The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1572: Inescapable Guilt

"What, what exactly happened?" Ye Shikai shot to his feet. The soldiers were causing trouble, committing murder in the street, and in a bustling marketplace no less. This was an extremely heinous act at any time. In times of chaos, there were indeed many "butchers" who would slaughter innocents without reason, but Ye Shikai was certainly not one of them. He had always insisted on military discipline when governing his troops, and he had never experienced an incident where civilians were harmed.

Furthermore, they had only just arrived in Linxiang City, and in less than two hours, such a deplorable event had occurred. It was no wonder Xue San had rushed in directly to report it.

"General, several of our brothers were drinking at the market, and due to a disagreement over prices, a verbal argument broke out with the shop owner. In a moment of rashness, our men resorted to violence. Because they were inebriated, their actions were extreme, and they ended up killing the shop owner."

Ye Shikai slammed the table in anger. Murdering in the marketplace—this matter would soon spread through every street and alley of Linxiang City. The tens of thousands of citizens within the city would be talking about it. If the situation escalated, not only Ye Shikai but the entire army would be disgraced.

"Where is the soldier who committed the murder now?" Ye Shikai composed his thoughts and asked with urgency.

"I intended to send men to apprehend him, but as my brothers reached the market entrance, the road was completely sealed off by countless civilians. They refused to let us take away the soldier who committed the murder. I was concerned about escalating the conflict, so I did not forcefully disperse the civilians."

"You did the right thing. If the commotion had grown larger, the situation would have become even more difficult to manage." Ye Shikai nodded, adjusted his armor, and quickly rode away.

The marketplace.

"Quickly, fellow villagers, these soldiers have killed a man. We must not let them leave."

"Yes, block them!"

The sprawling Linxiang City was filled with an endless stream of civilians blocking the road. The market was situated at a crossroads, and residents had surrounded all four directions, completely obstructing them. Ye Shikai arrived swiftly with his guards, and many city soldiers were already present, working to maintain order, but they could only hold back the civilians. After all, compared to the tens of thousands of residents present, the number of soldiers was truly insufficient.

"Mr. Sun, you are here as well." Ye Shikai noticed Sun Feng within the crowd and immediately moved towards him.

"General Ye, you have finally arrived." Sun Feng saw Ye Shikai and, driven by his anxiety, had no time for pleasantries.

"What is the situation?"

"It’s quite dire. The civilians have blockaded the surrounding roads. However, I have already instructed the soldiers to disperse them," Sun Feng reported.

"No, you absolutely must not. If there is another clash with the civilians now, public anger might erupt. We absolutely cannot allow that." Ye Shikai immediately intervened.

"Then what should we do? So many civilians have gathered here. If this is not handled properly, it might lead to trouble."

"Leave it to me." Ye Shikai, accompanied by his guards, advanced towards the crowd. Sensing the soldiers approaching, the civilians stepped forward to impede them.

"Fellow villagers, we are carrying out our duties. Please allow us to pass."

"What duty? You clearly just want to take the murderer back to your camp. Do you think we are easily intimidated? Fellow villagers, we will absolutely not agree."

"No agreement."

"Absolutely no agreement."

"Everyone, please hear me out," Ye Shikai called out loudly, but his tone was not sharp. Escalating the argument would not resolve the issue, and resorting to force would be even less appropriate.

"Everyone, my subordinate made an error and accidentally took a civilian's life. It is my failing for not managing them strictly. Military law will be applied to deal with them, but remaining here will achieve nothing. On the contrary, it will impede progress."

"Hmph, who knows how you will deal with them after taking them back? They are your people; you will surely protect them."

"Indeed."

The civilians shouted in unison, clearly lacking faith in Ye Shikai. This was understandable; after all, everyone possessed a natural inclination to protect their own. An eye for an eye—these people certainly did not believe Ye Shikai would deliver a truly 'just' outcome.

"Everyone, my subordinates and I have just come from East County, where we rescued 120,000 civilians. In order to save them, nearly 10,000 brothers lost their lives. The court has already placed a bounty of several thousand on my head. Please, place your trust in me."

"Why should we believe you?"

"Yes, your subordinate just arrived and killed a civilian. Why should we believe you are speaking the truth?"

"Everyone, my brothers and I have battled for the sake of the civilians. Back in East County, we were prepared to face execution to defy the authorities and safeguard those ordinary folk. We confronted 20,000 Qin soldiers with only 90,000 of our own. If not for the civilians, why would we have marched towards our doom?"

"Before the heavens and earth, and in the presence of all the citizens of Linxiang City, I hereby pledge: if I were to permit corruption or shield this murderous soldier, may I be damned by all souls under the sky and meet a grim end." Ye Shikai’s voice boomed as he raised his hand towards the heavens. The gathered civilians began to murmur amongst themselves.

"I recall hearing about the falling star descending upon East County, and how the officials intended to put the nearby civilians to death. It was this very General Ye who, along with his men, rescued these people, which is why he has come south to us."

"Indeed, I've heard General Ye is adept in both scholarly pursuits and martial prowess, possessing unmatched talent. Back in the North, he even repelled tens of thousands of the Wolf Clan."

"If this General Ye truly possesses such capabilities, he wouldn't be a man of deceit."

"That’s right, with so many witnesses here, and considering the conviction in his words, he likely won’t retract his vow."

Before long, the 'human wall' meticulously formed by the civilians slowly parted, clearing the path in the center. Ye Shikai immediately gave the order for his guards to seize the offending soldier. The man's body was already covered in wounds, presumably from the civilians' impromptu beating. A few other inebriated soldiers stood by with their heads bowed; while not directly responsible for the killing, their complicity meant they could not escape military justice.

"Take them all back."

"Yes, General."

"Yes, General."

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

At the military encampment.

"General Ye, such immense prestige you command. I heard your men took the life of a civilian merely an hour after entering the city." Just as Ye Shikai was lost in thought, a voice dripping with sarcasm echoed from the doorway. Looking up, he saw Mi Wen standing there.

"What brings you here?"

"I am the appointed governor here, and the people of Linxiang City are under my charge. Your soldiers committed a killing; how could I possibly feign ignorance or disregard such a matter?" Mi Wen inquired smoothly.

"It is my failing, entirely my failing." Ye Shikai slapped his chest in a gesture of deep regret. "If only I had been more stringent in my warnings, more insistent about maintaining military discipline, such an incident would never have occurred."

The transgressions of soldiers naturally fell under the commander's accountability. He reflected on the arduous journey his men had endured, never imagining such a dire situation would arise.

"And how do you intend to resolve this matter?"