All the heroes of the world are now in my grasp.

Chapter 8 The Chanyu's Thoughts

A roaring fire burned inside the Chanyu's tent, and the goat milk boiling on the bronze stove simmered, its warmth dispelling the chill of the wind and snow.

Liu Yao removed his snow-stained leather armor, changed into a loose felt robe, sat on a tiger-skin chair, took the hot wine offered by his personal guard, tilted his head back and gulped it down, letting out a long sigh of relief. After days of fleeing, fighting bloody battles, and braving wind and snow, only now, back at headquarters, could he truly relax.

Gao Zidan and Han Xin sat at the lower end of the table, sipping hot soup to warm themselves. Outside the tent, the wind and snow howled, while inside the valley, it was as safe and secure as a nest. The contrast made their current situation all the more precious. Gao Zidan gazed at the flickering firelight, his heart still filled with mixed emotions. On one hand, there was the harshness of the environment after his transmigration, and on the other hand, there was the uncertainty about the future in this chaotic world. Only the "God of War" beside him could give him a sliver of confidence.

Liu Yao dismissed his men, leaving only a few trusted leaders in the tent. His expression turned serious, and he finally got to the point: "Young man, you've had a tough journey. Now that you're back in Yongming, you're finally safe for the time being. I've been sending people to gather intelligence these past few days, and the latest situation outside has been reported back."

Gao Zidan immediately sat up straight and listened intently. This was the information he most urgently wanted to know.

"Lord Liao acted swiftly." Liu Yao tapped the table with his fingertips, his tone solemn. "After the uprising at the end of autumn and the cutting off of the supply lines, he seized the opportunity to send troops. In just two months, he had captured most of Pingzhou, and the three prefectures of Liaoxi, Changli, and Jiande were all under his control. His military strength increased dramatically, and people from all directions flocked to him."

At this point, he frowned: "Only Beiping County (around present-day Shanhaiguan) was seized by Xiang Yu first, preventing him from blocking Liaodong in western Liaoning and making it difficult for him to expand westward. As long as Shanhaiguan is in hand, Xiang Yu controls the key to the Liaodong passage, giving him the initiative in both advancing and retreating."

Gao Zidan's heart tightened. Xiang Yu was indeed formidable; his attacks were always aimed at vital points.

Liu Yao continued, "There is another major matter. Because Xiang Yu pacified the Gao clan of Shanggu and blocked the Liao Gong's westward advance, he was greatly valued by that foolish ruler Zhao Ren, who directly appointed him as General Who Conquers the North, granted him his own government, and made him the military governor of six provinces: You, Ping, Ying, Yun, Bing, and Heng. Now, he holds most of the military power in the north, and his arrogance is overwhelming. Ordinary lords simply do not dare to confront him head-on."

Upon hearing this, Gao Zidan frowned slightly and couldn't help but ask, "Shanyu, the military forces of these six prefectures... they sound impressive, but upon closer inspection, aren't they more in name than in reality?"

Liu Yao's eyes lit up slightly, clearly not expecting him to see things so clearly. He nodded and said, "Oh? Tell me about it."

"Most of Ying and Ping prefectures have already fallen into the hands of Liao Gong, and Xiang Yu has no control over them at all; Yun prefecture has been occupied by Li Longji, who has long since closed his doors and declared independence, refusing to obey the court's orders; Ji Guang of Bing prefecture, although he has not openly rebelled, has an ambiguous attitude, obeying orders but not summons." Gao Zidan analyzed clearly, "You prefecture originally belonged to Xiang Yu, so in effect, Zhao Ren's decree only gave Xiang Yu military power over Heng prefecture."

Liu Yao clapped his hands and sighed, "That's absolutely right. Zhao Ren is a cunning old fox. He doesn't really trust Xiang Yu. Rather, the court has no troops to use right now and has no choice but to rely on Xiang Yu to resist Liu Bang. Giving him military power in Hengzhou is just to stabilize his flank, so that while he's holding off the Liaodong Duke, he won't be stabbed in the back and can focus on fighting on the front lines."

"Xiang Yu may have held immense power in the north, but in reality, he was being roasted on a hot stove."

Gao Zidan nodded slightly, understanding. Zhao Ren's move, seemingly an act of favoritism, was actually pushing Xiang Yu to the front lines as a shield. Even so, Xiang Yu remained the most dangerous figure in the north. With Hengzhou as a buffer, he could attack or defend, still a sword hanging over everyone's heads—the invincible overlord who could dominate the entire world.

He glanced instinctively at Han Xin, who knelt quietly to the side, and couldn't help but sigh. Without Han Xin, Liu Bang in history was utterly defeated by Xiang Yu, losing his armor and weapons, and even having his father and wife captured. In this world, the military genius was clearly by his side, yet he was absent from Liu Bang's side. How could the Duke of Liao possibly defeat the Hegemon-King in the future?

Thinking about it this way, Gao Zidan couldn't help but feel pessimistic about Liu Bang's future.

Seeing the changes in his expression, Liu Yao assumed he was worried about his family and former master, so he didn't press the matter further. He simply continued, "I know you have a past with the Duke of Liao and that you are loyal to him. But let me tell you the truth—the Yongming tribe will not easily go to the Duke of Liao."

Gao Zidan looked up at him.

Liu Yao frankly stated, "My Yongming tribe numbers over 3,400, half of whom are elderly, weak, women, and children, leaving only 1,800 soldiers capable of fighting. Abandoning our mountain stronghold, leading the entire tribe across a thousand miles of enemy-occupied territory, and venturing into the heart of Youzhou controlled by Xiang Yu, to seek refuge with the Duke of Liao? That's not seeking refuge, that's suicide. Let alone reaching the Duke of Liao's territory, the checkpoints and patrols along the way alone could devour us completely, leaving not even bones behind."

These words were blunt, yet perfectly reasonable. Gao Zidan understood completely. If he were Liu Yao, he wouldn't gamble with the lives of his entire clan.

"I understand." He nodded. "The Chanyu's considerations are thorough; he is thinking of the entire tribe. Through the wind and snow, I have clearly seen that migrating the whole tribe is too risky."

Seeing that he was insightful, Liu Yao's expression softened a bit. He lowered his voice and revealed a secret: "However, we are not entirely without options. I have received information that there is a government army garrison south of Yongming Prefecture, on the border of Bingzhou, led by Zhou Bo, the General of the Palace Guard under the Governor of Bingzhou."

Upon hearing the name "Zhou Bo," Gao Zidan's heart skipped a beat. Zhou Bo!

How could he not know! He was Liu Bang's absolute henchman from the beginning of his career in official history. He followed him through thick and thin since Pei County, conquering countless cities and territories. Later, he quelled the Lü clan and stabilized the Han Dynasty. He was the pillar of the Han Dynasty, the head of the meritorious officials, and Liu Bang's most trusted and reliable confidant!

Former subordinates of this caliber are a hundred times more reliable than ordinary protégés or former officials.

"General Zhou was also a former subordinate of the Liao Duke," Liu Yao said slowly, staring at him. "Moreover, he was a close friend of your father, practically a sworn brother. You should know this, right?"

Gao Zidan composed herself, suppressing the turmoil in her heart. Her face remained calm as she nodded slightly, her tone resolute: "I know. My father often mentioned Uncle Zhou before he passed away, saying that he was steady and reliable, someone you could entrust your life to."

Seeing this, Liu Yao had no doubts and a hint of joy flashed in his eyes: "It's good that you know. Zhou Bo now commands a battalion of border troops, and his position is crucial—he is positioned right on the main road from the Jinyang Basin to Xihe County. He is nominally under the command of Ji Guang, the governor of Bingzhou, but he is a former subordinate of the Duke of Liao, and it's obvious that he is loyal to the Duke of Liao. He has a past relationship with your father, and you are a descendant of the Gao family. Logically and emotionally, he would not do anything to harm you."

He leaned forward slightly and stated his plan: "I want you to represent the Yongming tribe to meet General Zhou."

Gao Zidan was taken aback: "What does the Chanyu mean?"

Liu Yao said in a deep voice, "I have a very important matter to discuss with you. The Yongming tribe is located in a remote mountainous area, with little land and a poor population. They are struggling to sustain themselves with food, salt, and iron. If this continues, they will collapse on their own without needing to be attacked by others. The Xihe County is vast and poorly defended. I want you to discuss this with Zhou Bo and ask him to turn a blind eye to us and allow the Yongming tribe to take one or two counties in Xihe County to expand their territory, settle their people, and enrich themselves."

"As long as he acquiesces, we will be indebted to him for his great favor. In the future, if the Duke of Liao or General Zhou is in trouble, the Yongming troops will do their utmost and will never refuse."

Upon hearing this, Gao Zidan's expression changed slightly. He had been quite confident about the mission—given his status as a member of the Gao family and their long-standing friendship, it was reasonable for him to ask Zhou Bo for some provisions, convenience, and protection; the other party would most likely grant his request.

But they can just ask for one or two counties in Xihe County?

This isn't a plea for help; it's an outrageous demand.

Who was Zhou Bo? In official history, he was known for his integrity, prudence, and adherence to rules. Now, as a formally appointed General of the Palace Guard, stationed at a strategic pass, how could he possibly condone a Xiongnu tribe's invasion of a county under Bingzhou's jurisdiction?

This move is too childish and too reckless. Not only will it fail, but it will also cause Zhou Bo to turn against them on the spot, treating them as traitors and erasing all previous friendships.

Gao Zidan hesitated for a moment, then couldn't help but speak up: "Shanyu, this matter... is probably inappropriate. Uncle Zhou is of a prudent nature and is bound by duty. How could he possibly allow us to encroach on the counties under the jurisdiction of the prefecture? Speaking out like this will only make him resentful, and we will not even be able to preserve our previous relationship."

Liu Yao frowned, but still insisted: "It's precisely because it's dangerous that I need you to go and negotiate. The Yongming tribe is trapped in these mountains and will die sooner or later; if we take a gamble, there might be a way out. If we succeed, the Yongming tribe will have a foothold; if we fail... at least we can probe their strength. Just go, say what you want, and handle things carefully."

Looking at Liu Yao's unwavering expression, Gao Zidan knew that the Chanyu had made up his mind.

He took a deep breath and finally nodded: "...I understand. If the Chanyu trusts me, I will go. As for the proper conduct, I will handle it."

Upon hearing this, Liu Yao finally smiled and pushed a bowl of hot wine on the table in front of him: "Good! With you saying that, I'm relieved. Just tell me how many men, horses, or tokens you need, and I'll prepare everything for you."

Gao Zidan raised her hand to support the wine bowl, gazing at the swirling snow outside the tent, her thoughts churning.