Xue San had been in Nanyang County for over two days; after all, it was a "Great County," and even if they traveled day and night, it would take several days to leave, not to mention avoiding the garrison of the surrounding counties. Since Hou Ganxian had already heard about Ye Shikai’s uprising in East County, the authorities must have received this news too. Therefore, their group must "march discreetly" to avoid conflicts.

Further south of Nanyang County lies Southern County, the former Chu Territory. Xue San had commissioned brothers from the underworld to gather information. The rebel forces had already taken root in Southern County, and once they reached there and found Hua Liandie, the group would be safe.

Looking at the boundless mountains ahead, Xue San gently nodded. Indeed, with so many mountains, the Qin Army couldn’t possibly pursue them; at most, they would be "driven away."

"Are you sure about what you’re saying?"

"Every word I say is true; absolutely real. My brothers and I have been to this mountain countless times, and we’re familiar with every blade of grass and tree inside. Please trust me, Commander Xue," Hou Ganxian said, patting his chest.

"Alright, let’s hurry into the mountains."

"Please wait a moment, Commander Xue."

"Do you have something else to say?"

"Commander might not know, although the road through these mountains can lead to Southern County, it’s covered in dense forest and also has a miasma. Normally, only the most experienced hunters dare to enter, and the common people in the mountains stay far away."

"What do you mean the road is not passable?" Xue San grabbed Hou Ganxian’s collar and cursed, feeling somewhat "tricked," as even the mountain folk dared not venture there, meaning it’s a "dangerous path."

"Please, stay calm, my lord. Although there’s miasma on this path, I have a way to deal with it."

"Speak quickly."

"Although there’s miasma in the mountains, the mountain folk naturally have ways to deal with it. There’s a herb used to make medicine pills. Taking them doesn’t completely prevent miasma harm but alleviates much of it."

"Have you tried these pills yourselves?" Xue San was somewhat skeptical, pursuing further.

"Rest assured, my lord, my brothers and I have taken them. During times of scarcity, we dared venture inside to try our luck. If we managed to hunt some game, it could fill our stomachs. That’s why we’ve saved enough."

"Hmph, next time, say everything at once."

"Yes, commander, I understand."

Xue San still felt uneasy; miasma wasn’t something trivial, and for weaker bodies, it could cause illness and even death. The accompanying guard troopers were Ye Shikai’s elite, selected for their strength and fearlessness. Taking the pills should be fine, but... what about He Linghan? Women have weaker constitutions. Lately, she’d been traveling day and night, needing rest. If they ventured now, she might fall ill.

If they didn’t take this path, He Linghan might avoid miasma, yet facing the Qin Army posed total annihilation risk. Taking this path might avoid the Qin Army’s chase, but if He Linghan fell dangerously ill or died, how would Xue San answer to Ye Shikai? Even death wouldn’t offer recompense.

"Madam, I have something to report." Xue San approached the carriage, bowing.

"Xue San, say whatever you need." He Linghan opened the window, her face somewhat improved, but her spirit seemed weary.

"Madam, there’s a path through the mountains that leads to Southern County, but there’s a poisonous miasma, extremely dangerous."

"And if we bypass the mountain, what then?"

"The army would extend our journey by about two days. Moreover, Nanyang County’s Qin Army might mobilize, but I’d swear to protect madam’s safety."

"Cough, cough, no." He Linghan waved, coughing continuously.

"Madam, are you alright?" Xue San felt a chill, for He Linghan appeared to have a cold, and entering the miasma could mean certain death.

"Madam, let’s bypass the mountain. Though Nanyang County’s forces are ample, they’re scattered across various counties. With proper arrangements, I’m confident we can avoid them." Xue San instantly decided to abandon the mountain route, unwilling to take this risk.

"No, we’ll enter the mountains instead."

"Madam, but your body... it’s really difficult to support."

"Enough, Hehua, no more words," He Linghan retorted.

"Bypassing risks not only me, but would endanger our two to three thousand soldiers outside. Your husband always treated soldiers like brothers, how could I risk everyone for my safety?"

"Madam, please reconsider. The miasma is extremely dangerous. After reaching Southern County, it might still be hard to settle quickly. If you fall ill, it’s life-threatening. I pledge my life to guarantee avoiding the enemy by going around."

"No, let’s follow my plan and enter the mountains, no more hesitation." He Linghan was resolute, her tone gentle yet firm, leaving no room for negotiation despite persistent dissuasion from Xue San and Hehua.

"Xue San, are you defying my orders?" He Linghan’s voice was icy, revealing her seriousness to all.

"I obey, madam." 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

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

"Brothers, hurry up. Pick out a thousand intact sets of armor; we’re short on time, move quickly." Meanwhile, Ye Shikai ordered his soldiers to prepare for "food raids." After days of bloody battles, many soldiers’ armor was damaged, and bloodstains on them couldn’t be cleaned in time, appearing quite disheveled. If they went as they were, they’d be exposed. The first priority was gathering a thousand unbroken armor sets for the raiding soldiers.

"Wan Qi Yuan, once we gather the weapons and armor, the cavalry takes over. Whether we succeed in raiding the food depends entirely on you." Ye Shikai’s tone was solemn; failure meant hunger and exposing their location to the garrison, inciting pursuit.

"Don’t worry, General. I won’t fail my mission. Additionally, this plan is flawless; General, await my good news."

"Good, I trust you. But this operation is crucial. Just in case, I’ll position the remaining soldiers ten li from the transport convoy. If anything goes wrong, you must immediately lead the cavalry back."