C69. Provocation.

C69. Provocation.

The Wumang people arrived at just the right moment, precisely when a thunderstorm was brewing that day.

Yuan Li did not want the Wumang people to set foot in Jixian County, so he brought his men to an idle farmhouse on the outskirts, where they set up tables, chairs, drinks, and a bonfire in the courtyard.

In order to guard against sudden downpours, Yuan Li also set up numerous rainproof tents at the banquet location for the Wumang people.

Those who saw these tents were momentarily stunned.

He Lang pulled Yang Zhongfa and gestured to him in confusion, "Lord Yang, why did the governor set up these tents, is he afraid of rain?"

In the sweltering weather, with sweat running down his face, Yang Zhongfa fanned himself with his sleeve and, without much thought, replied, "Perhaps the governor is hoping for rain."

"Alas," sighed He Lang, "the spring rain has yet to come, the earth is cracking. Without rain, there will be a shortage of grains, and our warhorses will have nothing to eat."

After looking up at the weather, they felt the atmosphere was dry and stifling, with sand grains blowing around in the wind, not at all like rain was imminent.

Alas, it seemed futile for Governor Yuan to set up these tents. Rain cannot be so easily expected.

Discussing this matter weighed heavily on their minds. Yang Zhongfa shook his head and followed Chu Hechao to their seats.

The Wumang people had come to pay their respects to the governor, but Chu Hechao brought two high-ranking officials to assist as he was concerned they might cause trouble for Yuan Li.

All of Yuan Li's subordinates were present at the banquet, including Zheng Rong and Zhou Gongdan, who had recently pledged allegiance to Yuan Li and were given the last seats.

Yuan Li sat alone at the head of the table, with Chu Hechao seated in the first position to his left.

In Northern Zhou, the right side was esteemed, so relatives on that side were considered "right relatives," but in social situations, the left side was considered more honorable.

Before long, Guli Chi and four Wumang leaders arrived with their soldiers.

Before they could approach, Gong Bin and Lu Hui intercepted them. Both were Centurions of Yuan Li's personal guards, with stern expressions and a firm tone, instructing the Wumang people to remove their armor and weapons.

The Wumang people exchanged glances and complied by taking off their armor and weapons.

Gong Bin and Lu Hui then stated, "Your soldiers cannot all enter."

Dadan frowned and seemed to be getting angry, "What do you mean by this? We came to visit the governor, not to plead guilty. Is this how the governor treats guests?"

However, the guards blocking the way showed no fear and persisted firmly, "Please follow orders."

Tension arose between the two sides.

The Wumang people had come to intimidate the new governor, but seeing the firm stance of his personal guards, they realized that this governor was not one to be easily bullied.

Guli Chi, who had been silent, raised his hand and left most of his soldiers outside, bringing only one fierce warrior inside.

From afar, Yuan Li could see their figures.

The Wumang people approached aggressively, displaying a haughty demeanor.

When they were in front of him, Yuan Li finally got a clear look at their appearance.

Even though the Wumang people had moved to Youzhou, they had not abandoned their nomadic ways. Exposed to the elements daily, their skin was tanned and exuded a rugged aura.

The leader of the group was Guli Chi, who was in his early thirties and in the prime of his life. He had a head of curly, thick hair, wore a Wumang cowhide hat, had deep facial features, a high nose bridge, thin lips that lacked kindness, and a face that exuded ambitious and extremely greedy characteristics.

Yuan Li glanced at him and fixed his gaze on his left arm.

Where there should have been an arm, there was only emptiness, a result of Chu Hechao cutting it off with a single blow.

A slight smile played on Yuan Li's lips as he glanced at Chu Hechao. Chu Hechao, in turn, coldly stared at Guli Chi. Sensing Yuan Li's gaze, he turned to meet it, his eyes deep and profound. After a brief silent exchange, Yuan Li casually averted his gaze.

Guli Chi and the four Wumang leaders approached and offered perfunctory greetings. Guli Chi did not even flinch, his eyes, snake-like, peering through his curly hair, exhibiting a somewhat gloomy countenance.

He smirked, "I am disabled, Governor, I hope you don't mind me being unable to bow."

"I don't mind at all," Yuan Li smiled slightly, magnanimously saying, "But I do worry about you. Guli Chi, how can you ride a horse, shoot arrows, and lead such a vast Wumang tribe if you cannot even perform a simple bow?"

He then glanced at the Wumang leaders behind Guli Chi and slowly asked, "Do all of you Wumang leaders truly submit to his rule?"

Guli Chi squinted his eyes, his face twitching slightly.

Several Wumang leaders's faces changed, expressing anger.

Feeling a pang of guilt, Yuan Li chuckled apologetically, raising his cup towards Guli Chi and the other Wumang leaders, saying, "I am still young, just joking with all of you. If I said anything unpleasant, please don't take it to heart. Come, please sit and let us raise a toast together."

The words of the Wumang people practically stuck in their throats. They were all in their thirties or older, so quarreling with someone barely in his twenties would invite mockery.

Moreover, Yuanli had mentioned it was just a joke. Feeling stifled, Guli Chi stared at Yuanli for a moment before bursting into laughter, "Truly a General's sister-in-law!"

The Wumang leader's voice was hoarse, sounding like a hissing snake as he looked at Chu Hechao and then at Yuan Li, smiling strangely, "You two really are a pair."

With that, he went to sit at the table, conveniently occupying the first seat to the lower right, directly facing Chu Hechao.

Seeing Chu Hechao's face, Guli Chi's expression momentarily twisted, his right hand clenched tightly, but quickly reverted to a calm state.

As the leader took his seat, Zuo Sang, a Wumang leader from Ruobei District, snorted, his voice dripping with sarcasm, "Governor, since you acknowledge your words were unpleasant, perhaps you should refrain from speaking further."

Yuan Li raised an eyebrow, sensing that Guli Chi's state of mind was somewhat off.

Guli Chi's emotions were sensitive and volatile, with a strong outwardly aggressive nature. It was understandable, given that losing one's arm when previously whole was unacceptable, particularly for a nomadic tribe like the Wumang people, who revered strength.

Yuan Li noted that not all of the Wumang leaders who submitted to Guli Chi truly respected his leadership. At least from the recent dealings with Dadan, an aging hero who seemed reluctant to bow to Guli Chi's authority.

This was excellent, truly excellent. Yuan Li wished for the internal affairs of the Wumang people to become even more chaotic.

After sharing a toast, the banquet officially commenced. Servants poured wine, and dishes were placed on each table. The bonfire was lit, serving as a light source as the sun began to set.

Guli Chi had regained his composure and spoke up, "I heard about the incident where General Huyan Wuzhu beheaded by someone. I wonder, has that head been preserved until now?"

Chu Hechao set down his cup, "There's no need to preserve the head of a criminal. It was simply carried away by a wild dog."

Guli Chi chuckled, "Such a great hero, ending up being carried away by a wild dog in the end. General, your bravery today is no less than in the past."

Chu Hechao's lips twitched silently.

With a hint of resentment, Guli Chi glanced at Chu Hechao for a while, then turned to Yuan Li, strangely laughing, "It is said that when Huyan Wuzhu confronted outside the Great Wall, he even insulted you, Governor. He claimed that you and your brother-in-law engage in incest, and that only by provoking you, did the General lose his temper and behead Huyan. Is that true?"

He emphasized certain words intentionally to disgust people.

Yuan Li was taken aback, hearing about this incident for the first time.

Instinctively, he looked at Chu Hechao.

Chu Hechao's thoughts were laid bare, as if stripping away a layer of clothing. He subtly gestured with his finger, raising his eyebrows without changing his expression, "You know this would anger me, yet you speak anyway?"

Suppressing his fear, Guli Chi chuckled, "I also think this accusation is outrageous. Both the General and the Governor are men of integrity, not barbaric like the Xiongnu. Their characters would never stoop to such indecency."

Each of his words seemed to stoke anger, prompting He Lang to retort, "You know better than to spread such vile rumors. If we hear any more of this slander, your fate won't be much better than the Xiongnu."

Chu Hechao sipped his drink, remaining silent, as if in agreement.

Dadan interjected, "Managing to kill Huyan Wuzhu, I heard Governor put in a lot of effort. Rumor has it that on that battle day, despite clear skies, thunder roared and white mist enveloped the field. General, Governor, care to explain? Could it be true, as the common folk say, that the heavens struck down the Xiongnu with thunder?"

Yang Zhong burst into laughter, "Exactly as the common folk say! The thunder precisely aimed at the Xiongnu, and we were all taken aback."

Dadan's expression soured, "This can only deceive the common folk."

"You Wumang people are impossible. You ask, then don't believe my answer," Yang Zhong muttered, "Quite difficult to please."

"We only desire to admire the General and the Governor's achievements," Guli Chi took over, turning to Yuan Li, "How did you find the salt I presented to Governor earlier? I doubt you've ever tasted such fine salt before."

Upon hearing this, Chu Hechao and Yang Zhong's expressions subtly changed, nearly causing a choke on his drink.

Yuan Li composed himself, sincerely saying, "The salt you brought was indeed a delicious novelty for me. The salt used in today's banquet dishes was sourced from the grains you provided. I am genuinely curious, Guli Chi, where did the salt come from?"

Guli Chi raised his cup, slightly proud, "This salt is superior to the one you sold to Dadan. Governor, you need not know its origin; just remember, only we possess this salt. Perhaps you would like to purchase it at a discounted price."

With that, Guli Chi quoted a salt price even higher than the one Yuan Li charged Dadan.

Dadan eyed Yuan Li maliciously, waiting for the chance to exact his revenge. He vowed to take back everything he gave Yuan Li and Chu Hechao!

More than that, he would take even more back!

Yuan Li barely held back a smile, raising his cup and giving a meaningful glance to Liu Jixin, discreetly.

Liu Jixin furrowed his eyebrows, respectfully bowing to Goulchi, and puzzledly remarked, "The salt trade is regulated by the court, Governor, so selling at such a high price to my master could be considered smuggling. Given the current chaos in our realm, are you perhaps... inciting rebellion?"

As the conversation progressed, Liu Jixin took a sharp breath, looking at the Wumang people in utter astonishment.

The words "inciting rebellion" hit like a thunderbolt, catching the Wumang people off guard, even making Guli Chi face turn pale.

No one dared to shoulder this blame.

Wumang people usually dealt in private salt trade, but it was never openly discussed. Dadan pointed at Liu Jixin, surprised and angry, "Don't spout nonsense, why don't you mention that your master also sold me private salt?"

"You must be mistaken," Liu Jixin retorted leisurely, "When did my master sell you private salt? He merely exchanged salt for goods with you."

Dadan's face turned red with anger, grinding his teeth, "I won't engage in word games with you literati. We aren't selling private salt; we simply exchange goods for salt!"

"Ah, I see," Liu Jixin nodded understandingly, chuckling, "Excellency, please clarify next time. I was nearly scared out of my wits."

Yuan Li agreed, "Indeed, well said. But let's not rush, clarity is key. No need for apologies. So, how much salt do you have left?"

Dadan clenched his fists tightly, after several deep breaths, he disclosed the remaining amount of salt.

The quantity was limited as Yuan Li always controlled the amount to prevent resale.

After they spoke, Yuan Li inquired about their desired items for exchange.

The Wumang people sought nothing beyond cloth, food, tea, and women. Upon hearing their requests, Yuan Li turned to Guli Chi, "Chieftain, you mentioned in your letter that if this sack of salt did not suffice, you would provide me with another sack of salt?"

He was implying half a sack of salt!

At this moment, getting entangled in such a small matter seemed embarrassing. Guli Chi nodded expressionlessly.

Yuan Li made a decision, "One sack of salt won't make much difference. Let's discuss this matter after we finish the two sacks of salt provided by you."

This mutual probing came to a conclusion. Though Dadan was dissatisfied, he sat down in frustration under Guli Chi's gaze. However, the Wumang people's intention to show authority to Yuan Li was not so easily achieved.

During the meal, as Guli Chi looked towards Zuo Sang, the latter exclaimed, "Feasting without music and dance is too plain. I propose that my warriors come forward to challenge the Governor's men in a friendly competition."

This challenging scene was a provocation. Refusing would undermine Yuan Li's authority, while losing would diminish his influence over the Wumang people.

Anticipating their move, Yuan Li put down his chopsticks and asked in a friendly tone, "Who are the warriors you are sending?"

From among the Wumang soldiers, a large, muscular soldier emerged, standing nearly two meters tall, exuding a fierce and intimidating aura, clearly a formidable warrior.

Zuo Sang laughed heartily, proclaiming, "This is our warrior Tatumuda. He possesses great strength. Are there any of the Governor's men willing to face Tatumuda in combat?"

Yang Zhong's expression turned serious as he stood up, "I will face him!"

Guli Chi chuckled, "Don't be hasty, General Yang. This is a competition between us and the Governor. As a commander from the Northern Frontier, it's best not to get involved."

Yang Zhong sat back down with a stern expression.

Chu He Chao remained calm, "Hold on, Yuan Li may not necessarily lose."

Yuan Li's expression remained unchanged as he turned to his subordinates, asking, "Who wishes to challenge this warrior?"

Wu Kai and Wang Er both stood up, saluting, "We are willing to give it a try, Sir!"

Yuan Li nodded, "No rush, one at a time. Wu Kai, you go ahead and take the lead."

Wu Kai, with a resolute expression, confidently approached Tatumuda.

Both of them were robust and strong-willed individuals. Tatumuda did not underestimate Wu Kai and adopted a serious stance. Wu Kai, equally focused, cautiously said, "Let's begin."

Wu Kai knew he absolutely could not afford to lose, as it would tarnish Yuan Li's reputation. He was prepared to fight Tatumuda with everything he had.

The two quickly engaged in combat, with Tatumuda launching an attack on Wu Kai's chest. Wu Kai dodged and tried to overthrow Tatumuda by grabbing his waist, but Tatumuda's stability prevented this.

Taking advantage, Tatumuda struck Wu Kai's back heavily, causing him to groan before retaliating by attacking Tatumuda's legs.

Their combined strength left several footprints on the ground as they faced off, their faces flushed with exertion, unable to determine a clear victor. The onlookers, including Liu Jixin and Zhan Shaoning, remained composed but silently cheered Wu Kai on.

Charge!

Push harder!

Attack the lower body!

You can't lose, Wu Kai, you mustn't lose.

Perhaps their prayers worked, as Wu Kai eventually managed to forcefully bring Tatumuda down and pinned him to the ground.

"Excellent!" Yang Zhong erupted with excitement, applauding vigorously, his hands turning red from clapping. "Excellent!"

Wang Er, also visibly excited, wished to join Wu Kai in celebrating and shouted, "Victory, well done!"

In contrast, the Wumang people's expressions soured. Left with the defeat of their own soldier, Zuo Sang glared fiercely at Tatumuda and declared, "While the Governor's men are indeed skilled, I wish to challenge his men in another aspect."

After scanning the surroundings, he suggested, "There are no horses to race here, so let's have a competition to test the marksmanship of these two warriors."

Upon hearing this, Wu Kai showed a hint of panic.

As the target was set up, and they stood in front with bows and arrows, Wu Kai grew even more nervous.

Despite his previous defeat, Tatumuda, fueled by frustration, exerted all his strength while shooting. Each arrow hit the bullseye accurately.

As Tatumuda finished, the Wumang people cheered, then turned expectantly towards Wu Kai, waiting for his turn.

Their gaze weighed heavily on Wu Kai, who, visibly tense, aimed at the target. Sweat trickled down his forehead, nearly obstructing his vision. He nervously wiped his eyes on his shoulder before aiming again, finally releasing the first arrow.

Unfortunately, the first arrow missed the target completely, landing on the ground.

A hush fell over the crowd, followed by raucous laughter from the Wumang people, "Hahaha, is this the capability of the Governor's men?"

"Speak softer, don't let the Governor hear. Maybe this warrior is intentionally letting Tatumuda win?" someone jeered loudly.

"Or perhaps he's drunk. Missing such a huge target, this is a martial officer from Youzhou, a skilled individual under the Governor. Who would have thought he would perform so poorly?"

Feeling crestfallen, Wu Kai took a deep breath, struggling to regain composure as he finished shooting the remaining nine arrows. However, his performance was dismal, with only three arrows hitting the target, grazing the outer ring.

After shooting, Wu Kai's eyes were red, feeling ashamed to face Yuan Li. He bowed his head in defeat, approaching Yuan Li to kneel and ask for forgiveness.