Annals of Xiang Yu

項籍者，下相人也，字羽。初起時，年二十四。其季父項梁，梁父即楚將項燕，為秦將王翦所戮者也。項氏世世為楚將，封於項，故姓項氏。

Xiang Ji came from the town of Xiaxiang and was styled Yu. When he first took up arms, he was twenty-four years old. His uncle Xiang Liang was the son of the Chu general Xiang Yan, who had been executed by the Qin general Wang Jian. The Xiang family had served as generals for the state of Chu for generations. They were enfeoffed at Xiang, hence took the surname Xiang.

項籍少時，學書不成，去學劍，又不成。項梁怒之。籍曰：「書足以記名姓而已。劍一人敵，不足學，學萬人敵。」於是項梁乃教籍兵法，籍大喜，略知其意，又不肯竟學。項梁嘗有櫟陽逮，乃請蘄獄掾曹咎書抵櫟陽獄掾司馬欣，以故事得已。項梁殺人，與籍避仇於吳中。吳中賢士大夫皆出項梁下。每吳中有大繇役及喪，項梁常為主辦，陰以兵法部勒賓客及子弟，以是知其能。秦始皇帝游會稽，渡浙江，梁與籍俱觀。籍曰：「彼可取而代也。」梁掩其口，曰：「毋妄言，族矣！」梁以此奇籍。籍長八尺餘，力能扛鼎，才氣過人，雖吳中子弟皆已憚籍矣。

As a youth, Xiang Ji studied calligraphy but failed to master it. He then studied swordsmanship, but failed at that as well. Xiang Liang grew angry with him. Ji replied, 'Writing is only good for recording names and surnames. A sword is for fighting one man—not worth studying. Learn to command armies of ten thousand.' So Xiang Liang taught him the art of war. Xiang Ji was delighted and grasped the basic concepts, but refused to complete his studies. Xiang Liang once faced arrest in Queyang. He asked the prison official Cao Jiu from Qi to write to the prison official Sima Xin in Queyang, and through legal precedents the matter was resolved. Xiang Liang had killed a man, so he and Xiang Ji fled to the Wu region to escape their enemies. All the worthy gentlemen and officials in the Wu region acknowledged Xiang Liang as their leader. Whenever the Wu region had major labor projects or funerals, Xiang Liang always took charge. Secretly he organized the guests and young men using military discipline, and through this people recognized his capabilities. When Qin Shi Huang toured Kuaiji and crossed the Zhejiang River, both Xiang Liang and Xiang Ji watched from the crowd. Xiang Ji said, 'That man can be seized and replaced.' Xiang Liang clapped his hand over Xiang Ji's mouth. 'Don't talk nonsense,' he said. 'You'll get our whole clan executed!' Xiang Liang regarded Xiang Ji as extraordinary because of this incident. Xiang Ji stood over eight feet tall and had the strength to lift a bronze tripod. His talent and spirit were extraordinary. Even the young men of Wu feared him.

秦二世元年七月，陳涉等起大澤中。其九月，會稽守通謂梁曰：「江西皆反，此亦天亡秦之時也。吾聞先即制人，後則為人所制。吾欲發兵，使公及桓楚將。」是時桓楚亡在澤中。梁曰：「桓楚亡，人莫知其處，獨籍知之耳。」梁乃出，誡籍持劍居外待。梁復入，與守坐，曰：「請召籍，使受命召桓楚。」守曰：「諾。」梁召籍入。須臾，梁眴籍曰：「可行矣！」於是籍遂拔劍斬守頭。項梁持守頭，佩其印綬。門下大驚，擾亂，籍所擊殺數十百人。一府中皆慴伏，莫敢起。梁乃召故所知豪吏，諭以所為起大事，遂舉吳中兵。使人收下縣，得精兵八千人。梁部署吳中豪傑為校尉、候、司馬。有一人不得用，自言於梁。梁曰：「前時某喪使公主某事，不能辦，以此不任用公。」眾乃皆伏。於是梁為會稽守，籍為裨將，徇下縣。

In the seventh month of the first year of Qin Ershi's reign, Chen She and others rose in rebellion from the Great Swamp. In the ninth month, the governor of Kuaiji, Yin Tong, said to Xiang Liang, 'Everyone west of the Yangtze has rebelled. This is Heaven's time to destroy Qin.' I've heard it said that those who strike first control others, while those who strike later are controlled. I intend to raise an army and put you and Huan Chu in command.' At this time, Huan Chu was in hiding in the marshes. Xiang Liang replied, 'Huan Chu is in hiding. No one knows where he is—only Xiang Ji does.' Xiang Liang stepped out and told Xiang Ji to stand guard outside with his sword drawn. Xiang Liang returned inside and sat with the governor. 'Please summon Xiang Ji,' he said, 'so he can receive orders to call up Huan Chu.' The governor agreed. Xiang Liang called Xiang Ji inside. A moment later, Xiang Liang winked at Xiang Ji and said, "Do it!" Xiang Ji then drew his sword and beheaded the governor. Xiang Liang took the governor's head and put on his official seal. The guards at the gate were terrified. Xiang Ji struck down dozens of them. Everyone in the headquarters was cowed into submission. No one dared to resist. Xiang Liang summoned the powerful officials he knew and explained the great rebellion they were launching. They raised an army from the Wu region and sent recruiters to the neighboring counties, gathering eight thousand crack troops. Xiang Liang appointed the leading men of Wu as officers—colonels, scouts, and adjutants. One man who didn't receive an appointment complained directly to Xiang Liang. Xiang Liang replied, "At a certain time, for a certain matter, I sent Merchant X on business. He received heavy bribes, so I had to give him the appointment." The crowd then all submitted. They appointed Xiang Liang as governor of Kuaiji and Xiang Ji as his deputy general. They then marched through the neighboring counties.

廣陵人召平於是為陳王徇廣陵，未能下。聞陳王敗走，秦兵又且至，乃渡江矯陳王命，拜梁為楚王上柱國。曰：「江東已定，急引兵西擊秦。」項梁乃以八千人渡江而西。聞陳嬰已下東陽，使使欲與連和俱西。陳嬰者，故東陽令史，居縣中，素信謹，稱為長者。東陽少年殺其令，相聚數千人，欲置長，無適用，乃請陳嬰。嬰謝不能，遂彊立嬰為長，縣中從者得二萬人。少年欲立嬰便為王，異軍蒼頭特起。陳嬰母謂嬰曰：「自我為汝家婦，未嘗聞汝先古之有貴者。今暴得大名，不祥。不如有所屬，事成猶得封侯，事敗易以亡，非世所指名也。」嬰乃不敢為王。謂其軍吏曰：「項氏世世將家，有名於楚。今欲舉大事，將非其人，不可。我倚名族，亡秦必矣。」於是眾從其言，以兵屬項梁。項梁渡淮，黥布、蒲將軍亦以兵屬焉。凡六七萬人，軍下邳。

Xiang Ji asked, "What kind of man is a true warrior?" He bared his body and asked to be tattooed at the spot where the sword had cut him. He declared: "Jiangdong is now pacified. Lead the troops west immediately to attack Qin." Xiang Liang then crossed the Yangtze River to the west with eight thousand troops. When Xiang Liang heard that Chen Ying had already captured Dongyang, he sent envoys proposing an alliance to advance westward together. Chen Ying had formerly been a clerk in the Dongyang county office. He lived in the county seat and was known for his reliability and caution. People called him a man of integrity. Zhao Ping of Guangling was at this time campaigning for the King of Chen at Guangling, but failed to take it. Chen Ying declined the position but could not refuse. They forcibly appointed him as their leader. Twenty thousand men from the county followed him. The young men wanted to proclaim Chen Ying king immediately. They raised distinctive banners and black-turbaned troops in a special army. Chen Ying's mother said to him: 'Ever since I married into your family, I've never heard of any noble ancestors in your lineage. Suddenly gaining such great fame now is an ill omen. Better to align yourself with someone. If the venture succeeds, you can still earn a marquessate; if it fails, you can easily escape unnoticed, without becoming a marked man. Ying therefore dared not become king. He told his officers: 'The Xiang family has been generals for generations with a great reputation in Chu.' Now that we want to undertake great deeds, if the commander isn't the right man, it simply won't work. Relying on this famous clan, destroying Qin is assured. Thereupon the crowd followed his advice and placed their troops under Xiang Liang's command. Xiang Liang crossed the Huai River, and Generals Ying Bu and Pu also joined him with their troops. In all, sixty to seventy thousand men camped at Xiapi.

當是時，秦嘉已立景駒為楚王，軍彭城東，欲距項梁。項梁謂軍吏曰：「陳王先首事，戰不利，未聞所在。今秦嘉倍陳王而立景駒，逆無道。」乃進兵擊秦嘉。秦嘉軍敗走，追之至胡陵。嘉還戰一日，嘉死，軍降。景駒走死梁地。項梁已并秦嘉軍，軍胡陵，將引軍而西。章邯軍至栗，項梁使別將朱雞石、餘樊君與戰。餘樊君死。朱雞石軍敗，亡走胡陵。項梁乃引兵入薛，誅雞石。項梁前使項羽別攻襄城，襄城堅守不下。已拔，皆阬之。還報項梁。項梁聞陳王定死，召諸別將會薛計事。此時沛公亦起沛，往焉。

At this time, Qin Jia had already installed Jing Ju as King of Chu and was encamped east of Pengcheng, intending to oppose Xiang Liang. Xiang Liang told his officers: 'King Chen was the first to raise the standard. The battle went badly, and we've heard nothing of his whereabouts.' Now Qin Jia has betrayed King Chen and set up Jing Ju instead. This is rebellion and utterly without principle. They then advanced their troops and attacked Qin Jia. Qin Jia's army was defeated and fled. They pursued him all the way to Hu Ling. Jia turned back and fought for another day. Jia was killed, and his army surrendered. Jing Ju fled and met his death in Liang territory. Xiang Liang had already incorporated Qin Jia's army. He was encamped at Hu Ling and preparing to lead his forces westward. Zhang Han's army reached Li. Xiang Liang sent his deputy generals Zhu Jishi and Yu Fanjun to engage them in battle. Yu Fanjun was killed. Zhu Jishi's army was defeated, and he fled to Hu Ling. Xiang Liang then led his troops into Xue and executed Jishi. Earlier, Xiang Liang had sent Xiang Yu separately to attack Xiangcheng, but the city held out firmly and refused to surrender. Once the city was taken, he buried all the defenders alive. He returned and reported back to Xiang Liang. Xiang Liang heard that King Chen had definitely died. He summoned all his deputy generals to assemble at Xue for a council of war. At this time, the Duke of Pei had also risen in rebellion at Pei and went to join them.

居鄛人范增，年七十，素居家，好奇計，往說項梁曰：「陳勝敗碧當。夫秦滅六國，楚最無罪。自懷王入秦不反，楚人憐之至今，故楚南公曰『楚雖三戶，亡秦必楚』也。今陳勝首事，不立楚後而自立，其勢不長。今君起江東，楚蜂午之將皆爭附君者，以君世世楚將，為能復立楚之後也。」於是項梁然其言，乃求楚懷王孫心民閒，為人牧羊，立以為楚懷王，從民所望也。陳嬰為楚上柱國，封五縣，與懷王都盱臺。項梁自號為武信君。

Fan Zeng from Ju Xiong, aged seventy, normally kept to his home but loved devising clever strategies. He went to persuade Xiang Liang: 'Chen Sheng's defeat was inevitable.' When Qin destroyed the six states, Chu was the most innocent of all. Ever since King Huai entered Qin and never came back, the Chu people have pitied him to this day. That's why Chu Nangong said, 'Even if Chu has only three families left, destroying Qin must be Chu's mission.' Now Chen Sheng was the first to raise the standard, but instead of establishing a descendant of Chu, he set himself up. His position won't last long. Now that you have risen in Jiangdong, all the Chu generals swarming like bees are contending to join you. This is because your family has been Chu generals for generations, and you are capable of restoring the Chu royal line. Xiang Liang accepted this advice. He sought out King Huai of Chu's grandson Xin among the common folk—he was working as a shepherd—and established him as King Huai of Chu, fulfilling the people's hopes. Chen Ying was appointed Chu's Supreme Pillar of State and enfeoffed with five counties. Together with King Huai, they established their capital at Xutai. Xiang Liang took the title Lord Wu Xin for himself.

居數月，引兵攻亢父，與齊田榮、司馬龍且軍救東阿，大破秦軍於東阿。田榮即引兵歸，逐其王假。假亡走楚。假相田角亡走趙。角弟田閒故齊將，居趙不敢歸。田榮立田儋子市為齊王。項梁已破東阿下軍，遂追秦軍。數使使趣齊兵，欲與俱西。田榮曰：「楚殺田假，趙殺田角、田閒，乃發兵。」項梁曰：「田假為與國之王，窮來從我，不忍殺之。」趙亦不殺田角、田閒以市於齊。齊遂不肯發兵助楚。項梁使沛公及項羽別攻城陽，屠之。西破秦軍濮陽東，秦兵收入濮陽。沛公、項羽乃攻定陶。定陶未下，去，西略地至雝丘，大破秦軍，斬李由。還攻外黃，外黃未下。

Several months later, he led his troops to attack Kangfu. Joining forces with Tian Rong and Sima Longqu's Qi armies, they relieved Dong'a and inflicted a major defeat on the Qin forces there. Tian Rong then led his troops back home and expelled their king Jia. Jia fled to the state of Chu. Jia's chancellor Tian Jiao fled to the state of Zhao. Tian Jiao's younger brother Tian Jian, formerly a Qi general, remained in Zhao and dared not return home. Tian Rong installed Tian Dan's son Shi as King of Qi. Having defeated the army at Dong'a, Xiang Liang then pursued the Qin forces. He repeatedly sent envoys to urge the Qi troops to hurry, wanting to advance westward together with them. Tian Rong said, 'Only after Chu kills Tian Jia and Zhao kills Tian Jiao and Tian Jian will I send troops.' Xiang Liang replied, 'Tian Jia was the ruler of an allied state. He came to me when he was desperate. I could not bring myself to kill him.' Zhao also spared Tian Jiao and Tian Jian in order to maintain good relations with Qi. Qi ultimately refused to send troops to aid Chu. Xiang Liang sent the Duke of Pei and Xiang Yu separately to attack Chengyang. They slaughtered its inhabitants. They defeated the Qin army east of Puyang, forcing the Qin troops to withdraw into the city. The Duke of Pei and Xiang Yu then launched an attack on Dingtao. Dingtao did not surrender, so they departed and marched west, raiding territory until they reached Chongqiu. There they decisively defeated the Qin army and beheaded Li You. They turned back and attacked Waihuang, but the city held out.

項梁起東阿，西，（北）［比］至定陶，再破秦軍，項羽等又斬李由，益輕秦，有驕色。宋義乃諫項梁曰：「戰勝而將驕卒惰者敗。今卒少惰矣，秦兵日益，臣為君畏之。」項梁弗聽。乃使宋義使於齊。道遇齊使者高陵君顯，曰：「公將見武信君乎？」曰：「然。」曰：「臣論武信君軍必敗。公徐行即免死，疾行則及禍。」秦果悉起兵益章邯，擊楚軍，大破之定陶，項梁死。沛公、項羽去外黃攻陳留，陳留堅守不能下。沛公、項羽相與謀曰：「今項梁軍破，士卒恐。」乃與呂臣軍俱引兵而東。呂臣軍彭城東，項羽軍彭城西，沛公軍碭。

Xiang Liang marched from Dong'a westward and reached Dingtao, where he defeated the Qin army once more. Xiang Yu and his men beheaded Li You again. They grew increasingly contemptuous of Qin and displayed arrogant expressions. Song Yi then advised Xiang Liang: 'When generals grow arrogant and troops lazy after victory, defeat follows.' Our troops are already showing some laziness. Qin's forces grow stronger daily. I fear for you, my lord.' Xiang Liang paid no heed. He then dispatched Song Yi as envoy to Qi. Along the way, he encountered the Qi envoy Lord Gao Ling Xian, who asked: 'Are you going to see Lord Wu Xin?' Song Yi replied: 'Yes.' The envoy declared: 'In my judgment, Lord Wu Xin's army will surely be defeated.' If you travel slowly, you will escape death; if you hasten, calamity will overtake you.' Qin indeed mobilized all its forces to reinforce Zhang Han. They attacked the Chu army and decisively defeated it at Dingtao, where Xiang Liang perished. The Duke of Pei and Xiang Yu departed Waihuang and attacked Chenliu, but the city defended itself staunchly and could not be captured. The Duke of Pei and Xiang Yu conferred together: 'Now that Xiang Liang's army has been broken, our soldiers are terrified.' They then marched their troops eastward in conjunction with Lü Chen's army. Lü Chen's forces camped east of Pengcheng, Xiang Yu's west of Pengcheng, and the Duke of Pei's at Dang.

章邯已破項梁軍，則以為楚地兵不足憂，乃渡河擊趙，大破之。當此時，趙歇為王，陳餘為將，張耳為相，皆走入鉅鹿城。章邯令王離、涉閒圍鉅鹿，章邯軍其南，筑甬道而輸之粟。陳餘為將，將卒數萬人而軍鉅鹿之北，此所謂河北之軍也。

Having defeated Xiang Liang's army, Zhang Han concluded that Chu's troops were no longer a threat. He crossed the Yellow River to attack Zhao and inflicted a major defeat on them. At this juncture, Zhao Xie served as king, Chen Yu as general, Zhang Er as chancellor, and they all fled into the city of Julu. Zhang Han ordered Wang Li and She Jian to lay siege to Julu. He himself encamped south of the city and constructed a covered causeway to transport grain supplies. Chen Yu, serving as general, commanded tens of thousands of troops and positioned them north of Julu. This was what they called the army north of the Yellow River.

楚兵已破於定陶，懷王恐，從盱臺之彭城，并項羽、呂臣軍自將之。以呂臣為司徒，以其父呂青為令尹。以沛公為碭郡長，封為武安侯，將碭郡兵。

The Chu army having suffered defeat at Dingtao, King Huai grew fearful. He relocated from Xutai to Pengcheng and took personal command of the combined forces of Xiang Yu and Lü Chen. He appointed Lü Chen as Minister of Works and his father Lü Qing as Prime Minister. He appointed the Duke of Pei as prefect of Dang commandery, enfeoffed him as Marquis of Wu'an, and gave him command of the Dang commandery troops.

初，宋義所遇齊使者高陵君顯在楚軍，見楚王曰：「宋義論武信君之軍必敗，居數日，軍果敗。兵未戰而先見敗徵，此可謂知兵矣。」王召宋義與計事而大說之，因置以為上將軍，項羽為魯公，為次將，范增為末將，救趙。諸別將皆屬宋義，號為卿子冠軍。行至安陽，留四十六日不進。項羽曰：「吾聞秦軍圍趙王鉅鹿，疾引兵渡河，楚擊其外，趙應其內，破秦軍必矣。」宋義曰：「不然。夫搏牛之虻不可以破蟣虱。今秦攻趙，戰勝則兵罷，我承其敝；不勝，則我引兵鼓行而西，必舉秦矣。故不如先鬬秦趙。夫被堅執銳，義不如公；坐而運策，公不如義。」因下令軍中曰：「猛如虎，很如羊，貪如狼，彊不可使者，皆斬之。」乃遣其子宋襄相齊，身送之至無鹽，飲酒高會。天寒大雨，士卒凍饑。項羽曰：「將戮力而攻秦，久留不行。今歲饑民貧，士卒食芋菽，軍無見糧，乃飲酒高會，不引兵渡河因趙食，與趙并力攻秦，乃曰『承其敝』。夫以秦之彊，攻新造之趙，其勢必舉趙。趙舉而秦彊，何敝之承！且國兵新破，王坐不安席，埽境內而專屬於將軍，國家安危，在此一舉。今不恤士卒而徇其私，非社稷之臣。」項羽晨朝上將軍宋義，即其帳中斬宋義頭，出令軍中曰：「宋義與齊謀反楚，楚王陰令羽誅之。」當是時，諸將皆慴服，莫敢枝梧。皆曰：「首立楚者，將軍家也。今將軍誅亂。」乃相與共立羽為假上將軍。使人追宋義子，及之齊，殺之。使桓楚報命於懷王。懷王因使項羽為上將軍，當陽君、蒲將軍皆屬項羽。

Originally, the Qi envoy Lord Gao Ling Xian, whom Song Yi had met on the road, was serving in the Chu army. He approached the Chu king and said: 'Song Yi foresaw that Lord Wu Xin's army would surely be defeated. A few days later, the army indeed suffered defeat.' Even before the battle was joined, he perceived the omens of defeat. This can truly be called understanding warfare.' The king summoned Song Yi for consultations and was highly impressed with him. Consequently, he appointed Song Yi as Supreme Commander, Xiang Yu as Lord of Lu as deputy commander, and Fan Zeng as rear commander, to go rescue Zhao. All the subordinate generals came under Song Yi's command. He was given the title Lord Champion. They proceeded to Anyang and halted there for forty-six days, making no further progress. Xiang Yu said: 'I've heard the Qin army is besieging King Zhao at Julu. If we swiftly cross the Yellow River with our troops, Chu can strike from the outside while Zhao attacks from within. Defeating the Qin army will be assured.' Song Yi replied: 'Not so.' A horsefly that attacks cattle cannot eliminate lice and fleas. Now Qin attacks Zhao. If they win, their troops will be worn out, and we can exploit their exhaustion. If they lose, we can lead our troops westward in a triumphal march and will surely conquer Qin. Therefore it's better to let Qin and Zhao wear each other down first. When it comes to wearing armor and wielding weapons, I am not your equal. But when it comes to sitting and devising strategies, you are no match for me.' Thereupon he issued an order throughout the army: 'Execute anyone who is fierce as a tiger, stubborn as a sheep, greedy as a wolf, or too strong-willed to follow orders.' He then dispatched his son Song Xiang to serve as chancellor of Qi, personally escorting him as far as Wuyan for drinking parties and grand banquets. Bitter cold and pouring rain left the soldiers freezing and starving. Xiang Yu said: 'The generals are joining forces to attack Qin, yet we linger here indefinitely without moving forward.' Now famine grips the land and people starve. Soldiers eat only taro and beans with no grain in sight. Yet he carouses with wine and grand feasts, refusing to cross the river to forage from Zhao, or join forces with Zhao to attack Qin. Instead he says 'we'll exploit their exhaustion.' With Qin's overwhelming strength attacking the fledgling state of Zhao, they are certain to conquer it. If Zhao falls and Qin grows even stronger, what exhaustion will there be to exploit! Moreover, our army has just suffered defeat. The king cannot rest easy. He has committed the entire nation to your command. The survival of the state hangs on this single decision. Now he shows no concern for the soldiers while pursuing his personal interests. Such a man is no true servant of the realm.' Xiang Yu went to pay his morning respects to Supreme General Song Yi, then beheaded him on the spot in his own tent. He issued an order throughout the army: 'Song Yi conspired with Qi to betray Chu. The Chu king secretly commanded me to execute him.' At this moment, all the generals were cowed into submission. None dared to raise objections or go against him. They all declared: 'Your family was the first to restore the Chu royal line.' Now you, General, have put down the traitor.' They then jointly appointed Xiang Yu as Acting Supreme Commander. He dispatched men to pursue Song Yi's son. They caught up with him in Qi and executed him. He dispatched Huan Chu to report the developments to King Huai. King Huai therefore appointed Xiang Yu as Supreme Commander, with Lord Dangyang and General Pu both serving under his command.

項羽已殺卿子冠軍，威震楚國，名聞諸侯。乃遣當陽君、蒲將軍將卒二萬渡河，救鉅鹿。戰少利，陳餘復請兵。項羽乃悉引兵渡河，皆沈船，破釜甑，燒廬舍，持三日糧，以示士卒必死，無一還心。於是至則圍王離，與秦軍遇，九戰，絕其甬道，大破之，殺蘇角，虜王離。涉閒不降楚，自燒殺。當是時，楚兵冠諸侯。諸侯軍救鉅鹿下者十餘壁，莫敢縱兵。及楚擊秦，諸將皆從壁上觀。楚戰士無不一以當十，楚兵呼聲動天，諸侯軍無不人人惴恐。於是已破秦軍，項羽召見諸侯將，入轅門，無不膝行而前，莫敢仰視。項羽由是始為諸侯上將軍，諸侯皆屬焉。

Xiang Yu had executed Lord Champion. His might shook the entire Chu realm, and his reputation spread among all the feudal lords. He then dispatched Lord Dangyang and General Pu with twenty thousand soldiers to cross the Yellow River and relieve Julu. The fighting yielded scant success, so Chen Yu requested reinforcements once more. Xiang Yu then led his entire army across the river. They sank all the boats, smashed the cooking pots, burned the camp shelters, and carried only three days' rations. This demonstrated to the soldiers that they must fight to the death with no possibility of retreat. Upon arrival, they surrounded Wang Li. They clashed with the Qin forces in nine battles, severed their supply line, decisively defeated them, killed Su Jiao, and took Wang Li prisoner. She Jian refused to surrender to Chu and perished in self-immolation. At this juncture, the Chu army was preeminent among all the feudal lords. The armies of the various feudal lords that came to relieve Julu established more than ten fortified camps below the city, but none dared to engage their troops. When Chu attacked Qin, all the other generals merely watched from atop their defensive walls. Every Chu warrior fought like ten men. Their battle cries shook the heavens. Every soldier in the other lords' armies trembled with fear. Having defeated the Qin army, Xiang Yu summoned the generals of the various lords for an audience. As they entered the camp gate, every one of them crawled forward on their knees, none daring to look up. From this point on, Xiang Yu became the Supreme Commander of all the feudal lords, and they all acknowledged his authority.

章邯軍棘原，項羽軍漳南，相持未戰。秦軍數卻，二世使人讓章邯。章邯恐，使長史欣請事。至咸陽，留司馬門三日，趙高不見，有不信之心。長史欣恐，還走其軍，不敢出故道，趙高果使人追之，不及。欣至軍，報曰：「趙高用事於中，下無可為者。今戰能勝，高必疾妒吾功；戰不能勝，不免於死。願將軍孰計之。」陳餘亦遺章邯書曰：「白起為秦將，南征鄢郢，北阬馬服，攻城略地，不可勝計，而竟賜死。蒙恬為秦將，北逐戎人，開榆中地數千里，竟斬陽周。何者？功多，秦不能盡封，因以法誅之。今將軍為秦將三歲矣，所亡失以十萬數，而諸侯并起滋益多。彼趙高素諛日久，今事急，亦恐二世誅之，故欲以法誅將軍以塞責，使人更代將軍以脫其禍。夫將軍居外久，多內卻，有功亦誅，無功亦誅。且天之亡秦，無愚智皆知之。今將軍內不能直諫，外為亡國將，孤特獨立而欲常存，豈不哀哉！將軍何不還兵與諸侯為從，約共攻秦，分王其地，南面稱孤；此孰與身伏鈇質，妻子為僇乎？」章邯狐疑，陰使候始成使項羽，欲約。約未成，項羽使蒲將軍日夜引兵度三戶，軍漳南，與秦戰，再破之。項羽悉引兵擊秦軍汙水上，大破之。

Zhang Han's forces were encamped at Jiyuan, Xiang Yu's at the south bank of the Zhang River. They confronted each other but had not yet engaged in battle. The Qin army suffered repeated setbacks. The Second Emperor sent envoys to reprimand Zhang Han. Terrified, Zhang Han sent his chief clerk Sima Xin to negotiate surrender terms. They reached Xianyang and waited at the Sima Gate for three days. Zhao Gao refused to meet them, harboring suspicions. Terrified, Chief Clerk Xin fled back to his army, not daring to take the usual route. Zhao Gao indeed sent pursuers, but they failed to catch him. Xin reached the army and reported: 'Zhao Gao controls the court from within. There's nothing we can accomplish down here.' If we fight and win now, Zhao Gao will surely envy our success. If we fight and lose, death is inevitable. I urge you, General, to ponder this carefully.' Chen Yu also sent Zhang Han a letter: 'Bai Qi, as Qin's general, campaigned south against Yan and Ying, north buried Ma Fu alive in a mass grave, conquered cities and seized territories too numerous to count, yet was ultimately executed.' Meng Tian, as Qin's general, drove the Rong nomads northward, opened up thousands of li of territory in the Yuzhong region, yet was ultimately executed at Yangzhou. Why was that? Their merits were too great. Qin could not adequately reward them all, so they were executed on legal pretexts. You have served as Qin's general for three years now. Your casualties number in the hundreds of thousands, yet the feudal lords have risen up and multiplied. Zhao Gao has been flattering the emperor for years. Now that the situation is critical, he fears the Second Emperor will execute him. So he wants to execute you, General, under legal pretexts to cover his own responsibility, and send a replacement to escape his own doom. You, General, have been campaigning abroad for so long. With so many internal setbacks, you'll be executed whether you succeed or fail. Moreover, Heaven has clearly abandoned Qin. Even the foolish know this. You cannot speak frankly at court, and abroad you serve as general of a doomed dynasty. Standing isolated and alone, you hope to survive forever. How lamentable! Why not turn your troops back and ally with the feudal lords? Agree to attack Qin together, divide its territory among you as kings, and rule facing south as sovereigns. How much better than submitting to the executioner's axe yourself, with your wife and children becoming captives?' Zhang Han hesitated with suspicion. He secretly sent the scout Shi Cheng to Xiang Yu, hoping to reach an agreement. Before the agreement was finalized, Xiang Yu sent General Pu to lead troops across the Sanhu ford day and night. They encamped south of the Zhang River, engaged the Qin forces, and defeated them once more. Xiang Yu led his entire army to attack the Qin forces along the Wushui River and decisively defeated them.

章邯使人見項羽，欲約。項羽召軍吏謀曰：「糧少，欲聽其約。」軍吏皆曰：「善。」項羽乃與期洹水南殷虛上。已盟，章邯見項羽而流涕，為言趙高。項羽乃立章邯為雍王，置楚軍中。使長史欣為上將軍，將秦軍為前行。

Zhang Han sent envoys to meet with Xiang Yu, hoping to reach an agreement. Xiang Yu summoned his officers for a conference: 'Our supplies are running low. I want to accept their proposal.' All the officers replied: 'Excellent.' Xiang Yu then arranged to meet them south of the Huan River at the ruins of Yin. Once the covenant was sealed, Zhang Han met Xiang Yu and wept, speaking on Zhao Gao's behalf. Xiang Yu then installed Zhang Han as King of Yong and kept him within the Chu encampment. He appointed Chief Clerk Xin as Supreme Commander and had him lead the Qin forces as the advance guard.

到新安。諸侯吏卒異時故繇使屯戍過秦中，秦中吏卒遇之多無狀，及秦軍降諸侯，諸侯吏卒乘勝多奴虜使之，輕折辱秦吏卒。秦吏卒多竊言曰：「章將軍等詐吾屬降諸侯，今能入關破秦，大善；即不能，諸侯虜吾屬而東，秦必盡誅吾父母妻子。」諸侯微聞其計，以告項羽。項羽乃召黥布、蒲將軍計曰：「秦吏卒尚眾，其心不服，至關中不聽，事必危，不如擊殺之，而獨與章邯、長史欣、都尉翳入秦。」於是楚軍夜擊阬秦卒二十餘萬人新安城南。

They reached Xin'an. In the past, the feudal lords' officers and soldiers had been conscripted laborers garrisoning and passing through Qin territory. The Qin officers and soldiers had treated them poorly. Now that the Qin army had surrendered to the feudal lords, their officers and soldiers, riding high on victory, mostly enslaved and mistreated them, casually breaking and humiliating the Qin officers and soldiers. The Qin officers and soldiers mostly whispered among themselves: 'General Zhang and his men tricked us into surrendering to the feudal lords. If we can now enter the passes and destroy Qin, that would be excellent.' If we fail, the feudal lords will take us captive and march east. Qin will surely execute all our parents, wives, and children.' The feudal lords got wind of their scheme and informed Xiang Yu. Xiang Yu then summoned Ying Bu and General Pu for a conference: 'The Qin officers and soldiers are still numerous and their loyalties uncertain. When we reach Guanzhong, they may not obey orders, making the situation dangerous. It would be better to attack and kill them, then proceed into Qin with only Zhang Han, Chief Clerk Xin, and Commandant Yi.' Thereupon the Chu army attacked by night and massacred over two hundred thousand Qin soldiers south of Xin'an city.

行略定秦地。函谷關有兵守關，不得入。又聞沛公已破咸陽，項羽大怒，使當陽君等擊關。項羽遂入，至于戲西。沛公軍霸上，未得與項羽相見。沛公左司馬曹無傷使人言於項羽曰：「沛公欲王關中，使子嬰為相，珍寶盡有之。」項羽大怒，曰：「旦日饗士卒，為擊破沛公軍！」當是時，項羽兵四十萬，在新豐鴻門，沛公兵十萬，在霸上。范增說項羽曰：「沛公居山東時，貪於財貨，好美姬。今入關，財物無所取，婦女無所幸，此其志不在小。吾令人望其氣，皆為龍虎，成五采，此天子氣也。急擊勿失。」

As they marched, they conquered and pacified the lands of Qin. Hangu Pass was defended by troops, so they could not enter. He also learned that the Duke of Pei had already captured Xianyang. Xiang Yu flew into a rage and sent Lord Dangyang and others to attack the pass. Xiang Yu then entered the pass and reached the area west of Xi. The Duke of Pei's army was encamped at Bashang. He had not yet been able to meet with Xiang Yu. The Duke of Pei's left commander Cao Wushang sent a messenger to Xiang Yu: 'The Duke of Pei wants to become king of Guanzhong, appoint Zi Ying as his chancellor, and claim all the precious treasures for himself.' Xiang Yu flew into a rage: 'Tomorrow we'll feast the troops, then attack and crush the Duke of Pei's army!' At this juncture, Xiang Yu commanded four hundred thousand troops at Hongmen in Xinfeng, while the Duke of Pei had one hundred thousand troops at Bashang. Fan Zeng advised Xiang Yu: 'When the Duke of Pei lived east of the mountains, he was greedy for riches and fond of beautiful women.' Now that he's entered the passes, he takes no riches and shows no interest in women. His ambitions are far from small. I had men observe his vapors. They form dragons and tigers in five colors. This is the aura of an emperor. Attack immediately before it's too late.'

楚左尹項伯者，項羽季父也，素善留侯張良。張良是時從沛公，項伯乃夜馳之沛公軍，私見張良，具告以事，欲呼張良與俱去。曰：「毋從俱死也。」張良曰：「臣為韓王送沛公，沛公今事有急，亡去不義，不可不語。」良乃入，具告沛公。沛公大驚，曰：「為之柰何？」張良曰：「誰為大王為此計者？」曰：「鯫生說我曰『距關，毋內諸侯，秦地可盡王也』。故聽之。」良曰：「料大王士卒足以當項王乎？」沛公默然，曰：「固不如也，且為之柰何？」張良曰：「請往謂項伯，言沛公不敢背項王也。」沛公曰：「君安與項伯有故？」張良曰：「秦時與臣游，項伯殺人，臣活之。今事有急，故幸來告良。」沛公曰「孰與君少長？」良曰：「長於臣。」沛公曰「君為我呼入，吾得兄事之。」張良出，要項伯。項伯即入見沛公。沛公奉卮酒為壽，約為婚姻，曰：「吾入關，秋豪不敢有所近，籍吏民，封府庫，而待將軍。所以遣將守關者，備他盜之出入與非常也。日夜望將軍至，豈敢反乎！願伯具言臣之不敢倍德也。」項伯許諾。謂沛公曰：「旦日不可不蚤自來謝項王。」沛公曰：「諾。」於是項伯復夜去，至軍中，具以沛公言報項王。因言曰：「沛公不先破關中，公豈敢入乎？今人有大功而擊之，不義也，不如因善遇之。」項王許諾。

Xiang Bo, Chu's Left Minister and Xiang Yu's youngest uncle, had long been close friends with Zhang Liang, Marquis of Liu. At this time Zhang Liang was serving the Duke of Pei. Xiang Bo rode through the night to the Duke of Pei's camp and met privately with Zhang Liang. He told him everything and wanted to take Zhang Liang away with him. He said: 'Don't follow me to your death.' Zhang Liang said: 'I was sent by the King of Han to escort the Duke of Pei. The Duke of Pei is now in grave danger. It would be dishonorable to flee without warning him.' Zhang Liang entered and told the Duke of Pei everything. The Duke of Pei was shocked: 'What shall we do?' Zhang Liang asked: 'Who gave you this advice?' He replied: 'A small-minded man advised me: "Block the passes and don't let the feudal lords in. Then you can rule all Qin territory as king."' So I followed his advice.' Zhang Liang asked: 'Do you think your troops can stand against Xiang Yu?' The Duke of Pei fell silent: 'Of course not. What can we do?' Zhang Liang said: 'Let me go speak to Xiang Bo and assure him that the Duke of Pei would never betray Xiang Yu.' The Duke of Pei asked: 'How do you know Xiang Bo?' Zhang Liang explained: 'During the Qin dynasty, Xiang Bo and I were friends. He killed someone, and I saved his life.' Now the situation is critical, so he came to warn me.' The Duke of Pei asked: 'Who is older, you or Xiang Bo?' Zhang Liang replied: 'He is older than I.' The Duke of Pei said: 'Please invite him in for me. I would be honored to treat him as an elder brother.' Zhang Liang went out and met Xiang Bo on the way. Xiang Bo immediately went in to meet the Duke of Pei. The Duke of Pei offered a toast with a goblet of wine and proposed a marriage alliance: 'When I entered the passes, I didn't touch even the smallest thing. I registered the officials and people, sealed the treasuries, and waited for you, General.' I stationed generals to guard the pass to prevent other bandits from entering or leaving and to guard against emergencies.' I've been waiting day and night for your arrival, General. How could I possibly rebel?' Please, Bo, explain fully that I would never betray such kindness.' Xiang Bo agreed to help. He told the Duke of Pei: 'Tomorrow you must come early in person to express thanks to King Xiang.' The Duke of Pei agreed: 'Very well.' Xiang Bo then departed again that night and returned to camp, where he fully reported the Duke of Pei's words to King Xiang. He then added: 'If the Duke of Pei hadn't conquered Guanzhong first, would you have dared to enter?' Now you're attacking someone who has performed great service. That's unjust. Better to reward him for his good deeds.' King Xiang agreed to this advice.

沛公旦日從百餘騎來見項王，至鴻門，謝曰：「臣與將軍戮力而攻秦，將軍戰河北，臣戰河南，然不自意能先入關破秦，得復見將軍於此。今者有小人之言，令將軍與臣有郤。」項王曰：「此沛公左司馬曹無傷言之；不然，籍何以至此。」項王即日因留沛公與飲。項王、項伯東向坐。亞父南向坐。亞父者，范增也。沛公北向坐，張良西向侍。范增數目項王，舉所佩玉珪以示之者三，項王默然不應。范增起，出召項莊，謂曰：「君王為人不忍，若入前為壽，壽畢，請以劍舞，因擊沛公於坐，殺之。不者，若屬皆且為所虜。」莊則入為壽，壽畢，曰：「君王與沛公飲，軍中無以為樂，請以劍舞。」項王曰：「諾。」項莊拔劍起舞，項伯亦拔劍起舞，常以身翼蔽沛公，莊不得擊。於是張良至軍門，見樊噲。樊噲曰：「今日之事何如？」良曰：「甚急。今者項莊拔劍舞，其意常在沛公也。」噲曰：「此迫矣，臣請入，與之同命。」噲即帶劍擁盾入軍門。交戟之衛士欲止不內，樊噲側其盾以撞，衛士仆地，噲遂入，披帷西向立，瞋目視項王，頭髪上指，目眥盡裂。項王按劍而跽曰：「客何為者？」張良曰：「沛公之參乘樊噲者也。」項王曰：「壯士，賜之卮酒。」則與斗卮酒。噲拜謝，起，立而飲之。項王曰：「賜之彘肩。」則與一生彘肩。樊噲覆其盾於地，加彘肩上，拔劍切而啗之。項王曰：「壯士，能復飲乎？」樊噲曰：「臣死且不避，卮酒安足辭！夫秦王有虎狼之心，殺人如不能舉，刑人如恐不勝，天下皆叛之。懷王與諸將約曰『先破秦入咸陽者王之』。今沛公先破秦入咸陽，豪毛不敢有所近，封閉宮室，還軍霸上，以待大王來。故遣將守關者，備他盜出入與非常也。勞苦而功高如此，未有封侯之賞，而聽細說，欲誅有功之人。此亡秦之續耳，竊為大王不取也。」項王未有以應，曰：「坐。」樊噲從良坐。坐須臾，沛公起如廁，因招樊噲出。

The next day the Duke of Pei came with over a hundred horsemen to meet King Xiang. They arrived at Hongmen, where he apologized: 'Your servant and you, General, united our efforts to attack Qin. You fought north of the Yellow River while I fought south. I never expected to enter the passes first and conquer Qin, allowing me to meet you again here.' Now some petty individuals have spoken ill, creating discord between you, General, and me.' King Xiang said: 'This was said by the Duke of Pei's left commander Cao Wushang.' If not for that, how would I be here?' King Xiang therefore detained the Duke of Pei that very day for a drinking banquet. King Xiang and Xiang Bo took seats facing east. Fan Zeng, the Secondary Father, sat facing south. The Secondary Father was none other than Fan Zeng. The Duke of Pei took a seat facing north, with Zhang Liang attending him while facing west. Fan Zeng repeatedly signaled King Xiang with his eyes and raised the jade tablet from his belt to show him three times, but King Xiang remained silent and gave no response. Fan Zeng rose and went out to summon Xiang Zhuang: 'Our king is too merciful by nature. Go in and offer him a toast. When the toast is done, ask to perform a sword dance, then strike the Duke of Pei where he sits and kill him.' If you don't, all of you will surely end up as his captives.' Xiang Zhuang entered and offered a toast. When it was done, he said: 'Our king and the Duke of Pei are drinking. The army has no entertainment. Allow me to perform a sword dance.' King Xiang agreed: 'Very well.' Xiang Zhuang drew his sword and began dancing. Xiang Bo also drew his sword and danced, constantly shielding the Duke of Pei with his body. Zhuang could not strike. Zhang Liang then went to the army gate and met Fan Kuai. Fan Kuai asked: 'What's happening today?' Zhang Liang said: 'Extremely urgent.' Xiang Zhuang has drawn his sword to dance, and his intentions are clearly fixed on the Duke of Pei.' Fan Kuai said: 'This is critical. I request permission to enter and face the same danger.' Fan Kuai immediately strapped on his sword and grasped his shield, then entered the army gate. The guards with crossed halberds tried to stop him from entering. Fan Kuai tilted his shield and knocked them down. He then entered, parted the curtains, and stood facing west. He glared furiously at King Xiang, his hair standing on end and the corners of his eyes splitting open. King Xiang gripped his sword and knelt up: 'Who is this guest?' Zhang Liang said: 'This is Fan Kuai, the Duke of Pei's chariot companion.' King Xiang said: 'Brave warrior! Give him a goblet of wine.' They gave him a large goblet of wine. Fan Kuai bowed in thanks, stood up, and drank it down standing. King Xiang said: 'Give him a pig's shoulder.' They gave him a whole raw pig's shoulder. Fan Kuai flipped his shield upside down on the ground, placed the pig's shoulder on it, drew his sword, and began carving and eating it. King Xiang said: 'Brave warrior! Can you drink more?' Fan Kuai said: 'I wouldn't even shrink from death. Why would I refuse a goblet of wine?' The Qin king has the heart of a tiger or wolf. He kills people as if he can't get enough, punishes them as if he fears he won't finish the job. The whole world has turned against him. King Huai agreed with all the generals: 'Whoever first conquers Qin and enters Xianyang will be made king there.' Now the Duke of Pei was the first to conquer Qin and enter Xianyang. He didn't touch even the smallest thing. He sealed the palaces and withdrew his army to Bashang to await Your Majesty's arrival. That's why I stationed generals to guard the pass—to prevent other bandits from coming and going and to guard against emergencies. After such toil and such great achievement, he hasn't even received the reward of being made a marquess. Yet you listen to petty gossip and want to execute a man of great merit. This is just continuing the ways of doomed Qin. I privately think it's not worth Your Majesty's while.' King Xiang had no response. He said: 'Sit down.' Fan Kuai sat down next to Zhang Liang. After sitting for a short time, the Duke of Pei rose as if to use the toilet and signaled Fan Kuai to follow him out.

沛公已出，項王使都尉陳平召沛公。沛公曰：「今者出，未辭也，為之柰何？」樊噲曰：「大行不顧細謹，大禮不辭小讓。如今人方為刀俎，我為魚肉，何辭為。」於是遂去。乃令張良留謝。良問曰：「大王來何操？」曰：「我持白璧一雙，欲獻項王，玉斗一雙，欲與亞父，會其怒，不敢獻。公為我獻之」張良曰：「謹諾。」當是時，項王軍在鴻門下，沛公軍在霸上，相去四十里。沛公則置車騎，脫身獨騎，與樊噲、夏侯嬰、靳彊、紀信等四人持劍盾步走，從酈山下，道芷陽閒行。沛公謂張良曰：「從此道至吾軍，不過二十里耳。度我至軍中，公乃入。」沛公已去，閒至軍中，張良入謝，曰：「沛公不勝桮杓，不能辭。謹使臣良奉白璧一雙，再拜獻大王足下；玉斗一雙，再拜奉大將軍足下。」項王曰：「沛公安在？」良曰：「聞大王有意督過之，脫身獨去，已至軍矣。」項王則受璧，置之坐上。亞父受玉斗，置之地，拔劍撞而破之，曰：「唉！豎子不足與謀。奪項王天下者，必沛公也，吾屬今為之虜矣。」沛公至軍，立誅殺曹無傷。

The Duke of Pei had already left. King Xiang sent his commandant Chen Ping to call him back. The Duke of Pei said: 'I just left without properly excusing myself. What should I do?' Fan Kuai said: 'When undertaking great deeds, don't worry about minor etiquette. When performing important rituals, don't refuse small courtesies.' Now others hold the knife and cutting board, while we are the fish and meat. Why bother with excuses?' And so they left. They instructed Zhang Liang to stay behind and offer their apologies. Zhang Liang asked: 'What gifts has Your Majesty brought?' He replied: 'I brought a pair of white jade discs to present to King Xiang and a pair of jade goblets for the Secondary Father. But encountering his anger, I dared not present them.' Please present them on my behalf.' Zhang Liang replied: 'I will do so respectfully.' At this juncture, King Xiang's army was stationed below Hongmen, while the Duke of Pei's army was at Bashang, forty li apart. The Duke of Pei abandoned his chariots and cavalry, slipped away alone on horseback with Fan Kuai, Xiahou Ying, Jin Qiang, Ji Xin, and four others. They walked on foot carrying swords and shields, taking a path below Mount Li through Zhiyang. The Duke of Pei told Zhang Liang: 'This road to my army is only about twenty li.' Once you calculate I've reached camp, then you may enter.' The Duke of Pei had left. After a while Zhang Liang reached the army camp and entered to offer apologies: 'The Duke of Pei couldn't handle all the toasts and had to leave without proper farewells.' I respectfully send my servant Zhang Liang to present a pair of white jade discs, bowing twice to offer them at Your Majesty's feet. And a pair of jade goblets, bowing twice to present them at the Supreme General's feet.' King Xiang asked: 'Where is the Duke of Pei?' Zhang Liang said: 'He heard that Your Majesty intended to hold him accountable for his faults, so he slipped away alone and has already reached his army.' King Xiang accepted the jade discs and placed them on his seat. The Secondary Father accepted the jade goblets, threw them on the ground, drew his sword and smashed them, exclaiming: 'Alas!' That young upstart isn't worth consulting. The one who will take the world from King Xiang will surely be the Duke of Pei. We will all end up as his prisoners.' Upon reaching his army, the Duke of Pei immediately had Cao Wushang executed.

居數日，項羽引兵西屠咸陽，殺秦降王子嬰，燒秦宮室，火三月不滅；收其貨寶婦女而東。人或說項王曰：「關中阻山河四塞，地肥饒，可都以霸。」項王見秦宮皆以燒殘破，又心懷思欲東歸，曰：「富貴不歸故鄉，如衣繡夜行，誰知之者！」說者曰：「人言楚人沐猴而冠耳，果然。」項王聞之，烹說者。

A few days later, Xiang Yu led his army west and massacred the population of Xianyang. He executed the surrendered Qin prince Zi Ying and set fire to the Qin palaces. The flames burned for three months without going out. He gathered up all the riches, treasures, and women, then marched east. Someone advised King Xiang: 'Guanzhong is protected on four sides by mountains and rivers. The land is fertile and rich. It would make an excellent capital from which to rule.' King Xiang saw that the Qin palaces were all burned and in ruins. He longed for home and wished to return east, saying: 'To achieve wealth and nobility but not return to your hometown is like wearing fine embroidered clothes in the dark—who would know!' The advisor said: 'People say Chu people are just monkeys in caps. It's true.' King Xiang heard this and had the advisor boiled alive.

項王使人致命懷王。懷王曰：「如約。」乃尊懷王為義帝。項王欲自王，先王諸將相。謂曰：「天下初發難時，假立諸侯後以伐秦。然身被堅執銳首事，暴露於野三年，滅秦定天下者，皆將相諸君與籍之力也。義帝雖無功，故當分其地而王之。」諸將皆曰：「善。」乃分天下，立諸將為侯王。項王、范增疑沛公之有天下，業已講解，又惡負約，恐諸侯叛之，乃陰謀曰：「巴、蜀道險，秦之遷人皆居蜀。」乃曰：「巴、蜀亦關中地也。」故立沛公為漢王，王巴、蜀、漢中，都南鄭。而三分關中，王秦降將以距塞漢王。項王乃立章邯為雍王，王咸陽以西，都廢丘。長史欣者，故為櫟陽獄掾，嘗有德於項梁；都尉董翳者，本勸章邯降楚。故立司馬欣為塞王，王咸陽以東至河，都櫟陽；立董翳為翟王，王上郡，都高奴。徙魏王豹為西魏王，王河東，都平陽。瑕丘申陽者，張耳嬖臣也，先下河南（郡），迎楚河上，故立申陽為河南王，都雒陽。韓王成因故都，都陽翟。趙將司馬卬定河內，數有功，故立卬為殷王，王河內，都朝歌。徙趙王歇為代王。趙相張耳素賢，又從入關，故立耳為常山王，王趙地，都襄國。當陽君黥布為楚將，常冠軍，故立布為九江王，都六。鄱君吳芮率百越佐諸侯，又從入關，故立芮為衡山王，都邾。義帝柱國共敖將兵擊南郡，功多，因立敖為臨江王，都江陵。徙燕王韓廣為遼東王。燕將臧荼從楚救趙，因從入關，故立荼為燕王，都薊。徙齊王田市為膠東王。齊將田都從共救趙，因從入關，故立都為齊王，都臨菑。故秦所滅齊王建孫田安，項羽方渡河救趙，田安下濟北數城，引其兵降項羽，故立安為濟北王，都博陽。田榮者，數負項梁，又不肯將兵從楚擊秦，以故不封。成安君陳餘棄將印去，不從入關，然素聞其賢，有功於趙，聞其在南皮，故因環封三縣。番君將梅鋗功多，故封十萬戶侯。項王自立為西楚霸王，王九郡，都彭城。

King Xiang sent a messenger to report to King Huai. King Huai replied: 'As we agreed.' They then honored King Huai with the title Righteous Emperor. King Xiang wanted to become king himself, so he first enfeoffed the various generals and chancellors as kings. He told them: 'When the world first rebelled, we temporarily installed descendants of the old feudal lords to attack Qin.' Yet those who personally donned armor and wielded weapons to lead the charge, exposed to the elements in the wilderness for three years, who destroyed Qin and brought peace to the world—all this was due to the efforts of you generals, chancellors, and myself. Although the Righteous Emperor contributed nothing, we should still divide territory and make him king out of respect.' All the generals replied: 'Excellent.' They then divided up the empire, enfeoffing the various generals as marquesses and kings. King Xiang and Fan Zeng suspected that the Duke of Pei would eventually rule the world. The matter was already settled, and they disliked breaking agreements for fear the feudal lords would rebel. So they secretly plotted: 'The roads to Ba and Shu are treacherous, and all of Qin's banished criminals live in Shu.' They reasoned: 'Ba and Shu are also part of Guanzhong.' Therefore they installed the Duke of Pei as King of Han, giving him control of Ba, Shu, and Hanzhong, with his capital at Nanzheng. They divided Guanzhong into three parts and installed the surrendered Qin generals as kings to block and contain the King of Han. King Xiang then installed Zhang Han as King of Yong, giving him control west of Xianyang, with his capital at Feiqiu. Chief Clerk Xin had formerly been the prison official in Queyang and had once shown kindness to Xiang Liang. Commandant Dong Yi had originally been the one who persuaded Zhang Han to surrender to Chu. Therefore they installed Sima Xin as King of Sai, giving him control east of Xianyang up to the Yellow River, with his capital at Queyang. They installed Dong Yi as King of Di, giving him control of Shang commandery, with his capital at Gaonu. They relocated King Bao of Wei to become King of Western Wei, giving him control of Hedong, with his capital at Pingyang. Shen Yang from Xiaqiu was Zhang Er's favorite minister. He had first conquered Henan commandery and welcomed Chu forces along the Yellow River. Therefore they installed Shen Yang as King of Henan, with his capital at Luoyang. King Cheng of Han kept his original capital at Yangdi. Zhao general Sima Ang pacified Henan and achieved repeated successes. Therefore they installed him as King of Yin, giving him control of Henan, with his capital at Zhaoge. They relocated King Xie of Zhao to become King of Dai. Zhao chancellor Zhang Er had long been recognized for his worthiness and had followed them into the passes. Therefore they installed him as King of Changshan, giving him control of Zhao territory, with his capital at Xiangguo. Lord Dangyang Ying Bu had served as a Chu general and constantly led the vanguard. Therefore they installed him as King of Jiujiang, with his capital at Liu. Lord of Po Wu Rui had led the hundred Yue tribes to assist the feudal lords and had followed them into the passes. Therefore they installed him as King of Hengshan, with his capital at Zhu. The Righteous Emperor's Pillar of State Gong Ao led troops to attack Nanguo and achieved great success. Therefore they installed him as King of Linjiang, with his capital at Jiangling. They relocated King Guang of Yan to become King of Liaodong. Yan general Zang Chu had followed Chu to rescue Zhao and had accompanied them into the passes. Therefore they installed him as King of Yan, with his capital at Ji. They relocated King Shi of Qi to become King of Jiaodong. Qi general Tian Du had joined the rescue of Zhao and accompanied them into the passes. Therefore they installed him as King of Qi, with his capital at Linzi. Tian An, grandson of the Qi King Jian whom Qin had destroyed, conquered several cities north of the Ji River while Xiang Yu was crossing to rescue Zhao. He led his troops to surrender to Xiang Yu. Therefore they installed him as King of Jibei, with his capital at Boyang. Tian Rong had repeatedly betrayed Xiang Liang and refused to lead troops to follow Chu in attacking Qin. For this reason, he was not enfeoffed. Lord Cheng'an Chen Yu had abandoned his general's seal and left, refusing to follow into the passes. Yet he was long known for his worthiness and had merit in Zhao. Hearing he was in Nanpi, they provisionally enfeoffed him with three surrounding counties. The Lord of Fan's general Mei Dun had achieved great merit. Therefore he was enfeoffed as a marquis with one hundred thousand households. King Xiang established himself as Hegemon King of Western Chu, ruling nine commanderies, with his capital at Pengcheng.

漢之元年四月，諸侯罷戲下，各就國。項王出之國，使人徙義帝，曰：「古之帝者地方千里，必居上游。」乃使使徙義帝長沙郴縣。趣義帝行，其群臣稍稍背叛之，乃陰令衡山、臨江王擊殺之江中。韓王成無軍功，項王不使之國，與俱至彭城，廢以為侯，已又殺之。臧荼之國，因逐韓廣之遼東，廣弗聽，荼擊殺廣無終，

In the fourth month of the first year of Han, the feudal lords left the area below Xi and each returned to their kingdoms. King Xiang sent orders from his kingdom to relocate the Righteous Emperor, saying: 'Ancient emperors ruled territories of a thousand li and always resided upstream.' He then sent envoys to relocate the Righteous Emperor to Chen county in Changsha. He urged the Righteous Emperor to proceed on his journey. His ministers gradually deserted him. Xiang Yu then secretly ordered the Kings of Hengshan and Linjiang to attack and kill him in the river. King Cheng of Han had no military merit. King Xiang did not allow him to go to his kingdom but brought him to Pengcheng, demoted him to marquis, and then killed him. Zang Chu went to his kingdom and then pursued Han Guang to Liaodong. Han Guang refused to comply, so Zang Chu attacked and killed him at Wuzhong.

田榮聞項羽徙齊王市膠東，而立齊將田都為齊王，乃大怒，不肯遣齊王之膠東，因以齊反，迎擊田都。田都走楚。齊王市畏項王，乃亡之膠東就國。田榮怒，追擊殺之即墨。榮因自立為齊王，而西殺擊濟北王田安，并王三齊。榮與彭越將軍印，令反梁地。陳餘陰使張同、夏說說齊王田榮曰：「項羽為天下宰，不平。今盡王故王於醜地，而王其群臣諸將善地，逐其故主趙王，乃北居代，餘以為不可。聞大王起兵，且不聽不義，願大王資餘兵，請以擊常山，以復趙王，請以國為捍蔽。」齊王許之，因遣兵之趙。陳餘悉發三縣兵，與齊并力擊常山，大破之。張耳走歸漢。陳餘迎故趙王歇於代，反之趙。趙王因立陳餘為代王。

Tian Rong learned that Xiang Yu had moved Qi King Shi to Jiaodong and installed Qi general Tian Du as King of Qi. He flew into a rage, refused to send the Qi king to Jiaodong, and led Qi in rebellion, attacking Tian Du. Tian Du escaped to Chu. Qi King Shi feared King Xiang and fled to Jiaodong to assume his kingship. Tian Rong, enraged, pursued and attacked him, killing Qi King Shi at Jimo. Tian Rong therefore proclaimed himself King of Qi. He attacked westward and killed Jibei King Tian An, uniting all three Qi regions under his rule. Tian Rong gave Peng Yue a general's seal and ordered him to rebel in Liang territory. Chen Yu secretly sent Zhang Tong and Xia Yue to persuade Qi King Tian Rong: 'Xiang Yu acts as the world's butcher. His actions are unfair.' Now he installs all the former kings in barren lands but gives his ministers and generals the fertile territories. He drives out their former lord, King of Zhao, and forces him to live in the north in Dai. I consider this unjust.' I hear Your Majesty has raised troops and refuses to heed injustice. I wish Your Majesty would provide me with troops to attack Changshan, restore the King of Zhao, and use my kingdom as a protective barrier.' The King of Qi agreed and sent troops to Zhao. Chen Yu mobilized troops from all three counties and joined forces with Qi to attack Changshan, decisively defeating them. Zhang Er fled back to Han. Chen Yu welcomed the former King Xie of Zhao from Dai and restored him to Zhao. The King of Zhao then installed Chen Yu as King of Dai.

是時，漢還定三秦。項羽聞漢王皆已并關中，且東，齊、趙叛之：大怒。乃以故吳令鄭昌為韓王，以距漢。令蕭公角等擊彭越。彭越敗蕭公角等。漢使張良徇韓，乃遺項王書曰：「漢王失職，欲得關中，如約即止，不敢東。」又以齊、梁反書遺項王曰：「齊欲與趙并滅楚。」楚以此故無西意，而北擊齊。徵兵九江王布。布稱疾不往，使將將數千人行。項王由此怨布也。漢之二年冬，項羽遂北至城陽，田榮亦將兵會戰。田榮不勝，走至平原，平原民殺之。遂北燒夷齊城郭室屋，皆阬田榮降卒，系虜其老弱婦女。徇齊至北海，多所殘滅。齊人相聚而叛之。於是田榮弟田橫收齊亡卒得數萬人，反城陽。項王因留，連戰未能下。

At this time, Han forces returned and pacified the three Qin regions. Xiang Yu learned that the King of Han had annexed all of Guanzhong and was advancing eastward, while Qi and Zhao had rebelled against him. He flew into a rage. He then installed Zheng Chang, the former magistrate of Wu, as King of Han to block Han's advance. He ordered Xiao Gongjiao and others to attack Peng Yue. Peng Yue defeated Xiao Gongjiao and his forces. Han sent Zhang Liang to pacify the region of Han, then sent Xiang Yu a letter: 'The King of Han has been deprived of his rightful position. He wishes to regain Guanzhong. If we honor our original agreement, he will stop there and not advance eastward.' Han also sent Xiang Yu letters from the rebellions in Qi and Liang: 'Qi intends to join forces with Zhao to destroy Chu.' Because of this, Chu had no intention of advancing west but turned north to attack Qi. He conscripted troops from Ying Bu, King of Jiujiang. Ying Bu claimed illness and refused to go personally, but sent a general with several thousand troops. From this point on, King Xiang harbored resentment toward Ying Bu. In the winter of the second year of Han, Xiang Yu marched north to Chengyang, where Tian Rong also led troops to engage him in battle. Tian Rong was defeated and fled to Pingyuan, where the local people killed him. He then marched north, burning and destroying Qi's cities and buildings. He massacred all of Tian Rong's surrendered troops and took captive their elderly, weak, and womenfolk. He pacified the region of Qi all the way to Beihai, causing widespread destruction and slaughter. The people of Qi gathered in groups and rebelled against Xiang Yu. Tian Rong's younger brother Tian Heng then gathered tens of thousands of Qi's scattered troops and launched a rebellion at Chengyang. King Xiang therefore remained there, fighting continuous battles but unable to take the city.

春，漢王部五諸侯兵，凡五十六萬人，東伐楚。項王聞之，即令諸將擊齊，而自以精兵三萬人南從魯出胡陵。四月，漢皆已入彭城，收其貨寶美人，日置酒高會。項王乃西從蕭，晨擊漢軍而東，至彭城，日中，大破漢軍。漢軍皆走，相隨入穀、泗水，殺漢卒十餘萬人。漢卒皆南走山，楚又追擊至靈壁東睢水上。漢軍卻，為楚所擠，多殺，漢卒十餘萬人皆入睢水，睢水為之不流。圍漢王三匝。於是大風從西北而起，折木發屋，揚沙石，窈冥晝晦，逢迎楚軍。楚軍大亂，壞散，而漢王乃得與數十騎遁去，欲過沛，收家室而西；楚亦使人追之沛，取漢王家：家皆亡，不與漢王相見。漢王道逢得孝惠、魯元，乃載行。楚騎追漢王，漢王急，推墮孝惠、魯元車下，滕公常下收載之。如是者三。曰：「雖急不可以驅，柰何棄之？」於是遂得脫。求太公、呂后不相遇。審食其從太公、呂后閒行，求漢王，反遇楚軍。楚軍遂與歸，報項王，項王常置軍中。

In spring, the King of Han commanded the combined armies of five allied lords—totaling 560,000 men—and launched an eastward campaign against Chu. Upon hearing this, King Xiang immediately ordered his generals to continue attacking Qi while he himself led 30,000 elite troops south from Lu, emerging at Huling. In the fourth month, Han forces had completely occupied Pengcheng. They collected all the riches, treasures, and beautiful women. Every day they held lavish drinking parties and celebrations. King Xiang marched west from Xiao, attacked the Han army at dawn, and advanced eastward. By noon he had reached Pengcheng and decisively defeated the Han forces. The Han army fled in panic, crowding into the Gu and Si Rivers. Xiang Yu's forces killed over 100,000 Han soldiers. The Han soldiers all fled south into the mountains. The Chu forces pursued them relentlessly, attacking as far east as Lingbi on the Sui River. The Han army retreated, pressed hard by the Chu forces. In the slaughter that followed, over 100,000 Han soldiers plunged into the Sui River, clogging it so completely that the river stopped flowing. The Chu forces encircled the King of Han three times. Suddenly a great wind arose from the northwest, snapping trees and tearing off roofs, whipping up sand and stones. Day turned to dark gloom, and the wind struck the Chu army head-on. The Chu army fell into great confusion and scattered in disarray. The King of Han escaped with only a few dozen horsemen. He wanted to pass through Pei, gather his family, and flee westward. The Chu forces also sent men to pursue him to Pei and seize his family. But his family had all fled and did not meet with the King of Han. Along the way, the King of Han encountered and rescued his son Xiaohui and daughter Lu Yuan, then took them with him as he fled. Chu cavalry pursued the King of Han relentlessly. In desperation, he pushed his son Xiaohui and daughter Lu Yuan off the cart. Teng Gong repeatedly dismounted to pick them up and put them back on. This happened three times. He said: 'Even in desperate flight, we cannot abandon them. How could we leave them behind?' Thus they managed to escape. He searched for his father Taigong and Empress Lu but could not find them. Shen Yiji was traveling secretly with Taigong and Empress Lu, searching for the King of Han. Instead, they encountered Chu troops. The Chu army then returned them safely and reported to King Xiang, who kept them in his military camp.

是時呂后兄周呂侯為漢將兵居下邑，漢王閒往從之，稍稍收其士卒。至滎陽，諸敗軍皆會，蕭何亦發關中老弱未傅悉詣滎陽，復大振。楚起於彭城，常乘勝逐北，與漢戰滎陽南京、索閒，漢敗楚，楚以故不能過滎陽而西。

At this time, Empress Lu's brother Marquis Zhou Lu commanded Han troops stationed at Xiayi. The King of Han secretly went to join him and gradually rallied the scattered soldiers. He reached Xingyang where all the defeated armies assembled. Xiao He also mobilized the elderly and weak from Guanzhong who had not yet been registered for service, sending them all to Xingyang. Han's strength was greatly restored. Chu's campaign began at Pengcheng, and they constantly pursued fleeing enemies on the momentum of victory. They fought Han forces south of the capital at Xingyang and in the region of Suo. Han defeated Chu there, so Chu could not advance past Xingyang to the west.

項王之救彭城，追漢王至滎陽，田橫亦得收齊，立田榮子廣為齊王。漢王之敗彭城，諸侯皆復與楚而背漢。漢軍滎陽，筑甬道屬之河，以取敖倉粟。漢之三年，項王數侵奪漢甬道，漢王食乏，恐，請和，割滎陽以西為漢。

While King Xiang was rescuing Pengcheng and pursuing the Han king to Xingyang, Tian Heng was able to rally Qi and install Tian Rong's son Guang as King of Qi. After the Han king's defeat at Pengcheng, all the feudal lords switched back to Chu's side and abandoned Han. The Han army at Xingyang built a covered walkway connecting to the Yellow River to transport grain from the Aocang granary. In the third year of Han, King Xiang repeatedly attacked and seized Han's covered walkway. The Han king ran short of supplies and, fearing defeat, sued for peace, ceding all territory west of Xingyang to Han.

項王欲聽之。歷陽侯范增曰：「漢易與耳，今釋弗取，後必悔之。」項王乃與范增急圍滎陽。漢王患之，乃用陳平計閒項王。項王使者來，為太牢具，舉欲進之。見使者，詳驚愕曰：「吾以為亞父使者，乃反項王使者。」更持去，以惡食食項王使者。使者歸報項王，項王乃疑范增與漢有私，稍奪之權。范增大怒，曰：「天下事大定矣，君王自為之。願賜骸骨歸卒伍。」項王許之。行未至彭城，疽發背而死。

King Xiang was inclined to accept the peace terms. Marquis of Liyang Fan Zeng said: 'Han is easy to defeat. If we let them go now without destroying them, we'll surely regret it later.' King Xiang then joined Fan Zeng in urgently besieging Xingyang. The Han king was troubled by this and adopted Chen Ping's plan to sow dissension between Xiang Yu and his advisors. An envoy from King Xiang arrived. They prepared a grand feast and raised their cups, intending to present it. When he saw the envoy, he pretended to be shocked: 'I thought this was an envoy from the Secondary Father, but it's actually King Xiang's envoy.' They switched it out and served King Xiang's envoy inferior food instead. The envoy returned and reported to King Xiang. King Xiang then suspected that Fan Zeng was secretly collaborating with Han and gradually stripped him of his authority. Fan Zeng flew into a rage: 'The empire's affairs are largely settled now. Your Majesty can handle them yourself.' Please allow this old man to retire to the ranks of common soldiers.' King Xiang granted his request. Before reaching Pengcheng, Fan Zeng died when a carbuncle erupted on his back.

漢將紀信說漢王曰：「事已急矣，請為王誑楚為王，王可以閒出。」於是漢王夜出女子滎陽東門被甲二千人，楚兵四面擊之。紀信乘黃屋車，傅左纛，曰：「城中食盡，漢王降。」楚軍皆呼萬歲。漢王亦與數十騎從城西門出，走成皋。項王見紀信，問：「漢王安在？」曰：「漢王已出矣。」項王燒殺紀信。

Han general Ji Xin advised the Han king: 'The situation is desperate. Let me impersonate you to deceive the Chu forces. You can slip away in secret.' That night, the Han king sent two thousand women wearing armor out through Xingyang's east gate. The Chu troops attacked them from all sides. Ji Xin rode in the imperial yellow carriage with the left banner attached and announced: 'The city has run out of food. The King of Han surrenders.' The Chu army all shouted 'Long live the emperor!' The Han king also slipped out through the west gate with a few dozen horsemen and fled to Chenggao. King Xiang saw Ji Xin and asked: 'Where is the King of Han?' He replied: 'The King of Han has already escaped.' King Xiang had Ji Xin burned alive.

漢王使御史大夫周苛、樅公、魏豹守滎陽。周苛、樅公謀曰：「反國之王，難與守城。」乃共殺魏豹。楚下滎陽城，生得周苛。項王謂周苛曰：「為我將，我以公為上將軍，封三萬戶。」周苛罵曰：「若不趣降漢，漢今虜若，若非漢敵也。」項王怒，烹周苛，井殺樅公。

The Han king left Imperial Secretary Zhou Ke, Marquis Cong, and Wei Bao to defend Xingyang. Zhou Ke and Marquis Cong conspired: 'A king who has betrayed his own kingdom is difficult to defend a city with.' They then killed Wei Bao together. Chu conquered Xingyang and captured Zhou Ke alive. King Xiang told Zhou Ke: 'Serve as my general and I'll make you Supreme Commander, enfeoffing you with thirty thousand households.' Zhou Ke cursed: 'If you don't surrender to Han quickly, Han will capture you alive. You're no enemy of Han's.' King Xiang flew into a rage. He had Zhou Ke boiled alive and threw Marquis Cong down a well to his death.

漢王之出滎陽，南走宛、葉，得九江王布，行收兵，復入保成皋。漢之四年，項王進兵圍成皋。漢王逃，獨與滕公出成皋北門，渡河走修武，從張耳、韓信軍。諸將稍稍得出成皋，從漢王。楚遂拔成皋，欲西。漢使兵距之鞏，令其不得西。

After leaving Xingyang, the Han king fled south to Wan and Ye. He obtained the allegiance of Ying Bu, King of Jiujiang, gathered troops along the way, and re-entered Chenggao for defense. In the fourth year of Han, King Xiang advanced his troops and besieged Chenggao. The Han king fled, going out Chenggao's north gate alone with Teng Gong. They crossed the Yellow River and fled to Xiuwu, where they joined Zhang Er and Han Xin's army. The various generals gradually managed to escape from Chenggao and joined the Han king. Chu then conquered Chenggao and prepared to advance westward. Han sent troops to block them at Gong county, preventing their westward advance.

是時，彭越渡河擊楚東阿，殺楚將軍薛公。項王乃自東擊彭越。漢王得淮陰侯兵，欲渡河南。鄭忠說漢王，乃止壁河內。使劉賈將兵佐彭越，燒楚積聚。項王東擊破之，走彭越。漢王則引兵渡河，復取成皋，軍廣武，就敖倉食。項王已定東海來，西，與漢俱臨廣武而軍，相守數月。

At this time, Peng Yue crossed the river and attacked Chu forces at Dong'e, killing the Chu general Xue Gong. King Xiang then personally led troops east to attack Peng Yue. The Han king obtained Han Xin's troops and wanted to cross south of the Yellow River. Zheng Zhong advised the Han king, who then stopped and established fortifications in Henan. He sent Liu Jia with troops to assist Peng Yue and burn Chu's grain supplies. King Xiang attacked east and defeated them, forcing Peng Yue to flee. The Han king then led his troops across the river, recaptured Chenggao, stationed his army at Guangwu, and drew supplies from the Aocang granary. After pacifying Donghai, King Xiang came west. He and Han both stationed their armies facing Guangwu and confronted each other for several months.

當此時，彭越數反梁地，絕楚糧食，項王患之。為高俎，置太公其上，告漢王曰：「今不急下，吾烹太公。」漢王曰：「吾與項羽俱北面受命懷王，曰『約為兄弟』，吾翁即若翁，必欲烹而翁，則幸分我一桮羹。」項王怒，欲殺之。項伯曰：「天下事未可知，且為天下者不顧家，雖殺之無益，只益禍耳。」項王從之。

At this time, Peng Yue repeatedly rebelled in Liang territory and cut off Chu's grain supplies. King Xiang was greatly troubled by this. He built a high chopping block, placed Liu Bang's father Taigong on it, and sent word to the Han king: 'Surrender quickly or I'll boil your father alive.' The Han king replied: 'Xiang Yu and I both bowed to King Huai and swore brotherhood. My father is your father too. If you must boil him, please save me a cup of the soup.' King Xiang flew into a rage and wanted to kill him. Xiang Bo said: 'The outcome of the empire is still uncertain. Besides, those who contend for the world don't care about family. Killing him would do no good and only bring more disaster.' King Xiang heeded his advice.

楚漢久相持未決，丁壯苦軍旅，老弱罷轉漕。項王謂漢王曰：「天下匈匈數歲者，徒以吾兩人耳，願與漢王挑戰決雌雄，毋徒苦天下之民父子為也。」漢王笑謝曰：「吾寧鬬智，不能鬬力。」項王令壯士出挑戰。漢有善騎射者樓煩，楚挑戰三合，樓煩輒射殺之。項王大怒，乃自被甲持戟挑戰。樓煩欲射之，項王瞋目叱之，樓煩目不敢視，手不敢發，遂走還入壁，不敢復出。漢王使人閒問之，乃項王也。漢王大驚。於是項王乃即漢王相與臨廣武閒而語。漢王數之，項王怒，欲一戰。漢王不聽，項王伏弩射中漢王。漢王傷，走入成皋。

Chu and Han had been locked in stalemate for a long time without resolution. The able-bodied suffered from military service while the old and weak were exhausted from transporting supplies. King Xiang told the Han king: 'The empire has been in chaos for years all because of the two of us. I wish to challenge you to single combat to determine the victor. Let's not make the people of the world suffer needlessly.' The Han king laughed and declined: 'I'd rather compete with wits than with brute strength.' King Xiang ordered his champions to come out and issue challenges. Han had a skilled archer named Lou Fan. When Chu issued three challenges, Lou Fan shot and killed each challenger. King Xiang was furious and personally donned armor, grasped his halberd, and issued a challenge. Lou Fan wanted to shoot him, but King Xiang glared and bellowed at him. Lou Fan couldn't meet his eyes or release his arrow. He fled back into the fortifications and never dared come out again. The Han king sent scouts to investigate secretly, and they discovered it was King Xiang himself. The Han king was greatly shocked. King Xiang then approached the Han king and they spoke face-to-face across the Guangwu gap. The Han king listed his grievances. King Xiang was furious and wanted to fight a decisive battle. The Han king wouldn't listen. King Xiang hid himself and shot the Han king with a crossbow. The Han king was wounded and fled back into Chenggao.

項王聞淮陰侯已舉河北，破齊、趙，且欲擊楚，乃使龍且往擊之。淮陰侯與戰，騎將灌嬰擊之，大破楚軍，殺龍且。韓信因自立為齊王。項王聞龍且軍破，則恐，使盱臺人武涉往說淮陰侯。淮陰侯弗聽。是時，彭越復反，下梁地，絕楚糧。項王乃謂海春侯大司馬曹咎等曰：「謹守成皋，則漢欲挑戰，慎勿與戰，毋令得東而已。我十五日必誅彭越，定梁地，復從將軍。」乃東，行擊陳留、外黃。

King Xiang heard that Han Xin had already raised troops north of the Yellow River, defeated Qi and Zhao, and was about to attack Chu. He sent Long Ju to fight him. Han Xin fought him. His cavalry commander Guan Ying attacked, crushing the Chu army and killing Long Ju. Han Xin then proclaimed himself King of Qi. When King Xiang heard that Long Ju's army was defeated, he became fearful and sent Wu She of Xutai to persuade Han Xin. Han Xin would not listen. At this time, Peng Yue rebelled again, conquered Liang territory, and cut off Chu's supplies. King Xiang then told Cao Jiu, Grand Marshal and Marquis of Haichun, and the others: 'Defend Chenggao carefully. If Han wants to challenge you, don't fight them under any circumstances. Just don't let them advance eastward.' Within fifteen days I will surely execute Peng Yue, pacify Liang territory, and rejoin you generals.' He then marched east, attacking Chenliu and Waihuang along the way.

外黃不下。數日，已降，項王怒，悉令男子年十五已上詣城東，欲阬之。外黃令舍人兒年十三，往說項王曰：「彭越彊劫外黃，外黃恐，故且降，待大王。大王至，又皆阬之，百姓豈有歸心？從此以東，梁地十餘城皆恐，莫肯下矣。」項王然其言，乃赦外黃當阬者。東至睢陽，聞之皆爭下項王。

Waihuang refused to surrender. After several days, the city surrendered. But King Xiang was angry and ordered all males fifteen and older to assemble east of the city, intending to bury them alive. A thirteen-year-old attendant of the Waihuang magistrate went to persuade King Xiang: 'Peng Yue forcibly coerced Waihuang into submission. The people were afraid, so they surrendered temporarily while waiting for Your Majesty.' Now that Your Majesty has arrived, if you bury them all alive, how will the people ever submit to you? East of here, all the cities in Liang territory—more than ten of them—will be terrified and none will surrender.' King Xiang accepted his advice and pardoned the people of Waihuang who were slated for mass execution. Word spread east as far as Suiyang, and all the cities competed to surrender to King Xiang.

漢果數挑楚軍戰，楚軍不出。使人辱之，五六日，大司馬怒，渡兵汜水。士卒半渡，漢擊之，大破楚軍，盡得楚國貨賂。大司馬咎、長史翳、塞王欣皆自剄汜水上。大司馬咎者，故蘄獄掾，長史欣亦故櫟陽獄吏，兩人嘗有德於項梁，是以項王信任之。當是時，項王在睢陽，聞海春侯軍敗，則引兵還。漢軍方圍鐘離眛於滎陽東，項王至，漢軍畏楚，盡走險阻。

As expected, Han repeatedly challenged the Chu army to battle, but the Chu army refused to come out. Han sent men to insult Cao Jiu. After five or six days of this, the Grand Marshal grew furious and crossed his troops over the Si River. When half the soldiers had crossed, Han attacked them, crushing the Chu army and seizing all of Chu's treasures. Grand Marshal Cao Jiu, Senior Secretary E, and King Xin of Sai all slit their own throats on the banks of the Si River. Cao Jiu, the Grand Marshal, had formerly been a prison clerk in Qi. Han Xin, the Senior Secretary, had been a prison official in Queyang. Both men had once shown kindness to Xiang Liang, which is why King Xiang trusted them. At this time, King Xiang was at Suiyang. When he heard that the Marquis of Haichun's army was defeated, he led his troops back. The Han army was in the midst of besieging Zhongli Mo east of Xingyang when King Xiang arrived. The Han army feared Chu and all fled to defensive positions.

是時，漢兵盛食多，項王兵罷食絕。漢遣陸賈說項王，請太公，項王弗聽。漢王復使侯公往說項王，項王乃與漢約，中分天下，割鴻溝以西者為漢，鴻溝而東者為楚。項王許之，即歸漢王父母妻子。軍皆呼萬歲。漢王乃封侯公為平國君。匿弗肯復見。曰：「此天下辯士，所居傾國，故號為平國君。」項王已約，乃引兵解而東歸。

At this time, Han had abundant troops and plentiful supplies, while King Xiang's troops were exhausted and out of food. Han sent Lu Jia to negotiate with King Xiang and request the return of Liu Bang's father Taigong, but King Xiang refused. The Han king then sent Marquis Gong to negotiate with King Xiang. King Xiang agreed to divide the empire with Han, ceding all territory west of the Honggou Canal to Han and keeping everything east for Chu. King Xiang agreed and immediately returned the Han king's parents, wives, and children. The entire army shouted 'Long live the emperor!' The Han king then enfeoffed Marquis Gong as the Lord of Pingguo. He went into hiding and refused to see anyone again. He said: 'This man is the empire's most eloquent persuader. Wherever he resides, he can overthrow kingdoms. That's why he's called the Lord of Pingguo.' King Xiang had agreed to the treaty, so he led his troops in withdrawal and returned east.

漢欲西歸，張良、陳平說曰：「漢有天下太半，而諸侯皆附之。楚兵罷食盡，此天亡楚之時也，不如因其機而遂取之。今釋弗擊，此所謂『養虎自遺患』也。」漢王聽之。漢五年，漢王乃追項王至陽夏南，止軍，與淮陰侯韓信、建成侯彭越期會而擊楚軍。至固陵，而信、越之兵不會。楚擊漢軍，大破之。漢王復入壁，深塹而自守。謂張子房曰：「諸侯不從約，為之柰何？」對曰：「楚兵且破，信、越未有分地，其不至固宜。君王能與共分天下，今可立致也。即不能，事未可知也。君王能自陳以東傅海，盡與韓信；睢陽以北至穀城，以與彭越：使各自為戰，則楚易敗也。」漢王曰：「善。」於是乃發使者告韓信、彭越曰：「并力擊楚。楚破，自陳以東傅海與齊王，睢陽以北至穀城與彭相國。」使者至，韓信、彭越皆報曰：「請今進兵。」韓信乃從齊往，劉賈軍從壽春并行，屠城父，至垓下。大司馬周殷叛楚，以舒屠六，舉九江兵，隨劉賈、彭越皆會垓下，詣項王。

Han was preparing to return west when Zhang Liang and Chen Ping advised: 'Han now controls more than half the empire, and all the feudal lords are allied with us.' Chu's troops are exhausted and out of food. This is heaven's moment to destroy Chu. We should seize this opportunity and conquer them now.' If we let them go now without attacking, this is what they call 'raising a tiger that will bring disaster upon yourself.'' The Han king heeded their advice. In the fifth year of Han, the Han king pursued Xiang Yu south to Yangxia. He halted his army and arranged to meet with Han Xin, Marquis of Huaiyin, and Peng Yue, Marquis of Jiancheng, to attack the Chu army together. When they reached Guling, Han Xin and Peng Yue's troops failed to arrive for the rendezvous. Chu attacked the Han army and inflicted a major defeat. The Han king retreated back into his fortifications, deepened the moats, and defended himself. He asked Zhang Liang: 'The feudal lords aren't honoring their agreements. What should we do?' Zhang Liang replied: 'Chu's army is about to be defeated. Han Xin and Peng Yue haven't received their territorial divisions yet. It's only natural they wouldn't come.' If Your Majesty divides the empire with them, we can achieve victory immediately.' If not, the outcome remains uncertain.' If Your Majesty gives Han Xin all territory from Chen east to the sea; and gives Peng Yue territory from Suiyang north to Gucheng, then each can fight for their own interests and Chu will be easily defeated.' The Han king said: 'Excellent.' He then dispatched envoys to Han Xin and Peng Yue: 'Join forces to attack Chu.' Once Chu is defeated, give the King of Qi all territory from Chen east to the sea, and give Prime Minister Peng territory from Suiyang north to Gucheng.' When the envoys arrived, both Han Xin and Peng Yue replied: 'We request permission to advance immediately.' Han Xin marched from Qi, Liu Jia's army advanced from Shouchun alongside him. They massacred the population of Chengfu and arrived at Gaixia. Grand Marshal Zhou Yin defected from Chu, massacred the Liu clan in Shu, raised troops from Jiujiang, and joined Liu Jia and Peng Yue. They all converged at Gaixia to confront Xiang Yu.

項王軍壁垓下，兵少食盡，漢軍及諸侯兵圍之數重。夜聞漢軍四面皆楚歌，項王乃大驚曰：「漢皆已得楚乎？是何楚人之多也！」項王則夜起，飲帳中。有美人名虞，常幸從；駿馬名騅，常騎之。於是項王乃悲歌慨，自為詩曰：「力拔山兮氣蓋世，時不利兮騅不逝。騅不逝兮可柰何，虞兮虞兮柰若何！」歌數闋，美人和之。項王泣數行下，左右皆泣，莫能仰視。

King Xiang's army was fortified at Gaixia. His troops were few and food was exhausted. Han forces and allied armies surrounded him in multiple layers. That night, Xiang Yu heard Chu songs coming from all four sides of the Han encampment. He was greatly shocked: 'Has Han conquered all of Chu?' Why are there so many Chu people here!' That night, Xiang Yu rose and drank in his tent. He had a beautiful concubine named Yu who always accompanied him; and a fine horse named Zhui that he always rode. King Xiang then sang a sorrowful lament and composed this poem: 'My strength uproots mountains, my spirit surpasses the world. But times are unfavorable, and Zhui cannot advance.' Zhui cannot advance—what can I do? Yu, oh Yu—what shall become of you!' He sang several verses, and the beautiful woman harmonized with him. King Xiang wept until tears flowed in streams. All his attendants wept and could not bear to look at him.

於是項王乃上馬騎，麾下壯士騎從者八百餘人，直夜潰圍南出，馳走。平明，漢軍乃覺之，令騎將灌嬰以五千騎追之。項王渡淮，騎能屬者百餘人耳。項王至陰陵，迷失道，問一田父，田父紿曰「左」。左，乃陷大澤中。以故漢追及之。項王乃復引兵而東，至東城，乃有二十八騎。漢騎追者數千人。項王自度不得脫。謂其騎曰：「吾起兵至今八歲矣，身七十餘戰，所當者破，所擊者服，未嘗敗北，遂霸有天下。然今卒困於此，此天之亡我，非戰之罪也。今日固決死，願為諸君快戰，必三勝之，為諸君潰圍，斬將，刈旗，令諸君知天亡我，非戰之罪也。」乃分其騎以為四隊，四向。漢軍圍之數重。項王謂其騎曰：「吾為公取彼一將。」令四面騎馳下，期山東為三處。於是項王大呼馳下，漢軍皆披靡，遂斬漢一將。是時，赤泉侯為騎將，追項王，項王瞋目而叱之，赤泉侯人馬俱驚，辟易數里與其騎會為三處。漢軍不知項王所在，乃分軍為三，復圍之。項王乃馳，復斬漢一都尉，殺數十百人，復聚其騎，亡其兩騎耳。乃謂其騎曰：「何如？」騎皆伏曰：「如大王言。」

King Xiang then mounted his horse. With over eight hundred brave horsemen under his command, he broke through the encirclement that very night and galloped south. At dawn, the Han army discovered his escape and ordered the cavalry commander Guan Ying to pursue with five thousand horsemen. After King Xiang crossed the Huai River, only about a hundred horsemen remained with him. King Xiang reached Yinling but lost his way. He asked a farmer for directions, but the farmer deceived him by saying 'go left.' Going left led him into a great marsh where he became trapped. This allowed the Han forces to catch up with him. King Xiang then led his remaining troops east and reached Dongcheng. By then, he had only twenty-eight horsemen left. Several thousand Han horsemen were in pursuit. King Xiang realized he could not escape. He told his horsemen: 'I have been fighting for eight years now. I have personally fought over seventy battles. Those I confronted were broken, those I attacked submitted. I never suffered defeat and fled. Thus I came to dominate the world.' Yet now I am finally trapped here. This is heaven's will to destroy me, not a fault of my generalship.' Today I am resolved to die. I wish to fight one satisfying battle for you gentlemen. I will surely defeat them three times, break their encirclement for you, behead their generals, and cut down their banners. This will show you that heaven destroys me, not poor generalship.'' He then divided his horsemen into four squads facing four directions. The Han army encircled them in multiple layers. King Xiang told his horsemen: 'I will get you that general.' He commanded the horsemen on all four sides to charge down and agreed to rally at three places east of the mountain. King Xiang then shouted loudly and charged down. The Han army scattered in all directions, and he beheaded one of their generals. At this time, Chi Quan Hou was the cavalry general pursuing Xiang Yu. Xiang Yu glared and bellowed at him, frightening both man and horse. Chi Quan Hou retreated several li and rallied with his horsemen at the three designated places. The Han army didn't know where Xiang Yu was, so they divided into three forces and encircled him again. Xiang Yu then charged again, beheading another Han colonel and killing several hundred men. He rallied his horsemen, having lost only two of them. He then asked his horsemen: 'How did I do?' The horsemen all bowed and said: 'As Your Majesty said.'

於是項王乃欲東渡烏江。烏江亭長檥船待，謂項王曰：「江東雖小，地方千里，眾數十萬人，亦足王也。願大王急渡。今獨臣有船，漢軍至，無以渡。」項王笑曰：「天之亡我，我何渡為！且籍與江東子弟八千人渡江而西，今無一人還，縱江東父兄憐而王我，我何面目見之？縱彼不言，籍獨不愧於心乎？」乃謂亭長曰：「吾知公長者。吾騎此馬五歲，所當無敵，嘗一日行千里，不忍殺之，以賜公。」乃令騎皆下馬步行，持短兵接戰。獨籍所殺漢軍數百人。項王身亦被十餘創。顧見漢騎司馬呂馬童，曰：「若非吾故人乎？」馬童面之，指王翳曰：「此項王也。」項王乃曰：「吾聞漢購我頭千金，邑萬戶，吾為若德。」乃自刎而死。王翳取其頭，餘騎相蹂踐爭項王，相殺者數十人。最其後，郎中騎楊喜，騎司馬呂馬童，郎中呂勝、楊武各得其一體。五人共會其體，皆是。故分其地為五：封呂馬童為中水侯，封王翳為杜衍侯，封楊喜為赤泉侯，封楊武為吳防侯，封呂勝為涅陽侯。

King Xiang then wanted to cross the Wujiang River eastward. The Wujiang ferry master had moored his boat and was waiting. He told Xiang Yu: 'Although Jiangdong is small, it covers a thousand li of territory and has hundreds of thousands of people. It is sufficient for you to become king again.' I urge Your Majesty to cross quickly.' Only I have a boat here. When the Han army arrives, there will be no way to cross.'' King Xiang laughed: 'Heaven is destroying me. Why should I cross?' Besides, I crossed the river west with eight thousand youths from Jiangdong. Now not a single one returns. Even if the elders of Jiangdong pity me and make me king again, how could I face them?' Even if they don't say anything, wouldn't I feel ashamed in my own heart?'' He then told the ferry master: 'I know you are a worthy gentleman.' I have ridden this horse for five years. It was invincible in battle and once traveled a thousand li in a single day. I cannot bear to kill it, so I give it to you.'' He then ordered all his horsemen to dismount and fight on foot with short weapons. Xiang Yu alone killed several hundred Han soldiers. King Xiang himself suffered more than ten wounds. Looking back, he saw the Han cavalry commander Lu Matong and said: 'Aren't you my old friend?' Lu Matong faced him and pointed to Wang Yi, saying: 'This is King Xiang.' King Xiang then said: 'I heard Han offers a thousand pieces of gold and a fief of ten thousand households for my head. I will do you this favor.'' He then slit his own throat and died. Wang Yi took his head. The remaining horsemen trampled each other in their struggle for Xiang Yu's body, killing dozens of their own comrades. Last of all, the Palace Attendant Rider Yang Xi, Cavalry Commander Lu Matong, Palace Attendant Lu Sheng, and Yang Wu each took one part of his body. The five men put his body back together, and it was complete. Therefore his territory was divided into five parts: Lu Matong was enfeoffed as Marquis of Zhongshui, Wang Yi as Marquis of Duyan, Yang Xi as Marquis of Chiquan, Yang Wu as Marquis of Wufang, and Lu Sheng as Marquis of Neyang.

項王已死，楚地皆降漢，獨魯不下。漢乃引天下兵欲屠之，為其守禮義，為主死節，乃持項王頭視魯，魯父兄乃降。始，楚懷王初封項籍為魯公，及其死，魯最後下，故以魯公禮葬項王穀城。漢王為發哀，泣之而去。

After King Xiang's death, all Chu territories surrendered to Han, except for Lu which refused to submit. Han then led troops from throughout the empire intending to massacre Lu. But learning that the people observed ritual propriety and died for their lord with integrity, he had Xiang Yu's head displayed to Lu. The elders of Lu then surrendered. Originally, King Huai of Chu had enfeoffed Xiang Yu as Duke of Lu. Since Lu was the last to submit after his death, he was buried at Gucheng with the rites of a duke of Lu. The Han king held a mourning ceremony for him, wept, and then departed.

諸項氏枝屬，漢王皆不誅。乃封項伯為射陽侯。桃侯、平皋侯、玄武侯皆項氏，賜姓劉。

The Han king spared all the branches and relatives of the Xiang clan. He then enfeoffed Xiang Bo as the Marquis of Sheyang. The Marquis of Tao, Marquis of Pinggao, and Marquis of Xuanwu were all of the Xiang clan. They were granted the surname Liu.

太史公曰：吾聞之周生曰「舜目蓋重瞳子」，又聞項羽亦重瞳子。羽豈其苗裔邪？何興之暴也！夫秦失其政，陳涉首難，豪傑蜂起，相與并爭，不可勝數。然羽非有尺寸，乘執起隴畝之中，三年，遂將五諸侯滅秦，分裂天下，而封王侯，政由羽出，號為「霸王」，位雖不終，近古以來未嘗有也。及羽背關懷楚，放逐義帝而自立，怨王侯叛己，難矣。自矜功伐，奮其私智而不師古，謂霸王之業，欲以力征經營天下，五年卒亡其國，身死東城，尚不覺寤而不自責，過矣。乃引「天亡我，非用兵之罪也」，豈不謬哉！

The Grand Historian says: I heard from Zhou Sheng that Shun's eyes had double pupils. I also heard that Xiang Yu had double pupils. Could Xiang Yu have been a descendant of Shun? How violent was his rise to power! Indeed, Qin lost its mandate to rule. Chen She started the rebellion, and heroes rose up in swarms, contending with each other beyond counting. Yet Xiang Yu had no territory of his own. He rose from among the fields and ditches, and in three years led the five allied lords to destroy Qin, divide the empire, and enfeoff kings and marquises. Government came from Xiang Yu, who was titled 'Hegemon King.' Though his position did not last, since near ancient times there has never been another like him. When Xiang Yu betrayed the alliance and cherished Chu, banished the Righteous Emperor and established himself, he resented the kings and marquises who rebelled against him. This was difficult. He prided himself on his achievements and exerted his personal wisdom without learning from the ancients. He considered the enterprise of a hegemon king and wanted to conquer and manage the world by force. In five years he finally lost his kingdom and died at Dongcheng, yet he still did not awaken and blame himself. This was wrong. He then cited 'Heaven destroyed me, not a fault of my generalship.' How mistaken this was!

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