The Bodyguard King's CEO Wife-Chapter 1384: Setting Out Again

Ye Shikai knew well that he couldn’t stay in the Qin Army forever. First, he was inherently a man of the Qin Dynasty. Though he didn’t know how to return to the modern era, nor had the ability to do so now, it didn’t mean he would stay here indefinitely. Moreover, with the Qin Dynasty already in its final stages, this uprising army was not a rare occurrence. In fact, over time, the number and scale of rebel armies would continue to grow, making them increasingly difficult to deal with, until ultimately... the Qin Dynasty was completely overthrown.

Just as Ye Shikai said, he had traveled back to the Qin Dynasty, only to watch history unfold before his eyes. Even if he wanted to change it, he was powerless to do so. The eventual fall of the Qin Dynasty was inevitable, and all he could do now was perform his duties.

He didn’t want to tell Shangguan Jian about this, perhaps because the time was not yet right. Moreover, even if he did, Shangguan wouldn’t believe in Ye Shikai’s "prediction." Warriors trust only the swords in their hands...

"If we can’t defeat the rebels, they’ll turn around and wipe us out as well. There’s no gratitude in that," Ye Shikai waved his hand dismissively. He couldn’t be certain whether helping the Qin Dynasty suppress these rebel armies during its final days was heroic or a futile effort. But he was a man of loyalty; Man Cang, Xue San, they were his friends. No matter what, he couldn’t abandon them.

"What’s the plan next?" Shangguan Jian suddenly asked.

"From the prisoners captured in this battle, we can select a few strong ones to join the troops. As for the others, let them go home. In chaotic times, every additional life counts," Ye Shikai said softly. He didn’t plan to conscript all two thousand prisoners. First, they didn’t have enough equipment. Second, having so many people would quickly drag down the level, morale, equipment, and supplies of the army. With the Qin Dynasty’s heavy corvee duty over the years, many able-bodied young men had served, and it was better to leave these people here.

"After suppressing the rebels at Long Mountain, it’s time for us to leave Gong County and continue toward Yan, according to the original plan," Ye Shikai found the map of He Nei County. Passing through Long Mountain and two other counties would lead them into Guangyang County, bringing them closer to Yan. It was expected they’d reach there in about ten days.

"I agree. This was our initial plan, and since we have been entrusted by Lord Han to reach the frontline, there’s no reason to retreat." Shangguan Jian nodded.

"That’s one reason," Ye Shikai slowly stood up and said calmly.

"Although we achieved victory this time and seized over two thousand stone of provisions, these provisions were plundered from various villages under Gong County’s jurisdiction. While the battle was won by our two thousand brothers, taking everything might seem opportunistic. Moreover, if we keep it all, how will Gong County’s citizens survive the winter?"

"Old Ye, your view is..."

"We will leave five hundred stone of provisions, combined with what we brought, totaling thirteen hundred stone. This can sustain us for over twenty days, ensuring we reach Yan without issue. All other provisions should be returned to Gong County’s residents."

"Alright, I support your proposal." Shangguan Jian didn’t hesitate. In chaotic times, provisions meant power, yet this was the thinking of a "warlord." Shangguan Jian was a true soldier; he wouldn’t let greed for those two thousand stone of grain sway his principles.

The next day.

"Shangguan Baijiang, we owe you all thanks for this victory. If not for you demolishing the rebel camp at Long Mountain, the people of Gong County might have been enslaved." Outside Gong County’s government office, Mr. Sun himself came out to greet Shangguan Jian and his group. To be honest, when the attendants informed him that the Qin Army returned to Gong County with nearly two thousand prisoners and dozens of carts of provisions, he couldn’t believe it; it was almost unbelievable.

"Mr. Sun, no need for thanks. This is our duty," Shangguan Jian pointed to the provisions on the carts, "These seized provisions were plundered by Zhang Kuang from villages under Gong County. We will take a small portion for military supplies, and the rest will be returned entirely to Gong County."

"This... this is indeed a great favor; you are truly benefactors of Gong County." Mr. Sun was so moved he could hardly speak, as he had hoped to eliminate Zhang Kuang’s rebel army but never dreamt of sharing in the spoils of war.

"Mr. Sun, there’s no need for such courtesy; we are here today to bid farewell." Ye Shikai stepped forward to explain.

"Farewell, you’re leaving so soon?" Mr. Sun, hearing this, felt a jolt in his heart as if he hadn’t expected the Qin Army to depart so soon.

"Yes, our original orders were to proceed to Guangyang County to reinforce the frontline. We came to Gong County under the orders of the governor’s mansion, and now that our task is complete, I’ve already sent someone to explain the situation to the governor’s mansion. We are set to depart north today."

"That’s truly unfortunate. If you could stay a few more days, I would certainly host you warmly."

"Mr. Sun’s kindness is appreciated, but military urgency compels us to depart." The group mounted their horses, and with a command, two thousand soldiers marched out of the city gate, heading further north. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

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

After three days of marching, they finally left the border of He Nei County. Guangyang County’s population was not large; when the Yan State was thriving, Yan was indeed prosperous, but due to disadvantages in geographical location, Yan State had a small population and never developed significant national power.

Along the way, Ye Shikai and Shangguan Jian saw many people heading south, some even with families in tow, sparking their curiosity.

"Brother, why are you fleeing?" Ye Shikai dismounted and asked a man.

"Alas, there’s fighting on the frontline. I’ve heard the Wolf Clan is coming fiercely, saying if they break through the defenses, they’ll slaughter the city en masse. The people are scared and taking their families southward to escape," the man said, finally showing a hint of relief upon seeing the group’s armor. "Seeing you heading north to the frontline is reassuring to me."

"Alright, take care on your way," Ye Shikai didn’t say much. The clash had begun, and the civilians were innocent; staying in the city wouldn’t help the situation. Especially women, children, and the elderly—if they stayed behind, they would only become "lambs beneath the wolves’ knives."

"Alas, the war has just started, and even the civilians lack confidence. The frontline soldiers must be even more demoralized," Shangguan Jian said, worried. Without civilian support, the soldiers would be fighting alone at the front. It wasn’t merely concern—it was disheartening.

"This shows that the battle situation has already deteriorated. We must hasten our journey to Yan."