Chapter 1660: Chapter 1660: Bandits
Overall, Mi Wen has not deliberately made things difficult for him so far, exchanging three conditions for his "life," but she did not reveal what those three conditions are. Actually, from the conversation earlier, Ye Shikai has caught on to most of her intentions. In the end, Mi Wen is very concerned about his departure. The court has many famous generals, countless capable commanders, and talents emerging in large numbers. Although there is a worry about the Wolf Clan externally and internal chaos from uprisings, the military forces still number over seven hundred thousand. In comparison, although Mi Wen occupies Chu Territory and Nanyang among other commanderies, her military and financial strength are only a third of the court’s, and she lacks famous generals who are skilled in battle. Ye Shikai has achieved impressive success, and in everyone’s eyes, he is Mi Wen’s "key person for cultivation," naturally she would not let him leave easily. To put it in harsher words, someone like Ye Shikai, if not acquired, must be eliminated, or else he will become a major threat in the future.
If Qin and Chu armies clash head-on, Mi Wen is absolutely no match for them. However, the court’s army is dispersed across various regions, with Meng Tian leading three hundred thousand troops defending the north against the Wolf Clan, and Ren Xiao and Zhao Tuo’s hundreds of thousands of troops in the south with Lingnan Bai Yue. In this way, a large number of military forces are spread north and south, unexpectedly providing opportunities for the uprising in the Central Plains. Mi Wen wants to take advantage of the Wolf Clan invasion to attack Ba Shu, precisely for this reason.
"Old Ye, the lord really will not punish us, right?"
"Don’t worry, I’ve already said, if the lord wanted to kill us, he would have done it long ago. How could he have let us return to camp?" Ye Shikai murmured, "Besides, I told them that disbanding the troops was solely my decision and won’t involve you."
"Old Ye, what are you saying? Do you believe I’m someone who’s afraid of trouble?"
"Shangguan, this matter was my decision alone and has nothing to do with you. Actually... you really don’t have to shoulder it with me. If the lord really takes my life, these old brothers need a new commander." Ye Shikai sighed heavily, raised his whip and quickened his pace back to camp.
"Report to the general, just received intelligence that the thirty thousand Qin Army troops blocking the retreat have gradually withdrawn to Xianyang, with all camps and posts taken over by the local garrison in Ba Shu. I also received a secret intelligence that Wang Li has already left his troops, leading his guards back to Xianyang first." Wan Qi Yuan returned to camp with the cavalry squad and handed the intelligence over to Ye Shikai from inside his clothes.
"Looks like Wang Li has concluded that our army won’t chase them." Ye Shikai said casually. Moreover, the reason Wang Li did not demolish the camps but instead let the local garrison take over was to prevent the next attack from the Chu Army. The battle has just ended, and Wang Li has already anticipated the next move. The reputation of this famous general is well deserved.
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Ye Shikai disbanded most of the forces, retaining only the cavalry squad. It can be said that besides his and Shangguan Jian’s guards, the only unit capable of fighting is this cavalry squad. After all, only he knows how difficult it was to organize such a cavalry squad back then, and disbanding them was really quite reluctant.
Speaking of which, it is still during his "three-month vacation". During this time in Ba Shu, he found a retreat route for the army, then led troops to stop the Qin Army’s pursuit; unknowingly, half a month has passed. When he left, he had angered He Linghan, and he has no idea whether her anger has subsided by now.
"Shangguan, continue leading the troops and return with the army to Linxiang." Thinking of this, Ye Shikai suddenly rushed out of the tent and got on his horse.
"Old Ye, where are you going?"
"I’m heading back first." After saying that, Ye Shikai rode out of the camp towards Linxiang.
The next day.
"Customer, what would you like?"
"Some steamed buns, and then some cooked meat."
"Got it, customer. Please wait a moment; the delicious food will be right up."
"Waiter, I’d like to ask you something." The waiter was about to turn and leave when Ye Shikai called him back.
"Please go ahead, customer."
"I hurried last night and didn’t notice the landmarks. Could you tell me where this place is?" Ye Shikai asked while taking a bite of a steamed bun.
"This is Shiluo Village, if you’re in such a hurry, where are you headed?" The waiter asked in return.
"Shiluo Village, how far is it from Linxiang City?"
"Head east from here for fifty miles to reach the border of Changsha Commandery, then over four hundred miles to reach Linxiang. Customer, are you from Linxiang?"
"No, I’m from the Central Plains, heading to Linxiang City... to find someone."
"I see. Then you should be careful. There’s been fighting everywhere lately, and officials are gathering grain and conscripting labor everywhere. There are also quite a few bandits causing havoc." Seeing Ye Shikai’s armor, the waiter curiously asked, "Customer, you look like a soldier, and possibly... a general, right?"
"General is too much, just enlisted to make a living." Ye Shikai replied evasively.
"Then be extra cautious, soldier. I’ve heard there are quite a few robbers nearby." The waiter reminded him.
"Thank you, thank you."
Giddy-up, giddy-up, whoa...
Suddenly, a group of men wielding swords stormed into the shop, each with a fierce and menacing look. The customers scattered, fearing to provoke this group. If Ye Shikai has guessed correctly, they must be the "robbers" the waiter mentioned.
"What would you like, customers?"
"Bring out the good wine and meat."
"Got it, please wait a moment."
Ye Shikai stared intently at this group. Their hands were calloused, many of the swords at their waists were worn, clearly used for some time, and an unmistakable scent of blood lingered around them. It’s clear that they aren’t just pretending to be intimidating robbers, but a group of "strongmen" who’ve truly killed people.
Ye Shikai wouldn’t believe for a second that a group of marauding strongmen would willingly pay for their meal.
"Hey, look, isn’t there an officer over there?"
"Indeed, he’s wearing the armor of the Chu Army. Looks like he’s a general."
"If he’s a general, he must have quite a lot of money on him."
The group whispered among themselves, occasionally glancing at Ye Shikai. Although their voices were low, Ye Shikai, being a cultivator, had enhanced hearing. Nothing within tens of steps escaped his ears if he chose to listen.
Hearing their words, Ye Shikai smirked inwardly, these guys are greedy. Since they’re strongmen, they must have killed many innocent civilians, causing havoc in the area. Although Ye Shikai disdained meddling in others’ affairs, he thought since he was wearing the armor of the Chu Army, he had the obligation to teach them a lesson.
"Since you want to rob me, why do it secretly? If you’ve got the guts, then come take it." Ye Shikai tossed his purse on the table and said coldly.
