Chapter 1685: Chapter 1685: Foresight Like a Prophet
Xu Jia is an outstanding talent, and naturally, Ye Shikai doesn’t want to miss out on him. In terms of command ability, Ye Shikai, as a commander, can be said to be top-notch. Although he can’t compare to the likes of Meng Tian, who is a renowned general of the present age, he is undoubtedly a "man of strength." Otherwise, Mi Wen wouldn’t have entrusted him with such significant military power. Moreover, Ye Shikai has repeatedly proven himself on the battlefield with strength. In terms of strategy, he is also considered to be talented, but compared to Xu Jia, it’s like starlight against the bright moon, instantly overshadowed.
Xu Jia is not only calm and collected but also able to consider every detail. He is like a "computer," capable of incorporating every variable, and through a series of "calculations," arrives at the most accurate answer. In the eyes of outsiders, he is like a Prophet, always able to predict the next move. If he could be obtained as a think tank, the Chu Army would be like a tiger with wings added, and Ye Shikai genuinely feels a sense of security from the bottom of his heart.
"Alas, with the General’s invitation being so warm, it would be somewhat disrespectful for me to continue declining. With that being the case, I will humbly accept the offer." Xu Jia slowly stood up and made a bow to Ye Shikai.
"With Mr. Xu’s assistance, Ba Shu has already been half obtained," Ye Shikai said excitedly. In this way, he gained another left and right arm. Since he joined the army through time travel, he had Shangguan Jian, Man Cang, and Wan Qi Yuan on the martial side, who are all commanding generals, and both infantry and cavalry are available, with complete organization. Previously, there was Xue San responsible for intelligence gathering and assassination, but unfortunately, he died in Nanyang. Thinking of this made Ye Shikai’s heart ache. All along, he had more martial generals under him and fewer strategists. Now, with Xu Jia, he finally has both civil and martial completeness.
"Mr. Xu should stay at the mansion for the next few days, as I wish to discuss the expedition preparations with you."
"Of course, since the General appointed me as the think tank, I must fulfill my duties accordingly."
Three days passed in succession, but the news from the Hidden Guard was slow to arrive. Meanwhile, the crowd at Ye Mansion’s gate grew larger. The pro-war generals obviously couldn’t just wait like this, with some even threatening to force their way into Ye Mansion. Naturally, the brave men recruited by Ye Shikai wouldn’t agree to that.
In contrast, Xu Jia remained calm and composed. Not only was he not anxious, but he also leisurely enjoyed flowers in Ye Shikai’s rear garden and sipped on some wine.
"General Ye, there’s no need to hurry; if everything goes as expected, news will come by dusk." Xu Jia raised his head to look at the surrounding eaves, smiling faintly, "There seem to be quite a few private soldiers in your mansion."
"Mr. Xu, you jest. My wife resides here, so naturally, I must have some private soldiers. Besides, in Linxiang City, those who wish to kill me are undoubtedly not few. Without these guards, my mansion would have become their playground long ago."
"Indeed, anyone doing great things needs a decoy. If the General has the time, it might be worth finding one. If you ever encounter an assassin, there’s no need to worry." Xu Jia jested.
"There’s no need for that. Instead of having an assassin’s dagger at my throat, I prefer to destroy them two hundred steps away."
"Haha."
Whoosh.
Suddenly, a dark figure leaped out directly in front of Ye Shikai.
"General."
"Has the intelligence arrived?"
"Yes, Xianyang has already dispatched troops, heading towards Ji County, seemingly to reinforce the Great Wall’s garrison."
"That’s excellent." Ye Shikai excitedly stood up from the table, finally able to relax after days of tension. But what delighted him most was the court’s decision to secure the Great Wall, ensuring peace for the Central Plains people.
"How many troops have they deployed?" Xu Jia inquired further.
"Not less than a hundred thousand, all elite from Xianyang. They left the city three days ago, with the vanguard departing during the day while the rear guard moved out at night."
"Thus, Xianyang City has only tens of thousands of imperial guards left in the palace." Ye Shikai analyzed, quite astonished that everything matched Xu Jia’s prediction without a single day of discrepancy.
"General, now is the best time to set out. Please suggest to the master that the army depart the day after tomorrow." Xu Jia said calmly.
"The day after tomorrow, isn’t that too abrupt? It takes time to prepare rations and weapons for the troops."
"A week ago, I already used the General’s Commander’s Seal to mobilize all army supplies. As of three days ago, fifteen thousand were fully prepared with sufficient provisions and weapons. The soldiers are also equipped with five days’ worth of rations for emergencies. Just one command will activate the entire army." Xu Jia made a bow and said, "I apologize for mobilizing the troops without the General’s permission."
"Mr. Xu’s foresight is admirable; I am in awe."
.......................................
Government Office.
"You’ve arrived."
"Certainly."
"It seems you’ve decided to go on an expedition." Mi Wen said with a faint smile.
"I’m sorry for making you wait so many days."
"Is this now the best time you spoke of?"
"Indeed, it is now."
"Report..." Suddenly, a messenger soldier rushed in, quickly entering the hall.
"Report to the master, an urgent message from eight hundred miles away, Xianyang City deployed a hundred thousand troops three days ago to reinforce the Great Wall." The messenger soldier shouted loudly.
"You may leave now." Mi Wen waved and took another look at Ye Shikai, his gaze filled with "depth."
"Master, this is the opportunity we’ve been waiting for. Now that the Qin Army has departed from Xianyang, the time for expedition has arrived." Ye Shikai advised.
"Summon all generals to gather in the main hall, I have important matters to announce."
"Understood."
Late at night, Ye Mansion.
Ye Shikai returned to the mansion; He Linghan hadn’t slept but was waiting with many house servants in the main hall.
"You’re still awake at this late hour."
"Of course, you rushed to the government office without a word and stayed all day. Did you eat?"
"Don’t worry; I’m not hungry." Ye Shikai sat down. Mi Wen and the generals discussed all day; as the commander, he naturally couldn’t "be absent." Deploying troops is major, particularly with this expedition involving fifteen thousand troops. Adding the garrison troops recruited along the way, the Chu Army’s total will not be less than twenty thousand. Planning each move is necessary, which naturally takes considerable effort.
But compared to deploying troops, what gives Ye Shikai more of a headache is how to talk to He Linghan. Although she had mentally prepared for this expedition, still...
"Husband, are you leaving now?" Mi Wen asked directly.
"Cough cough, I can’t hide it from you in the end." Ye Shikai sighed and nodded slightly.
