I traveled back to the Qin Dynasty, and the First Emperor begged me to become his empress.

Chapter 153 Xiang Yu and Liu Bang

Along the long, winding, and treacherous border of the Chu Kingdom, a magnificent military camp stood like a colossal beast. At that moment, in the central camp commanded by Xiang Liang, the young Xiang Yu stood tall and silent.

Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the tent, illuminating his resolute face and highlighting his piercing eyes as he listened intently to Xiang Yan's earnest teachings. When the topic of warfare came up, Xiang Yu's passion burned like a blazing fire; his intense interest seemed innate, as if he were destined for the battlefield of swords and spears.

I still remember that in his childhood, Xiang Yu's strength far surpassed that of ordinary boys his age. As the years passed and he grew into adulthood, his strength increased day by day, becoming increasingly astonishing. His uncle, Xiang Liang, keenly noticed this extraordinary quality in him and decisively decided to take him under his wing and carefully nurture him.

From then on, Xiang Yu's daily life became exceptionally fulfilling and regular. Every morning, as the first rays of sunlight broke through the dawn, he would get up to practice martial arts and spar with his soldiers; in the afternoon, he would sit respectfully in front of his uncle, listening attentively as Xiang Yan imparted to him various strategies and techniques for military deployment and frontline command.

Xiang Yan was extremely strict with his nephew, patiently explaining everything from the most basic military theories to every detail of actual combat, demanding that Xiang Yu memorize and master them thoroughly. Xiang Yu lived up to his uncle's expectations, demonstrating exceptional talent and tireless effort. He mastered both complex and ever-changing troop deployments and the volatile frontline command, displaying the demeanor of a great general.

As Xiang Yu listened attentively to Xiang Yan's explanation, a guard in armor, with a tall and upright posture, rushed into the camp and knelt on one knee to report: "General, His Majesty has ordered an immediate ceasefire and rest."

Upon hearing this, Xiang Liang's face immediately showed surprise. He quickly asked, "Has Your Majesty told us the reason?" The guard respectfully replied, "Recently, our Chu State and the Qin State signed an agreement on the joint development of the economic zone. According to the agreement, both sides must immediately cease hostilities and jointly develop the economy."

Upon hearing this, Xiang Liang's eyes widened in surprise again, and he asked, "What exactly is this economic zone? Why are there such measures being taken?"

The guard shook his head blankly, saying helplessly, "I don't know much about this either, and I haven't heard any detailed information." Xiang Liang waved his hand lightly, signaling the guard to leave. The guard accepted the order, saluted, and withdrew from the central army camp.

As Xiang Yu watched the departing guards, his doubts grew stronger. He asked in bewilderment, "Uncle, the Qin state has always been ambitious and treacherous, yet now it has suddenly signed such an economic zone cooperation agreement with our Chu state. There must be some ulterior motive behind it. Why did Your Majesty agree to it so easily?"

Xiang Liang let out a heavy sigh, a deep worry flashing in his eyes. After a moment of silence, he slowly spoke, "Perhaps Your Majesty has your own thoughts and plans. It's just a pity that things have come to this. Since a ceasefire has been decided, we can only remain still and observe the situation. However, the border areas still need to be strictly defended. We must not let our guard down, lest the Qin state take advantage of the situation and launch a sudden attack." After speaking, Xiang Liang slightly raised his head, his gaze drifting to the vast and boundless horizon in the distance, his deep eyes seemingly concealing endless and complex thoughts.

Upon hearing this, Xiang Yu immediately clasped his hands in a fist and replied, "Uncle is absolutely right! I will go and make the necessary arrangements immediately."

Xiang Liang nodded slightly in agreement and said in a deep voice, "Yes, go and handle it quickly."

Xiang Yu replied respectfully, "Then I will take my leave." After speaking, Xiang Yu turned around and strode away in a hurry, his figure quickly disappearing from everyone's sight.

At this moment, in a bustling tavern in Fengyi Zhongyangli, Pei County, Liu Ji was leisurely holding a wine cup, savoring the mellow aroma of the wine, when he heard a noisy chatter and discussion outside.

He frowned slightly, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes, then glanced at Lu Wan beside him. Lu Wan also looked puzzled and gently shook her head at Liu Ji. After exchanging a glance, the two turned their gaze to Fan Kuai, who was busy at work not far away. Fan Kuai seemed to sense their gazes, understood immediately, quickly stood up, walked briskly to the tavern entrance, looked outside, then turned back to look at Liu Ji and Lu Wan, nodding to indicate that he understood. Then, without hesitation, Fan Kuai walked outside and merged into the bustling crowd, beginning to inquire about information.

Not long after, Fan Kuai rushed back, beads of sweat glistening on his forehead. He was panting heavily, his face beaming with excitement. Reaching Liu Ji, Fan Kuai bent down and exclaimed, "Brother, everyone outside says Qin and Chu have made peace!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Ji was slightly taken aback, then slowly straightened up, leaned against the table, and asked with a thoughtful look in his eyes, "Oh? Why is there a ceasefire? But this is a good thing."

Fan Kuai quickly stood up straight, straightened his clothes, and said, "I heard that Qin has created a strange thing called an economic zone. They even plan to develop the economy together with Chu! But it's really a good thing, otherwise we won't be able to enjoy our wine so leisurely when Qin attacks us."

Liu Ji stroked his thick beard, lost in thought. After a moment, he slowly said, "Oh, wouldn't that create a lot of business opportunities? Maybe many taverns like this will open in the economic zone!"

Upon hearing Liu Ji's words, Fan Kuai's eyes lit up as if he saw a bright future. He excitedly said, "Brother, why don't we go and check out that economic zone? Let's see if we can get some benefits."

Liu Ji turned his head, looked at Lu Wan beside him, and asked, "Lu Wan, what do you think?"

Lu Wan smiled slightly and said firmly, "Wherever you go, I will go. I will always gain something by following you."

A faint smile played in Liu Ji's deep eyes, and the corners of his mouth turned up slightly as he slowly said, "Go, why not go? Let's go and see what this economic zone is all about."

As if on the same wavelength, Lu Wan and Fan Kuai exchanged a glance, a resolute look flashing in their eyes, and then said loudly to Liu Ji in unison, "Alright! We will definitely accompany our elder brother."

Liu Ji gently picked up the bowl full of fine wine in his hand, a hint of heroic spirit in his eyes, and said loudly, "Come, let's drink this bowl together."

Immediately afterward, Lu Wan and Fan Kuai also raised their bowls, the three bowls gently clinking together in the air, producing a crisp and pleasant sound. The three exchanged smiles, a surge of inexplicable excitement and anticipation welling up within them, as if they were about to embark on an extraordinary journey.