Chapter 1562: Chapter 1562: Clearing Things Up

"Yes, please rest assured, my lord. I have already sent a fast rider to scout ahead. News will arrive shortly." Wan Qi Yuan performed a cupped hand salute and turned to leave. If Xue San were here now, it would be so much better. With his "network" in the martial world, gathering intelligence would be a piece of cake.

Ye Shikai had also previously eradicated numerous uprisings. Most of their leaders were local heroes and righteous men, though there were quite a few who were once bandit lords, using the banner of rebellion, transforming from marauding bandits into rebels against the Qin. Xue San was also once part of the martial world, with connections to many people.

Ye Shikai suddenly felt very helpless. Back when he was with the Qin Army, supplies for ten to twenty thousand brothers, all weapons and military equipment were provided by the Commander Mansion, leaving him worry-free, even recruitment was handled by subordinates. Now that he’s left the Qin army, the food and drink for his brothers all fall on his shoulders.

Even though they carried a lot of gold and silver before the uprising, there aren’t enough food supplies or military equipment to purchase nearby. Moreover, everyone understands the concept of "sitting idle and consuming resources." Fortunately, if Hua Liandie could be found, the troops would be supplied.

Ye Shikai ordered soldiers to take gold and silver to purchase some food in the village. Until they found Hua Liandie, they could only station themselves here.

In the camp, after resting, the soldiers were much more spirited. Despite the reduced numbers, those remaining performed their duties, patrolling, standing guard, not one less.

"General, we don’t have much food left. The military provisions seized by the cavalry last time have all been used up. Villagers are unwilling to sell us food, and you previously ordered not to buy or sell by force, so the brothers have no solution." The army’s grain officer pointed to the empty granary with a grave expression.

"Is it really that no one is willing to sell? We are willing to pay a high price." 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

"Our brothers are already purchasing at double the market price, but those villagers just won’t sell."

"Could it be that the amount of food we need is too much, and the villagers don’t have it?" Ye Shikai inquired.

"That can’t be the case, right? This village is huge, with over ten thousand villagers, storing tens of thousands of stones of grain. We’re only trying to buy two thousand stones. It’s not like they can’t produce it."

"Alright, you may go. Try your best to acquire food; any little bit helps. But remember, never buy or sell by force, and definitely do not bully the common people."

"Yes, I understand."

Ye Shikai mounted his war horse, intending to go to the village, but was startled by the scene as he reached the camp gate.

"Quick, go and surround them."

"Surround them all."

Thousands of able-bodied villagers rushed forward, wielding hoes, machetes, and makeshift wooden shields, blocking the camp completely. Even a fool could see their hostility.

"Halt, or face our wrath," the officer guarding the fortress shouted loudly.

"Archers, ready."

A row of archers raised their strong bows and crossbows, only then did the villagers dare not advance. Finally, a semblance of deterrence placated the villagers. Ye Shikai stopped the soldiers and calmly stepped forward.

"What do you all intend to do?"

"You Qin army, bullying civilians, committing every atrocity. Now that you’re in our Southern County, you’re at the end of your road." A villager shouted.

"This is rebel territory now, a large force has already arrived. Folks, let’s stop them and not let them escape."

Hearing the villagers’ accusations, Ye Shikai finally understood the situation. They had mistaken him and his men for the Qin army. No wonder; when raising troops, Ye Shikai merely had his soldiers wear red scarves for identification, but their uniforms and armor were still in the Qin army style. Unaware people would definitely think they were the Qin army.

"Everyone, you misunderstand. We are no longer the Qin army; we are rebels," Ye Shikai shouted loudly.

"Why should we trust you? You’re still wearing Qin army uniforms."

"That’s right, you’re clearly the Qin army."

"Everyone, please calm down and listen to my explanation," Ye Shikai shouted loudly. The scene was noisy, and he even used Inner Strength, uttering a loud shout, finally quieting everyone down.

"A meteor fell in East County, and the Emperor secretly ordered the Commander Mansion of East County to massacre nearby civilians. I rose up with my brothers against the Qin and saved the civilians, only to be pursued by the county’s Qin army, hence we came southward to join the rebel forces."

"What? Saving civilians, is that true?"

"I don’t know."

"Looking at these soldiers, they do seem like they’ve just been through a battle."

The villagers exchanged glances, finding it hard to discern whether Ye Shikai’s words were true. If false, why would these "Qin soldiers" before them be short on clothing and food? They should have government supplies and wouldn’t need to beg from villagers.

"The situation is urgent; my brothers and I have no armor to change into, only able to continue using the Qin’s."

"What proof do you have?" At this moment, three elders from the village approached, questioning loudly. It seemed they were polite to Ye Shikai earlier to make him lower his guard, allowing them to invite the rebel forces to surround and annihilate him. If he couldn’t explain clearly, the consequences could be severe.

"This... Can’t my wounded brothers serve as proof?"

"We can prove it."

Suddenly, a shout came from afar. Ye Shikai turned to see a mighty force approaching not far away, composed of tens of thousands, clad in gray uniforms, likely a rebel unit.

"So it’s General Huo." The village elders performed a cupped hand salute upon seeing the leader of the approaching troops.

"Three elders, it’s a misunderstanding. Folks, put down your weapons." The "General Huo" mentioned by the elders said calmly.

"Folks, follow my command, put down your weapons." The elder turned and gestured, and the villagers finally lowered their weapons. Ye Shikai sighed in relief and indicated for his soldiers to lower their strong bows and crossbows.

"This must be General Ye, famed for defeating the Wolf Clan’s cavalry at Ji County and saving a hundred thousand citizens in East County," General Huo approached Ye Shikai on horseback, performing a cupped hand salute.

"Long known for your reputation, pleased to meet you."

"May I know General Huo’s name..."

"I am Huo Ziqing, commander of the local county garrison."

"I see," Ye Shikai murmured to himself. Although unfamiliar with the current situation, Huo Ziqing seemed harmless, even helping defuse the situation, likely not an adversary.

"I am here on the orders of my lord, having awaited General Ye for some time."

"Lord? What lord?"