The people of Chu could no longer afford to worry about the allegiance of their common folk.
However, the presence of Lin Tian’s army within Chu was something they could not ignore.
Otherwise, Lin Tian’s forces might hollow out Chu, dividing it into two.
It was for this reason that Chu urgently needed its generals and armies to appear and halt everything Lin Tian was doing.
Though Chu had no shortage of generals, the only one truly capable was Xiang Yan.
While others possessed some combat prowess, they were no match for Lin Tian.
Thus, Xiang Yan soon received a summons from Chu.
“You want me to command a new army of 300,000 to defend against Lin Tian’s forces? Is this not madness? Those new 300,000 soldiers lack significant combat power, how can they possibly defend against Lin Tian’s 300,000?”
“Indeed! General, we should ask the King to rescind the order!”
The so-called 300,000 strong army was composed of soldiers recently conscripted by Chu.
Though the number seemed large, many of these individuals were forcibly recruited into the army and possessed little desire to fight.
Moreover, a large portion of them had never seen battle, rendering them with limited combat effectiveness.
Therefore, Xiang Yan refused to command this 300,000 strong army.
He knew that leading these 300,000 soldiers would be futile against Lin Tian’s forces.
Even if Lin Tian’s army numbered only 150,000, their fighting capability was far beyond what these new recruits could match.
It was even possible that 600,000 new recruits might not be able to hold off Lin Tian’s 150,000. m..oΓg
However, Xiang Yan was unwilling to simply let the King of Chu withdraw the order. He could not stand by as Lin Tian’s army rampaged through Chu and occupied their territory.
So, he replied to the King of Chu:
“You may send 100,000 troops to join my current command, and the remaining 200,000 shall be exchanged with the army I currently lead!”
“Let those new recruits defend against Meng Tian’s army, while my forces, combined with 100,000 new soldiers, will go forth to resist Lin Tian’s army!”
This response naturally displeased many.
For many were reluctant to command those 200,000 new recruits.
Everyone knew that those 200,000 new soldiers had little fighting power, and in such circumstances, whoever commanded them would likely become a sinner of Chu.
Fortunately, the King of Chu placed great trust in Xiang Yan.
Furthermore, there was no more capable general in Chu than Xiang Yan, so he readily granted Xiang Yan’s request.
At the same time, he made a decision that astonished everyone.
He actually appointed Xiang Yan’s son, Xiang Liang, to command those 200,000 soldiers.
Upon this decision, the people of Chu were dumbfounded.
“Xiang Yan now commands 300,000 troops, and the King has appointed Xiang Yan’s son to command 200,000 more. Does this not mean the Xiang family will command a total of 500,000 soldiers?”
“Madness! The King has gone mad, allowing the Xiang family to become too powerful! Are they not afraid of the Xiang clan rebelling?”
“The King’s actions are clearly an attempt to win favor! But who knows if he is truly winning hearts or nurturing a hidden danger!”
With the Xiang clan directly controlling 500,000 troops, it meant that no other general in Chu could possibly command an army.
In such a situation, no one was willing to accept it.
However, the King of Chu paid no mind to their thoughts.
In his view, he had won the allegiance of the Xiang clan, and as long as they were willing to protect him wholeheartedly, that was sufficient.
It must be said, the King’s move was indeed very astute.
Xiang Yan was indeed a man who knew how to repay kindness.
When he learned that the King had entrusted the other 200,000 Chu troops to his son, he was overwhelmed with gratitude.
Everyone knew that monarchs feared their subjects wielding too much power, as it could easily lead to them overshadowing the ruler and provoking rebellion.
Yet, under such circumstances, the King had placed so many troops into the hands of the Xiang clan.
This demonstrated the extent of the King’s trust in their family.
“Your Majesty’s grace overwhelms me, I, Xiang Yan, am deeply grateful and willing to repay it with my life!”
“I, Xiang Yan, vow to defend Chu to the death, and not allow a single Qin soldier to step into our territory!”
After Xiang Yan swore this solemn oath, his objective became much clearer.
He led his 300,000 strong army directly towards the location of Lin Tian’s forces.
Soon, their armies arrived in proximity to Lin Tian’s, and the two forces even sighted each other from afar.
Their arrival also drew Lin Tian’s attention.
“Whose army is that?”
“Reporting to the Great General, it is Xiang Yan’s army!”
“It seems Chu is finally going to manage us, and not allow us to occupy their territory as we please!”
“Haha! If they didn’t act soon, Chu would be split in two. Chu should now consider us their primary enemy!”
“Regardless of their attitude, we should still take in the people of Chu, and allow those who suffer and are distressed in Chu to come to our Qin and enjoy the benefits of Qin!”
“Yes!”
Lin Tian’s stance was very clear: he intended to absorb the people of Chu, and he paid no mind to Xiang Yan’s army.
On the other side, Xiang Yan also had no desire to engage Lin Tian’s army in battle.
“Order our army to hold our Chu cities. Without my command, no one is to leave the city freely!”
“When Lin Tian’s army attacks, everyone, defend the city with all your might!”
“General, are we merely defending? Are we not to reclaim our lost cities?”
“Lin Tian of Qin is incredibly cunning and possesses extraordinary combat power. Without absolute certainty, we cannot take the initiative to attack them!”
Although Xiang Yan was eager to reclaim Chu’s lost cities, he also knew that even with 300,000 troops, he was not necessarily a match for Lin Tian’s army.
Under such circumstances, he prioritized a stable defense.
Thus, although Lin Tian’s army and Xiang Yan’s army encountered each other, no war broke out.
The two armies were like strangers on a road, each minding their own business.
However, a few days later, the two armies, which had no prior contact, suddenly found themselves in a situation of direct confrontation.
A large number of Chu soldiers attempting to flee Chu appeared within the city defended by Xiang Yan’s army.
They wished to escape from here and go to Qin.
Lin Tian’s army also appeared in this area, preparing to receive these civilians.
This caused Lin Tian’s army and Xiang Yan’s army to directly face each other.
This put Xiang Yan’s army in a state of extreme tension.
…