The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1510: 1510: Beast Mountain

“Therefore, I personally believe that this news is thirty percent true and seventy percent false. Although the Wolf Clan leader is brutal, he shouldn’t engage in reckless warfare.” Shangguan Jian still found it hard to accept this intel. Of course, his analysis was grounded in objective factors, and his subjective inclination was also geared towards avoiding conflict. After all, it had only been six months since the last major engagement with the Wolf Clan; the populace and military forces had yet to recover. Furthermore, the county itself was not entirely peaceful. If war were to break out, troops would undoubtedly be dispatched northward, leaving East County vulnerable…

“Shangguan, I personally concur with your perspective. However, since this news has surfaced, we might as well report it and let General Meng Tian make the ultimate decision. That way, should the Wolf Clan indeed invade, we will have earned significant merit for anticipating it. Even if the Wolf Clan remains quiescent, we will bear no blame.”

“Hmm, that is indeed a decision with no downside.” Shangguan Jian gave his assent.

“East County does not share a border with the Wolf Clan’s territory. Once war erupts, we won't face a sudden onslaught, so there’s no need for undue alarm. Our primary task at present is to quell the ongoing rebellion, so you must ensure this news remains confidential and is not divulged to the soldiers.”

“Rest assured, I understand completely.”

“Have a seat, someone, bring tea.” Ye Shikai motioned for Shangguan Jian to sit across from him and then produced a map. The guards promptly served hot tea to both men.

“Do try it, it’s excellent tea from Hua Liandie. I rarely indulge in drinking it myself,” Ye Shikai remarked casually.

“Old Ye, if you have something to convey, just state it plainly. I, Shangguan Jian, may not have a life suited for enjoyment, but I certainly possess a life ready for battle.”

“Ha ha, very well, since you’ve discerned it, I shall not conceal my intentions from you.” Ye Shikai picked up a brush and began sketching on the map spread across the table…

“Old Ye, what is this? All these circles and lines on the map.”

“This is a topographical map, which I meticulously surveyed with my men. However, our manpower here is insufficient. After arriving in East County, it took us one to two months to draft this map covering a thirty-mile radius.” In an era devoid of modern combat technology, a topographical map, in Ye Shikai’s estimation, was not merely a piece of paper but a dynamic representation. Naturally, he also had sand table models, but carrying such a bulky item on campaign was impractical. Consequently, Ye Shikai selected a cadre of capable soldiers and personally trained them in cartography, ensuring their maps were both “exquisite and detailed.”

“I confess, I don’t quite grasp it.”

“No matter, allow me to elucidate immediately.” Ye Shikai pointed to the map. “Recently, my intelligence network has confirmed that one hundred and twenty miles east of Pu Yang County lies a formidable mountain range known as Beast Mountain. It earns its name from the scarcity of human inhabitants and the abundance of roaming wild beasts. Previously, numerous rebel factions emerged from this region. Each group was relatively small, consisting of only two to three hundred individuals, and many leaders styled themselves as Mountain Kings who had turned to banditry. Later, I received word that they coalesced into a single formidable force, uniting all the factions within this mountain range. Their numbers now reach five to six thousand, and they have established control over a thirty-mile expanse of this mountainous terrain.”

“Five to six thousand individuals? That many? We have never faced such a large contingent before.” Shangguan Jian was taken aback. A force of five to six thousand, should they descend en masse, could obliterate a county in mere moments. This scale of rebel presence was unprecedented for them.

“The information is absolutely reliable. It was obtained by a trusted confidant of Xue San, who infiltrated their ranks. They are actively forging weapons, expanding their forces, and plundering grain from nearby villages.” It’s worth noting that Ye Shikai and Xue San’s initial encounter occurred within the very stronghold of the rebel forces on Long Mountain. At that time, Xue San was little more than an unruly thief. He was later subdued and gradually transformed into the loyal subordinate he is today.

“Then we must dispatch our troops without delay and eradicate them before their influence grows any stronger.”

“That aligns precisely with my intention. I have already conferred with Mr. Ma regarding the detailed operational plan, and he has given his approval and pledged logistical support,” Ye Shikai stated calmly.

…………………………….

Within the Ye Mansion.

“Madam, several days have elapsed, and the General has neither returned home nor sent even a solitary letter,” a maidservant remarked as she stood behind He Linghan, assisting her with her hair and makeup.

“Perhaps he is occupied with matters at the camp. He mentioned this possibility to me earlier; it would be best if you spoke less of idle gossip,” He Linghan gently chided, a hint of annoyance in her voice.

“I understand, Madam, but the other gentlemen from various households return to their mansions daily, surrounded by their numerous wives and concubines,” the maid, identified as “Hehua,” grumbled.

“That is their respective circumstance. A military general's prowess lies in warfare, not in amassing domestic wealth,” He Linghan softly admonished, gently flicking the maid’s forehead.

“Madam is absolutely correct; the General reigns as the paramount military leader of East County. Even the Commander holds him in high esteem.”

“Indeed, having chosen to wed him, I must be prepared for whatever comes my way.”

“Madam, the General has returned!” At this precise moment, another maid rushed in, relaying the news to He Linghan.

“Quickly, let us go to the entrance.” He Linghan’s face brightened considerably upon hearing this, and she hastened out of the chamber.

“Ling’er, I have arrived,” Ye Shikai proclaimed his return as he stepped through the gates. Guards promptly assisted him, relieving him of his armor and sword. Ye Shikai then removed his helmet. The sheer weight of this accouterment, several dozen pounds, would tax even the most robust physique if worn throughout the day. Once free of the gear, Ye Shikai experienced a profound sense of relief, as though a great weight had been lifted.

“Husband, you are home.”

“Yes, having been so occupied for many days, you have labored diligently here at home.” Ye Shikai settled into a chair with evident comfort, stretching languidly. “These past days, the military camp has been swamped with affairs. Commanding ten thousand men is no simple task.”

“Husband, I’ve already instructed the servants to prepare a meal. Please, eat something if you are hungry.” He Linghan, with utmost care, began massaging his shoulders, aiming to ease his discomfort.

“Ling’er, before long, I shall have to lead the troops out of the city, a deployment that might extend for a considerable period. I fear you will have to endure hardships at home during my absence.” Ye Shikai emitted a slight cough. Though his heart longed to remain by He Linghan’s side, military orders were absolute and could not be defied.

“Go, but please ensure your safety above all else,” He Linghan implored.

“Worry not.”

In the deep of the night.

The couple lay in their bed. Though the hour was early, sleep remained elusive. Suddenly, Ye Shikai faintly discerned a choked sob, the sound originating precisely from his wife beside him.

“Ling’er, why do you weep?” Ye Shikai moved swiftly to her side, embracing her from behind. He Linghan was indeed crying, her frame trembling. It was not difficult to surmise that Ye Shikai’s recent absorption in military matters had led to her feeling neglected.