The Bodyguard King's CEO Wife-Chapter 1398: The Plot Exposed

"Ma, what do you think of this military force?" Han Hao slowly turned his head towards Ma Peng. Even though he hid it well, he still showed a hint of nervousness. If Han Hao decided not to set out now, then Ma Peng’s plan would be "ruined."

"Lord Han’s leadership is excellent, the troops are high in morale, and they are well-equipped. I believe this expedition will undoubtedly be a great victory." Ma Peng said repeatedly, instinctively avoiding Han Hao’s gaze. When someone is feeling guilty, they are most tense, focusing all their attention on one thing. Even if Han Hao just mentioned something casually, Ma Peng’s sense of crisis would be infinitely amplified in his mind, leading him to speculate whether this was a test. However, his acting was quite good. If it weren’t known beforehand that he was secretly colluding with the Wolf Clan, Han Hao might have really fallen for it.

"Then I’ll take your words for it. The troops will depart promptly at the appointed time. There’s still some time left, Ma, please bear with the wait." Han Hao patted his shoulder and continued to sit back down.

"Of course, of course, the entire army is waiting here, and so many soldiers are present, so it’s only right for me to wait as well."

"Ma, don’t rush. They will set out in a short while." Ye Shikai said softly, standing nearby, seeming to notice that Ma Peng was becoming impatient.

"Yes, yes."

"Reporting, sir, the time has come."

"Good." Han Hao stood up, walked to the front of the formation, and shouted loudly, "Brothers, the auspicious hour has arrived. The success or failure of this operation depends entirely on you."

"Depart." With Han Hao’s command, four thousand soldiers orderly set out from the training ground, heading towards the North Gate.

"Ma, Ye, the safety of the fort depends entirely on you. Don’t let me down." Han Hao turned to remind them.

"Understood, sir, I dare not relax."

"Understood, rest assured, Lord Han, everything is under my control." Ye Shikai lifted his head, and the two exchanged a look, immediately understanding each other’s thoughts.

"Alright, I’ll lead the way." Han Hao nodded, turned his horse around, and set out with the troops.

Ma Peng was very tense, watching the army leave through the North Gate of the fort. He kept watching until everyone had departed, and only when the fort gate was closed did he finally breathe a long sigh of relief.

However, Ma Peng did not know that all his expressions were "seen" by Ye Shikai.

"Ma, the moonlight is quite nice tonight. I’ve set up a table with wine and meat at the gate tower. How about you and I go up to admire the moon?" Ye Shikai changed the subject, predicting that after Han Hao led his four thousand troops away for a short time, the Wolf Clan’s army would arrive, and then Ma Peng would have his two thousand garrison troops attack Ye Shikai’s men, open the gate, and let the Wolf Clan into the fort.

The plan is indeed good. If it were anyone else, this fort would surely change hands.

"That sounds great." Ma Peng did not refuse; indeed, for him, being able to drink and eat meat on the tower while also easily observing the Wolf Clan’s movements was naturally excellent.

...

"Last time Ma invited me for tea, this time I cannot be stingy. These jars of wine were bought by soldiers from Ji County; they are strong spirits, making for a hearty drink." Ye Shikai picked up a jug of wine from the table and poured a bowl for each of them.

"This is truly good wine, thank you for your hospitality, Ye."

"Keep drinking, Ma."

"Haha, this is embarrassing, Ye. My capacity for alcohol is poor; I feel dizzy after just three bowls. Most of the troops are now attacking the Wolf Clan’s supply camp. We should be restrained, as the saying goes, ’indulgence in wine causes trouble.’"

As expected, Ye Shikai’s mouth slightly curled up, having anticipated this. He put his bowl back on the table, stood up, and approached. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

"Ma, you seem to be waiting for someone. Outside, there’s only the Wolf Clan, you wouldn’t be..." Ye Shikai stood behind Ma Peng, placing his hands on his shoulders and leaned down to whisper softly in his ear.

Getting straight to the point.

"Ye, you’re joking." Ma Peng felt something wasn’t right, immediately stood up intending to leave, only to be blocked by Ye Shikai’s guards.

"No need to be in such a hurry, Ma. I have a gift for you." Ye Shikai clapped his hands, and several soldiers escorted someone onto the walls. The person’s head was covered, making it impossible to see who it was, but from the clothing, it was a woman.

"Ye, this is..."

"Take a look." Ye Shikai said indifferently, and the guards beside him pulled the black cloth off the woman’s head. Upon seeing who she was, Ma Peng’s eyes widened in shock, almost popping out like bells.

"Wife!" Ma Peng exclaimed.

"Help me." The woman, with Xue San holding a knife to her neck, was so frightened that she was paralyzed.

"Ma, you colluded with the Wolf Clan, smuggled crossbow arrows, and conspired to rebel. I know everything." Seeing the time was right, Ye Shikai decided to "show his cards."

"So I’ve asked my men to invite your rightful superior over. But don’t worry, I never harm innocent women and children." Ye Shikai seemed calm and composed, suddenly turning his head saying, "Oh, by the way, lately there have been rampant bandit activities, so I’ve asked my men to provide protection to your house, Ma."

"Hmph, Ma Peng, your wife is in my hands, surrender quickly." Xue San shouted loudly, the blade resting against the woman’s neck.

"Husband, save me."

Under immense pressure, Ma Peng’s face twisted; he never expected Ye Shikai to have such a backup plan. If he truly surrendered, he would be executed. His only chance now was to lead his two thousand soldiers in a counterattack, kill Ye Shikai’s men, and then open the gate.

"Kill them!" Ma Peng suddenly stood up and shouted loudly. Those responsible for patrolling the walls and guarding the gate were his garrison troops. Now, both he and Ye Shikai were on the wall, with his men nearby.

Ma Peng frantically shouted, like a madman, but no matter how loudly he yelled, the soldiers on the wall remained unmoving, behaving as if they couldn’t hear.

"Go on, hurry!"

"Kill them!"

Finally, the guards moved, but not towards Ye Shikai; they pointed their spears at Ma Peng.

"Haha, Ma, knowing your plan, why wouldn’t I make preparations early on? These are my men. As for your brothers, I’ve already had them called down to drink wine with others." Ye Shikai clapped his hands, and from the shadows, dozens of crossbow arrows shot out, killing all of Ma Peng’s personal guards nearby.

Before Ma Peng could react, a dozen fully black-clad figures wearing soft armor, equipped with a repeating crossbow and short daggers, rushed up to surround him completely.