The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1479: Marriage

Ye Shikai’s triumphant return was truly a spectacle. He was back to wed He Linghan, now the esteemed Grand General of Qin Country, a feat that brought immense glory. Many in the village recognized him; a mere soldier just seven or eight months prior, and later, at best, a village chief. Following a significant confrontation with the Wolf Clan, his ascent through the ranks was meteoric: Hundred Generals, Chiliarch, Military Marquis, and more.

"Hmm, could it be that she’s not at home?" Ye Shikai guided his horse to the entrance of He Linghan’s residence. The courtyard appeared empty, but she might be indoors.

Tying his warhorse outside, Ye Shikai proceeded directly into the house, pushing open the wooden door. He Linghan was occupied in the kitchen.

Clang.

He Linghan spun around, her eyes meeting Ye Shikai’s. The spoon slipped from her grasp, clattering to the floor. A moment of shared silence passed between them.

An embrace.

Their reunion lasted a full five minutes, He Linghan clinging tightly, a clear testament to her longing for Ye Shikai. He had, after all, been the one to bravely defend her and Master He when robbers threatened the village. Perhaps such acts of ancient heroism made it easier for a woman to fall for her rescuer.

Ye Shikai’s affection for He Linghan stemmed from simple reasons. Foremost was her appearance; she bore a striking resemblance to Su Qingyu. While Ye Shikai didn’t prioritize looks, Su Qingyu held a unique place in his heart. Furthermore, He Linghan possessed a virtuous and gentle disposition. Though not a lady of high birth, she was still a young lady of standing. Numerous suitors had previously sought Miss He’s hand, some turned away by Master He, others by He Linghan herself. Her prolonged wait until Ye Shikai’s return was, indeed, a matter of destiny.

"Ling’er, do you recall our last conversation?" Ye Shikai broached the subject directly, lightly tapping her nose.

"Young Master, please don’t tease." He Linghan quickly averted her gaze, her face flushing crimson. It was evident she remembered their prior understanding.

"What? It’s far too late for you to retract your word now." Ye Shikai playfully tapped her forehead. "My wedding procession is moments from arriving."

"Young Master, why did you not inform me of your return earlier?" Ancient customs certainly dictated a certain reserve for women of that era. While He Linghan had long held expectations for Ye Shikai’s return to marry her, the suddenness of his arrival left her feeling a degree of apprehension, or perhaps, a need for time to fully process the reality.

"It’s not too late to mention it now." Ye Shikai took her small hand and guided her back to a seat.

"Ling’er, I gave my word that I would marry you upon our next meeting, and I never go back on my promises. Ling’er, are you willing?" Ye Shikai’s confession was bold, perhaps a touch hasty. He was, in truth, rather anxious. Man Cang should have already alerted the Three Elders, and news would soon permeate the entire village. Moreover, Shangguan Jian and his contingent bearing betrothal gifts were expected shortly. Should He Linghan refuse the marriage now, it would result in considerable embarrassment for both of them.

"Young Master, my heart has belonged to you for a long time." He Linghan gathered her courage, finally reciprocating his feelings. The moment she spoke, Ye Shikai drew her into his arms.

"Allow me to stay with you during these days." Ye Shikai estimated Shangguan Jian’s arrival would take at least five more days. These five days represented their precious window of solitude together.

"Mm."

Shangshui Village was abuzz.

"Have you heard? General Ye is back, and he’s here to marry Miss He."

"Is that so? The daughter of the He family?"

"Indeed. The village’s Three Elders confirmed it, how could it be untrue? General Ye is quite the influential figure now; Commander Han himself used to serve under him."

As Ye Shikai had anticipated, Man Cang’s announcement to the Three Elders about the joyous occasion had quickly spread, igniting discussions in every household throughout the village.

"Ling’er, how have things been in the village during my absence?" Ye Shikai accompanied He Linghan on a fishing and boating excursion by the river, engaging in casual conversation as he inquired about the village’s state. He reflected that much must have transpired during his prolonged absence.

"Sigh, the village… it hasn’t been faring well." He Linghan let out a sudden sigh at the mention of it.

"What? What happened?" Ye Shikai’s concern was immediate.

"Ever since your departure for Ji County, the region has repeatedly levied demands on the village’s grain reserves and labor force. These requisitions occurred again recently, significantly draining the village’s vitality." He Linghan’s expression was one of genuine despondency. Master He, being elderly, was exempt from conscription, and He Linghan, as a woman, was also safe. However, the other villagers faced a different fate. Should the village deplete its grain stores and then encounter a drought or a locust plague, widespread famine could lead to numerous deaths from starvation.

"How is it that I’ve never heard of this?" Ye Shikai detected an anomaly and immediately sought further clarification.

"After you left, grandfather was hesitant to inform you. However, during the month you spent in East County, the county government made another demand for grain. More recently, there has been a surge in rebel and robber activities. The villagers live in fear of being caught in the crossfire, and now, at night, they dare not venture out, even sleeping with their windows shut tight." He Linghan explained, and the more she elaborated, the more precarious the situation appeared to Ye Shikai. It made sense that the garrison had been so cautious upon entering the village. The unrest wasn’t solely confined to East County; He Nei County was also experiencing an escalation in rebel actions.

"I have been perpetually worried since you departed." He Linghan tilted her head upwards, her eyes, like tranquil water, fixed upon Ye Shikai with an adoration that captivated any onlookers.

"Rest assured, we shall never be separated again." Ye Shikai encircled her waist with his arms. "Ling’er, once we are married, you and grandfather should come with me to East County. I will make the necessary arrangements there."

"I will go wherever you go, but grandfather…" He Linghan’s words trailed off, tinged with hesitation.

"Grandfather might be unwilling to leave the village; generations of his ancestors have resided here, and he may feel a deep reluctance to depart."

"Then endeavor to persuade him." Ye Shikai desired Master He’s companionship, yet he understood the importance of respecting the elder’s wishes. If Master He remained adamant about staying, Ye Shikai could do little.

"Mm, I will." He Linghan nodded. Ye Shikai gazed down at the beautiful woman in his embrace; her presence by his side would undoubtedly be a comfort, at least alleviating his concerns for her safety. The memory of the village bully’s attempt to ‘forcibly seize a woman’ ignited a surge of fury within Ye Shikai’s entire being.