C154. People Powered.

C154. People Powered.

Yuan Li's refusal of the ducal title had no other reason than the traditional etiquette of "three resignations and three refusals."

His subordinates, after a moment of astonishment, soon followed suit and calmed down.

Despite the chaos of the times, if it were anyone else, they would eagerly accept the rewards when presented with them. However, Yuan Li was a renowned scholar known throughout the world, and his every move would be observed by all, especially in such a significant matter as being conferred a ducal title.

At this point, Yuan Li was in no rush, nor did he want to appear unseemly.

Yuan Li's resolute attitude left the envoy with no choice but to hurriedly take the decree and rewards and leave.

A few days later, Chu Hechao finally returned.

Upon learning of the victorious return of the army, the people crowded the streets, cheering and joyfully welcoming the army back.

One man, who had suffered at the hands of the Wuhuan, choked back tears and shouted loudly, "General, mighty!"

"The army of Youzhou is mighty!"

Various cries filled the air, conveying the people's mixed emotions of joy and sorrow. Many were moved to tears, their emotions complex and varied. Among the excited adults, there were also children, their eyes sparkling as they watched the army of Youzhou slowly pass by.

In their dark eyes, the figure of the soldiers from Youzhou reflected the peak of their military prowess.

Under the gaze of the civilians, the soldiers looked even more solemn, standing tall and firm with each step.

The leading general couldn't help but sit up straight, but upon glancing around, he found that the civilians were most fixated on Chu Hechao.

It wasn't just because Chu Hechao was at the forefront and exceptionally handsome, but also because of the shining golden armor he wore in the sunlight.

His subordinates exchanged knowing glances, feeling that the general resembled a man made of gold.

Unbeknownst to Chu Hechao, his subordinates had their own thoughts, but he was in a cheerful mood with a smile on his lips, casually swinging the reins and exuding a debonair charm.

Occasionally hearing excited cheers from the crowd, he would casually glance over, prompting another round of gasps and blushing from some women.

Among the crowd on the roadside stood Lady Yang with her servants, holding her young son's hand.

Her eyes pierced through the crowd, fixed on the Wuhuan prisoners cowering with heads down at the back of the army.

Chu Hechao had captured twenty thousand Wuhuan soldiers, who were now bound by ropes and dragged along by the army. Alongside them, there were ragged refugees trailing closely behind the army.

These refugees were North Zhou people captured by the Wuhuan as slaves. After defeating Guli Chi, Chu Hechao rescued them from his tribe.

The Wuhuan prisoners hung their heads, their fearful expressions magnified under the scrutiny of the civilians. Some defiantly stared back, only to be spat on by the onlookers.

Watching this scene, Lady Yang sneered, "Serves them right!"

If her son wasn't present, she would have spit on the Wuhuan prisoners herself.

She had witnessed the plight of these Wuhuan prisoners repeatedly, her eyes slowly welling up with tears of joy.

They had finally defeated the Wuhuan.

Outside the Chu Mansion, Yuan Li awaited anxiously with Yang Zhongfa, Liu Jixin, and others.

As they caught sight of Chu Hechao and his men from afar, Yuan Li couldn't help but smile.

Yang Zhongfa was so excited that he wanted to rush over, repeatedly exclaiming, "Lord Yuan, the general truly won, Guli Chi is dead, am I dreaming?"

Yuan Li smiled helplessly, "You're not dreaming, Guli Chi is indeed dead. Your general displayed great power and avenged your loss."

Yang Zhongfa repeated, "Yes," several times, then suddenly realized and looked back at Yuan Li in astonishment, "You... knew?"

Yuan Li nodded at him and then turned back to watch Chu Hechao, saying, "I must find out how he got those burns on his hand. Why are you so surprised? Is there something wrong?"

Yang Zhongfa fell silent for a moment, whispering, "The general never discusses it with anyone."

But his voice was too low, and Yuan Li was focused on Chu Hechao, not hearing the remark. Yang Zhongfa shook his head and let it go. There was really nothing surprising, as he had long known that Yuan Li meant something special to Chu Hechao.

Chu Hechao also saw Yuan Li from a distance, his heart leaping at the sight of the young man standing there. He urged his horse forward eagerly, rushing ahead and dismounting before striding briskly up to Yuan Li.

He wanted to embrace him, but restrained himself, only scanning Yuan Li up and down with his eyes before hoarsely commenting, "You've slimmed down."

Today, Yuan Li wore a blue garment that complemented his fair, exquisite features. Upon hearing this, he smirked, his eyes twinkling mischievously, "You only notice my slimness because you think I'm thin everywhere."

"You've always been thin," Chu Hechao quipped, "any thinner and you'd be bony."

Yuan Li shot him a warning gaze, signaling him to watch his words. Chu Hechao's lips curled into a smile, but he rsesisted the urge to speak further.

In the evening, everyone gathered at the Chu Mansion for a meal. During the meal, Chu Hechao's personal guard paraded Guli Chi's severed head around the table.

Watching this head, Yang Zhongfa felt a sense of relief and celebration as he drank his wine with tears and laughter, clinking glasses with Yuan Congyun.

Understanding his inner turmoil, Yuan Congyun silently drank with him. Eventually, they drank until seven or eight of them passed out.

Yuan Li, bemused, had them escorted back home. Once they left, he leaned back and stretched lazily. Still hungry, he asked Chu Hechao, "Are you still hungry?"

Chu Hechao had barely touched his food, nodding, "Bring me a bowl of noodles."

Thinking of the chicken soup simmering in the kitchen all day, Yuan Li instructed for two hot dishes, two bowls of chicken noodle soup with an egg cracked in it, and a side plate of crispy pickled vegetables.

With the kitchen staff on standby, they hurried to serve the food, along with the fruit wine that Yuan Li had brewed.

The clear-colored fruit wine had a hint of green, tasting sweet and refreshing to Chu Hechao, instantly whetting his appetite, making him feel ravenous.

The two hot dishes - braised pork elbow and charcoal-grilled meat - sizzled with juices, their aromas mouth-watering.

Particularly the pork elbow, glistening like crystal and tender and sweet, was enticing. The kitchen also brought out greens and condiments, a method introduced by Yuan Li, wrapping the meat in vegetable leaves to balance the richness and enhance the flavors. Now, every time grilled meat was served, vegetable leaves were a must.

Rolling up his sleeves, Chu Hechao and Yuan Li feasted until they broke into a sweat. By the time they were full, all the dishes had been devoured.

Slumped in his chair, Yuan Li sighed, "That hit the spot."

Chu Hechao teasingly remarked, "You sure have an appetite."

Yuan Li playfully kicked him and shot back, "You eat even more than I do."

Using dried bread to mop up the remaining juices, Chu Hechao finished them off and had two more cups of fruit wine, "This is delicious. How did you make this?"

"Apricot wine, it's appetizing," Yuan Li grinned, "Fruit wine, you can drink a little more."

Chu Hechao clicked his tongue, "This pot only holds five or six cups."

After some chatting, Yuan Li's eyes began to droop with drowsiness. He looked around and saw no one, then reached out to Chu Hechao, "Brother, I'm sleepy, I want to go back and sleep."

Chu Hechao, feeling his heart race from his wife's cajoling, hugged Yuan Li and led him to the room. "You're all grown up, getting lazier."

Yuan Li wrapped his arms around Chu Hechao's neck, legs around his waist, and lazily buried his face in Chu Hechao's neck, "Can't you carry me anymore? If you can't, just say so, I'll walk on my own."

Chu Hechao said, "I can carry both of you easily."

Yuan Li didn't respond, but when he felt Chu Hechao's hand wandering while he rested with his eyes closed, he opened them and softly said, "You said I'm too thin to hold, how come you're touching me so eagerly?"

"Not too thin, just right," Chu Hechao patted Yuan Li, a bit out of breath, "Not too fat, not too thin, soft where there's flesh, firm where there's none; I love you like this. Le Jun, before we sleep, let's play a bit?"

Yuan Li didn't speak but lightly bit Chu Hechao's throat.

Chu Hechao gasped, feeling like he was about to explode. He carried Yuan Li to the bedroom and pressed him against the door as soon as it closed.

In the dark room, the sound of water was loud. After a while, Yuan Li swallowed his saliva and the man followed his neck down, tasting salt, and smiled, "Haven't showered."

Yuan Li blushed, "Then let's not fool around, let's sleep."

"How can we not?" Chu Hechao's voice grew husky and sexy with breathlessness, "I don't mind."

Yuan Li rolled his eyes discreetly.

But Chu Hechao seemed to see it, "Are you rolling your eyes at me?"

"...No," Yuan Li stubbornly said.

Chu Hechao chuckled, kissed down his body, and bit the mosquito bites, eating a few bites.

Muffled, he said, "Missed brother."

Yuan Li, sweating on his neck, his breathing uneven, tilted his head back.

The next day, when they woke up, the sun was about to shine on their backs.

Taking a lazy morning felt really comfortable. Yuan Li lay motionless for a while before getting up with Chu Hechao to eat.

After arranging the refugees and Wuhuan prisoners, Yuan Li asked Chu Hechao about his experiences on the battlefield.

Chu Hechao briefly explained and said, "Yuan Li, you should visit the soldiers' barracks in Youzhou often, let the Youzhou soldiers become familiar with and recognize your face."

Confused, Yuan Li asked, "Why?"

Patiently, Chu Hechao explained the reasons to him, "The Youzhou soldiers are very loyal to you, your presence is important to them. In order to rise to that position, you need to have military strength. It's dangerous for soldiers not to know their leaders. If they only recognize their immediate commanders, trust will slowly shift to those more familiar. If a commander betrays you, others will follow, and over time, the Youzhou soldiers won't be yours anymore."

Yuan Li suddenly realized and, feeling grateful, hugged Chu Hechao's face and kissed him loudly, "Brother, I'm glad you told me, I didn't think of this."

"It's not too late to know now," Chu Hechao suppressed a smile, "So you should frequently walk through the military camp, whether to visit the wounded soldiers or inspect the soldiers' training, make sure they know what you look like."

Yuan Li nodded and remembered, the next day he went to the military camp. Over the next few months, he would visit the camp four or five times a month, so that by the arrival of winter, every Youzhou soldier had seen his face up close.

When Yuan Li visited the camp, he never put on airs. He was friendly, personally bandaging wounded soldiers, and eating and drinking with the soldiers without any disdain.

Once he learned the day the military pay was distributed, Yuan Li specifically went to the camp before that day, spending the whole day in the tent where pay was distributed, keeping an eye on the honesty of the accounting office and whether the officials responsible for provisions in the military were corrupt.

After he started doing this, the Youzhou soldiers were pleasantly surprised and extremely grateful to Yuan Li. Words of praise and admiration for Yuan Li filled the military camp.

Just as Chu Hechao had said, their loyalty to Yuan Li became even stronger.

Time passed quietly amidst the busyness. In the blink of an eye, the New Year arrived, and after the New Year, the emperor's second decree to appoint Yuan Li as a Duke arrived in Jixian.

But this time, Yuan Li naturally refused.

People who had a relationship with Yuan Li had written letters inquiring about whether he genuinely did not want to be appointed as a Duke or if it was part of the traditional "Three Polite Refusals".

Not everyone wanted to see Yuan Li appointed as a Duke, and the two imperial uncles of the emperor were among those who least wanted to see it.

The piles of letters were stacked in the political affairs department, with non-urgent matters being replied to by officials. However, Yuan Li had to reply personally to the letters from Zhang Liangdong and his master Ouyang Ting.

In front of these two elders, Yuan Li did not hide anything, and honestly stated that he would accept the emperor's decree to be appointed as a Duke after the "Three Polite Refusals".

Zhang Liangdong, based in Bingzhou, was the first to receive the reply. After reading the contents, he couldn't tell if he was sad or happy, and just sighed lightly.

His disciple asked, "Didn't you want Yuan Li to become a prominent official of the emperor, helping to stabilize the Northern Zhou dynasty? Now, Governor Yuan is gradually climbing the ranks, achieving enough at this age to be recorded in history. With Governor Yuan's abilities, he can better govern the empire for the emperor. Why do you sigh?"

"I did indeed think so, that's why I secretly urged him to kill Li Li and gain credit. But I never expected that Yuan Li would progress so fast..." Zhang Liangdong sighed lightly, "He's only twenty-five and already appointed as a Duke. What rewards will the emperor give him for any future achievements?"

His disciple was puzzled, "Well... it depends on what kind of achievements he makes."

"In a world where someone dares to claim the throne, what is not lacking is extraordinary accomplishments," Zhang Liangdong sighed again.

The disciple tentatively asked, "Would he then... be appointed as a Prince?"

Zhang Liangdong remained silent for a while, until the disciple thought he had fallen asleep, he slowly said, "And after being appointed as a Prince?"

If being appointed as a Prince was not enough for Yuan Li, what else could the emperor give him?

Zhang Liangdong pondered for a moment and shook his head.

No, Yuan Lejun was not such a bold rebel.

He should not think like this.

Zhang Liangdong suppressed his worries and comforted himself. Yuan Li was a disciple of Ouyang Ting, a loyal minister of the Northern Zhou dynasty, always working for the country and the people.

How could he possibly harm the country and the people?

Thinking this way, Zhang Liangdong felt reassured.

*

Everyone was paying attention to the appointment of Yuan Li as a Duke, and naturally, Yuan's family was no exception.

When Yuan Li refused the second appointment as a Duke, he was invited back to the Yuan Mansion.

In the study, Yuan Song was waiting for Yuan Li. As Yuan Li entered and greeted his father, he asked, "Father, why did you summon me here?"

"Le Jun," Yuan Song hesitated for a moment, and then quickly asked him to sit down, "Sit down first, have you been busy lately? I haven't had a chance to chat with you for a while."

Indeed, both Yuan Li and Yuan Song were busy, with various matters that involved Yuan Li, especially after the recent victory in Jizhou, many things could not be overlooked.

Yuan Li smiled, "If father wants to talk, then let's have a good chat today."

After a few exchanges, Yuan Song brought out some tea and snacks he had prepared earlier. As Yuan Li sipped his tea, Yuan Song hesitated on how to begin the conversation.

With Yuan Li's increasing status and power, Yuan Song felt a bit restrained in front of his son, unsure of what to say. Not only Yuan Song, but all the family members, except Yuan Li's mother, Chen Shi, were both respectful and fearful towards Yuan Li.

Afraid to approach, afraid to offend, even speaking affectionately felt risky. Their attitudes towards Yuan Li were no longer as casual as before, leaning more towards the ruler and subject dynamic.

Seeing Yuan Song's expression, Yuan Li gently said, "Father, feel free to tell me whatever is on your mind. It's just the two of us here, what do we have to be concerned about in our father-son relationship?"

Yuan Song nodded, his face relaxing, and asked, "Le Jun, your father wants to know, will you accept the emperor's appointment as a Duke?"

Yuan Li replied, "Does father want me to accept the appointment as a Duke?"

After a moment of thought, Yuan Song solemnly nodded, then shook his head.

Raising an eyebrow, Yuan Li asked, "What do you mean by that, father?"

"I both want you to be appointed as a Duke, and yet I don't want it," Yuan Song expressed his concerns, "You being appointed as a Duke before the age of thirty is unprecedented in our dynasty. I worry that once you're appointed as a Duke, you may attract jealousy from others. Look at the Emperor's two uncles, Qin Pei and Qin Meng, they are just provincial governors despite their royal bloodline, and they were not appointed as Dukes. Our family has a modest background, accepting the appointment as a Duke might unnecessarily offend these two, and other influential families might feel insecure. Le Jun, we don't need to attract attention, it's better to act discreetly for stability."

Yuan Li remained silent.

Yuan Song thought he was making valid points but seeing his son's lack of response made him anxious and unsure.

With his ability to keep his emotions hidden, Yuan Li's expression gave nothing away, leaving Yuan Song nervously asking, "My son, did I say something wrong?"

Yuan Li did feel disappointed, but he also understood Yuan Song's perspective. Yuan Song lacked the grand ambitions and broad vision that Yuan Li possessed, deep down he still had the mentality of a commoner, afraid of offending others and wary of powerful families, hence seeing stepping into the limelight as a mistake.

Given Yuan Song's knowledge and experiences, his perspective was not surprising.

Because he probably could not imagine what his son was truly plotting.

Yuan Li swallowed a sigh and patiently explained, "Father, even if I don't accept the appointment as a Duke, there will still be people who envy me."

Yuan Song was taken aback.

"Those like Qin Pei and Qin Meng, and others as well," Yuan Li emphasized, "As long as I am alive, they will never rest easy."

Yuan Song's hand trembled, almost dropping the teacup, "My son, is that truly the case?"

"Yes, father," Yuan Li sighed, his face calm, "In times of chaos, those who oppose me are like wolves and tigers. Showing any sign of weakness will result in being torn apart. Father, retracting will not make them fear me, but showing strength will make them wary. If the Emperor appoints me as a Duke, and I give it up due to various concerns, it won't make them treat me kindly, but rather, they will see me as weak and easily manipulated. That's why I will not refuse, not only will I not refuse, I will openly accept it, making them too cautious to act or offend me."

There was a moment of silence in the study.

After a while, Yuan Song snapped out of his shock, he looked at Yuan Li with a mix of emotions and nodded, "I understand, I will prepare for your appointment as a Duke."

Yuan Li set down his tea, smiling and nodding, "I appreciate your support, father."

After discussing this matter, Yuan Song handed a stack of letters to Yuan Li, "These are recommendations from various people who have asked for my help to introduce them to you. There are many talented individuals and aristocrats among them, seeking connections with you. I don't understand these matters, so I haven't given a definitive answer, take a look at them."

Yuan Li unfolded a stack of letters, his eyes scanning the well-known names. These individuals, of considerable stature, were all offering to join him. They pledged their entire families and wealth as a foundation for his cause.

A bittersweet smile touched Yuan Li's lips. Just a few years ago, his followers was meager. Even Liu Jixin, now a loyal disciple, initially required months of observation before accepting him as a master. The dramatic shift in fortunes left him humbled.

He closed the envelope, his voice calm but firm. "Next time, Father, have these delivered directly to the Political Affairs Hall. Such proposals will likely become commonplace. We can't afford to deviate from protocol."

Yuan Song, his father, nodded vigorously. "Understood. I won't be an obstacle to your progress."

Yuan Li chuckled. "Father, there's no burden to bear. We are a united front, son and father, a force to be reckoned with."

A reminiscent glint entered Yuan Song's eyes. "Speaking of sons, your brother will be of marrying age in two years. I've been considering suitable candidates..."

Yuan Li rose and spoke nonchalantly, "Father, a sudden recollection – I have military camp duties today. The hour grows late, so I must take my leave."

Yuan Song, though not the quickest on the uptake, couldn't help but notice a dissonance in Yuan Li's demeanor as he watched his son depart. In his youth, Yuan Song himself had yearned for marriage, becoming restless whenever the topic arose.

Yet, Yuan Li displayed no such eagerness, appearing almost averse to the prospect.

That night, Yuan Song couldn't quell his unease. He approached Chen shi and inquired, "Could Le Jun have a particular affection in mind, causing him to resist marriage?"

A flicker of unease crossed Chen's face before she forced a smile. "Husband, why would you say that?"

"His disinterest seems genuine," Yuan Song sighed. "At his age, resistance seems futile. Could his affections lie outside a suitable family, forcing him to secrecy?"

Chen shi chuckled, a touch strained. "Master Yuan, you overthink it. Our son is merely occupied. No need for such worry. After all, even the esteemed General remains unwed, does he not?"

A fleeting thought sparked within Yuan Song, but it vanished as quickly as it arose. Briefly stunned, he simply nodded and conceded, "Indeed."

*

In early summer, for the third time, the Emperor's decree to appoint Yuan Li as Duke arrived in Youzhou.

Everyone in the world knew that things happen once or twice, but not three times.

If Yuan Li intended to accept the title of Duke, he would not refuse it this time. If Yuan Li truly did not want the title, the Emperor would not force him after this refusal.

Many people were eagerly awaiting Yuan Li's decision.

On June 20 in the sixth year of Zhouyan, the Emperor's envoy arrived in Jixian.

Yuan Li led his officials and subordinates out of the city to greet them, observed ritual cleanliness, and respectfully accepted the Emperor's decree.

He was granted the fiefdom of Jiuzhou, including Wei, Julu, Bohai, Qinghe, and Zhao, as well as nine prefectures in Binzhou, including Shangdang, Taiyuan, Xibe, and Yanmen. From then on, he was the true lord of these prefectures.

Yuan Li also needed to give his fiefdom a title.

For example, the Prince of Chu's Youzhou was originally called "Yan," but the Prince of Chu used his surname as the title, so Youzhou could also be called the Chu Fiefdom. The same applied to the Prince of Chen, whose Yangzhou was known as the Chen Fiefdom.

This was different from the historical traditions Yuan Li was familiar with. If Yuan Li wished, in the future, Jiuzhou and Binzhou could also use his surname as the title, known as the "Duke Yuan Duke," and his title would change from "Lord Yuan" to "Duke Yuan."

Certainly, Yuan Li's fiefdom could not be anything other than Youzhou, bearing the ancient name of "Yan."

As for the title, Yuan Li had actually thought about it for a long time.

He would not use his surname as the title, as if he could truly achieve his ultimate goal, this title might very well become the name of a new dynasty.

What should he use?

Following the examples of the Prince of Chen and Chu, Yuan Li did not necessarily need to follow the old rules when choosing a title for himself. However, he and his subordinates still meticulously searched through books to find the ancient names of Jiuzhou and Binzhou.

The historical development of this world was different from what Yuan Li knew, and in the end, four ancient names were chosen: Jinyang, Liang, Wei, and Wen.

Each title had its own historical significance, and after days of debate among his subordinates, they could not determine which one was best. When they asked Yuan Li, his gaze was fixed on the character "Wen," unable to move.

Following his gaze, his subordinates asked, "Does Your Lordship favor the character 'Wen'?"

As if recalling something, Yuan Li's advisor Lin Tian exclaimed, "I remember when Your Lordship took us to the Prince Chu's mansion in Luoyang, the courtyard you named 'Wendao Courtyard.'"

"Correct," Yuanli smiled and replied as he touched the character, his eyes gleaming with hidden stars, "Let's use the character 'Wen' as the title for the fiefdom."

"To hear the Dao in the morning and die in the evening is enough."

In a way, this phrase was very fitting for Yuan Li. So, just as he had named his courtyard "Wendao Courtyard," he wanted to name his fiefdom "Wen."

Wen, with meanings of listening and smelling.

Yuan Li's thoughts were actually quite simple.

To hear the voices of the people of the world, to do what the people of the world wanted to do. And that was it.

From then on, he would be known as the "Duke of Wen."