Chapter 1590: Chapter 1590: Conversation by the Riverside
The art of war prioritizes winning hearts over conquering cities. If the people’s hearts remain unchanged and social order continues, that’s the best outcome. If the strategy for capturing a city results in slaughtering its inhabitants and turning it into a hell on earth, then he’d rather not besiege the city, allowing the original County Magistrate to govern it, albeit reluctantly. Firstly, Ye Shikai, who commands military generals, can capture territories but lacks the ability to govern counties. Secondly, it’s also to stabilize the people’s hearts.
"When the army enters the city, they must not disturb the people, nor trespass into civilian homes, rob or harm lives. If anyone does, they will not be forgiven lightly," Ye Shikai ordered.
"Don’t worry, I’ve already had the generals of each camp notify the troops. Old Ye, your discipline is strict, and before entering the city, you’ve already set three rules. I believe the soldiers wouldn’t dare act recklessly," Shangguan Jian nodded affirmatively.
"It’s better to be cautious. We’ve gone to great lengths to build our image; let’s not let a single bad apple ruin it all," Ye Shikai still felt uneasy. In ancient wartime chaos, few troops could truly avoid any transgressions, which is why Ye Shikai was very concerned.
"Understood."
The twenty-thousand-strong army soon settled into the barracks within the city, while those without accommodations stayed outside the city. On the day the army entered, there truly were no disturbances by the soldiers. Deng County’s residents praised the strict discipline of the uprising army, which slightly eased Ye Shikai’s worries.
Inside the camp.
"In capturing Deng County this time, we didn’t lose a single soldier, yet five thousand Qin soldiers opened the city gates to surrender. We have screened and incorporated three thousand soldiers, including five hundred cavalrymen. Additionally, the supplies and wealth in the city are still being counted," Shangguan Jian handed over the compiled reports to the table.
"All this information about the supplies needs to be reported to our lord. The amount of gold, silver, and jewels in the treasury isn’t our concern. I’m curious about those three thousand soldiers; I’d like to hear the details."
"About that, Old Ye, I must complain. Upon reaching the barracks, we found that a quarter of the five thousand Qin soldiers were just fourteen or fifteen-year-old kids, ill-equipped, with many using thick cloth tied around their waists for protection. This isn’t what you’d call an army, so we dismissed all of them."
"You did the right thing; that’s exactly how it should be," Ye Shikai nodded. If an army resorts to using fourteen or fifteen-year-old kids, it’s not far from total defeat. These children on the battlefield are clearly sent to their deaths.
"The three thousand you incorporated, there aren’t any more old or young ones, right?"
"No worries, I only kept the able-bodied young men."
"The Qin army having to use kids as young as fourteen or fifteen shows they’re not far from ruin," a General beside them laughed.
"Yes, it seems that this campaign against Nanyang should be a walk in the park."
Seeing the complacent demeanor of the generals, Ye Shikai wasn’t angry. They were veterans of many battles. Although at this moment they appeared pleased with themselves, they would not underestimate the enemy on the battlefield.
"One more thing, having heard of our capture of Deng County, our lord has rewarded the army with five thousand taels of silver and a hundred jars of fine wine."
"That’s wonderful."
"Indeed."
"I predicted as much. This is Deng County’s capture, our first battle upon entering Nanyang. Our lord trusts us; that’s why he gave us the chance for this ’grand opening’. I hope everyone remains vigilant; the upcoming battles are the true test."
"Understood."
"Understood."
.................................
By a river ten miles outside Deng County, Ye Shikai arrived with guards, and Mi Wen was sitting on a boat brewing fragrant tea.
"Even after the last assassination attempt, you dare to bring me here for tea." Ye Shikai dismounted his horse, boarded the small boat, and said calmly.
"Have some tea first," Mi Wen didn’t answer, smiling slightly, handing over a teacup.
"Thank you," Ye Shikai drank the hot tea in one gulp.
"Don’t worry, if any assassins show up this time, they’d be walking into a trap."
Ye Shikai circulated his Inner Strength and could sense that many people were ambushed near the small boat, even underwater. But they weren’t assassins; they were Mi Wen’s personal guards.
"Alright, then I can drink tea in peace."
After some casual conversation, Ye Shikai scanned the area. The river flowed south to north. Suddenly, an idea flashed in his mind: if they could transport soldiers in wooden boats, they might travel by both water and land. The current wasn’t rapid but allowed for continuous travel night and day; they could reach Wan City in three days and two nights at this speed. On land, it would take at least a week, and they’d have several cities to conquer. To reach Wan City, each city and town would have to be taken.
"What are you thinking?" Mi Wen’s question brought Ye Shikai back to reality.
"Nothing... nothing."
"Let’s discuss serious matters," Mi Wen changed the subject. "Let’s talk about your capture of Deng County this time."
"There’s really nothing much to say. Deng County’s County Magistrate is weak-willed, surrounded by an enemy army several times his own, surrender was inevitable. I merely used different means to hasten his surrender, that’s all," Ye Shikai replied calmly.
"You captured Deng County in half a day. By the time I arrived with the main force, you’d already arranged everything. That indeed was a great achievement for the beginning of the war."
"You’re not here just to praise me, are you? Let’s hear it, the next plan."
"To engage in a decisive battle with the Qin army."
"That’s not a wise decision," Ye Shikai frowned at these words, speaking coldly. Two armies clashing in the wilderness would result in significant losses on both sides. Ye disliked such confrontations, which he considered a "meat grinder." Moreover, the uprising army didn’t hold an overall advantage and should avoid such bloody combat.
"I didn’t want to either, but... the Qin army won’t let me have my way. Truth be told, I’ve received intelligence that fifty thousand Qin soldiers are already assembled at Zhao He, planning to launch a surprise attack on our forces. If I don’t take the initiative, they will undoubtedly attack. So... rather than miss the opportunity, it’s better to seize it and annihilate this group of Qin soldiers."
"Zhao He is not far from Deng County. You’re telling me this because you want to..."
"This time, I’ll trouble you,"
As expected, Mi Wen had invited him to the riverside for tea with a more significant mission.
"To be honest, I don’t have much experience commanding tens of thousands in battle. During the last major fight with the Qin army in East County, my troops were routed, fleeing like rabbits with their tails on fire."
"Last time, you were rescuing people. How could ten thousand withstand ninety thousand Qin soldiers, especially with your old superior Han Hao as Commander? But this time is different; we hold the advantage, and annihilating them isn’t an issue."
