In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 1041 A Journey of Three Thousand Miles
As dawn broke and the morning mist still lingered, it shrouded the outline of Yingtian City.

Lu Yunyi got up, quickly washed up, and put on his soft armor.
He changed into a plain-colored casual outfit and stepped out of the room.

Morning dew clung to the leaves of the old locust tree in the courtyard.

A gust of wind blows, and dewdrops fall onto the bluestone slabs, splashing up tiny water droplets.

Lu Yunyi paused for a moment before continuing to walk towards the door.

Basong had already prepared the horses, and upon seeing him emerge, he quickly took the reins:

"My lord, the carriage is ready."

Lu Yunyi waved his hand, then mounted his horse.

"No need, we're going to the fields today, it's more convenient to ride a horse."

"Sir, it's safer to take a carriage."

Lu Yunyi waved his hand and smiled:

“I’m about to leave the capital, who would be so heartless as to kill me? Wouldn’t that be asking for trouble?”

Having said that, he walked to Zhanma Beixiao's side.

He mounted his horse and, with a group of personal guards, slowly left the Lu residence.

Yingtian City was gradually waking up, and smoke was rising from the breakfast stalls along the street.

The aroma of steamed white buns wafting from the steamer mingled with the morning mist.

Most pedestrians were walking in a hurry.
Within sight, nearly 20% of the people were wearing workshop uniforms, seemingly heading to work.

Some people were pushing strollers, with their families in tow.

A cloth bag was hanging on the handlebars, indicating that the rider was going to Yingtian Trading Company to make purchases.

Upon reaching Jubao Gate, the crowds below the city gate were numerous, several times more bustling than I remembered.

The people in line waited, murmuring amongst themselves.
"I heard that the trading company has a new arrival of dried sweet potatoes today, which are 30% cheaper than at the grain store!"

"That's right! My son loves this. It's filling and sweet, much better than eating cornbread!"

Scattered whispers drifted into Lu Yunyi's ears, and a faint smile unconsciously appeared on his lips.

No matter how treacherous the political landscape was,
The lives of ordinary people are becoming more and more stable.

With crops like sweet potatoes available, people's hearts will surely settle and become more stable over time.

He reined in his horse and stood there for a moment.

Only when the morning mist gradually dissipated and the rising sun shone through the clouds did they turn their horses around and head out of the city.

After leaving Jubao Gate, the fields on both sides of the official road gradually increased.

From afar, vast fields of sweet potatoes stretch out, their verdant vines climbing the ground and gleaming with life under the morning sun.

Many farmers are already busy along the field ridges, preparing for the final harvest.

As soon as I arrived at the field, I heard a shout:
"Lord Lu!"

Turning his head, Lu Yunyi was first taken aback, then a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.
An elderly man dressed in a blue official robe was standing on the edge of the field.
His hair and beard were white, and he was slightly hunched, but he was still very energetic, with a gentle smile on his face.

"Gao Shaoqing?"

This old man was none other than Gao Fusheng, the Vice Minister of the Agricultural Administration.

After sweet potatoes were introduced from Luchuan,

He was among the first to be responsible for cultivating sweet potatoes.

Lu Yunyi never expected that the official from the Agricultural Administration Bureau who was responsible for receiving him today would be him.

Gao Fusheng smiled and cupped his hands in greeting: "Lord Lu, how have you been?"

"everything is fine."

Lu Yunyi came to his senses, his eyes filled with surprise:
"When did you arrive in Beijing? Why haven't we heard from you at all?"

Gao Fusheng stroked his beard, a hint of smugness flashing in his eyes:
"I returned to Beijing six months ago. My job at the Agricultural Administration Institute is something I never publicize."

"As for Lord Lu, it's been two years since I last saw you, and you've certainly made a name for yourself. I've heard quite a bit about your exploits even back in Yunnan."

Lu Yunyi chuckled:
"It's just doing my job, but I really admire the Agricultural Administration's ability to keep things confidential."

"It's not a matter of secrecy; it's just that the people from the Agricultural Administration Institute are always busy in the fields and don't attract much attention."

Gao Fusheng waved his hand and pointed to the fields behind him:

"Let's go, shall we walk and look around? This last batch of sweet potatoes is a new variety, cold-resistant and drought-resistant."

Lu Yunyi nodded in agreement, and the two walked side by side along the ridge of the field.

The sweet potato vines beside the field ridges grew extremely lush.

The leaves are broad and thick, and the dark green surface is covered with glistening dew.

Occasionally, one can see farmers parting the vines to reveal the tangled roots and stems.

With a strong pull, several sweet potatoes sprouted from the soil.

Its skin is reddish-brown, and it is larger than a regular sweet potato.

Reaching the edge of a deserted field, Gao Fusheng squatted down.
Carefully parting a vine, pointing to the sweet potato half-exposed in the soil, her eyes were full of satisfaction:

"This variety was named 'Red Skin King Kong' by the Agricultural Administration Institute and was successfully trialed in Lingnan."

If the climate is warm enough, one mu (unit of land area) can yield seven or eight shi (unit of dry measure), which is more than two shi more than ordinary sweet potatoes.

Moreover, it's durable and can be stored in a cellar during the winter until spring.

Lu Yunyi also squatted down, his fingertips touching the outer skin of the sweet potato, which was rough and firm.

He nodded and said softly:
"Some areas in the north suffered from drought this year. If this new variety can be promoted, there will be fewer displaced people next year."

"exactly."

Gao Fusheng stood up, looked at the vast sweet potato fields, and sighed:

"I have spent my whole life dealing with crops and have seen too many tragic scenes of starvation."

If we had had these sweet potatoes earlier, so many people wouldn't have had to flee the famine.

"Speaking of which, I have to thank you for enabling us to develop this new variety so quickly."

Lu Yunyi was taken aback:
"Why thank me? This is all thanks to my colleagues at the Agricultural Administration Institute."

Gao Fusheng smiled and said:
"One-tenth of the commercial tax paid by Yingtian Trading Company each month will be directly allocated to the Agricultural Administration Institute for the purpose of crop improvement and promotion of improved varieties."

In the past, the Agricultural Administration was short of money, and they had to carefully calculate the costs of trying out a single variety, for fear of wasting money.

Now that we have this stable source of income

Only then can the Agricultural Policy Research Institute send people all over the country to conduct trials and repeated improvements in multiple locations.

He paused, his tone becoming increasingly solemn:
"To date, the Agricultural Research Institute has cultivated more than 100 sweet potato varieties."

Some are suited to the humid and hot south, while others can grow in the barren mountainous areas of the north.
There are also specialized varieties that produce potato starch and dried potato, making the industry quite prosperous.

Lu Yunyi was somewhat surprised: "There are so many? Doesn't that mean we can roll them out across the entire Ming Dynasty?"

Gao Fusheng shook his head:
"It's still a long way off. Although these sweet potatoes can be grown, there are still many pests and diseases that we haven't figured out yet."

For example, a batch that was trial-planted in Fujian last year
Sweet potatoes were infested with a small white worm, and any other vegetables planted in the infested field could not survive.
If this type of sweet potato is not planted, the pests will disappear, and this potential threat must be prevented.

It will take several years before it can be rolled out nationwide.

Otherwise, if a large-scale insect infestation leads to total crop failure, the world will be in chaos.

Lu Yunyi's expression turned solemn, and he nodded repeatedly:

"It concerns food security, so we should be extremely cautious."

He gazed at the sweet potato field before him, watching the farmers busily working on the field ridges, and said softly:

"With the Agricultural Administration cultivating superior varieties, the people have a good harvest and then have the resources to trade with merchants."
The business was thriving, and commercial taxes were plentiful.
The Agricultural Research and Development Institute can then have more funds to improve crops, which creates a virtuous cycle.

As long as the people have enough to eat and have spare time, the Ming Dynasty will naturally prosper.

Gao Fusheng nodded approvingly:

"It is truly rare for an adult to have such a thoughtful mind."

The situation in Beijing is complex, yet the leaders are able to stay true to their principles and focus on the people's livelihood.
That composure is something I, an old man, cannot match.

When the situation in the capital was mentioned, Lu Yunyi's expression darkened slightly.

He gazed at the distant outline of Yingtian City and said softly:
"The situation is beyond our control; we can only do our best and leave the rest to fate."
Having seen the sweet potato harvest today, I feel relieved. Tomorrow I will set off back to Daning.

Gao Fusheng noticed his inner turmoil, then suddenly smiled and pointed to the sweet potato vines at his feet:
"Sir, look at these sweet potatoes."
When it was first planted, it was just a small tuber, buried in the soil and never seeing the light of day.

But it is never impatient; it slowly takes root, quietly spreads its vines, and when the time is right, it produces plenty of tubers.

Lu Yunyi looked at him, his eyes filled with doubt.

"The current situation is like a newly planted sweet potato."

Gao Fusheng said slowly, "The rebels are like weeds in the field; they look lush, but their roots are shallow."

The new policies promoted by the adults and the grain varieties of the Agricultural Administration Bureau
Just like this sweet potato, it has quietly taken root in the hearts of the people.

As long as the people can have enough to eat and live in peace, the rebel party is nothing to fear.

He paused, his tone carrying a hint of certainty:

"Since the time of the Yuan dynasty, I have been studying agricultural affairs in the court."

Having traveled all over the country, he understands the people's thoughts best.

Ninety-nine percent of people in this world do not seek great wealth and status, but only a life free from worries about food and clothing.

What Your Majesty and Your Excellency have done
It may seem to affect the interests of the powerful and wealthy, but in reality it benefits all the people.

The people of the world are like these sweet potato vines.

It looks unremarkable, yet it can cover the entire field, completely blocking out the sunlight from the weeds.

Lu Yunyi's heart skipped a beat, and he pressed for an answer:

"What does Gao Shaoqing mean?"

"The anti-government party relies on the support of powerful figures and has great influence, but it lacks popular support."

The foundation of the imperial court lies in the people; as long as the people are at peace, the court will remain as stable as Mount Tai.

Gao Fusheng's eyes were clear:
"Adults don't need to be anxious. It's like cultivating sweet potatoes; you don't need to dig them up and check on them every day."

"As long as the roots are firmly planted, the harvest will naturally come when the time is right."

Lu Yunyi was silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled.

He squatted down, picked a sweet potato leaf, and gently rubbed it in his hands.

A refreshing scent of herbs filled the air, easing the heaviness in my heart. "Gao Shaoqing, did you know that the roots and leaves of this sweet potato are edible?"

Gao Fusheng was taken aback, then smiled:

"Of course I know that it tastes great after being stir-fried."

However, sweet potato leaves shouldn't be too old; otherwise, they'll be too tough to chew. The last batch of leaves, like these, are inedible.

Lu Yunyi smiled and said calmly:

"In times of chaos, even an old leaf like this would be eaten by the people."

"That's natural. In chaotic times, even tree bark can be used as food."

The two looked at each other and smiled, then walked side by side toward the middle of the field.

The morning mist had dissipated, and the rising sun hung high in the sky.
Golden sunlight spilled onto the fields, and the emerald green vines gleamed with an oily sheen.

When the officials arrived, the farmers stopped what they were doing and bowed in greeting.

"let's start."

Gao Fusheng smiled at the farmers.

With a shout, the farmers picked up their hoes and carefully dug into the soil.

The hoe fell, quickly hitting the sweet potato in the soil.

The reddish-brown tubers were pulled out along with their roots.
Covered in damp mud, it rolled onto the ridge of the field.

A young farmer dug up a bunch of sweet potatoes.
Weighing about seven or eight pounds, a joyful smile spread across his face as he shouted loudly:

"These potatoes are growing really well this year!"

A bountiful harvest is the most comforting sight.

Lu Yunyi stood on the edge of the field, his hands behind his back.
Watching this scene quietly, the frustration and depression in my heart gradually dissipated.

After the farmers dug up the first basket of sweet potatoes,
Lu Yunyi and Gao Fusheng checked the yield together and verified the records of the Agricultural Administration Institute.

As expected, production increased by 20% compared to previous years.

The local people and officials in the capital were already used to it and simply recorded the data silently.

As noon approached, Lu Yunyi prepared to return to the city.

Before leaving, Gao Fusheng handed him a bag of dried sweet potatoes:
"Adults should take some with them on the road to try this new variety; it's very sweet."

Lu Yunyi took the cloth bag; it felt heavy in his hand and carried the fresh scent of grain.

He mounted his horse and bowed to Gao Fusheng:
"Gao Shaoqing, until we meet again."

"See you later."

Gao Fusheng returned the greeting with a bow, watching Lu Yunyi's figure gradually disappear into the distance.

The smile on his face slowly faded, and his eyes were filled with emotion.

He suddenly coughed a few times, and the clerk beside him quickly stepped forward to help him up.

Gao Fusheng waved his hand and said softly:
"I'm afraid my body won't last much longer. I don't know if we'll ever have the chance to meet again."

As evening falls, Yingtian City is bathed in a warm golden glow from the setting sun.

The imposing outline of the north gate tower was revealed in the twilight.
The banners fluttered in the evening breeze, making a rustling sound.

Lu Yunyi stood on the open ground outside the city gate, with more than a thousand soldiers following behind him.

The guards, clad in armor and with long swords at their waists, stood solemnly.
The warhorse's back was piled high with packs.
Documents, drawings, local specialties from the capital, dried food, and packaged high-quality sweet potato seeds.

As dusk deepened, the setting sun sank behind the distant mountain peaks.

The sky changed from golden yellow to orange-red, and finally tinged with light purple.

The number of pedestrians under the city gate gradually decreased.
Only the occasional patrolling soldiers passed by, their footsteps echoing in the empty square.

"Got to go?"

A shout broke the silence.

Lu Yunyi turned around abruptly and saw a figure quickly emerge from the shadows of the city gate.
Clad in the armor of a duke, the gilded plates gleaming coldly in the afterglow, it was none other than General Lan Yu.

Two bodyguards followed behind him, carrying two jars of wine. They walked hurriedly, their armor clashing together with a crisp clanging sound.

Lu Yunyi's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly stepped forward:
"General? What brings you here?"

He originally thought that no one would see him off when he left Beijing, given the sensitive situation at the moment.

Lan Yu was still young, but she looked much older than a year ago, with some gray hairs at her temples.

He stepped forward and patted Lu Yunyi on the shoulder:

"You're going back to Daning, how could I not come to see you off?"

Looking at his appearance, Lu Yunyi felt a warmth in his heart, and his voice was somewhat low:

"Thank you for your concern, General."

"You're welcome what?"

Lan Yu waved her hand and handed the wine jar to Lu Yunyi:
"Strong liquor from the Western Regions, it's potent! I'll drink it on the road to warm myself up."

Lu Yunyi took the wine jar; it felt heavy in his hand.

The mouth of the jar was sealed with a red cloth, and a faint aroma of mellow wine could be smelled.

He looked up at Lan Yu, the usually forthright and generous general.

At this moment, his eyes held a hint of complexity.

There was reluctance, worry, and a touch of indescribable heaviness.

"You've caused quite a stir in the past six months in Beijing."

Lan Yu glanced at the group behind Lu Yunyi, her tone slightly teasing:

“Every single incident stirred up trouble in the capital and offended many people.”

It's better that you've left now. Going back to Da Ning and settling into a peaceful life as the Commander-in-Chief is far better than all the backstabbing and infighting in the capital.

Lu Yunyi gave a wry smile, his grip on the wine jar tightening:
"General, you jest. These past six months in the capital..."

Although it was a lot of trouble, it also helped me see many things more clearly. It's just a pity that I couldn't achieve victory in one battle.

Lan Yu's smile faded as she gazed at Yingtian City, which was gradually sinking into the night, and her tone turned serious:
There is no such thing as perfection in this world, and nothing goes perfectly.

If it doesn't work this time, we can try again next time. As long as we win in the end, that's all that matters.

Lu Yunyi was silent for a moment, then said softly:
"General, I am leaving the capital today, and there is something I am unsure whether I should say."

"explain."

Lu Yunyi took a deep breath and lowered his voice:
"Your subordinate would like to remind the General that you must prepare for the worst."

Lan Yu's eyes dimmed slightly, and she did not respond immediately.

Lu Yunyi said slowly:

"In this world, eight or nine out of ten things are not as one wishes, and in the imperial court, it is even more difficult to get what one wants."

While things may appear calm now, the undercurrents are actually growing stronger.

The rebels will not stand idly by; they will definitely try every means to suppress His Highness Yunhu, and may even target you, General. You must be extremely careful.”

Lan Yu's expression gradually darkened:
"Do not worry."

Lu Yunyi continued:

"The General now holds military power, which is both an advantage and a source of trouble."

Your subordinate humbly requests that you consider all matters carefully before acting; sometimes, forbearance may be a wise strategy.

Lan Yu narrowed her eyes slightly, a cold glint flashing within them:
"What do you want to say?"

Lu Yunyi seemed to be going all out, lowering his voice to the lowest possible level:
"General, when I lead an army into battle, I always take into account both the advantages and disadvantages, considering both the good and the bad."

If anything were to happen to His Highness the Crown Prince, and His Majesty favors Prince Yunwen,

You must be patient.

Lan Yu's expression was terrifyingly calm:
How do you know His Majesty will choose Yunwen?

"I dare not make a definitive statement, but looking at history, founding emperors were mostly martial, while their successors were mostly cultured."

Only by harmonizing military and civil affairs can we allow the people to recuperate and ease tensions.

As a great ruler, Your Majesty cannot possibly ignore this crucial point.

Your Highness Yunheng, General, your subordinates, and many border generals all favor him.

His Majesty will surely weigh this situation.

In conclusion, the general must be extremely cautious and must not act impulsively.

Even if you suffer a setback, there's always a chance to make a comeback.

Lan Yu suddenly burst into hearty laughter:
"I will not be defeated. I rose to power through rebellion."

If something truly happens to the Crown Prince, and the one who succeeds him isn't my own child, then what does this empire have to do with me? I might as well rebel!

Lu Yunyi looked helpless and was about to dissuade him when Lan Yu patted him on the shoulder again:

"Okay, it's time to go."

Lu Yunyi stiffened, his expression shifting several times before he finally nodded emphatically.

He unsealed the wine jar, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp.

He then mounted his horse, tightened the reins, and took one last look at Lan Yu.

Lan Yu stood beneath the city gate, his imposing figure appearing particularly lonely in the torchlight.

He waved his hand, his voice hoarse:

"Let's go!"

Lu Yunyi no longer hesitated, and gently spurred the horse's flanks.
Bei Xiao let out a neigh and slowly walked forward.

The guards followed closely behind, their horses' hooves clashing as they rode away into the quiet night.

Lan Yu stood beneath the city gate, watching Lu Yunyi's figure gradually disappear into the night.

Only when they could no longer see him did they slowly withdraw their gaze.

The evening breeze stirred up dust from the ground, and the banners on the city walls fluttered in the wind.

Lan Yu stood there, motionless for a long time.
In the darkness of the night, his figure looked particularly lonely.

(End of this chapter)