The Conqueror Must Win

Xiang Yu was the last representative of the classical aristocracy of the pre-Qin period. Some might think he was foolish, pedantic, and not ruthless enough. But that's how classical aristocrats operated. Warfare had to be honorable, with chivalrous spirit. Their ancestors were feudal states, and that old fox Ying Zheng insisted on implementing the prefecture-county system—a treasonous act!

I'll share my understanding, please be gentle with your criticism, as I'm not a professional. Let's start with Liu Bang. Compared to Xiang Yu, Liu Bang's background was far inferior. Liu Bang was a poor, down-on-his-luck man who loved to boast, was lazy, and didn't engage in productive work. Even his hometown of Pei County didn't really like him.

I've read up to chapter 80, and I think a good emperor doesn't necessarily have to be ruthless. Yu Ji's love for Xiang Yu was as deep as the sea, so why should Xiang Yu always be thinking about the harem interfering in politics? Besides, Yu Ji loved Xiang Yu wholeheartedly (she even committed suicide at Gaixia).

Many people don't know that Liu Bang was an aristocrat because many only read the *Records of the Grand Historian* and not the *Book of Han*. The *Book of Han* records that Liu Bang's grandfather was the Duke of Feng, making him a true nobleman of the Wei state. 😃

I'll save this for later. Those who write history all seem to favor the grand Han, Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties, but few write about Xiang Yu. The historical overlord was by no means a reckless and impulsive brute; he's just been vilified far too much.

I don't know what's so good about Xiang Yu. He burned down the Epang Palace, destroying countless precious books and treasures. A palace complex built at the cost of countless people's hard-earned money was reduced to ashes in one fell swoop. He was utterly worthless.

Liu Bang was truly remarkable, but his thuggish and unscrupulous methods were incredibly low-class. He just happened to bully Xiang Yu; anyone else probably wouldn't have cared so much about him.

Both Xiang Yu and Liu Bang were representative figures of their respective eras, and many of their generals came from prominent families. While their military training may have been limited by the times, they were still far from ordinary people.

Besides the Chu-Han Contention, the most formidable opponent was the Xiongnu, who rose to their peak. Even Liu Bang suffered a defeat against them; only by defeating the Xiongnu could Liu Bang prove that he was at least no less capable than the Han.

Zhang Liang: A strategic vision! How can you win without a strategic vision? Xiao He: Operations! You need more crystal ore and high-energy gas! Han Xin: True strength lies in overwhelming numbers! Divide your forces into multiple routes and airdrop troops on three fronts! Let's get this party started! Liu Bang: We can't win a direct confrontation!