C3. Just What I Always Wanted... (Eyeroll).

C3. Just What I Always Wanted... (Eyeroll).

Yuan Li, not yet having spent enough time with his parents, found himself at the juncture of departing for the Prince Chu Mansion.

The Prince Chu Mansion's entourage couldn't wait any longer. As dawn broke, a carriage stood ready outside the county magistrate's Residence, its cargo a multitude of red wooden chests.

The Yuan family, not one to take advantage of the Prince Chu Mansion's generosity, prepared an equal amount of gifts to be sent back, their demeanor neither humble nor haughty.

As the carriage set off, Yuan Li lifted the curtain, gazing at his tearful parents bidding him farewell. Suppressing the melancholy in his heart, he smiled and waved at them.

Seeing his carefree and radiant smile, reminiscent of his childhood days, Chen Shi couldn't help but take a few steps forward, "Li'er..."

Yuan Song held her back, suppressing the pain of separation, and waved at Yuan Li.

"Go."

"Go soon, return soon. Your father awaits the day you return home in triumph."

The carriage gradually disappeared into the distance, until the figures of his parents were no longer visible, Yuan Li then lowered the curtain.

He let out a soft sigh, but quickly regained his composure.

Ruyang was only a hundred miles away from Luoyang, and Yuan Li had been independent since childhood in his previous life. While he felt a sense of separation, it wasn't overwhelming.

His mind wandered back to the things his father had told him about the Prince Chu Mansion.

The Prince Chu Mansion's patriarch was a close confidante of the founding emperor of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, having fought alongside him during the dynasty's establishment. After the founding of the Northern Zhou, the emperor bestowed titles upon five non-royal prince, one of whom was the Prince Chu.

While the initial conferment brought great joy, as time passed, the Northern Zhou emperor grew increasingly regretful, viewing these non-royal princes as a thorn in his side. Thus, he began devising ways to eliminate them.

By the present time, only two of the non-royal princes remained. One was the Prince Chu, who had prudently left his fiefdom and voluntarily resided in the capital under the emperor's watchful eye. The other was the Prince Chen, Chen Liu, who remained in his fiefdom, amassing troops and wielding considerable power.

With the Prince Chen posing a clear threat, the Prince Chu, in contrast, had gained the emperor's favor. This was evident in the fact that the Prince Chu's eldest son, Chu Mingfeng, had ascended to the position of Grand Councilor at a young age, before even reaching the age of thirty.

He was widely known as the "Junior Grand Councilor."

The Prince Chu had two sons, both exceptional in terms of talent and appearance, capable of both military and political leadership. The eldest son, Chu Mingfeng, was the one whom Yuan Li was required to marry to break his curse.

Despite his frail health since childhood, Chu Mingfeng was exceptionally intelligent and highly favored by the emperor, rising to the rank of a key minister at a young age. As for the second son, Chu Hechao, Yuan Li knew little about him, except that he was a renowned military hero with a fearsome reputation, rumored to have a blue face and fangs, capable of silencing crying children.

Due to the generous treatment he received from the Prince Chu Mansion, Yuan Li also reciprocated with sincerity. He delved into the life of Chu Mingfeng, learning more about him.

The more he learned, the more he realized that this sickly powerful minister would be a formidable opponent. After his research, he sought further information about Chu Mingfeng from the elderly eunuch, Yang Gonggong, who had been sent from the Prince Chu Mansion to escort him.

The elderly eunuch, obviously pleased at the prospect of Yuan Li and Chu Mingfeng forming a harmonious marriage, was more than willing to share everything he knew, painting Chu Mingfeng in the most favorable light possible.

Yuan Li listened intently, his apprehension towards Chu Mingfeng deepening with each subtle clue.

After finishing his account of the eldest son, the old eunuch, still eager to share, inquired, "Would Master Yuan like to hear about our second son as well?"

Yuan Li honestly shook his head, "That won't be necessary."

With no personal connection, there was no need to waste time.

The old eunuch clicked his tongue in disappointment and proceeded to inform Yuan Li about other matters within the Prince Chu Mansion.

Their conversation continued all the way to Luoyang, and by the time they reached the Prince Chu Mansion, it was already dusk. Yuan Li, exhausted from the journey, emerged from the carriage, finding the ride far more tiring than horseback riding.

Stretching his limbs, he looked up at the Prince Chu Mansion. Two large red lanterns adorned the entrance, while red cloth strips and silk flowers were wrapped around the door lintel, accompanied by two oversized "囍" (double happiness) characters.

The atmosphere was brimming with joy and festivity.

Sensing Yuan Li's gaze, the old eunuch, fearing a change of heart, hastily urged, "Master Yuan, shall we proceed?"

Shaking off his reverie, Yuan Li instructed his men to secure their belongings and followed the old eunuch into the Prince Chu Mansion.

Among the guards escorting him to Luoyang, over thirty were Yuan Li's own men. Besides the guards, three personal servants who had always accompanied him were also present.

These individuals were the crème de la crème, raised alongside Yuan Li since childhood and fiercely loyal to him. They would form the foundation for Yuan Li's establishment in Luoyang.

Yuan Li had prepared exquisite gifts for each master of the Prince Chu Mansion. However, the path led by the old eunuch did not head towards the main courtyard.

Puzzled, Yuan Li asked, "Eunuch Yang, aren't you taking me to meet the Prince Chu and his wife?"

"The madam has instructed this servant," Eunuch Yang explained cheerfully, adjusting his robe, "that since Master Yuan has traveled all day, and with the moon about to rise, you should rest first. We can meet again tomorrow once you've had some rest."

Yuan Li couldn't help but laugh and cry, "But tomorrow is the wedding day!"

Eunuch Yang said leisurely, "Just relax, young master. I'll take care of everything!"

Since he had said so, Yuan Li didn't say anything more. A moment later, Eunuch Yang led Yuan Li to a courtyard, "This is where you'll be living from now on. The courtyard doesn't have a name yet, so you can name it yourself. If there's anything you're not satisfied with, I'll arrange it for you right away."

"I'm fine with everything," Yuan Li looked around the courtyard and smiled, "I saw a Taoist room not far away when I came here, so let's call it Wending Courtyard."

After that, Yuan Li asked Master Yang to thank the Prince Chu and his wife on his behalf, and then let Eunuch Yang leave.

The people he brought with him quickly sorted out and unpacked the luggage, and checked the dead corners of the courtyard. Not long after, the young servant Guo Lin brought up a cup of warm tea.

"My lord, early this morning, there was news from the farm that I haven't had a chance to tell you yet."

Yuan Li took off his robe and untied the headband that was making his head hurt, "What news?"

Guo Lin said, "Wang Er, who just arrived a few days ago, asked you to take in another group of refugees."

Yuan Li smiled, his loose black hair falling on his back. The shadows of the bed curtain were flickering, making his fair and jade-like face look even more warm and family-like, "Write him back and tell him to count how many refugees there are, where they are now, and how many of them can still work to support their families. If the refugees are already on their way to Ruyang County, tell them to be quiet and cross the mountains quietly so that no one else sees them. Also, remember, if there are any sick refugees, they should all be settled outside Ruyang County."

Guo Lin took note of everything and asked, "My lord, if there are only hundreds or thousands of refugees, that's fine, but what if there are more?"

Yuan Li said, "There are still so many uncultivated fields in Ruyang County. As long as they can survive until the autumn harvest, they will naturally become people of Ruyang County."

Guo Lin said with a troubled expression, "My lord, if there are too many people, we won't have enough food to keep them alive until the autumn harvest."

Yuan Li lifted the bed curtain and asked, "I ask you, how much grain is stored in the house? How much rice is given out to each person each day for disaster relief? Don't these refugees have other uses before the autumn harvest? You are worried that there is not enough grain in storage, but have you seen if your master has ever refused to let refugees into the homes of farmers?"

This series of questions stunned Guo Lin. He thought carefully for a moment and then shook his head in shame.

"You only see us giving grain to the refugees, but you don't see what we can get in return," Yuan Li said slowly. "Manpower and grain are the most valuable things nowadays. There is a severe drought in Hanzhong, and the refugees who fled to Luoyang are being turned away from the city gates without a second thought. I'm afraid even the emperor..."

His voice grew lower, so Guo Lin couldn't hear him clearly. But Guo Lin didn't dare to ask any more questions.

He continued, "Master, I have one more thing. Wang Er wants to see you. He says he has a reason that he must see you, and when the steward asked him what it was, he said he wouldn't tell anyone but you."

Yuan Li's interest was piqued. "After the wedding, there is still the custom of 'returning home' to visit my parents. Please make arrangements in advance for me to meet with him then."

Guo Lin complied and obediently retreated to write the letter.

The room was silent. Yuan Li stood before the bed dressed in a snow-white undergarment and sighed abruptly.

He feared his father understood the harshness of the times and thus did not turn away any refugees.

Yuan Li felt no guilt about this. Once these refugees became their subordinates, they would become their servants.

Each era had its own lifestyle and values. For these refugees, becoming servants in the county magistrate's household was a cause for great rejoicing.

If Yuan Li allowed them to do nothing and only receive daily relief rice, they would only become restless and anxious, worrying whether there would still be food to eat tomorrow and the day after. With unsettled hearts, unrest would follow.

Yuan Li looked at the system in her mind once more.

[The Encyclopedia of All Things System has been activated.]

[Quest: Enroll in the Imperial Academy.]

[Reward: Soap Recipe.]

The emperor was old, and his control over the empire was waning by the day.

He needed to speed up.

The next day, Yuan Li was awakened by the joyous sounds of music and singing.

Before dawn, a swarm of servants surged into Yuan Li's bedroom like water, urging him to bathe and wash.

An hour later, Yuan Li's hair was tied up, and he was dressed in a wedding suit.

This wedding suit is for a handsome and dashing young man. It has several layers that need to be changed frequently. However, no matter how good it looks, it couldn't stop Yuan Li's stomach from growling due to all the fuss.

The servants carefully fed Yuan Li some pastries, and Yuan Li cooperated with them. After a while, someone called out, "All set!"

Yuan Li came back to his senses, looked down at himself, and curiously pulled at his clothes.

Dressed in red, he seemed to glow like a shining pearl. He couldn't see himself, but the maids and servants couldn't help but admire him.

Yuan Li was fair and handsome, with features like jade, hair like ink, eyes like lacquer, and smooth and healthy lips. His stunning appearance was captivating, making him a beautiful and striking young man.

Two embroiderers were busy inspecting the wedding gown for any necessary alterations, whispering to each other occasionally.

"The hem has a gold thread sticking out, we should fix it."

"Oh dear, the waist needs to be taken in more. The young master seems tall, why is he so thin?"

Yuan Li wanted to explain that he wasn't thin but rather fit due to regular exercise, but he couldn't find the words to say it.

These were minor issues that didn't require him to remove the gown. Just after noon, the embroiderers had finished altering the suit.

In Northern Zhou weddings, the bridal procession took place in the morning, with the actual wedding ceremony held in the evening. Yuan Li sat in the room for what seemed like a long time until the excitement of marrying a man turned into fatigue.

Finally, Yang Gonggong came in enthusiastically, "Young Master Yuan, it's time, please come with me!"

Yuan Li snapped out of his daze, washed his face, took a deep breath to clear his mind, and stood up, "Let's go."

The Prince Chu Mansion was immersed in a sea of red. Red cloth strips adorned the trees, and the peach blossoms shyly revealed their buds, exuding happiness.

Sounds of celebration filled the air, although muffled behind the mud walls making it hard to discern. The ceremony was held in the grand hall of the Prince Chu Mansion, bustling with guests.

Being the eldest son of the Chu Wang, the wedding drew attendees from the nobility and officials, all eager to catch a glimpse of the "bride." Those allowed entry into the grand hall were mostly acquainted with the Prince Chu, while others remained outside, offering gifts and toasting but never seeing the master of the Prince Chu Mansion.

Laughter echoed in the hall, tempered by the eldest son's frail health, adding a restrained touch to the festive atmosphere.

As Yuan Li entered the hall, he was met with numerous gazes.

"Well," a military officer exclaimed, "My lord, your eldest son-in-law is truly stunning!"

The Prince Chu chuckled and rubbed his beard, "Indeed, he is. Much prettier than your son, I dare say."

Another wave of laughter erupted. Yang Shi glared at Prince Chu with feigned anger and beckoned Yuan Li, who was slightly flushed, "Good child, come here quickly and let Mother have a good look."

Yuan Li felt even more uncomfortable at the title of "Mother" that the Princess of Chu had used for herself. He walked forward in a proper and orderly manner, and as soon as he approached, Yang Shi grabbed his hand.

Yang Shi's face was a bit haggard, but with her makeup on, her spirit looked quite good. She looked at Yuan Li carefully, pursed her lips and smiled, "I've heard of your reputation before, and now that I see you, I really like you. I know it's a bit wronged for you to marry Feng'er, but don't worry, our family will never treat you badly."

Yuan Li smiled and said, "Madam, you're overestimating me."

Yang Shi chided, "Why are you still calling me Madam?"

Yuan Li just smiled and changed the subject.

The word "Mother", he really couldn't bring himself to say.

Suddenly, someone below asked curiously, "The auspicious time is almost here, why haven't we seen the eldest son come out?"

Yang Shi and King Chu exchanged glances, and just as they were about to say something, someone outside suddenly shouted in surprise, "The second son is back!"

Chu Hechao?

This exclamation was like a thunderbolt cutting through the sky. A military officer immediately stood up and said in a mix of surprise and joy, "Chu Hechao is back?!"

The shouts of the servants outside continued to be heard.

"My lords, I beg you to dismount quickly, it is not allowed to ride horses in the mansion, the guest hall is just ahead!"

"Generals, Generals! It's a day of great joy, please put down your weapons!"

The tense and anxious voices grew closer, and the sound of horseshoes was already close to their ears.

Yuan Li followed along with others to look outside.

A group of soldiers clad in armor rode high-headed horses toward them.

These men were chatting and laughing, with determined expressions. The leader was exceptionally handsome, his smile carrying a hint of mischief.

While bantering with his companions, his eyes betrayed a lack of amusement as they scanned the interior of the room.

His tall and robust figure stood straight, making the armor appear as towering as a mountain. Muscular legs filled out the riding breeches handsomely, while black leather gloves hugged his long fingers tightly.

At this moment, one hand casually held the reins, with a crimson cloak billowing behind his back, while the other lightly tapped his riding boots with a whip. The whip swayed lazily by his calves, emanating a hint of arrogance.

He looked nothing like the rumored fierce and menacing figure.

Yuan Li was taken aback, assuming the ugliest of the group was Chu Hechao.

Luckily, no embarrassing remarks were made.

Just as he finished that thought, Yuan Li locked eyes with Chu Hechao. The man's lips slightly pressed down, then tugged up with a hint of coldness.

Abruptly halting his horse, he dismounted and strode purposefully towards Yuan Li.

In a few steps, he stood before him, a strong scent of blood and dust wafting towards him, with sweat beads sliding along the man's throat into his collar. Yuan Li furrowed his brows lightly, sensing danger.

The man noticed his discomfort but chose to press further. A shadow loomed over Yuan Li as Chu Hechao's tone, cryptic and unsettling, asked, "Are you my sister-in-law?"

His words were ambiguous, leaving Yuan Li unsure whether to thank or be angered. "I am truly grateful, sister-in-law. Before my arrival in Luoyang, you had a generous gift sent to me."