The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1530: Days of Peace

"Alright, since you refuse to speak, I won’t ask anymore." He Linghan hesitated, gently nodding. She was a "good wife and mother," centering everything around Ye Shikai, full of tenderness and care. Ye Shikai did not intend to lose his temper, but... Hua Liandie’s words had struck him deeply, occupying his mind for several hours.

Hua Liandie was a "great merchant," as Ye Shikai knew, and perhaps she had even greater forces under her command. Moreover, she possessed grain, money, manpower, and held the background and identity of Chu State nobility. If she were to truly rebel, she would surely receive support from the nobles of the Chu Territory, gathering resources and recruiting troops far more substantial than any insurgent army Ye Shikai had previously encountered. The Qin Army's presence in Chu Territory was not considerable; should she rise, she could at least threaten the governance of several counties within Chu.

As a General in the Qin Army, and one who deeply abhorred war from the bottom of his heart, Ye Shikai did not support Hua Liandie’s actions. However, everyone has their own aspirations, and it could not be forced.

Only now did Ye Shikai comprehend why Hua Liandie had lingered at his home for two days, awaiting his return to bid farewell. The next time they crossed paths, they would likely be on opposing sides.

"Hua Liandie, I truly hope we do not meet on the battlefield."

Late into the night.

Ye Shikai resolved to remain home for a period, accompanying He Linghan. While they couldn't experience a honeymoon akin to modern times, they could at least explore the surrounding counties. Yet, He Linghan expressed a preference for staying put, given the current chaotic external conditions, and Ye Shikai respected her decision.

Unbeknownst to them, two months had swiftly passed—arguably the most tranquil and joyful months since Ye Shikai's arrival in the Qin Dynasty. Yan Yu had been sentenced to execution by the Prefectural Governor, his head displayed publicly in the marketplace. Ye Shikai chose not to witness the grim spectacle; he recognized Yan Yu as a genuine General, unlike those who proclaimed righteousness while resorting to pillaging like "Mountain Kings." They were mere opportunists, whereas Yan Yu possessed a fundamentally different character. He had no personal fortune, engaged in no speculative ventures, dedicating himself solely to dismantling the oppressive Qin Dynasty. Despite their divergent paths, Ye Shikai held him in high regard.

With Yan Yu's forces thoroughly annihilated, insurgent activities within East County saw a marked decline, possibly serving as a grim "killing the chicken to warn the monkey" demonstration, thus compelling greater compliance from others.

Meanwhile, Ye Shikai diligently commuted between his residence and the military encampment. He had successfully crushed the insurgent stronghold nestled in Beast Mountain, thereby securing additional accolades. Ma Yao held him in high esteem but perhaps harbored anxieties about "powerful ministers destabilizing the state," fearing Ye Shikai might covet his position. Consequently, Ma Yao bestowed upon him wealth and treasures but refrained from advancing his military rank.

At the military encampment.

"Shangguan, how is the training progressing for the new recruits?" Ye Shikai inquired casually, glancing at the bamboo slip in his hand.

"Training is proceeding according to plan, Old Ye. It’s the first time since we began commanding troops that we've had such an extended period to dedicate to training new recruits," Shangguan Jian quipped. This remark elicited a wry smile from Ye Shikai, though it held undeniable truth. Whether during the initial engagement with the Wolf Clan in He Nei County or the formation of cavalry at the Stone Peak Fortress's "Fire Line," the training for new recruits never surpassed half a month before they were hastily deployed to the front lines. It was only after the conclusion of the Wolf Clan conflict that they returned to the county with sufficient time to organize proper training.

"You are correct. Once they are adequately trained, they will certainly be capable of holding their own on the battlefield." Ye Shikai placed a high priority on the overall fighting capacity of his forces, particularly emphasizing the training of squad leaders and centurions. During engagements involving thousands of combatants, command could not solely rest upon the general; in times of stalemate, it was often the troops with faltering morale who succumbed first. Squad leaders and centurions, as the direct commanders of the soldiers, played a pivotal role in determining the outcome of battles.

"Indeed, during this period of relative peace within the county, we can finally catch our breath," Shangguan Jian concurred with a nod. Following the Battle of Beast Mountain, Ye Shikai's contingent had suffered the loss of over two thousand comrades, indicating substantial casualties. Nevertheless, Ma Yao demonstrated considerable concern by prioritizing Ye Shikai in the allocation of new recruits to replenish his depleted ranks.

"How many new recruits have been brought in?"

"Five thousand fresh recruits are now in place. As their arrival times were not synchronized, I initiated training for those who arrived earlier and have been gradually integrating the later arrivals."

"Excellent work."

Shangguan Jian reported, "Old Ye, we are currently facing a significant shortage of experienced squad leaders and centurions. Of those who initially joined us in the campaign against the Wolf Clan, less than half remain. Even if we were to promote all of them, it wouldn't be enough to accommodate the number of new recruits." With the addition of these new recruits, Ye Shikai's forces had grown to between thirteen to fourteen thousand men. However, the total number of available squad leaders and centurions did not exceed 1,200. This severe deficit was primarily due to the ongoing wars, which had claimed the lives of many of these front-line combat leaders, considered the most perilous "positions."

"This is indeed a troubling situation," Ye Shikai admitted, shaking his head with a look of concern. He understood that unlike raw recruits, these leadership roles demanded extensive combat experience, honed through rigorous and challenging battles—a qualidade that couldn't be forged overnight.

"Without sufficient officers, the training of our new recruits will undoubtedly be hindered, and maintaining discipline could become a serious challenge," Shangguan Jian elaborated.

"You speak the truth," Ye Shikai agreed, a troubled expression clouding his face. Suddenly, as if struck by an idea, he turned his gaze towards Shangguan Jian.

"On that note, I just recalled, among the prisoners captured from the insurgent forces, there should be a considerable number of squad leaders and centurions, shouldn't there?" Ye Shikai inquired.

"What? Old Ye, are you considering integrating them into our ranks?" Shangguan Jian exclaimed in surprise. While he didn't doubt their combat prowess, he considered the fact that merely two months prior, these individuals were locked in fierce combat against them on Beast Mountain. The thought of bringing them in as leaders now could potentially breed resentment among the existing soldiers.

"Fear not, I have a plan," Ye Shikai assured him. He had previously promised Yan Yu that he would spare his comrades whenever possible but had lacked a valid justification. This presented an excellent opportunity—to both rescue them and bolster the army with much-needed officers.

His only concern was obtaining Ma Yao's approval. However, Ye Shikai felt confident in his ability to persuade him. As Ma Yao's supposedly "trusted aide," as long as Ye Shikai could guarantee the prisoners' obedience and discipline, Ma Yao would have no grounds to refuse.

"Very well, since you've made up your mind, Old Ye, I will lend you my full support. Our army already has a large number of penal soldiers; adding a few more prisoner soldiers shouldn't make much of a difference," Shangguan Jian remarked with a smile, making a lighthearted jest.