The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1480: Empty Granary

"Faster, get these lanterns hung! Our master is getting married, so we need to liven things up," Man Cang directed some soldiers as they adorned every doorway and window with red lanterns and colorful brocade, creating a festive atmosphere akin to the New Year.

"Everyone, heed my words! Our master will be wed in a few days. Each household will receive two taels of silver as a gift. When the time comes, good villagers, make sure you attend and share in the wedding wine," Man Cang announced loudly, having his soldiers bring out a chest of silver.

"Wonderful!"

"Excellent!"

The villagers erupted in cheers upon hearing about the monetary reward. Ye Shikai was regarded as a local "legend," now holding a significant position within the Qin Army. This connection made the villagers feel a sense of security, believing that in case of bandit attacks, Ye Shikai could offer assistance. However, the immediate delight stemmed from the two taels of silver. They recalled how He Linghan had previously mentioned the county's incessant demands for taxes, grain, and labor, leaving them "utterly broke." Therefore, news of a reward brought immense excitement.

Ye Shikai and He Linghan returned to the village just as they encountered Master He. Ye Shikai felt a pang of unease, acknowledging the impropriety of the situation. While he and He Linghan had reached a private understanding, she was, after all, Master He’s granddaughter. In their society, parental consent and a matchmaker's word were paramount. Ultimately, He Linghan was bound to marry whomever Master He designated. Yet, Ye Shikai had returned to marry her publicly without obtaining Master He's prior consent.

This realization cast a shadow of guilt over Ye Shikai, making him feel as though he had "deceived" He Linghan into this situation without her family's blessing.

"Master He, I come before you today to seek your pardon," Ye Shikai dismounted and approached, bowing respectfully.

"Concerning my arrangements with Ling’er, I did not seek your counsel beforehand."

"Ah, well, let it be, let it be," Master He murmured. Despite his reservations, the marriage had become common knowledge. To object now would only bring shame upon He Linghan in the eyes of the entire village. Furthermore, Ye Shikai’s high-ranking status promised He Linghan a life of comfort and prosperity—a truly enviable "golden opportunity."

"This old man has no objections. My only hope is that the General will cherish Ling’er in the days to come."

"Rest assured, Master He, or perhaps I should address you as Grandfather," Ye Shikai replied.

Master He understood Ye Shikai’s gesture, recognizing it as an offer of goodwill and a way to smooth over the situation. Creating unnecessary friction would be unwise, especially when the young couple were clearly in love. He decided it was best to let events unfold naturally.

Inside He Linghan’s residence.

"After your wedding, you will move to East County to live together. I shall remain here alone," Master He stated, producing a cherished wine jug and pouring a bowl for himself and Ye Shikai.

"Grandfather, do you not intend to join us?" As Ye Shikai had anticipated, Master He had no desire to leave Shangshui Village.

"My ancestors and parents were born and passed away in Shangshui Village. Their legacy is rooted here; naturally, I cannot depart. Moreover, I have resided here for over sixty years and am not accustomed to the ways of the outside world. You need not fret over my well-being," Master He declared, taking a sip of wine and waving a dismissive hand.

"Grandfather, I still implore you to reconsider. If you remain in the village by yourself, Ling’er and I will be filled with worry."

"Hahaha, General, do not underestimate this old man. When I was your age, I could hunt wolves on the mountain single-handedly. Had it been thirty years ago, any scoundrel who dared approach this village would never have left," Master He chuckled heartily, though a hint of sadness tinged his laughter. Time, indeed, is relentless. He remembered when Ye Shikai first arrived in the Qin Dynasty and witnessed Master He being bested by robbers; the most agonizing part of facing danger was the inability to protect one's loved ones...

Late into the night.

Ye Shikai, accompanied by his guards, patrolled the village. Just as He Linghan had described, the villagers had meticulously secured their homes, with doors and windows tightly shut and even barricaded – a clear sign of their vigilant fear of bandits.

This was an ominous development. Ye Shikai understood that the presence of the nearby "chaotic army" had turned the villagers into a populace living in constant terror.

"Man Cang, gather the guards and follow me," Ye Shikai commanded, his expression grave, his tone measured.

"Understood! Guards, mount up, let us move out!"

Ye Shikai, at the head of his guards on horseback, journeyed towards the mountain cave granary situated in Shangshui Village. A wave of nostalgia washed over him as he recalled standing vigil there, repelling local brigands in a fierce overnight battle. Seven to eight months had since vanished like smoke, and he found himself consumed by curiosity about its present condition.

"Halt! Identify yourselves!" Two newly erected watchtowers and imposing walls now encircled the mountain cave granary. Spotting the approaching cavalry, the sentry stationed high on the watchtower bellowed a challenge.

"Are your eyes deceiving you? Can you not discern that it is the General?" Man Cang roared in response.

"It is indeed General Ye; my apologies," the sentry replied. He signaled to the garrison below, who promptly swung open the gates, admitting Ye Shikai and his contingent.

"General Ye, I am Luo Li, the garrison chief here. May I inquire about the purpose of your visit?" A man bearing the insignia of an officer approached, his tone respectful. Ye Shikai surveyed the entire outpost; the chief commanded a mere fifty men. Despite the solid defenses, he recognized that against a substantial force of brigands, they would be woefully outnumbered.

"Escort me inside for a look," Ye Shikai instructed, gesturing towards the granary.

"This..."

"Is there a problem? Do my words not make sense?" Ye Shikai questioned.

"General Ye, the village's grain reserves are not exactly plentiful..."

"Spare me the details. Just open the door."

"Understood." Chief Luo signaled a few soldiers, who unlathed the heavy door. Ye Shikai strode directly inside. The cave, once overflowing with grain, now presented a starkly "vastly empty" appearance. His gaze swept across the interior, noting only seven or eight sacks of grain remaining on the floor, amounting to no more than a few hundred pounds.

"How much grain remains here?" Ye Shikai inquired directly.

"Reporting to General Ye, this constitutes all that the village possesses," Luo Li stated, shaking his head with a sense of helplessness. As the village chief, he could not magically produce grain.

"What transpired? When I departed, there were at least five to six hundred stone remaining," Ye Shikai pressed for details.

"Sir, over the past few months, the county has levied the village's grain reserves. We are left with only these, a total of approximately seven hundred pounds," Luo Li elucidated. "Furthermore, numerous bandits outside cast covetous glances towards our granary."