C7. White-eyed Wolf.

C7. White-eyed Wolf.

The county magistrate's manor was brightly lit, ready for their arrival.

Upon returning to the manor, Yuan Li felt a sense of belonging, like a fish returning to water. This feeling was far more pronounced than the one he experienced at the Prince Chu Mansion.

He readily assumed the responsibility of hosting the guests, making all the necessary arrangements for Chu Hechao and his entourage to ensure their comfort during their stay.

After greeting his parents, Yuanli finally dragged his tired body back to his bedroom.

As soon as he entered the bedroom, his smile disappeared.

Yuan Li was a cheerful person with round and gentle eyes. When he smiled, he was genuine and warm, making people drop their guard. But when he didn't smile, his imposing presence weighed heavily on people's hearts, with a hint of sharpness on his brow.

The three servants in front of him couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Suddenly, Yuan Li asked, "Guo Lin, is it true that Wang Er wants to see me?"

Guo Lin replied, "Yes. This message came from the farm manager four days ago."

Yuan Li then asked, "Did he say that he has something to tell me that he won't tell anyone else but me?"

Guo Lin was puzzled but nodded.

Yuan Li then turned to Zhao Ying, who was cautious and always handled information and dealt with covert matters for him. He asked, "Did anything unusual happen when Wang Er arrived at the farm?"

Zhao Ying carefully replied, "There was no unusual activity. Only that he took half a day off on the fourth day."

Rubbing his forehead, Yuan Li finally let out a bitter smile and muttered to himself, "This is bad. It's starting to feel worse."

When Yang Zhongfa first began to probe him at noon, he didn't notice anything wrong. But when Yang Zhongfa mentioned that the batch of goods was robbed near Ruyang County, Yuan Li immediately became alert and connected many things in a short moment.

While maintaining a cheerful demeanor, he continued to chat and laugh with Yang Zhongfa.

Seeing him immediately unfriendly when Chu Hechao first saw him, he must have had suspicions about him. That, along with Wang Er's insistence on meeting him recently, made Yuan Li suspect that the batch of goods were stolen by Wang Er and his group.

Yuan Li began to rub his brow again. "Guo Lin, arrange for me to visit the farm to see Wang Er tomorrow."

Since the manor was full of Chu Hechao's people, it was not appropriate for Wang Er to come see him proactively.

Guo Lin agreed.

Early the next day, instead of going to the farm, Yuan Li went to the study to show his father, Yuan Song, the plan he had written for starting a soap factory.

Yuan Song, after reading the plan, stood up suddenly with a look of surprise. He checked the room, closed the windows, and then approached Yuan Li with excitement at the prospect of soap creation.

"Li'er," Yuan Song stammered, his voice barely a whisper. "This… this soap you have, is it truly as remarkable as they say?"

Yuan Li offered a simple, affirmative nod. The revelation sent a jolt through Yuan Song. He rose abruptly and darted towards the door, flinging it open with a flourish. He scanned the hallway with a furtive glance, then slammed the window shut with a resounding thud.

Returning to the table, Yuan Song sank back into his chair, his face flushed with a mixture of excitement and apprehension.

His voice remained hushed, a mere tremor escaping his lips as his beard quivered with his agitation. "This… soap," he breathed, "is it truly as pristine and smooth as jade? Does it possess a fragrance of its own? And what of its claims – can it truly cleanse away grime, leaving one's skin soft and fair, revitalized and refreshed?"

Yuan Li nodded again.

The soap was completely different from the lye soap and soap nut currently in use, and it amazed Yuan Song. Despite his humble background, Yuan Song was well-educated, and he was certain that even the noble families had never seen such soap before.

In the plan, Yuanli not only wrote about making soaps with different fragrances but also about building the factory and packaging and selling the soaps.

Normal soap could be sold to the common people at a low price. The scented soaps were carefully packaged and sold at a high price to satisfy the vanity of the noble families.

Yuan Li planned to secretly establish the first soap factory in Ruyang, using trusted household servants as employees to produce the first batch of soap.

Once the soap was ready, Yuanli would then approach Chu Mingfeng to discuss cooperation. After finalizing the cooperation, leveraging the backgrounds of the Prince Chu Mansion, he would launch the soaps into the market.

He could not do this in Luoyang; the only place he trusted was the already familiar Ruyang and his parents who were naturally on the same side as him.

Yuan Song's fingers trembled as he held the paper.

Yuan Li reminded him, "Father, remember to protect the soap formula carefully and do not let anyone who is not trustworthy enter the factory."

Yuan Song affirmed, "I understand, son. I know the importance of this matter."

A sigh escaped the old man's lips as he stroked his beard, a hint of pride flickering in his eyes. "So, the years of raising pigs on the farm weren't just a love for pork, were they?" he chuckled. "It seems you've been preparing for this very moment all along, haven't you?"

Yuan Li smiled and said nothing.

The soap formula was the first reward given by the system, and Yuan Li had indeed started raising pigs intentionally. However, at that time, he did not know if the system's reward was true or false, but he did it out of caution.

"Soap can be made from non-edible pig fat or lard, and it won't waste the meat," said Yuan Li, smiling. "When making soap, the leftover meat can also be given to the guards as extra rations."

"You are always kind-hearted," Yuansong smiled.

After discussing the matter, Yuan Song couldn't stay any longer. He carefully put away the soap formula and hurriedly left to take care of the matter.

Yuan Li also left the study. Guo Lin was waiting outside and said softly, "Young Master, the arrangements for the farm have been made."

Yuan Li looked at the sky and said, "Let's eat first."

In ancient China, typical daily meals for commoners often differed from those of the wealthy. While commoners typically ate twice a day – a breakfast and a dinner – wealthier families enjoyed the freedom to have more frequent meals throughout the day.

Their social status and resources allowed them to indulge in a more luxurious lifestyle, including multiple meals.

After lunch, Yuan Li prepared to go to the farm. However, as Guo Lin led his horse out of the mansion, they ran into Chu Hechao and Yang Zhongfa returning from outside.

Yuan Li paused for a moment, smiled warmly, and greeted them.

The group had been searching in Ruyang County all morning but had found nothing, making them feel a bit discouraged.

Yang Zhongfa weakly replied, "Young Master Yuan, are you going out?"

Yuan Li smiled, "You all look tired from exploring Ruyang County."

After exchanging pleasantries, Yuan Li mounted his horse and was about to leave discreetly when Chu Hechao suddenly asked, "Young Master Yuan, where are you planning to go?"

His tone was calm, and he addressed Yuan Li politely, seemingly less suspicious after Yuan Li's performance and perhaps because of the roast chicken from yesterday.

Yuan Li turned his head and saw Chu Hechao approaching him. With a smile on his face and soft eyes, he replied, "We finally returned to Ruyang County. I plan to visit the farm."

Chu Hechao's gaze moved around him, then he turned his horse and rode to Yuan Li's side. "That sounds interesting, can you take me along?"

Yuan Li had a feeling that things were going as he expected.

He inwardly chuckled and promptly agreed, "Of course. Just keep in mind that the farmhouse is simple and dirty, so please don't mind, General."

Yang Zhongfa, puzzled, asked, "General?"

Chu Hechao waved his hand, indicating that they should continue their investigation.

Yang Zhongfa bowed and led the others back to the county magistrate's mansion.

The farmhouse was located in the countryside, requiring half an hour's ride from the manor. As they ventured into the countryside, the roads became rougher and more rugged, with puddles and bumps scattered everywhere. One misstep by a horse could cause a disastrous fall for both horse and rider.

Yuan Li had traveled this road several times and was well-versed in it. Surprisingly, it was Chu Hechao's first time here, yet he navigated it effortlessly.

Curious to test his riding skills, Yuan Li intentionally veered onto the difficult paths. Leading the way, he sped like the wind, with Chu Hechao closely following. Unintentionally, Yuan Li's guards gradually fell behind and eventually disappeared.

"Master Yuan," a man approached, his breath hot against Yuan Li's face, his voice low and menacing, "That's enough for now."

Yuan Li reigned in his horse and stopped slowly, his face turning red with heat. He fanned himself with his hand and gave the man a thumbs up, "General, impressive."

Chu Hechao glanced at his thumb, half-closing his eyes. Beads of sweat rolled down his face, adding a hint of moist sensuality. Although he had not seen this gesture before, he understood the meaning and didn't bother to dwell on it.

After a long stretch of road that circled around, the horses worked up a sweat. They slowed to a leisurely pace, their breaths gradually returning to a steady rhythm.

The horses swished their tails, swatting away annoying insects that tried to land on them.

A few people in the fields, who were busy catching pests on the seedlings, glanced at them before returning to their work.

Yuan Li was attracting mosquitoes and slapped one in his palm, puzzled as he looked at Chu Hechao, "General, why aren't the mosquitoes biting you?"

With a sardonic smile, Chu Hechao cast a glance at Yuanli's fair, jade-like skin, "Probably because I am is not delicate as Master Yuan."

Yuan Li: "…"

As the two horses drew closer, they seemed to grow more intimate, perhaps due to their side-by-side gallop or the stimulating spring season. Their ear tips brushed against each other affectionately, and they nuzzled each other with fondness.

Chu Hechao's thighs brushed against Yuan Li's several times. While Yuanli was oblivious to the contact, Chu Hechao felt uncomfortable with this strange sensation. Frowning, he forcefully pulled the reins, causing the horse to whimper and distance itself from Yuan Li.

It took a quarter of an hour for the two to reach the farmhouse.

By this time, the others who had been left behind had already arrived via the main road. Yuan Li dismounted and looked at Guo Lin.

Guo Lin nodded subtly.

A fleeting smile crossed Yuan Li's lips.

He had deliberately taken Chu Hechao on a longer route to allow Guo Lin to handle things at the farmhouse in advance. This way, he could inform the farmers in advance about the arrival of esteemed guests from Luoyang, ensuring they felt reassured.

The steward approached, "Young Master, hot water and meals are ready. Would you like to change clothes first?"

Yuan Li nodded, and someone came to take away the horses, feeding them horse feed and washing them. This was not because Yuan Li was overly cleanliness-conscious, but rather a necessary practice whenever he visited the farmhouse.

The countryside in ancient times was not as clean as one might imagine, lacking sewage systems and public toilets. Feces and wastewater were common, and animal excrement littered the roads.

While Yuan Li's managed farm was well-maintained, with daily hygiene routines and converted waste into fertilizer, he emphasized handwashing before and after meals and bathing every three days to maintain cleanliness and freshness.

While both rich and poor valued cleanliness in ancient China, their access to it differed greatly. The wealthy enjoyed a more elaborate daily hygiene routine. They bathed frequently in hot water, a luxury not readily available to the less fortunate.

For oral hygiene, the well-off might use a solution of salt and willow branches, a practice believed to freshen breath. Additionally, they occasionally indulged in baths infused with flower petals, adding a touch of fragrance and supposed health benefits. For cleansing their bodies, they employed bath beans, a type of early soap.

In contrast, the lives of farmers and the poor revolved around hard labor and limited resources. Daily hot baths were simply not an option. They likely bathed less often, using what natural resources were available, such as cold water from rivers or streams.

After the bath, Yuanli felt refreshed. Glancing over, he noticed Chu Hechao stepping out in an ill-fitting attire.

Seeing the tight-fitting garment on Chu Hechao's chest, Yuanli couldn't help twitching his lips.

The steward, a smile playing on his lips, reassured, "Don't fret, sir. I've already dispatched someone to the county to fetch your garments."

Chu Hechao's expression remained grim. He tugged at the uncomfortably tight collar, his lips pursed tight.

Unable to contain himself any longer, Yuanli chuckled. "Steward," he said, "kindly lead us to the dining hall."

The steward bobbed his head in agreement. "Certainly, sir, certainly."

Dinner at the farm proved to be a far cry from the fare they were accustomed to at the magistrate's mansion. The food was even simpler, bordering on coarse.

Throughout the meal, Yuanli felt Chu Hechao stealing glances in his direction. Before he could decipher the meaning behind these furtive looks, Chu Hechao had already begun digging into his meal.

Having recently enjoyed a meal, Yuan Li felt a pleasant satiety, leaving him with little appetite. He watched with amusement as Chu Hechao devoured bowl after bowl, a hint of a playful smile flickering on his lips.

It is a cherished tradition, a gift from the ancestors, to savor the bounty of the earth with a grateful heart. (TNote: This line incorporates a touch of ancient Chinese respect for food and agriculture)

After the meal, as the servants cleared the table, Chu Hechao glanced at Yuan Li, unexpectedly remarking, "Is Young Master Yuan here at the farmhouse just to bathe and eat?"

Yuanli asked for the account books, saying, "Of course not. I still have accounts to go through."

Wrinkling his brow, Chu Hechao replied, "I thought the steward of the farmhouse would send the account books to the master's home every month, not for the master to personally collect them."

Yuan Li sighed inwardly, realizing Chu Hechao was indeed a hard person to please.

Yesterday, after he had eaten with them and showed no signs of suspicion, Yuan Li thought Chu Hechao had dropped his suspicions. But the moment a slight doubt emerged, Chu Hechao reverted back to his cold and unyielding self.

Even if the doubt was unfounded.

Yuan Li figured out why Prince Chu and Yang shi treated their eldest son and second son so differently.

With Chu Hechao's temper, anyone showing genuine kindness might just have their hearts turned cold. Fortunately, Yuan Li had prepared for Chu Hechao's unpredictability and didn't expect his complete trust.

The two men exchanged probing looks, waiting to see who would gain the upper hand.

"Not just for the account books," Yuan Li said slowly. "My father usually enjoys working in the fields to experience the joy of labor. There is a piece of land here owned by my father, and since it's planting season now, it's only natural for a son to help his father, especially when he's tired. So, I'm here to farm on my father's behalf. My father particularly enjoys the carp from the lake in the countryside, and since I will be returning to Luoyang soon, I plan to catch some fish for him."

Filial piety was always a correct political mainstream in the Northern Zhou dynasty. By using these two words as an excuse, no one could criticize him, not even the Emperor.

Chu Hechao's handsome face revealed no emotion, "Sister-in-law is truly filial."

Yuan Li praised him back insincerely, "Not as much as my younger brother."

The atmosphere inside the building grew tense until Lin Tian brought in two cups of tea, breaking the awkward silence.

Yuan Li raised the account books, "I still need to check the accounts. If my brother is bored, why not send someone to show you around the farmhouse?"

Chu Hechao raised an eyebrow and said, "No need. I'll stay here and watch you, sister-in-law."

With that, he comfortably pushed the low table aside, lay down on the floor with hands behind his head, resembling rolling hills with his muscular frame. Chu Hechao closed his eyes, appearing to fall asleep, although Yuan Li knew he was unlikely to be actually sleeping.

He waved to Lin Tian to go down.

After a while, the room fell silent, with only the sound of flipping pages and the contrasting breaths of the two men.

Nearly half an hour passed, and Chu Hechao seemed to have fallen asleep.

Having personal needs, Yuan Li closed the book and started walking out.

However, as he took a step, the man who had been closed his eyes abruptly opened them, staring sharply at him, "Where are you going?"

Yuan Li twitched his brows, "The restroom."

Chu Hechao sat up, "I'll join you."

Yuan Li, hesitating, noticed Chu Hechao following closely behind him as they made their way to the restroom.

Every so often, Yuan Li sneaked a glance back at Chu Hechao, who was following him at a distance.

Yuan Li did intend to find an opportunity to meet Wang Er, but Chu Hechao's presence had thwarted any chance of doing so.

As they made their way to the restroom, Yuan Li occasionally looked back at Chu Hechao, who was following closely behind him.

He genuinely wanted to find a chance to meet Wang Er, but Chu Hechao's persistence was making it difficult. Yuan Li sighed, frustrated by Chu Hechao's success in disrupting his plans.

Yuan Li quickly entered the restroom, but Chu Hechao didn't follow. After attending to his needs, Yuan Li stepped out, only to see Chu Hechao kneeling beside the road, bending his powerful back, and digging in the muddy waters. Curious, Yuan Li peeked from a corner.

He watched as Chu Hechao methodically sifted through the mud, collected a dirty copper coin, cleaned it meticulously with his fingers, and secured it at his waist.

It was the first time Yuan Li had seen Chu Hechao so focused.

To Chu Hechao, this wasn't just a copper coin but a piece of invaluable treasure that could save his soldiers.