In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 1035 The Struggle for the Throne
When Lu Yunyi walked out of the East Palace, the autumn sun had already sunk to the western corner of the palace wall.

The afterglow cast his long shadow on the bluestone road, like a heavy imprint.

He slowed his pace and walked step by step along the palace wall, making his figure appear even more lonely.

It was only a quarter of an hour's journey from the Eastern Palace to the Market Exchange Office, but it took him nearly half an hour.

By the time they arrived at the Market and Exchange Office, it was already dark.

The two lanterns above the entrance were already lit, their dim yellow light reflecting the three gilded characters of the Market and Exchange Bureau.

Officials continued to come and go in an endless stream, creating a busy scene.

"The master is back!"

When the guards at the gate saw him approaching, they quickly bowed and saluted, their voices startling those inside.

Hou Xian rushed out, clutching an account book in his hand:
"My lord, you're finally back! There's a problem with the Yingtian Trading Company's accounts, and the accountant is waiting for your decision."

Lu Yunyi waved his hand and walked straight into the inner hall:
"Have Han Yike come over; I have something important to tell him."

Before long, Han Yike arrived quickly.

He was dressed in a scarlet official robe, and his hair and beard were meticulously combed.
His face bore the weariness of years spent hunched over a desk, and he clutched a scroll of documents in his hand.
"Lord Lu, you wanted to see me?"

Just now, the Governor's Office sent someone to inquire about the new quota for paper money, and the Ministry of Revenue is also urging us for last month's commercial tax summary.

Lu Yunyi sat in the main seat and pointed to the chair opposite him:
"Sit down, let's not talk about this now."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the confusion on Han Yike's face, and slowly spoke:
"The errors in Yingtian Trading Company's accounts should be handled by the accounting department according to the usual practice, prioritizing the exchange of banknotes."

The Governor's Office said that the quota for paper money needed His Majesty's final approval and that a reply would be postponed.

"You personally oversee the compilation of commercial taxes from the Ministry of Revenue. Send it over first thing tomorrow morning, and make sure nothing goes wrong."

Han Yike wrote them down one by one, her doubts growing stronger:

"My lord, is there any order from the palace?"

Lu Yunyi picked up the teacup on the table, took a sip of cold tea, his Adam's apple bobbed, and then he said softly:

"I'm leaving Beijing."

"Leaving the capital?"

Han Yike suddenly stood up, the documents in her hand falling to the ground with a thud, her eyes filled with shock:
"Sir, where are you going? The Market and Commerce Bureau can't do without you!"

"The paper money has only been implemented halfway, the branches of the trading companies are still expanding, and those officials who impeached you are still watching closely."

“Return to Daning, return to Beiping Commandery.”

Lu Yunyi interrupted him, his tone as calm as if he were talking about something ordinary:

"His Majesty has given his permission. I will set off after the last batch of sweet potatoes is harvested."

Han Yi stood frozen in place, stunned for a long while, before slowly sitting down.

The shock on his face gradually faded, replaced by a heavy understanding.

He now fully understands the turbulent events behind the implementation of the paper money.

He was also aware of Lu Yunyi's situation in the court.
His sudden departure from the capital is not a return to his post, but clearly a sign that the situation has changed and His Majesty is temporarily putting aside his ambitions.

"My lord, is this... the palace's intention?" Han Yike asked in a very low voice.

Lu Yunyi nodded:
"His Highness the Crown Prince is unwell, and His Majesty is in low spirits. Matters such as relocating the capital and issuing paper money should be postponed."

"The Market and Exchange Bureau is now in your hands. Remember three things."

He held up three fingers, his tone solemn:

"First, the exchange of precious paper money must never be interrupted."
Even if it means using the reserves of the Market Exchange Bureau, it is essential to ensure that the people can exchange for and use the currency; this is the foundation of the imperial court.

Secondly, Yingtian Trading Company should stop expanding its business and focus on stabilizing its existing branches.

In particular, avoid getting involved in the businesses of powerful figures in the capital region; focus on running your business with ordinary people and avoid getting into trouble.

Third, at the workshop, the improvement of flintlock muskets continued.

However, we must intensify our efforts to promote cement and sweet potato cultivation technologies, as these are fundamental to people's livelihoods, and no one will criticize us for that.

If you do your job well, no one will bother you.

The Market and Exchange Bureau has too much money now, which makes them a target for envy, but it doesn't matter, they can't take it away.

Han Yi nodded emphatically, a rare hint of unease appearing on her aged face:
"Rest assured, my lord, even if it costs me my old bones, I will protect the Market Exchange Bureau."

You just left like that.

Those who impeached you will likely seize this opportunity to launch an attack.

"Let them make trouble then."

Lu Yunyi smiled, a hint of relief in his smile:

“If I leave, they will actually quiet down a bit. You don’t need to defend me, just do your job quietly.”

After explaining the matters concerning the Market and Exchange Bureau, Lu Yunyi did not linger and led Basong to the Liu residence.

Since his father-in-law Liu Sili was promoted to Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, his status has risen rapidly.

He has extensive connections in Beijing's business community.
Now he has an official position, and many officials of the third rank are not as good as him.

The Liu family mansion is located at No. 20 Guangfeng Street in the south of the city. Two red lanterns hang at the entrance, and the plaque above the doorway exudes a sense of antiquity.

Upon seeing that it was Lu Yunyi, the butler hurriedly went inside:
"The son-in-law has arrived; the master is in his study."

Liu Sili, dressed in a plain brocade robe, was sitting by the window reviewing the accounts.
Seeing Lu Yunyi enter, he put down his book and pointed to the stool beside him:
"I've heard about what happened in the palace."

Lu Yunyi was taken aback: "How did my father-in-law know?"

"The wind in the capital is faster than an arrow."

Liu Sili smiled and poured him a cup of hot tea:
"You just came out of the Eastern Palace, and someone delivered the message to me: leaving the capital and returning to Daning, is this His Majesty's will?"

Lu Yunyi took the teacup, and the heaviness in his heart eased slightly:
Yes, we'll leave after the sweet potatoes are harvested.

I've come today to tell you that Yingtian Trading Company should no longer get involved in the disputes in the capital.
As long as you focus on doing business and ensure the flow of essential goods like grain and cloth, there will be no problems.

Liu Sili held his teacup and gently blew away the foam on the surface:

"I understand. The debate over moving the capital has temporarily subsided, and the implementation of paper money has slowed down."
The merchant firm, caught in the middle, was already an easy target.

Don't worry, I've already given the orders.
The branches in various locations only conduct ordinary business, no longer dealing with the properties of the powerful and wealthy, nor participating in any lending or borrowing.

He paused, looked at Lu Yunyi, his eyes filled with the concern of an elder:
"You've been working too hard in the capital for the past six months. You go to the government office before dawn every day and don't return home until late at night."

"Going back to Daning is good; the situation there is simpler, you can rest and recharge."

Lu Yunyi felt a warmth in his heart and nodded:

"Thank you for your understanding, father-in-law."

Liu Sili patted him on the shoulder:

"You don't need to worry about things in the capital. With me here, there won't be any trouble with the trading companies and the market administration."

Just remember, no matter how things change in the capital...
"By holding onto Daming and the borderlands, we will have a solid foundation."

"Your son-in-law understands."

It was already late at night when I left the Liu residence.

Lanterns lit up one by one on the street, and the number of vehicles and pedestrians gradually decreased.
Only the night patrol soldiers walked by carrying lanterns, their footsteps echoing in the alley.

Lu Yunyi mounted his horse and rode into the night towards the mansion.
He knew that it wouldn't be long before news of his departure from the capital spread throughout Yingtian City.

Sure enough, the news spread like wildfire the next morning.

Inside the Ministry of Revenue, several officials held memorials, their faces beaming with joy.

"Lu Yunyi is leaving! At least we can slow down the matter of the precious paper money. If we keep pushing it like this, we'll be cursed to death!"

The compilers of the Hanlin Academy gathered together and whispered among themselves:

"I heard that His Majesty sent him back to Daning. It seems that His Majesty also knows that he acted too hastily."

Moving the capital and issuing paper money—aren't these both things that shake the very foundation of the government? How can they be done in such a hurry?

Even in many restaurants in the capital, wealthy merchants and powerful figures were raising their glasses in celebration:

"With Lu Yunyi gone, our businesses can finally be more stable."

He used to keep an eye on our accounts and audit our taxes; now look what's happened!

Of course, there were also voices of regret.

The clerks of the Market and Exchange Bureau sighed privately:
"Lord Lu is a man of action. His paper money makes it easy for the people to exchange for grain, and his business has helped stabilize grain prices considerably."

"Now that he's gone, who knows what will happen to him?" But the cheers ultimately outweighed the regrets.

During his six months in Beijing, Lu Yunyi offended almost all the wealthy businessmen simply by trying to stabilize land prices.
The memorials impeaching him were piled up and could fill an entire room.

Now that he has left the capital in disgrace, some people are naturally applauding.

However, the atmosphere at the Liu residence in the north of the city was completely different.

Under the ginkgo tree in the courtyard, there was a stone table where Liu Sanwu and Ru Chang were playing chess.

Liu Sanwu was dressed in a gray casual suit, his hair and beard were all white, and his fingers were thin but steady as he slowly placed the chess piece down.

Ru Chang, dressed in the crimson robes of the Minister of War, looked somewhat impatient.

"Snapped."

Ru Chang placed a piece, looked up, and said:
"Lord Liu, have you heard? Lu Yunyi is leaving the capital to return to Daning."

Liu Sanwu paused for a moment, holding the chess piece, without even lifting his eyelids:
"heard."

"You're not surprised?"

Ru Chang asked in surprise, "That kid was making a big splash in the capital, running paper money and trading companies, even daring to offend nobles. Why did he suddenly leave?"

Liu Sanwu smiled slightly and placed a chess piece on the board, blocking Ru Chang's path:

"What's so surprising about that? He was just a pawn to begin with. Now that the game has paused, the pawn should naturally return to its place."

Ru Chang looked at the chessboard, her face growing even more somber:
"The game is temporarily suspended? You mean the relocation of the capital and the issuance of paper money are really going to be halted?"

"It's not a stop, it's a slowdown."

Liu Sanwu picked up his teacup and took a sip:
"Why does Your Majesty want to postpone it? You should be able to guess without me saying it."

Ru Chang suddenly looked up, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes:
"Is His Highness the Crown Prince's illness really that serious?"

Liu Sanwu didn't answer directly, but simply pointed to the chessboard:

"Look at this game of chess, even with a three-piece handicap, you still can't win."

Why?

Because you are impatient and only focus on the pieces in front of you, you don't see the overall trend of the game.

Your Majesty is in this state now; the Eastern Palace is the foundation.

The foundation is shaken; even with brilliant moves, the game can't continue.

He placed his last piece, and the game was over; Ru Chang had lost completely.

Liu Sanwu stood up, dusted himself off, his expression calm yet carrying a subtle hint of solemnity.

Ru Chang quickly asked:

"Where are you going? The game of chess isn't finished yet."

"I'm not going to stop."

Liu Sanwu shook his head, his gaze fixed on the direction of the palace:
"Go to the Crown Prince's residence and request an audience with the Crown Princess."

Ru Chang was taken aback:
"What do you want to see the Crown Princess for? You are an official from outside the capital. It is against etiquette for you to go and see the Crown Princess so abruptly."

Liu Sanwu paused, turned around, a subtle expression on his face, and lowered his voice:
"Compared to the foundation of the Ming Dynasty, what is this little bit of courtesy?"

His Majesty's decision to send Lu Yunyi away from the capital appears to be a slowdown in the new policies.
In reality, it was telling everyone that the Crown Prince's health was failing.

Ru Chang's pupils shrank sharply: "Lord Liu, you can't say things like that carelessly."

"I'm not making this up."

Liu Sanwu said in a deep voice:

"Who is His Majesty? He drove out the Northern Yuan and pacified Jiangnan. How decisive and ruthless he is!"

Moving the capital and issuing paper money—weren't those things he wanted to do?

If the Crown Prince is well, even if there are many obstacles ahead,
He will also push forward despite opposition.
How could Lu Yunyi be allowed to leave the capital because of a little resistance? What's a little trouble like this?

Seeing Ru Chang's shocked expression, he continued:
"As long as there is any way, His Majesty will not give up."

He is doing this now only to stabilize the situation and then cause turmoil in the court when the crown prince is seriously ill.

How can the matter of succession be delayed?

The Crown Princess is the mistress of the Eastern Palace; there are some things she should prepare for as soon as possible.

After saying that, Liu Sanwu said no more and turned to walk out of the mansion.

The autumn sunlight filtered through the gaps in the ginkgo leaves, casting a long shadow on him.

Even though he was hunched over, he appeared exceptionally tall at that moment.

Ru Chang sat at the stone table, looking at the unfinished game on the chessboard.

Looking at Liu Sanwu's departing figure, I felt a chill rise from the soles of my feet.

He picked up the teacup, only to find that the tea had already gone cold.
Just like Yingtian City at this moment, it appears calm on the surface, but undercurrents are surging beneath.

The gates of the Crown Prince's residence remain imposing.

However, the vermilion paint on the doorposts seemed a bit dimmer than usual.

Upon seeing that it was Liu Sanwu, the guards at the gate dared not delay and immediately informed him.

Before long, a eunuch hurried out to lead the way, his steps slow and deliberate, as if afraid of disturbing the somber atmosphere in the mansion.

As you walk through the front yard, you can hear a clear, melodious reading voice drifting from the study on the east side.

Liu Sanwu glanced to the side and saw two figures reflected on the window paper, one sitting and one standing.

The eunuch whispered, "Lord Liu, it is Mr. Fang Xiaoru giving a lesson to His Highness Yunwen."

Liu Sanwu nodded, his steps unwavering, yet he faintly heard Fang Xiaoru's voice coming from the study:

"The Book of Documents says, 'The people are the foundation of the state; when the foundation is firm, the state is at peace.' Your Highness should remember that the way to govern a country lies in nurturing the people, not in controlling them."

Before the words were finished, a child dressed in a royal blue scholar's robe stood up and answered, his voice clear and melodious:
"What you say is absolutely right, sir. We have a bumper sweet potato harvest now."
The people are able to have enough to eat, which is the effect of nourishing the people. If taxes and levies are also reduced, the people's hearts will naturally be at peace.

Liu Sanwu paused slightly and nodded almost imperceptibly.

Crown Princess Lü was managing affairs in a side hall in the backyard.

On the table were some expense ledgers for the Crown Prince's palace, and next to them was a bowl of medicine that had long since gone cold.

She wore a light purple palace dress, with only a jade hairpin in her hair. Her face looked somewhat haggard, but she still maintained the dignity of the Crown Princess.

Seeing Liu Sanwu enter, Madam Lü was somewhat surprised and gestured for him to enter:
"Master Liu has arrived, please have a seat."

Liu Sanwu bowed in return and got straight to the point:

"I have come today to discuss important matters with you. Please dismiss those around you."

Lady Lü's heart tightened, though she didn't know why.
But noticing the seriousness in Liu Sanwu's expression, he immediately addressed the palace maids and eunuchs standing beside him:

"All of you, step back. No one is to be brought in without a summons."

After everyone left, only the two of them remained in the side hall, and the atmosphere instantly became somber.

Lady Lü picked up the teacup, her fingertips trembling slightly:
"Lord Liu, what has happened?"

Liu Sanwu shook his head, but didn't beat around the bush, saying directly:
"Your Highness's condition is something I dare not comment on."

But you should have noticed His Majesty's recent actions.

Lu Yunyi's departure from the capital and the temporary suspension of the new policies were not His Majesty's intention.

The Crown Prince's foundation is truly crumbling, and His Majesty has no choice but to stabilize the situation.

Lu's hand tightened suddenly on the teacup, splashing a few drops of tea onto the table.

"What Liu Gong means is that His Majesty feels that the Crown Prince..."

He choked up halfway through his sentence and couldn't continue, his eyes welling up with tears.

"I dare not make a definitive statement, but now that things have come to this, you need to make preparations as soon as possible."

Liu Sanwu's tone was heavy:
"The matter of the heir apparent is of great importance to the Ming Dynasty and cannot be taken lightly."

Although Prince Yunwen is the eldest son of the princes, he is not born of the principal wife.
Now that His Highness Yuntong has the support of the army, and many veteran officials in the court still remember the old friendship with the Chang family,

If we don't plan ahead, things might change.

Lady Lü suddenly looked up, the panic in her eyes fading somewhat, replaced by the sharpness of the Crown Prince's mistress:

"Lord Liu, please speak frankly. I am willing to listen to your teachings."

(End of this chapter)