The video takes us to ancient times; Li Er transforms into the Tongtian Emperor of Shu Han.

"They really know how to manipulate people's hearts to the extreme."

"Even when Sima Shi commanded the entire army to press on the border, the timing of Jiang Wei's attack was probably calculated by Emperor Gaozu. Only when the Wei army was scattered could the 50,000 Han soldiers easily break through the nearly 100,000 Wei soldiers!"

"This kind of method is like walking a tightrope. If he makes a mistake at any step, he will be crushed to pieces."

Li Er was full of praise.

Every step must be taken perfectly, without the slightest mistake.

It was the unspoken understanding and absolute trust between Zhang Liang and Liu Bang that allowed them to turn the situation around to where it is today.

"I reckon that if the real Cao Mao saw such a scene, he would probably feel a bit suffocated."

"After all, not everyone has the methods of our ancestor, nor can everyone manipulate people's hearts so easily."

"And now that the three-way division has turned into a four-way balance of power, no one can predict how things will develop next."

Old Zhu was sighing with emotion.

In this challenge, Liu Bang made the most of the aristocratic class, squeezing out their last remaining resources during the city defense battle.

Only by going here can the Sima family be completely separated from Cao Wei.

Furthermore, if too many troops are lost in the process of reunification during the subsequent four-way power struggle, and it is difficult to recover in a short time, it may not only fail to stop the Five Barbarian Invasions, but may even bring that time forward!

"A four-legged stand?"

"Old Zhu, do you overestimate Sima Zhao, or underestimate Emperor Gaozu of Han?"

"All of this was orchestrated by him. Do you think he wouldn't have any means to deal with Sima Zhao's retreat to Xuchang?"

Zhao Kuangyin expressed that he had absolute trust in Liu Bang.

He didn't believe that someone who could turn the situation around like this wouldn't have prepared for the unpredictable changes to come.

"Which side do you think he can handle? Sima Zhao, or Jiang Wei of the Han army?"

"If you were in this situation, which side do you think poses a greater threat?"

Old Zhu snorted coldly.

He also believed that Liu Bang must have made preparations, but the limited resources available to him restricted his ability to act.

He had to choose between the Han army and Sima Zhao to resolve the issue.

The threat posed by the Han army was clearly greater for Liu Bang.

If the Han army besieging the city is not dealt with, it is as if there is a ferocious tiger waiting to devour someone right next to your bed!

"Am I the only one who thinks that it was already quite remarkable that Emperor Gaozu was able to achieve this much?"

If it weren't for the fact that everyone below was watching, Boss Cao would have wanted to kneel down and watch the live stream.

This was completely different from how the Cao family treated the gentry.

Boss Cao himself used a combination of authoritarian suppression and occasional releases of small benefits to appease the people.

Cao Pi, on the other hand, made a complete compromise.

Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, and Cao Cao himself knew that he could not compromise with the powerful families without restraint, nor could he completely suppress them. He could only try to find a balance between them.

He could achieve this balance, but his descendants might not.

On the contrary, Liu Bang's methods were something he could hardly match.

There's no need to find a balance between suppression and support, nor is there a need for unrestrained compromise.

In summary, it boils down to two words.

Utilization.

Even Cao Cao had a vague feeling that even Chen Tai might not be able to get the promise made by Emperor Gaozu in the end.

This feeling stems entirely from Liu Bang's initial conversation with Chen Tai.

My Han Xin.

Besides being a flattering gesture, it also served as a way out for the possibility of being granted the title of king.

What happened to Han Xin in the end?

He was indeed granted the title of king, but he was demoted from King of Qi all the way down to Marquis of Huaiyin.

"That may be true for you, but it may not be true for Emperor Gaozu."

"If it were me, I could have done better, at least I wouldn't have created a four-way power struggle."

Reaching this point was by no means the limit for Liu Bang.

At least that's what Li Er thought.

"If that's the case, then the only ones we can still use are Guanqiu Jian and Wen Yang, who were sent out to block the reinforcements from Xudu."

Old Zhu thought for a moment and said.

Most of the forces that Liu Bang could mobilize were already out in the open.

The only remaining uncertainties are Guanqiu Jian's delayed arrival of the army and Wen Yang's still-absent state.

"Wen Yang only took a thousand men with him. Even if he had some plans, it shouldn't have much impact on the overall situation..."

"Never mind, pretend I never said that."

Zhao Kuangyin was halfway through his speech when he suddenly remembered that the supplies carried by the 50,000 reinforcements from Xudu might have been burned, so he quickly changed his words.

Even with only a small number of troops, such a fierce general has the opportunity to change the course of the battle!

"So you all don't think he can plan even more, do you?"

"Please, even Emperor Gaozu of Han had his limits."

"In my opinion, you are just too superstitious about Liu Bang. He has already done his best to achieve this much."

Emperor Sun continued to go against the grain, completely oblivious to the look of disdain on the faces of his Jiangdong officials below him.

"Your Majesty, even if you don't believe me, you can't say it so openly."

An old minister earnestly advised him.

However, he was met only with the cold shoulder of Emperor Sun.

"I just can't stand it, why can't I say it?"

"Now that I am the same emperor as Liu Bang, what is there that I cannot say?"

"Shut up!"

"I just feel that Liu Bang's decision to choose the weak Shu region was a foolish one, and this challenge was destined to fail!"

Clearly, he was very dissatisfied that Liu Bang had not sought help from Jiangdong during the challenge.

In his view, Liu Bang, who preferred to trust Shu rather than seek help from Jiangdong, would surely suffer the consequences!

"What do you think? Why don't you look in the mirror and see what kind of person you are?"

"If it weren't for you, you despicable villain, going back on your word and launching a sneak attack on your allies before the Northern Expedition even began, how could my Great Han have ended up like this!"

Even the kind-hearted Liu Bei couldn't help but curse.

Is Sichuan weak?

Don't you even consider who caused this?

In the Battle of Fancheng, his second brother became famous throughout the land!

That should have been the best opportunity to launch an offensive against Cao Wei. If Eastern Wu had sent troops, they would have certainly gained something.

But the result?

They have indeed sent troops, but their forces are directed at friendly forces!

"Liu Bei, you are a hero, but it's a pity that you not only encountered an opponent like me, but also a teammate who is as good as a pig."

"That defeat was truly a pity."

Cao Cao also felt somewhat sorry for Liu Bei's situation.

When he learned of the Battle of Fancheng, he originally planned to shrink his defenses and cede some prefectures and counties to Liu Bei.

But before his military orders could be issued, news arrived that Eastern Wu had launched a surprise attack on Jingzhou and that Guan Yu had been defeated at Maicheng.

He was genuinely bewildered at the time, and even somewhat incredulously sent out several more messengers to confirm the news.

Then he received a fragment of a hero, as well as a letter from Sun Quan requesting his allegiance and assistance.

To be honest, he really couldn't understand Sun Quan's thought process.

"The timing and location were not favorable for Zhaolie, and his opponent was a top-notch all-rounder like Lu Xun. It was a pity to lose, but it was also justified."

"But no matter what, a Jiangdong rat is still a rat!"

Xiang Yu: "..."