Chapter 771 The Chu Army to Gonggong Jibu
Chapter 771 The Chu Army to Gonggong Jibu
"My son Xiang Yu, your bravery is unparalleled in the world, but on the battlefield, strength alone cannot overcome everything. Although Han Xin's martial prowess is inferior to yours, his wisdom is profound and he is skilled in military strategy, which is the key to his victory over you."
"I know you are unwilling, but remember, pride comes before a fall, and rashness leads to defeat. This defeat is not your fault, but rather due to unfavorable timing and circumstances."
Fan Zeng's words were earnest, revealing not only reproach but also expectations and instruction for Xiang Yu. He continued, "I have urgently mobilized 60,000 troops from Jiangdong, led by Gonggong and the five tiger generals Ji Bu, Zhongli Mei, Ying Bu, and Yu Ziqi, who will arrive soon."
"At that time, you should use this as a foundation, proceed steadily and surely, and do not underestimate the enemy or advance rashly. Remember, the true god of war is not only in defeating the enemy, but also in defeating the arrogance and impatience in his own heart."
Upon reading this, a hint of unease flashed in Xiang Yu's eyes.
But he couldn't refute it, since every word Fan Zeng said was heartfelt and aimed at making him a better general, or even a stronger overlord.
"Gentlemen, you all know about the letter from our Father."
"This time, we not only want to avenge our previous defeat, but also to prove to the world that the people of Jiangdong are full of talent, and a comeback is not impossible!"
After pondering for a while, Xiang Yu raised his head and looked down at the generals below him.
"I am willing to follow Your Majesty to the battlefield, and I swear to never retreat!"
Upon hearing this, Long Qi and the others at the lower end of the table perked up and shouted in unison.
Xiang Yu nodded, already having made up his mind.
"Han Xin, you wait. When the Jiangdong army is fully assembled, that will be the time for me, Xiang Yu, to make a comeback."
"Then we'll have a showdown and see who comes out on top!"
He stood up, walked to the tent entrance, and gazed into the distance in the direction of Wenzhou, his eyes gleaming with fervent light.
Just then, there was another commotion outside the camp. Xiang Yu turned his head and saw Gonggong, along with the five tiger generals Ji Bu, Zhongli Mei, Ying Bu, and Yu Ziqi, leading the 60,000-strong Jiangdong army hastily assembled by Fan Zeng, marching in a grand procession toward the camp.
Flags fluttered, and the thunderous sound of horses' hooves seemed to shake the heavens and earth.
Xiang Yu's pride soared, and he strode out of his tent to greet the arrival of this new force.
"Haha, Gonggong, Jibu, Ziqi, you've come at the perfect time! With you all here, what do I, Xiang Yu, have to fear?"
When Gonggong and the others saw Xiang Yu, they all dismounted and bowed. Xiang Yu helped them up one by one, his eyes filled with excitement.
"Long Ju, pass down the order: the army must prepare immediately. Tomorrow morning, we will march north to Wenzhou!"
Xiang Yu's voice was powerful and resonant, each word carrying immense force, causing the surrounding air to tremble.
Long Qi accepted the order and left. A moment later, bugle calls rang out in the military camp. Many soldiers bustled about, preparing their gear and sharpening their weapons. The entire camp was filled with the tension and solemnity of the impending battle.
Xiang Yu stood atop the city wall, his gaze deep, yet his heart burned with passion.
Although Xiang Yu did not achieve a complete victory in his first encounter with Han Xin, he learned a great deal from it.
Han Xin's outstanding ability to command troops and strategize made him truly realize that on the battlefield, there are many more factors to consider besides military force.
"Han Xin, you wait! This time, I, Xiang Yu, will show you what a true battlefield overlord really is!"
Xiang Yu made a silent vow in his heart, his eyes shining with an unprecedented light.
As night fell, the military camp was brightly lit. Xiang Yu, unusually, sat alone in his tent, a map laid out before him, carefully studying the terrain and defenses of Wenzhou, and pondering his tactics.
The arrival of Gonggong and the Five Tiger Generals undoubtedly increased his chances of victory, but he knew that Han Xin was no ordinary person and that this battle would be extremely difficult.
"What you say is absolutely right. Speed is of the essence in war, but strategy is even more crucial."
Xiang Yu murmured to himself, his finger lightly tracing across the map, as if searching for the decisive blow that would decide the outcome.
Suddenly, his gaze fixed on a certain spot, a dense forest at the border of Wenzhou and Quezhou, with complex terrain that made it easy to set up an ambush.
A cold smile curled at the corner of Xiang Yu's mouth; he had already made up his mind.
That night, Xiang Yu did not sleep, constantly thinking, planning, and preparing.
What is about to happen is not just a battle, but a contest that will determine the fate of Jiangdong.
If he were to suffer another defeat, not to mention his invincible status in Jiangdong would be completely shattered.
More importantly, he and his Chu army will be forever locked in Jiangdong and unable to advance an inch!
How could Xiang Yu, who aspired to rule the world, possibly accept this?
As the first rays of dawn appeared, the military camp erupted in excitement once again.
Xiang Yu donned his armor, wielded the Heavenly Dragon City-Breaking Halberd, and stood before the army.
Behind him stood 60,000 Jiangdong youths, the future of Jiangdong, and his ambition for hegemony.
"Set off!"
Without uttering any further words, Xiang Yu gave the order, and his 60,000-strong army surged out of the camp like a tidal wave, heading north once again towards Wenzhou.
The sounds of horses' hooves and clashing armor mingled together, forming an unstoppable force that surged towards the distance.
Meanwhile, on the other side of Wenzhou, Han Xin was also busily setting up defenses, preparing to meet Xiang Yu's challenge once again.
...
Outside Wenzhou City at this time, the autumn wind was bleak, and the battle flags fluttered in the wind.
Long Junzuo, though clad in armor, appeared somewhat disheveled. He lowered his head and walked heavily toward Han Xin's tent.
Every step seemed to carry a heavy burden: guilt for defeat, sorrow for fallen comrades, and deep self-reproach for underestimating the enemy and advancing recklessly.
"General Han, this humble general...this humble general is guilty."
Long Junzuo's voice was low and hoarse, each word seemingly squeezed out from between his teeth, filled with endless regret.
He stood before Han Xin with his head bowed, his hands clenched into fists so tightly that his nails almost dug into his flesh, yet he seemed to feel no pain, for the pain in his heart far surpassed everything else.
Upon seeing this, Han Xin sighed softly, his gaze complex.
At this moment, Long Junzuo was not only suffering the humiliation of defeat, but also feeling guilty for Qian Dazong's sacrifice because of him.
Han Xin stood up, slowly walked to Long Junzuo's side, and patted him on the shoulder. The gesture was light, but it seemed to contain a thousand words.
"General Long, rise. On the battlefield, victory and defeat are common occurrences for soldiers."
"Xiang Yu's bravery was indeed beyond the strength of one person, which we have all witnessed. You don't need to blame yourself too much, and you don't need to take all the responsibility on yourself."
Han Xin's voice was gentle, attempting to soothe the turmoil in Long Junzuo's heart.
Han Xin did not want to blame Long Junzuo for the time being, who was able to barely hold off Xiang Yu by relying on the Dragon Sparrow Army of Dayong.
Although he was extremely annoyed by Long Junzuo's underestimation of the enemy and his recklessness in ignoring advice.
However, Long Junzuo has now paid the price for his recklessness, and Qian Dazong has also died tragically at the hands of Xiang Yu.
Now Han Xin no longer had the mind to blame Long Junzuo; instead, he had to do his best to comfort and console him.
After all, what if Xiang Yu suddenly decides to come back and attack again before his lord's reinforcements arrive?
We still need to let Long Junzuo lead the Dayong Dragon Sparrow Army into the "Dragon Sparrow King-Slaying Formation" to the front.
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