C121. Defeat Li Li.

C121. Defeat Li Li.

Yuan Li's speech was muffled, "Chu Hechao, you should eat less mutton."

Chu Hechao was puzzled, "Why?"

"I'm worried that you're too fiery," Yuan Li looked at him softly, "What if you have a nosebleed?"

Chu Hechao chuckled, "Can't you wish me well?"

Yuan Li worried, "Just remember not to put it in the pot."

Chu Hechao wanted to pull him over and spank him, half-jokingly, "Don't worry, I won't."

The days passed quickly as they were busy with their work. Soon after the New Year, it was Chu Hechao's birthday, which was nothing out of the ordinary. But this year was different as he was turning thirty.

On his birthday, Chu Hechao and Yuan Li came together to pay respects to the Prince and Consort of Chu.

Next to the tombs of the Prince and Madam Yang, there was an additional tombstone, which was for Chu Mingfeng.

All three tombs were empty coffins.

As the ashes blew in the cold wind and landed on Chu Hechao's hair, he sat on the ground and after burning the paper for a while, he suddenly spoke, "Mom, Dad, I've found the person I want to marry."

Yuan Li put a golden ingot into the brazier and glanced at him.

"You've met him before, but you might be angry when I tell you," Chu Hechao's chuckled in the firelight, "He is Chu Mingfeng's widow, Yuan Li, but now he is my wife."

The flames licked his fingertips, the cold wind howled, as if it was the reprimand of the Prince and Consort of Chu, and the shock of Chu Mingfeng.

"You know that there is nothing between them," Chu Hechao listened quietly to the wind for a while, then smiled, "Stop scolding. I have decided, I won't let him go even if I die. Even if you jump out of the coffin boards in anger, you can't do anything, he belongs to me."

The branches trembled, and the brazier in front of Yuan Li was blown with ashes all over him. He almost thought that the Prince and Consort of Chu were really angered and had manifested themselves. Yuan Li twitched his mouth and wiped his face.

In his heart, he thought, "I will take good care of Chu Hechao, and we will live a good life together. So, rest assured."

After a while, Lin Tian reminded them that it was getting late. Yuan Li looked at the sky and said to Chu Hechao, "Brother, it's getting late, let's go."

"Okay," Chu Hechao replied, "You go ahead, Lejun."

Yuan Li knew he wanted to talk to his family, so he nodded and left.

Chu Hechao finished burning the last yellow paper, looked at the words on the tombstone, stood up, brushed off the ashes on his clothes, and whispered, "If you can really hear me, then bless Yuan Li with a long life."

His face slowly became cool, and he looked at the tombstone one last time, "Don't let me harm him again."

After returning from the grave, Chu Hechao didn't say much. In the evening, Yuan Li smiled and approached him, hands folded, "Guess what I brought you?"

Chu Hechao pulled him to sit beside him, "Something to eat?"

Yuan Li was speechless, "Can you hide food in the palm of your hand?"

Chu Hechao hugged him, feeling his empty heart being filled, as if it had always been missing this person. He sighed and with half-closed eyes, the faint pain in his temple slowly relaxed, "Then what is it?"

He spoke lazily, as if he was about to fall asleep.

Seeing him like this, Yuan Li lost a bit of confidence in the thing he was holding, "What do you want?"

Chu Hechao closed his eyes and smirked, "I like whatever you give me. Even if you fart in my direction, I'll think it smells heavenly."

"...," Yuan Li's mouth twitched, "Brother, can you show a little decency in your speech?"

"How am I being indecent?" Chu Hechao said, "Is it indecent to have a private conversation with my wife?"

Yuan Li couldn't find words to reply, so he pretended not to hear and revealed the Guanyin jade pendant in his hand, "How is it, does it look good?"

Chu Hechao opened his eyes, sat up, took the pendant and rubbed it between his fingers, "Guanyin?"

"Yes," Yuan Li said, "Try wearing it."

Chuhao Chao bowed his head to let him put it on, couldn't help but chuckle, "Why did you suddenly decide to give me this?"

"Your temper is too foul, always thinking impure thoughts," Yuan Li said as he put it on him, teasing him, "Wearing this will help cleanse your heart and improve your temper."

Chu Hechao curiously touched the pendant and asked, not fully convinced, "Will this really work?"

Yuan Li whispered, "I hope it does."

Chu Hechao narrowed his eyes, then lifted him onto the bed, "I heard that."

After a month, the marriage between the Chu Family and Yuan's family was also confirmed. Inter-family marriages were common during the Northern Zhou Dynasty, so the marriage between the Chu family daughter and Yuan Dan was not unusual.

Both Yuan Li and Chu Hechao wanted to complete the marriage before the war with Li Li began, to ensure the Chu family had descendants and Chu Hechao's subordinates could relax.

On an auspicious day in mid-March, the Chu family daughter was married to Yuan Dan.

Since the girl's parents were no longer alive, Yuan Li took charge of the dowry and arrangements. On the day of the wedding, Yuan Li brought Chu Hechao over to see the Chu family daughter, "Although he is my uncle, you are also my sister. If he mistreats you, just tell me or your elder brother, we will stand up for you. Don't be afraid to go to his home, you are the daughter of the late Prince of Chu and a sister of the current Prince of Chu, remember you have someone to support you."

Under the veil, the Chu family daughter's eyes filled with tears and she said, "Thank you, Second Brother and Eldest brother-in-law."

Chu Hechao's face turned dark.

Yuan Li tugged at his sleeve, giving him a stern look to calm down.

Chu Hechao's finally spoke, "Your brother-in-law is right."

Upon finishing this conversation, Yuan Li and Chu Hechao departed. After a moment, the two remaining Chu family sisters entered to continue accompanying their sister.

The younger sister curiously asked, "Big sister, what did Second Brother say to you?"

The eldest sister whispered and gently explained, "Brother-in-law and Second Brother are still very concerned about us. However, it seems that Second Brother does not like us calling him Eldest brother-in-law. In the future, just call her Brother-in-law directly. Brother-in-law is virtuous and kind-hearted, and Second Brother greatly respects him. If you ever need help, you can seek assistance from Brother-in-law."

The two sisters took these words to heart.

At the auspicious time, Yuan Dan joyfully arrived with his retinue. With no parents of the bride present, many formalities were bypassed.

Only Yuan Li and Chu Hechao sat in the main hall, accepting the bride and groom's bow with the status of "second brother as father, and eldest brother-in-law as mother."

Subsequently, Chu Hechao personally carried his sister into the bridal sedan.

The tears of the sister moistened Chu Hechao's back, filled with anticipation and anxiety for the future as she sat inside the bridal sedan.

After the wedding, a weight lifted off Chu Hechao's shoulders. Seeing Yuan Dan and the Chu Hechao's sister in high spirits upon their return, Yuan Li also felt relieved.

*

At the end of March, Yuan Li appointed Guo Mao as the Colonel of the Tuntian, in charge of the Tuntian affairs in Guangyang County.

He then began to recruit troops, organize food supplies, and make preparations for the war against Li Li. He had his eloquent subordinates write several moving proclamations, copied dozens of them and sent them to various provinces, detailing the injustices suffered by the Emperor under Li Li's captivity, and highlighting Li Li's many crimes.

The proclamations called for heroes from all over the country to join forces with Yuan Li and Chu Hechao in the battle against Li Li.

Upon the issuance of the proclamations, enthusiasm spread throughout the land, with responses pouring in from all directions. This was a golden opportunity to attack Li Li with a famous army, a chance for great merit - who could resist the urge to take action?

Messages from various provinces converged in Jixian County, all expressing the desire to unite in the campaign against Li Li.

With unanimous agreement, there was no time for further discussion. Troops were assembled, and preparations were made to confront Li Li and his forces.

Jizhou's Wu Shanshi was among the first to hear of Yuan Li and Chu Hechao intention to attack Li Li.

Initially delighted, he anticipated claiming a share of the credit. However, his advisers wore solemn expressions.

Wei Ji, an elderly counselor, directly asked, "Do you think this is something to be happy about, my Lord?"

Confused for a moment, Wu Shanshi then realized, "You're right, Uncle. If Li Li is eliminated, the Emperor's restraint will be lifted, stabilizing the realm. When the realm is stable, where will my opportunities to shine be? In that case, getting rid of Li Li may not be such a good thing after all."

Wei Ji sighed softly, unable to contain his disappointment.

The other counselors, accustomed to such reactions, quickly resumed their composure.

Counselor Wang Yun, with a tinge of frustration, asserted, "My Lord, with all due respect, eliminating Li Li is a good deed for the people and the nation. We, as loyal officials of the Northern Zhou, must march forth without hesitation to attack Li Li!"

Wu Shanshi frowned at the reproachful tone of Wang Yun's words, somewhat displeased, "If that's the case, why do you all wear such expressions, and why do you not see this as a joyous occasion?"

Before Wang Yun could reply, Wu Shanshi coldly huffed, skipping over him to address Wen Ning, "Wen Ning, you speak."

Zhou Gongdan rose gracefully, first bowing to Wang Yun, "Mr. Wang's words are all valid, and this is exactly what I wanted to say."

Seeing Wang Yun's slight relief at being supported in public, Wu Shanshi's mood lightened slightly.

Zhou Gongdan also bowed respectfully to Wu Shanshi and said, "If my Lord deems this a joyous occasion, then it is indeed so."

Wu Shanshi was fond of eloquent and attractive speakers. He spoke in a gentle tone, puzzled, "Then why are you all not happy?"

"While this may be a happy occasion, it also depends on who it is happy for," Zhou Gongdan explained. "For Yuan Li and Chu Hechao, it is certainly a cause for joy, as they are the leaders in the campaign against Li Li. If successful, they will receive the greatest credit. However, for you, my Lord, all glory and credit will be attributed to them, overshadowing others. Even with the noble lineage of the Wu family of Runan, your reputation may pale in comparison to theirs."

Understanding dawned on Wu Shanshi, his expression turning serious, "I see."

Wei Ji cleared his throat and said slowly, "Furthermore, once they kill Li Li, they can welcome the Emperor to Youzhou. With the Emperor's authority behind them, they can wield power unchecked, controlling the realm at will."

Wu Shanshi fell silent for a moment, unwilling to accept it, "Must we just stand by and watch them seize the opportunity?"

"Of course not," Wei Ji replied, his eyes glinting. "Li Li is just a man, with fears, escapes, and strategies. While Chu Hechao and Yuan Li lead the charge, who's to say they will be the ones to kill Li Li? If you act swiftly..."

Inspired, Wu Shanshi interjected, "If I am the first to kill Li Li, then I can claim the credit and welcome the Emperor to Jizhou!"

Wei Ji stroked his beard, nodding with a smile.

Immediately, Wu Shanshi and his advisers discussed how to take down Li Li ahead of the others.

As Zhou Gongdan pondered how to relay this information back to Youzhou, a messenger arrived, saying, "My Lord, an envoy from Li Li of Luoyang has arrived!"

Zhou Gongdan was taken aback, a flash of realization in his eyes.

Why had Li Li's envoy come to Jizhou at this particular moment?