zhuang is here to salute the Grand General and offer a toast."

Oh, this is Xiang Zhuang, eh... hmm?

Fang Zheng, who was battling the pork leg, paused. He raised his head because the voice he heard was clear and melodious, like an oriole emerging from the valley, completely unlike a man’s voice.

Could Xiang Zhuang be some Crossdresser overlord?

However, when Fang Zheng raised his head, he was stunned.

Standing before him was a young woman in her prime, wearing long-sleeved single garments, with her eyes high-arched, carrying an aura of cunning and pride, making her very beautiful.

"Why are you here?"

Xiang Yu now looked at the woman in front of him and spoke, to which the latter smiled slightly.

"This humble woman saw the Grand General and Young Master Fang drinking here, and there’s no entertainment in the camp, so I ask to entertain with sword dancing."

"Sure."

Evidently, Xiang Yu didn’t overthink it, merely nodding his head.

And Fang Zheng was thoroughly stunned.

So Xiang Zhuang is a woman?

Are you kidding me?!