The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1531: Wipe Them Out to the Last

East County, Commander Mansion.

"Mr. Ma, with the influx of new recruits, there's a critical shortage of junior military officers. I propose we meticulously screen these prisoners of war to identify useful talent to bolster our military ranks. Many of these captured officers are seasoned veterans with extensive combat experience; utilizing them effectively would be mutually beneficial."

"Heh heh, Ye, you've traveled far. There's no need to rush business; let's share a drink first." Ma Yao sidestepped the issue, signaling a servant to bring out fine wine and delicacies.

"Come, come, let's eat first." Ma Yao gestured for Ye Shikai to sit. "You've been in Beast Mountain for quite some time and surely haven't had anything good. These dishes were prepared by the finest restaurant in the county. Please, try them."

"Mr. Ma, I'm not particularly hungry right now, but what I'm discussing is quite urgent. I request your swift approval so I can proceed." Ye Shikai's focus wasn't on the food; he felt the training of new recruits couldn't wait. Who knew how long these peaceful days would last? It was possible Ye Shikai would soon lead troops into battle once more.

"Ye, you might not grasp my predicament. Personally, I fully support your proposal, but regarding the retention of these prisoners, I fear... it presents significant difficulties." Ma Yao rose slowly, hands clasped behind his back, a troubled expression on his face.

"What exactly do you mean, Mr. Ma? Could you please elaborate more directly?"

"Ye, you are, without a doubt, a military prodigy, a War God who commands the entire army and devises strategies. Your capabilities are beyond question. However, the Emperor has already issued a decree for the severe punishment of these rebellious forces; all involved, from generals to common soldiers, are condemned to death." Ma Yao's expression grew somber, and he lightly traced a line across his neck, miming an execution.

"This..." Ye Shikai was taken aback. Annihilating them all meant over a thousand lives. He had initially assumed these prisoners of war would, at most, be subjected to hard labor, allowing him to supplement his forces with penal soldiers. He had never anticipated that all the prisoners would be sentenced to death.

"Mr. Ma, this is a matter of grave importance. As you know, penal soldiers are an absolutely vital source of manpower for the army. If all these prisoners are executed, it will severely impact our troop replenishment efforts," Ye Shikai countered immediately.

"Naturally, I am aware of this. However, you must also understand, Ye, that this is an Imperial Decree. How many lives do I possess to dare openly defy such an order? This rebellion is a heinous crime, punishable by death. I hope you can appreciate my position."

"Sigh." Ye Shikai let out a deep sigh, not placing too much blame on Ma Yao. After all, Ma Yao had a family, and openly defying an imperial edict would undoubtedly implicate them, leading to their demise if discovered. Ma Yao and his entire family would face execution.

Yet, he felt compelled to make one last effort.

"Mr. Ma, the disposition of these prisoners of war is of paramount significance. I implore you, could you show some leniency?" Ye Shikai pleaded, performing a gesture of respect.

"Very well. I will exert my utmost effort to negotiate on your behalf."

"Thank you, sir."

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

Military camp.

"Xue San, I dispatched you to Chu Territory to gather intelligence. What is the situation there?" Ye Shikai inquired.

"Sir, I have already had our contacts within the martial world make inquiries. Currently, across the counties of Chu Territory, rebel armies are rampant, and the martial world is in turmoil. Some rebel factions that initiated actions were swiftly eliminated the very next day. Precise details are proving difficult to ascertain," Xue San reported, appearing quite vexed. The Chu Territory was thousands of miles from East County, and even with swift horses for dispatches, it took two to three days. Given the inconvenient transportation and communication, Ye Shikai found it challenging to establish contact with Hua Liandie.

Over two months had elapsed, and Ye Shikai remained profoundly concerned about Hua Liandie's current well-being.

"Understood. You are dismissed for now," Ye Shikai gestured. "Should any new intelligence emerge, report it to me immediately."

"Yes, sir."

"Shangguan, you heard him as well, didn't you? Chaos has already erupted in Chu Territory. I suspect it won't be long before our turn comes. These tranquil days are drawing to a close," Ye Shikai lamented. In times of upheaval, peace indeed felt exceptionally precious, yet the grand trajectory of history was not determined by a single individual's will.

"I did hear. Indeed, Chu Territory is a thousand miles from Xianyang, and the anti-Qin forces within Chu have consistently been substantial; this is a significant concern for the empire as well," Shangguan Jian concurred, nodding.

Even if Chu were reduced to only three households, the forces opposing Qin would inevitably rise from Chu.

"It is impossible to subjugate all the rebellious forces," Ye Shikai mused. The Qin Dynasty’s edicts have already stirred widespread discontent; vast quantities of manpower are dedicated to the construction of the Chidao and the Great Wall. While the Great Wall serves as a bulwark against the Wolf Clan’s incursions, the repercussions of excessively straining the populace are more dire than any invasion. As long as their policies remain unchanged, the emergence of rebel armies is an inevitability, and the Qin Army will find itself depleted in successive battles, ultimately leading to its downfall.

"On a related note, Mr. Ma has sent word that the prisoners of war are to be executed within the coming days. The directive has been issued, and the county garrison is tasked with its execution," Shangguan Jian presented a bamboo slip. Ye Shikai’s heart grew heavy upon receiving this intelligence. It appeared the fate of these prisoners was sealed. There was little Ye Shikai could do but emit a series of sighs.

"Old Ye, no one can defy the Emperor’s command, especially a regional commander like Mr. Ma. With so many watching his every move, defying the decree would be a capital offense," Shangguan Jian elaborated.

"I comprehend your words; I harbor no ill will towards Mr. Ma. He is merely acting to ensure his own safety; my sorrow lies with the countless soldiers," Ye Shikai replied.

"His Majesty is also considering the broader strategic landscape; rebel forces are currently surfacing across the entire nation. If a swift, decisive strike can serve as a deterrent, it might avert greater calamities," Shangguan Jian added.

"Let us earnestly hope for such an outcome," Ye Shikai responded.

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

In the Chu Territory.

"Leader, we now command tens of thousands of soldiers and have successfully seized three to four county seats in rapid succession. Furthermore, the local nobility of the Chu Territory lend us their support, and numerous heroes from every corner of the land are flocking to our banner. I believe the Qin Dynasty’s reign is drawing to a close," declared a woman clad in armor, standing atop the city wall of a captured county seat and gazing into the distance. Within the city walls, countless soldiers were engaged in the grim task of removing the fallen Qin soldiers. Two men, appearing to be generals, stood in attendance behind her.

"Excellent news, yet the Qin Dynasty possesses a formidable military. While Meng Tian’s three hundred thousand soldiers are concentrated in the north, the empire still maintains over two hundred thousand troops within its borders. We must not let our guard down and must rapidly augment our military might," the leader cautioned.

"Leader, you need not fret. Heroes are indeed rising in rebellion across the land, effectively engaging significant Qin forces. Even with two hundred thousand soldiers, they are dispersed throughout various counties and are incapable of consolidating their strength. We can seize this opportune moment to unify the southern counties," a general reassured.