C17. Please.

C17. Please.

Yuan Li felt like he had misheard, asking again, "Accompany you to Youzhou?"

Chu Hechao, patient, said, "Sister-in-law, are you unwilling to go to Youzhou?"

Yuan Li: "…"

Even Yuan Li, with his exceptional character, couldn't help but curse in his heart.

Of course, he wanted to go!

If a few days ago, when he had just learned that Chu Hechao was leaving and told him this, Yuan Li would have undoubtedly been thrilled to accompany Chu Hechao. But now his mindset had changed, with his goals for the next two years set, and a series of plans made for his stay in Luoyang - at this moment, Chu Hechao wanted him to go to Youzhou with him?

Are you insane!

Yuan Li clenched his fist, bones creaking, taking several deep breaths to calm himself.

Looking at the sandy road and the gnarled old trees, Chu Hechao suddenly adopted a respectful tone, "Sister-in-law, I owe you an apology. I shouldn't have abducted you so directly, but with your great talents, wouldn't it be a waste to stay in Luoyang?"

Coolly, Yuan Li replied, "General, your words are amusing. The Imperial Academy's reputation is widespread, with countless talented individuals. How can that be considered a waste of time?"

"Sister-in-law must have noticed that major events are about to unfold in the world," Chu Hechao leaned in, his voice low and secretive, "otherwise, you wouldn't have sent troops to Ruyang, making the Yuan residence vigilant."

Yuan Li's scalp tightened, did Chu Hechao know?

Quickly regaining his composure, Chu Hechao's status as a renowned general in Northern Zhou naturally granted him this level of insight.

By saying this, Chu Hechao indirectly affirmed Yuan Li's speculation.

Flattering further, Chu Hechao continued, "Sister-in-law, with lofty ambitions and exceptional talent, you have a profound understanding of military matters and logistical management. In this aspect, you are already distinguished. While studying at the Imperial Academy can be enriching, spending years there just to befriend a group of inexperienced youngsters could indeed be a waste of time."

Chu Hechao's smooth words brought a smile to Yuan Li's face.

Patiently, Yuan Li responded, "I have not yet obtained my official cap, not yet of age to take office. Even if I were to go with you to Youzhou now, the powerful clans would not acknowledge me. Without a legitimate title, they wouldn't heed my authority. Remaining at the Imperial Academy to enhance my experience is the best choice. The scholars there possess vast knowledge; even after two or three years, I would only learn a fraction of what they know."

Those who could hold office were scholarly individuals.

Those who vied for power and dominance in troubled times were also scholarly and influential individuals. In Northern Zhou, only those with an exemplary background were considered eligible for the political stage.

Even Yuan Li, hailing from a humble background, needed formal recognition for others to acknowledge him.

They would question, if you don't have official recognition, are you filial, talented, or worth following?

Cao Cao, from a eunuch background, carried his own stigma. He went to great lengths to have Xu Shao comment on him as "a virtuous minister in peaceful times, a crafty hero in chaotic times," all to obtain an official recognition, to have legitimacy.

If it were merely an issue of background, Yuan Li wouldn't mind. But if others didn't acknowledge him, they would believe he wasn't worth following, thus he lacked the qualifications to stand alongside others in turbulent times and have their loyalty.

Continuing like this, even if Yuan Li managed to recruit soldiers and manipulate the logistics to entangle Chu Hechao's army, he would remain nameless. Without a proper reputation, he wouldn't be able to establish his own base.

Occasionally, Yuan Li wondered, isn't it fine to be nameless?

Isn't his goal to stabilize his foothold in the chaotic world and help more people to the best of his ability?

If that was all, he didn't need to waste time and effort struggling to follow the conventional path of this era. He could quietly leverage his strengths, maintaining a low profile behind Chu Hechao.

But…

Yuan Li placed his hand on his chest.

His heartbeat was strong, resonating clearly.

Why did he feel so reluctant?

Yuan Li was puzzled.

Did he want more than just being a nameless figure?

Chu Hechao caught on to his thoughts, pondering, "Staying in Luoyang, are you aiming for an official recognition?"

Awakening from his thoughts, Yuan Li nodded, "My mentor instructed me to stay in Luoyang for two years, to increase my reputation and network. After two years, he will recommend me for an official recognition."

"After you achieve your official status, having an official recognition is crucial, even in chaos," Chu Hechao remarked, "Ouyang Ting truly has your best interests at heart. If turmoil engulfs the realm but Luoyang remains stable, your stay there is feasible. However, Sister-in-law, have you forgotten something?"

"Whether it's my father, me, Yang Zhongfa, or any military leader in the Northern Territories," Chu Hechao's tone shifted, "we can recommend you for an official recognition to grant you a legitimate background."

Yuan Li's eyes widened in disbelief.

He turned to Chu Hechao, stunned.

...Indeed.

Chu Hechao continued, "Even in the Northern Territories, you can acquire an official position recognized by the court. Don't forget, Youzhou is under the jurisdiction of the Prince Chu's Mansion."

Lowering his gaze at Yuan Li, Chu Hechao smirked playfully, "My father or I can appoint or dismiss officials in Youzhou. Just an official recognition—simply submit it to the court at that time. As the first wife of the Prince Chu's Mansion, you can manage Youzhou with our authority until you come of age. On reaching adulthood, I will appoint you as the Inspector of Youzhou. We are family, ensuring my peace of mind while battling in the forefront, isn't this better than staying in Luoyang?"

Chu Hechao respected Chu Mingfeng's wishes, but when it came to Yuan Li, he disagreed with Chu Mingfeng's perspective.

Chu Mingfeng had limited interactions with Yuan Li, lacking a full understanding of his value.

However, Chu Hechao saw through it all - from the novelty items in the farm, to the confidence in providing logistical support for the 130,000-strong army, Yuan Li was a rare talent.

Forcing him to stay in Luoyang for two years would only be a waste.

Yuan Li swallowed nervously.

...Ah, he could do it like that.

He had forgotten that he was already part of the Prince Chu's Mansion, entitled to manage Youzhou legitimately. He had overlooked that Prince Chu and Chu Hechao were the masters of Youzhou, with complete control over its officials' appointments and dismissals!

The dense fog shrouding Yuan Li's mind was suddenly dispersed by a powerful force, jolting him awake.

Of course, why hadn't he thought of it before?

What was he really contemplating all this time?

Yuan Li rubbed his temples vigorously, mustering a hesitant query, "Even if you say that, I can't just head to Youzhou now. I haven't had the chance to prepare anything..."

"Then prepare today," the commanding and efficient military demeanor of General Chu exposed itself as he spoke, "Since Sister-in-law's time in Luoyang is short, there shouldn't be much to arrange. After receiving the soldiers, horses, and supplies at the Tunqi Camp, we will pass through Ruyang County - your foundation lies there, so everything you need should be there."

He continued, a hint of amusement in his tone, "I am curious to see what preparations you have made for me, Sister-in-law."

Unable to argue further, Yuan Li struggled, "You publicly abducted me, and the Prince Chu and his wife will send people to track you down..."

"I left a letter for my father," Chu Hechao stated calmly, "It has been a short time since Chu Mingfeng's burial, so this action was necessary to bring you along. I can't stay in Luoyang for long, so I had to reluctantly 'force you into disgrace' for a while."

Yuan Li had no basis for rebuttal.

After a moment, Yuan Li bowed his head, silently chuckling.

Though the situation had unfolded abruptly, Yuan Li calmly confronted his inner thoughts - did he truly not want to go to Youzhou?

Did he truly not envision heading to the undeveloped Youzhou immediately, eager to transform the barren land into a prosperous granary, capable of supplying soldiers with provisions, ruling an entire province at the age of eighteen on the familiar yet unfamiliar battlefield - did Yuan Li not desire these things?

He did.

He wanted them badly.

If he desired them, why then did he scrutinize the hastiness and unease?

However, even if he desired it in his heart, he couldn't easily agree to Chu Hechao's proposition.

He needed Chu Hechao to heed his words, to let Chu Hechao come to him, to treat him cautiously, to understand that Yuan Li was a valuable talent that required concessions.

Yuan Li remained silent.

Initially confident, Chu Hechao began to feel uncertain as time passed. Lowering his head, all he could see was Yuan Li's dark hair and translucent ear.

"Sister-in-law?" Chu Hechao prompted.

Yuan Li moved forward sluggishly, like a turtle taking a few slow steps, before murmuring, "General, let's forget about it. If you can commit the act of abducting me today, what if I offend you in Youzhou..."

His words trailed off.

Chu Hechao began to feel restless.

Unable to discern Yuan Li's expression, he bent down his sturdy back, casting a shadow over them, attempting to scrutinize.

The young man's half-face was close, lips tightly pressed, lashes lowered, exhibiting no signs of wavering.

Chu Hechao took a deep breath, leaning in further, the scent of a man and the earthy smell of blood and dust filling the air.

Hearing Chu Hechao's low voice near his ear, Yuan Li sensed a hint of urgency as he gritted his teeth and implored, "Sister-in-law, please..."

Yuan Li's eyes twinkled at the corners as he decisively responded, "Alright, I agree with you, General!"