The Bodyguard King's CEO Wife-Chapter 1358: Heroes and Brave Men

Managing prisoner soldiers is indeed a problem for Ye Shikai. To be frank, the combat ability of these prisoner soldiers is not weak. At least they have some courage, and among them there are some prisoners who have killed people or who were former soldiers of the Six Nations. They have skills, and with training, they can demonstrate combat power on the battlefield.

However, if these people cannot be "tamed," then not only will they be ineffective, they might also deliver a treacherous blow. These are all closely linked to the battlefield situation. If the battle is won, these prisoners will naturally be released, and the court can be relieved. But if the battle is lost, and the Qin Army is defeated, these prisoner soldiers might also "loot a burning house" and continue to act as robbers.

So, Ye Shikai is essentially handling a "hot potato."

"Village Chief, what should we do now? These robbers were our enemies yesterday," a soldier asked worriedly. It seems this concern is not only Ye Shikai’s but also shared by several soldiers under his command. Perhaps this situation is absurd now, but in the Qin Dynasty, these experiences are for Ye Shikai to "learn from." In contemporary terms, these prisoner soldiers are "troublemakers."

Two hours later.

"These are the convicts, aren’t they?"

"Yes, these are the people who came to attack the granary yesterday. I see a few who seem to have killed people and were caught."

"Indeed, these are the ones being sent to the army."

Several rows of prisoners were shackled together and brought to the site, while nearby villagers pointed and discussed them.

"Release their shackles," Ye Shikai said calmly. A soldier immediately stepped forward and removed the shackles. The villagers quickly backed away, afraid that these desperados might charge at them.

Ye Shikai glanced at the forty to fifty prisoner soldiers. Although he wasn’t very familiar with the Qin Dynasty’s soldiers, he could see the character of each person through their eyes, even distinguishing which were fearless desperados and which had a less firm heart.

It’s simple. These desperados had a murderous aura in their eyes, and those robbers from last night were mostly opportunists relying on their numbers to attack the granary. Many of them were instigated by the infiltrated Wolf Clan spies. They were often brave only in numbers, surrendering immediately when the situation turned unfavorable. As for the "tough guys," many had calloused hands, which meant they either did farm work or frequently wielded swords. They were likely former soldiers of the Six Nations, serving hard labor after being defeated in battle.

"Last night’s incident, upon investigation, was orchestrated by a Wolf Clan spy. He infiltrated the stockade and incited you to attack the provisions. Hence, the government can offer you an opportunity..."

"Isn’t it just to make us serve your cause, speaking so nicely." Before Ye Shikai could finish his sentence, someone below impatiently interrupted, causing laughter and disdain towards Ye Shikai.

"You think you’re tired of living, disrespecting the village chief. Believe it or not, I’ll kill you now," a soldier drew his sharp sword, pressing it against that person’s neck. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

"Put down the sword." Ye Shikai wasn’t angry at all. He walked slowly to that person’s front. Even with the sharp sword against his throat, the person showed no fear on his face, which wasn’t something ordinary people could do. Ye Shikai could clearly see that other prisoners around him had started frowning, seemingly afraid the blood might splatter on them, but this person was unafraid in front of life and death.

"Your hands have many calluses, concentrated in several spots. You used to be a soldier, right?" Ye Shikai spoke calmly, but that person turned his head away and didn’t reply.

"What’s your name?"

"Man Cang."

"That’s a great name. Man Cang, Man Cang, when the granary is full, peace will prevail." Ye Shikai murmured.

"You seem very unconvinced, is there a reason?"

"I used to be a soldier. It’s my duty to defend the country. I was a soldier of Wei Country. After Wei was conquered by Qin, I was thrown into prison. I just don’t understand. What I did was clearly righteous, yet I ended up with this fate. Isn’t this all because of Qin Country?" Man Cang shouted loudly.

"You were originally from Wei Country. So, you are a local here?"

"Precisely."

"If the Wolf Clan breaks the Great Wall tomorrow and attacks He Nei County, what would you do?" Ye Shikai asked in return.

"I’d pick up my weapons and protect my countrymen."

"Then come with me to the frontline at the Great Wall, dare you?"

"Ha, I would never serve Qin Country. Your righteousness is merely sweet talk, trying to deceive us into serving you," Man Cang said coldly.

"Wei Country is gone. Wei citizens are now Qin citizens. If I release you now, would you harm your own countrymen?"

"Sweet talk, no need for words. If you release me, I’ll immediately head to the frontline, but I’d never enlist in the Qin Army," Man Cang rebutted. "Why, if you’re bold enough, release me."

"I can release you, but looking at you, going to the frontline would just be sending you to death, serving no purpose," Ye Shikai scoffed coldly and turned to leave.

"Stop," suddenly, Man Cang shouted, startling the other prisoners to the ground. A few soldiers stood with spears, worried Man Cang might suddenly rush to attack Ye Shikai.

"What makes you say I lack strength?"

"Because I dare bet, if you fight me one-on-one, not ten moves and you’d fall to the ground, do you believe that?" Ye Shikai abruptly turned, pointing his finger at Man Cang’s face and shouted.

"If I win, then what?"

"I’ll have the soldiers release you. Where you go is your choice. I might even provide you with silver and weapons. But if you lose, you must obey me. Dare you bet?"

"Fine, I agree," Man Cang agreed without hesitation.

"Bring him a weapon."

"Village Chief, this person is a heavy criminal. If he injures you, we won’t be able to explain." A nearby soldier fretted and quickly advised.

"No worries. If he truly has the skill, even if he kills me on the spot today, he’s innocent," Ye Shikai waved his hand, stepping to the center with the bronze sword.

"Let him choose a weapon," Ye Shikai signaled the soldiers to bring out the weapons, including spears, long knives, and bronze swords.

"Understood." Though hesitant, the soldiers dared not disobey Ye Shikai’s orders.

"You’re wielding a sword, so I won’t take advantage. I’ll wield a sword too." Man Cang’s expression slightly eased, seemingly admiring Ye Shikai’s straightforward courage. Anyone daring to propose a duel is at least a warrior, regardless of which nation’s soldier they are.