The Bodyguard King's CEO Wife-Chapter 1369: A Win-Win Solution
Outside the northern village lies a range of rugged mountains, with springs deeply hidden within. It would take more than half a year to uncover them. The Wolf Clan, having sneaked into the village, must be temporary visitors. Moreover, with so many people in the village, including members of the Wolf Clan, they couldn’t possibly drink the poisoned water they themselves contaminated, could they? Therefore, Ye Shikai concluded that the poison was hastily thrown into the well by the Wolf Clan when the army entered the village, intended to weaken the Qin Army. If this were the case, the poison would dissipate over time, as both river and spring water are flowing, and would dilute the toxins through filtration and renewal. It’s merely a matter of time. But the problem is, Ye Shikai and his group need to rush to Yan immediately, so the only way to replenish the water supply is to go up the mountain and seek other springs.
"Send soldiers to look for mountain springs, replenish the water supply, rest for half a day, and we will depart at night," commanded Ye Shikai.
"Yes, sir. I’ll take people to find it right away." Responded Man Cang, promptly rushing outside. The importance of water to the army’s march surpasses even that of food supplies. Without food, they could still slaughter war horses for sustenance, but without water, within three days the entire army would collapse.
"The Wolf Clan’s spies sneaked into the mountains and probably haven’t left. I’m worried they might come back. Tell the soldiers to be cautious when going up the mountain and avoid falling into an ambush," Shangguan Jian said to Ye Shikai. This incident was something no one wanted to see. Ye Shikai felt a vague unease. An army without spirit is like lambs to the slaughter for the Wolf Clan. Thus, the usually soft-hearted Shikai resorted to harsh measures this time, executing those soldiers who deserted in the face of battle as a warning to all. One person’s mistake could lead to the doom of many.
"Report! Many villagers are gathering outside; some are holding farm tools and confronting soldiers." A courier rushed in. With as many as two thousand men entering the village, the whole village knew about it. But they gathered because of the execution of the Three Elders.
The two didn’t dare delay, rushing outside. Indeed, the house was surrounded by villagers. If not for the soldiers blocking them, they would have charged in.
"Don’t kill the Three Elders!"
"When the Wolf Clan invaded, we didn’t see these soldiers. Now they want to kill the Three Elders as soon as they arrive." 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂
"Folks, we absolutely can’t let them harm the Three Elders!"
"If you take another step forward, we will show no mercy. Archers, get ready." Worried about the situation getting out of control, a Qin officer drew his longsword and pointed it at the villagers.
"Everyone, halt!" Ye Shikai shouted loudly, swinging his sword to knock the officer’s sword out of his hand.
"You are all villagers, aren’t you?" Ye Shikai looked at the villagers, his eyes filled with anger, unwillingness, and a plea.
The Qin law is severe, they wouldn’t be unaware. The Three Elders conspired with the Wolf Clan, luring the Qin Army into an ambush, which is a capital offense. Ye Shikai and Shangguan Jian only executed him without implicating others, already showing mercy.
"I understand your feelings, but this is military law. If no one is punished, wouldn’t the soldiers have died in vain?"
"Nonsense! You clearly can’t beat the Wolf Clan and let them escape, then took out your anger on the Three Elders." The villagers disregarded Ye Shikai’s explanation and began throwing stones at them. More villagers surged forward, about to block the gate.
"Impudent! Looks like you’re tired of living. Men, kill a few of the leaders first, let’s see who dares come closer." Shangguan Jian’s adjutant worried that the rabble-rousing villagers might harm Ye Shikai and others, instructed the guards to point spears and crossbows at the villagers. The tension was palpable. Ye Shikai was genuinely concerned the sides might clash.
"Everyone, please stop." At this moment, the Three Elders, escorted by a few Qin soldiers, walked out of the house. Seeing them, the villagers immediately quieted down.
"I violated the Qin law and deserve death. The officers only decided to execute me, showing maximum leniency. Please, go home, just consider it... as my request." The Three Elders wept bitterly. With just over a thousand villagers, how could they oppose two thousand Qin soldiers? If Ye Shikai gave the command, all villagers would perish. The Three Elders were grateful for Ye Shikai and Shangguan Jian not venting their anger on other villagers. However, if the turmoil continued, and the Qin soldiers reacted with rage, it could result in a massacre.
"Three Elders, we will definitely save you."
Eventually, under the intimidation of the Qin Army and the persuasion of the Three Elders, the villagers were dispersed, but their faces still showed displeasure. They would not give up so easily. Ye Shikai believed they would return to make trouble again.
"Tell the soldiers to be extra vigilant tonight. Who knows what tricks the villagers might try. But remember, do not harm anyone, let alone kill." Ye Shikai warned the entire army. Given the current tension, any violent act could exacerbate the situation and potentially escalate into a full-blown conflict.
.........
"Given the current situation, how do you plan to handle it?" Ye Shikai asked as he walked over to Shangguan Jian. It was clear he was in distress. The Three Elders had indeed committed a capital offense, but given the present circumstances, if executed publicly, the villagers would likely attempt to rescue him. Yet, if spared, resentment within the army would rise. So many brothers perished, and they held deep hatred for the villagers. If no one was punished, how would they account for the lives of those brothers? Dissatisfaction in the army could lead to instability, potentially resulting in more severe consequences, such as a mutiny.
The army already lacked combat effectiveness, and with further instability, a split seemed inevitable.
Thus, whether "advancing" or "retreating" was extremely difficult.
Additionally, the army was set to march tonight, leaving Shangguan Jian with little time to consider.
"If the situation becomes truly unmanageable, we’ll have no choice but to execute the Three Elders. Maintaining morale is crucial," Shangguan Jian said resolutely. Han Hao tasked him with leading two thousand men, so he had to ensure the mission’s success. The issue of winning the villagers’ hearts was a matter for the local government.
"I have an idea that could satisfy both sides," Ye Shikai suddenly said.
"What idea?"
"I’ll tell you in a bit, but I’ll need your help for it to succeed," Ye Shikai whispered to Shangguan Jian.
"I see," Shangguan Jian slowly revealed a relaxed expression.
In the desolate mountains.
Ye Shikai and a few soldiers brought the Three Elders to a secluded place.
"Axe men, prepare," Ye Shikai gestured, and a burly man with a blade stepped forward.
"The time has come, do it."
