Night fell. Several bonfires flickered in the military camp as ranks of soldiers patrolled its grounds.
Inside the central command tent, Xiang Yu sat at the head, holding reports from various regions. The more he read, the angrier he grew. He hurled them straight to the ground and growled, "Just as expected-a pack of fence-sitters who can't be trusted."
Consort Yu happened to lift the tent flap and enter, and the sound of the bamboo slips flung before her startled her. She was extraordinarily beautiful, her skin fair and translucent. Born in Jiangdong, she had a disposition as gentle as the waters flowing slowly outside Gusu. Seeing her brought to mind the women praised in the "Airs of Wu" in the Book of Odes.
Not knowing why Xiang Yu was angry, Consort Yu called out with some concern, "Your Majesty..."
Xiang Yu looked up at her voice and saw the graceful Consort Yu approaching. His anger vanished completely, and he beckoned. "Yu'er, my head aches a little. Come massage it for me."
Consort Yu came up to his seat. Xiang Yu closed his eyes, enjoying her slender, delicate hands and breathing in her fragrance, his heart entirely at peace.
"Your Majesty, why did the King of Qi rebel?"
Consort Yu asked with deep concern. Xiang Yu sighed softly. Even though he was the invincible Lord of War, no one could remain strong forever. Before Consort Yu, he could finally shed those disguises.
"Because I carved off land from Qi State and incorporated it into Chu State, and deliberately suppressed him. Of course he would rebel."
Xiang Yu spoke very calmly. Consort Yu froze for a moment, then said, "Your Majesty, in my heart, you are a hero who stands tall between heaven and earth. Surely you wouldn't do such a