In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 803 Smash the Embroidered Uniform Guard Office

Within the spacious and tranquil courtyard of Miaoyinfang, there are hidden side rooms used for receiving guests.

At this moment, the side room was filled with a joyous atmosphere.

The shopkeeper, Mu Jinghe, looked at the document in her hand, her bright eyes sparkling repeatedly, a hint of disbelief flashing in them.

Sitting opposite her, Zhou Song, the manager of the Xinchen Trading Company, also took a sip of tea with great emotion and said in a deep voice:

"Manager Mu, sign this document."
That shop in the large workshop is yours, for a total of 23,000 taels.

The capital city government also promised that if Manager Mu did not like the original decorations and storefront,
The capital city government can send people to demolish it.

That way, even if Manager Mu has to clean up later, it will be much easier.

Upon hearing this, Mu Jinghe's eyes widened in even greater surprise.

Getting the shop is already incredibly good news.
Now the capital city government is even helping to demolish the existing renovations, which leaves her speechless.

How could such a good thing happen?
After a long while, Mu Jinghe finally spoke, somewhat forlornly:
"I got it just like that, to be honest."
"I've never done such a profitable business before, thank you so much, Manager Zhou."

Zhou Song grinned and whispered:
"Manager Mu, you really overestimate me by doing such a big business."

Even if Zhou used all his skills, he could not shake the power of the capital prefecture and the transport commissioner's office.

You should still thank Lord Lu more.

If it weren't for his help, this shop would have fallen into the hands of the transport commissioner long ago.

A handsome face flashed through Mu Jinghe's mind, and she felt a tingling sensation all over her body. A sense of security, as if she were being protected, washed over her again, making her hair stand on end...

"Yes, we should thank Lord Lu very much."

"Manager Mu, I've heard another interesting story that I think you'll find interesting."

"What's the matter?"

"It is said that."

Zhou Song revealed a meaningful, thoughtful expression and said:
"I heard from several friends in the capital that..."
The reason this matter was handled so swiftly was because the Crown Prince's residence issued a statement.

"What?" Mu Jinghe was stunned.

"Prince's Mansion?"

Zhou Song nodded with extreme apprehension:
"Those people in the capital are ruthless when it comes to money; they'll eat you alive."

A shop worth 30,000 taels of silver being sold for such a low price is highly suspicious.

I heard that before the transport commissioner even spoke up, someone had already offered 35,000 taels to buy the shop, but the capital government refused to sell it.

The side room fell silent instantly, and a sense of apprehension and awe welled up between the two men.

Mu Jinghe's pupils swayed slightly, her breathing became uneven, and her heart pounded, unable to calm down for a long time.

Lord Lu actually managed to get the Crown Prince involved for his own sake.
She clearly remembered that several times when people caused trouble in Miaoyinfang, Mao Xiang sent people to find gangs in the city to deal with the matter.

The difference between the two is like heaven and earth.

Zhou Song saw her reaction and smiled broadly.

After much deliberation, he produced the explanation he had prepared beforehand:

"Manager Mu, we've known each other for a long time. If I may say something inappropriate..."
Your Miaoyin Pavilion is so prominent that it attracts attention and is usually very powerful.

However, if someone with power and influence tries to oppress others, you will find it very difficult to deal with them.

At this time, having someone to rely on is extremely important.
In this capital city… is there anyone better than Lord Lu?

Mu Jinghe pursed her lips, her cheeks slightly flushed; she knew this principle all too well.

Being young and promising, handsome and dashing, and holding a high position of power are things that cannot be had at the same time.

But now not only has it appeared, it has also come together in one body.

In that instant, Mu Jinghe felt a sense of loss.

If only the Embroidered Uniform Guards weren't standing on my feet.
Seeing that she seemed lost in thought, Zhou Song smiled gently and stood up:

"Manager Mu, the documents have been delivered, and I will take my leave now."

If your business needs renovations in the future, feel free to send someone to me; my prices will be absolutely reasonable.
It's at least 30% cheaper than if you looked elsewhere.

Mu Jinghe also stood up:

"Thank you, Manager Zhou. Once the shop is cleaned up, I will send someone to deliver the message."

"Very well, I shall take my leave."

Zhou Song cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, then stepped away, feeling a sense of peace and contentment.

The connection between my newly established trading company and Lord Lu is becoming increasingly close.

After Zhou Song left, Mu Jinghe slowly sat down with the document in her hand and examined it carefully.
After confirming that everything was correct, the smile on her lips grew even brighter.
Just then, light, hurried footsteps sounded, and the maid Xiaorou rushed over, her expression somewhat solemn.

She came to Mu Jinghe's side, bent down slightly, and whispered:
"Shopkeeper, just now a dozen or so people came down from the backyard, and they seemed to be in a great hurry."

As she spoke, Xiaorou pointed to her feet, her bright little face filled with apprehension.

Mu Jinghe was not surprised at all, but shook her head helplessly, a hint of resentment flashing in her eyes:
"These people are becoming increasingly unruly. I've told them time and time again."
"Entering through Miaoyin Pavilion is forbidden; truly, like father, like son!"

Xiao Rou nodded repeatedly in deep agreement:
"Yes, shopkeeper, last time someone tried to take a shortcut and leave from upstairs, which startled all the customers."

You still need to manage them; all our customers here are women.

No matter how improperly the men walk around in there,
Once this gets out, who knows what will happen?

Mu Jinghe took a deep breath, her face showing worry:
"Alright, I understand. Take the documents and ask the accountant if they can still come up with 30,000 taels of silver."

"Thirty thousand?"

Xiao Rou took the document but didn't move. She reminded him:
"Shopkeeper, have you forgotten?"
"I just brought you the account books yesterday; the shop only has six thousand taels of silver left."

Upon hearing that the shop only had six thousand taels of silver left, Mu Jinghe frowned deeply, her frustration intensifying.

The subsequent renovation and decoration of this newly acquired shop will all cost money.

A mere six thousand taels is probably not even enough for the simplest flooring and decorations.

After much deliberation, she decided that she still had to go to the Embroidered Uniform Guard to ask for the money.

The business usually has enough to cover its needs; taking a little food or other small expenses is fine.

Now that I'm in trouble myself, it would be too presumptuous of me to sit idly by and do nothing.

Mu Jinghe walked through the winding corridors of Miaoyinfang and came to a secluded corner.

There is an inconspicuous little house here, which is usually kept tightly closed.

If you weren't familiar with this place, you wouldn't even notice its existence.

Mu Jinghe gently pushed open the door and walked down the secret passage behind the bookcase.

It had just rained; the stairs were slippery and smelled damp and musty. The dim oil lamp on the wall flickered.
Her shadow stretched long, like a menacing monster.

Finally, we arrived underground, and the view opened up before us, with bookshelves stretching straight to the ceiling, one after another.
One by one, the Imperial Guard officers moved about inside, glancing at Mu Jinghe's arrival before paying her no further attention.

Only a few impatient young people kept glancing at her, wishing they could fix their eyes on her.

Ignoring the lewd stares, Mu Jinghe calmly walked towards a room at the end of the underground government office, where Mao Xiang usually handled his affairs.

As soon as she arrived at the door, Mu Jinghe saw the tightly closed door. Her delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly, and she could faintly hear conversations coming from inside.

After thinking for a moment, Mu Jinghe sat down on a chair by the door, intending to wait for them to finish talking before going in.

Inside the room, Mao Xiang sat on a large chair, his posture upright, his face stern, and his eyes exuding an air of authority.

Wei Hua stood before him, giving a detailed report on the results of the operation:
"My lord, the operation went very smoothly. I have personally broken Yu Qilun's legs."

He was in so much pain that he fainted; it seems he'll never amount to anything.

Mao Xiang's lips curled up slightly, revealing a satisfied smile:
"Well done, Wei Hua. Yu Tongyuan dared to scheme against us, so we should be prepared for retaliation."

He got his two legs for 40,000 taels of silver; that's a bargain for him.
There weren't any oversights, were there?

Wei Hua continued:

"Sir, we conducted this operation very discreetly, leaving no trace whatsoever."
Even if Yu Tongyuan suspects something, he won't be able to pinpoint our involvement.

"only."

Wei Hua hesitated for a moment, but decided to tell her about what she had encountered along the way.

"My lord, the clerks of the Embroidered Uniform Guard cannot always stay in the office dealing with documents."
There were a few oversights while on duty, but fortunately they were discovered in time.

Mao Xiang's face darkened, and his fists clenched slightly; he was aware of this situation.

In fact, the increasingly incompetent and foolish Imperial Guards in the capital were partly due to his own negligence.

Mao Xiang pondered for a moment, then nodded:
"I understand about this matter. Once things have calmed down, we'll bring over some elite troops who have been stationed at the front lines for a long time."

All these people in the capital have been transferred to other places. Just as the two were talking, Mu Jinghe, who was waiting outside the door, was getting a little impatient.

She coughed softly to signal her arrival.

Mao Xiang frowned, his previously excited face instantly turning sorrowful. He waved his hand and said to Wei Hua:
"You can go down now, let her in."

"Yes," Wei Hua replied with a strange expression and quickly withdrew.

Before long, a delicate fragrance filled the yamen room. Mu Jinghe gracefully entered the room and bowed deeply.

"Greetings, Lord Mao."

Mao Xiang glanced at her, sighed, and said softly:

"Manager Mu, what brings you here today?"

Mu Jinghe remained calm and said:

"My lord, to be honest, the reason I've come today is to ask..."
When does the government plan to repay last year's debt?

Mao Xiang rubbed his temples:
"Manager Mu, all you ever think about is money, money, money. The Embroidered Uniform Guard is sharing His Majesty's burdens, why don't you show them more consideration?"

Mu Jinghe showed no reaction to this attempt to elicit sympathy and continued:

"This young lady has just acquired a shop in front of the large workshop; it costs 23,000 taels of silver."
Subsequent renovations and furnishings will require a significant amount of money.

However, the shop only has six thousand taels of silver left, which is far from enough, so I would like to ask you, sir, to return some of the money.

"Oh? You've got the shop? The people from the Transport Bureau are so easy to talk to?"

Mao Xiang straightened up, his face showing shock.

Mu Jinghe's lips curled up, her rosy lips pursed slightly, a hint of smugness in her expression, as she teased:
"Since I can't rely on Lord Mao, I'll have to find another way."

Mao Xiang's face darkened, and he said:

"Did Lu Yunyi help you with this?"

"Hmm~ Originally, the capital government wanted 30,000 taels of silver, but now, out of respect for Lord Lu, we've saved 7,000 taels for nothing."

"Oh!"

Mao Xiang slammed his hand on the table and shouted:
"Didn't I tell you to stay away from Lu Yunyi? He's not a good person! Don't expose the Embroidered Uniform Guard!"

Mu Jinghe's face turned cold:
"Whether Lord Lu is a good person or not, I can tell clearly."

If Lord Mao can repay the borrowed money, then Lord Mao is a good person!

Mao Xiang was furious and about to explode...

Just then, a clerk rushed in, looking flustered, and said:

"My lord, something terrible has happened!"
Yu Qilun. Yu Qilun is dead!

Mao Xiang was stunned for a moment, but a moment later, he stood up like a furious lion.

"what!!!"

Mu Jinghe couldn't help but take a step back.
She swore that this was the first time she had ever heard Mao Xiang speak so loudly since she had known him.

Mao Xiang's eyes were filled with shock.

"What happened? How could someone be dead!"

The clerk said tremblingly:
"My lord, I am not clear on the specifics either. I only received news from the capital prefecture and the Ministry of Justice just now."

Yu Qilun was found dead at the post station. The coroner's examination determined that he died of poisoning.
"Let's send someone over quickly to identify what kind of poison it is."

Mao Xiang's eyes widened, and blood vessels instantly filled the air.
He slumped back in his chair, still somewhat shaken, a sense of bewilderment washing over him.

"Died from poisoning? What a convenient excuse! Didn't they say the operation went very smoothly and left no trace?"
What on earth is going on?! What on earth is going on?!

"Where's Wei Hua? Tell him to get over here!"

Mao Xiang's voice grew louder and louder, his roar echoing throughout the entire underground government office.

Wei Hua walked in, pale-faced and staggering, looking like he was about to cry.

"My lord, my lord, something terrible has happened!"

"What exactly happened?! What were you doing?!"

Mao Xiang roared hoarsely!
Wei Hua stood there dumbfounded, stammering, unsure how to answer.

Mu Jinghe hid to the side and heard everything. She wondered to herself what had happened.

Yu Qilun? Who is he?
Seeing Mao Xiang's angry expression, Mu Jinghe felt a little scared, but remembering the purpose of her trip, she still braced herself and said:

"Lord Mao, about the silver..."

Mao Xiang was seething with anger, and when he heard Mu Jinghe still mentioning the money, he flew into a rage. He pointed at Mu Jinghe's nose and cursed:

"Get out! You ungrateful woman."

What time is it now, and you're still thinking about money!

Get out! Get out of here!

Mu Jinghe turned pale as Mao Xiang berated her, her fists clenched tightly.
She snorted coldly and turned to leave.
After he left, Mao Xiang glared at Wei Hua, his voice snarling through clenched teeth:
"Tell me! What exactly happened? How could you have died from poisoning?"
Didn't they say the operation went smoothly and left no trace?

Wei Hua's face was ashen, and large beads of sweat rolled down his forehead.

He knelt down with a thud, his voice trembling as he said:
"My lord, I don't know what's going on either."

We were indeed very discreet during the operation; we only broke Yu Qilun's legs and quickly withdrew without poisoning him.

After thinking it over, there's only one possibility: we've been ambushed!

Mao Xiang suddenly stood up.

He kicked Wei Hua to the ground and roared:

"Ambush? Who has such ability to do something under our noses? Explain yourself!"

Wei Hua struggled to his feet, knelt down again, and said urgently:
"My lord, although this operation seems to have gone smoothly, the people at the post station are a complex group."
There might be someone secretly observing our every move.

"Perhaps after we left, someone took the opportunity to poison Yu Qilun and then framed us."

Mao Xiang was so angry he trembled all over, pacing back and forth in the room, cursing:
"What a clever frame-up! What a deep scheme!"
Now that Yu Qilun is dead, Yu Tongyuan certainly won't let this go. What's the point of saying all this now?

Just then, a member of the Imperial Guard rushed in, shouting loudly:

"My lord, something terrible has happened!"
"Governor Yu has stormed the government office with a group of men, demanding that we hand over the murderer, or they will raze the Imperial Guards to the ground!"

Mao Xiang's expression changed drastically, and he secretly thought to himself that something was wrong.

Under the weight of grief over the loss of his son, Yu Tongyuan will surely lose his reason.

If this incident involving the Embroidered Uniform Guard is not handled properly, it could trigger an even bigger upheaval.

"Prepare the horses! Back to the yamen!"

Mao Xiang shouted loudly, then turned to look at Wei Hua, a fierce glint in his eyes.

"Go and find out exactly what happened!!"

Watching Mao Xiang's hurried departure, Wei Hua felt a tightness in his chest, and a sense of fear and despair welled up inside him.

If I fail this time, I am likely to be in grave danger.

Yu Tongyuan was furious and would certainly not let anyone involved in Yu Qilun's death go unpunished.
As the person directly in charge of this operation,
If Yu Tongyuan makes a move, he is likely to become the scapegoat.

He pondered for a moment, a resolute glint in his eyes.

If you don't run now, when will you wait?
Half an hour later, Mao Xiang rode his fast horse, anxiously heading towards the Imperial Guard headquarters in the capital.

Throughout the journey, he pondered how to deal with Yu Tongyuan's challenge.

He knew that this incident had alarmed various forces in the capital.
If not handled properly, the Embroidered Uniform Guard will lose face, and they themselves may be in danger!

When Mao Xiang arrived at the Embroidered Uniform Guard headquarters, he saw Yu Tongyuan and a group of men blocking the entrance, their faces full of anger, brandishing long knives and shouting curses.

Mao Xiang took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said:
"Governor Yu, what's wrong?"

When Yu Tongyuan saw Mao Xiang, a flash of hatred crossed his eyes, and he roared:
"Mao Xiang! You dare to come again?"

My son was murdered at the post station, and your Embroidered Uniform Guard cannot escape responsibility!

If the murderer is not handed over today,

"Don't blame me for razing your Embroidered Uniform Guard to the ground!"

Mao Xiang inwardly groaned. He knew that confronting Yu Tongyuan head-on at this moment would be pointless. He could only appease him first and then slowly investigate the truth.

So, he explained with a straight face:
"Governor Yu, I have only just learned of what happened at the post station and was just about to send someone to investigate."

"Why does it sound like Commander Yu is implying that this matter is the fault of our Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

(End of this chapter)