“Strategic Moves: Battles and Alliances in Ancient China”
In the north of Puyang County lies the Yellow River. It is said that the Qin army blocked the north with the Yellow River, digging canals to divert its waters, creating a fortified barrier. The Chu army then retreated.
Chu forces attacked Dingtao, a county recorded in geographic accounts of Jiyin. Dingtao remained unconquered. Xiang Yu and Liu Bang headed west and reached below Yongqiu. According to Wei Zhao, “Guoqi, now a county of Chenliu.”
Liu Bang and Xiang Yu fought the Qin army and achieved a great victory, slaying Li You. They then attacked Waihuang. According to Wei Zhao, “Shang, a county of Chenliu; Zhengyi, the east of Yongqiu.”
Xiang Liang defeated the Qin army again, displaying arrogance. Song Yi advised against it, but his counsel went unheeded. Qin’s Zhang Han launched a night attack on Xiang Liang, achieving a great victory at Dingtao, where Xiang Liang met his end.
Liu Bang and Xiang Yu besieged Chenliu. Upon hearing of Xiang Liang’s death, Liu Bang led his troops eastward along with General Lü. Lü Chen’s army was stationed east of Pengcheng, Xiang Yu’s to the west, and Liu Bang’s in Chengzhou.
With Xiang Liang’s army defeated, Zhang Han believed Chu’s military threat was over. He crossed the river north, defeating the Zhao state. At that time, Zhao Xie was crowned king, and Qin’s Wang Li laid siege to Julu. This was the army north of the Yellow River.
In the third year of Qin II, Chu’s King Huai saw Xiang Liang’s defeat and, fearing for his safety, moved his capital to Pengcheng. He led Lü Chen’s and Xiang Yu’s armies there. Liu Bang was appointed magistrate of Chenju County. “Kuozhizhi” says, “The Songzhou Qin Chenju County.” Su Lin says, “Long as the governor.” Wei Zhao said, “The Qin title was the guardian, and then it was changed to Chang.”
Xiang Yu was named Marquis of Chang’an and called Duke of Lu. Lü Chen became Prime Minister, and his father Lü Qing was appointed Minister of State. Appian said, “According to the list, Qing was granted the title of Xinyang Marquis.” The purpose of this Shao is to say, “The Emperor is called the Minister, and the princes are called the Minister. The time to go to the six countries is near, so set up officials as they were in Chu’s old times.” Chen Zhan said, “The princes’ minister, only Chu is called the prime minister, and other countries do not. Establish officials at that time all as Chu used to do.”
Zhao Shi pleaded for help. King Huai then made Song Yi Commander-in-Chief and Xiang Yu the second-in-command. Fan Zeng became the third-in-command, and they headed north to rescue Zhao. They ordered Liu Bang to the west to conquer the lands and the gates. They made a pact with the generals, “Those who enter the Western Passes first shall become the king.”
At that time, Qin’s forces were strong, consistently chasing north after victories. No general benefited from entering the passes first. Xiang Yu alone was indignant at Qin’s defeat of Xiang Liang’s army and vowed to enter the passes with Liu Bang to the west. The old generals of King Huai all said, “Xiang Yu is a cunning, fierce bandit.” Appian has said that Xiang Yu attacked Xiangcheng and left no survivors. All who passed through were exterminated. Moreover, Chu advanced several times, and the previous King Chen and Xiang Liang were both defeated.
It would be better to send the elders to support righteousness and move westward to inform Qin’s older brothers. Qin’s older brothers have long suffered under their lordship. Now they can send the elders to go there without plundering and violent aggression.