The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1478: 1478: Fading Memories

Shangguan Jian directed the soldiers to the market, procuring gold and silver ornaments alongside fine silks and satins, nearly emptying the Pu Yang County market. Naturally, with Ye Shikai's numerous victories and Ma Yao's generous rewards, the cost was negligible.

“Inform the soldiers that a generous reward awaits those who attend the wedding feast. Those who still wish to return home will each receive two taels of silver. Additionally, procure fine wine within the county for the soldiers' enjoyment,” Shangguan Jian declared. As the army's leader, bestowing rewards upon his subordinates during a joyous occasion was only proper.

“The rewards are certainly a fine gesture, but there's no need to compel everyone to attend. I prefer a more subdued affair. Besides, this leave is intended for the soldiers to visit their families,” Ye Shikai stated, waving his hand. He also considered that Shangshui Village only housed a few thousand residents. If tens of thousands of troops were to descend upon it, wouldn't they quickly deplete its resources?

“In that case, I shall go deliver the orders. These betrothal gifts are quite substantial, so allow me and the soldiers to deliver them personally. Old Ye, as you are to be married, you should return to the village first and let Miss He make her preparations,” Shangguan Jian proposed.

“Very well, I shall return to the village first then,” Ye Shikai acquiesced. Although they had reached this understanding, he had never specified a return date. Since it was a wedding, it concerned both parties, and some matters required their mutual discussion rather than simply informing He Linghan. Furthermore, given her naturally shy disposition, Ye Shikai was concerned that arriving with a grand wedding procession would cause her undue distress.

Ye Shikai, accompanied by his personal guards, planned to head towards Shangshui Village. East County was over a thousand miles away, requiring several days of travel. This was another reason Ye Shikai was hesitant to involve the soldiers, as the round trip would consume nearly half a month.

“Sir, how could you not have mentioned your impending marriage?” Man Cang, Ye Shikai's trusted confidant and captain of his guard, naturally accompanied him.

“Well, it is not too late now,” Ye Shikai responded calmly. He had once harbored feelings for Chen Yuxin, but he had come to realize his love had never truly been for her. Now, having arrived in the Qin Dynasty and encountered He Linghan, the sensation was akin to when he first met Su Qingyu in Yanjing. In contrast to Su Qingyu's haughtiness, He Linghan embodied the qualities of a “good wife and mother.” Of course, Ye Shikai was not one to fall for just anyone he met, but recently, he had noticed something deeply unsettling.

In recent times, he found himself recalling matters from his modern world less and less. This wasn't a conscious effort to forget; rather, he actively tried not to let these memories fade. Yet, it felt as though a “thief” resided within his mind, subtly “pilfering” his memories, bit by bit. On several occasions, Ye Shikai had lain awake, desperately trying to recall past experiences, only to find himself unable to, leaving him bewildered and on the verge of despair. To his understanding, it was impossible to forget events from his past within a mere six months, yet reality dictated otherwise. He even suspected that if he didn't find a way back soon, within four or five years, he might forget he ever came from another time...

Ye Shikai found himself unable to comprehend the situation. Could it be that time travel itself caused one's previous memories to “gradually dissipate”?

Upon deeper reflection, the notion was profoundly terrifying.

While Ye Shikai yearned to return to the modern world, if his memories were indeed lost, what would become of him? At that point, Chen Yuxin, his child, Su Qingyu, Ji Qian – the women who once played significant roles in his life – would be completely “severed” from his existence. More critically, if he forgot his origins, Ye Shikai would be entirely “assimilated” into the Qin Dynasty. In such a scenario, even if a portal to his original time stood before him, he would likely remain indifferent.

If matters were to truly reach such a point, perhaps it was simply fate, decreeing that he remain in the Qin Dynasty. If that were the case, he certainly wouldn't want to be left longing for He Linghan.

“That is quite true, yet it does not surprise me. When you were in Shangshui Village, you and Miss He seemed destined for each other. You achieved great merit and status in your previous life, and returning to marry Miss He is entirely fitting.”

“How much farther is it to Shangshui Village?” Ye Shikai inquired.

“Shangshui Village is situated at the junction of East County and He Nei County. Once we reach the He Nei County border, we should be quite close,” Man Cang replied, consulting a map.

“Approximately three hundred miles. A single day’s travel should be sufficient.”

“All units, heed my orders, quicken your pace! Let us aim to arrive within half a day.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Yes, sir!”

………………

Shangshui Village.

A long absence from his village had stirred a sense of nostalgia within Ye Shikai. It was midday, and the majority of the villagers were occupied in the fields, leaving behind only women and children. Suddenly, the distinct sound of approaching soldiers filled the air. Their bearing suggested they were from the local garrison, a sight that brought back memories of his own time in service seven or eight months prior, alongside Shangguan Jian.

"Halt! Identify yourselves!" Man Cang's booming voice stopped the soldiers in their tracks, who exchanged uncertain glances. "Before you stands the Military Marquis from the Commander Mansion of East County, an Imperial General Yi! Even the current Commander of He Nei County, Lord Han, would show him deference." The soldiers visibly paled, a wave of panic washing over them.

"Forgive us, esteemed sir; we failed to recognize your greatness. We beg your pardon," the soldiers stammered, their weapons lowered in an instant, their tone now brimming with respect.

"Enough. They are merely fulfilling their duties. Man Cang, do not make trouble for them," Ye Shikai stated, waving a dismissive hand. "Continue your patrol. Report any unusual activity to me."

"Understood. We thank you, sir."

"Thank you, sir."

"Let us proceed into the village," Ye Shikai declared, flicking his whip to lead the entourage into Shangshui Village.

"Quick, look! Isn't that General Ye?"

"Indeed! I heard he was assigned to East County and received accolades."

"Naturally. General Ye is a celebrated warrior from our village, having vanquished the Wolf Clan at the border. Such victories surely merit commendation."

"But why has he returned?"

"No idea, but word is he's quite familiar with that young lady from the He Family. Perhaps he's here to see her."

A cluster of elderly women observed Ye Shikai's return with his retinue, their curiosity piqued, and they began chattering animatedly.

"Sir, you should visit Miss He first. I shall go and inform the Three Elders of the village; your marriage is a significant occasion. While the soldiers may not all be involved, the village certainly needs to celebrate it with gusto," Man Cang advised.

"Very well. I can go alone," Ye Shikai agreed, as that had been his intention. Declaring this, he dismounted and made his way towards He Linghan's residence.