The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1509: Earth-Shattering News

"Report, sir, I have come this time to report an important matter to you," said Wan Qi Yuan, bowing deeply.

"What is it? Just state it directly, no need for such pleasantries," replied Ye Shikai casually.

"I have many business associates within the Wolf Clan who frequently travel between the Qin Territory and the grasslands. Recently, they've shared some critical information with me."

"What information?" Ye Shikai's expression turned serious. Any intelligence involving the Wolf Clan was a grave concern. For the Qin Dynasty, the Wolf Clan was a constant, menacing threat. Despite numerous encounters led by Meng Tian, resulting in victories, they had only managed to repel the enemy. The Wolf Clan would inevitably regroup, while the Qin Army was confined to defending the Great Wall. The initiative in this conflict invariably rested with the Wolf Clan; even with more wins than losses, the Qin Dynasty was in a purely defensive posture.

"Following their recent major defeat, the Wolf Clan has been rigorously training their forces. Furthermore, the grasslands experienced an abundant harvest this year, bolstering their numbers of soldiers and warhorses. The Wolf Clan leader is now planning to launch a large-scale assault on the Qin Dynasty next year."

"What did you say?" Ye Shikai shot up from his seat, stunned. The Wolf Clan's last setback was less than six months ago, a blow that severely weakened them. It was presumed they would require at least four to five years for recovery, troop recruitment, supply replenishment, and raising of mounts. The news from Wan Qi Yuan was entirely unexpected.

"Is your intelligence reliable? Is it accurate?" Ye Shikai pressed for more details.

"Indeed, numerous Wolf Clan merchants operating within the Qin Territory are echoing the same intelligence. Moreover, subsequent investigations have confirmed significant troop movements across the grasslands, with forces seemingly assembling at various points awaiting orders, and supplies and warhorses being centrally managed."

"This... this could prove problematic," Ye Shikai murmured, rising from his chair, his body trembling slightly as if the Wolf Clan army was already at his doorstep. He now held considerable authority and military power, granting him insight into the prevailing conditions. Currently, the various prefectures within Qin Country were already unstable, with garrisons occupied in suppressing 'rebel armies' and newly emerged 'Mountain Kings' appearing with alarming frequency. Although 300,000 troops remained stationed at the northern border, initiating a war without additional manpower and resources would mean the Great Wall defense line's fall was only a matter of time.

The current state was one of both external and internal turmoil – a primary issue for the Qin Empire that Ye Shikai alone could not rectify.

"Sir, this matter is of utmost importance. I dared not disseminate it widely for fear of undermining the army's morale, hence I sought you out specifically to discuss it," Wan Qi Yuan stated with a heavy heart. At present, few were privy to the Wolf Clan's intentions, and Xianyang likely remained unaware. Otherwise, mobilization orders would have already been dispatched to the various governor's mansions.

"You may return for now. Today's discussion, and all the information you possess, must not be divulged, not a single word. Failure to comply will be punishable by death."

"I understand, sir. I shall keep silent and take my leave now."

After Wan Qi Yuan departed, Ye Shikai began pacing in his tent. Historically, the Qin Dynasty did not fall to the Wolf Clan, which was a small mercy amidst misfortune. However, the Wolf Clan's existence had inadvertently fueled domestic 'rebellions' and occupied a significant portion of the empire's military strength.

Having arrived here, Ye Shikai could not remain a passive observer to the unfolding conflicts. At the very least, he needed to make preparations in advance.

"Xue San."

"Yes, sir?" Xue San responded as he entered the tent.

"I shall draft a letter immediately. Take a detachment of men and deliver it with utmost speed to the general's mansion in Xianyang, ensuring it reaches General Meng Tian," Ye Shikai commanded.

"Understood."

"Remember, you must hand it directly to General Meng Tian. Regardless of who else inquires, you are not to give it to them. Do you understand?" Ye Shikai stressed the importance.

"I will certainly complete the task," Xue San affirmed, recognizing the letter's immense significance and top-secret nature, inferring this from Ye Shikai's stern demeanor.

"Very well. Take more men with you and prioritize safety on your journey."

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

A week later.

"Old Ye, your methods are indeed impressive. Observe, the Commander's Mansion has completely restocked our depleted provisions and armaments," Shangguan Jian remarked, his gaze fixed on the arriving wagons laden with supplies, a sense of relief washing over him. Ye Shikai remained composed, his actions clearly foreseen. Had he truly intended to requisition resources from Ma Yao, the latter would not have dared to refuse should Ye Shikai choose to 'confront him'.

"It is but a minor matter. Instruct the soldiers to resume their training drills," Ye Shikai stated with casual ease.

"Old Ye, you appear preoccupied. Have you encountered some significant dilemma?" Shangguan Jian, as his trusted comrade, swiftly discerned the subtle shift in Ye Shikai's demeanor. Ye Shikai was not prone to emotional volatility; such a reaction indicated something of great consequence. The intelligence furnished by Wan Qi Yuan was privy only to the two of them within the camp. Even Xue San, tasked with its delivery, remained unaware, as he would not dare to unseal it. The matter was of such gravity that Ye Shikai chose to conceal it, even from Shangguan Jian.

Nevertheless, as the second-in-command of their contingent, withholding such crucial information from Shangguan Jian felt exceedingly improprietous.

"Shangguan, there is a matter of urgency that necessitates our discussion."

Two hours thereafter.

"What, is Wan Qi Yuan's intelligence truly reliable?" As anticipated, Shangguan Jian was utterly astonished by the revelation, instinctively wishing for the intelligence to be fictitious.

"Old Ye, this is a monumental issue. Should we present this to the Emperor without absolute certainty of its veracity, we would be guilty of misleading the sovereign and could face dire consequences, potentially even execution."

"Precisely why I have already submitted a report to General Meng Tian, entrusting the final judgment to him. If this situation proves true and we remain silent, we too shall bear responsibility."

"Old Ye, the Wolf Clan resides upon the steppes. Their limited arable land and lack of advanced agricultural techniques from the Central Plains make it nigh impossible for them to amass the hundreds of thousands of bushels of provisions required for a full-scale war within a single year," Shangguan Jian reasoned. "Furthermore, concerning their military strength, they suffered a loss of 100,000 troops merely six months prior. How could such a vast number of able-bodied men suddenly materialize?"

Ye Shikai had, in recent days, shared Shangguan Jian's profound unease. Ancient agricultural output paled significantly in comparison to current standards. Moreover, rudimentary tools severely constrained their capacity for military mobilization, rendering the swift assembly of 100,000 soldiers a daunting undertaking. At heart, Ye Shikai harbored doubts regarding the intelligence's accuracy. However, Wan Qi Yuan was invariably meticulous; he would not have conveyed this information to Ye Shikai without a near-absolute certainty of its truth. In confronting the extensive defenses of the Great Wall, the numerically inferior Wolf Clan would be compelled to resort to swift, surprise assaults to achieve victory, catching their adversaries off guard. This strategy represented their sole viable path to success.