When it comes to the Hongmen Banquet, it is really a thrilling history. is not only because of the confrontation between Liu Bang and Xiang Yu, but also because of the conspiracy, strategy and humanity involved. Today, let's unveil the mystery of this history, and explore more deeply the truth of Liu Bang's escape, as well as the possible reasons why Xiang Yu did not kill him.
In that turbulent era, Liu Bang took the lead in capturing Xianyang. Xianyang, the former capital of the Qin Dynasty, is now under Liu Bang's control. The gold and silver treasures in the city are like stars, dazzling and alluring. Such a victory is undoubtedly a great joy for Liu Bang and his team.
However, in the midst of this triumph, a conspiracy is quietly brewing. Liu Bang's subordinate, Cao Wuxian, a seemingly loyal soldier, was dazzled by the treasures in Xianyang City, and he was greedy. He sneaked out of the barracks, hurried up, and told Xiang Yu. He claimed that Liu Bang intended to claim the throne in Guanzhong, in an attempt to monopolize the treasures of the Qin State, and even intended to compete with Xiang Yu.
Xiang Yu was furious when he heard the news. How could he tolerate someone spreading wild on his territory and challenging his authority? Therefore, he led an army of 400,000 to Xianyang, preparing to teach Liu Bang a profound lesson. And Liu Bang, with only 100,000 soldiers and horses, has a huge disparity in strength, and the situation is precarious.
Xiang Yu's anger was not only because of Liu Bang's offense, but also because he saw Liu Bang's ambition and threat. He decided to set up a banquet in Hongmen, called to celebrate the victory, but it was actually to trap Liu Bang. This is the famous Hongmen Banquet in history, a feast of hidden murderous machines.
However, Liu Bang is not an idle person. He has a think tank like Zhang Liang by his side to give him advice. Zhang Liang knew Xiang Yu's intentions well, and he analyzed the situation to Liu Bang, pointing out that although Xiang Yu was powerful, the princes from all walks of life did not really submit to him, and they each had their own evil intentions. If you monopolize the treasures of Xianyang at this time, it will definitely cause public anger and become the target of public criticism.
After hearing this, Liu Bang suddenly realized that he understood that he could not covet immediate interests and ignore long-term plans. So, he ordered the treasury to be sealed, not to take a single grass or tree from Xianyang, and to make three chapters with the people of Guanzhong to win the hearts of the people. Then, he obediently withdrew from Xianyang and returned to Bashang to wait for Xiang Yu's arrival.
At the Hongmen banquet, the atmosphere was extremely tense. Liu Bang took Zhang Liang, Fan Hao and others as promised. Xiang Yu had a ghost in his heart and was ready to take the opportunity to get rid of Liu Bang. Fan Zeng has been fanning the flames by the side, trying to persuade Xiang Yu to take the opportunity to act. However, when Xiang Yu saw Liu Bang's sincere and frightened demeanor, and heard his heartfelt words of explanation and submission, the anger in his heart gradually subsided.
Liu Bang's sincerity and concession made Xiang Yu hesitate. Coupled with Fan Xu's generous statement, he accused Xiang Yu of not listening to the villain's words and mistaking the big thing. These words made Xiang Yu speechless and made him begin to reflect on his behavior. In this thrilling Hongmen banquet, Liu Bang miraculously escaped Xiang Yu's clutches.
So what is the reason for this? Is it really because Xiang Yu is soft-hearted or indecisive that he let Liu Bang go? In fact, Xiang Yu is not a soft-hearted person. The reason why he let Liu Bang go was more out of political and strategic considerations.
First of all, Xiang Yu knew very well in his heart, he knew that although it was easy to kill Liu Bang now, he might have to face the joint resistance of all the princes later. Because many princes were already dissatisfied with Xiang Yu's hegemony, they might use Liu Bang's death to unite against Xiang Yu's rule. Such a consequence is what Xiang Yu does not want to see.
Secondly, Liu Bang had already made a gesture of concession and surrender, and he expressed his loyalty and respect to Xiang Yu. This made Xiang Yu feel satisfied and proud, and also made him feel that there was no need to hunt down Liu Bang anymore. After all, in political struggles, sometimes tolerance and compromise are also a tactic.
Therefore, after weighing the pros and cons, Xiang Yu chose to give it a go and let Liu Bang go. Although this decision has been discussed by future generations, it may have been the wisest choice under the circumstances.
Then the question arises again: If Xiang Yu really made up his mind to kill Liu Bang at that time? Will history be rewritten because of this? Will Liu Bang disappear from the stage of history? And whether Xiang Yu can firmly sit on the throne of the hegemon? These questions are really incomprehensible!
Let's move on to other aspects of this historical event. In fact, there are more details about the story at the Hongmen banquet that are worth savoring and thinking about. For example, the whistleblower Cao Wuxian, he betrayed Liu Bang out of his own selfish desires and told Xiang Yu to inform. However, it is said that he was later eliminated by Liu Bang under an excuse. This is really in line with the old saying: greed is not enough to swallow an elephant, and in the end it will only reap the consequences!
Let's talk about Xiang Yu again, he is brave and invincible, and he is full of pride. However, he lacks political acumen and foresight, and is too simplistic and crude in dealing with political issues. He only knows how to use force to solve problems, but he does not know how to use political means to consolidate his position and win people's hearts. If he could calmly think about the pros and cons at the Hongmen banquet and listen to the opinions of Fan Zeng and other strategists, maybe he would not let go of Liu Bang, a big confidant. However, history is so wonderful and cruel, it has no ifs and assumptions, only results and consequences!
As for Liu Bang, he is really a smart man! It is very important to be able to judge the hour and size up the situation and be flexible in the political struggle. He knows when to bow his head, when to endure, and when to fight back. It was precisely this kind of character that enabled him to finally win the world and establish the Han Dynasty! Therefore, we must also learn to judge the situation and be flexible like Liu Bang in our lives! In this way, we can be invincible in a complex and ever-changing society!