The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1483: Meeting Han Hao

"Did you not notice that Hua Liandie was making a deliberate effort to get you intoxicated?" He Linghan inquired with a tone of complaint.

"You have the wrong impression; it appeared she intended to get you drunk." Even though Ye Shikai couldn’t fully grasp Hua Liandie’s intentions, he recognized that someone as astute as her wouldn’t commit a simple oversight like ’stealing the limelight.’ It seemed her plan was to engage in a ’display of dominance’ at the table with He Linghan, but Ye Shikai inadvertently became the ’scapegoat.’ He hadn’t anticipated Hua Liandie possessing such a remarkable capacity for alcohol.

"Very well, I am too fatigued; it is time to retire for the night." Ye Shikai slowly got to his feet, and He Linghan immediately offered her arm for support as they proceeded indoors. The two were already betrothed, making it perfectly acceptable for them to share a room; however, Ye Shikai hesitated and ultimately declined.

"Ling’er, tonight I wish to return to my own residence to rest. The wedding day has not yet arrived, and engaging in such intimacy now feels improper." Ye Shikai was considerate of many factors; this was, after all, Master He’s estate, and the wedding festivities had not yet commenced. If Ye Shikai and He Linghan were to share a chamber within these walls, it would surely become a subject of gossip, not to mention the presence of Ye Shikai’s personal guards stationed outside.

"Very well then," He Linghan responded demurely, personally escorting Ye Shikai to the entrance. The sharp, cold wind against their faces served to instantly clear their heads.

"Man Cang, escort him back to his home," He Linghan instructed with care.

"Yes, Military Marquis’ wife, rest assured, I will see to the general’s safe return."

The following day.

By the time Ye Shikai awoke, it was already approaching noon. He had a hazy recollection of Man Cang assisting him back home the previous night, after which he had promptly fallen asleep in his bed. Reflecting, the wine consumed bore a potent lingering effect; he had felt perfectly fine while drinking, but once the aftereffects manifested, he had experienced a complete ’blackout.’

"General, you have awakened." Man Cang was already positioned outside the door, attended by the vigilant guards. As per their arrangements, Ye Shikai was scheduled to personally visit the Commander Mansion in He Nei County to deliberate on matters concerning grain requisitions and tax collection with Han Hao.

"General, you have only just regained sobriety. The journey to the Commander Mansion is quite substantial. Might I suggest securing a carriage for you? It would offer greater comfort."

"There is no need. For a general to be seen traveling in a carriage would be quite the spectacle," Ye Shikai immediately refused with a shake of his head. Although his mind was still somewhat clouded, a rinse with cold water seemed to bring much-needed clarity. After a quick meal of noodles, Ye Shikai led his contingent out of the village, making their way toward the Commander Mansion. Upon reaching their designated rendezvous point, Ye Shikai observed several local garrison soldiers clad in light armor.

"General, while the security in He Nei County surpasses that of East County, it remains susceptible to numerous bandit threats. I harbored concerns that relying solely on our personal guard battalion might invite trouble, hence the recruitment of these local garrison soldiers," Man Cang offered an immediate explanation.

"What preposterous talk! Facing thousands from the Wolf Clan did not intimidate me, so why would a mere handful of bandits?" Ye Shikai’s guards were his chosen confidants. Despite their numbers being only two hundred, each individual possessed the caliber of a squad leader or centurion, having endured extensive combat experience, rendering these local brigands completely outmatched.

"Furthermore, if we divert a portion of the garrison, what recourse do we have if the village itself becomes a target for these bandits?" Ye Shikai turned his horse, addressing everyone present.

"You garrison soldiers, heed my command and return to your respective units to resume your duties." Ye Shikai issued the order.

"Understood."

"Understood."

"General, these additional arrangements were at the behest of Madam He last night. She expressed a strong insistence on ensuring your complete safety." Man Cang spoke with a hint of reluctance, and Ye Shikai understood that with their wedding day drawing near, He Linghan was understandably apprehensive about any potential mishaps.

"I comprehend; the fault does not lie with you this time. Let us proceed with haste," Ye Shikai continued.

"Indeed, entire contingent, advance!"

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The entourage spurred their horses onward, reaching the Commander Mansion within the span of a single day, though it was already late into the evening. Ye Shikai had initially planned to secure lodging at an inn and commence his outreach efforts the following day. To his surprise, the moment they arrived at the inn, Han Hao himself, accompanied by his guards, came forth to meet them.

"Ye, why did you not notify me of your arrival in the city and instead proceeded directly to an inn?" Han Hao expressed his delight at encountering an old acquaintance. As the commanding officer, it was virtually impossible for him to be unaware of Ye Shikai’s entry into the city, especially with two hundred guards in tow.

"I heard rumors of your commendable performance in East County, eradicating numerous rogue factions. My sincere congratulations!" Han Hao personally escorted Ye Shikai to the mansion, making arrangements for his guards’ accommodations.

"It was purely a matter of fortunate circumstances."

"Tell me, you were thriving in East County; what prompted this sudden visit?" Han Hao gestured for the servants to serve wine as female performers commenced their music and dance within the mansion.

"To be completely honest, my return this time is for the purpose of marriage."

"What? You mean Young Master Ye is here to get married? This is truly splendid news!" Han Hao exclaimed with hearty laughter upon hearing this.

"Indeed, the ceremony is set for just three days from now," Ye Shikai confirmed with a nod.

"Alas, three days from now is rather unfortunate timing," Han Hao lamented, patting Ye Shikai's shoulder. "I am scheduled to inspect various counties on that day. As you are aware, the situation in the county has been rather volatile lately, placing immense pressure on me as the commander. I trust you can understand." He then turned to a nearby servant, commanding, "Go, fetch my prized jade. It shall serve as a wedding gift for Young Master Ye."

"Understood, my lord."

"Lord Han, I must trouble you to wait. My visit on this occasion is not for such matters," Ye Shikai interjected, raising a hand.

"In that case, what is the true reason for your visit? Young Master Ye, pray tell, speak plainly."

"Upon my return to Shangshui Village, I discovered that the granaries are practically depleted. This scarcity is not confined to my village but extends to several neighboring ones as well. The villagers are enduring extreme hardship, and many are on the brink of starvation." Ye Shikai articulated his purpose directly, having journeyed hundreds of miles to the Commander's Mansion for this very clarification.

"I made inquiries with the three village Elders and learned that even though the conflict with the Wolf Clan has concluded, the county has still dispatched personnel to requisition vast quantities of grain and impose taxes. It should be a period for recovery and for the people to regain their strength. May I ask why this is the current state of affairs, Lord Han?"

"So, Young Master Ye has come regarding this issue." Han Hao's demeanor shifted noticeably upon hearing this, a slight frown creasing his brow. He then subtly gestured, signaling the surrounding attendants to withdraw.

"Ye, having dealt with the rogue armies in East County, should grasp the gravity of the current situation. While we successfully vanquished the Wolf Clan, the multitude of rebellious armies that have since emerged are proving to be even more troublesome. The authorities have requisitioned this grain out of concern it might be plundered by these unpredictable rogue factions," Han Hao explained to Ye Shikai, setting aside his wine cup.

"Is that truly the sole reason?"

"Young Master Ye, do you truly believe this matter to be insignificant? To be frank, this county has been plagued by relentless attacks for a considerable period. These rogue bands show no hesitation in ambushing even carriages traveling on official routes, let alone target village granaries."