The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1511: Marching Forward

Witnessing He Linghan's silent tears, Ye Shikai forewent further inquiries, his understanding of the situation rendering additional questions unnecessary. As He Linghan’s maid, Hehua, had previously mentioned, had Ye Shikai truly indulged in idleness, he could have easily resided at home, much like other county generals, content with leisure and revelry. His military duties could have been delegated to the Deputy General. However, Ye Shikai chose a different path. He now commanded ten thousand soldiers, each with families and dependents, each life precious. The fall of a single brother meant the sorrow of multiple households. A lax approach to training by Ye Shikai would inevitably lead to more needless deaths. As the commanding General, he bore the profound responsibility for the lives of his men.

Offering comfort, Ye Shikai embraced He Linghan, his hand gently stroking her shoulder...

"Ling’er, I am truly sorry for the hardship you’ve endured. Once this war concludes, I shall return to your side without delay." Unbeknownst to him, He Linghan’s trembling gradually subsided, her sobs ceasing. It appeared her pent-up emotions had found release. Ye Shikai remained until she drifted into sleep, before he too lay down.

The following morning, He Linghan resumed her customary role, attending to Ye Shikai and ensuring the kitchen prepared an array of favored dishes. In the presence of others, she maintained an outward composure, concealing any personal distress, reserving her tears for the solitude of the night.

"Husband, approximately how long will this campaign keep you away?" He Linghan inquired unexpectedly at the breakfast table.

"If all proceeds as anticipated, about a month," Ye Shikai responded after careful consideration. The enemy forces, numbering five to six thousand, were entrenched in the rugged mountains and presented a formidable challenge.

"General, you must come back swiftly. Since your departure, the Madam has missed you dearly," Hehua interjected from her position nearby.

"Hehua, you are speaking too freely. Go attend to your duties in the kitchen," He Linghan admonished, causing Hehua to fall silent, turn, and depart.

"Husband, it is my failing in management that has led to the maid’s forwardness."

"Ling’er, Hehua speaks from a place of concern for you. I do not mind her words. Furthermore, an overly formal atmosphere is not to my liking. A touch of liveliness is welcome," Ye Shikai said, shaking his head slightly. He had no desire to adopt the demeanor of an aloof dignitary.

"Besides, Hehua spoke the truth. I have not attended to your needs adequately and have neglected you. Even a maid could not bear witness to it and spoke up for you, which only highlights my own shortcomings," Ye Shikai added gently.

"Very well, concentrate on the front lines. Leave the domestic matters to me," He Linghan stated, clearly wishing to steer the conversation away, perhaps fearing that dwelling on the subject might cause her to break down again.

"Rest assured, I shall return the moment the conflict is resolved," Ye Shikai offered his solemn promise. Should victory be achieved and Ma Yao have further assignments, he intended to use his 'recovery from injury' as a pretext for a brief respite.

"Understood. I shall await your return here at home."

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

Within the military encampment.

"Has the army been fully mustered?" Ye Shikai inquired, his gaze sweeping across more than a dozen Chiliarchs, several Military Marquises, and his trusted aides. His expression was grave, this being his inaugural command of an army exceeding ten thousand, a stark contrast to minor skirmishes involving mere dozens. An error in a battle of this magnitude could lead to hundreds, even thousands, of casualties, necessitating utmost prudence.

"General, all units are in formation, and the cavalry detachment has already advanced as the vanguard," Shangguan Jian addressed Ye Shikai as 'General' in front of the assembled commanders, his tone notably more formal than his usual 'Old Ye,' signaling the gravity of the occasion.

"All of you here are my trusted confidants, and you understand my intentions. I shall not belabor the point. I expect each of you to exert your utmost effort for a decisive victory." Ye Shikai refrained from delivering a grandiose or 'rousing' address. In this era of cold weaponry, battles were often decided by sheer tenacity and the willingness to risk one's life in direct engagement. Consequently, generals typically focused on elevating troop morale. However, this engagement was different. Venturing into the labyrinthine depths of the mountains, strategy held precedence over fervor. Without intimate knowledge of the terrain, pathways, or potential enemy ambushes, even the most reckless charge would prove futile. Therefore, the strategic deployment and planning were paramount for this particular battle.

"Yes, General."

"Yes, General."

"Yes, General."

Ye Shikai mounted his warhorse, placing himself at the head of his most loyal soldiers within the Central Army, thereby directing the entire contingent. Unlike the command of a unit comprising one or two thousand men, managing an army of ten thousand could not solely rest upon his shoulders. Hence, the delegation of command was essential. He established a dedicated messenger corps, each rider equipped with a swift steed. His military directives were transmitted directly by these messengers to the Chiliarchs, positioning him as the strategic mind, issuing commands to the various limbs of the operational body, even if he was not directly engaged in their execution.

Night marches require camp setup and the dispatch of patrol soldiers. As we approach Beast Mountain, the dangers escalate. Intelligence from the cavalry squad indicates that Beast Mountain's county town is completely sealed, barring all entry and exit. Food supplies are now rationed, and water sources have been secured," Ye Shikai explained, gesturing towards the map within the tent.

"The situation is indeed dire," Shangguan Jian expressed his disbelief. They had not even engaged in battle, yet a county town had already retreated into isolation.

"With only about a thousand soldiers defending a county, how could they possibly withstand the rebel army?" Ye Shikai was not surprised; he had anticipated this outcome. If the county town were to fall, Ma Yao's position could truly be at risk. It was possible that the order to seal the town originated from him.

"Old Ye, we can reach the county town by tomorrow and assist in relieving the siege. The troops have been marching swiftly all day; should we rest within the town for the night tomorrow?"

"There's no need. If we enter the town ostentatiously, it will essentially inform the mountain rebels of our arrival. We do not need to enter or pass through the town. Simply report the army's progress to the County Magistrate. Firstly, this will prompt the town gates to open, and secondly, it will reassure the populace, thereby preventing widespread panic," Ye Shikai instructed.

"Understood. I will handle it immediately."

"Reporting, General. A group of merchants requests an audience with you outside the camp," a guard suddenly announced while Ye Shikai was deep in thought, studying the terrain.

"Allow them entry at once," Ye Shikai replied nonchalantly. Soon, several middle-aged men were escorted into the tent by the guards.

"Who might you be?"

"Reporting, General. We are merchants hailing from the vicinity. We happened upon your encampment and specifically came to make inquiries," the leading man stated.

"State your purpose plainly."

"Is the General here with a considerable army to eradicate the bandit forces on Beast Mountain?"