The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1580: A Wrong Decision

Ye Shikai felt uncertain if He Linghan grasped the essence of a cultivator. He could only hope that this secret would bring her a measure of tranquility.

"In truth, had it not been for the meteorite aiding my recovery of Inner Strength, I would have long since met my demise alongside those five thousand brethren in East County," Ye Shikai declared with a bitter sigh. Visions of the Battle of Dongjun flooded his mind, the most harrowing conflict he had endured since his arrival in the Qin Dynasty. All five thousand men under his direct command had fallen, leaving no survivors. In that moment, he too had accepted his fate, only for destiny to play a cruel twist. Instead of perishing, he was revitalized with Inner Strength, left to shoulder immense responsibilities alone.

"Promise me, the next time, you won't place yourself in such peril, alright?" Though He Linghan had not witnessed the events firsthand, she could readily envision the dire circumstances, facing an onslaught of fifty to sixty thousand enemies. Even a seasoned cultivator might falter before such overwhelming odds.

"Rest assured."

An embrace followed, the two holding each other tightly for an extended period. Amidst these tumultuous times, securing a life of peace indeed proved an arduous undertaking...

That very night, He Linghan insisted that Ye Shikai recount the progression of the battle in East County. Despite the passage of time, her worry and fear regarding the ordeal remained palpable. She had been a mere breath away from becoming a "widow." Ye Shikai attempted to soften the brutal and perilous aspects of the engagement, but she listened with mounting distress, her grip on his arm tightening during pivotal moments, refusing to release him.

In reality, Ye Shikai was not entirely resolute. When faced with significant decisions, a degree of indecisiveness lingered within him. At that juncture, even preceding Han Hao's mobilization of the main army, he had shared the emperor's clandestine directives with him. When the ninety thousand troops from both counties had yet to converge, had Ye Shikai acted preemptively and initiated an early revolt, he could not only have readily rescued those twelve thousand civilians but also averted a considerable number of casualties.

Ye Shikai had placed all his faith in mediation, desiring a bloodless resolution. However, as the Main General, he failed to discern Han Hao's true nature. Regardless of any attempts at persuasion, Han Hao remained unyielding in his intent to execute the emperor's secret orders, a futile endeavor akin to negotiating with a predator.

For the subsequent two months, Ye Shikai devoted the majority of his time to his home, remaining by He Linghan's side. Within the military encampment, Shangguan Jian, Man Cang, and Wan Qi Yuan assumed command, diligently overseeing the training of soldiers, recruitment, and the expansion of their forces, thus alleviating his concerns.

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

"As a distinguished master, why summon me to this locale instead of arranging our meeting at the government office?" Ye Shikai inquired, taking a measured sip of tea. Mi Wen had issued an urgent summons, recalling him to Linxiang City from the military camp, yet rather than directing him to the government office, he had summoned him to the most esteemed teahouse in the city.

"Have you forgotten? In times past... we frequently convened in teahouses for our discussions," Mi Wen responded, and a shared, knowing smile passed between them. At that period, they were comrades who could converse with utmost freedom; now, their relationship was that of monarch and minister. Perhaps Mi Wen sensed a growing distance between Ye Shikai and himself, and a relaxed setting might foster a more open exchange.

"Very well, what matter requires discussion?"

"What is the current strength of your subordinate forces?" Mi Wen posed the question.

"Approximately... twenty thousand. You should already be apprised, as Shangguan Jian has submitted his report," Ye Shikai replied.

"And how progresses their training?"

"Satisfactorily, they are capable of managing in combat. However, certain crucial aspects cannot be instilled within the confines of the camp. Individuals require exposure to the battlefield to forge ferocity and courage," Ye Shikai assessed. While soldiers could be readily trained, without real combat experience, they remained little more than raw recruits.

"You will soon be required to proceed to Southern County. I summoned you today to ensure you are mentally prepared for this undertaking," Mi Wen disclosed.

"Indeed, I had anticipated as much." Ye Shikai nodded. This had been within his expectations. Two months had elapsed with remarkable speed, and the three-month deadline was fast approaching. He had continually pondered the timing of their departure, experiencing a mixture of eagerness and reluctance for that day to arrive.

"So, you harbor no desire to remain at home with Miss He?" Mi Wen countered.

"Naturally, my inclination is to remain, but I suspect you would not readily consent. Furthermore, as a General, to tender my resignation at this juncture would undoubtedly undermine the morale of the new recruits," Ye Shikai responded with composure, recognizing that Mi Wen was subtly testing his resolve, although such a test was hardly necessary.

"Very well, given your preparedness, let us delve into the impending affairs," Mi Wen stated, shifting the focus of their conversation. "Our expedition to Southern County is intended to counter the southward advance of the Qin Army. Its significance is immense, and I shall accompany you to assume command of the hostilities."

"As you wish," Ye Shikai responded with indifference.

"Do you truly not care?" Mi Wen inquired, her displeasure evident at his attitude.

"Ahem, of course, if you, the master, were to personally head to Southern County, the soldiers would undoubtedly fight with utmost bravery," Ye Shikai replied, having already anticipated Mi Wen's personal involvement. A hands-on leader like her would never miss such a battle.

"Furthermore, I have resolved that within six months, I will personally lead a force of one hundred thousand troops to conquer Nanyang County."

"What?!"

Ye Shikai, who had been composed moments before, could no longer remain seated and abruptly stood up.

"Nanyang County houses a substantial Qin Army contingent, and to march north from Nanyang County is to approach the Central Plains, where the Qin Army will provide continuous reinforcement," Ye Shikai stated with visible excitement. Under such circumstances, whether Mi Wen led a hundred thousand troops or Meng Tian commanded them, victory seemed highly improbable.

"Are you insane?"

"Certainly not. I have contemplated this extensively. Given the current turmoil in the Central Plains, to miss this opportunity would render all prior endeavors futile. As long as the Central Plains remain under the court's dominion, even if we were to capture Shu and Han Zhong, we would be unable to contend with them. This chance is too precious, fleeting as a moment," Mi Wen explained.

"Absolutely not. Such an action would merely result in the needless sacrifice of thousands of soldiers' lives..."

"Silence!" Mi Wen suddenly commanded, cutting off Ye Shikai's protest.

"If the Qin Army manages to quell the uprising in the Central Plains, then it truly signifies failure. My decision is final and unalterable."

"The Qin Army cannot suppress the Central Plains uprising."

"On what grounds do you make such a claim?" Mi Wen retorted, leaving Ye Shikai momentarily at a loss for words. He could not possibly cite 'history' as his reason.

"Mi Wen, I implore you to calm yourself. Please trust me and refrain from such impulsivity."

"I am not being impulsive. On the contrary, I am exceptionally calm at this moment."

"That is a lie."

Mi Wen was clearly not acting rationally. Based on Ye Shikai's understanding of her, such a composed individual would not make a rash decision to attack Nanyang County.