The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1623: Futility

"It seems, General Wang, you have investigated quite thoroughly." Ye Shikai teased.

"Of course, Ye, you were once my colleague. I am quite familiar with you. Back then, you disobeyed orders to save the people, not for other reasons. Just for that, I toast to you again." Wang Li suddenly laughed awkwardly, "I apologize, Ye, I have issued an order in the army that neither generals nor soldiers can drink alcohol, so I can only use tea instead."

"I have reported to the court that as long as you, Ye, are willing to join us, all past offenses can be wiped clean. Neither you nor your family will be punished. Furthermore, if you wish, you can still enlist as a general under my command. What do you think?"

"Haha."

"Why, do you not believe in my sincerity, Ye?"

"Of course, I believe you. General Wang is from the General’s Family, your grandfather Wang Jian was a renowned general of the empire. Your word is as good as gold, I have no reason not to believe." Ye Shikai shook his head.

"Since that’s the case, Ye, you’re agreeing."

"I appreciate General Wang’s kindness, but... I’m afraid I cannot accept."

"Why is that? You’ve already saved those people, the court won’t pursue them any further. You can return and continue leading the troops to defeat those rebel forces, bringing peace back to the people. Isn’t that what you once fought for?" Wang Li retorted.

"The past is the past, the present is the present, the future is the future. But no matter the time, I fight only for the people. If His Majesty would kill a hundred and twenty thousand people over some baseless rumors, then in the future, he will kill even more."

"Ye, you are mistaken. If we do not eliminate those people, rumors will arise causing unrest in the empire. The remnants of the Six Nations lurking in the shadows will fan the flames and plunge the world into chaos, resulting in far more than a hundred and twenty thousand innocent deaths."

"Is that so? I don’t think so. If a mere rumor could cause chaos, then what do we need so many court ministers and generals for?"

"Ye, you should understand, the fall of the East County Meteor is the will of Heaven. Even if, taking the most extreme perspective, that word was intentionally said, the ignorant people will wonder, and the remnants of the Six Nations seeking restoration will use this as evidence, inciting resistance much more impactful than a single battle."

Wang Li, after all, is a descendant of the General’s Family. Not only is he skilled in strategy and commanding troops, his eloquence is unmatched in the world. It’s a pity, however, that Ye Shikai won’t join him. The empire won’t give "traitors" much peace, and even if he temporarily goes unscathed, it’s not long before he might die from "accidents."

Moreover, He Linghan is still in Linxiang City. If he were to join Wang Li, it would be like pushing her into the fire pit; therefore, he won’t do it no matter what.

Neither could persuade the other. Ye Shikai didn’t try to persuade Wang Li to surrender, knowing it was futile. Wang Li, being Wang Jian’s grandson, would rather die in battle than surrender...

"Ye, I believe you know how many troops I brought this time. Together, our armies surpass two hundred thousand. In the open fields, after a fierce fight, how many will fall?"

"General Wang, I thank you for your hospitality today. I appreciate your kindness, but you don’t need to persuade me anymore, it’s meaningless."

"Ye, it seems you indeed plan to fight,"

"I won’t say much else, General Wang, take care. I bid you farewell." Ye Shikai cupped his fists and made a bow. Wang Li sighed lightly and remained silent. He wouldn’t send an assassin after him; it’s not his style.

"Ye, take care." After a long pause, Wang Li slowly uttered.

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

"Old Ye, are you okay?"

"Haha, what could happen to me? Just having tea and chatting with Wang Li." Ye Shikai waved his hand. Compared to himself, Shangguan Jian seemed more anxious.

"Did Wang Li do anything against you?"

"I’ve said it before, he isn’t the kind to use underhanded means."

"You must be cautious. You’re a great military commander, if Wang Li plays some trick against you, what would we do?" Shangguan Jian ordered the guards forward to escort them as they slowly retreated.

Chu Army, camp.

"Lord, why did you come?"

"Greetings, Lord."

"Greetings, Lord."

Returning to camp, Mi Wen unexpectedly arrived at their camp, catching everyone "off guard."

"I heard you met with Wang Li." Mi Wen quickly stepped forward, standing in front of Ye Shikai, speaking coldly.

"Indeed, but it was just idle chatter."

"Did he want to persuade you to surrender?" Mi Wen’s tone was serious, it was clear she cared about this answer greatly. If Ye Shikai truly joined Wang Li, it would be a major blow to Mi Wen’s grand ambition and personal feelings...

"If I went with him, I wouldn’t have returned."

"Lord, I’ve followed General Ye for over a year, he isn’t someone who would betray his lord for his own future." Shangguan Jian quickly explained.

"I know that of course." Mi Wen’s expression relaxed upon hearing this.

"Everyone, leave. I need to speak with General Ye alone."

"This... as you command."

"As you command."

The group exited the tent, leaving the two alone. Throughout history, there have been numerous instances of commanders rebelling, causing entire armies to defect. Shangguan Jian was worried Mi Wen would misunderstand, hence he kept explaining, but eventually, Ye Shikai asked him to leave.

"Besides persuading you to surrender, did Wang Li say anything else?" Mi Wen pursued.

"No, he’s from the General’s Family, I’m merely a commoner. If not for the war, we wouldn’t stand together. We have no common language."

"Really?"

"Are you doubting me?" Ye Shikai somewhat understood Mi Wen. He knew the importance of the restoration mission to Mi Wen, she’d equate it with life itself. Without her consent, he met with Wang Li privately; she doubting him is normal, not questioning would be peculiar.

"Just asking casually," Mi Wen shifted her tone "What are your plans next? These troops are under your command now. As the commander-in-chief, you must have some arrangements."

"Holding the fort against the enemy, digging deep trenches and building high fortifications, focusing on defense. Ensuring the rear supplies food, military equipment, and water. Wan City can be secured. In two months, the Qin Army’s supplies will be exhausted, their morale low; that’s when we’ll counterattack effectively."