Chapter 1565: Chapter 1565: Lord

"We have suffered heavy losses, so the most important thing now is to recruit soldiers and horses, intensify training, and prepare for the major battles ahead." Ye Shikai knew very well that it wouldn’t be long before the Emperor would pass away, and when that time came, the world would truly fall into chaos, and their opponents would no longer be just the Qin Army.

"I want to remind everyone that we are no longer the Qin Army, and this is Mi Wen’s territory. We have come here to seek refuge with her, which means... we are living under someone else’s roof, so our actions cannot be too ostentatious. Moreover, I’ve said numerous times, it is strictly forbidden to bully the common people. If anyone dares to do so, regardless of their position, they’ll be dealt with by military law, with no mercy." Ye Shikai admonished, as no matter their location, bullying the common people was against Ye Shikai’s principles and bottom line.

"Yes, sir, we understand."

"In addition, our weapons, armor, and provisions have been almost completely consumed and lost, and must be replenished quickly."

"General, I... have a question."

"Go ahead."

"General, previously, the weapons and provisions required by our camp were supplied by the Commander Mansion, so we didn’t have to worry. But now that we have risen against Qin, all logistics have been cut off. Recruiting troops and horses, purchasing weapons and armor, and collecting provisions all require logistical support, but we now..."

"This..." Ye Shikai fell into contemplation; it’s hard to make a meal without rice. In this chaos, without money and supplies, it’s indeed difficult to gather troops. If one wants to achieve great things, it’s impossible without funds and resources, but then again, to accomplish great deeds, "only money and supplies" isn’t enough either.

"When we started the uprising, we still had some money at hand, which can be used for immediate needs. As for the rest, I’ll discuss it with Mi Wen." Ye Shikai felt helpless; they were living under someone else’s roof, without an inch of land to call their own, hindered at every turn, and this feeling was truly uncomfortable.

"Understood."

After the camps assembled, Ye Shikai carefully counted the remaining troops, barely making up seven thousand men. If they wanted to expand the army, Mi Wen’s support was essential.

"Report, General Huo Ziqing has arrived, and behind him are many carts carrying provisions and munitions." At this moment, a guard came in to report.

"That’s great."

Ye Shikai led the generals out to meet Huo Ziqing, coming just in time.

"General Ye, we meet again."

"General Huo."

"These have been allocated to you by our lord, enough for seven thousand men. Additionally, our lord heard that there are many wounded soldiers in General Ye’s camp and has specially sent some good medicine." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

"Thank you." Ye Shikai said with a bow.

"General Ye, since you have now joined our lord, we are now brothers in arms. I have long heard that General Ye’s troops are brave and skilled, having fought their way from East County to Southern County, truly living up to their reputation."

"If I encounter difficulties in the future, I would appreciate General Huo’s help."

"Of course."

"I’ve prepared good wine in the tent. Would General Huo be interested in having a couple of drinks?" Ye Shikai invited.

"Since General Ye invited so warmly, I should accept courteously rather than decline."

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

Evening.

Military camp.

"Sir, you seem to be quite troubled. Is there something bothering you?" Man Cang walked into the tent, only to see Ye Shikai sitting there, sighing.

"Is it about General Shangguan?" Man Cang asked further.

"Yes, you’re right. Although I’ve sent Xue San to check, I still feel uneasy." So many days had passed, if Shangguan Jian were safe and sound, he should have arrived in the Southern County by now.

"You worry too much, sir. General Shangguan is also a seasoned warrior, even if he encounters difficulties, he must have a way to solve them."

"And another thing, today Huo Ziqing sent provisions and equipment, but it’s only enough for seven thousand men."

"Sir, I don’t understand what you mean."

"This is Mi Wen’s intention. She seems to intentionally be preventing us from expanding the army." Ye Shikai murmured; he’s not an ungrateful person who bites the hand that feeds him. He’s just very curious why Mi Wen is doing this. Could it be due to distrust? It shouldn’t be. If Mi Wen didn’t trust him, why send troops to welcome him eagerly?

"Why is that?"

"I’m not sure either." Ye Shikai shook his head. Ever since Mi Wen returned to the Chu Territory and began her uprising, she seemed to have changed into another person. Ye Shikai couldn’t quite figure her out; perhaps, this was the necessary strategy of a "lord."

"We still have seven thousand men in any case. Although Mi Wen currently holds several counties, it’s not easy to produce so many resources at once." Ye Shikai made an offhand comment, and Man Cang didn’t suspect it.

"In a few days, I’ll go ask Mi Wen for clarity."

"Understood."

The next day.

"Did you come so urgently because there is something important?" Ye Shikai arrived at Mi Wen’s residence, his steps somewhat hurried, and as he came in, he found her sitting in the garden drinking tea, looking quite leisurely.

"It’s nothing really, just that I haven’t seen you in a while and wanted to chat. How about it, are you free?" Ye Shikai had words to say, but swallowed them back down.

"Of course, since you’re here, I naturally have time. Someone, bring tea."

The two chatted for a while, and many times Ye Shikai wanted to bring up the issue of logistical supplies but never did. Mi Wen had helped him in his most difficult times, even providing food, clothing, and supplies for his subordinates, which was more than enough. How could he ask for more?

Ye Shikai had pondered it over a night and had also come to understand that since he couldn’t "beg" Mi Wen, then the only choice was to take initiative, attack a court county, seize gold and silver supplies, and also recruit Qin soldiers.

"In a while, I plan to take the initiative and attack Nanyang County..."

"No, I don’t agree."

Before Ye Shikai could finish speaking, Mi Wen directly rejected him.

"Why is that?"

"With the number of troops you have now, how dare you attack Nanyang County? If you go, isn’t it like seeking death?"

"I have my own methods, so you don’t need to worry about that." Ye Shikai stood up, just about to leave, when suddenly, a longsword was placed against his neck.

"What are you doing?" Ye Shikai asked in return.

"Now that you’ve sought refuge with me, you naturally have to follow my orders, including your subordinates." Mi Wen said coldly, "You don’t seem to have figured out your position."

"So, you disagree."

"You and your brothers have just settled down, and you quickly want to take them to risk their lives?" Mi Wen’s tone shifted, losing the sharp edge and becoming more calm.