The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1528: Return to the Residence

"Very well, rest soundly here. Should you require anything, simply inform the guards stationed outside, and they shall attend to your needs." Ye Shikai let out a sigh. Yan Yu, the enemy generalissimo, had wanted posters plastered in every county of the Eastern Territory, with a bounty of two thousand gold coins for his capture alive and one thousand for his head. His demise seemed all but sealed. Though Ye Shikai couldn't alter this stark reality, Yan Yu faced his potential end with composure, maintaining the final shred of dignity befitting a general.

In the grand theatre of war between two armies, each soldier fights for their sovereign. Ye Shikai had endured the loss of numerous comrades, yet he couldn't hold Yan Yu solely responsible. Had the enemy replaced their commander, the Qin Army would still have sustained casualties. What truly ignited Ye Shikai's ire was not the opposing forces, but the war itself.

"General Ye, a moment, if you please." Just as Ye Shikai prepared to depart, Yan Yu's voice halted his steps.

"General Yan, is there something further you require?"

"I have a few words I wish to impart to General Ye," Yan Yu stated after a brief pause.

Words spoken at the precipice of death often carry a unique weight and sincerity.

"Understood, I am listening intently. Guards, please fetch some tea."

"General Ye, you hail from the Yan State originally, do you not?" Yan Yu inquired unexpectedly.

"Indeed, you are correct. I originate from Ji County," Ye Shikai confirmed with a nod. Ji County, the precursor to future Yanjing. As a native of Yanjing who had found himself transmuted to the Qin Dynasty, claiming Ji County as his origin was not entirely unfounded.

"I possess numerous acquaintances among the Six Kingdoms, many of whom serve as generals within their respective military ranks. Yet, I confess, I have never encountered the name General Ye among them."

"To be candid, I was merely an ordinary individual until recently. My enlistment occurred only at the close of last year, and it has been merely eight or nine months since then," Ye Shikai admitted without reservation. Eight or nine months, not even a full year. For an ordinary recruit, such a short tenure would barely qualify them as a 'veteran', let alone a general commanding a force of ten thousand. Ye Shikai's meteoric rise far outpaced those born into military lineage, primarily attributed to his exceptional strategic acumen. Coupled with a fortunate turn of events, securing the endorsement of Meng Tian, receiving an appointment from Emperor Qin Shi Huang, and confronting formidable adversaries such as the Wolf Clan and suppressing rebellious factions, he rapidly amassed distinguished achievements and a widespread renown.

"Eight or nine months, truly a youth of exceptional mettle. Had the Yan State possessed a general of your caliber, the Qin Army would not have found the conquest of your state so facile."

"Someone else has uttered similar sentiments to me," Ye Shikai recalled, a mental image of Hua Liandie gradually forming. Emperor Qin Shi Huang had unified the disparate realms, establishing the centralized Qin Dynasty. Henceforth, the written script was standardized, cart gauges unified, and measures of weight and capacity harmonized. The long-fractured world coalesced, philosophical currents and cultural expressions intermingled, leaving an enduring legacy even to the present day. As a man from modern times, Ye Shikai struggled to comprehend the intricate conflicts of the Warring States period, a perspective starkly contrasted by Hua Liandie. Once a noble of the Chu State, even within the unified Qin realm, her disposition towards Qin remained decidedly 'ambivalent'. She was no common woman, possessing a profoundly intricate mind—her true intentions remained elusive to Ye Shikai.

"General Ye, you are a talent indispensable to the state. Irrespective of the banner you serve, you would be a general highly coveted by all. I implore you to deliberate carefully before making any future decisions. Perhaps, in time, you will come to understand my position."

"I shall anticipate that time."

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

Pu Yang County.

"Old Ye, after so many arduous days, we have finally set foot back on familiar ground," Shangguan Jian exclaimed, his gaze lifting towards the characters "Pu Yang" inscribed upon the city walls, a look of relief softening his features.

"Indeed, our return is at hand. Enduring the mountain downpours for such an extended period was hardly pleasant," Ye Shikai replied, turning his head to face Shangguan Jian. "So, would you care to accompany me to my residence for a visit?"

"No, no, by all means, refrain. You and Miss He should focus on nurturing your relationship. She must be greatly concerned for your well-being. I would not wish to impose," Shangguan Jian politely declined Ye Shikai's invitation, naturally preferring not to play the role of an unwelcome third party.

"Come, brothers, it is time we entered the city, to quench our thirst and feast on hearty fare!" Shangguan Jian declared, turning to address the assembled guards.

"Aye, General!"

"Old Ye, we shall take our leave now," Shangguan Jian announced before leading his contingent into the city gates.

The Ye Family Estate.

Ye Shikai urged his steed forward, returning swiftly to the entrance of his ancestral home. Several attendants, upon glimpsing his approach, hastened to dismount and assist him.

"There are some spoils of war secured in the rear; see that they are properly attended to," Ye Shikai instructed, gesturing towards the back of the estate. Guards patrolled the perimeter, while personal soldiers maintained their posts within the grounds.

"Understood, Young Master."

"Yes, Master."

Ye Shikai strode directly into the grand mansion. Before the maid could even announce his arrival, He Linghan was already seated in the main hall. Their eyes met as she looked up.

An embrace ensued.

They held each other tightly. Though He Linghan was aware Ye Shikai had achieved victory and returned, seeing him again filled her with immense excitement.

"Ling'er, thank you for waiting so patiently. It must have been difficult for you," Ye Shikai murmured into her ear.

"My husband, I rejoiced upon hearing of your triumph on the front lines—such wonderful news!"

"What's so wonderful about it? I spent half a month soaked in rain within that desolate mountain; I nearly became mildewed," Ye Shikai joked.

"Ahem, ahem." A soft cough echoed from the doorway. Turning their heads, the couple saw Hua Liandie leaning against the doorframe, observing them with a seemingly casual air.

"Oh, you're here as well." Ye Shikai expressed his surprise at Hua Liandie's presence. It was curious how she often appeared without any prior warning.

"Yes, I have a matter I need to discuss with you. So, has the battle concluded?"

"Mm, the rebel forces in Beast Mountain were substantial, which caused some delay," Ye Shikai explained. "Now that we've brought back the prisoners of war, their subsequent handling is no longer our responsibility."

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

"What do you mean, you're here to say goodbye?" In a quiet corner of the residence, Ye Shikai and Hua Liandie conversed, while He Linghan discreetly instructed the servants and guards to maintain a distance.

"Yes, that is correct," Hua Liandie confirmed with a nod.

"Where will you be going?"

"I'm returning to Chu Territory. There are some pressing matters that require my attention," Hua Liandie stated, her tone tinged with melancholy. She appeared to carry a burden, and if matters were 'pressing' to her, they were indeed of great consequence.

"Is there anything at all I can assist you with?" Ye Shikai sensed an underlying issue; Hua Liandie seemed to be withholding something from him.

"Perhaps in the future, you may be able to lend me your aid."

"Very well, I give you my word. Should you ever find yourself in need, I will exert my utmost effort to help," Ye Shikai pledged.

"Alright, that is reassuring."

"Actually, considering our numerous encounters, and how you often depart without explicit goodbyes, I heard from Ling'er that you stayed here for two days. Was this solely for the purpose of your farewell?" Ye Shikai inquired playfully.

"The Chu Territory is a vast distance away. Who can say when our paths will cross again?"