The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1577: Debate in the Audience Hall

"I have the final say on this matter." When necessary, Ye Shikai couldn’t let He Linghan take charge. There was something he hadn’t told Shangguan Jianming. Although he had experienced that the Qin Army couldn’t capture the Southern County, he had concealed the latter part of the sentence.

Mi Wen also couldn’t capture Nanyang County.

As for the reason, it’s the same as why the Qin Army couldn’t conquer the Southern County. The Qin Army is strong in the Southern County, and if they remain on the defensive and hold firm, Mi Wen could never take it. A strong attack would only increase casualties. As a rational ruler, she wouldn’t launch a reckless attack without analyzing both sides’ situations. If it was as Ye Shikai expected, the two sides would be in a standoff at the border between the two counties for a long time.

In this way, even though Mi Wen quickly unified several counties in the Chu Territory, it wouldn’t be as easy to head north and contest the Central Plains afterward.

"Well, alright. This is your family affair, so I won’t interfere much."

The two chatted briefly and then returned to their respective camps. They had three months, so there was no rush. Instead, training the soldiers was the top priority. Without combat power, they would only be sent to their deaths even if they went to the Southern County.

Linxiang City, government office.

"The master has arrived."

Mi Wen, dressed in luxurious clothes, slowly walked up to the central desk, while Ye Shikai stood silently by the side of the martial generals, watching her. Ever since he met Mi Wen, this was the first time he had seen her in such attire. As the master of a local tyrant, although she was a woman, she didn’t lack the aura of a king, cold, proud. She was a true "queen."

"Greetings, master."

"Greetings, master."

The "ministers" on both sides, with martial generals on one side and civil officials on the other, naturally had Ye Shikai standing with the martial generals. Due to his low rank, he was almost at the hall entrance.

"Report to the master, after the autumn harvest, the southern counties have added one million piculs of grain, and following the master’s orders, they have been gradually sent to the front lines. Additionally, craftsmen have manufactured several dozen ladders and over a dozen trebuchets, which have been transported to the Southern County and other places." An elder from the side of the civil officials stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said.

"Mr. Wu is in charge of all the money and grain taxes, weapons and armaments, and conscription of Chu Territory. It’s truly hard work." Mi Wen nodded slightly.

"Thank you, master. This old minister is willing to exhaust all efforts for the master’s grand cause. The matter of statistics and transportation is just my duty."

"Master, this subordinate has recruited thirty thousand soldiers in Ba County, Jiujiang County, and other places. They have now assembled in Changsha, awaiting the master’s dispatch." A martial general stepped forward and said.

"Master, we now occupy seven counties in the Chu Territory, commanding over a hundred thousand troops, including tens of thousands of cavalry, and a hundred battle generals. Additionally, we have built dozens of warships."

"Very good."

Ye Shikai quietly watched from the side, saying nothing. For some reason, he had the feeling that Mi Wen was glancing at him from time to time. Now that Mi Wen was already a local tyrant, she naturally had many civil and martial officials around her, like the strategists and generals in the hall. It was just unclear which of them genuinely had talents and abilities, and which were merely incompetent, pretending to be with the right crowd.

"Master, the anti-Qin forces are rising all over the world now. The violent Qin is unruly and has long been causing public grievances, with voices of discontent constantly echoing. This is a great opportunity for us to march."

Ye Shikai listened to a group of civil and martial officials expressing their unstoppable flow of words, feeling somewhat helpless and impatient. After all, he stood there for four hours.

"Master, we should seize this opportunity to head north into the Central Plains. Since ancient times, the Central Plains has always been a strategic place that troops contested. If we can dominate the Central Plains and use the Chu Territory as a foundation, advancing east to Hangu Pass, which is the eastern gateway to Xianyang. Previously, the coalition of the five states attacked Qin in an alliance and was defeated at Hangu Pass. If this pass could be taken, we could drive straight through."

"General Li is quite right. We should seize this good opportunity to enter and dominate the Central Plains."

Ye Shikai let out a scoff. While he preferred not to engage with strategists and generals who only spoke in theory, Mi Wen had 'specifically called him out'.

"Just what is General Ye's perspective?"

Internally, Ye Shikai questioned Mi Wen's intentions. Having transmigrated from the modern era, Ye Shikai possessed no knowledge of ancient military strategies and found such texts utterly incomprehensible.

"General Ye was once a celebrated young general of the Qin Army, famously repelling the Wolf Clan forces and saving Meng Tian's life in Ji County. Surely, he must have valuable suggestions." Mi Wen's public commendation of Ye Shikai made it clear he was deliberately mocking him.

"I've heard tales of General Ye's emphasis on benevolence and strict army discipline. Pray tell, what are your thoughts?" A general stood, his tone dripping with arrogance and disdain.

"I once believed the Chu Territory was teeming with talent, but it seems to be merely a gathering of individuals spouting empty words." Ye Shikai remained unfazed, deciding not to hold back now that he was compelled to speak.

"This..."

"He's far too arrogant."

"You are but a defeated general, routed by the Qin Army and left with no place to turn. It is only through the Master's grace that you have found refuge. How dare you act with such insolence."

As Ye Shikai had predicted, his statement incensed everyone present, and they began to criticize his audacity.

"My assertion that you all speak in platitudes is well-founded. For instance... regarding this... general, I apologize, as I still do not know your esteemed name." At Ye Shikai's words, General Li's face flushed crimson with embarrassment.

"Never mind, it matters little. This general speaks of conquering the Central Plains, yet fails to acknowledge the two hundred thousand Qin troops stationed across its eight counties. Many have survived the brutal campaigns against the Wolf Clan and are battle-hardened veterans. Should the Master advance into the Central Plains now, the situation would become perilous instantly. The Central Plains is a vast expanse ideal for cavalry, and a seemingly advantageous position could devolve into a desperate fight in a heartbeat." Ye Shikai's rebuttal left the general speechless, his mouth agape, unable to retort and too mortified to express anger.

"Secondly, Hangu Pass is a formidable natural fortress, defensible by a mere handful against thousands. The coalition of six states, with tens of thousands of soldiers, failed to breach it, yet this general dismisses it so lightly. If my assumption is correct, you have likely never even visited Hangu Pass."

"You..."

Witnessing the shift in momentum, Ye Shikai let out a cold chuckle. Having previously served as a general in He Nei and East Counties, and having traveled to northern Ji County and the Qin capital, Xianyang City, his understanding of the Central Plains surpassed that of anyone else present.

"Hmph, theoretical battles are ultimately pointless."

"Then what are your insights?"

Ye Shikai turned his gaze towards Mi Wen, who sat composedly, as if 'observing a play unfold,' a faint smile gracing her lips.

"We should integrate the local rebel factions to bolster our strength, refrain from hastily attacking key cities, and bypass areas heavily fortified by the Qin Army. Instead, we should target regions with weaker defenses."