The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1606: Fallen in Battle

"Well then, since Old Ye, you’ve already said so, I have nothing more to say. In the past, we were often tasked with important duties and training convict soldiers and captive soldiers. You could easily manage them, so I believe in you." Shangguan Jian nodded, thinking that Ye Shikai’s approach was correct. If indeed all the commanders of the twenty thousand troops were replaced, it would firstly arouse Mi Wen’s dissatisfaction, and secondly, replacing commanders rashly might cause discontent among the rank-and-file soldiers, possibly leading to a mutiny, all of which are risky. It could be said that if such replacements were made, not only would they lose control over the two hundred thousand, but it might even cause division and unexpected complications.

Ye Shikai was under Mi Wen’s military order to capture the county seat of Nanyang County, Wan City, within seven days. Considering the current situation, with such a numerical advantage, capturing Wan City shouldn’t be difficult. The problem lay with the Qin Army from Zhongyuan. If they headed south directly, even if they were not fully prepared, if they arrived at Wan City to support it before Ye Shikai, the situation would become dire. They would transform from attackers to defenders immediately, with "no terrain to defend," reversing the situation, and the fifty thousand might retreat continuously in a grand defeat.

Thinking of this, Ye Shikai could no longer remain calm and summoned the few "strange" generals overnight.

"Greetings, General Ye."

"Greetings, General Ye."

"General Zhang, General Wang." Ye Shikai clasped his hands and bowed. In front of him stood two generals, the one on the left named Zhang Lan, and the one on the right named Wang Lian. The twenty thousand troops dispatched by Mi Wen were commanded by these two. Ye Shikai had also heard about them from Shangguan Jian, learning that their ancestors were generals of the Chu State. This time, Mi Wen rose in rebellion against Qin, and naturally, they were also put to important use.

"Someone, serve the generals wine." Ye Shikai said, personally taking the wine set from the guards and pouring wine for the two.

"General Ye calls us to the tent late at night, is there anything specific?" Zhang Lan inquired.

"Generals, the situation is urgent now, and I won’t beat around the bush." Ye Shikai firmly said, "I heard that your ancestors were Chu generals, and I trust that you are loyal to the lord."

"Naturally, ruthless Qin is without the way, while heroes and lords rise up everywhere. However, only the lord is of Chu royal blood, eligible to unify the world and continue the grand legacy. Our ancestors served the Chu State to campaign east and west, expanding territories, and in our generation, it’s naturally the same—to serve the lord with our lives."

"Good, then I’ll get straight to the point." Ye Shikai nodded and said, "The lord has issued a military order this time, instructing us to capture Wan City within seven days. While the current situation is favorable, the Qin Army from Zhongyuan will soon head south. At that time, we’ll face an army of one hundred thousand."

"What is General Ye’s insight?"

"Time is not on our side, so swift and decisive action is naturally necessary. I speculate that after Zheng Lang returns, he will surely deploy heavy troops to guard Wan City, which is the county seat of Nanyang. If Wan City falls, it means all of Nanyang is lost. Conversely, keeping Wan City allows Zheng Lang to stabilize the situation." Ye Shikai continued, "The situation is dangerous, requiring unity and sincere cooperation. Generals, this is our first meeting, and I ask for your assistance."

"General Ye, what is said? Officially, as subjects, we naturally obey the lord’s military orders. Following General Ye, even if we face the most perilous challenges, we won’t flinch. Privately, with General Ye’s foresight and vigorous defeats of the Qin Army, especially after the recent victory against Zheng Lang by Zhao He, we are both greatly impressed and naturally follow you unswervingly."

"Good, thank you both for your assistance." Ye Shikai raised his cup and toasted them.

"But I don’t want to hide anything. This battle will be extremely dangerous, possibly a bloodbath. Generals, please be mentally prepared." Ye Shikai didn’t want to hide the truth, recognizing that the essence of swift decisive action lies in everyone—from generals to soldiers—being brave and fearless.

"Rest assured, General Ye, we are not those who cling to life fearing death, and our ten thousand brothers-in-arms surely are not pliant either." Wang Lian suddenly slammed the table, exclaiming loudly.

"Good, then let’s toast to success in advance. Once we capture Wan City, I’ll treat the two generals to more drinks."

"Good."

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

"Old Ye, Generals Zhang Lan and Wang Lian appear to be hearty individuals. With ancestors as Chu generals too, I reckon they are neither cowardly nor cunning, so we should rest easy, right?" After the two left, Shangguan Jian walked in from outside the tent.

"We can’t be sure yet. One can’t see into others’ hearts. While they seem trustworthy, they aren’t fully reliable." Ye Shikai shook his head. He believed that true heroes would have mutual appreciation, and upon a first meeting, there should be an instant rapport. When he first met Man Cang and Xue San, he felt this way, and facts later proved they were indeed like brothers. Unfortunately, when he met Zhang Lan and Wang Lian just now, he didn’t feel the same.

"Initially, I just wanted to test the two of them. Now, it seems there’s not much issue."

"Report to the generals." Suddenly, a guard rushed into the tent, burning with urgency. Given it was deep night, unless it was urgent, guards typically reported the next day.

"What happened?" Ye Shikai asked.

"The squad members... have returned."

"What? Quickly, let them in." Ye Shikai shouted. They must have gathered information on Xue San to return at night.

However, the scene before Ye Shikai and Shangguan Jian stunned them both. Nearly a dozen "blood-stained people" slowly entered the tent, with their light armor all in tatters, clothes torn with wounds everywhere.

"Greetings, General Ye."

"How is it, any news of Xue San?"

The leading squad member slowly lowered his head, remaining silent. He took a dagger from his pocket and presented it with both hands.

Just a glance, and Ye Shikai’s heart sank. A gemstone was embedded on the dagger’s hilt, and he knew well its origin. It was a spoils of war Xue San earned in his first battle after enlisting. He had it set on the dagger he always carried, signifying a break from his past petty thievery to become a qualified soldier.

Dried bloodstains remained on the dagger, indicating what kind of bloody battle Xue San had faced.

"I am unworthy; Commander Xue has... fallen in battle."