Zhu Jishi had not died, but the left-wing division he led had been beaten into a panicked rout by the surprise attack and driven back in utter disarray. That evening, he sat in the Dongyang City governor's residence with his head lowered in embarrassment, saying nothing.
"Today was truly a close call." Xiang An sighed, lingering fear on his face. "If not for Little Four, victory on the eastern flank would have been very difficult."
Xiang Yu nodded. "Little Four deserves the foremost merit. But as for Deputy General Zhu...?"
His gaze sharpened as it fell upon Zhu Jishi.
Zhu Jishi sighed and clasped his hands toward Xiang Yu.
"Commander, this subordinate failed in his duty. I did not see through Jiang Han's scheme and nearly ruined everything. I am willing to accept punishment." He looked somewhat dejected, with no spirit left in him.
"Punishment can wait until after the battle. I will report everything to the Grand General." Xiang Yu shook his head and looked at Xiang An. "For now, merge your left-wing division into the right-wing division. Although your rank is slightly higher than Xiang An's, for this campaign against Dongyang, you will temporarily follow Xiang An's command. Any objections?"
"...None." Zhu Jishi's voice trembled slightly.
To obey the command of Xiang An, who was far younger than him and held a lower rank, was a humiliation to him.
But what else could he do now? He had lost the battle and been chased back like a dead dog. All he could do was obey orders.
The brief meeting ended quickly. After merging Zhu Jishi and Xiang An's left and right divisions, Xiang Yu rearranged the battle plan according to their current troop numbers, then dismissed the two commanders to rest.
They would rest in Dongyang City for