C151. Rival Seeks Favor Too.

C151. Rival Seeks Favor Too.

The next day, Yuan Li handed over the carefully hidden grassland topographic map to Chu Hechao.

Although Chu Hechao was irritated by Yuan Li's recklessness, he recognized the map as one that Yuan Li had risked his life to create. He stored it carefully, showing great care. That day, they spent a long time studying the map with their subordinates.

Yuan Li's illness didn't fully improve until the end of the month.

As soon as he recovered, Chu Hechao hoisted Yuan Li onto a horse and swiftly headed towards Jixian County.

The northern frontier generals bid them a warm farewell.

During this month, the generals stationed in the northern region visited Yuan Li many times. They didn't say much but showed concern for Yuan ali's health, expressed gratitude for his contributions, and behaved normally. However, occasionally, their gazes towards Yuan Li seemed rather peculiar.

Yuan Li felt they must have known about Chu Hechao's relationship with him, especially considering Chu Hechao's unusual behavior when he was gravely ill. Yet, Yuan Li was unaware of what Chu Hechao had discussed with these trusted generals, as they didn't show any signs of suspicion in front of him.

Yuan Li was relieved to play along, acting as if nothing had been discovered, engaging in light-hearted conversations with them as usual.

Mi Yang and Duan Yuquan had also privately marveled at the unexpected pairing between the General and Yuan Li.

There was nothing wrong with two men being together, especially since they still had the title of brothers-in-law. When they initially sensed something amiss, they felt awkward and extremely shocked. Normally, they would have advised against the situation, but seeing how the General acted like a madman because of Yuan Li, they couldn't find the words to stop it.

So be it.

The northern frontier Generals watched as the Grand General and the provincial governor gradually disappeared into the distance.

In the end, they couldn't sway the Grand General's intentions anyway.

Five days later, Yuan Li finally returned to Jixian County.

Upon his return, he was surrounded layer by layer by his worried subordinates.

Everyone was extremely concerned about his safety, examining Yuan Li repeatedly from head to toe. Yuan Dan even cried, tears in his eyes as he repeatedly said, "Le Jun, I'm so glad you're safe, I'm so glad you're safe!"

Yuan Li touched his nose, feeling amused and helpless. After speaking a few words to them in a gentle tone, Chu Hechao walked over and interjected, "Your Excellency the Governor has just recovered from a serious illness, and he needs rest after rushing all the way here. You should go back for now and report back tomorrow if there's anything urgent."

The crowd agreed and promptly left.

Yuan Li breathed a sigh of relief, and once inside the room, he lay down on the bed, not wanting to move at all.

A man walked over, and kicked his leg that was dangling off the bed, sternly saying, "You're all sweaty and lying on the bed, go take a bath."

"..."

Yuan Li silently shrunk into the bed, pretending to be dead.

Chu Hechao narrowed his eyes dangerously and said, "Yuan Li."

Yuan Li buried his head under the covers.

In the next moment, Chu Hechao's strong arm reached around his waist and lifted him up, carrying him towards the bath.

Yuan Li lazily gave up resisting, "Bring me some clean clothes."

Chu Hechao glanced at him, "You're so lazy."

But he still found Yuan Li's clothes, draped them over his shoulder, and carried the man to the bath.

After bathing, they took a nap together.

Chu Hechao hadn't relaxed like this in a long time. He didn't know how long he had slept, but when he woke up and opened his eyes, he saw Yuan Li lying in front of him, staring at him intently.

Chu Hechao's heart skipped a beat, then he frowned, "What are you doing?"

Yuan Li said, "I was waiting for you to wake up. Brother, tell me how you dealt with the Xiongnu and Wuhuan people."

Chu Hechao rubbed his forehead, knowing that Yuan Li would eventually ask about this matter. There was nothing he couldn't say, so Chu Hechao wrapped his arm around him, patted his back, and said slowly, "You instigated internal turmoil between the four barbarian tribes and the Huyan Hutu by slaughtered. The grasslands will not be peaceful for a short time, so we can set the Xiongnu aside for now. As for the Wuhuan people, they cannot stay in Youzhou."

His tone became more serious, "Beyond the Great Wall, we should not leave barbarians."

Despite Wuhuan people being subject to Northern Zhou, they repeatedly committed acts of betrayal. The Northern Zhou court had to give them rewards every year to appease them, and part of the wealth of the five counties in Youzhou was taken away by the Wuhuan people.

Despite this, they were still dissatisfied, and the only contribution they made to Northern Zhou was to fight against the Xiongnu, but now they were secretly working with the Xiongnu.

Chu Hechao had never wanted to keep the Wuhuan people.

However, his cavalry was too few and his military strength was too weak in the beginning. Even if he tried his best, he could only make the Wuhuan people submit. The Northern Zhou court eagerly relocated the Wuhuan people to Youzhou for Chu Hechao to manage, to fight against the Xiongnu, and Chu Hechao did not think it was a long-term solution, but circumstances forced him to do so.

Dealing with a tiger for its fur had indeed led to problems, and the constant shenanigans of the Wuhuan people over the years had made Chu Hechao extremely disgusted. Keeping these people on his land, inside the Great Wall, was like raising hungry wolves at home, and he would never be at peace.

To get rid of them, they had to be removed.

Yuan Li's thoughts were similar to Chu Hechao's. He looked at the stubble on Chu Hechao's chin and pulled a strand, saying, "What's your plan? The Wuhuan people are not like the Xiongnu or Xianbei, they are 'vassals' who have submitted to the Northern Zhou court. Although they are showing signs of unrest, they haven't made any real moves yet. If we want to attack the Wuhuan people, we must have a legitimate reason."

Chu Hechao winced in pain, grabbing Yuan Li's playful hand, "I plan to conscript the Wuhuan people to attack the Xiongnu."

Yuan Li's eyes lit up, and he said meaningfully, "General, you are quite cunning."

Chu Hechao chuckled, thinking, is this considered cunning?

You haven't seen anything yet.

He reached under the covers, pinched his wife's buttocks, and said seriously, "It is the Wuhuan people's duty. If they refuse to attack the Xiongnu, it would be disrespectful to the Northern Zhou. Therefore, attacking them would be justified. If they are truly intimidated by my coercion and end up fighting with the Xiongnu, it would be more beneficial for us. It would prevent them from joining forces again."

Yuan Li nodded in agreement.

The Xiongnu and the Wuhuan probably never expected Chu Hechao to retake Jizhou so quickly.

*

Not only the Xiongnu and the Wuhuan were surprised, but also the governors of Yanzhou and Qingzhou, Che Kangbo and Hui Zizhen.

Upon hearing the news that Yuan Li was sending troops to attack Jizhou, they enthusiastically mobilized their troops to prove their innocence by joining in the fight against Wu Shanshi. However, as they were preparing to march with their soldiers and supplies, they were surprised to learn that the conflict between Chu Hechao and Wu Shanshi had already ended.

Wu Shanshi was defeated and captured, while Chu Hechao emerged victorious and had returned to Youzhou.

Che Kangbo and Hui Zizhen were dumbfounded.

Standing on the border of Jizhou, in disbelief and confusion amidst the strong winds, they fell into silence.

It was beyond belief...

How could the battle have ended so soon?

They had sent many scouts to investigate the situation in Jizhou, and all the reports confirmed that Chu Hechao had indeed defeated Wu Shanshi.

Che Kangbo and Hui Zizhen felt as if they had eaten a fly, frustrated and irritated. They wanted to grab Wu Shanshi by the collar and curse him, "You proclaimed yourself emperor, didn't you have allies? How could you be so weak that you couldn't withstand Chu Hechao's attacks for even a month!"

If Wu Shanshi had lasted just a month longer, they could have cleared their names of the accusations thrown at them by Wu Shanshi. Little did Che Kangbo and Hui Zizhen know that the notorious Wu Shanshi, the legitimate heir of the Wu family of Runan, who dared to challenge the world by declaring himself emperor, would turn out to be so weak!

"How could he only hold out for a month and still call himself an emperor!"

The two men gnashed their teeth in hatred, but there was nothing they could do.

Jizhou was now under Yuan Li's control. If they were to advance into Jizhou with their troops, it wouldn't be about clearing their names and fighting evil for the people. It would only serve to confirm their alliance with Wu Shanshi by provoking Chu Hechao after his victory over Wu Shanshi.

Even if their political instincts were slow, they were determined not to engage in such foolish actions.

The only option for the two men was to turn back. With Wu Shanshi dead, the only way to prove their innocence was to send a generous gift to Yuan Li and Chu Hechao, continuously praise them, and spread the news of how loyal and admirable they were for defeating Wu Shanshi, highlighting his heinous deeds.

Though this flattery seemed insincere, they had to swallow their pride and flatter Yuan Li and Chu Hechao, even though they didn't want to. With Wu Shanshi already dead, their chance to clear their names was a welcome opportunity, disregarding any concerns about their reputation.

Soon, the lavish gifts from Yanzhou and Qingzhou arrived in Jixian County.

Upon seeing these gifts, Zhou Gongdan immediately recalled the time when his lord, disguised as the governors of Yanzhou and Qingzhou, had feigned sending a generous gift to Wu Shanshi.

The scene before him overlapped with that memory, and Zhou Gongdan was struck with enlightenment. He quickly understood many intricacies of the situation, admiringly admitting to Liu Jixin and Guo Mao, "My lord's strategies are truly ingenious and far surpass my own."

After the defeat of Wu Shanshi, Zhou Gongdan reverted to using his real name.

Intrigued, Liu Jixin and Guo Mao asked, "Oh?"

Zhou Gongdan briefly recounted the incident of his lord sending gifts to Wu Shanshi, expressing his heartfelt admiration, "I was deeply troubled when I learned that those items were to be given to Wu Shanshi. I even questioned whether it was a waste to give him such valuable items. However, my lord was generous and assured me that sacrifices would lead to gains. I initially thought the' gains' referred to Wu Shanshi proclaiming himself emperor. Little did I know it was more than that. My lord had already predicted that Che Kangbo and Hui Zizhen would send gifts. With these gifts, it not only made up for the ones intended for Wu Shanshi but also served a greater purpose."

After Wu Shanshi ascended the throne, the gold, silver, and jewels that Yuan Li had sent over had already been squandered. Zhou Gongdan had regretted the loss of this wealth but now saw a chance to make up for it.

He had complete admiration for Yuan Li.

Liu Jixin and Guo Mao suddenly understood, and their view of these gifts changed entirely.

Guo Mao stroked his beard and generously praised, "My lord is truly a master strategist, securing victories from miles away. We have lived many years longer than our lord, yet we are far from his level."

"Indeed, indeed," Liu Jixin laughed heartily, "There's still so much for us to learn."

*

When the gift lists from Yanzhou and Qingzhou reached Yuan Li, he exclaimed, "My goodness, these two really went all out."

The gift lists were too long, and Yuan Li hadn't finished looking through them by dinner time. Chu Hechao walked in from outside and glanced at the lists, remarking, "Everyone's saying you already knew Che Kangbo and Hui Zizhen were going to send you gifts. If you already anticipated it, why bother going through them in such detail?"

Confused, Yuan Li looked up at him with a question mark on his face, "When did I guess that they would send me gifts?"

Chu Hechao raised an eyebrow, surprised, "You didn't guess?"

"How could I even guess something like that?" Yuan Li frowned, shaking his head. "I thought that when you attacked Wu Shanshi, they would come to offer their support and prove their innocence. With the combined forces of the three regions, we would have had an easier time defeating Wu Shanshi. If those two were clever, they might even consider defecting to our side. But if they weren't honest, we could have used Wu Shanshi's allies to crush them... Who could have predicted that Wu Shanshi would be so weak, you would return within a month, leaving them with no opportunity?"

Chu Hechao clicked his tongue, "And you blame me for that?"

How could he?

Yuan Li gave him a thumbs up, lavishly praising Chu Hechao for several minutes. Chu Hechao was flattered to the point that he had to raise his hand and ask Yuan Li to stop before he did.

After collecting the gift lists, Yuan Li focused on his meal. After dinner, Chu Hechao asked, "Are you still going to visit Wu Shanshi?"

After a brief pause, Yuan Li shook his head.

There was no need to see him. Wu Shanshi was a defeated man, with no chance of redemption. He didn't possess any traits worthy of Yuan Li's respect, and meeting him would only be a waste of time.

"Why not ask Jia Qing if he wants to see Wu Shanshi?" Yuan Li sighed, turning to Lin Tian. "Allow him to tend to Wu Shanshi's attire and food, as long as it's not burdensome, to keep him satisfied."

Lin Tian nodded in agreement.

Yuan Li then turned to Chu Hechao, "Brother, how do you plan to deal with Wu Shanshi?"

Taking a sip of tea, Chu Hechao casually replied, "I captured him for you, so it's your decision."

Yuan Li made a decisive statement, "Then let's send him to the emperor. This will also serve as a reminder to His Majesty that it's time to grant me a title."

Chu Hechao, feeling pleased with himself for securing a reward for his wife, didn't feel any less satisfied than when he was appointed as a general. With a mischievous smile, he remarked, "Do you know who I captured in Jizhou?"

Intrigued, Yuan Li's curiosity was piqued, "Who did you capture?"

Setting down his tea cup, Chu Hechao smiled strangely and said, "The former magistrate of Guangyang County, Cai Ji, the esteemed Cai."

*

After being informed that he could visit Wu Shanshi in prison, Jia Qing remained silent for a while before finally nodding in agreement.

When Jia Qing went to the prison, he also asked Zhou Gongdan if he wanted to come along. Zhou Gongdan smiled and shook his head, "I won't go to provoke him. After all, the things I did were not actions befitting a gentleman."

Jia Qing didn't insist and went to the prison alone, carrying clothing and food with him.

In the prison, Wu Shanshi and Cai Ji were locked in neighboring cells.

When the jailer led Jia Qing to see the disheveled Wu Shanshi, Jia Qing's heart was filled with a myriad of complex emotions. It brought back memories of when he was imprisoned by Wu Shanshi and awaiting death.

Now, seeing Wu Shanshi facing a similar fate, Jia Qing didn't experience the satisfaction of revenge or schadenfreude. Instead, he felt disappointment, regret, melancholy, and acceptance.

The knot in his heart caused by his once loyal master's desire to kill him suddenly dissipated.

However, the sight of Jia Qing stirred opposite emotions in Wu Shanshi. He stared at Jia Qing, his face twitching with a mix of shock and anger, which quickly turned into clarity. "So this is it... this is it!"

So, Jia Qing had escaped from the Jizhou prison and come to seek refuge in Youzhou!

Wu Shanshi suddenly felt a strong urge to burst into laughter, finding the ironic twist of fate truly laughable.

The great general who could have brought him victory had been forced to flee, abandoning him to join their eventual enemy. Jia Qing, Jia Qing, even this subordinate who had been loyal to him for years had become a member of Youzhou.

How could he possibly stand a chance against Youzhou now?

In that moment, Wu Shanshi felt despondent. He coldly smirked, unable to muster a laugh, and leaned against the wall with his eyes closed.

Silently sighing, Jia Qing addressed him, "Sir."

Wu Shanshi's voice was cold, "Why are you here? To amuse your new master at my expense? Jia Qing, oh Jia Qing, I underestimated you. I thought you were the most blindly loyal person under my command, but I never expected..."

He chuckled at himself, "You are the one who truly sees things clearly."

Without offering any excuses, Jia Qing wordlessly placed the items he brought in Wu Shanshi's cell and instructed the jailer to bring him a bucket of hot water for washing.

Wu Shanshi remained silent.

Jia Qing felt he had fulfilled his duty and was about to leave. However, in the neighboring cell, Cai Ji reached out and grabbed Jia Qing's robe, desperately pleading, "Sir, please save me!"

Jia Qing looked down and saw Cai Ji's white hair and beard disheveled, his time in prison had left him emaciated, with sunken cheeks, dirty and foul-smelling clothes, exuding the stench of urine, looking incredibly aged and frail.

Sweating profusely, Cai Ji pleaded, "Sir, I used to be the magistrate of Guangyang County in Youzhou, we were colleagues! The governor and general always valued me. I even hosted them at my banquet in the past. Please help me plead with them, based on our past friendship, they will surely spare me!"

Stepping back, Jia Qing pulled his robe back from Cai Ji's grasp, "I only know that the current magistrate of Guangyang County is the governor's father, Yuan Song."

Cai Ji's face grew even paler, trembling all over, "Sir, I beg you to save me. I deeply regret my decision. I regret leaving Youzhou to join Wu Shanshi... I thought Jizhou was the safest place, but ultimately, Youzhou emerged victorious, even conquering the three northern regions... I regret it, I truly regret it. Sir, please, I beg you, plead with the governor and general on my behalf, tell them that Cai Ji regrets it!"

He truly regretted it.

He remembered feeling relieved when he escaped Youzhou, believing he had escaped the chaos early. He thought that with Chu Hechao and Yuan Li's temperaments, they would soon become embroiled in trouble in the chaotic times, but ended up being in prison in Youzhou instead. Chu Hechao and Yuan Li were long gone, leaving him with no hope in sight.

If only he had realized his mistake and stayed in the northern regions, would his situation be different now?

Tears filled Cai Ji's eyes.

Jia Qing didn't listen to the rest of his plea. He turned and left the prison, leaving behind Cai Ji's cries of regret and Wu Shanshi's lunatic laughter slowly fading away until they were completely inaudible.

Outside the prison, the sun was shining brightly, the sky clear.

Jia Qing looked up at the sky, feeling remarkably calm.

"How is it?" Suddenly, a voice asked with a laugh beside him.

Jia Qing turned to see Zhou Gongdan standing there with a feather fan, smiling as he looked at him.

"They have no more connection to me," Jia Qing replied calmly.

Zhou Gongdan laughed heartily and warmly invited, "That's the right way to think! Come, Sir Jia, let's go back to my mansion and have a drink together. My lord specially sent me some wine from Bingzhou, it's delicious and not something you can taste every day."

Without answering, Jia Qing walked over to him and followed Zhou Gongdan back to his mansion.

As they walked, Jia Qing suddenly said, "My lord also sent me a lot of wine from Bingzhou."

It dawned on Zhou Gongdan that Jia Qing was referring back to his earlier statement, letting Zhou Gongdan know that he also received wine from Yuan Li!

He couldn't help but chuckle, pointing at Jia Qing with his fan and speechless, finding the situation even funnier the more he thought about it.

Well, this blockhead was now vying for his favor too!