The Han army returned from Yan State with a great many captives. With the outline of Luoyang already in sight, Liu Bang stood on the grand carriage at the center of the army, brimming with triumph!
On this journey to Yan State, he had gained two thousand li of land and over a million subjects without lifting a finger, greatly strengthening the Liu Clan.
Once I put down all the kings of other surnames under Heaven and replace them with kings of the Liu Clan, only the King of Qi will remain. Taking him will be as easy as reaching out my hand.
Then I can sever the Lü Clan's outside arm. If some accident should befall Lü Ze, this realm will belong entirely to the Liu Clan.
If I can live a little longer, perhaps I can even depose the Lü Clan's crown prince. That would be perfect.
Though he knew he was dreaming, Liu Bang still savored the thought. Fan Kuai suddenly approached his carriage and reported, "Your Majesty, the King of Qi requests an audience."
The King of Qi?
What has he come to Luoyang for?
With a faint sense of foreboding, Liu Bang lifted the curtain. He could also vaguely make out a beautiful woman. A cold gleam flashed through Fan Kuai's eyes, and Liu Bang asked curiously, "Did he come alone?"
Fan Kuai bowed his head. "He brought only a few guards."
At this, Liu Bang gazed toward distant Luoyang and understood that Lü Zhi intended to oppose him to the end. He could prune away the kings of other surnames, but the King of Qi had to remain.
Liu Bang was somewhat angry. He believed the King of Qi's arrival in Luoyang meant the Lü Clan intended to lay its cards on the table.