The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1552: Rearguard

Based on Xue San's assessment, two days would be sufficient to reach the Chu Territory if all proceeded smoothly. Xue San, possessing a vast network within the Jianghu and being exceptionally well-informed, dispatched trusted subordinates beforehand. Their mission was to locate Hua Liandie, who was reportedly leading an uprising in the Chu Territory, and to apprise her of Ye Shikai's rebellion, with the hope that she might prepare to offer assistance.

To be candid, Xue San harbored doubts about her willingness to deploy troops. After all, Hua Liandie owed Ye Shikai no debts and had no inherent obligation to provide aid. Nevertheless, Xue San resolved to make the attempt. Given the amicable relationship Hua Liandie and Ye Shikai had shared previously, his only recourse was to hope that past ties might persuade her to lend Ye Shikai and He Linghan a helping hand.

"Madam, please bear with us a little longer. Once we arrive in the Chu Territory, if you wish to punish us, I shall raise no complaints," Xue San implored.

"Brother Xue San, do not blame yourself. I can endure this. Let us continue our journey," He Linghan replied, her breathing strained. After a brief respite, she appeared slightly more composed.

"Thank you, Madam, for your understanding," Xue San responded gratefully.

Hehua assisted He Linghan into the carriage, and Xue San, without further delay, commanded the entire army to advance, continuing their retreat southward. Nanyang County, known as a 'Great County' and a critical junction for battles, presented a flat terrain devoid of natural defenses. It had historically been a strategically vital location, often referred to as the 'abdomen of the world.' Its western access led to Ba Shu, the south to the Chu Territory, and the north to the Central Plains. The Qin Army maintained a significant presence here. Xue San worried about their troops being discovered; in such open terrain, they would be incapable of resisting and would face certain slaughter.

East County.

Following a night of arduous travel, exhaustion permeated the ranks, including Ye Shikai. However, as fugitives, none dared to voice their complaints. Perhaps their survival instincts propelled them to give their utmost effort, as even the women and children had managed to flee the mountains overnight, moving with a speed that exceeded Ye Shikai's expectations.

"Old Ye, we have exited the mountains, but we cannot afford to relax. The plains present an even greater danger for us," Shangguan Jian cautioned. His reasoning was sound; he had suggested avoiding the flat plains altogether for their retreat route, favoring mountainous paths where troop deployment would be difficult.

"That is correct. We shall depart shortly, following the plan to head towards the mountains," Ye Shikai affirmed his agreement. "Han Hao commands seventy to eighty thousand troops, which constitutes seventy percent of the forces in East County and He Nei County. With uprising activities erupting throughout both counties, I am confident Han Hao will not pursue. Should he do so, the forces in the two counties would be critically depleted. If the rebel army were to capture a county at this juncture, Han Hao's transgressions would be considerably more severe. He is a rational individual and will not give chase recklessly."

Ye Shikai understood Han Hao implicitly; he was a competent general. If the Qin Dynasty's rule was threatened, Han Hao served as a capable 'pawn.' Yet, he also possessed a keen sense of the larger strategic picture and would not sacrifice significant advantages for minor gains. The Emperor's secret directive was to discreetly eliminate the populace near the fallen star, a task yet unfulfilled. Furthermore, he had allowed Ye Shikai and these 'rebels' to escape, a grave offense. Other generals, eager to atone, would undoubtedly pursue relentlessly until their quarry was annihilated. However, Ye Shikai believed Han Hao's approach would differ. For the security of the two counties, he would undoubtedly retreat.

"Do we need to wait any longer, Old Ye? Our situation is becoming increasingly dire..."

"Man Cang and the Iron Armor Army have yet to report back; let us await their return here," Ye Shikai stated, his concern for Man Cang evident. From the events of the previous night, it appeared Man Cang had engaged in a fierce confrontation with the Qin Army. Facing numerically superior foes, Ye Shikai was uncertain of their current status.

"Very well, we shall wait here for a short while longer," Shangguan Jian conceded.

Four hours elapsed.

The mountain inhabitants gradually departed, leaving behind only a few women and elderly individuals with mobility challenges. The army remained stationary, having not yet set off.

"No more, Old Ye. We cannot continue to wait. Even if Han Hao does not pursue, the longer we linger in the mountains, the more perilous our situation becomes. Furthermore, garrisons from other counties will undoubtedly be positioned ahead. We cannot afford further delays," Shangguan Jian expressed his dwindling patience. While he was not indifferent to Man Cang's safety, their current predicament as escapees with only a few thousand remaining troops meant any misstep could lead to utter annihilation.

"But... no, Man Cang has not yet reported back. Let us do this: I will personally lead the cavalry to search for him. You take the remaining troops and proceed ahead," Ye Shikai proposed.

"No, Old Ye. You are the commander of these troops now; you cannot afford to take such risks," Shangguan Jian interjected, restraining Ye Shikai.

"What if I take the vanguard and personally charge forward? You can then lead the remaining troops. Once I locate Man Cang, we shall rendezvous."

"Very well, but do be careful."

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

Deep within the mountains.

"General Man, it appears we are cornered here." On the far side of the mountain, after a night of fierce engagement with the Qin Army, Man Cang had guided his Iron Armor Army into this secluded location. The overwhelming numbers of the Qin forces necessitated Man Cang's caution; he had fought while strategically retreating. Although not directly impeding their progress, they had successfully misled the large Qin contingent.

As the sun rose, the advantage of darkness vanished, and the Qin Army began penetrating the mountains. Consequently, Man Cang felt compelled to lead his soldiers away in silence, acutely aware of the need for stealth. However... it seemed they were a moment too late.

"Indeed, we are barely escaping the tiger's maw; we cannot afford a single moment of complacency." Man Cang cast his gaze upon the warriors behind him. Counting even the wounded, their numbers barely reached fifteen hundred – a starkly insufficient force for such a perilous predicament.

"Everyone, follow me closely," Man Cang commanded, taking the lead as his soldiers trailed behind.

"Look, there are the rebels! Pursue them!" A sudden shout echoed from below. Man Cang peered downwards to see a patrol of Qin Soldiers, numbering a few hundred, making their rounds. It's possible a stray rock, dislodged perhaps by a careless foot, tumbled down and alerted them.

"Fire arrows!"

Swish! Swish! Swish!

Dozens of fiery projectiles arced upwards from below, instantly felling over a dozen soldiers. Man Cang reacted too late, and an arrow struck his left arm, blood gushing forth. The Qin Army's formidable bows and crossbows possessed the power to pierce armor, and should the arrowheads carry poison, their lethality would be exponentially increased.

"General, are you injured?" a loyal guard inquired with deep concern.

"Fear not, I am unharmed," Man Cang reassured him, his eyes scanning the terrain. They occupied higher ground, making pursuit difficult for the Qin soldiers below. However, the commotion would undoubtedly draw more Qin forces to their location, inevitably leading to their encirclement.

"Hurry, everyone, retreat swiftly towards the west! Do not pause for breath!" Man Cang bellowed. At that precise moment, surrounding Qin soldiers were converging, amplifying the scale of the 'siege'.