The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1607: The Army Crosses the River

"What." Ye Shikai’s palm loosened, and the dagger fell to the ground as he collapsed into the chair.

"The past two days, my subordinates and I infiltrated the Qin Army’s camp with our team. Through reconnaissance, we discovered that on that fateful night, Commander Xue was completely surrounded by the Qin Army. He hid in a warehouse and to avoid capture, he set it on fire himself, but he... also perished in the blaze..."

"The dagger that Commander Xue carried with him became a trophy of a Qin General. During the Qin Army’s defeat, we assassinated that general and brought back his head to honor the spirit of our commander."

Ye Shikai sat in his seat, silent for a long time. This time, fate was not on his side. Xue San fell, dying in the inferno. He could have escaped, but to burn the Qin Army’s supplies, he sacrificed his own life.

Ye Shikai always cherished his subordinates, treating each soldier as a brother, but Xue San’s death hit him the hardest. Had he known, he wouldn’t have sent Xue San that day.

Unfortunately, there is no "if" on the battlefield. As a commander, he could only try his best to minimize casualties.

"Old Ye, don’t be too sad. Xue San was a valiant man. He chose to self-immolate rather than be captured, demonstrating his resolve to die. The dead can’t return; mourn and move on." Shangguan Jian comforted.

"Commander Xue fell; it’s my incompetence. I’m willing to commit suicide to atone." The team leader pulled out a dagger, intending to slit his throat.

Whoosh.

A wine cup was thrown from the table, knocking the dagger out of the team member’s hand.

"General Ye..."

"No need to say more; this is not your fault," Ye Shikai said coldly.

"General..."

"Put down the dagger and obey military orders."

"Yes."

Ye Shikai calmed down considerably. He did not take his anger out on those team members. In such a situation, unless one were a cultivator like Ye Shikai, no one could have broken through.

"Death doesn’t solve the problem. If Xue San were here, he wouldn’t want to see you die needlessly on his behalf, especially not such a meaningless death," Ye Shikai said lightly.

"From today, you will take charge of the squad. Do you dare?"

"I... I dare."

"What’s your name?" Ye Shikai asked.

"My name is Sun Cai."

"Very well, Commander Sun, you will manage this squad in the future." Ye Shikai stood up, "Relay my orders: each squad member will receive a reward of five taels of silver, two pounds of meat and wine, and a promotion by one rank; Commander Sun will be promoted by two ranks."

"Thank you, General. I will not disappoint you all."

"Alright then, you may leave."

"Yes."

"Old Ye, are you alright?" After everyone left, Shangguan Jian came over to ask. Although Ye Shikai seemed less upset, as his ’partner,’ he could tell that Ye Shikai’s heart was torn at this moment.

"Don’t worry, I’m fine." Ye Shikai waved his hand and was helped out of the tent by Xue San.

"Xue San was from He Nei County. Although we can’t find the body, a grave should be established in He Nei County."

"Old Ye, we are currently wanted by the court. If we go to He Nei County now, it would be a certain death."

"Once we conquer the world, everywhere is home."

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

Speed is of the essence in warfare. Ye Shikai dared not slack off. The next day, he had King Zhang Lan lead a 20,000-strong army across the river, transporting timber needed for setting up camp.

"Since General Huo burned all the ferries last time, there have been fewer ships on Zhao He. Merchants worry about getting caught up in the war, so they avoid it. These ships were gathered with great difficulty. They can transport about ten thousand people a day," Shangguan Jian explained.

"Only ten thousand? This is nowhere near enough." Ye Shikai waved his hand. They did not have enough ferries. At this rate, it would take four or five days just to cross the river. And that’s just for transporting the soldiers; a large amount of supplies and weaponry from the rear must also be transported across. Don’t forget, Wan City must be captured within a week.

"If there aren’t enough ferries, requisition them from nearby fishermen and merchants. It doesn’t matter how small they are, as long as they can be used to cross the river, bring them over." Ye Shikai continued, "If that’s not possible, gather all the laborers from nearby, cut down trees, and build boats. Have the soldiers help build them. Relay my order: each soldier who builds a ferry first every day will receive a reward of three taels of silver."

"Alright, I’ll handle it immediately." Shangguan Jian nodded in agreement, "I guarantee the entire army will be across in three days."

"Inform Zhang Lan and Wang Lian that after they lead the troops over the river, they should first set up camp. Also, make a big impression. Make sure all the people north of Zhao He feel that we are planning a major offensive. But remember, only make an impression; don’t attack first. We still don’t know Zheng Lang’s arrangements. Advancing hastily without full numbers could risk an ambush."

"I understand."

"Man Cang, how’s your recovery from the arrow wound?" Ye Shikai asked.

"Thank you for your concern, General. These arrow wounds are merely flesh wounds. A few days’ rest is all it needs; it’s nothing serious," Xue San put down what he was holding and picked up his weapon again.

"General, when will it be my turn to go into battle? Last time was unsatisfying; this time I want to lead the charge." Man Cang waved his machete, looking still very spirited.

"Last time, you led the Iron Armor Army to conquer the Qin Army’s front camp, achieving great merits, but with significant losses. What’s most important now is replenishing the troops, a major battle should be avoided. You also sustained injuries; you should recover before going back to the field," Ye Shikai declined Man Cang’s battle request with some difficulty.

Xue San has already fallen; Ye Shikai lost a brother and doesn’t want to lose a second. Man Cang, known for his bravery and fearlessness, is always the vanguard, but Ye Shikai truly worries about further accidents. In the battle to capture the Qin Army’s camp, Man Cang was injured by an arrow; had it been a bit more dangerous, had it hit a vital point, he wouldn’t have survived.

"General, I have fought on the battlefield in countless battles big and small, always leading the charge. Conquering Wan City is such an important mission, how can I sit back and watch?" Man Cang voiced his dissatisfaction as soon as he heard this arrangement.

"This is my military order; as the commander of the Iron Armor Army, you must obey," Ye Shikai emphasized. He knew Man Cang’s character, preferring to die rather than retreat. On the battlefield, even covered in wounds, he would not take a step back. Sometimes, Ye Shikai wondered if Man Cang could feel "pain." Yet, Man Cang was also the most loyal commander, following Ye Shikai’s orders to the letter. Even if Ye Shikai didn’t let him lead the charge, no matter how much Man Cang disliked it, he could only comply.