The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1515: Guilt

"Very well, thank you, military doctor." Upon hearing that the arrowhead was not poisoned and that Ye Shikai was not in life-threatening danger, Man Cang finally breathed a sigh of relief. He, as the commander, understood that with the battle just unfolding, any harm to the commander would lead to the collapse of the entire army.

"You’re welcome."

"Sir, rest assured, the military doctor stated that only rest is required."

"What are the casualty figures?" Ye Shikai inquired, his eyes shut tight and his temples pressed firmly, his expression grave. With such losses to the troops, he had no inclination to concern himself with his own injury.

"The statistics are not yet complete, but the wounded brothers have been progressively rescued from the camp. With the light rain now, the fire was extinguished within an hour." After Man Cang concluded his report, he turned and surveyed the assembled generals within the tent before suddenly kneeling on one knee before Ye Shikai.

"Sir, this instance was my failure to detect the enemy’s arson attack. I led the army into the camp without adequate inspection, falling into their trap and causing the demise of so many brothers. The fault lies entirely with me. As per the military warrant, I implore you, General, to take my head to uphold military law." Man Cang spoke with resolute conviction, each word deliberate. As the vanguard and frontline commander, he indeed bore responsibility for not thoroughly scrutinizing the camp.

"Sir, General Man is the most valiant general in our army. He was ensnared by the enemy’s scheme due to a momentary oversight. I request that the General permit him to atone for his transgressions through meritorious deeds." A chiliarch stepped forward, interceding on Man Cang's behalf.

"Indeed, sir, executing a general on the battlefield constitutes a significant strategic blunder. The army has already sustained heavy losses, and morale is low. Should General Man be executed now, the repercussions would be unquantifiable. I implore you to grant General Man another opportunity."

The generals present unanimously pleaded for Man Cang. They were well aware of the rapport between the two; Man Cang was Ye Shikai’s trusted subordinate, a loyal and dependable general. It was improbable that Ye Shikai would readily agree to his execution. However, given that the military warrant was Man Cang’s own decree, Ye Shikai’s dismissal of it might negatively impact military morale. Therefore, the generals naturally interceded, providing both Ye Shikai and Man Cang a means of escape.

"The military warrant you established stipulated the forfeiture of your head if the camp was not captured. However, you did succeed in capturing it. It was my misjudgment; I did not foresee that Yan Yu would choose to perish with his forces, attempting to incinerate Eagle Ridge Camp and three thousand troops simultaneously. My failure to perceive their stratagem was my error." Ye Shikai rose and addressed the assembled generals.

"Sir, we have experienced losses, but not a debilitating blow. Our forces still outnumber the enemy two to one. I urge you to lift your spirits. I am prepared to traverse any hardship."

"Very well, return to your respective camps, tally your troops, console the soldiers, and await my command."

"Yes."

"Yes."

Once everyone had departed, Ye Shikai’s demeanor grew somber once more. Through this harrowing ordeal, he recognized that the adversary he faced was not the incompetent sort he had encountered previously. Yan Yu possessed genuine talent and strategic acumen during his tenure with the Wei Army.

"Sir, I..."

"Enough, Man Cang, do not be excessively disheartened. I also bear responsibility for this situation. Regain your composure, find courage in the face of shame, and in the future, bring Yan Yu’s head to honor our fallen comrades." Ye Shikai placed a hand on his shoulder. "I require your assistance with a matter now."

"Please, simply issue the order."

"Immediately lead the guards back to Puyang County and meticulously review the records pertaining to Wei General Yan Yu at the Commander Mansion. Puyang was formerly under the dominion of the Wei State, thus locating the records should not prove excessively difficult."

"Yes, I shall depart at once."

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

Not long thereafter, dawn began to break gradually, the light drizzle persisting, mirroring the somber mood of Ye Shikai at that moment...

"Old Ye, I have returned." Within the camp, Ye Shikai, who had remained awake the entire night, was greeted by Shangguan Jian entering from outside. His face was smudged with soot, and a portion of his battle robe bore scorch marks.

"What is the situation? What are the troop losses?"

"Seven hundred and fifty-three perished, with approximately eight hundred sustaining injuries. The remaining stragglers have gradually rejoined the camp." Shangguan Jian appeared profoundly weary, having toiled through the night only to receive such grim casualty figures. His spirits were also heavy.

Man Cang’s three thousand Iron Armor Army suffered a devastating blow; a quarter were lost entirely, and the majority of the rest bore wounds. Reviewing the bamboo slip, Ye Shikai felt a heavy weight settle in his chest, a pang of pain and sorrow. Many of the injured brothers had sustained severe burns, necessitating a recovery period that would exclude them from the upcoming battle at Wild Beast Mountain. The mountain’s rugged terrain was also ill-suited for healing, compelling Ye Shikai to order their return to the county.

"Escort the wounded brothers back to the county for immediate treatment. Distribute bereavement compensation to the families of those who have fallen. Expedite this, now," Ye Shikai commanded, his voice strained with suppressed grief.

"Understood, Commander."

Leaving the barracks, Ye Shikai, as the army's commander, felt obligated to personally inspect the camps and offer words of comfort to the remaining troops following the incident.

"Sir, I bear an urgent report," a soldier announced, approaching with clasped hands. Though Ye Shikai didn't recognize him, the soldier's uniform clearly marked him as part of the "special ops team." This suggested he was one of Xue San's men. Ye Shikai noted, with a touch of concern, that he hadn't seen Xue San since the previous night, nor did he know of his whereabouts.

"State your report directly," Ye Shikai instructed.

"Commander Xue sends word that he is leading his team deep into enemy territory for reconnaissance. He assures you not to worry about his safety," the soldier conveyed.

"Very well, you may stand down now," Ye Shikai replied, waving dismissal. He acknowledged Xue San's shrewdness; rather than retreating amidst last night's chaos, he had used the opportunity to infiltrate enemy lines. This intelligence was invaluable, as Ye Shikai knew little about Yan Yu or his forces, and crucially, lacked knowledge of their base location.

Accompanied by his guards, Ye Shikai proceeded to the military camp, where the wounded lay in large numbers, overwhelming the available medical staff.

"Military doctor, what is the current assessment?"

"Reporting, General. The majority of our wounded brothers are suffering from burns and arrow wounds. Standard arrow injuries are manageable and will heal with time and bandaging. However, injuries to internal organs are critical. Furthermore, many soldiers were seared by fierce flames, with some sustaining extensive burns; the sight is truly horrific."

Ye Shikai understood that in this era, devoid of modern surgical techniques, internal injuries presented a grave threat to life. Severe burns, he knew even from his modern knowledge, were treacherous, capable of claiming a life with the slightest misstep—a danger amplified in this ancient setting. Gazing upon the battered soldiers fighting for their lives, Ye Shikai's heart ached as if pierced by a thousand needles. He felt a profound sense of helplessness, a spectator to their suffering. His experiences since arriving in Dragon Teeth had taught him the grim reality that a commander's single misjudgment could lead to the loss of so many lives.