After Being Captured by the General - Chapter 4
Chapter 4:
Chu Hechao rode day and night, and upon arriving in Luoyang, he immediately received Yang Zhongfa’s report.
The goods he had ordered Yang Zhongfa to monitor for nearly half a month had actually been snatched away by another group.
Chu Hechao nearly cut Yang Zhongfa down with his blade on the spot. Suppressing his rage, he coldly listened to the clues Yang Zhongfa had uncovered.
Yang Zhongfa had been tracking the shipment since Hanzhong. Along the way, aside from refugees, he had encountered no one else. Despite how unbelievable it seemed, Yang Zhongfa concluded that the goods had been seized by refugees fleeing Hanzhong.
But ordinary refugees lacked such capability—these people must have had a mastermind behind them. It was highly likely that, like Yang Zhongfa, they had been eyeing the shipment since Hanzhong. However, the refugees in Hanzhong were numerous and scattered in all directions, like loaches slipping into a river, making their traces difficult to capture.
In the past two days, though, Yang Zhongfa noticed a strange development: many dispersed refugees were gradually converging on Ruyang County.
The goods were lost one day, and the next, the refugees began acting unusually. Yang Zhongfa refused to believe these events were unrelated. He sent people to infiltrate Ruyang County discreetly, and sure enough, they discovered several bolts of fabric from Hanzhong in the county’s market.
These fabrics were vividly colored, embroidered with gold thread in double-sided patterns, and extremely precious. The thieves likely knew they couldn’t keep such valuable goods for themselves, so they sold them to a fabric shop at a meager price.
This cunning and untraceable method made Yang Zhongfa grit his teeth in frustration. Yet, it was precisely because of this that he confirmed the culprits were in Ruyang. However, Ruyang was entangled with three major factions—the Chen, Wei, and Wang families—along with the county magistrate’s residence, Yuan Fu. In such a small county, with its intricate web of power, no matter how much Yang Zhongfa investigated, he couldn’t pinpoint the mastermind.
Chu Hechao had Yang Zhongfa flogged thirty times, then, seething with murderous intent, led his men straight to the Chu Prince Manor.
Upon seeing Yuan Li in wedding attire in the hall, Chu Hechao recalled his identity as the son of the Ruyang County Magistrate. Such a coincidence inevitably made Chu Hechao suspicious. From his very first words, he began deliberately probing this new “sister-in-law.”
Chu Hechao’s intentions were far from friendly.
Yuan Li, puzzled and cautious with his words, replied, “General, you must be mistaken. We have only just met—how could I have ever given you such a grand gift?”
Chu Hechao curled his lip. “Sister-in-law, your memory fails you.”
Yuan Li had a face that naturally put people at ease.
His demeanor was gentle, his eyes clear and bright. When he smiled, it was like spring grass and willow branches, brimming with vibrant vitality.
Yet, far from dispelling Chu Hechao’s suspicions, such a person only made him more wary.
The smile on Yuan Li’s lips stiffened.
Chu Hechao was robustly built. In the March weather, beads of honey-colored sweat trickled down his temples. His features were sharply defined, with deep contours. Though he wore a smile, it held no warmth; his gaze as he looked down at Yuan Li was as cold as midwinter ice.
Yuan Li withdrew his smile and said bluntly, “General, if you have something to say, speak plainly.”
Chu Hechao let out a meaningless cold laugh, then turned and bowed to Chu Wang and Yang Shi. Yang Shi hadn’t seen her second son in a long time; her eyes reddened, and she was about to speak when a maid beside her whispered, “Madam, the auspicious hour is approaching.”
Yang Shi hastily wiped the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief and forced a smile. “Ci Ye, your elder brother is bedridden. You shall take his place in the wedding ceremony.”
After a few seconds of silence, Chu Hechao said, “I can do it.”
With that, he turned around, the scent of blood wafting once again. He looked down at Yuan Li from his superior height, “Sister-in-law, you won’t mind, will you?”
Yuan Li’s head throbbed faintly as he replied, “Of course not.”
He began to wonder if he had somehow offended Chu Hechao.
But ever since transmigrating, Yuan Li had never left Ruyang County. He and this notorious general should have had no connection whatsoever.
From this perspective, it seemed the only explanation was that Chu Hechao had something wrong with his mind.
Yang Gonggong stepped forward with an ingratiating smile, “Second Young Master, shall this servant take you to bathe and change your clothes?”
Chu Hechao was still clad in armor, carrying swords and knives, covered in the dust of travel. He had forcibly tainted this joyous wedding occasion with an aura of killing intent. What kind of groom attended his own wedding ceremony like this?
“No need,” Chu Hechao lifted his eyelids, “Any later, and we’ll miss sister-in-law’s auspicious hour.”
Every time he called him “sister-in-law,” Yuan Li’s brows would furrow almost imperceptibly, feeling extremely uncomfortable. “General, you may just call me by my name.”
Chu Hechao laughed, “Sister-in-law, that would be improper.”
The words “sister-in-law” were deliberately emphasized, as if forcibly squeezed from the tip of his tongue, carrying a viciousness that seemed to want to grind them into minced meat.
Yuan Li was also a man. Provoked, a flicker of anger rose within him, and he said calmly, “In that case, I shall presumptuously call you ‘little brother’.”
Such was the custom in Northern Zhou. Chu Hechao was Yuan Li’s brother-in-law, but the term “brother-in-law” was mostly used in written language. In daily life, people addressed each other as brothers following the husband’s side. Even though Yuan Li was much younger than Chu Hechao, calling him “little brother” was not incorrect.
However, when applied to Chu Hechao, being called “little brother” by someone who hadn’t even reached the capping age was somewhat ridiculous and amusing.
Chu Hechao’s smile gradually faded.
Among the onlookers, someone couldn’t hold back a snort of laughter, quickly covering it up with a cough.
“We’re all family here, no need for such formalities,” Chu Wang, not understanding the underlying tension between them, impatiently urged, “Chu Hechao, rein in your foul temper! Let’s get started.”
The master of ceremonies began chanting congratulations. Yuan Li and Chu Hechao walked to the center of the main hall. As Yuan Li lifted his robes and knelt, he heard the person beside him also shift his heavy armor and kneel next to him.
He could feel the warmth emanating from the other person’s shoulder and arm. Yuan Li was someone with a strong sense of personal space. He didn’t mind weaker males approaching him, but when another, more aggressive male invaded his personal space, it made him extremely uncomfortable, even wanting to kick Chu Hechao away.
But he restrained himself.
After paying respects to heaven and earth, the wedding banquet began. Yang Gonggong approached Yuan Li and whispered, “Young Master Yuan, shall this servant take you to see the Eldest Young Master?”
Yuan Li nodded slightly. Lowering his eyes, his eyelashes casting fluttering shadows, he impeccably observed etiquette by bowing to Chu Hechao before following the servant out of the guest hall.
Chu Hechao rested his hand on the sword at his waist, his black-gloved fingers unconsciously stroking the hilt. He watched Yuan Li’s retreating figure, his expression unreadable.
Yang Zhongfa limped over to his side, his face twisted in a pitiful expression as he played up his misery. “General, have you noticed anything? Are they really your sister-in-law’s people? If it truly is your sister-in-law’s men who took that batch of goods, then we’re really fighting among ourselves! Why not just ask your sister-in-law to return the goods directly?”
Chu Hechao said, “Are you certain those people are in Ruyang County?”
Yang Zhongfa’s expression turned serious. “I, Yang Zhongfa, swear on my life that they’re definitely in Ruyang County!”
Chu Hechao’s fingers, which had been tapping on his sword hilt, paused briefly before resuming their leisurely rhythm. “I really can’t tell…”
“Exactly, I couldn’t see anything either,” Yang Zhongfa clicked his tongue in admiration while watching Yuan Li’s retreating figure. “If they really are his people, that would be remarkable. He looks to be only in his teens, yet he already handles matters with such maturity and skill. If I hadn’t been conducting day and night investigations, I would never have discovered the clues in Ruyang County’s market.”
Chu Hechao laughed coldly. “If you hadn’t been delayed by drinking for two hours, that batch of goods wouldn’t have been snatched by others.”
Yang Zhongfa wiped the sweat from his forehead. “General, I was wrong. I’ll never be so reckless again. The urgent matter now is to recover those goods. The 130,000 soldiers at the Northern Border are counting on this money for a decent meal.”
“You do realize,” Chu Hechao’s tone turned icy, “that laugh just now came from you?”
Yang Zhongfa: “…”
Chu Hechao turned and walked toward the wine table. “Since you claim they’re in Ruyang County, then go retrieve the goods yourself. If you can’t bring them back, your head will serve as compensation for the 130,000 soldiers’ pay.”
Yang Zhongfa’s facial muscles twitched. “Understood.”
As the noise faded into the distance, Yang Gonggong spoke softly, “You arrived at the residence too late yesterday, and the young master had already retired. But today is your wedding day with the young master. It would be best to meet him at least once.”
Yuan Li nodded quietly and followed behind him.
Chu Mingfeng’s residence was extremely far away. After what felt like endless twists and turns, they finally reached a secluded yet exquisite courtyard.
Two guards stood watch before the courtyard. Yang Gonggong approached and exchanged a few words with them. One of the guards nodded and entered the courtyard to announce their arrival.
However, before long, the guard returned with an apologetic expression. “Yang Gonggong, your timing is unfortunate. The young master has just fallen asleep.”
“Asleep again?” Yang Gonggong sighed. “Never mind, never mind. Don’t disturb the young master. We’ll come back another time.”
The guard clasped his hands in salute and returned to his post by the door. Yang Gonggong turned around, his face full of shame, and apologized to Yuan Li. “Young Master Yuan, this is my fault. I’ve troubled you to make this trip in vain.”
Yuan Li glanced at the tightly closed courtyard doors and shook his head. “It’s fine.”
Chu Mingfeng was cunning and brilliant. The less Yuan Li had to see him, the better.
By the time they returned to the Hall of Enlightenment, dusk was already settling.
Yuan Li would not consummate the marriage with Chu Mingfeng, so there would be no wedding night. His three attendants, familiar with his temperament, had anticipated his early return and prepared hot water and tea.
Though the March weather was temperate, Yuan Li had worked up a light sweat. Upon entering his room, he removed the elaborate wedding robes and had a basin of warm water brought to him. He then used a towel to give himself a quick wipe-down in his chamber.
The towel passed over his waist and abdomen, where a thin layer of muscle had already formed—not exaggerated, but appearing elegant and resilient. A smile curved Yuan Li’s lips, pleased with the results of his persistent training. After tying the inner robe’s sash, he called out, Lin Tian, bring the measuring tape.
Lin Tian, the servant dedicated to managing Yuan Li’s daily needs, brought the custom-made cloth tape. Yuan Li measured his height and was delighted to find he had grown another two centimeters.
His daily morning runs and fitness regimen had not been in vain. At this rate of growth, even in an era with limited nutrition, he could still achieve a height of 1.8 meters.
Suddenly, a guard hurried to the door and whispered a reminder, Young master, someone is approaching.
Yuan Li raised an eyebrow, tossed the measuring tape to Lin Tian, and threw the outermost layer of his wedding robe over his shoulders before slipping on his shoes and socks. Who is it?
A group of people, not entirely clear, the guard replied, but from the looks of it, they seem to be carrying wine.
Yuan Li was taken aback, then his expression turned subtle.
Were they here for the wedding chamber antics?
But the reality was even stranger than he had imagined. They were not there for antics but to deliver the nuptial wine.
Yuan Li found it utterly amusing. Nuptial wine? Who am I supposed to drink it with?
Naturally, with me, a lazy voice came from behind the crowd. The servants parted to reveal a tall figure leaning against the doorframe, holding a wine pot. Chu Hechao curled his lips into a smile, his gaze scrutinizing. Who did Sister-in-law intend to drink with?
He had somehow removed his armor and now wore only a thin black spring garment. His tall, robust build was fully exposed, even revealing the well-defined muscle lines on his arms. His back was straight, his shoulders broad but his waist narrow. Strangely, he still hadn’t removed his black leather gloves, which clung to his hands like a second skin.
Yuan Li felt a headache coming on at the sight of him and couldn’t help but offer a strained smile. I didn’t expect even the nuptial wine to trouble you, little brother.
Chu Hechao stepped inside, and only then did Yuan Li notice the large saber hanging at his waist. Yuan Li’s eyelids twitched slightly as Chu Hechao pulled out a stool beside him, sitting down with his legs bent. Indeed, it’s a bother. Since you know you’ve troubled me, let’s finish this quickly.
The saber hilt swayed, lightly tapping against the table.
The wedding attendant cautiously handed a cup of wine to Yuan Li.
Yuan Li studied the wine in the cup for a moment before raising his hand to accept it, his smile gentle. General, please.
Under the warm yellow candlelight, the turbid wine in the cup swayed, its shimmering reflections darting like golden fish across his wrist and the side of his face.
Yuan Li’s lips curved upward, his eyes lowered, the picture of obedience. His fingers, emerging from the red sleeves to hold the cup, were as delicate and pale as jade, slightly cool and damp from the moisture.
Chu Hechao’s expression shifted subtly. He raised his hand to pick up the other cup of wine, lightly clinking it against Yuan Li’s before downing the drink in one go.
Nuptial wine, also known as the cross-cupped wine. But one was the sister-in-law, the other the brother-in-law—it was hardly appropriate for them to intertwine arms.
Just as Yuan Li was about to drink his cup, the system in his mind suddenly stirred.
[Encyclopedia of Everything System activated. Mission: Enroll in the Imperial Academy completed. Reward issued. Host may explore independently.]
[Mission: Find a Mentor.]
[Reward: Method for refining white sugar.]
Yuan Li’s hand trembled, spilling the wine all over Chu Hechao’s thigh.
Chu Hechao immediately stood up, his face ashen as he sneered coldly, Young Master Yuan, what is the meaning of this?
Yuan Li could no longer pay him any mind, for just moments ago, the Chu Prince Manor had secured him a place at the Imperial Academy. But what astonished him even more was that the method for making scented soap had truly appeared in his mind.
Wood ash mixed with water and lime powder could be filtered into alkaline water. Alkaline water blended with lard could eventually form a white, smooth soap, and by extracting floral essential oils and infusing them, scented soap could be made.
This knowledge wasn’t limited to just scented soap—it even included how to extract essential oils, all of which was given to Yuan Li.
A storm of emotions raged in Yuan Li’s heart.
He stared at the system in his mind, his gaze fixed on the seven words: Method for Refining White Sugar.
He doubted the system’s existence and purpose, yet it had genuinely provided him with knowledge about soap-making. And the next task’s reward was actually white sugar.
If he completed the apprenticeship, would he truly receive the method for refining white sugar?
Whether it was scented soap or white sugar, producing either of these could bring immense wealth. And with money, what would he have to fear about being unable to support troops?
Having truly obtained the system’s reward, Yuan Li knew that even if the system’s origins were unclear and its motives questionable, he couldn’t abandon this golden opportunity. To do so would be foolish—like giving up eating for fear of choking.
Yuan Li pressed his lips tightly together, fine beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
Just as he sank deeper into his thoughts, a chilling voice sounded beside him: Young—Master—Yuan.
Chu Hechao reached out and placed a hand on Yuan Li’s shoulder, forcibly turning him around. His eyes were icy as he gestured for Yuan Li to look at his trousers. Care to explain?
… Yuan Li snapped out of his daze and instinctively offered an apologetic smile. It’s my first time drinking nuptial wine with someone. I was a bit nervous. I hope the General will not take offense.
Chu Hechao curled his lip but said nothing, his meaning clear: Do you think I’d believe that?
Yuan Li simply poured another cup of wine, downed it in one swift motion, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed. He held the empty cup out to Chu Hechao, meeting his gaze calmly. I speak the truth, General. You should go change your clothes.
The room fell into silence; no one dared to speak.
The matron holding the wine tray was trembling so much that sweat nearly dripped from her, her body shaking with fear.
Suddenly, Chu Hechao moved. He rose slowly, looking down at Yuan Li.
Sister-in-law has gifted me yet another present, he said, his thin lips curling into a faint smile, his eyes narrowing slightly. When the opportunity arises, I will return each and every one of them to you, sister-in-law.
With that, he turned and left.
Yuan Li watched his retreating figure.
The large blade at Chu Hechao’s waist swayed conspicuously with each step.
Abruptly, Chu Hechao halted, turning sideways unexpectedly to meet Yuan Li’s gaze.
Chu Hechao’s eyes were as cold as an ancient, frigid well. He seemed to smile, yet his expression remained unreadable, before he finally vanished into the night.