Chapter 1678: Chapter 1678: Heading Out Late at Night
Ye Shikai put down the map, and the two discussed some things about the "secret place," which Ye Shikai hadn’t had the chance to take her to before.
"Ling’er, after I go on the expedition to Invade Shu next year, all the family affairs will be handed over to you. You have heavy responsibilities on your shoulders, and you must be more diligent," Ye Shikai said softly.
"Husband, do we really need to say such things between us? But speaking of it, managing the hundred or so people in the mansion is quite a challenge," He Linghan replied casually. Although Ye Shikai now holds a high position, he has to support so many guests. In the end, the family isn’t exactly wealthy, even though Mi Wen promised to assist financially. But the money is miserably insufficient to cover the expenses. He Linghan finds managing all the family affairs, indeed, not easy.
"It’s truly hard on you. I wanted to provide you a stable life, but it turned out like this," Ye Shikai said with a bitter smile. He felt deeply ashamed, thinking that befriending Mi Wen was a good choice, ensuring safety at least. But now it seems he oversimplified the problem. Mi Wen isn’t that type of person. Although she isn’t malicious toward Ye Shikai, as long as He Linghan stays in Linxiang City, Ye Shikai has to comply with her unconditionally.
"It’s actually not a big deal. Besides, I’ve calculated; according to the current expenses, the family’s money is enough for a year."
"A year’s time," Ye Shikai murmured. By then, the Invade Shu campaign should be over, and... the Wolf Clan should have invaded the Great Wall from the south.
"Husband, can you take me to see that secret place you mentioned last time? It’s been two months now, and I really want to see what it’s like," He Linghan seemed eager. Ye Shikai’s description of "paradise" had long stirred her imagination.
"You really want to see it?" Ye Shikai asked.
"Of course."
"Alright, I’ll take you there now," Ye Shikai nodded, "Let’s go, mount the horse."
"Now? But it’s already night; the city gates are closed."
"Don’t worry, the East Gate’s commander has now been replaced by someone I trust. It won’t be difficult for him to open the gate," Ye Shikai assisted He Linghan onto the horse, and they galloped straight through the East Gate.
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Secret place.
"Husband, what is this place? Why does it look like a Burial Mound, so eerie?" Arriving once again at this desolate place at night, He Linghan was naturally a bit scared, tightly gripping Ye Shikai’s arm.
"Don’t worry, don’t be afraid. It’s rarely visited, so at night, it lacks life, but it’s different during the day," Ye Shikai explained. Wary of disclosing the location, he didn’t bring any guards—only the two of them came. Ye Shikai supported her, fearing she’d misstep in the dark.
"Here it is." After traversing a few miles of mountain road, they finally arrived at the location Ye Shikai mentioned. Compared to the rugged paths, it was much more open here, with a river nearby. Ye Shikai had already built a wooden cabin on the flat land here.
"Let’s go inside," Ye Shikai took He Linghan into the cabin. Compared to the "mansion" at Ye Mansion, it was lacking, but despite its small size, it had all the essentials. The interior was yet to be "decorated," naturally leaving some dust. Ye Shikai swept the dust with a broom and took out a chair, inviting He Linghan to sit.
"It’s not really cleaned in here, so there’s a lot of dust; please don’t mind," Ye Shikai said with a bitter smile, then lit the fireplace, warming up the room.
"Ling’er, come over and warm yourself by the fire. It gets cold in the mountains at night; don’t catch a chill," Ye Shikai said with a smile.
"How is it, Ling’er? It’s nice here, isn’t it?" Ye Shikai continued, "In a few months, once I’ve properly decorated it, it’ll be very nice. I also plan to cultivate a field for farming at the back. With a river nearby, watering will be convenient. Also, I’ve seen a waterfall at the back of the mountain, with a cave behind it."
"Yes, it’s very nice," He Linghan nodded. Regardless of richness or poverty, she only wished to be by Ye Shikai’s side. Once this place gets established, it’ll be a piece of "paradise." She looked forward greatly to a life of working from sunrise to sunset, and male farming, female weaving.
"Alright, it’s late now; you should sleep first. We need to return to the city by morning, or else it’ll raise suspicions," Ye Shikai advised He Linghan to rest. Still not feeling sleepy, he went outside to smoke.
This is indeed a paradise, but Ye Shikai now has a vague reluctance to come here. In truth, he doesn’t feel secure about He Linghan, worried Mi Wen might do something harmful to her. Hence, he planned to craft this "secret place" here. If ever they must come here, it must be the most critical time...
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The next day.
Ye Shikai took He Linghan back to the city. Along the way, she kept dreaming about the "pastoral life," constantly mumbling about it, which deeply moved Ye Shikai. If they could truly live such a life, it’d be a tremendous blessing.
In Linxiang City, North Gate.
"I am General Ye, let me enter the city." Ye Shikai arrived at the gate, where many soldiers stood. Although war was imminent, tens of thousands of troops stationed inside and outside the city, it wasn’t so crowded.
"So it’s General Ye."
"Yes," Ye Shikai nodded casually, intending to ride into the city but was stopped by the officer guarding the gate.
"General, I’ve been ordered by the master; if seen, I must take you to the government office. The master has important matters to discuss," the gate officer explained.
"When was this order given?"
"Last night, it was delivered personally from the government office. My brothers and I haven’t rested, standing guard all night."
"I see, alright, after I send my wife back to the mansion, I’ll head to the government office," Ye Shikai said flatly.
"Well... General Ye, the master’s order is to escort you personally. Please come with us; don’t make it difficult for us," the gate officer insisted, clearly troubled, unwilling to defy Mi Wen.
"Alright, I’ll go with you," Ye Shikai, unwilling to cause a stir considering the public place, followed them, unsure what matters Mi Wen had, but certainly not "good news."
"Husband, I can return to the mansion on my own; don’t worry about me,"
