The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1560: Mi Wen

"Upon General Ye's directive, I am to escort the Madam to the Chu Territory. In these trying times, I am fortunate to have your aid. Please accept my respectful salutation," Xue San announced, stepping forward with a formal bow.

"Pray, rise swiftly. You have undertaken a long journey. I trust your travels were free from peril."

"Hua..."

"Hold a moment. From this point onward, please refrain from addressing me as Hua Liandie. My name is Mi Wen."

"Mi Wen, could it be that you hail from the royal family of the Chu State?" Xue San expressed considerable surprise. He had previously known Hua Liandie to be a noble from Chu, but the revelation of her royal lineage was unexpected. Upon reflection, however, her commitment to the state's restoration, backed by substantial influence, certainly pointed to a high-ranking status.

"When we first met, I adopted a name for the martial world to keep my identity concealed. Now that he has risen against Qin, there is no longer a need to hide who I am," Mi Wen clarified to Xue San. In truth, Ye Shikai had long suspected that the name Hua Liandie was a pseudonym. Yet, he had not pressed the matter, assuming Mi Wen had valid reasons for her discretion. Furthermore, Ye Shikai, then a high-ranking officer in the Qin Army, would have been compelled to report her sensitive revelations to the authorities, potentially sealing her fate.

"I comprehend."

"I never imagined you belonged to the royal house of Chu," He Linghan stated, slowly descending from the carriage, her body still frail. Xue San quickly moved to support her, having evidently overheard their exchange.

"Miss He, it has been some time. Hearing of your grave illness during your travels, I specifically brought a renowned local physician with me," Mi Wen said gently.

"Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Miss Mi."

Hehua assisted He Linghan back into the carriage. Having just emerged from the wilderness, they would need to proceed to the county town ahead, where the rebel forces ensured a measure of stability and security, if they were to find lodging.

"And how fares his condition?" Mi Wen inquired suddenly.

"General Ye's situation... I am unfortunately uninformed," Xue San replied, his expression darkening. His focus had been entirely on ensuring He Linghan's safety during their journey, leaving him no opportunity to ascertain Ye Shikai's current whereabouts or status.

"General Ye is undoubtedly leading his troops to rescue the civilians, facing the Qin Army's encirclement. Yet, I have faith in him. At Shifeng Fortress, we repelled the Wolf Clan forces, who outnumbered us significantly, by keeping them at bay. Moreover, given the General's resolve to oppose Qin, he must have devised an escape strategy."

"He is the most exceptional commander I have ever encountered. I, too, believe he will survive to reach Southern County." Mi Wen turned her head, gesturing forward. "We are approaching Jiangling. I have made arrangements for your stay there. Furthermore, Miss He is quite weak and has been affected by the miasma. She requires rest and will receive the finest medical attention. Please do not hesitate to inform me of any other needs."

"We are grateful."

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

Nanyang County.

"General Shangguan, the Qin soldiers outside are overwhelming in number. How are we to break through their encirclement?"

"We shall observe and await the opportune moment," Shangguan Jian responded, peering through the dense woods at the Qin Army encampment. His brow furrowed as the gravity of their situation became increasingly apparent. The Qin Army had, unexpectedly, encircled the entire mountain to lay siege to their mere hundred men.

"General, our provisions will only sustain us for another half a day. There is no food to be found in this mountain. Should we remain here, we will inevitably perish from starvation."

Shangguan Jian surveyed their dwindling supplies and his injured comrades, maintaining an outward facade of composure. Internally, however, he was consumed by anxiety. They had been entrenched in the mountains for several days, initially intending to withdraw once the Qin Army had moved on. He had not anticipated the enemy's unwavering persistence.

"Very well. We shall prepare for a breakout attempt tonight."

"Understood."

"Report! The Qin Army is fully mobilized and is advancing into the mountain!" At that precise moment, a scout galloped back with urgent news.

"It appears the Qin Army is also losing patience. Their advance into the mountain presents us with an unexpected opportunity."

"General, what precisely do you mean...?"

"If the Qin Army were to maintain their position at the mountain passes, our egress would lead us directly into a trap. Conversely, once they penetrate the mountain's depths, their formation is bound to become disordered, affording us a window for escape."

"All soldiers, heed my command! Prepare to move out!"

"Yes, General!"

"Yes, General!"

Deep into the night.

A substantial contingent of Qin soldiers proceeded along the mountain trail, advancing into the hinterlands.

"What could the superiors be thinking, ordering a march during the night?"

"Yeah, it's truly tiring."

"There are only about a hundred rebels left slipping into the mountains. Is it really necessary for thousands of our brothers to be surrounding them outside?"

"You fail to grasp the situation. These rebels dared to enter our Nanyang County. The higher-ups need to show some success to the imperial court, even if it's just a meager few hundred."

A group of Qin soldiers conversed amongst their ranks, their faces etched with weariness and discontent, obviously grumbling internally about this "mission."

Hoo, hoo.

"What was that sound?"

"It sounded like something just passed by."

"There are usually wild beasts in these mountains. It must have been a pack of wolves moving through."

"Bring a torch over here." One soldier, grabbing a torch, strained to peer to the left in its flickering light.

"Execute the plan."

In an instant, a hundred riders erupted from the dense undergrowth like tigers descending a peak, sweeping past the large Qin Army. At their closest, they were barely ten meters away.

"It's the rebels, kill them all for me!"

"Everyone, follow me!" Shangguan Jian led the charge, his sword held high in his right hand. He swept it sideways, swiftly dispatching several Qin soldiers. Though the surprised Qin soldiers attempted a desperate defense, the cavalry's focused wedge formation sliced through their lines, enabling Shangguan Jian to guide his contingent down the mountain.

Instead of fleeing into the dense woods when faced with the vast Qin Army, Shangguan Jian boldly chose the mountain path. Exploiting the darkness of the night, they passed "close by" the several-thousand-strong Qin force, with one group ascending while the other was descending.

"Keep running, don't halt!" Shangguan Jian bellowed. With thousands of Qin soldiers present, it was highly improbable that only one blockade existed. There would undoubtedly be others at the exit. Most crucially, their movements had been discovered, and the Qin soldiers stationed at the mountain pass would certainly be alerted, forcing them to confront them directly.

The steeds ridden by Shangguan Jian's cavalry detachment were procured from the northern Wolf Clan, possessing robust limbs that were perfect for both close-quarters assaults and prolonged raids. Nanyang County, situated in the central plains, could only provide horses inferior to those prairie mounts. Swiftly, Shangguan Jian outdistanced the pursuing Qin Army.

"General, we have successfully evaded the Qin soldiers. At this rate, we should reach the mountain pass within the time it takes for an incense stick to burn out."

"General, there is still a substantial force of Qin infantry positioned in the valley ahead. Charging directly through could prove perilous."

"Precisely why we must breach their blockade before the Qin Army can fully regroup and react."