Free Web NovelChapter 1699: Chapter 1699: Parting Ways
"You want to be a king, naturally you won’t be bothered by trivial matters. Emperor unified the six states, pacified the land, and the soldiers from the six states who perished exceeded a million. Not to mention the civilians displaced and killed by warfare."
"Actually, from the very beginning, it was my fault. I regarded you more as a friend, hence measured you by a friend’s standards, forgetting that you are my lord." Ye Shikai continued, "You executed those Qin Army prisoners, perhaps out of necessity. I won’t be angry because originally you are a king who wants to seize the world. It might seem cruel from a common perspective, but for you... it’s just clearing a stumbling block on the path to domination. Our positions are different, naturally leading to different attitudes towards things."
Ye Shikai’s tone was very cold. Indeed, ever since he returned to Linxiang City, he had been thinking deeply. Just as he said, compared to the Monarch and Minister relationship, he had previously regarded Mi Wen more as a friend. The most typical evidence was that he privately addressed Mi Wen by name instead of "lord." As for "friends," at least their worldviews should be similar. So when Ye Shikai heard of Mi Wen’s execution of eighty thousand Qin soldiers, he was incredibly shocked and angry. That was because he forgot that Mi Wen also had the "king" identity. With different identities, their attitudes towards matters naturally varied. Ye Shikai was a meticulous person, holding the attitude of saving as many lives as possible, while Mi Wen leaned towards the big picture, executing those Qin soldiers, which not only eliminated the concern of rebellious prisoners once and for all but also saved a large amount of rations. Moreover, it could intimidate the court and inspire the anti-Qin forces in the world, arguably achieving three goals at once.
"I don’t blame you. Those in high positions inevitably have many concerns and constraints, so... I am not angry with you either." Ye Shikai said blandly.
"Then why did you avoid me? On the day the troops returned, you didn’t come, and three consecutive days passed without the gate of Ye Mansion opening. If I hadn’t sent someone to call you, would you have planned not to come?" Mi Wen asked repeatedly, seeming somewhat anxious, stepping closer, while Ye Shikai retreated several steps.
"I’ve resigned from my post, naturally there’s no need to go to the city gate to welcome you like those civil and military officials. Besides, I’ve said, there’s nothing between you and me anymore, so don’t bother me again." Ye Shikai sighed, turning to leave, when suddenly Mi Wen swiftly moved in front of him, extending her arms to block him.
"Don’t go." Mi Wen promptly said, "I promise you, I won’t do this again in the future, whatever big matters there are, I’ll discuss them with you, okay?"
"My lord, please step aside."
"I won’t, you are not allowed to leave either." Mi Wen ordered, immediately dozens of guards rushed up, all of whom were Mi Wen’s personal guards, skilled cultivators.
"Stop making a fuss, is this meaningful? I’ve already told you, we’re fundamentally different types of people." Ye Shikai forcibly removed her hands, "I’ve helped you so much, henceforth... just forget about me."
"No." Mi Wen was very emotional, suddenly rushed in front of him, extending her arms to hug Ye Shikai.
"Then from now on, I’ll listen to you, is that acceptable?" By now, Mi Wen no longer had her usual pride, falling into Ye Shikai’s embrace, her tone nearly pleading. Perhaps at this moment, Mi Wen was feeling deeply regretful, or rather, unwilling for Ye Shikai to just leave like that.
"Let’s not meet anymore in the future, but I still hope you’ll establish a Peaceful Age and fulfill your dream." After Ye Shikai finished speaking, he broke free from her embrace and walked straight out of the government office.
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Ye Shikai’s heartless demeanor also demonstrated his resolve. Mi Wen had almost been pleading with him, yet Ye Shikai still did not agree. The reason was simple, if Ye Shikai returned, he would be destined to be "entangled" with Mi Wen for his entire life.
Ye Mansion.
Ye Shikai’s return finally put He Linghan’s worried mind at ease. Counting to and fro, it’s been only two hours, and returning so quickly surprised He Linghan.
"Husband, are you alright?"
"What’s there to happen to me? Didn’t I tell you, the lord wouldn’t do anything to me." Ye Shikai reassured, "The soldiers outside have withdrawn as well. How is it? It’s safe now, right?"
"Old Ye, are you alright?" At this moment, Shangguan Jian suddenly walked into the mansion gate.
"Shangguan, why are you here?" Ye Shikai asked curiously.
"I came back with the troops. On the day of returning to the city, I wanted to see you, but the lord ordered that aside from the guards, the other troops could only camp outside the city, so I only entered the city today." Shangguan Jian explained, "I heard the lord sent troops to your mansion, so I came quickly."
"Don’t worry, the lord didn’t do anything to me." Ye Shikai continued, "Speaking of which, I should thank you. If it weren’t for your guard battalion, my hundred house servants here would undoubtedly have been fearful."
"What are you talking about? We are brothers, what kind of relationship do we have that requires saying such things? I was also worried the lord might be unfavorable to you, Old Ye. With two thousand guards, it’s somewhat of a protection. I can’t use them for protection in the army now, Old Ye has resigned, so I’ll leave the guard battalion to you."
"This... alright then, thank you." Ye Shikai originally wanted to refuse, but ultimately accepted. He and Shangguan Jian had gone through life and death together numerous times, already seeing no distinction between each other.
For several days, Mi Wen did not seek Ye Shikai again, and the outside had become much "quieter." Previously, no officials, rich merchants, or influential people came knocking. Perhaps... Mi Wen had already announced Ye Shikai’s resignation, naturally, those people wouldn’t come anymore.
"Husband, it’s been truly peaceful lately." The peaceful days had always been what the two yearned for, unexpectedly they really achieved it. The two holding hands went to the rear garden, right in the season when flowers were in bloom, the gloominess that had been in their hearts gradually dissipated, and their smiles increased.
"I’ve resigned now, and won’t lead troops in the future. Ling’er, I’ll be by your side in the days to come, how about it?" Ye Shikai affectionately pulled her into his arms, He Linghan’s face instantly turning red.
"That’s certainly good, but have you really severed ties with the lord?" He Linghan asked in return.
"Sort of, I’ve made it very clear. These past few days, she hasn’t sought me either." Ye Shikai replied, though saying so, but he and Mi Wen did have a bit of a relationship. The last time they met, it was naturally awkward for Ye Shikai to say harsh words, only hoping Mi Wen could understand him and fulfill him.
