In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 817 Surrounded by Good People, Promotion

As night deepened, the entire city of Yingtian fell into a deathly silence.

The dim candlelight flickered gently, like stars appearing and disappearing throughout the city.

The imperial city was brightly lit.

Especially in the areas where the Six Ministries and the Five Military Commissions were located.

Today, the merchants distributed their dividends, and a huge amount of silver was sent back to the government office.

The original gaps were filled in an instant.

Some government decrees that could not be implemented due to a lack of funds were also carried out slowly.

More importantly, the long-delayed reward money can finally be paid out.
This greatly excited many officials and clerks, who developed a much better impression of Yingtian Trading Company and decided to make a big purchase when they had the chance.

At the Governor's Office, all the clerks and officials were full of enthusiasm.

To make final preparations for the distribution of rewards to the various armies tomorrow.

In the past, there would have been a scene of despondency and lamentation, and the entire government office would have been deathly silent.

But now, the Governor's Office is the biggest beneficiary of the Yingtian Trading Company's profits.
Their wealth suddenly increased, not just in the form of rewards.

Even some of the most dilapidated items inside the government office could be replaced.

The thought of the government office being completely transformed filled all the clerks and officials with joy.

After all, no one likes their government office to be dilapidated.

In the stillness of the night, the bright moon shines over the earth.
Soon it was the beginning of midnight, around 11 p.m.

The carriage came to a stop swaying and rattling at the back gate of the Lu Mansion in the third alley of Xi'an Gate.

Mu Jinghe looked at the already open back door, a hint of joy flashing in her eyes, and she felt her body go weak.

She turned to look at her maid, Xiaorou, and instructed her:
"You go back first, and come here to wait for me tomorrow morning."

The maid Xiaorou pouted, looking very aggrieved, and sat in the carriage, saying softly:
"Manager, please let me go with you. We've already agreed on this."

Mu Jinghe smiled and gently touched the center of her forehead:

"It's not the right time for the little glutton."
The business distributed dividends today, and I wonder how many people are watching.

Furthermore, if you are not present, the Imperial Guards will become suspicious.

"Listen to me, go back first. Come back when we can walk in through the main entrance openly."

Xiao Rou looked aggrieved, but knowing it wasn't the right time, she nodded gently.
"Yes, shopkeeper, you may go then."

Mu Jinghe nodded, stepped out of the carriage, and quickly disappeared through the back gate of the Lu residence.

"bang"

Only after the door closed did Xiaorou reluctantly withdraw her gaze, and said in a sweet voice:
"go home."

Inside the mansion, Mu Jinghe moved with practiced ease among the pavilions and towers.

Looking at the lotus flowers covering the pond and the bright moon reflected in the water, her steps gradually became lighter.

"It rises from the mud unsullied, and is washed by clear ripples without becoming seductive."

Having mingled with the Embroidered Uniform Guard for so long, am I really that kind of person?

"Manager Mu, what did you say?"

Su Wanheng, listening to her muttering softly, asked in a sweet voice.

"Ah, nothing."

Mu Jinghe snapped out of her daze, smiled, and continued walking forward, asking as she went:

"Miss Su, I heard you were originally the top courtesan at Lotus Pavilion?"

Su Wanheng was taken aback. This was the first time in a month that the shopkeeper had spoken to her.

She smiled gently, showing no concern for her background:
"Yes, sir, he returned to the capital alone, accompanied only by a few guards."
There were no women in the household to relieve the master's worries and anxieties.

The shopkeeper then selected more than a dozen women from various households.
"I am extremely fortunate to have caught the eye of Lord Lu and been allowed to stay in his household."

Mu Jinghe was surprised by her frankness.

As the brightly lit study drew closer, she stopped and asked:
"You come from a humble background, what do you think of Lord Lu?"

Seemingly realizing that her words were somewhat inappropriate, Mu Jinghe said:

"Don't misunderstand, I just wanted to ask..."
Lord Lu's opinion on women of slightly lower social standing like you.

Su Wanheng smiled gently, a smile that exuded charm, and said softly:

"Manager Mu, are you worried about your status as a merchant?"

Mu Jinghe's red lips parted slightly, and she nodded with a hint of resignation.

Su Wanheng's eyes held a smug satisfaction, as if she had read everyone's minds, and she said softly:

"Manager Mu, there's no need to take it to heart. I come from a humble background."
But Lord Lu not only did not dislike him, but also doted on him, unlike the wealthy gentlemen in the city.

I've heard many of my sisters say that although they entered wealthy families as concubines,
But like kittens and puppies, nobody paid any attention.

The master would touch it when he remembered, and toss it aside when he didn't.
Some gentlemen, having had their fill of their playthings, would even give them away to friends or servants, their fates often unpredictable and beyond their control.

"And what about Lord Lu?"

Upon hearing these tragic stories, Mu Jinghe gently pursed her lips.

"Master."

Su Wanheng revealed a happy smile:
"The master is young and not at all as pedantic as other masters."

He told me that coming from a humble background was no big deal.
There is no inherent hierarchy or inferiority among all professions; everyone is simply trying to earn a living and support their family.

I have a lot of freedom in the manor and often go out for a stroll.
Instead of scolding me, the master told me to go out more, saying that I would get moldy if I stayed cooped up in the mansion all day.

Oh, by the way, Master also sent someone to help me find my parents.
I just don't know if I can find it.
But since the master has done it, we servants should be eternally grateful.

Su Wanheng looked at Mu Jinghe with a smile:

"I am but a woman of the night, yet my master still cherishes me dearly."

Manager Mu, your family is wealthy and you run such a large business, how could the master possibly look down on you?

Hearing this, Mu Jinghe not only didn't feel relieved, but her eyes also showed more worry, and she silently muttered to herself:

"If only that were true."

Mu Jinghe arrived at the study door and gently knocked.

"dong dong dong"

"Come in."

A calm and clear voice rang out.
Upon hearing the voice, Mu Jinghe's lips curled up slightly, and she gently pushed the door open and entered.

Inside the study, Lu Yunyi sat behind his desk.

As he was looking at the latest battle plan that Li Jinglong had sent over today,
Looking up, she saw Mu Jinghe, and a smile instantly bloomed on her lips.

"Manager Mu, you've become even more beautiful in just one day."

Mu Jinghe's smile grew wider and wider. She turned around and gently closed the door, feeling more and more delighted.

What woman in this world doesn't like sweet words?

The sweet words of such important figures are especially intoxicating.

"My lord, I have missed you terribly since we last met."

"Haha, Manager Mu, come here." Lu Yunyi waved to her.

Mu Jinghe smiled gracefully and walked over with her hands clasped.
He had originally intended to sit down opposite in the study, but seeing Lu Yunyi move aside with an arm over his shoulder,
Her cheeks flushed, and she instinctively sat down in his lap.

The overwhelming masculine scent caused a blush to rise on Mu Jinghe's fair cheeks, quickly spreading to her earlobes.
She asked softly, "What are you looking at, sir?"

"Looking at the battle plan, I happen to have nothing else to do."

"Is there going to be another war?" Mu Jinghe asked in surprise.

"No, the northern expedition has just ended. Even if the generals wanted to fight, the imperial court couldn't afford it."

This is the battle plan that Jinglong sent today.

He participated in this northern expedition, and upon returning to the capital, he discovered some oversights in the arrangements, so he redid it.
Let me see it, so he can take it to His Majesty to report.”

"The Duke of Cao? And he wants to give him to His Majesty?"

My lord, His Majesty truly favors the Duke of Cao.

"Of course, Jinglong is His Majesty's grand-nephew."

They cared for His Majesty more than some of the princes.
This time, his return will not only test his academic knowledge, but also his military skills.

He had originally intended to go today for the business's profit distribution, but His Majesty dragged him into the palace to review the battle plans.

Lu Yunyi held Mu Jinghe in his arms while reading documents, and said with a smile.

Mu Jinghe also seemed interested.
Although working above the Embroidered Uniform Guard (Jinyiwei) allowed access to a lot of confidential information,
But for those in the palace and these dukes and marquises...
The Embroidered Uniform Guards were always secretive and dared not provoke them, so she had no way of knowing some of their information.

"So, my lord, you intend to devise a battle plan for the Duke of Cao to deal with His Majesty?"

A hint of admiration flashed in Mu Jinghe's eyes, and she leaned even closer.

Lu Yunyi said with a smile:
"That won't do. His Majesty is also a renowned general of our time."
If I change it for him, His Majesty will notice.

I corrected it for him when I returned from Yunnan last time, but His Majesty was furious when he saw it and cursed him, saying it was like a latrine with gold trim.

Later, Jinglong dared not let me change it.

This is just to check for any oversights. I'll point them out again when he comes tomorrow.

"You don't understand, there's no such thing as feeding someone when you're in a war."
I could only offer guidance from the sidelines and let him figure it out on his own.
Otherwise, one might easily become a stubborn, inflexible person.

"Ang~"

Mu Jinghe nodded repeatedly, turned around, and wrapped her arms around the man's neck, her face full of admiration:

"My lord, you are truly amazing. You are the most amazing man I have ever seen."

"Hahaha, Manager Mu is so young yet she has already established the famous Miaoyin Pavilion in the capital region. She is also the most amazing woman I have ever seen."

Lu Yunyi was lavish in his praise. Mu Jinghe's body went limp, and she rested her head against his chest, murmuring:
"My lord, compared to you, I am like a firefly compared to the bright moon."
It is my honor to serve you, sir.

"Please don't harm me, Manager Mu." Lu Yunyi smiled.

Mu Jinghe raised her head and pouted her little mouth:
"My lord, I only spoke my mind, how could I possibly harm you?"

Lu Yunyi said softly:

"Worship is never just an emotion, but also a right."

A person who is worshipped gains a certain space beyond responsibility once he realizes that he has been given an unquestionable position.

At that point, the mistake was no longer a mistake, but rather a 'profound meaning unclear'.
His interests were no longer personal, but rather a consideration of the 'big picture'.
Everything about him can be beautified, concealed, and explained.
This state not only corrupts the worshipped but also numbs the worshippers themselves.

At this point, Lu Yunyi sighed:
"At my stage, everyone around me is a good person, and everyone says nice things. Over time, I can no longer distinguish between truth and falsehood."

Mu Jinghe's beautiful eyes welled up with tears as she listened, her fingers unconsciously circling the jade belt around Lu Yunyi's waist.
“Your words remind me of the saying in the play, ‘Everyone is drunk but I am sober.’”

Although I am ignorant of court affairs, I know that those who can constantly remind themselves of their own worth are truly upright and honorable men.

She pressed her cheek against his chest, hearing the steady, powerful heartbeat in her ear.

"I would be willing to die if I could stay by your side and listen to your wise words."

Lu Yunyi chuckled softly and patted her head:

"He said again."

Suddenly, Mu Jinghe sat up straight and reached for the water clock on the table.

A few stray hairs fell down her temples, adding a touch of innocent charm.
"Oh dear, it's already this late!"

She turned around, the candlelight casting dappled shadows on her face.

The corners of her eyes were tinged with a faint red, like peach blossoms dampened by spring rain.

"My lord, it's getting late. Let's talk about it tomorrow."

Looking at Mu Jinghe's charming appearance, Lu Yunyi's lips curled into a mischievous smile. He wrapped his arms around her slender waist and whispered in her ear:
"What, you can't wait any longer?"

Mu Jinghe's cheeks flushed even more, and she lowered her head shyly, her voice barely audible:
"My lord, I am only worried that you are overworking yourself."

Lu Yunyi gently pinched her cheek:

With such a beautiful woman by my side, I am naturally full of energy.

After saying that, Lu Yunyi got up, picked up Mu Jinghe around the waist, and walked towards the bedroom.

Mu Jinghe wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, buried her face in his chest, and listened to his strong heartbeat, her heart filled with sweetness.

Upon arriving in the bedroom, Lu Yunyi gently placed Mu Jinghe on the bed. The flickering candlelight illuminated their passionate gazes.

Lu Yunyi slowly approached, and Mu Jinghe shyly closed her eyes.

She gripped Lu Yunyi's back tightly with both hands, as if trying to merge herself into his body.

Springtime is beautiful, and Mu Jinghe is intoxicated by this gentle paradise, forgetting all her troubles.

However, after the passion subsided, she leaned against Lu Yunyi's chest.
Suddenly remembering the frequent occurrences over the past month, a wave of worry washed over me.

She gently stroked Lu Yunyi's face and said softly:

"My lord, you've been so busy lately, are you able to handle it? I'm really worried about your health."

Lu Yunyi smiled gently:
"Don't worry, the imperial physicians say that I have too much yang energy and that I need to spend more time with women to improve my condition."

Upon hearing this, Mu Jinghe pressed her head against his chest and whispered:
"My lord, all I wish for is that you are safe and healthy."
Go to sleep early, I have to get up early tomorrow.

Lu Yunyi smiled and said:
"Tomorrow, the palace will send an imperial decree to bestow honors. Don't leave in the morning; you can go and see it together."

Mu Jinghe raised her head, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, her pupils trembling slightly:

"My lord, may I, your humble servant, also do it?"

Lu Yunyi nodded:
"Of course you can. You're one of my people now, so you should be there for such an important event. Besides, the eunuchs in the palace won't gossip."

Mu Jinghe's face flushed, her eyes filled with anticipation. She leaned gently against Lu Yunyi's chest and murmured:
"Thank you, sir."

The next day, just as dawn broke, the morning light shone through the window onto the bed.

Mu Jinghe slowly woke up, looking at Lu Yunyi sleeping soundly beside her, her heart filled with tenderness.

She rose gently, careful not to disturb him.
Then I walked to the window, opened it, and a breath of fresh air rushed in.

At this moment, everyone in the Lu household had already begun to get busy.

Maids carrying basins of water, towels, and other items moved through the corridors, preparing for the imperial decree to be delivered today.

Mu Jinghe watched all this with a mixture of nervousness and anticipation.

She returned to the bedside and gently woke Lu Yunyi:
"My lord, it's dawn."

Lu Yunyi's thoughts were pulled from the darkness as he slowly opened his eyes:

"Up so early?"

Mu Jinghe responded with a smile:

"My lord, an imperial decree is coming from the palace today, so you must prepare in advance."

Lu Yunyi nodded, got up to wash and change.

Mu Jinghe carefully straightened his clothes, her eyes full of concern.

In no time, Lu Yunyi had finished getting ready.

He was dressed in armor and wore a helmet, exuding an imposing presence.

Mu Jinghe wore a light blue long dress with a thin gauze overlay, looking like a fairy descending to earth.

The two walked hand in hand to the front hall.

By this time, a considerable number of people had already gathered in the lobby.

There were stewards and guards from the Lu family, as well as a group of women including Su Wanheng.

Everyone was surprised to see Lu Yunyi and Mu Jinghe arrive together.
Regarding this renowned shopkeeper in the capital,

They knew they had an improper relationship with their master, but they never expected them to be so open about it today.

The group waited a short while before a commotion arose outside the door.

The housekeeper, Gu Chunzhu, rushed in, her face beaming with joy:

"It's here, sir, the imperial edict has arrived."

No sooner had Gu Chunzhu finished speaking than the sound of thunderous hooves and the clanging of gongs and drums outside the door shook the dust that had accumulated on the eaves and caused it to fall in a flurry.

Twelve pairs of vermilion palace lanterns led the gilded palanquin straight into the ceremonial gate.

The peacock blue glass inlaid on the carriage shaft shimmered like water in the morning light.
The carriage curtains, embroidered with auspicious clouds and cranes in gold thread, swayed gently in the wind, as if celestial birds were about to take flight.
The imperial edict of Emperor Ming, which was to be read aloud, was placed on the carriage.

Upon hearing this, the imperial carriage saw the red-robed eunuch smilingly take down the imperial edict and step into the mansion together.

He was followed by more than twenty eunuchs.
They were all dressed in blue official robes embroidered with silver cloud patterns, and carrying gold-lacquered trays.

The plate was filled with gold, silver, jade belts, and other items, which shimmered in the morning light.

The chief eunuch paused in the courtyard of the mansion, shook off the dust, and loudly proclaimed:
"The imperial edict arrives——"

Lu Yunyi's expression was solemn. He stepped forward and adjusted his armor.

Behind him, the stewards and guards also knelt down in unison, forming a dense, dark mass, with only the sound of their armor rustling in the wind.

The chief eunuch unfolded the imperial edict, cleared his throat, and read it aloud in a high-pitched yet authoritative voice:
"Fengtian Chengyun Emperor, the imperial edict said:

I, by the mandate of Heaven, rule over all lands.

The northern frontier is not yet at peace, and the Jurchens are rampant, repeatedly invading the border and causing immense suffering to the people.

Lu Yunyi was loyal, brave, resolute, and exceptionally intelligent. He commanded three armies to defeat the enemy and used ingenious strategies to achieve victory.

In the battle against the Jurchens, he led from the front, fought bravely, beheaded countless enemies, and captured a great deal of spoils.
It made the enemy tremble with fear and ensured the peace of our borders; its achievements were truly remarkable.

Now, Tejin'er is appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Expeditionary Force, granted the title of General of the Cavalry, and bestowed with a jade belt and gold seal.

I hope you will diligently perform your duties, make new contributions, repay my kindness, and ensure the stability of the nation.

Admire this! "

Lu Yunyi kowtowed:
"Your subject Lu Yunyi accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude. Long live the Emperor!"

The head eunuch closed the imperial edict and handed it to Lu Yunyi with a smile:
"Lord Lu, congratulations!"

You are the youngest Commander-in-Chief since the founding of our Great Ming Dynasty.

"A heavy responsibility rests on your shoulders. I hope you will repay the Emperor's kindness with utmost devotion. His Majesty places great hopes on you."

Lu Yunyi accepted the imperial edict and smiled:

"Thank you, father-in-law."

Having said that, he gestured for the steward to bring a red envelope, placed it in the head eunuch's hand, and said with a smile:

"Yesterday, the business distributed dividends, and there happened to be some extra money. My father-in-law took it, despite his hard work on the way here."

As before, the head eunuch wanted to refuse.

But Lu Yunyi stopped him from handing it back, and smiled:
Don't be shy.

The head eunuch's face immediately lit up with a smile, and he nodded repeatedly:
"In that case, we will accept it. Thank you, Lord Lu."

"Lord Lu, the imperial edict regarding the promotion of the officials of the Beiping Military Command has been sent to the Governor's Office."

"The Governor's Office will likely send someone to the residence to inform you a little later."

Having said that, the head eunuch leaned closer and whispered:
"Lord Lu, originally Lord Liu's promotion wouldn't have happened so quickly."
"His Majesty was greatly pleased when he heard yesterday that you had voluntarily accepted the precious paper money, which is why he made an exception and promoted you."

"Oh?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Lu Yunyi's eyes, then he laughed:

"Thank you, father-in-law, for informing me."

After saying that, he waved his hand, and Gu Chunzhu stepped forward again and handed him a thick red envelope.

Lu Yunyi smiled and said:
"Father-in-law, please take this and have some tea. No need to be polite."

(End of this chapter)