The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1559: Personally Receiving

The team, under Ye Shikai's command, ventured south. With the military provisions secured, logistical concerns faded. Their primary objective shifted to evading the Qin Army, with safety guaranteed upon reaching Southern County.

"General Ye, a report: while speaking with the officer in charge of the grain convoy, it appeared they had no awareness of our presence in Nanyang County," Wan Qi Yuan conveyed. Ye Shikai's main apprehension had been a potential response from Nanyang County if news of his rebellion surfaced, but Wan Qi Yuan's intel offered a measure of solace.

"However, I cannot be absolutely certain. That grain officer holds the rank of a Five Hundred Master, commanding only three to five hundred men. He might not be privy to such crucial information," Wan Qi Yuan admitted his uncertainty. During their operation, he had presented themselves as "allied forces," and with time being of the essence, he managed only a few words from the convoy's officer.

"Regardless, our utmost priority is to depart from this location," Ye Shikai stated, unable to dwell on the specifics. Their current course was a rapid transit directly towards Southern County.

"On another note, has there been any word regarding Shangguan?"

"Reporting to the General, Commander Shangguan, along with the guards, was tasked with diverting the Qin Army's attention. As of now... his whereabouts remain unknown. However, proceeding according to our initial strategy, he was expected to rendezvous with us and should be arriving shortly."

Ye Shikai calculated that since Wan Qi Yuan rejoined with the provisions, they had been marching continuously for four hours. Their contingent included wounded soldiers and a significant number of infantrymen. In contrast, Shangguan Jian commanded the entirety of the light cavalry, known for its swift mobility. Four hours should have been ample time for him to catch up. Yet, the absence of any news filled Ye Shikai with deep concern, though he dared not reduce their pace.

"Everyone, take an hour to rest and replenish your strength with dry rations," Ye Shikai commanded.

"Understood."

The troops ceased their advance. Following such an arduous journey, even the warhorses showed signs of fatigue, let alone the men.

"General Ye, perhaps I could lead a detachment to search for him? My kinsmen and I could don civilian attire to blend in and gather intelligence," Wan Qi Yuan volunteered, perceiving the worries etched on Ye Shikai’s face. He proposed returning to Wan City to investigate. Ye Shikai hesitated considerably. While Wan Qi Yuan was known for his decisive actions, he possessed an inherent 'ferocity' characteristic of the Wolf Clan warriors, making him imposing and unlike an ordinary civilian. If only Xue San were present; stealth and reconnaissance were his specialties.

"Never mind. I have faith in Shangguan. He will lead our brethren back."

"Commander Shangguan leads but a hundred riders, exposed directly to the Qin Army's scrutiny. Should a brief skirmish occur, their chances of survival are slim bordering on none."

"Very well, take a contingent to scout the vicinity. If no findings are made, return. Otherwise... you will be placing yourselves in grave peril."

"Understood."

Ye Shikai proceeded into the "Wounded Soldier Camp." Despite its designation as a camp for the wounded, it was merely a collection of straw mats haphazardly arranged on the ground. With no qualified military physicians available, soldiers possessing some medical knowledge served as attendants.

"Ahhh."

"The pain is unbearable."

As Ye Shikai entered the makeshift camp, the air was filled with the groans of injured brethren. Wounded in brutal combat and left without proper treatment, their injuries had begun to fester, causing them ceaseless agony. Fortunately, Ye Shikai had set aside a portion of medical supplies prior to raising his troops; otherwise, their survival would have been highly uncertain.

"Greetings, General."

"We pay our respects, General."

Upon Ye Shikai's arrival, every soldier offered a salute. Even the most grievously wounded brethren strained to stand, evoking a complex mix of emotions within Ye Shikai.

"My brethren, we stand at a critical juncture, but once we reach Southern County, we shall find respite and recovery. Place your trust in me as you have entrusted me with your lives. I have failed you." Ye Shikai retrieved medical supplies such as alcohol and bandages from his Storage Ring. Although he had stored some medical items in the ring beforehand, they were only sufficient for a few dozen individuals. Now, with over a hundred wounded brethren, these supplies were merely a drop in the vast ocean. Helplessly, he focused his attention on the most severely injured first.

"General Ye, what are these substances? We have never encountered anything like them before." The soldiers were unfamiliar with medical alcohol; given the technological level of the Qin Dynasty, sterile gauze was an unknown concept.

"This is not water but alcohol, which serves to disinfect wounds. This white fabric is called a bandage, used for dressing wounds, and these slender implements are known as cotton swabs..."

Ye Shikai originally brought these supplies merely for basic first aid, not anticipating the need to treat so many wounded comrades. If he had foreseen such a situation, an entire hospital would have been stowed within his Storage Ring. Even though clean cloth strips could substitute for bandages, the supply of alcohol dwindled rapidly. Ye Shikai understood that these measures offered only temporary respite; the sole path to resolving their current plight lay in a swift arrival at Southern County to locate Hua Liandie.

......

In Southern County.

"Madam, how are you feeling?" For two days straight, Xue San had guided his team through treacherous, miasma-filled mountains. While numerous soldiers succumbed to the poison, He Linghan's condition worsened with each passing moment. Fortunately, by midday on the second day, they managed to exit the mountains and reach the safety of Southern County.

"Don't fret, I am well."

"That's a relief! As long as you are alright, we have reached Southern County, and the Qin Army will no longer pursue us," Xue San declared with evident relief.

"Mm, where do we proceed from here?"

"Rest assured, Madam, I have already dispatched individuals to notify Hua Liandie. Her subordinates should be making their way here shortly."

"Mm, that is good to hear."

"Commander Xue, a contingent has been sighted ahead and is approaching us," a soldier reported urgently to Xue San.

"And who might they be?"

"They are not attired in Qin Soldier uniforms, so it's unlikely to be the Qin Army. They appear to be elements of the local rebel forces."

"Excellent," Xue San breathed, a wave of relief washing over him. This particular location was a covert rendezvous point, a secret arrangement established between himself and Hua Liandie, known only to the two of them. It seemed their reinforcements had finally arrived.

Not long thereafter, the approaching troop appeared before them. Clad in white garments and fitted with light armor, their weapons gleamed, blades and spearheads newly polished.

The individual leading this contingent was an even greater surprise to Xue San. He had anticipated that Hua Liandie would delegate trusted lieutenants for this task, but to his astonishment, Hua Liandie herself had come. Arrayed in a General's attire, she exuded an aura of heroism and unshakeable confidence, a living testament that women possess courage and capability equal to any man.

"Brother Xue San, you and your men have faced considerable hardship on this journey."