The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1551: Escape

"What troubles you? Do you believe they cannot survive without you?" The Blade Soul questioned, his tone sharp. "Besides, isn't your Deputy General quite competent?"

"These men served willingly, forgoing military merits and rewards to follow me. Should we rebel, we will undoubtedly be branded as outlaws, hunted by the court. They have placed their lives in my hands; how can I possibly abandon them?" At this moment, Ye Shikai was unable to reach He Linghan and was unaware of her precise location. However, she was accompanied by Ye Shikai's two thousand elite guards, with Xue San by her side. Ye Shikai placed his trust in Xue San's capabilities; he was remarkably astute, and with him in command, there should be no significant issues.

"I comprehend your sentiments, yet I cannot endorse your decision," Blade Soul countered. "This empire teems with cultivators. Compared to modern times, these cultivators possess deeper cultivation bases and are more formidable. Should the court discover your identity and dispatch cultivators to eliminate you, you might escape alone. However, with so many people now, they cannot aid you, nor can they shield you. They will merely become a liability."

"Haha, let them come if they dare. Many have attempted to assassinate me before. This time, I shall not flee." Ye Shikai rose to his feet, his demeanor fearless. Having endured so much, he was no longer as sensitive to the so-called "threats" from the outside world. He resolved to deal with them when they appeared.

"Not bad, you have indeed become much more composed."

Cultivators constitute a mere fraction of the population. To the vast majority of ordinary people, they are akin to "deities" or "phantoms." Ye Shikai also suspected that His Majesty maintained a special "cultivator unit," but even if they were to pursue him from Xianyang, it was a journey of over two thousand miles. By that time, Ye Shikai would have already led his contingent to the Chu Territory.

"Old Ye, you have arrived." Just then, Shangguan Jian hurried over, his expression betraying a degree of anxiety.

"Shangguan, what is occurring?"

"The men tasked with monitoring the valley have just reported back. There is activity among the Qin Army encamped outside; it appears they intend to assault the valley by force. I have already made arrangements for our people to withdraw, and it seems we should also decamp tonight."

"Very well, in that case, let us depart swiftly." Ye Shikai recognized the gravity of the situation. Outside, there were at least sixty to seventy thousand Qin soldiers. If they were to attack the valley, annihilating everyone within would be as effortless as "plucking something from a bag."

"General, I shall lead the Iron Armor Army under my command to cover the retreat."

"Excellent. Remain safe, and remember not to engage them directly. The mountain paths are treacherous; utilize the terrain to impede their pursuit." Ye Shikai instructed with emphasis.

"Yes, sir. I shall follow your orders."

"The entire army will depart. Follow me!"

Four hours later.

"Shangguan, we haven't taken a wrong turn, have we?" Ye Shikai inquired, unable to suppress his concern as the path ahead appeared to narrow, and the terrain proved more intricate than anticipated. Some routes were not only rugged but also muddy, presenting a considerable challenge for the cavalry, forcing them to lead their horses on foot.

"No, this map was meticulously drawn based on descriptions from local inhabitants. I also dispatched scouts to survey the area. Numerous narrow mountain trails are present here. I believe... once we navigate this section, we should soon be out of the mountains."

"Very well, I trust your judgment." Shikai nodded. The narrow and rugged mountain paths were disadvantageous for their retreat. Similarly, they would be even more disadvantageous for the pursuit by tens of thousands of Qin soldiers. The path ahead was so constricted that even eight individuals abreast could barely fit, let alone an army numbering in the thousands. Their passage would be agonizingly slow. However, the sole concern remained... the civilians. One hundred thousand people of all ages, even on level ground, could at best cover fifty miles daily, let alone when squeezed into these mountains. Should the Qin Army catch up, they might as well prepare to leap off a cliff...

"Shangguan, if the Qin Army were to catch up now, the townsfolk would be in grave peril," Ye Shikai realized with sudden clarity and promptly warned.

"There is no alternative. These mountain passes render cavalry ineffective, and our arrows have been depleted. We are essentially a remnant force; the only remaining combat strength lies with Man Cang's Iron Armor Army." Shangguan Jian turned his head to look at Ye Shikai, his eyes filled with helplessness, and gently shook his head. "We can only place our hopes in Man Cang now."

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

Meanwhile, within Nanyang County.

"Brother Xue San, my lady is not feeling well. Might we pause for a short rest?" Hehua dismounted from the carriage and anxiously addressed Xue San, who was leading the way.

"This..." Xue San showed hesitation. He understood that the moment Ye Shikai mobilized troops, wanted posters bearing his likeness would soon be distributed nationwide. Similarly, his wife, He Linghan, would also command a significant bounty. Fortunately, in ancient times, the absence of phones and text messages meant news wouldn't spread instantly. During the era when the government relied on fast horses for communication, that period represented He Linghan’s precious window for escape.

Two thousand guards were a substantial force, certainly enough to attract attention. Should their pace falter, and a larger military contingent give chase, Xue San would be left with no recourse but to fight desperately to shield He Linghan.

"What do you mean by ‘this or that’? If my lady falls ill due to continued travel, will you bear the responsibility?" Hehua, her concern for her mistress evident, raised her voice.

"Yes, I will follow orders." Ultimately, Xue San conceded, halting the contingent to allow for a rest.

"Brother Xue San," He Linghan descended from the carriage at this moment, her complexion clearly drained. The relentless travel, day and night, had taken its toll on her constitution.

"My lady." Hehua rushed to her side for support. Xue San, fearing He Linghan might falter, quickly moved to assist her as well.

"Brother Xue San, where are we at present?" He Linghan inquired softly, her voice tinged with weakness.

"We have just entered Nanyang County; we should be close to Wan City," Xue San replied.

"We have arrived in Nanyang County. Then, the Chu Territory is not far now." He Linghan managed a smile of relief.

"My lady, the General has already raised his army, and it won't be long before word reaches Nanyang County. I have been traveling day and night with your safety as my utmost concern, and I hope you can understand," Xue San explained.

"Brother Xue San, there is no need for you to blame yourself. This was my decision, and therefore, I do not hold you accountable." He Linghan gestured dismissively. Hearing this, Xue San visibly relaxed.

"My lady, are you feeling unwell?"

"Do not fret. It is merely the exhaustion from the journey; nothing serious."

"I have already dispatched scouts ahead. With rebellions erupting throughout the Chu Territory, Nanyang County, being its neighbor, is naturally experiencing unrest as well. Please bear with it a little longer, my lady. Once we reach the Chu Territory, we can establish a place to settle."