In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 834 National Revitalization Through Technology: Supply and Demand Relationship
Liu Heiying stood up, his face showing a hint of fatigue, but his eyes revealed determination.

"Sir, the number of workers has now reached 15,000, which is ahead of schedule."

The road construction work is proceeding in an orderly manner.

One-third of the basic roadbed paving has been completed on the section starting from Daning City.

However, he scratched his head.

"As the project progressed, some technical difficulties were encountered."
Some sections of the road have complex geological conditions and require special treatment methods.

Otherwise, problems such as road collapses may occur, which could slow down progress.

In addition, regarding the supply of materials, although the command has done its best to coordinate.

However, the farther away from Daning City, the more difficult it becomes to supply materials, which sometimes inevitably affects the progress of the project.

However, completing the road construction within the planned three-year period should not be a problem.

Lu Yunyi frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said:
"There will certainly be technical difficulties,"
The commander should organize specialized craftsmen to solve this problem, accumulate experience, and record all the difficulties and problems encountered.

As pioneers, we must always blaze a trail.

After speaking, Lu Yunyi looked at everyone present and said in a deep voice:
"I have some news to share with you all. The road construction is progressing so rapidly that the imperial court has taken notice, and the governor's office is very interested in it."

If the path we have can operate smoothly without any problems.

The Governor-General's Office may build two roads from Datong in Shanxi and Beiping to the interior.

Therefore, handling this matter well is the Commander-in-Chief's top priority; all the provinces within the Great Wall are watching.

Upon hearing this, the adults present exchanged glances, some of them straightening up in surprise.
For them, serving as officials in Daning, the most difficult thing was not being in the freezing cold, nor was it the lack of hope for promotion.

Instead, nobody cares!

Being located outside the Great Wall, they were like ghosts within the Ming Dynasty court.

It exists in reality, yet remains silent.

Now the imperial court and various provinces have all turned their attention to this.

They can get a lot of attention no matter what.

This kind of attention is exactly what Daning needs now.

Liu Heiying nodded emphatically:
"Lord Lu, I understand."
The command will do its utmost to ensure the completion of the road construction task while accumulating experience to provide a reference for future projects!

Lu Yunyi nodded:
"Everything is difficult at the beginning, but now Da Ning is at the forefront of everyone's efforts."

We cannot be complacent; instead, we must increase our accumulation of this technological advantage to widen the gap.

At least in the field of building roads with concrete, Daning is far ahead of the competition.

To put it bluntly, the provinces south of the Yangtze River have been prosperous for thousands of years thanks to their dense network of waterways and mulberry cultivation and silkworm breeding. Jiangxi is no exception, thanks to its kiln and porcelain production.

It is foreseeable that they will continue to be rich.
And what about our Daning?

If we need people, we won't have them; if we need land, we won't survive.

Its only advantage might be the vast forests covering the mountains.
The furs and wild animals inside serve as our banner, but this banner cannot last.
If possible, Daning could establish itself as a leading force in road construction, becoming a model like Jingdezhen in Jiangxi.

Upon hearing this, everyone present exchanged bewildered glances, clearly not believing it.

Lu Yunyi smiled and explained:

"This is a long and arduous task that requires the continuous efforts of several generations."
This is just the beginning, but it's important enough. I hope you all will take it seriously.

"Yes"

Lu Yunyi paused for a moment,

This gives the gentlemen time to think and gives the clerks around them time to take notes.

After nearly a quarter of an hour,
Lu Yunyi's gaze fell on Zhang Bin, who was temporarily acting as the deputy commander.

He was in his forties, looked very weathered, and wasn't particularly handsome.
He was the city garrison commander in charge of the defense of Daning City. After Tan Wei left Daning,

He temporarily took over the defense duties.

If nothing unexpected happens, Zhang Bin will be the new Vice Commander-in-Chief.

"Lord Zhang, what stage has the plan for the elite troops and generals of the various garrisons within the Commandery reached?"

How is the process of demobilizing elderly, infirm, and disabled soldiers, and recruiting new soldiers, progressing?

Zhang Bin stood up, his expression serious, and clasped his hands in greeting:

"My lord, according to the plan..."

Various garrisons have begun conducting physical and skills assessments for their soldiers.

Currently, some elderly, weak, sick, and disabled soldiers have been confirmed to be leaving the military.

For these departing soldiers,

The authorities are developing a detailed resettlement plan to ensure their well-being.

The recruitment of new soldiers is also underway, and most of them are the sons and nephews of these veterans who have retired.

The first phase of the training program has begun.
But they are still young and lack experience in combat; they need a long time to develop.

Lu Yunyi pondered for a moment and nodded:

"How is the military training of the road construction laborers progressing?"

"Reporting to Your Excellency, the road construction site has now extended to two hundred li outside Daning City."

Among them, civilian laborers with military combat experience were placed at the forefront, tasked with mentoring newcomers.
The civilian labor team has now developed a basic ability for defense and counter-attack.
If another rebel attack occurs,

At least they won't panic and can organize an effective counterattack.

In addition, Lord Lu
I have deployed my most elite thousand-plus men to three nodes.
These are at the very front, and 125 li and 45 li away from Daning City, respectively.

In this way, even if rebels attack vulnerable areas,
They can also organize teams to carry out rescue and resistance operations in the first instance.

Zhang Bin spoke clearly and logically, and while many adults in the audience nodded frequently, they also showed some concern.

This was ostensibly a training exercise for civilians, but those present were all military commanders.
They knew perfectly well that this was training soldiers, just under a different name.

This matter could be considered a big deal or a small deal; if someone were to investigate, it would be seen as an attempt to rebel.

If no one investigates, or even if someone intentionally promotes it, then that is a testament to meticulous skill.

Lu Yunyi nodded slightly.
"Lord Zhang, the plan to strengthen the elite troops is key to enhancing the military strength of the Commandery, and it must be strictly controlled."

For veterans who have left the military

We must show them sufficient respect and care, making them feel valued on multiple occasions!

Lord Zhang answered solemnly:

"Rest assured, my lord, I will certainly live up to your expectations."

Finally, Lu Yunyi looked at Liu Heiying and asked:

"How effective has the cleanup of potential hazards within a thousand miles of the Northern Pacification Commandery been?"
Have the forces disrupting Daning, such as bandits, nomadic tribes, and displaced people, been effectively contained?

Liu Heiying picked up a book from the table, opened it, and said in a deep voice:

"Sir, since the cleanup began..."
The command organized several elite teams to conduct a comprehensive investigation and crackdown on potential hazards in the vicinity of Daning.

Currently, several bandit groups have been successfully wiped out.

They repelled several small tribes that attempted to invade the border of the capital, and at the same time took in and resettled many refugees.

However, he frowned slightly.

“There are still some hidden gathering places for bandits and refugees that have not been completely eliminated.”

They are very cunning, hiding deep in the mountains or in remote areas.
Some are even protected by most of the grasslands.

If the commandery were to launch a campaign to wipe them out, it might lead to a direct confrontation with most of these grassland tribes.

The lord was away from the command post for a while, and we were left without a leader to rely on.

They temporarily abandoned the campaign to eliminate these cunning individuals.

Lu Yunyi nodded firmly:

"For Da Ning to develop steadily, there must be no turmoil externally."

Send official letters to all the tribes of the grasslands, demanding that they hand over all the rebellious bandits and outlaws, leaving no one behind.

If they don't hand it over, I will personally go and arrest them. I have one month to do so!
Furthermore, all trade activities linked to the bandits and outlaws ceased until they were handed over.

"Yes!"

Liu Heiying agreed readily without any hesitation.

"Wow—"

But the meeting hall erupted into chaos, with the adults exchanging bewildered glances.
Suddenly I felt a little anxious, wanting to say something, but I didn't dare to.

Lu Yunyi took in their expressions, chuckled softly, and said in a deep voice:
"My lords, our trade with the grasslands is already an act of charity."
Without the supplies and provisions provided by Da Ning,
What they eat and what they use
How many people will starve to death and freeze to death in winter?

How come they think they're all grown up now?

Why does the military commander have to interfere when he's suppressing bandits and outlaws?
"Does this mean our entire command will have to blindly follow the lead of the grasslands from now on?" The atmosphere in the meeting hall was extremely tense.
Duan Zhengze broke out in a cold sweat and spoke hesitantly:
"My lord, many of our businesses with the vast majority of the grasslands are crucial to the livelihood of Da Ning."

Countless workshops depend on this place; it cannot be shut down.

"Yes," Hong Yishan nodded repeatedly.
"Recently, the trade cooperation between the Dusi government and most of the grasslands has been very frequent."
If this relationship should be destroyed because of bandits and outlaws...

This is not a good deal; please reconsider, sir.

"alright."

Lu Yunyi waved his hand, his gaze sweeping firmly over the crowd:
"My lords, regarding the matter of trade..."
I have some understanding of this subject and have achieved some success.

I can tell you all

In the Ming Dynasty today, the primary and secondary relationships between supply and demand are determined by the supply side, that is, by the producers.

Before there is another branch in the world that can replace Da Ning,
The cooperation between the two should be dominated by the Da Ning Commandery.

Let me put it more clearly.
The items produced by the Daningdusi workshop can be left unsold to the grasslands; at most, business will be slightly worse.

However, if most of the grasslands cannot purchase goods produced in Daning,

They will fall into turmoil, and they will freeze and starve to death.
Do you gentlemen have any objections to this point?

Lu Yunyi scanned the area, his gaze sweeping over everything within sight.

All the adults lowered their heads and remained silent.
"Very well, since the commander has effectively taken control of the life and death of most of the grassland tribes."

Why don't they obey orders?

What gives them the right to disobey orders?
"Do they outnumber us, or are their weapons sharper?"

A series of questions left many people looking at each other, unsure how to answer.
"Heh," Lu Yunyi chuckled, a slight smirk playing on his lips.
The most unreasonable thing in this world is that the strong bow down to the weak.
The matter was settled in this way, with a deadline of one month.
They were strictly ordered to send all registered bandits, outlaws, and refugees to Daning.

"have you understood?"

"Yes"

"What I've said above all pertains to the first three-year plan of Da Ning."

Each and every one of these tasks must be done with utmost care and dedication.

We must hurry, we must be anxious, we must seize the moment!
If the development of Daning stagnates, how will you all get promoted and make a fortune?

After the meeting, I hope that all of you will go back and think it over carefully.
It's for the sake of those few meager gains that have led to stagnation.

It's better to continue moving forward despite difficulties for the sake of prosperity and strength.

"Okay, let's break up the meeting!"

As Lu Yunyi finished speaking,
He was the first to stand up, and quickly left with the documents in front of him.
The officials were left looking at each other in bewilderment.
The atmosphere inside the conference hall remained oppressive, making it hard to breathe.

Once Lu Yunyi's figure had completely disappeared from sight.

The previously quiet conference hall erupted into chaos.

The crowd whispered amongst themselves, their faces filled with anxiety and confusion.

"What should we do?"
Lord Lu's decision has undoubtedly severed all ties with the grasslands!

A slightly overweight official with a round face frowned and said with a worried expression,

He kept wiping the cold sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief in his hand.

"Yes, trade cooperation involves a wide range of issues."

If this stops, countless workshops will have to shut down.

Another official echoed this sentiment, his eyes revealing deep concern.

The crowd started talking amongst themselves, and the murmur grew louder and louder, like a swarm of headless flies.

At this moment, many people turned their attention to Liu Heiying.

"Lord Liu, you have a close relationship with Lord Lu. What do you think should be done about this?"

An official asked eagerly, his eyes full of anticipation.

"Yes, Lord Liu, please give us some advice. We can't just stand by and watch the situation get out of control."

Other officials also gathered around, chattering amongst themselves.

Liu Heiying sat calmly in his chair, his gaze slowly sweeping over the crowd.

Judging from their flustered appearance, they are undoubtedly beneficiaries of this trade, so they do not want to stop this exchange.

"Lord Lu's decision has its own profound meaning; we only need to follow his orders."

Besides, as long as most of the grassland tribes hand over their people, wouldn't trade be able to continue?

"But recently, the forces of most of the grasslands have grown significantly; how could they possibly surrender so easily?"

A young general looked anxious, with veins bulging on his forehead.

Liu Heiying shook his head slightly and chuckled softly:
"If that's the case, shouldn't we suppress the momentum of these grassland tribes even more?"

Lord Lu's words are not without reason.

Da Ning controlled the supply of many resources for most of the grasslands.

In this collaboration, we already hold the dominant position; why should we constantly compromise and back down?

Everyone listened to Liu Heiying's words and looked thoughtful.

With two officials expressing their opinions in succession, they realized that this matter could not be resolved peacefully.

"That's true, but what if most of the grassland tribes unite to rebel? Wouldn't Da Ning be plunged into war?"

Hong Yishan, from the government office, sighed heavily, looking worried.

Liu Heiying shook his head helplessly:

"Lord Hong is mistaken. Our Great Ning is strong and well-supported, and its people are loyal. It is those grassland people who should be afraid."

What if there is any unusual activity in most of those grasslands?
"Then we will surely annihilate them with overwhelming force; why should we avoid their sharp edge?"

However, the crowd continued to discuss the matter, their hearts filled with unease.

Many people believe that the two adults are too optimistic.
Some underestimated the strength and determination of the grassland people, while others felt they were taking a risk.

But regardless, the matter has been settled, and all that can be done is to seek a solution.

"Lord Liu, even if what you say is true..."
With a deadline of one month, time is so tight.

Even if we can react in time, most of the grasslands won't be able to.

We cannot guarantee that they will hand over the bandits and outlaws within the stipulated time.

Duan Zhengze spoke with some concern.

Liu Heiying stood up, tidying the documents in front of him, and said in a deep voice:

"That's something the people of the grasslands should consider."

Lord Duan, you needn't worry about them so much.

The official letter from the government office was sent out within one hour and reached the various grassland tribes within three days.

After saying that, Liu Heiying ignored everyone and strode out of the conference hall.

The remaining officials looked at each other in bewilderment.
My heart is still in turmoil, and I don't know what to do.

Everyone shook their heads helplessly and left the meeting hall one after another.
They each returned to their respective government offices.
They began to think about how to deal with the impending storm.

"what?"

Half an hour later, all the influential merchants and dignitaries in Daning City received the news.

Mi Chen let out a gasp at home and stood up abruptly, his brows furrowed and his eyes filled with disbelief.

He looked at the messenger ahead and said with some shock:

"Does Lord Lu really say that?"

"Oh dear, Manager Mi, would I lie to you?"
The commander has already made a decision, and several official letters and documents have been sent out.

If we don't see them within a month, we might really have to mobilize troops!

The messenger, looking worried, approached and whispered:

"Manager Mi, you have close ties with Bai Songbu."

Send a letter quickly, demanding they hand over the person.

Otherwise, the longer the workshop is shut down, the more we will suffer!

Mi Chen felt his brow throbbing violently, and a surge of anger welled up inside him.

Why should he bear the loss according to the government's decision?

Why should he have to travel back and forth like this?

How can such a matter be discussed with the Shiramatsu tribe?
Absolutely ridiculous!
(End of this chapter)