"The entire army, hear the order: target Pu Yang, advance at full speed," Ye Shikai commanded. If everything goes smoothly, they would arrive in two days. However, escorting prisoners of war was a troublesome matter. With more than a thousand people, if not controlled properly, it could lead to a major incident. Man Cang was a hot-tempered man; if it weren’t for Ye Shikai’s order forbidding harm to the captives, he might have buried them alive by now.

"Old Ye, we suffered quite a loss this time. It can only be considered a pyrrhic victory," Shangguan Jian lamented. Although they managed to almost completely eliminate the five to six thousand insurgents at Beast Mountain, neither General, be it Ye Shikai or Shangguan Jian, was satisfied with the battle damage ratio, primarily due to the heavy losses at the Eagle Ridge camp.

"Indeed, once we return, we should replenish our forces," Ye Shikai nodded in agreement. This battle was a lesson for him personally; commanding troops requires constant vigilance. Along the way, many soldiers were still abusing the captives, which he could understand. Watching their comrades burned to death was something they couldn’t tolerate. If Ye Shikai hadn’t deployed heavy guards to protect Yan Yu, he might not have even left Beast Mountain alive, as soldiers could have shot him with arrows.

Looking across East County, Yan Yu’s rebel force was undeniably the largest. Eliminating them dealt a heavy blow to all uprising forces in the region, bringing about a period of "peace" in East County.

Upon returning to East County, Ye Shikai’s mission would be considered complete. While he could influence the handling of Yan Yu and his insurgents, the decision was up to Ma Yao. Frankly, Yan Yu, as an old general, was a formidable opponent, but their opposing stances were destined to result in mutual destruction.

East County, Ye Mansion

"Madam, madam, great news!" Hehua ran excitedly into He Linghan’s room.

"Hehua, why are you always so flustered? What’s happened? Speak slowly," He Linghan put down her embroidery and gently scolded.

"Madam, this is truly marvelous news. Just now, news came from the Commander Mansion: the General has completely defeated the enemy forces at Beast Mountain and has returned," Hehua announced loudly.

"Really? That’s wonderful news," He Linghan’s lips curled up, her long-solemn face finally showing a trace of relief and then joy, her hands trembling with excitement.

"By the way, is he injured?" He Linghan quickly asked.

"Well... the Commander Mansion didn’t say, but he’s a General—it’s not easy for him to get injured. He should be on his way back by now. Oh, and Lord Governor has sent many gifts to the house; the servants are busy inventorying them," Hehua continued excitedly. "There are jade bracelets and endless gold and silverware, things even I haven’t seen before."

"I don’t care about those riches; I’m only concerned about him. Hehua, have the servants inquire about when the army will return."

"All right, I’ll go now."

He Linghan walked into the living room, indeed seeing the servants moving box after box of gifts inside. She had never seen so many treasures and was instantly overwhelmed by their beauty.

"Madam, the storage room is already full; where should we move these?" a servant inquired.

"For now, move them to the garden; if that doesn’t work, put them in the woodshed."

"Understood."

"Madam, there’s a lady outside claiming to be Hua Liandie and wishes to see you," at this moment, another maid approached and said.

"Quickly, please invite her in. Oh, and go make some tea," He Linghan said hastily.

"Yes, I’ll do that immediately."

Inside the living room.

"Miss He, long time no see," Hua Liandie always wore a veil in front of strangers, but this time she didn’t even have it on outside, indicating she wasn’t concerned about others knowing her whereabouts.

"Coming from afar, I’m sorry for not greeting you sooner. Please forgive me," He Linghan smiled, personally pouring a cup of hot tea for Hua Liandie. "Please have a taste."

"Thank you," Hua Liandie said softly after taking a sip.

"I’ve heard he won a victory on the front lines. Congratulations, Miss He. Soon, Ye Mansion will be bustling with visitors," Hua Liandie teased. After this battle, Ye Shikai’s reputation in East County had grown even more, likely reaching even the village elders. As his family, He Linghan would surely come into contact with officials and notable families of East County.

"You’re too kind. I’m just a woman, satisfied with managing the household. Living together peacefully is enough for us. We couldn’t spend all such wealth in ten lifetimes, so what’s the use of having so much?" He Linghan shook her head, not particularly thrilled by the gifts from the Governor, yet her face lit up upon Hua Liandie’s arrival.

"Yes, you’re absolutely right." A trace of regret flashed in Hua Liandie’s eyes.

"By the way, I heard you’re often traveling the Seven Kingdoms doing business. This time you returned for..." He Linghan inquired.

"To be honest, my return this time isn’t a coincidence; there’s something I need to discuss with him," Hua Liandie admitted her purpose without hiding.

"Is that so? What is it?" He Linghan pursued.

"Well... Miss He, please forgive me for not being able to disclose it conveniently. It concerns him, but rest assured, it won’t pose any danger to him," Hua Liandie said somewhat awkwardly, understanding that He Linghan, as Ye Shikai’s wife and part of the family, had the right to inquire, while Hua Liandie was merely a friend.

"Alright, if you have personal matters to discuss, I won’t intrude. It’s rare for you to visit; I’ll have the servants prepare a room so you can stay a few more days," He Linghan kindly offered, displaying trust despite the nature of the visit.

"Thank you very much."

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

Two days later, Pu Yang military camp.

"Man Cang, take your men and settle these prisoners in the camp. Deploy the Iron Armor Army to guard them; ensure no mishaps occur."

"Understood, I accept the order," Man Cang turned to leave. The county’s prison couldn’t accommodate so many prisoners at once, so they had to be housed in the camp temporarily. Having been disarmed and with thousands of soldiers watching them, they had no chance to resist.

Ye Shikai entered a barrack where Yan Yu was inside reading military books. This, of course, was a "privilege" given by Ye Shikai; otherwise, he could not live so "comfortably."

"How are you? You’ve been on the move these days; you must be tired. If you need anything, just let me know," Ye Shikai said calmly.

"Nothing more," Yan Yu knew they had reached Pu Yang and was aware that his death was near, yet he appeared very composed.