C70. Heavy Rain Is Coming.
It's not entirely Wu Kai's fault.
An archer needs to practice with countless arrows, which requires financial resources to develop accuracy and strength.
Wu Kai, coming from humble origins and unable to even recognize letters, how could he have practiced archery from a young age?
Even if he exerted all his strength, archery is not just about physical power.
Yuan Li did not blame him, saying, "No harm, get up."
After Wu Kai's victory, the Wumang people's momentum soared. Zuosang, feeling unsatisfied, turned to Wang Er, "Is this warrior also a martial officer under the Governor? Why not test his skills against our Wumang warriors?"
Wang Er hesitated, unsure if he should volunteer. Like Wu Kai, he also came from a poor background and despite a year of training in archery, he knew he couldn't compare to Tatumuda. Failure was certain as long as he had to compete.
Yuan Li's men exchanged glances.
Among them, Jian Shaoning's archery skills were the best. With a serious expression, Jian Shaoning prepared to stand in for Wang Er, regretting his past laziness during training sessions his family supervised.
Just a little more diligence...
"Why the delay?" Zuo Sang exclaimed loudly. "Surely a Governor from Youzhou should have a warrior who can match our strength."
Yuan Dan, sitting in the center, flushed with anger and muttered through gritted teeth, "Brother, this is outrageous."
Yuan Lou was equally frustrated but managed to maintain composure, saying, "Stay calm."
Across from them, He Lang muttered, "They are bullying us!"
With their presence, the Wumang people boldly displayed their arrogance. Imagine their audacity without us there?
The unfortunate truth was that the Wumang people had never been on good terms with them. Without a legitimate reason, they couldn't retaliate against the Wumang people, or risk facing consequences from the court.
Furthermore, after five years of recuperation in Youzhou, the combined forces of the five Wumang tribes could muster around two hundred thousand troops.
Two hundred thousand, and no battle in sight.
However, they couldn't allow the Governor's authority to be undermined.
Chu He Chao's simmering anger and cold demeanor were noticeable. Yang Zhongfa caught a glimpse of his expression and was startled.
Why did the General's expression look as if his own wife had been mistreated?
Chu He Chao was about to intervene and quell the Wumang people's arrogance, but Yuan Li spoke first, "Among your soldiers, is this warrior the most skilled?"
Zuo Sang proudly replied, "Tatumuda is just slightly outstanding."
Yuanli raised an eyebrow, curious, "How does he compare to your Wumang leader?"
Zuo Sang acknowledged, "Of course, our Wumang leader is stronger."
Dadan added, "These soldiers cannot match our capabilities. If our leaders don't personally participate, we are already showing restraint."
Yuan Li smiled and said, "Then please, let your Wumang leaders step forward."
Another Wumang leader objected, "What status do they have to compete with your lowly martial officers?"
"Hahaha, gentlemen, you misunderstand," Yuan Li calmly stood up from behind the table, taking the bow and arrows handed to him by a servant. He looked at the Wumang people and continued, "How can we make the Wumang leaders stoop down and compete with our troops? It's only fair to compete with equals."
After speaking, he looked regretfully at Guli Chi, "I have heard that the Wumang leader Guli Chi is exceptionally skilled in equestrian archery. It's a pity we won't have the chance to learn from you today and witness your prowess."
Yang Zhong nearly burst out laughing.
His words struck a chord with Guli Chi.
When a leader is insulted, how can a Wumang noble not respond?
Zuosang stood up directly, walked over to Yuan Li with a frown, snatched the bow and arrows from Tatumuda's hand, and declared, "Let me face you. There's no need for our leader to intervene. Let's show you the true spirit of the Wumang people!"
Guli Chi didn't stop Zuo Sang, sneering, "If the Governor of Youzhou loses to our soldiers, it would be a blow to your dignity. Losing to our Wumang leader would be more acceptable. Zuo Sang, make sure to save face for the Governor."
Zuo Sang grimly replied, "I'll make sure to give the Governor some face."
Seeing this, Jian Shaoning quickly asked in a hushed tone how Yuan Li's archery skills were.
Jian Shaoning had never witnessed Yuan Li's archery skills firsthand. He had only heard of Yuan Li's legendary shot that killed Bai Mi's leader at a hundred paces.
However, since that incident, there had been no further mention of Yuan Li's exceptional archery skills. The previous rumors now seemed exaggerated and used to build Yuan Li's reputation.
The Yuan brothers, Yuen Lou and Yuan Dan, relaxed a bit.
Except for Chu Hechao and the Yuan brothers, hardly anyone present had seen Yuan Li shoot arrows.
Just the sight of Yuan Li, standing next to Zuo Sang, exuding a refined demeanor, made them anxious.
The Wumang people noticed this anxiety and Guli Chi's smile deepened. He believed it indicated Yuan Li's outward severity and inward cowardice.
Zuo Sang felt even more confident. He even proposed, "Shooting all ten arrows at once will be easy. Why not make it more challenging by taking turns shooting one arrow at a time, alternating between us for the ten shots?"
Launching all arrows in one go could improve aim and rhythm compared to a shot-by-shot approach, which could be more mentally taxing if the opponent excelled in archery. With each shot taken separately, one could easily lose up to three points from an initially eight-point proficiency.
Yuan Li suddenly chuckled, "Alright. If you desire a challenge, let's add more difficulty."
He turned to a servant and calmly instructed, "Move the target back twenty yards."
The servant obeyed, shifting the target back about fifty meters.
Yuan Li turned to Zuo Sang, whose expression had stiffened, "Zuo Sang, this distance shouldn't be a problem for you, right?"
Zuo Sang took a deep breath, "It's not a problem for me, but it may not be so for the Governor."
As he grew older, his eyesight had lost its sharpness. While Zuo Sang wasn't entirely confident about this distance, hitting the target was within his capability.
He intended to let Yuan Li go first. If Yuan Li missed, Zuo Sang would have less pressure during his turn.
Confident in his strategy, Zuo Sang said, "Governor, please go ahead."
Yuan Li didn't refuse. He positioned himself, pulled the bowstring taut, aimed at the target, then suddenly lowered the bow and arrows.
Zuo Sang couldn't help but chuckle, "Is the Governor afraid?"
"In light of the Governor's youth and inexperience, perhaps we should move the target back twenty yards again," he suggested.
Ignoring the comment, Yuan Li ordered, "Someone, move the target back ten yards."
Witnesses on the sidelines gasped in quiet surprise.
The Wumang people wondered if Yuan Li had gone mad.
The range for archery in Northern Zhou was fifty to a hundred meters. With the initial twenty-yard shift and an additional ten yards, the total distance was nearly one hundred and twenty meters. This was a significant distance.
Guli Chi could likely hit the target if his arms were unbroken and Chu Hechao as well. But while Guli Chi was the eagle-eyed leader who ruled all the Wumang tribes, Chu Hechao was a warrior who had fought and led numerous famous battles since his youth.
Only a few extraordinary talents could achieve this level, and how could Yuan Li, who appeared neither strong nor aggressive, achieve such mastery?
The Wumang people doubted Yuan Li's abilities. However, Chu Hechao personally stood up and moved the target back another ten yards. "Is this enough?" he asked.
This time, Yuan Li was finally satisfied. He swapped the small bow for a larger one, calmly drew the bowstring in the skeptical gaze of all the Wumang people, and aimed at the target.
The bowstring taut, he released the arrow.
A sharp piercing sound echoed through the air as the arrow, full of force, shot towards the target, hitting the bullseye with pinpoint accuracy, leaving everyone in disbelief.
The venue fell silent.
Yuan Li retrieved his bow and arrow, turned to Zuo Sang, and exuded a commanding presence despite lacking Zuo Sang's physical strength. "Zuo Sang, it's your turn."
In that moment, Zuo Sang felt the same panic that Wu Kai had experienced earlier.
But he had to proceed.
As Zuo Sang raised his hand, he noticed it trembling. Instinctively feeling fear that he might not hit the bullseye, he knew that such thoughts meant defeat.
Struggling to suppress his emotions, he focused on shooting the arrow to the best of his ability. Yet, the thought of failing to hit the target lingered.
What if he missed?
Losing to a freshly crowned youngster would be a blow to his reputation.
Ultimately, amidst his distracted state, Zuo Sang released the arrow, watching with hope but ultimately disappointment as it failed to even reach the target, falling short on the ground.
Guli Chi's gaze turned cold in an instant.
Dadan's people looked grave, feeling embarrassed for Zuo Sang, yet relieved that it wasn't them in that position.
Silent curses of incompetence filled their minds, but no one dared to step in for Zuo Sang.
Yuan Li chuckled and released a second arrow. With the same precision as before, the arrow struck the bullseye fiercely, dazzling the spectators.
Even those comforting themselves that Yuan Li's success was mere luck had no words to refute it now.
Yuan Kai and Wang Er watched intently, eyes shining. They knew this would happen – Yuan Li excelled in both civil and martial abilities, unbeatable by the Wumang people.
Applause and cheers filled the air, as these two shots finally put their minds at ease.
When it was Zuo Sang's turn to shoot again, he managed to hit the target, albeit only on the outer ring and not the bullseye.
After the third round of shots, with Yuan Li consistently hitting the bullseye and Zuo Sang falling short, Yuan Li decided to end the contest after the fourth arrow struck the bullseye.
Smiling, he asked, "There's no need to continue this competition, right?"
Indeed, there was no need to continue. It was evident to all that Yuan Li outmatched Zuo Sang.
With a defeated expression, Zuo Sang returned to his seat after respectfully saluting Yuan Li.
The remaining Wumang people exchanged glances, none daring to challenge Yuan Li after witnessing his prowess.
After a moment of silence, Guli Chi clapped his right hand on his thigh to applaud Yuanli, "Sir Governor, you are a young hero and a role model for the youth."
Yuan Li returned to his seat and humbly responded, "Your praise is too much. There are countless talents in Northern Zhou, and I am just an ordinary one. I cannot bear such flattery."
Zhou Gudan couldn't help but smile, raising his sleeve to block the laughter and said to Zheng Rong, "Sir Governor is truly modest, but such remarks are quite inspiring."
These remarks were clearly mocking the lack of talent among the Wumang people, but Guli Chi seemed oblivious. Any talented individual from Northern Zhou could easily outmatch their Wumang leaders.
Zheng Rong also couldn't contain his amusement, "Indeed, although modest, these words are quite uplifting."
No one noticed that Yuan Li's arms, hanging in his sleeves, were trembling slightly.
The tremors were uncontrollable, a result of exhaustion. Yuan Li had pushed himself to the limit, shooting the four arrows at a distance with a heavy bow.
If not for his control over Zuo Sang, if Zuo Sang or another challenged Yuan Li to shoot another arrow, it would expose Yuan Li's current state of exhaustion.
Fortunately,
Yuan Li sighed in relief.
It was fortunate that they had subdued them.
Guli Chi paid no attention and raised his cup to Yuanli, "Sir Governor, you are too humble."
After he finished speaking, he emptied his cup. Yuan Li similarly raised his sleeve, concealing his trembling hand, and finished his drink.
After finishing his drink, Guli Chi smacked his lips, "Good wine."
A servant refilled his cup, and Guli Chi, intrigued, remarked, "Sir Governor, are you aware of the lack of rain in Youzhou for half a month?"
Yuan Li nodded.
Guli Chi continued, "It's truly peculiar that spring season in Youzhou is dry for half a month. The water levels in the river are decreasing daily, causing thirst among the people and livestock. Without rain, the grasslands cannot flourish. If this continues, famine and drought may be imminent, leading to starvation and dehydration among the Wumang people and the people of Youzhou."
Yuan Li sensed that Guli Chi had more to say, and his intuition told him it was not good.
Guli Chi put down his cup and turned to look at Yuan Li with malice, feigning surprise, "Isn't it a coincidence that ever since you took charge of the Governor of Youzhou, there has been no rain? This never happened before. Could it be that the heavens are displeased with the Governor of Youzhou and are punishing him?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Jixin immediately stood up, sternly declaring, "Nonsense! The Yizhou and Bingzhou provinces also had no rain for a month. Are you implying that it's because the heavens are unhappy with the Governors of those provinces?"
"Absolutely ridiculous!" Jian Shaoning also stood up, coldly snorting, "Sir Governor, these accusations are baseless."
"And how would you explain the lack of rainfall in Youzhou ever since Sir Governor took office?" Guli Chi said casually, provocatively. "This is something that puzzles everyone. I imagine the people of Youzhou are also concerned about this."
Smart individuals wouldn't believe such nonsense, but for the common people working the fields, such words could instill doubt.
As tensions escalated between the two, Chu Hechao suddenly stood up, walked over to Guli Chi, bent down, and said in a low voice shrouded in shadow, "Guli Chi, you should be grateful for the lack of rain."
As he straightened up, towering over Guli Chi, Chu Hechao smirked, "After all, your left shoulder must ache for a long time whenever it rains."
Guli Chi's face darkened, and he muttered, "Thanks to you, Chu Hechao."
"If you don't want the other arm to ache on rainy days as well," Chu He Chao said, "then you should keep your mouth shut."
The tension between the two men was palpable, with the Wumang people closely watching Chu Hechao, while his forces gripped the hilts of their weapons.
As the two sides faced off, Yuan Li suddenly stood up and clapped, "Guards!"
Lin Tian hurried forward, "Sir?"
Yuan Li spoke quickly and decisively, "Quickly, have people move the table and dishes to the tent pavilion, be ready in fifteen minutes!"
Ling Tian didn't ask any questions, immediately responded, "Yes."
He promptly instructed his servants to move the table and food to the tent pavilion.
Yuan Li then turned to his subordinates, "You all move to the tent pavilion quickly as well."
His actions interrupted the confrontation between the two parties, and Yang Zhongfa asked in confusion, "Sir, what's happening?"
"General, Lord Yang. Hurry and take shelter in the pavilion," Yuan Li said solemnly, "In about fifteen minutes, there will be a heavy rainstorm."
Yang Zhongfa looked up at the sky, joined by several others.
The sky was dark, with no wind or clouds. The ground was dry and hot, causing everyone to sweat.
In this weather, how could there be a sudden downpour?
And why was Yuan Li so sure that it would rain in fifteen minutes?
One of the Wuman people who had looked at the weather chuckled, "How can it rain in weather like this?"
"Perhaps the Governor heard the Chief's words and became afraid, causing him to speak nonsense? We haven't had rain in Youzhou for half a month. Do you think it will suddenly rain now? And to be certain that it will rain after fifteen minutes, even immortals wouldn't dare make such a claim!"
They laughed loudly, and even Guli Chi couldn't help but join in, "The Governor is quite amusing. There's no need to move the table and food over, we'll wait here as the Governor predicts the rain."
He Qi also didn't think it would rain and glanced at Chu Hechao. When Chu Hechao decisively turned and walked towards the pavilion, He Qi followed suit, "Move."
"Yes!"
Everyone hurriedly moved, and before the fifteen minutes were up, everyone except the Wuman people had gathered at the pavilion. At this point, they had lost their appetite and stood in the pavilion, looking outside at the still, stifling, windless weather, feeling anxious and worried.
They hoped for rain, but could it really rain in fifteen minutes?
Even the self-proclaimed immortal alchemists didn't dare to make such a claim.
In the open space, only the Wuman people sat by the fire, leisurely watching the people in the pavilion.
They laughed at the foolishness of these Northerners who had actually believed Yuan Li's words and entered the pavilion. If it didn't rain, they would lose face.
"It's impossible, how can rain come just because someone said so?"
"Do these people really believe that Lord Yuan Li is a reincarnated deity?"
They spoke loudly, ridiculing Yuan Li's prediction of rain in fifteen minutes.
Soon, fifteen minutes passed.
As soon as the time was up, Dadan couldn't contain himself, "Governor, where is the heavy rain you spoke of? Not a drop has fallen."
Yuan Li stood in the pavilion, raised his eyelids, and gazed deeply, "Don't worry, the heavy rain is coming. Dadan, I advise you to speak less. If you continue to be disrespectful, you might find yourself struck by lightning."
He spoke slowly and confidently.
Dadan found it extremely amusing and disregarded his warning. As he was about to speak again, a sudden gust of wind appeared, dark clouds gathered in the sky.
A loud thunderclap sounded in the distance, and a bright flash of lightning flashed over Dadan's head.
The campfire was blown over by the wind, and everyone's shocked expressions were clearly illuminated by the lightning.
Dadan felt a chill, and incredulously looked at Yuan Li.
A small raindrop fell from the sky and landed in the dry earth, instantly absorbed by the parched land. In an instant, a torrential downpour began, catching everyone off guard.
It was raining!
It was really raining!
Liu Jixins was overjoyed to the point of ecstasy, trembling as he reached out his hand, "It's raining... the Governor was right, it's really raining..."
Zhou Gongdan stared at the scene, goosebumps appearing all over his body. He snapped back to reality and quickly turned to look at Yuan Li.
Also looking at Yuan Li were the Wuman people who were getting soaked in the rain and everyone in the pavilion.
The young Governor remained calm, with his robes and sleeves fluttering in the wind.
He appeared remarkably composed.
A terrifying thought simultaneously crossed everyone's mind.
He really... had predicted this storm in advance.