"You are heartless.

As he examined the ripe peaches and plums, something caught his eye. It was a jade pendant carved with a delicate lotus flower. It was strikingly similar to the one he had once gifted his mother, a token of his love that she had coldly rejected. Now, he thought, he would give it to Han Xin. He purchased the pendant, tucking it safely into his cloak.

The three of them mounted their horses and rode back to camp, the rhythmic thud of hooves on the dirt a comforting sound. They arrived midmorning but the camp's usual lively atmosphere had been replaced by a heavy, oppressive gloom. Xiang Yu glanced up at the sky, puzzled. When had the clouds gathered? The skies had been so clear just hours ago.

When Han Zhan spotted Peng Xiu he rushed over, his face a mix of relief and frustration. "Your Highness, why would you leave without telling him?" he demanded, his voice barely above a whisper as he shook her. "He was going crazy!"