C38. Two in One.

C38. Two in One.

Chu Hechao's face immediately turned red and green.

Realizing what he had done, he quickly released his hand as if holding a hot potato, took a few steps back, and turned around to run. But he ran too fast, stumbled, slipped on the ground, and fell into the water, creating a huge splash.

Yuan Li's eyebrows twitched, and in the next moment, Chu Hechao had already climbed out of the water and ran quickly to the other side without stopping, looking like he was fleeing in panic.

Hearing this, He Lang was stunned, with his jaw dropping, "What's... what's wrong with General Chu?"

But he quickly shivered and started to worry about himself. Seeing Chu Hechao's embarrassing scene, he wondered if he would be punished or even killed.

Yuan Li's anger was still burning partly, but he couldn't help but feel speechless at Chu Hechao's embarrassing actions. His mouth twitched a few times, and he intentionally raised his voice when Chu Hechao came ashore, "Chu Hechao--"

The man who had just climbed ashore almost slipped again, and without turning back, he ran away in a hurry, disappearing without a trace for the rest of the day.

It wasn't until evening that Chu He, wearing wrinkled clothes and carrying a deer, arrived at Yuan Li's tent. He stood outside for a while, standing as straight as a sentry.

Only when the sentry soldiers kept glancing at him did Chu Hechao say, "Tell Yuan Li that I have come to apologize."

The soldier went into the tent and soon came out, "The General said he does not want to see you."

Chu Hechao took a deep breath, his expression still calm and cold, as if he had completely regained his composure. He said, "Tell him that I have come to ask for forgiveness."

The soldier went back into the tent, and this time, Yuan Li finally allowed Chu Hechao to enter.

But Chu Hechao hesitated and hesitated, even wanting to run away. The people in the tent seemed to have a sense of what he was thinking.

Without any warmth or anger, they said, "Are you planning to stand outside and apologize?"

Chu Hechao: "..."

Chu Hechao lifted his feet and entered, not looking at Yuan Li, but directly saying, "I was out of line this morning."

"Is that all you have to say for your apology?" Yuan Li said coldly.

Yuan Li's anger had subsided by now, and he wasn't so angry anymore.

In fact, Chu Hechao had only bumped into him, and they were both men, so there was no advantage to be gained. Besides, Yuan Li had seen things like helping each other among brothers and friends.

But even if he wasn't angry, Yuan Li had to let out his anger from this morning.

If Chu Hechao hadn't pulled him into the water and then pushed him back, would such an embarrassing situation have occurred?

Would he still feel uncomfortable thinking about it now?

Thinking of this, Yuan Li felt his teeth itching with anger.

Chu Mingfeng was right, Chu Hechao was really hard to discipline. No matter how you tried to teach him, he was a tough nut to crack.

Chu Hechao lifted his eyelids to look at Yuan Li when he heard this. Yuan Li stood in the dark by the candlelight, his jawbone outlined sharply and rigidly. When Yuan Li's expression turned serious, his jaw tightened even more, and Chu Hechao said in a low voice, "I'm sorry."

Yuan Li remained expressionless, looking at him with a somewhat sharp and stern gaze, "And?"

Chu Hechao's throat rolled as he hesitated, "I was wrong."

"Chu Hechao," Yuanli seemed disappointed, "if you count the times you have known me until now, how many times have you said 'I was wrong'?"

Chu Hechao was silent.

Yuan Li continued, "And how many times have you truly realized what you did wrong and sincerely apologized to me?"

Chu Hechao finally spoke up, slowly saying, "The time I gave you the seal of the Prefect of Youzhou."

"..."

Yuan Li didn't expect him to have the nerve to answer back, and he couldn't help but laugh, seizing the opportunity, "So the other times were not sincere apologies?"

Chu Hechao realized he had said the wrong thing and pursed his lips stiffly, denying, "No."

Yuan Li chuckled, "Then tell me, where did you go wrong today."

Chu Hechao kept his distance from Yuanli, at least two tables away. His voice was low and tense as he said, "First, I shouldn't have pulled you into the river."

Yuan Li nodded in agreement.

"Second, I shouldn't have pulled you in front of me." Chu He continued.

Yuanli felt relieved and eased, "And?"

Chu Hechao thought back to the feeling in the river that morning, his expression becoming more cold and stern as he said, "Third, I shouldn't have felt too comfortable."

"....?"

Yuan Li was puzzled.

"What did you say? Say it again?" Yuan Li asked, his anger starting to rise.

Chu Hechao looked at Yuan Li strangely, as if wondering if water had gotten into his ears during the day. "I said, I shouldn't have felt too comfortable when I touched you--"

"Shut up!" Yuan Li's anger flared up instantly.

"Well, if you're apologizing, just apologize. What is the meaning of that statement? Is this an apology? I see this as a provocation!" Yuan Li's face darkened, and he stood up abruptly, striding over to Chu Hechao, his eyes blazing with fire as he stared at him for a while before kicking him.

Chu Hechao groaned.

He endured being kicked by Yuan Li more than a dozen times without retaliating. After sweating heavily, Yuan Li lifted the tent and said, "General, please."

Chu Hechao wiped the corner of his mouth, which was injured, and glanced at Yuan Li, his handsome face paired with his tall figure giving off a unique and irresistible wildness. He didn't say anything, obediently leaving Yuan Li's tent.

That night, Yuan Li had his men pack up and left the camp with his close followers early the next morning, heading to Jixian ahead of the rest.

The next day, when Chu Hechao wanted to come and continue to apologize, he found that the camp was empty.

At the same time, in Ruyang County.

Because Yuan Li had achieved military merit by executing the rebel army, Emperor Jianyuan admired his bravery and filial piety at such a young age. He wanted to inspire all the heroes to fight bravely and also wanted to create a young hero to commend him.

So, with a big stroke of the pen, he appointed Yuan Li as the Guannei Marquis of Yuansong.

Guannei Marquis of Yuansong was one of the Marquis titles, usually awarded to those with military merit. It came with a certain number of households and the authority to collect taxes according to the specified number of households.

Once appointed as the Marquis, even though it was just a title, it meant that all the tax revenue in Ruyang County belonged to Yuan Li. He may not have been given land, but he was already on par with someone who owned Ruyang County alone.

When the eunuch of the court came to announce the decree, Yuan Song was in a daze for a long time, unable to believe it. His mind was filled with disbelief: my son made me a marquis?

My son earned a Marquis title for me?

Yuan Song felt like he was in a dream, floating on air. His heart was so overwhelmed that he couldn't put it into words.

Coming from a humble background, he had only become an official because his teacher had recommended him for being filial. Despite this, after serving as an official for two or three decades, he was still just a small county magistrate.

He had never climbed the ranks because of his humble background, and he had never advanced his career in his lifetime.

That was why he had pinned all his hopes on his son, hoping that Yuan Li could fulfill his aspirations for him.

But he had never expected this!

He had never thought that Yuan Li could achieve such great things!

He was almost at the age of confusion, a big four, who would have thought that he would be able to ascend to the rank of Marquis thanks to his son's achievements?

The court eunuch Zhao approached him with a smiling face, speaking very warmly, "Lord Ruyang, you are truly fortunate."

On the side, Madam Chen wiped her eyes with a handkerchief, her eyes already filled with tears. Seeing that her husband was still in a daze, she called out softly, filled with excitement, "My husband, why not thank Eunuch Zhao right away?"

Only then did Yuan Song come to his senses, his face flushing instantly as he spoke somewhat incoherently, quickly saying, "Eunuch Zhao, please come in, hurry into the manor for a cup of hot tea."

Eunuch Zhao politely declined with a smile, "The Emperor is waiting for me in the palace, I won't be drinking your tea."

Although he refused the tea, he didn't immediately leave, instead, he stood there.

Yuan Song understood his intention and quickly had money brought over.

Lin, the steward, personally prepared the reward money and, panting, rushed over to hand the silver coins to Eunuch Zhao.

Eunuch Zhao could tell from the money pouch that it was a substantial sum. He was satisfied with the sincerity of the Yuan family and didn't mind speaking a few words of praise for them, implying, "The Emperor likes your son. As far as I know, Yuan Lang has not yet come of age, has he?"

With a quickening heart, Yuan Song smiled and responded, "Yes, my son is two years away from reaching adulthood."

Eunuch Zhao added meaningfully, "I will inform the Emperor about this matter. Perhaps, your son will be blessed, and he might even receive a personal character official name from the Emperor."

Yuan Song was overjoyed and bowed deeply, saying, "Thank you for your kind intentions, Eunuch."

Eunuch Zhao was pleased with his understanding and didn't want to make things too optimistic, saying, "Ah, nothing has been confirmed yet, Lord Ruyang, please do not mention this to anyone."

"Yes, yes," Yuan Song had more money brought over, "Thank you for your hard work, Eunuch."

As Eunuch Zhao left, the entire Yuan manor was filled with joy.

Yuan Song's two concubines, their children, and a few sons were also standing by, showing expressions of joy. If it had been Yuan Li who had been granted the title, they might not have been so happy.

However, as it was the Lord who had been granted the title, it was a great celebration for the entire household.

Yuan Song's sons were already thinking of ways to brag to others about their father being granted the title.

Madam Chen had tears of joy in her eyes, unable to contain her smile, "My husband, others should now address you as Lord Ruyang or Marquis Ruyang. With Ruyang County under our control, the Wei and Wang families will be too frightened to assert their dominance in front of us anymore. Who can compare to us now?"

Yuan Song chuckled and stroked his beard in agreement, nodding, "Certainly. But my wife, we must not get carried away. This achievement has been given to me through the efforts of my son. He wants me to take good care of Ruyang County and ensure stability. With the title of the Marquis, I can act more boldly, expand my fields and farms, and provide enough food and trust to my subordinates. I must ensure that my son has enough resources and support in times of need."

Madam Chen's smile deepened at the corners of her eyes, as she whispered, "My husband, you are right."

When the other wives and sons heard this, they couldn't help but show a bit of jealousy.

But Yuan Song and Madam Chen didn't mind at all. They exchanged a few whispered words, and Madam Chen couldn't help but ask hesitantly, "My husband, about the matter of the Emperor granting a personal character official name, do you think our son will be fortunate enough to receive this blessing?"

Yuan Song sighed heavily, feeling a weight on his heart.

"It's better not to have this blessing."

Madam Chen asked hesitantly: "What does my husband mean?"

He waved his hand, signaling for a celebration, and quietly returned to the study.

Yuan Song was not particularly sensitive to major events in the world, rather he was a bit dull. Therefore, Yuan Li had specially analyzed the major events in the world for Yuan Song before leaving.

Yuan Song became aware that the world was heading towards turmoil.

Northern Zhou had lasted for three hundred years, and now it was on the brink of survival. Since birth, Yuan Song had considered himself a Northern Zhou person and never thought that Northern Zhou would cease to exist one day.

But even if he was anxious about the future, Yuan Song knew that having the Emperor grant a personal character official name at this critical moment was a double-edged sword.

If the Northern Zhou court had not been overthrown, then the Emperor's grant of a personal character would have naturally been a good thing. However, if Northern Zhou truly perished, wouldn't the next ruler be implicated by his son, dragging the entire Yuan family into trouble?

This double-edged sword was too dangerous, and Yuan Song would rather not have this blessing, so as not to jeopardize the rise of the entire Yuan family with Yuan Li as their hope.

Therefore, he could only take a step ahead and prepare to have Yuan Li come of age and receive a personal character official name earlier, even if it meant angering Eunuch Zhao.

Yuan Song wrote a letter, detailing every aspect of this matter, and made preparations for Yuan Li to come of age a year ahead of schedule. He instructed Yuan Li to find a perfect opportunity to come of age early, even if Yuan Li was stationed on the border, it would not affect the ceremony.

Once a young man came of age, it meant that he could begin to govern, serve the country, and participate in rituals.

With the letter ready, Yuan Song had someone deliver it to the northern border and sternly instructed, "Do not lose this letter, and if something happens on the way, destroy the letter immediately!"

The trusted servant replied, "Yes!"

Yuan Song nodded and let him go. That night, Yuan Song visited the head patriarch of the Yuan family.

The clan leader was Yuan Song's paternal second grandfather, who had always adored Yuan Li from a young age for his intelligence and talents. However, he was old now and had been bedridden for the past seven or eight years.

His greatest wish in life was for the Yuan family to thrive under his leadership.

Yuan Song took off his coat and sat by the bed, telling the family head about Yuan Li's achievements that had earned him the title of Marquis.

The clan leader was overjoyed, his eyes sparkling, as if he had regained his youth and vitality. He tapped the bed tirelessly, saying repeatedly, "Excellent!"

Yuan Song inquired about his health, then finally, with a heavy heart, he revealed his plan for Yuan Li to come of age early.

After hearing the plan, the clan leader understood what he was thinking.

After a moment of silence, the clan leader struggled to sit up and Yuan Song helped him up. The clan leader leaned back against the bedpost, sighed, and, despite feeling relieved, his voice was filled with contentment, "I have waited so long, and never did I expect that one day, even in my old age, I could still contribute to the Yuan family."

Yuan Song felt remorseful, "Second Grandfather..."

The clan leader took Yuan Song's hand firmly, his aged eyes filled with determination, "Rest assured, I have lived long enough. To see you granted the title and know that your son has a bright future, I am content. Yuan Song, your decision is a good one. In the current tumultuous world, they emphasize that one must come of age before entering official service. It is better to come of age a year earlier than a year late... When you both make your decision, just let me know. I would like to see Li'er come of age early as my dying wish, and if a dying wish is to see him come of age early, then coming of age a year ahead of schedule will not cause any gossip; everyone will only praise him for his filial piety. Yuan Song, I can only ask you to do this."

Yuan Song's eyes were filled with hot tears, "This is enough."

After saying this, he got up and knelt on the ground, earnestly kowtowing to the clan leader three times.

The clan leader accepted it calmly.

Because they both understood that to turn a dying wish into reality, death had to be the cost.

The clan leader had decided to use his own death to provide Yuan Li with an opportunity to come of age a year earlier.

The clan leader's son entered the room, standing by the bed, silent and choked with emotion.

The clan leader coughed and said, "You're a grown man now, why are you crying?"

The son's voice was hoarse as he said, "Father, your son wants you to live a few more years."

"I am only a burden to you all while I live," the family head, in his old voice, said slowly, "But when I die, your path will broaden. Tomorrow, bring your eldest and second son to Yuan Song's side, let him take them to his son, Li'er, and follow him in building a career and making achievements. Li'er is far away in the borderlands and he needs his brothers by his side to support him."

The son hesitated, "My eldest son, Yuan Lou, is steady enough for this. But is my second son, Yuan Dan, too playful for this?"

"He is clever and talented. As long as your son is willing to use him, he will surely make a name for himself." The clan leader said, "Perhaps these brothers may even leave their mark in history."

The son thought this was impossible and felt a bit amused and embarrassed, thinking that his father was getting old and saying things he normally wouldn't.

He shook his head, feeling uncomfortable, "Father, you are too optimistic about them. Even if Yuan Li is successful, it doesn't mean that the next generation of children will also be successful. Having a Yuan Li would be good enough. Furthermore, leaving a mark in history? Father, in the countless generations and millions of people throughout history, only a few have left their mark in history!"

"You still don't understand," the clan leader said.

Closing his eyes, the clan leader sighed and said regretfully, "Three hundred years ago, following the Founder in the conquest of the world already brought fame and reputation to the warriors of the world. Among these warriors, many were the Founder's own brothers, forming the backbone of his achievements. Did the Founder really possess the true aura of a dragon, causing even the heavens to place martial power at his disposal? It was not this."

The clan leader's voice gradually weakened, "It was because they were by the Founder's side that they were given the opportunity to learn, achieve, and stand out. It was because the Founder became an Emperor that they were praised throughout the ages and left a mark in history."

The son was shocked and alarmed, "Father, how can you compare with the warriors beside the Founder!"

The clan leader sighed deeply and with a bitter smile waved his hand, indicating for him to leave.

*

Ji County.

Yuan Li was on horseback, riding hard, and in less than ten days, he returned to Ji County.

Yuan Li had left early not entirely due to being angered by Chu Hechao, but more because he had received a message, and Zhang Ming had long been waiting for him in Ji County.

Returning to Ji County in the afternoon, Yuan Li called for Zhang Ming, quickly washed and changed into fresh clothes.

When he emerged, Zhang Ming had just arrived at the Prince Residence.

However, Zhang Ming was not alone, as he had brought along a horse merchant named Zhong Ji.

Not sure if Yuan Li would be willing to meet with Zhong Ji, the two of them waited outside.

"Zhong Ji?" Yuan Li sipped his tea as he raised an eyebrow, looking over at Jian Shaoning, who was sitting beside him, "Shaoning, I remember this person is a horse merchant from Yanzhou with some connections to Yanzhou Prefect Che Kangbo."

After a long absence, Shaoning had regained some confidence, and the anxiety on his face had disappeared, revealing a sense of calm and composure. His eyes shone with a bright light, giving him an air of confidence and certainty, as he smiled and replied, "Indeed, most of Governor Che Kangbo's horses are provided by this horse merchant."

Yuan Li pondered for a moment, setting his tea cup down, "It seems like Yanzhou has been quite turbulent recently."

Guo Lin whispered a few words in Yuan Li's ear.

Yuan Li sighed, "So, it's a case of a revenge-seeking."

A few days earlier, Zhong Ji had acquired a batch of horses, including several pure white steeds. His daughter had insisted on seeing the white horses, so Zhou Ji had taken his beloved wife and daughter to choose a horse.

However, on their way back, they were ambushed by bandits who stole their horses, and tragically, his wife and daughter were killed. Zhong Ji had sought Che Kangbo's help in eliminating the ruthless bandits, but Che Kangbo had been too afraid to confront the fierce outlaws and had sent Zhou Ji away with just a few words.

With nowhere else to turn, and with a heavy heart, Zhong Ji had searched for a solution to no avail. At this critical moment, Zhang Ming had told him about Yuan Li's reputation for kindness and righteousness, providing a lifeline for Zhou Ji, who then found the Yuan family through Yuan Li's renowned reputation for benevolence.