In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 1055 Using the enemy as resources, letting them roam freely to secure one's position.
In the inner hall of the military headquarters' yamen, the stove was burning brightly.
The orange-red firelight reflected on the map on the wall, clearly outlining the mountains and rivers of northern Xinjiang.

The desk was piled high with documents, and the aroma of burning charcoal filled the air.

Lu Yunyi sat on a wooden chair, his gaze fixed on the fishing boats on the sea, his expression calm.

The sound of steady, powerful footsteps came from outside the door.
A short while later, a gaunt figure appeared at the door.

He was dressed in the soft armor of the Ming Dynasty, with a gilded belt around his waist.

Although she is over forty, she still has a straight posture and a slightly gentle face.
With his high nose bridge and deep-set eyes, he possessed the unique features of a nobility from the grasslands, and one could still vaguely see the shadow of the Minister of Works of the Northern Yuan Dynasty.

"Li Xian greets Your Excellency."

Li Xian bowed respectfully, his voice deep and resonant, carrying a hint of composure.

Lu Yunyi raised his hand, his tone calm:
"Please sit down. No need for formalities. Here's some freshly brewed hot tea."

Li Xian thanked him, sat down in the chair opposite Lu Yunyi, and accepted the teacup offered by the guard.

The tea soup was warm and had a rich aroma.
He took a small sip, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over the dark circles under Lu Yunyi's eyes, and softly reminded him:
"Sir, although you are young, you should still take care of your health."

Many health problems stem from overwork and neglect of one's health during youth.

Lu Yunyi was slightly taken aback upon hearing this, then smiled and pointed to the documents on the table, saying directly:
"With so many documents piling up after six months of not being processed, how can I possibly rest?"

Li Xian looked emotional.

Only after joining the Da Ning government did he realize how incredibly hard-working Ming Dynasty officials were.

Moreover, the higher the official rank, the more diligent they were, almost without a moment's rest.

Based on this alone, the Northern Yuan court was far inferior to the Ming Dynasty.

After all, in the Northern Yuan, eating, drinking, having fun, and internal strife are the most important things.

Lu Yunyi put down his teacup, looked directly at Li Xian, and got straight to the point:
"Lord Li, I have summoned you here today to ask you something."

"Please speak frankly, my lord. I will tell you everything I know."

Do you want to go back to life on the grasslands?

"Back to the grasslands?"

Li Xian's teacup suddenly stopped, his deep pupils contracted sharply, and his composure was instantly replaced by astonishment.

His lips tightened unconsciously, his brows furrowed into a deep frown, and a sense of unease arose in his mind.

What happened, or did I do something wrong?
He was born into a noble family on the grasslands and grew up in the royal court. He took over tribal affairs at a young age.

He also rose to the position of Minister of Works in the Northern Yuan Dynasty based on his family background and talent.
They witnessed the glory of the grasslands and also experienced the decline of the Northern Yuan Dynasty.

His surrender to the Ming Dynasty was not out of necessity.
Instead, they saw the decline of the grasslands and knew that the unification of the world by the Ming Dynasty was an inevitable trend.

He currently works at the Beiping Metropolitan Commandery.

Lu Yunyi treated him well, entrusting him with important responsibilities.

He never harbored any suspicion towards her because of her grassland origins.

His life was peaceful and prosperous, far better than the constant fear he experienced on the grasslands, which made him reluctant to leave the Ming Dynasty.

"My lord, what do you mean by that?"

Li Xian was somewhat uneasy. Had he done something wrong that displeased the adults and they wanted to send him back to the grasslands?

But judging from Lu Yunyi's expression, it didn't seem like he was holding him accountable.

Lu Yunyi noticed his confusion and explained:

"Lord Li, please don't overthink it. This is not a question to hold you accountable, nor is it an attempt to get rid of you."

He paused, his gaze returning to the map, his tone becoming more serious:

"The situation in the capital is becoming increasingly delicate, with undercurrents surging among various factions in the central government and the court."

The Tatars and Oirats in the north were locked in endless internal strife.
More and more tribes are gathering at Fishing Lake; this game is about to fall apart.

Li Xian felt a chill run down his spine, put down his teacup, and his expression became serious.

Although he had been stationed outside the Great Wall for a long time, he was aware of the fierce power struggles within the imperial court.
He also personally experienced the life-and-death struggle within the Northern Yuan court.

As a newly established dynasty, the Ming Dynasty had ample room for development, yet it still fell into internal strife, which speaks volumes about the seriousness of the situation.

"My lord, what you mean is"

"We need someone to go back to the grasslands and establish a foothold."

Lu Yunyi spoke frankly, his eyes sharp as an eagle's:
"If the world changes in the future, the north must be in chaos in order to give us a chance to catch our breath."

This person needs to be familiar with the customs of the grasslands, able to unite the tribe, and absolutely loyal.

He looked at Li Xian, his tone sincere:

"You are a nobleman of the grasslands, and your name still carries weight on the grasslands."

He was also the Minister of Works of the Northern Yuan Dynasty, and was knowledgeable in government affairs and skilled in crafts.

If you are willing to go back, the Commandery will give you its full support.
We can provide you with weapons, food, and supplies—whatever you need, and whatever we have.

It could even help you unite the tribes, establish yourself as king, and then form a strategic alliance with Da Ning.

These words struck Li Xian like a thunderbolt!
He looked at Lu Yunyi in disbelief.
His eyes were filled with shock, and his hands, which were placed under his body, gripped his robes tightly.

To establish himself as king and return to the grasslands was his childhood dream.

Having experienced the fall of the Northern Yuan and witnessed the power of the Ming Dynasty,
He has long lost the ambition he once had.

He had worked hard to achieve his current peaceful life and was unwilling to get involved in the conflicts of the grasslands again.

More importantly, he was aware of his situation.

"My lord, you overestimate me."

Li Xian took a deep breath and spoke slowly, his voice tinged with bitterness:

"Although I was born into a powerful family, my elders and cousins ​​have all surrendered to the Ming Dynasty."
Those tribesmen who remained on the grasslands had long lost their will to fight and scattered among various tribes.

I have been in the Ming Dynasty for many years now, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that I am merely clinging to life.
It was only after the adults came to Daning that I was reinstated.

A stray dog ​​like me can't stand on the grassland.
The steppe tribes respected the glory of the Borjigin clan, not me, a surrendered subject.

He shook his head, his eyes clear:

"The people of the grasslands respect the strong. I abandoned the Northern Yuan and joined the Ming Dynasty back then."
In their eyes, he was already an unfaithful and disloyal person.
Even if I were to go back now, it would be difficult to win over the people.

In fact, my reputation on the grasslands is far less renowned than that of the adults.

If the leader were to raise his arm and call upon the people on the grasslands, he could surely rally thousands of followers.
But if I were to shout, I might attract swords, spears, and clubs.

Li Xian's words were clear and logical, and every sentence made sense.

Lu Yunyi listened, his brows furrowing slightly. After a moment's thought, he also felt that what he said made sense.
The grassland is a place that only recognizes the strong.

Having bloodline but lacking strength can only make one a puppet, or even a stepping stone for others.

Many Northern Yuan generals who surrendered returned to the grasslands, and most met unfortunate ends.
A person who has been betrayed twice will find it difficult to regain trust.

"You're right, I didn't think it through."

"Your Majesty, your words are strong."

Li Xian quickly replied, "I am deeply grateful that you, my lord, have trusted me enough to tell me such a confidential matter."

If there is any other way I can serve you, sir, I will gladly die for you.

Looking into his sincere eyes, Lu Yunyi's heart stirred slightly:
"Since it is inconvenient for you to return, in your opinion, are there any suitable candidates among the various tribes of the grasslands?"

He added:

"One should be pragmatic, capable, and have no hostility towards the Ming Dynasty. Ideally, one should be inclined to align oneself with the Ming Dynasty."

Upon hearing this, Li Xian lowered his head and fell into deep thought.

He had lived on the grasslands for many years and had extensive contact with various tribes that had submitted to the Ming Dynasty, thus gaining a deep understanding of...
They had a good understanding of the character and abilities of the grassland leaders.

Names flashed through my mind.

Some were too arrogant, some were short-sighted, and some were wary of the Ming Dynasty; none of them met the requirements.

A moment later, only one person remained in his mind.

"My lord, after much thought, I have only one candidate."

"Who?"

"Bayar, the chieftain of the White Pine tribe."

"Bayar?"

Lu Yunyi raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.

The Baisong tribe has been gaining momentum on the grasslands in recent years, launching attacks in all directions.

Especially after cooperating with Dusi, they were almost invincible.

These people are practically local tyrants in Buyur Lake, how could they possibly be loyal to the Ming Dynasty?
"Tell me why."

Li Xian nodded and explained:

"Bayar is in his thirties, in the prime of his life."
He is shrewd and capable, brave in battle but not reckless.

The Baisong tribe migrated from the Tatars; their tribal size was not particularly large.
The current situation is entirely due to his efforts.

Moreover, he had excellent foresight; upon arriving at Buyur Lake, he already established connections with merchants from the capital region.
Now, with the help of adults, they are even more powerful.

More importantly, he deeply admired the Ming Dynasty.

Lu Yunyi was increasingly surprised:
"Does he have such intentions?" "Your Excellency is unaware of this."

Li Xian smiled and continued:

"Bayar had approached me privately several times, subtly inquiring about the matter."
Could you lead the tribe to submit to the Ming Dynasty? Perhaps, after I've been promoted to Vice Commander-in-Chief...
He also wanted to obtain an official position in the military command.

However, the commander was not at the command post at the time.

Lord Liu has never valued the surrendered tribes much, and I dared not make a suggestion on my own, so I have been dragging my feet.”

Upon hearing this, Lu Yunyi was even more astonished:

"Is that so? Why would he have such thoughts?"

Li Xian sighed, his expression strange, his tone tinged with regret:

"The Ming Dynasty was completely different from the grasslands."

In the present-day Daning region, as long as you're not too lazy, it's hard to starve to death.
But on the grasslands, even if you work your hardest, very few can survive the winter.

Especially in recent years, the winters on the grasslands have become colder year by year, and the snowfall has become heavier.
Although the grasslands were lush, they couldn't withstand the large number of people.
Most of the tribe lived in a state of semi-starvation.

Even the Baisong tribe, whose lives improved thanks to trade with the Dusi, still faced the threat of severe cold.

Now that the tribe has grown stronger, even if he wanted to abandon his people, he would have no choice but to accept it.

Therefore, although the Baisong tribe appears prosperous, its decline is imminent.

A single major disaster would severely damage its vitality.

Li Xian's voice was hollow, and his expression was filled with sorrow.
On the grasslands, the hardest time to endure is winter, when heavy snow can plunge everyone into despair.

He continued:
"On the other hand, look at the Ming Dynasty, especially our Great Ning,"
The city was well-fortified, with numerous workshops and an almost inexhaustible supply of charcoal.

People have food to eat and clothes to wear, and children can go to school.

These are the days that the people of the grasslands have always dreamed of.

Bayar was a smart man; he knew that the decline of the grasslands was irreversible.

Only by relying on the Ming Dynasty can the tribe survive in the long term.

He approached his subordinates several times, trying to find a way out for himself and his tribe.
Especially in the past year, he has also had some contact with the Doyan Three Guards.

Lu Yunyi had been listening quietly when he heard the words "Duoyan Three Guards"...
A fierce glint flashed in his eyes, and his entire body instantly exuded a chilling aura; even his voice changed tone.
"He still communicates with the Three Guards of Duoyan?"

Li Xian felt the warmth around him suddenly diminish and quickly explained:
"Your Excellency has misunderstood. The Doyan Three Guards are currently constructing the official road leading to the Commandery."
The sand, gravel, and ore used were all purchased from Baisongbu, which is why there was some exchange.

Today, thanks to sweet potato cultivation and the assistance of the local government, the three villages of Duoyan are thriving.

Bayar was filled with envy upon seeing this, which only strengthened his desire to submit to the Ming Dynasty.

Lu Yunyi listened quietly, and gradually understood.

He recalled the scenes he had seen outside the Great Wall.
Although the laborers worked hard, they were able to support their families with their wages, their children could go to school, and their family members could work in the workshops.

Such a peaceful life is indeed what the grassland people, who struggle on the edge of life and death yearn for.

"I see."

Lu Yunyi nodded, a thoughtful look in his eyes:

"In that case, Bayar is a suitable candidate."

He was talented, able to unite the tribes, and also harbored a longing for the Ming Dynasty.

If we support him, he can indeed be a great asset to us on the grasslands.

"exactly."

Li Xian quickly said:

"Although Bayar was not very familiar with the rules of the Ming Dynasty, he was shrewd and pragmatic."

If the adults are willing to support him, he will surely live up to their expectations.

Moreover, the current strength of the Baisong tribe is just right; it's not too strong, and they can only stir up trouble near Buyur Lake.
It will not attract the attention of the Tatars and Oirats.

Yet it also possesses the ability to integrate surrounding smaller tribes.

Lu Yunyi pondered for a moment, then made up his mind.

Bayar's situation was indeed more suitable than he had anticipated.

"it is good."

He raised his head, his gaze resolute, and said:

"Then I'll trouble you to arrange a meeting with Bayar for me."

Tell him that the Commander-in-Chief has important matters to discuss with him and asks him to come to Daning City as soon as possible.

"I understand!"

Li Xian was taken aback, not expecting Lu Yunyi to make a decision so quickly, and hurriedly bowed.

"This matter must be kept secret and not made public," Lu Yunyi instructed.

"Let him come quietly, without alerting anyone else. Set the meeting place outside the city, and I will speak with him personally."

"Your humble servant will remember your instructions," Li Xian replied respectfully.

"Go and make the arrangements."

Lu Yunyi waved his hand:
"Have him come as soon as possible, the sooner the better."

"Yes, I will take care of it now."

Li Xian bowed again, then turned and left the inner hall.

The footsteps faded into the distance, and the inner hall returned to silence.

Lu Yunyi picked up the hot tea on the table, took a sip, and his gaze fell once again on the grassland area on the map.

The Baisong tribe is located near Buyur Lake, which is the true heart of the grasslands.
The emergence of a powerful tribe in this place would be of great significance.

The charcoal fire continued to crackle in the stove, making Lu Yunyi's eyes appear even more profound.

He put down his teacup, stood up, walked to the map, and gently placed his finger on the location of the White Pine section.

"Bayar"

He murmured the name, a sharp glint in his eyes:

"I hope you won't disappoint me."

Time passed slowly. Lu Yunyi sat behind the large desk, holding a document in his hand, his eyes intently scanning the dense lines of characters.

The documents on the desk were piled up like a small mountain.

It covers everything from military and political affairs to trivial matters concerning people's livelihoods.

He had been busy for almost half a day, but had only reviewed about twenty letters.

This is because everything delivered to him was of paramount importance concerning the future of the Commandery.
Liu Heiying was capable of handling routine matters.
These documents are often complex and require careful handling.

"call"

Lu Yunyi picked up the teacup and took a small sip, but his gaze remained fixed on the words on the document.

This document records the Goryeo people's desire to expand their trade.

From ordinary trade to closer cooperation,

They even proposed exchanging warhorses for armor.
The price was so affordable that he almost immediately agreed.

Two years ago, he would have disregarded the impeachments from the court and agreed without hesitation.

but now.
The situation is tense, and Da Ning has his own plans.

Armor and weaponry are always better in abundance, and the commander originally intended to keep them for himself.

If the money were used to exchange for warhorses, on the one hand, it would face impeachment from the capital.

On the other hand, he was really reluctant to part with it.

The importance of armor is self-evident.

In the Ming Dynasty, even if someone kept over a hundred horses, the officials would not investigate unless the people complained.
However, if someone were to secretly possess more than a hundred sets of armor, the army would come knocking on their door the next day.

Lu Yunyi let out a soft sigh of relief.
He put down the documents in his hand and raised his hand to rub his throbbing temples.

He felt dizzy and his mouth was extremely dry.

Just then, a series of hurried yet steady footsteps came from outside the door.
Liu Heiying's burly figure appeared at the door, a hint of excitement on his dark face.

He entered the yamen and lowered his voice:

"Brother Yun'er, the gunpowder for His Highness Prince Yan is ready!"
Should we go take a look now?

"Let's take advantage of this clear and sunny weather and test its power!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Yunyi's spirits lifted.

The new gunpowder was the core secret of the Daning workshop and its key to winning with fewer troops.

He was quite curious about how much its power had developed after half a year apart.

"it is good."

Lu Yunyi stood up, stretched, and his bones cracked slightly.
"We're so excited by all this, let's go outside the city for some fresh air and see just how capable our new guy really is."

(End of this chapter)