The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1516: Boosting Morale

"Old Ye, there are too many fallen brothers; our carriages must prioritize returning the wounded. If we are to bring back our fallen soldiers for proper burial, I fear it will require additional time," Shangguan Jian stated as he approached.

"Then let the cavalry escort them back," Ye Shikai replied, his hand clenching, his heart aching even more profoundly.

"Old Ye, the cavalry must remain ready for combat at all times. We cannot spare that many horses. Furthermore... if the townspeople witness the extent of our fallen brothers, I fear... their morale will be significantly impacted," Shangguan Jian expressed his deep concern. Ye Shikai had already proclaimed his intention to seize Yan Yu's head within the month and display it in the Baima County market. This declaration had previously spread throughout the county, successfully stabilizing the chaos and reassuring the populace. However, if this news were to reach the town now, the fragile stability would undoubtedly shatter, leading to an uncontrollable situation. Not to mention, all the expeditionary army's supplies and equipment were currently stockpiled within the town.

Upon hearing this, Ye Shikai let out a long sigh, slowly sinking to the ground. Rainwater streamed down his helmet, tracing paths across his face. At this moment, his heart was overwhelmingly heavy. The lives of thousands of brothers had been sacrificed on this mountain ridge. The thought of their families anxiously awaiting their return at home caused Ye Shikai such profound heartache that he could barely breathe.

"Find a location with favorable feng shui and bury the fallen brothers with honor," Ye Shikai finally spoke after a prolonged silence.

"Understood."

Ye Shikai dismissed his guards and remained alone on the mountain peak, lost in quiet contemplation. He harbored no regrets about his bold declarations prior to the battle; they were a necessary measure to bolster morale, a decision born out of necessity. Presently, he and nearly ten thousand of his brothers had no other option but to advance. Their sole path forward was to completely eradicate Yan Yu and his forces, returning triumphantly to the county with Yan Yu's head.

Inside the camp.

"Our troops are demoralized, and we have no clear direction for our next move. What should we do now?"

"This time, we are not facing mere incompetents. It is said that Yan Yu, a descendant of a renowned general from the Wei State and a master of military strategy, managed to defeat the local garrison even with limited power. Now, his strength has grown, and he has been entrenched here for a considerable period, fully exploiting the geographical advantages."

"What are you all arguing about?" Shangguan Jian entered the camp, observing a group of chiliarchs and Five Hundred Masters engaged in a loud discussion, and couldn't help but issue a mild rebuke.

"Military Marquis Shangguan."

"Military Marquis Shangguan."

"Tell me, what was the subject of your discussion just now?" Shangguan Jian inquired sternly, striding towards a chiliarch with a cold demeanor.

"Well... we were discussing our next course of action."

"Decisions regarding operations are the General's responsibility. What is there for you all to worry about?" Shangguan Jian rebuked them with a glare, "Hmph, because of a minor setback in battle, you've begun to falter here, inadvertently boosting the enemy's morale while diminishing our own. If we were to face a critical moment, would you leaders have already fled?" Shangguan Jian's stern words caused the other officers to lower their heads, too intimidated to even breathe audibly.

"Military Marquis, we were all promoted by General Ye, and we are not cowards. However, the current situation is dire, and General Ye has not issued any orders for two days. Our army has suffered its first defeat, and it is imperative that a significant victory follow to restore our morale."

"Who says I have no orders?" A voice suddenly echoed from the camp entrance as Ye Shikai strode in.

"Greetings, General."

"Greetings, Assistant General."

Upon seeing Ye Shikai, everyone immediately knelt on one knee. Despite the recent predicament, Ye Shikai's prestige within the army remained unshaken, and all continued to follow his command.

Ye Shikai resumed his seat in the commander's chair, a rare smile gracing his features, exuding an aura of renewed confidence. Shangguan Jian had been correct. To adopt a passive stance and disengage now would lead to the complete collapse of the entire army.

"Old Ye, do you have a plan for our next step?" Shangguan Jian's deeply furrowed brow finally began to relax. He felt as though the brilliant strategist Ye Shikai had fully returned.

"Indeed, I do."

"What is the current state of the Eagle Ridge camp?" Ye Shikai inquired.

"The majority of the camp has been reduced to ashes, with even half of the wooden palisades burned away," Shangguan Jian reported. "Fortunately, it is currently the rainy season. Otherwise, a conflagration of such magnitude would likely have persisted for an entire day."

"Shangguan, immediately command the soldiers to rebuild the camp. It needs to be done within three days. This is our base camp; I cannot let it remain a wasteland," Ye Shikai ordered.

"Yes."

"Man Cang, have the materials I requested been delivered?"

"Reporting to the General, all requested items have been found. Additionally, I've gathered some information about him from the locals. This Yan Yu was once a general who led the Wei Wu Zuo,"

"Wei Wu Zuo." Ye Shikai murmured. The Wei Wu Zuo was the elite force of the Wei State. Although their power declined in later stages, they remained a formidable trump card. As one of their leaders, Yan Yu naturally possessed significant strength, something Ye Shikai had witnessed firsthand. With the rainy season approaching and the rain still light, fire attacks were still effective. A week later, with the heavy rains arriving, fire attacks would become impossible. Yan Yu had seized this opportune moment to launch a fierce surprise attack on the Qin Army.

"Yes, my investigation confirmed Yan Yu was indeed one of the leaders of Wei Wu Zuo."

"Very well. Leave the materials with me, and all of you, exit now and await my further commands," Ye Shikai waved his hand. The officers acknowledged the order and departed the camp.

"Shangguan, you may leave too. I need to think carefully," Ye Shikai carefully examined the bamboo slips, which indeed contained substantial information about Yan Yu. More importantly, it detailed Wei Wu Zuo, as Yan Yu was almost synonymous with his role as one of their leaders.

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

Within a forest on Beast Mountain.

"Commander, how much longer must we remain here?"

"You rascal, cease your complaints. Those scoundrels burned so many of our brothers. Only by locating all their sites and their base can the General annihilate them completely. Do you understand?" Xue San, swinging a machete, cleared branches in his path. This was an untouched, primeval forest. Without his squad's specialized training, Xue San might have hesitated to venture in.

"Yes, sir, I understand. It's just... Beast Mountain is vast, and we are not familiar with this terrain. How are we supposed to find them?"

"Are you asking me? Whom else am I supposed to ask? Speak less and work more," Xue San instructed. "Have you meticulously recorded the terrain?"

"Rest assured, Commander, every detail has been noted down."

"This terrain is critically important. If the General decides to lead troops here, we must first thoroughly scout the paths."