The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1499: Hua Liandie’s Confession
Previously on The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife...
Within the courtyard, Ye Shikai clasped He Linghan's hand, standing proudly on the central platform. Eschewing typical groom's attire, Ye Shikai was clad in a red robe donned over his armor. This ensemble did not diminish his appearance; rather, it amplified his imposing and majestic aura, underscoring his heroic presence.
"Esteemed villagers, General Ye is a valiant hero who valiantly fought against the Wolf Clan and now aids our village in repelling outside marauders. Miss He, in turn, is a paragon of virtue and filial piety. Today, these two noble individuals unite as husband and wife, a truly perfect union," proclaimed the Three Elders to the assembled villagers below.
"Indeed, General Ye embodies the very essence of a true hero, and the mutual affection between the couple is evident."
"This union is undoubtedly blessed by fate. We fervently hope General Ye will continue to safeguard our village. The events of today were truly harrowing."
"Precisely so."
"General Ye, Miss He, it is now time to commence the wedding ceremony," the Three Elders addressed the couple with gentle voices.
"We are prepared," Ye Shikai responded with composed assurance.
"Very well then." The Three Elders moved to the central position and cleared their throat.
"Firstly, bow to Heaven and Earth."
They slowly knelt, offering a solemn bow towards the sky. While modern Chinese-style weddings often incorporate such ceremonies, bowing is now more common than kneeling. Given that Ye Shikai had journeyed back over two millennia to the Qin Dynasty, he naturally adhered to the prevailing local customs.
"Secondly, bow to the parents."
Ye Shikai and He Linghan turned towards the hall. In the Qin Dynasty, Ye Shikai was without parents. Before him stood only Master He, He Linghan's grandfather. Prior to Ye Shikai's arrival, Master He was He Linghan's sole remaining family member. However, circumstances had changed. Upon their marriage, they would become spouses, naturally forming a new family unit.
"Please rise quickly," Master He encouraged them.
"Bow to each other."
They stood and turned to face one another. Through the crimson veil, Ye Shikai could dimly perceive He Linghan's eyes. Perhaps it was a trick of the light, but they appeared slightly red-rimmed...
"Escort to the bridal chamber."
"Congratulations to General Ye, congratulations to the General's wife!" The villagers stood, offering toasts and well wishes. It was indeed a day of great joy, as the village had not only repelled the attackers but also celebrated a wedding – a double blessing. As evening descended, several attendants guided He Linghan to the bridal chamber while Ye Shikai attended to the guests outdoors.
"Sir, congratulations, please partake in a drink." Man Cang, having consumed a considerable amount of fine wine, was beginning to feel its effects. Normally, he maintained strict sobriety to ensure Ye Shikai's safety, never allowing himself to be careless. However, today was an exception.
"Gladly." Ye Shikai readily accepted the drink and downed it. Several of his loyal guards joined in, raising their cups to toast him. Before he realized it, Ye Shikai had consumed dozens of cups. Under ordinary circumstances, he would have exercised restraint to remain clear-headed, but today, he drank to his heart's content...
"Another drink for me..." Ye Shikai slumped face-down on the table, his cheeks flushed crimson; he was thoroughly intoxicated. Most of the guests had departed, leaving Ye Shikai's guards to maintain vigilance outside.
"Just how much did you consume?" A gentle voice inquired near his ear. Ye Shikai looked up, catching sight of a woman. However, his profound intoxication rendered his vision blurry, preventing him from clearly discerning her identity.
"Tsk, your tolerance for alcohol is quite poor, yet you imbibed so heavily. Today was your grand occasion," the woman, none other than Hua Liandie, commented. She had been seated nearby while the guards were toasting. Ye Shikai, too engrossed in his "drinking," had failed to notice her presence.
"You... a woman drinking so excessively, quite unladylike, and you dare to criticize me." In his drunken state, Ye Shikai's speech became slurred and incoherent.
"You... truly, speaking such nonsense when inebriated; your drinking etiquette is lamentable," Hua Liandie couldn't help but retort. She leaned closer to examine Ye Shikai intently, visibly relieved to confirm his state of complete intoxication.
"You once declared I was merely a merchant driven by profit, which is a simplistic view. If I were pursuing wealth and status, I would have no need to traverse the Seven Kingdoms. My homeland already possesses immense abundance," Hua Liandie murmured, taking a sip of her drink as she spoke.
"You may have once hailed from a distinguished lineage in the Yan State, and now possess extraordinary aptitude. Why then do you pledge your service to the Qin Country? Are you drawn to military glory? Should I pursue grand ambitions, would you lend me your support?"
"Perhaps all you truly desired was a life of tranquility. However, Master Xu Fu once remarked that you are no ordinary individual; your Fate Chart indicates Sha Polang, and such a peaceful existence is unlikely to endure for long..."
An hour later.
Within the bridal chamber.
Knock, knock, knock.
A rapid series of knocks echoed from outside the door, swiftly followed by the slow creak of its opening.
—Ahem, General Ye indulged a bit too much in the courtyard, so we, his sworn brothers, assisted in escorting him back,— a few guards materialized, helping to carry the completely inebriated Ye Shikai. They gently settled him onto the bed before making a swift exit.
He Linghan meticulously removed Ye Shikai’s armor, daintily wiping his face with a towel. His complexion was flushed from the alcohol, and a red veil obscured her vision, causing her movements to be somewhat sluggish. Despite this, she made no move to lift the veil.
—Ling’er.— Ye Shikai mumbled softly, utterly overcome by drink, mere drunken ramblings.
He Linghan quietly drew the blanket over him, then lay down silently beside him...
The following morning.
—What time is it now?— Ye Shikai rubbed his temples and slowly sat up. Waking from such deep intoxication was a grim experience, his head throbbing intensely. However, as he rubbed his eyes, his surroundings gradually came into clear focus.
—Awake?— He Linghan’s voice reached his ears. Turning to look, he saw her seated at the dressing table, still adorned in her wedding attire, the red veil remaining completely undisturbed.
Oh no! Ye Shikai struck his forehead. He had certainly indulged too heavily last night, completely unaware of how he had ended up in bed without uttering a word to He Linghan, succumbing to unconsciousness almost immediately.
—Didn’t you sleep at all last night?— Ye Shikai quickly donned his clothes and rose from the bed.
—I rested a little,— He Linghan stood up and presented him with a balance rod.
—What is this...—
—The red veil upon my head is meant to be lifted by my husband, is it not?—
The young lady, who had patiently awaited Ye Shikai to personally lift her red veil, had spent the entirety of the night without touching it. Ye Shikai suddenly felt a sharp stab of guilt; such an unforeseen event had occurred on their wedding night.