In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 825 The green hills remain unchanged, the clear waters flow on; until we meet again.

The next morning, before dawn,

The entire Lu family mansion had awakened, and Chen Jingyi, who was originally staying in Puzikou City, also rushed over.

I stayed in Yingtian for nearly two months.
He had become even fairer and looked younger.

At this moment, he was dressed in armor, looking quite imposing.

"Sir, the brothers were all packed up last night and can set off at a moment's notice."

"Ah."

Lu Yunyi's expression was serious and cold. With Mu Jinghe's help, he tightened his armor.
She wore a suit of soft armor inlaid with gold thread.
This made his figure appear particularly slender, adding to his heroic bearing.

Mu Jinghe thought that the adult in front of her was a handsome young man when he wasn't wearing armor.
If one dons armor, one becomes a great general who commands all directions.

An aura of power and authority, unmatched by anyone else, swept over her, intoxicating her.

After a while, the complete set of elaborate armor was on.
Even though the craftsmen have used the latest breathable technology,

But even with such a thick layer covering my body, it still felt stuffy and hot.

Lu Yunyi also laughed and mocked himself:

"I haven't worn it in a long time, so it feels a bit awkward to put it on suddenly."

Mu Jinghe leaned to the side, adjusting the ornament at his waist. Upon hearing this, she smiled.
"My lord is leaving, and I am a little reluctant to part with you."

Lu Yunyi patted her head:

"I have many matters to attend to in Da Ning, and I don't have any close confidants in the capital."

It just so happens that you'll stay here and watch over the mansion. Write to me if there's any news.

If you've had enough of Beijing, or don't want to do business anymore, you can come to Daning.

Mu Jinghe lightly bit her red lips with her pearly teeth and nodded almost imperceptibly:
"My lord, you can go with peace of mind. Remember to urge the workshop when you get back."

Tell them to hurry up, so I can open my business before late autumn and make a fortune!

Mu Jinghe straightened up, her long, slender, fair hands supporting Lu Yunyi's slightly tense waist, and murmured:
"My lord, these days have been the most relaxed and happiest days I've had in so many years."

When you return to the capital, I promise...
"Your business will flourish, and when you return to the capital, I will serve you with utmost care."

Lu Yunyi looked around the empty inner room.
Looking at her rosy cheeks, a mischievous smile curled at the corner of his lips. He bent down slightly and whispered:

"There's no one here now, we still have some time."

Mu Jinghe was stunned, and her fair cheeks instantly burned like fiery clouds.

She glanced back at the tightly closed door, a resolute look flashing in her eyes.

She gently pushed Lu Yunyi, pressing him to sit on the bed, and gave him a reproachful look, complaining:

"enemy."

Then he slowly knelt down, and from behind,

Her increasingly rounded and voluptuous figure was tightly wrapped in the gauze dress, revealing everything.

"After I leave, if anyone bullies you..."
Go find Duke Cao. I've already spoken to him and asked him to protect you.

With his abilities, as long as you don't do anything heinous, he can keep you safe.

"hiss"

Lu Yunyi continued:

"If you encounter any difficulties in business, you can go to the managers of Yingtian Trading Company."

I instructed them to take good care of Miaoyinfang.

I'll leave you the shareholder plaque for Yingtian Trading Company; it'll be more convenient that way."

"Furthermore, regarding matters concerning criminal justice, you can consult Yuan Tai, the Right Vice Censor-in-Chief."
But don't be too frequent. I'm not that familiar with him; we only have a connection through working for the same government office.

"I have many enemies in the capital, most of whom are high-ranking and powerful, and those lurking in the shadows are unknown to me."

But there are a few that are out in the open, so you need to be careful.

The Chaohu naval forces were the first to be targeted, represented by Yu Tongyuan.

His son is dead, and he's probably going insane right now.
There were also some pro-war figures under the governor, as well as powerful figures in the city who colluded with wealthy merchants.
Oh, and there were also some royal relatives who managed the imperial estates; I ruined their money-making scheme.

However, they probably won't bother a woman like you; the most troublesome ones are the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Lu Yunyi suddenly felt a tightness in his chest and gasped again. He looked at Mu Jinghe meaningfully and said with a smile:

"These bastards do nothing all day long, relying on His Majesty's protection, they do whatever they want, regardless of the consequences."
Not to mention women, they can even exploit children.

Last time they raided someone's home, they even recruited their son and daughter into the Imperial Guards.
Let them ransack their own father's house; let them do it.

After using him, they arrested him and accused him of treason. He's probably been tortured to death in prison by now.

Be careful of these people, and stay away from them.

You run two such large trading companies, and you're connected to me, so sooner or later they'll be watching you.

I'll give you an address and a contact code then.
If you are bullied by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, you can go to them.

They will handle this matter; it is crucial that it not be exposed.

"Hmm."

Mu Jinghe nodded repeatedly.

"Pop~ Hoo."

"Understood, sir."

Lu Yunyi nodded. "Let's continue."

"Ah."

Half an hour later, just as dawn was breaking,
Lu Yunyi walked out of the house feeling refreshed and instructed Gu Chunzhu, who was already waiting there:

"Leave two house keys, one for Manager Mu and one for Steward Su."

Gu Chunzhu replied with a smile, "Yes, sir."

Beside her, Su Wanheng's cheeks flushed red; she was somewhat embarrassed and a little shy.
"Master, this servant...this servant cannot do this kind of work."

Lu Yunyi smiled and stepped forward, patting her head:

"If I say you can, then you definitely can. Lotus Pavilion recently moved to a new location, and quite a few people have changed."

"You could go in there and be a leisurely steward, and you'd even get paid. Wouldn't that be great?"

"Master, this servant is extremely grateful."

Su Wanheng's eyes were brimming with tears, her nose was bright red, and she looked absolutely gorgeous.

"Sigh~ Lotus Pavilion is Black Hawk's business."
There was no one trustworthy in the capital to oversee things, and large sums of money disappeared every month without a trace.

Someone will come and teach you the calculations tomorrow. Just keep an eye on the Lotus Pavilion then.

"Yes."

Su Wanheng nodded, feeling a wave of heartache wash over her, and large tears streamed down her face.

At this moment, Mu Jinghe, having regained her cool and aloof demeanor, also emerged, her fair face as stern and beautiful as ever.
His eyes were red and bloodshot, and his throat seemed a little uncomfortable, as he kept swallowing and coughing.

Lu Yunyi turned around and looked back.
"Manager Mu, I'll give you the key later. You'd better keep a close eye on this big house."

"Yes"

Mu Jinghe's aloof demeanor vanished, and she responded in a hoarse voice.

Lu Yunyi smiled, looked around, and walked slowly.

The huge house is lush with greenery, and just one glance brings a sense of coolness.
But Lu Yunyi didn't have time to look at it; instead, he seemed preoccupied.

After much deliberation, the group wandered around until they arrived at the entrance of the mansion.
Lu Yunyi walked out and stepped down the stairs.

Looking back at the enormous "Lu Mansion" plaque, he smiled gently.

I want to explain something else.
But after thinking it over, he realized there was nothing particularly important to say, so he smiled and waved his hand.

"Alright, I'm off to Puzikou City now. See you next time I return."

The atmosphere of parting was particularly heavy at this moment.
The waiters looked at each other with mixed feelings, some of them sighing, knowing that another period of leisurely work was about to end.

Gu Chunzhu was also somewhat moved, and said tremblingly:

"Sir, please drive carefully."

Several beautiful maids watched the master mount his horse and showed a hint of regret, realizing they hadn't managed to get into his bed.

Mu Jinghe and Su Wan'er, however, forced themselves to hold back their tears.
But after the hundred or so people in front of them rode away, they couldn't help but burst into tears.

Lu Yunyi and his entourage rode away from the three alleys of Xi'an Gate and headed straight for the ferry crossing in the north of the city.

At the ferry crossing, the group boarded a boat bound for Puzikou City.

Lu Yunyi's expression was solemn as he instructed Chen Jingyi, who was standing beside him:
"I told Mu Jinghe about a secret contact point in Shangnan Alley."
Send someone to inform the brothers there that everything should remain the same and that they should not reveal anything.

At the same time, observation points were set up in the adjacent alleys. If any unidentified people appeared...

They decisively withdrew, abandoning that contact point.

"Furthermore, after we leave Beijing,
The surveillance of Miaoyinfang should be reduced so that Mao Xiang does not discover anything amiss.

Mu Jinghe passed on some confidential messages to me several times.
It is not yet certain whether she acted spontaneously or was instructed by Mao Xiang to gain his trust, but in any case, she must be protected, and we must lure her out.

If the secret liaison point in Shangnan Alley is exposed,
Then we can continue monitoring Miaoyin Pavilion without any further concerns.

Chen Jingyi's expression was solemn, and he nodded slightly:

"Yes, I will arrange it."
My lord, if Manager Ruomu truly intends to pledge allegiance and hasn't informed the Embroidered Uniform Guard about Shangnan Alley, then we…”

"Let things take their natural course; avoid excessive and proactive probing."

"Yes, I will make arrangements now."

Lu Yunyi, with his deep-set eyes, gazed at the shimmering ripples on the Yingtianfu River and said calmly:
"You'll also be in charge of the follow-up surveillance. We'll be waiting for you on the ship."

"Yes."

Before long, the ship docked, and Chen Jingyi had already completed his disguise and quietly separated from the group.

Inside the city of Puzikou, several key generals from the Governor's Office were waiting.

Duke Xu Huizu of Wei, Duke Li Jinglong of Cao, Marquis Geng Bingwen of Changxing, and Marquis Wang Bi of Dingyuan were all chatting in the barracks.

When Lu Yunyi entered the government office, the refreshing coolness made his blurred vision clearer.

He sized up everyone present, a smile playing on his lips:
"Greetings to all the dukes, marquises, and sirs."

"Hahaha, why be so polite? It's not like we've met for the first time."

Marquis Dingyuan, Wang Bi, still had the same dark complexion as before.

After his trip to the north, he was even darker-skinned, he said with a hearty laugh.

"Sit down, sit down, we're all old acquaintances."

Marquis Geng Bingwen of Changxing also smiled and pointed to his seat.

Lu Yunyi removed his helmet and sat down at the lower end of the table.

He took the pot of cold tea handed to him by the guard, gulped down several mouthfuls, and immediately felt refreshed.

“Ah, so cool!”

Marquis Yongding, Zhang Quan, chuckled and picked up his herbal tea, taking a large gulp.
"This stuff is great, it's sweet and cool, and the brothers really like it."

"The quantity is too small. Could you talk to the merchants and ask them to produce more each day?"

"My lord, we have as much iced tea as you like."

But there were only a few ice cellars, and aside from the necessary ones for keeping frozen goods fresh, the rest were used to chill tea and cola.

"Oh, no wonder the ones delivered at night weren't so cold, but the ones delivered in the morning were ice cold."

Zhang Quan looked enlightened and glanced at Xu Huizu beside him:
"The Beijing troops are quite envious of this thing. When will the Governor's Office arrange it?"

Xu Huizu was in a real bind.
"This matter needs to be discussed again, discussed again."

Everyone knew the difficulty of the matter, so they didn't continue the topic. Wang Bi asked with a smile:

"When do you plan to come back to Daning this time?"

Lu Yunyi thought for a moment and replied:

"I can't come for Chinese New Year this year; I'll have to wait until next year at the earliest."
I'm going back this time to check on the sweet potato harvest, and then I'll try again next year.
If things are similar to this year, then we can roll it out completely, and things will be much easier.

"Stop spouting nonsense." Geng Bingwen didn't hold back in his criticism:

"Once one thing is finished, another will come. In the border region, as long as you want to do something, there will always be something to do."

I advise you, young people should prioritize their health and not overwork yourself.
There's still a long road ahead, so why rush?

"The plan to plant sweet potatoes in Shaanxi is to conduct a five-year trial planting and investigation. You're being too hasty."

Lu Yunyi said in a deep voice:

"Time waits for no one. The Northern Yuan has been utterly defeated by us and is now embroiled in internal strife."

If we don't take advantage of this downtime to do as much as possible,
If a powerful enemy emerges in the fishing grounds, it's easy for them to lose their composure.

Geng Bingwen waved his hand:
"Go ahead and do it. Anyway, Da Ning is a godforsaken place, so even if you mess around a lot, it won't be any worse than before."

Marquis Wang Bi of Dingyuan nodded slightly:
That's true, but you need to remember to rest.

After a war, we always need to rest for a few months to recharge our minds, otherwise we'll go crazy.

"Thank you, Your Excellency. I will be careful."

Li Jinglong nodded repeatedly in agreement, feeling that he deeply understood the point.

He had come to deeply understand that the damage caused by war went far beyond mere superficial wounds.

The real danger lies in the subtle, ever-present pressure on the battlefield, the constant threat of death. Now, he even has nightmares when he sleeps at home.

Li Jinglong took a large package from behind him and handed it to Lu Yunyi.
"Take it."

Lu Yunyi felt a strong medicinal smell waft towards him, and was somewhat puzzled:
"What's this?"

"A medicine to calm the nerves and nourish the brain, a secret recipe from a famous doctor in Southeast China."
Many imperial physicians have recently come to the capital. I got some for them; I drink a dose before bed each night to relieve fatigue.

"Ang~"

Lu Yunyi nodded in realization; he knew the imperial physician.

"Thank you very much, Duke Cao."

"polite."

Li Jinglong waved his hand, returned to his seat, and sighed with emotion:
"Yunyi, I really envy your ability to travel far and wide on horseback."

I originally wanted to go with you to Daning and Liaodong, but His Majesty wouldn't allow it, what a pity.

"What are you doing running around at such a young age? Stay home!" Xu Huizu scolded from the side.

The prestigious titles they wore were no longer relevant to them personally; they were important symbols of the military.

Only in the capital can the army be at peace.

Li Jinglong was fully aware of this, but he was still somewhat indignant.

Lu Yunyi said with a smile:

"When Da Ning becomes the Jiangnan of the North, then Duke Cao will come and take a look."

"You're kidding me. When will that be?" Li Jinglong scoffed.

"Hahaha, no rush, no rush. Although Da Ning may not become the Jiangnan of the North,..."
But a peaceful and prosperous home is still something we can hope for.
Once the roads on both sides are repaired, Daning will never decline again.

Xu Huizu understood the deeper meaning in his words and asked in surprise:
"Is the road to Liaodong really going to be built?"

Lu Yunyi smiled:

"Duke of Wei, the word has already been spoken, of course it must be repaired."
It's a pity we missed out on the chaos in Korea.
Otherwise, Da Ning, as a transit point between the two countries, could have made a fortune.

Intentionally or unintentionally, Lu Yunyi revealed the future positioning of Da Ning.

Upon hearing this, the previously smiling dukes and marquises immediately became serious, understanding his intentions.

Only Li Jinglong was still chuckling foolishly.
However, he quickly adopted a serious expression.

"To accomplish this, both internal and external factors are indispensable."

Marquis Yongding, Zhang Quan, had a solemn expression, as did the others.

Inside, two roads needed to be repaired, which took almost five years and cost 500,000 taels of silver.

Externally, Goryeo, after the great chaos, would still be a vassal state of the Ming Dynasty, just as it is now.
In addition, Japan's status will remain unchanged, and Liaodong cannot be allowed to have any problems.

All of these conditions are indispensable; the absence of any one of them will greatly diminish the overall quality.

Lu Yunyi's expression was equally solemn, and he said in a deep voice:

"My lords, the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago and now."

If you don't do it now, you'll inevitably regret it later.

"Plant trees? Why plant trees?"

Li Jinglong was somewhat bewildered, a big question mark above his head.

"Um"

Xu Huizu nodded solemnly:

"Some changes are indeed needed; even turbulent waves are better than a calm lake."

Go ahead and do it; the Governor's Office will give you its full support.

The other marquises quickly expressed their support, and Li Jinglong nodded emphatically as well.

"call"

With their statements, Lu Yunyi felt much more at ease.

Once the internal constraints are removed, government policies will be implemented rapidly.

Marquis Yongding, Zhang Quan, glanced at the time and stood up with a touch of melancholy:
"Alright, it's getting late. Let's gather the troops and set off before dark."

Lu Yunyi stood up and bowed deeply to the assembled officials:
"Then Yunyi will take his leave."
My lords, the green hills remain unchanged, the clear waters flow on forever; until we meet again.

(End of this chapter)