C32. I Need Some Space.
Upon seeing Yuan Li spit out some water, Chu Hechao immediately added with a touch of cunning, "The magistrate of Shanggu County has already gathered food supplies and sent them to the battlefield."
Yuan Li took out a handkerchief to wipe her mouth and looked at Chu Chu Hechao quietly, "General..."
Chu Chu Hechao' remained silent, waiting to be scolded.
After watching him for a while, Yuan Li finally asked, "How long will it take for the food supplies to arrive?"
"One month," Chu Chu Hechao' quickly replied this time, then looked sincerely at Yuan Li, "Brother's wife, you only need to hold on with the supplies for half a month until the new supplies arrive."
Half a month was easily manageable for Yuan Li.
Chu Chu Hechao' had a keen sense of judgment when it came to the army's food supplies. He kept track of all the food Yuan Li had accumulated along the way and knew exactly how much had been transported to the northern border.
Because he was aware of this, and knew Yuan Li could handle the military expenses, Chu Chu Hechao' confidently used the food supplies as leverage.
If someone were to ask Chu Chu Hechao how he felt when he used food supplies to defeat the enemy for the first time, he would simply say: exhilarating!
Yuan Li looked at Chu Chu Hechao in silence, finding amusement in his tactics.
Chu Chu Hechao first informed them that only half a month's worth of supplies remained, preparing Yuan Li for the worst. Then he changed tact and only requested half a month's worth of supplies from Yuan Li. This approach made Yuan Li relieved and happy, and she immediately agreed.
Smart move, Chu Hechao.
Half a month's worth of supplies was well within Yuan Li's budget. Yuan Li teased them a bit, pretending to look distressed and worried, "Half a month... General, this..."
He sighed softly, looking tired, "Forget it, let's think of a solution later."
Yuan Li stood up, bid farewell to the others, and left the camp with Liu Jixin and Wu Kai.
Yang Zhongfa and He Lang, who were momentarily stunned by his performance, immediately turned to Chu Hechao, looking anxious, "General, seeing his reaction, have we gone too far?"
Chu Hechao pursed his lips tightly and suddenly stood up, striding out after her.
Yuan Li had only taken a few steps when a imposing figure appeared beside her. He looked slightly surprised, "General, why are you here?"
"Brother's wife," Chu He 'Chao' said in a low voice, "Did I make things difficult for you?"
He straightened his back and lowered his voice, adopting a more humble stance. Yuan Li was not one to be swayed easily, and his question slightly amused him.
What Chu Hechao did was ultimately the right thing, and he hadn't wasted any food supplies. Yuan Li smiled at him, "It wasn't that difficult. What you did was excellent, being able to capture the county without using any military force. I am pleased with the outcome. Just remember to inform me beforehand next time you make such decisions."
Chu Hechao nodded obediently, "Alright, I'll listen to you, brother's wife."
What do you mean listen to me?
Yuan Li chuckled inwardly, you're just trying to be obedient after the fact.
Seeing Yuan Li's frown turn into a smile, Chu Hechao also felt relieved. But as soon as he noticed his relief, Chu Hechao stiffened his face, his expression becoming blank.
Why was he not afraid of facing Chu Mingfeng, yet he was worried about upsetting Yuan Li?
Yuan Li wiped the sweat from her forehead, "General, with the weather being so hot these days, is there enough water in the army?"
"We've had enough water since the heavy rain a few days ago," Chu Hechao replied absentmindedly, "Xuelu County is downstream from the Sanggan River, with Banquan and Xuanyuan Lake inside. If you're interested, brother's wife, you can take a walk inside Xuelu County. Banquan and Xuanyuan Lake are quite a sight to behold."
Behind them, Liu Jixin spoke eagerly, "But the water in the spring sometimes looks as dark as ink, yet when scooped up, it's crystal clear like Banquan?"
Chu Hechao nodded.
Yuan Li seemed thoughtful.
Were the water resources in Xuelu County truly so abundant?
In an instant, Yuan Li understood why Chu Hechao had been so eager to use food supplies to entice Bai Mi people to surrender. With the abundant water resources in the county and the increasingly hot weather, the army was facing severe water shortages.
Once Bai Mi realized this, they could easily reverse the tables in terms of resources and strategical advantage.
Xuelu County was a transitional land from forest to plain, suitable for grazing and farming. If Bai Mi were given a breather, it would take at least six months to a year to capture Xuelu County.
Chu Hechao could not afford such a delay.
The sharp-eyed Bai Mi had failed to recognize the importance of the water source. By opening the city gates, Chu Hechao had conveniently utilized the water resources within the city.
Yuan Li chuckled heartily, "General, the timing of bringing out the food supplies was perfect."
Chu Hechao raised an eyebrow. Just by mentioning the presence of water sources in the city, Yuan Li was able to discern his intention behind using the food supplies?
"If the water is sufficient, then these weary travelers can also freshen up," Yuan Li said with a smile.
"Of course," Chu He 'Chao' replied, "There are pools in Xuelu County for bathing."
Pool?
Yuan Li felt a sudden urge to visit, as he always enjoyed the feeling of being close to water. Just hearing those words from Chu Hechao sparked excitement in Yuanli, planning to take Liu Jixin and the others to bathe in the pools within Xuelu County.
Chu Hechao added, "The army has also prepared hot water for your bathing needs."
Such thoughtfulness warmed Yuan Li's heart.
The group arrived at a watchtower, and as a convoy carrying medicinal herbs passed by, one of the vehicles accidentally collided with the tower. Yuan Li was about to praise Chu Hechao when he suddenly pulled him into his arms, swiftly turning him away as the tower collapsed.
The flags and logs from the toppled tower fell heavily on Chu Hechao's back, as he shielded Yuan Li, holding him tightly against him. Yuan Li felt the weight of his arm pressing on his neck, his chest muscles uncomfortably firm.
"Stay still," he growled impatiently.
Yuan Li complied, his nose filled with Chu Hechao's scent, feeling discomfort in his waist and back. Liu Jixin exclaimed in shock, followed by a sense of relief, reflecting the near miss.
Soon, the collapse ceased.
Chu Hechao released Yuan Li without a word, not checking his own injuries, and immediately turned to inspect the fallen tower. The top of the tower had been ripped off, and his expression turned cold as he called for assistance.
Soldiers who had taken cover quickly emerged and approached Chu Hechao.
"Dismantle and rebuild this tower," Chu Hechao was furious, his aura intimidating, "Bring the centurion responsible for the construction before me to be punished with twenty lashings in accordance with military law!"
The soldiers trembled in fear, answering, "Yes."
Once Chu Hechao gave his orders, Yuan Li rubbed his nose and quickly asked, "General, are you alright?"
Chu Hechao was in a foul mood at the moment, but he replied curtly, "I'm fine."
Yuan Li, skeptical, furrowed his brow and walked up behind Chu Hechao. The fallen logs were sharp, and Chu Hechao's clothes had several tears at the back, hidden by the dark color of the fabric.
Given the weight of the fallen objects, he must have been in considerable discomfort. Concerned about potential infection in the summer heat, Yuan Li spoke firmly, "General, please come with me to check your back in the tent."
Irritated, Chu Hechao frowned, "I said I'm fine--"
He caught a glimpse of Yuan Li's worried expression and couldn't bring himself to finish his sentence. Chu Hechao took a deep breath, suppressing his irritation, and said softly, "Brother's wife, don't worry, it's just a minor injury."
Yuan Li pursed his lips, his black and white eyes quietly reflecting his unwavering determination.
After a prolonged gaze, Chu Hechao relented. In a cold tone, he ordered the soldiers to find someone and obediently followed Yuan Li back to the tent.
Yuan Li instructed Wu Kai to get some medicine and asked Chu Hechao to remove his robe. When Chu Hechao took it off, Liu Jixin leaned in next to Yuan Li to inspect the scratches on Chu Hechao's back.
With a gasp, Liu Jixin remarked, "General, the wounds on your back are quite terrifying."
It was a deep shade of black!
Yuan Li looked at Liu Jixin, then dampened a cloth with water and gently wiped away the dark pigments on Chu Hechao's back, revealing the source of the stains.
"Liu Xian, this is the dye from the General's clothes that got wet and stuck to his skin."
Embarrassed, Liu Jixin made a hasty exit, leaving the tent.
Yuan Li shook his head and assisted Chu Hechao in sitting down. With a hand supporting his shoulder for balance, Yuan Li carefully searched for the wound under the fading color on Chu Hechao's back.
Searching, Yuan Li couldn't help but ask, "General, couldn't you wear better clothing?"
Chu Hechao lazily replied, "I have no money, so I can only rely on my sister-in-law for new clothes."
Yuan Li muttered, "You really are like a poor relative begging for handouts."
Sensing Yuan Li's skepticism, Chu Hechao teased, "Begging for handouts? What do you mean?"
Yuan Li coughed and straightforwardly stated, "General, I don't believe you don't have any good clothes."
Chu Hechao smiled and decided not to argue with him.
Once the dirt was cleaned off, Yuan Li breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Chu Hechao's skin was thick, and the clothing, though torn, only left shallow scratches without drawing any blood.
However, despite outward appearances, being struck by heavy objects could lead to deep bruising under the skin once the initial shock subsided.
Worried about internal injuries, Yuan Li gently pressed on Chu Hechao's back muscles, asking, "Does this hurt? What about here, any sensation?"
Initially tense at Yuan Li's touch, Chu Hechao's back muscles gradually relaxed after several attempts to reassure him.
Yuan Li asked with professionalism, but Chu Hechao kept shaking his head indifferently. Finding his response evasive, Yuan Li probed, "Doesn't it hurt anywhere?"
Chu Hechao raised an eyebrow, "Do you want it to hurt, sister-in-law?"
After a moment of silence, Yuan Li bluntly said, "Chu Hechao, you're not being honest."
Amused, Chu Hechao smirked, "How should I say it then? Sister-in-law, why don't you teach me? Tell me what to say, and I'll say it, alright?"
Turning away to rinse the cloth, Yuan Li stated, "I don't want to talk to you right now."
Chu Hechao: "..."
Chu Hechao turned his head towards the figure crouched on the ground. Yuan Li back radiated a clear message of silent refusal.
His usually neat hair cascaded down his shoulders, his clothes were disheveled, and his overall appearance spoke of neglect.
Shame washed over Chu Hechao as he realized he hadn't uttered a word about his own troubles, leaving him to shoulder his burdens alone.
"Sister-in-law."
Chu Hechao called out, and when Yuan Li did not respond, he felt a discomfort that seemed to consume his entire being. Fidgeting restlessly, he couldn't help but steal glances at Yuan Li's back.
Yuan Li ignored him, and only the sound of the towel being wet with water was heard.
Chu Hechao felt a crawling sensation all over his body, as if a thousand ants were gnawing at his skin. This discomfort manifested as a deep-seated anxiety and a gnawing boredom that clawed at his very core.
His fingers, unable to be stilled, tapped out a restless rhythm against his thighs.
His gaze, drawn magnetically towards Yuanli's back, darted back and forth repeatedly before settling into a fixed stare, burning with unsated intensity. Yet, oblivious to this scrutiny, Yuan Li continued on as if unaware.
An uncomfortable silence lingered for a full minute.
"Sister-in-law," Chu Hechao broke the silence again.
Sensing Yuan Li's lack of response, Chu Hechao' took a deep breath and reluctantly admitted in a low voice, "My back does hurt a bit."
Chu Hechao had never complained about pain to others before.
And no one had ever wanted to hear him say it.
At that moment, the general who had never expressed his injuries or discomfort to anyone felt his ears burning with embarrassment.