The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1512: Stabilizing the People’s Confidence

"The reason our army is here is classified, and I regret that I cannot share it," Ye Shikai stated indifferently, his gaze sweeping over the merchants before him, a flicker of suspicion and curiosity in his eyes. Although he had led ten thousand troops, creating quite a spectacle upon their departure, the specific date had only been known to Ye Shikai and a few other leaders. How could these merchants happen upon them at this precise moment, and at night no less, to inquire about an advance towards Beast Mountain?

"General, there is no need for such tension. We are not spies; genuinely, we are merchants from Baima County. Please, General, use your discernment," the leading merchant said, sensing the caution in Ye Shikai’s tone and explaining earnestly.

"If you are merchants, why are you here so late at night?" The outskirts of Baima County were in proximity to Beast Mountain. Should the rebel forces emerge, Baima County would be the first to face the consequences. At such a critical juncture, this group claiming to be merchants from Baima County was indeed highly suspect.

"What the General may not be aware of is that Baima County hosts numerous merchants who frequently travel between various counties. With the rebel forces in Beast Mountain becoming increasingly active, especially in recent days, many merchants have been fleeing the county. We are among them."

"I understand. Please, have a seat, everyone," Ye Shikai gestured for his soldiers to bring out seats, inviting them to sit.

"What is the current situation within the county?" Ye Shikai inquired.

"A few days ago, the bandit army from Beast Mountain sent messages into the city, proclaiming they would spill blood throughout the county town. Consequently, over the past few days, a great many merchants and civilians have been evacuating the county with their possessions. The situation is dire and escalating. As of today, the County Magistrate has ordered the city gates sealed, permitting entry but prohibiting exit, and has conscripted many civilians for the city’s defense. We are the final group to depart," the leading merchant elaborated.

"Old Ye, what they are saying aligns with what we observed. Along our route, we indeed saw many civilians who must have fled from Baima County."

"It appears we have arrived rather late; we cannot afford further delays." Ye Shikai had not anticipated the situation to have worsened so drastically, which explained Ma Yao’s repeated urgency for deployment.

"Indeed, it is fortunate we have arrived."

"Rest assured, everyone. We are here to suppress the rebels of Beast Mountain and restore peace to the populace." Having confirmed their identities, Ye Shikai no longer felt the need to conceal the truth. His original plan was to move stealthily and launch a surprise assault on Beast Mountain. However, it now seemed their every move was observable by these 'fleeing civilians.' From a different perspective, their mission was destined for success. Failure would not only demoralize the soldiers but also shatter the people’s confidence. Conversely, a victory would bolster morale and solidify public trust, thus turning the tide.

"To speak candidly, General, I possess some knowledge regarding these bandit forces."

"Please, do share."

"The leader of these bandits is named Yan Yu. It is rumored he was once a General of the Wei State. Following the Wei State's collapse, Yan Yu turned to banditry, embodying the nature of a Mountain King. Now, amidst these unstable times, he masquerades as a rebel army, intending to launch an offensive against the county town."

"This Yan Yu is quite audacious, believing those mountain brigands can conquer the county town. Is he underestimating us?" Shangguan Jian exclaimed, slamming his fist on the table.

"General, you must not underestimate him. This Yan Yu is no mere incompetent; the county has dispatched troops numerous times to encircle him, yet all returned in defeat, unable to even penetrate Beast Mountain."

"Are you implying we are incompetent?" Man Cang questioned coldly.

"No, no, no, General, you misunderstand."

"Enough," Ye Shikai interjected, signaling his generals to cease their exchange. He then instructed the soldiers to serve tea to the merchants.

"What is your understanding of Beast Mountain?" Ye Shikai pressed further. To know oneself and the enemy ensures victory in every battle; before advancing, he needed to gather as much intelligence as possible on Beast Mountain, particularly its terrain.

"Beast Mountain is seldom visited, and its terrain is treacherous; only hunters and villagers intimately familiar with the landscape would venture into it. We are merely merchants dealing in animal pelts and herbs; we have never entered the mountains," they replied.

"If that is the case, then never mind," Ye Shikai said, gently rubbing his temples. They were ordinary merchants, unlikely to have explored the mountains, and he would not pressure them.

"Earlier, you stated that only hunters and those familiar with the terrain enter the mountains. Does this mean the bandits currently occupying the mountain were once hunters?" Shangguan Jian inquired.

"Indeed, many of them were likely hunters. A significant portion of these bandits are former Mountain Kings who were forced to flee to Beast Mountain. Their men possess an intimate knowledge of the terrain, which is why one must remain exceedingly vigilant when the General leads an army into the mountains," a merchant explained. The principles of heavenly timing, terrestrial advantage, and unity among people were discussed by Ye Shikai, who found himself lacking in the first two, relying solely on the last.

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

The following day.

"Old Ye, the current weather conditions seem unfavorable for our planned advance," commented Shangguan Jian as rain began to fall from the sky early in the morning.

"You are correct, the rainy season is upon us," Ye Shikai replied, his expression darkening. Unbeknownst to him, they had entered the rainy season, a suboptimal time for military deployment. However, the situation in Baima County was dire, leaving them with no alternative. Ye Shikai observed numerous civilians fleeing, their faces etched with anxiety and fear, as they brushed past the army. The city had been sealed, yet many civilians remained in the surrounding villages. With the absence of robust city walls and, more concerningly, the county having recalled its village garrisons to the county city for a defensive retreat, these villages were effectively abandoned.

"Shangguan, how much further is our destination?" Ye Shikai asked.

"We should reach the foot of the mountain in approximately two more hours," Shangguan Jian answered.

"Very well, dispatch a team immediately to deliver this letter to the Baima County Magistrate. Announce to the entire populace that I am leading the army to the foot of Beast Mountain. Within a month, deliver Yan Yu’s head to the market, and assure the civilians they have no need for further worry," Ye Shikai declared with conviction, causing the generals behind him to exchange significant glances.

"Did you not hear my instructions clearly?" Ye Shikai reiterated.

"Old Ye, we haven't even engaged in battle yet. Isn't it a bit premature to make such bold pronouncements?" Shangguan Jian mused. He knew Ye Shikai did not typically boast or exaggerate before an outcome was certain, but today's demeanor was entirely uncharacteristic.

"The hearts of the people are wavering; our foremost priority is to stabilize their morale and restore order. If all the civilians flee, we will truly be isolated and without any support," Ye Shikai stated calmly. "That is sufficient. This is my military order, and your duty is to carry it out. Furthermore, instruct the Baima County Magistrate to oversee our army’s logistics and ensure the armaments and provisions dispatched from Pu Yang are securely stored within the county city."