Xiang Liang summoned troops in Jiangdong. One day, he said to Ji Bu and Zhong Lim: "Huan Chu and Yu Ying are warriors from Wu and Yue. They once fought against the Qin army. After the defeat, I don't know where they hid? I recently heard that soldiers and horses were called for in Tushan, Jiujiang. You The two of them have held official positions in the county for a long time, so they must be very familiar with them. Now I would like to trouble you to go to Tushan to invite them to join us in the great cause." Ji Bu hesitated and said, "Ming Gong, these two have unparalleled martial arts skills and are proud of the heroes of the world. We have been county officials for a long time, and we have wanted them, and we have some grievances. If we go this time, they may not give us face. If Mr. Xiang goes with us, if they raise any problems, Mr. Xiang will still deal with it." Xiang Liang said repeatedly. After saying that, he called Xiang Yu and said: "Yu'er, you will go to Tushan with Ji Bu and Zhongli to invite Huan Chu and Yu Ying." Xiang Yu said decisively: "Don't worry, uncle, I will definitely let them come." Come and vote with all your heart!" The three of them prepared their saddles and horses and set off.
In more than one day, the three of them came to Tushan. Tushan, also known as Dangtu Mountain and commonly known as Dongshan, is located on the bank of the Huaihe River in the northernmost part of Jiujiang County. "Zuo Zhuan: The Seventh Year of Ai Gong" records: "Yu gathered the princes in Tushan, holding jade and silk from all countries." "Huaiyuan County Chronicle" records: Tushan, also known as Dangtu Mountain. The Tu and Jing mountains were originally one body, but were later cut by faults and washed by running water, and were divided into two mountains facing each other across the river, forming one of the famous Little Three Gorges on the Huaihe River. In the middle of the Western Zhou Dynasty, King Mu of Zhou met with the princes here and called this meeting the Tushan Meeting. Although it is already winter, the bamboos and pine trees in the mountains are very prosperous. The white stones on the roadside are covered with moss and green marks. The old branches on the cliff are hanging upside down. The colors are mixed with green and yellow, and the colors are mottled. It looks like everywhere All are good scenery. Coupled with the chirping of birds and the flying cranes everywhere, it really feels like a leisurely day in the mountains, and a year has suddenly passed in the world. The three of them came to the foot of the mountain and walked up the rugged mountain road. In front of them was a path leading straight into the depths. As the three of them were walking, suddenly a group of minions blocked the way. Ji Bu said to them: "We are the subordinates of General Xiang Liang. We have something to discuss with your king. Go and report it quickly!" The men whistled and ran quickly to report.
It turns out that Huan Chu and Yu Ying were famous strong men in Wu and Yue, and they were also heroes who resisted Qin in those days. When they were young, they served as generals under Xiang Yan and participated in the battle against the Qin army occupying Wu and Yue. After their defeat, they hid in Kuaiji Mountain. Later, the county guard sent troops to encircle and suppress him, and the two men defeated the officers and soldiers with their superb martial arts. However, Ji Bu and Zhong Limei were also heroes with unparalleled martial arts skills. Coupled with the large number of officers and soldiers, Huan Chu and Yu Ying were finally defeated. They withdrew from Kuaiji Mountain and wandered to Tushan Mountain to drop grass. They took advantage of the favorable terrain in Tushan to engage in guerrilla warfare. In addition, the mountains were high and the emperor was far away, so the officers and soldiers had nothing to do with them. Only then did they gain a firm foothold and became kings of the mountain from then on. After Chen Sheng's uprising, Huan Chu and Yu Ying actively prepared to fight against Qin. Recently, they heard that Xiang Liang had raised troops in Wuzhong, so they wanted to send someone to inquire about the situation and see if Xiang Liang had Xiang Yan's heroism and military talent. But due to the long distance, the trip has not yet taken place. At this time, I suddenly heard that Xiang Liang had sent someone. I was really surprised, so I hurried out to greet him.
Huan Chu and Yu Ying came to the gate of the village. They saw Ji Bu and Zhong Limei first, and said angrily: "We were driven into despair by the two of us. We fled so far away, and you came to our door again?" Ji Bu? He Zhonglimei quickly apologized and said: "You two heroes, please don't misunderstand me. We used to serve the Qin State, but now we have supported Xiang Yan's son Xiang Liang as a general and are preparing to raise troops to fight against Qin. This time we are following his order." Please come out and help General Xiang Liang to destroy Qin and restore Chu. Can you please put aside your old grudges and let us do something together?" Huan Chu laughed and said: "That's it! I have long seen that the Qin State was finished, so I refused If you don't surrender to Qin, that's really the case now, haha!" Then he invited the three of them to the stronghold to talk! " Ji Bu and others followed Huan Chu to the stronghold, and the guests and hosts sat down. Huan Chu arranged for tea first, and then said: "I have heard of Xiang Liang's name for a long time, but his father Xiang Yan is a hero, so he may not be the hero. What a hero! Zhong Limei stood up and pointed at Xiang Yu and said, "Have you ever heard of Xiang Liang's nephew Xiang Yu?" Huan Chu said: "I've heard of it, but I don't know what his skills are?" Ji Pudao introduced Xiang Yu and said, "This is the young master." "
Xiang Yu quickly stood up and saluted. When Huan Chu and Yu Ying saw that Xiang Yu was tall and tall, with brocade robes and jade belts, and very lavish attire, they exclaimed: "Young Master is really good-looking, but I wonder what your skills are?" Xiang Yu said: "I am Xiang Ji, by order of my uncle. Come to welcome the two heroes out of the mountain." Huan Chu said coldly: "Now the world is in chaos, heroes are everywhere, and there are so many people like us who are kings of the mountain. You can just stand up and say that you are the grandson of Xiang Yan, what can we do? Can you believe it?" Xiang Yu patted his chest and said, "I am Xiang Yan's grandson and Xiang Liang's nephew, Xiang Yu. This can't be false!" Huan Chu glanced at Xiang Yu and said, "Even so. When I was in Wuzhong, I've heard of your name! It's just that our abilities are mediocre and we can only chase foxes and rabbits in the mountains. If we talk about going into battle to kill the enemy, we are just amateurs. Besides, we are used to being idle. How can we concentrate on the business of shooting one spear at a time? You guys It's better to hire someone else!" Xiang Yu said impassionedly: "In today's Qin State, the second generation is mediocre and Zhao Gao is in power, so there are heroes everywhere. I heard that both of them have unique skills and extraordinary abilities, so they should eliminate the disabled in the world. Go out and show off your skills, but why are you hiding here in obscurity? Are you scared by the Qin army?" When Ji Bu heard this, their words became tense and he hurriedly said: "General Xiang really admires you two. You are invited by a distinguished person, why do you expect the two of you to think twice?"
Yu Ying stood up and said: "We already know the good intentions of the three of you, but although Qin is unruly, its foundation is still very solid, and you can't compete with it unless it is an unparalleled talent! It's not that we don't believe you, we are just worried that the Xiang family's uncles and nephews are only mediocre in intelligence." , if you go to answer the call, things will not work out in the future, but you will have to drag each other down, which will not be good for anyone!" Zhong Limei also said quickly: "You two heroes don't know something. Mr. Xiang once learned from ten thousand people. His martial arts is invincible in the world, please don’t doubt it?" Huan Chu said with a smile: "I can talk big words, but I don’t know the truth? If you can show your skills, and you are really capable of defeating ten thousand people, we will follow you Come down the mountain. Otherwise, you should hire someone else!" Xiang Yu heard the meaning and asked, "But I don't know how to reveal it?" Yu Ying had an idea and said, "The martial arts competition will hurt the harmony. In this way, there is a temple of King Yu at the foot of Beishan. "There is a big cauldron in front of the temple, which weighs a thousand kilograms. If Mr. Xiang can push it down and lift it up again, push it down and lift it up again, push it down and lift it up three times, you will be invincible in the world. We will follow Mr. Xiang to Wuxian County." Xiang Yu said: "A gentleman's words are hard to chase!" Huan Chu and Yu Ying said, "I will never break my promise!" Xiang Yu immediately stood up and said, "How about please go down the mountain to see the cauldron?" Huan Chu and Yu Ying also immediately stood up and said, "Please!" Everyone left the cottage.
After a while, they arrived in front of the Temple of King Yu at the foot of the mountain. As expected, Xiang Yu and others saw a bronze tripod with big ears and three legs standing on the platform in the middle of the courtyard. When everyone got closer, Xiang Yu discovered that the tripod was 1.8 meters high, about 4 meters in circumference, and weighed an estimated 1,500 kilograms. Xiang Yu looked at the tripod, first walked around the tripod, and then asked three minions to try to push it, but it didn't move at all. Xiang Yu rolled up his sleeves, stepped forward and pushed the cauldron. It fell to the ground, and then he lifted it up again. Everyone was shocked. Xiang Yu thought that if I don't show my skills here today, they will look down on me, so he said: "You two, you can't show your skills just by pushing them down and raising them up!" Huan Chu asked: "What do you mean, Mr. Xiang?" "Xiang Yu said: "I can lift this cauldron." When Huan Chu and Yu Ying heard that Xiang Yu could lift the cauldron, they were surprised and said: "To be honest, sir, we can only push this cauldron down and raise it up again. Working together, we can only lift it three feet, and cannot lift it above our heads. If the young master can lift this cauldron, he will be invincible in the world! What else can we say?" After hearing what the two of them said, Xiang Yu smiled slightly. As soon as he smiled, he rolled up his sleeves and prepared to lift the cauldron.
At this time, Zhong Limei had an idea and hurriedly stepped forward and said to Xiang Yu, "Master, don't be anxious." Then he turned back to Huan Chu and Yu Ying and said, "There are rumors in the rivers and lakes that one of the two can pull up trees and the other can stamp his feet. I don't know. Is it true or false? If Mr. Xiang went through all the trouble to lift the cauldron today, but the two of you failed to live up to the name, would you have disappointed the people of Chu?" Huan Chu and Yu Ying looked at each other and laughed: "Okay! Okay!" After Huan Chu said that, he walked to a tree beside the road in the yard. The tree was at least as thick as the mouth of a bowl. Huan Chu said loudly: "You guys have to look carefully!" He started to move after saying that. After tensing up his muscles and strengthening his strength, he bent down, hugged the roots of the tree with both hands, and then with a cry, he uprooted the tree with all his strength. Everyone was shocked. When Yu Ying saw Huan Chu pulling up the tree, he rolled up his trouser legs, shouted, stamped his foot on the ground, and then raised his foot. Everyone saw that he had stepped into the ground a full foot deep. The sergeant cheered in unison. Xiang Yu and the other three people also admired the two's supernatural power. From then on, people called Huan Chu the "General Pulling the Trees" and Yu Ying the "General Stomping the Ground". Together they were the "Two Generals Pulling and Stomping".
Xiang Yu was also surprised, thinking that these two people really had supernatural powers, so he said, "Now watch me lift the cauldron." Everyone came to the big cauldron, and everyone focused their attention on Xiang Yu. Xiang Yu lifted up the lapel of his robe, rolled up his sleeves, first placed his left hand on the edge of the tripod, put his right knee on the bottom of the tripod, grabbed the foot of the tripod with his other hand, and then lifted it hard, and the tripod was suspended in the air. . After Xiang Yu leveled it, he roared and raised the golden cauldron high above his head. His momentum changed the color of the situation. Huan and Yu were shocked, and Ji Bu and Zhong Limei also applauded. The little minions were so frightened when they saw what they saw in front of them that one of them fell to the ground, foaming at the mouth from fear and unconscious. Xiang Yu raised the tripod for a moment, then put the tripod on the ground, then patted his shoulders, kicked his legs, and said with a nonchalant smile: "Can you two come out of the mountain?" Huan and Yu knelt down with a "thump". He fell at Xiang Yu's feet and said: "General Xiang is really a god who has descended to earth. Even if Meng Bi, Xia Yu, and Ren Bi were alive, it would be nothing more than this! We are willing to follow your saddle and horse for the rest of our lives until death!" "The rest of the minions also crawled on the ground, and many of them did not dare to look up at Xiang Yu. Xiang Yu laughed and helped the two of them up. It is mentioned many times in history books that Xiang Yu's "strength can carry the tripod" refers to this incident of carrying the tripod. Xiang Yu became famous in one fell swoop. As long as people in his hometown talked about Xiang Yu's lifting of the cauldron, everyone would be in admiration. There is a poem praising Xiang Yu:
He has thousands of enemies, and Cui Wei stands in Haoqiong.
It is possible to lift a mountain to match the world, and to lift a cauldron to count the number of eagles and insects.
The people of Sishang are outstanding, and the heroes of Jiangdong are unparalleled.
The chasm can confront each other, only a bow.
Huan Chu and Yu Ying said to Xiang Yu respectfully: "Now please invite General Xiang to go back to the mountain stronghold for a drink. We will immediately gather the team to go down the mountain tomorrow. Please!" Xiang Yu was very happy and came to the stronghold with everyone. As soon as he reached the door, Huan Chu immediately sent an order to beat drums and blow trumpets to welcome Xiang Yu, Ji Bu, and Zhong Lihuan into the stronghold. Huan Chu made the scene very grand, then killed cattle and sheep, held a banquet, drank in big bowls, ate meat in big bowls, entertained Xiang Yu and others warmly, and everyone had to get drunk before resting.
When he got up the next day, after breakfast, Huan Chu first ordered everyone to gather in Tushan, and more than 3,000 people gathered together. Then he packed up his belongings, burned the stronghold, and fired cannons down the mountain. The heroes gathered around Xiang Yu and rushed to Wu County.
When Xiang Liang heard that Huan Chu and Yu Ying had arrived, he was overjoyed and hurried out of the city to greet them. I saw Huan Chu with a green face and black beard, a nose like a garlic head, and a beard like wheat stubble. Yu Ying had a red face and a red beard, eyebrows as arched as eaves, and a nose like a hanging gallbladder. He was a tall and proud man. Huan and Yu were very happy and fell at their feet. Xiang Liang helped the two of them up and said, "You two are both strong men in Wuzhong and heroes of today. Now that God has given you to me, how can the Qin country not be destroyed?" Everyone walked towards the city. Ji Bu and Zhong Limei told Xiang Liang how they uprooted trees and stamped their feet while Xiang Yu lifted the cauldron. Xiang Liang was very surprised and held a banquet to celebrate.
At this time, the children of Wuzhong came to join the army one after another, and many of them held positions. Yu Yigong also sent Yu Ziqi here. He said to Xiang Liang: "I only have one son. Now I will give it to the general and let him follow the army. This can be regarded as my doing my best for the Chu country!" He was very grateful and arranged for him to serve in the army. Suddenly a man came up to Xiang Liang in a hurry and said, "General Xiang, why don't you use me?" Xiang Liang looked at him and smiled and said, "I asked you to handle something before, but you didn't do it well that time, so I can't." Please forgive me for assigning you a position!" Upon hearing this, the man suddenly realized and backed away. This shows how carefully Xiang Liang chooses generals. At this time, the soldiers and horses were almost gathered. There were 8,000 people in total. They were known as the "Eight Thousand Disciples Soldiers" in history. All the Kuaiji County surrendered.
After King Chen's general Zhao Ping was driven out of Tancheng by Qin Jia and others, he led his troops southward to Guangling. After staying here for a short time, he heard that King Zhang Chu had defeated Chencheng. After some time, the news that King Zhang Chu was plotted spread everywhere. Zhao Ping gathered his men and said, "Zhang Han is going south. King Zhang Chu has been killed, so there is no point for us here. We heard that Xiang Liang raised troops in Jiangdong, where there are many people, fertile land, and plenty of money and food. We went to Jiangdong to lobby. Xiang Liang crossed the river to fight with Zhang Han, right?" The tribesmen said: "We have no contact, so if we go rashly now, he may not take us seriously." Zhao Ping said: "The king had instructions before: to contact the southeast All righteous men, write a false edict now and grant Xiang Liang the title of Shangzhu Kingdom. With such a high title, if you go to confer the title, even if there is no relationship, will he still refuse?" The tribe said: "What a pity. There is no seal." Zhao Ping said with a smile: "I have the general's seal given by the king. I can imitate it and engrave the seal of the Shangzhu Kingdom." After everyone heard this, they felt that it was very reasonable, so they found it. He took the stone, carved it with the seal of Shangzhu Kingdom, and wrote a fake edict together, then sealed it and went south with it.
When Zhao Ping and others came to Wu County, they saw that everything was in full swing and everyone was high-spirited. They felt very happy and went straight to the general's government office to ask for an audience with Xiang Liang. Xiang Liang was surprised when he heard that Zhang Chu was coming, so he went out to greet him. After Zhao Ping met Xiang Liang, Zhao Ping said: "We are here to see you under orders. We don't know the king's current situation." After saying this, he took out Jiao Zhao and the seal ribbon of Shangzhu Kingdom. Xiang Liang was very happy and issued the imperial edict. Let it read:
Wang Sheng of Zhang Chu cautiously told Xiang Gong's subordinates: I have long heard that you are Xiang Yan's son and the general's general. However, Xiang Yan died at the hands of the Qin people, and everyone on the road knew about it. Gu Ben was a servant in the field, but he knew the great justice of revenge against Chu, so he raised his arms and called out, and the heroes of the world responded. And after you become a loyal martyr, you are surrounded by enemies of the country. Are you not as determined to take revenge as you are alone? Gu Jin worships you as the Shangzhu of the Chu Kingdom, and specially sends General Zhao Ping to come and confer the title. I also hope that you will not forget the hatred of Chu, rely on justice and loyalty, preside over military affairs, and conquer Qin and restore Chu. In order to make achievements in the contemporary era and make a name for future generations.
Xiang Liang was very happy after reading the edict and accepted the title. From then on, he called himself the Shangzhu State of Chu. Shangzhu Guo was the highest military official in the Chu State, in charge of the military and horse power, and he was later the Grand Marshal of the Army. Xiang Liang received this reward unexpectedly, so he warmly entertained Zhao and others. Zhao Ping said: "There are so many talented people in the east of the Yangtze River. I hope Duke Xiang can cross the river as soon as possible. The people in the north of the Yangtze River are waiting eagerly for it!" Xiang Liang said: "The troops and horses are ready. I will cross the river soon!" Equality people stay in the army and serve.
Three days later, when Xiang Liang saw that everything was ready, he ordered the army to rise. This morning, the army and horses set off amidst the sound of salutes, and the team arrived at the Dantu River. At this time, the people in the south of the Yangtze River crowded with wine and meat to see off their relatives by the river. Yu Ji also followed Xiang Yu to the riverside. The two were reluctant to leave. In the end, they held hands and wept, speechless. Xiang Yu said emotionally: "Please rest assured, we will definitely be able to break into Guanzhong. When Qin is destroyed, I will come back to meet you immediately." Yu Ji said: "But as you said, leaving early and returning early can only be for the sake of peace." Please pray for peace." Xiang Yu smiled and said, "Don't worry, there is no hero in the world who can surpass me, haha!"
At this time, some old people came to Xiang Liang, took his hand and said, "General, if you leave today, you will definitely be able to make great achievements. But after you leave, without good parents and officials, our life will not be easy." Where are you going?" Xiang Liang made a wish: "Because there are so many people and horses, I have to cross the river as soon as possible. But please don't worry, if I meet a sage after crossing the river, I will immediately send him to be the governor of Kuaiji County. No. I will live up to your expectations. If I succeed in the future, I will also exempt you from taxes for ten years, and you will definitely have a good life!" The elders cried and said goodbye. Xiang Liang then said goodbye with tears and led his soldiers to board the ship and leave.
The women from Jiangnan sang a sentimental song of separation:
The quills are green, and the white dew is frost; follow the clear stream to see each other off, the journey is long and the friendship is long; follow the river wind and sing to me, don't forget the good times of the past.
The quills are green, and the white dew is frost; they come to see each other off along the clear stream, and the sails are hung up beside the shore; I see the wild geese flying south, riding thousands of horses to Shuofang.
The jianjia is green, and the white dew is like frost; we follow the clear stream to see you off, and send you to the middle of the water; I look up at the vast river and sky, hoping that you will succeed and return home soon.
