Xiang Yan retreated for five cities consecutively, a move no one had anticipated. Even his own generals found this situation perplexing.
However, Lin Tian greatly admired Xiang Yan's approach. "He is a wise man, understands when to advance and when to retreat, and possesses strong control over his troops. It's no wonder he is a veteran general of the Chu state; his strength is undeniable!"
"Great General, has he really retreated five cities and still possesses strength?"
"Had he not retreated these five cities, his entire army would likely have been annihilated! In that case, the loss would be far greater than just five cities; even half of Chu would have fallen to us! Therefore, by conceding five cities, he has minimized Chu's losses!"
"I see!!"
Wang Wu pondered Lin Tian's words more deeply, especially since Lin Tian had told him that he, too, would become a general one day. After Lin Tian finished speaking, Wang Wu carefully analyzed Xiang Yan's actions and soon grasped the underlying meaning. Consequently, he began to respect Xiang Yan's strategic prowess.
Yet, while Lin Tian and Wang Wu understood Xiang Yan's actions, many others did not. Some even feigned ignorance. Moreover, they used this opportunity to attack Xiang Yan. This was especially true when the news of Xiang Yan's surrender of five cities reached the Chu royal capital, prompting many Chu generals to submit memorials.
"Your Majesty, Great General Xiang Yan has ceded five of our Chu cities without any resistance. This clearly indicates he has colluded with the enemy and is selling off Chu's land!"
"Indeed, Your Majesty! Great General Xiang Yan commands a force of 300,000 soldiers. Facing Lin Tian's 150,000 Qin troops, his retreat without battle is utterly contrary to common sense, as if he were casually gifting our cities away!"
"Your Majesty, your humble servant requests that Great General Xiang Yan be recalled and thoroughly investigated for ceding five cities. Otherwise, our Chu state will undoubtedly suffer greater losses!"
Upon hearing this, countless ministers concurred. Among them were intelligent individuals who understood Xiang Yan's intentions. However, Xiang Yan and his son, Xiang Liang, controlled 500,000 Chu troops. In such circumstances, who wouldn't harbor jealousy? Therefore, even those who understood chose to play dumb. They then petitioned the King of Chu to depose Xiang Yan.
Initially, the King of Chu paid little attention to such requests, as he knew Xiang Yan was the most capable strategist in Chu. He trusted Xiang Yan implicitly, otherwise, he wouldn't have entrusted 500,000 troops to the Xiang clan.
However, after three memorials from Xiang Yan reached the King of Chu, his perspective shifted. Xiang Yan's three memorials essentially conveyed one message: return the people's wealth to them, allow them to live in peace, and stabilize the internal affairs of Chu. This proposal was not inherently problematic, as such measures could quickly appease the Chu populace.
The issue, however, was that this wealth had already reached the King of Chu's hands, and he was unwilling to relinquish it. Many of these funds had already been spent by the King. Under these circumstances, Xiang Yan's demand for the King to return the money naturally created a subconscious aversion in the King towards Xiang Yan. Therefore, when the Chu ministers suggested recalling Xiang Yan, the King, to everyone's surprise, did not object. Instead, he fell into contemplation.
After a long pause, the King spoke. "If Great General Xiang Yan is recalled, who can replace him to lead the army? You must understand that the front lines are currently in a critical state, and the Qin army could invade Chu at any moment!"
"Your Majesty, General Wu can. General Wu is a descendant of Wu Qi, and his family has served as generals for generations. He is certainly capable of leading our 300,000 troops in place of Great General Xiang Yan!!"
Upon hearing this, the King of Chu was indeed moved. He was not moved by General Wu's talent but by the prospect of someone temporarily replacing Xiang Yan, thereby ceasing the constant pressure regarding financial matters. This arrangement would free the King from considerable trouble.
With this thought, the King looked at General Wu, who had been recommended by the ministers. "General Wu, do you have the confidence to resist Lin Tian's army?"
"Replying to His Majesty, Lin Tian's army is known for its formidable strength, and resisting them will not be easy. However, this subordinate will never easily cede our five Chu cities. I vow to defend our Chu territories with my life!!"
"Good! Well said! In that case, General Wu, you shall replace General Xiang Yan and command the 300,000 troops!!"
"As for General Xiang Yan, he will be recalled first to explain the matter of the five surrendered cities!!"
Xiang Yan's direct surrender of five cities was no trivial matter. However, the King of Chu did not intend to use this incident to eliminate Xiang Yan. Of course, he would not let Xiang Yan off the hook entirely; a minor reprimand was inevitable. More importantly, it would prevent Xiang Yan from controlling the army and temporarily confine him, thus stopping him from pestering the King about finances. When his services were needed, the King could then lift the confinement. For the King of Chu, this was undoubtedly an excellent solution.
The other officials, upon hearing the King's decision, showed expressions of ecstasy. After so much effort, they had finally managed to remove Xiang Yan. As long as Xiang Yan was out of power, the Xiang clan could not dominate, and many of their own generals would have opportunities to gain military command. For the ministers of Chu, this was undoubtedly cause for celebration. Little did they know, this joy was only temporary.
The King's decree quickly reached the front lines. Upon seeing the King's order, Xiang Yan's face turned ashen. At this moment, his despair was even greater than that of Li Mu when he was defending the city. He had been completely unprepared for this turn of events. In his view, whether it was ordering his soldiers to retreat or advising the King to appease the Chu populace, these were all exceptionally correct actions. He believed that even if the King perceived a loss for Chu, he would surely understand. In Xiang Yan's mind, the King would undoubtedly support him in this matter. After all, Chu was in dire straits, and without immediate action, Chu was likely to be annihilated by Qin, just like other states.
Who could have imagined that the King of Chu would offer no support whatsoever? Not only did he receive no response to his memorials, but his command of the army was to be revoked, and he was to be recalled to Chu! This plunged Xiang Yan into sudden despair.
"Is our Chu state doomed?"