The emperor passed the document to the head eunuch, who began reading it aloud. Gasps filled the grand hall as the ministers and courtiers listened in disbelief. Some looked at Xiang Yu as if he had lost his mind.
They were looking at him like he was the dumbest crown prince alive. Even Han Xin, standing stoically, glanced at Xiang Yu, whose lips quirked into a slight smile, his eyes dazzling with a confidence that almost snatched Han Xin's soul. That smile seemed to say, 'You see, babe, I will sell out my country just for you'.
Peng Xiu, seated at the back behind the other concubines and princesses, clenched her fists in fury. She hated Xiang Yu with a burning passion, despising how he was undermining her plans. She wanted to kill him, to skin him alive. Her fiery gaze bore into Xiang Yu, but he paid her no attention.
"This seems too generous," the emperor remarked, his voice tinged with suspicion.
