The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1541: Preparations for the Uprising

The most urgent priority is to stabilize Chen Ping. Following that, Ye Shikai must be immediately informed of this significant development, summoning him back to assume command of the situation. Should the military authority be usurped, Ye Shikai would find resistance futile.

"Yes, I shall seek out the master without delay," Xue San affirmed with a nod, turning to depart the military encampment.

"Military Marquis, this scoundrel intends to seize the master's military power! It's a clear sign of malicious intent. We cannot simply stand by and await our demise," Man Cang expressed, his anxiety palpable. As Ye Shikai's trusted confidant and the most devoted subordinate in the entire army, he could not fathom obeying Ma Yao's orders.

"Remain calm. For now, our immediate course of action must be to locate Old Ye and ascertain his stance. As for Chen Ping's situation, we must refrain from any rash movements," Shangguan Jian stated, maintaining his composure as he meticulously organized affairs.

"At this moment, Chen Ping lacks the Commander's Seal. The twenty thousand troops remain under our control. Man Cang, issue an immediate alert to the entire army: prepare for full armament and await further orders."

"Understood, I shall depart at once. My brothers will undoubtedly follow the master's lead; I refuse to believe they would heed Chen Ping's commands." Having spoken, Man Cang also left. To prevent Chen Ping from detecting any undue proceedings, Shangguan Jian also deployed personal soldiers to discreetly surround the camp, maintaining close surveillance until Ye Shikai's return could solidify the situation.

"Old Ye, today I am staking everything. I can only hope you share my resolve," Shangguan Jian murmured, casting a final glance at Chen Ping within the tent before departing.

Pu Yang, Ye Mansion.

"Master, this is the current predicament. Military Marquis Shangguan has now apprehended Chen Ping, and the troops remain under our command. However, Chen Ping will likely sense that something is amiss very soon. I urge you to return swiftly to take charge." Xue San reported to Ye Shikai.

"Hmm, Shangguan has acted wisely. It appears Ma Yao still harbors distrust towards me," Ye Shikai remarked, displaying neither dejection nor blame. In these tumultuous times, maintaining neutrality was a common strategy. Ma Yao lacked the audacity to defy the Imperial Decree. Indeed, whether in the imperial court or the provinces, no official dared to openly rebel. Though a rebellion to save the populace might be deemed a 'noble cause,' Ye Shikai could not expect everyone to join such a venture.

"Master, what course of action shall we take now?" Xue San inquired.

"Accompany me," Ye Shikai instructed, leading Xue San towards the living room where He Linghan awaited.

"Greetings, Madam."

"Brother Xue San, you are too formal," He Linghan replied with a smile.

"Ling'er, I must depart for the military camp immediately to lead the troops. Once I initiate the uprising, you will inevitably be implicated. Therefore, you must board the carriage without delay and proceed to the Chu Territory, which is currently under rebel control. The Qin Army lacks the reach to pursue you there for the time being." Ye Shikai's gaze was fixed on He Linghan, his eyes filled with concern. This separation was unavoidable. Despite Ye Shikai's meticulous preparations, a deep sense of worry lingered.

"Rest assured, my husband."

"Xue San, I have a critical task for you," Ye Shikai turned to face Xue San.

"Master, your command is my highest priority."

"Take my personal guard and escort Madam to the Chu Territory. Seek out Hua Liandie; I have a letter for her that you must deliver." Ye Shikai pondered for a moment. Now that he had committed to 'rebellion,' his family would undoubtedly be branded 'wanted' across the nation. Only within the Chu Territory could they find true safety.

"Yes, I swear to ensure Madam's safety, even at the cost of my life. Master, please be at ease." Xue San knelt on one knee, his words resonating with unwavering resolve.

"Xue San, cease addressing me as Master. Do you recall how you first addressed me when we met at Long Mountain?"

"Ye... Brother."

"Brother Xue San," Ye Shikai clasped Xue San's hand, his gentle bow conveying his trust. "Brother, I entrust my family to your care. Please watch over them."

"Brother Ye, I, Xue San, was once merely a petty criminal, dwelling in the shadows of the underworld. I am eternally grateful that you recognized my potential and chose to employ me. Henceforth, my life belongs to you, Brother Ye."

"Excellent. Time is of the essence; you must depart the city without delay."

"Understood."

"Husband, you are assigning your personal guard to us. What about yourself?" He Linghan inquired. This elite contingent of two thousand soldiers represented Ye Shikai's most trusted warriors, meticulously trained and equipped. Only with them personally escorting did Ye Shikai feel truly at ease.

"Worry not, I shall manage," Ye Shikai reassured her, stepping forward to plant a kiss on He Linghan's lips. As their mouths met, a profound wave of melancholy washed over both their hearts.

It felt like a final farewell, neither willing to be the first to break away...

He Linghan harbored no regrets over her choice to aid Ye Shikai in realizing his ambitions, even if it meant offering her life. Did Ye Shikai have any regrets? Perhaps, a fleeting one. As his guards escorted He Linghan away from the city, there was a brief instant where he considered revoking the order. However, there was no path backward, and the course of "igniting rebellion" was one he was compelled to see through to its conclusion.

Ye Shikai dismissed the household staff, distributing all the treasures he could not take. Casting a gaze back at the now vacant mansion, a complex tapestry of emotions filled his heart. This was the place where he and He Linghan had shared their happiness, and now they were forced to depart so abruptly.

With a profound sigh, Ye Shikai turned his mount towards the military camp.

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

"Old Ye, you've finally returned. Had you not, I would have been at a complete loss," Shangguan Jian expressed, a sense of relief washing over him as he spotted Ye Shikai at the camp's entrance.

"So, now that you're back, have you reached a decision?"

"Shangguan, my resolve is firm; I will raise a rebellion. Just moments ago, I dispatched Xue San to escort Ling'er towards the Chu Territory with my guards. If all proceeds as planned, they should arrive within a fortnight." Ye Shikai subtly changed the subject, looking upward as he asked, "Shangguan, will you stand with me?"

"Old Ye, you are too kind. I, Shangguan Jian, possess no family ties and thus no personal entanglements. If you instigate a rebellion, my allegiance is naturally yours to command."

"Excellent."

"I heard that Chen Ping has arrived. Where is he currently?" Ye Shikai inquired.

"Hmph, those dilettantes are deeply intoxicated and are currently recuperating in their tents."

"There is no time to delay. If my assessment is accurate, all the opposing forces will converge here by tomorrow. Their intention is to drive out all the inhabitants before executing a collective slaughter. We shall strike at that precise moment."

"Understood. I shall await your command," Shangguan Jian replied.

"Before we initiate our action, there is a matter I must attend to," Ye Shikai's expression grew somber.

"Old Ye, what pressing matter remains?"

"Shangguan, gather all our sworn brothers. I have something to impart to them."