The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1562: Clearing Things Up

"Yes, rest assured, my lord. A swift rider has already been dispatched to scout ahead. News will be here shortly." Wan Qi Yuan offered a cupped-hand salute before turning to depart. "If only Xue San were here now, it would be so much better," he mused. "With his connections in the martial world, gathering intelligence would be a simple task."

Ye Shikai had, in the past, quashed numerous uprisings. The leaders of these movements were often local heroes and righteous figures, though a significant number were former bandit lords who adopted the banner of rebellion, transitioning from mere marauders to outright adversaries of the Qin. Xue San, too, had been a figure within the martial world, possessing ties to many individuals.

A sudden sense of helplessness washed over Ye Shikai. When he was part of the Qin Army, the Commander’s Mansion provided all necessary supplies for tens of thousands of soldiers, including weaponry and equipment, relieving him of any worry. Even troop recruitment was handled by his subordinates. Now, having departed the Qin army, the burden of providing food and provisions for his men fell squarely upon his own shoulders.

Although they had secured considerable gold and silver prior to their uprising, acquiring sufficient food supplies or military equipment from nearby areas proved challenging. Furthermore, the principle of "idly consuming resources" was not lost on anyone. Fortunately, if Hua Liandie could be located, the issue of troop provisions might be resolved.

Ye Shikai commanded his soldiers to use the available gold and silver to purchase food from the village. Until Hua Liandie was found, their only option was to establish a temporary encampment there.

Within the camp, the soldiers exhibited a markedly improved morale after their rest. Despite the diminished numbers, those who remained diligently performed their duties, including patrols and guard shifts, without exception.

"General, our food supplies are critically low," the army’s grain officer reported, his expression grave as he gestured towards the barren granary. "The provisions seized from the cavalry last time have been entirely depleted. The villagers are reluctant to sell us food, and you previously forbade any forceful acquisition, leaving the brothers with no recourse."

"Is it truly the case that no one is willing to sell? We are prepared to offer a substantial price," Ye Shikai inquired.

"Our brothers are already purchasing at double the market rate, yet the villagers simply refuse to sell," the officer replied.

"Could it be that the quantity of food we require is excessive, and the villagers do not possess it?" Ye Shikai probed further.

"That seems unlikely, sir. This village is vast, home to over ten thousand people and possessing tens of thousands of stone of grain. We are only seeking to acquire two thousand stone. It’s not as if they are unable to provide it," the officer explained.

"Very well, you may proceed. Make every effort to procure food; any amount, however small, is helpful. However, remember this: never resort to force, either in buying or selling, and under no circumstances shall you bully the common folk."

"Yes, I understand, sir."

As Ye Shikai mounted his warhorse, intending to head towards the village, he was taken aback by the scene unfolding at the camp gate.

"Quick, surround them!"

"Encircle every one of them!"

Thousands of able-bodied villagers, armed with hoes, machetes, and crudely fashioned wooden shields, surged forward, completely blocking the camp entrance. Their hostility was palpable to anyone, even a fool.

"Halt, or face our wrath!" the officer guarding the encampment exclaimed loudly.

"Archers, stand ready."

A line of archers nocked arrows onto their sturdy bows and crossbows, instilling enough apprehension in the villagers to halt their advance. This display of force finally established a semblance of control, placating the agitated crowd. Ye Shikai signaled his soldiers to hold their position and stepped forward calmly.

"What is the meaning of this?" he questioned.

"You Qin soldiers, bullying civilians and committing every imaginable atrocity! Now that you find yourselves in our Southern County, your end is nigh," a villager retaliated.

"This is rebel territory now! A large force has already arrived. Fellow villagers, let us stop them and prevent their escape!"

Upon hearing the villagers' accusations, Ye Shikai finally grasped the situation. They had mistaken him and his men for the Qin army. It was understandable; when raising his troops, Ye Shikai had only instructed his soldiers to wear red scarves as identification, while their uniforms and armor remained in the traditional Qin army style. Uninformed observers would undoubtedly perceive them as part of the Qin forces.

"Everyone, you are mistaken. We are no longer the Qin army; we are rebels!" Ye Shikai proclaimed loudly.

"Why should we believe you? You are still wearing Qin army uniforms!"

"That’s right, you are clearly the Qin army!"

"Everyone, please calm yourselves and listen to my explanation," Ye Shikai urged, raising his voice. Amidst the cacophony, he employed his Inner Strength, releasing a powerful shout that finally brought silence to the crowd.

"A meteor fell in East County, and the Emperor secretly ordered the East County Commander’s Mansion to carry out a massacre of nearby civilians. I, along with my brothers, rose up against the Qin and rescued the surviving civilians. Following this, we were pursued by the county's Qin army, compelling us to head south to join the rebel forces."

"What? Rescuing civilians? Is this true?"

"I have no idea."

"Looking at these soldiers, they indeed seem to have just come from a fierce engagement."

The villagers exchanged uncertain glances, finding it difficult to judge the truthfulness of Ye Shikai’s statement. If his words were untrue, then why would these "Qin soldiers" before them be lacking in both clothing and provisions? Surely, they would possess government supplies and would not need to beg from the humble villagers.

"The situation is critical; my brothers and I have no spare armor to change into, compelling us to continue wearing the Qin’s gear."

"What proof do you offer?" At this juncture, three village elders emerged, their voices sharp with inquiry. It appeared their earlier politeness towards Ye Shikai was a ruse to lower his defenses, allowing them to summon rebel forces to surround and annihilate him. If he could not provide a clear explanation, dire consequences would surely follow.

"This... surely my wounded brothers can serve as evidence?"

"We can provide the proof."

Suddenly, a resonant shout echoed from a distance. Ye Shikai turned his gaze to witness a formidable army advancing not far away, numbering in the tens of thousands and clad in gray uniforms – undoubtedly a rebel contingent.

"So, it is General Huo." Upon recognizing the leader of the approaching troops, the village elders offered a respectful cupped-hand salute.

"Esteemed elders, there has been a misunderstanding. Citizens, please sheath your weapons." General Huo, the individual referred to by the elders, spoke with a calm demeanor.

"People, heed my command and lay down your arms." The elder turned, gesturing with his hand, and the villagers finally lowered their weapons. A sigh of relief escaped Ye Shikai as he motioned for his soldiers to retract their formidable bows and crossbows.

"You must be General Ye, renowned for vanquishing the Wolf Clan's cavalry at Ji County and safeguarding a hundred thousand souls in East County," General Huo approached Ye Shikai on his mount, executing a practiced cupped-hand salute.

"Your reputation precedes you. It is an honor to meet you."

"May I inquire of General Huo’s name..."

"I am Huo Ziqing, the commander of this local county garrison."

"I see," Ye Shikai mused silently. Though the current circumstances were unclear, Huo Ziqing projected an aura of harmlessness and had, in fact, helped to de-escalate the situation, suggesting he was unlikely to be an antagonist.

"I am here under the direct orders of my lord, and have been awaiting General Ye’s arrival for some time."

"Lord? What lord do you refer to?"