C46. Killing Pigs (Part 2).

C46. Killing Pigs (Part 2).

Since the last time Chu Hechao slapped himself, he had been forcefully avoiding reminiscing about the incident. Whenever the thought of Yuan Li crossed his mind, he would imagine Yuan Li slapping him again.

Not seeing Yuan Li in the past few days had been effective in suppressing his thoughts. This proved that Chu Hechao's last encounter with Yuan Li's sharp tongue was only a momentary haze, which relieved Chu Hechao.

He now had the confidence to face Yuan Li again.

But when Yuan Li glanced at him, Chu Hechao felt restless and uncomfortable.

Without Yuan Li around, Chu Hechao suddenly felt a sense of relief and focused on his work. He skillfully butchered the pig, finishing the task in no time.

After washing his face and hydrating, Yuan Li sat under a tree to rest for a moment. However, he soon became restless and wandered around, checking on how people were slaughtering pigs, counting the number of pigs killed, and engaging in casual conversations with the locals.

Chu Hechao, observing Yuan Li talking to the people, furrowed his brow, handed the knife to a soldier, wiped his hands, and walked over.

Yuan Li was attentively inquiring about the villagers' well-being, "The harvest in the fields this year is good, right? Winter is approaching, do you have enough firewood and charcoal at home?"

Yuzhou was the northeastern region of Northern Zhou, remote and with harsh weather conditions. The winters in Yuzhou were bitterly cold, with snow and icy winds. Many impoverished farmers would freeze to death during the harsh winter months.

Yuan Li harbored a hidden worry - the origin of the system was unclear, but it was evident that each task issued by the system was connected to the events Yuan Li was experiencing. The rewards for completing these tasks were always something useful for him, whether immediately or in the future.

For example, the rewards included assets gained from trading soap, salt, and a guide on postpartum care for sows. Even if he hadn't started the task yet, like acquiring white sugar, the rewards hinted at future events.

The completion reward for the apprenticeship task led to Ouyang Ting being sent to the south for a mission, prompting Yuan Li to request Ouyang Ting to find sugarcane for making white sugar.

Therefore, Yuan Li believed that the rewards given by the system for tasks had implications for the future.

Among the unfinished system tasks, Yuan Li had already received items related to keeping warm in winter - cotton only obtainable after entering official service and a coal mine reward for quelling the Yishan Army. These items made him wonder if Yuzhou would experience a snow disaster in the coming winter, possibly not this year, but the following year.

Considering that the tasks to obtain cotton and a coal mine couldn't be completed until after entering official service, Yuan Li speculated that if there were no snow disaster this winter, he would need to be prepared for one in his first winter after entering official service.

Hoping his speculation was correct, Yuan Li sighed and shifted his focus back to the villagers.

Though Yuan Li appeared young, his demeanor was dignified and extraordinary, making the villagers hesitant to lie and truthfully share their circumstances. With Yuan Li present in Yuzhou, he had asserted authority over the county officials, resulting in a better harvest and reduced exploitation of the villagers, particularly in Ji County.

The villagers of Ji County had fared better this year, as they had not been exploited for their crops as much as before.

Although Yuzhou was desolate with a sparse population and untamed land, and despite the improvements, it was still relatively barren.

Having resided in Yuzhou for numerous years, the villagers had their ways of enduring the harsh winters, surviving as best they could unless facing catastrophic events like snowstorms or hail.

While Yuan Li expected the villagers to desire a mild winter, to his surprise, they preferred a colder winter.

Baffled by this preference, Yuan Li finally understood when an elderly man expressed, "A cold winter ensures a stable harvest."

Other villagers chimed in, explaining how colder winters were beneficial for the fields, as the snow provided insulation and water, while freezing temperatures reduced harmful pests, thus decreasing crop damage.

Warm winters were comfortable for people but detrimental to crops. The villagers relied on their harvest for sustenance, preferring to endure the cold for a better winter.

Feeling a bit unsettled, Yuan Li witnessed the villagers scatter in fear as a small fruit was tossed his way and caught it – a golden autumn pear. With its promising appearance, Yuan Li looked up to find Chu Hechao's handsome face watching him sternly.

Chu Hechao, with blood splatters on his body and his imposing stature, seemed intimidating, resembling a ruthless criminal in the eyes of the villagers.

Given their recent encounter and Yuan Li's not wanting to accept anything from him, he asked sternly, "What is this?"

Chu Hechao raised an eyebrow, giving Yuan Li an odd look as if surprised he didn't recognize a fall pear. "Autumn pear, haven't you seen it before?"

Yuan Li, of course, had seen one before.

His question was more about why Chu Hechao was giving him a pear in the first place.

Feeling weary, Yuan Li suspected he looked silly in Chu Hechao's eyes. Likewise, he couldn't help but think Chu Hechao seemed just as clueless to him.

Feeling uninterested in further conversation, Yuan Li took a bite of the pear without expression and remarked, "It's sweet."

Taking another bite, his eyes widened in surprise.

Chu Hechao, with a slight smile that quickly vanished, gave Yuan Li a stern look and asked, "Didn't I tell you to rest at the back? Why are you running around?"

Grateful for the distraction with the pear, Yuan Li quickly redirected the subject, "Have the people prepared firewood and charcoal for the winter?"

After a moment of contemplation, Chu Hechao confidently stated, "This winter won't be too cold."

Intrigued, Yuan Li inquired, "Why do you say that?"

Chu Hechao replied nonchalantly, "Winter's warmth or coldness relies on the eleventh day. If it's overcast on the first day of October, firewood and charcoal will be as precious as gold. If it's a clear day, it will be a mild winter."

Curious, Yuan Li asked, "Was October first a clear day this year? Is this saying accurate?"

Chu Hechao glanced at him, stating, "Not accurate."

Yuan Li's smile froze on his face.

With a glint of amusement in his eyes, Chu Hechao walked towards the well, saying, "It's just a farming adage. On the first day of October in the lunar calendar, in Yuzhou, there are both clear and overcast days. Would the warmth of winter vary across Yuzhou?"

Following his lead, Yuan Li pondered, "Chu Hechao, are you intentionally teasing me?"

Chu Hechao quickened his pace, and Yuan Li matched his stride. Chu Hechao's long legs exuded a powerful momentum, and his muscular thighs became more prominent when he lifted his robes, appearing effortless.

With a tad of mischief in his gaze, Chu Hechao commended, "Well done, you caught on that I was teasing you."

Yuan Li suddenly stopped in his tracks.

It wasn't until Chu Hechao had taken a few steps forward that he turned back to see Yuan Li's face, now slightly cold with a slight downward curve at the corner of his mouth.

The handsome young man stood vividly before him, with the bustling pig slaughterhouse behind him, noisy and bloody, yet not affecting his pristine appearance. Despite not wielding a stone knife and lacking a robust physique, he still managed to make one feel unsettled and flustered.

Swallowing hard, Chu Hechao approached Yuan Li, his expression unchanged, his eyes scanning the surroundings warily, cautious of being seen in this compromising situation. He spoke softly, "What's the matter, can't I joke with you?"

Yuan Li remained silent, simply looking up at him calmly, his jaw tensed in a sign of unanticipated rejection.

Chu Hechao surveyed the area with a pause, lowering his voice and inquiring, "Are you really upset?"

Yuan Li turned to leave.

Cursing under his breath, Chu Hechao swiftly moved to block Yuan Li's path, insisting, "Let's talk things out, why leave?"

Yuan Li kept his head down, showing no expression, his fair and delicate ears lightly brushed by his black hair, as he attempted to sidestep Chu Hechao.

Quickly shifting to the right, Chu Hechao blocked him like a solid obstacle. "Yuan Li, look up."

Unable to see Yuan Li's expression, Chu Hechao grew tense, his tone firm and somewhat demanding.

Defiantly holding his head high, Yuan Li looked directly at Chu Hechao before trying to move to the left. Chu Hechao immediately sidestepped to the left, like a bandit blocking the path and preventing him from passing.

"Are you angry?" Chu Hechao had never been so low and apologetic with anyone, and he was sweating with embarrassment. "There are people around, can we save the argument for later? I was wrong this time, can we let it go?"

Suddenly, Yuan Li's shoulders began to shake.

Chu Hechao's expression shifted - was he crying?

Bending down to inspect Yuan Li's face, Chu Hechao was relieved to see Yuan Li stifling a laugh with flushed cheeks and a raised corner of his lips.

As soon as Chu Hechao discovered Yuan Li's amused reaction, Yuan Li burst into uncontrollable laughter, stepping back and laughing heartily, tears almost welling up in his eyes, his features filled with mischievous delight. "General, there's no need to apologize. After all, I was teasing you back."

He couldn't contain his amusement and laughter as he turned around and ran off.

Chu Hechao stood frozen for a few moments, his face changing from red to green, before swiftly following Yuan Li.

A thousand pigs had been slaughtered from morning till evening.

After the slaughter was complete, the entire butchery reeked of blood, and the exhausted workers could hardly lift their hands, gasping for breath.

At this point, the thought of eating meat wasn't appealing to Yuan Li, especially to the ordinary villagers who had helped slaughter the pigs, as the sights and smells of blood and gore had made them sick to their stomachs.

But as Yuan Li began to pay the workers their wages and distribute the pork, the villagers' spirits were lifted, and they eagerly queued up in excitement.

Setting up tables, Yuan Li sat with Guo Lin and Zhao Ying, locals who were responsible for accounting. Each villager who had helped with the slaughter had their total recorded by the soldier, receiving a hundred coins and a pound of meat for each pig they had slaughtered.

Guo Lin handled the money, while Zhao Ying weighed the meat. As each villager was paid and given their share of meat, they left with smiles, pockets filled with money and hands clutching meat, their fatigue and discomfort from the long day washed away by joy.

To prevent any potential theft, Yuan Li made sure they were escorted safely back home.

Once all the villagers had been sent off, half an hour had passed, and the sky had darkened.

The onlookers were dispersed, leaving only the soldiers who had been busy all day.

Yelling loudly, Yuan Li announced, "You've all worked hard today. We've slaughtered a thousand pigs, and tonight we shall feast on fresh pork!"

The soldiers cheered and began setting up and lighting fires to cook the meat.

Yuan Li had already brought in the camp cook and the main chef from the Prince Chu Estate, providing them with ample spices to expedite the preparation of the pork.

The officers felt somewhat embarrassed. "We appreciate your generosity, Yuan Gongzi. You've treated us well - but giving us this much is too much!"

"It is my humble duty," Yuan Li smiled warmly. "I have already divided the remaining provisions among you brave warriors. Do you find this offering sufficient?"

Despite his own position, Yuan Li ensured fairness. He claimed only the meat of a hundred pigs for himself and his retinue, along with the offal and lesser cuts. The rest, a generous portion, was distributed amongst the entire army.

Several generals, upon learning of the generous portion Master Yuan had offered, expressed their shock and waved their hands dismissively. "Master Yuan," they exclaimed, "this is far too much! We are simply assisting you with the pig you purchased. There's no need for such a substantial reward."

"What's the big deal?" Yuan Li remained unperturbed, "I need very little, and I can't finish all this meat myself. Take it with you."

"This…" They all looked towards Chu Hechao for guidance.

After receiving a nod from Chu Hechao, they gratefully accepted the meat and thanked Yuan Li.

Yuan Li was responsible for the army's logistics, and these thousand pigs were meant to supply the military. However, the officers were unaware of his arrangements.

These pigs had not been castrated and were too foul-smelling. Yuan Li couldn't stomach their meat, so he only kept a hundred pigs' worth of meat, giving the rest to the military.

As the meat hung before them, the soldiers worked extra fast.

With the area cleared, the bright flames illuminated the night, as Yuan Li and a few officers sat around the fire, tasting the first fresh pork of the day.

Although Yuan Li had provided ample seasoning, the meat's pungent odor was overpowering. He forced down a mouthful and decided not to touch the chopsticks a second time.

Unaware of Yuan Li's discomfort, the others happily indulged, eating heartily and laughing loudly, their mouths gleaming with grease. Encouraged by the festive spirit, Heng Lang had the musicians strike up a tune, pulling the officers into a dance.

After his dance, Yang Zhongfa also chimed in to sing a folk song, his voice resonant, "Reeds tall, melodious flute, a thousand miles of grass grazing cattle and sheep, cattle and sheep grazing on wild grass, bringing to mind fathers and mothers."

This was a local nursery rhyme from Yuzhou. Amid the laughter that followed Yang Zhongfa's song, someone teased, "Why are you singing nursery rhymes, Sir Yang?"

Yang Zhongfa proudly confessed, "My son has been learning this nursery rhyme from his mother lately. He sings it every day, and I've memorized it too, offering a humble performance."

This glimpse of domestic life brought a smile to Yuan Li's face.

The joyous night quickly passed, and the next day, Yuan Li had the pork sent to the military camp. To prevent the meat from spoiling, He Lang took charge, personally guarding the precious cargo back to the northern border.

The hundred pigs' worth of meat that Yuanli had kept would be processed into cured and smoked meat for long-term preservation.

Initially, Chu Hechao and the others were supposed to return to the northern border. However, with winter approaching, it would be challenging to transport supplies in the cold, so they needed to send winter provisions in advance.

While all the harvested crops had reached Ji County, it would take another half-month for them to arrive. Chu Hechao postponed their departure to ensure Yuan Li wouldn't have to waste energy sending supplies to them after leaving.

As autumn drew to a close, the weather grew colder, and the nights darker.

Ten days later, at a regular noon, Yuan Li was napping when suddenly the system in his mind pinged.

[The Wanbaike System has been activated. The mission of quelling the Yuzhou Rebel Army has been completed, and the reward has been issued. Please explore at your leisure, Host.]

Roused from his sleep, Yuan Li sat up in bed, his eyes sparkling.

Yuan Congyun had successfully battled the Baimi rebels!

Yuan Li would never forget that the reward for quelling the Yuzhou Rebel Army mission was potatoes - a high-yielding, easy-to-grow source of sustenance.

Quickly getting dressed, he summoned Lin Tian, Guo Lin and the household servants, urgently instructing them to search the yard for any unfamiliar plants.

"Look for any plants in the yard that you haven't seen before."

Despite a thorough search, the servants found nothing new in the courtyard.

Furrowing his brow in concern, Yuan Li wondered if the reward from the system, typically seamless and non-suspect, could have been brought in from outside, just like the "Postpartum Care for Sows" he had received previously.

Finding this possibility increasingly plausible, he changed into his clothes and hurriedly stepped outside for a walk around.

But as night fell without any sign of unfamiliar plants resembling potatoes, Yuan Li was left puzzled and returned to the Prince Chu Estate.

Upon his return, Guo Lin hurried to inform Yuan Li, "Master, this afternoon, Yuan Daren, who was on a military campaign in Liaoxi County, has sent news of victory. Along with the joyful news, a large batch of spoils of war has been delivered and it's been sent to the general's courtyard. The general has sent for you to visit within the hour, seemingly to see if there is anything you desire among the spoils."

Spoils of war…

Yuan Li's eyes lit up as he hurriedly made his way to Chu Hechao's courtyard.

Strangely, Chu Hechao's courtyard was empty.

But Yuan Li was too preoccupied to notice. He called out, "Chu Hechao?"

There was a rustling behind the door.

Quickly pushing it open, Yuanli beamed, "I heard you just received a lot of spoils of war…"

The words trailed off.

Chu Hechao, still dripping wet from the bath, stood before him fully unclothed, his arm lifting a towel to his face as he stared back in astonishment.