The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1481: 1481: Village Visitor

Chapter 1481: A Visitor to the Village

“Is the situation truly this dire?” Ye Shikai’s countenance grew grim; the sight of the empty cave before him was indeed 'astonishing.' It was difficult to fathom that a village of thousands possessed merely seven hundred pounds of grain, barely enough for a single meal.

“Indeed, the county officials were most insistent, bearing orders directly from the governor’s estate. Our soldiers attempted to intervene, only to be berated and even physically assaulted. Furthermore, public obstruction carries the risk of severe penalties,” Luo Li explained, a sense of helplessness pervading his tone. While he wished to safeguard Shangshui Village’s grain, the unyielding demands from higher authorities left them with little recourse. Any resistance would inevitably lead to harsh repercussions for his garrison brothers.

“I harbor no intention of blaming you. On the contrary, I commend your bravery and that of your men for risking your lives to protect this grain,” Ye Shikai stated, lightly clapping Luo Li on the shoulder, which brought a measure of relief to the village captain.

“General Ye, I understand you maintain a cordial relationship with Commander Han. Would you be willing to intercede on our behalf to seek a reduction in taxes?” Luo Li implored.

“Previously, I was unaware of the gravity of the situation. Now that I am informed, I absolutely cannot stand idly by. In a few days, I shall personally visit the Commander’s Mansion,” Ye Shikai vowed, offering a respectful bow to the soldiers guarding the grain depot. He felt a profound connection to them, having once fought fiercely himself to protect such vital resources and avert disaster for Shangshui Village. Ye Shikai held them in high esteem.

“General Ye, you too hail from this village; I implore you to consider the plight of our three thousand villagers,” Luo Li pleaded, suddenly kneeling before him with a deep bow.

“Please, my Lord, show mercy to the villagers.”

“Please, my Lord, show mercy to the villagers.” The garrison soldiers echoed the plea, all dropping to one knee before Ye Shikai.

“Rest assured, everyone. I promise to provide a just resolution for both you and the villagers regarding this matter,” Ye Shikai declared resolutely. He then turned and departed the cave accompanied by Man Cang.

“Man Cang, send word that all wine, meat, rice, and noodles for the wedding banquet are to be procured from outside the county. Under no circumstances are we to purchase food supplies from the villagers,” Ye Shikai commanded sternly. The villagers’ existing grain reserves are already critically low, and Ye Shikai refuses to further deplete their rations. To do so would mean that even if they receive payment after the banquet, they might face starvation.

“Understood, I comprehend,” Man Cang replied immediately, grasping Ye Shikai’s intent. His very name, “Man Cang,” signifies a wish for overflowing granaries and contented people, and the current circumstances were deeply distressing to him.

“Xue San, dispatch men at once to inform Shangguan Jian. Arrange for the purchase of grain and meat from the towns in East County, and allocate a portion of military provisions to be transported to the village.”

“Worry not, Sir, I shall depart without delay.” Xue San recognized the extreme urgency of the situation and shed his usual jovial demeanor. Gathering a few trusted aides, they mounted swift horses and departed under the cover of night.

“It appears that while we engage in fierce battles on the front lines, the people back home are facing their own struggles,” Ye Shikai mused with a deep sigh. The recent conflict had concluded, yet the populace at home continued to grapple with a precarious food supply. Ye Shikai could only offer a silent prayer for the situation to gradually improve. As Luo Li had observed, with societal unrest rife, the activities of robbers, vagrants, bandits, and insurgent armies had increased. They preyed upon and pilfered the already scarce grain from the common folk.

“Indeed, I did not foresee the situation being quite so severe,” Man Cang concurred.

Throughout his travels, Ye Shikai had witnessed firsthand the myriad problems stemming from food scarcity. The most poignant memory was of Hua Liandie.

Mentioning her sparked a sudden idea in Ye Shikai’s mind: could he enlist her aid in procuring grain? She was, after all, a veritable “wealthy woman” with “vast reserves of grain.” In Yang County, she had wielded considerable influence over the entire grain market. Given their established rapport, acquiring several hundred or even a thousand *shi* of grain should not pose an insurmountable challenge.

The following day.

“Man Cang, select several trustworthy individuals to hand-deliver my personal letter to the Commander’s Mansion. Ensure it reaches Lord Han directly.”

“Understood, Sir.”

As Ye Shikai stood alone in the courtyard, seeking respite from the heat, He Linghan approached him with slow steps and sat beside him.

“What troubles weigh upon your mind?” He Linghan discerned the lines of worry etched on Ye Shikai’s brow and his somber expression, immediately sensing that something was amiss.

“Last night, I visited the village granary. I was dismayed to find such a severe shortage of grain. Ling’er, why did you not inform me sooner?”

“You were engaged in frontline combat; I did not wish to burden you with these concerns. Moreover, the food shortage has persisted for some time, and a plea for assistance might not have yielded significant results anyway,” He Linghan responded candidly. Ye Shikai was stationed thousands of miles away and could not actively manage the affairs of Shangshui Village; she knew such news would only add to his anxieties.

“People have already been dispatched to acquire grain from neighboring counties, aiming to alleviate the immediate hardships within the village,” Ye Shikai explained. His personal funds were limited, having already been distributed among the villagers. The core issue, however, was the scarce surplus grain in the vicinity; the true solution hinged on Shangguan Jian's impending arrival.

Knock, knock.

A sudden rapping at the courtyard gate interrupted their conversation. He Linghan hurried to answer, a sense of curiosity about the visitor palpable.

“Might you be He Linghan, Miss He?” The individual outside, swathed in white gauze and clad in silk, exuded an air of prosperity, a stark contrast to the villagers' simple attire. Even without the spoken word, Ye Shikai instantly recognized the visitor as Hua Liandie.

“May I inquire as to your identity, madam?”

“I am a friend of General Ye; I've come specifically to extend my congratulations on his upcoming nuptials,” Hua Liandie stated calmly.

“Ah, I see; please, do come in,” He Linghan offered a warm welcome. Upon recognizing the guest, Ye Shikai rose promptly from his seat. Hua Liandie removed her veil and approached directly.

“You two converse first; I shall prepare some tea.”

“Hua Liandie, to what do I owe the pleasure?” Ye Shikai’s excitement was evident upon seeing her. Hua Liandie was, after all, considered a friend. Her attendance at his wedding banquet was naturally welcome. More importantly, Ye Shikai had hoped to secure grain from her to aid Shangshui Village, and her unexpected appearance eased his worries.

“I heard of your impending marriage, so naturally, I came,” Hua Liandie replied with a gentle smile. “My congratulatory gifts have already been dispatched and are en route; I arrived ahead of them with my guards.”

“Thank you,” Ye Shikai acknowledged with a nod, then tentatively asked, “Hua Liandie, I was wondering if… you could possibly do me a favor.”

Hua Liandie had traveled a considerable distance, and before she had even settled, Ye Shikai, as the host, broached the subject of a request. While slightly ungracious, the urgency of the grain shortage left no room for delay.

“Hold your words for now; let us first see the congratulatory gifts before you speak further.”