The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1500: Return to East County

"Last night, I offer my sincerest apologies. You know, I drank too much, and then... I just wasn't myself." Ye Shikai was filled with guilt. Spending the entire night beneath the red veil must have been a trying experience, and he suspected He Linghan had also found little sleep.

"There's no need for apologies, husband. I can wait, no matter the duration," He Linghan addressed him, her new title for him causing a warmth to spread through Ye Shikai. Perhaps it was the clash of ancient and modern perspectives, but He Linghan's utter compliance easily awakened his protective instincts, her demure presence captivating him.

Ye Shikai reached for the scale rod, gently lifting the crimson veil from He Linghan’s head. Her makeup remained immaculate, her eyes softly closed as if cherishing the intimate moment.

Despite He Linghan’s lack of blame, a profound sense of guilt lingered within Ye Shikai. He recognized the immense value ancient people placed on marriage, particularly for women, a stark contrast to the prevalent divorces of modern times. Passing out on his wedding night filled him with worry that He Linghan might harbor regrets.

"What time is it now?"

"It is already noon."

"What, I actually slept for this long?" Ye Shikai couldn’t help but tap his own head, a testament to the adage that excessive drinking often leads to regrettable consequences.

"Since so much time has passed, you must be hungry as well," Ye Shikai inquired.

"I am quite alright."

"Then... let us venture out for a meal," Ye Shikai suggested, taking He Linghan’s hand as he opened the door. A delightful spread of various delicacies already awaited them outside, likely arranged by Xue San to avoid disturbing the newlyweds. Guards stood watch beyond the courtyard, leaving the immediate vicinity clear.

"You consumed a considerable amount last night. Please, have some tea first to clear your head," He Linghan said, pouring a cup and offering it to Ye Shikai.

"Indeed, you should partake in some food yourself," Ye Shikai responded with a nod, selecting a dish for He Linghan with his chopsticks.

"Ling'er, in a few days, we shall journey back to East County. Cherish these remaining days with your grandfather," Ye Shikai stated calmly. Having been appointed as the General for the Commander’s Mansion in East County, he could not indefinitely remain in He Nei County. His return to East County with his brethren was inevitable, and as his wife, He Linghan was naturally expected to join him, becoming an integral part of his household.

"I shall discuss it with Grandpa," He Linghan replied, a hint of sadness welling in her eyes. Ye Shikai understood; after all, she and Master He had relied on each other for so long, forming the closest of familial bonds. Parting ways now was understandably difficult for He Linghan. Unfortunately, Master He was deeply attached to his homeland and unwilling to leave Shangshui Village.

"Do not fret. If you wish to visit your grandfather, once we are settled in East County, I can arrange for Man Cang to escort you back for visits anytime," Ye Shikai reassured her.

"Hmm."

"Very well, let us go outside and survey the surroundings," Ye Shikai murmured, gently stroking her forehead. At that moment, Xue San entered from outdoors.

"Ahem, General, General’s wife," Xue San announced, offering a respectful bow.

"Is there something you require?"

"Sir, Mr. Ma from East County has dispatched an urgent message inquiring about your impending return," Xue San stated, presenting a bamboo slip.

"Instruct the brothers to respond, relaying that we encountered a bandit attack here. The crisis has been quelled, but its aftermath will require some time to manage. We anticipate returning to East County in approximately... one week," Ye Shikai commanded.

"Understood. I shall see to it immediately," Xue San affirmed.

"If the situation is dire, we can depart sooner," He Linghan suggested gently, concerned about causing undue delays to Ye Shikai’s important affairs.

"Rest assured, there is no pressing urgency. Ma Yao desires my presence to lead the troops in suppressing these insurgents and bandits. It is hardly fitting for the Commander of East County to be unable to manage such matters," Ye Shikai declared, his tone hardening. He refused to be manipulated. His actions to eliminate these threats were solely for the safety of the citizenry. Furthermore, having just concluded his marriage, there was no conceivable reason to depart with his bride on the very next day.

"Were the grain supplies successfully delivered to the granary?" Ye Shikai inquired.

"Reporting to you, General. Man Cang and his men have successfully transported all 2500 piculs of grain to the granary. The inventory is complete," Xue San confirmed.

"Excellent. This grain is of paramount importance to Shangshui Village. Instruct Luo Li to dispatch additional personnel to safeguard it, ensuring its absolute security," Ye Shikai commanded.

"Consider it done."

"Speaking of this grain, I must express my profound gratitude to Miss Hua. Without her benevolent assistance, the village might not have weathered these difficult times," He Linghan remarked placidly. "Do you know her current whereabouts?"

"Well..."

"Is something the matter?" Noticing Xue San’s hesitation, Ye Shikai pressed further. He faintly recalled that before he blacked out last night, he had been with Hua Liandie. At that time... she seemed to have been whispering something in his ear, but Ye Shikai had already been knocked unconscious then. What she said was completely forgotten.

"We discovered at dawn this morning that Miss Hua was gone, along with her guards. It appears they departed the village quietly in the dead of night." Xue San reported.

"What? How could this happen?" Ye Shikai was startled. Yet, upon further reflection, he wasn't entirely surprised. Hua Liandie leaving without a word wasn't unprecedented. Perhaps this time, she genuinely had urgent business.

"Last night, the soldiers guarding the village entrance were also heavily intoxicated. Consequently... it wasn't until daylight that we realized they were gone."

"Alas, never mind. You may go now." With Hua Liandie gone like this, Ye Shikai had little to say. If she truly wished to leave, he couldn't stop her.

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

A week vanished swiftly. The bond between Ye Shikai and He Linghan also matured rapidly. The ancients didn't observe honeymoons, but Ye Shikai paid it no mind. As long as the two were together, every day felt like a honeymoon; why bother with such traditions? Moreover, the Qin Dynasty lacked modern transportation like planes or high-speed rail. Travel by horse or carriage was primarily confined to leisurely trips around He Nei County.

When the time came to depart, frankly, not only He Linghan but even Ye Shikai felt a pang of reluctance to leave. A tranquil existence was a universal aspiration. Soldiers who fought ferociously on the battlefield weren't solely driven by glory; their ultimate aim was to secure a better life for their families.

After bidding a sorrowful farewell to Master He, He Linghan appeared visibly downcast, clearly saddened by leaving her kin.

"Ling’er, riding a horse can be quite jolting. Perhaps you should travel by carriage," Ye Shikai suggested, his concern evident upon seeing He Linghan’s delicate state. The journey to the East County Commander’s Mansion was quite long.

"Don’t worry, I am perfectly fine. All your brothers are riding horses; it would be peculiar if I were to take a carriage," He Linghan replied. She deliberately sought to maintain Ye Shikai’s image in the eyes of the troops. Although she was now the General’s wife, there was no inherent need for her to ride into battle alongside the soldiers. However, doing so might inadvertently cause disquiet among the ranks.