"If I have time in the future, I’ll definitely come to the Chu Territory to find you. By then, I hope this noble will treat me well," Ye Shikai said with a smile. When they first met, Hua Liandie was a "black-hearted merchant" who "monopolized grain stores," but over time, Ye Shikai gradually changed his impression of her. To put it mildly, they were "close friends." If He Linghan were a little more jealous, Ye Shikai would have to explain every day.

"Really? You’re so busy with official duties right now, do you have the chance to come to the Chu Territory?" He Linghan teased. After hearing this, Ye Shikai also felt a bit awkward. Indeed, he is now the top general of East County, responsible for a total of fifty or sixty thousand stationed troops, with more than ten thousand elite soldiers under his command. It can be said that he has to manage the entire East County’s military. As a result, he found it difficult to take care of He Linghan, his newlywed wife, let alone take the time to "travel" to the distant Chu Territory.

"Perhaps," Ye Shikai replied with an awkward smile, though he was well aware that Emperor wouldn’t last much longer and the rule of the Qin Dynasty would soon crumble. At that time, the situation of the battles would be beyond his control. Ye Shikai had also considered relinquishing his position as general and finding a peaceful place to live with He Linghan. With his current wealth, they could live comfortably for generations, but... he had so many brothers-in-arms under his command that he couldn’t accept abandoning them. Without his guidance, the future path for these brothers would be difficult.

"Alright, let’s stop joking. I’m going back to the Chu Territory this time for a big matter." Hua Liandie showed a rarely seen bitter smile.

"What matter?"

Hua Liandie glanced around and, seeing no one was nearby, leaned close to Ye Shikai’s ear and murmured.

"Overthrow the Qin Dynasty."

"What did you say?" Ye Shikai couldn’t help but tremble all over upon hearing this. It was an instinctive tremor, as if a bomb had exploded in his ear. It took him a long time to react.

"You... you..." Ye Shikai was so shocked that he couldn’t speak. Looking around anxiously for eavesdroppers, he never expected Hua Liandie to plan a "rebellion."

"That’s right, you heard correctly. I’m returning to the Chu Territory to overthrow the Qin Dynasty and rebuild the Chu State." Hua Liandie spoke with a very serious tone. Similarly, she was never one to joke around. Since she told Ye Shikai this, it had to be true.

"Are you crazy? This is a crime punishable by death," Ye Shikai advised, fully aware of the fate of those who failed in uprisings. The Qin Law was harsh, and if she failed, Hua Liandie would also die.

"It’s just death. I’ve been prepared for this," Hua Liandie glanced at Ye Shikai’s face and slowly extended her hands. "If you want to arrest me, you can do it now, and then you’ll have achieved a great merit."

"I don’t consider myself a good person, but I will never betray a friend, even though I am now a Qin General," Ye Shikai replied somewhat angrily. He knew Hua Liandie was testing his loyalty, but he was still displeased.

"Ha ha, I expected this. You’re not one to prioritize gains over loyalty. If you really were to arrest me, I wouldn’t have told you this secret," Hua Liandie chuckled, looking relieved.

"You... No matter what, your willingness to tell me this secret is a sign of trust. I would never become the kind of person who betrays friends, so rest assured," Ye Shikai suddenly felt regret for promising Hua Liandie to help her in the future. Yet... if she indeed rebelled, how would Ye Shikai decide?

"Hua Liandie, have you really firmly decided to rebel?" Ye Shikai asked again, knowing he wasn’t persuasive enough to convince her. It was just that... from a friend’s standpoint, he couldn’t bear to see Hua Liandie defeated and killed in battle.

"The Qin is unjust. Heroes across the land are rising, yet many just seek castles, lands, gold, and silver during this chaos. They do it for themselves, so when the Qin Army crushes them, I don’t regret it," Hua Liandie continued, "As a noble of the Chu State, it’s my responsibility."

"If I need a favor from you in the future, will you still help me?" Hua Liandie asked, noticing Ye Shikai’s serious expression and reading his mind.

"Of course, I will still help."

"The next time we meet, we might be on opposing sides. If you help me, you won’t escape being punished by the Qin Law."

"If what you do is wrong, I won’t help you, but if you do the right thing, even if it violates the Qin Law, I will still help you," Ye Shikai hesitated for a moment before replying.

"Alright, I hope we are still friends when we meet again," Hua Liandie nodded slightly, "I’ve already delayed quite a bit and need to set out soon."

"Okay, I’ll see you off."

Ye Shikai couldn’t stop Hua Liandie, just as he couldn’t stop the course of history. Ultimately, all he could do was protect the people around him as much as possible.

"Miss He has been waiting at home, looking quite worn out. I can tell she is very worried about you. Now that you’re back, it’s better to stay home and accompany her. As for farewell... let’s forget it," Hua Liandie politely declined.

"Then I’ll see you to the city gate."

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

Evening, at the Ye Family residence.

"Did Hua Liandie leave just like that?" He Linghan asked. Hua Liandie stayed at their home for two days, only to meet Ye Shikai before heading to the Chu Territory and to tell him this secret, showing her trust in Ye Shikai. Given this, he naturally would keep it to himself, especially since this secret could cost lives. Even with He Linghan, he chose to keep it hidden.

"Yes, she’s going back to the Chu Territory to handle some matters," Ye Shikai casually replied, then said no more. He Linghan did not press further. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Husband, you must have had no good food in the Beast Mountain. I made this for you. Please try it," He Linghan thoughtfully served Ye Shikai food. However, Ye Shikai’s mind was preoccupied with Hua Liandie’s matter, feeling heavy and somewhat lacking in appetite.

"Husband, are you feeling unwell, or are you not satisfied with the food?" He Linghan inquired.

"Cough, cough, no, the food is very good," Ye Shikai snapped out of it and replied, taking two big bites of food.

"Then is there something on your mind?"

"Not really," Ye Shikai replied dismissively.

"Is it about Hua Liandie?"

"Ling’er, please don’t talk about this anymore, okay?" Ye Shikai set down his chopsticks and said softly.