C27. Lamb on its Way.

C27. Lamb on its Way.

Liu Jixin had been searching for a wise lord for many years.

This wise lord must possess exceptional intelligence, embody virtuous qualities that accommodate others, and have a vision for the future along with patience for the present. They should be able to endure hardship, understand the struggles of the lower class, and most importantly, have significant ambition matched by determination.

When Liu Jixin found Yuan Li, he didn't initially believe that Yuan Li was the one he had been searching for. He observed every action of Yuan Li discreetly, and eventually felt a sense of regret.

Regret that Yuan Li had not yet achieved recognition, and regret that Yuan Li was too compassionate.

However, these thoughts suddenly enlightened him.

To have a forward-looking perspective, endure present hardships, possess ambitious aspirations and sharpness, and be able to decisively strike down the enemy when necessary - wasn't this exactly the wise lord Liu Jixin had been seeking?

So what if he hadn't achieved recognition yet?

Wouldn't such a prodigy, once recognized, transform into a dragon amidst storms?

At that moment, he was the first advisor by his side. For Liu Jixin, this was indeed a tremendous opportunity.

Liu Jixin wholeheartedly acknowledged Yuan Li as his lord.

Yuan Li was momentarily surprised but then calmly said, "Please rise, sir."

Wu Kai, witnessing the scene, seemed to understand something and quickly followed suit, bowing respectfully, "My lord."

Yuan Li smiled warmly and invited them to sit. He leisurely chatted with them about their families, hometowns, and daily life.

While Liu Jixin and Wu Kai used to address Yuan Li as "young master," Yuan Li didn't feel comfortable engaging in such intimate conversations with them earlier due to his unclear status.

But now, things had changed. He was willing to show care towards his subordinates, who would surely appreciate this gesture and wish for more such interactions to build a closer relationship with Yuan Li.

Upon learning that Wu Kai couldn't read, Yuan Li suggested, "Having strength alone won't make you a renowned general. When we return to Ji County, would you like me to teach you how to read?"

Excited and unable to find words, Wu Kai's face flushed with gratitude, "Thank you, my lord!"

Education was a valuable resource during that era, inaccessible to individuals like Wu Kai. By teaching him how to read, Yuan Li was providing him with an opportunity to break through social barriers. Wu Kai's loyalty to Yuan Li would deepen as a result.

Yuan Li chuckled, "Once you learn to read, you can choose a name for yourself."

Unsure, Wu Kai asked, "Do I deserve a name, too?"

"Why not?" Yuan Li replied. "If you're unsure of what name to choose, let Mr. Liu give you one."

After some contemplation, Wu Kai, with a flushed face, asked, "Could my lord name me, please?"

"Of course," Yuan Li smiled, "As long as you don't mind my lack of recognition."

Wu Kai immediately shook his head.

After some thought, Yuan Li continued, "'Kai' signifies joy and also the victorious music played after a military triumph. This name carries excellent symbolism. Therefore, let me give you the name 'Zhou Sheng,' wishing for your every return from expeditions to be triumphant."

Muttering the name "Zhou Sheng," Wu Kai's eyes sparkled brighter, and he respectfully bowed, "Thank you, my lord."

Yuan Li smiled at him.

Wu Kai showed promise as a military commander and was not to be wasted. Advancing his thoughts, Yuan Li already envisioned a way to raise Wu Kai's reputation.

*

On the following day, the soldiers had no city attacks to perform, making the atmosphere in the military camp more relaxed.

Rest was necessary even on the battlefield, as keeping soldiers in a constant state of tension would not benefit the troops. Occasionally, everyone would gather, share jokes, and engage in friendly competitions to let off steam.

Today, under Yang Zhongfa's command, a captain and under He Lang's command, another captain designated an open space in the camp as a sparring ground. Each brought their respective troops to compete in strength.

Yuan Li brought Wu Kai over, and as soon as Wu Kai approached, the soldiers who recognized him eagerly shouted, "Young Master Yuan is here!"

Others warmly greeted, "Is Young Master Yuan here to watch the sparring match?"

"Who is Young Master Yuan betting on to win?"

Yuan Li exchanged pleasantries with them before turning his gaze to the sparring ground.

Two burly soldiers with bare shoulders were competing in a test of strength, pressing against each other shoulder to shoulder, faces flushed with exertion, neck veins bulging, leaving footprints in the soil.

In addition to the soldiers, many officers gathered around the sparring match. Captains, lieutenants, and sergeants... upon seeing Yuan Li, they approached to greet him with enthusiasm.

Yuan Li introduced Wu Kai to them and suggested, "This brother of mine is also a skilled martial artist with plenty of strength. Why not let him compete with the soldiers under your command?"

Several officers looked at Wu Kai, momentarily taken aback by his imposing stature, their curiosity piqued about his abilities. They agreed cheerfully, "Of course, let this brother join the match!"

Addressing Wu Kai, Yuan Li said, "Go ahead, give it your all."

Wu Kai nodded solemnly and clasped his fists, "I will not bring shame upon my lord."

Afterward, Wu Kai removed his upper garment and stepped onto the sparring ground. The victorious soldier in the match seemed wary upon seeing him, displaying caution.

Standing still, Wu Kai waited for the opponent to make a move. As the opponent hesitated, Wu Kai seized the opportunity and launched an aggressive attack, swiftly advancing.

Half an hour later, inside the granary.

Chu Hechao and Yang Zhong had just finished their meals when a lieutenant, drenched in sweat, hurried over. Planning to speak to Yang Zhong, upon spotting Chu Hechao, he hesitated and decided against it, avoiding any conversation.

Chu Hechao calmly said, "Speak."

"I am here to ask Mr. Yang to go to the martial arts arena to help out in a hurry," the military scout couldn't help but blurt out like a spilled bean, "Young Master Yuan found a powerful warrior from somewhere, who has already defeated many people in the arena. First, he defeated the soldiers, then several military scouts and captains couldn't bear to sit back and personally fought against that strongman, but they also lost! Finally, General He was alarmed and is currently fighting, but from what I could see..."

The military scout wiped the sweat off his forehead and struggled to say, "It's most likely that he will lose."

Yang Zhongfa was shocked, "Even General He can't beat this person?"

Chu Hechao suddenly said, "Is that kid called Wu Kai?"

The military scout nodded.

Yang Zhongfa suddenly realized, "Is he the one who met Ma Renyi in Beixin County that day and was sent by General to engage in direct combat with the enemy? That guy is indeed brave."

He turned to the military scout and said, "Hurry, take me there to see, let me have a match with this person!"

When they arrived at the martial arts arena, they witnessed Wu Kai fiercely tripping General He to the ground. General He cried out in pain, grinning, "You are quite ruthless, kid."

Yang Zhongfa chuckled, quickly stepped forward and said, "General He, you who always boast as a proud son of heaven, also have days like this?"

General He, holding his shoulder, grimaced as he stood up and scoffed, "Yang, don't just stand there talking big, why don't you give it a try yourself? This guy is really strong, I really can't beat him."

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw Chu Hechao not far away. General He's face changed, he quickly lowered his head and said, "General, I have embarrassed myself."

The other defeated leaders also shamefully bowed their heads to Chu Hechao.

Chu Hechao raised an eyebrow, "Let General Yang avenge you."

With that said, the arena became lively again. Yang Zhongfa removed his weapons and heavy armor, eagerly walked up to Wu Kai, "Brother, don't underestimate me just because I'm old, don't hold back."

Wu Kai was already sweating profusely, breathing heavily. He maintained a determined look and clasped his fists, "Please teach me, General."

Off the stage, Chu Hechao walked to Yuan Li's side and said in a low voice, "Is this your way of saving face for your subordinates under my command?"

Yuan Li turned to Chu He Chao with a smirk, "I can't afford General's words, but judging by your implication, you think Mr. Yang is no match for Wu Kai either?"

Chu Hechao looked at the arena where Yang Zhongfa was already engaging with Wu Kai, swiftly and skillfully exchanging blows. After watching for a while, he concluded, "Yang Zhongfa can win."

Yuan Li also watched the match, Yang Zhongfa was a veteran, not as strong as Wu Kai, but his experience was unmatched. The situation on the stage was intense, neither showing any signs of weakness.

Yuan Li knew that the outcome of the match was uncertain, but looking at Wu Kai's determined expression, he said, "My opinion differs from General's."

Chu Hechao smirked, "Would you dare to make a bet with me, sister-in-law?"

Yuan Li didn't take the bait, "General, you first tell me what we're betting on."

"If Yang Zhongfa wins, the batch of medicinal herbs and money that my sister-in-law previously sent to the military will not be counted on my account," Chu He Chao said.

Yuan Li's expression was strange, he almost couldn't hold back his laughter. Did Chu Hevhao actually think he needed money for the medicinal herbs he brought?

Was he so poor that he couldn't even afford the money for medicinal herbs?

But what was even more surprising was that he had actually prepared to give Yuan Li money for the medicinal herbs?

"Okay," Yuan Li nodded in agreement, he had never intended to ask money from the penniless Chu Hechao, "But if Wu Kai wins, what are you prepared to give me, General?"

Chu He Chao directly asked, "What does my sister-in-law desire?"

"I would like the military merits for my previous actions against Ma Renyi, which were documented by the General to the court, to be bestowed upon my father," Yuan Li stated.

Chu He Chao nodded in agreement.

The two men in the martial arts arena fought fiercely, but Wu Kai, having fought several rounds, was somewhat exhausted and gradually found it difficult to withstand Yang Zhongfa's veteran moves.

In the end, Wu Kai was defeated.

The dark-skinned peasant man gasped for breath, his face showing unmistakable disappointment. He humbly got up from the ground and thanked Yang Zhongfa, "Thank you, General, for your guidance."

Yang Zhongfa, also sweating profusely, waved his hand at Wu Kai and eagerly said, "Do you want to come work under me, be my personal guard?"

Wu Kai shook his head, "I already serve my lord, I am grateful for the General's favor."

Yang Zhongfa turned towards Yuan Li on the sidelines, understandingly, "You are Young Master Yuan, right? Your judgment and fortune are not bad!"

With that, he pushed Wu Kai out of the arena with a hand and enthusiastically called out to Yuan Li, "Young Master Yuan, would you like to have a match with me?"

Yang Zhongfa had long been curious about Yuan Li's martial prowess. Yuan Li could go toe to toe with the General on horseback, and even shoot an arrow precisely to kill Ma Renyi from a hundred steps away.

It was no simple feat, and now was the perfect opportunity for a sparring match.

Yuan Li was taken aback for a moment, then realized that everyone's eyes were on him. He smiled resignedly, ready to step forward, "General, please go easy on me."

Seeing this, He Lang glanced at Yang Zhongfa and winked, "Old Yang, you are so old, Young Master Yuan is kind-hearted, he probably wouldn't dare to go hard on you. Why bother challenging Young Master Yuan?"

He tried to signal to Chu Hechao, eager to see a fight between them, "Don't use your age and authority to bully others!"

Yang Zhongfa instantly understood and cursed He Lang for his cunning. But his curiosity and desire to watch the excitement were overwhelming.

Unable to resist, he rubbed his hands together and urged Chu Hechao, "General, why don't you join? I've just had a strenuous match with Wu Kai, and I'm afraid I might lose to Young Master Yuan later. It wouldn't look good for either of us."

Chu Hevhao pursed his lips and gave him a warning look. Then, he glanced at Yuan Li and saw that he froze in place, his expression subtly changing.

Chu Hechao narrowed his eyes, discerning the hesitation hidden within Yuan Li. He immediately strode into the martial arts arena, tied his robe around his waist, and extended his hand towards Yuan Li with a smiling invitation, "Sister-in-law, shall we?"

"…"

Yuan Li hesitated for a moment and then stood in front of Chu Hechao with a calm expression, despite feeling slightly nervous about facing him in a match.

It was his belief that he had a fifty percent chance against Yang Zhongfa as both he and Yang Zhongfa's advantages lay not in strength but in skill and experience. But against Chu Hechao, Yuan Li felt a sense of unease, doubting his own ability to win.

However, he couldn't back down as a man. With a tumultuous heart, Yuan Li stood before Chu He Chao with a composed demeanor.

The General rarely engaged in personal duels, and the soldiers on the sidelines were completely enthralled and noisy with excitement.

Chu Hechao looked playful as he took a few steps forward, teasingly asking, "Sister-in-law, are you afraid of me?"

Yuan Li's mouth twitched, "General, please don't speak nonsense."

Chu Hechao observed him carefully, though he didn't say anything verbally, his expression clearly indicated his mockery of Yuan Li's youthful and slender physique.

Yuan Li realized it and suddenly spoke, "General, the medicinal herbs in the military are running out. In a few days, I plan to send the wounded soldiers back to Ji County and will go with them to purchase more herbs."

He hesitated, "Regarding the money..."

Chu Hechao's expression stiffened.

Clearing his throat, Yuan Li looked at Chu Hechao with a subtle smile in his eyes, "General, please be merciful and don't let me lose too badly."

Chu He pchao replied curtly from between his teeth, "Of course."

As soon as he finished speaking, Yuan Li launched an unexpected attack. Despite his words urging for mercy, his actions were forceful and ruthless.

Chu Hechao initially struggled to keep up, seemingly falling behind. He managed to block Yuan Li's arms with a poker face but took the opportunity to draw close, threateningly commenting, "Sister-in-law, you're quite shrewd."

Yuan Li innocently retorted, "General, in war, deceit is fair."

Chu Hechao wanted to get angry but restrained his temper, maintaining a stoic expression while masking his seething aura. They engaged in a thrilling back-and-forth battle, leaving onlookers stunned.

He Lang gasped in awe, "Is Young Master Yuan really that skilled?"

Yang Zhongfa, however, realized that Chu Hechao was intentionally going easy on Yuan Li, feeling relieved and murmuring, "I never thought the General would show such consideration for his sister-in-law..."

This was how it should be!

How could a grown man bully his sister-in-law who had yet to mature?

In the end, Yuan Li was defeated in the match, but he accepted the defeat graciously, earning cheers and respect from the soldiers. Surprisingly, it was the victor, Chu Hechao, who appeared slightly displeased.

Yuan Li bid farewell with a smile, returning to his tent to discuss plans to return to Ji County with Liu Jixin and Wu Kai.

During dinner, Chu Hechao sent a soldier to deliver a leg of lamb to Yuan Li.

Seeing the soldier outside the tent, Yuan Li's eyelid twitched. Wu Kai presented the leg of lamb, "My lord, there is a note atop it."

Yuan Li immediately picked up the note, which had two lines written in a playful manner.

"Presenting a leg of lamb for Sister-in-Law's nourishment. With his slender waist, I fear I could easily break it with a slight exertion, how should I proceed?"

Yuan Li could almost imagine the smug smirk on Chu Hechao's face as he wrote those lines.

A slight exertion?

Break a waist with a hand?

It was a blatant display of contempt.

Yuan Li's veins bulged on his forehead as he calmly burned the note, forcing a gentle smile, "Go on, roast the lamb. Once it's done, send it back to the General."