The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1491: The Wedding

As they conversed, the Three Elders unexpectedly began to weep, their legs trembling as they slowly sank to their knees...

"Three Elders, what is this?" Ye Shikai quickly dismounted, extending a hand to help the elder up.

"General Ye, if not for your immense generosity, our village would have no provisions left. Should a drought strike, I fear... we would all perish from starvation. General Ye, please accept my deepest gratitude," the Three Elders choked out, tears streaming down his face as he attempted to kneel again. Ye Shikai once more pulled him to his feet.

"Three Elders, today is a day of great joy for me; if you continue on like this, you will only mar the happiness."

"General Ye's profound kindness and virtue will forever be etched in the memories of myself and all the villagers of Shangshui Village."

"Nevertheless, Ling'er hails from Shangshui Village. Since I am to marry her, I cannot simply stand by and watch her family face starvation," Ye Shikai explained. After the Three Elders had composed themselves, he remounted his horse.

"General Ye, you are truly the savior of Shangshui Village."

Ye Shikai needed to proceed to pick up He Linghan, and it was not suitable to linger with the Three Elders. Thus, he entrusted the task of welcoming the arriving villagers to his home to him.

"General, may we commence our journey now?" the leader of the music band inquired from behind.

"Proceed."

"Let's go, clear the way for the celebratory music..."

Soon, they reached He Linghan's residence. As the bride, her arrival was anticipated by many, and the crowd quickly made way upon observing the approaching wedding procession.

"Make the music louder."

"Understood." The leader signaled the musicians to play with all their might. Shortly after, He Linghan emerged from the house, adorned in a resplendent red wedding gown and veil. This attire, meticulously crafted by the finest tailor in the county at Ye Shikai's behest, appeared quite exquisite. While He Linghan was a village maiden, marrying a distinguished General meant she could not appear wanting.

With assistance from several village girls, He Linghan was helped into the ornate bridal palanquin situated at the rear. Master He stood by, his expression one of deep contemplation. On the day of his granddaughter's nuptials, he, as her sole remaining family, couldn't suppress a wave of melancholy. Yet, seeing Ye Shikai as the groom offered perhaps the best possible outcome.

"General Ye, please cherish Ling'er from this day forward," Master He approached Ye Shikai, his voice quivering slightly.

"Master He, rest assured, as long as I draw breath, Ling'er will never suffer any harm," Ye Shikai declared with unshakeable conviction. In Yanjing, he had failed to protect Su Qingyu, or rather, he had not provided her with the happiness she truly desired. Now, fate seemed to be granting him an opportunity to atone for that past regret with He Linghan.

"Hmm, I place my trust in you. I am old now and unable to shield her; entrusting her to you, I can finally find peace."

Master He slowly approached the bridal palanquin, offered a few words of counsel, and then retreated back into the house, closing the door firmly...

"Very well, let us depart," Ye Shikai, though unable to fully grasp the complex emotions swirling within him at that moment, understood the need for personal reflection.

"Lift the palanquin."

.................

At the residence.

The household staff laid out freshly prepared meat dishes on the tables. Recognizing that most villagers were simple folk, Ye Shikai had specifically instructed the kitchen to ensure a generous supply. The meat dishes presented were large, allowing everyone to partake heartily.

The arrival time was earlier than Ye Shikai had anticipated. According to the Three Elders, the auspicious hour for the wedding ceremony had not yet arrived, so Ye Shikai decided to entertain the guests with drinks first.

"Today marks General Ye's wedding; warmest congratulations, congratulations."

"Hu'er, look, this is the General Ye you were so eager to meet." Ye Shikai noticed a woman in the crowd holding a child, who was curiously making their way forward.

"Young one, why did you wish to see me?" Ye Shikai bent down to inquire.

"I wanted to see what the valiant general who fought against the Wolf Clan looks like." Though young, the child's eyes sparkled with an unusual intensity.

"General Ye, please forgive us; the child has been clamoring to see you, saying he aspires to be like you when he grows up, a general to protect the people," the woman explained, gently pulling the child closer.

"A noble aspiration, you will undoubtedly become a fine general in the future." Ye Shikai gently patted the child's head to encourage him, then drew the small dagger from his waist and presented it to the boy.

"This is for you. Use it in the future to protect your mother and the people of Shangshui Village. Do you have the courage?"

"Of course," the child declared, accepting the small dagger. His tone was firm, and he mimicked adult gestures to express his gratitude to Ye Shikai.

"Please forgive our child's forwardness."

"Esteemed lady, believe me, this child will surely become a great general," Ye Shikai assured the woman.

"Then thank you, General, for your encouraging words."

"Villagers, eat and drink heartily, and don't leave sober," Ye Shikai declared loudly, raising his wine cup.

"Congratulations, General."

"Congratulations, General."

Suddenly, the rapid drumming of hooves echoed from beyond the village. Though Ye Shikai had consumed some alcohol, his mind remained sharp; he recognized the sound of warhorses' hooves, and their hurried pace signaled an urgent matter. Ye Shikai fabricated a reason to dismiss his companions, using the opportunity to slip away from the gathering unnoticed.

"Master, are you unharmed?" The arrival was Man Cang, flanked by several guards. Upon observing Ye Shikai's state, Man Cang quickly dismounted to offer his support.

"Fear not, I am not intoxicated," Ye Shikai replied, setting his cup aside with composure. "What pressing issue brings you here in such haste?"

"Master, less than ten miles from the village, in the forest ahead, numerous armed bandits have been spotted gathering. They appear to be awaiting something, and I suspect their intentions are to raid the village. Therefore, I rushed here without delay to inform you," Man Cang reported, his anxiety palpable. His words jolted Ye Shikai into full alertness.

"What is their number?"

"At least five hundred, and more are arriving. The count is likely to increase," Man Cang answered. Ye Shikai immediately grasped the situation. It seemed these bandits had no desire for him to enjoy a peaceful wedding. Since Ye Shikai hadn't extended them an invitation, they intended to intrude and partake in the wedding feast uninvited.

"Master, I am not concerned about a potential defeat, but today is your auspicious day. I worry they might disrupt the numerous guests, especially with Miss He present. If she were to be frightened, it would be a terrible outcome."

"Man Cang, gather all available guards and secure the village entrances. Dispatch someone to inform the garrison and request their return to defend the village," Ye Shikai commanded.

"I have already dispatched individuals to handle that."

"It appears I must first deal with these troublesome individuals before properly commencing the ceremony today," Ye Shikai chuckled wryly, his hand instinctively resting on the sword at his waist. "Wait outside; I have a few words to convey within."