The Bodyguard King’s CEO Wife Chapter 1634: Secret Order to Return to the City

An insidious and cunning person, or a straightforward and principled one, has the potential to become a renowned general. Famous generals may not always be upright; they might even resort to underhanded tactics and commit laughable acts. Yet, Ye Shikai knows that Wang Li is not a petty man. Having grown up under the brilliance of his ancestors, he is a proud person. A loss in battle inevitably invites ridicule from the court and populace. However, if he were to assassinate an enemy general under the pretense of an invitation, he would be held in contempt by all.

As for why Wang Li wants to meet him, Ye Shikai is unsure—perhaps he merely wishes to express some "remarks."

"The lord will not agree to this matter." Shangguan Jian still strongly opposed and tried to use Mi Wen as leverage when persuasion failed.

"When a general is outside, orders sometimes cannot be followed, haha." Ye Shikai said as he walked out the door.

In the camp.

"Quick, assemble the guards."

"Hurry up, everyone."

"Shangguan, what’s going on here?" Ye Shikai arrived at the barracks to find a large number of armored soldiers gathering in the center. If he remembers correctly, there shouldn’t be any task at hand.

"Since you insist on meeting Wang Li, for your safety, I’m lending you my guard. Additionally, I’m stationing three thousand archers in the woods by the White River. If the Qin Army makes a move, they can ensure your safety."

"You’ve got to be kidding; between your guard and mine, plus three thousand archers, we’re looking at six to seven thousand people. Why bring so many for just a tea meeting?"

"Old Ye, one must have no intent to harm others, but must remain vigilant. I’ll lead troops in ambush in the woods without revealing our presence. This way, we have some assurance. If Wang Li behaves, it’s fine, but if he has malicious intent, we can defend ourselves."

"Fine, I’ll trouble you to make the arrangements beforehand."

"No problem."

White River.

Ye Shikai led the guards to the riverbank, where Wang Li was already waiting. Contrary to expectations, Wang Li hadn’t brought any guards. The vast riverbank only had him alone, along with some tea utensils...

"General, this Wang Li is too arrogant, coming here solo. If our brothers were to charge at short distance, he’d be trampled into pulp by horses in no time," Man Cang whispered.

"Then we’d be drowned in the mockery of the world," Ye Shikai joked, before smiling faintly and walking alone towards Wang Li.

"Stay here; don’t come over without my orders."

"Understood."

"Understood."

"Haha, General Wang, we meet again," Ye Shikai said with a smile.

"Ye, my brother, have a seat." Wang Li invited him to sit down. "Please stop calling me General; I’ve returned the Commander’s Seal to His Majesty. Now, I’m free from official duties." After speaking, Wang Li shook his head and gestured at his plain clothes.

"Look, I’m a civilian now too."

"Why belittle yourself, General Wang? The Wang Family is a General’s Family of the court. You are also the grandson of Wang Jian, and even in plain clothes, you remain a descendant of the General’s Family."

"Indeed, but as a descendant of the General’s Family, I lost—lost thoroughly," Wang Li remarked plainly. "Ye, my brother, I don’t hate you. Though you’re my opponent, this is a battlefield, and we both serve our masters. Yet, I regret those lost brothers."

"General Wang, actually... you didn’t lose. Wars are never ’boards’ that we manipulate. Instead, even as Main Generals, we are ’pieces’ on the ’board,’ the most crucial ’pieces.’ On the battlefield, every general and soldier is a factor in victory or defeat. Considering just our abilities, you certainly won. Had I foreseen your plan, four thousand Qin soldiers would never cross the river for an assault, and Wan City would not face the threat of being breached."

"Ye, my brother speaks wisely," Wang Li smiled bitterly. Although Ye Shikai said he won, he ultimately lost the battle, and as the main commander, he naturally bears responsibility.

"Ye, my brother, you must be a close confidant of Mi Wen now," Wang Li suddenly asked after the two had emptied a few cups.

"Haha, I’m naturally not fond of socializing and don’t care whether the lord favors me."

"Yes, Ye, my brother, you’re now one of the Main Generals of the Chu Army, yet here you are, having tea and chatting with me, a descendant of the court’s General’s Family. Aren’t you afraid people will talk?"

"I’m not afraid, not at all." Ye Shikai fully understood Wang Li’s implication. The more prominent one becomes, the more gossip arises. After achieving such great merits, there will certainly be many against him in the shadows, possibly spreading rumors to harm him out of malice. This is common, both in ancient times and today. As for its impact, it varies from person to person; history is rife with loyal ministers who died unjustly.

"Why is that?"

"If someone is intent on framing me, regardless of my current glory, even as a mere civilian, I wouldn’t escape it. So... why care so much?"

"Haha, Ye, my brother, if only I had your mindset, things would be entirely different."

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

Four hours later.

"Old Ye, how did it go? Wang Li didn’t harm you, did he?"

"You were watching the entire time; it was nothing but tea and chat, hardly anything significant." Ye Shikai almost suspected Shangguan Jian has a "persecution delusion."

"Alright then, let the troops withdraw. Wang Li’s guards are also in the woods," Ye Shikai said softly. He had noticed shadows moving in the woods during tea. As expected, both their soldiers were perched in a "grass nest," yet didn’t clash—truly peculiar.

"Understood."

"Report, General, an urgent command from the lord."

Unexpectedly, upon returning to the city, Ye Shikai received a secret order from Mi Wen.

"Two generals, the envoy has been waiting for a long time. This is the lord’s personal urgent command; the envoy must hand it to you personally before departing," the sentinel explained.

"Alright then, give me the command." Ye Shikai received the command from the envoy’s hand, containing merely five words.

Return swiftly to Linxiang City.

"General Ye, the lord commands that upon reading the urgent command, you must destroy it immediately." The envoy brought an oil lamp over. Ye Shikai nodded slightly, igniting the missive and tossing it into the fire basin.

"Old Ye, why is the lord so urgently summoning us back to Linxiang City? Just a few days ago... didn’t you just meet her?" Shangguan Jian asked curiously.

"I have an ominous feeling." Ye Shikai’s expression turned grave; Mi Wen wouldn’t urgently call him back unless it was truly urgent.