The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1544: Parting Ways

Perched atop a vantage point, Ye Shikai and Shangguan Jian gazed into the abyss of the crater, a gnawing unease settling within them. They had once been stalwart generals of the Qin army, their lives pledged to the empire's defense. Though compelled to rise against the court now, a profound sense of guilt pervaded their hearts. Tomorrow, their former comrades and brothers-in-arms would be their adversaries on the battlefield – a prospect that left no one at ease.

"Shangguan, do you harbor any regrets, following me into this rebellion?" Ye Shikai's voice broke the silence.

"Old Ye, do you truly desire an honest answer?" Shangguan Jian turned his head, his gaze meeting Ye Shikai's.

"Nonsense, of course, I seek the unvarnished truth," Ye Shikai replied with a lighthearted jest.

"To be frank, a measure of regret does linger. We now receive an endless monthly salary, supplemented by rewards from the county. I could acquire two estates anywhere and live out my days without a single worry." Shangguan Jian took a slow sip of wine, a faint smile playing on his lips. His demeanor shifted, however, as he continued. "In my youth, I wandered aimlessly, often lacking even basic necessities and frequently falling prey to the bullying of local bandits. A life of stability, free from constant apprehension, became my deepest desire. Later, I took on odd jobs and even worked as a waiter, but these were merely means to survive."

This was the first time Shangguan Jian had ever divulged the intimate details of his past to Ye Shikai. It came as a revelation that his origins were also fraught with hardship. Ye Shikai found himself resonating deeply with Shangguan Jian's experiences, recognizing a shared thread of struggle, albeit separated by the gulf of time between the Qin Dynasty and the modern era.

"Subsequently, I enlisted in the army, aspiring to join the Qin forces and protect the villagers, ensuring they could lead lives of peace and security. It was this very aspiration that fueled my decision to join you in opposing the court."

"I, Shangguan Jian, can endure hardship and poverty, but I will never turn my blade against the common folk. To condone such acts would render me no different from the very villains I despise. I absolutely refuse to tread that path." Shangguan Jian declared with unwavering conviction, a resolve as firm as his steadfast loyalty to Ye Shikai.

In that moment, Ye Shikai's understanding deepened. Shangguan Jian's willingness to rebel was partly fueled by the bonds of brotherhood, but more significantly, by a profound commitment to the 'greater good.' Both men shared a deep-seated discontent with the court's oppressive policies. For the sake of the populace, they were prepared to brave any peril. This, Ye Shikai recognized, was the true spirit of soldiers.

Ye Shikai was acutely aware that even among the ninety thousand Qin soldiers, a significant number likely harbored reservations about executing this clandestine decree. No one is inherently a 'demon of slaughter.' Yet, they were also acutely aware of the dire repercussions of disobeying military orders – their own lives at risk and their families potentially facing severe consequences. In their helplessness, they were forced to 'silence their consciences' and carry out the horrific deed. From a certain perspective, they were more akin to coerced 'victims.' Ye Shikai, averse to moral coercion, harbored no blame for their actions.

The two men remained seated on the mountain, patiently awaiting the arrival of dawn...

The following day.

"Hurry, keep your pace!"

"Those lagging behind, do not fall out of line!"

"Move with haste!"

As the first light of dawn began to break, a multitude of villagers were being herded together by soldiers. Bewilderment and fear etched on their faces, many children and infants wailed, contributing to the growing pandemonium.

"Officer, what is transpiring? Why have we been summoned here?" an elderly man inquired of a nearby soldier, leaning heavily on his cane for support.

"Cease your incessant questioning and keep moving," the mounted soldier retorted, cracking his whip to urge the disoriented crowd toward the awaiting crater.

Soon, dust clouds billowed in the distance as tens of thousands of people were marshaled to the site, creating a scene of almost surreal grandeur.

These assembled individuals hailed from dozens of surrounding villages. Some of the more populous settlements had sent over ten thousand people, all driven to this location in a manner reminiscent of a mass 'exodus.'

From a distant vantage point.

Ye Shikai, at the head of five thousand soldiers, was positioned near the crater's edge. Each soldier bore a red scarf tied to their collar – a signal to act the moment circumstances allowed, to liberate the people amidst the unfolding chaos.

"General, when shall we commence our operation?" a chiliarch inquired.

"Exercise patience; the entire army shall await my command before making any move," Ye Shikai instructed.

"Understood."

Several hours later.

The masses, numbering in the tens of thousands, had been segregated into over twenty distinct 'zones,' each encircled by ranks of heavily armed soldiers. Han Hao, mounted on his horse, surveyed the tableau with a somber expression.

"Sir, should we not initiate our action now? Further delay, especially with nightfall approaching, will undoubtedly complicate maintaining control of the situation."

"Sigh, let the proceedings commence," Han Hao eventually conceded.

"Hold," a commanding voice suddenly echoed from behind Han Hao. Ye Shikai emerged as the source of the interruption.

"Ah, it is Ye. What is it? Do you wish to discuss something?" Han Hao inquired amicably.

"Lord Han, may I inquire if there remains any latitude for negotiation regarding the emperor's secret decree?" Ye Shikai slowly dismounted. He and Shangguan Jian had both served under Han Hao's command previously. Han, their former superior, had frequently acted as their mentor, ensuring their contributions were always recognized. During critical junctures, Han Hao had demonstrated considerable trust in Ye Shikai, for which he felt a deep sense of gratitude.

"Ye, we are all officers, and obeying orders is our duty. Do you truly believe I enjoy doing this? Not everyone has the freedom to act solely on their own whims," Han Hao attempted to reason. "Ye, you ought to seriously contemplate your future, which is undeniably limitless. I implore you to give this matter deep consideration."

"So, this means there’s absolutely no turning back then?"

"The emperor’s command is something we are both bound to heed."

"Very well," Ye Shikai slowly inclined his head, offering what would be his ‘final respect’ to his former superior. After this day, their paths would irrevocably diverge.

"I shall take my leave now." Ye Shikai then mounted his horse and rode away, his back to the scene.

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

"Excellent, it is already noon. Commence the operation," Han Hao instructed the officer standing nearby.

"Understood. I will go and notify the others immediately."

"Attack!"

"Attack!"

Abruptly, chaotic battle cries erupted from the rear. Turning his head quickly, Han Hao witnessed dust billowing from the back formation, with soldiers fleeing in disarray. Many of the men were running about in a state of pure pandemonium.

"What in the blazes is going on here?" Han Hao cursed under his breath. At this dire juncture, the very last thing he needed was such utter disorder.

"Report... I am reporting, sir, a cavalry unit has charged directly into our rear guard, completely taking us by surprise and inflicting devastating losses."

"What? How could such a thing be possible, a cavalry charge directly into established military formations?" Han Hao’s shock was palpable, yet the scene unfolding before his eyes compelled him to accept the unbelievable reality.

"How many of them are there?"

"Sev... several thousand. They are charging in and out of our lines with wild abandon, seemingly focused solely on sowing utter chaos among our ranks."

"Quickly now, dispatch General Li with his troops to intercept and utterly annihilate them."

"Understood, Marshal!"

Thousands of cavalry, and highly disciplined ones at that. This was unequivocally not the work of common rebels or mere bandits. Han Hao’s mind instantly grasped the truth: these were Ye Shikai’s men, acting under his command.