The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1533: Sworn to Follow Unto Death

"At that time, the commander of the Shifeng Fortress forces actually betrayed our side and sided with the Wolf Clan, intending to hand over the stronghold to them. With tens of thousands of enemy troops surrounding us, had the fortress fallen, they could have charged in without any obstruction."

"Is it true that if we lost the fortress, we’d be defeated?" The soldiers murmured amongst themselves after hearing this account. This was indeed the most pivotal moment of that entire battle. The old soldier spoke the truth; if the fortress had been surrendered to the Wolf Clan, the few thousand soldiers defending it would have been no match. The outcome would have been total annihilation.

"Precisely, the situation was incredibly dire. Had it been any other general, they might have already ordered a retreat from the fortress. But our General was exceptionally astute. He masterfully turned the circumstances to his advantage, luring the Wolf Clan’s advancing forces into the fortress before slamming the gates shut and annihilating them. He eliminated four thousand enemy soldiers in a single night, including their leader, Helian, who was renowned as a fierce warrior from the plains. General Man personally beheaded him."

"So that’s how it happened! No wonder the people hail our General as the nemesis of the Wolf Clan. Eliminating four thousand men in one fell swoop – imagine the military honors that would bring!"

"Indeed, there’s more to his achievements. When the Wolf Clan attempted a surprise assault on Ji County to assassinate General Meng, it was none other than our General Ye who led his troops to the city gates, catching the Wolf Clan entirely off guard. This act earned him immense trust and favor from General Meng, as well as commendations from His Majesty the Emperor himself."

"It’s no wonder General Ye has attained such a high rank at such a young age; he is clearly held in high regard by His Majesty."

"Exactly! Furthermore, the current Commander of He Nei County, Lord Han Hao, was once General Ye’s subordinate and served as a major officer under his command."

"What are you all discussing? Do tell me." At that very moment, Ye Shikai entered the room, his voice calm and steady. Only then did the soldiers realize Ye Shikai had arrived and they rose to their feet in surprise.

"Greetings, General."

"Greetings, General."

"Alright, alright, please be seated, everyone." Ye Shikai gestured for them to sit, encouraging them to relax and not stand on ceremony. The soldiers exchanged uncertain glances, a sense of apprehension lingering. They were aware that Ye Shikai had overheard their conversation. Most generals did not appreciate their subordinates discussing them, and some might even impose severe punishments, thus their fear was understandable.

"So, what are your sentiments regarding the current state of the war?" Ye Shikai inquired. After a few exchanges, the soldiers sensed no ill will from him and began to relax slightly.

Ye Shikai was keen to understand the genuine feelings of the common soldiers; their collective voice often mirrored the majority sentiment within the army.

"General Ye, why does it feel like these battles never cease?" One soldier voiced a question that struck at the heart of the matter.

It was presumed that most soldiers shared this unspoken query and harbored doubts about the war’s purpose.

"My brothers, I surmise you all share this question." Ye Shikai turned his gaze towards them, and they nodded slightly, their expressions tinged with disappointment as they looked downward.

"To be perfectly honest, I do not fully comprehend it myself." Ye Shikai stated unexpectedly.

"As soldiers, we engage in battle to quell rebellions and ensure the safety of the populace. However, can we be entirely certain that our cause is just? I fear we cannot," Ye Shikai mused softly. "If the court were truly righteous, the people of the realm would undoubtedly remain loyal, and the Prefectural Governors would be beloved. Why then do so many choose to join the rebel ranks or flee to the mountains to become bandits?"

"General, if we are in the wrong, why do we continue to fight?" a particularly bold soldier ventured to ask.

"That is an excellent question. While we may not be entirely sure of our own righteousness, are these rebels necessarily correct in their actions? I believe not. When our army marched out this time, we passed through seven or eight villages that had been utterly devastated by the rebels. Even the infants were not spared. Do you consider such atrocities to be right?"

The soldiers exchanged bewildered glances, their expressions reflecting confusion. Ye Shikai’s words seemed rather ambiguous, and they did not fully grasp his meaning.

"You have all been fighting against these rebels for a considerable time; you must have heard their pronouncements. They refer to us as the malevolent Qin," Ye Shikai continued, noting their silence. "As a General, I bear the duty to command and to obey orders. However, my unwavering allegiance is always to the people. Should the day come when my Commander instructs me to harm the citizenry, I shall unequivocally refuse."

"General Ye speaks the truth. We were all common, honest folk once, and we would never perpetrate such heinous acts."

"Indeed, the General is absolutely correct."

"Everyone, please settle down now." Ye Shikai raised his hand, signaling for quiet.

History tells us that great achievers often overlook trivialities, yet I disagree. I find myself incredibly attentive to the smallest details. My reluctance to join the insurgents isn't about forfeiting military honors or titles; it stems from an inability to predict the consequences of leading so many men into rebellion. I cannot ascertain if the outcome would bring prosperity or ruin, compelling me to focus solely on safeguarding all that surrounds me.

This was Ye Shikai’s unvarnished truth, spoken with deep sincerity. Rebellion is an irreversible path. Ye Shikai now cherishes a wife, loyal friends, and a vast number of devoted subordinates. Their families, too, comprise elders and children. Should his rebellion falter, tens of thousands of families would face destruction, with him bearing the full culpability.

Ye Shikai lacked the resolve for such a gamble and would never take it.

"General Ye, we place our unwavering faith in you. You are a truly exemplary General, and your decisions command our complete trust. From this moment forward, any command you issue will be met with our absolute obedience, no matter the peril."

"We swear to follow the General unto death!"

"We swear to follow the General unto death!"

"We swear to follow the General unto death!"

The soldiers knelt on a single knee, hands clasped over their chests, pledging their solemn oath. As more soldiers overheard and joined the chorus, the unified shouts of tens of thousands shattered the stillness of the night...

......

Over the ensuing months, Ye Shikai's forces traversed East County, relentlessly engaging the rebel factions. While the insurgent army managed to inflict losses upon the Qin Army within the county, Ye Shikai's own contingent experienced continuous growth. His burgeoning reputation enticed numerous rebels to lay down their arms and surrender, opting against further resistance. With the endorsement of Ma Yao, he received preferential treatment regarding essential resources like funds and military provisions, allowing his army to expand like a rolling snowball.

As the days grew shorter and the air crisper, Ye Shikai noted the distinct chill of approaching winter. The turn of the new year was fast approaching...

"Ye, my esteemed brother, your recent endeavors in quelling the rebels have been truly commendable. Allow me, first, to offer you a toast." Within the imposing halls of the East County Commander's Mansion, Ma Yao personally poured a potent spirit for Ye Shikai. The warming liquor coursed down his throat, chasing away the lingering cold.

"It is thanks to His Lordship's unwavering support from the rear that my successes have been realized on the front lines."