C4. Wedding Wine.

C4. Wedding Wine.

Day and night, Chu Hechao galloped tirelessly. As soon as he arrived in Luoyang, he received Yang Zhongfa's report.

The goods that Yang Zhongfa had been monitoring for half a month had been snatched away by another group of people.

Chu Hechao almost slashed Yang Zhongfa down from his horse. Suppressing his anger, he listened coldly to the clues Yang Zhongfa had found.

Yang Zhongfa had been keeping an eye on the goods since Hanzhong. Apart from the refugees, he had not seen anyone else along the way. Even though it was unbelievable, Yang Zhongfa concluded that the goods had been robbed by refugees fleeing from Hanzhong.

But ordinary refugees would not have the ability to do this. There must have been a mastermind behind these people.

They were very likely, like Yang Zhongfa, had been eyeing the goods since Hanzhong. However, there were so many refugees in Hanzhong, and they were scattering in all directions, like loaches in a river, making them difficult to track down.

However, in the past two days, Yang Zhongfa had noticed a strange phenomenon: many scattered refugees were slowly making their way to Ruyang County.

The day after the goods were lost, the refugees were on the move. Yang Zhongfa did not believe that there was no connection between the two, and he sent people to infiltrate Ruyang County.

As expected, he found several bolts of cloth from Hanzhong in the market of Ruyang County.

These bolts of cloth were brightly colored, embroidered with gold thread on both sides, and extremely precious. Presumably, the people who robbed the goods also knew that these bolts of cloth could not be kept for themselves, so they sold them to the cloth shop at a very low price.

Such a cunning and subtle approach made Chu Hechao gnash his teeth in hatred. However, it was also because of this that Chu Hechao was sure that the people who robbed their goods were in Ruanyang.

But there were three forces in Ruyang: the Chens, the Weis, the Wangs, and the county magistrate Yuan Fu. In a small county, various forces were intertwined. No matter how Chu Hechao investigated, he could not find out who the mastermind behind the scenes was.

Chu He Chao, his face grim with suppressed anger, ordered his men to administer thirty lashes to Yuan Li before storming towards the Prince Chu Mansion.

Upon seeing Yuan Li standing in the hall, resplendent in his wedding attire, Chu Hechao was instantly reminded of his status as the son of the Ruyang County Magistrate. This coincidence couldn't help but arouse Chu Hechao's suspicions.

From the very first sentence, he began to deliberately test this new "sister-in-law."

Chu Hechao's intentions were far from benevolent.

Yuan Li, perplexed, replied cautiously, "General, you must be mistaken. I have only recently met you, how could I have sent you such a grand gift?"

Chu Hechao sneered, "Sister-in-law, you seem to have a selective memory."

Yuan Li possessed a face that could easily disarm anyone.

His demeanor was gentle, his eyes clear and bright, and when he smiled, he exuded the vitality of spring grass and willow branches.

Yet, this very person, instead of dispelling Chu Hechao's doubts, only heightened his guard.

The smile on Yuan Li's lips turned rigid.

Chu Hechao was a man of sturdy build. Despite the warm March weather, beads of honey-colored sweat trickled down his temples. His facial features were deep-set and distinct, and although he was smiling, there was not the slightest hint of amusement in his eyes.

He peered down at Yuan Li, his gaze as cold as winter frost.

Yuan Li put away his smile and said directly, "General, if you have something to say, please do not hesitate."

Chu Hechao let out a meaningless, cold chuckle and turned to bow to the Prince Chu and Yang Shi. Yang Shi had not seen her second son in a long time, and her eyes welled up with tears.

She was about to say a few words when her maid whispered beside her, "Madam, the auspicious hour is almost upon us."

Wiping the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, Yang Shi forced a smile and said, "Ciye, your elder brother is bedridden, so you will have to take his place in the wedding ceremony."

After a few seconds of silence, Chu Hechao replied, "I'm willing to do it."

With that, he turned around, and the scent of blood wafted through the air once more. Looking down at Yuan Li from his towering height, he asked, "You don't mind, do you, Sister-in-law?"

Yuan Li's head throbbed with pain, and he replied, "Of course not."

He began to wonder if she had offended Chu Hechao in some way.

However, since transmigrating into this world, Yuan Li had never left Ruyang County. He should have had no connection with this notorious general.

So, the only explanation could be that Chu Hechao was insane.

With a placating smile, Yang Gonggong said, "Second Young Master, would you like me to take you to bathe and change your clothes?"

Chu Hechao was still clad in his armor, his sword and dagger at his side. Covered in dust and grime, he had even tainted the joyous occasion of the wedding with an air of menace.

Who had ever seen a groom like this?

"No need," Chu Hechao raised an eyebrow, "Delaying any further would miss my sister-in-law's auspicious time."

Each time he called her "sister-in-law," Yuan Li subtly furrowed his brows, feeling uncomfortable all over. "General, calling me by my name is sufficient."

Chu Hechao chuckled, "Sister-in-law, this doesn't make sense."

The two words "sister-in-law" were deliberately stressed, as if forced out through gritted teeth, carrying a fierce intent to crush them into pieces.

Yuan Li, a man himself, felt the provocation sparking something within him, calmly stating, "In that case, I will address the general as 'Younger Brother'."

This was the custom of the Northern Zhou. Chu Hechao was Yuan Li's younger brother-in-law, but 'brother-in-law' was often used in formal settings, while 'younger brother' was more casual in daily conversation.

Despite Chu Hechao being older six to seven years than Yuan Li, referring to him as 'younger brother' was not incorrect.

However, coming from Yuan Li, being called 'younger brother' by a youth who had not yet come of age was somewhat comical.

Chu Hechao's smile gradually faded.

In the crowd watching the scene, someone couldn't hold back laughter, quickly disguising it as a cough.

"We're all family, no need for formalities," Prince Chu, impatient at not understanding their banter, urged, "Chu Hechao, rein in your temper! Let's get started."

The ritual began, Yuan Li and Chu Hechao moved to the center of the hall. As Yuan Li raised his robe and knelt down, he heard the clanking of heavy armor beside him, as others knelt by his side.

Feeling the warmth of another's shoulder, Yuan Li, a man who valued his personal space, didn't mind a weaker male being near him. But when a stronger male intruded into his personal space, he felt uncomfortable and even considered kicking Chu Hechao away.

But he restrained himself.

After the ceremony, a feast followed. Yang Gonggong approached Yuan Li, whispering, "Young Master Yuan, would you like to meet the Eldest Young Master?"

Yuan Li nodded slightly, eyes lowered and lashes casting shadows. After bowing respectfully to Chu Hechao, he followed the servants out of the hall.

Chu Hechao gripped his waist sword, fingers in black leather gloves intentionally rubbing the hilt, watching Yuan Li's retreating back with a mysterious expression.

Yang Zhongfa limped over to him, wearing a pained expression, "General, have you figured something out? Is it really your sister-in-law's men? If they have taken the goods, we're fighting amongst ourselves! Why don't you just ask your sister-in-law to return the items?"

Chu Hechao asked, "Are you sure those men are in Ruyang County?"

Yang Zhongfa's expression turned serious, "I, Yang Zhongfa, stake my life on it, they are definitely in Ruyang County!"

Chu Hechao paused his finger tapping on the sword hilt, then resumed in a leisurely manner, "It's hard to tell..."

"Yeah, I couldn't figure it out either," Yang Zhongfa sighed, watching Yuanli's back, "If those are indeed his men, it's quite remarkable. Just a teenager, yet so mature and crafty. If I hadn't had my men searching day and night, we wouldn't have found a trace of them in the Ruyang County market."

Chu Hechao let out a cold laugh. "If you hadn't been drinking for two hours, this shipment wouldn't have been stolen by others," he said icily.

Yang Zhongfa wiped the sweat from his brow. "General, I was wrong. I won't be so irresponsible again. Our top priority is to retrieve the shipment. The 130,000 soldiers in the northern border are counting on this money for their next meal."

"You know as well as I do," Chu Hechao's voice chilled, "that laugh just now came from you?"

Yang Zhongfa was speechless.

Chu Hechao turned back to the table. "Since you say it's in Ruyang County, then you go and find it. If you can't get it back, use your head to replace those 130,000 military salaries."

Yang Zhongfa's facial muscles twitched. "Yes."

The noise grew fainter. Eunuch Yang whispered, "You arrived at the mansion too late yesterday, and the eldest son had already gone to bed. But today is your wedding day with the eldest son, it would be best to meet him."

Yuan Li nodded and followed him silently.

Chu Mingfeng's residence was far away. After many twists and turns, they finally arrived at a secluded and exquisite courtyard.

Two guards were still guarding the courtyard entrance. Eunuch Yang stepped forward and said a few words. One of the guards nodded and went inside to report.

But not long after, the guard came out with an apologetic face. "Eunuch Yang, you've come at an inopportune time. The eldest son just went to bed."

"Asleep again?" Eunuch Yang sighed. "Oh well, don't wake the eldest son. We'll come back later."

The guard bowed and returned to his post at the door. Eunuch Yang turned around, his face full of shame, and apologized to Yuanli, "My apologies, Master Yuan. It's my fault that you had to make a wasted trip."

Yuanli looked at the tightly closed courtyard gate and shook his head. "It's nothing."

Chu Mingfeng is clever, 'I would rather avoid meeting him as much as possible.'

Returning to the Wending Courtyard, the sky had already darkened.

Yuan Li did not have a marital relationship with Chu Mingfeng, so there was no bridal chamber. The three servants who knew his personality well had already guessed that he would return early and had prepared hot soup and tea.

Despite the pleasant temperature in March, Yuan Li was sweating. He immediately removed his elaborate wedding attire upon entering the room.

A basin of warm water was brought for him, and he hastily wiped his body with a towel.

As the towel passed over his waist and abdomen, a thin layer of well-defined muscles was revealed, highlighting his beauty and strength. Yuan Li smiled, satisfied with the results of his consistent training.

He tightened his inner clothing belt and called out, "Lintian, bring me the measuring ruler."

Lintian, responsible for Yuan Li's daily needs, brought the specially made measuring ruler. Yuan Li measured his height and was pleased to find that he had grown another two centimeters.

His daily routine of running and exercising was not in vain. At this growth rate, even in the ancient times with less abundant nutrition, he would achieve a height of 1.8 meters.

Suddenly, a guard ran over to him and whispered, "Young Master, someone is here."

Raising an eyebrow, Yuan Li threw the measuring ruler to Lintian. He grabbed the outermost layer of his wedding attire from the bed, draped it over himself, put on his shoes and socks, and asked, "Who is it?"

"A group of people, it's hard to see clearly," the guard replied, "but they seem to be carrying wine."

Yuan Li was puzzled and his expression turned subtle.

Were these people here to disrupt the bridal chamber?

But the reality was even weirder. These people were not here for that; they came to present the wedding wine.

Amused, Yuan Li asked, "Wedding wine? Who am I supposed to drink with?"

"Of course, you will drink with me," a lazy voice came from behind the crowd.

The attendants made way, revealing a tall figure leaning against the door with a wine jug, Chu Hechao. He grinned, his gaze scrutinizing, "Sister-in-law, who would you like to drink with?"

He had taken off his armor at some point, dressed only in a thin black spring shirt. His tall and sturdy figure was fully exposed, even showing off the beautiful muscle lines on his arms.

He stood straight, broad shoulders and a narrow waist. Strangely, the black leather gloves on his hands were still on, as if they were an extension of his hands.

Yuan Li felt a headache coming on when he saw him, unable to suppress a faint smile. "I never thought I would have to bother my younger brother even for wedding wine."

Chu Hechao walked in from the doorway, and Yuan Li noticed the large sword hanging from his waist. His eyelids twitched slightly as Chu Hechao pulled out the stool beside him, sat down with his legs bent, and said, "Indeed, it is a hassle. Since you know it's a hassle for me, let's just finish the wine quickly."

The handle of the sword swayed, lightly tapping the tabletop.

The maid cautiously handed a cup of wine to Yuan Li.

After looking at the wine in the cup for a moment, Yuan Li took it with a gentle smile. "General, please."

Under the warm glow of candlelight, the murky wine in the cup swayed, its gentle ripples resembling golden fish darting around the wrist and side of the face.

Yuan Li's lips curled up, his eyes lowered, exuding an air of utmost gentleness. The fingers holding the wine cup emerged from her red sleeves, as green and jade-like as spring onions, damp with water vapor, and carrying a hint of coolness.

Chu Hechao's expression changed subtly. He raised his hand, picked up another cup of wine, gently clinked it with the cup in Yuan Li's hand, and drank it down in one gulp.

The 'Hejin' wine, also known as the 'Jiaobai' wine, symbolized unity and marriage. However, they were a sister-in-law and a brother-in-law, and it was inappropriate for them to intertwine their arms.

Yuan Li was about to drink the wine as well when the system in her mind suddenly stirred.

[Universal Encyclopedia System activated. The task of entering the Imperial Academy has been completed. Rewards have been issued. Please explore on your own.]

[Task: Take a Master/Teacher.]

[Reward: Sugar refining method.]

Yuan Li's hand trembled, and all the wine spilled onto Chu Hechao's thigh.

Chu Hechao stood up immediately, his face grim, and sneered, "Mr. Yuan, what do you mean by this?"

Yuan Li couldn't care less about him anymore.

Just now, the Prince Chu Mansion had obtained a place for him to enter the Imperial Academy. But what surprised him even more was that the soap making method had actually appeared in his mind.

Wood ash is added to water and lime powder to filter into alkaline water. The alkaline water is mixed with lard, which can eventually become white and smooth soap. Essential oils extracted from flowers can be added to make soap.

This knowledge not only included soap but also how to extract essential oils.

Waves of emotion surged through Yuan Li's heart.

He looked at the system in his mind, his eyes fixed on the words "Sugar refining method".

He doubted the existence and purpose of the system, but the system actually gave him knowledge about soap making. And the next task reward was sugar!

If he completed the task of taking a master, would he really get the method of refining sugar?

Soap and sugar, no matter which one was made, could bring him immense wealth. With money, what was there to be afraid of?

He could afford to raise an army?

After truly receiving the system's reward, Yuan Li knew that even if the origin of the system was unknown and its purpose was hidden, he couldn't abandon this golden finger and not use it. Otherwise, he would be stupid, throwing away the baby with the bathwater.

Yuan Li pursed his lips tightly, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Just as he delved deeper into his thoughts, a sinister voice sounded beside him, "Yuan...Gong...Zi."

Chu Hechao's hand rested on Yuan Li's shoulder, forcefully turning him back. His eyes were cold as he gestured towards his pants, "Aren't you going to explain?"

"..."

Yuan Li snapped back to reality, subconsciously smiling apologetically, "It's my first time drinking wedding wine with someone, so I was a bit nervous. I hope the General can understand."

Chu Hechao smirked, not saying a word, but his expression was clear: Do you think I believe you?

Yuan Li simply poured another cup of wine, smoothly finishing it in one gulp. His slender neck swallowed the drink, and he confidently held out the empty cup to Chu Hechao, "I speak the truth. General, you should go change your clothes now."

The room fell silent, everyone hesitated to speak.

The maid holding the wine was sweating, her body trembling slightly in fear.

Suddenly, Chu Hechao made a move. Slowly standing up, he looked down at Yuan Li.

"Sister-in-law has given me another gift," his thin lips curled up, eyes narrowing, "When the time comes, I will surely return the favor, bit by bit."

With that, he turned and left.

Yuan Li watched him leave, the large sword at Chu Hechao's waist swaying as he walked. Chu Hechao's long legs and raised buttocks gave off a fierce aura, the sword handle hinting at a simmering anger.

Suddenly, Chu Hechao halted in his steps. Unprepared, he turned to meet Yuan Li's gaze.

Chu Hechao's eyes were as cold as an ancient well, his expression seeming to smile yet also emotionless. He made a slight movement with his fingers before disappearing into the night.