Chapter 1682: Chapter 1682: Date of the Expedition
The residence of the house guest, after Ye Shikai conveyed the intelligence obtained by the Hidden Guard to his confidant schemers, the group fell silent, not because they were helpless, but because they were pondering how to respond.
"General believes that now is not the best time for an expedition, wishing to wait for Xianyang’s garrison to reinforce the Great Wall before launching an attack on Ba Shu." A strategist stepped forward and said with a bow, Ye Shikai looked up to see it was the one who had previously gifted him the Ba Shu map, and later learned the man’s name was Xu Jia, a distinguished gentleman from Chu Territory, locally renowned among the talented.
"You’re right, a part of the reason is indeed so," Ye Shikai nodded and replied, "Within Xianyang City, there are still over a hundred thousand troops, and these are elite Qin Army forces. Whether they reinforce the Great Wall or Ba Shu, they can alter the battlefield’s dynamics."
"What the General says is true. We should patiently observe the changes, waiting for Xianyang to reinforce the Great Wall, where their forces will be stretched thin, making it impossible for them to block our army."
"Indeed, fortune favors the General."
"Yes, it seems Ba Shu is already in the bag for our army."
"Heaven blesses Chu State."
"I am the General, responsible only for leading the troops and fulfilling the orders of the Lord. The specific time for an expedition still needs to be decided by the Lord." Ye Shikai gestured for silence among the crowd, "Mr. Xu, you are knowledgeable and resourceful. At first, you advised me to dispatch surprise troops, now with the major battle imminent, do you have any thoughts?"
"My thoughts remain unchanged. If this campaign truly unfolds, it should be swift and decisive. Dispatching surprise troops is to win the battle with the least cost, thereby minimizing my army’s losses and sparing the Ba Shu populace from prolonged war," Xu Jia said calmly.
"Indeed, Xu Jia’s words align perfectly with my intentions, but Ba Shu’s terrain is rugged, with mountain barriers hard to overcome even with treasured maps, gaining control swiftly may not be easy," Ye Shikai continued.
"Certainly so, but I have a good strategy. If the General would adopt it, it might be effective."
"Please speak, Mr. Xu."
"Ba Shu’s Qin Army conscription of able-bodied men and the summoning of citizens to build fortifications is intended to use the terrain advantage to block our army’s edge, and judging by the Qin Army’s deployments, they have assembled all their forces at several fortresses along the route, while the rear towns have almost become empty cities."
"Your intention, sir, is... for surprise troops to seize the town, cutting off the Qin Army’s granary, severing their supply lines," Ye Shikai inquired.
"General, you are wise."
"Having you beside me means an extra Brain."
"Assisting the General in achieving great deeds is my honor," Xu Jia replied.
"Report..." Suddenly, a soldier rushed in hastily.
"What’s the matter, why so hurried?"
"Reporting to General Ye, the Lord commands you to immediately proceed to the government office to discuss urgent matters," the soldier reported.
"Alright, you may go, I will leave immediately for the government office to meet the Lord," Ye Shikai instructed.
"Yes." The soldier responded.
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With Xu Jia’s suggestion, Ye Shikai felt more assured. As both shared similar viewpoints, Mi Wen’s urgent summons must also be due to news of the Wolf Clan’s southern move. Considering her character, she would promptly desire Ye Shikai to launch an expedition. Now it seems vital to convince Mi Wen to delay the expedition, achieving optimal results. One, Xianyang City reinforces the Great Wall, ensuring its defense, thus safeguarding Central Plains. Two, with Xianyang’s forces deployed to the Great Wall, their strength would be strained, leaving Ba Shu without reinforcements, allowing Ye Shikai to win at minimal cost. Of course, a brief encounter compared to a prolonged battle also spares local citizens from greater distress, thus achieving a win-win result, exactly his intention.
If troops are dispatched now, Xianyang City will be wary of Ba Shu’s war, potentially diverting reinforcement troops heading to the Great Wall to Ba Shu, which spells disaster. Hence, regardless, Ye Shikai must persuade Mi Wen against immediate deployment.
Government Office.
"You finally arrived, we’re deliberating the expedition date, only your opinion is missing." Entering the hall, Mi Wen cut straight to the point. Although she didn’t mention immediate deployment, she appeared impatient, just shy of a command to rally the troops.
"Very well, my opinion is simple, to delay the expedition date, certainly not now." As Ye Shikai finished speaking, the entire hall fell silent, the rowdy chatter of over twenty generals suddenly ceased.
"General Ye, this is a rare opportunity. If the Wolf Clan retreats later, we’ll have to confront the Qin Army head-on and can’t miss this chance," a general remarked.
"General Ye, the expedition should proceed early to catch the Qin Army off guard."
"This is absurd." Ye Shikai scolded sternly, "The Qin Army constructs fortifications day and night, indicating they are already prepared. How could our assault catch them off guard?"
"Moreover, Xianyang’s Qin Army hasn’t moved yet. If we recklessly advance, they’ll fully mobilize, leading to a genuine confrontation," Ye Shikai refuted individually.
"What’s your point?" Mi Wen queried.
"Wait for Xianyang’s Qin Army to deploy reinforcements to the Great Wall before we proceed. That way, we avoid the main Qin Army entering Shu, while ensuring the Wolf Clan doesn’t overtake the Great Wall, spreading to the Central Plains."
Mi Wen descended into silence, on one hand, Ye Shikai’s strong persuasion, on the other, most generals advocate immediate dispatch, including Mi Wen herself, who sincerely yearns for prompt action, unwilling to delay.
"Lord, this is an exceptional opportunity, please reconsider."
"Please, Lord, decide promptly for the expedition; delay invites changes," the generals counseled one after another, knowing well their desires. Any general wishes to be on the battlefield, for if victorious, they are naturally rewarded, even if defeated, they can retreat. Ultimately, the fallen are mere soldiers, whereas generals have guards and greater ’survivability.’ They care solely for themselves, indifferent to the soldiers’ lives.
"Lord, since you’ve appointed me as commander, you should trust me. If you insist on immediate action, kindly permit me to resign, and select another qualified individual for leadership."
"Hold on." Mi Wen stopped Ye Shikai as he turned to leave.
"I trust your choice, the expedition date can be postponed, but you must explain how long to wait," Mi Wen questioned, ultimately choosing to believe in Ye Shikai.
"I’ve stated, we must wait for Xianyang’s Qin Army to deploy reinforcements to the Great Wall."
