Early the next morning, before the sky had fully brightened, Xiang Yu received his next orders from Xiang Lu.
"What the hell is this that came out of Pengcheng?" Xiang Yu's expression turned grave as he looked at Xiang Lu.
Xiang Lu shrugged helplessly. "Yeah. Who could have seen this coming?"
He patted Xiang Yu on the shoulder. "Take your men and go. Your uncle is practically furious to death by now."
Xiang Yu nodded, his face thoughtful as he headed toward the main command tent where he issued orders in the army.
The generals had long been waiting there. Xiang An had already informed them that Xiang Yu had received orders and the army would soon move out. The moment Xiang Liang gave the word, they could depart at once.
"All generals, heed my command." Xiang Yu picked up his command tally and looked over the assembled officers, his voice ringing out with an unmistakable killing intent in his eyes. "Xiang An, Zhu Jishi, immediately lead the left and right divisions out. Cover the central army's assault on Dongyang!"
"Do not stop after taking Dongyang—immediately attack Xutai!" Xiang Yu slammed his hand onto the sand table. "We must prepare for the main army to cross the Huai River! The provisions have already set out. You are to leave at once as well and take these two cities within three days!"
"This subordinate accepts the command!" Xiang An and Zhu Jishi stepped forward together and dropped to one knee to receive their orders.
Zhu Jishi had only joined Xiang Liang after Xiang Liang crossed the river. Originally one of Chen Sheng's generals, he had fled east after Chen Sheng's defeat. Upon hearing that Xiang Liang's rebel army had crossed the river, he simply came to join Xiang Liang.
His reputation