"Haha, the soldiers are fighting bravely on the front lines, that’s what’s truly arduous. As for me, I’m merely fulfilling my duty by ensuring logistical support. Moreover, Ye is my trusted General, how could I possibly let your subordinates suffer any loss?" Ma Yao waved his hand, and even though the East County’s taxes had decreased now, he still put all his effort into guaranteeing Ye Shikai’s logistical support. As long as he can win battles on the front, it can ensure the governor’s mansion’s rule in the East County. Eventually, whatever is lost can be earned back from the people.

"Come, come, Ye, this wine is the finest strong liquor, let’s continue drinking." Ma Yao said with a smile, asking the servant to pour wine for Ye Shikai.

"Throughout this year, rebel armies have been active in East County, openly defying the court, committing heinous crimes. Fortunately, Ye led the troops to suppress them, restoring peace to the East County. I’ve already reported to the court, proposing a commendation for you. It won’t be long before the court’s reward arrives." Ma Yao waved his hand, and several servants carried two large boxes up, slowly opening them to reveal gold ingots that emitted a golden glow, enough to tempt anyone who saw them.

"Ye, this is a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it."

"Mr. Ma is indeed too generous. So much gold, it’s equivalent to the monthly pay of thousands of brothers." Ye Shikai remained indifferent, yet for Ma Yao to give such an extensive reward in one breath showed how much his "wealth" amounted to. On the front lines, the soldiers were bleeding and dying, and the common people were suffering hardships, while the Commander had so much "private wealth." Ye Shikai was deeply "resentful" of this, but since Ma Yao was present, he couldn’t directly confront him.

"Ye, you’re mistaken. It’s said that an army of thousands is easy to find, but a good general is hard to come by. Those soldiers indeed have it tough, but the key to winning battles lies not with them, but with you, Ye. You are the one who truly labors hard. Moreover, those soldiers ought to be grateful to you. Had it not been for your adept command, they might have already died." After saying this, Ma Yao laughed a few times, causing Ye Shikai’s face to turn increasingly dark, his hand tightly gripping the wine cup. Little did he expect that Ma Yao, as a dignified Commander, would jest about the life and death of soldiers.

"Attendants, take these items to Ye’s mansion. Also, the jade stored in the treasury is rare in the world; send that over as well." Seeing Ye Shikai silent, Ma Yao simply instructed his servants to deliver them.

"Ye, why aren’t you eating?"

"Lately, the weather has turned cold, and I caught a chill, so I have little appetite," Ye Shikai made an excuse in response.

"I see, indeed, the weather has cooled as the new year approaches." Ma Yao nodded in agreement. This year has passed so quickly, so swift that he hadn’t even realized it. He has been in the Qin Dynasty for a year, yet is clueless how the people of the present era are faring, unaware that the passage of time is different between the two worlds.

"Ye, since you’ve caught a chill, take a good rest at home. With no battles at the moment, you can spend more time with your wife." Ma Yao advised.

"Thank you for your concern, Mr. Ma. I’m not feeling well, so I shall take my leave first." Ye Shikai found an excuse and intended to depart.

"Very well, I’ll personally see you off."

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

Ye Mansion.

"Husband, you look very fatigued. Have you encountered any difficulties?" He Linghan inquired, seeing Ye Shikai’s exhausted face, she kindly stepped forward to greet him.

"It’s nothing, Ling’er. I’m just a bit tired, please fetch me a cup of hot tea," Ye Shikai muttered.

"Okay, just a moment. Hehua, quickly go prepare some tea." He Linghan immediately instructed.

"Husband, what happened exactly?" He Linghan asked further.

"Ma Yao, as a dignified Commander, actually uttered such words; it’s laughable and disgraceful." After drinking a cup of hot tea, Ye Shikai finally recovered from the wine’s effects and suddenly laughed aloud.

It was a blatant sneer.

Ultimately, Ma Yao was just protecting his own official position, choosing safety over others. Yet between the lives of soldiers and his status, he would undoubtedly choose the latter decisively. Ye Shikai wasn’t surprised, believing many commanders shared thoughts akin to Ma Yao’s.

"Husband, what are you talking about?" He Linghan pursued the question; though she didn’t understand the meaning behind Ye Shikai’s words, she could still guess about Ma Yao.

"It’s nothing, just military affairs; you don’t need to concern yourself." Ye Shikai waved off, not wanting to involve He Linghan further.

"By the way, it’s almost the new year. Husband, you’ve been in the Qin Dynasty for a year now, right?" He Linghan whispered in his ear. Throughout the entire Qin Dynasty, only He Linghan knew Ye Shikai’s identity. It’s not that Ye Shikai didn’t trust Shangguan Jian, Man Cang, Xue San, and others, it’s just that this secret is best kept by fewer people, even if they knew, it served no purpose.

"Yes, time flies quickly." Ye Shikai gently hugged her. Over this year, he’d experienced much; looking back, he had changed significantly compared to a year ago when he first arrived in the Qin Dynasty. Many things seemed hard to understand, but soon enough, he’d gradually "assimilated."

"It’s cold recently; let’s go inside."

"General, there’s an officer outside requesting to see you." Suddenly, a guard hurried in and informed Ye Shikai.

"Who is it?"

"He claims to be Xue San, saying he’s your subordinate."

"Quickly, let him in." Ye Shikai immediately said, since the battle at Beast Mountain, he hadn’t brought Xue San into any fights because... he’d assigned Xue San a special mission.

To gather intelligence in Chu Territory.

Chu Territory is some two to three thousand li away from here; a round trip would take at least a week. If there weren’t particularly vital intelligence, Xue San wouldn’t come back personally. In other words, the fact he’s returned this time signifies something significant has happened.

Thud, thud, thud.

Ye Shikai sat in the living room, hearing the sound of hurried footsteps from a distance. Soon after, Xue San came in from outside, covered in dust as if he’d just climbed out of the soil. As an officer, he looked rather unkempt.

"Greetings, General."

"Xue San, rise quickly." Ye Shikai reached out to pat the dust off his clothes.

"What happened to you?"

"I... hurried back from Chu Territory, riding for three days, without having time to change clothes," Xue San explained.

"No matter."