Including the reinforcents from the rear, the Stonepeak Fortress garrison now numbers ten thousand, among them two thousand cavalry. The rest are heavily armored infantry and crossbown, along with so siege engines like ballistae and catapults. With complete troop types, abundant supplies and provisions, and high morale following multiple engagents with the Wolf Clan, they have clearly beco an elite force.
"No matter what, this is General ng’s order, Old Ye, surely you wouldn’t want to openly defy him? Besides, going to Xianyang doesn’t an we won’t return; once we leave Xianyang, we’ll head back to He Yang." Shangguan Jian advised.
"If that’s the case, I have no objections. Going to Xianyang to secure more military achievents and rewards for the brothers is a good thing." In the end, Ye Shikai agreed, thinking from a different perspective, at least going to Xianyang would take these few thousand brothers away from the brink of death, finally allowing them so ti to rest.
Three days later.
"Captain Han, I am the Deputy General of the Capital’s Imperial Guard, under General ng’s orders to relieve the Stonepeak Fortress." In the early morning, a squad of elite Qin Army troops arrived at the fortress’s south gate. According to plan, today was the day for changing the guard, and all the soldiers were visibly excited, as leaving the fortress ant distancing themselves from death.
"Then I’ll leave it to you all, please co in. I’ve had the soldiers renovate the fortress facilities, so they are ready for use."
"Captain Han has thought of everything, thank you."
The process of changing the guard between the two armies doesn’t take long; it was completed in a single morning. Stonepeak Fortress is a strategic location, a vital point connecting the heartlands and the grasslands, whether one is defending or not, it cannot be neglected. Thankfully, those taking over were not ordinary county garrison troops, but the most elite forces of the Qin Country, the Imperial Guard. With them guarding, the fortress won’t fall.
"How is it? Are all preparations complete?" Han Hao asked.
"According to military orders, one month’s worth of provisions and various supplies were prepared three days ago. If all goes well, it will take us over twenty days to reach Xianyang." Shangguan Jian reported.
"Alright, brothers have battled fiercely for so long; it’s finally over." Han Hao suddenly showed a relieved smile, turning to the soldiers.
"Let’s go, brothers. I’m taking you to see Xianyang City."
"Let’s go."
...............
Ninth day of the march.
"We are now deep within Hedong County, arriving at Yang County." Han Hao said, holding a map, "Unexpectedly, in just nine days we’ve covered half the distance, faster than I anticipated."
"Indeed, the soldiers’ morale is high, covering a hundred miles a day without any fatigue."
"This is the heartland of the Qin Territory, free from Wolf Clan attacks. The soldiers must want to reach Xianyang sooner." Ye Shikai nodded, saying that on this trip to Xianyang, they’ll certainly receive rewards from Emperor Qin Shi Huang, and many soldiers are eagerly anticipating it.
"Report, Captain Han, we’ve reached Yang County ahead. Should the troops rest in the county or continue on?" At this mont, the scout dispatched ahead returned to report.
"What does Ye think?"
"Yang County is a small county with a limited population. We have an army of ten thousand here; the city barracks likely won’t have enough space for so many. Better to camp outside the city, making it easier to leave tomorrow." Ye Shikai suggested. In the Qin Dynasty, the population was far less than in modern tis, the entire Hedong County had only a million people or so, and this was just one of its counties. Comparatively speaking, they indeed constituted a ’large army’.
"Alright, find a flat area near a water source, and set up camp for the whole army to rest for a day."
Yang County was near a river, and after the army set up camp, it drew many county residents to co and watch.
"Old Ye, while we have ti, let’s go into the county town to buy so things. Although Yang County isn’t as prosperous as Xianyang, we can buy so food to reward the soldiers and take a look at the local customs." Shangguan Jian suggested.
"That’s a good suggestion." The two rode horses, taking dozens of guards with them, and were soon ’surrounded’ by many Yang County villagers after leaving the camp.
"What is the situation of the army ahead, sirs?"
"Did we win or lose?"
The crowd’s incessant questions gave them a headache; rather than concern for the war, it was more about judging when the soldiers who went to fight might return. Hedong County, like He Nei County, had sent many young and able people to the front lines. Their families were waiting at ho for their return, and seeing an army pass by today, they ca quickly to inquire.
"Don’t worry, everyone, we defeated the Wolf Clan. This ti, we are heading to Xianyang to receive our accolades." Though not fully aware of the situation, Ye Shikai explained the general details to reassure them.
"That’s great news."
"Yes, with a victory, they’ll be back soon."
"Don’t worry, folks. The Great Wall we’ve built stretches thousands of miles, and it’s not easy for the Wolf Clan to breach." Shangguan Jian also comforted the crowd, letting them know there’s no need to worry.
"Thank you, sirs."
"Alright, everyone, hurry ho. Soon, the young n from the county will return." Ye Shikai signaled everyone to disperse, a sudden ’interlude’ that left both feeling heavy-hearted; in various counties, countless families awaited their young n to return from the battlefield.
"Old Ye, I’m beginning to understand why you are so eager to return." Walking through Yang County’s market, Shangguan Jian suddenly said.
"Being able to co back alive, what does it matter if one doesn’t receive accolades?"
"Indeed, that’s true." Ye Shikai smiled contentedly, patting his shoulder. In Heyang County, every household is waiting for their young n to return, and now that they’re going to Xianyang, the elders in their hotown have to wait another two months. This is a tornt for them. Earlier, Shangguan Jian hadn’t realized this, so he didn’t understand why Ye Shikai was reluctant to go to Xianyang for accolades. But now, seeing so many anxious villagers, Shangguan Jian suddenly understood the reason.
"Hey, you bunch, why are you gathered here? You want to die?"
"Hurry and clear off."
Suddenly, a noisy commotion ca from the front of the market; villagers were running back, and many were gathered in the front, where one could faintly see so people in Qin Army uniforms.
"Sothing seems to have happened ahead. Let’s go check it out." Ye Shikai said imdiately.
"Okay, everyone follow ." Shangguan Jian urged their horses forward.
"Yes!"
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