The Bodyguard King's CEO Wife-Chapter 1344: Secret Assistance
Qin Dynasty.
"Hero, have another drink."
"Another cup, please."
Ye Shikai was invited to the home of a villager in Shangshui Village and was treated with great hospitality. Looking at these wine cups in front of him, Ye Shikai thought that if they could be brought back to the modern era, they would definitely be rare antiques. During the Qin Dynasty, the alcohol content of the brewed liquor wasn’t very high, as distilled spirits didn’t exist yet. Ye Shikai drank a lot but still didn’t get drunk.
"This time, it’s thanks to the heroic skills of this warrior that the elders of Shangshui Village were spared from the bandits," said a villager. Shangshui Village is a settlement in He Nei County with only over two hundred households, more than a thousand villagers. Though that may not seem like much by modern standards, it was not a small amount when compared to the total population of the Qin Dynasty. With such a big event happening in the village, many villagers gathered around.
"Master He, I notice your village has very few young and strong men," Ye Shikai observed. Aside from a few dozens of people, most of the present were elderly or women and children. Perhaps some were still working in the fields, but there still seemed to be very few.
"This..."
Upon hearing this, everyone showed helpless expressions, looking at each other. It seemed like Ye Shikai had touched upon their concerns.
"Mr. Ye, you have come from afar and may not know our situation," Master He sighed deeply. "Most of the young men in the village have gone to serve in corvée labor, part of which is military service to defend the northern border against the Wolf Clan, while others are engaged in building roads, bridges, and palaces. Therefore, there are indeed not many young men left in the village, and even the farm work needs to be taken over by the remaining women and children."
Hearing the sighs of the people, Ye Shikai felt some sympathy for them. Although he was a science student in high school, he had a good understanding of history. The corvée labor in the Qin Dynasty was heavy, and many young men went away and never came back due to the extremely dangerous tasks, fuelling public resentment, which later sparked uprisings.
"I am new to Qin Country and indeed have many things I don’t understand, requiring your guidance," Ye Shikai said with a bow, acknowledging that he was not a deity. Even if he had the "heart" to save, he didn’t have the "strength" to do so. A heart without power is perhaps the most regrettable thing in the world.
"Speaking of which, Mr. Ye, are you really from Yan? Qin Law is uniform throughout the country, don’t you know about these situations?" The crowd studied Ye Shikai carefully, noting his bizarre attire and hairstyle that were completely out of place, making them wonder if he might be a spy for the northern Wolf Clan. If he truly were, he would be doomed.
"To be honest with everyone, it seems I’ve suffered some major trauma, and I can’t remember past events," Ye Shikai scratched his head. It was the only excuse he could use to deflect the crowd, as he truly wasn’t from Qin Country, and if word got out, he might really die here.
"Grandfather, although Mr. Ye’s identity is unclear, his willingness to help the villagers shows courage and righteousness, an indication he must be a straightforward and honest person. Besides, didn’t the village chief agree to make an identity certificate for him? He’ll have proper identity by then," He Linghan stepped forward and said to the crowd.
"Ling’er is right. Once he has an identity certificate, Mr. Ye will have a proof of identity and everything will be legitimate."
"Yes, anyone the village chief vouches for is definitely not a bad person."
"That’s correct."
The crowd echoed in agreement, and Ye Shikai breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, Shangguan Jian was willing to help him, or else without this identity certificate, not only would it be difficult to move a step in Qin Country, but his life would be at stake.
At this moment, the sound of horse hooves came from not far away. The crowd quickly dispersed as Shangguan Jian rode over on a warhorse, leading a team of soldiers.
"Kid, hold this well. Without it, you’ll be arrested wherever you go," Shangguan Jian took out a bamboo plaque and tossed it to Ye Shikai.
"He Nei County, Shangshui Village," Ye Shikai murmured. The bamboo plaque had his name written on it. Although it was written in Small Seal Script, Ye Shikai could recognize his name and even understand the place of origin written below. As they locked eyes, it was clear that Shangguan Jian was helping him. With the identity of someone from Shangshui Village, no one would suspect him.
"Alright, you’re now a recruit under my command. Come for training tomorrow," Shangguan Jian waved his hand as a soldier stepped forward, handing Ye Shikai a set of armor and a longsword.
In modern times, Ye Shikai had heard that the bronze swords of the Qin Dynasty were unparalleled in their era, reputedly still razor-sharp even after being buried for a thousand years.
"Alright, go back and rest, and everyone else, disperse," Shangguan Jian glanced around, then turned his horse and left.
"Even though the village chief is not from Shangshui Village, his soldiers are recruited from here. The village, on ordinary days, has the village chief garrisoned here with people to fend off robber harassment. But recently there’s been talk of war..." Master He sighed again heavily. Common folks don’t want war, but such is the nature of turbulent times. If a war breaks out, many young men will be conscripted to the front lines, and numerous others will be mobilized for logistics and supply transport.
"What, there’s going to be a war?" Ye Shikai asked curiously.
"It’s just hearsay and not necessarily accurate. It’s said there’s been uprisings in other counties, but the details are unknown," Master He shook his head. As an old man, his concern was not such distant affairs but whether his family would be affected and how the harvest would turn out this year.
"Mr. Ye, it’s getting late, and you have to head to the military camp tomorrow. Why don’t you stay at my humble home tonight?" Master He glanced up at the sky, which was darkening. In ancient times, people worked from sunrise to sunset. Ye Shikai, being new here, had no place to stay.
"How can I impose on you like this? It’s really too much trouble," Ye Shikai shook his head, "I should stay at a nearby inn."
Ye Shikai found some copper coins from within the armor, presumably given by Shangguan Jian. After all, a newcomer can’t be without any money. Honestly, Ye Shikai wasn’t sure how much these copper coins were worth in the Qin Dynasty, but they should be enough for a night at an inn.
"What’s the harm in it? Mr. Ye should save those copper coins for later use. Besides, you saved me today; how can I not take you in for a night?" Master He insisted, leaving Ye Shikai no choice but to agree, and when he turned his head, he noticed He Linghan’s face slightly blushing in the distance.
