Chapter 15: Perhaps a Peaceful End Is Possible

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Hangu Pass.

Chu Kingdom was far from Chang’an. Han Xin set out from the Chu capital, Xiapi, traveling through Pengcheng, Yangxia, crossing Xingyang, passing Luoyang, and finally arriving at Hangu Pass, a mighty fortress renowned throughout the realm.

Hangu Pass was the crucial gateway into the Guanzhong Plain. Once past it, one entered the heartland, with Chang’an just ahead—proof that the journey was nearing its end.

Carriages lined the official road, stirring up clouds of dust as they rolled forward. Each was drawn by four fine steeds, their powerful gallop like racing clouds, signaling the extraordinary status of their master.

Inside one carriage sat King Han Xin of Chu, his posture upright and composed. His face carried a hint of sternness, as if stripped of personal emotion. His sword-like brows slanted sharply toward his temples, eyes deep and seasoned by countless battles. Beneath a prominent nose, his lips curved slightly downward, radiating an aura of commanding authority without anger.

Han Xin wore a dark brocade robe, its edges embroidered with exquisite golden trim. The collar and cuffs were lined with soft, luxurious sable fur, a symbol of princely rank. Around his waist was a broad belt made of rhinoceros hide, adorned with a translucent jade plaque. The jade’s swirling pattern resembled a hidden dragon, gently swaying with his movements, adding to his imposing presence.

His gaze pierced through the carriage window, fixed on the distant direction of Chang’an, eyes reflecting a complex weave of emotions.

This journey was to Chang’an for one purpose: to be granted a royal title—

A title written as “King Alongside the Emperor.”

Sometimes, a name could embody profound meaning. The five characters “King Alongside the Emperor” suggested supremacy and unparalleled honor.

Han Xin was fond of this title; he felt it suited him perfectly, as if created expressly for him. In the founding of the Han dynasty, his contributions were immense.

In the past, he had proposed the “Han Zhong Strategy,” analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the Chu and Han factions, exposing Xiang Yu’s vulnerabilities. He advised Liu Bang to employ capable talents, reward meritorious officials, and secure the Three Qins provinces, setting the fundamental strategy for the struggle for supremacy. During the campaign to pacify the Three Qins, he employed the cunning tactic “Repair the plank road by day, secretly cross the Chencang,” helping Liu Bang break through Guanzhong swiftly and stabilize the base, igniting the contest between Chu and Han.

In the battles against Wei and Dai, when Liu Bang suffered defeat at Pengcheng, Han Xin subdued Wei and Dai, strengthening Liu Bang’s power and creating favorable conditions for subsequent campaigns.

At the Battle of Jingxing, he triumphed over the Zhao army with fewer troops, slain general Chen Yu, and captured King Zhao Xie alive, terrifying the feudal lords. He then pacified the Yan kingdom. At the Battle of Weishui, he defeated the 200,000-strong Chu army led by Long Ju, killing Long Ju and subduing the Qi state. At the decisive Battle of Gaixia, he employed tactics of “Ambush from Ten Sides” and “Songs of Chu from All Sides,” successfully defeating Xiang Yu.

Without him, could Liu Bang have established the Han dynasty?

Without him, could Liu Bang have become emperor?

In Han Xin’s eyes, other kings were incomparable to him in ability and merit—on an entirely different level. Although he had been granted the title King of Chu after the dynasty was founded, he always felt that such a title was insufficient.

Yet he had no choice.

Anything higher would be emperor.

One step beyond that, and it would be usurpation.

But now, this title of “King Alongside the Emperor” struck a chord deep within his heart. Aside from Han Xin, who else in the realm could rightfully bear this honor?

“I wonder who proposed this,” Han Xin murmured to himself.

After the convoy passed inspection and smoothly crossed Hangu Pass, Kong Ju seized the moment to enter Han Xin’s carriage.

“Your Majesty, once you pass Hangu Pass, there is no turning back.”

Kong Ju was about Han Xin’s age but looked much older, his face lined with wrinkles, his dark, yellowed skin marking him as a man who had endured hardship.

Han Xin replied calmly, “I have rendered great service; why am I not worthy of the title ‘King Alongside the Emperor’?”

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“You worry too much, Lord Liao.”

Since the decree granting the royal title had reached Chu, Kong Ju had persistently urged him not to venture to Chang’an lightly.

Nor to accept this royal honor.

Why was he forbidden from going to Chang’an?

For feudal kings of different surnames, their true power lay in controlling armies. Only with military might could even Emperor Liu Bang dare not act against them.

This was Kong Ju’s view.

But Han Xin saw things differently. He cared little whether he held military command; what mattered most was personal honor.

The title “King Alongside the Emperor” rekindled his long-dormant spirit.

He admired this rank that placed him on equal footing with the emperor; he believed it was his rightful due.

Han Xin glanced at Kong Ju. Despite Kong Ju’s warnings, he did not trust his words, suspecting ill intent beneath the surface.

In the thirty-sixth year of Emperor Qin’s reign, Kong Ju had joined Liu Bang’s uprising at Mangdang Mountain, fighting in many battles and earning merit.

He was a trusted confidant of Liu Bang.

At the Battle of Gaixia, Han Xin valued Kong Ju’s bravery and appointed him to lead the Left Army against Xiang Yu. Kong Ju fulfilled his duties, defeating Xiang Yu decisively.

Since that battle, Kong Ju had grown loyal to Han Xin.

For this, he was granted the title Lord Liao.

But Han Xin somewhat looked down on Kong Ju. His noble rank came solely from being ordered to attack Xiang Yu; by merit alone, Kong Ju was unworthy of such a title.

Without Han Xin’s promotion, Kong Ju might be nowhere.

Reliant on Han Xin’s patronage due to limited ability, how could Han Xin heed his advice?

“Your Majesty...” Seeing Han Xin’s resolve, Kong Ju sighed inwardly. Though he had served Liu Bang from the uprising at Mangdang Mountain, he had not been highly favored—there were too many fighters around the emperor.

It was Han Xin who appreciated his courage and entrusted him with leading troops against Xiang Yu.

To repay this, Kong Ju considered all matters from Han Xin’s perspective, even valuing him above the emperor.

Yet, why would Han Xin not listen?

“Enough. No more words.”

“Don’t forget how you came to be a lord.”

Han Xin’s voice was cold. He never spared others when speaking and never cared how his words affected their feelings.

Kong Ju fell silent.

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He understood the meaning behind Han Xin’s words.

Without Han Xin, he was nothing.

Why should Han Xin heed his counsel?

In Han Xin’s eyes, Kong Ju lacked sufficient ability to influence his decisions.

“Sigh...” Kong Ju worried deeply that on this journey, Han Xin might lose not only his military command but also incur the enmity of other civil and military officials.

Han Xin’s character was solitary and aloof; he never showed warmth to others, making it impossible for him to integrate into court politics. He was better suited to rule as a king in Chu.

But he could no longer speak these words.

The carriage slowly advanced toward Chang’an.

That day—

The King of Chu entered Chang’an!

In front of the city gates, traffic bustled. Countless commoners stopped and gazed eagerly at the gates.

They awaited Han Xin’s arrival.

For such a legendary general, the people brimmed with curiosity, especially about the man who would be granted the title “King Alongside the Emperor,” enjoying honors equal to the sovereign.

The crowd was lively, yet before Han Xin’s arrival, the gates of Chang’an already stood wide open.

On the city walls, Liu Bang and Zhang Liang, dressed in plain clothes, watched below.

After a long silence, Zhang Liang smiled and said, “Your Majesty, no officials have come out to greet him at the gate.”

“No civil ministers, nor military generals.”

“I am increasingly impressed by Lu Xuan’s wisdom. Han Xin is cold and aloof, not on friendly terms with the ministers. Lu Xuan’s suggestion to grant him the title ‘King Alongside the Emperor’ fits Han Xin perfectly. Han Xin is proud and scorns other kings. Since he has lost his military command and is at odds with the officials...”

“Your Majesty, this time we can...” Zhang Liang’s words trailed off, but Liu Bang already knew what he intended to say.

Now, he need no longer fear Han Xin.

Perhaps, he need not contemplate killing Han Xin.

They would allow Han Xin a graceful end.