The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1576: Analyzing the Situation

"Secondly, the rebel forces in Southern County number no less than fifty thousand. Mi Wen's influence is deeply entrenched here; they await the enemy's weariness, fortified by deep trenches and high walls. Without an army of one hundred thousand, the Qin Army simply cannot conquer Southern County."

"Lastly, Nanyang County lacks a competent Qin General capable of orchestrating a conquest of Southern County."

Ye Shikai presented these three points in succession, dissecting the situation with clear logic. Indeed, a month had elapsed, and there was no word of the Qin Army advancing on Southern County.

"Old Ye, after your explanation, everything suddenly becomes clear to me," Shangguan Jian concurred with a nod.

"Time is on our side."

"Old Ye, do you believe the court can quell the widespread uprisings?" Shangguan Jian suddenly inquired with a serious expression.

"Do you seek the truth or a comforting falsehood?" Ye Shikai's demeanor shifted slightly, a flicker of disappointment crossing his eyes.

"The truth, naturally. Why would I wish to hear anything but?"

"The court is incapable of suppressing them. To be candid, within a few years, the court will also fall, precipitating a dynastic change across this land." Ye Shikai let out a sigh. He possessed knowledge of historical trajectories, and in a way, he was "divulging celestial secrets."

"What? Will it truly come to that?"

"The current court is akin to a patient with a grave ailment. While not beyond hope, it is nevertheless 'terminal.' Though the Qin Army appears mighty now, decline is inevitable given the natural ebb and flow of power."

"Old Ye, are you genuinely so certain?" Shangguan Jian still harbored some doubt.

"At least, that is my conviction." Ye Shikai perceived that despite Shangguan Jian's position within the rebel ranks, he still held a degree of loyalty to the Qin Army, a sentiment Ye Shikai understood given Shangguan Jian's years of service. Attachment inevitably forms, and this rebellion was, in part, a matter of unavoidable circumstances.

"Very well, we are generals, not rulers. Our duty lies in training and commanding troops. Let us set aside further discussion on such matters." Ye Shikai concluded the conversation and turned to depart the tent.

Turbulent eras serve as training grounds for the ambitious but spells disaster for the common populace. In these times, every individual has the potential to ascend to kingship or hegemony. Had Ye Shikai been driven by immense ambition and cunning, he too could have seized a city, carved out his own domain, and joined the struggle for dominion over the realm. However, he lacked the conviction in his own capacity to become the world's master, nor did he possess the aspiration.

"Wan Qi Yuan, how progresses the cavalry training?" Ye Shikai arrived at the cavalry encampment, where Wan Qi Yuan was overseeing the training of new recruits alongside his officers. The training grounds pulsed with activity.

"Reporting to the General, we train both day and night. These recruits are carefully chosen young warriors. Once they undergo training and a few skirmishes, they will transform into fearless iron cavalry, but..."

"Speak plainly." Ye Shikai commanded softly.

"The folk customs of the Chu Territory are robust, enabling us to select soldiers unafraid of hardship or death. However, our warhorses do not match the quality of those from the northern regions."

"Your assessment is entirely accurate." Ye Shikai sighed. The primary reason the Wolf Clan posed such a formidable threat to the Qin Dynasty stemmed from the powerful steeds they rode and the formidable blades they wielded. Ye Shikai was acutely aware of the prowess of the Wolf Clan's warhorses.

"The martial skills of soldiers can be honed through training, but the inherent quality of warhorses cannot be altered."

"There is little that can be done. The Chu Territory lies several thousand miles south of the northern lands." Ye Shikai lamented, his voice tinged with bitterness, bemoaning the difficulty of assembling an elite fighting force. It seemed an insurmountable challenge to replicate the formidable cavalry units of the north.

"Please be assured, General, I will redouble my efforts in the training."

"Excellent. All matters pertaining to the cavalry are entrusted to your command."

"Understood."

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

"Report! An order from the Lord has arrived." As Ye Shikai was conducting his inspection, a messenger galloped towards him on horseback.

"What is it? State your business." Ye Shikai responded.

"The Lord commands General Ye to lead all his forces north to Southern County within three months, without exception."

"Let me see it." Ye Shikai accepted the dispatch and perused its contents with careful attention.

"Are there any further directives from the Lord?" Ye Shikai inquired.

"No, the lord simply instructed the General to garrison in Southern County without any particular arrangements."

"Very well, you may go now." Ye Shikai made a hand gesture, dismissing the messenger.

"Old Ye, how is this possible? Did you not predict that the Qin Army would not advance south within the year?" Shangguan Jian inquired.

"I merely stated that the Qin Army wouldn't move south; I never said we wouldn't."

"What do you mean by that?"

"We have amassed tens of thousands of soldiers. It is evident that we cannot remain idle in the rear, consuming resources without purpose. Although war has not yet commenced, we must maintain constant vigilance." Ye Shikai displayed no surprise, as if this outcome had been anticipated.

"Then why have we been granted three months? From Linxiang, the journey to the southern region takes less than half a month."

"Despite recruiting a large number of soldiers, they still require time for training. These three months are designated for honing the troops into an effective fighting force. During this period, we can also arrange for the soldiers' families." Ye Shikai altered his tone, adding, "Furthermore, three months are ample time to establish arrangements for the soldiers' families."

"I understand now."

"If a year passes without any battles, perhaps we will never go to war again." Shangguan Jian jested suddenly, and after a shared glance, the two erupted into hearty laughter.

"Indeed, proficiency blossoms from diligence, while neglect breeds ruin. However... it is still preferable to avoid conflict altogether." Ye Shikai murmured.

"Old Ye, given this situation, you must make preparations. Among our soldiers, few have families, and you are one of them."

"This time, I do not wish for her to accompany me to Southern County." Ye Shikai's expression turned grave as he gently shook his head.

"And why is that?"

"Since meeting her, she has not experienced a moment of peace. We journeyed all the way from East County to Southern County, and subsequently to Changsha Commandery. Now that we have finally found stability, how could I possibly subject her to further hardship?" Ye Shikai was disinclined to have He Linghan join him. Compared to Southern County, Changsha Commandery offered significantly greater security, and Linxiang City, as the county seat, boasted stable populace sentiment and a tranquil society, making it a very safe haven for her to remain.

Conversely, if she were to accompany him to Southern County, and war were to erupt, who could possibly guarantee her safety? Should Ye Shikai face defeat, what would become of her?

"But would Miss He see it the same way?" Shangguan Jian countered, posing a crucial question, "Leaving her here alone while you march to the front lines – wouldn't she be consumed by worry day and night? From my understanding of her character, it is highly probable she will insist on accompanying you to Southern County."