The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1513: Military Warrant

"Also, convey to the Magistrate of Baima County that he must dispatch soldiers to safeguard the grain and military provisions without fail. Should there be any misstep, his head will surely be forfeit," Ye Shikai stated with a chilling tone, his words laced with a dire threat.

"Master, shall I relay your message verbatim?"

"Indeed, communicate my exact words without alteration," Ye Shikai commanded.

"Understood." The messenger departed the tent, quickly mounting his steed and heading towards the county. The strategic placement of the supplies, transported from the rear lines, within the town was a calculated decision by Ye Shikai. Its primary purpose was to leverage the town's robust fortifications for enhanced security compared to any temporary storage. Furthermore, it served as a powerful visual demonstration of their unwavering resolve to the populace, thereby bolstering morale.

"Having issued such stern directives, in one month's time, whether I return laden with honors or my reputation lies in tatters, it will all hinge upon your efforts," Ye Shikai declared, bowing respectfully to the assembled chiliarchs within the tent.

"Rest assured, Master. With my presence, I pledge to return with Yan Yu's head," declared Man Cang, a fearsome general and the most suitable candidate for the vanguard position.

"Excellent. How many soldiers do you require for this task?" Ye Shikai inquired.

"A mere two thousand soldiers are sufficient for me to conquer Beast Mountain."

"Very well. I shall grant you three thousand elite troops. However, my expectation is not for you to completely annihilate the enemy forces. The terrain of Beast Mountain is treacherous, with a labyrinth of winding paths and concealed routes; a complete eradication is simply not feasible. Nevertheless, there exists a prominent peak overlooking Beast Mountain known as Eagle Ridge. Local hunters attest that only eagles can ascend its heights, hence its name. The enemy has established their encampment there, effectively controlling the primary access point into Beast Mountain. If this strategic location can be seized, our main army will be able to advance unhindered into the mountain," Ye Shikai explained, indicating a crucial point on the map.

"Have no concerns, Master. Leave this crucial task to me," Man Cang affirmed.

"I will grant you one week. Is this timeframe adequate?" Ye Shikai asked calmly.

"Three days is all I require," Man Cang stated with unyielding conviction. For a warrior of such ferocity, employing a strategy of provocative challenges proved highly effective. The extended period of a week was deliberately proposed by Ye Shikai to ignite Man Cang's ambition and drive for success. A longer duration implicitly conveyed a doubt regarding his capabilities, thus serving as potent fuel for someone possessing Man Cang's impetuous nature.

"And what if you fail to capture the objective within that time?"

"I am prepared to pledge my life and sign a military warrant to guarantee its success," Man Cang declared without hesitation.

"Commendable. May your endeavors be fruitful," Ye Shikai responded, stepping forward to clap him firmly on the shoulder.

"Understood. I shall take my leave now," Man Cang bowed his head and turned, exiting the tent.

"Each and every one of you must fulfill your assigned duties with utmost diligence. Let me be absolutely clear: should any individual exhibit reluctance or sloth in the face of battle, without awaiting any orders from the Commander's Mansion, I shall personally deliver their reckoning," Ye Shikai announced sternly.

"Rest assured, Master, we shall commit ourselves wholeheartedly to our tasks."

"We will risk life and limb, prepared to face death a myriad of times over."

After dismissing the assembled officers, Ye Shikai retained Shangguan Jian within the tent. These chiliarchs, handpicked and personally mentored by Ye Shikai, each possessed exceptional capabilities and merits.

"Old Ye, Eagle Ridge is indeed a formidable peak within Beast Mountain, and the enemy's strategic positioning there allows them to repel any intruders by exploiting the natural terrain. While Man Cang is undoubtedly a valiant general, I harbor no doubts regarding his courage in battle. However, in such challenging geography, sheer bravery alone may not suffice," Shangguan Jian voiced his concerns.

"I comprehend your reservations completely. In our current predicament, strategic ingenuity would be paramount. Unfortunately, we are severely constrained by time. Any protracted engagement would prove detrimental to our cause in every conceivable aspect. Moreover, we have over ten thousand troops stationed here, and ensuring a consistent supply of provisions presents a significant logistical challenge. You are correct, however; we must prioritize swift victory and avoid any reckless actions," Ye Shikai concurred, nodding in agreement.

"Then why did you still assign Man Cang to lead the vanguard?"

"Although Man Cang will spearhead the assault, the ultimate command remains firmly in my hands. If I were to relinquish complete authority to him, I fear he might recklessly sacrifice the three thousand men under his command in his pursuit of victory, potentially without achieving the objective. Would I then be compelled to execute him?" Ye Shikai's tone shifted, a hint of hidden calculation in his voice. After all, Man Cang had publicly signed the military warrant, staking his life as a guarantee, a move intended to galvanize the generals. If Ye Shikai lacked absolute certainty, how could he possibly allow such a bold declaration?

"You imply... that you already possess a viable strategy to overcome the enemy?"

"Precisely. Do you recall Long Mountain?"

"Indeed, I do. That was our inaugural engagement leading troops. While the scale of forces engaged was considerably smaller than our current numbers, it was essentially a series of minor skirmishes," Shangguan Jian recalled.

"And do you remember the method we employed to breach their camp back then?"

"You intend to..."

"Summon Xue San to my presence."

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

Deep into the night.

"Since the general's decree has been issued, my objective is clear. I shall accomplish this task." Xue San arrived at the encampment with the "Special Operations Squad," a unit originally established by Ye Shikai. This squad comprised agile individuals selected from the ranks, outfitted with superior weaponry. Ye Shikai had imparted to them the tenets of special operations, crucial for missions beyond the capabilities of ordinary soldiers.

"On this occasion, I cannot personally join the operation. Xue San, you must exercise the utmost vigilance." Ye Shikai lightly clasped his shoulder. As the Main General, he was now tasked with overall command and could not accompany the squad. This particular mission necessitated Xue San leading the team to infiltrate Eagle Ridge's stronghold, breach the gates, and permit Man Cang to lead three thousand Iron Armor Army soldiers in a surprise assault.

"Eagle Ridge's camp serves as the enemy's primary defense; they will undoubtedly station formidable forces here. Proceed with extreme caution during your infiltration."

"Understood." Under the veil of darkness, Xue San guided his team, setting forth on their mission. They were not merely a "Special Operations Squad" but also a "Daredevil Squad." Discovery by the enemy would invariably lead to certain demise.

"Inform Man Cang to maintain readiness. Upon sighting the signal arrow, he is to order the entire army to charge and overwhelm the camp."

"Acknowledged."

An hour elapsed.

Ye Shikai and Shangguan Jian, accompanied by their most trusted guards, ascended to a vantage point, their gazes fixed, anxiously awaiting the signal arrow from Xue San. To be candid, Ye Shikai felt uneasy about Xue San undertaking such a perilous task due to their close bond. Nevertheless, within the military hierarchy, no one possessed Xue San's proficiency in scaling walls, climbing treacherous terrain, or executing clandestine reconnaissance.

Whoosh.

Abruptly, a sharp whistling sound pierced the night air. All eyes lifted, spotting the long-anticipated signal arrow ascending into the heavens.

"Charge, attack!"

Concurrently, a fierce cry echoed from the base of the mountain; the gleam of cold steel reflecting off polished iron armor. It was Man Cang, leading the three thousand Iron Armor Army into action.

"Old Ye, Xue San has likely succeeded. If no unforeseen complications arise, I estimate Man Cang can secure the entire camp within thirty minutes." Observing the unfolding events, Ye Shikai and Shangguan both released a collective sigh of relief.

"Let us proceed to the location and ascertain the situation."

Eagle Ridge Camp.

"Curious, why is there an absence of any sounds of conflict?" Upon closer examination, Ye Shikai expressed his bewilderment. Logically, the area should be alive with intense combat, yet the camp remained eerily silent. Further scrutiny revealed the gates standing wide open, with sentries posted placidly outside.

"What precisely is occurring here?"

"Reporting to the General, the camp holds only slightly over a hundred men. We encountered virtually no resistance and have successfully secured the encampment."