Chapter 365 Yi Xiaochuan’s plan to sneak into Xianyang!

Chapter 365 Yi Xiaochuan’s plan to sneak into Xianyang!

"What does your father-in-law mean is that the court has fallen into a trap?" Xiang Yu looked at Fan Zeng solemnly, his big eyes like copper bells flashing with a thoughtful light. After hearing what Fan Zeng said, Xiang Yu already had a general understanding of his intentions.

The court's progress was so smooth this time, which was very different from the southern border army Xiang Yu had encountered before. Xiang Yu couldn't help but feel suspicious. Could it be that all this was a trick set up by Gao Yao? Thinking of this, Xiang Yu frowned slightly, and his eyes became more profound.

"Yes, I do have such doubts." Fan Zeng nodded slightly, stroked his beard, and said seriously: "Don't think that the war in the southern border has nothing to do with us. It may not be difficult for our army to capture the pass, but the real key lies in Xianyang. And there are actually countless connections between Xianyang and the southern border."

Fan Zeng did not hide his inner thoughts and frankly explained his views to Xiang Yu. He knew that the current situation was complicated and that if he was not careful, he might lose everything.

"That's right, Brother Yu. With my identity, it shouldn't be a problem to conquer this pass. However, when facing Xianyang City, the situation is not that simple. Now in Xianyang City, almost all power is in the hands of Wang Ben. If I want to seize Xianyang with my identity alone, I'm afraid my hope is slim. Besides, Wang Ben is a famous general of the Qin State and a veteran of many battles. Although there are only 30,000 defenders in Xianyang City, it is extremely difficult to seize this city from Wang Ben!"

Yi Xiaochuan put forward his personal views very sincerely and objectively. Before traveling through time, Yi Xiaochuan was a professional in historical research, so he knew all the famous generals of the Qin Dynasty.

The Qin Dynasty was able to sweep across the six kingdoms and unify the world, and the military's contributions were incomparable. Among the many generals, Wang Jian was undoubtedly the one who made the greatest contribution. However, if we were to say who was second only to Wang Jian, it would be Wang Ben. Even the famous General Meng Tian was much inferior to Wang Ben. It is no exaggeration to say that in front of Wang Ben, the senior, Meng Tian could only be regarded as a junior.

As for why the mysterious Yi Xiaochuan could take Li Xin away smoothly but could not take Wang Ben away, the reason was this. Although Li Xin was also a famous general, he had been away from the court for a long time and had been in seclusion for a long time. Therefore, although his reputation was still there, his influence in the Qin army was ultimately not as great as Wang Ben's.

Moreover, the troops that the mysterious Yi Xiaochuan was going to take away this time were mainly the Imperial Guards. Wang Ben had led the Imperial Guards for many years and was very good at controlling this team. If Yi Xiaochuan really took Wang Ben away, if Yi Xiaochuan made any unusual moves one day, Wang Ben's vigorous and resolute character and prestige in the army would most likely make a move to seize power without hesitation. After all, Wang Ben was not like Li Xin who still had some concerns.

"What Xiaochuan said is very true. It is not difficult to conquer that pass, but it is not so easy to capture Xianyang. There are nearly 200,000 northern troops stationed in the northern border now! If Xianyang encounters a crisis, they will surely dispatch troops from the northern and southern borders to rescue it. Therefore, if we want to take action, we must capture Xianyang first before the reinforcements from the Qin Dynasty arrive. We must not delay for a moment. In this way, the most difficult problem at the moment is how to successfully capture the city of Xianyang. Originally, we were still hoping to rely on the troops of various princes. However, at this point, these princes have their own ulterior motives and different thoughts. It may be difficult to get them to work together to attack Xianyang!" At this point, Fan Zeng couldn't help but frown, revealing a deep worry.

Xiang Yu, who was standing aside, listened quietly to Fan Zeng's words with a solemn expression. He was also lost in thought, and his mind was rapidly thinking about what method he should use to successfully capture Xianyang.

At this moment, Yi Xiaochuan, who had been silent all the time, suddenly broke the silence and said slowly: "I have thought of a way, but this plan is quite dangerous, I don't know..." Having said this, Yi Xiaochuan paused slightly, as if considering whether he should continue.

"Xiaochuan, don't hide anything. Just speak up if you have any ideas!" Xiang Yu looked at Yi Xiaochuan with sharp eyes, and spoke in a firm and generous tone. He knew that Yi Xiaochuan often had some strange ideas. Now Fan Zeng was in a dilemma, so he might as well listen to Yi Xiaochuan's ideas.

"Brother Yu, the situation is tense now. But in my opinion, although it is difficult to launch a large-scale mutiny directly in Xianyang City, it should not be difficult if I can lead hundreds of elite soldiers into the city. At that time, Brother Yu can be arranged to lead the elite cavalry to hide outside the city. When the city gate is opened, Brother Yu can quickly lead the crowd to rush into the city. And I will try to lead my soldiers to contain the enemy. Even if it can only delay for half a quarter of an hour, I think it will be enough to buy enough time for Brother Yu to lead the army into the city gate. With Brother Yu's invincible bravery, even if he cannot take down the entire Xianyang City in one fell swoop, if he can successfully occupy one gate and hold on until the army arrives to attack the city together, the city of Xianyang can also be taken."

After hearing what Yi Xiaochuan said, Xiang Yu couldn't help but take a breath, with a look of surprise on his face. He was about to speak to dissuade him, but Fan Zeng raised his hand to stop him. Fan Zeng frowned slightly, his eyes flickered, as if he was weighing the pros and cons in his mind.

"Xiaochuan, this plan is absolutely not feasible! This move is too risky for you. If anything goes wrong, how can we feel at ease!" After a moment's silence, Fan Zeng finally couldn't help but speak. His weathered face was full of worry, and his words revealed deep concern.

"Don't worry, sir. I know that my martial arts are not as strong as Brother Yu's, and my wisdom is far inferior to yours, but I am confident that I can handle matters like this. Please rest assured, sir. Xiaochuan will do his best and live up to the mission!" Yi Xiaochuan responded firmly.

"Well, then... in your opinion, how many troops should we lead for this operation?" Fan Zeng agreed reluctantly.

Yi Xiaochuan thought for a moment and then replied, "Two hundred people are enough. If the number is too large, it may arouse the vigilance of the city defense army, which will be detrimental to the operation." After some quick mental calculation, Yi Xiaochuan decisively reported the number.

Fan Zeng nodded his approval, but then added: "That's fine. But there is no limit on the number of people at the moment. After all, you are quite familiar with the situation in the Chu army. Xiaochuan, you can choose people according to your own ideas, but you must choose those who are agile. This matter cannot be delayed, you should go and make preparations immediately."

At this time, Fan Zeng also directly gave Yi Xiaochuan the authority, which meant that Yi Xiaochuan could freely select personnel from the entire Chu army.

"Okay, I'll go right away." After hearing this, Yi Xiaochuan no longer hesitated and left the big tent immediately. Seeing Yi Xiaochuan leaving, Xiang Yu finally couldn't help but ask Fan Zeng,

"Father, why are you stopping me? If Xiaochuan really does this, the Meng family will become eternal sinners! The Meng family is to us... " At this moment, Xiang Yu could no longer suppress his anxiety and anger, and shouted out all the words that had been stuck in his throat and wanted to blurt out.

Modern people are very different from ancient people, not only in terms of lifestyle and social environment, but more importantly, in their thinking patterns. Especially when facing major issues such as family reputation and loyalty, the differences between the two are particularly obvious.

Take the Meng family for example. Even though the Meng family perished with the Qin Dynasty, in the eyes of later generations, the Meng family is still regarded as a loyal and good general. After all, historical evaluations are often complex and multifaceted, and some minor mistakes may be gradually diluted or ignored as time goes by. No one would care about actions like cheating to guard the checkpoints, and they cannot even be verified. However, cheating to open the gate of Xianyang is an extremely bad act and cannot be compared with the former.

When people in later generations comment on this period of history, things like forgetting favors are likely to be offset by other achievements, and people may not take it too seriously. But if Yi Xiaochuan really dares to deceive Xianyang, the consequences will be disastrous! Xianyang is the capital of the Qin Empire, and its status is unquestionable. Once the Meng family gets involved, the great reputation that their three generations of ancestors and grandchildren have accumulated through hardships will instantly vanish, and they will even be nailed to the pillar of shame in history forever, becoming the object of thousands of people's criticism and spitting.

As the saying goes, "Heaven, Earth, the Emperor, Parents, and Teachers" is the most important ethical principle for the ancients, and it is not a joke. If the Meng family really committed such a treasonous act, how could they escape the condemnation of the world? By then, no matter how many merits they had made, it would be difficult to recover the lost reputation and dignity.

Xiang Yu really regarded Yi Xiaochuan as a close friend. He knew that Yi Xiaochuan did have the mysterious tattoo on his chest, and even Meng Tian had personally confirmed it. Although Yi Xiaochuan himself had never publicly admitted it, in the eyes of others, especially in the minds of people in this era, Yi Xiaochuan was undoubtedly Meng Yi. This had become an indisputable fact, and there was no need to make more confirmation.

Because of this, when faced with this situation, Xiang Yu was actually very opposed to doing this in his heart. However, due to his full trust in Fan Zeng, he did not reveal his thoughts at the first time. Now that Yi Xiaochuan has left, Xiang Yu naturally wants to ask for clarification. In Xiang Yu's opinion, it is wrong for Fan Zeng to agree to this matter.