The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1599: Clearing Up Past Misunderstandings

"Old Ye, this matter is significant. Since it’s such an important operation, we should discuss it with our lord," Shangguan Jian advised.

"Hmm, perhaps it would be wise. I imagine she has no reason to refuse," Ye Shikai nodded. These days, rumors of his fallout with Mi Wen had spread throughout the army. Historically, discord between generals and commanders was a major taboo, yet Mi Wen had not punished him, indicating she had "forgiven" Ye Shikai. At least, it showed she had calmed down, and Ye Shikai understood the message well. Since he benefited from this, he decided to formally request Mi Wen’s approval — a signal to the entire army that their previous rift was resolved.

"Speaking of which, Cheng Lang is no pushover. His troop arrangements are quite adept, even better than many battle-hardened generals."

"Nanyang County can certainly be considered one of the Great Counties, rich in resources and densely populated. How could such an important place be entrusted to a spoiled rich kid for military management?" Ye Shikai sighed. Truth be told, they hadn’t fought yet, but Mi Wen had already committed the grave mistake of underestimating the enemy, a mistake one must pay for.

"You’re right."

It’s precisely for this reason that before the battle, Ye Shikai had strongly advised Mi Wen to abandon advancing northward and instead take Shu County and Ba County as bases, then seize Han Zhong, and finally vie for supremacy in the central plains.

Unfortunately, Mi Wen did not adopt this suggestion.

"Old Ye, ever since your last argument with the lord, you haven’t reached out to her. Why don’t I accompany you to see her? After all, she is our lord."

"That sounds good. I don’t mind."

Deng County.

"Since the last battle ended, the lord has set up her main base in Deng County. Grain and military equipment transported from Wu County are all stored here."

Deng County was captured by Ye Shikai without bloodshed, and the social order remained intact, making it the most suitable location for the main base. Moreover, the city walls were undamaged, and grain stored here was secure. Ye Shikai agreed with this choice. Thinking about meeting Mi Wen soon, he felt somewhat "nervous," mainly because he hadn’t figured out how to "apologize" yet.

"Greetings, my lord." Ye Shikai walked alone into the government building, where Mi Wen was sitting in the center, drinking hot tea and examining the battle reports.

"You’re here." Mi Wen lifted her head, glanced at him, and said calmly, indicating for her guards to withdraw.

"You should have seen my plan." Ye Shikai inquired.

"Yes, I agree with it." Mi Wen responded quickly, and only then did Ye Shikai breathe a sigh of relief. If she were still angry and rejected the plan, it would be disastrous.

"Regarding the last incident, it was my poor attitude that embarrassed you in front of the other generals. I apologize."

"Haha, so that’s why you look nervous," Mi Wen suddenly laughed, which came as a surprise to him.

"Have you long since stopped being angry then?"

"After all, I am the lord. Is there a need to be angry with a subject?" Although Mi Wen said this, Ye Shikai knew she was "prideful," selective about accepting apologies. Previously, Ye Shikai had yelled at her, which Mi Wen naturally disliked. This time was different; he opened with an apology, so Mi Wen was naturally appeased.

"But next time, could you listen to me a bit more? Both publicly and privately, we can’t afford another such defeat." Ye Shikai changed his tone, feeling a pang of grief at the thought of so many brothers dying in vain.

"So, I have agreed to your plan, haven’t I?" Mi Wen gestured for Ye Shikai to sit down, pouring him a cup of tea.

"If we can burn Cheng Lang’s provisions, within ten days, he will definitely retreat, otherwise there will be a mutiny. When he retreats, that will be our opportunity."

"I have a question."

"Please, my lord."

"Nanyang County is rich in resources, with vast farmlands north of Zhao He. Even if you burn the supplies, if reinforcements deliver provisions from the rear, can’t Cheng Lang continue to hold his ground?" Mi Wen asked rhetorically.

"Rest assured, I have already had Xue San investigate. The northern parts of Nanyang County have long been depleted, and at this time of year, harvest is far off, so they cannot replenish their supplies. Even if they seize villagers’ food, with fifty thousand troops stationed there, they can only survive for a few days on this alone."

"Seems you have investigated thoroughly." Continuing her question, Mi Wen asked, "How do you think the Qin Army will retreat?"

"They will certainly retreat by water," Ye Shikai answered firmly.

"Why?"

"Once we burn Cheng Lang’s supplies, he will surely panic. In his haste, he will choose to use ferries to send troops north of Zhao He, building camps along the river. In doing so, he can rely on the river to continue resisting our forces. Besides, our northern expedition did not carry ferries, and after Cheng Lang crosses the river, it will be impossible for us to conjure up hundreds of warships suddenly, and therefore, we cannot cross the river quickly," Ye Shikai explained.

"If that’s the case, if we don’t first destroy the ferries, won’t this plan fail?"

"Rest assured, my lord. As Xue San burns Cheng Lang’s supplies, we simply need to dispatch cavalry to strike directly at the ferry, burning all the boats."

"Then who will carry out this mission?"

"My lord," Ye Shikai stepped away and bowed in front of Mi Wen, "General Huo is the perfect candidate for this mission. Please, my lord, give him a chance."

"Last time, you ambushed Lu Lin Ferry. This time, Cheng Lang will certainly station heavy forces at the ferry. Will this ambush be as smooth?" Mi Wen, looking doubtful, asked him.

"Rest assured, once the grain depot catches fire, Cheng Lang will inevitably redeploy troops to extinguish the blaze, focusing elsewhere and thus weakening the forces guarding the ferry. This will be our golden opportunity."

"If that’s the case, alright then."

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

Military camp.

"Where is Xue San?"

"Reporting to General Ye, Commander Xue is at the armory, seemingly studying something." The patrolling soldier replied, and Ye Shikai headed to the armory, finding Xue San examining the crossbows on the table.

"Xue San, what are you doing?"

"General, I’m studying your repeating crossbow," Xue San pointed to the parts on the table, indicating them to Ye Shikai, who took a closer look. This repeating crossbow was designed by him specifically tailored for the squad’s use.

"I am currently improving this repeating crossbow, allowing it to switch freely between regular crossbow arrows and incendiary crossbow arrows," Xue San explained. "I personally scouted that grain depot — it stores hundreds of thousands of stone of grain. The scale is immense, and the squad has few numbers. Without effective weapons, before we ignite the entire camp, we would alert the guards."