The Bodyguard King's CEO Wife-Chapter 1373: Differences of Opinion

Although these more than two thousand people are not the elite of Qin Country, they are all militia from Heyang County. Han Hao has entrusted the lives of so many to Ye Shikai and Shangguan Jian. Naturally, they cannot decide casually. The order from the governor’s mansion indeed is to exterminate the rebellion army, but it must be done ’within capacity.’ To bite off more than they can chew might be their doom when dealing with the ’meat’ of Long Mountain.

"Mr. Sun, do we have siege machinery in the county?" Shangguan Jian inquired. The terrain of Long Mountain is treacherous, but with catapults, the pressure would lessen significantly. The rebel army may be numerous, yet they lack professional training. Rather than a nest, it’s more of a bandit’s lair.

"This... The county is impoverished, and even equipping the soldiers with armor is difficult, let alone having siege machinery. Moreover, there has never been such a large number of bandits here before to warrant their construction." Mr. Sun’s reasoning wasn’t unfounded. Back then, no one thought siege machinery would ever be necessary. Creating them blindly would waste resources and labor. Besides, Gong County isn’t wealthy, and this rebel army comes aggressively. Two thousand could defend Gong County, securing the county, but that’s not a fundamental solution, especially since two thousand people cannot be stationed here indefinitely. How can Gong County supply grain for such a force?

"The rebel army has been raiding and looting through villages and merchant caravans. I believe there’s a sizable stockpile of grain and money in Long Mountain," Mr. Sun added, seemingly noticing their concerns.

"Should we succeed in defeating this rebel army, not only will we quell this crisis, but we can also gain a considerable amount of grain, weapons, and even supplement our ranks," Mr. Sun’s words indeed tempted Shangguan Jian. With success, they would truly establish great merit.

"But we lack any advantage. Engaging blindly would result in a pyrrhic victory, even if won. Establishing merit mustn’t be built on the wrongful deaths of thousands of brothers," Ye Shikai firmly advised against it. Currently, they had no advantage, though morale was high, which is key.

"Gong County’s population is sparse, and previously the governor’s mansion had taken many young men for forced labor. So recruiting here seems impractical," Ye Shikai set aside the population register of Gong County, agreeing with Elder Sun. Gong County had virtually no young men left; otherwise, the elderly, women, and children wouldn’t have needed to defend the city during the siege.

"It seems we can’t count on them for help. These people might not even hold their own city," Shangguan Jian helplessly glanced at the ’ragtag’ in the training ground, noting even fourteen or fifteen-year-olds among them, showing how ’empty’ Gong County had become.

"The captured rebels can’t be easily put into battle; their uprising proves their heart holds grievance and anger, yet their surrender reveals cowardice. Would sending such soldiers to war not be driving sheep to fight a Wild Wolf? It’s sure failure."

"Rather than send them to battle, it’s better to enlist them for labor; that could be helpful."

"Rebellion brings a death sentence. According to Qin Law, executing these captives on the spot would be justified. If we give them the chance to fight in armor, they’d likely fight with all their might. Even if they flee in battle, the supervisory squad could execute them right there," Shangguan Jian and Ye Shikai held differing views. In ancient times, sending captives to battle wasn’t unusual. Reclaimed captives often became supplementary troops in future battles. Most soldiers had no ’beliefs’; they fought for food, and perhaps, an opportunity for merit.

"So, you’re set on taking Long Mountain, aren’t you?" Ye Shikai realized Shangguan Jian’s goal was exactly that, to conquer Long Mountain despite having no advantage, aiming to crush the rebel army. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"Isn’t this our opportunity? Truthfully, no one is born a warrior; with proper training, anyone can be a match for ten. Even captives, if well-trained, could become warriors like Man Cang."

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

Modern day.

Yun City, Worm Sect.

"Wuyan, you’re playing with fire," a flash of killing intent gleamed in Chen Yuxin’s eyes as she swiftly wielded Chunjun Sword, thrusting directly towards Wuyan.

With a rumble.

A large wooden house was split in half by the Sword Qi. Wuyan’s figure flickered, swiftly dodging the lethal blow. Chunjun Sword is a renowned sword; even among the great families of Huaxia, such a Divine Artifact is rare. Naturally, Chen Yuxin, being the head of the Chen family, had the status and aptitude to wield this famed sword.

The wooden house collapsed with a thunderous crash, echoing through half the Worm Sect, drawing many disciples who hurried over, confronting the members of the Shadow Organization.

"I never thought your temperament was so poor; perhaps I now understand why he left you," Wuyan lightly landed atop the ’ruins,’ teasingly said.

"Wuyan, you’re seeking death," the words acted like fuel to Chen Yuxin’s fire, propelling her, sword in hand, towards Wuyan. What she detested most was others speaking of her and Ye Shikai’s relationship. Especially since Wuyan openly displayed emotion in front of her, stirring her to want to tear Wuyan into pieces.

"Look quickly, the Sect Leader is fighting someone. Let’s hurry to help," hundreds of Worm Sect disciples quickly surrounded them. With only twenty or thirty Shadow Organization members, they appeared weak against so many Worm Sect disciples.

"This is our Worm Sect’s territory, yet these outsiders dare act so arrogantly. Younger brothers and sisters, advance with me," a male disciple drew his sword, seemingly a senior disciple of the Worm Sect, rallied them loudly.

The skirmish quickly erupted. Feng Ling and Limei, leading Shadow Organization’s members, guarded the doorway. The wooden house wasn’t on land but built on water, connected by a wooden bridge.

"Limei, lend me a hand." Within the Shadow Organization, the ’Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain’ four leaders include Feng Ling foremost, implying her significant strength. Limei employed an Illusion Technique, causing Worm Sect disciples on the bridge to lose direction, falling into the water. Feng Ling seized the moment to sever the bridge, preventing further reinforcement from Worm Sect disciples.

"I didn’t expect your heart to be this ruthless," Wuyan glanced at the battle on the bridge; Chen Yuxin was resolute in trying to kill her, although it was no easy feat.