C95. Concern.

C95. Concerns.

Don't be fooled by Yuan Li's seemingly calm demeanor, his anger is no less than that of Yang Zhongfa who kicked Cheng Bu's head.

No one understood Chu Hechao's grief more than him. Cheng Bu and Li Li's attempts to provoke Chu Hechao were like rubbing salt in his wounds, how could Yuan Li not be infuriated?

It was precisely this anger that led him to find an opportunity to strike back more swiftly.

From being trapped by the imperial decree to Yuan Li taking charge, everything happened at lightning speed, and in the blink of an eye, the tide had turned.

The soldiers from Luoyang, escorting the rewards, were at a loss, held captive in a circle by Wang Er's men, and forced to drop their weapons.

Among the crowd, Guan Zhihuai watched Yuan Li's back with a complex expression.

Just moments ago, they had been helpless, resigned to endure their grievances and lie low, but it was the youngest among them, Yuan Li, who in a sudden moment found a way out, turning the tables in their favor.

At that moment, Yuan Li's age was overlooked, his reliability instilling a strong sense of reassurance in everyone.

A person like him would undoubtedly inspire unwavering loyalty and followership, even though Guan Zhihuai still harbored many suspicions about Yuan Li. He had to admit that Yuan Li's abilities were indeed formidable, his quick wit and courage far surpassing the norm, embodying the traits of a hero.

Just this one instance of Yuan Li stepping up made Guan Zhihuai understand why his colleagues held him in such high regard.

After killing Cheng Bu, Yuan Li wasted no time and approached Chu Hechao, saying, "General, we cannot delay. Let us organize and escort these people back to Luoyang immediately."

Chu Hechao nodded, scanning his subordinates, fixing his gaze on He Lang, "He Lang."

He Lang promptly stepped forward, "I am here, sir."

"Lead three hundred men to accompany them on their journey to Luoyang tomorrow," Chu Hechao ordered.

He Lang saluted, "I will obey."

The group returned to the study in a flurry. Yuan Li sat in silence, contemplating matters.

While the others had been jovially mocking Cheng Bu and cursing Li Li, they lowered their voices when they noticed Yuan Li deep in thought, not wanting to disturb him.

"Lord He," Yuan Li suddenly looked up.

He Lang perked up, "Lord Yuan, please speak."

"I ask that you delay the return of these rewards to Luoyang," Yuan Li said, "Take your time on the journey back and spread the word at every stop about Li Li's failed attempts to win us over, despite our firm refusals. If we can arrive in Luoyang in winter, that would be even better."

In the freezing winter weather, Li Li's attempts to use coercion would be hindered by the cold. Throughout the winter, the rumors would spread widely, and by the time spring arrived, it would be too late for Li Li to do anything.

He Lang cheerfully agreed, "I understand."

Yuan Li felt guilty, "I apologize for the inconvenience, it may delay your return until the following spring."

"No trouble at all," He Lang replied, "We can find a place to hunker down for winter. As long as we have enough food and clothing, we can tough it out for a few months. The northern frontier is much colder than Luoyang, and those of us who have spent time there are not afraid of the bitter cold. Maybe we can leisurely make our way back to Youzhou in winter and arrive by spring."

Yuan Li nodded and then turned to the others, saying, "Li Li's informer will reach them faster than ours. The people returning the rewards may be informed of our actions even before you reaching Luoyang. Our current plan is to inform the world ahead of Li Li, demonstrating our 'loyalty' to the world and the emperor. No matter what, we must send Li Li with lavish gifts from Youzhou to verify his attempts to recruit us."

Only by verifying this, they could stand on the moral high ground, condemning Li Li as a traitor and holding him accountable for the murder of Prince Chu and his wife.

They needed to be the absolute justice, waiting for the time when they avenged Prince Chu, the people of the world could follow them. Only by killing Li Li and the eunuchs, could they truly avenge Prince Chu and the Yang shi.

Guo Mao turned and asked, "Lord, should we ask Old Cui to write an article?"

Cui Xuan is a master among scholars, and his influence is unquestionable. With Cui Xuan's help, the news of Li Li's plot to kill Prince Chu and buy off Youzhou would spread throughout the world at the fastest speed.

Liu Jixin furrowed his brows, "Cui Yan once said that Master Cui does not like to get involved in such matters. Trying to use his reputation now, he probably wouldn't agree."

"Cui Yan is now under the Lord's command," Guo Mao smiled subtly, a glint in his eyes, "If Master Cui disagrees, we can have Cui Yan persuade him. If Master Cui still refuses, then..."

He waved his fan, implying tactfully, "I've heard that Master Cui is a pragmatic person."

The implication was to forcibly pressure Cui Xuan.

Liu Ji Xin instinctively wanted to say "no," but eventually opted to listen to see how the Lord would respond.

"Do not worry," Yuan Li said, staying calm, "Chang Yue, you and Ping Zhi should go to Mangshan to visit the old master. Remember to bring generous gifts, and let Lin Tian take you to choose a few calligraphy and paintings to bring along. Ask the old master if he would be willing to assist us. Be respectful in your words and do not offend the elderly."

Guo Mao and Liu Ji Xin stood up together to acknowledge the order.

Yuan Li then turned to the leaders under Chu Hechao's command, sincerely saying, "While the rewards sent by Li Li may seem like an attempt to appease and compensate, they are actually rewards for your achievements in defeating the Xiongnu. By sending them back to Luoyang as they are, you will also miss out on a portion of the rewards, which is my fault."

Upon hearing this, Yang Zhongfa immediately waved his hand dismissively, saying, "Lord Yuan, you must not say that! Without your 'thunderbolt cannon,' we would not have been able to defeat the Xiongnu or kill Huyan Wuzhu. We can do without the rewards from Li Li. This man is treacherous, and without these rewards, we would be at ease."

Others nodded in agreement, with He Lang adding, "You and the General are the greatest heroes. Most of those rewards were likely intended for you two. If there is any loss, it is the two of you who have suffered the most. What we received is insignificant and should not weigh on your mind."

Yuan Li smiled, knowing that their words, though comforting, did not change the situation at hand.

Leading others may sound difficult, and indeed it is not easy. A leader should be strict towards subordinates, but also generous and not overly critical.

What needs to be given must be given, especially rewards for achievements. People follow and work hard for you for the sake of fame, fortune, and power, so these things must not be withheld.

Yuan Li believed that Yang Zhongfa and others' current refusal of rewards was sincere, but who could guarantee how long this sincerity would last?

If this sincerity gradually faded in the future, they may accumulate resentment when they recall this incident.

Any discontent that can be smoothed over with material wealth should not be neglected. With the unexpected wealth from Cai Ji not long ago, Yuan Li confidently planned to dig into his own pockets to reward them.

Yuan Li glanced at Chu Hechao, and the man understood his intention, calmly saying, "Although we cannot accept Li Li's rewards, you should not receive less than what is deserved. Later, Le Jun and I will send rewards to you."

His tone was firm and not open to debate. Yang Zhongfa and He Lang were somewhat scared and nodded in agreement, not daring to refuse further.

After this matter was settled, everyone dispersed. He Lang had to return home to prepare for the journey, showing a sense of urgency in his departure.

Yuan Li and Chu Hechao quickly had dinner and returned to the room after washing up. Once the servants left, the two men slept on the same bed and quietly discussed the events of the day.

"I don't think Cui Xuan will involve himself in our affairs with Li Li," Yuan Li lowered his voice, "He has been living in seclusion for decades, avoiding involvement in politics. Unless he is pressured by his family's orders, he won't comply. But Cui Xuan gave me this official name, wouldn't I be worse than a beast to treat him this way?"

Chu Hechao responded and squeezed Yuan Li's hand, "Don't force him."

Yuan Li sighed in distress, "Our sources are far inferior to Li Li's."

Each incident in recent days had exposed their shortcomings. You Province was remote, and information arrived slowly. Without a complete intelligence organization, they were unaware of news such as Prince Chu's death or the imperial edict sent by Li Li, and they were always caught off guard.

Intelligence was time, it was life, and it was crucial in chaotic times. But if they wanted to wait for the Intelligence Bureau's personnel to be fully functional, it would take several years at least.

The only relief was that the various factions were still probing each other and had not yet escalated into full-blown conflict.

Li Li was guarding the Emperor in Luoyang, so he dared not provoke a confrontation. Holding the Emperor as his trump card, he could use him to control the princes.

Yuan Li's actions against Li Li today might have been the first time he failed miserably in using the Emperor's name since Li Li took control of Luoyang.

However, even now, Yuan Li did not openly resist the imperial edict; he only provoked Cheng Bu to make a mistake, creating an opportunity for resolution.

But by openly provoking them this way, Li Li would surely retaliate. Without an intelligence organization, Yuan Li could only speculate on what Li Li's next move might be based on his temperament and methods.

Yuan Li tugged at Chu Hechao's sleeve and asked, "What about the letter from Prince Chu?"

Chu Hechao got off the bed to fetch it for him.

The two of them read the letter several times, focusing on the detailed descriptions of Li Li.

Upon reading the letter again, Chu Hechao's emotions remained unchanged, and his face was calm.

The letter clearly pointed out what kind of person Li Li was. With a thoughtful look, Yuan Li nudged the person next to him, "What do you think Li Li will do next?"

"He won't let it go easily," Chu Hechao sneered, "The Emperor is in Luoyang, he will definitely use the Emperor's name against us."

Yuan chuckled, "I also think it will be like that."

The Emperor's card was very effective, but Li Li still dared not use the Emperor's name to punish disobedience, as he lacked troops and supplies and had ruled Luoyang for too short a time. Even if he wanted to punish those who defied him, he could not reach You Province.

Because Youzhou is really too far away.

Unless Li Li doesn't mind being attacked by Yanzhou, Yizhou, Yuzhou, and Bingzhou, he boldly comes.

At this time, Yuan Li began to like the geographical location of Youzhou far away from the Central Plains.

Chu Hechao touched Yuan Li's chin, his voice more tired than usual, with a dark expression in his eyes, "Thanks to you today."

Yuan Li said, "You don't know, he's about to make me piss to death."

Chu Hechao's breathing paused, his eyebrows immediately furrowed, reprimanding, "Don't say that word."

Yuan Li blinked and obediently agreed, "Oh."

Chu Hechao's tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly, his fingers rubbing Yuan Li's cheeks, hoarsely saying, "Be good, don't scare me, your brother can't handle it now."

Yuan Li promised, "I won't use that word again in the future."

Chu Hechao mumbled a response.

Yuanli made a pained expression, "Brother, your rubbing is making my face hurt."

Chu Hechao smiled, "I can't help it. I'm using very little force, but it still bothers your face."

Yuan Li took his hand and felt the uneven scars, uncomfortable to touch, "How did you get these wounds on your hand?"

Chu Hechao didn't want to talk about it, brushing it off, "Any kind of injury can be sustained on the battlefield."

True, Yuan Li compared his own hand to his, and Chu Hechao looked for a moment, "Your hand looks nice."

Yuan Li modestly said, "Your hand looks nice too."

Chu Hechao laughed, "Do you like me that much? You even like the scars on my hand."

Yuan Li: "..."

After a few more words, they returned to the main topic. Yuan Li said, "It is not suitable to fight with Li Li now. The autumn harvest is imminent, followed by winter. This winter..."

Yuan Li hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to continue.

Chu Hechao raised an eyebrow, "What about this winter?"

Yuan Li looked into Chu Hechao's eyes and said seriously, "Do you believe me if I say there might be a snow disaster this winter?"

Chu Hechao's expression turned serious as he sensed that Yuan Li was not joking. His heart sank, "How extensive could the snow disaster be, and for how long?"

"I don't know," Yuan Li sighed, "I'm not even sure if it will happen this winter or the next."

Yuan Li had previously speculated that after he obtained cotton in his official career, there might be a snow disaster in winter. But now, he had entered official service a whole year earlier. If one goes by normal age calculations, next year would be the time he could truly begin his official career.

So, he couldn't determine whether the snow disaster would occur this year or the next.

This uncertainty left Yuan Li hesitating about what to do next.

However, he did not expect Chu Hechao to believe in the snow disaster he mentioned so readily—especially considering how suspicious this man usually was.

"Whether it's this year or the next, preparing early is never wrong," Chu Hechao's words ended Yuan Li's doubts. He decisively stated, "It's best to get through this year safely. We'll have a year to prepare for the snow disaster. If it happens this winter, we'll start collecting firewood and coal, organizing the grain storage, and building shelters from tomorrow."

Yuan Li's troubled heart suddenly calmed down, he nodded and couldn't help but smile, "Alright, let's start preparing from tomorrow then."