EBE Chapter 575 Han Xin Heads to Xianyang
Chapter 575 Han Xin Heads to Xianyang
“Alright! Then let’s meet outside the east gate of the city three days from now, at the beginning of Chen Shi (7:30 AM).” Lin Xi set the time, then took out a heavy brocade pouch from her bosom and stuffed it into Han Xin’s hand without saying a word. “There is some silver in here, Brother Han, please take it. You may need it for the next few days. Don’t refuse. The journey to Xianyang is long, and Brother Han should also buy some decent clothes. You can’t go to see Her Highness the Princess in such a disheveled state.”
Han Xin held the rather heavy brocade pouch, his fingertips trembling slightly. He understood that this was Lin Xi's thoughtfulness, and also a kind of "settlement fee" or "travel allowance." He gave Lin Xi a deep look, without saying thank you again, but simply kept this kindness in his heart. "Xin, I understand."
After they parted, Han Xin turned and walked resolutely towards the dilapidated village head's house where he was staying. Though his back was still thin, it seemed to be infused with a new strength. Lin Xi saw him off at the door and watched him go until his figure disappeared from sight before turning and quickly returning to her own house.
Back in his room, Lin Xi immediately began making arrangements. He first wrote a letter, detailing in secret the process of finding Han Xin, the man's displayed talent and ambition, and the arrangements for their departure for Xianyang in three days. This secret letter would be delivered to Ying Wuyou as quickly as possible through clandestine channels.
Next, he summoned his trusted confidants and ordered them to prepare a sturdy and comfortable carriage, select two reliable and skilled guards to accompany him, and stock up on enough provisions, water, and medicine for the journey. Xianyang was a long way away, with mountains and passes providing obstacles; thorough preparations were essential.
At the same time, he did not forget the "tail" in Pei County. He reconfirmed the personnel monitoring the Lü family and Liu Ji's current situation, and instructed them to continue to act according to plan and report regularly. As for Fan Kuai, Lu Wan and others, he did not go to say goodbye in a special way to avoid unnecessary speculation. He only planned to leave an ordinary letter stating that he needed to leave Pei County for a period of time due to "business matters".
For Han Xin, these three days were both a farewell and a rebirth.
He returned to the humble room where he had been staying. As usual, the village head's wife gave him a cold look upon his return, muttering things like "eating and lodging for free." Han Xin seemed not to hear her and went straight back to his own cramped side room. He carefully packed his meager belongings—a few worn-out changes of clothes, some miscellaneous personal items, and most importantly, the military books and bamboo slips he had read so many times that the edges were frayed—into a single bag.
He went to the market and, with the money Lin Xi had given him, bought two simple but clean and tidy robes. He stood before the bronze mirror, looking at the resolute-faced, calm-eyed young man reflected in it, and gently smoothed the wrinkles at the hem of his robes. He knew that once he stepped out of Pei County, he would no longer be the Han Xin of Huaiyin, who was looked down upon by others.
He also went to the river outside the city and sat alone for a long time. This was where he had once relieved his frustrations and pondered strategies. The river was silent, witnessing his desolation and forbearance, and soon to witness his departure.
On the morning of the third day, before dawn, Han Xin had already gotten up. He slung his bag over his shoulder, took one last look at the humble room that had witnessed countless humiliations and perseverance of his life, turned around without hesitation, and walked towards the east gate of the city in the dim light of dawn.
At the beginning of Chen Shi (7-9 AM), Lin Xi's carriage was already waiting outside the East Gate. The carriage wasn't luxurious, but it was sturdy, and the two horses pulling it were quite spirited. Two guards in plain clothes, with sharp eyes, rode on two other horses, standing quietly to the side. Lin Xi himself stood beside the carriage, dressed in a practical outfit suitable for long journeys, making him look even more energetic.
Seeing Han Xin arrive on time, Lin Xi smiled and said, "Brother Han, you are right on time."
Han Xin cupped his hands in greeting, saying nothing more. His gaze swept over the carriage and guards, and he understood the importance that Lin Xi, or rather Princess Jiayang behind her, placed on this trip. This added a touch of solemnity to his expectations for the future.
"Please get in the car, Brother Han." Lin Xi personally lifted the car curtain.
Han Xin nodded, placed his luggage inside the carriage, and then boarded. The carriage was spacious, with thick felt carpets and soft cushions. In one corner was a small book box containing several newly printed books that Lin Xi had prepared for him, including the latest issue of the "Great Qin News" and some briefings on the new policies of the Qin state and the situation of the Xiongnu in the north.
Lin Xi then boarded the carriage and sat opposite Han Xin. One guard drove the carriage, while another guard led the way on horseback.
"Giddy up!" With a soft shout from the driver, the carriage slowly started moving, rolling over the cold stone road at the east gate of Pei County, and onto the official road leading into the distance.
The walls of Pei County gradually shrank behind him, eventually disappearing from sight. Through the carriage window, Han Xin glanced back at the small town that had given him the most humiliation and ultimately led him to make his choice. He felt little attachment, only a sense of lightness and determination to break free from constraints and head towards the unknown.
As the carriage traveled along the slightly bumpy official road, Lin Xi noticed Han Xin's calm gaze and took the initiative to speak, breaking the silence in the carriage: "Brother Han, the journey to Xianyang is long, so this is a good opportunity to chat with you more. Although Her Highness the Princess already knows of Brother Han's name, she must be eager to have a deeper understanding of Brother Han's talent and ideas."
Han Xin withdrew his gaze and looked at Lin Xi: "Please ask, sir." He knew that this was both an exchange and possibly an invisible test.
Lin Xi pondered for a moment and asked, "Brother Han, you are well-versed in military affairs. In your opinion, what is most important for a general? Is it bravery, strategy, or something else?"
Without hesitation, Han Xin calmly replied with his usual confidence: "For a general, the most important thing is 'momentum.' Observe the timing of heaven, the advantages of the terrain, and the harmony of the people; understand the strengths and weaknesses of the enemy and ourselves; gather our own momentum and break the enemy's momentum. Bravery is nothing more than the ability to charge into battle; strategy is also the method of creating and using momentum. A good warrior has no reputation for wisdom or bravery, because he wins because he wins easily. Therefore, a good commander subdues the enemy's army without fighting, and captures the enemy's city without attacking. To subdue the enemy's army without fighting is the best of the best."
He paused, then continued with a resolute tone: "However, the foundation of 'power' lies in national strength, in the hearts of the people, and in the sufficiency of food and military supplies. Your Highness's implementation of new policies, reform of domestic affairs, reduction of punishments, encouragement of agriculture and warfare, and establishment of schools are precisely the way to build up power. Only when internal power is strong can external power be expanded. If internal power is weak, even with good generals, it is difficult to cook without rice."
Lin Xi nodded repeatedly in agreement. Han Xin not only discussed military matters but also connected them with politics and economics, demonstrating a broad vision that was truly exceptional. "Brother Han, your insights are profound. What are your thoughts on the greatest border threat to Qin in the north—the Xiongnu?"
When discussing specific adversaries, Han Xin's eyes sharpened, and his analysis became more thorough: "The Xiongnu excel in mounted archery, moving swiftly like the wind. They advance when advantageous and retreat when disadvantageous, showing no shame in fleeing. Their strength lies in mobility, but their weakness lies in the lack of fortified cities, relying on plunder for supplies. In dealing with the Xiongnu, we cannot be impatient for quick results or expect a single decisive battle. We should use fortified cities as points and elite cavalry as lines, gradually advancing and compressing their pastures. Simultaneously, we can emulate King Wuling of Zhao's 'adoption of nomadic clothing and mounted archery,' building a powerful Qin cavalry force to fight them head-on. Furthermore, we can employ strategy to divide their various tribes, winning over the weaker ones and striking the stronger ones. This is a long-term national policy that requires perseverance and cannot be accomplished in one generation."