In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 818 The Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Caught in a Dilemma
The capital city was particularly lively at the end of August.

Teams of imperial edicts appeared in the streets and alleys, moving in all directions, causing the people of the city to look at each other in bewilderment, wondering what was going on.

It wasn't until noon that accurate information arrived, and people finally realized the truth.

It turns out that the rewards for the recent purge of the remnants of the Li faction and the northern expedition have been issued.

In the afternoon, some more confidential information began to circulate.
It is said that a battle was also fought in Liaodong in the Northeast, and many enemies were killed, and there were also rewards from there.

Upon hearing this news, many people looked puzzled.
What happened in Liaodong?
In the minds of the people of Beijing, ever since Nahachu, who had been entrenched north of Daning in Liaodong, was wiped out, the entire Northeast has been peaceful, as if it had disappeared from the map, with not a single piece of news coming in.

The sudden news from Liaodong has caused many people to prick up their ears and inquire about it.

Finally, it was from a clerk in the Ministry of War who posted notices everywhere that I heard the news.

The Jurchens in Liaodong rebelled, and the Liaodong and Beiping Regional Military Commands mobilized nearly 40,000 troops.

It took more than 100,000 men to finally wipe out the Jurchens.

These words shocked the crowd gathered at the government office.

A war involving 100,000 troops.
How come they've never heard of it?

In front of the notice board archway in the West Market, Qi De, the chief clerk of the Ministry of War, watched as two officials applied paste.

Then he posted the notice and looked around at the many people who had gathered there.

A hint of helplessness flashed in his eyes.

Qi De is now in his thirties, very tall, and has an excellent appearance.

Standing among the common people, he would stand out like a crane among chickens.
His long, flowing beard, in particular, added to his elegant demeanor.

"Lord Qi, what exactly happened in Liaodong? Please let us know."

A burly man wearing a sweat towel was shouting at the top of his lungs, his voice carrying a slight northern accent.

Hearing him shout, most of the people around him echoed him, all speaking with a northern accent.

Qi De looked over, and although the summer heat and the restlessness of the place had already made him quite impatient, he still spoke calmly:
"Are you from the North?"

The men nodded repeatedly, and after a brief self-introduction, Qi De suddenly understood.
It turns out that these people were all helpers who came with merchants from Beiping, and they were very close to Liaodong and Daning.

Since that's the case, Qi De pondered for a moment, then, without holding back, said:

"The three Jurchen tribes of Liaodong have merged and are raiding the Liaodong border."
They were ultimately defeated by the armies of Liaodong and Daming, suffering heavy casualties.
The man leading the troops was none other than Lord Lu, the founder of the Yingtian Trading Company and the Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Pacification Command—though he is now the Commander-in-Chief.

Upon hearing this, the onlookers all looked enlightened.

As a resident of Beijing.
Lu Yunyi and the others knew each other, and were quite familiar with each other.

Last year and the year before, rumors about him circulated throughout the capital.

Especially after the establishment of Yingtian Trading Company, it became almost universally known, and now it has accomplished such a great feat in the North.

Their relentless drive and energy earned their secret admiration.
After learning the whole story, the group gathered around the notice and chattered excitedly, creating a lively atmosphere.

Just then, a carriage swayed past, and Mu Jinghe poked her head out of the window.

She was returning from the large workshop and was heading back to Miaoyin Workshop.

Hearing people talking about her man, she leaned closer to listen.
The more she listened, the wider her smile grew, her eyes filled with pride and her lips radiating sweetness.

"Shopkeeper, we're almost there, you'd better pack up now."

Xiao Rou whispered a reminder to her shopkeeper.

Seeing the shopkeeper's expression, he must have been thinking about the sweet things that had happened recently.

Mu Jinghe's smile quickly faded, and she reverted to her aloof and unapproachable demeanor.

After glancing at Xiaorou briefly, that aura vanished instantly.

"You little brat, you're always disturbing my thoughts."

"Shopkeeper, those Imperial Guards have been acting very suspiciously lately, so you'd better be careful."

"understood"

Mu Jinghe smiled, her expression returning to calm, though a hint of worry lingered in her eyes.

Back at Miaoyinfang, there were hardly any people left in the shop.

It was nearing evening, and most of the noble ladies had already gone home, waiting for their husbands to finish their official duties.

The lady who is still living here must have a husband whose official rank is not low.
Only those high-ranking officials who could hold court in the capital city would not leave on time.

After greeting the ladies in turn, Mu Jinghe returned to her music room.

Looking at the many musical instruments arranged in the four corners of the room, Mu Jinghe suddenly felt a surge of emotion.
"Even the master hasn't come to visit my shop."
If he comes, I will play a piece for him, or perhaps even dance for him.

As she thought about it, Mu Jinghe smiled and opened the hidden door leading underground, then went inside.

With the addition of new personnel, the underground offices of the Embroidered Uniform Guard have returned to their former bustling state.

However, amidst this liveliness, there was a touch of noise.

Because the newcomers were all new, they weren't as quiet and methodical as before.
Instead, they need to ask questions everywhere and run around aimlessly, which makes them appear quite disorganized.

When Mu Jinghe appeared at the yamen...

shhhhh--

Many gazes turned towards them, and as many young people's eyes widened slightly...
My heart felt like it had been hit hard; that was the feeling of being moved!
At the same time, filled with apprehension, he quickly looked away.

I just pretended to turn my head unconsciously, so as to glance at it.

Most of them, who were able to get into the government office here, already knew that the mature and beautiful woman in front of them was their sugar daddy.

This makes it even more attractive!

Ji Gang, who was copying documents behind a small table in the crowd, felt that the yamen had suddenly become quiet.
Looking up, following the gaze of the crowd, I saw a plump and tall figure from behind.

He recognized the figure all too well and quickly lowered his head.

If I remember correctly, that person was the manager of the large workshop trading company that I had been keeping an eye on.
The merchant guild and the woman before him were connected to Lord Lu, the one who had helped him.

Thinking of this, Ji Gang showed a trace of worry.
He held his head in his hands and pinched his brow hard.

During this time, he also learned about the feud between Lord Lu and the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they were like fire and water.
Unfortunately, he's now caught in the middle.

Moreover, the Jinyiwei's patron and enemy are still entangled.

This made Ji Gang feel that the two short months he spent in the Embroidered Uniform Guard were the most complicated experience of his life.

"Ugh"

With a heavy sigh, Ji Gang lowered his head, preparing to continue copying documents, while subtly glancing at his colleagues not far away, feeling increasingly depressed.

"Copying documents is clearly his job, so why should I do it?"

"I've helped him a few times, why is he only getting worse?"

"Sigh, never mind. I'll just copy it for now. I'm free anyway, I'll talk to him when I get busy."

Inside the yamen, Mao Xiang sat upright behind his desk, unconsciously flipping through two documents in his hands.

Although his hands were moving, the blank look in his eyes clearly showed that he was not paying attention.

Only when faint footsteps sounded did Mao Xiang's eyes gradually regain focus.

Looking at the person entering through the door, he immediately smiled and even stood up to greet them warmly:

"Oh, oh, oh, isn't this Manager Mu? Come, come, please have a seat."

The excessive enthusiasm immediately made Mu Jinghe wary, and she stood frozen at the doorway.

She looked at Mao Xiang with some suspicion.

She hasn't come since she received the 20,000 taels of silver, and she's been deliberately keeping her distance.

Today, Mao Xiang sent someone to summon her to discuss matters.
But Mao Xiang's actions now made her somewhat uneasy.

"Lord Mao, what is the reason for this?" Mao Xiang gave an awkward smile and stood still.

Knowing that his reaction was too strong, he smiled and said:

"It's been a few days since I last saw you, Manager Mu. You're in your prime, quite a sight to behold."

Mu Jinghe frowned, her voice becoming even colder:

"Lord Mao, what's wrong with you?"
"Don't worry, next month's interest will be sent at the beginning of the month. I never go back on my word."

"Manager Mu, what are you saying? I have never worried that you would cause any trouble with money."

The reason I invited Manager Mu here today is that I have a favor to ask.
Sit down. Please sit down.

Mu Jinghe sized up Mao Xiang, and after several hesitations,
In the end, I sat down and faced Mao Xiang across the long table.

Mao Xiang didn't keep him in suspense and handed over the document he had just been reading:

"Manager Mu, take a look at this document."

Mu Jinghe placed the document on the table and glanced at it briefly.
Her expression was as cold as ice, her eyes piercing Mao Xiang with a fierce gaze:
"Are you following me?"

Mao Xiang ignored the look in his eyes and instead chuckled:
"Manager Mu, I was not following you."
The situation in Beijing has been rather unsettled lately, and Xianmen Street is very close to the Imperial City.

The Imperial Guards were already stationed there, and they only happened to spot Manager Mu's movements.

You should know that the entire Xi'anmen Street,
There weren't many people coming and going at night.
"How could we not record Manager Mu's frequent visits to the Lu residence?"

Mu Jinghe's eyes narrowed slightly, containing annoyance, and her voice carried a hint of suppressed anger:
"What do you want to do?"

"hehe."

Mao Xiang laughed, leaned back in his chair, and said calmly:

"The pleasures of love between men and women are only natural; Manager Mu, there's no need to be so agitated."
This official has no intention of causing trouble for Manager Mu.
Moreover, Lu Yunyi is ruthless and unscrupulous, so how could I dare to cause you any trouble now?

Moreover, Manager Mu is practically our Imperial Guard's god of wealth; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to treat him with utmost respect."

Listening to Mao Xiang's sarcastic remarks, Mu Jinghe's expression grew increasingly cold.

Her slender hands were clenched tightly under the table, and a layer of fine sweat had already formed on them.

"Lord Mao, speak your mind and get to the point."

What are you trying to do, wandering around here in circles?"

"Manager Mu, you may only know that Lu Yunyi has a grudge against the Embroidered Uniform Guard, but you don't know what kind of grudge it is, do you?"

"what?"

"Lu Yunyi used to have a confidante who was a famous doctor in the capital."

She was beautiful, not much less so than the shopkeeper.

Unfortunately, the people in our Embroidered Uniform Guard were too stupid and had wicked thoughts, causing Lu Yunyi to lose this confidante for nothing.

At this point, he had become enemies with the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

His involvement was evident in several of the Jinyiwei's subsequent major losses, suggesting that he may have been behind the scenes instigating them.

Especially regarding the recent events involving Yu Tongyuan, doesn't Manager Mu find it strange?

Wei Hua, a Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard) officer from Beiping, was promoted by me, and the rebel faction is almost entirely wiped out.
Why did he kill Yu Qilun?

Therefore, I deduce that he became a scapegoat for someone else and suffered in silence.

This Manager Wei is quite shrewd.

Mao Xiang spoke haltingly, observing Mu Jinghe's expression as he spoke.
He became increasingly satisfied as he noticed her expression growing more and more serious.

Mu Jinghe's solemn expression finally turned into confusion:
"Lord Mao, why are you saying these things to me? What does this have to do with me?"

"hehe."

Mao Xiang chuckled and said meaningfully:
"I'm telling you all this so you'll know how deep the grudge is between Lu Yunyi and the Embroidered Uniform Guard."
And you, Manager Mu, happen to be a major client of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and the government owes you a considerable amount of money.

If Lu Yunyi finds out your identity, then he…

Mu Jinghe's face turned pale, and she gripped her dress tightly with all her might!
At this point, Mao Xiang's meaningful smile gradually faded, turning cold and menacing, and his voice became slightly hoarse.

"People in the capital say that I kill without blinking an eye and act arrogantly."
But this Lu Yunyi is the real killer; tens of thousands have died at his hands and been captured.
If it weren't for His Majesty and the Crown Prince's intentional protection, how could he have such a good reputation in the world?

In the eyes of these people, how much is Manager Mu's life worth?

If he found out who you work for, would he kill you?

Mu Jinghe's breathing suddenly became rapid, her jaw clenched, and her delicate eyebrows furrowed!
"Mao Xiang!!"

"Hahahahaha."

Mao Xiang suddenly burst into laughter and quickly pressed his hand down:

"Don't get excited, don't get excited. We've been working together for so many years."
Manager Mu must know me well, and knows that I am not a person who breaks promises.”

Mu Jinghe interrupted him:
"Hasn't Lord Mao committed enough acts of betrayal and treachery?!"

"It's good to know."

Mao Xiang's face immediately turned cold, and he stared fiercely at Mu Jinghe:
"Knowing his connection with the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he still went and conspired with his enemy."

How come I never noticed before that Manager Mu is such a lowly woman?
This has truly broadened my horizons!

Therefore, I will not hold the previous matter against you.

But next, I will add you to the roster of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

I won't treat you unfairly with an official position; I'll appoint you as a commander of a thousand households.
They will give you a monthly salary, and provide you with a waist badge, official title, and other documents.

All you need to do is stay by Lu Yunyi's side.
Record his every move, then compile it into a register and submit it to the government office.

"Mao Xiang!"

Mu Jinghe's voice suddenly turned angry, rising more than one tone.

"Don't even think about it! I wouldn't have agreed to that before, and I certainly won't now!"

"Calm down, calm down."

Mao Xiang pressed his hand down:

"The die is cast, and Manager Mu can no longer back down."

Either you tell Lu Yunyi about your relationship with the Embroidered Uniform Guard yourself, or I will do it for you.

Oh right, there's a third way.

If Manager Mu is indifferent to this month's romantic escapades and decisively cuts ties with Lu Yunyi, that would be fine too.

You'll still be a major client of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

However, given your mistake, your monthly allowance of two thousand taels will be increased to three thousand taels.

"Mao Xiang, do you think I'm stupid?"

Now that things have come to this, are you willing to let me leave Lord Lu?

Mu Jinghe's eyes were bloodshot and she glared fiercely at Mao Xiang.

"Hahaha, Manager Mu is so clever!"
Lu Yunyi is too difficult to approach.

I have no idea what he did, how can this be?
So, thank you for your hard work, Manager Mu.
"I'll become a commander of a thousand men in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and maybe even get an official position."

Having said that, Mao Xiang looked towards the door and called out:

"Someone, bring me Manager Mu's waist token and official documents."

The door opened, and Baihu Sun Zhixue walked in carrying a tray.

On it was placed a complex-shaped waist tag of a commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
There was also a document used to prove identity.

Mu Jinghe sat in the chair, looking at the two items on the tray, her mind unsettled and unable to calm down for a long time.
(End of this chapter)