After all, they would have to turn against each other eventually.
When that time comes, an unexpected attack would be ideal. They could use all the grain Chu State had gathered and the silver Zhou Country had collected, without any need for the trouble of transportation. A perfect solution indeed.
Sometimes, when Lu Yuan thought about his plan, he couldn't help feeling pleased with himself.
...
Chu State's preparations were becoming increasingly complete, while the start date of the Battle of Hanzhong approached relentlessly.
As Lu Yuan deliberately kept everything hidden, nobody noticed that a war was about to break out, despite the widespread pessimism.
Even many people inside Chu State, including the heads of various departments in the imperial court, were kept in the dark, with only a few individuals who were directly involved in specific matters aware of the situation.