Chapter 1642: Chapter 1642: Rumors Among the Common People
Up to this point, almost all the troops under Ye Shikai’s command have been sent to the front lines. The majority of Man Cang’s Iron Armor Army have marched under Huo Ziqing. Now even the cavalry unit has been deployed, and even his personal guard has been sent, except for a few close bodyguards. There is no force left in Linxiang City that he can mobilize.
"General, we have staked everything we have, these troops are all our old brothers. If General Huo, I mean if... if General Huo were defeated... then..."
"I know exactly what you want to say. If Huo Ziqing is truly defeated, then the army faces near certain doom." Ye Shikai gazed at the troops disappearing into the distance, speaking lightly. Dust arose, and there was a faint ominous premonition in his heart. Ba Shu was truly too far away, so far it was unsettling. Even with the swiftest horse couriers, eight hundred miles express, it would still take at least two days and a night.
"What kind of place is Ba Shu? Among these twenty to thirty thousand comrades, many are from the Central Plains. Although they’ve adapted to Chu Territory for a while, inevitably they will face acclimatization issues. Although General Huo is a brave general, in terms of strategy, he’s likely inferior to the Qin General." Ye Shikai continued, but in truth, his concern wasn’t the Qin General of Ba Shu. Ba Shu is different from the Central Plains; compared to the uprisings elsewhere, it’s much more peaceful. The defenders haven’t faced battles for long, appearing strong but weak within, lacking sufficient military strength, surely no match for Huo Ziqing. His concern lied with the court’s reinforcements, for the imperial court still had many outstanding generals, and nearly a hundred thousand imperial guards. If His Majesty the Emperor selects an excellent general to lead fifty thousand imperial guards, dispatching from Xianyang to move south to Ba Shu and attack Huo Ziqing from behind, the situation would be reversed. And now Ye Shikai can think of only one candidate.
Wang Li.
He and Ye Shikai went three to seven in Nanyang. Although Wang Li doesn’t express it, he’s surely annoyed inside, equally unwilling to accept it. If given another chance to command troops in battle, he surely wouldn’t miss it. If victorious, he could wash away the shame of defeat in Nanyang, and he is indeed an excellent general talent. Entering Ba Shu to confront Huo Ziqing, this choice is none other than him.
"General, what shall we do now... Should we pray for them in the temple every day?" Man Cang asked.
"Haha, I doubt it’ll be long before you’re on the battlefield." Ye Shikai teased, patting his shoulder.
"And you, General?"
"I promised her, three months, to stay by her side. I’ve broken that promise too many times before, this time I want to be with her."
"Understood, General. Rest assured, if I go to the battlefield, if I’m not victorious, I won’t return."
Ye Shikai, accompanied by guards, arrived at the market. Notices have been posted; they are recruitment notices. It seems Mi Wen wants to expand the army, understandably so. Currently, the military strength in Linxiang City is merely ten to twenty thousand, mostly the old, sick, and weak; the majority have gone to the front lines. Naturally, new, strong young men need to be recruited and trained rapidly. Should the front line become strained, rear support troops will be needed at any time.
Ye Mansion.
"Ling’er, I’m back. Is there something to eat? I’m exhausted." Ye Shikai said loudly.
"I’ve prepared it for you long ago." Upon seeing him return home, He Linghan exhaled deeply and showed a relaxed smile, promptly instructing the maid to set breakfast on the table.
"Worked through the night, truly exhausted." Ye Shikai drank porridge and ate steamed buns, feeling a bit tired after a night without sleep.
"Was there something urgent?" He Linghan asked.
"Nothing much, the situation is resolved now." Ye Shikai didn’t want her to know about the military situation, so he brushed it off casually.
"Well, if there’s anything, you must let me know."
"Ling’er, you seem really concerned." Ye Shikai touched her shoulder. These days, she often dropped hints, asking about the war situation. Hearing that Hehua had a relative who was an officer, she’d always ask her to inquire, besides, the battle reports he obtained from the government previously were piled in the study, He Linghan would go in to check when no one else was around.
"If you truly want to know, I can tell you."
"I certainly don’t, wielding swords and guns is men’s business; I don’t understand it. What’s necessary about war, people die every day." He Linghan grumbled with pursed lips, complaining.
"Don’t forget, our Lord is also a woman." Ye Shikai said mildly. In fact, whether male or female, those in high positions inevitably become ambitious, and the simplest way for ambitious people to resolve disputes is war.
"Hmph."
"Actually, I also hate war." Ye Shikai suddenly said.
"But you are a renowned general, aren’t you?" He Linghan, upon hearing this, was first startled, then countered.
"Renowned general, hardly." Ye Shikai self-deprecated; he never felt he had great ability, only doing what he believed right. As for deploying troops and commanding battles, he always did his best. Generally speaking, he won more than he lost; it is unknown if it’s luck or if he truly had talent in this field.
"There are plenty of rumors about you in the city, some say you’re a Heavenly General descended to earth, a War God. Others say... you’re a red-faced Tusk that kills and eats people without hesitation; otherwise, how could you defeat thousands of Qin soldiers?"
"Haha, is that so? That exaggerated? Red-faced Tusk, wouldn’t that make me a monster." Ye Shikai laughed, realizing ancient "rumors" were even more exaggerated than modern ones, but understandable. There was no internet in this era, most people only heard of it and never had the opportunity to witness it. Besides, Ye Shikai produced such glorious achievements; with stories spreading, different "versions" inevitably emerged.
"Of course, to the common folk, you’re a monster."
"Alright, some awe is good too." Ye Shikai changed the subject. "Ling’er, let’s discuss serious matters."
"Sure, just speak."
"You’ve always wanted to know the frontline situation. I’ll tell you honestly, General Huo is having trouble in Ba Shu. Last night, I went to the government office for this matter." Ye Shikai’s tone suddenly turned serious, and He Linghan listened attentively.
"Then... will you be sent to the front line?"
"I certainly don’t want to go; after all, I promised you to stay by your side. Just hoping General Huo is safely on the front line." Ye Shikai mumbled, although Mi Wen gave him a three-month vacation, if urgency necessitated, should she "repent," Ye Shikai would have no recourse.
