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

"More than a thousand dead and wounded..."

Upon hearing this number, Liu Bang's heart skipped a beat.

He knew that whether Xiang Yu was present or not would have a significant impact on morale and the fighting strength of the soldiers.

But he never expected that the battle would be so fierce without Xiang Yu present.

They brought the elite of the elite, but against the scattered Manchu forces, they suffered only a 1:2 ratio of casualties.

The losses were devastating!

"There was no other way. When Xiang Ji was around, that charge made many soldiers underestimate him, but the power of those muskets was not to be underestimated."

"Without Xiang Ji and that halberd that could defeat the enemy, nearly five hundred men were lost in the very first moment of direct confrontation."

Xiao He's tone was also somewhat bitter.

He was never good at leading troops, or rather, he knew absolutely nothing about it.

When forced into a situation, there's really nothing that can be done.

"I understand. It's a bit difficult for you to stay behind and keep the Manchus in check, but you've done enough."

"Leave the city and spread the word: three days from now, regardless of whether Xiang Ji and Han Xin lead their troops to blockade us, launch a surprise attack on the border that very night!"

"what?"

Upon hearing this, Xiao He was startled.

What's the explanation?

Even when Xiang Yu was alive, he dared not boast that he could take over the heavily fortified Shanhaiguan Pass by force.

Why are we launching a full-scale attack now that Xiang Yu is gone?

“Send a hundred men disguised as merchants and commoners into the city. I will personally lead them to raid the city gates.”

"Xiao He, at that time, my life and fortune will be on your shoulders. The opportunity will only last for a moment. If you cannot seize that opportunity to break into the pass and start street fighting, then I will be doomed because of you."

Xiao He: "?"

Why is there suddenly so much pressure?

"Your Majesty, you must not do this! Why not let me stay inside the pass and lead the troops to attack the city gates, while Your Majesty launches the attack from outside the city?"

In this way, even if something unexpected happens inside the city, Liu Bang, who is outside the pass, will have many options. At worst, he can evacuate and wait for the next opportunity.

However, Liu Bang simply shook his head.

"Those people outside the city are mostly elite soldiers who have fought alongside me for many years, or they are Xiang Yu's Jiangdong soldiers, all of them are elite."

"As long as there is a flaw in the pass, it will not be too difficult for them to force their way through."

"The only difficulty in this matter lies in how to breach the city gates."

“If we let you stay inside the pass, you and those hundred men will only be sending them to their deaths.”

"Xiao He, you are still somewhat inferior to me."

Liu Bang clearly understood the abilities of everyone around him.

Xiao He was able to manage internal affairs, handle logistics, and mobilize provisions with great efficiency and almost no mistakes.

But if it comes to going into battle and fighting the enemy, or even leading the charge, then they really aren't good enough.

On the contrary, Liu Bang himself had countless experiences in personally leading military campaigns.

It can be said that, apart from Xiang Yu, he has never been afraid of anyone on the front lines!

"But that would be too risky."

"Your Majesty, why must we rush into a full-scale attack in just three days? Can't we wait a few more days? I'll send some more men to contact Han Xin. If we can attack the city simultaneously with them, we'll surely achieve twice the result with half the effort!"

Xiao He quickly offered his advice.

"Can't wait."

"In less than three days, before tomorrow, the person Wu Sangui sent to the capital to confirm the situation will be back. I cannot gamble that Wu Sangui is soft-hearted."

"If you insist on stalling for time, I can only hold out for a day or two at most. Any longer, and Wu Sangui's patience will run out, and they will die."

"Or do you think my promise, worth a thousand pieces of gold, is worthless?"

Liu Bang glanced at him, his tone already showing some dissatisfaction.

Although Xiao He understood the meaning behind the words, he still couldn't help but speak up.

"Your Majesty's promise is naturally of paramount importance, but no matter how heavy it may be, it should not be more important than Your Majesty's own safety!"

He couldn't understand it, since Liu Bang used to be very adaptable.

When vying for power, let alone casual promises, even words spoken one moment can be treated as worthless the next.

If he hadn't been able to be flexible and adaptable, he certainly wouldn't have been able to win the world within seven years.

Why have you suddenly become so stubborn?

"Xiao He, I know you are giving me a way out."

"But I don't want this excuse."

"Since I made this promise, I intend to fulfill it."

"What you need to do now is receive the order and then go down to prepare."

"I want to see if Wu Sangui can make you break your promise!"

Liu Bang knew, of course, that he had always been a rogue, and that whatever he did was perfectly justified.

But it's different now.

He is now the Emperor Gaozu of Han, summoned by the Son of Heaven to join this challenge against the Manchus!

He represents not only his own face, but also the face of the Han Dynasty, and even more broadly, the face of the entire Central Plains Dynasty!

In the past, only the emperors of the Central Plains dynasties had read about the history of the Han Dynasty and knew what kind of person Liu Bang was.

To him, they were all his own people, so he naturally didn't need to care too much about his image.

But the current situation is vaguely a contest between the Central Plains dynasties and the last Manchu dynasty.

He has to be the best!

Either don't make promises at all, or once you've made a promise, you must keep it no matter the cost!

"Since His Majesty has made his decision, as his subjects, we should naturally not try to dissuade him further."

"Then I shall take my leave. After returning, I will lead my troops to avoid the Manchu cavalry as much as possible in the next few days, to conserve our strength and wait for their arrival in three days."

"May Your Majesty be invincible in every battle and victory! Your subject will certainly do your utmost and not fail Your Majesty's efforts!"

After understanding Liu Bang's thoughts, Xiao He stopped offering advice.

indeed so.

The challenge is being watched by not only the emperors of the Central Plains dynasties.

And then there's the Manchu Qing dynasty, which kept the people of the Central Plains captive and wantonly destroyed the history of the Central Plains!

Although most of the Qing emperors did not speak, he knew that they were all watching this challenge in silence.

If you don't do something well in any area, you'll become the subject of gossip!

"Then let's go prepare. Your father should also go prepare."

"At least prepare a suit of armor and a decent set of weapons."

"Remember, within three days, the troops will break into smaller groups of one hundred and gather near this restaurant. Do not attract attention."

"As for these three days, I will go to Wu Sangui to try and get them."

After saying this, Liu Bang waved his hand, and Xiao He hurriedly left.

It may seem like there are three days, but for him, it's a race against time.

They needed to avoid being pursued by the Manchu cavalry, conserve their strength, and at the same time, find a way to send one hundred elite soldiers into the city.

Liu Bang was left alone in the tavern to quietly finish his last cup of wine before getting up and heading towards the Prince of Pingxi's residence.