The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1497: Good Intentions Gone Awry

"Indeed, this village was set ablaze by us. Even if we perish, these Qin Army soldiers shall not find peace."

"Right, let’s seize torches and incinerate everything here."

"Burn the village! The villagers cannot survive, burn it all."

A band of brigands produced torches, flinging them into the dwellings on the village's eastern side, swiftly igniting a massive blaze. Situated on a hill dotted with copious trees, the potential for a wildfire consuming the entire surrounding forest was high. If the city gates were to catch fire, even the fish within the moat would not escape unscathed. Should the inferno rage unchecked, the entire village, not just its eastern section, risked being reduced to cinders.

"General, it appears these brigands have set fire to the houses," Xue San declared loudly, approaching Ye Shikai’s position.

"What?" Ye Shikai directed his gaze into the distance, observing the undeniable plumes of black smoke ascending, visible from afar.

"Damn it, these scoundrels are desperate enough to burn down the village," Xue San exclaimed in anger.

"Quickly, Xue San, ensure all villagers are mobilized with water sources immediately, and prepare to proceed to the eastern village to extinguish the flames." Ye Shikai, too, grasped the gravity of the arson. Without prompt action, the entire settlement could be consumed. Missing his own wedding would pale in comparison to the immense crisis of thousands of villagers rendered homeless, deprived of sustenance and shelter, and facing starvation and exposure. From a consequential standpoint, the aftermath of the village burning would be far more catastrophic than allowing the brigands to loot.

"Understood, I will arrange it at once."

"Luo Li, take the remaining garrison and pursue them. Neutralize this gang of brigands with utmost speed, leaving no one alive," Ye Shikai commanded.

"Yes, my brothers, follow me! We shall eradicate these villains!" Luo Li, a commander of considerable skill, led his troops forward, swiftly breaching the brigands' defenses and arriving at the eastern village to confront the arsonists.

"Hurry, stop them!" Luo Li drew his longbow, loosing an arrow that struck one adversary directly. The garrison soldiers following behind charged forth, and upon witnessing this, all the brigands discarded their torches and fled hastily.

At the village entrance.

"Master, look! Those wretches are actually attempting to burn down the village!" The billowing black smoke had also startled Hua Liandie and her retinue. The fire was indeed substantial.

"This is bad, stop them swiftly!" Hua Liandie commanded urgently.

"Yes, Master! Quickly, all guards, advance and ensure they are stopped!"

Following her order, Hua Liandie led her guards directly into the village. The remaining brigands, unable to mount effective resistance, were either slain or surrendered. Upon realizing they were not facing the Qin Army but private armed guards, several brigands immediately ceased their resistance and yielded.

In the eastern village.

Ye Shikai, sword in hand, advanced with his guards, cornering the last contingent of brigands into a dead-end. The foremost ranks of guards presented large shields and longswords, while those behind were equipped with crossbows, advancing methodically, leaving the brigands with no avenue of escape...

"You have nowhere left to run; surrender now," Ye Shikai declared, striding to the front. He harbored no bloodlust; possessing the decisive advantage, he could order the archers to unleash a volley, annihilating them instantly. They were already in a desperate state, devoid of the means or courage to resist.

"This..."

"Surrendering... might still mean death."

"Hmph, where is your leader? Why does he not step forward and speak?" Ye Shikai inquired calmly. As expected, at his words, a burly man emerged from among the brigands.

"You are their commander, are you not?" Ye Shikai posed the question equably.

"Indeed, my name is Su Li, and I lead them." Su Li displayed a measure of valor. Faced with such dire circumstances, he neither knelt to beg for mercy nor attempted to feign ignorance amongst his men.

"Su Li, your situation is hopeless. All your men have been apprehended. I am not one to slaughter without cause. If you lay down your arms, I shall guarantee the preservation of your lives," Ye Shikai persuaded, motioning for the soldiers to lower their crossbows, thus creating an opening.

"How can you offer such a guarantee?"

"If my intention were to eliminate you all, this discussion would be unnecessary. A hail of arrows would leave not a single one of you standing. I am part of the Qin Army, engaged in conflict against the Wolf Clan. Despite your transgressions, you are, fundamentally, people of He Nei County. I shall not engage in your annihilation. Should you relinquish your weapons and surrender, I pledge your lives will be spared."

"This... Can you truly guarantee it?"

"Absolutely," Ye Shikai affirmed resolutely. "As a sign of my sincerity, I shall facilitate a path for your surrender."

"Then... very well, I hope the General keeps his promise." Su Li let out a sigh, comprehending that fierce resistance would only lead his men to a pointless demise. He knelt on one knee, placing his weapon on the ground as a signal of surrender.

"Brothers, thank you for believing in me, Su Li. I couldn't make your lives better and instead led you into this desperate situation. The general before us speaks of righteousness; let's surrender."

"This..."

"Boss, we..."

"Surrender, don’t put up futile resistance," Su Li reiterated, guiding the robbers behind him to lay down their weapons.

"Take them away," Ye Shikai stated calmly. The soldiers immediately advanced to detain them.

"What’s the situation in the village?" Ye Shikai turned and inquired.

"Chief Luo and the garrison have defeated all the robbers. The dead are dead, the wounded are wounded, and the rest have surrendered," the soldier beside him reported.

"And what about the fire?"

"We drove off the robbers, and the villagers immediately fetched water to extinguish the flames. Now... it’s under control, with the loss of about dozens of houses. Fortunately, the general ordered the fire put out in time. Otherwise, if it had spread to the woods, it would have consumed the entire village."

"Alright, let’s go have a look. Gather the captured robbers from each road and bring them to the village entrance," Ye Shikai commanded.

"Yes."

"Ye Shikai, where are you?" In the east village, Ye Shikai suddenly heard someone calling him. Turning around, it was revealed to be Hua Liandie.

"Why are you here?" Ye Shikai moved closer swiftly, never having anticipated Hua Liandie arriving with the guards at this specific moment.

"Nonsense, I heard that robbers had broken into the village; of course, I came to see if you were alright."

"Rest assured, these robbers are incapable of doing anything to me," Ye Shikai said calmly, then shifted his attention to her, "When did you arrive?"

"Just now. My guards and I reached the village entrance and helped block the robbers."

"What, it was you?" Ye Shikai exclaimed, now understanding why the robbers were desperate enough to set the fire, realizing their retreat had been obstructed."

"What, I came here in goodwill to save you. Are you planning to blame me?" Hua Liandie, hearing Ye Shikai’s tone, felt her resentment begin to flare.