C67. Grain and Food Institute.

C67. Grain and Food Institute.

The Wuman people moved to Youzhou, where they were to be supervised by the Youzhou governor. Previously, they were supervised by Chu Hechao, before Youzhou had a governor. Now that Youzhou has a governor, according to tradition, the Wuman leaders need to pay respects to the governor and inform him of their presence.

Yuan Li knew that Chu Hechao and the Wuman people had a bad relationship, and when he read the provocative tone of the letter, he could tell that the Wuman people were up to no good. Perhaps they were trying to assert their dominance over Yuan Li, the new governor.

But Yuan Li was just like them, a new official who needed to establish authority. It was a lucky coincidence.

He chuckled, "Guli Chi is such a kind man!"

Yuan Li leisurely had the salt bag opened and saw that it was the salt grains mixed by Zhang Ming according to his instructions to sell to the Wuman people.

He chuckled even more, "Guli Chi is really something."

He liked this kind of challenge.

He called Zhang Ming, who recognized the salt immediately, "Sir, this is?"

"It's the salt that Guli Chi gave me," Yuan Li couldn't help but laugh, "look, you can sell this and exchange it for goods."

Zhang Ming replied, "This bag of salt could fetch at least three horses."

Yuan Li raised an eyebrow, "That's a good price."

He had the salt packed up and planned to sell it to the Wuman people again.

Zhang Ming couldn't believe that Guli Chi would give away the salt he bought from him. He was both amused and puzzled. After joking about it, he mentioned a more serious matter to Yuan Li, "Sir, I have something to report to you."

Yuan Li asked, "What is it?"

Zhang Ming hesitated before sharing.

He had discovered slaves in the Wuman territory while doing business with them. Some of these slaves were from Youzhou and begged him to help them escape. In addition to trading horses with the Wuman people, Zhang Ming inadvertently ended up with some slaves.

Most of these slaves were ordinary people and prisoners captured by the Bai Mi rebellion when they ravaged Youzhou, under the guise of "disaster relief for the country". They had suffered greatly under the Wuman people.

As Zhang Ming spoke, he carefully watched Yuan Li's expression.

When he traded goods for people, Zhang Ming was hesitant and unsure about his actions. In the past, he would never have shown such sympathy or spent money to free slaves. But knowing that Yuan Li had previously exchanged prisoners for salt, he decided to take a risk.

He feared Yuan Li might disapprove of his actions, so he used his own salt instead of Yuan Li's fine salt. This way, if Yuan Li was unhappy, Zhang Ming could explain and minimize any losses, avoiding displeasure from Yuan Li.

Yuan Li did not criticize Zhang Mi, but praised him instead, "Zibo, you don't need to worry about losing money. I want the horses and the people. You did well, and if there's a next time, try to bring back more people."

Relieved, Zhang Ming kept his joy hidden and replied respectfully, "Sir, the slaves are orphaned children without families. I have temporarily housed them on one of my farms. How would you like to handle them?"

Yuan Li considered for a moment, a thought forming in his mind.

In times of chaos, communication of information is particularly crucial. Sometimes, a piece of intelligence can determine the course of battle, so strengthening oneself should never be at the expense of obtaining information.

In order to handle warfare effectively, they must establish a well-functioning intelligence organization; the delay in forming spy and counter-spy teams can no longer be tolerated.

The most suitable candidates for this intelligence organization are the homeless orphans. Having experienced the turmoil of war, they possess strong mental resilience. Once sheltered and provided for, they readily pledge their loyalty and service.

Realizing that establishing a comprehensive intelligence network requires significant human and financial resources, Yuan Li recognizes the necessity of this endeavor. He understands that accurate information forms the basis of strategy.

Therefore, without hesitation, Yuan Li decisively states, "Send them to my estate; I have other plans for them."

Zhang Ming nodded in agreement and excused himself.

After Zhang Ming left, Yuan Li instructed his attendants to summon Zhao Ying. Once Zhao Ying arrived, Yuan Li dismissed the others and explained his plan.

He tasked Zhao Ying with overseeing the refugees Zhang Ming would be sending. Once they arrived, Yuan Li wanted Zhao Ying to carefully select suitable orphans, regardless of gender, for training.

Furthermore, Yuan Li instructed Zhao Ying to establish separate quarters for these orphans, creating a secluded environment for their training. He envisioned their education following the model he had provided Zhao Ying, incorporating modern knowledge, technology, and combat skills.

This curriculum would encompass literacy, essential for information gathering and dissemination, as well as practical skills like farming and first aid, all vital for an effective intelligence network.

Zhao Ying embodied the qualities of Yuan Li's favored covert weapon - meticulous and vigilant. Yuan Li entrusted him with training these new recruits with a sense of ease.

"Understood," Zhao Ying leaned forward, "My lord, are these the kind of individuals you seek?"

"Indeed," Yuan Li confirmed. "While intelligence personnel of exceptional talent are invaluable, that approach isn't suitable for this situation."

The vastness of the world presented a diverse range of needs - from imperial eunuchs in the capital to ordinary citizens on the frontiers. Elites, while valuable, couldn't replace the sheer numbers required.

"Their loyalty is paramount," Yuan Li stressed. "Give priority to those with a clean background. Any suspicion, reject them. Secondly, prioritize physical fitness. We need individuals with strong bodies and limbs to ensure their longevity. Don't be overly concerned with provisions; just let me know about any financial needs."

Zhao Ying acknowledged, "My lord, I fear I cannot manage this alone. Might I request some of the soldiers Young Masters Yuan Lou and Yuan Dan brought back from Ruyang?"

Yuan Li promptly allocates a hundred additional personnel to him.

After finalizing the arrangements for the intelligence organization, Zhao Ying seeks a suitable name.

Yuan Li, contemplating briefly, decides on the name "Grain Allocation Office" – appearing as a regular administrative department on the surface, masking its true nature as an intelligence hub.

Impressed by the choice of name, Zhao Ying acknowledges Yuan Li's clever decision and vows to establish the Grain Allocation Office successfully.

As they discuss the logistics of the Grain Allocation Office, a group of travellers arrives at Liu Jixin's house. Upon hearing the news, Liu Jixin rushes out, only to find his brother-in-law, Zheng Rong, in a critical condition. With his face pale and visibly unwell, Zheng Rong is supported by a literary figure behind him.

Alarmed, Liu Jixin exclaimed, "What's happened?" He swiftly stepped aside. "Hurry, get him inside and onto the bed to rest. Wu Ren, fetch a doctor quickly!"

The servant beside him hurried away.

Supporting Zheng Rong, the literary man forced a smile and said, "Sir, no need to worry, Brother Zheng should be fine. It's just a bit dizzy from the journey."

Hearing this, Liu Jixin breathed a sigh of relief and looked the young man up and down before respectfully asking, "And you are?"

"I am Zhou Gondan, with the courtesy name Wenning," the young literary man smiled, "hailing from Jingzhou. Having heard of the benevolent and just Governor of Youzhou, I decided to seek refuge. Along the way, I chanced upon Brother Zheng, who, with just a single horse and me, kindly invited me to join him. With his help, I successfully reached Youzhou, for which I owe him a great debt."

Finally, the lord has someone seeking refuge at his door.

Liu Jixin sighed inwardly, raised an eyebrow, and found the situation intriguing. "You have traveled from Jingzhou to Youzhou with just one horse and yourself?" he inquired.

"Exactly so, with just one horse and myself, I made thorough preparations," Zhou Gondan replied with a hint of jest, "If bandits or robbers encounter me, they see my humble belongings and understand I have no money to steal, thus sparing themselves from the effort. And if someone seeks to harm me, my unassuming donkey may not look like much but is fast and durable, aiding in our escape."

Amused, Liu Jixin chuckled, "Your approach is indeed interesting. I am Liu Jixin, courtesy known as Changyue. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

The two men entered the mansion arm in arm and, as they conversed, Liu Jixin grew to admire Zhou Gondan more. He discreetly arranged for the servant to bring Zhou Gondan some rest. Liu Jixin went to find Zheng Rong.

After a brief rest, Zheng Rong had regained some strength and was being cared for by his sister, Zheng Shi. Sensing there was something to discuss, Zheng Shi tactfully excused herself upon Liu Jixin's arrival.

Seated by the bedside, stroking his beard, Liu Jixin gazed at Zheng Rong with a smile, "I knew you would come to Youzhou."

Despite his frailty, lying on the bed with a bluish tinge to his lips, Zheng Rong's expression radiated determination, "Older brother, you have no idea, the moment I received your letter, I packed my bags and all my belongings to come and join you without hesitation."

Knowing his brother's aspirations and anxieties, Liu Jixin comforted him, "Rest assured, I value talents and cherish those who serve me faithfully. Individuals who have defected twice to my side have been greatly rewarded. Your talent is not inferior to mine, as long as you perform well, there is no need to worry. Once you are well, I will take you to meet the lord."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Rong became anxious, sitting up on the bed, pleading, "Brother, I cannot wait another moment, please take me to see the Governor tomorrow."

Liu Jixin chuckled at the urgency in Zheng Rong's tone, understanding his eagerness, and nodded in agreement.

With a sigh of relief, Zheng Rong began to recount their journey to Liu Jixin.

Traveling to Youzhou, they encountered praises for Chu Hechao and Yuan Li, even learning of General Chu Ciye's slaying of a Hunnic chieftain with Yuan Li's assistance. This news thrilled Zheng Rong, admiring the prowess of the lord his brother-in-law followed.

Moreover, as they approached Youzhou, encounters with bandits and robbers decreased, with locals crediting the Governor's men for keeping the region safe.

People often described Youzhou as remote and tumultuous, which was true, but compared to other regions, it was surprisingly peaceful!

The more Zheng Rong heard, the more he admired the nineteen-year-old Governor, though he regretted missing the ceremony where the Governor was appointed.

After he finished speaking, Liu Jixin stroked his beard thoughtfully and remarked, "It appears that more individuals may soon choose to seek refuge with the Governor."

Upon hearing this, Zheng Rong became even more anxious, eager to pay his respects to Yuan Li at once. Liu Jixin, with a smile, reassured him and inquired about Zhou Gondan's character, confirming that Zhou Gondan was a humble scholar. He promised to take both of them to visit Yuan Li early the next morning.

*

The manor, evening meal.

At the dinner table, Yuan Li mentioned to Gu Hechao thay Guli Chi would be visiting him in a few days.

Gu Hechao showed no surprise, calmly eating from his bowl as he remarked, "They are not good people."

"Perceptive of you," Yuan Li chewed his food, licking his lips, "but I look forward to meeting them."

Gu Hechao simply responded with an "hm," then, feeling he may have been too cold, forced out the words, "Quite nice."

Without further comment, Yuan Li focused on his meal.

After a brief moment, Gu Hechao, appearing unable to tolerate any longer, turned to Yuan Li with a furrowed brow, "Why do you keep licking your lips?"

Huh?

Confused, Yuan Li blinked, "Am I licking my lips?"

With a throbbing pulse in his temples, Gu Hechao's voice low and husky, he replied, "You've licked your lips five times while eating."

Unaware of his actions, Yuan Li subconsciously licked his lips again, nearly dropping the bowl in surprise at Gu Hechao's reaction.

Not understanding the cause of such a strong response, Yuan Li innocently explained, "My lips are dry, it's uncomfortable if I don't lick them."

Gu Hechao's jaw tightened as he muttered, "Then drink water."

"I've been drinking plenty of water, but it's not helping. The weather in Youzhou is too dry," Yuan Li glanced at the weather forecast on his system, noticing the lack of rain for a whole week. He sighed, "Look, my lips are even peeling."

Gu Hechao glanced at him, then quickly averted his gaze, swallowing hard as he impatiently said, "Fussy."

Yuan Li chuckled, "It's just dry lips, how is that being fussy?"

Gu Hechao shot him a look, then pushed his plate away and stood up. Shortly after, he brought a small bowl and placed it in front of Yuan Li, saying, "Apply this on your lips, it will prevent them from drying out."

Looking at the heated lard inside the bowl, emitting a strong odor, Yuan Li hesitantly replied, "I'll apply it after I finish eating."

Gu Hechao noticed his reluctance and furrowed his brow, pulling a chair next to Yuan Li, sitting down directly in front of him. "Are you going to apply it or not?" he asked sternly.

His imposing figure, tall and sturdy, had already shed his outer garment despite the early spring month. Having just come from the training grounds, his collar was damp with sweat, emanating a faint odor.

The stuffiness and heat made Yuan Li somewhat uncomfortable as his mouth felt a slight stinging sensation. He avoided the situation and pretended to focus on his meal.

Gu Hechao noticed his resistance and grabbed Yuan Li's wrist, taking the bowl and utensils from his hand and placing them on the table. With one hand, he pulled the chair closer to Yuan Li and deftly turned him to face him.

Yuan Li's eyes widened in disbelief as he gazed at Gu Hechao. As an adult male of considerable weight, he was anything but light! The floor was not slippery, yet Gu Hechao effortlessly maneuvered him without a blink of an eye.

Positioning his legs on either side of the chair to prevent Yuan Li from escaping, Gu Hechao reached for the bowl of lard, ready to apply it to Yuan Li's lips.

"Hold on!" Yuan Li's eyes widened, and he tactfully said, "Have you washed your hands before doing this?"

A slight twitch of Gu Hechao's lips occurred as he removed his gloves, took a bit of lard with his scarred hands, and lightly touched Yuan Li's lips.

Yuan Li hissed, furrowing his brows, and muttered vaguely, "Maybe you should wear gloves, it hurts more with your hand."

Yuan Li's lips were so dry that they felt tight and swollen. When Gu Hechao's hand touched him, it felt as sharp as a blade.

"Gloves or no gloves, hands or no hands," Gu Hechao's brows furrowed even deeper, his gaze fixed on Yuan Li's lips, the fire burning within him intensifying. He was extremely frustrated, blurting out, "Do I need to apply it with my tongue instead?"