The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1522: Assault on the Stronghold

The following day dawned.

Ye Shikai orchestrated a three-pronged attack. Four chiliarchs were dispatched to lead their soldiers along two diverging paths, approaching from the left and right flanks. Xue San, taking the role of vanguard, commanded two thousand Iron Armor Army soldiers to forge a path ahead. Ye Shikai himself remained with the main contingent at the rear.

Meanwhile, the two thousand cavalry under Wan Qi Yuan sought to join the offensive, but Ye Shikai rebuffed their offer. He reasoned that the treacherous mountain path was ill-suited for a cavalry charge, rendering them vulnerable targets.

Two hours elapsed.

"Old Ye, once we clear this dense forest, we will arrive at the valley's entrance. Intelligence from our scouts indicates the enemy's camp is nestled within the valley, possessing only a single route for ingress and egress."

"Old Ye, surely you didn't foresee Yan Yu establishing his stronghold in such a perilous location, did you?" Shangguan Jian quipped.

"No, I had already harbored suspicions," Ye Shikai replied, gesturing dismissively. "I thoroughly researched his history. During his tenure with the Wei Army, he was known for his audacious tactics and adeptness at employing surprise assaults. His strategies were both bold and meticulously planned, often leaving his adversaries utterly devastated. Such a general is indeed a rare talent, though tragically, he cannot be swayed to our cause." Ye Shikai let out a sigh. Yan Yu was the quintessential "gambler" in warfare, yet possessed a rational mind. His successful stratagems delivered a FATAL STRIKE to the enemy, while failure meant absolute annihilation.

"By establishing his camp in a desperate position, he seeks to emulate Xiang Yu's famed strategy of 'breaking the cauldrons and sinking the boats.'" Ye Shikai mused. "According to the current timeline, Xiang Yu has not yet initiated his rebellion against Qin. However, in a few short years, Xianyang City will be reduced to ashes by his hand. As the saying goes, a clever rabbit has three burrows. Military commanders typically eschew placing themselves in dire straits. Yet, Yan Yu's 'reverse thinking gamble,' in this particular context, is a remarkably effective maneuver. The front of the enemy camp is merely fifty meters wide, meaning any forces attacking head-on are confined to this narrow corridor. It is easily defensible but exceedingly difficult to breach."

The Qin forces advanced steadily into the forest. Soon, the outer ramparts of the enemy camp and a watchtower came into view. Ye Shikai could discern the rebel soldiers patrolling the walls, who also spotted the approaching Qin Army and began preparations for defense.

"Man Cang, are you prepared?"

"Reporting, General, I stand ready to assault the camp. Please issue the command," Man Cang declared, kneeling on one knee before Ye Shikai. His tone was resolute, betraying a clear determination not only to capture the enemy encampment but also to vanquish his inner demons.

"Initiate the assault on the camp."

"Understood."

Upon receiving the order, Man Cang promptly rejoined his troops, positioning himself at the very forefront of the army.

"Soldiers! The architect of our brothers' demise resides within this very camp! Do you seek vengeance for them?" Man Cang bellowed, his voice resonating across the assembled ranks.

"Yes!"

"Yes!"

"Then, do you fear death?!"

"No!"

"No!"

"Excellent!" Man Cang roared, drawing his sword and plunging it firmly into the earth.

"The army shall be divided into units of five hundred men each. The Five Hundred Masters will lead these as the assault troops, with another five hundred positioned behind them as supervisors. My sword marks the boundary. Should any attacking soldiers falter and retreat beyond this line, the supervisors are authorized to execute them immediately. Once an attacking soldier falls, the supervisors will replace them and continue the advance. If a Five Hundred Master falls, he will be succeeded by a Hundred General, and if a Hundred General falls, a village chief will take command, and so forth." Having finished his declaration, Man Cang dismounted, personally seizing a long spear and advancing towards the enemy camp.

"General..."

"Do not attempt to stop me. I too am now an attacking soldier."

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

Ye Shikai established his main force's camp within the protective cover of the forest. Fierce combat raged at the front lines. As the supreme commander, a natural tension gnawed at him, yet Ye Shikai compelled himself to remain seated. Injured soldiers were continuously being carried back from the front for immediate medical attention.

"Shangguan, what is the current situation at the front?" Ye Shikai inquired.

"It's intense. Control of the outer camp wall has changed hands seven times, and we have deployed several waves of reinforcements. Man Cang is still locked in a brutal struggle with the enemy." Shangguan Jian's expression was grim. It appeared that no one had anticipated the rebels' ferocity. Two to three hours had passed, and an estimated hundred thousand arrows had been loosed.

"Furthermore, the troop divisions on the left and right flanks have reached the edge of the forest. Several chiliarchs are awaiting your orders."

"Dispatch them to the front to follow Man Cang's directives; he's probably short on soldiers after fighting for so long." Ye Shikai let out a sigh. Once the clash commenced, countless soldiers from both sides would perish, a grim reality that was beyond anyone's control.

"Understood."

Ye Shikai turned, clenching his fist and slamming it onto the table. He lamented that if the terrain were level, such a persistent stalemate would not be occurring. To breach the enemy camp, trebuchets could have been employed, but being deep within imposing mountains, cavalry found it hard to navigate, let alone cumbersome siege machines. Thus, a frontal assault with soldiers was their only recourse.

"On a related note, have the squad members returned yet?" Ye Shikai inquired. As per the established strategy, the squad was expected to have reached the cave vicinity by now. He pondered if they had managed to locate Xue San.

"Not yet, but their continued absence suggests that Xue San and his men are likely still alive."

"Precisely, perhaps no news is the best news in this situation." Ye Shikai nodded in agreement.

Abruptly, an officer, drenched in blood, hurried in from outside. His uniform was a crimson canvas, and his face was painted red, presenting a terrifying spectacle. Yet, Ye Shikai recognized him; this was a chiliarch serving under Commander Man, a warrior famed for his bravery and audacious spirit.

"What has happened to you? Are you wounded?" Ye Shikai urgently asked.

"General, I am unharmed. I've come to deliver a message: Commander Man is engaged in battle on the outer ramparts, but our brethren have sustained grievous losses, and his personal guards have been annihilated. We are in desperate need of reinforcements."

"What? How could things have escalated to this point?" Ye Shikai shot up from his seat, his voice laced with disbelief.

"The enemy's numbers were far greater than we anticipated. The commander led us to repel one surge, only for another to relentlessly follow."

"Damn it, everyone, follow me immediately. Gather my personal guard unit!" Ye Shikai commanded without hesitation. He absolutely could not permit Man Cang to face any further peril. On the battlefield, Man Cang transformed into a ferocious beast; without an order to retreat, he would fight to his final breath, especially since he had declared a military warrant this time. Given his character, he would never withdraw, regardless of the battle's dire circumstances.

"Old Ye, hold on a moment." Shangguan Jian suddenly grasped Ye Shikai's arm. "You are the commander-in-chief; your presence is crucial here to oversee the overall situation. Entrust the front lines to me; I shall ensure victory."

"Very well then. Shangguan, the front is fraught with extreme danger; you must exercise utmost caution."

"Consider it done." Shangguan Jian responded, and with that, he departed the command tent alongside the chiliarch. They proceeded to muster the guard unit and set a course for the frontline to reinforce Man Cang.