The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1474: 1474: Triumphant Return

Chapter 1474: Triumphant Return

“Quick, that’s the leader of the Qin Army. If we capture him, we can escape.” A group of rebels spotted Ye Shikai on horseback and scrambled desperately to capture him. Before Ye Shikai could react, Man Cang had already charged forward, gripping a heavy shield in one hand and a sword in the other. He surged at them like a raging bull, scattering them with his shield while remaining unscathed. With his sword, he forced the entire group of rebels to retreat single-handedly.

“Who else dares to challenge me?” Man Cang bellowed like a ferocious tiger. These rebels, like startled birds, were completely frozen. Witnessing their fallen comrades, they instinctively dropped their weapons, their legs buckling, and they collapsed onto the ground, too terrified to move.

“Take them all down,” Ye Shikai commanded, and the guards behind him immediately advanced to restrain the surrendering rebels.

“Kneel, all of you,” Man Cang ordered.

“Where is your General?” Ye Shikai dismounted and approached one of the rebels to inquire. Capturing the opposing leader first had always been his preferred strategy, yet he still couldn't locate the rebel commander within the camp.

“This…”

“Stop wasting my time, speak quickly, or I’ll end you,” Man Cang pressed his longsword against the rebel soldier’s throat, causing the man to plead for his life repeatedly.

“The General… the General escaped through a small path.”

“What?” Ye Shikai was taken aback by this revelation. He hadn't anticipated an escape route leading outside the camp. This unexpected development put him on edge, as the rebel leader would undoubtedly flee through this hidden path. Once they vanished into the labyrinthine mountain terrain, pursuit would become virtually impossible.

“Take me to see it,” Ye Shikai ordered.

“Yes, yes, General, please follow me.” Guided by a few of the captured rebels, the group discovered a narrow passage concealed at the rear of the warehouse, leading into the forest. It was barely wide enough for two individuals to pass abreast, yet it was sufficiently hidden that outsiders would not easily find it. Many rebels likely remained unaware of its existence; otherwise, when the Qin Army initially infiltrated the camp, they would have frantically sought this route.

“Sir, should we give chase?” Man Cang inquired anxiously, clearly eager to pursue. Ye Shikai stepped forward to examine the ground more closely, observing numerous scattered footprints. Judging by their appearance, the rebels had departed some time ago.

“Let it be. The mountains have too many paths. Our soldiers are unfamiliar with this terrain, and it is already dark. A hasty pursuit would only result in unnecessary casualties for our own forces,” Ye Shikai decided, dismissing Man Cang’s suggestion. He then led his guards back.

“Old Ye, you’ve arrived,” Shangguan Jian’s voice called out from a distance. Turning, Ye Shikai saw him leading a contingent of men on horseback towards them, successfully linking their forces within the rebel camp.

“What is the situation?” Ye Shikai asked.

“They surrendered. Apart from a few who fought to the bitter end, the majority gave up. We have secured victory. Our soldiers are currently clearing the battlefield and tallying the spoils,” Shangguan Jian reported with a smile.

“Sir, your strategic planning in launching a surprise attack on the camp is truly commendable. I am deeply impressed.”

“Very well, now that the battle has concluded, have the soldiers prepare. We will escort the prisoners and seize the spoils, departing for Pu Yang overnight. Furthermore, dispatch the cavalry immediately to transport the wounded back to the county for prompt treatment,” Ye Shikai instructed, still harboring a trace of regret that the rebel leader had evaded capture despite their decisive victory.

“Understood, I will make the arrangements right away.”

Two hours later.

“Sir, over two hundred wounded brothers have been sent off by the cavalry. Additionally, the rebels’ stored stockpile of two thousand stone of grain has been inventoried.”

Although he had braced himself, the sheer quantity of grain still surpassed Ye Shikai’s expectations. It appeared the rebels had indeed plundered a significant number of Qin Army supply teams.

“Excellent, seize it all and bring it back.” Ye Shikai mounted his horse and ordered the army to commence their withdrawal from the deep mountains.

………………

Pu Yang City.

“Haha, Ye, you have returned triumphantly! It’s truly magnificent; look, the citizens are so enthusiastic in their welcome!” As they entered the county town, Ye Shikai and his group were met by Ma Yao and other generals. Someone must have alerted them, as Ma Yao was aware of their victory almost immediately and was waiting at the city gates to “ambush” them.

“Thank you, Commander, for this warm welcome. We achieved a great victory this time, thanks in no small part to the Commander’s unwavering support,” Ye Shikai replied, giving Ma Yao due respect as he wasn't one for unnecessary confrontation. As expected, Ma Yao’s expression immediately shifted to one of proud satisfaction upon hearing this.

“Not at all, ensuring logistical support is my utmost duty.” Ma Yao clasped Ye Shikai’s hand. “Come, come, I have arranged for a victory celebration at the finest restaurant in the county for my dear brother. Please, join us.”

“I appreciate the Commander’s kindness, but after the battle, my soldiers are quite weary, and numerous affairs demand my attention. The victory banquet ought to be postponed until all matters are resolved.” Ye Shikai offered a slight smile, politely refusing. Despite the battle's minimal casualties, a multitude of post-war tasks loomed, chief among them the disposition of nearly a thousand captives, an improper handling of whom could ignite significant unrest.

“Well… perhaps it is for the best; my dear brother prioritizes national affairs, making you a paragon among generals,” Ma Yao chuckled. Though slightly piqued by the spurned goodwill, he masked his resentment with commendations for Ye Shikai.

Within the military encampment.

“Sir, these are tributes dispatched from the Commander's Mansion. Behold, gold, silver, fine spirits, and a collection of curious artifacts.” Man Cang and the guards presented several enormous chests before Ye Shikai.

“Commander Ma's generosity is truly unexpected. These rewards alone are sufficient to cover two months' worth of wages for the entire army,” Man Cang exclaimed with excitement.

“Indeed. Given the presence of this rogue element, Commander Ma has been denied restful nights for some time. By aiding him in eradicating such a substantial concern, his provision of ample rewards is to be expected. Furthermore, following this engagement, similar insurgent factions throughout the region may well require our intervention,” Ye Shikai stated placidly, setting aside a bamboo scroll.

“What? That means risking our brothers’ lives simply to secure Ma Yao’s position!” Man Cang grasped the underlying meaning and felt a surge of displeasure. Without Ye Shikai's skillful leadership, who knew how many brethren would have met their demise while Ma Yao reaped the benefits of Ye Shikai's exploits, akin to 'profiting without personal risk.'

“One could rephrase it: as we now hold the garrison of East County, the eradication of rebels falls squarely within our mandated duties.”