The Ye Mansion is located in Linxiang City, less than five li from the government office, and less than ten li from the city’s guard camp. If... if Mi Wen really means to harm Ye Shikai’s family, it would be almost too easy, like taking something from a bag. If the guard troops were ordered to move, it wouldn’t take more than the time of one incense stick to surround the Ye Mansion completely. Moreover, the commanders of the four city gates are all trusted lieutenants of Mi Wen. If something happens, it won’t be a joke.

It is precisely because of this that Ye Shikai decided to expedite the construction of the "secret base" for himself and He Linghan, then move there as soon as possible.

"Husband, I understand your intent. Whatever you say, I will agree to it. Although Linxiang City is prosperous, it is a golden prison." Mi Wen nodded in agreement. She naturally would not object; she was just worried about whether Mi Wen would target them, and if so, when it might happen. It was like a ticking time bomb, always posing a threat to them.

"Ling’er, you needn’t worry too much. At least for now, the lord is still kind to us. Moreover, she needs me to handle the affairs of attacking Ba Shu, so at least for now, she won’t do anything to us."

The two talked about many heartfelt matters in the room; since getting married, Ye Shikai seemed to have never felt so relaxed.

The next day.

According to the Soul of the Blade’s suggestion, Ye Shikai also wanted to start forming his own "Death Soldier Corps," so he spent a large sum buying several mansions across from the Ye Mansion and had craftsmen renovate them. Within a few days, it became a super fortress. During the Warring States period, Lord Mengchang had three thousand guests, though many were just there for the food without real talent, but it was a gathering of scholars nonetheless, naturally attracting many capable people. The key point was, Lord Mengchang had a prominent reputation, attracting good birds to perch, wise ministers to pledge service. Ye Shikai is now a Chu General; thanks to a few battles, he isn’t world-famous, but he is somewhat famous, at least well-known in Chu Territory.

"Old Ye, what are you doing building such a big house here, moving to a new home?" Shangguan Jian asked curiously.

"Of course not."

"Then what are you doing?"

"Raising guests."

"What, Old Ye, did I hear you right? A General raising guests? It’s the first time I’ve heard that."

"Why not? And what if I’m not a General anymore? Moreover, who says a General can’t raise guests?" Ye Shikai continued, "Did the people I asked you to bring come?"

"Of course, since you mentioned it, I certainly brought the brothers to support." Shangguan Jian pointed at the soldiers behind him, "I brought my guard squad, along with yours, there are two thousand men in total."

"Good, soldiers, surround this mansion, one person every three steps."

"Yes."

"Yes."

Ye Shikai stationed the soldiers outside the mansion, making it look very grand. Many citizens gathered nearby; it was close to the market, and now was the peak time for a dense crowd, attracting many people over.

"What’s happening here, so many soldiers."

"No idea."

"Such a large mansion, who lives in it?"

"Probably some dignitary or a rich merchant from elsewhere."

"Let’s go take a look."

Seeing the citizens coming in droves, Ye Shikai was delighted; this was the effect he wanted. Bringing these guard troops was merely a ’gimmick’ meant to attract attention.

"Everyone, I’m sure you’re curious about what I aim to do today."

"General Ye, what are you doing?" a citizen below asked.

"Good question, today I aim to widely gather scholars and recruit guests. Anyone skilled or talented is welcome to sign up." Ye Shikai announced loudly, "Not only that, outstanding talents will receive great rewards."

"As you can see, the mansion behind me is a residence for these heroes of the world," Ye Shikai explained to the crowd.

"So, General Ye is recruiting guests."

"I’ve heard that although General Ye is young, his command of the army is unmatched, even Wang Li and those famous generals are no match for him."

"Yes, I’ve heard so too. It’s no surprise. General Ye is destined for great deeds, naturally gathering scholars and recruiting heroes."

"I’ll sign up."

"I want to sign up too."

Soon, a few burly men stepped out from the crowd, each strong and robust.

"Anyone signing up, whether skilled in literary or martial arts, may enter the hall as long as you’re a hero."

The gathering of citizens grew, not just the common folk but also numerous nobles and royals from the original Six Kingdoms joined. Since Qin destroyed six countries, these nobles and royals have been in "citizenry," but life has been decent. Now with Mi Wen restoring the Chu Territory, raising the ’Destroy Qin’ banner, they naturally gained the support of the Six Kingdoms. Hence, many aristocrats from the Six Kingdoms settled in Linxiang City. Most of them have thoughts of restoration but lack opportunity. Now with Ye Shikai recruiting the world’s scholars, it’s a golden opportunity.

Besides recruiting brave men and strategists as guests, Ye Shikai also needed cultivators for his personal guard, and the noble families of the Six Kingdoms were rich in cultivators. Some were even from martial arts families, but after their country’s demise, their family declined, and those young disciples with ’no doors to serve their country’ lacked opportunity for merit. Ye Shikai happened to incorporate them into his retinue.

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

Night.

"Old Ye, how many people have you recruited?" Shangguan Jian asked curiously.

"Two or three hundred, mostly burly brave men, and a few wise strategists," Ye Shikai replied nonchalantly.

"So many. In the past during the Seven Kingdoms, those reputable nobles had thousands of guests. Old Ye, are you planning to match them?" Shangguan Jian teased.

"No way, today is the first day, and fewer will come afterward. Besides, do you think feeding and providing for so many is fun? My salary barely supports a wife and many servants, maintaining these guests relies on the rewards from the Qin Army," Ye Shikai sighed. During the Warring States, those reputable nobles could maintain so many guests because they had lands and ’income,’ and were wealthy. To cover expenses, Ye Shikai had no choice but to limit the number.

"Old Ye, why are you suddenly recruiting guests?" Shangguan Jian asked abruptly.

"Cough, cough, no reason."

"Impossible, you’re not the type for vanity or appearances. Recruiting so many guests certainly isn’t just for show."

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