C.40 Soft and Hard Together.
Wu Kai wasted no time in arming himself and mounting his horse, facing off against Wang Er.
Both men were excited and in a heightened state, waving their spears vigorously, creating sparks when their weapons clashed.
Despite the powerful collision of their weapons, both men remained firmly seated on their horses, neither of them slipping off.
The onlookers became increasingly excited as they watched the scene unfold.
After the day ended, everyone present remained silent about what had happened, quickly proceeding with the progress of the stirrup-making process.
Once enough stirrups were produced, Yuan Li gathered his troops and equipped them with stirrups, initiating their training as cavalry.
The surplus iron ore was fashioned into black armor.
Upon learning that the generous gift presented by Zhong Ji was an iron mine, Yuan Li couldn't contain his ambitious thoughts.
He wanted to create a formidable cavalry force.
Cavalry was divided into light and heavy cavalry. The heavy cavalry consisted of fully armored soldiers who could effectively counter enemy swords and spears.
The requirements for cavalry were high; the horses needed to be strong and tall, and the cavalry themselves had to be skilled in combat, muscular, able to support heavy armor, and proficient in wielding axes and spears.
Cavalry were not particularly fast or nimble but were unparalleled in terms of their killing and impact capabilities.
When faced with a stalemate in battle, deploying cavalry to break through the enemy's shield-bearing formations often yielded unexpected results, even decisive victories.
Currently, Northern Zhou did not have a true cavalry corps because it was expensive to maintain one cavalryman, and the innate limitations of not having stirrups meant that very few soldiers could charge into battle on horseback covered from head to toe in armor.
But now, with the introduction of stirrups, the second problem could be solved.
Yuan Li grew increasingly excited at the prospect.
However, he repressed his excitement and began training from the most basic techniques.
All of Yuan Li's troops knew how to ride, but due to the limited number of horses Yuan Li had brought with him to Youzhou, most of them were only capable of basic riding. Now, they needed to learn how to engage in combat while on horseback.
During the training process, Yuan Li realized that his three hundred troops brought to Youzhou were too few. A third of them had been sent to the seaside to refine fine salt, leaving only around two hundred men.
Although the two hundred men were all elite soldiers, they were still not enough for the task at hand. Watching his troops training, Liu Jixin curiously asked, "What is the Lord pondering about?"
Yuan Li replied, "I am considering recruiting soldiers."
Liu Jixin understood and stroked his beard. "Recruiting soldiers is indeed necessary. While the army has 130,000 troops, they ultimately need to be stationed at the border. Youzhou needs its own garrison to prevent trouble from brewing, as they say, better to prevent than cure."
"Yes," Yuan Li sighed, "Youzhou's garrison needs to be established, and even Chu Hechao's 130,000 troops, despite their large number, are actually quite few. He also needs to recruit soldiers."
Liu Jixin nodded, "The combined forces of the Wuhuan people amount to at least a few hundred thousand troops. The Bai Min population coerced by rebels also numbers more than thirty thousand. Indeed, recruiting soldiers is necessary, but I wonder if the Lord has this intention."
Yuan Li chuckled, "As long as there is enough food, he would rather recruit another 130,000 troops."
Indeed, that spendthrift, did Yuan Li not know?
If it weren't for the lack of resources, Chu Hechao would have started recruiting soldiers much earlier.
With Yuan Li mentioning food, Liu Jixin looked slightly worried, "My Lord, if we were to recruit soldiers, food may become scarce."
Yuan Li smiled reassuringly, "Don't worry, isn't it autumn harvest season now? We have already quelled the disturbances, and the fields in Youzhou have not suffered much damage. Furthermore, Zhang, Yang, and Lang have not forgotten our cooperative venture in selling soap, have you? Based on the time, the first batch of profits from soap sales should be arriving soon."
Liu Jixin calculated and said with a grin, "Looking at it this way, recruiting soldiers is indeed feasible."
Yuan Li nodded, "Yes, but I do not plan to recruit soldiers now. After the autumn harvest brings in tax revenue, we can consider recruiting soldiers in the spring."
Liu Jixin pondered for a moment and reminded, "My Lord, besides the bandits known as the Yimountain Army in Yanzhou, there are likely many bandits in Youzhou as well. Autumn harvest season is when they like to raid villages. You should prepare in advance."
Yuan raised his chin towards the cavalry in the field, "Engaging the local bandits in mock battles with our cavalry units will effectively train the cavalry and also eradicate the local bandits. Isn't this a win-win situation?"
"It's a win-win situation, but are we not a bit too few in number?" Liu Jixin asked.
Yuan replied, "Of course, I do not expect these two hundred men alone to train into a fearsome cavalry unit. After Chu Hechao arrives, I intend to request some men from him."
It was not yet time for recruitment, as Yuan planned to select individuals from Chu Hechao's army to join his own forces, training them to become a formidable cavalry unit.
However, this matter would need to be discussed with Chu Hechao.
Yuan Li did not think Chu Hechao would refuse, as the existence of this cavalry unit would undoubtedly benefit Chu Hechao.
In the military, each commander had their own personal troops. For example, Yuan Congyun, Yang Zhongfa, and Lang, they each had their own special troops loyal to them, rather than to the emperor or Chu Hechao.
This was the prevailing situation in Northern Zhou. If a commander defected and was influential, a large number of soldiers would be willing to follow the commander.
Yuan Li was an acknowledged military advisor to Chu Hechao and he also had his own personal troops. Wu Kai and Wang Er could be said to be his personal troops.
The cavalry trained by Yuan Li would naturally become his personal troops, but Yuan Li and Chu Hechao were inextricably linked. Yuan Li's goal was not to fight on the battlefield; he would not personally engage in combat.
While the trained cavalry were his personal troops, once they were deployed, Chu Hechao could also utilize them.
Yuan Li was always clear about this. Although he wielded influence in Chu Hechao's army through logistics, Yuan had no intentions of replacing Chu Hechao.
Chu Hechao commanded 130,000 troops and was the next Prince Chu of Youzhou; this would never change. Yuan Li and Chu Hechao operated in complementary spheres.
Yuan Li was confident that Chu Hechao would agree to his request once he saw the capabilities of these two hundred cavalrymen.
After calculating the time of Chu Hechao's arrival and the speed at which they collected rice along the way, it would still take another month.
However, not even half a month later, Chu Hechao had arrived in Ji County with his army, surprising everyone, including Yuan Li.
Upon receiving the news, the sun had already set, and darkness enveloped the land. Yuan Li hurriedly dressed and instructed the servants to prepare the rooms, meals, and hot water for Chu Hechao and his entourage.
Hastening to the gate of Chu Residence, Yuan Li found the army already encamped outside.
Yuan Li's breath was slightly erratic as he gazed at the figure at the head of the troops.
Chu Hechao dismounted from his horse with a flourish, his cloak billowing around him. Just as he lifted his eyes, he saw Yuan Li.
Their arrival had been too sudden, and Yuan Li was taken off guard. He had not tied up his hair or changed into proper attire. His black hair cascaded behind him, and he wore a light robe that fluttered in the wind, with stray strands of hair falling out of place.
Pale-faced, he appeared less refined, but Chu Hechao couldn't help feeling that Yuan Li seemed somewhat cold.
It is deep autumn now, with the cold night wind blowing. And on top of that, there was wind blowing tonight.
Chu Hechao frowned and hastened forward, reaching Yuan Li in a few steps. He took off his cloak and placed it over Yuan's shoulders.
Yuan Li sensed some hidden anger in him, but in front of others, he had to maintain the appearance of a brother-in-law relationship. His forced smile was quickly masked by stiffness, and even his laughter froze on his face.
Then came Chu Hechao's voice, scolding Lin Tian, "Did you let your master run out like this with so little clothing on?"
Lin Tian bowed his head, "I was wrong."
Removing the cloak, Yuan Li asked Chu Hechao, "What gave you the impression that I was cold?"
Chu Hechao glared at him, his voice grave and authoritative, "Put it on."
Yuan Li chuckled as he tossed the cloak to Lin Tian, changing the subject, "How did you arrive so quickly, Chu Hechao?"
Glancing at the cloak, Chu Hechao's expression became impassive. "It only took as long as it does to harvest rice from a few cities," he stated.
Meanwhile, Yang Zhongfa and the others had approached.
Compared to Chu Hechao's inscrutable demeanor, Yang Zhongfa and Lang sensed his weariness. Realizing that the courtyard was not a place for conversation, Yuan Li led them into the residence.
Lang, exhausted and unable to lift his arms, sighed, "Even though the Chu Estate is grand, it feels a bit too desolate with only Yuan Li and Chu Hechao present."
Agreeing casually, Yuan Li suddenly remembered the two Yu family beauties he had previously gifted to Chu Hechao. He glanced meaningfully at Chu Hechao and commented, "Perhaps it won't be so desolate in a few days."
After ensuring the guests were settled inside, Yuan Li excused himself. However, instead of heading to his own room, Chu Hechao followed him all the way to Yuan Li's residence.
"Chu Hechao," Yuan stopped, his smile forced, "Why are you following me?"
Chu Hechao remained stoic. "I've come to apologize to you, sister-in-law."
Yuan Li responded coolly, "And how do you plan to apologize?"
Surveying the servants, who had all left except for Lin Tian, Yuan Li gestured for Lin Tian to stay. As Lin Tian prepared to stay, Chu Hechao instructed, "Leave."
Quietly, he commanded, "Leave my cloak behind."
Lin Tian respectfully handed over the cloak and silently retreated.
Yuan Li eyed Chu Hechao, feeling the urge to punch him, especially his mouth.
"Now that no one is around, you can start apologizing," Yuan Li urged.
Chu Hechao shed his armor and issued a command in a deep voice, "Go ahead."
Confused, Yuan Li hesitated, "What do you mean?"
With a stern gaze, Chu Hechao pressured him, "Let out your frustration."
Caught off guard by Chu Hechao's directness, Yuan Li was at a loss for words. "Is this your idea of showing sincerity?" he asked, feeling the tension rise.
Chu Hechao's grunt prompted Yuan Li to take action. A sly grin spread across his face as he rubbed his wrist. "In that case," he declared, "I won't be polite."
With an insincere smile, Yuan Li threw a punch.
Standing face-to-face, Yuan Li wasn't one to bottle up his frustrations. With one party itching for a fight and the other ripe for a humbling, this was an opportunity he wouldn't squander.
However, considering future collaboration, a complete humiliation might not be the wisest course of action.
As the punch approached, Yuan Li refrained from striking Chu Hechao in the face, redirecting the blow to his chest instead.
For a full fifteen minutes, Chu Hechao endured the blows, sweat drenching his clothes.
Following Chu Hechao's silence, Yuan Li too felt the strain of the altercation. Eventually, he took a deep breath and succinctly forgave Chu Hechao.
"Okay, I forgive you."
Despite striking Chu Hechao, Yuan Li showed restraint to avoid causing harm. Chu Hechao's resilience earned Yuan's grudging respect.
Chu Hechao became the first person to withstand the beating without uttering a single cry of pain. This display of stoicism so enraged Yuan Li that he lost control of his temper during the punishment.
Chu Hechao's voice was hoarse from exertion, "Have you calmed down?"
Yuan Li nodded, acknowledging his own release of tension.
Chu Hechao smirked lightly.
Yawning from fatigue, Yuan Li excused himself, "Chu Hechao, I'm going to rest. You should do the same."
As Yuan Li walked away, Chu Hechao unexpectedly called out, "Sister-in-law, there's a spider on your leg."
"Where is it?" Stopping in his tracks, Yuan Li looked down at his leg.
Kneeling behind Yuan Li to inspect his leg, Chu Hechao brushed against his wound, prompting a cough. "It's back here," he pointed out.
Shocked, Yuan Li demanded, "Get it off me."
Chu Hechao, towering over Yuan, leaned down to brush two fingers against his leg.
Yuan Li inquired, "Is it gone?"
Instead of responding, Chu Hechao suddenly grabbed the hem of Yuan's robe.
Yuan Li asked: "Did you knock it off?"
With a swift motion, he tore the robe from bottom to top, exposing Yuan Li's thigh.
Appalled, Yuan exclaimed, "Stop!"
Despite his protest, Chu Hechao's actions could not be reversed. The torn robe revealed that Yuan was not wearing trousers underneath, but homemade shorts.
The sight was embarrassing, as the rip extended to his shorts, creating the illusion that he was not wearing anything underneath.
The smooth white long legs were instantly exposed to Chu Hechao's eyes.
Chu Hechao was taken aback, unable to comprehend the situation before him.
A tattered robe hung loosely, its silhouette imposing. Chu Hechao's Adam's apple bobbed nervously, his face contorted in bewilderment. "You... you aren't wearing anything underneath?"
Chu Hechao never imagined he'd find himself in such a predicament.
"..."
Yuan Li's face was drained of all color, ashen. He spun around to confront Chu Hechao, his gaze sinking into a steely glint. In a flash, he lashed out with his foot, catching Chu Hechao completely off guard and sending him sprawling to the ground.
The kick was delivered with merciless force. Chu Hechao, who had been crouching, was struck squarely and sent sprawling. In the next instant, Yuan Li stormed over, raised his foot, and planted it squarely on Chu Hechao's chest, pinning him to the ground with a face devoid of any emotion.
Chu Hechao coughed repeatedly, struggling to look up at Yuan Li's cold, condescending face looming over him. The force of the kick had split his robe, exposing half his leg through the tear.
"What are you doing?" His expression was glacial, his voice a frosty wind, and even his eyes shimmered with icy indifference.
For the first time, Yuan Li cast aside his usual gentle demeanor entirely in front of Chu Hechao. He loomed over Chu Hechao, his foot pressing down firmly on his chest once more. His long hair cascaded down, failing to mask the ferocity radiating from him.
"Chu Hechao," he growled, his voice laced with icy contempt, "why do you only ever remember to feed yourself, but never the consequences of your actions?"
In his military days, Yuan Li had faced numerous provocations, learning to strike a balance between softness and firmness.
After this encounter, Yuan Li grasped the importance of adapting his approach to different personalities. Chu Hechao's resistance to gentleness required a more assertive response.
Acknowledging the necessity of a stern approach, Yuan Li stated, "I may have been too lenient with you before, allowing you to forget my role as your senior."
"Sister-in-law, you and I are of the same generation." Chu Hechao chuckled, challenging Yuan Li's previous gentle treatment, "Were you truly so gentle with me?"
If it was gentle, then who hit him for a full of fifteen minutes just now?
Chu Hechao's mood darkened considerably, a stark contrast to his usual demeanor.
This surge of Yuan Li, a powerful energy, felt oppressive and unsettling, like a thorny thicket closing in on him. It was a stark difference from the Yuan Li he was accustomed to, which, while powerful, felt more controlled and predictable.
This raw, untamed energy sent shivers down his spine, a primal reaction to impending danger. His muscles tensed involuntarily.
Yuan Li, his expression a mask of icy indifference, bent down to retrieve something.
With a slight smile, Chu Hechao playfully teased, "Be careful not to expose more than you need to. I really do not want to see what's underneath."
As he studied Yuan Li with a quizzical gaze, he remarked, "I had no idea you had this penchant for clothing."
A sly smile played on his lips, hinting at a playful jab.
His eyelids fluttered open, and he gave Yuan Li a cursory glance from head to toe. "Such an unorthodox way of dressing," he remarked.
Unaffected by Chu Hechao's tactics, Yuan Li maintained his composure, opting not to engage with his remarks. Explaining the concept of boxers to him seemed a pointless exercise.
Observing Chu Hechao's resilience, Yuan Li saw the need to match his strength in future interactions.
"Why did you damage my clothes?" Yuan Li demanded.
Before Chu Hechao could respond, a sudden gust of wind swept through the area. Yuan Li's untamed hair obscured their view briefly, giving Chu Hechao the chance to evade Yuan Li's grasp and cloak him in Chu Hechao's red garment.
As the wind died down, Chu Hechao had put some distance between them. "Sister-in-law, I told you to wear my cloak," he reiterated, asserting his authority decisively.
His voice became lower, and the dictatorship that had been in a high position for a long time was exposed. "If you don't listen to what I say, then I will just do it myself. After all, nothing I give away should be left to gather dust."
After that, he slowly backed away and turned away.