The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1611: Time Is Running Out

"What."

"A hundred and twenty thousand Qin Army, coming fiercely."

The Generals in the tent heard this news and couldn’t help but start discussing, many showing worry on their faces. Given the typical combat prowess of the Qin Army, if all twelve thousand troops really come down south, the Chu Army might struggle to resist, at least...without a city to defend, in a flatland confrontation, the Chu Army’s fate seems grim.

"Is this news reliable?" Shangguan Jian asked urgently.

"Absolutely true, Sun saw it himself. The Qin Army’s vanguard has already moved south, and he estimates their target is Wan City."

"You may leave."

"Yes."

Ye Shikai remained silent, his face grave. With the Qin Army marching fiercely, if they’re really allowed to come over, all previous efforts would be in vain. They would have to retreat south, cross Zhao He at least, or even return to Southern County.

"General Ye, the Qin Army is approaching rapidly, how should we respond?"

"That’s right, General Ye. If the Qin Army suddenly attacks our camp, with such a disparity in force, even if we fight desperately, we might not be able to avert defeat." Several Generals asked Ye Shikai urgently. This news hit everyone like a "shockwave" or "heavy blow," especially for Ye Shikai, as the commander, he needs to make a quick decision whether to fight or retreat, in this difficult situation.

"Whenever the Qin Army sets out, the cavalry leads the way, with infantry closely following. This time they’re acting so swiftly because of the Wan City crisis. Therefore, I believe they’ll send the cavalry south, marching day and night, to delay our movement until the main force arrives." Ye Shikai analyzed, then turned his gaze to everyone. "We cannot retreat now, otherwise if the Qin Army catches up, retreating would become rout."

"If the Qin Army has just entered Nanyang, it will take at least two days and nights for the cavalry to arrive, so tomorrow we must capture Wan City." Ye Shikai had decided, they must take Wan City, with its high walls and deep moats, they could then resist the Qin Army.

"Generals, the situation is urgent now. Tomorrow’s battle concerns the survival of all our brothers, so we absolutely must win."

"Yes."

"Yes."

Ye Shikai was quite confident in capturing Wan City before the Qin Army moves south. Apart from the distance, Zhang Lan and Wang Lian each command ten thousand troops, guarding the necessary paths east and west. If the Qin Army attacks, they can hold off for a while.

"Relay my order to Sun Cai, have him lead a small team to monitor the Qin Army’s movements day and night. I must know every action."

"Yes, I will relay the order now."

The next day.

At dawn, the whole army assembled at the four gates. Yesterday was a bloody battle, and the army’s morale was damaged. If it were usual times, perhaps Ye Shikai would let them rest for a few days, but now he could only hope the soldiers endure.

"Iron Armor Army." Man Cang shouted, plunging his sword into the ground. "Whoever dares retreat past this sword shall be executed on the spot. Whoever can take Zheng Lang’s head will be promoted to Chiliarch, and rewarded a hundred gold coins."

"Kill."

"Kill."

"Kill."

The Iron Armor Army shouted in unison. Yesterday they hadn’t entered the battlefield. Each held a grudge, now they could finally vent.

"Follow me and kill."

Ye Shikai also arrived at the east gate this time, personally commanding the main assault on the city. The attack on Wan City from four gates was such that the morale of the Qin Army fell to the lowest point. If it weren’t for Zheng Lang supervising the battle from above, they might have retreated long ago.

On the city wall.

"Release arrows, release arrows, no retreat. Anyone who runs away without order will be executed." Zheng Lang shouted, occasionally executing fleeing soldiers to stabilize morale.

"Stand up, are you seeking death by cowering there?"

"General, the charging Chu army is too many, we can’t hold them."

"What are you talking about? Can’t hold them? If the city falls, we’ll all die. Get back to your positions." Zheng Lang shouted.

"Yes...yes."

"Everybody listen up, our reinforcements have arrived at Nanyang, they will be here by tomorrow. We just need to hold out today, and we’ll win." Zheng Lang shouted.

"Understood."

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

Below the city.

"General, the troops have breached the city walls. It won’t be long before we conquer it." An Iron Armor Army officer reported.

"Very good, ensure the follow-up troops must keep up, never let the Qin Army regain the walls." Ye Shikai ordered. The reason for immense casualties in sieges is that the defenders hold the advantage. As long as the walls remain in Qin Army hands, the Iron Armor Army will be counterattacked, but once the walls are taken, it’s akin to breaking the city gates; the army will advance and capture the city."

"Yes."

"Report." Suddenly, a messenger rode to Ye Shikai.

"What’s the situation?"

"The Northern Qin cavalry is racing towards Wan City, their vanguard is less than a hundred miles away."

"What? How can they arrive so quickly!" Ye Shikai’s expression changed dramatically upon hearing the news. It was too sudden; even cavalry can’t march that far overnight.

"The Qin cavalry abandoned the logistics unit and marched rapidly with rations."

"How many are there?"

"Between ten thousand to twenty thousand. Their numbers are too large for precise counting."

"Notify Zhang Lan to lead his troops to guard the route they must take and obstruct the Qin cavalry at the perimeter. Also, send my orders for Wang Lian to move to Zhang Lan, merge forces and intercept together."

"Yes."

At this moment, Ye Shikai couldn’t relax. The approaching Qin Army from the outside was fierce, apparently encouraged by Zheng Lang’s battle report, leading them to disregard logistics and rush forward. This also proves the court’s bottom line is Wan City, if Wan City falls, the Qin generals will face dire consequences, explaining their urgency.

"And our follow-up troops?" Ye Shikai shouted in agitation.

"General, we have yet to receive the lord’s letter, but the rear troops have begun moving, they should arrive soon."

"If it takes any longer, we’ll lose, and find no burial but disgrace!" In a desperate rage, Ye Shikai cursed. What on earth is Mi Wen doing, surely she must be anxious upon knowing the frontlines’ situation.

"Old Ye, should I threaten those Generals? We’re fighting desperately at the front, while they stand by behind, what sense does that make?" Shangguan Jian shouted, unable to restrain himself.