The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1507: Two Eras
Previously on The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife...
Many Generals serving the Qin Dynasty viewed prisoner soldiers as mere expendable cannon fodder. On the battlefield, they were the first to charge if victory was in sight, or they would significantly weaken the enemy even in defeat. To both sides, their existence, and their deaths, held no meaning, much like the abandoned.
Consequently, unless absolutely crucial, prisoner soldiers received minimal equipment, and their weaponry was often old and damaged. This meant that even if they harbored thoughts of rebellion, they posed little threat.
Therefore, the initial step in winning loyalty was to ensure everyone was treated with equality. This was the very reason Ye Shikai requested sufficient equipment and provisions from Ma Yao: to make the prisoner soldiers feel as though they were truly part of the Qin Army, starting with their outward appearance.
"Shangguan, instruct the cooks to prepare an extra meal tonight. We are welcoming new soldiers," Ye Shikai commanded.
"Rest assured, leave it to me."
For the ensuing week, Ye Shikai remained at the military camp, diligently working to integrate these prisoner soldiers into the ranks. Ma Yao, though not particularly adept at troop leadership, was a General nonetheless. To quell any potential grumbling from other Generals regarding Ye Shikai's actions, he made considerable efforts, which ultimately proved effective. While these Generals forfeited certain opportunities for commendation due to Ye Shikai's presence, they opted to offer their support rather than stir opposition.
Fortunately, Ye Shikai's endeavors bore fruit, and the training progressed more smoothly than anticipated. The majority of these prisoner soldiers had committed offenses and possessed an inherent ferocity, making them even more formidable than ordinary conscripts. With adequate training, they had the potential to become a formidable force of Death Soldiers. Moreover, upon learning that the Commander General was Ye Shikai, they harbored no resentment, readily accepting his commands without question.
Residence.
"Ling'er." Ye Shikai dismounted his horse outside the entrance and walked in. Having been away for a week due to camp matters, he knew He Linghan must be concerned.
"Husband, you have returned," He Linghan greeted him calmly, her tone devoid of any reproach.
"Ling'er, I am truly sorry. This past week has been exceptionally busy, and I haven't had the chance to come home," Ye Shikai said softly, drawing her towards the bed.
"It's quite alright. I've learned that you've been occupied at the camp, and at times, too engrossed to return home. I hold no blame," He Linghan replied understandingly. She had been keeping abreast of Ye Shikai's activities through Xue San. Despite their infrequent meetings, she remained well-informed.
"We've only just been married, and I haven't even properly taken you out yet," Ye Shikai expressed his guilt, realizing they had been married for less than two weeks. In modern times, this would be the period for a honeymoon.
"Now that you hold the rank of General, your priority should be training the soldiers. Everything at home is proceeding smoothly."
Ye Shikai retrieved a wooden box from his pocket, revealing a pair of exquisite jade earrings within.
"I acquired these when I journeyed to Xianyang to receive my rewards. Crafted by a master artisan, I found them quite appealing and spared no expense," Ye Shikai explained, personally adorning He Linghan's ears with the earrings. She was already a woman of great beauty, and the earrings only served to accentuate her elegance. Ye Shikai understood that He Linghan valued substance over extravagance and was not one for ostentatious jewelry, hence his choice of jade earrings that perfectly complemented her.
He Linghan gazed at herself in the bronze mirror, a faint smile gracing her lips. It was evident that she cherished the earrings not for their material worth, but as a token of affection from Ye Shikai.
"Husband, do they look good on me?"
"Exquisite," Ye Shikai murmured, seemingly lost in admiration, perhaps experiencing what was called being "captivated."
Their lips met in a fervent embrace...
The following day.
"You've managed everything at home these past few days; it must have been quite taxing for you," Ye Shikai gently massaged He Linghan's shoulders, his affection evident. In the traditions of the era, overseeing the household was considered the duty of a virtuous wife. For He Linghan, transitioning from a humble village background to managing a household of over a hundred individuals, overseeing all expenditures and intricate details, was undeniably a significant challenge. It was clear she had made a considerable effort to learn quickly, showing signs of fatigue.
"It is nothing. I do not mind. Since you are not home, it is my responsibility to oversee all affairs."
When no one else was present, Ye Shikai stole a kiss on He Linghan's forehead, causing her to blush profusely.
"Husband, what if the servants witness this? What would happen?" He Linghan, holding traditional beliefs, felt that even married couples should refrain from displaying such open affection in public.
"Haha, and what if they do? I am the master of this household; does it truly matter?" Ye Shikai chuckled.
"However, it simply doesn't feel appropriate."
"Very well, it was merely a jest," Ye Shikai said, playfully tapping her nose.
"Husband, you mentioned you hail from a different time. Could you share more details?" He Linghan shifted the conversation, her question resonating deeply with Ye Shikai, leaving him in quiet contemplation. He had confided this secret to her before their relationship was formalized, a partial revelation during their pre-marital romantic entanglement. Now, as husband and wife, He Linghan possessed the rightful claim to such profound truths.
"Very well," Ye Shikai stated, taking a seat, a profound weariness evident in his gaze.
"As I've said, I am not of this time. My past remains an enigma to all," Ye Shikai began, taking care to ensure their surroundings were devoid of prying ears.
"Husband, how did you arrive here, and what was your era like?" He Linghan, with the wonder of a child, posed numerous inquiries. Her faith in Ye Shikai’s account was absolute, irrespective of its seemingly fantastical nature.
"Are you aware of cultivators?"
"No," He Linghan replied, shaking her head. It appeared that in bygone eras, cultivation was an art reserved for the elite, unknown to the general populace.
"I encountered a blinding beam of light, so intense I was rendered sightless. Then... it transported me here. The specifics elude my grasp."
"Husband, do you yearn to return?"