Since Ma Yao gained the "renowned general" Ye Shikai, it was as if he had grasped a lifeline. Among the territories under Pu Yang’s jurisdiction, this group of insurgents hiding in the mountains was the most troublesome. Now, with just one or two hundred casualties, Ye Shikai had annihilated the insurgent forces in the mountains, making any other tasks pale in comparison. Although Ma Yao was discontent with Ye Shikai’s behavior of "meritorious service that astonished the ruler," compared to losing his official position and facing the emperor’s wrath, he decisively chose to "believe" in Ye Shikai.

"Now with an additional three thousand people, we have eight thousand in total." Ye Shikai said calmly.

"This Ma Yao acted first and reported later, sending people, resources, weapons, and provisions to us before informing us, clearly giving us no room to refuse." Shangguan Jian sighed. His "vision" was not as broad; he only thought about how to lead soldiers well and fight victorious battles. However, Ye Shikai was keenly aware of impending crisis. Within a year or two, these scattered insurgent forces could become the "vanguard" of the anti-Qin movement. With nearly ten thousand troops in hand, he naturally had to consider his own position.

"No problem, we welcome all who come." Ye Shikai recalled the story of "Han Xin’s Soldiers." Although lacking such grand strategy, he believed after staying in the Qin Army for so long that managing tens of thousands of troops was within his capability. Therefore, getting soldiers from Ma Yao was "the more, the better" for him.

"Old Ye, I think you’ve changed." Shangguan Jian walked slowly behind Ye Shikai, jesting.

"What do you mean?"

"Previously, you would complain a bit if something like this happened, but now you accept it delightfully." Shangguan Jian replied.

"Shangguan, you are my brother, I have something to say to you." Ye Shikai sighed lightly, "The Qin Dynasty may not last a few more years."

"What did you say?" Shangguan Jian shouted loudly, looking around cautiously and ensuring no one heard, quickly closing the windows and doors.

"Old Ye, what do you mean by that? If someone hears and it spreads, it could lead to execution." Shangguan Jian’s expression changed drastically. He did not understand why Ye Shikai would suddenly say such a thing, but he knew Ye Shikai would never utter such risky "jokes."

"In a few years, Emperor will pass away, and by then, the empire’s structure will crumble. Thousands, tens of thousands of insurgent forces will sprout like bamboo after a rain. By then, no matter how capable we are, we can’t support a collapsing structure." Ye Shikai sighed heavily, gently tapping his fist on the table.

"How is this possible? We have hundreds of thousands of troops, and in the north, there’s General Meng’s border defense corps, and in the south, there’s the army conquering Bai Yue." Shangguan Jian refuted, arguing that the insurgent forces were only in their infancy and weak in strength, finding Ye Shikai’s perspective overly pessimistic.

"The Qin Army’s strength is formidable, but only superficially. Compared to the army that conquered the six kingdoms, today’s Qin Army pales in comparison. Now that we hold military power, we must look beyond the present situation."

"Old Ye, although I still don’t agree with this idea, I understand your character, and I am willing to follow your orders." Shangguan Jian suddenly kneeled on one knee, a gesture of "allegiance."

"Alright, let’s go out and take a look. These soldiers were recruited recently and haven’t been trained; we don’t have much time."

Unknowingly, another month had passed. Ye Shikai calculated that he had been in the Qin Dynasty for more than half a year. Time indeed flew; through many battles, he gradually adapted to this place. However...those he left in the modern time were still waiting, causing him increasing unease.

In actuality, he didn’t know that in modern time, he had only been missing for a little over a month...

"Old Ye, we’ve been in East County for a while and have wiped out numerous insurgent forces. Now that it’s peaceful, can’t we give the soldiers a break?" Shangguan Jian handed a bamboo slip to Ye Shikai’s desk; most soldiers were not local sons of Pu Yang, having been busy fighting insurgents throughout the month without a single day of rest. Many soldiers began to complain.

"Since you also support it, I naturally have no objections, but I must report to Commander Ma. Have the brothers wait a moment." Ye Shikai nodded in agreement; they were soldiers, not emotionless beasts, wanting to go home was human nature. Moreover, he must always maintain control over the army’s morale to ensure the soldiers’ "absolute obedience."

"No need to report, I completely agree." Suddenly, Ma Yao’s laughter came from the barracks door as he walked in.

"Commander, how come you’ve come here?"

"Haha, of course, to see our great hero. You’ve endured hardships, so a break is deserved." Ma Yao lightly patted Ye Shikai’s shoulder in encouragement.

"Someone, bring up what I brought." Ma Yao called, and the soldiers beside him immediately moved several large chests over, which, upon opening, were all filled with silver.

"Commander came to reward the soldiers laboring tirelessly against the insurgents," explained the official beside Ma Yao. "These silvers are all rewards for the soldiers."

"Since that’s the case, on behalf of the soldiers, I thank Commander for his kindness." Ye Shikai bowed, signaling the guards to store the silver.

"Haha, Ye, I hope you continue your efforts and establish more military achievements."

.................................

"Old Ye, shouldn’t we also visit Shangshui Village?" With a rare break, Shangguan Jian naturally wanted to go back. Here, Ye Shikai suddenly remembered the promise made before bidding farewell to He Linghan.

Next time they meet, Ye Shikai was to marry her. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Thinking of this, Ye Shikai felt both nervous and excited; since it was a promise, he couldn’t break it. In fact, they had long understood each other’s feelings, only lacking those few words.

"Shangguan, last time I promised Miss He that I would marry her upon returning." Ye Shikai’s words shocked Shangguan Jian, causing him to drop his sword to the ground.

"What did you say? You want to marry Miss He? That’s wonderful news. Why didn’t you say so earlier?"

"This is a secret between her and me."

"Haha, that’s fantastic. I’ll immediately have soldiers purchase gold and silver jewelry, as well as brocade silk; since a dignified general is getting married, it must be grand."