The term "court officer" did not refer to a doctor as in modern times, but to a minor official position—hardly more than a low-ranking functionary.
The guards outside had no idea who Han Xin was, nor why the Conqueror would remember such a minor official. But they dared not question it. After acknowledging the order, they immediately set out to find Han Xin, locating him only after much inquiry.
When they saw that Han Xin was just an unremarkable, pudgy little man, the guards felt a flicker of disdain. But remembering that this was someone the Conqueror had summoned, they treated him with utmost respect.
"The Conqueror wishes to see me?"
Han Xin, who had been idling in his insignificant post, brightened instantly upon hearing that the Conqueror's personal guards had come for him. His eyes shone with joy and a kind of unsettling fervor.
The guard flinched at the intensity in Han Xin's gaze, quickly looking away. Only then did he realize this man was no ordinary person—no wonder the Conqueror had sought him out.
Han Xin had long been stifled by unfulfilled ambitions. Born a commoner, he was unrestrained and careless with social niceties, harboring a fanatical obsession in his mind. As a youth, he had been so destitute he survived only on handouts, despised by everyone in his village.
After his mother's death, he lived even more aimlessly, worse off than Liu Ji, who had idled his days away in Pei County. Though illiterate as a boy, he once encountered a wandering mystic who taught him military strategy. From then on, his aspirations soared to the heavens—yet fate mocked him, leaving his actual circumstances as fragile as paper.
During the late Qin Dynasty, as numerous warlords rose in rebellion, Han Xin felt his time had come and thus joined the largest rebel force at the time—Xiang Liang's army. Though he possessed the strategic brilliance to command a million soldiers, his emotional intelligence was sorely lacking. He was neither eloquent nor adept at social interactions, which led to constant ostracization. Far from realizing his grand ambitions, he barely managed to secure the minor post of a 'Langzhong' (a low-ranking officer).
After Xiang Liang was defeated and killed by Zhang Han's forces, Han Xin fled with the scattered remnants of Xiang Liang's army. Eventually, he encountered Roy, who was gathering these defeated soldiers. Han Xin followed the routed troops to Roy's camp, where he remained a 'Langzhong.'
When news spread that General Xiang had executed the King of Chu in front of the Chu nobility and proclaimed himself the Overlord of Western Chu, Han Xin was thrilled. He believed this new king aligned with his aspirations and that his unfulfilled ambitions might finally find their place under this ruler.
However, while ideals were grand, reality was harsh. Even after the Chu army crushed Zhang Han, forced the surrender of hundreds of thousands of Qin soldiers, and witnessed the Han King's westward advance into Guanzhong—leading to the fall of Qin—Han Xin remained overlooked. His rank stayed unchanged as a 'Langzhong,' as if his presence was entirely unnecessary.
Proud and frustrated, Han Xin considered deserting the Chu army to join another warlord. After all, as a mere 'Langzhong,' his departure would likely go unnoticed by Chu.
Yet Han Xin was no fool. He understood the broader political landscape. Given the current circumstances, the world would inevitably fall under Chu's dominion. If he defected to another warlord, not only was it uncertain whether they would recognize his talent, but even if they did, Han Xin realized with despair that none possessed the strength to challenge the Overlord of Western Chu. Joining them would not fulfill his ambitions but likely lead to his demise on the battlefield.
For a time, Han Xin wallowed in gloom, fearing his life would amount to nothing. The only force capable of opposing the Overlord was the Han King, who had seized Guanzhong. But unless the Han King rebelled, how could Han Xin possibly incite such a rebellion?
Han Xin had enough self-awareness to know he lacked the persuasive eloquence to sway others—otherwise, he wouldn't have languished in obscurity for so long.
Just as Han Xin resigned himself to a life of unrealized potential, an opportunity finally arose. As a lowly 'Langzhong,' he was unexpectedly summoned by the Overlord of Western Chu. Surely, this heralded good fortune.
Though lacking in emotional intelligence, his sharp mind quickly pieced together the likely scenario: Someone must have spoken favorably of me before the Overlord, earning me this audience. Whoever it was, I must repay their kindness generously.
Despite his eccentric and unpopular demeanor, Han Xin was a man who valued gratitude.
As Han Xin's spirits lifted with thoughts of his future, guards escorted him to Roy's residence at Hongmen.
"Announcing the arrival of Langzhong Han Xin!"
"Let him enter."
"Yes!"
The guard shouted loudly, then turned to Han Xin beside him and said, "...Minister Han, please enter!"
Upon hearing this, Han Xin thanked the soldier and stepped into the mansion.
Inside the mansion, there were no guards, not even a single servant in sight, making it eerily quiet. Recalling the invincible prowess of the Overlord of Western Chu on the battlefield, Han Xin understood that no number of guards would hold any meaning for such a ruler. Moreover, it was said that the Overlord's beloved concubine, Yu Meiren, preferred tranquility, which was why no servants were allowed to attend within the mansion.
'This is truly overwhelming favor.'
With this thought, Han Xin finally arrived in the courtyard and saw Roy, who stood with one hand behind his back, facing away from him.
"Your humble servant, Han Xin, pays respects to the Overlord!"
Though Han Xin lacked emotional intelligence, it didn't mean he was ignorant of propriety. To survive in this society, basic etiquette was essential.
Roy turned around and finally laid eyes on this 'Divine Strategist,' one of the legendary 'Four Saints of Military Strategy' in history.
Upon seeing Han Xin, Roy was taken aback, for Han Xin's appearance was entirely different from what he had imagined.
In the history Roy was familiar with, Han Xin should have been a tall, imposing figure. Ancient people were generally shorter due to nutritional limitations, so anyone who stood tall and had a commanding presence, coupled with courage, was often regarded as extraordinary.
Han Xin's rise to prominence was sudden precisely because his appearance made people believe he was no ordinary man. Combined with his undeniable talent, he became one of the Three Heroes of the Early Han Dynasty, rendering outstanding service to Emperor Gaozu. However, while Han Xin was unmatched in warfare, his political acumen was lacking, ultimately leading to his tragic downfall.
Yet the Han Xin standing before Roy now was a short, plump man who, at first glance, seemed utterly unthreatening and easy to overlook.
'Historical figures in this world are truly bizarre.'
Roy inwardly grumbled, though he wasn't overly surprised. If Emperor Gaozu had turned into a woman, Han Xin becoming a pudgy man wasn't all that shocking.
Roy studied Han Xin carefully. Despite his humble demeanor, there was an unyielding pride in his expression, especially in his piercing eyes, which seemed to harbor a disquieting madness. This convinced Roy that even without a commanding appearance, the sheer determination and fervor radiating from Han Xin's eyes were enough to make others wary.
"Minister Han, I shall ask you only one question. If your answer pleases me, I shall grant you a bright future. If it does not, you will not leave this place alive today!"
Roy fixed his gaze on Han Xin and spoke slowly, "...Tell me, what is it that you seek? What is it you truly desire? Speak your heart's truth—do not deceive me with empty words."
Han Xin trembled. He raised his head to look at Roy, astonished by the question. But as he met Roy's calm eyes—eyes that held the same unrelenting resolve as his own—he suddenly understood.
In an instant, Han Xin's face, which had seemed utterly unthreatening and even comically plump, twisted into something bordering on madness. His eyes narrowed, gleaming with a cold light as he addressed Roy, "...In response to the Overlord's inquiry, this subject loves war. This subject loves war above all else!"