No war broke out during the winter. By the time Han Xin and Jiang Ming entered negotiations, it was already the twelfth lunar month. Xiang An was busy overseeing winter preparations across the vast territory, ensuring the common people could survive the season. At the same time, he discussed next year's spring plowing and planting with his ministers, as well as the war that would resume after spring began.
The war was not over. Of the four remaining feudal powers under heaven, only when all but one had died would the war truly end. Even after someone unified the realm, they would still have to devote immense effort to dealing with possible rebellions, as well as the Xiongnu, who came south every autumn and winter to plunder.
Thus, although Liu Ji had given Zi Huai his orders, Zi Huai did not set out immediately. During winter, Xiang Yu was surely occupied with the same matters as Xiang An and Liu Ji. The defensive lines would certainly change again in spring; that would be the time for Zi Huai to act.
"After all these years, there's still no news of your younger brother?"
Langya Commandery, at the source of Jiaoshui. Xiang An and Zi Juan sat in the residence, chatting idly between their work.
". . . No." Zi Juan was likewise handling documents. Hearing Xiang An's question, she could not help sighing. "There's no general named Zi Huai under Liu Ji, and as for a more thorough search... There are simply too many matters to handle. There's no opportunity to look for him."
". . . I'm sorry. Northern Chu was only just established, and I've placed too many burdens on your shoulders." Xiang An's writing hand paused for a moment, fatigue in his eyes.
"I never said I blamed