In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 833 When people are well-fed and clothed, they think of lust. The First Three-Year Plan

Time passed, and back in his office, Lu Yunyi, as always, buried himself in the documents on his desk.
The layers upon layers of documents completely buried him, obscuring even half of his forehead.

This process continued until early noon, around 11 a.m.

Lu Yunyi put down the last book.
He straightened up, looking somewhat weary, and let out a long sigh.

He spent two hours reading through all the major events that had recently occurred in the military headquarters; it was quite a fascinating read.

Collusion between officials and businessmen, abuse of power for personal gain, murder and arson, defiance of the imperial court, and incitement of popular uprisings.
Various methods have emerged one after another.

Moreover, people die in every fight and conflict.

The most serious incident was the fire at the workshop in the north of the city.

The initial investigation by the commandery indicated that more than a dozen steppe people had died.

Later, after investigation and visits, the simple leather processing workshop was discovered.

In addition to the dozen or so registered grassland people, there were also more than twenty undocumented workers who died in the fire.

The commander did not deliberately tolerate the matter; instead, he dealt with it swiftly and decisively.
All the officials, shopkeepers, and ordinary citizens involved were arrested.

Arresting people first and then looking for evidence—while the procedure is wrong—is flawed.

However, this also quelled the long-standing disputes and subtle resistance against the government by several businesses in the north of the city.

Seeing these documents, Lu Yunyi felt somewhat emotional, no wonder they hindered Bai Song's operations against the enemy.

Most of the goods produced by the large and small shops in the city are related to the northern grasslands.

It occupies a large part of their business.

Those who went to Beiping and Liaodong probably only accounted for 40% or 30%.

Lu Yunyi believed that if it weren't for the need to maintain relations between the two places,

Perhaps some business people will even give up this small percentage and instead invest in the higher-profit grassland trade.

Under such circumstances, attacking the White Pine tribe would undoubtedly be tantamount to undermining the very foundations of these merchant guilds.

They will not only disagree, but will vehemently oppose it.
The same applies to the many adults behind them.

Thinking of this, Lu Yunyi tossed aside the document in his hand, shook his head, and sighed.

"To fight the enemy by first fighting yourself, what kind of problem is that?"

He thought of the former Song Dynasty, during the period of confrontation between the Song and Jin Dynasties.

Border smuggling was rampant, to the point that it made official border markets extremely unstable.

And after this smuggling trade quickly became mainstream,
To wage war against the Jin Dynasty again would be to cut one's own throat.

The resistance at the border will be much greater than imagined.
There were even instances where the Jin army colluded with foreign powers, and their intelligence network was more efficient than that of the Song army.

Seeing this situation, Lu Yunyi hesitated.

Should we sever ties with the White Pine tribe and instead support a new grassland tribe?

Anyway, the lake is now lush with vegetation and abundant water.

Even if the White Pine tribe is gone, there's still the Black Pine tribe; there will always be a large tribe going to occupy that territory.

But now, there is no legitimate reason for the attack.

On the contrary, it would give the Military Command a reputation for being headstrong and cut itself off from Daming.

"Then let's wait until things get even more extreme?"

Lu Yunyi murmured to himself, if he were to adopt His Majesty's method from the palace...

To allow things to go to extremes and then take righteous and legitimate action, one must have complete confidence in controlling the situation.

Can I control the situation in Da Ning now?

Lu Yunyi's thoughts drifted back to the bustling construction site outside the city he had seen yesterday, a scene that embodied the will of the people!
In particular, there has been improvement in the training of the militia.
At least the laborers on the construction site all had obvious skills in hiding from the enemy.

If this doesn't count as having the situation under control...
What exactly constitutes that?

Especially since he had just been promoted to Commander-in-Chief of Daming,

This is the first time since the founding of the Ming Dynasty that a local person has served as the local chief official.

Even in the Yuan Dynasty, this was extremely rare.

Because every unified dynasty wanted centralized power to prevent local separatist forces.
Thinking of this, Lu Yunyi's expression became somewhat strange, and he scratched his head slightly.

He suddenly realized that perhaps the three people in his family had played a role.
Honestly, if the Lu family were a powerful and influential clan in Da Ning, with countless descendants...
It would be extremely difficult for him to become the local official, and even serving as an official in this place would be somewhat impossible.

Because that would result in a situation where there is no subjective sense of local order, but objectively, local separatism has already formed!

"hiss"

Lu Yunyi gasped, then remembered something else.
Is my promotion related to Liu Zixian's affair?
Did such ignoring of others earn you points in the palace?

The more Lu Yunyi thought about it, the more he felt that this made sense.
Because the process of bestowing honors upon him has been delayed for too long.
It was clear that the Governor-General's Office, the Palace, and the Ministry of War were hesitant.
"A blessing in disguise?"

Lu Yunyi's expression slowly turned strange, then he revealed a smile.

He used to feel frustrated because no one in his family could help him.
But now it seems that the higher the position, the more desirable it is to be a lone wolf.

Of course, you also need to have the ability yourself.

Thinking of this, Lu Yunyi said in a deep voice, "Yunfang, come in for a moment."

"grown ups."

Feng Yunfang pushed open the door and entered, his face showing respect.

"Inform the officials of the yamen and prefectural government that a routine official meeting will be held after I go to the yamen this afternoon."

Feng Yunfang was taken aback, and tentatively asked:

"Sir, shall we also summon the commanders of each garrison?"

"Just call him Commander."

Lu Yunyi didn't even look up, continuing to flip through the documents in his hand.

"Yes!"

Feng Yunfang turned and left.

"and many more!"

Lu Yunyi raised his head, looked at the much more mature Feng Yunfang, and asked:

"You're not young anymore. Do you have any plans to be transferred to a post outside the capital? Or perhaps you could find a garrison post in the military command first?"

Feng Yun looked conflicted, turned around, and scratched his head sheepishly.
"My lord, I am not capable of that. I will remain a personal guard."

Skills are developed through practice, not innate.

"You've been working here as a bodyguard all this time; your skills haven't been honed, so naturally they haven't improved."

At this point, Lu Yunyi softened his voice considerably and said gently:
"Yunfang, the situation within the Commandery is very serious right now, and many troubles may arise in the future."

You are one of my trusted men; if you simply remain within the military command...

That would be a waste of your talent, so I'd like to send you out.

On the one hand, it's about honing one's skills.

On the other hand, they also remain hidden in all directions, observing discreetly.

If it comes to a critical moment, I'll still need you guys.

Feng Yunfang stood still, blinking his eyes in a daze.

Having followed the adult for so long, he could also discern the deeper meaning in the adult's words.
This is a plan for something in the future.

Feng Yunfang was a little confused. Was it really necessary to do this while staying in the military headquarters?
These thoughts flashed through my mind in an instant.

Feng Yunfang made a decision in an instant and said in a deep voice:
"I will obey your orders, sir!"

Lu Yunyi smiled and nodded almost imperceptibly:
"Then it's settled. I'll grant you fifteen days' leave to go home and see your family."

"Once you return, you'll take up your post immediately. Get busy now."

"Yes, my lord!"

After Feng Yunfang left, Lu Yunyi called in several more trusted confidants.

Same rhetoric, same explanation
After arranging everything for them, Lu Yunyi finally had a chance to rest.
He sat in the chair with a deep gaze, his fingertips lightly tapping the armrest, making a clicking sound.
The second quarter of the hour of Wei, which is around 1:30 pm,

The officers of the military command gradually returned to the yamen to begin their afternoon work. Accompanying them were the magistrates of the prefectural government and several commanders from the vicinity of Daning City.

Unlike the beaming smiles of the military officials,

Their expressions were very serious!
A new broom sweeps clean, and although Lord Lu in the military command is not a new official, he is in a new position.

Previously, the control over the military command was real but nominal; now it is real and nominal.

With such a legitimate reason, they were bound to make a big fuss.

What worries them even more is that

When he was the Assistant Magistrate, he spent hundreds of thousands of taels of silver to build roads and also launched a war against the Jurchens in Liaodong.

Now that he's actually become the Commander-in-Chief, who knows what kind of trouble he'll cause.

Thinking of this, the adults all wore worried expressions.

As high-ranking officials in various regions, what they value most is stability.

The current stability in Daning City even surpasses that of Beiping, which greatly pleases them.
So they'd rather just stay like this, getting by as long as they can.

But clearly, Lord Lu in the yamen had no such intention.
Having just returned to the capital for only a day, they were already urgently holding a meeting.

Inside the Dusi Conference Hall, a huge sandalwood table lay across the center.
Dozens of carved official chairs were placed on both sides.
A map of the Northern Pacification Command hangs on the wall, marked with numerous military fortresses and towns.

At this moment, the officials sat upright, the atmosphere heavy, awaiting Lu Yunyi's arrival.

Before long, Lu Yunyi, dressed in his brand-new military commander's uniform, stepped steadily into the conference hall.

His gaze swept over the crowd, carrying an undeniable air of authority.

Everyone rose and bowed. Lu Yunyi nodded slightly, walked to the main seat, and sat down, saying:

"Gentlemen, it's been a long time."

The adults smiled; it was a long-awaited opening.
This put their minds at ease, at least the adults in front of them were still so kind to their subordinates.

But what he said next caused the atmosphere to become solemn.
Lu Yunyi pointed to the long sandalwood table in front of him.
He then pointed to the dozen or so carved official chairs, the blue and white porcelain vases placed in various corners, and the famous paintings by renowned artists.
His gaze was meaningful, but he remained silent.

The adults present felt their faces stiffen.
My heart was in my throat, and I couldn't help but silently lower my head.

Finally, Commander Duan Zhengze wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and spoke tremblingly:
"Sir, the yamen had some surplus funds from last month."

These tables and chairs happen to be a bit worn out, and besides, Your Excellency is a new official, so naturally you should have a fresh start.

So...so...so we changed it.

"Yes, yes. To express the government's support for commerce, the workshops in the city specially selected some fine materials and tailored them to order."

Fang Lei, who was temporarily in charge of the affairs, nodded repeatedly, cold sweat pouring down his forehead.

Lu Yunyi's gaze pierced them fiercely, and after staring at them for a long time, he let out a soft laugh.
"They say that when people are well-fed and warm, they think of lustful desires, but the government has only been doing well for a year."
"You gentlemen are going to make such a big fuss about replacing things and repairing the government office; it seems you've forgotten the hardships of the past."

Duan Zhengze shuddered and quickly spoke:
"My lord, I will never forget the hardships we endured. I will order my men to replace you as soon as the meeting is over."

Lu Yunyi shook his head helplessly:

"Let's focus our energy on the important things; these tables and chairs aren't worth worrying about."

"Yes, yes. You are right, sir."

Duan Zhengze quickly lowered his head, secretly relieved that he had passed the test.

The atmosphere in the room was somewhat somber. Lu Yunyi waved his hand.
The clerks standing at the back then distributed the documents one by one, and the waiters also brought out the tea.

Once everything is ready,
Lu Yunyi put down the document in his hand and spoke in a deep voice:
"I have gathered everyone here today."
My main purpose is to find out the progress of Daning's first three-year plan.

As you all surely know, this plan concerns the future development of the Commandery and the well-being of the people; it cannot be taken lightly.

Having said that, his gaze first fell upon Hong Yishan, the prefect in charge of agriculture:

"Lord Hong, how are the preparations for planting and harvesting sweet potatoes progressing?"

Lord Hong quickly took the document, bowed slightly, and looked somewhat nervous. He cleared his throat and said:
"Reporting to Your Excellency, regarding the matter of sweet potato cultivation..."
The prefectural government and the military command have organized manpower to reclaim land in suitable locations, and land reclamation is currently 70% complete.

Meanwhile, the first batch of sweet potatoes planted is ready for harvest.

All farm tools and personnel arrangements have been prepared.

but"

He paused briefly, looking troubled.

"During the planting process, some people are unfamiliar with sweet potatoes and have doubts."

Worried about a poor harvest affecting their livelihoods,
Therefore, acceptance is low, which has hindered the progress of the planting plan.

Lu Yunyi narrowed his eyes, tapped his fingers lightly on the table, and after a moment of contemplation, said:

"Leaving aside the subsequent promotion, can we guarantee that the sweet potatoes planted in the early stage will be harvested without any problems?"

"can!"

Hong Yishan nodded repeatedly, he was absolutely certain about this.

Lu Yunyi nodded:
"Okay, since the initial sweet potatoes are fine..."

Then let's wait for the harvest; the sweet potatoes will speak for themselves then.

Furthermore, the public's concerns are understandable.

After all, they rely on the land for a living and dare not easily try new things.

Lord Hong, you must organize personnel to go deep into various places.
They explained in detail to the people the planting methods, yield advantages, and drought and barren soil resistance of sweet potatoes.

After the sweet potatoes are harvested, present the facts to them.
Let the people see the benefits with their own eyes and dispel their doubts.

In addition, for the people who actively responded to the call to plant sweet potatoes,

"We can reduce or exempt some taxes or provide some agricultural tools. The government office needs to provide a written document on this, which I will review in three days."

Lord Hong nodded in agreement.

"Rest assured, sir, I will make preparations as soon as I return and will ensure that the sweet potato matter goes smoothly."

Lu Yunyi nodded in satisfaction and continued to ask questions:

"Lord Hong, how is the matter of opening up border trade to the capital region and establishing a special trading market progressing?"

Hong Yishan's expression changed slightly. After a moment of contemplation, he spoke in a deep voice:
"My lord, the location for the trading market has been decided."

It was in an open area less than five miles outside of Daning City.
The area has convenient transportation, facilitating travel between various parties.

Currently, site leveling work is underway, and basic construction is expected to be completed within a month.

Meanwhile, the government had issued a decree to allow trade, which attracted many merchants to register.

The surrounding tribes also showed great interest in this.

Several tribes have already sent envoys to discuss cooperation, however…

He abruptly changed the subject, his face showing unease.

"After all, this matter is neither legitimate nor justifiable."

Whether inside or outside the city, or among foreign tribes, there were concerns that prevented them from investing heavily.

Their biggest concern right now is that the government's policies will be reversed.
"I'm afraid that if trading is allowed this year, it won't be allowed next year."

These words elicited somewhat subtle expressions from the adults present.
This can no longer be considered condoning smuggling; it's blatant and aboveboard.

Although the imperial court supported trade between the various border towns,
But I have never seen any border town act so boldly and on such a large scale.

Lu Yunyi nodded slightly and said softly:
"Their concerns are understandable; a thriving commercial sector cannot exist without a fair and orderly environment."
Lord Hong can inform all the merchants,
Dusi fully supports the cross-border trade between the two regions and will formulate a comprehensive set of trading rules.

Clearly define the rights and obligations of all parties, and establish a dedicated oversight team to address any problems immediately!
Whether it was the northern grasslands, the capital region, or the merchants within the Great Wall,
Once a problem is discovered, it will not be tolerated!

In addition, the company will also commend and reward merchants who abide by the rules and operate with integrity.

Haven't we been investigating a lot of wealthy landowners lately?

The vacant official positions don't need to be held by the military commanders; they can be given to them.

Hong Yishan stared wide-eyed in astonishment; these words went beyond mere support.

More importantly, the commanders must stand behind and endorse the trade!
However, Hong Yishan only pondered for a moment before respectfully replying:

"Your Excellency is wise. I will do my utmost to ensure the smooth opening and prosperous development of the trading market."

Lu Yunyi nodded, then turned to look at Liu Heiying, who was sitting to his left, and asked:
"How many workers are currently involved in the road construction from Daning to Shanhaiguan? What is the progress?"

(End of this chapter)