The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1537: Secret Order

The characters etched onto the meteor, if Ye Shikai’s memory served him right, were "Emperor Qin Shi Huang Dies and the Land Divides." This was undoubtedly a curse aimed directly at him. Whether it stemmed from supposed "heaven’s will" or was the vengeful work of local villagers, its nature as a meteor rendered it immensely significant. In the annals of ancient times, celestial anomalies were frequently interpreted as omens tied to dynastic transitions. While a modern perspective might dismiss this as mere superstition, Emperor Qin Shi Huang himself might not have held such a view.

Ye Shikai promptly directed his men to the impact site of the meteor. Indeed, faint engravings of large characters were observable upon it.

Emperor Qin Shi Huang Dies and the Land Divides.

The notion of "heaven’s will" held no sway with Ye Shikai. It was far more probable that these characters were carved by nearby villagers using blades, yet the absence of surveillance made identifying the culprits an impossibility.

If historical precedent held true, the fate of the local villagers would be grim due to this inscription.

"Sir, this meteor descended here last night. According to accounts from nearby villagers, it initially appeared as a colossal fireball, radiating an intense red glow. The heat was so palpable that one could feel its warmth from over ten meters away. It took an entire day for the meteor to finally cool down," a soldier reported.

"Such extreme temperatures – could it truly have been carved by human hands?" Ye Shikai mused aloud.

"General, what is inscribed there? I cannot read the characters. Would you be so kind as to examine it?"

"What is there to examine? Everyone, disperse at once. Not a single word of today’s events is to be leaked. Failure to comply will result in severe punishment under military law," Ye Shikai commanded abruptly, his raised voice startling the soldiers.

"Understood... Understood."

Ye Shikai issued orders for the soldiers to secure the perimeter, barring any approach, most especially by the nearby villagers. Should this matter escalate from one to a hundred, the situation would undoubtedly deteriorate significantly.

For a full two days, twenty thousand soldiers maintained a vigilant watch over the area. News of the East County Meteor incident spread like wildfire. Soon, not only villagers from East County but also those from He Nei County flocked to the site. Ye Shikai began to feel a sense of irritation. Did the villagers of this era possess such an insatiable appetite for "spectacle watching"?

On the third day, as night deepened, a figure appeared outside the military encampment.

"Halt! Who goes there? Why approach at this hour? State your identity," the sentry challenged upon spotting a group of Qin Army soldiers approaching.

"Young man, I am Commander Han Hao of He Nei County, an associate of your General. I am here on urgent military business. Please grant me passage," the leading general stated calmly. The sentry, approaching with a torch, immediately cleared the path.

"So it is Lord Han. I offer my sincerest apologies for my earlier impudence. To be truthful, I, too, originated from He Nei County and served under General Ye, formerly your subordinate."

"That is even better. We carry urgent military orders. Report this quickly," Han Hao replied with a nod.

"Understood."

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

"Lord Han, why did you not inform me of your arrival with your troops? I had no prior notice to make preparations," Ye Shikai inquired, quickly illuminating the tent and gesturing for Han Hao to take the honored seat.

"I arrived in accordance with the imperial decree and dared not to tarry. I mobilized thirty thousand troops and have been without rest for three consecutive days," Han Hao elaborated.

"Bring forth the wine! I must share a proper drink with Lord Han," Ye Shikai exclaimed with a laugh, realizing it had been many months since their last encounter. Han Hao, having been Ye Shikai’s superior in the past, had extended numerous favors to him. Ye Shikai was not one to forget kindness; whenever Han Hao sought assistance, he invariably offered his utmost, ensuring the task was completed.

"Earlier, Lord Han mentioned your arrival was per decree. From whom did this order originate?" Ye Shikai probed subtly during the wine banquet, though he had already formed a strong suspicion. As a county commander, Han Hao would only receive directives from one individual – the Emperor in the distant capital of Xianyang.

"Naturally, it was a military command dispatched from Xianyang. The Emperor is already apprised of the East County Meteor. To forestall any potential unrest, he promptly ordered a substantial military presence to guard the meteor. As the meteor landed between two counties, I too received military orders to lead troops to this location," Han Hao explained.

"I understand."

"Ye, we have enjoyed our drinks and reminisced about past times. Is it not perhaps time to address the matters at hand?" Han Hao inquired, setting down his wine cup and adopting a serious demeanor.

"Please, proceed, Lord Han," Ye Shikai replied.

"Is there writing upon this meteor?" Han Hao asked directly, causing Ye Shikai’s hand to tremble slightly.

"Cough, cough, I am uncertain about that matter," Ye Shikai responded evasively.

"Is that so? You have been here for two or perhaps three days, have you not? You must have had the opportunity to observe the meteor, surely? The characters inscribed upon it..." Han Hao gestured towards his own neck, mimicking a beheading motion.

"That crime deserves death."

It was evident that Han Hao was already aware of the situation. Ye Shikai inwardly sighed, realizing that the phrase 'Emperor Qin Shi Huang Dies and the Land Divides' had somehow become public knowledge. Han Hao had likely withheld direct mention of it, hoping Ye Shikai would bring it up himself.

"Those words were probably inscribed by a rebellious faction, intended as a curse against the emperor. I've already dispatched troops to investigate. Numerous rebel groups are active in the vicinity, and upon their capture, I will conduct immediate interrogations."

"Is that so? Are you so convinced it was those rebel troops who etched it?" Han Hao questioned in response.

"If not them, then who else could it be?"

"His Majesty does not believe so. The phenomenon known as 'Ying Huo Shou Xin' signifies an impending major event. The Empire has been plagued by numerous issues recently, causing the Emperor considerable distress." Han Hao shook his head. "The inscription on the meteor is known to the Emperor. Ye, refrain from undue curiosity. His Majesty possesses methods beyond our comprehension."

"Very well, I shall conceal no further from you. On this occasion, I have received a secret edict from His Majesty." Han Hao clapped his hands, and a Deputy General stepped forward, presenting the Imperial Decree.

"This is the Emperor's secret decree addressed to me," Han Hao stated calmly. "Emperor Qin Shi Huang has commanded the execution of all civilians within a fifty-mile radius of the meteor's impact site, leaving no one alive, to ensure the secrecy of the meteor remains uncompromised."

"What?" Ye Shikai's voice rose in alarm. He could no longer maintain his composure. Tens of thousands of civilians resided within a fifty-mile radius; could they truly be put to death without discrimination?

"Lord Han, it is clear these words were inscribed by rebels to mislead the populace and sow discord. How can we possibly execute innocent people indiscriminately? Moreover, as generals of the Qin Army, it is our duty to protect the nation and its people, not to slaughter civilians," Ye Shikai argued.

"Precisely because we are generals, we must demonstrate unwavering loyalty to the Emperor. This is a direct secret decree from His Majesty, leaving no room for negotiation or alteration. Even if we harbor reservations, there is no possibility of implementing any changes."