The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1484: 1484: Returning Loaded with Spoils

“If these grains fall into the hands of the rebel army, they can immediately recruit troops and turn back to attack the official forces. By then, even if we have more soldiers, it will be of no avail. The most detestable thing is that those civilians who receive benefits from the rebel army may even help them against the officials, falsely report situations, and shelter major criminals. According to Qin Law, this is a serious crime, but considering their usual compliance, I choose to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear.” Han Hao said coldly, his tone carrying a hint of anger. It was evident that the recent events had troubled him greatly as the Commander.

“Ye, as the General responsible for eliminating the rebel army and as my colleague, you should understand these situations. If these issues are not handled properly and anger the Emperor, I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep my head.” Han Hao held Ye Shikai’s hand, pouring out his troubles, explaining his difficulties, how hard it was, the enormous pressure endured to secure the position of Commander, and playing an emotional card to win Ye Shikai over. After all, Ye Shikai’s rise from a civilian to a General was chiefly attributed to Han Hao and Shangguan Jian. Especially Han Hao, who greatly supported and rewarded him. Although Ye Shikai now occupied a high position, he was not an ungrateful person. He disagreed with the governance within the prefecture but still maintained some respect for Han Hao.

“Of course, I agree with what Lord Han says, but I believe the real reason for the frequent activities of the rebel army is because of the exorbitant taxes and heavy labor imposed by the prefecture, which has impoverished the people. The more chaotic the times, the more we should restore people’s strength, allow them to farm, wear clothes, and have food to eat. In this way, people can live and work in peace and happiness, and who would risk being beheaded to become a robber?” Ye Shikai spoke with vigor. Historically, the fate of tyrants was to be spurned and abandoned by the populace, eventually becoming dust in history. The Qin Dynasty was precisely this. Ye Shikai was not a god, incapable of altering the course of history, but for his family, he was willing to strive. Even if he could only protect one village, he would be satisfied.

“Alas, little brother, what you say is precisely what I think. If the people could live well, who would want to revolt? Certainly, no one would follow.” Han Hao sighed deeply and slowly lowered his head.

“Unfortunately, this is an order from Xianyang, and Lord Governor can only obey. As Commander, I am only responsible for military affairs in the prefecture, having no jurisdiction over other matters.”

In the end, Ye Shikai and Han Hao were both officers of the Qin Dynasty, mere parts of the imperial machinery. Orders dictated where they should fight, and they must obey. Their duty was to command troops, deploy military formations, not participate in decision-making.

“So, Ye, this matter is not something we can influence. Even if you report to Lord Governor, he must still appeal to the Emperor; otherwise, we can only execute orders.” Han Hao patted Ye Shikai’s shoulder, gently persuading him.

“I understand your meaning, Lord Han.” Ye Shikai helplessly waved his hand, lowering his gaze to the wine cup.

“However, Ye, if you want to preserve Shangshui Village, I can lend some help. Even Lord Governor will give me some face.” Han Hao offered Ye Shikai a “privilege,” waiving the taxes of a small village, a gesture he could still afford.

“Thank you very much, Lord Han.” Ye Shikai left his seat, bowed as a courtesy, expressing his gratitude. At this point, he was unable to persuade Han Hao further, but being granted a “privilege” for Shangshui Village was enough to satisfy him.

“Ye, coming from afar, you must be tired. Rest at my residence tonight.”

……………

The next day.

“What’s all this?” In the morning, as Ye Shikai came out of his room, he saw many boxes piled up in the courtyard with more attendants bringing them in.

“Reporting to General, these are wedding gifts from Lord Han. Apart from his treasured jade, these boxes of gold and silver are also presented to the General.” An attendant replied.

“Very well, place them over there.” Ye Shikai did not refuse, acknowledging Han Hao’s goodwill. Moreover, hosting a wedding and feasting the entire village required some funds.

“Man Cang, have the guards hire some hands to transport these to Shangshui Village.”

“Yes, I will arrange it immediately.” Man Cang nodded in agreement.

“With the village’s matters settled, there’s no reason for us to remain here. Let’s return.” Ye Shikai said indifferently.

“Lord, does this mean Lord Han is willing to exempt Shangshui Village from taxes?” Man Cang asked for confirmation.

“It’s largely a decision made by the prefecture, and Lord Han doesn’t possess the authority to interfere. However, due to my connections, he’s granted this special privilege.” Ye Shikai expressed a touch of helplessness, yet acknowledged that a small advantage was better than none.

“Very well, Lord. When shall we make our return journey?”

“The sooner, the better. We shall depart immediately. Ride swiftly, and we should reach the village before nightfall.”

Ye Shikai had strategized. Before departing the county town, he had utilized the majority of the gold and silver bestowed by Han Hao to acquire grain. The nearby Shangshui Village faced a severe shortage, unable to procure grain even with ample funds. Only the county town offered a viable source.

“Haha, Lord, after our visit to the county, we managed to exchange the gifts for over two thousand piculs of grain.” Man Cang chuckled with pride, casting a glance at the extensive convoy trailing behind them.

“What’s so amusing? It was all purchased with money.” From a personal standpoint, Ye Shikai’s expenditure of private funds to buy ‘public grain’ for the village granary was a monumental undertaking. He couldn’t deny feeling the financial strain; those were chests brimming with actual gold and silver. Nevertheless, the ability to offer assistance and potentially save so many lives made it all worthwhile.

“Report, Lord! We have received intelligence from the rear. A contingent of four hundred individuals has been discreetly following us, approximately five miles back.” At that very moment, a cavalryman galloped forward rapidly to deliver his report to Ye Shikai.

“Are they armed?”

“Fully armed and equipped.”

“Lord, we are undoubtedly the target of these bandits. We are transporting such a large quantity of grain, with only two hundred guards and a handful of unarmed laborers. They likely intend to seize this opportunity to abscond with the grain.” Man Cang declared urgently, drawing his sword and whirling his horse around.

“Lord, permit me to lead a detachment to intercept them, while you escort the main force onward.”

“If their sole intention was to plunder the grain, why would they merely follow behind? There must be others positioned ahead.” Ye Shikai gestured towards the dense forest that lay before them.

“That forest presents an ideal location for an ambush. If my assessment is correct, they will launch their attack from both flanks once we proceed into the woods.”