C22. Climb Up Step-by-step.
Ma Renyi is slain!
Yuan Li's lips curled into a faint smile as he turned to Chu Hechao, "General."
A flash of surprise crossed Chu Hechao's eyes, followed by an uncontrollable smile. He ordered his men to relay the news of Ma Renyi's death to Wu Kai.
Then, bending down and raising his whip, he shouted, "Ma Renyi has been killed! Follow me to claim his head!"
The hundred cavalrymen responded in unison, their voices filled with murderous intent, "Yes!"
The cavalry charged forward, their horses' hooves trampling over the Baimi rebels, as they cut down several men with backhanded swings of their swords.
They continuously shouted:
"Ma Renyi is dead!"
"Surrender now!"
Their fierce voices and valiant fighting spirit terrified the rebels, who immediately threw down their weapons and fled in all directions.
Yuan Li drew an arrow from his back, ready to join the charge when the system suddenly came to life.
[Universal Encyclopedia System Activated.]
[Mission: Pacify the Youzhou Uprising.]
[Reward: Potato.]
Potato?
Yuan Li's eyes lit up.
Unlike soap and sugar, which were tools for making money, potatoes were a staple food. They were high-yielding, hunger-resistant, and versatile, making them a true boon to the people.
With potatoes in hand, why fear food shortages?
Yuan Li tightened his grip on his hand, his eyes fixed on the line "Pacify the Youzhou rebels" in the task bar, determined to achieve it.
Ahead.
Wu Kai, having received the news, also led his cavalry in shouting "Ma Renzhi is dead!" and "We have won!", causing many of the rebels who were resisting them to stare in bewilderment.
The leader is dead?
Is it true?
If the leader is dead, what should they do?
From all directions, the cry of "Ma Renzhi is dead" echoed, filling the rebels with fear.
Without their backbone, fear welled up within them. These rabble-rousers seemed to instantly transform from executioners back into oppressed civilians.
Once some started to flee, the rest scattered like birds and beasts.
However, there were still some who were stubbornly resisting, trying to rally others to fight back.
"Don't run! Follow us and fight back!"
"We're outnumbered, don't be afraid of these cavalrymen! They're all dogs of the court, how can we surrender to dogs!"
But the people who followed them in rebellion didn't understand what the bigger picture was. They just wanted to have a full meal, so they followed Ma Renzhi in rebellion.
They didn't understand that they had to put their lives on the line to overthrow the Northern Zhou Dynasty, and they didn't understand why they couldn't run when the cavalry was right in front of them.
So more and more people ran away.
As Chu Hechao guessed, as long as the leader was captured, the rebels would fall into chaos.
Amidst the chaos, Chu Hechao charged towards Ma Renyi's corpse like a sharp spear. Ma Renyi's personal guards and close aides were considered elite soldiers and were fiercely loyal to him.
Even though Ma Renyi's death was sudden, they gritted their teeth and formed a protective circle around his body, raising their steel swords towards Chu Hechao.
Chu Hechao, with a stoic expression, surged forward with unstoppable momentum, not slowing down but instead raising his whip once more.
As he neared the guards, Chu Hechao drew his ring-headed sword and slashed outward, instantly killing four or five men, sending blood spraying. In the brief clash, these men were like ants trying to shake a tree, unable to impede Chu Hechao's charging steeds.
Without batting an eye, Chu Hechao gripped the reins, lowered his body, and charged to Ma Renyi's corpse. With precise timing, he swung his sword and decapitated Ma Renyi, then snatched a long spear from an enemy's hand and with a fluid motion, impaled Ma Renyi's head and held it high.
"Ma Renyi is dead! Surrender and live." Chu Hechao, one hand holding the spear and the other gripping his horse, circled the corpse, looking down at the crowd from his elevated position.
The cavalry galloping behind him, some clever ones shouted, "Lay down your weapons! Those who surrender will not be killed!"
"Surrender and live!"
The shouts echoed farther and farther. Upon hearing these words, the rebels looked shocked, their eyes fixed on Ma Renyi's severed head held high.
It was unclear who was the first to throw down their weapons, but eventually, more and more rebels followed suit, dropping their arms and kneeling on the ground in surrender.
The battle in Beixin County ended swiftly. The surrendered men were disarmed and bound. Those who still chose to resist were surrounded by the cavalry and killed.
The cavalry's method of killing was direct and brutal. If someone attempted to flee, they would be struck from behind, causing them to fall to the ground in pain, and then trampled to death by a horse's hoof.
The anguished cries of the slain pierced the air, sending shivers down Yuan Li's spine. He stood silently observing the gruesome scene, his heart heavy with understanding.
He knew that Chu Hechao had orchestrated this bloodbath deliberately, intending to intimidate the surrendered rebels and suppress any lingering rebellious thoughts.
Mounted soldiers were busy severing the heads of the fallen, constructing a gruesome spectacle of skulls before the terrified eyes of the remaining rebels. The sight of the mound of severed heads caused many of the survivors to faint or collapse in utter horror, their bodies trembling uncontrollably.
Were they pitiful?
Yes, undeniably so.
Yet, the plight of the surviving populace of Beixinchen County was even more dire. A heavy weight of despair pressed upon Yuan Li's chest.
He gazed at the rebels, the industrious soldiers, and then at the townsfolk of Beixinchen County, their numbers reduced to a mere fraction of their former selves.
This was the reality of a war-torn era. Only those who had witnessed it firsthand could comprehend the savagery of such times.
A wave of doubt washed over Yuanli.
Was the path of the scholars truly righteous?
Did they ever consider the plight of the common people, the ants beneath their feet?
No, they did not. For even he, Yuan Li, was nothing more than a pebble in the eyes of these elite families. They could trample upon him without a second thought, even disdaining the discomfort caused by his insignificance.
If he could possess their status, their power, and command over the vast rebel army, he would not follow their lead.
If he could—
Yuan Li jolted awake, a fine sheen of sweat breaking out across his forehead.
The familiar pounding of his heart echoed through his chest once more.
But this time, Yuan Li seemed to understand what he was thinking.
If I could command the rebel army, I would not let their blades fall upon the innocent.
If I could make those scholars lower their haughty heads, force them to see the plight of the common people, make them feel fear and obedience...
If I could...
Climb my way to the top, step by step.
"Sister-in-law, what are you thinking about?"
Chu Hechao's voice suddenly broke the silence.
Yuan Li raised his head abruptly, meeting his probing gaze.
"I'm thinking about how to settle these rebels and the people of Beixin County," Yuan Li replied with an unfaltering smile. "General, how about bringing them to Jixian County?"
Chu Hechao waved his hand dismissively. "You decide."
Once the White Rice rebels within Beixin County had been apprehended, Chu Hechao led troops under Wu Kai's command to the east to support Han Jin. After joining forces with Han Jin's hundred cavalrymen to kill over two thousand remnants of the White Rice rebels, Chu Hechao then ambushed the White Rice rebels' retreat route on the western side.
Yang Zhongfa, true to his word, led the White Rice Rebels on a circuitous route, ensuring they were sufficiently far from the battlefield. Once they had reached a safe distance, he and his men vanished into the night, leaving their pursuers bewildered and disoriented.
The White Rice Rebels, tasked with apprehending the fugitives, were ambushed by Chu Hechao's forces, suffering heavy casualties of over a thousand men.
As darkness descended, signaling the end of the day's conflict, Chu Hechao proceeded to interrogate Ma Renzhi's closest confidants, while Yuan Li diligently compiled the count of captured prisoners.
This decisive battle had resulted in a resounding victory for Chu Hechao's forces. They had slain over four thousand enemies and taken captive an astounding thirteen thousand more.
While a small number of White Rice Rebels had managed to escape, they posed no significant threat.
The 500 Cavalrymen, despite their elite status and the rigorous training they had undergone, had sustained losses. Twenty-six of their valiant warriors had fallen in battle, fifty-four were wounded, and thirty-four of their steeds had perished.
Although these losses were comparatively minimal when compared to the White Rice Rebels' casualties, they nonetheless weighed heavily on the hearts of Yang Zhongfa and his comrades.
Yuan Li's remarkable feat of piercing Ma Renzhi's heart with a single arrow stood as the pivotal moment in the battle, securing their victory and proving to be worth its weight in gold.
Upon hearing news of this extraordinary feat, Yang Zhongfa and Yuan Congyun rushed to view Ma Renzhi's severed head. Overwhelmed with admiration, they sought out Yuan Li, eager to learn more about his exceptional skill.
"Young Master Yuan," inquired Yuan Congyun with a hint of excitement, "is it true that you managed to pierce Ma Renzhi's forehead with a single arrow?"
Rubbing his hands together with anticipation, Yang Zhongfa posed his question, "We too have examined Ma Renzhi's head, and it is indeed a testament to your deadly precision! Young Master Yuan, how did you acquire such a remarkable skill? Did you learn it from that old veteran from Bingzhou? It must have taken years of practice. How long have you been honing this ability, and are there any secrets you can share?"
Yuan Li was about to reply when he caught a glimpse of Chu Hechao walking over. After a moment's contemplation, he chose to smile without saying a word at Yang Zhongfa and Yuan Congyun.
They were almost at Ji County, and Yuan Li wanted to have complete authority over the discussions regarding Youzhou.
Chu Hechao had to trust him implicitly. This was a perfect opportunity, and if he remained silent, it would only arouse Chu Hechao's suspicions.
If Chu Hechao could openly address his doubts, then Yuan Li felt there was no need to assert his authority further. However, if Chu Hechao continued to probe, Yuan Li would seize the chance to show his power.
Seeing him withhold his response, both Yang Zhongfa and Yuan Congyun seemed eager to inquire further when Chu Hechao approached, wiping blood off his hands.
One by one, the blood on his dark gloves was wiped away as Chu Hechao's gaze flickered over Yuan Li, saying calmly, "Ma Renyi's confidant informed me that there are two more such groups within Youzhou, totaling over forty thousand men. When we return to the northern borders, I will send troops to quell the unrest in Youzhou."
Both Yang Zhongfa and Yuan Congyun remained silent because they knew the general's words were not meant for them.
Thinking of the task given to him by the system, Yuan Li was about to agree enthusiastically but immediately became guarded.
The task from the system was to "pacify the Youzhou rebels." If he didn't actively participate and let Chu Hechao handle it, would the mission still be considered complete?
Uncertain, and not willing to risk failure on "Potato," Yuan Li decided to speak up, "General, if you are to confront the rebel forces, please allow me to join you."
Chu Hechao regarded him deeply and nodded in agreement, "You killed Ma Renyi, and that earns you a military merit."
Yuan Li smiled, "Thank you, General."
Chu Hechao glanced around at the others, and recognizing Yang Zhongfa's discerning gaze, swiftly ushered Yuan Congyun away.
Once they were gone, Chu Hechao's expression softened, and with a slight bow, he thanked Yuan Li's assistance, "Thank you for your support, Sister-in-law."
His words were earnest and his demeanor amicable. Yuan Li helped him up, "General, you're too kind."
As night fell, the two walked side by side through the streets of Beixin County. The bodies had been thrown in front of the county magistrate's office, awaiting cremation, blood stains unattended, blending into the darkness of the night.
Torches illuminated the surroundings as thick smoke veiled the sky.
Chu Hechao spoke casually, "Sister-in-law, your archery skills are truly remarkable. Even with my thirteen thousand soldiers from the northern border, I couldn't find anyone as skilled as you."
Ah, here it comes!
He was indeed starting to probe!
Yuan Li humbly replied, "If others were as dedicated as I have been for the past decade, they could also achieve the same level of skill."
From his previous life to the present, Yuan Li had a strong sense of planning. He wasn't naturally gifted; rather, he had been tirelessly acquiring skills since arriving in this world.
Riding, archery, caring for horses... all the hard work and sweat he had put in were the reasons behind his swift defeat of Ma Renyi today.
Chu Hechao patiently continued, "Even with diligence, one still needs numerous talents."
Today, he was exceptionally easy to converse with, first subtly praising Yuan Li and then admiring his exceptional character. Yuan Li was feeling somewhat flustered by the compliments, wondering what Chu Hechao's next move would be.
Finally, Chu Hechao extended an invitation, "I've been talking about having you teach me swimming for a while now but never had the chance. There's a river right here in Beixin County. How about you put in a little extra effort and practice with me now?"
Yuan Li blinked, gazing at the darkening night, "General, at this hour? Are you not afraid of drowning?"
Chu Hechao nodded, "It's now, and it's a good time to wash off the blood."
Yuan Li sighed, "Then I will do as the General says."
The riverbank was shrouded in darkness.
Chu Hechao neatly stacked his weapons and clothes aside, leaving only his pants on as he ventured into the water alone.
Not wanting to get in the water at this late hour, Yuan Li lazily squatted by the shore, giving instructions, "General, keep your feet straight and together, then spread them outward. Your hands should also be open, with palms facing out."
Chu Hechao followed each instruction but couldn't get it right. Seeing his struggles, Yuan Li finally gave in and removed his robe, getting into the water to personally guide Chu Hechao.
With his hands on Chu Hechao's sturdy waist, Yuan Li guided him, "General, I'll support you. Now, try it as I explained."
Chu Hechao amicably agreed, "Sure, thank you, Sister-in-law."
As he was about to begin, a sudden force pulled him into the water. Moments later, he was swiftly pulled back out, feeling a large hand covering his mouth.
Chu Hechao covered Yuan Li's nose and mouth, then whisked him to the bamboo grove, hiding them in the dark behind the trees, with Yuan Li pinned against a rock.
"Sister-in-law," Chu Hechao whispered softly, his imposing figure looming over Yuan Li, exerting a heavy pressure, "There's something on my mind that I need to discuss with you."
Yuan Li's face was covered in Chu Hechao's damp palm prints, his eyes shifting from surprise to anger, glaring at Chu Hechao.
In that moment, Yuan Li was glad he had learned a variety of expressive expressions from Lin Guan, enabling him to hide his true emotions and not reveal his eagerness for Chu Hechao to challenge him.
"If you take control of the rear, you'll have thirteen thousand soldiers and my life in your hands," Chu Hechao said, slightly stepping back, scrutinizing Yuan Li's expression inch by inch.
"You're just a county official's son, yet you possess a diverse knowledge and excel in every aspect. Your archery skills are impressive, your military tactics astute, you can create sand tables, soap, and even unique farming tools I've never seen before. You manage to procure warhorses and armor. To me, Sister-in-law, you are truly unpredictable."
After speaking, he slowly released his hand from covering Yuan Li's mouth, then earnestly whispered, "We are family, so if you have any secrets, feel free to share them with me. I will always support you. For instance... Sister-in-law, what are your ultimate intentions?"