The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1624: Qin Army Invades

"So, just wait for Wang Li to withdraw his troops."

"That’s essentially the idea." Ye Shikai said calmly, "Wang Li is very strong, but I estimate that once he withdraws his troops, the court will find it difficult to launch consecutive campaigns. Nanyang can gain a long period of peace, and the lord can take this opportunity to consolidate his power. By the time the Qin Army comes again, they won’t be able to contend with us."

"But what if Wang Li doesn’t withdraw his troops, or if the Qin Army gets supplies, won’t the battle continue indefinitely?" Mi Wen asked.

"No, for months, all the counties in Central Plains have been ablaze, and the activities of the rebel army have severely affected local people’s lives. Moreover, during last year’s war with the Wolf Clan, most of the stored grain was consumed. Wang Li is unlikely to obtain supplies from Central Plains." Ye Shikai retorted.

"The ruthless Qin, who can say whether they will forcibly seize the people’s food."

"I don’t think they will."

"Why?"

"Firstly, if even food is depleted, then Central Plains would be in chaos. Although the court imposes harsh taxes, it wouldn’t go as far as taking food, or it would arouse more insurgents. Besides, I don’t think Wang Li will do that."

"Why do you say so? Isn’t Wang Li aware of how crucial supplies are to him? With enough supplies, he can contend with us and even defeat us."

As a general, Wang Li certainly wants victory, but as a top minister in the court, causing unrest in all counties of Central Plains just to defeat the Chu Army would be counterproductive.

In fact, Ye Shikai judged that Wang Li wouldn’t do so more on intuition. From the talks earlier, he felt Wang Li was not a brutal person. Although he did not comment on the East County Meteor incident, Ye Shikai could see in his heart he did not favor massacring civilians. However, it was an imperial decree, so he did not oppose it. Moreover, from the conversation, Ye Shikai found that Wang Li had a strong sense of the bigger picture. To defeat tens of thousands of Chu Army, throwing Central Plains into chaos is not something he would do.

"It’s intuition." Ye Shikai said simply, feeling helpless, for even if his analysis was precise, it was still speculative, and no one could be entirely certain. Additionally, Mi Wen wouldn’t believe his words alone.

"You’re speaking without saying anything." Mi Wen rolled her eyes, Ye Shikai smiled awkwardly.

"By the way, I want to apologize for what happened last time." Mi Wen suddenly changed the topic, her tone full of apology. Since forming the monarch and minister relationship, this was the first time Mi Wen had softened towards him.

It goes without saying, Ye Shikai knew what Mi Wen referred to. As a person, he didn’t care much for wealth or power, being described as "with no desires." But he cared deeply for He Linghan, his "reverse scale," that no one could touch. Mi Wen threatened Ye Shikai using He Linghan, which definitely violated his "taboo."

"Forget it, let’s not mention that again. I’m not angry with you. Lord, since I’ve already promised you to oppose Wang Li, I won’t waver or betray you. If you trust me, don’t interfere too much. If you don’t trust me, then there’s nothing I can do. You’re the lord, do as you wish." Ye Shikai was not angry. He actually understood Mi Wen quite well. Her threats were seven parts bluff and three parts truth. Even if Ye Shikai really defied her command, she wouldn’t harm He Linghan.

"Of course I trust you. Otherwise, how could I entrust the army to you? Even my life." Mi Wen smiled gently, her body unconsciously leaning forward, Ye Shikai quickly stepped back several steps, glancing around, fortunately, no soldiers saw.

"Haha, I’m a woman, not minding these formalities, yet you are so restrained." Mi Wen laughed.

"Men and women should maintain proper distance, I ask the lord to respect this." Ye Shikai bowed and said.

"During the casual talk in the bamboo grove last time, an assassin suddenly attacked. I still haven’t thanked you for saving my life."

"Protecting the lord is my duty, there’s nothing to thank."

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

Late night, Ye Shikai remained alone in the tent, pondering the situation. Mi Wen had returned that afternoon, not to Wan City, but to Jiangling in Southern County, ostensibly to personally oversee military logistics. Actually, everyone knew Mi Wen was relinquishing authority to Ye Shikai, letting him command without any reservations.

"Report, there’s movement in Qin Army’s camp." Suddenly, a sentry ran urgently into the tent, presenting a military report.

"The Qin Army is moving out of camp overnight, targeting our frontline camp."

"Are they planning a sneak attack?" Ye Shikai muttered.

"That... doesn’t seem so. The Qin Army isn’t marching rapidly, but slowly. If they wanted to attack, they wouldn’t move so slowly."

"I ordered General Chen to lead ten thousand troops, guarding two frontline camps, and instructed him to dig deep trenches and fortify the encampment. Even if Qin Army really attacks, there’s no need for panic. I’m curious what exactly the Qin Army intends to do." Ye Shikai sat at his position, staring at the sand table map in front.

"General, the Qin Army is now heading to the frontline camp, at their current pace, they will reach the camp by dawn."

"Order all generals to prepare for battle."

"Yes."

Ye Shikai personally led three thousand guards and forty thousand troops from the main camp to the frontline camp. The fire from the signal tower was dazzling in the night. Drums sounded in over a dozen camps.

At dawn, Qin Army reached the front gate of the camp. As the reconnaissance report described, they marched slowly, leisurely. Upon reaching the camp gate, they formed ranks. Ye Shikai suspected Qin Army brought siege equipment, so he remained cautious. The archers were already in position; Wang Li was a tactical master. Qin Army’s formation was set just outside the range of bows and crossbows, from the barricades pulling full strings, arrows just able to reach the front row of Qin Army’s heels.

"Shangguan, how are you, haven’t slept all night?" Ye Shikai approached Shangguan Jian. As soon as he issued his command, Shangguan Jian personally led his guards to the frontline camp ahead to prepare defenses.

"Don’t worry, I’m fine. I slept plenty during the day, not sleeping at night is no problem." Shangguan Jian waved his hand.

"Alright, speaking about the serious matter, how many Qin troops are there?" Ye Shikai’s tone suddenly turned serious.

"About thirty thousand, not many, but very aggressive, they’re carrying catapults and siege hammers." Shangguan Jian replied, earlier before dawn, making it hard to estimate numbers, scouts only reported roughly thousands, with no exact figures.

"Why only thirty thousand? If Wang Li intended to attack the camp, he would at least bring sixty thousand."

"I’m not sure about that either."

"Quickly dispatch scouts to investigate other Qin troops’ movements."