The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1566: Mi Wen’s Request

"So, you’re concerned about my safety." Ye Shikai was stunned, truly not anticipating Mi Wen’s worry for him.

"I’ve only provided logistic support for your seven thousand men and prohibited further expansion, which I foresaw would lead you here today." Mi Wen stated.

"Master, the meal is ready." The servant announced.

"Excellent, it’s already noon. We can discuss matters while we dine." Mi Wen said calmly. With no alternative, Ye Shikai rose and followed her.

The dining table was laden with exquisite dishes. While Ye Shikai wasn't a connoisseur, he recognized many of the ingredients as exceedingly rare.

"I prepared this specifically for you," Mi Wen offered with a smile. "What do you think, are you satisfied?"

Indeed, Mi Wen had foreseen Ye Shikai’s visit and had these delicacies arranged in advance.

"It's just a casual meal; I'm not like you nobles, meticulously selecting every dish, filled with rare ingredients," Ye Shikai replied with a hint of disdain.

"Since you’re not in the mood to savor the food, let's proceed to the more serious discussions then."

"Very well." Ye Shikai set down his chopsticks, his mind preoccupied, leaving him with little appetite for the meal.

"Firstly, I am deeply grateful for your assistance. Honestly, if you hadn’t taken me and my brothers under your wing, we might have perished long ago." Ye Shikai did not dismiss Mi Wen’s kindness, acknowledging it as a profound debt. In these turbulent times, nothing was certain. Truthfully, before mustering his forces in East County, Ye Shikai had worried if Mi Wen would accept them. Yet, she agreed without hesitation and even supplied provisions, a true act of salvation.

"Now that we have joined forces, I will naturally adhere to your directives. As long as you do not command us to act against our principles, I will undertake any task, even through fire and water, to see it through."

"Excellent." Mi Wen offered a gentle round of applause.

"You must be wondering why I’ve restricted you from expanding your army at this juncture."

"Could you provide an explanation?" Ye Shikai inquired, finally reaching the crux of the matter.

"I have alternative arrangements for you. From this point forward, your subordinates will be under the command of General Huo Ziqing. Entrust the army's expansion to him," Mi Wen declared with a cool demeanor.

"What did you just say?" Ye Shikai’s composure shattered upon hearing this. He stood abruptly, raising his voice at Mi Wen.

"Insolence!" A nearby guard, sword drawn, swiftly moved forward, anticipating Ye Shikai might make a move.

"All of you, stand down."

"Yes, sir."

"Yes, sir."

"Mi Wen, what exactly is your intention?" Anger boiled within Ye Shikai. These brothers had followed him through thick and thin, and no commander would willingly relinquish his men. Mi Wen was aware of this, yet she made such a decision, was she intentionally trying to provoke him?

"Why are you getting so agitated?"

"Nonsense! Those are my brothers; how can I abandon them?"

"Did you not just pledge to follow my orders?" Mi Wen posed the question unhurriedly.

"But... how can I possibly comply with such an order? They are my brothers. They placed their trust in me and followed me into battle. How can I forsake them now?" Ye Shikai countered passionately.

"If you wish for me to engage in conquest, I have no objections, but I will never abandon my brothers." Ye Shikai fixed his gaze on Mi Wen, his resolve unwavering. Mi Wen remained unperturbed. In the entire county, perhaps only Ye Shikai possessed the audacity to challenge her so directly.

"Very well, since you are unwilling, I shall not compel you. However, you must agree to one condition."

"State it."

"You may remain with your subordinates, but you must depart Southern County, accompanying Miss He," Mi Wen announced, rising to her feet.

"Leave Southern County? Then where are we headed?"

"To Changsha Commandery."

Ye Shikai's hand trembled. Changsha Commandery, once the heartland of the Chu State, was essentially Mi Wen’s domain. In contrast to Southern County, which bordered Nanyang County, Changsha could be described as a realm of "tranquil security."

"Why go there? There is no conflict," Ye Shikai questioned.

"You need not inquire further. Upon arrival in Linxiang City, Changsha, I will permit you to expand your forces. As for the remainder, await my further instructions," Mi Wen stated in a cold tone.

"This... very well."

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

"General, why are we relocating to Changsha Commandery?" Within the military encampment, when Ye Shikai conveyed the news to the assembled generals, a wave of shock rippled through them.

"Changsha Commandery is significantly more stable, free from any ongoing conflicts. Why are we moving there?" queried Man Cang.

"Indeed, General, what is our purpose in Changsha Commandery?"

"What is it, do you not wish to go?" Ye Shikai suddenly inquired, causing everyone to fall silent. A transfer to Changsha Commandery promised safety. After enduring fierce battles and suffering such heavy losses, who would not desire to preserve the lives of their remaining men?

"I... I truly do not desire further bloodshed, but I am not one to fear death. With the realm in turmoil, we followed the General to resist the Qin, not to cower in the rear."

"Indeed, that is correct."

"Very well, everyone, please calm yourselves." Ye Shikai raised a hand, urging for quiet.

"Pay close attention, everyone. Our current leader is Mi Wen, and it is only natural that we must abide by her commands." Ye Shikai reminded them.

"Man Cang."

"I am at your disposal."

"Take stock of the provisions and make preparations to depart at a moment's notice."

"Understood."

Ye Shikai gave his assent to Mi Wen’s strategic plans, though he also put forth several conditions. To begin with, He Linghan was still recuperating, so a departure could not occur until her health improved. Furthermore... Shangguan Jian had not yet returned, and Ye Shikai wished to prolong their stay for a few more days, hoping for any intelligence Xue San might procure.

Mansion.

"Ling’er, how are you feeling now? Has your illness abated?" Ye Shikai inquired gently, seated by her bedside.

"Do not fret, I am considerably improved. This environment is exceptionally conducive to recovery."

"By the way, once you have fully recovered, let us journey to Changsha Commandery. We can bring Grandpa along as well. There is no ongoing conflict there, and once we arrive, we can lead untroubled lives."

"What? Go to Changsha? And what of you?" He Linghan inquired.

"Naturally, I shall accompany you to Changsha. It is such a pleasant locale, and I will also have ample opportunity to spend time with you."

Internally, Ye Shikai mused that a move to Changsha was entirely sensible. At the very least, it promised tranquility. He was not a man driven by excessive ambition; while accomplishing great feats was undeniably admirable, he would opt for a peaceful existence if given the choice. Furthermore, relocating to Changsha would ensure his comrades could also live contentedly.