The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1525: Kindred Spirits

From a commanding perspective, Ye Shikai still held Yan Yu in high regard. Even after the Wei State’s defeat, Yan Yu managed to gather a substantial force, engaging the formidable Qin Army to a stalemate. Ye Shikai mused that in a reversed situation, he might not have achieved such a feat. Furthermore, Yan Yu's strategies were flawless; though their overall strength was vastly inferior to Ye Shikai’s own troops, making their defeat an inevitability.

"General Ye, you are in your twenties this year, correct? Commanding thousands of soldiers at such a young age is truly remarkable. However, there are numerous aspects of the world you have yet to grasp. Life isn't merely a dichotomy of black and white; you might not be purely 'white,' and I may not necessarily be 'black.' We both exist in the shades of 'grey,' so who are we to judge one another?" Yan Yu stated calmly, exhibiting no trace of fear.

"Let’s go." Addressing his soldiers directly, Ye Shikai found it inappropriate to elaborate further. He thus instructed them to escort all the captured rebel soldiers away.

"Shangguan, take our brothers and investigate that escape route." Ye Shikai issued the order.

"Understood. I have already dispatched Man Cang," Shangguan Jian confirmed with a nod.

"General, that scoundrel was responsible for the deaths of so many of our comrades. Why not permit us to execute him?"

"Indeed."

"Kill him and avenge our fallen brothers!"

As Yan Yu was being led away, a surge of fury coursed through many of the soldiers. The devastating fire at the Eagle Ridge camp, which claimed so many lives, was a result of his machinations. Now that he was captured, the soldiers' rage was palpable, yearning for retribution.

"Silence, all of you!" Ye Shikai’s commanding shout instantly quelled the uproar.

"The enemy general is already bound; even a child could end his life. Taking his life in a fit of anger does not make you a hero. If you possess such valor, face the enemy directly on the battlefield and achieve victory; that is the mark of a true hero." Ye Shikai’s stern reprimand caused heads to lower in silent submission. Under Qin law, rebellion was a capital offense. While Ye Shikai refrained from executing Yan Yu on the spot, his transport to Pu Yang sealed his fate. Nevertheless... Ye Shikai harbored specific words he wished to impart to him.

"Set up camp and rest here. Everyone has exerted themselves greatly today. Instruct the cooks to prepare meat for all to feast upon."

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

Nightfall.

Ye Shikai sat in solitary contemplation within his tent when two guards ushered Yan Yu inside.

"Release him," Ye Shikai commanded without looking up, offering a casual glance towards the guards.

"This..." The two guards exchanged uneasy glances, hesitant to comply.

"Did you not hear me? Untie him," Ye Shikai reiterated.

"Yes, sir." The guards promptly unbound Yan Yu, their vigilance unwavering as they remained positioned around him. The absence of other guards in the tent left them concerned about any potential rash actions from Yan Yu...

"You may depart."

"General, perhaps you should summon additional guards."

"There is no need. You may leave now." Ye Shikai gestured for them to exit, and they promptly obeyed, leaving the tent.

"Please, have a seat. Sample this year's new tea." Ye Shikai personally poured a cup of the steaming beverage, sliding it across the table towards Yan Yu.

"General Ye demonstrates remarkable courage and resourcefulness, sharing a table with an enemy general without any guards present. Are you not concerned I might attempt something?" Yan Yu inquired, settling into the seat opposite Ye Shikai and downing the tea in a single gulp, displaying an absence of apprehension.

"If you had harbored intentions of resistance, you would not have surrendered earlier today," Ye Shikai responded with a light chuckle, refilling his own cup.

"Earlier today, surrounded by your soldiers, any act of resistance would have meant immediate death, either by sword or arrow. Yet, here in this tent, it is merely you and I. Should I choose to act... are you not apprehensive?" Yan Yu’s tone carried a subtle undertone of lethal intent.

Bang.

Ye Shikai retrieved a longsword from a nearby rack and tossed it forcefully in front of Yan Yu.

"What say you? The sword lies before you; if you wish to make a move, do so." Ye Shikai exuded an air of relaxed confidence, evidently certain that Yan Yu would not take the bait.

"So, since you are not making a move, perhaps we can change the subject?" Ye Shikai returned to his seat.

"Very well. If you have something to discuss, please proceed." Yan Yu, not one to be easily fooled, understood that Ye Shikai desired a private conversation, particularly regarding matters not meant for others' ears.

"My scouts reported a small escape route behind your encampment. Yet, even in the final moments, you did not lead your men to safety. You had ample opportunity to flee," Ye Shikai questioned.

"I am no mere bandit leader ruling over a throng of outlaws. My rebellion was an undertaking of honor. The Qin Dynasty embodies tyranny, oppressing its people and ruthlessly eliminating loyalists. Any discerning individual would feel compelled to resist. As a general, it is my duty to lead the populace in this resistance. Even in defeat, I would prefer an honorable demise to a life of cowardly flight."

"Yet, you did not perish in battle; instead, you surrendered to me."

"Heh, the men accompanying me today are my clan's loyal guards. They’ve never lived a single day of comfort, yet I still wish for them to have a chance at survival. If I were to fight until the very end today, they would surely perish with me." Yan Yu chuckled bitterly, slowly standing to bow before Ye Shikai.

"Please grant them a path to survival." Yan Yu pleaded.

"Very well, I promise you that at the very least, they will not die." Ye Shikai finally nodded, and upon hearing this, Yan Yu straightened up.

"Thank you, General Ye."

"You may save your men, but your own demise is certain."

"It matters not, securing this is sufficient."

"You are a fine general; it is a pity you are on the wrong side. If you had joined the Qin Army, you would not find yourself in this predicament..."

"For you to ask me to join the tyrannical Qin is impossible." Yan Yu interrupted before Ye Shikai could finish his sentence. It is said that heroes recognize each other; Ye Shikai had hoped to forge a bond of friendship with Yan Yu. However, their opposing loyalties decreed that they were destined to be sworn enemies.

Yet, at the very least, tonight they could converse until dawn...

The following morning.

Ye Shikai and Yan Yu engaged in conversation throughout the entire night, discussing a myriad of topics ranging from military strategy to profoundly held beliefs. Ye Shikai had not anticipated that their discourse would extend for such a considerable duration.

"Reporting to the General, excellent news has arrived! Commander Xue has returned." Ye Shikai’s personal guard burst into the tent, shouting with excitement.

"What?" Hearing this announcement, Ye Shikai was instantly thrilled. All traces of drowsiness vanished as he leaped from his chair and rushed out of the tent.

"Xue San, are you unharmed?" Ye Shikai immediately spotted Xue San being carried into the camp by his team members on a stretcher.

"Rest assured, General, I am quite alright." Xue San waved his hand, appearing somewhat pale but maintaining a cheerful demeanor.

"I knew you scoundrel wouldn't die so easily."