Ye Shikai grapples with a dire choice: rebel against the Emperor to save civilians in the path of a devastating imperial order, or remain loyal and uphold his duty, preserving his soldiers and family. He confides in his wife, He Linghan, who implores him to be honest about his troubles. Ye Shikai reveals the Emperor's plan to massacre all civilians within fifty miles of a meteor impact site, including Shangshui Village, which endangers He Linghan's grandfather. He states he wants to intervene but would abandon the plan if He Linghan advised against it, prioritizing her safety above all else.
“Ling’er, I had promised you a tranquil and joyful existence. If you are reluctant, then I shall not mobilize the troops,” Ye Shikai stated with conviction.
“Husband, if I were not here, would you still raise an army?” He Linghan inquired again.
“This…” Ye Shikai remained silent for an extended period. Had he never encountered He Linghan, he would undoubtedly have proceeded with raising troops without hesitation; the likelihood was exceedingly high.
“Husband, if I did not exist, you would most certainly raise troops, wouldn’t you,” He Linghan murmured softly. Though her voice was gentle, each word struck Ye Shikai’s heart like a weighty hammer. Her understanding of him was profound. Having been married for half a year, many unspoken thoughts passed between them, understood with but a glance. Within Ye Shikai’s hesitation, He Linghan had already discerned his true intentions.
“Ling’er, this matter carries immense significance, and I do not wish to make a rash judgment. The fate of tens of thousands of my brothers rests in my hands, yet you are the one I cherish most.”
“Husband, since I have taken you as my husband, I shall have no regrets regarding any decision you make. If your resolve is firm to raise an army for the greater good of the people, then proceed. Do not concern yourself with my well-being.”
“No, Ling’er, I shall not raise troops. We will simply live out our lives as we are,” Ye Shikai declared, his voice rising in agitation as he tightly clasped her hands, his eyes welling up. He Linghan gently withdrew her hands from his grasp, their gazes meeting.
“Husband, since you have already resolved to raise troops, then speak no more. Ling’er stands with you. Your actions are for the sake of countless commoners; you are not a rebel but a great hero of this land. To be married to such a hero, I am already deeply content,” He Linghan offered a gentle smile before leaning into Ye Shikai’s embrace.
“Husband, just give it your all.”
“Ling’er, I have failed you,” Ye Shikai whispered, holding her close. To be candid, he truly wished to avoid such perilous undertakings, especially at the risk of endangering He Linghan alongside him.
“Husband, you have never failed me. If you were to forsake righteousness for personal gain, only then would Ling’er truly look down upon you,” He Linghan stated calmly. “Husband, hurry and go now.”
The following day.
The military encampment.
“General Chen Ping, to what matter do you visit the camp?” Shangguan Jian inquired from his central position, his gaze fixed upon the general before him, his expression stern. General Chen Ping, who stood opposite him, was a general serving under the Commander’s Mansion. Shangguan Jian recognized him; Chen Ping hailed from the same hometown as Ma Yao and was thus one of Ma Yao’s trusted subordinates. Chen Ping had arrived at the camp before dawn, accompanied by a contingent of guards.
“Military Marquis Shangguan, I do not see General Ye present,” Chen Ping’s tone carried a distinct arrogance. From the outset, he eschewed politeness, proceeding directly to his objective.
“General Ye is attending to urgent matters and is currently absent from the camp. He has entrusted me with the Commander’s Seal and the command of the entire army in his stead.”
“I understand. It matters not,” Chen Ping stated dismissively, gesturing towards his guards who presented a bamboo slip.
“Here is Commander Ma’s official military decree.” Chen Ping unfurled the bamboo slip and began to read aloud: “General Ye has successfully vanquished the bandit forces, dedicating his tireless efforts to the peace of East County. The Commander, acknowledging his arduous work and significant accomplishments, hereby grants General Ye a leave of absence for one month, along with a reward of one thousand taels of silver, so that he may balance work with rest and preserve his health. During General Ye’s absence, General Chen Ping shall assume command of the troops in his stead.” Upon concluding, Chen Ping handed the bamboo slip to Shangguan Jian.
“Military Marquis Shangguan, this is the Commander’s official military order. As General Ye is not in the camp, I must request that you surrender the Commander’s Seal to me.”
Shangguan Jian clenched his fists tightly. Ma Yao’s actions were hardly for Ye Shikai’s benefit; this was an undeniable ploy to wrest military control from him. However, Ma Yao held the position of Commander of East County, overseeing the county’s military forces. Any open defiance from Shangguan Jian would undoubtedly invite damaging gossip, with himself bearing the brunt of the repercussions. It would be more advantageous to subtly counter the situation.
“Haha, so that is the situation. Given the Commander’s explicit military order, I shall, of course, comply. However… General Ye has yet to return. If I were to hand over the Commander’s Seal to you at this moment, the army would effectively have two commanders. Under whose orders would the soldiers ultimately serve, General Chen, or General Ye? Such a scenario would inevitably lead to administrative chaos. Given the critical juncture we are at, surely you, General Chen Ping, do not wish to see disorder within the ranks, do you?” Shangguan Jian remarked with a smile, adopting an air of forthright sincerity.
"What Military Marquis Shangguan says... does have some sense."
"How about this, General Chen Ping, I have a plan that satisfies both sides. When General Ye left camp, he told me that he would be back within two days. Why not stay in the camp for one day first. When General Ye returns, then you can proclaim the Commander’s military order. At that time General Ye can personally hand the Commander’s Seal into your hands. That way your position will be proper in name and in fact, and the soldiers will obey you."
"This... Very well, we’ll do as Military Marquis Shangguan says." In the end, Chen Ping chose to compromise. Ye Shikai was a renowned general in the county, with extremely high prestige in the army; the soldiers all looked to him as their leader. If Chen Ping were to take over command while Ye Shikai was absent, it would inevitably arouse the soldiers’ dissatisfaction.
"Good. Men, bring wine. I must give General Chen a welcome feast to wash away the dust of travel."
"Yes."
..................
"General Chen, this is fine wine I brought back from Ji County. Please." At the banquet, Shangguan Jian ceded the principal seat to Chen Ping, while he himself sat on the side and even personally poured Chen Ping’s wine.
"Military Marquis Shangguan, you are too courteous." Chen Ping nodded in acknowledgment. The central main seat was only for the commander to sit in. Shangguan Jian giving up that place put Chen Ping much at ease.
"General Ye has been campaigning outside all year; he truly has had a hard time. To be frank with General Chen, I too have thought of resigning and going home, to enjoy life properly. Would that not be delightful?" Shangguan Jian said with a smile.
"Haha, what you say, my good brother, why would I not wish the same? Now the bandit armies are rising everywhere and there is fighting all around. Though it is a good chance to make military achievements and build a career, if one is even a little careless, one may lose one’s life." Chen Ping drank the strong liquor; as the wine took effect, his tongue loosened, and he actually began discussing his "life ideals" with Shangguan Jian.
"General Chen, my stomach is suddenly feeling a bit unwell. I’ll go to the latrine. Please, enjoy food and drink."
"Is that so? Then, my brother, go quickly and come quickly."
Shangguan Jian found an excuse to leave the tent. Xue San and Man Cang were waiting outside.
"Shangguan, what’s going on?" Man Cang immediately asked.
"Commander Ma has issued a military order, telling Old Ye to hand his military authority over to Chen Ping. He’s probably afraid Old Ye will interfere with their actions." Shangguan Jian speculated. After the falling star, the Emperor had secretly ordered the nearby commoners slaughtered. Ma Yao had most likely concluded that Ye Shikai would not carry out the secret order, and so had sent Chen Ping to seize his command.
"What, trying to seize his command? I’ll cut him down." On hearing this, Man Cang grew agitated, drew his sword, and was about to charge into the tent, but Shangguan Jian hurriedly stopped him.
"Military Marquis, what do you plan to do next?" Xue San, being the rational one, asked.
"Xue San, leave camp at once, find Old Ye, and tell him what has happened, so he can be prepared."
