The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1583: Wu County

The following day, at noon.

"Old Ye, why hasn’t Miss He arrived?" Shangguan Jian inquired. Outside the military encampment, a multitude of civilians had gathered, waiting to bid farewell to the departing soldiers. Linxiang City was a considerable distance, a full thirty miles from the camp, yet over ten thousand individuals had assembled, a testament to their fervent hope. Furthermore, the thirty thousand soldiers garrisoned in the city, under the command of General Huo Ziqing, were also set to leave, ensuring the city’s send-off would undoubtedly be a vibrant affair.

"I instructed her not to come. Since we must depart, her presence would only amplify her sorrow. I conveyed everything to her last night," Ye Shikai explained.

"That sounds sensible. Rest assured, our return will not be long delayed."

"You speak the truth. It's not just you and I; our twenty thousand brethren each have families awaiting their return. Reducing our losses means fewer tragedies. Shangguan, as generals, even a single miscalculation on our part could spell doom for our entire contingent." Ye Shikai's voice carried a heavy gravity, reflecting the immense responsibility that accompanied great power.

"Old Ye, your words are profoundly accurate. Nevertheless, the tides of the battlefield shift instantaneously. In this world, what general has ever claimed an unbroken record of victory?"

"No general is infallible. Have we not faced defeat before?" Ye Shikai responded with a touch of banter. Hailing from the modern world, he possessed foresight into future trends, yet his own destiny remained an enigma. In the grand tapestry of events, he felt insignificant, unlikely to be etched into the annals of history.

"Indeed, but the circumstances this time are distinct. During our previous engagement in East County, a mere fifteen thousand of our brothers stood against ninety thousand Qin warriors. Now, we alone command twenty thousand, not to mention General Huo’s forces and the troops from Southern County, bringing our total potential strength to well over a hundred thousand soldiers. Should we launch a full-scale assault, the Qin Army stationed in Nanyang County will surely be overwhelmed." Shangguan Jian articulated with evident excitement.

"While the Qin Army in Nanyang County might be overwhelmed, their rear extends into the Central Plains. Shangguan, both you and I originate from the Central Plains; we are acutely aware of the troop numbers stationed there." As he spoke of this, Ye Shikai’s expression grew somber, and he slowly lowered himself to the ground, his gaze fixed on the twenty thousand soldiers marching northward.

The Qin Army’s forces in the Central Plains exceed two hundred thousand, bolstered by sophisticated weaponry. Should they advance southward into Nanyang County, this rebel army, numbering over a hundred thousand, would find itself in a perilous predicament—at the very least, devastating losses would be unavoidable.

"Old Ye, what do you estimate are the chances of our lord achieving a successful conquest of Nanyang County?" Shangguan Jian’s own face was etched with grimness as he turned abruptly to pose the question.

"If we manage to secure Nanyang with these hundred thousand within a month, the probability of success stands at seventy percent. If it extends to two months, the odds become fifty-fifty. If..."

"If what, after the two-month mark?" Shangguan Jian pressed.

"Should we fail to capture Nanyang within the stipulated two months, then our prospects for victory dwindle to nothing, and we ought to contemplate a strategic withdrawal southward," Ye Shikai stated with a dry tone.

"And why is that?"

"The moment hostilities commence in Nanyang County, within five days, couriers will dispatch news to Xianyang City. Emperor Qin will undoubtedly issue orders for reinforcements from the Central Plains. We have been operating within East County and He Nei County, where the county’s entire military strength can be mobilized in merely one month. Therefore, considering all factors, within two months, troops from all regions of the Central Plains will inevitably be deployed. Confronting such a formidable Qin Army, our position would immediately become disadvantageous. Moreover, we are the aggressors, lacking established defensive fortifications. Once the Qin Army advances south to provide support, we will swiftly find ourselves in a precarious situation." Ye Shikai’s analysis was both logical and direct, leaving Shangguan Jian to readily grasp his meaning.

"Then, our approach must be swift and decisive."

"That represents the safest course of action. It is regrettable that neither you nor I are in command; we are merely generals leading our respective contingents," Ye Shikai sighed.

"Old Ye, if you were the lord, what course would you chart?" Shangguan Jian countered.

"Haha, in that scenario, I would order an immediate withdrawal of our forces. Launching an offensive into the heart of the Central Plains is inherently the most disadvantageous strategy; all the plans we've contemplated thus far are merely choices born of necessity."

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

Five days elapsed.

In accordance with Mi Wen’s military directives, Ye Shikai led his contingent towards Wu County. It was a location of striking natural beauty, characterized by dense woodlands, imposing mountains, and flowing rivers. Absent the ravages of war, it could easily have been mistaken for a tranquil paradise.

"Old Ye, why has the lord dispatched us to this locale? Should we not be heading towards Jiangling?" Shangguan Jian inquired.

"Do not underestimate Wu County. Despite its designation as a small county, its strategic geographical position is of paramount importance."

"Paramount? On what grounds do you base that assertion?"

To prevent the Nanyang County Qin Army from advancing south, occupying Wu County is a necessity. Without it, they would never dare to push forward," Ye Shikai elaborated."Observe this map; Wu County is situated 120 miles northwest of Jiangling. The terrain between them is a vast plain, while north of Wu County lies rugged, mountainous land impassable for the Qin Army. Consequently, their only feasible route of advance would be from the west."

Ye Shikai gestured towards the map. He explained that if the Qin Army were to disregard the rebelling forces in Wu County and push directly into Southern County to attack Jiangling, Ye Shikai would then lead his troops from Wu County to strike the Qin Army from the rear, delivering a decisive blow during a prolonged engagement. Any Qin Army commander with even a basic understanding of military strategy would recognize the folly of such a move.

"I comprehend now. It becomes clear why such a small county requires twenty thousand troops for its defense," Shangguan Jian remarked, his gaze shifting from the map. Ye Shikai, however, remained engrossed. He mused that Mi Wen, a ruler perhaps considered wise, might devise a strategy similar to his own if she were in command.

"Southern County presents a flat terrain, ideal for amassing troops and supplies. Should the Qin Army advance south, we can swiftly engage them. Conversely, if we launch a northern offensive, we can consolidate our forces rapidly to strike before the Nanyang Qin Army can retaliate. Thus, in both offensive and defensive scenarios, our position is advantageous," Ye Shikai continued his tactical analysis.

Although the troops had yet to move, the preparation of provisions was paramount. Mi Wen's current intention was to proactively advance north, necessitating the timely delivery of substantial provisions and military equipment to the front lines before the commencement of hostilities.

"And where shall these provisions be amassed?" Ye Shikai inquired, his eyes still fixed on the map, lost in deep contemplation.

"Reporting, Generals, the Lord has arrived and is just outside the camp," a soldier announced abruptly, entering the tent.

"What? Let us hasten to greet her," Ye Shikai exclaimed.

"Understood."

Both Ye Shikai and Shangguan Jian expressed surprise, not anticipating Mi Wen's sudden appearance. Logically, as the commander, she should be in Jiangling City, overseeing and directing the military operations. Her presence in Wu County was unexpected.

"Greetings, my Lord," Ye Shikai said, offering a respectful bow. Mi Wen responded with a gentle smile.

"Would you not first invite me in for a cup of tea?" she proposed.

"By all means, my Lord."

Inside the tent.

"Why are you here in Wu County instead of Jiangling City?" Ye Shikai inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Wu County is the pivotal point of this campaign. I could not rest easy without coming to inspect it myself," Mi Wen explained."My plan is to stage the provisions and artillery for the northern expedition right here in Wu County."