The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1543: No Way Out

A full-blown rebellion initiated by Ye Shikai would be akin to striking at the very core of the empire. Emperor Qin Shi Huang would undoubtedly learn of it swiftly, and soon after, the entire nation would be aware. Ye Shikai, a celebrated hero against the Wolf Clan and a trusted figure under Great General Meng Tian, leading his men in revolt—such an act would surely send shockwaves through the court and the populace. Conversely, this declaration of rebellion means Ye Shikai would face immediate interception from Qin Armies stationed in various prefectures. The imperial court would surely place an immense bounty on Ye Shikai's head, transforming his own army into a target for all. Surrounded by an overwhelming force exceeding one hundred thousand soldiers, failure would be his inevitable fate.

The notion of occupying a mountain stronghold, much like Yan Yu, to fend off the Qin Army's advance did cross Ye Shikai's mind, but this strategy was quickly abandoned. Firstly, housing and supplying fifteen thousand subordinates on a single mountain would prove immensely challenging, with shortages in both provisions and weaponry being a distinct possibility. Furthermore, despite his decision to rebel, Ye Shikai did not align himself with the methods of the insurgent armies. Their reliance on pillaging civilians and supply convoys for sustenance was an act Ye Shikai could not morally endorse.

At present, a significant portion of the Chu Territory had already fallen under Hua Liandie's command. Ye Shikai maintained a cordial relationship with her, suggesting that a retreat to the Chu Territory would offer them refuge. From a public standpoint, Hua Liandie securing Ye Shikai's allegiance would be an unprecedented advantage, akin to bestowing wings upon a tiger. Moreover, Ye Shikai's voluntary defection from his position as a Commander General of the Qin Dynasty to join the insurgents would undoubtedly inspire greater numbers of civilians to rally behind Hua Liandie, thereby bolstering her forces. On a personal level, considering the amicable relationship between Hua Liandie and Ye Shikai, she had every reason to offer her support.

In the grand tapestry of history, Ye Shikai was aware that Hua Liandie's path would ultimately lead to defeat, potentially ending in exile or a valiant death in battle. While Ye Shikai harbored no desire for such a grim outcome for her, he understood that even if he were to voice his premonitions, Hua Liandie would likely dismiss them. Even if she were to believe him, her inherent character and position would preclude her from voluntarily submitting to the Qin Army.

Rebellion represented a point of no return; once embarked upon, the only course was to press onward relentlessly until the very end.

Ye Shikai silently offered a prayer in his heart, hoping that He Linghan had already safely commenced her journey towards the Chu Territory.

"Old Ye, Chen Ping is completely inebriated at the moment, but rest assured, he will regain his senses by tomorrow. Old Ye, if we ignite the flames of rebellion tomorrow, we absolutely cannot afford to let him remain."

"Very well, since our decision has been made, we might as well commit to it entirely." Ye Shikai gave a decisive nod. The act of eliminating Chen Ping would truly signify an irrevocable step.

"Understood, I shall handle the matter."

Though the hour was late, Ye Shikai's tent blazed with light as a cadre of officers engaged in earnest discussion regarding the following day's critical operations.

"According to our intelligence reports, a formidable army of sixty thousand is slated to arrive tomorrow, augmented by the thirty thousand troops under Han Hao's command. This brings the opposing force to a staggering total of ninety thousand soldiers," Ye Shikai stated, his finger tracing lines on a map. Confronting such a vast enemy with a mere fifteen thousand troops presented a daunting disparity, a challenge so immense that even the strategic brilliance of Meng Tian might not ensure victory.

"What, are all of you overcome with fear?" Ye Shikai inquired with a touch of playful provocation, observing the grim expressions etched on the faces of his officers.

"General, we are not men who shrink from danger. Had we harbored any fear, we would not have pledged our loyalty to you," a Chiliarch declared with conviction.

"Indeed, we are prepared to follow your command without hesitation."

"There is no cause for your concern; I have already devised a comprehensive strategy," Ye Shikai reassured them. "While they may possess ninety thousand men, our strength is not confined to our fifteen thousand soldiers." Ye Shikai altered his tone, leaving everyone in a state of bewildered anticipation.

"General, what precisely do you mean by that?"

"In addition to our fifteen thousand fighting men, we command the allegiance of one hundred and twenty thousand civilians," Ye Shikai declared, his words sending a jolt of astonishment through the assembly. The 'one hundred and twenty thousand' civilians to which Ye Shikai referred were the inhabitants residing within a fifty-mile radius. The army intended to forcibly march these civilians to the precise location where the meteor had fallen, orchestrate their slaughter, and obliterate their remains alongside the celestial debris. Consequently, the opposing force would find themselves not only facing the ninety-thousand-strong army but also an additional one hundred and twenty thousand defenseless civilians. If wielded with cunning, this tactic could undoubtedly sow utter chaos.

"General, are you suggesting we intend to utilize these civilians as a means of opposition?"

"Absolutely not," Ye Shikai promptly refuted. These civilians, utterly devoid of any means of defense, stood no chance against the fully armed and armored Qin Army. To suggest resistance would be to invite certain doom.

"However, we can leverage them to sow chaos. If such a large number of civilians act in unison, even a force of ninety thousand will find it difficult to maintain control, inevitably descending into disarray. At that point, we won't be facing them alone." Ye Shikai elaborated. He was acutely aware that he could not rescue every single civilian amidst such a conflict. Regardless of his capabilities, preventing a widespread massacre would be an immense challenge. Yet, at the very least... a significant portion could be saved.

"Five miles from the meteor's impact site, there lies a valley that penetrates deep into the mountains. This presents us with a golden opportunity. Upon achieving our objective, we will immediately guide the civilians into this valley, where our troops will be positioned to prevent any pursuit." Ye Shikai indicated a location on the map. The journey of five miles would require the time it takes for two incense sticks to burn, meaning Ye Shikai would be tasked with holding off the ninety-thousand strong army for that critical duration—a truly formidable undertaking.

"Shangguan, you will take three thousand archers and secure the valley entrance. Your mission is to provide cover for the civilians as they retreat into the valley. Remember, you must not yield." Ye Shikai gave his orders.

"Old Ye, having chosen to follow you, I am prepared to face annihilation. Rest assured, even if it costs me my life, I will hold the valley."

"Man Cang, you are to lead four thousand men from the Iron Armor Army. Your duty is to hold back the ninety-thousand strong force from both prefectures. Once we evacuate the civilians, they will pursue us relentlessly, like a pack of wolves. You must stand firm against them. Can you accomplish this?"

"I am willing to pledge my oath on a military warrant; I guarantee that I will hold them at bay." Man Cang knelt on one knee, his voice resonating with unwavering resolve.

Ye Shikai entrusted this crucial mission to Man Cang for good reason. Man Cang is his most formidable general, excelling in arduous combat scenarios. His Iron Armor Army, trained in the Wei Wu Zuo style, boasts heavy armor offering superior defense. In formation, they are capable of repelling vastly superior numbers.

"For the task of ambushing the enemy and disrupting their formations, that duty will fall to the cavalry. Wan Qi Yuan, can you manage this assignment?"

"Rest assured, General."

"Very well. Every soldier is to wear a red scarf around their neck for identification purposes. Ensure each of you carries three days' worth of rations. Once our objective is complete, we will set out for the Chu Territory under the cover of night. The Qin Army from various prefectures will be in pursuit, so the sooner we depart, the greater our safety. Speed is paramount. Do you all understand?"

"I accept the order."

"I accept the order."