The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1556: Miasma

Xue San had been lingering in Nanyang County for more than two days. After all, it was a "Great County," and even traveling day and night would still require several days to exit the territory, let alone evade the garrisons of the surrounding counties. Since Hou Ganxian had already gotten wind of Ye Shikai’s rebellion in East County, the authorities would undoubtedly have received this intelligence as well. Consequently, their group needed to "proceed stealthily" to steer clear of any confrontations.

To the south of Nanyang County lay Southern County, formerly the Chu Territory. Xue San had previously enlisted the help of underworld contacts to gather intelligence. Rebel forces had already established a solid presence in Southern County, and once they arrived there and located Hua Liandie, their group would be secure.

Gazing at the vast, undulating mountains stretching out before them, Xue San gave a slight nod. Indeed, with such an expanse of rugged terrain, the Qin Army would find it nearly impossible to pursue them; at best, they could only be "harried."

"Are you absolutely certain about your assertion?"

"Every word I speak is the unvarnished truth, Commander Xue. My brothers and I have traversed these mountains countless times and are intimately familiar with every single tree and blade of grass within. Please, place your trust in me," Hou Ganxian declared, thumping his chest for emphasis.

"Very well, let us make haste into the mountains."

"Kindly allow me a moment, Commander Xue."

"Do you have further points to raise?"

"Commander may not be aware, but while this mountain path does indeed lead to Southern County, it is choked with dense forest and plagued by a noxious miasma. Typically, only the most seasoned hunters dare to venture within its depths, and the common folk residing in the mountains give it a wide berth."

"Are you implying the route is impassable?" Xue San’s grip tightened on Hou Ganxian’s collar, a surge of feeling "deceived" washing over him. The fact that even those born and raised in the mountains hesitated to tread there clearly signaled a "perilous passage."

"Please, remain calm, my lord. Though this path is indeed afflicted with miasma, I possess a method to counteract its effects."

"Expound upon it swiftly."

"While the miasma permeates these mountains, the local inhabitants have naturally developed means to contend with it. They utilize a specific herb to concoct medicinal pills. Ingesting these does not grant complete immunity to the miasma’s ill effects, but it significantly mitigates the harm."

"Have you and your men personally sampled these pills?" Xue San inquired, his skepticism evident.

"Rest assured, my lord, my brothers and I have indeed consumed them. During lean times, we ventured inside to test our fortune in hunting, hoping to sate our hunger. It is precisely because of these past expeditions that we have accumulated sufficient knowledge."

"Hmph, in the future, state all pertinent information from the outset."

"Yes, Commander, I shall heed your instruction."

Xue San remained unsettled. Miasma was no trifling matter; for individuals with weaker constitutions, it could precipitate severe illness, even prove fatal. The accompanying guards were Ye Shikai’s crème de la crème, painstakingly chosen for their robustness and unwavering courage. They should, in theory, withstand the pills' effects, but what of He Linghan? Women, generally, possessed more delicate systems. She had been enduring continuous travel, day and night, and was in dire need of repose. If they were to embark on this route now, she risked succumbing to illness.

If they eschewed this mountain path, He Linghan might avoid the miasma, but the specter of the Qin Army loomed, presenting a threat of total annihilation. Conversely, taking the mountain route could offer escape from their pursuers, yet if He Linghan were to fall gravely ill or perish, how could Xue San possibly account for his actions to Ye Shikai? Even death itself would offer no adequate atonement.

"Madam, I have a report of significance." Xue San approached the carriage, offering a respectful bow.

"Xue San, speak freely of what you must," He Linghan replied as she opened the carriage window. Her complexion had improved somewhat, though a palpable weariness shadowed her spirit.

"Madam, there exists a mountain passage that offers a route to Southern County; however, it is fraught with a virulent miasma, rendering it exceedingly perilous."

"And should we elect to circumvent the mountain, what then?"

"The journey would be extended by approximately two days. Furthermore, the Qin Army stationed in Nanyang County might be mobilized, but I pledge my life to ensuring your safety, Madam."

"Cough, cough, no." He Linghan waved a hand, a fit of coughing wracking her body.

"Madam, are you unwell?" A chill ran down Xue San’s spine as he observed He Linghan’s symptoms, which strongly suggested a cold. Entering the miasma under such conditions could very well prove fatal.

"Madam, let us bypass the mountain. While the forces in Nanyang County are substantial, they are dispersed across various territories. With careful planning and strategic arrangements, I am confident we can evade them." Xue San made an immediate decision, abandoning the mountain route as he was unwilling to gamble with such a grave risk.

"No, we shall venture into the mountains."

"Madam, but your delicate health... it truly seems ill-suited for such hardship."

"Enough, Hehua, no more discussion," He Linghan interjected firmly.

"To bypass the mountain would place not only myself but also our two to three thousand soldiers outside at risk. Your husband consistently regarded his soldiers as brethren; how could I possibly jeopardize their lives for my own personal safety?"

"Madam, please reconsider. The miasma is exceptionally perilous. Even after reaching Southern County, establishing ourselves might prove difficult. Should you fall ill, it would be life-threatening. I stake my life on guaranteeing we can avoid the enemy by taking a longer route."

"No, we are proceeding with my plan and entering the mountains. We shall not hesitate any longer." He Linghan’s resolve was clear, her voice soft yet unyielding, allowing no room for disagreement despite the persistent dissuasion from Xue San and Hehua.

"Xue San, are you disobeying my command?" He Linghan’s tone turned frigid, plainly indicating her seriousness to everyone present.

"I obey, madam."

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

"Brothers, make haste! Select a thousand sets of intact armor; our time is short, move swiftly." Meanwhile, Ye Shikai was directing his soldiers to prepare for "food raids." After enduring days of fierce combat, the armor of many soldiers had sustained damage, and the bloodstains upon them remained, giving them a rather worn appearance. Should they proceed in their current state, their presence would be easily detected. The foremost priority was acquiring one thousand undamaged sets of armor for the soldiers undertaking the raid.

"Wan Qi Yuan, once we have procured the necessary weapons and armor, the cavalry will take the lead. Our success in raiding for food hinges entirely upon your efforts." Ye Shikai’s expression was grave; failure would mean starvation and revealing their position to the garrison, which would undoubtedly incite pursuit.

"Fear not, General. I shall not falter in my duty. Furthermore, this strategy is foolproof; General, anticipate my triumphant return with news of success."

"Excellent, I have faith in you. However, this operation is of paramount importance. As a precautionary measure, I will station the remaining soldiers ten li away from the transport convoy. Should any unforeseen circumstances arise, you must immediately escort the cavalry back."