The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1467: Pull Yourself Together

"Move the poisoned soldiers away quickly," Man Cang commanded the guards. Several individuals quickly carried the ailing soldiers on stretchers and did their utmost to induce vomiting in an attempt to save their lives. Fortunately, they managed to expel a significant amount of the river water they had ingested.

"Military doctor, make haste," he urged. To neutralize the poison, understanding its primary components was crucial. However, the critical nature of the situation left no room for lengthy analysis. Thus, the military doctor promptly administered the standard antidote to the soldiers. While its effect was only moderately successful, it served as an immediate measure of relief.

Night fell.

"Reporting to the general, the military doctor has completed the tally of our poisoned brothers. A total of eighty-seven were affected, and sadly, five have… perished," Xue San reported, handing over a bamboo slip. Ye Shikai couldn't help but let out a sigh upon hearing the grim news. It was unexpected that the first to fall would be due to poisoning.

"I understand."

Suddenly, Xue San dropped to one knee, his hands clasped in a gesture of respect.

"My failure to report in a timely manner led to these brothers being poisoned. It is my fault, and I request your punishment, General," Xue San stated with uncharacteristic firmness, a stark contrast to his usual suave demeanor. Ye Shikai was momentarily taken aback before waving his hand dismissively.

"As the commander, I failed to issue a prior warning to the troops. That responsibility lies with me. As for you, tasked with reconnaissance as a scout, you must exercise greater vigilance in the future and prioritize your duties. Today’s incident serves as a harsh lesson for both of us," Ye Shikai declared, accepting his role as commander. However, the rebels' poisoning of the river water was undeniably a treacherous act. Yet, in warfare, no strategy is considered too extreme; such is the unforgiving nature of the battlefield.

"Report: Military Marquis Shangguan requests an audience outside the camp."

"Invite him in at once," Ye Shikai commanded, rising to his feet as Shangguan Jian entered.

"Shangguan, what brings you here?"

"I heard about the soldiers being poisoned and was concerned, so I hurried over," Shangguan Jian explained.

"I was far too careless and underestimated their willingness to abandon their positions so readily," Ye Shikai lamented, striking his chest in self-reproach.

"It is not your fault, Old Ye. You are now the commanding leader, and your focus must be on the path ahead. While the enemy managed to incapacitate some of our brothers this time, I observed earlier that this very incident has filled our men with righteous fury towards the enemy, significantly boosting morale. This works to our advantage," Shangguan Jian advised. "We should not dwell on blame and regret, but rather address the current crisis."

"The current crisis," Ye Shikai murmured.

"Precisely. The river has been poisoned, and our soldiers have secured the area. I have searched the vicinity for an alternative water source but found none. To secure a new source, we must venture deeper into the mountains. However, our three thousand troops possess only enough drinking water for three days. This issue demands immediate resolution," Shangguan Jian articulated, presenting a new predicament. Since ancient times, logistics have always been the lifeline of an army. Water, even more so than provisions, is critical. Without a water source, the troops could perish within a week.

"Shangguan, do you have any proposals?" Ye Shikai inquired, understanding that Shangguan Jian aimed to galvanize him, preventing him from succumbing to despair over the loss of a few soldiers. He still needed to lead the remaining three thousand men.

"I have already dispatched Wan Qi Yuan with two thousand cavalrymen from beyond the mountains to procure water from the nearest village. The cavalry's swift movement and the carrying capacity of warhorses should provide sufficient water to meet our immediate needs. However, this is merely an interim solution; we must locate a permanent water source within the mountains," Shangguan Jian elaborated.

"Indeed, your actions were most prudent," Ye Shikai concurred.

"Furthermore, despite the late hour, I have deployed scouts. These rebels are adept at night combat, and it is imperative that we understand both ourselves and our adversary."

The following morning.

"Old Ye, I have already arranged for the poisoned soldiers to be returned to Pu Yang. Additionally, the detoxification formula provided by the military doctor has been entrusted to someone for delivery to the county's pharmacy, with a request for expedited production of the antidote. Given the enemy's success with this scheme, they will undoubtedly employ it again, and perhaps a third time..."

Shangguan Jian's meticulous handling of affairs was truly admirable to Ye Shikai. On the battlefield, Shangguan Jian was courageous and astute, possessing remarkable bravery. Off the battlefield, however, he still relied on the support of capable generals like Shangguan Jian.

"That is excellent."

"General, I have just returned from scouting a few enemy strongholds last night. The rebels are very cunning and have constructed seven or eight camps in recent months, all widely dispersed. My brothers and I ran for a long time to gather the intelligence." Xue San wanted to atone for his sins, leading a team through a sleep-deprived long-distance raid, marking locations on the map.

"A crafty rabbit has three burrows; I expected this."

Ye Shikai led the team into the deep mountain forest. The rebels had two objectives for building so many outposts: one was to leave themselves a retreat. Even if one outpost was destroyed, there was a second and a third, gradually wearing down the Qin Army. In the absence of water and provisions, they would have no choice but to retreat. The second was to disperse the Qin Army’s forces, leaving multiple empty camps for the Qin Army, and then concentrate all their strength to fiercely attack one contingent of the Qin soldiers. This strategy was particularly effective against mediocre commanders like Ma Yao, which is why the Qin army’s repeated encirclements ended in heavy losses and failure.

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In modern times, War God Temple.

"Sir, are you alright?" Kui Tuo Si, covered in wounds, blood had already dyed his body red, but he still wielded his dual blades, forcefully fighting his way to Wang Kai’s side to support him. As the War God, Wang Kai was always brave and skilled in battle, unafraid and calm. Yet, Doris’s combat power and cultivation were superior. The battle between the two Main Gods was earth-shattering. The members of the War God Temple fought fiercely, but even so, against the Dark List experts instigated by Aphrodite, they were overwhelmed.

"Don’t worry, I can fight all day." Wang Kai sneered, using his spear to prop himself up, glaring angrily at Doris in front of him.

"Ares, it’s rumored in the underworld that you are undefeated under the War God’s protection. Even if it were a solo duel against Hades, you’d be evenly matched. But in my view, they’ve overestimated you. You’re no different from that waste Hades." Doris taunted, her inner strength profound and her trident’s power fully unleashed. In a one-on-one duel, Wang Kai might not be able to defeat her.

"Tsk, with your little skill, if you encounter Old Ye, you wouldn’t even have a chance to plead for mercy." Wang Kai sneered, stirring Doris’s anger. She was a proud and ambitious person. Her greatest desire now was to defeat Ye Shikai head-on, destroy the Three Temples, and become the ruler of the entire underworld.