Seeing He Linghan crying without saying a word, Ye Shikai didn’t question further, he already knew the reason and felt there was no need to ask more. As He Linghan’s maid Hehua had said, if Ye Shikai truly became ’lazy’, he could stay at home like other generals of the county, enjoying his days with food and entertainment. As for training, he could simply instruct the Deputy General, but Ye Shikai didn’t do this. He now leads ten thousand brothers, each with elders above and children below, each with a family. Every brother that falls means several family members will cry for them. If Ye Shikai doesn’t focus on training well, more brothers will die in vain. Since he is now the commanding General, he must take responsibility for his brothers.

Ye Shikai hugged He Linghan, gently patting her shoulder...

"Ling’er, I apologize for letting you suffer. Once the war is over, I’ll definitely return home to see you immediately." Unaware, He Linghan’s body gradually stopped trembling, and the sobbing sounds ceased. It seemed her grievances had been vented. Ye Shikai waited until she fell asleep, then turned to lie down himself.

The next morning, He Linghan served Ye Shikai as usual, and specifically arranged for the kitchen to prepare various delicacies. In front of outsiders, she wouldn’t show any abnormal behavior, even if she was aggrieved, she would only secretly shed tears at night.

"Husband, how long will your campaign take this time?" At the dining table, He Linghan suddenly asked.

"If all goes well, it will take a month," Ye Shikai replied after some thought. The opponent has five to six thousand men stationed in the desolate mountains, and they aren’t so easy to deal with.

"General, you must return soon. During these days you’ve been away, Madam has been thinking of you a lot," Hehua, who was standing by, suddenly said.

"Hehua, you’re being talkative. Go downstairs now," He Linghan suddenly reprimanded, and Hehua stopped talking, turned, and headed to the kitchen.

"Husband, it’s my lack of management that allowed the maid to be talkative."

"Ling’er, Hehua’s concern is for you. I’m okay with it. Moreover, if the atmosphere is too reserved, I wouldn’t be used to it. A bit of liveliness is good," Ye Shikai shook his head lightly. He didn’t want to be like a feudal lord.

"Besides, Hehua was right. I haven’t cared for you well and neglected you. Even a maid couldn’t stand it and stood up for you, which shows it’s my fault," Ye Shikai said lightly.

"Alright, focus on the front lines. Leave family matters to me," He Linghan didn’t want to continue this topic, perhaps worrying that she might burst into tears if the conversation continued.

"Rest assured, as soon as the battle ends, I’ll return immediately," Ye Shikai gave her a promise. If the battle was won, and Ma Yao had tasks, he’d use ’post-injury rest’ as an excuse.

"Okay, I’ll wait for your return at home."

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

Military camp.

"Is the army assembled?" Ye Shikai sat in his seat, looking at over a dozen Chiliarchs, a few Military Marquises, and confidants with a serious expression. It was his first time commanding over ten thousand in battle, quite different from skirmishes with dozens of people. A mistake in a battle involving thousands could result in hundreds or even thousands of casualties, so caution was crucial.

"General, all troops are assembled, and the cavalry unit has already set off as the vanguard," Shangguan Jian addressed Ye Shikai as ’General’ before the gathered commanders, rather than ’Old Ye,’ showing his seriousness.

"Everyone, you are my confidants and should understand me well. I won’t say much more. I hope everyone gives their all for a decisive victory." Ye Shikai didn’t deliver any ’rousing’ speech. In the cold weapon era, it was about who’s tougher and who dares to risk their life in direct army combat. Thus, in major battles, generals typically boosted troop morale. But this time was different. Entering the intricate deep mountains, strategy mattered more than morale. Without knowing the terrain, path, or ambushes, even a reckless man rushing in would be useless. Hence, this battle’s focus was strategic planning.

"Yes, General."

"Yes, General."

"Yes, General."

Ye Shikai mounted his warhorse, leading his trusted soldiers in the Central Army, commanding the entire force. Unlike leading a one or two thousand troop unit, managing a ten thousand army couldn’t rely on him alone. Therefore, he needed to delegate command. He organized a messenger unit, each equipped with a fast horse. His every military order was directly delivered by messengers to the Chiliarchs, making him akin to a brain, issuing instructions to parts of the body even if not performing tasks directly.

"Marching at night, setting camp, patrol soldiers must be dispatched. The closer we get to Beast Mountain, the more perilous it becomes. I’ve received intelligence from the cavalry squad—Beast Mountain’s county town is already completely sealed, forbidding anyone to enter or exit. Food supply in town is rationed per capita, and water sources are prepared," Ye Shikai pointed at the map in the tent.

"The situation is indeed grave," Shangguan Jian found it hard to believe. They hadn’t even fought, yet a county town had already shrunk back.

"Only around a thousand soldiers defend a county, how could they stand against the rebel army," Ye Shikai wasn’t shocked, he knew this outcome well beforehand. If the county town falls, Ma Yao’s position might truly be in jeopardy. Perhaps the order to close the town was his doing.

"Old Ye, we can reach the county town by tomorrow and could aid in relieving the siege. The troops have been marching swiftly all day, should we rest in the town for the night tomorrow?"

"No need, if we swagger into the town, it essentially informs the mountain rebels that we’ve arrived. We don’t need to enter the town or pass through it, simply report the army’s progress to the County Magistrate. First, it opens the town gates, and second, it calms the populace, preventing panic," Ye Shikai instructed. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

"Yes, I’ll handle it right away."

"Report, a group of merchants requests to meet with the General outside the camp," a guard suddenly reported as Ye Shikai was focused on studying the terrain.

"Let them in quickly," Ye Shikai said lightly. Soon, a few middle-aged men were guided into the tent by the guards.

"Who are you all?"

"Reporting, General, we are merchants from nearby. We passed by and saw the army camp, so we specifically came to inquire," the lead man said.

"Speak directly."

"Is the General here with a large army to exterminate the bandit forces on Beast Mountain?"