The next day, at noon.

"Old Ye, why hasn’t Miss He come?" Shangguan Jian asked. Outside the military camp, many civilians had gathered to see off the departing troops. Linxiang City was a full thirty miles from the camp, but more than ten thousand people came, showing their hope. Furthermore, the thirty thousand soldiers stationed in the city under General Huo Ziqing would also depart, making the farewell in the city undoubtedly lively.

"I told her not to come. Since we must leave, having her come would only make her sadder. I already told her everything last night." Ye Shikai explained.

"That’s good. Don’t worry, it won’t be long before we’re back."

"You’re right, not only you and me, but our twenty thousand brothers each have a family behind them. If we lose one less brother, that’s one less tragedy. Shangguan, as generals, any wrong decision we make could lead our whole army to their deaths." Ye Shikai’s tone was very heavy; the greater the ability, the greater the responsibility.

"Old Ye, you’re absolutely right. Yet, the situation on the battlefield changes in an instant, and in this world, what general has ever won every battle?"

"No general can win every battle. Haven’t we been defeated before?" Ye Shikai bantered. He came from the modern world, knew future trends, but couldn’t predict his own fate. In the grand scheme, he was too small, impossible to be inscribed in history.

"Yes, but this time is different. Last time in East County, we had only fifteen thousand brothers facing ninety thousand Qin Army. Now, we alone have twenty thousand, not counting General Huo’s men and Southern County’s troops, totaling over a hundred thousand soldiers. If we attack in full force, the Qin Army in Nanyang County will certainly be overwhelmed." Shangguan Jian said excitedly.

"The Qin Army in Nanyang County may be overwhelmed, but behind Nanyang lies the Central Plains. Shangguan, both you and I come from the Central Plains; we should be very aware of how many troops are there." Speaking of this, Ye Shikai’s face suddenly darkened as he slowly sat on the ground, watching the twenty thousand brothers before him march north.

The Qin Army in the Central Plains totals over two hundred thousand, and their equipment is sophisticated. Once they move south into Nanyang County, this more than a hundred thousand rebel troops will be in dire straits—at least... severe losses are unavoidable.

"Old Ye, what do you think the odds are for our lord to attack Nanyang County successfully?" Shangguan Jian also looked grim, suddenly turning to ask.

"If we can conquer Nanyang with these hundred thousand within a month, the odds are seventy percent. If within two months, it’s fifty-fifty; if..."

"If what, after two months?" Shangguan Jian pursued.

"If we can’t take Nanyang within two months, then we have no chance of success and should consider retreating south." Ye Shikai said dryly.

"Why?"

"Once battle starts in Nanyang County, within five days, messengers will relay the news to Xianyang City, and then Emperor Qin will surely order reinforcements from the Central Plains. We have stayed in East County and He Nei County, and the troops of the whole county can be assembled in just one month. Therefore, counting thoroughly, within two months, the troops from all counties in the Central Plains will definitely deploy, confronting a large number of Qin Army, we will immediately be passive. Additionally, we are attackers, without solid defenses. Once the Qin Army moves south to assist, we will immediately fall into passive status." Ye Shikai’s analysis was very reasonable and straightforward, Shangguan Jian understood his meaning.

"So, we must fight quickly and decisively."

"This is the safest strategy, it’s a pity you and I are not commanders, merely generals of a troop." Ye Shikai sighed.

"Old Ye, if you were the lord, what would you do?" Shangguan Jian retorted.

"Haha, then I would immediately withdraw the troops. Attacking the Central Plains itself is the worst strategy; all the plans we have discussed now are forced choices."

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

Five days later.

Following Mi Wen’s military orders, Ye Shikai led his troops to Wu County. It was a very scenic place, dense forests, mountains, and rivers. If not for war, it could be a good paradise.

"Old Ye, why has the lord sent us here, shouldn’t we be going to Jiangling?" Shangguan Jian asked.

"Don’t underestimate Wu County; though it’s just a small county, its geographical location is crucial."

"Crucial? Why do you say that?"

"If the Qin Army in Nanyang County wants to move south, without occupying Wu County, they absolutely dare not advance." Ye Shikai explained, "Look at this map, Wu County is 120 miles northwest of Jiangling, the area in between is a plain, while the north of Wu County is mountainous and steep, impossible for the Qin Army to cross, so they can only come from the west."

Ye Shikai pointed at the map. If the Qin Army ignores the uprising troops in Wu County and directly enters the interior of Southern County to attack Jiangling, when the battle becomes protracted, Ye Shikai will lead troops from Wu County southeastward to strike the Qin Army from behind, delivering a FATAL STRIKE. As long as the Qin Army commander has read a bit of military strategy, he wouldn’t commit such a grave error.

"I see, now I understand why such a small county requires twenty thousand troops to defend." Shangguan Jian nodded, but Ye Shikai was buried in the map. Mi Wen was no foolish ruler, perhaps considered wise. If she were commanding the battle, the arrangement would probably be similar to Ye Shikai’s plan.

"Southern County is a flat region, suitable for gathering troops and resources. If the Qin Army moves south, we can quickly meet the enemy. If we go forth to attack north, we can gather quickly and strike before the Nanyang Qin Army can react, thus in terms of offense and defense, it’s beneficial for us."

The troops have not moved, but provisions must be prepared first. This time Mi Wen intends to advance north proactively, surely large quantities of provisions and military supplies will be sent to the front before the battle begins.

"Where will she deploy them?" Ye Shikai studied the map, pondering deeply.

"Report, generals, the lord has arrived, just outside the camp." Suddenly, a soldier came in to report.

"What, let’s go out quickly to welcome."

"Yes."

Ye Shikai and Shangguan Jian were both shocked, not expecting Mi Wen would suddenly arrive. According to the plan, as the commander, she should be in Jiangling City, overseeing and directing troops. Why would she come to Wu County?

"Greetings, my lord." Ye Shikai bowed and said, Mi Wen smiled slightly in response.

"Why don’t you first invite me in for a cup of tea?"

"Please, my lord."

Tent.

"Why are you not at Jiangling City, and come to Wu County?" Ye Shikai curiously asked.

"Wu County is the key area for the campaign, I wasn’t at ease, so I had to come and check it out." Mi Wen continued, "I’ve already planned to stock the provisions and artillery for the northern expedition in Wu County."