C53. The Power of Kindness (Why It Matters).

C53. The Power of Kindness (Why It Matters).

Yuan Li rushed happily to the livestock farm in the night, eager to put into practice the knowledge he had just gained from "Postpartum Care of Sows." Finally, after waiting from spring to winter, he had the opportunity he had been waiting for.

Yuan Li had never helped a sow give birth before, and his excitement and nervousness now were similar to a first-time father standing outside the delivery room. In the pigsty at the livestock farm, everything had been cleaned according to Yuan Li's instructions, with dirt removed and surfaces disinfected with hot water.

Clean straw had been spread on the floor, candles were lit, and the dim lighting created a warm and safe space, ensuring the sow about to give birth would feel comfortable.

The pigsty was not built very tall, as in winter, shorter and denser pens could better retain heat and prevent the pigs from getting cold. When Yuan Li entered the pigsty, he saw the pregnant sow in distress, curled up in a corner. She did not move when he entered, only turning her eyes weakly in his direction.

The injured soldiers working at the pig farm did not have the means to care for pigs, and they didn't know how to help the sows give birth. When they found out Yuan Li was coming to demonstrate for them, they selected a dozen or so eager learners to observe how to assist a sow in giving birth.

The soldiers were all very serious and attentive, eager to learn from Yuan Li. To them, raising pigs was how they would earn a living in the future, and even a young master like Yuan Li knew how to do it, so how could they not?

They didn't want to have to rely on Yuan Li every time this task needed to be done.

Despite it being his first time assisting with a pig birth, Yuan Li was feeling very nervous under the watchful eyes of the soldiers. He went over the theoretical knowledge in his mind multiple times and asked, "Are all the things I need ready?"

Zhao Ying hurriedly nodded, opening a bundle and taking out each item one by one—sacks, towels, and a sharp knife. Everything had been cleaned thoroughly, and the knife had been heated with hot water to ensure it was warm to the touch.

In addition to these items, disinfectant iodine was also mentioned as needed, but due to limited resources, Yuan Li focused on making sure the tools were clean.

After checking everything, Yuanli nodded, took a deep breath, and said, "Sows usually give birth at night, so it should be happening soon."

While waiting for the sow to give birth, Yuan Li stepped outside to get some fresh air. The snow was still falling lightly, b2ut it had lessened compared to earlier in the night. He took a few breaths of the cold winter air and reminded himself, "Don't be nervous, don't let your hands shake. Remember, Yuan Li, you are a professional."

Half an hour later, the sow began to push. The first piglet was always the most difficult to deliver, and Yuan Li could only watch as the sow struggled.

Once the piglet was born, he quickly lifted it up, clearing the mucus around its nose to prevent suffocation. He also wiped the mucus off the piglet's body with a sack or towel to prevent it from getting cold in the winter night.

The most challenging part was cutting the umbilical cord. After handling the first piglet with care, Yuan Li gained more experience and became faster at delivering the remaining piglets. After about an hour and a half, the sow expelled the afterbirth, completing the birthing process.

Yuan Li repeated the process for the other sows ready to give birth, and the injured soldiers understood how to assist as well. After a busy night, Yuan Li was covered in sweat, as were the soldiers he had helped.

After washing his hands, Yuan Li asked the soldiers, "Did you all understand what to do?"

The soldiers nodded confidently and replied, "Don't worry, Young Master Yuan. We have all learned how to help with deliveries."

After speaking, the soldiers couldn't help but admire Yuan Li and praised him several times.

Yuan Li, with a calm and confident demeanor, replied with a smile, "In the coming days, there will always be sows reaching their due dates. I encourage you to try your hand at assisting. I will be at the pig farm these days, so if you have any doubts, don't hesitate to come to me."

The soldiers nodded gratefully.

The next day, Yuan Li woke up early to check on the piglets he had helped deliver the night before.

There were a total of thirty-two piglets born from three sows: eleven female and twenty-one male piglets. This ratio immediately highlighted the value of the female pigs, but Yuan Li also had a soft spot for the male piglets.

Looking at the young boars with satisfaction, Yuan Li began thinking about how he would castrate them a month later.

Over the next ten days, eight hundred sows went into labor one after another as their due dates arrived.

The candles in the pig farm were lit night after night, and soon the weak squeals of piglets could be heard throughout the facility. However, not everything went smoothly; due to the cold weather, some piglets died from exposure within a day of being born.

There were also unfortunate cases where piglets were eaten by their own mothers.

The injured soldiers at the pig farm were heartbroken by these incidents and became more vigilant day and night, fearing for the safety of the piglets. In such challenging circumstances, the soldiers quickly adapted to handling various unexpected situations with the sows and piglets, surpassing Yuan Li's expectations.

On the 10th of December, while Yuan Li was inspecting the pig farm and admiring the newborn piglets, he received news of unrest among the Bai Mi prisoners.

Some prisoners had caused trouble and killed others, while some attempted to escape during the chaos.

Frowning, Yuan Li immediately dispatched his personal guards to suppress the unrest and went to the scene to assess the situation.

Upon arrival, he found his guards surrounding the area, but faced with twenty thousand prisoners, their force of a thousand cavalry seemed insufficient. Worried about the potential for escalation, Yuan Li called for five thousand soldiers stationed in Jizhou County to reinforce them.

The disturbance was caused by dozens of suddenly violent prisoners armed with hidden stones, resulting in the deaths of several other prisoners.

Yuan Li demanded his guards capture these instigators, questioning them sternly, "Who ordered you to do such things?"

During his tenure, Yuan Li only had the Baimi prisoners engaged in construction activities and had provided for their basic needs. There had never been any issues with the prisoners, and they seemed content.

Yuan Li didn't believe it was such a coincidence and found it hard to believe that this group had suddenly instigated violence and attempted to flee during the turmoil.

Despite the threats and his calm demeanor, the prisoners refused to give any information. Some of them spit at Yuanli fiercely. Yuan Li then calmly stated, "Bring him forward."

One of the prisoners, Wu Kai and Wang Er stood up.

Yuan Li ordered, "Execute them on the spot."

The guards complied and proceeded to carry out the executions without hesitation. Seeing the raised blades, the terrified prisoners began to struggle and panic, not expecting Yuan Li to order their execution so swiftly without obtaining any information.

As the executions began, the remaining prisoners started to wail and writhe in fear, some even losing control of their bladder. The onlookers, including the twenty thousand Baimi prisoners, were forced to witness the scene as a warning against any further disturbances.

Although they are afraid, they are more angry at these troublemakers than afraid. They are content with their current lives, with food, drinks, and clothes, so they are resentful that these troublemakers are causing problems. If they get blamed for the trouble, they will truly hate them.

Yuan Li watched as the troublemakers died one by one under the blade.

Finally, unable to bear the threat of death, tears streaming down his face, he said, "It's Li Yan! Li Yan made us cause trouble. He said he could help us escape and give us wealth and glory!"

Li Yan?

The name made Yuan frown, and he asked, "Who is Li Yan?"

"It's Li Yan..." the pale-faced Jian Shaoning standing behind him answered, "Yuan Li, I know him."

Yuan Li turned to look at him, suddenly realizing something, his heart beating rapidly.

He walked quickly to Jian Shaoning, his face devoid of a smile showing a hint of sharpness, and sternly said, "Li Yan is one of the fifty men you brought to Youzhou?"

Jian Shaoning had never seen Yuan so stern, and he felt a little panicked. He hesitated for a moment and said, "Yes, he is one of the old followers I brought. But Yuan Li, trust me, I never told Li Yan to do such things. I have no need to provoke conflicts between them! You should ask them which Li Yan they are talking about, maybe it's just a coincidence of names."

"The Li Yan I know wouldn't do such things..."

Yuan Li's breathing became heavier, and he turned to Zhao Ying, "Go back to the mansion."

Zhao Ying was stunned, "Sir?"

"Go back to the mansion," Yuan Li raised his voice, repeating, "Go see where Xiao Ce is now!"

His expression was too frightening, and Zhao Ying dared not ask any questions. He turned and ran back. But just as he took a few steps, he looked in shock at the sky in the east.

Yuan Li also noticed something, he looked up, and in the next instant, his pupils contracted.

Thick black smoke billowed, sparks and dust flew in all directions.

A fire started in the east.

That was the location of the Prince Chu Mansion.

Not good.

Yuan Li's eyelids twitched.

In the next moment, a figure approached quickly from the roadside. Yuan Li focused his eyes and saw that it was Lin Tian riding a horse in a sorry state.

Covered in black soot, Lin Tian's eyes lit up when he saw Yuan Li, saying, "Sir, something bad has happened, there's a fire in the backyard of the mansion!"

Yuan Li suddenly felt a sense of relief.

He took a deep breath and was about to go when another figure rushed over behind Lin Tian, it was Guo Lin who looked anxious. Guo Lin didn't even bother to look at others, he just rushed to Yuan Li and knelt down, saying with a choked voice, "Sir, the soap factory has been burned down, the ones who started the fire are three craftsmen from our factory. By the time I found out about them, they had disappeared, even their families are missing."

Yuan Li's throat rolled, wanting to say "repeat what you said," but the words didn't come out. He knew there was no need to ask.

He looked at the black smoke in the east, and at the terrified tears on Guo Lin's face. Yuan Li couldn't describe his feelings at that moment, but he felt like he should be in a miserable state.

At the age of 18, everything was under control for Yuan Li, but today he unexpectedly stumbled.

The craftsmen ran away, and the soap formula could not be saved.

Yuan closed his eyes and asked, "Were there any injuries?"

Guo Lin's eyes lit up, "The soldiers involved in firefighting suffered some burns, but fortunately, no casualties. However, the latest batch of soap that was made has all...burned to ashes."

Yuan Li smiled bitterly, "As long as there are no casualties, that's good."

He didn't linger and immediately led a thousand personal guards and five thousand infantrymen back to the Prince Chu Mansion to help extinguish the fire.

The Prince Chu Mansion was already in chaos, with Liu Jixin covered in ash, commanding the servants to put out the fire. When he saw Yuan Li, he let out a sigh of relief and hurriedly approached, whispering, "Sir, Xiao Ce has fled."

Yuan paused, "I know."

Liu Jixin briefly explained the reason to him.

The fire started in Xiao Ce's room. The guard Yuan Li had sent to watch over Xiao Ce panicked when he saw the fire, rushed to inform Lin Tian. By the time Lin Tian arrived, Xiao Ce was gone, and the fire had intensified.

The soldiers hurriedly found all possible containers to carry water and fight the fire. The flames reflected on Yuan Li's face, illuminating a mix of confusion, helplessness, and anger in his eyes.

These thoughts gradually settled and solidified into a cold, firm resolve.

Yuan Li could understand what Xiao Ce was thinking.

If Chu Hechao beheaded the Xiongnu Chanyu, it would mean peace on the border, and Chu Hechao would return to Ji County. Once Chu Hechao returned, it would be even harder for Xiao Ce to make a move.

So during this period when everyone was relaxed and off guard, it was the best time for him to act.

Xiao Ce instigated the rebellion among the Bai Mi rebellion, diverting Yuan Li's forces and taking the opportunity to escape, starting the fire, and burning down the soap factory, along with the priceless craftsmen who could make soap.

Once Yuan Li discovered that he had escaped, he couldn't send out troops to stop him. At that moment, the most important thing was to put out the fire.

The hot and dry weather could lead to the Prince Chu Mansion not being able to contain the fire, potentially burning down the entire street.

This allowed Xiao Ce to escape in a grand manner.

Yuan Li had underestimated him.

In the light of the fire, the young man who had not yet taken his place silently lowered his eyes, the flames casting distinct shadows on his face.

He had intended to break Xiao Ce's legs, thinking that if Xiao Ce remained quietly lying in bed, he could let him live. But he had forgotten that hearts can be unpredictable.

Xiao Ce was not content to lie quietly in bed for the rest of his life.

Yuan Li remembered the words Liu Jixin had once said to him, that he should kill Xiao Ce.

He pondered in his heart:

Have I made a mistake?

Did this disaster occur because I didn't kill him earlier?

Yuan Li stood in silence.

 The spark flew onto his hand, bringing a fleeting and almost imperceptible sensation of searing heat.

Many people shielded Yuan Li, fearing that the fire would reach him.

Yuan Li lifted his gaze, watching the flames burn violently.

He thought to himself, "I did not make a mistake. I don't regret not choosing Liu Jixin's suggestion to kill him back then. I just regret that after realizing his danger, I only broke his legs instead of killing him."

Clearly.

Clearly, if I wanted to, there were many ways to kill him without a sound.

Yuan Li closed his eyes.

His breathing became rapid, the unpleasant smell of burnt offering filling his nostrils.

Outside the Prince Chu Mansion, many commoners were also drawn out by the fire. Due to Yuan Li's previous actions in killing the bandits and pigs, they held Yuan Li in high regard. Seeing the fire, they quickly brought out their remaining buckets and basins, rushing to help extinguish the flames.

Braving to speak to the magistrate, a commoner comforted, "Governor, we will help you extinguish the fire together. It will be put out soon!"

Seeing the magistrate looking almost like a kind nephew, other commoners chimed in, "A lot has already been put out."

"Don't worry, Governor!"

Liu Jixin, fearing Yuan Li's silence, whispered, "Sir, this is not your fault."

Finally, Yuan Li moved forward without a word, picked up a bucket, and poured water onto the fire.

Amidst the clamor, Yuan Li remained calm.

Yes, this is not his fault.

Kindness was not wrong.

However, the mistake lay in not curbing the dangers of kindness.

The burned down Prince Estate, the soap factory, the fleeing craftsmen of the Bai Mi rebellion - dozens crushed to death, dozens executed.

This could have all been avoided.

But excessive kindness led to such consequences.

Yuan Li tightened his grip on the bucket, his eyes deep in thought.

He seemed to have understood something else.

*

Outside Ji County,

Chu Hechao was leading hundreds of soldiers towards Ji County.

The sky had darkened.

On the road, they encountered a group in a hurry.

Chu Hechao casually glanced at this group.

They were riding in four carriages, with guards on horseback surrounding them. The guards looked tense and anxious, lowering their heads upon seeing Chu Hechao, who could faintly smell a hint of medicine and a not-so-subtle smell of burning as the carriages passed by him.

He nonchalantly withdrew his gaze, indifferently urging his horse forward.

Beside the carriage, the guard Li Yan discreetly breathed a sigh of relief, sweat already dripping from his forehead.

At that moment, Chu Hechao suddenly pulled back on his reins, turning to look at them, and coldly ordered, "Stop."

Li Yan's heart leaped in his chest, and the carriages came to a halt.

Chu Hechao led his horse to the side of the carriage, the sound of hooves causing unease inside the carriage. Suddenly, a man poked his head out of the first carriage.

He had a scruffy beard and a gaunt face, looking as if he was still recovering from a serious illness. "May I ask what the matter is?"

Looking down at him, Chu Hechao inquired, "Are you coming from Ji County?"

Xiao Ce remained expressionless. "Yes."

"It's late, the city gates should be closed," Chu Hechao remarked casually. "How did you manage to leave?"

Cold sweat broke out on Xiao Ce's back.

He didn't recognize Chu Hechao, but seeing the soldiers behind him, he was certain this was related to the Prince Chu Mansion. After going through so much trouble to get to this point, he couldn't afford to be captured and taken back.

Fortunately, Xiao Ce had a plan. He took out a letter from his pocket and respectfully handed it to Chu Hechao. "I am a subordinate of Jian Shaoning, a friend of the Governor of Youzhou. I was sent out of the city on Jian's orders to attend to an urgent matter."

Chu Hechao took the letter, casually flicked it open with his gloved hand, glanced at it, and then chuckled. "Jian Shaoning must have run out of use for you, allowing someone with a broken leg to handle things outside?"

Xiao Ce was taken aback, not understanding how Chu Hechao knew about his broken leg. His caution deepened, and he humbly replied, "While my leg may be broken, my hands are still capable, and my mind is sharp. I cannot sit idle and do nothing."

Chu Hechao handed the letter back to him. "Alright, I understand."

It seemed he no longer doubted Xiao Ce. Xiao Ce breathed a sigh of relief. After Chu Hechao left, he lowered the curtain on the carriage, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and began to feel relieved.

However, he was suddenly startled by Chu Hechao's cold voice saying, "Come."

Xiao Ce's heart skipped a beat.

The next moment, Chu Hechao ordered the commander, "Tie them up."

Cries for mercy were heard from the previously quiet carriages.

Chu Hechao sneered and rode slowly to the front.

Did he really think I'm a fool?