"Although I, Hu Zi, am not a well-read scholar, I know what it means to understand shame and maintain loyalty. Since I’ve promised you, if I were to report you to the Qin Army, it would mean I do not keep my word. I stand true and upright, and I would never do such a thing." Hu Zi was somewhat angry. Ye Shikai’s words seemed like a doubt and denigration of his character. The customs in Chu Territory are simple and honest. Hu Zi is a genuine man, full of integrity, understanding loyalty and righteousness. If he could be recruited, he would definitely be very loyal in the future. In this era, there aren’t many such people left.

"Alright, it seems I wasn’t wrong about you." Ye Shikai changed the subject. "The villagers are celebrating outside, let’s go have a look. Oh, and thank you for the roasted venison and wine; they were delicious."

From the start, Ye Shikai was certain that Hu Zi would not rashly assassinate him. Since he knew the truth that Ye Shikai was a Chu General and still brought him roasted meat and wine, it was clearly a test. Otherwise, it would have been poisoned wine.

The next day, on the other side of the cave.

"General, the Chu Army’s camps are over there. You just need to follow the mountain path down, and you’ll reach it in four hours." Hu Zi pointed towards the distant Chu Army camp and said.

"Okay, then I’ll see you tomorrow." Ye Shikai waved his hand, just as he was about to leave, Hu Zi suddenly stopped him.

"General, I hope you keep your promise and don’t forget our agreement."

"Don’t worry."

Ye Shikai rode down the mountain swiftly. After all, this was military business, not a leisure trip. He had already delayed for two days in Baimu Village. Fortunately, he found this route, which was quite an achievement. If everything goes smoothly, the Chu Army will pack up and set out overnight, and within a week they should be able to retreat completely.

Chu Army Camp.

"Who goes there? This is a restricted area, you may not enter."

"I am Ye Shikai, sent by our lord to find General Huo with important matters for discussion. Hurry and report." Ye Shikai shouted loudly, wearing the attire of a traveling doctor, which the guards at the camp did not immediately recognize.

"What, it’s General Ye."

"It’s General Ye! I’ve heard of his renowned name. Quickly report to the general."

"Alright."

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

Chu Army, main camp.

"General Ye, why are you dressed like this?" Huo Ziqing had the guards invite Ye Shikai into the camp and curiously asked.

"Time is short, so I’ll be brief." Ye Shikai got straight to the point, "The lord has ordered me to instruct you to retreat."

"But... as you can see, the path of retreat has been blocked by thirty to forty thousand Qin troops. They’ve taken up positions in the steep mountains, and we simply can’t attack it effectively."

"I came precisely to find an escape route for our hundred-thousand-strong army," continued Ye Shikai.

"Oh, what is your plan?"

"By disguising myself as a traveling doctor, I aimed to find an alternate route." Ye Shikai took out a map from his bag, which had a line drawn with a brush.

"While passing through Baimu Village, there was a plague outbreak. After I cured it, by a twist of fate, I obtained this route," explained Ye Shikai.

"I see." Upon seeing the map, Huo Ziqing’s grave expression finally eased somewhat, and he sighed with relief.

"That’s right, take a look. There’s a cave here that leads directly to the village and the frontline camp. We can use this route for a gradual withdrawal."

"That’s excellent. The supplies in the camp can only last for a week. If you don’t withdraw the troops soon... I wouldn’t know what to do." Huo Ziqing felt relieved. Just over a month had passed since he last saw Ye Shikai, and Ye Shikai keenly observed that Huo had become much more haggard, a testament to the immense pressure he was under during these times.

"How has the battle been progressing?" Ye Shikai inquired.

"The Qin Army has shifted from defense to offense. Our retreat is blocked, and I dare not act rashly and advance. So I’ve kept the main forces stationed here, defending against the invading Qin troops. So far, there are about ten thousand casualties, and the forces guarding each city are also very scattered."

"No problem. I’ve estimated that if we retreat at night, the Qin troops wouldn’t dare to pursue aggressively in the short term. Their numbers are at a disadvantage, and Qin Generals are notorious for being suspicious. If they can’t confirm our retreat, they wouldn’t dare to take a decisive risk."

"I think so too. However, can this cave accommodate such a large-scale withdrawal of troops?" inquired Huo Ziqing.

"No problem retreating ten to twenty thousand troops in a day and night. Within a week, it should be sufficient for a complete withdrawal," analyzed Ye Shikai.

"Very well, I will follow your instruction," stated Huo Ziqing. "What about the remaining supplies?"

"Leave everything behind. Distribute any surplus food to the local residents, and destroy all weapons. Do not leave them for the Qin Army," Ye Shikai instructed immediately.

"Weapons... destroy them all?"

"Exactly, immediately, without delay. It must be handled," Ye Shikai stated firmly.

"Understood."

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

Deep Night.

"How’s the situation?" Ye Shikai stood in the center of the camp. Thousands of troops began moving. To keep the Qin Generals from noticing anything amiss, he did not order the entire Chu Army to retreat, but only half the forces at first.

"Rest assured, the elite troops have already started retreating."

"Very well, keep up the pace. The troops should immediately head up the mountain, follow the cave route for retreat. Move quickly but keep the movement subtle. If the Qin Army dispatches scouts, we might still be discovered," commanded Ye Shikai.

"Rest assured, the leader is my trusted confidant. He has extensive experience. Our retreat will not be in danger," reported Huo Ziqing.

"That’s good. To be frank, the Qin troops sent from Xianyang arrived quickly, and their deployment is well-positioned, securing all key areas. I suspect... the commanding general is my old opponent, Wang Li." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"What, Wang Li again?" exclaimed Huo Ziqing.

"That’s right. Currently, in the court, when it comes to commanding ability, who can surpass Wang Li? Besides, after being defeated by me in Nanyang last time, he must harbor significant resentment. If he successfully blocks your path and annihilates the hundred-thousand-strong Chu Army, it would be his redemption."

"Indeed, simply in terms of capability, who can rival Wang Li? This fellow surpasses even his grandfather, Wang Jian. If not for General Ye’s timely arrival, I’m afraid... I would not be a match for him. Even with a hundred thousand troops under my command, it would be challenging to break through his thirty-thousand-strong defensive line."

"No problem. Wang Li certainly has the capability, but you are also a capable general. Otherwise... why else would the lord entrust a hundred thousand troops to your command?" Ye Shikai stated mildly.

"I have received great kindness from the lord, and even if it costs me my life, I must repay his benevolence," vowed Huo Ziqing, nodding.