"You’re right, then continue to tell us, where are the weaknesses of the Qin Army," Mi Wen asked, looking rather pleased, seemingly satisfied with Ye Shikai’s responses.

"Advance westward to Ba County and Shu County," Ye Shikai said indifferently.

"General Ye, you are mistaken. While there are indeed few Qin Soldiers in Ba County and Shu County, those regions are mostly mountainous, making transportation inconvenient, and their resources and population are far inferior to those of the Central Plains. Although they cover a large area, they are of little use." A strategist stepped forward to refute.

"Sir, you lack vision. Although the Shu region is not as prosperous as the Central Plains, it is a Heavenly Mansion, with fertile lands stretching for thousands of miles, abundant in resources, inexhaustible in supply. If the Lord occupies Shu County, it can serve as a rear base," Ye Shikai said coldly. In the past, during his spare time while reading the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," he was deeply interested in the "Longzhong Decision," a strategic plan he never imagined would be realized now.

"Moreover, Shu County’s roads are rugged, the passes heavily guarded, making transportation difficult but serving as a natural barrier, providing such defense that even a lone defender can hold back a thousand enemies, rendering outside attacks challenging."

In fact, the most critical reason Ye Shikai did not mention, according to history, it would only take Liu Bang a few years to unify the world using Shu and Han Zhong in just five years...

Thinking of this, Ye Shikai suddenly felt uneasy. If Mi Wen adopted this strategy, would history unfold as it originally did, or would it change, causing him to "overplay his hand"?

"That’s enough for today. Everyone is dismissed," Mi Wen waved her hand and slowly stood up, her movements somewhat languid.

Back hall.

"Well, today you’ve offended my people," Mi Wen said as she personally poured tea and handed it to Ye Shikai.

"I couldn’t help it, you insisted I share my views, so I spoke freely," Ye Shikai waved his hand. In truth, Mi Wen intentionally let him speak in the hall, leaving him unsure of her intentions.

"The remarks you made in the hall, were they just casual talk, or had you planned them all along?" Mi Wen’s expression changed suddenly as she questioned.

"You could say it’s both my heartfelt opinion and just personal thoughts."

"You have a point. Though Shu doesn’t have the population of the Central Plains, with continuous wars in the Central Plains over the years, Shu has been relatively peaceful, likely accumulating quite some resources."

"The key factor is that the Qin Army stationed there is composed of complacent soldiers, poorly trained and combat-weary, it’s easier to target the weaker ones," Ye Shikai joked.

"It seems you understand military strategy well."

"Actually, I don’t understand it at all," Ye Shikai laughed out loud.

"What, how is that possible? If you know nothing, how do you speak so eloquently?" Mi Wen exclaimed in shock, eyeing him suspiciously.

"It’s a secret," Ye Shikai certainly wouldn’t reveal that it’s "history," even if he did, Mi Wen wouldn’t believe it.

"I am your Lord, how dare you hide things from me," Mi Wen scolded playfully, her slight frown resembling more of a bashful complaint from a girlfriend.

"It’s a secret, besides, among your advisors, there are quite a few who can boast without true knowledge," Ye Shikai mocked. Of course, having a few opportunists doesn’t mean Mi Wen doesn’t know how to utilize people; every faction has them.

"Actually, some of your generals are good, with a bold tone indicating straightforwardness, unafraid of death. It would be better if they possessed more wisdom," Ye Shikai remarked lightly.

"However... I think among your generals, many must be aware of the situation. Deploying troops to the Central Plains now is akin to gambling."

"Then why do they initiate battles with the Central Plains if they understand this?"

"As military officials, they naturally want to achieve grandeur, and the battlefield is the best place for that, so of course, they take the initiative to request battles, despite the uncertain outcome," Ye Shikai explained.

"I see."

"Suggesting we first strike Ba County and Shu County does make sense, but even if we conquer Shu, what then? The Shu Road is difficult to traverse, and troops are hard to mobilize. Besides, you mentioned gathering strength before countering Qin, but when would that be?"

"Mi Wen, you are only in your twenties now, even if it takes ten years, what of it? Gather power, even if the Central Plains remains undefeated, at least preserve Chu Territory."

"Those who achieve greatness cannot afford to be timid. If in ten years, the Qin Army quells internal chaos, how then? Would they not be able to fully concentrate their forces against us? Only in chaotic times can dynasties be overthrown," Mi Wen stood to retort, her ambition and strategy evident. She indeed could accomplish notable feats amidst upheaval, yet to become ’Emperor’, she still had some way to go.

"In a peaceful world, there’s no chance for uprising, but to provoke chaos just to alter dynasties, I would never agree."

As they argued, the tea had cooled, but the tension in the air seemed to intensify...

Ye Shikai proposed entering Shu to accumulate power, observing world changes; it may appear to "delay" chaotic times, but at least it ensures peace for the people there. Conversely, should they attack the Central Plains now and face defeat, Mi Wen would undoubtedly exhaust Chu’s resources and finances in relentless warfare, leading to perpetual chaos.

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

Ye Shikai and Mi Wen’s discussions hadn’t been very pleasant; since arriving at Chu Territory, they frequently had disagreements, mainly about upcoming strategies and "matters of principle." Many nights, Ye Shikai would recall their early days of knowing each other; despite misunderstandings, they became friends, often discussing sentiments over wine and philosophy over tea—a time when life was easy and joyful. Yet after becoming "Monarch and Minister," their relationship grew more confrontational.

Ye Mansion.

"Ling’er, there’s something I need to tell you," Ye Shikai thought of Mi Wen’s military order to advance to Southern County within three months, feeling somewhat gloomy within. He certainly wished to stay with He Linghan, but orders are orders. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

Each time he entered his house, he’d feel a sudden urge to "resign and return home," taking He Linghan to some uncharted paradise for a stable life, ignoring external turmoil and who rules the world—but this was simply impulse. He knew the consequences of such actions.