Chapter 1576: Chapter 1576: Analyzing the Situation

"Firstly, although the Qin Army in Nanyang County is large, it faces greater threats. As long as the uprising forces in the county are not eliminated, no matter how many Qin troops there are, it is impossible for them to mobilize their main forces for conquest. Otherwise, the interior of the county faces the threat of collapsing."

"Secondly, the uprising forces in Southern County number no less than fifty thousand. Mi Wen’s power is deeply rooted here, waiting for the enemy to tire, with deep trenches and high walls to defend against them. Without an army of a hundred thousand, the Qin Army absolutely cannot take Southern County."

"Lastly, there is no capable Qin General in Nanyang County to conduct a conquest of Southern County."

Ye Shikai listed three reasons in succession, analyzing the situation very logically. Indeed, a month had passed, and there was no news of the Qin Army invading Southern County.

"Old Ye, after hearing you, I suddenly understand everything." Shangguan Jian nodded in agreement.

"Time is on our side."

"Old Ye, do you think the court can suppress the uprising forces in various places?" Suddenly, Shangguan Jian asked seriously.

"Do you want the truth or a lie?" Ye Shikai’s face changed slightly, a trace of disappointment flashing in his eyes.

"Of course the truth, why would I want to hear lies?"

"The court cannot suppress them, and to be honest with you, in a few years, the court will also be overthrown, and there will be a change of dynasty across this land." Ye Shikai sighed. He knew the course of history, and in a sense, he was "revealing the Heavenly Secret."

"What, will it really be like that?"

"The court now is like a patient with a severe illness. Although not beyond cure, it is still ’incurable.’ Although the Qin Army is powerful now, decline is just a matter of time due to the law of cyclical fluctuations."

"Old Ye, are you really so sure?" Shangguan Jian remained somewhat hesitant.

"At least that’s what I believe." Ye Shikai could see that although Shangguan Jian was in the uprising camp, he still had some attachment to the Qin Army. Ye Shikai could understand, since Shangguan Jian had been in the Qin Army for several years. There would always be some feelings, and this uprising was also out of necessity.

"Alright, we are generals, not lords. Training soldiers and commanding is our duty. Let’s not discuss other matters." Ye Shikai ended the topic and turned to leave the tent.

Troubled times are a playground for the ambitious but a disaster for the common folk. In this era, everyone has the opportunity to become a king or a hegemon. If Ye Shikai were extremely ambitious and cunning, he could also seize a city to become king, carving out a territory and joining this battle for the realm. But he did not believe he had the ability to become the master of the world, nor did he have the desire.

"Wan Qi Yuan, how is the cavalry training?" Ye Shikai arrived at the cavalry camp, where Wan Qi Yuan was leading his officers in training new recruits. The racetrack was bustling.

"Reporting to the General, we are training day and night. These new recruits are carefully selected young warriors. Once trained and after a few battles, they will become fearless iron cavalry, but..."

"Speak your mind." Ye Shikai said lightly.

"The Chu Territory has a fierce folk style, so we recruited soldiers who are unafraid of hardship or death, but the warhorses are not as good as those in the north."

"You’re absolutely right." Ye Shikai sighed softly. The reason the Wolf Clan could become a formidable threat hanging over the Qin Dynasty was because of the steeds beneath them and the long knives in their hands. Ye Shikai understood well the power of the Wolf Clan’s warhorses.

"The skills of soldiers can be trained, but the quality of warhorses cannot be changed."

"Nothing can be done. The Chu Territory is located in the south, thousands of miles away from the north." Ye Shikai sighed bitterly, lamenting the difficulty of obtaining elite troops. It seemed impossible to recreate the exact same cavalry unit.

"Please rest assured, General, I will definitely intensify the training."

"Very well, I leave all matters concerning the cavalry to you."

"Understood." 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

.............................

"Report, an order from the lord has arrived." As Ye Shikai was inspecting, a messenger rushed over on horseback.

"What is it? Speak."

"The lord has ordered General Ye to lead all his troops north to Southern County within three months, without fail."

"Let me see." Ye Shikai took the order and examined it carefully.

"Are there any other orders from the lord?" Ye Shikai inquired.

"No, the lord only instructed the General to station in Southern County without any specific arrangements."

"Alright, you may leave." Ye Shikai waved his hand, signaling the messenger to depart.

"Old Ye, how can this be? Didn’t you analyze that the Qin Army wouldn’t move south within the year?" Shangguan Jian asked.

"I only said the Qin Army wouldn’t move south. I never said we wouldn’t."

"What do you mean by that?"

"We’ve recruited tens of thousands of soldiers. It’s obvious we can’t just idle at the rear doing nothing, eating for free. Although war has not yet begun, we must be constantly on guard." Ye Shikai wasn’t surprised, as if he had expected it.

"Then why are we given three months? From Linxiang, we can reach there in less than half a month."

"Although we have recruited many soldiers, they still need time for training. The three months are for training the troops so they can become a formidable force. During these three months, we can also settle the soldiers’ families." Ye Shikai shifted his tone, "Additionally, three months are enough time to settle the soldiers’ families."

"I see."

"If a year really goes by without battle, maybe we’ll never go to war again." Shangguan Jian suddenly teased, the two exchanging looks before bursting into loud laughter.

"Indeed, expertise comes from diligence, while neglect leads to ruin. But... it’s still better not to go to war, better not to go to war." Ye Shikai murmured.

"Old Ye, since that’s the case, you need to prepare. Among our soldiers, not many have families, and you are one of them."

"This time, I don’t want her to go to Southern County." Ye Shikai’s face was solemn as he gently shook his head.

"Why is that?"

"Since I met her, she hasn’t had a good time. We’ve traveled all the way from East County to Southern County, and then to Changsha Commandery. Now that we’ve finally settled down, how can I make her follow me in hardship again?" Ye Shikai did not agree with bringing He Linghan along. Compared to Southern County, Changsha Commandery was much safer, and Linxiang City, being the county seat, had stable people’s sentiments and a peaceful society. It was very safe for her to remain here.

On the contrary, if she follows him to Southern County, once war erupts, who can guarantee her safety? If Ye Shikai were defeated, what would the outcome be then?

"But would Miss He think the same?" Shangguan Jian countered, "Leaving her here alone while you go to the front lines, wouldn’t she be worrying day and night? From what I know of her, she’s likely to insist on going to Southern County with you."