The Bodyguard King's CEO Wife-Chapter 1407: Gaining Support

"Don’t misunderstand, Great General Meng Tian; what he mentioned is merely a... bold guess, and nothing has been implemented yet." Han Hao acted fast, stomping Ye Shikai’s foot under the table to signal him to keep quiet. Using people from the Wolf Clan to train the Qin Army might be acceptable when discussed among acquaintances, but if General Meng Tian heard it, learning from the Wolf Clan alone might lead someone with ulterior motives to fabricate charges against Ye Shikai.

Han Hao already regretted it now. He should have repeatedly warned Ye Shikai before the banquet not to mention employing "Wolf Clan instructors." But now, Ye Shikai "spoke without restraint," and his words were heard clearly by the assembled generals. He hoped Meng Tian would, for sentiment’s sake, avoid anger and pretend he hadn’t heard.

"General Meng, my idea is to use soldiers from the Wolf Clan skilled in equestrian skills and archery to train our cavalry." Unyielding to Han Hao’s dissuasion, Ye Shikai spoke bluntly. Hearing this, Han Hao’s face turned half-blue, and the generals present felt like they’d received thunderous news, putting down their chopsticks as the atmosphere abruptly shifted.

"Tell me, what are you thinking?" As expected, Meng Tian’s expression turned cold; the earlier excitement vanished, replaced by a heavy demeanor.

"Great General Meng, he... "

"General Han, please refrain from speaking," Meng Tian said coldly, leaving Han Hao no choice but to stay silent obediently.

"Dare I ask, comparing Great Qin cavalry with Wolf Clan cavalry, which one is stronger?" Ye Shikai suddenly knelt on one knee and saluted, his tone sincere.

"Great Qin soldiers excel in formations, relying on advanced weapons, armor, and strict discipline to be unstoppable on the battlefield. However, in terms of cavalry strength, speed, and scale, indeed, the Wolf Clan is superior." Meng Tian didn’t sugarcoat his assessment, objectively acknowledging the existing disparities. A capable general must discern the strengths and weaknesses between the enemy and ourselves.

"If that’s the case, shouldn’t we learn the strengths of others and mitigate our shortcomings?"

"You must understand, the Wolf Clan is barbaric. Is it appropriate to learn from them?"

"At least in equestrian skills, we have room for learning," Ye Shikai continued. "I do this not for personal glory but for every Qin Army soldier. Training an excellent cavalryman means reducing the infantry’s casualties. If we can train a whole cavalry unit, perhaps we can force the Wolf Clan to migrate north, avoiding aggression for fifty years."

Ye Shikai’s statements were compelling and well-reasoned; though the generals found it unpleasant, they couldn’t offer better ideas. The Wolf Clan cavalry’s prowess was evident; they had fought them on battlefields, knowing their strength firsthand.

"You speak confidently, but is it so easy to have Wolf Clan soldiers willingly teach us?" Meng Tian challenged.

"I have my methods. I only need two weeks..."

"I’ll give you three weeks to show results. Whatever you need during this time will be prioritized." Before Ye Shikai finished speaking, Meng Tian promptly agreed, supporting him.

The generals couldn’t believe their ears; they hadn’t expected Meng Tian to not only refrain from any reprimand but also agree so readily and even offer support. Ye Shikai could quickly obtain any equipment or weapons needed, unmistakably showing support.

"Yes."

"I also heard you distributed wine and meat to the captured Wolf Clan soldiers. Did that happen?" Meng Tian inquired.

"Indeed, it’s part of my plan," Ye Shikai nodded. "I ask the Great General to trust me."

"You misunderstand; I have no doubts. I merely meant to say you can request more wine and meat from the Ji County Supply Officer if there’s any shortage in the fortress. I’ll instruct him to provide you."

... 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

"Old Ye, I didn’t expect General Meng Tian to agree so easily. It seems he really appreciates you."

"What do you mean by that? You think he agrees because of me, rather than the reasons I stated?" Ye Shikai countered Shangguan Jian. Though some found those statements hypocritical and laughable, they were his genuine thoughts. Every soldier has a family, and each soldier’s death in the frontier adds a cry in the village...

"I admit, what you said makes sense. But if anyone else said it, General Meng Tian might have silenced them. Old Ye, don’t you get it yet? You’re now favored by General Meng Tian, so naturally, others will pander to and cooperate with you. Didn’t you notice how quickly people’s expressions changed after General Meng agreed?"

"So that’s what you meant."

"Thankfully, General Meng Tian appreciates you and endorsed your plan. To be honest, I’m also looking forward to seeing how it turns out."

"Rest assured; you’ll soon find out." Ye Shikai lightly clapped his hands, and a soldier dressed in Wolf Clan attire entered from outside the barracks.

"Who are you? Guards, seize him!" Shangguan Jian instinctively stood up, drew his sword, and shouted authoritatively. A few guards rushed in immediately.

"Lower your weapons; he’s one of us." Ye Shikai patted the man’s shoulder, "Let me introduce, this is Alimu, a Wolf Clan member and my informant within the captive camp."

"What, Old Ye? When did you find this man?" Shangguan Jian was quite astonished, having always been with Ye Shikai and entirely unaware of Alimu’s existence.

"I’ll explain later. Alimu, report the situation in the captive camp." Ye Shikai promptly shifted focus.

"Report, sirs. Recently, differing opinions have emerged within the captive camp. The Chiliarch’s plan is brilliant, providing favorable treatment and relative freedom, leaving the captives feeling uneasy. Their attitude toward the Qin Army has shifted; apart from a few, most are no longer hostile."

"How do I know if what you’re saying is true?" Shangguan Jian asked sternly.

"Shangguan, I have evidence." Ye Shikai smiled faintly, "I’ve had soldiers clean up their leftovers at the captive camp these days. Initially, the wine and meat provided went untouched because they feared we might poison them. But afterward, the wine and meat were entirely consumed, indicating they’ve let down their guard."

"This is just speculation. Are you entirely confident with this conclusion?"