"Very well, thank you, military doctor." Hearing that the arrowhead was not poisoned and that Ye Shikai was not in life-threatening danger, Man Cang finally breathed a sigh of relief. He was the commander, and with the battle just beginning, should anything happen to the commander, the entire army would collapse.

"You’re welcome."

"Sir, rest assured, the military doctor said that rest is all that’s needed."

"What are the casualties like?" Ye Shikai asked, closing his eyes and pressing his temples firmly, his expression grave. With such losses to the troops, he had no mind to care about his own injury.

"The statistics aren’t complete yet, but the wounded brothers have been gradually rescued from the camp. Now that it’s raining lightly, the fire lasted only an hour before extinguishing." After Man Cang finished speaking, he turned and glanced at the assembled generals in the tent, then suddenly knelt on one knee before Ye Shikai.

"Sir, this time it was my failure to detect the enemy’s arson attack. I led the army into the camp without properly investigating, falling into their trap and causing so many brothers to perish. It’s all my fault. According to the military warrant, please General, take my head to uphold military law." Man Cang spoke resolutely, one word at a time. As the vanguard and frontline commander, he indeed bore responsibility for not thoroughly inspecting the camp.

"Sir, General Man is the bravest general in the army. This time he fell for the enemy’s scheme due to temporary oversight. I request the General allow him to atone for his sins with meritorious deeds." A chiliarch stepped forward to intercede.

"Yes, sir, executing a general on the battlefield is a grave mistake in military strategy. The army has already suffered heavy losses, and morale is low. If General Man is executed now, the consequences would be unimaginable. I implore you to give General Man another chance."

The generals present all pleaded for Man Cang. They knew the relationship between the two; Man Cang was Ye Shikai’s right-hand man, a loyal and trusted general. It was unlikely Ye Shikai would be willing to execute him. However, since the military warrant was Man Cang’s own doing, if Ye Shikai ignored it, it might affect military morale. Thus, the generals naturally pleaded, giving Ye Shikai and Man Cang a way out.

"The military warrant you established was to take your head if the camp wasn’t captured. However, you did manage to capture it. It was my misjudgment; I didn’t anticipate that Yan Yu would decide to go down together with all, trying to burn Eagle Ridge Camp and three thousand troops together. Failing to see through their trick, that was my mistake." Ye Shikai stood up and spoke to the generals.

"Sir, we have suffered losses, but not a crippling blow. Our forces still outnumber the enemy two to one. I urge you to lift your spirits. I am willing to go through hell and high water."

"Alright, return to your camps, count your men, comfort the soldiers, and await my orders."

"Yes."

"Yes."

After everyone left, Ye Shikai’s expression turned heavy again. Through this painful lesson, he realized that this opponent he faced wasn’t the incompetent sort he encountered before. Yan Yu had real talent and knowledge when he was with the Wei Army.

"Sir, I..."

"Enough, Man Cang, don’t be too demoralized. I also bear responsibility this time. Gather your spirits, find courage after the shame, and in the future, take Yan Yu’s head to honor our fallen brothers." Ye Shikai patted his shoulder. "I need you to handle something now."

"Please, just give the order."

"Immediately take the guards back to Puyang County, and review the records of Wei General Yan Yu at the Commander Mansion. Puyang used to be under Wei State’s control, so the records shouldn’t be difficult to find."

"Yes, I’ll go at once."

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

Not long after, dawn gradually broke, the drizzle continuing, just like Ye Shikai’s mood at that moment...

"Old Ye, I’m back." In the camp, Ye Shikai hadn’t slept all night when Shangguan Jian entered from outside. His face was blackened from smoke, and a corner of his battle robe was burned.

"How is it? What are the troop losses?"

"Seven hundred and fifty-three were killed, and about eight hundred more wounded. The remaining stragglers have gradually returned to camp." Shangguan Jian appeared very tired, having worked all night and then received such casualty figures. His mood was also heavy.

"Of the three thousand Iron Armor Army led by Man Cang, a quarter were killed, and more than half were casualties." Looking at the bamboo slip in his hand, Ye Shikai felt as if his chest had been hit hard, painful and aching. Most of the injured brothers suffered burns and needed time to recover. At least this battle at Wild Beast Mountain, they wouldn’t be able to join in. Besides, the complex environment of the mountain wasn’t suitable for healing, so they needed to be sent back to the county.

"Immediately send people to escort the wounded brothers back to the county for treatment and distribute bereavement compensation to the families of the fallen brothers. Hurry and do it." Ye Shikai said, enduring the pain.

"Alright."

Ye Shikai walked out of the barracks. After such an incident, as the commander of the army, he had to personally inspect the camps and comfort the troops.

"Sir, I have an important report." At this time, a soldier hurried over, clasped his hands and said. Although Ye Shikai didn’t know him, he was wearing the "special ops team" uniform. Given that, he should be Xue San’s subordinate. Speaking of which, since last night, Ye Shikai hadn’t seen Xue San, nor did he know where he had gone.

"What is it? Speak directly."

"Commander Xue instructed me to report that he’s leading the team deep into enemy territory to gather intelligence, and that you need not worry about his safety." The soldier said.

"Alright, you go rest now." Ye Shikai waved his hand. Xue San was indeed clever. When it was so dangerous last night, he didn’t lead his team back but instead seized the chaos to infiltrate, entering enemy territory. This was crucial, as Ye Shikai didn’t know much about Yan Yu or his troops, not even the location of their stronghold.

Ye Shikai, with his guards, arrived at the military camp; all the wounded brothers were here. Due to the large number, the military doctors were overwhelmed.

"Military doctor, what’s the situation now?"

"Report to the General, most of the wounded brothers are suffering from burns and arrow injuries. If it’s just a regular arrow wound, it’s not much of a problem. After bandaging, they will heal over time. But if the internal organs are injured, then it’s serious. Moreover, many soldiers are burned by the fierce flames, with some soldiers even burned all over, truly horrific."

Ye Shikai understood that in this era without modern medical surgery, internal injuries were life-threatening. Additionally, large area burns are treacherously dangerous, even in modern times, and a slight mistake could cost a life, not to mention in ancient times. Looking at these brothers clinging to life, Ye Shikai’s heart ached as if pricked by needles. He was helpless, only standing by watching. Since the time in Dragon Teeth, he knew that a single misjudgment by a commander could cost so many brothers their lives.