The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1532: Unending Warfare

"Master, we are currently initiating the reconstruction of the Chu State, and an increasing number of individuals are flocking to join our righteous forces. As the proverb states, it is often the tallest tree that catches the most wind. Our rapid development will undoubtedly draw a reaction from the imperial court." Another general offered a differing perspective. Indeed, the saying rings true: "The bird that stands out gets shot." With numerous rebel armies now active across the land, the court’s forces cannot possibly crush them all simultaneously. However, they will certainly dispatch substantial troops to encircle and contain any force that grows too powerful.

"General Chen’s assessment is accurate, and I concur. Therefore, we must refrain from hasty expansion. Instead, our focus should be on recruiting soldiers, accumulating wealth and provisions, solidifying our existing territories, and establishing a firm foundation before confronting the court." Hua Liandie stated calmly. She was acutely aware that their past victories against the Qin Army were achieved through surprise attacks and cunning ambushes. Furthermore, this was Chu territory, where the local populace lent their support to the Chu nobles. However, she recognized that future engagements would be far more challenging.

"I have already dispatched individuals to prepare the wealth and provisions I have accumulated over years of commerce. These assets, managed by my trusted confidants, are distributed across the country. I have instructed them to utilize these resources for the forging of weapons and armor, the acquisition of warhorses, and the recruitment of soldiers to rapidly bolster our strength. The ongoing activities of other righteous armies operating behind the Qin lines will also serve to buy us valuable time here."

"Indeed, the Master’s foresight is truly admirable, sir."

"Very well, esteemed generals. Leading troops into battle is not a domain where this woman truly excels. The matters on the front lines will require both of you to dedicate your utmost effort."

"Rest assured, Master. To overthrow the tyrannical Qin rule and for the grand cause of the Chu State, we would gladly face death a hundred times over without hesitation."

"Excellent."

East County.

"Old Ye, cast your gaze upon these villages." Shangguan Jian gestured towards the settlement ahead. Ye Shikai’s expression grew somber. The scene before them could only be described as a vision of 'hell on earth.' The village’s structures, both large and small, were engulfed in flames, with many already reduced to smoldering ruins.

"Squad, follow me. We will enter the village to investigate." Ye Shikai urged his horse forward at a slow pace into the settlement. It was evident that fierce fighting had occurred here recently. The possibility of enemy remnants lying in ambush remained, so his personal guards stayed close, their vigilance unwavering.

Upon witnessing the bodies scattered on the ground, within the houses, and strewn across the ditches, Ye Shikai felt a searing pain, as if his heart had been pierced by an awl. The sight was truly horrific and difficult to endure. It appeared the villagers of this settlement had been utterly annihilated.

"In recent months, these rebel armies and countless bandit raiders have repeatedly preyed upon the surrounding villages and towns. Those smaller settlements with fewer inhabitants fought back valiantly, but alas..." Shangguan Jian sighed heavily. This village, home to several hundred men, women, and children, had been brutally massacred. Anyone witnessing such a scene would be overcome with a profound sense of oppression.

"Furthermore, whenever our army engages with the rebel forces, it often occurs within villages, leading to frequent collateral damage during the clashes." Shangguan Jian continued. The rebel armies would infiltrate villages, intending to use the civilians as 'human shields.' However, some Qin soldiers displayed a callous disregard for the lives of these innocent people.

"This is simply outrageous!" Ye Shikai exclaimed, his fist striking a nearby wall.

"It is nothing short of treating human lives as if they were mere blades of grass."

"Old Ye, the fault doesn’t lie entirely with those commanding generals. The situation has become increasingly dire, and lacking your exceptional command abilities, they resort to sacrificing civilian lives to achieve their objectives."

"That is utter nonsense." Ye Shikai’s face was etched with gravity. The current climate was indeed turbulent; Shangguan Jian was not mistaken on that point. To eradicate these rebellious forces, the Qin army employed every conceivable tactic. Ye Shikai had repeatedly emphasized the importance of caution when civilian safety was at stake, but while soldiers under his direct command followed his orders, other generals operated with a different set of priorities.

"Old Ye, warfare is now pervasive. Numerous villages and even towns have been impacted, leading to a significant depletion of the civilian populace and a sharp decline in tax revenue, much to the consternation of the Prefectural Governor."

"They concern themselves only with the number of uprisings quelled, not with the lives of the common people." Man Cang, who had been restraining his anger, finally couldn't hold back upon hearing this and interjected directly.

"The rebellion is unlike the Wolf Clan invasions; one battle is waged externally, the other internally. Victory in external warfare concludes the conflict, but even if the rebel forces are completely crushed, it only addresses the symptoms, not the root cause. If the ruling court does not reform, rebel uprisings will continue to emerge without end."

"Old Ye speaks with great wisdom."

"General, what is our course of action now?"

"All units are to conduct a thorough search of the village. Find any surviving villagers immediately," Ye Shikai commanded without hesitation.

"Understood."

The days of sustained warfare always seem to fly by. Over the past few months, Ye Shikai has been leading his troops in the field, quelling rebel armies and bandit hordes. Unbeknownst to him, the days have simply slipped away. This experience feels akin to playing a game where one 'clears monsters'; leading tens of thousands of soldiers to suppress rebellious factions isn't particularly challenging, but their sheer numbers can be overwhelming—and before one knows it, time has elapsed...

Deep into the night, within the military encampment.

"I've heard from comrades in other units hailing from my hometown that their pay has been reduced by a third. How is it that only our pay remains untouched?"

"You fail to grasp the capabilities of our esteemed General Ye; even the Prefectural Governor and the Commander hold him in high regard. Currently, the county's tax revenues have plummeted significantly, yet they dare not tamper with our military salaries."

"Ah, I see now; it appears we have been fortunate to follow a truly capable general."

"That's not the most crucial aspect. The amount of pay is merely superficial; the true significance lies in our general's formidable prowess. He consistently achieves victory in battles, ensuring our survival. Otherwise, should we face defeat, we might not even remain alive; of what use would money be then?"

"Now that you put it that way, it makes perfect sense."

As Ye Shikai passed through the military camp, he observed numerous soldiers gathered around a crackling campfire, engaged in animated discussion. He paused nearby, drawn in by their conversation. Upon overhearing remarks about himself, Ye Shikai's interest was piqued.

"You must understand, our general is distinct from those other inept commanders. He possesses both courage and strategic brilliance, and he is not driven by greed for wealth; most importantly, he genuinely cares for us soldiers and looks after our well-being."

"You claim General Ye is exceptionally powerful. What specific battles has he fought prior to this?" a soldier inquired, appearing to be a recent recruit.

"There are far too many to recount. Back when I was stationed at the Stone Peak fortress, I personally witnessed General Ye confronting the Wolf Clan. At that critical juncture, over ten thousand Wolf Clan warriors had encircled the fortress. General Ye personally directed our defense on the city walls, and in a masterful stroke, he permitted four thousand Wolf Clan members to breach the fortress before sealing the gates. This led to a complete ambuscade and their subsequent surrender," a squad leader recounted with evident excitement. Ye Shikai found the soldier's face familiar, recognizing him as likely one who had served under him for a considerable period.