Chapter 1663: Chapter 1663: Not Disbanding
"If purchasing large quantities of food and weapons is just for the Wolf Clan to be prepared in case of need, then assembling tens of thousands of soldiers is definitely not just for fun."
"What did you say?" Ye Shikai was shocked once again.
"We also got this intel from merchants—the Wolf Clan has already gathered tens of thousands of troops, all elite cavalry, fully armed."
"It seems they really intend to start a war." Ye Shikai muttered to himself, considering the situation, the Wolf Clan truly plans to move southward to the Central Plains; if he continued to deny it, he would only be deceiving himself.
"Old Ye, looking at this situation, perhaps by next year, the Wolf Clan will definitely use its forces." Shangguan Jian sighed. If the Wolf Clan moves southward, the Central Plains would be the first to bear the brunt, especially counties like He Nei County and East County in the Central Plains, though a long distance from Ji County and the Great Wall front line, once the Wolf Clan breaches the Great Wall, it will be unstoppable, and sooner or later their iron hooves will trample the entire Central Plains. They are in Chu Territory, and need not worry about these things, but Shangguan Jian was once an officer of the Qin Army and fought against the Wolf Clan on the Great Wall, just like Ye Shikai, he holds an unwavering concern in his heart. Although their current enemy is Great Qin, they both deeply hope that Great Qin could defeat the Wolf Clan.
"You are right; the Wolf Clan must have seen the continuous uprising in the Central Plains and plans to reap the benefits. Last year’s battle was devastating for them; who would have thought they could organize new forces within two years—their strength is not to be underestimated." Ye Shikai lamented; it proved that the threat of the northern Wolf Clan to the people of the Central Plains had persisted for centuries...
"Shangguan, I intend to persuade the Lord not only to deploy troops to Ba Shu next year." Ye Shikai laid his thoughts bare. Honestly, Mi Wen stands from her position without fault, being Great Qin’s biggest rival. If the Wolf Clan moves south, the court will undoubtedly give its full attention to the battle, leaving Ba Shu’s affairs unattended. The Chu Army attacking at this time holds the greatest advantage, but from Ye Shikai’s standpoint, he is reluctant as it would be opportunistic, at least waiting until the Qin Army wins at the Great Wall before deploying troops."
"Really, in fact, I have the same intention, Old Ye, if you are going to persuade the Lord, I will accompany you." Shangguan Jian tapped his chest, stating firmly.
"It would be best to convince some generals, such as General Huo." Ye Shikai pondered carefully; previously, he and Mi Wen often had disagreements, yet despite the many differences, he never succeeded in persuading Mi Wen...
"Old Ye, you seem troubled. Do you think... the Lord won’t listen to you?" Shangguan Jian asked.
"I’ve tried to persuade the Lord several times, but she never seems to take my advice."
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Military Camp.
"What? Why can’t we go home?"
"Even though we’re at Linxiang, why haven’t we been discharged?"
"True."
"Quiet, everyone disperse." Ye Shikai shouted loudly, and Shangguan Jian hurried over upon hearing about the military unrest in the camp, many have gathered.
"General Ye, you arrived just in time, please be the judge for us brothers." A soldier grabbed his arm and said.
"Everyone, please quiet down; what exactly is the situation?" Ye Shikai shouted several times until the soldiers finally fell silent.
"When the city recruited soldiers, it was for the Ba Shu battle, and now it’s over, everyone has returned to the city, yet the troops haven’t been discharged, nor are brothers allowed to return home, why is this?"
"Indeed, why is this?"
"Most of us brothers are local people; why not let us go back? There should at least be an explanation." The soldiers were obviously disgruntled, if not for Ye Shikai’s presence, it might have led to a mutiny.
"Ahem, brothers need not hurry, I will immediately report to the Lord, maybe this is just a misunderstanding."
"General Ye, you’ve been through countless battles, we brothers respect you, hope you’ll give us an explanation."
"Indeed."
"Brothers rest assured, a man’s word is as good as his bond; within three days, I will surely provide an answer." Upon hearing this, the soldiers gradually dispersed. Ye Shikai sighed deeply; four to five thousand men could easily lead to a mutiny if not handled properly.
"Shangguan, what is actually going on?" Ye Shikai asked.
"This... I’m not sure either; logically, since the troops have returned to Linxiang City, most of them should be discharged. After all, the war is over, maintaining so many people is a huge expense, yet who knows why, many days passed since returning to the city without discharge orders. These soldiers, mostly locals, are eager to return home; as time drags on, dissatisfaction naturally grows." After understanding the situation, Shangguan Jian explained to Ye Shikai.
"I see." Ye Shikai nodded; this way, he could understand. According to previous routine, discharge orders should have been issued long ago; after all, supporting four to five thousand people’s meals is no trivial matter.
"Old Ye, this matter might require you to inquire with the Lord."
"No problem, I’ll go right away." Delays breed complications; Ye Shikai decided to go immediately and ask Mi Wen for clarification.
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Government Office.
"You came rushing over, it must be something important." Mi Wen put down the documents she was holding and said coolly.
"I just went to the camp, why haven’t you issued the discharge orders?" Ye Shikai gasped, cutting straight to the point without circling around.
"Really, haven’t I?"
"Stop pretending, I’ve already asked General Huo, you haven’t issued any orders, and I’m not the first general to inquire—you intentionally don’t plan to discharge them." Ye Shikai retorted.
"You’re right, I indeed haven’t ordered the discharge—isn’t that good? I provide their meals daily, yet they complain..."
"They don’t care who provides their meals, you should know that; they care about their families." Ye Shikai continued, "They want to go home, and you not only forbid soldiers from leaving the camp privately, but also do not allow their families to visit—what do you mean by this?"
"It’s simple enough; I’m deploying troops next year. This unit will soon be sent to the front line, so discharging them now would only lead to re-recruitment shortly. Rather than doing this, it’s better to keep them." Mi Wen waved her hand, signaling Ye Shikai to withdraw, "If you have no other business, you should return now."
