After Being Captured by the General - Chapter 5
Chapter 5:
What a fine physique.
Yuan Li’s thoughts drifted with envy for a moment before he frowned delicately.
He had keenly sensed Chu Hechao’s suspicion toward him.
What exactly was Chu Hechao suspecting him of?
The moonlight was obscured by dark clouds, and the Hall of Enlightenment was enveloped in silence. The March night was no colder than late winter, but seeing Yuan Li’s nose reddened by the wind, the servant quietly closed the door.
The creaking sound snapped Yuan Li back to attention.
Yuan Li couldn’t fathom any past interactions with Chu Hechao. He was only eighteen this year, still two years away from his capping ceremony. Even if he had discreetly orchestrated many affairs in Ruyang County, it certainly hadn’t reached a level that would provoke Chu Hechao’s suspicion. Moreover, Chu Hechao had just returned to Luoyang—when could they have possibly crossed paths?
In terms of reputation, Yuan Li was highly regarded. Logically, Yuan Li was willing to participate in a wedding to ward off bad luck for his soon-to-be-deceased elder brother. Even emotionally, Yuan Li was nominally Chu Hechao’s sister-in-law.
Yuan Li was utterly perplexed, but Chu Hechao wasn’t the priority at the moment. What mattered most was the scented soap formula in his mind.
The thought of the scented soap formula stirred excitement in him.
He said, “Lin Tian, close the door and lock it.”
Lin Tian hurried out, and soon, the main gate of the Hall of Enlightenment was firmly shut.
In the bedroom, lamplight flickered. Yuan Li dismissed the others and, alone by the light, silently transcribed the scented soap formula onto paper. Once finished, he held the paper over the flame and burned it.
The system’s reward had been considerately adapted, transforming into something feasible in this era. There was simple-to-make soap, as well as scented soap that required more effort, each step meticulously detailed.
Even the most ordinary soap by modern standards far surpassed the widely used plant ash and soap pods among the common people of this time.
The paper turned to black ash, scattering on the table. The candle flame flared briefly before gradually dimming.
Yuan Li exhaled softly, blew out the candle, and lay down on the bed, his heart burning with fervor.
Scented soap, fragrant and smooth, white and delicate, needed only to be carved into exquisite shapes—such as the four noble plants: plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum—to secure a place among the cultured elites and aristocratic families.
However, for Yuan Li at present, neither scented soap nor white sugar were things he could easily reveal.
The world was too chaotic now. Without proper safeguards, it would be like a child carrying gold through a bustling market.
The double-layered bed curtains, woven from red gauze, swayed gently. Sachets hung from the four corners of the bed frame emitted a pleasant fragrance.
Yuan Li felt no drowsiness. He swatted at a mosquito twice and stared at the canopy, lost in thought.
The best option now was to collaborate with the Chu Prince Manor.
He had already “married” into the Chu Prince Manor—an indisputable fact. Even if Chu Mingfeng were to die later, his ties to the Chu Prince Manor wouldn’t be easily severed.
In the eyes of outsiders, he was already part of the Chu Prince Manor.
Yuan Li himself knew that cooperating with the Chu Prince Manor was the most favorable outcome. Mutual use and mutual benefit—there was nothing wrong with that.
But Chu Hechao’s attitude gave Yuan Li some hesitation.
Yet Yuan Li quickly came to his senses, patting his forehead with a wry smile. “Yuan Li, you’ve really lost your mind.”
The one in charge of the Chu Prince Manor wasn’t Chu Hechao, but the frail junior grand secretary—his nominal husband, Chu Mingfeng. What could Chu Hechao do even if he found Yuan Li displeasing?
As long as Yuan Li remained his sister-in-law for a day, Chu Hechao had to obediently call her sister-in-law for that day. They say the elder brother is like a father, the elder sister-in-law is like a mother. If Chu Mingfeng were truly incapable, Yuan Li could roughly be considered Chu Hechao’s father!
With such seniority established, what was there to worry about?
Yuan Li felt an instant surge of clarity and satisfaction. A smile curled at the corners of his lips as he drifted contentedly into sleep with the gentle breeze.
Early the next morning.
His biological clock woke Yuan Li right on time. After washing up, he headed out for his daily morning run.
The Chu Prince Manor was vast, complete with small bridges over flowing water, bamboo groves, and courtyard gardens. Weeping willows dazzled the eye, while artfully arranged rocks and sparse springs created a naturally picturesque scene. Yuan Li only ran one lap around the vicinity of the Hall of Enlightenment before breaking into a light sweat.
The ancient air carried a crisp coolness with a refreshing quality, its oxygen content slightly higher than in the future. Yuan Li stood by the pond stretching his muscles and bones, his delicate face damp with moisture, tiny dewdrops condensing on his hair.
After a refreshing walk around the lake, Yuan Li soon heard the clear, sharp clashing sounds of weapons.
His ears perked up, and he followed the noise to the training grounds.
In the spacious, flat training area, someone was practicing with a blade against a wooden stake.
The man was so heated that he had tied his upper garment around his waist. The muscles on his back rippled with each movement, his lean, powerful waist tapering into his trousers.
It was Chu Hechao.
Hearing footsteps, Chu Hechao lazily glanced over his shoulder, his grip on the hilt firm. His eyes held the coolness of the early morning mist.
Upon seeing Yuan Li, his expression remained utterly unchanged, devoid of any reaction. He calmly turned back, pulled the blade from the wooden stake, and resumed his movements.
Yuan Li was not someone important to him.
Yuan Li didn’t mind either; instead, he watched with keen interest, mentally calculating the training intensity of this man known as the War God of Northern Zhou.
Having managed logistics and occasionally overseen military training, Yuan Li clearly understood how different individuals should train, what their optimal loads were, and their limits. Regardless of talent, everyone had strengths and weaknesses in standardized training—those good at tactics might lack endurance, while those with strong endurance might struggle with balance.
When someone truly well-rounded in all aspects appeared, they became highly sought after.
Chu Hechao was hailed as the War God of Northern Zhou, renowned for his military exploits. Yuan Li had expected his physical prowess to be impressive. At first, Yuan Li watched calmly, but as time passed, he couldn’t hide his astonishment.
—This was excessive.
An ordinary person would have reached their limit by now. Yet Chu Hechao showed no signs of strain. His breathing was slightly heavier, and sweat soaked his waistband, but each swing of his arm remained as sharp and swift as at the start.
Unconsciously, half an hour passed. Yuan Li grew tired of watching, feeling that continuing would only bruise his self-confidence. He turned to leave.
Thud—
A gleaming steel blade plunged straight into the mud right before Yuan Li’s feet, slicing through the sprouting grass. Half the blade buried itself deep into the soil, the weapon humming with residual vibration.
Yuan Li froze.
Chu Hechao’s voice came from behind. Sister-in-law, you’ve been standing there watching for so long. What exactly are you looking at?
Yuan Li had no desire to argue with him now. Pretending not to hear, he stepped around the blade and quickened his pace.
A moment later, a large hand suddenly clamped down on his shoulder, gripping with enough force to feel bone-crushing.
Sister-in-law, Chu Hechao scrutinized Yuan Li, where are you off to in such a hurry?
Yuan Li instinctively grabbed the arm and executed a shoulder throw. Chu Hechao’s expression shifted briefly as he swiftly hooked his arm around Yuan Li’s neck. When Chu Hechao was thrown to the ground, the immense force dragged Yuan Li down with him, and they both landed heavily.
Yuan Li’s mouth collided directly with Chu Hechao’s arm, not only tasting a salty flavor but also breaking the skin on Chu Hechao’s arm, leaving his mouth full of blood.
Hiss.
Yuan Li’s teeth ached from the impact with the hard muscle, and his nose bridge also took a hit, instantly triggering a stinging sensation in his tear ducts.
A strong hand yanked Yuan Li up by the back of his collar. Chu Hechao’s face was dark with anger, but just as he was about to speak, he noticed Yuan Li’s pale face as he covered his lips, with specks of blood dotting his mouth and chin. The pain seemed to have brought a misty sheen to his eyes.
… Chu Hechao’s expression turned peculiar. Did Sister-in-law hurt her lip and cry from the pain?
The blood on Yuan Li’s lips was entirely Chu Hechao’s. He wiped his mouth and muttered, No.
Chu Hechao didn’t believe him. He stared at Yuan Li for a moment, then let out a soft, disdainful snort. Too lazy to bother with Yuan Li any further, he picked up his blade and returned to the training ground.
Yuan Li watched his retreating back, utterly baffled.
He sniffled, and as the soreness in his nose bridge gradually faded, the moisture in his eyes vanished completely. Yuan Li rubbed his nose bridge again, spat out a few mouthfuls of bloody saliva, and unable to stand the metallic taste in his mouth any longer, turned and hurried back to the Hall of Enlightenment to rinse his mouth.
Evening.
Yang Shi sent someone to summon Yuan Li for the meal. When Yuan Li arrived at the main hall, two tables were already seated.
At the central table sat Chu Wang and Chu Hechao. The other table, separated by a landscape screen, was occupied by three ladies led by Yang Shi, along with three young ladies of the Chu family of varying ages.
Yuan Li glanced briefly before respectfully averting his gaze. At Chu Wang’s invitation, he took a seat beside him.
Across from Yuan Li, Chu Hechao was idly swirling his teacup, his broad shoulders and straight back towering over the table, his long legs nearly spanning the entire space beneath it. Hearing Yuan Li’s arrival, he lazily looked up, his eyes still carrying a mocking glint.
Yuan Li’s lips twitched.
He truly had no idea what Chu Hechao was imagining. The man’s arm had been grazed and broken by him, yet he still had the nerve to mock him here?
Chu Wang was a military man, straightforward and brash in his actions. Seeing that everyone had arrived, he waved his hand and said, Serve the dishes quickly! This old man is starving to death!
Hearing this, Yuan Li apologized, Your Highness, it’s my fault for arriving late.
Li’er, it’s not your fault, Yang Shi said lightly from the other side. It’s the fault of the household management for being negligent. They forgot that our eldest young master married yesterday, and our household now has another rightful master. Since no one informed you in time, it’s only natural you arrived late.
Beside her, Madam Zhao’s face flushed bright red, half-complaining and half-aggrieved, she said, Madam, I’ve been so overwhelmed these past few days. Our dinner time is fixed, and I truly forgot that Young Master Yuan might not know.
You have indeed been quite busy these days, Yang Shi turned to her and said gently. Now that Feng’er has married, we can entrust the household management to Li’er. You and I can enjoy some leisure together.
Madam Zhao was startled. Madam!
Yuan Li was not truly Chu Mingfeng’s wife, and being an unrelated male, he had only managed to secure household authority while Yang Shi was tending to Chu Mingfeng. How could he willingly relinquish it now?
He immediately raised his voice, Your Highness, you—
Prince of Chu interrupted impatiently, Let it be done as Madam says.
Madam Zhao fell silent.
Yuan Li, unwittingly dragged into the matter, smiled bitterly. Madam, I am not suited for this…
Li’er, do not fear, Yang Shi softened her tone but remained resolute. Since you have entered our household, you must learn these matters sooner or later. I will accompany you—it is all quite simple.
For Yuan Li, managing a prince’s manor was indeed straightforward, aligning well with his expertise.
With things put this way, Yuan Li had no choice but to acquiesce for the time being. Yang Shi could not be unaware of his arrangement with the Chu Prince Manor. He needed to study and pursue an official career. Since she made this declaration openly, she was likely using his name to reclaim control of the household.
Seeing the matter settled, Prince of Chu declared, Let us begin the meal.
The table was laden with sumptuous dishes. At this time, iron wok frying had not yet been developed, so food was mostly steamed or boiled in earthenware pots. Noble families also partook of roasted dishes.
Yet whether steamed, boiled, or roasted, the flavors were largely similar. With scarce seasonings—limited to fermented paste and salt, the latter often bitter—ingredient preparation methods varied little.
When Yuan Li first arrived in this world, he adapted well to everything except the food, which took him considerable time to get used to. The Chu Prince Manor’s cuisine did not differ much from ordinary fare, though the superior ingredients and finer preparation made it more palatable, offering a distinct delicacy.
Particularly notable were a roasted meat dish, a meat broth, and cured meat—these three were exceptionally flavorful, and Yuan Li helped himself to extra portions.
During the meal, Yuan Li witnessed the whirlwind eating styles of Prince of Chu and his son Chu Hechao.
The Prince never adhered to aristocratic dining etiquette, devouring a bowl of millet with meat in a few swift bites before having a servant refill it. Chu Hechao, though appearing more measured, matched his father’s pace effortlessly.
Both father and son were voracious meat-eaters, their chopsticks flying until the plates were nearly empty. Beside them, Yuan Li’s appetite—larger than average due to his growing age—seemed unremarkable.
Only when the meal was mostly finished did Prince of Chu slow down, finally in the mood for conversation. Young Yuan, have you met my eldest son?
Chu Hechao continued eating quietly, as if hearing nothing.
Yuan Li shook his head. I have not yet had the honor of meeting the elder young master.
Prince of Chu stroked his beard, his aged face a mix of affection and melancholy. His health is frail. Since falling ill, he has not left his courtyard. If you have time, do visit him often. Feng’er enjoys conversing with young people and has many classical texts there. As a scholar, you know the value of such texts—I need not elaborate. Yesterday, I secured you a place at the Imperial Academy. Before you begin your studies, frequenting his library to read those classics will greatly benefit you.
Yuan Li listened attentively and replied with a slight smile, I understand, young master.
From behind the screen, Yang Shi asked warmly, Li’er, how did you find the meal?
Madam, I enjoyed the meal very much, Yuan Li gently set down his bowl and chopsticks, and a servant immediately brought a warm towel for him to wipe his hands.
That’s good, Yang Shi’s expression softened. Tomorrow is your day of returning home, and I have already prepared everything for you. Since Feng’er cannot accompany you back to Ruyang, let Ci Ye go with you instead.
Yuan Li was taken aback for a moment before realizing that Ci Ye referred to Chu Hechao.
His eyelids twitched, and he immediately refused decisively, The general just returned from a long journey yesterday and should rest properly these two days. How could we trouble him to accompany me on another tiring trip? It’s only a hundred li from Luoyang to Ruyang—I can go back alone just fine.
Yang Shi disapproved, That wouldn’t be proper.
Chu Wang laughed heartily and pointed at Chu Hechao, Don’t worry about him! This lad is strong and sturdy! Even after rushing thousands of li, he only needs one night to recover. Since he’s idle anyway and calls you sister-in-law, feel free to order him around!
Chu Hechao’s expression remained cold and unchanged.
The attitudes of Chu Wang and Yang Shi toward Chu Mingfeng and Chu Hechao differed greatly.
But then again, their eldest son was physically weak yet highly resourceful, which naturally made his parents more concerned about him.
Yuan Li silently hoped that Chu Hechao would refuse. The general must have matters to attend to and cannot accompany me to Ruyang, right?
Chu Hechao lifted his head, his eyes deep and profound. He pressed his lips together, then suddenly smiled—a cold, sharp curve. What a coincidence. I’ve been wanting to visit Ruyang County for a long time.
Author’s note:
Chu Hechao: Mocking
Yuan Li (puzzled): Is he crazy?