Chapter 135
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On that evening, the banquet was extremely lively, with everyone drinking and having fun, laughter echoing throughout.
Wu Kai, Yuan Dan, and a few others ended up with flushed faces and were the first to pass out on the table.
Yang Zhongfa and Yuan Congyun pointed at them and laughed heartily, playfully pulling each other to pour more wine for Chu Hechao.
Chu Hechao glanced at them casually.
In such a setting, Yang Zhongfa and Yuan Congyun were completely at ease. Yang Zhongfa even winked at Chu Hechao and said, “Lord Yuan is right here, General, don’t tell me you’re afraid to drink?”
Yuan Congyun hiccupped, not quite sure why Yang Zhongfa mentioned Lord Yuan, but his muddled brain followed along and echoed, “Yeah, General.”
Yang Zhongfa continued, “General, it’s a celebration. You have to drink and have fun tonight.”
Yuan Congyun added, “Yeah, General.”
Yuan Li couldn’t help but smile, supporting his head with his hand as he watched the scene unfold.
His lips were moist with the wine, glistening enticingly under the candlelight.
Chu Hechao replied, “I won’t drink. Your Lord Yuan doesn’t like it when I drink.”
“Today is an exception,” Yuan Li said with a smile, a touch of mischief in his eyes. “You can drink to your heart’s content.”
Yuan Congyun slurred, “Yeah, General.”
Chu Hechao glanced at Yuan Li, raised an eyebrow, and then picked up his wine cup, downing it in one gulp.
With the aroma of wine filling the air, the joyous atmosphere continued. The celebrations at the Chu Wang’s Mansion lasted for several days before slowly calming down.
Worried that they might not be happy enough, Yuan Li presented them with the decree he obtained.
Both he and Chu Hechao’s subordinates received promotions and titles. Yuan Li’s subordinates like Liu Jixin, Guo Mao, Xiang Hongyun, and others would now receive double salaries. One from Yuan Li and the other from the court.
Although the court was currently struggling to afford salaries, official positions and subordinates still held considerable prestige in the eyes of the public.
Those who had followed Chu Hechao in defeating Huyan Wuzhu, such as Yang Zhongfa, Mi Yang, and He Lang, were not forgotten by Yuan Li. He made sure to reward them with what they were rightfully entitled to.
As for Zhou Gongdan, he should also have received a decree, but Yuan Li feared it would expose him, so he didn’t pursue the matter.
March was a time of rejuvenation for all living things.
Yuan Li took Chu Hechao to inspect the reclamation matters and distributed the hundreds of thousands of people they had brought back to various counties in You and Bingzhou.
The reclamation efforts they began in May of the previous year already yielded results during their military campaign. When the autumn harvest came, the harvest was surprisingly thirty percent more than previous years.
This was a remarkable increase. Delighted, Yuan Li praised Guo Mao generously and instructed him to extend the reclamation strategy to the areas outside Guangyang County, urging other counties in Youzhou and Bingzhou to quickly implement reclamation.
“Remember,” Yuan Li instructed, “do not forcefully conscript the people, let them volunteer.”
Guo Mao beamed with joy, “Lord, rest assured, leave this matter to me.”
On the way back, Yuan Li had a smile on his face. Upon returning, Lin Tian informed him of a big surprise—they had discovered hot springs in the estate at the foot of Pan Mountain!
Yuan Li immediately sat up straight. “Really?”
Lin Tian nodded repeatedly.
Yuan Li owned many estates, most of which belonged to the former powerful landlords of Youzhou. After these landlords were killed by the rebels or fled from Youzhou, the estates rightfully became the property of Yuan Li and Chu Hechao.
Yuan Li distributed the land near the estate to the refugees, while the management of the estate and its servants was handed over to Guo Lin.
It was during Guo Lin’s inspection of the estate that he accidentally discovered the hot springs underground in the Pan Mountain estate and excavated the hot spring pool.
Yuan Li had never visited this estate before and had no idea that such a surprise was hidden there.
This was a natural hot spring that didn’t require firewood to heat.
—Just like the hot springs at Old Master Cui Xuan’s house.
Yuan Li immediately waved his hand, ready to take his hardworking boyfriend and subordinates to the estate to enjoy the hot springs.
This news quickly spread among his subordinates.
Going to the estate to soak in the hot springs together?
And having a two-day break?
Everyone was excited, especially the officials from the Ministry of Government Affairs who had been busy from morning till night, they were moved to tears.
On that day, they all went home to pack their bags.
Yuan Li also allowed his subordinates to bring their families along.
When the wives learned that they could go together, each of them was overjoyed and happily prepared their belongings with smiles on their faces, accompanied by their maids.
As their husbands were colleagues and lived close to each other, the wives gathered together, planning what to bring and what to do at the estate.
“The younger children must come,” Yang Zhongfa’s wife joked, “I have two young children at home who have never soaked in a hot spring. Thanks to the Governor, they will get to see the world this time.”
Liu Jixin’s wife also smiled, “Not to mention my nephews, even I have never soaked in one at my age. I never thought we could enjoy this time together. I can’t wait.”
Guo Mao’s wife was a straightforward and generous person, saying directly, “We’re only going for two days, don’t bring too much. If we forget something, we can take care of each other.”
“Madam Guo is right,” Wu Kai’s wife Yunniang smiled softly, “March is the beginning of spring, and wild vegetables in the mountains will be available. They are fresh. If you don’t mind, I can take you to pick wild vegetables.”
The other wives nodded with smiles.
Soon, it was the day to head to the estate.
Several carriages leisurely trailed behind, while the men rode horses in front, side by side, chatting and laughing, enjoying themselves.
They weren’t in a rush. If they encountered any beautiful scenery on the way, they would ask their wives and children to come down and take a look.
Today’s scenery was delightful, with clear skies and gentle breeze.
Sparrows perched on tree branches by the roadside, carrying grass to build nests. Occasionally, they flew across the sky, casting shadowy wings on the horses.
The weather was neither cold nor hot, and Yuan Li felt so comfortable that he couldn’t help but feel lazy from the inside out.
Halfway there, Yang Zhongfa picked up his younger son and put him on the horse.
Xuan Er cautiously touched the horse’s mane, his eyes gleaming with joy. He looked up and asked obediently, “Dad, does it feel heavy with Xuan Er on it?”
“Not at all,” Yang Zhongfa chuckled, amused. “With your little weight, the horse can carry five of you!”
Xuan Er exclaimed in surprise.
Yang Zhongfa patted his head, filled with love and pride. “Come on, sing your favorite nursery rhyme for your uncles and let them see your talent.”
Xuan Er blushed shyly, and his tender voice resounded on the road, drifting through the green trees and soaring into the serene white clouds.
“Tall reeds, long flutes, herding cattle and sheep on the grass for miles…”
Yuan Li listened with a smile and hummed along softly.
Chu Hechao kept his eyes forward and revealed a slow smile.
They traveled slowly and arrived at the estate after noon.
The estate’s servants had already prepared the rooms, and everyone was busy packing their belongings. When they finished, the evening sun had started to set.
The group of people changed their clothes in twos and threes and went to soak in the hot springs together.
The spring water was divided into two pools.
In the middle of the two pools stood a large bamboo forest. To ensure the comfort of the ladies, the estate’s servants had erected a bamboo fence around the ladies’ pool, preventing anyone from peeking.
The pool was dug very large, lined with sturdy stone, and had a beautifully shaped artificial mountain. White mist lingered, creating a beautiful scene.
The water temperature was a bit hot, but very comfortable. Yuan Li, wearing his square-crotched trousers, stepped into the pool with Chu Hechao, who was also wearing the same attire.
Yuan Dan, who was already in the pool, curiously looked at their trousers and asked, “Le Jun, General, what are you wearing? I’ve never seen this before.”
The bottom of the pool was slippery. Chu Hechao held Yuan Li’s wrist to prevent him from slipping and replied casually, “Trousers.”
“…,” Yuan Dan thought, of course I know they are trousers…
He scratched his head, feeling embarrassed to ask any further.
The pool was indeed very large, and Yuan Li felt like he could swim a few strokes. He swam forward, stretching his arms like a fish, and quickly reached the other side of the pool.
In the misty water, his slender yet powerful waist was visible. Yuan Li emerged from the pool, and the warm water slid down his face. His eyes were clear, and he smiled, waving to Chu Hechao.
Chu Hechao’s heart softened like water. He took a towel and walked over, intending to wipe Yuan Li’s back.
Thinking of his strength, Yuan Li’s face turned slightly blue, and he decisively shook his head in refusal. “No, no, wiping your back in the hot spring will dirty the water.”
Feeling rejected, Chu Hechao pouted dissatisfied. “We just washed ourselves in the water. What could possibly make it dirty?”
Still, he put the towel aside, turned around, and leaned against the edge of the pool, crossing his arms. “It’s all water, soaking in the hot spring here is more comfortable than the water we heat at home.”
“Because there are minerals in the spring,” Yuan Li explained.
Chu Hechao furrowed his thick eyebrows and found it a bit difficult to pronounce. “Minerals?”
“I knew you wouldn’t understand,” Yuan Li sighed. “I’ve told you to read more books, but you’re always reluctant.”
“You’re trying to deceive me, Yuan Le Jun,” Chu Hechao looked at Yuan Li with a half-smile. “Tell me, which book mentions these three words ‘minerals’?”
Yuan Li thought for a moment and replied, “It’s in the textbook for ‘Chemistry’.”
Chu Hechao’s mouth twitched. “And what is that supposed to be?”
Yuan Li attempted to explain what “Chemistry” was, but he couldn’t find the right words. He gave up without changing his expression and said, “Never mind, forget it. You wouldn’t understand even if I explained, and you don’t like reading books anyway.”
Chu Hechao couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
After soaking in the hot spring, Yuan Li arranged for a physician to perform cupping therapy for them.
By now, cupping therapy was known, and they used cow horns or pottery cups, but it was not yet widespread.
Before doing it, some of them hesitated and seemed somewhat reluctant. If Yuan Li hadn’t led the way, warmly inviting them to join, some might have already refused.
As they watched the physician skillfully poking the fire stick into the cups, Cui Yan anxiously grabbed the bed frame. If it weren’t for fear of embarrassment, he might have jumped off the bed already.
Soon, the warm cups were placed on their backs.
The curious thing was that although the cups were hot, they felt a bone-chilling coldness, as if ice had been placed on their backs. Not only was it cold, but some even felt a slight pain.
The level of pain varied from person to person, depending on the thickness of their back muscles. Those with more flesh felt less pain, while those with tight skin felt a bit more discomfort.
Chu Hechao had thick flesh on his shoulders, so the pain had almost no impact on him. He turned his head and saw Yuan Li’s expression was also fine, as if he was completely at ease. He even asked the physician to add another row of cups on his legs.
Fifteen minutes later, the pottery cups were taken off. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, wiped the sweat from their foreheads, massaged their shoulders, and stood up.
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