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

"Are you really that confident?"

"My lord, you must not underestimate the Tartar cavalry."

"The area around the border is mostly flat land, which will minimize our advantage in firearms and the like. Once they break through, our formation will easily collapse."

Despite Liu Bang's repeated assurances, Zhang the tailor still couldn't help but worry.

Without strategic locations like border passes for defense, and with the battlefield situated on plains, the advantages of both artillery and muskets would be lost.

The cavalry charge was so swift that it could cover that distance in a very short time.

Once close combat begins, an army formation composed of a large number of infantry can easily be flown like a kite.

“These are not things you should worry about. If you are willing to trust me, then listen to my explanation now.”

"If you don't want to believe me, then pretend I was never here today, and I will take care of the rest myself."

"However, in this way, most of your former comrades on the border will have to sacrifice themselves in vain, and my subsequent plans may also be affected."

Liu Bang was not prepared to offer much explanation regarding the war.

Before witnessing it with their own eyes, no one could believe Xiang Yu's superhuman abilities.

"...What do you want me to do?"

After a long silence, Zhang the tailor hesitated before speaking.

Liu Bang could see that he did not truly agree with or believe in him, but rather that it was a choice made out of helplessness.

He did not want to allow the Manchus to enter the pass, which would endanger his family, wife, and children.

At the same time, I don't want my former comrades to have died in vain.

He had no other choice.

This is not a better option, but the only option.

"Wu Sangui and Dorgon have reached an agreement on the terms: the Prince of Pingxi and the land of three provinces."

"What Wu Sangui had to do was to officially announce his surrender to the Qing five days later, and at the same time open the border and let them into the country."

"Five days later, will you let the Tartars into the pass?"

Zhang the tailor was startled; he truly hadn't expected time to be so tight.

"There's no other way. The Ming Dynasty can't hold on any longer. Li Zicheng is about to enter the pass. Do you think Wu Sangui doesn't want to hold on a little longer and negotiate some more terms with the Tartars?"

"The problem is, if he drags this out any longer and Li Zicheng consolidates his power, then he will lose his throne."

Liu Bang was also quite helpless.

The timing of this challenge was predetermined, leaving him with very little room for maneuver.

"I understand. So, sir, you hope that when Wu Sangui surrenders the city in five days, and the Tartars enter the pass, you will persuade my comrades not to resist?"

"I can agree to this, but I also hope that the adults can make a promise."

"We must never let the Tartars enter the pass. If they occupy the Central Plains, the consequences will be unimaginable!"

Seeing Zhang the tailor's confident demeanor, Liu Bang was momentarily dazed.

The consequences of the Manchu invasion were unimaginable. Even such a minor figure could see this so clearly, so why couldn't Wu Sangui understand it?

Those who are not of our kind will surely have different hearts; this has been a truth since ancient times.

It applies not only to the positive approach, but also to the negative approach.

To the Manchus, Wu Sangui was no different; all the promises they made were nothing but fleeting illusions.

"I have never broken my promise. Even if it costs you all your wealth, I will not allow a single Tartar to enter the pass!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang the tailor slowly reached into his robes and, after a moment, pulled out several strips of cloth.

“Go and contact these people. They are my old corporal’s superiors and the backbone of us. Show them these strips of cloth, and they will know that you can be trusted.”

"You can arrange what they do when the time comes."

"They may have doubts, but you have to convince them yourself. I can only be your guide."

Liu Bang looked down and saw several strips of cloth with partial maps drawn on them, pointing to various corners of the city.

"Those who make clothes, those who sell candied hawthorns, those who farm..."

"Are there really beggars here?"

"I'm curious, what exactly is the basis for your division of labor?"

Their boss became a beggar, while the two of them lived a comfortable life.

"I did what I did before I joined the army, and I do what I do now. Since I'm going into seclusion, I'll naturally choose the way I like best."

"As for the beggar, it is said that he was the leader of the Beggars' Gang in his area before he joined the army, so he naturally went back to his old ways here."

"It's just a pity that all the Beggars' Clan brothers who followed him into the army were killed in the several battles against the Tartars."

Zhang the tailor said with a wry smile.

"……understood."

“You are all great. At least in my opinion, you are not deserters, you are all heroes.”

"If I gain control of this world in the future, I will vindicate you."

"It is Wu Sangui who has wronged you, it is the Ming Dynasty who has wronged you, but you have wronged no one."

In such chaotic times, it is already quite difficult for people like them, who still retain a shred of conscience, to survive.

"Stop talking nonsense. People like you are just as stupid as us."

“Fools like us can never win the world. In the end, only Wu Sangui and traitors like Li Zicheng can win.”

"Heaven is very unfair; good people never live long, while only evil people live for thousands of years."

Clearly, Zhang the tailor was pessimistic about whether Liu Bang could win the world.

His view was also very simple.

If Liu Bang had truly gone all out to annihilate the Manchus, he would have suffered heavy losses regardless of whether he succeeded or not.

Furthermore, without the interference of the Manchus, it was almost a foregone conclusion that Li Zicheng would enter the capital and ascend to the throne.

Under these circumstances, turning the tide is as difficult as climbing to the sky!

"Then you'd better live well and witness how I do it for you."

"Your Excellency not only wants to annihilate the Manchus, but also wants the world!"

……

Five days passed in the blink of an eye.

On this day, Dorgon's army gathered at the city gates.

Behind the Manchu army were Liu Bang's remaining troops of less than three thousand men outside the Great Wall.

"Brother Liu, to prevent other bandits from harassing the border, your troops are still stationed outside the pass. If you need any food or other supplies, just let me know."

Wu Sangui stood on the city wall, patted Liu Bang on the shoulder, and said in a pretentious manner.

He talks a good game on the surface, but everyone knows what he's up to behind the scenes.

"That's how it is. Since you've secured a throne for me, I should naturally show my worth."

"I won't say much more, but during this period, if any petty thieves from beyond the Great Wall dare to approach, I will be your henchman!"

Liu Bang appeared nonchalant and indifferent.

It gives off the impression that people are naive and rich, and you can scam them however you want.

"Alright, let's wait until Dorgon and Li Zicheng start fighting, then we can stand by and watch. If the two sides reach a stalemate, we might be able to gain even more benefits!"

"Don't worry, as long as you behave and listen to me, I'll never let you suffer!"