The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1581: Ambition

Ambition burned brightly in Mi Wen’s gaze.

Beneath that ambition lay a palpable impatience, a desperate haste to restore the Chu State, a goal that consumed her thoughts day and night. Such fervent desire inevitably clouds one's judgment. Mi Wen's eagerness to depose the Qin was amplified by the widespread rebellions across the central plains, presenting an opportunity she felt compelled to seize. In truth, she had also considered the Qin Army's capability to quell these uprisings. Even with a minuscule chance of success for the Qin, she clung to the hope that they might prevail.

She grasped one fundamental truth: should the central plains rebellions be suppressed, the region's vital resources—soldiers, populace, and tax revenue—would return to imperial control, leaving her utterly defeated and her hard-won advantage obliterated.

Losing was not an option.

To revive the Chu State, she was prepared to risk everything. Victory meant dominion over the central plains; defeat risked even the integrity of Chu territory.

"For the grand ambition of the Chu State, I will fight to the end," Mi Wen declared with unwavering resolve. Perhaps due to the immense pressure, she had fallen prey to a 'Heart Demon.' The once vast Chu State now rested precariously on the shoulders of a woman barely out of her teens. Ye Shikai had never truly comprehended the weight she carried until this moment, feeling the crushing pressure within Mi Wen's heart.

"However, with a single command from you, tens of thousands of our brothers will march into battle, their lives teetering on the brink..."

"Enough! As a General, are you not aware that war inevitably brings bloodshed? How can there be a battle without casualties?" Mi Wen retorted sharply, her emotions volatile.

"Simply answer me this: are you willing to lead the troops? If not, then step down and return home at once."

"So, you are resolute in deploying the troops?" Ye Shikai remained composed, unfazed, his tone chillingly devoid of warmth.

"Of course! I, Mi Wen, solemnly swear..."

"Very well, there is no need for further words," Ye Shikai interjected, cutting her off.

"Since your mind is made up, I will offer my full support." With that, Ye Shikai turned and departed.

The journey back to the military encampment was fraught with a heavy heart. Once again, their conversation had ended on a somber note. He had hoped to sway Mi Wen, but his efforts proved futile. This exchange might even compel Mi Wen to launch an assault on Nanyang County prematurely.

The thought of Mi Wen's single military decree potentially igniting a conflict involving hundreds of thousands for over a month was terrifying; countless families would be irrevocably shattered in the aftermath.

Then again, perhaps this was simply history unfolding—an immutable course. Even if Ye Shikai actively resisted, the river of time would not be diverted.

As a modern individual thrust into this era, he possessed a unique foresight, akin to a 'prophet.' Even if he genuinely desired to aid Mi Wen in restoring the Chu State and imparting these 'Heavenly Secrets,' the future emperor would not be her.

Ye Shikai knew Mi Wen's ambition was destined for failure, yet their shared emotional connection prevented him from revealing the grim truth of her fate.

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

"Everyone, I have just received the Lord's military order. We are to depart shortly for Southern County, where we will engage the Qin Army from Nanyang County in a decisive battle," Ye Shikai announced to the assembled military officers, high and low, within his tent, delivering the momentous news.

"What? We are going to war?"

"Indeed."

A murmur swept through the ranks, a mixture of excitement, anticipation, and curious inquiry, yet not a trace of fear or reluctance concerning the impending conflict, which brought a measure of relief to Ye Shikai.

"Many of you are fresh recruits who have yet to experience the crucible of battle. This campaign into Southern County presents a valuable opportunity, and for all of you, a chance to forge your legend."

When Ye Shikai first arrived in Changsha, his forces, including personal guards, numbered no more than six to seven thousand soldiers. A thousand of those belonged to Hou Ganxian, comprising mere bandits with combat capabilities inferior to the rebelling forces. Now, his command extended to twenty thousand troops, two-thirds of whom were new to warfare, leaving Ye Shikai uncertain of their true effectiveness.

"We await your command, General."

"We await your command, General."

"Commencing tomorrow, all military drills will cease as we prepare for our departure. Ensure provisions, military supplies, and equipment are meticulously packed; nothing shall be left behind. Local soldiers... you may return home briefly to bid farewell to your families. The army will set forth in one week," Ye Shikai decreed.

"Understood."

"Understood."

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

With Shangguan Jian overseeing the military camp, Ye Shikai found himself with the freedom to attend to personal matters.

Ye Mansion.

"Ling’er, let the household staff handle the cooking. Should you dislike their fare, I can readily employ chefs from the tavern," Ye Shikai stated with nonchalance. He Linghan had been exceptionally diligent lately, personally preparing meals each day. Upon Ye Shikai's return home, she attended to him with great devotion.

"My husband has returned; it is only proper that I, as his wife, should not neglect my duties," He Linghan replied with firm conviction. At the dining table, she refrained from eating until Ye Shikai had first picked up his chopsticks.

"Ling’er, why have you not begun your meal? The food will grow cold," Ye Shikai observed, a sudden unease gripping his heart as he noticed He Linghan's preoccupied demeanor. An unsettling premonition began to creep in.

"Husband, I happened to overhear the servants discussing something today. They mentioned a rumor circulating among the townsfolk that the military forces stationed outside the town are mobilizing and preparing to advance north. Is this information accurate?"

Indeed, idle chatter seems to propagate with remarkable speed, whether in modern times or ancient eras; rumors among the populace disseminate even more swiftly.

Mi Wen’s military decree had only just been issued, and the commanding officers had merely given the order for deployment preparations. Yet, the entire town was already aware. Is this not somewhat too rapid, one might ponder?

"Ling’er, what they say is indeed true. The stipulated three-month period is drawing to a close, and within a week, I too shall be departing," Ye Shikai confessed. He felt it was better to inform her now rather than allow her to discover the news a week later.

"I understand," He Linghan murmured, her gaze slowly lowering. She wished to shield her current expression from Ye Shikai's sight.

"Ling’er, you need not fret excessively. Did I not previously inform you? I am a cultivator. Even when faced with the threat of five or six thousand adversaries surrounding me, they were incapable of causing me harm, let alone now," Ye Shikai offered words of comfort.

"Yet, I remain exceedingly worried. You claim cultivators are formidable, but what if the Qin Army also possesses cultivators, and they attempt to assassinate you? What then?" He Linghan pressed for further assurance.

"Numerous attempts have been made on my life, yet each one has culminated in the assailant's demise. I am no ordinary man; they are incapable of harming me, much less taking my life."