The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1504: Burning Down the Inn

Having performed a thorough sweep of the inn previously, Xue San confirmed the absence of any hidden passages. It was implausible for a mere ‘small inn’ to harbor over thirty individuals without detection, leaving only one logical conclusion: these assailants were external intruders.

A defiant scoff escaped the captured assassin, whose mind remained sharp despite his severe injuries. He spat towards Ye Shikai, showing no inclination to confess.

“You insolent cur, our General is questioning you,” Man Cang bellowed, delivering a forceful blow to the assassin’s stomach as a response to his defiance.

“Very well, you possess some backbone,” Ye Shikai stated, his voice laced with cold anger. While the attempt on his own life was ignorable, the near endangerment of He Linghan was an offense he could not abide. Grasping his sword firmly, Ye Shikai executed a powerful swing.

“Ah, ah, ah.”

In mere moments, the assassin’s left hand was severed by the blade. The blinding pain contorted his face, turning it ashen as he emitted agonizing screams. Such torment would incapacitate an ordinary person, yet for these seasoned assassins, it was a test of sheer endurance.

“If you remain silent, your other hand will follow,” Ye Shikai declared coldly.

“I’ll talk, I’ll talk.”

“Speak swiftly,” Ye Shikai commanded, kicking the disarmed assassin to the ground and pressing his longsword against the man’s throat.

“We… we are bandits from a mountain stronghold nearby. This inn is operated by our associates, and we typically engage in robbery and plunder. This evening, the innkeeper informed us that a general had arrived. The brotherhood assumed a general would possess wealth, so they planned a nighttime raid. Ah, ah, it pains me,” the assassin stammered, his body wracked with pain.

“You claim to be robbers, do you take us for simpletons?” Ye Shikai plunged his sword into the assassin’s arm.

“Ah, ah.”

Another piercing scream shattered the night. Ye Shikai was no fool; while brigands might resort to murder and pillage, they were selective. An unsuspecting merchant might fall prey if the operation was discreet. In an era devoid of surveillance, authorities rarely tracked down missing persons. However, Ye Shikai and his retinue were different. He was the General of East County, with two hundred soldiers encamped nearby. For robbers to target them, they would first need to eliminate two hundred soldiers – an impossible feat. They lacked the strength to confront the main Qin Army forces directly. Furthermore, the assailants on the ground were attired in clean clothing, wielding decent weaponry, and their skills indicated professional training, far beyond the capabilities of common robbers.

“I grant you one final opportunity to reveal the truth.”

“We… we are a local rebel detachment.”

“Rip.”

Ye Shikai drew his sword; this answer held a ring of credibility.

“Elaborate fully, and I may consider sparing your life.”

“We belong to a nearby rebel faction. We operate this inn to gather intelligence from the Jianghu and foster relationships with martial heroes. Upon learning that a Qin Dynasty general was present, we resolved to assassinate you.” After experiencing some ‘harrowing ordeals,’ the assassin finally relented, divulging all the information he possessed.

“That encompasses all that I am aware of; please grant me mercy, my lord.”

“My word is my bond. Men, escort him for medical attention,” Ye Shikai declared, sheathing his sword as several soldiers promptly carried the injured assassin away.

“Sir, these scoundrels intended to assassinate you. What despicable vermin, we were nearly caught unawares,” Xue San expressed, a hint of self-recrimination in his tone for failing to detect the threat earlier. Ye Shikai harbored no blame towards him. Firstly, Ye Shikai accepted a measure of responsibility for the situation. Secondly, Xue San had fought valiantly alongside the four bodyguards to ensure the safety of both him and He Linghan.

“It appears I’ve garnered quite a reputation in East County, with so many eager to end my existence,” Ye Shikai mused, a self-deprecating chuckle escaping him. His personal creed was, ‘I do not provoke others, and others shall not provoke me.’ However, faced with direct provocation, he would not hesitate to act with severity.

“Sir, your military accomplishments echo throughout East County. These rebels aimed to eliminate you as a statement to all officials.”

“Indeed, their stratagems are nothing more than smoke and mirrors,” Ye Shikai remarked, exiting the inn just as He Linghan made her appearance.

“Ling’er, why have you returned?”

“Are you all unharmed?” He Linghan inquired with evident concern.

“Fear not, all is well,” Ye Shikai reassured her gently.

“Sir, what is our next course of action? Shall we establish camp here to rest, or proceed with an overnight march?” Man Cang asked.

“Alas, let us depart now,” Ye Shikai decided, calculating that only a few hours remained until dawn. Given the recent events, restful sleep would be elusive for the troops. Moreover, the inn had just become the site of a violent confrontation, and it was unlikely He Linghan would wish to remain there.

"Ling'er, if you feel weary, you can lean on my back." Ye Shikai settled onto his warhorse, motioning for He Linghan to sit behind him.

"Mm."

"Sir, what should we do with the inn?" Xue San sought his instructions.

"If we leave it, it will continue to be a menace to passing merchants. As for the bodies of those assassins, cremate them all." Ye Shikai stated with indifference. While there was a distinction between rebel armies and mere bandits, in Ye Shikai's estimation, these rebels, despite their claims of acting for 'justice', were also involved in nefarious dealings. This inn likely served not only as an intelligence hub for the rebels but also as a base for their plundering operations.

"Understood." Xue San, accompanied by several soldiers, tossed torches into the inn, quickly engulfing it in flames.

"Alright, let's depart."

. . . . . .

The group proceeded at a leisurely pace. An hour later, dawn painted the sky. After the night's intense conflict, Ye Shikai felt a touch of exhaustion. He Linghan, unused to such violent encounters, must have been significantly unnerved and soon drifted to sleep against Ye Shikai's back.

"Sir, we should reach the barracks in approximately two hours," Man Cang announced, consulting a map and indicating their current location.

"Everyone, have some food and rest for the duration it takes an incense stick to burn, then we'll resume our march."

"Understood."

"Understood."

After they dispersed, everyone retrieved rations from their packs. Concerned that He Linghan might not be accustomed to consuming dried provisions, Ye Shikai had thoughtfully packed some pastries for her within his bag.

"Ling'er, you must have been frightened last night," Ye Shikai said, sitting beside her and offering the pastries. Had He Linghan been harmed during the night, Ye Shikai would have shown no mercy to those assassins.

"Actually... I'm alright. Fortunately, it was a false alarm." He Linghan, not wishing to appear fragile, attempted to mask her fear, even if she had been genuinely terrified.