Chapter 1: Awakening to Original Wisdom, All Matters Empty

  "Old man, old man, wake up quickly!" When Ye Zhi Kui came to from his half-asleep and half-dream state, he heard the noisy quarrelsome voices beside his ear.

  Ye Zhi Kui opened his mouth, half-closing his eyes, looking at the crowd surrounding him, just about to ask what was going on. But before he could speak, a burly man beside him saw Ye Zhi Kui wake up and immediately showed a joyful expression. He loudly exclaimed: "Sir, you've finally woken up! We were worried to death!"

  The loud shout instantly made Ye Zhi Kui's head buzz, his eyes rolled back and he fainted again. It wasn't until dusk that Ye Zhi Kui slowly came to, by which time he had completely figured out what was going on.

  He crossed over, and he crossed over miserably while going to the toilet, and it was before the First Sino-Japanese War in the Korean Peninsula. The owner of this body is also called Ye Zhi Kui, with a courtesy name of Cong Yun. He is the nephew of "Flying General" Ye Zhi Chao, and the nickname "Flying General" was given to Ye Zhi Chao by Ye Zhi Kui, which explains that his speed of escape is as fast as flying.

  On June 1, 1894, the Donghak Peasant Army occupied Jeonju, and the Korean king asked the Qing government to send troops to help quell the rebellion. The Qing court dispatched General Ye Zhicha and Nie Shicheng with an army of 2,500 men, who set out from Shanhai Pass and Dagushan respectively, sailed to Korea via the sea route, and stationed themselves at Asan before the arrival of Japanese forces. Before the Japanese arrived at Asan, Ye Zhicha and Nie Shicheng discussed and decided that Asan was an impregnable location and separately relocated to Seonghwangun and Gongju. Nie Shicheng led his army in defense of Seonghwangun, while Ye Zhicha stationed himself in Gongju as a rear guard.

  He also went on an expedition this time and was left in Cheng Huan by Ye Zhi-chao.

  There were five hundred men in a camp, and the camp was divided into four teams. The five people who had been waiting for him to wake up were his subordinates, including Wu Bai Shan, his only staff member. The burly man who had shouted loudly earlier, stunning Ye Zhi Kui, was called Wu Da Shan. He was in his forties, not well-read, but a brave general who always led by example in battle. As a result, he rose from a small soldier to a team leader. The two men beside him were both around thirty years old. One was short and dark-skinned, while the other was pale and slender. The short, dark-skinned man was called Wu Xiu Jie, who was skilled at training soldiers and was also an old general of the Huai Army. The pale, slender man was called Song Ping Lan, whose long, narrow eyes flashed with intelligence from time to time. He had graduated from the Tianjin Military Academy and did not appear to be a simple person. The last one was Ye Zhi Chao's confidant, called Bao Bu Tong, who looked around fifty years old. His face showed no expression at all, and if it weren't for his occasional coughs, Ye Zhi Kui would have thought he was an undead creature.

  In a short period of time, Ye Zhikui's mind had turned several times. Today, July 25th, the Battle of Pungdo Island took place this morning, and the Gaosheng No. transport ship was sunk, while the Jiangbing No. surrendered. The Guangyi and Jiyuan No. retreated in defeat. Hundreds of Qing soldiers were killed or wounded. As for the naval battle, he was powerless to do anything about it; at most, he could only reveal some of the Japanese Navy's combat plans to the Beiyang Fleet in later generations, but whether they would be taken seriously remained to be seen. This matter could only be discussed after meeting with Ye Zhihao. The Battle of Pungdo Island was over, and the Battle of the Yellow Sea wouldn't start until September, so there was no use rushing now.

  In four days, the Japanese army will attack here, and then the Qing army will be defeated again and again, retreating repeatedly until the signing of the Treaty of Shimonoseki, never to rise again. As a non-mainstream youth from later generations, Ye Zhiwei studied the First Sino-Japanese War, in which the Huai Army's elite troops were concentrated on the Korean battlefield. The Huai Army had strong military combat experience from the Taiping Rebellion and the Nian Rebellion, while the Japanese army had not experienced war for over 20 years, except for the "Japanese" themselves, they really didn't have much experience. At that time, the two armies' weapons and equipment were not much different, and they had the ability to win this war on land. If there's one advantage the Japanese had, it was that their country was united from top to bottom, and they took the initiative, accumulating strength for a long time. In short, this was a premeditated move, with battle plans already laid out in advance.

  The Qing dynasty had just experienced the Sino-French War and was temporarily unable to afford another conflict, looking down on Japan as a vassal state that had been submissive for so long, yet now dared to challenge its authority.

  One was deliberate and united in purpose; the other was arrogant and hasty in response, resulting in a tragic Qing dynasty.

  Looking at the few subordinates with different expressions in front of him, Ye Zhi Kui felt a lot of pressure. There was no doubt that these few men were not simple characters, fortunately, the previous Ye Zhi Kui relied on his own academic qualifications and the help of Ye Zhi Chao, and could still suppress them.

  Fine! Since I've come, I'll make the best of it. In his past life, Ye Zhi Kui was just an employee of a small company. As an orphan who lost his family in an earthquake, he had graduated from the history department with great ambitions and enthusiasm. However, before long, he was battered by life and became disheartened. Apart from occasionally browsing military forums, posting some grandiose statements, and indulging in fantasies about being a powerful protagonist in a novel, he was prepared to live out his days quietly. So, when he crossed over into this world of 1940s Korea, he didn't have much to lose and instead felt that it was an opportunity given by heaven.

  Everyone saw Ye Zhi's return to consciousness this time, and they didn't dare to shout loudly again, fearing that they would shock this gentleman into a coma once more. They were all being extremely careful and gentle.

  Wu Dashan awkwardly rubbed his head, with a bitter face, and said in a low voice: "Sir, this... Commander Ye wants us to rush back to Gongzhou tomorrow. The scouts just reported that more than 4,000 Japanese pirates are coming from Hancheng, more than 4,000 people, sir! We only have over 2,000, how can we fight this battle?"

  Ye Zhi-chao feared that Ye Zhi-kui was young and impulsive, and also worried that his own forces were too weak, so he wanted to recall Ye Zhi-kui before the Japanese army arrived.

  Ye Zikui's troops are now stationed in Chenghuan with Nie Shicheng. As for Nie Shicheng, this loyal and brave general of the Qing Dynasty, Ye Zikui has long admired him.

  Ye Zhi Kui sat up from bed, looked around and coldly snorted: "What? You Wu Da Shan only know how to bully the weak with numbers."

  Wu Dashan's face suddenly turned red with anger, and he said gruffly: "Sir, I didn't mean it that way. I, Wu Dashan, may not dare to say anything else, but I'm willing to stake my life on this."

  Ye Zhi Kui got up from the bed, put on his shoes, wore his military hat, adjusted his collar, looked around at everyone and said: "Everyone, I hope you all don't forget why we came to Korea! Those who are afraid before battle are not worthy of staying in our Brave Army. Whether it's war or retreat, we mustn't lose our spirit. This matter I will discuss with Lord Nie and then make a decision. You all wait here for my news."

  He finished speaking and walked out, with Wen Baishan following behind Ye Zhikui. The others remained silent for a moment, not making a sound. To be honest, these people didn't have much respect for this superior officer from the start. Firstly, Ye Zhikui, although he had returned from studying abroad, was quite weak and indecisive, always flattering Ye Zhiqiang without any strong opinions of his own. Secondly, Ye Zhikui was too young, only 21 or 22 years old, yet holding a high position, thinking himself superior to others and not communicating with his subordinates. As a result, although there wasn't discord between superiors and inferiors, they couldn't be said to be of one mind either.

  Ye Zhi Kui walked out of the house door and felt a bit uncomfortable, as if something was off. Suddenly, he thought of something and his face turned from reddish-brown to green. He remembered that the previous Ye Zhi Kui had also fainted in the toilet and was possessed by him. Ah, damn it! He hadn't wiped his butt! No wonder he always felt a strange smell. When Ye Zhi Kui walked into Nie Shi Cheng's house door, Nie Shi Cheng was having dinner. Nie Shi Cheng was not very tall and slightly chubby, over 50 years old with white hair.

  Ye Zhihui smoothed out her skirt and curtsied to Nie Shi, smiling as she said: "Uncle is having his meal, it seems we've arrived at an inopportune time."

  Watching this old man who is almost 60 years old and still fighting for the country, Ye Zhi Kui was a bit excited.

  Nieshicheng saw that it was Ye, so he put down his bowl and chopsticks, pulled Ye's hand, and said intimately: "Xianzhong joked, Xianzhong came at the right time. Lao Fu had just picked up the bowl when you little guy rushed over. Didn't you come on purpose?"

  As he spoke, he let the servants add bowls and chopsticks. Nie Shicheng and Ye Zhi-chao were both from Anhui Hefei, and they had all been mixed up under Liu Ming's command, so they knew each other naturally.

  Ye Zhi Kui didn't stand on ceremony, plopping himself down with a thud, and really treating this place like his own home. He picked up his chopsticks and started eating. The speed was truly astonishing! Nie Shi Cheng watched with wide eyes and an open mouth, and if you didn't know better, you'd think he was a hungry ghost reincarnated.

  Ye Zhi Kui took a few bites, then put down his bowl and chopsticks, seeing Nie Shi Cheng eating slowly and steadily, couldn't help but secretly admire him. Indeed, he's an old general! The enemy is almost here, yet he's still calm and composed, it seems like he has a plan in mind.

  "Uncle Shi, I just received a message from Uncle Bo, saying that the Japanese army will arrive soon to attack, but it's not yet clear whether they'll attack Cheng Huan first or Gongzhou first. Uncle Bo told me to lead the troops back to Gongzhou first, what do you think, Uncle Shi?" Ye Zhi Kui asked tentatively. Although history proved that the Japanese attacked Nie Shicheng's unit, now with Ye Zhi Kui added as a variable, it's not easy to say anymore. Besides, he couldn't bear to speak ill of his own uncle Bo either.

  Nie Shicheng let out a light sigh, glanced at Ye Zhikui and said: "The Japanese are coming in full force, it's really hard to judge, but I and your uncle will respond to each other from afar and support each other, so we're not afraid. However, my troops are few, whether we can hold on is still unknown. Never mind! When the soldiers come, we'll fight back, when the water comes, we'll hide behind the earth. We eat the king's salary, we do our duty to the king. Come! Let's eat! Eat!"

  "Uncle, I think this is a good idea. My troops and I will pretend to leave, setting up a fake formation to make the Japanese think we're retreating to Gongzhou. But in reality, we'll be hiding in the mountains, waiting for the Japanese to attack you. When that happens, we can provide support from behind. If they attack my father instead, we can also provide support."

  Ye Zhiwei's plan was to take advantage of knowing the approximate time of the Japanese attack, and launch a pincer movement or ambush from multiple sides. Historically, Nie Shicheng fought against the Japanese army in Chengduan, but Ye Zhiwei did not send any reinforcements, and yet managed to retreat safely. This time, Ye Zhiwei wanted to join forces with Nie Shicheng for a pincer movement, and let the Japanese suffer a great defeat.

  Nie Shicheng agreed without much consideration, and then discussed some details with Ye Zhikui. Before long, Ye Zhikui returned to the military camp, gathered his men, and informed them of the results of their discussion with Nie Shicheng. The other generals did not have many opinions.

  Vertical day, Ye Zhi Kui led his 500 men from Cheng Huan to Gongzhou with great fanfare, but halfway through, Ye Zhi Kui played a trick and only 200 people arrived in Gongzhou. Three hundred people secretly hid in the mountains near Cheng Huan. The remaining 200 people who arrived in Gongzhou at night were not clearly counted by the Japanese spies, who thought Ye Zhi Kui's troops had returned to Gongzhou.

  When Ye Zhiwei told Ye Zhigao's plan to Ye Zhigao on the 27th night, the news of the Battle of Feng Island had already spread, and the Qing army suffered heavy losses! Ye Zhigao thought in his heart that even the Asian Navy No. 1, the Great Qing Navy, lost the battle. What can you do with a few pounds? You are not afraid to knock your teeth off when you encounter the Japanese. Although Ye Zhigao was angry, he had no choice but to prepare for supporting Cheng Huan and go to support him as soon as the other side started fighting.

  As for Ye Zhichao, he has indeed grown old. In the past, Ye Zhichao was at least a brave general who had suppressed the Nian Rebellion and the Hot River Golden Elixir Sect, killing the sect leader Li Guizhen. Not only has Ye Zhichao's body aged, but his heart has also become old. He is no longer the poor, rustic turtle he once was. As the esteemed Governor of Zhili, he had long grown accustomed to a life of luxury and comfort, indulging in delicacies from land and sea. This life of extravagance had made him timid and fearful, afraid to take risks or face challenges. In short, he has degenerated, not dying on the battlefield amidst gunfire and explosions, but rather succumbing to the temptations of a life of ease and luxury.

  But for this nephew who returned from studying in Germany, Ye Zhi-chao still regarded him highly, otherwise he wouldn't have entrusted him with a whole regiment.

  Ye Zhi-chao was furious, furious that Ye Zhi-kui did not listen to his orders. Who is Ye Zhi-chao? The Zhili lieutenant general, who eats more salt than Ye Zhi-kui eats rice. Is this Japanese person easy to provoke? More than 4,000 people. Even if they were 4,000 pigs, it would be enough for him to capture.

  Ye Zhi-chao had his hands clasped behind his back, pacing in the room for a while before stopping and casting a sideways glance at Bao Bu-tong. "Alright, you lead the remaining two hundred men of the Brave Army to set out tomorrow and join forces with Cong Yun. I'm sure the Japanese are already marching towards Chengdu by now. Once the battle begins, I'll send another five hundred men to follow up afterwards. You must protect Cong Yun well, got it?"

  What else can be said? With tears in her eyes, she quietly went to Ye Zhiwei's place from Gongzhou again.

  Actually, Chenghuan is the throat leading to Gongzhou. If the Japanese army wants to attack Gongzhou, they must first pass through Chenghuan. So Ye Zhi-chao isn't too worried about the Japanese army attacking Gongzhou. Besides, if the Japanese commander's brain was really kicked by a donkey and he wasn't afraid of being attacked from both front and back in Gongzhou, then Ye Zhi-chao couldn't defeat him even if he could run away.