C52. Sow Farrowing.

C52. Sow Farrowing.

Chu Hechao has not relaxed his vigilance, waiting for the support of Huyan Ting or Huyan Huntu.

When Huyan Ting led twenty thousand cavalry to come to the rescue, Chu Hechao received the news and used thunderbolt cannons as a deterrent to delay Huyan Ting's footsteps, planning to finish off Huyan Wuzhu before engaging Huyan Ting in battle.

However, Chu Hechao did not expect that after learning of Huyan Wuzhu's death, Huyan Ting did not hesitate for a moment, nor did he have any intention of seizing his father's head and corpse, instead directly leading twenty thousand cavalry to turn and run.

Upon learning that Huyan Huntu had returned to the royal court ahead of schedule, Chu Hechao understood why.

The Xiongnu are not a simple tribe; they have their own country, with their ruling center called the "Royal Court" or "Single Court". The Xiongnu Royal Court is located in the southern desert, known as the Southern Desert Royal Court.

Huyan Ting was not as brave and skilled in battle as his father, but he had a long-term vision. Upon hearing that his younger brother Huyan Huntu had returned with the cavalry to the Southern Desert Royal Court, he urgently led his troops back to the court, fearing that his brother would seize power from him.

Just as Chu Hechao had predicted, Huyan Ting hurried back to the court to prevent his brother from taking the throne after their father's death.

There was no sense of shame in turning and running away, and the soldiers around him did not feel anything wrong.

The Xiongnu people do not have their own written language; as long as there is an advantage to gain, they can abandon civilization and shame.

Father, I blame myself.

Huyan Ting thought silently in his heart as he braved the cold wind.

It is obviously not profitable to fight against Chu Hechao with their formidable weapons for your death.

This is a lesson you once taught me, and I will always keep it close to my heart.

As Huyan Ting left, Chu Hechao had no way to stop him.

It was a very real problem; Chu Hechao did not have enough cavalry to chase the Xiongnu and could not penetrate deep into the grasslands to find the Xiongnu Royal Court.

The grasslands were vast, making it extremely difficult to completely defeat the Xiongnu, requiring significant resources. The Xiongnu had mobilized all fifty thousand cavalry, and to defeat them, a powerful empire needed to provide support for logistics and equipment.

At the very least, Chu Hechao felt that they needed at least one hundred thousand elite cavalry to drive the Xiongnu northward and away from the Central Plains.

This was clearly not something achievable at the moment, so there was no way other than letting the Xiongnu leave.

However, this victory was not without its benefits.

With Huyan Wuzhu dead, there would be a power struggle within the court. Huyan Huntu was a simple man and reluctant to be subordinate to Huyan Ting.

Internal power struggles within the Xiongnu would prevent them from disturbing the borders, and the feat of killing Huyan Wuzhu would also deter the Xianbei and Wuhuan tribes, ensuring at least three to four years of peace at the border.

After the successful operation, soldiers cleaned up the battlefield, ensuring that the enemies who were not yet dead were finished off.

The wild grass was stained with dried dark blood, the bodies piled up into mounds in the mud.

The soldiers also needed to collect their fallen comrades and tend to the heavily wounded.

The soldiers quickly cleaned up the battlefield, despite their casualties, there were no regrets. All twenty thousand Xiongnu cavalry were killed, with five to six thousand horses fleeing and over one thousand injured, ultimately obtaining thirteen thousand battle horses.

This was indeed a great achievement.

This battle was a resounding victory, and the capture of these ten thousand horses brought jubilation to all levels of the military, with joy abound. Especially for those who participated in killing Huyan Wuzhu, they knew they had achieved a great merit, their smiles containing a sense of accomplishment.

The most credit for killing the Xiongnu leader goes to Wu Kai, especially for the thunderbolt cannons Yuan Li invented. Without the thunderbolt cannons, this battle would have been much more difficult, and the great achievement of killing the Xiongnu leader was mostly Yuan Li's!

Chu Hechao felt that just with this battle, Yuan Li was more than worthy of being rewarded.

After the battle ended, He Lang brought out the meat prepared by Wu Kai and celebrated with everyone.

After feasting and drinking, Wu Kai prepared to leave.

Chu Hechao called him over, remaining silent for a while.

Even if Wu Kai was slow to react, he hesitantly asked, "Do you have something to say to me, General?"

Chu Hechao simply responded.

Remembering the two things Wu Kai had explained to him.

Without driving the Xiongnu north, but at least killing Huyan Wuzhu.

Although it was already a great achievement to accomplish this now, Chu Hechao still felt a sense of frustration and uneasiness at not fully achieving what a man should.

He ordered Huyan Wuzhu's head to be brought, wrapped in ashes to prevent decay, and handed it to Wu Kai.

He said in a casual tone, "Present this to Yuan Li and say that I personally killed the Xiongnu leader Huyan Wuzhu."

Wu Kai took the head, nodding in acknowledgment.

Chu Hechao continued nonchalantly, "This achievement is already the limit of what can be done now. Even if someone else were to do it, they would do better than me."

Wu Kai understood and thought that Chu Hechao was boasting of his accomplishments. Awkwardly trying to praise Chu Hechao in return, Wu Kai asked, "Is there anything else you would like me to convey to the Lord, General?"

Chu Hechao remained silent for a long time this time, thinking that there was nothing else to say. The words rolled in his throat and came out as, "I will return to Youzhou for the New Year."

Wu Kai agreed, and that day, he returned to Ji County with the head of Xiongnu's Chieftain and five hundred cavalry.

Along the way, news of the slain Xiongnu leader spread from the frontiers to the various prefectures and counties.

Upon hearing this news, people were overjoyed, with tears of happiness. When they learned that it was Chu Hechao and Governor Youzhou Yuan Li who had assisted in the victory, the people were grateful, spreading their names far and wide, particularly boosting Yuan Li's reputation, which was new to the locals and gained respect.

Well-informed individuals had already learned about the thunderbolt cannons, and the Hu people who had moved into Youzhou had developed a fear of Yuan Li, daring not to underestimate him again. Especially the Xianbei, who were scared, cowering in their own territory and not daring to make any moves.

Two days later, Yuan Li also received the news of the victory at the front line and learned that Chu Hechao had successfully killed Huyan Wuzhu.

Overjoyed, he stood up eagerly from his chair, asking, "Is it true?"

Wu Kai replied, "It is true. Sir, General Chu Hechao has also brought back the head of Huyan Wuzhu."

Yuan Li blinked, somewhat curious about the appearance of Huyan Wuzhu, and said, "Bring it here."

Wu Kai unwrapped the bundle containing the head of Huyan Wuzhu, revealing his head.

After several days, Huyan Wuzhu's head had turned a bluish color but still showed his lean cheeks, majestic appearance, looking to be around fifty or sixty years old, exuding a sense of dignity.

So this was how the Xiongnu leader looked.

Yuan Li nodded, in a good mood, gesturing with his hand, "Hang it on the city gate of Ji County, let the people rejoice together."

Guo Lin took the head, smiling, and went to carry out the command.

Yuan Li had been worried about the front line for several days, and now receiving confirmation of the victory, he was filled with joy. He smiled warmly at Wu Kai, allowing him to recount the details of the battle against the Xiongnu.

Wu Kai recounted every detail, thoroughly explaining everything, and Yuan Li listened with an excited heart, clapping and applauding when he reached the thrilling parts, his eyes sparkling.

"Are you saying there are now fifteen thousand warhorses in the army?" Yuan Li exclaimed in disbelief.

Wu Kai replied, "That's correct."

Yuan Li, initially joyful, suddenly sighed, "It's just a pity for the cavalry and infantry who died in battle..."

While this battle resulted in the deaths of twenty thousand Xiongnu soldiers, during the two clashes, Chu Hechao also suffered losses of about ten thousand men.

Especially among the deceased were people whom Yuan Li knew.

The previous joy had faded, and Yuan Li sighed again, "The soldiers who died in battle should all receive compensation. Wu Kai, please make another trip to the army and ask Chu Hechao for the list of fallen soldiers."

Wu Kai hesitated slightly but agreed, preparing to leave Ji County for the military camp that day. Yuan Li chuckled, "Take a day to rest with your brothers and come back the day after tomorrow."

Wu Kai politely said, "Thank you, sir."

After these words, Yuan Li let him go to rest. When Wu Kai bid farewell, he felt like he had forgotten something to say but couldn't remember after thinking for a while, so he hesitantly left.

After resting for two days, Wu Kai returned to the front lines with a few comrades to obtain the list of fallen soldiers. Along with them, Yang Zhongfa returned.

Yang Zhongfa had come back this time for Han Jin's daughter, with a wry smile on his face, "There is no action on the border, so I took leave to handle some personal matters."

Understanding the situation, Yuan Li patted Yang Zhongfa's back without consolation and asked, "Do you need me to go with you?"

"That would be great," Yang Zhongfa exhaled, "I have never interacted with a little girl before."

Han Jin's wife had died in childbirth several years ago, leaving behind a daughter who was being looked after by maids and living in Ji County.

In fact, the families of these generals mostly lived in Ji County.

Firstly, Ji County had the Prince Chu's residence, under the jurisdiction of Chu Hechao, making it safe. Secondly, to show loyalty, keeping family members close to the leader was the most common and useful method in the present era.

Just like the families of Yuan Li's subordinates, the majority of their families lived in Ruyang County. Initially, when they arrived in Youzhou, they brought their families along, including the craftsmen from the soap factory.

When they arrived at Han Jin's house, Yuan Li did not enter and allowed Yang Zhongfa to go in alone.

After about fifteen minutes, Yang Zhongfa came out with a blushing face, leading a seven or eight-year-old girl who was silently shedding tears. Behind the girl were two maids with calm expressions.

Approaching Yuan Li, Yang Zhongfa gently pulled the girl and whispered, "Yan'er, this is Uncle Yuan, say hello."

Han Yan obediently greeted, "Hello, Uncle."

Yuan Li smiled in response and took out a paper windmill from his sleeve, "This is a gift for Yan'er from Uncle."

Curious, Han Yan asked, "What is this?"

"This is a windmill," Yuan Li explained, "When it spins, isn't it lovely?"

With a gust of wind, the windmill started spinning, floating like a bird's wings.

Han Yan's eyes widened slightly as she nodded, "Thank you, Uncle."

Yang Zhongfa felt relieved and joked, "Young Master Yuan, do you have any more of these toys? I have a young son at home, can you spare one for me?"

"I'm out," Yuan Li shrugged and chuckled, "Mr. Yang, this is just a simple children's toy."

Yang Zhongfa was puzzled, "Then what's the secret behind it?"

"This is called a windmill," Yuan Li explained, "It can grind grains."

Yang Zhongfa was confused and stared at the windmill closely, unable to figure out how it could grind grains.

But Yuan Li was good at soothing people with words, and Yang Zhongfa simply thought it was his own ignorance.

Yuan Li carefully explained that the windmill used for milling was not the European tower windmill but a vertical windmill, similar to a revolving door that could be used for grinding to reduce the burden on humans and animals.

Yang Zhongfa suddenly realized and excitedly pointed at the windmill, "I think this kind of windmill has another use."

In the current fallow fields of Youzhou, some were elevated, making cultivation difficult for the peasants.

Irrigation was a challenge in farming. Water flows downwards, so irrigating high fields meant carrying water with buckets, causing exhaustion.

Could the windmill use wind to transfer water from low to high areas?

As Yang Zhongfa contemplated, he felt clever for the idea he had presented. He asked, "Young Master Yuan, is this possible?"

Yuan Li smiled, "The idea is feasible, but this type of windmill cannot be used in agriculture."

Curious, Yang Zhongfa inquired, "Why not?"

Yuan Li patiently explained, "It's because of the wind. The wind in our Central Plains is unpredictable, blowing from different directions in different seasons. If the wind shifts, the water intended for high areas could return to the lowlands, disrupting the windmill's function. What would we do then?"

Yang Zhongfa had never thought of this problem and was speechless for a while before scratching his head, "I didn't consider that. I guess I underestimated it."

"Mr. Yang, your idea is not wrong," Yuan Li shook his head, "While this kind of windmill may not work in fields, there is something else that can do what you suggested."

Excited, Yang Zhongfa asked, "What is it?"

"A waterwheel," Yuan Li explained confidently, "Instead of using wind as power, it uses water to irrigate fields."

Yang Zhongfa seemed puzzled but intrigued by the concept.

Yuan Li chuckled, "If you're interested in these things, you can come to the Prince Chu's Residence after I finish."

Yang Zhongfa eagerly agreed, "Absolutely."

However, before Yuan Li could start experimenting with windmills and waterwheels, Ji County experienced heavy snowfall. It snowed continuously for two to three days.

When Yuan Li ventured outside, the world was blanketed in white, and the freezing wind felt like sharp knives against his face.

The heavy snow seemed to herald the onset of freezing days before the New Year. Yuan Li lit the kang bed, settled down comfortably, enjoying the peace and solitude.

But after resting for a few days, Zhao Ying, who managed the livestock farm, hurriedly arrived, "Sir, several sows seem to be going into labor."

Yuan Li immediately sprang up, put on his clothes, and rummaged for "Postpartum Care for Sows." His eyes sparkled with excitement, "I'll go there right away!"

Finally, he would get to witness a sow giving birth!