C74. I Made Him Angry.

C74. I Made Him Angry.

In April, frogs were croaking in the fields.

In the northern regions, April alternated between blazing hot and bitterly cold, with unpredictable weather.

Before they could finish their meal, the scorching sun gave way to looming clouds.

Both farmers who relied on nature for their meals and generals who needed to understand the weather for battle could discern that it wouldn't rain that day. They were confident in predicting weather changes with clear signs.

The only unpredictable thing was the sudden rain without warning, especially after a long dry spell. It was because of this that they would marvel at Yuan Li's ability to accurately predict the rain.

With the sun obscured, the afternoon work became more comfortable. Despite it being only mid-April, after a round of work, the men were sweating to some degree. The smell of sweat was stronger when they gathered for a meal, but in the end, they were all used to it and didn't mind each other's scent.

Yuan Li had been busy all morning and was sweating profusely.

Despite his past training and current work ethic, he had never been concerned about his own scent when covered in sweat. However, at that moment, as he caught a whiff of the faint soap scent emanating from Chu Hechao, he began to doubt how unpleasant his own scent might be to Chu Hechao.

He wiped the sweat from his brow, pretending to casually move aside a bit to create some distance from Chu Hechao.

In Chu Hechao's eyes, it seemed like Yuan Li was trying to avoid him.

For a moment, a taut expression crossed the man's face, before he regained composure.

It had been over ten days since they last met, and only they knew what emotions they were experiencing.

People have their weaknesses.

The more they desire something they can't have, the more they struggle to resist. Especially when they had briefly and indulgently experienced each other's touch and scent, the intense intimacy became etched in their memories like a dream, resurfacing in their minds at night, causing tumultuous feelings and erratic breathing.

Chu Hechao had claimed that their indulgence was a one-time occurrence, but after not seeing Yuan Li for over ten days, he found himself consumed by suppressed thoughts.

It wasn't that he wanted to do anything specific, but after reaching a certain level of restraint, he simply wanted to see Yuan Li.

Yet, the desire to not see him clashed with the desire to see him.

For instance, at that moment, Chu Hechao keenly sensed the coolness in Yuan Li's demeanor.

This was the signal from Yuan Li—an indication of distance, rejection, a desire to maintain their sibling-like relationship.

Chu Hechao understood.

The warmth of their skin touching now felt cold. After a few exchanges, Yuan Li suddenly said to Chu Hechao, "After we finish eating, General, you can take a few men back. It's hot and tiring in the field, and it's better to have someone here, so you don't need to trouble yourself too much."

Chu Hechao's lips curled slightly, "If Sister-in-law is concerned about us getting tired, we must not disappoint you."

With a faint expression on his handsome face, he added, "We will leave after we finish our meal."

Yuan Li looked away, "Alright."

The atmosphere became a bit strange, but others did not perceive the unusual tension between them. Observing this, they couldn't help but appreciate Yuan Li's caring attitude toward Chu Hechao.

Some of them even began praising the deep bond between this brothers-like pair.

Yang Zhongfa loosened his belt and spoke sincerely, "In the past, General had to balance the affairs of the northern border and the concerns of the rear in Youzhou, bearing all responsibilities without a moment of relaxation. With Lord Yuan Li managing the rear, stabilizing the front and ensuring the safety of the rear, the General not only feels relieved, but we also feel much more at ease. This period has been the calmest one, something we couldn't even have imagined before."

He Lang also chuckled, unable to hold back, "The General's temper has improved a lot compared to before, all thanks to Lord Yuan Li's good influence!"

Yuan Li's heart tightened, immediately responding, "He Lang, don't talk nonsense, there's no teaching of the General involved."

"Don't be so modest," because Lord Yuan Li was there, He Lang felt daring enough to tease the General. He winked mischievously, "The General seems more compassionate than before."

Yuan Li only faintly smiled, using his chopsticks to push around the rice in his bowl, staying silent.

This comment reminded Yang Zhongfa of Han Jin, and he sighed, "Back when we followed the General to fight the Xiongnu in the North, Han Jin also remarked on the deep bond between the General and Lord Yuan Li as siblings. Ah, now looking back, it's been five months since he left."

Yuan Li pursed his lips.

Chu Hechao took a deep breath, patting Yang Zhongfa's shoulder, "Guan Zhihuai and Yuan Congyun have returned to the North to be stationed. If you still can't let go, go have a drink with them."

"No, no," Yang Zhongfa shook his head vigorously, "After finally being able to stay at home for a while, it's better to spend time with my wife and children rather than going out drinking with them."

He Lang chimed in, "Isn't Yan'er already nine years old? Shouldn't you start looking for a match for her? Han Jin left his daughter with you, you should find a good husband for her."

Yang Zhongfa sighed with concern, worried about finding a suitable family for Han Yan, "My wife also plans to start looking for a husband for Yan'er now."

"Isn't it too early?" Yuan Li frowned.

"Not too early, to find a good match, you need to start looking now, but not hurry to marry until after she turns fifteen at least," Yang Zhongfa said.

Yuan Li shook his head, "It's time to start the matchmaking process, but there's no rush to marry right after. Fifteen is still too young, Sir Yang, listen to my advice, it's not good to marry off a child too young. Wait until she's eighteen before getting married."

Yang Zhongfa knew that Yuan Li's words made sense and without further questioning, he straightforwardly said, "Understood, I will listen to what Lord Yuan Li says."

Liu Jixin, who also had daughters at home, hurriedly asked, "Lord, is there any particular reason for this?"

Yuan Li tactfully explained the drawbacks of early marriage for girls.

If a girl's body hasn't fully developed, early intimacy or pregnancy could cause serious damage to herself. During pregnancy, her body might not be able to handle it, and there's a risk of miscarriage.

Even if there's no miscarriage, the child born might be at risk of early death or deformities, affecting their overall health.

Since it wasn't appropriate for a man like Yuan Li to speak on this matter, he used the excuse of having a younger sister at home to inquire about marriage and marital practices from some wandering doctors.

Everyone suddenly realized, and Liu Jixin lamented, "No wonder why after getting married, my wife hasn't given birth to any children."

Chu Hechao couldn't help but think about Chu Mingfeng's physical condition.

Thinking about Chu Mingfeng, his expression darkened a bit.

Yang Zhongfa planned to go back and tell his wife to let Han Yan stay at home a bit longer, and he intended to thank Yuan Li for sharing this information. However, catching a glimpse of Chu Hechao's expression, he suddenly had an idea, standing up and moving closer to Yuan Li, whispering, "Lord Yuan Li, don't just focus on our Yan'er, also pay attention to the General."

Yuan Li almost thought he was onto something, his breath hitching for a moment before realizing he was overthinking it, then calmly asked, "Why would you suddenly say that?"

Yang Zhongfa urged Chu Hechao to get married several times before, and he was about to give up, but now he saw a glimmer of hope.

He grinned, "Among all of us here, it's rare for a General in his late twenties not to be married, even in ordinary households. Lord Yuan Li, as the General's sister-in-law, when the General's parents are not in Youzhou, you need to worry about the General's lifelong affairs. If the General doesn't listen to us, he surely wouldn't ignore your advice, right?"

Yuan Li remained slightly stiff, then composed himself, "General won't listen to me."

Yang Zhongfa anxiously said, "But do you really believe that the General won't listen to your advice? Isn't it obvious to you?"

Yuan Li lowered his eyes.

Yang Zhongfa said, "An elder sister-in-law is like a mother and father too, you know!"

This statement made Yuan Li's fingers tremble.

Chu Hechao, as the only son of the Prince Chu left, was destined to marry and have children. If they knew that their second son had feelings for Yuan Li, what would they do?

Finally, Yuan Li raised his eyelids, set down what he was holding, turned to look at Chu Hechao, and softly said, "General."

Chu Hechao turned to look at him, his eyes deep.

Yuan Li hesitated before speaking, "They hope you will marry soon."

Chu Hechao remained expressionless, his chopsticks paused, and he seemed momentarily distracted before asking, "Pardon?"

The words caught in his throat, Yuan Li coughed lightly, raised his head with an air of authority, and earnestly advised, "Ciye, you're not young anymore, it's time to settle down. Your parents and Yang Zhongfa has been worrying for you, so please consider."

Others quickly chimed in, urging, "Yes, General, Lord Yuan advises you for your own good."

"If you won't listen to us, at least listen to Lord Yuan's words."

"While the borders are stable, you should quickly marry a wife, don't you realize how good it is to have a woman at home? Right, Wu Kai?"

Wu Kai blushed, "He Lang, you know better than to say that, don't tease me."

The chatter continued.

But Yuanli felt an eerie silence, a silence that made him uneasy.

Chu Hechao kept his head down, gazing at him.

Shadows fell on the man's face, concealing his expression, casting over his forehead, the bridge of his nose, leaving only the tight corner of his lips hinting at suppressed anger.

The anger seemed tangible.

Yuan Li almost could see Chu Hechao's expression, as if overwhelmed with a myriad of emotions, yet doused with a cold shower of bitterness. Chu Hechao's gaze firmly fixed Yuan Li to the ground, like crashing waves, knocking him off balance in an instant.

Yuan Li felt a tightness in his chest, struggled to avert his eyes, moving away from Chu Hechao's intense gaze.

Chu Hechao remained still.

His temples pulsed, his jaw was clenched tightly. The sound of his breathing reached Yuan Li's ears, slow and heavy, then calm.

"Who asked you to interfere?" the man finally said coldly.

Yuan Li couldn't help but look at him again.

The man straightened up, his handsome face revealed in the shadows. His brows furrowed, a sardonic smirk on his lips, his throat taut, he sarcastically said, "Sister-in-law, whether I marry a wife or not is none of your concern."

With that, Chu Hechao rose from his seat, his graceful walk leaving everyone stunned, exchanging bewildered looks.

Yang Zhongfa, wide-eyed, hurriedly stood up, saying, "Lord Yuan Li, it's all my fault for speaking out of turn. This isn't your concern, don't worry about it. General has always been irritable about being pressured to marry, that's just his way. He's the same with everyone, being annoyed by pressure to marry, it's not about being angry with you. Just talk to him about it, don't take it to heart, please!"

Yang Zhongfa apologized earnestly to Yuan Li with clasped fists before following after Chu Hechao.

He Lang scooped up the last bit of food into his mouth, rolling his eyes as he explained, "Yang Zhongfa is right. General has always been like this, he has even scolded us in a worse tone before. It's just that being pressured to marry makes him irritated. Don't take it personally, okay?"

With that, he hurried away too.

On the field path, Chu Hechao had already mounted his horse, the sand swirling as he rode off in a cloud of anger.

The man's figure receded into the distance.

Yuan Li swallowed, then turned to his subordinates, saying, "Let him be angry."

Liu Jixin tried to console him, "Lord, Yang Zhongfa mentioned that General gets upset when pressured to marry, how is this making him angry on your part?"

Yuan Li shook his head, repeating softly, "I have provoked his anger."