C9. Youzhou Discussion: Inside the Wooden House.

C9. Youzhou Discussion: Inside the Wooden House.

Chu Hechao's voice was calm, asking without any disturbance.

But like a sudden thunderstorm outside the window, his sharpness directly aimed at Yuan Li.

In the darkness, Chu Hechao's gaze seemed to be fixed on Yuan Li.

This question was well-asked.

What made it good was that Yuan Li didn't know if he knew.

Yuan Li smiled without a sound, quickly calming down. He pushed aside the recent scene from his mind, focusing on why Chu Hechao asked this question now.

Yuan Li indeed had no idea where the goods lost by Yang Zhongfa were.

Despite his suspicion that Wang Er might be involved with the goods, he had no time to verify the truth.

"What kind of goods did Yang Zhongfa lose?" Yuanli's voice, still husky and gentle from just waking up, blended with the sound of rain, as refreshing as spring water in a creek.

"General and Sir Yang mentioned the lost goods to me, but they did not reveal when, how, or what was stolen. Sir Yang said the goods were military funds, and according to our laws, embezzling military funds and intercepting urgent military correspondence are capital offenses, even implicating nine generations and causing others to suffer. Truth be told, General, I don't have the audacity to intercept military funds."

Yuan Li sighed. "If the military funds were stolen, why didn't you report it to the court and search with your soldiers?"

This was the reason Yuan Li wanted to keep him secret when meeting Wang Er alone.

If Wang Er had actually stolen military funds with the victims, it would be a capital offense, even implicating Yuan Li's family who sheltered the victims.

But instead of handling it openly, Chu Hechao's chose to investigate secretly.

Either he was sure the person obstructing the goods was connected to Yuan Li, so he chose to be discreet because Yuan Li was like a "sister-in-law" to him.

Or the goods were not military funds at all and had an uncertain origin. Even Chu Hechao had to observe covertly.

Given Chu Hechao's ruthless temperament, the latter seemed more likely.

Yuan Li even had a bold thought.

Perhaps Chu Hechao's was planning to rob the goods to use them as military funds, just like those victims!

In the narrow wooden hut, rainwater leaked through the corner of the eaves, drip-drip-dripping.

Yuan Li couldn't see Chu Hechao's expression. In the silence, it seemed like the man's fingers were lightly tapping his thigh, contemplating his words.

After a while, Chu Hechao finally spoke. In a flat tone, he said, "Those goods are antiques, calligraphy, paintings, and gold silk."

This definitely wasn't regular military funds. By telling Yuan Li this, Chu Hechao's indirectly admitted that those victims didn't steal military funds.

Yuan Li sighed imperceptibly with relief and continued more confidently. "I would like to ask, General, if these goods were transported to the North Territory, how long could they supply food for the thirteen thousand soldiers there?"

Chuhaochao replied, "Tighten your belts, it would last for two months."

"And what happens after those two months?" Yuan Li pressed on.

Chu Hechao's tone turned cold. "I came to Luoyang for the military funds. Even if there are delays, they won't delay for another two months."

Yuan Li persisted, "But what if the court really doesn't allocate provisions?"

Chu Hechao's smirked cynically, about to speak, when he heard Yuan Li say, "Or they provide provisions, but only thirty or forty percent of the usual amount?"

Chu Hechao's fell silent.

"General," Yuan Li began cautiously, "I'm aware of your familiarity with the harsh realities of the northern border. Delivering supplies over a thousand li (roughly 400 kilometers) is a monumental task. You understand better than anyone the critical role of logistics and transportation in such an endeavor."

"Imagine," he continued, "the numerous light tanks and heavy chariots requiring constant maintenance and repairs. Not to mention the vital task of providing for the 130,000 soldiers. Daily rations, equipment needs, and officer expenses easily amount to thousands of gold."

Yuan Li paused for emphasis before elaborating on the hidden costs. "The journey itself is fraught with challenges. Supplying the military extends far beyond simply transporting rations. It starts with the loading process and requires dedicated escort teams. Even the horses, cattle, and sheep used for transport consume a portion of the supplies."

"Furthermore," he added gravely, "deliveries are rarely smooth. Damaged vehicles, fatigued horses, and enemy attacks are constant threats. Replenishing armor, arrows, crossbows, halberds, shields, and even oars is essential. By the time these supplies reach the front lines, at least sixty percent will have been lost to attrition."

"Even if deliveries are limited to just once a year, the financial burden is immense. This figure doesn't even account for the additional drain caused by corruption at various levels, from embezzling officials to unscrupulous quartermasters."

When the last word fell, Yuan Li's voice was already very low, and if you don't listen carefully, it might be covered by the wind and rain.

Chu Hechao's eyes widened in surprise. He bolted upright, his gaze fixed on Yuan Li in the darkness. "How could you possibly know this?"

Yuan Li calmly revealed the excuse he'd meticulously prepared beforehand. "My father employed a veteran soldier from Bingzhou as my martial arts instructor. During his service, he once escorted vital food supplies on a treacherous journey spanning thousands of miles."

Chu Hechao remained unconvinced, grappling with doubt. "Are you implying the imperial court wouldn't prioritize the safe passage of military provisions to the northern frontier?"

Yuan Li stifled an urge to roll his eyes. Chu Hechao's question, though phrased innocently, was blatantly obvious. "What do you think?" he countered dryly.

Chu Hechao laughed twice, with a hint of sarcasm, and said nothing.

"If the court does not care, you will inevitably tighten your grasp on those goods," Yuan Li continued. "You are a good general. But as your 'sister-in-law,' I have a few words to say to you."

Chu Hechao chuckled mysteriously and calmly said, "Sister-in-law, please go on."

Yuan Li cleared his throat. He heard the man pick up a cup, followed by the sound of him swallowing tea. Feeling thirsty himself, Yuanli couldn't help but swallow saliva. "General, could you pass me a cup of water?"

Chu Hechao felt around the table. The only cup on the table was the one he used. He casually rinsed the cup with some cold tea from the pot and handed it to Yuan Li.

After quenching his thirst, Yuan Li wiped his mouth and assumed a more senior posture. "General, if you haven't planned for the future, even if you find those goods, it'll just be a temporary solution. After those goods are used up, and there's still a shortage, are you prepared to rob again?"

"Sister-in-law, you've pointed out a good strategy," Chuhaochao unusually patient, took on a listening attitude. "I may be foolish, but do you have a clever plan?"

Yuan Li didn't confirm if he did or didn't but changed the topic to ask Chu Hechao about Prince Chu territorial title and the number of households under his jurisdiction, and how much rice they could produce in a year.

Chu Hechao uttered, "Youzhou."

Yuan Li's eyes widened suddenly.

Prince Chu territorial title was in Youzhou!

Youzhou was the most northeastern place in the world. It was remote, rugged, making it difficult for imperial decrees to reach, promoting the rise of local separatist forces.

Cut off from the North, Youzhou was frequently invaded by minority tribes from forests and grasslands. In the eyes of the Central Plains people during the Northern Zhou, Youzhou was an impoverished, backward, and dangerous place, often used by the court to exile criminals, not much better than the underworld.

If Prince Chu territory was in Youzhou, situated just behind the North Territory, it provided excellent conditions for raising troops. However, given Chu Hechao's predicament, Youzhou couldn't possibly supply him with the required military funds.

But Yuan Li knew that a look at the map would reveal Youzhou as a strategically advantageous place.

In the north of Youzhou were the Yanshan Mountains and the Bashang Plateau, to the west were the Guan Pass and the Taihang Mountains, and to the east was the resource-rich Bohai Sea.

Eastward through the Liaoxi Corridor lies the vast Northeast Plain.

Though Youzhou has mountainous terrain and natural defenses, it also boasts a large plain. With rivers like Juma and Sanggan, the region is suitable for agriculture and animal husbandry. Most importantly, it is an excellent breeding ground for horses.

If utilized properly, Youzhou could easily become a major granary for a nation, ensuring no food shortages.

People from the Central Plains underestimate Youzhou due to their lack of understanding, but the region has the potential to challenge the Central Plains' political power. If loyal ministers and capable generals make good use of Youzhou's advantages, it can serve as a strong defensive barrier.

However, should chaos reign in the world, Youzhou would also be an excellent place for rebellion.

It offers natural defenses for defense and offense, making it ideal for engaging in prolonged battles against the Xiongnu and Xianbei.

Seeing the potential of Youzhou, Yuan Li couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency for Chu Hechao, who had fallen so low as to seek provisions in Luoyang.

"You..." Yuan Li hesitated and let out a series of sighs.

But it wasn't entirely Chu Hechao's fault.

Youzhou, despite its attributes, was an impoverished area that had yet to be developed. Coupled with Chu Hechao's permanent stationing in the North Territory and the Chu family residing in Luoyang, how could he have discovered the benefits of Youzhou?

Nonetheless, Yuan Li's determination to collaborate with the Chu family grew stronger.

He wanted to be in charge of the logistics for Chu Hechao's army, thereby gaining influence within the military. With all the favorable circumstances, Yuan Li had to seize the opportunity without a doubt.

"Sister-in-law?"

"Consider it done," Yuan Li assured, a hint of finality in his voice. "The general needn't worry; I'll personally oversee the goods you mentioned."

Chu Hechao furrowed his strong brows at Yuan Li's words, which seemed unfinished. Was he now stuck in an awkward position?

Thinking about what more to ask, Chu Hechao heard Yuan Li stifle a yawn before wrapping himself tightly in his blanket and returning to his bed.

Despite the slight movements, Chu Hechao keen senses allowed him to "see" Yuanli's every move from the subtle sounds.

Chu Hechao just remembered that his sister-in-law had not yet come of age and was still lacking sleep.

Slowly, the room quieted down, with a few mosquitoes buzzing around Chu Hechao's ears, adding to his frustration.

While Yuan Li remained snug under his blanket, Chu Hechao started feeling hot and damp in the room.

Initially irritable, he was now sweating profusely.

Chu Hechao's sat still in his chair, expressionless. Despite his calm demeanor during the conversation with Yuan Li, he hadn't truly calmed down, simmering with internal turmoil in the darkness.

Chu Hechao was always a tough nut to crack and had difficulty tempering his temper once riled. But this time, he was unusually impassive, although the inner fire still burned brightly, evident in his provocative behavior.

Perhaps it was the spring's heat that exacerbated his irritation.

Yuan Li's breathing is slow and peaceful, one after another, more annoying than the sound of mosquitoes.

Just as Chu Hechao was taking a sip from the teapot, reclining back in his chair, unmoved, he suddenly reached out for something.

After a while, a strong, foul musky odor wafted through the room, causing Chu Hechao to relax his back, take a deep breath, and remove the clothing wrapped around his waist, quickly wiping it clean.

The evidence was swiftly eradicated.