In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 1038 Those who lend a helping hand are not necessarily friends.

"Li Zhigang?"

Hou Yong frowned slightly and pondered for a moment:

"The Provincial Administration Commissioner of Henan? I remember him. He is currently in charge of flood control and the results are remarkable."

"Exactly."

Lu Yunyi's eyes revealed an expression of approval:
"Although Lord Li comes from a humble background, he has practical talent."

During this flood control effort in Henan, he personally went to the dikes and worked alongside the people.
They built hundreds of miles of dikes, dredged more than ten tributaries, and saved tens of thousands of people along the river.

The floods are now largely contained, and their contribution is undeniable.

Hou Yong nodded upon hearing this:
"Lord Li's abilities are known to everyone in the court."

"Is Lord Lu trying to secure a promotion for him?"

Lu Yunyi picked up his teacup, took a sip, and slowly said:
"I once worked with Lord Li and know him to be a man of action."
Nowadays, there are many empty talkers in the court.
It is truly rare to find someone like Lord Li who is willing to dedicate himself to his work.

He toiled in Henan for two years without a single complaint.

If there are opportunities for promotion or transfer in the future, it is hoped that Lord Hou will consider his contributions. Furthermore, the matter of flood control has already offended some people, which may also affect his performance evaluation.

Upon hearing this, a knowing glint flashed in Hou Yong's eyes:
"The Ministry of Personnel selects officials primarily based on merit, talent, and virtue."

Li Zhigang's meritorious service in flood control must be recorded in the performance evaluation book, and I will certainly be very careful in evaluating Lord Li.

However, Lord Li is a third-rank official, only one rank below me.

Regarding his promotion, while I can offer some advice, I cannot make a final decision. I hope Lord Lu will understand.

Lu Yunyi smiled:

"Lord Hou, you have done your best."

Hou Yong looked thoughtful and asked softly:
"My lord, how is the establishment of the three offices in the Beiping Metropolitan Commandery progressing?"

Lu Yunyi paused slightly in the teacup he was holding, and his mind suddenly cleared.

When Li Zhigang's promotion was mentioned, Hou Yong didn't say a word.

Instead, he abruptly inquired about the three offices of the Northern Pacification Command.
This wasn't just simple curiosity; it was clearly exploring the way.

If you want him to speak for Li Zhigang, you need to offer him something in return.

Most of these benefits are related to Daning.

Lu Yunyi smiled faintly, put down his teacup, and spoke calmly yet with a hint of certainty:

"The matter of establishing three offices in the Beiping Metropolitan Commandery was submitted to the Governor's Office a few days ago."

However, His Majesty was troubled by the Crown Prince's illness and thus suppressed the matter.

The Crown Prince has also remained noncommittal; the situation is currently uncertain.

Upon hearing this, a hint of disappointment flashed in Hou Yong's eyes.
Just as he was about to speak, Lu Yunyi abruptly changed the subject:
"However, if Lord Hou is concerned about this matter, there is no need to rush."

The scene in Daning changes every day.

The cement road, which was only completed last autumn and winter, is now almost reaching Shanhaiguan.

Sweet potatoes have been successfully cultivated in areas outside the Great Wall.
This autumn harvest, the grain stored in the garrisons alone is twice as much as in previous years, and commerce is also exceptionally prosperous.

Given time, Daning became an important town in northern Xinjiang.
The establishment of the Three Offices was a necessary step for the imperial court to secure the border defenses.

Hou Yong's eyes lit up, his initial nervousness lessened considerably, and he nodded repeatedly:

"Lord Lu is absolutely right!"

Daning guards the vital passage between Liaodong and Beiping.
If it develops, it will become a bulwark for the northern frontier, and the establishment of the three offices will be imperative.

"I also believe that the court will not leave such a crucial matter concerning border defense unattended indefinitely."

At this point, the two understood each other implicitly, and the atmosphere eased considerably.

Hou Yong put down his teacup, leaned forward slightly, and spoke with a hint of earnestness:

"Lord Lu, to be honest, I have a favor to ask of you today, which happens to be related to Da Ning."

Lu Yunyi nodded: "Lord Hou, please speak freely."

"I have a classmate named Zhou Yan, from Yanzhou, Shandong."

Hou Yong recounted slowly, a hint of regret in his eyes:

"He was exceptionally intelligent in his early years and passed the provincial examination at the age of twenty. He was supposed to take the metropolitan examination, but a month before the examination, his father fell seriously ill and was bedridden."

He was a filial son, so he immediately abandoned his exams and returned home to take care of his parents, a task he performed for six years.

By the time his father passed away and he wanted to prepare for the exam again, he was nearly thirty and his energy was not what it used to be.
Having failed the imperial examinations twice in a row, it seems unlikely that he will succeed even if he continues to take them.

He paused and then said:
"Although Zhou Yan did not pass the imperial examination, he was a successful candidate in the provincial examination and had taught in his hometown and managed the clan's farmland."

He is a down-to-earth and reliable person, not just a bookworm who only knows how to study.

Now he wants to abandon the imperial examination and enter officialdom, but the court is already very strict in its appointment of successful candidates.

Most of them were officials in remote small counties, and even if they went there, it was difficult for them to get promoted.

I believe that Da Ning is in dire need of capable people.
"I wonder if Lord Lu could grant him a chance to find a job in Da Ning?"

After listening, Lu Yunyi nodded immediately without the slightest hesitation:
"Lord Hou, rest assured, Da Ning is in dire need of rebuilding and is in dire need of such a down-to-earth and hardworking person."

How about this, the Ministry of Personnel will send a document to the Northern Pacification Commandery.
When I returned, I gave the order to arrange a suitable job for him.

Hou Yong was taken aback by Lu Yunyi's quick agreement.
A genuine smile immediately appeared on his face, and his heart, which had been hanging in suspense, finally settled down. He said repeatedly:

"Thank you, Lord Lu! Thank you, Lord Lu!"

"If Zhou Yan is fortunate enough to receive your patronage, I will serve you wholeheartedly and will never dare to disappoint your high expectations!"

"You're too kind, Lord Hou."

Lu Yunyi waved his hand:
“Da Ning needs talented people. Mr. Zhou is a scholar who passed the imperial examination. He is a useful person. I am just going with the flow.”

The barrier between the two completely disappeared.
Hou Yong picked up the teapot and personally refilled Lu Yunyi's teacup, his tone becoming much more casual:
"Lord Lu, I know that you are in a difficult situation these days."

There are numerous memorials in the capital impeaching you.

Now that he has to leave Beijing and return to Daning, he must be feeling quite depressed.

Lu Yunyi picked up his teacup, looked at the tea leaves floating in it, and said softly:
"A few criticisms are nothing to worry about."

The suspension of the new policy is due to the current situation, and it is not something that I, as an official, can reverse alone.

Returning to Daning is good; at least I can get some real work done, which is better than getting caught up in the conflicts in the capital.

Hou Yong sighed:

"That being said, most people in the capital are opportunists."

Now that you're leaving Beijing, it's inevitable that some people will gossip.

They even think you've lost the Emperor's favor, but I don't see it that way.

He sat up slightly, his eyes sincere:

"Lord Lu is so young, yet he has managed to take charge of the Market and Exchange Bureau, promote the use of paper money, establish trading companies, and improve sweet potatoes."
These are all real achievements, and His Majesty is well aware of them.

Sending you back to Daning is not a form of demotion.

Instead, it allows you to avoid the turmoil in the capital and consolidate your foundation in the northern frontier.

Just imagine, if Da Ning becomes even stronger under your rule...

"If any major events occur in the future, His Majesty will surely think of you first."

Lu Yunyi looked up at Hou Yong.
Seeing his sincere expression, which did not seem fake, she was slightly moved.

He suddenly remembered that Hou Yong was from Yanzhou, Shandong, which is in the northern region.

No wonder Hou Yong advised him so frankly; he probably also had some interest in moving the capital to the north.

"I will keep Lord Hou's words in mind."

Lu Yunyi spoke solemnly:
"I understand that temporary setbacks are nothing. As long as we do our job well, there will always be a time when we can make a difference in the future."

That's exactly right!

Hou Yong nodded approvingly:
"You are still young, and you have a long road ahead of you."

When the Prince of Zhongshan joined His Majesty in raising an army, he was only in his early twenties.
Who could have imagined that he would later be granted the title of Duke and General, and leave his name in history?
The current period of dormancy is all for the sake of future rise.

He then changed the subject and brought up the situation in the capital:
"However, after you leave the capital, you should pay close attention to matters in the capital."

His Highness the Crown Prince's illness is of paramount importance, and the struggle for the throne is likely to be brewing beneath the surface.

Even though you are in Daning, far in the northern frontier, you cannot remain uninvolved.
The military power of the Beiping Regional Military Command is of paramount importance. Lu Yunyi's heart skipped a beat. Hou Yong's words had hit the nail on the head, showing that he didn't treat him like an outsider.

"What Lord Hou says is absolutely right."

The two chatted for a while longer.

Before I knew it, the sunlight outside the window had already begun to set in the west, and the light and shadows filtering through the window lattice became longer and longer.

Lu Yunyi stood up to take his leave:
"It's getting late, and I shouldn't bother you any longer. I'll take my leave now."

Hou Yong quickly stood up to see him off:
"Please wait, Lord Lu. I will deliver Zhou Yan's documents to the Ministry of Personnel's Selection and Appointment Department tomorrow without delay."

He escorted Lu Yunyi to the entrance of the Ministry of Personnel, and as he watched his retreating figure, he couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions.

He has already reached a high position at a young age, but he is caught in a whirlpool and it is unknown whether he will have a good outcome.

Just as he was feeling sentimental, he suddenly froze.
Lu Yunyi neither went to the Market and Exchange Bureau nor returned to the Governor's Mansion.

Instead, he headed straight for the Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard) headquarters, which was not far away!

This surprised Hou Yong.

The feud between Lord Lu and the Embroidered Uniform Guard
Everyone in the capital knew that the two sides had once been mortal enemies.
Could it be that we're going to launch a final, desperate attack before leaving the capital?
The vermilion gates of the Embroidered Uniform Guard headquarters appeared more imposing than elsewhere.
The two stone lions at the entrance bared their teeth and had fierce eyes.
The plaque bearing the inscription "Imperial Guard" hanging above the door was as black as ink.
It exudes a chilling aura that keeps strangers at bay.

The gatekeeper wore a flying fish robe and had an embroidered spring knife at his waist.

Upon seeing someone approaching, he first glanced at them casually.
Upon seeing the person's face clearly, the smile on his face instantly froze, and his mouth slightly agape:

"Lord Lu, what brings you here?"

The surrounding Imperial Guards all looked astonished and stopped what they were doing.

All eyes turned to Lu Yunyi, as if they had witnessed something extraordinary.

Lu Yunyi ignored this, only glancing at the heavy door, his tone calm and unwavering:

Tell Mao Xiang that I want to see him.

"Master Mao?"

The clerk's expression instantly turned strange, and he stammered:
"Lord Mao... he's not in the yamen, he's in the prison."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yunyi shook his head:
"Then I'll see Du Pingping."

"Please wait a moment, I will go and inform them right away."

Having said that, the clerk turned and dashed into the yamen, his pace several times faster than when he came.

Before long, a slightly thin figure strode out of the yamen.

Her once round face is now sunken, her cheekbones are slightly prominent, and her eye sockets are deeper.
Only those eyes still showed signs of fatigue; it was Du Pingping.

He had just stepped out the door when he saw Lu Yunyi standing at the bottom of the stone steps, and immediately spoke:
"Lord Lu, what brings you here so suddenly?"

Lu Yunyi noticed his hesitation, took a step closer, and lowered his voice even further:

"This matter is of great importance and cannot be discussed further here. I need to see Mao Xiang. Please grant me this favor, Lord Du."

Du Pingping carefully considered her words before speaking, lowering her voice:

"How about this, I'll have someone announce that we'll meet in a secluded place? What do you think?"

Lu Yunyi nodded:
"it is good."

"Then please follow me."

After Du Pingping finished speaking, she turned around and gave a few instructions to the clerk at the door, then led Lu Yunyi toward Xi'an Gate.

The two left the imperial city one after the other and soon arrived at Qingshui Garden.

Du Pingping pushed open the door and stepped aside to let Lu Yunyi in:
"I have already sent someone to inform Lord Mao; he should arrive soon."

Lu Yunyi walked into the courtyard and glanced around.

Several maple trees are planted in the courtyard, and their leaves turn fiery red in autumn.

Several stone tables and benches were placed under the tree.

There is a winding stream nearby, with clear, babbling water.

A small stone bridge spans the stream.

Several clumps of green bamboo grow by the bridge. When the wind blows, the bamboo leaves rustle, making it a rare and quiet place.

The two walked to the stone table and sat down. Du Pingping personally poured Lu Yunyi a cup of tea.

The tea soup is clear and has a faint orchid fragrance.

"This is Longjing tea from Jiangnan, Lord Lu, please have a taste."

Lu Yunyi picked up the teacup, took a sip, and found the warm tea refreshing and soothing, slightly relieving his fatigue from the past few days.
"Du Qianshi has been dismissed quite a bit recently."

Upon hearing this, Du Pingping shook her head with a wry smile:

"Lord Lu is joking. In the current situation, who can be at ease?"

After Lord Mao's incident, all the affairs of the Embroidered Uniform Guard fell on my shoulders. I was dealing with paperwork until late at night every day; it was impossible to gain weight even if I wanted to.

He paused, then couldn't help but ask:
"Lord Lu, what brings you to see Lord Mao?"

Lu Yunyi did not answer directly, but instead gazed at the maple leaves in the courtyard and said softly:
"You'll know when he arrives."

Seeing this, Du Pingping didn't ask any more questions.
He was holding a teacup, but his eyes kept glancing towards the courtyard gate, making him seem somewhat restless.

After about half a cup of tea's time, light footsteps came from the courtyard gate.

Lu Yunyi and Du Pingping looked up at the same time.
A thin figure slowly walked in.

The man was wearing a gray casual suit.
His hair was somewhat disheveled, his face was pale, and he was much thinner than usual.

Only those eyes remained sharp, but now they held a hint of calm, no longer possessing their former ferocity; it was Mao Xiang.

He walked to the stone table, his gaze falling on Lu Yunyi.
There was no resentment, nor surprise.

She simply looked at him calmly, as if she were looking at an old friend she hadn't seen in a long time.

Upon seeing this, Du Pingping quickly stood up to greet him, but Mao Xiang stopped her by raising his hand.

Mao Xiang walked up to Lu Yunyi, slowly bowed, and spoke in a hoarse but steady voice:

"Lord Lu, what brings you here?"

Looking at Mao Xiang before him, Lu Yunyi felt a pang of emotion.
The former commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, once so imposing, has now become like this.

He raised his hand in a gesture:
"sit."

Mao Xiang sat down as instructed, and Du Pingping quickly poured him a cup of tea.

"Lord Lu must have something important to discuss with me today, so please speak frankly."

Lu Yunyi remained calm and said indifferently:
"Have you found any clues about the Crown Prince's poison?"

The atmosphere around the stone table froze instantly upon hearing this.

Du Pingping suddenly raised her head.

Mao Xiang paused slightly in his teacup, a complex look flashing in his eyes before returning to calm.

He looked up at Lu Yunyi, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly spoke:
"The Imperial Guards found numerous signs of red tide algae along the coast, and many people died."

But there is no antidote, nor any way to deal with it.

Upon hearing this, Lu Yunyi simply nodded slightly, his tone revealing no surprise whatsoever.

“My people found traces of red tide algae in three places along the coast of Jiangsu and Zhejiang half a month ago, and there is indeed no cure.”

Upon hearing this, Mao Xiang tightened his grip on the teacup.

"So you came to see me today not to inquire about the poison?"

Lu Yunyi gently placed the teacup on the stone table and said calmly:
"I have come today to tell you two things."

He looked up at Mao Xiang, his gaze sharp as a blade, piercing straight into the other's eyes:
"First, before I leave the capital, I will submit a memorial to His Highness the Crown Prince, requesting that His Majesty grant you permission to be reinstated to your original position and resume command of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

"Bang!"

Du Pingping lost her grip on the teacup and it fell straight to the ground.

The crisp sound of the celadon shattering was particularly jarring in the quiet courtyard.

Startled, he lurched forward, his knee slamming into the stone table, drawing a sharp breath in pain.
She didn't bother to rub it, but just stared wide-eyed at Lu Yunyi, her face full of disbelief.

Mao Xiang was struck dumb, and abruptly looked up.
His previously calm eyes suddenly flashed with a sharp light, only to be immediately covered by deep doubt.

His Adam's apple bobbed a few times, his voice trembling almost imperceptibly:
"What did you say?"

(End of this chapter)