The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1519: The Commander’s Decision

"Very well, since you’ve put it that way, I shall go and appease the brothers. However... Old Ye, if you fail to subdue Beast Mountain within a month’s time, you will undoubtedly become a public spectacle." Shangguan Jian was referencing the vow Ye Shikai had proclaimed before their departure. After all, Ye Shikai was now in the public eye, and failure to uphold his bold declarations would inevitably lead to reputational damage. Given Ye Shikai’s recent string of victories and his meteoric rise, it would be a significant detriment to tarnish his reputation over this matter.

"Haha, so that’s your concern? Such things are transient, not worth clinging to. Moreover, only a week has elapsed, and ample time remains. However, the most crucial element now is whether Xue San can successfully deliver the map."

As their conversation concluded, they emerged from the barracks, only to be met with a tableau that left them momentarily speechless.

Nine chiliarchs, a host of Five Hundred Masters, and legions of soldiers were all positioned on one knee, exhibiting remarkable discipline. Any observer witnessing this display would surely be awestruck by its sheer magnitude.

"What is the meaning of this gathering?" Shangguan Jian, caught off guard by their actions, demanded sternly.

"Today, I, a chiliarch of this camp, stand before you to implore battle from the General. Grant us two thousand soldiers, and I pledge to conquer Beast Mountain," declared a resolute chiliarch. Ye Shikai recognized him as a subordinate from Shangshui Village; he had once served as one of his squad leaders when Ye Shikai held the position of village chief. His battlefield prowess, coupled with his unwavering courage and loyalty, had earned him a promotion under Ye Shikai, solidifying his status as a trusted officer.

"We all share the same sentiment. We vow to avenge our nearly one thousand fallen comrades and humbly request the General’s approval."

"We beseech the General for his permission."

"We implore the General for his assent."

The soldiers' unified cry resonated, and within their united voices, Ye Shikai detected the palpable undertone of suppressed fury. Since assuming command of this contingent, Ye Shikai had never experienced such a bitter defeat, nor had his soldiers endured such profound humiliation.

"My brave soldiers, I fully comprehend your sentiments. We were the victims of an ambush, resulting in the loss of so many of our brothers. This failure rests squarely upon my shoulders." Having spoken, Ye Shikai executed a deep, respectful bow before the assembled soldiers. Following the engagement at Eagle Ridge, despite the soldiers’ silence, Ye Shikai was consumed by self-recrimination and had yet to formally offer his apologies to the entire army.

"General, you have led us to countless triumphs. We hold no blame against you. It was the perfidious tactics of those treacherous soldiers. We demand retribution be paid in blood."

"Indeed, blood for blood must be exacted."

"We shall raze Beast Mountain to the ground!"

"Everyone, I implore you, let us maintain our composure," Ye Shikai commanded, his voice booming to quell the rising fervor. The soldiers gradually quieted down.

"At present, we lack a defined target. To charge blindly into the mountain with impulsive haste would only court a futile demise. The comrades standing beside you include your friends, your fellow villagers, and indeed, your brothers. Do you wish to depart this mountain carrying their lifeless forms?" Ye Shikai admonished them forcefully.

"General, none of us have ever set foot in Beast Mountain before. How can we possibly know the way?"

"Precisely," the soldiers chorused in agreement.

"Therefore, we must await the opportune moment, the most advantageous chance, to strike them with minimal cost. We..."

"Report..." Abruptly, a messenger on horseback thundered in, his urgent cries drawing the attention of all present.

"Reporting to the General, Xue San’s squad has successfully returned."

"Magnificent," Ye Shikai exclaimed, his fist clenched. The opportunity he had been anticipating had finally presented itself.

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

Within the confines of the barracks.

"Quickly now, come in, all of you," Ye Shikai urged, ushering everyone inside. Their faces were grimed with dirt, evidence of their extended trek through the dense jungle. Many bore visible wounds, likely sustained from skirmishes with the enemy.

"Wait, where is Xue San?" Ye Shikai suddenly realized Xue San’s absence, his expression shifting dramatically as he pressed for an immediate answer.

"Commander Xue... he sustained injuries. In order to ensure our escape, he commanded us to proceed along the original route with the map..."

"Where is he?" Ye Shikai roared, an uncharacteristic display of his temper that even startled Shangguan Jian standing nearby.

"He... I do not know."

"Damn it!" Ye Shikai’s fury surged, and he instinctively reached for his sword. Shangguan Jian quickly stepped in, restraining his hand.

"Old Ye, this was Xue San’s choice. His subordinates were merely following orders," Shangguan Jian stated forcefully, pulling Ye Shikai back from the brink of his rage and restoring his composure.

Bang.

Ye Shikai’s grip loosened, his sword clattering to the floor with a sharp sound. He sank back into his seat, a sense of utter powerlessness washing over him. The fate of Xue San seemed exceedingly grim. If he had truly been sacrificed...

Ye Shikai recoiled from the very thought of such a possibility.

"General, this is the map Commander Xue instructed us to deliver. Our journey here was fraught with enemy ambushes, and we only managed to evade them after a fierce struggle." A team member presented the map, which distinctly showed the rebel encampment's position and various access routes, including a secret cave.

"We stumbled upon a cave by chance. This passage apparently leads directly into the enemy's camp, but our discovery led to us being pursued," the team member added.

"You're suggesting there's a cave that offers direct access to the rear of the enemy's stronghold?" Shangguan Jian leaned forward, his interest piqued by this revelation.

"Yes, that's correct."

"Nonsense! What use is that now? They discovered the cave when they were chasing you. Do you think Yan Yu is a fool? Wouldn't he have sealed it off immediately?" Ye Shikai, still simmering with anger, snapped at the team members.

"He does have a point," Shangguan Jian conceded with a sigh. Now that the rebels were aware of an entryway that could strike directly at their 'heart' from behind their defenses, it was highly improbable they would leave it unguarded for the Qin Army.

"However, thanks to this map, we now know the enemy's precise location. It also details their camp's layout. Old Ye, with this intelligence, victory is practically assured," Shangguan Jian declared, nodding and signaling the squad members to withdraw, recognizing Ye Shikai's dejected state.

"Old Ye, do you genuinely believe Xue San has fallen?"

"Of course not!" Ye Shikai struck his own head forcefully. He had unwavering faith in Xue San's capabilities and desperately refused to accept his death. Yet, having ventured deep behind enemy lines and sustained arrow wounds, who could possibly vouch for his complete safety?

"Old Ye, you are not only Xue San's sworn brother but also the commander of nearly ten thousand men. We possess all the necessary advantages – favorable conditions, opportune timing, strategic terrain, and popular support. We cannot afford to hesitate any longer; it's time to engage in battle."