"Alright, since you refuse to speak, I won’t ask anymore." He Linghan hesitated, gently nodding. She was a "good wife and mother," centering everything around Ye Shikai, full of tenderness and care. Ye Shikai did not intend to lose his temper, but... Hua Liandie’s words had struck him deeply, occupying his mind for several hours.

Hua Liandie was a "great merchant," as Ye Shikai knew, and perhaps she had even greater forces under her command. Moreover, she had grain, money, manpower, and held the background and identity of Chu State nobility. If she were to truly rebel, she would surely receive support from the nobles of the Chu Territory, gathering resources and recruiting troops far larger than any insurgent army Ye Shikai had encountered. The Qin Army presence in Chu Territory was not substantial; if she were to rise, she could at least threaten the governance of several counties in Chu Territory.

As a General in the Qin Army, and one who deeply abhorred war from the bottom of his heart, Ye Shikai did not support Hua Liandie’s actions. However, everyone has their own aspirations, and it could not be forced.

Only now did Ye Shikai understand why Hua Liandie stayed at his home for two days, waiting to bid farewell upon his return. The next time they met, they would likely be enemies.

"Hua Liandie, I hope we don’t meet on the battlefield."

Late night.

Ye Shikai decided to stay home for a while, accompanying He Linghan. Though they couldn’t honeymoon like in modern times, they could at least wander around nearby counties. Yet He Linghan preferred staying home, as the outside was currently chaotic, and Ye Shikai respected her choice.

Unknowingly, two months had swiftly passed—perhaps the most peaceful and happiest months since Ye Shikai arrived in the Qin Dynasty. Yan Yu had been ordered execution by the Prefectural Governor, his head displayed at the market. Ye Shikai did not go to see it; he knew well that Yan Yu was a true General, unlike those who claimed to uphold justice while engaging in pillage as "Mountain Kings." They were speculators, while Yan Yu was fundamentally different. He had no personal wealth, no speculative trades, devoted solely to overthrowing the tyrannical Qin Dynasty. Despite their opposing stances, Ye Shikai respected him.

Since Yan Yu’s force was obliterated, insurgent activities in East County significantly dwindled, perhaps due to the "killing the chicken to warn the monkey" effect, making them much more compliant.

As for Ye Shikai, he traveled daily between his residence and the military camp, having crushed the insurgent force entrenched in Beast Mountain, earning more rewards. Ma Yao valued him greatly but perhaps feared "powerful ministers shaking the state," worried that Ye Shikai might usurp his position. Hence, Ma Yao rewarded him with money and treasures but did not elevate his military rank.

Military camp.

"Shangguan, how goes the training for the new recruits?" Ye Shikai glanced at the bamboo slip in his hand, asking casually.

"Training per the plan, Old Ye, it’s the first time since we commanded troops that we’ve had so much time to train new recruits." Shangguan Jian jested, causing Ye Shikai to smile wryly, though it was indeed true. Whether initially in He Nei County fighting the Wolf Clan or forming cavalry at Stone Peak Fortress "Fire Line," the new recruits’ training never exceeded half a month, always hurried to the front. Only after the Wolf Clan conflict concluded did they return to the county with ample time to organize training.

"You’re right, once they’re well trained, they’ll be able to hold their own on the battlefield." Ye Shikai prioritized the overall combat strength of his troops, especially the training of squad leaders and centurions. In battle, amidst thousands fighting, it couldn’t be directed solely by the commander, and when a war stalemated, it’s often the troops with wavering morale who face defeat first. Squad leaders and centurions are the troops’ direct commanders, their roles crucial in determining victory or defeat.

"Indeed, during this peaceful time in the county, we can catch our breath." Shangguan Jian nodded, agreeing. Following the Battle of Beast Mountain, Ye Shikai’s forces lost over two thousand comrades, suffering substantial losses. However, Ma Yao cared enough to prioritize him in selecting new recruits to replenish his ranks.

"How many new recruits have been brought in?"

"Five thousand new recruits are all in place. As their assembly times weren’t uniform, I arranged training for the early arrivals, then gradually accommodated the latecomers."

"Well done."

"Old Ye, we’re currently short on experienced squad leaders and centurions. Of those who first embarked with us against the Wolf Clan, only half remain. Even if we promote them all, it’s insufficient for the new recruits’ numbers." Shangguan Jian reported. Including new recruits, Ye Shikai’s forces now numbered thirteen to fourteen thousand men, but squad leaders and centurions totaled no more than 1,200, mainly due to ongoing wars consuming many of these "veteran soldiers" who lead from the front, the most dangerous "positions."

"This is indeed a troublesome matter." Ye Shikai shook his head in frustration. Unlike new recruits, these squad leaders and centurions required combat experience, tested through tough and arduous battles, a quality not easily manufactured in a short time.

"Without them, new recruits’ training will surely slow, and discipline could easily slacken." Shangguan Jian continued.

"You’re quite right." Ye Shikai showed a troubled expression on his face, suddenly seeming to have thought of something, he turned to look at Shangguan Jian.

"By the way, I just remembered, among the captured insurgent prisoners, there should be quite a few squad leaders and centurions, correct?" Ye Shikai asked.

"What? Old Ye, are you thinking of bringing them into our ranks?" Shangguan Jian expressed surprise, not doubting their combat capability, but considering that just two months ago, they were fighting fiercely against each other on Beast Mountain. Now bringing them in as squad leaders and centurions could cause grievance among the soldiers.

"Don’t worry, I have a solution." Ye Shikai had promised Yan Yu to save his comrades whenever possible but lacked a justifiable reason. Now was an excellent opportunity—to rescue them and supplement the army with needed officers.

The sole concern was persuading Ma Yao, but Ye Shikai felt confident in this aspect. As Ma Yao’s "trusted aide," as long as Ye Shikai could ensure their discipline, Ma Yao had no reason to refuse.

"Alright then, since Old Ye you’ve decided, I’ll fully support you. Our army has numerous penal soldiers anyway; a few prisoner soldiers more shouldn’t make a difference." Shangguan Jian jested with a smile.