The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1472: 1472: The Gathering Storm

A flicker of sorrow briefly crossed Ji Qian’s face when Ye Shikai was mentioned. Indeed, after his prolonged disappearance, with no sign of him alive or any remains found, widespread concern was prevalent. Within the Underworld, the prevailing belief was shifting towards Ye Shikai’s demise, as his reappearance was expected if he were still alive.

“Miss Ji, there is no need for concern. Ye is favored by destiny, and considering his Life Chart, experiencing tumultuous events, even facing mortal danger, is quite typical,” Dugu Tianke observed that he might have touched a sensitive point for Ji Qian and quickly offered words of reassurance.

“Elder, are you truly certain he is unharmed?” Ji Qian inquired.

“The Sha Polang Life Chart signifies a predisposition towards movement rather than stillness, with constant shifts inevitably leading to periods of fortune and misfortune. Although he faces several critical dangers that put his life at risk, I am confident he will prevail,” Dugu Tianke, known for his occasional fortune-telling and self-proclaimed title of Divine Fortune teller, managed to substantially alleviate Ji Qian’s anxieties. As he belonged to the same senior generation as Chen Yaogzu, it was unlikely he would speak without basis.

“Elder, what precisely is this Life Chart you speak of?”

“Ah… it is not something you need to delve into deeply. With the advancements of modern science, these Life Charts are largely considered imaginary. Let us not dwell on it,” Ji Qian, sensing Dugu Tianke’s reluctance to elaborate, did not press further. Possessing a strong background in ancient literature and having studied numerous historical documents, she had a foundational understanding of Life Charts and could explore the subject at a later time.

“Bear in mind, Miss Ji, you are the pillar of support behind Ye. With him currently absent, you must assume all responsibilities in his stead.”

“Elder, I… I harbor doubts about my capacity to fulfill such a role.”

“Remember, if your feelings for him are genuine, you should fear nothing. From my perspective, the next time you encounter him, he will have undergone a transformation.”

Tianya Group.

“Qingyu, have you… received any recent information about him?” Within the office, An Lan and Su Qingyu were conversing on the sofa. The “he” An Lan referred to was, naturally, Ye Shikai. Since her divorce from Su Qingyu, no other man had occupied a place in her heart, causing her to project an even colder demeanor, remaining indifferent to the numerous wealthy suitors who sought her attention, merely going through the motions without genuine interest.

“Miss Ji mentioned that something appears to have befallen him.” Following their divorce, Su Qingyu ceased direct communication with Ye Shikai. This was not due to a lack of care but rather to avoid causing distress to Chen Yuxin and, more directly, to steer clear of any misunderstandings. Consequently, she obtained updates on Ye Shikai’s well-being through Ji Qian.

“Something has happened? That’s impossible. With so many individuals safeguarding him, how could any misfortune befall him?” Upon hearing this, An Lan became agitated. When she first met Ye Shikai, he presented as a deceptive figure, yet adversaries emerged continuously, both from within the country and abroad, perpetually keeping her on edge.

“This incident occurred overseas, not within Huaxia. However, Miss Ji provided no additional specifics, and Ailina… seemed reluctant to disclose more, as if concealing a truth that was difficult to articulate.” Su Qingyu possessed a keen ability to discern people’s emotions, and it was unusual for Ailina, who typically never took leave, to frequently request time off while also remaining silent even when present, particularly avoiding Su Qingyu. This behavior instilled a sense of unease in her, leading her to suspect that something significant might have happened to Ye Shikai, thereby prompting Ailina’s reluctance to answer her inquiries.

“Qingyu, perhaps we should… pay a visit to the Ji Family ourselves? We could directly question Miss Ji; she is bound to reveal the actual circumstances.” An Lan proposed, although Su Qingyu still appeared hesitant.

“Qingyu, do not let yourself be burdened by regrets later on.”

………………………………..

In the Qin Dynasty, three days elapsed swiftly. The skies cleared, and the floodwaters began to recede. Soldiers emerged from their encampments to take advantage of the sunlight.

“What, everyone is ordered to withdraw?” Ye Shikai’s command for a retreat was issued unexpectedly, catching all the soldiers completely by surprise, as no one had anticipated such an abrupt order to disengage.

“By the General’s decree, all forces are to evacuate with haste; tents, provisions, and munitions are to be incinerated on the spot without deviation,” the herald’s voice boomed across the camp. Although the reasons were unclear, once the command was given, they were compelled to comply without question.

“Why are you still standing there? Why aren’t you moving quickly?”

The soldiers proceeded to dismantle the tents, gathering the remaining fodder and provisions, along with surplus weaponry, and consolidating them in the center of the encampment.

“What is the purpose of this?”

“It appears they intend to set it ablaze. Observe, a dozen comrades are pouring oil over the pile.”

“What, burn everything? Isn’t that a terrible waste? There’s such an abundance of food remaining.”

“Indeed.”

“What do you understand? It is impossible to march rapidly with such substantial provisions; we cannot permit them to fall into the hands of the rebel forces. The General’s intention is for us to carry only personal rations and proceed with minimal encumbrance.”

The soldiers exchanged murmurs amongst themselves, and as anticipated, a torch was flung, swiftly igniting a colossal inferno that reduced the supplies to ash…

Ye Shikai advanced towards the assembled army, but Shangguan Jian was nowhere in sight. Upon Ye Shikai's arrival, the soldiers promptly formed ranks, falling silent and awaiting his command.

“Sir, are we truly withdrawing?” Man Cang found the prospect difficult to accept. The weather had finally improved, leading him to expect an imminent assault, not Ye Shikai's order to retreat. To maintain the ruse for the rebel forces, only Ye Shikai and Shangguan Jian were privy to the strategy, with Xue San, in charge of reconnaissance, possibly also aware.

“Indeed, do you believe I would jest about such a serious matter? Man Cang, take this order and lead the troops away via the mountain path.”

“Understood.”

Meanwhile, at the mountain's rear.

Shangguan Jian, with a thousand soldiers and guards, secretly followed a route scouted by Xue San's reconnaissance. Their objective was to reach the mountain's rear under the cover of night, effectively 'concealing' themselves from the main body of troops. These soldiers were handpicked by Shangguan Jian; given the previous dispersal of the army, a thousand fewer men would go unnoticed by the principal force.

“Military Marquis Shangguan, observe, all the rebel forces are gathered in the camp below,” Xue San indicated the encampment. Numerous rebel sentries were indeed visible, confirming the reconnaissance findings without any deviation.

“The master's strategy is truly brilliant. These rebels intended to ambush us, but now they shall taste their own medicine,” the soldiers at the rear, grasping Shangguan Jian's plan upon witnessing the camp, felt a surge of hidden satisfaction. Stationed high above, they commanded a view of the entire enemy camp. Once they descended, they would be an unstoppable force, akin to “a tiger descending a mountain,” overwhelming all in their path.

“All soldiers maintain silence; the time for attack has not yet come. Hold your positions here and await the signal for engagement.”