C25. Battlefield Rescue Team (Part 2).
Treating the injured soldiers was indeed exhausting, but the sense of accomplishment it brought was indescribable.
Despite their fatigue, the final results were significant. More and more veteran soldiers returned to the battlefield after recovering from their injuries, leading to a substantial decrease in the mortality rate among the soldiers.
The soldiers were extremely grateful to Yuan Li. Upon returning to the battlefield, they shared their experiences at the infirmary with others. Unbeknownst to Yuan Li, his reputation had already begun to spread rapidly among the soldiers.
One evening, out of curiosity, Yang Zhongfa arrived at the infirmary, looking to see the wounded soldiers.
The soldier standing guard at the entrance of the infirmary pointed to a nearby basin of water and said, "Sir, Young Master Yuan ordered that everyone entering or leaving the infirmary must wash their hands."
Yang Zhongfa exclaimed, "Oh, there's such a rule? How meticulous!"
He squatted down and washed his hands in the basin. He noticed a worn-out soap with no more carvings placed beside the basin, and asked the soldier in amazement, "Did Young Master Yuan also place this soap here?"
The soldier nodded earnestly, "Young Master Yuan said that washing hands this way would be cleaner."
Yang Zhongfa sighed, "Since the soap was put here, have more people been coming to wash their hands every day?"
The soldier nodded again.
Since Young Master Yuan had placed a bar of soap there, everyone coming in and out would joyfully wash their hands without the need for reminders from the soldiers. Some medical staff even pretended to have errands outside just to make several trips in and out.
If not for the soldiers keeping watch, someone might have tried to take the soap directly.
Carefully, Yang Zhongfa lathered up his palms with the soap.
He also had a set of soap given to him by Yuan Li. Although Yuan Li mentioned that it wasn't valuable and could be asked for again once used up, Yang Zhongfa cherished it greatly.
Upon returning to Youzhou, he gave all three bars of soap to his wife and kept one for himself to use for washing his face morning and night. Every time after using the soap, he felt refreshed and the water in the basin turned murky.
After washing his hands multiple times, he finally stood up and entered the infirmary.
Upon entering, Yang Zhongfa instinctively held his breath, expecting the overpowering stench that usually greeted him. He had visited the infirmary many times before, where the mix of dirt and blood odors made it nauseating, worse than the battlefield.
However, to his surprise, this time as he entered the infirmary, he was met with a clean and orderly environment. The ground was compacted and dry, devoid of any bloodstains or dirt. Clean old bedding lay neatly on the floor, with wounded soldiers resting on them.
Yang Zhongfa was momentarily taken aback. He tentatively released his breath and only smelled the strong scents of medicinal herbs and blood, with the nauseating odor completely absent.
Is this still the infirmary?
A medical staff member noticed his confusion and hurried over, asking, "Sir, are you injured?"
Taken aback, Yang Zhongfa shook his head subconsciously. "Where is Young Master Yuan?"
"Young Master Yuan went to inspect other infirmaries," the medical staff replied. "If you wish to see him, please wait a while."
With that, the medical staff busied themselves elsewhere.
Yang Zhongfa stood there for a while, wandering around, and even saw one of his subordinates.
This subordinate had lost an arm on the battlefield, and Yang Zhongfa had assumed he wouldn't survive, yet here he was lying in the infirmary. Yang Zhongfa immediately approached him, cautiously checking the soldier's breathing. The soldier's breath was steady and deep, ensuring his survival.
Feeling the breath on his fingers, the tangible touch brought a tinge of emotion to Yang Zhongfa's eyes. In that moment, he suddenly grasped the significance of the changes Yuan Li had made for the soldiers.
*
As Yuan Li returned, he saw Yang Zhongfa diligently tending to a wounded soldier's injured arm.
"Mr. Yang?" Yuan Li said with a hint of surprise, "Why are you here?"
With the final bandage secured, Yang Zhongfa rose to his feet, dusted his hands off, and let out a hearty chuckle. "I've come to see you, Master Yuan! Are you free for a chat? Let's go out and talk?"
Yuan Li set aside the medicinal herbs in his grasp and accompanied Yang Zhongfa out of the wounded soldiers' encampment.
It was getting dark.
As dusk settled, the night air, laden with a sweltering warmth, rustled through their robes. Patrol soldiers marched past in orderly formations, their torches, buffeted by the wind, transformed into elongated streaks of flickering light.
Yuan Li casually inquired, "General Yang, the progress in capturing the city needs to be accelerated, right?"
"Indeed," Yang Zhongfa affirmed decisively, "The provisions in Baimi County are running out, our arrow towers have been constructed, and with a concerted effort in the coming days, we are bound to breach the enemy's walls and reclaim Baimi County!"
"That's excellent," Yuan Li expressed relief. "Once Baimi County is reclaimed, you and the soldiers can finally catch a breath."
Suddenly, Yang Zhongfa halted his steps, turned to Yuan Li, and respectfully saluted, "In these past few days, thanks to Young Master Yuan's 'rescue troops' and the herbs we've gathered along the way, the loss of soldiers has been significantly reduced. I have no words. Young Master Yuan's benevolence and righteousness are truly admirable."
After bowing deeply, he stood upright and sighed, "During these days of leading the troops in besieging the city, I've noticed the changes in the soldiers. Since the wounded soldiers recovered and returned to the battlefield, the other soldiers have also realized the ample supply of herbs and manpower in the infirmary, making them bolder in the siege. Your contribution to the swift capture of Baimi County cannot be overlooked, Young Master Yuan."
Yuan Li humbly responded, "I merely did what I could."
"It's precisely because you think this way, that makes you even more admirable," Yang Zhongfa shook his head with a bitter smile, pondering how rare it was for a scholar to go to such lengths for the lower-ranked soldiers.
Even their seasoned generals would usually recruit new soldiers once casualties piled up.
Changing the subject, Yang Zhongfa asked, "I came to see you today, aside from being curious about the infirmary. Please don't be offended, I couldn't contain my curiosity, but may I ask, what was the disagreement between you and General Chu Hechao about?"
At the mention of this matter, Yuan Li became visibly animated.
For almost an entire month, he had barely interacted with Chu Hechao. Yuan Li's intention was to set boundaries with Chu Hechao, to let him know that while suspicion was acceptable, if they were to cooperate, it required a certain level of respect and freedom.
If Chu Hechao wanted to use him but didn't trust him, they could part ways.
Ultimately, it was about setting boundaries early on to avoid trust issues in the future. Yuan Li wanted Chu Hechao to understand his boundaries and not cross them.
Even the most amiable person would not receive any tolerance or respect from Chu Hechao without proving their unique abilities and demonstrating their boundaries. Chu Hechao needed to learn to compromise unless it was absolutely necessary to exclude them.
Yuan Li had many secrets and didn't want to deal with suspicion from Chu Hechao when they undertook significant activities in Youzhou. Anticipating potential trust issues, resolving them early would ensure a smoother collaboration.
The strategy proved effective. Over the month, Chu Hechao would conspicuously appear around Yuan Li.
In the mornings when Yuan Li exercised, Chu Hechao would be training as well. In the evenings when Yuan Li took a stroll, he would spot Chu Hechao inspecting the military camp.
Even when Yuan Li requested three hundred men from Chu Hechao a few days ago, Chu Hechao didn't question it and promptly allocated the manpower.
Yuan Li sensed a change.
Thinking about this, a smile crept onto Yuan Li's lips before discreetly clearing his throat. "There wasn't any disagreement."
Upon further probing from Yang Zhongfa, Yuan Li casually added, "After my achievements, General Chu Hechao asked me some questions that left me feeling rather displeased."
Yang Zhongfa suddenly realized, "Young Master Yuan, General Chu Hechao suspects you, doesn't he?"
Yuan Li remained noncommittal.
Glancing around, Yang Zhongfa whispered, covering his mouth, "Young Master Yuan, I wonder if the Chu Mingfeng has ever mentioned to you that the General tends to show some tolerance towards family?"
Yuan Li nodded, "The Eldest Young Master did mention it."
"That's true. Young Master Yuan, if the General is testing you in a way that you can perceive, it must be an overt test," Yang Zhongfa explained. "If the General is being so direct in testing you, it shows a certain level of trust towards you. I know this may sound like I'm speaking in favor of the General, but each word I say is true. If the General truly doubted you and had no trust in you, you probably wouldn't even realize he was testing you."
Yuan Li was taken aback and turned to look at him.
With a smile, Yang Zhongfa continued, "You are the General's sister-in-law, essentially his family. The General has never been in prolonged contact with family, so he struggles to gauge the right approach. By openly questioning you, it signifies that he already views you as family. I'm a bit embarrassed to say this... but please, Young Master Yuan, considering the relationship you have with the General, guide him a bit more."
The wind howled, tossing Yuan Li's hair into disarray.
Yuan Li remained silent for a long time. After a pause, he nodded lightly and said, "I understand."
Yang Zhongfa cheerfully bid farewell, leaving Yuan Li to ponder in the wind.
Watching the dust swirl on the ground, Yuan Li recalled the moment when Chu Hechao before had taken him forcefully, silently observing the face of Yang shi.
He didn't have a clear understanding of the Northern Zhou God of War, General Chu.
But somehow, he felt he understood Chu Hechao a bit more.
*
Two days later, Baimi Wei County fell.
The number of wounded soldiers in the infirmary gradually decreased, with most soldiers returning to the army except for a few severely injured ones.
However, when the last group of severely injured soldiers woke up, they showed no excitement or joy. Instead, they harbored a sense of despair, their eyes devoid of hope.
These soldiers were amputees, missing limbs – arms, legs, eyes, or hearing – rendering them unfit for battle and only suitable for discharge back to their hometown.
But upon their return, with impaired bodies, they couldn't engage in labor in the fields, becoming essentially disabled. If lucky, they might have someone willing to care for them. If unlucky, they would lead profoundly miserable lives, possibly dying of starvation.
Especially under the command of Yang Zhongfa, there was a soldier named Ding Zongguang who, upon waking up to find that he had lost an arm, fell into silence for half a day. That night, while the medics were resting, Ding Zongguang attempted to take his own life but was thankfully stopped by a patrolling soldier.
It was not until the next day that Yuan Li learned of this incident. Rushing to the infirmary, he found Ding Zongguang lying on the bed, pale and unresponsive, refusing food and drink.
The medics sighed in sympathy as they explained to Yuan Li, "Once soldiers are injured, they often end up like this – unable to return to the battlefield, only able to return home. If they have some savings, they may manage, but without any, their future looks bleak."
"This military officer Ding was known for his modesty, generosity towards his subordinates, and distributing his wartime spoils amongst them. Now, with his arm severed and no money, he may have realized that his future would be challenging, leading to his despair," they added.
Listening closely, Yuan Li furrowed his brows tightly.
There was no concept of compensation in the Northern Zhou military. Except for the central and frontier armies, soldiers were temporary recruits, disbanded once their services were no longer required.
Even the permanent army did not receive significantly better treatment.
Most disabled soldiers like Ding Zongguang could only expect a life of poverty and hardship, possibly meeting a tragic end.
Yuan Li then observed the other disabled soldiers.
Like Ding Zongguang, they remained silent, despondent and defeated.
Visiting other infirmaries, he discovered that over a dozen disabled soldiers had resorted to suicide.
Feeling a lump in his throat, Yuan Li instructed the soldiers to keep a close eye on them to prevent further self-harm.
"Watch them, don't let them hurt themselves."
After issuing the order, he hurriedly left and made his way to Chu Hechao's military camp.
Chu Hechao was in discussion with Yang Zhongfa and He Lang regarding the siege.
Upon hearing that Yuan Li had arrived, Chu Hechao's expression remained unchanged, but his tapping fingers on the table paused momentarily. He sat up slightly, then composed himself and lazily permitted Yuan Li's entrance.
"Let him in."
Upon entering, Yang Zhongfa, He Lang, and Yuan Li exchanged greetings. As they did so, Chu Hechao remained aloof, observing Yuan Li from his elevated position with a detached gaze.
Taking note of Yuan Li's reddened eyes, pursed lips, disheveled attire, and dusty boots, Chu Hechao silently assessed him, forming some thoughts in his mind.
The tent fell quiet.
Chu Hechao said nothing, his subordinates remained silent, and Yuan Li kept his head bowed without speaking. The atmosphere was uneasy, prompting He Lang to curiously glance at Yuan Li, nudging Yang Zhongfa with his arm.
Clearing his throat, Yang Zhongfa asked, "General, should I take my leave first?"
Chu Hechao merely responded with a faint "Hmm."
Yang Zhongfa and He Lang quickly exited the tent, leaving a relaxed He Lang to remark, "Was that handsome young man we just saw the God of Wealth you and Mr. Yuan mentioned? He looks even younger than I expected, perhaps seven or eight years younger than the general?"
"Although Young Master Yuan is young, he is much more formidable than you," Yang Zhongfa remarked, casting a sidelong glance at He Lang. "With your careless nature, you must be careful not to provoke Young Master Yuan."
He Lang shrugged nonchalantly, "No way, I need to build a good relationship with the God of Wealth."
As they walked further away, silence lingered in the tent behind them.
Chu Hechao sensed that Yuan Li had something to discuss with him and effortlessly adjusted his demeanor. The vague irritability that had accumulated over the past month evaporated in an instant, leaving him feeling refreshed.
Politely, he motioned for Yuan Li to take a seat, had tea served, and observed with pleasure as Yuan Li's tight lips and tense fingers betrayed his unease. Finally, breaking the silence, he smiled faintly and initiated, "Is there something sister-in-law wishes to discuss with me?"
Yuan Li immediately set down the teacup, "Indeed, General, have you visited the infirmary?"
Getting down to business, Chu Hechao's demeanor became serious, "I have."
Pausing for a moment, he looked directly at Yuan Li and sincerely thanked him, "I thank you on behalf of my soldiers."
Somewhat surprised, Yuan Li responded, "It was simply something I felt compelled to do…"
Both of them felt a bit awkward in this setting. Chu Hechao quickly reverted to his usual demeanor and calmly inquired, "Why did you ask if I had visited the infirmary?"
"Currently, only the disabled soldiers remain in the infirmary," Yuan Li pursed his lips, "These soldiers are no longer fit for the battlefield, so I wanted to inquire about how they have been traditionally dealt with."
Chu Hechao remained silent for a moment before replying, "They are sent back to their hometowns, receiving cloth and silver coins before departing."
Yuan Li mused, "Were these provisions from your own pocket, General?"
Chu Hechao tacitly confirmed.
Recalling Chu Hechao's previous inquiry about soap-making during his time in Ji County, Yuan Li sighed lightly, "You should know that when I was in Ji County, I had prisoners construct a soap factory and livestock farm."
Chu Hechao nodded.
"When you asked about soap production, I didn't reveal it then, but I can now inform you that soap is made from pig fat," Yuan Li explained straightforwardly. "I plan to establish a livestock farm to obtain pig fat for soap production while using the pork as provisions for the soldiers."
Yuan Li smiled faintly, "The soap factory requires confidentiality, and the livestock farm must also remain secure from untrustworthy individuals. I will need trustworthy individuals at these locations. I have many other tasks that will require manpower. General, I would like to request that these soldiers who can no longer fight on the battlefield come to work for me."
Chu Hechao looked up at him with sudden intensity.