In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 812 Good Words Are Hard to Persuade a Suicidal Ghost; A Gathering of Wise Men
The sun was particularly hot at the end of August.

The golden sunlight slanted down generously, distorting the entire field.

The endless wheat fields flashed by.
You can see some of the people wearing straw hats and with skin as black as ink working in the fields.

Li Zhigang rode his warhorse, watching the scenery rush past him.
His eyes involuntarily deepened, and he gradually fell into a daze.

The fields in Henan Province were the flattest he had ever seen in his life.

I wonder what it would be like if all that land were planted with sweet potatoes.
At this moment, the clerk beside him rode up on horseback and shouted loudly:
"My lord, we will arrive at Shangyuan County in about 25 minutes."

Li Zhigang's thoughts were then pulled back, and he nodded solemnly:
"understood."

Fifteen minutes later, Li Zhigang and his party finally arrived in Shangyuan County.

Although Shangyuan County is very close to the capital,

However, it was not tainted by the hustle and bustle of the capital, but instead possessed a unique, simple charm.

The county town is small, and the city wall is made of bluestone. Over the years, the wall has been eroded and covered with mottled marks, like the crisscrossing wrinkles on an old man's face.

Above the city gate, the three large characters "Shangyuan County" are written in a vigorous and powerful style.

Although it has faded somewhat, it still retains its majesty.

Once inside the city gate, a wide bluestone road stretches into the distance, lined with well-arranged shops on both sides.

The streets were bustling with pedestrians, creating a lively atmosphere.
Most of them were farmers carrying vegetables on shoulder poles to sell.
There were also some merchants who stayed in Shangyuan County, preparing to depart for the capital.

However, Li Zhigang had no interest in appreciating the lively scene at that moment.

He was filled with anxiety and only wanted to find King Zhou as soon as possible.

He asked the clerk beside him:
Where is the King of Zhou now?

The clerk quickly replied:

"My lord, I have heard that the King of Zhou is temporarily residing in a residence in the east of the city."

Li Zhigang nodded, spurred his horse, and galloped off towards the east of the city.

Before long, they arrived at the house.

The mansion gate was tightly closed, and two guards dressed in tight-fitting clothes stood in front of it, their expressions serious.

Li Zhigang dismounted, strode quickly to the guards, cupped his hands in greeting, and said:
"Please inform His Highness Prince Zhou that Li Zhigang of the Ministry of Works has important business to discuss with him."

The guard was taken aback, then tensed up, giving him a once-over.
After confirming several times, he nodded and turned to enter the courtyard.

After a while, the guard returned, opened the gate, and said:
"Lord Li, His Highness invites you in."

Li Zhigang took a deep breath, straightened his clothes, and followed the guards into the courtyard.

The courtyard is exquisitely laid out, with pavilions and towers arranged in a harmonious manner, and artificial hills and flowing water complementing each other.

However, Li Zhigang had no time to appreciate the beautiful scenery.

He followed the guards through several corridors and arrived at a large hall.

The guard stopped and said:
"Lord Li, His Highness is inside. Please come in."

Li Zhigang pushed open the door and walked into the hall.

King Zhou was sitting in the main seat, holding a book in his hand, looking relaxed.

Seeing Li Zhigang enter, King Zhou put down the book in his hand, smiled slightly, and said:

"Lord Li, not many people know that I have taken up residence here. How did you find out?"

Li Zhigang didn't have time to explain to him, but instead bowed and said:
"Your Highness, I have come today with important matters to report."

"What's the matter?"

King Zhu Su of Zhou frowned and asked in a low voice, his tone somewhat cold.

"Your Highness, your plan to wait for the Duke of Song in Shangyuan County has been exposed. You must not do it!"

Upon hearing this, Prince Zhu Su's face darkened instantly. He stared intently at Li Zhigang and spoke through gritted teeth:
"Who sent you? And how did you know?"

Li Zhigang sighed and quickly said:
"Your Highness, I have come here on the orders of Minister Qin. I urge Prince Zhou to come to the capital immediately and not linger here."

King Zhou frowned slightly, a hint of displeasure on his face, and said:

"Lord Li, what do you mean by that?"

"I am the son-in-law of the Duke of Song, so why shouldn't we meet?"

Li Zhigang shook his head helplessly:

“Your Highness, you left the main force and came to Shangyuan County early to wait, so you must know that this matter is not right, so why say these things?”

Your Highness, the situation is complicated now.
For a vassal king to meet with a military commander in private is a grave taboo!
If the palace were to find out about this...
His Majesty will surely be furious, and some previously quiet people will also cause trouble.

Whether His Highness will be able to return to Kaifeng by then is another matter entirely!

King Zhou sneered and said:

"Lord Li, please don't exaggerate."

What can I do if I merely meet with the Duke of Song?

Moreover, my mission to return to Kaifeng to manage the floods is to share the burden of the court.
How could His Majesty blame me? And who would cause trouble?

Li Zhigang was so anxious that sweat beaded on his forehead.

He had long heard that King Zhou was stubborn and that once he made up his mind, it was difficult to change it.

But this was the first time he had ever met a prince who was so unwilling to listen to reason.

"Your Highness, now that the matter has been discovered, we must not act rashly."

To knowingly do something impossible will ruin the imperial court's important water management project.

Now, the three provincial officials of Henan are resisting the imperial court in every way.

They wanted to gain personal benefits from the flood control efforts.

If you cannot return to Kaifeng,
The imperial court wants to undertake water conservancy projects, but who knows how much effort it will take!

Moreover, the court is currently in turmoil, and many dukes and marquises have been arrested.
If someone finds a handle against you and uses it to impeach you,
Even if His Majesty wanted to protect you then, it would be difficult to win over the people!
You are a descendant of the imperial family; even if His Majesty is furious, he cannot do anything to you.

But you should also think about the Duke of Song.

If he is punished again, who knows where he will be demoted to train troops!

King Zhou's expression changed slightly, clearly realizing the seriousness of the matter.

But as a vassal king, wouldn't it be a great loss of face to change one's mind so easily after being advised by others?

Then he slammed his hand on the table and shouted:

"Lord Li, my mind is made up. I will wait here for the Duke of Song."

If anyone dares to use this as an excuse to cause trouble, I will bear all the consequences.
"I'd like to see who's stirring up trouble."

Seeing the King of Zhou's resolute attitude, Li Zhigang was speechless for a moment.

He now doubts whether the Zhou king's return to Kaifeng would be good or bad for the flood control effort.
In case we are deceived by the villains of the Henan Three Offices again
To deal with him all at once? Isn't that a joke?

Taking a deep breath, Li Zhigang knelt down with a thud, tears streaming down his face, completely disregarding his pride:
"Your Highness, as a member of the royal family, you should prioritize the greater good!"
Do you know that if this matter delays the major flood control plan,
How much disaster will it bring to the people of Henan?

How many people's hard work will be wasted?
Your Highness, please reconsider!

King Zhou looked at Li Zhigang kneeling on the ground.

A flicker of hesitation crossed his eyes, but he quickly regained his resolve.

He slowly stood up, walked to Li Zhigang, and said:
"Lord Li, please get up. I know you mean well, but I also have my own difficulties."

The purpose of this meeting with the Duke of Song is to discuss important matters.
"Regarding whether my return to Kaifeng to control the floods will be successful, do not try to persuade me any further. Go back."

Li Zhigang raised his head, tears streaming down his face, and looked at King Zhou, saying:
"Your Highness, if you insist on this, I am willing to kneel here forever until Your Highness changes your mind!"

King Zhou frowned, a hint of impatience on his face, and said:
"Lord Li, why are you doing this?"
My mind is made up, and I will not change it.
If you continue to pester me like this, don't blame me for being impolite!

Li Zhigang felt a chill in his heart, but he still stubbornly knelt on the ground and said:

"Your Highness, even if you dismiss me today, I will not give up."
"This humble official will do everything in his power to prevent Your Highness from committing such a grave error!"

King Zhou snorted coldly and said:

"What a loyal and devoted Lord Li!"
Since you are so stubborn and unrepentant, then don't blame me for being ruthless.

"Guards, drag Lord Li out and do not allow him to set foot in this mansion again!" Upon hearing this, the guards immediately stepped forward, grabbed Li Zhigang, and dragged him out the door.

Li Zhigang struggled while shouting loudly:
"Your Highness, you will regret this! You will regret this!"

Even after being dragged to the gate of the mansion, Li Zhigang still refused to give up.
He forcefully broke free from the guards' restraints and shouted loudly into the courtyard:
"Your Highness, if you insist on going your own way..."
Not only will it harm yourself, but it will also harm countless people! Your Highness, please reconsider!

"Oh!"

The mansion's gates were firmly shut, and there was no further movement.

Even the two guards who were originally outside went inside.

Li Zhigang's wailing stopped abruptly.

At this time, the sun grew even more scorching, its intense rays baking the earth.

Li Zhigang sat on the ground, his clothes soaked with sweat, but he was completely unaware of it.

He stared at the tightly closed gate of the mansion, shaking his head repeatedly, cursing inwardly:

"Idiot! Idiot! You're such an idiot!!"

A short while later, Li Zhigang got up and shouted at his attendants:
"Go, take enough provisions, we're heading towards Fengyang, we must find the Duke of Song!"

"Yes!"

The next morning, the first rays of sunlight shone through the thin curtains.
Like golden threads, the rain gently spilled into the room, bathing the entire space in a soft, warm yellow hue.

Lu Yunyi slowly opened his eyes, feeling the softness beside him, and blinked blankly.

Beside her, Mu Jinghe was wearing a light pink silk nightgown.

The pajamas clung to her body, outlining her graceful figure.

She lay on her side next to Lu Yunyi, her long, jet-black hair cascading down the pillow like a waterfall, with a few stray strands playfully clinging to her cheeks.

Her face was as white as jade, with a faint glow; her long eyelashes trembled slightly, like butterflies fluttering gently.

Beneath her small, straight nose were a pair of rosy lips with a slight smile, conveying contentment.

Lu Yunyi reached out and gently tidied her hair.
Mu Jinghe seemed to sense his movement, slowly opened her eyes, and looked at him sleepily with a hint of coquettishness and languor in her eyes.

"My lord, you're awake."

Her voice was soft and melodious, with a slight huskiness.

Lu Yunyi smiled and nodded, saying:

"Sleep a little longer, it's still early."

Mu Jinghe's cheeks flushed slightly, and she gently punched his chest, saying:

"My lord, you're teasing me again. It's already dawn."

As she spoke, she slowly sat up, her pajamas slipping off her body.
Her snow-white, jade-like shoulders and delicate collarbones were revealed, their beautiful lines inspiring the imagination.

She stretched, then got out of bed, walked to the window, and gently pushed it open.

A breath of fresh air wafted over, carrying a faint floral fragrance.

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and said:
"My lord, the weather is so nice today."

Lu Yunyi also got up and walked to her side, gently hugging her from behind:

"Yes, a new day always brings new surprises. The business is distributing dividends today, so I need to go early."

Mu Jinghe leaned slightly to the side, resting against his chest, and suddenly remembered something, saying:

"My lord, I have also heard the news."

"Oh? About the trading company's profit distribution?"

Mu Jinghe spoke up, intentionally or unintentionally:
"I heard from those ladies that the business is distributing profits today, and many people are paying attention."

Moreover, Lord Han Yike of the Market Exchange Bureau was also involved, wanting to get a share of the profits to fund the operation of the Market Exchange Bureau.

Lu Yunyi frowned, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

He knew that as the business continued to grow and expand, it would inevitably attract attention and covetousness from all sides.

The intervention of the imperial court and the Market Exchange Bureau was also reasonable.

He never expected this day to come so quickly and so directly.

Seeing that he hadn't spoken for a long time, Mu Jinghe tilted her head to look at him.

"Sir, are you worried about the business?"

Lu Yunyi snapped out of his reverie, smiled gently, and said:

"It's alright. As the business has developed to this point, it's bound to encounter some challenges and obstacles."

With you gentlemen here, I believe the trading company can handle all of this.

Mu Jinghe nodded, a hint of admiration in her eyes, and said:

"My lord, you were the one who established the trading company, and I admire you greatly."

Moreover, to simply abandon such a large business like this makes me feel utterly ashamed.

"Hmm? Is there any connection?"

Mu Jinghe's eyes were filled with sorrow, and her voice was low:

"I am already overwhelmed with the affairs of the Miaoyin Pavilion."
The money they earn in a year might not even amount to a fraction of what the merchant guild makes.
Even so, I am unwilling to hand over Miaoyin Pavilion to someone else.

"Hahaha, I'm a general who fights battles; dealing with business is just too awkward for me. It's better to get out of here sooner rather than later."
I still have a share in the business, but I don't know how much money I'll get.

When I leave the capital and receive my dividends, you can collect them for me.

Mu Jinghe stood there stunned, turning around in shock.

Looking at the man in front of her, her pupils swayed violently.

These gifts were not merely symbols of money and status, but also representations of the power and influence granted to her by the person before her.

Such power is priceless in the capital.

If it were anyone else, simply sitting with the heads of the Six Ministries and high-ranking military figures would take countless years.
And she did it so simply and easily?
Lu Yunyi patted her head and gently stroked her hair:

"Don't worry about anything then, just go."
The shareholders in the trading company are all high-ranking officials in the imperial court; they care about their reputation and won't reveal our relationship.

Mu Jinghe looked up, tears welling in her eyes again, and hugged him tightly.

"My lord, you...you are too kind to me."

"Alright, let's hurry up and pack up and head back. I need to go to the trading company too."

"Yes"

As dawn approached, the Yingtian Trading Company on Fudong Street became bustling with activity.
All the workers and employees came to work, and the whole street was filled with laughter and joy.

But the trading company today carried a somewhat somber air.

Simply because carriages representing power and influence stopped,
Each person who emerged from there made everyone present extremely nervous.

The officials and yamen runners in the capital, especially those responsible for guarding the area, were extremely tense, watching everyone who passed by warily, fearing that something might go wrong.

It was simply because all those who came were too distinguished.
Marquis of Wuding Guo Ying, Marquis of Yongding Guo Quan, Duke of Wei Xu Huizu, Marquis of Dongping Han Xun, Marquis of Dingyuan Wang Bi, Marquis of Jingchuan Cao Zhen, Marquis of Changxing Geng Bingwen, Marquis of Zhulu Zhu Shou,

The Vice-Commanders-in-Chief were Xu Sima, Zhang Chun, Wang Cheng, and Mao Ding.

These high-ranking military figures all had bodyguards.
The guards alone completely blocked the road into Yingtian Trading Company.

Among the civil officials, a host of principal officials, including Zhan Hui, Minister of Personnel; Qin Kui, Minister of Works; Shen Jin, Minister of War; Zhao Mian, Minister of Revenue; Han Yike, Deputy Director of the Market and Exchange Bureau; and Yuan Tai, Right Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, also arrived one after another, along with many other ministers from various departments who came to join in the fun.

The sight of people in bright red robes astonished everyone present.
The passersby looked surprised and asked in shock, "Has the court assembly been moved to Yingtian Trading Company?"
On the fifth floor of Yingtian Trading Company, there was originally a spacious reception room, and two rooms were combined into one.
It formed an incredibly spacious room.

A huge round table was set up, with chairs placed on it.

Several graceful and beautiful young women were carefully measuring the distance between chairs and the placement of teacups and pastries.
At this moment, Liu Sili rushed over.

He was still dressed in casual clothes, and the busy workers bowed respectfully upon his arrival.
"Manager."

"Alright, alright, everyone evacuate, the people are here!"

"Yes!"

(End of this chapter)