The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1485: Defensive Stand

"My lord, what are our orders? We are outnumbered with only two hundred guards against hundreds of carriages and four to five hundred workers. The workers are unarmed and incapable of fighting. What should we do?" Man Cang expressed his anxiety. This grain was procured with great effort and intended for the villagers. They couldn't allow these brigands to seize it. The escorting soldiers were indeed insufficient; they ought to have requested more military support.

"Perhaps I could lead a contingent to break through and return to the county to summon Lord Han for reinforcements?" Man Cang proposed.

"We are already a hundred miles from the city. Even if you manage to bring reinforcements, it will take several hours at best. By then, the grain will have been plundered," Ye Shikai stated coldly.

"What if I were to lead a detachment to launch a surprise assault, scattering those pursuing us, while you remain with the main contingent? They are merely a disorganized mob, whereas our guards are elite, each capable of fighting ten men—victory would be certain."

"Although they are a rabble, their numbers vastly exceed ours, and they are in a prepared position. Furthermore, if you charge in rashly, they will certainly be anticipating you. The rear guard only reported visible enemies; who knows how many others lie in wait unseen? Can you guarantee victory against them?"

"This... Then what are your plans, my lord?"

"Everyone, gather on that elevated ground." Ye Shikai gestured towards a dirt mound nearby. While not a mountain, it was the only position offering a view of the entire surrounding forest.

"Understood. Have the workers in the rear proceed as well." Man Cang instructed the workers to guide the carriages toward the hill, while also assigning the rear guards to maintain vigilance over the situation behind them.

"Command everyone to utilize the carriages to form a defensive circle. Deploy spearmen and shield bearers on the perimeter, with archers positioned within," Ye Shikai ordered. With hundreds of grain transport carriages present, they could serve as formidable defenses. As weapons were scarce, the workers' hoes and rakes would have to be employed.

"My lord, we are now without a retreat path. If the brigands attack immediately, we may not be able to withstand them." Man Cang surveyed their surroundings: a cliff lay behind them, and a lone road stretched ahead. From a tactical standpoint, establishing a defensive position here was exceptionally perilous. Should they fail, not a soul would survive...

"Had we attempted to flee earlier with all this grain, we would have been pursued relentlessly, and with their numbers, they would have encircled and overwhelmed us. That would have been a truly desperate situation. In contrast, by fortifying our position here, leveraging our superior weaponry, we possess the capability to repel them." Having spent time in the Qin Dynasty, Ye Shikai had perused numerous military texts. He mused that if these ancient scrolls could be returned to the modern era, they would undoubtedly be priceless national treasures. Most significantly, many contained intricate tactical formations.

Ye Shikai directed the soldiers and workers to establish a circular defense, transforming them into a formidable barrier, much like a curled-up hedgehog, rendering them impervious to even the most determined assault.

"Are we going to perish?"

"I cannot say for sure. It appears a great number of individuals are pursuing us from behind."

"What? I heard these brigands do not shy away from killing government soldiers, let alone us ordinary folk."

"Then what shall we do? Perhaps we should just flee and abandon this task."

"But where can we possibly flee now?"

The workers began to sense the gravity of the situation. The guards were on high alert, their demeanor suggesting they faced a formidable foe. These were simple farmers, naturally terrified by the sight of drawn swords.

"Everyone, remain calm. My General has faced the Wolf Clan in the north; tens of thousands of them could not overcome him, and he even saved the life of Great General Meng Tian amidst the fierce battle. With General Ye present, there is no cause for alarm." Man Cang attempted to pacify their fears upon observing their distress.

"If it is the General who fought the Wolf Clan, then there is indeed no reason to worry."

"Indeed, I have heard tales of General Ye’s prowess. He served under Commander Han and achieved countless victories in the northern campaigns, even securing several triumphs in East County."

"Everyone, do not be alarmed. With me here, I guarantee your safety." Ye Shikai called out to the assembled group. Some among the workers had heard of his renown and, much like taking a calming elixir, felt a sudden sense of security, finding a reliable protector. Ye Shikai understood from his experience on the battlefield that when Meng Tian’s voice boomed across the ranks, the tens of thousands of Qin Army soldiers seemed to surge with renewed spirit, instantly casting aside their fear of death.

"We have faith in General Ye."

"Villagers, these brigands have consistently pilfered your grain, torched your homes, and even slain your kin. Shall we enact vengeance today?" Ye Shikai pressed on.

"These marauders have always been cruel; we are prepared to follow General Ye."

"Indeed, in the direst scenario... we will confront them. My parents met their end at their hands."

"Precisely, if they seek our demise, we shall not yield like lambs to the slaughter. General Ye, bestow upon me a weapon, for the villagers are eager to stand with you and fight these brigands unto death."

Ye Shikai's pronouncements resonated deeply within the hearts of the assembled. The bandits' customary mistreatment of the populace had previously silenced them, their fury stifled by a lack of means. Now, with valiant soldiers at their flanks, their courage was bolstered. Furthermore, Ye Shikai's words acted as a spark igniting their dormant rage, like tinder catching flame, instantly invigorating their resolve.

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"Man Cang, before they reach our position, immediately lead a contingent to the county seat for reinforcements," Ye Shikai commanded.

"No, my lord, I must remain to ensure your safety. Moreover, as you yourself stated, by the time reinforcements arrive in several hours, the grain will have already been plundered," Man Cang objected outright. He could not fathom leaving Ye Shikai in such a perilous situation. Upon his departure, he had pledged to He Linghan that he would safeguard Ye Shikai at any cost. Should any harm befall him, how would Man Cang ever face He Linghan again?

"It hinges on who commands. If it is I, holding out for a few hours presents no issue," Ye Shikai declared icily.

"Absolutely not, even if we must forfeit this grain, I must guarantee my lord's security."

"If we fail to alert the reinforcements, defending this post is utterly futile," Ye Shikai's tone shifted abruptly as he bellowed, "Man Cang, I order you to depart at once and procure aid from the county."

"But..."

"Carry out the order."

"Understood."

Man Cang, accompanied by merely two soldiers, galloped out on horseback. Ye Shikai calculated that he would reach the county within an hour, and the arrival of reinforcements, from their mustering to their deployment, would necessitate a minimum of two hours. Factoring in this buffer, Ye Shikai would be required to repel the brigands for a span of four hours before relief could be expected.