In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 839 Successive Good News and Severe Torture
A hint of embarrassment appeared on Wang Junping's face. He rubbed his hands together and said cautiously:

"Lord Lu, I thought about what you said yesterday and found it quite reasonable."

However, this sum of 500,000 taels of silver is truly enormous.

Although I hold some position in Goryeo, I truly cannot make this decision on my own.

Lu Yunyi's expression remained calm and composed.
He leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the table:

"Lord Wang, I did not propose this number arbitrarily."

To send troops to deter Yi Seong-gye, at least 20,000 soldiers, 40,000 laborers, and all necessary provisions and weapons would be required.

In addition, Liaodong is adjacent to Goryeo.
Whether Da Ning sends troops through Liaodong or sends troops directly from Liaodong, it will always cost more money.

Five hundred thousand taels of silver would barely be enough.

In the end, you might only have a hard-earned living left.

This is already the lowest amount I can offer, considering the Goryeo royal family's long-standing loyalty to the Ming Dynasty.

If you don't believe me, Lord Wang can calculate it as you please.

Although your Goryeo army is not large,
But I imagine there are at least 20,000 soldiers.
"Calculate how much silver it would cost to mobilize 20,000 troops for a campaign?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Junping broke out in a light sweat.

Although he had no experience leading troops in battle
But the devastation caused by the locust swarms that swept across the country when the army was mobilized is still fresh in our minds.

He quickly stood up, bowed deeply to Lu Yunyi, and said:

"Lord Lu, I did not mean to refuse, but the amount is simply too large, and I find it difficult to make a decision."

I wonder if Lord Lu could consider the sincerity of the Goryeo royal family and offer a discount?
"Upon my return, I will certainly report to Your Majesty in detail and persuade Your Majesty to grant your request."

Lu Yunyi sneered:
"Lord Wang, in the business world, it's common to ask for an exorbitant price and then bargain on the spot."

But this is a battlefield, and even the lowest-ranking soldier can die.
Twenty thousand soldiers marched from Da Ning to Goryeo.

Even just walking would result in numerous deaths and injuries, and these were all elite soldiers of my Great Ming.

This price is already extremely fair, and there is no room for further negotiation.

If Goryeo doesn't even have this much sincerity, then let's just forget about it.

Wang Junping was speechless after being choked by Lu Yunyi's words.

He stood there, his face turning red and white in turns, his heart filled with anxiety.

After a moment of silence, he gritted his teeth and said:

"Lord Lu, since you are so determined, I dare not insist any further."

But this decision is so important,
I hope Lord Lu will allow me to write a letter.
I will report this matter in detail to my king, and he will make the decision.

Lu Yunyi nodded slightly, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

If he writes a letter back, the King of Goryeo, in order to preserve his throne,
The likelihood of them agreeing to the request is very high.
Even if the price is a little cheaper, it doesn't matter.

The Koreans used imported guns and weapons in their battles.
The logistics were also poorly handled, which naturally made it incredibly expensive.

But what the Ming Dynasty has been most proficient in over the past few decades is warfare.

Armor and armor were incredibly cheap.

As long as the number of people isn't too large, it won't cost much.

He smiled slightly and said:

"What Lord Wang says makes sense. This matter should indeed be decided by your king."

This official may allow you to write a letter back to your country.
However, we can't let it drag on for too long.

The Goryeo royal family is in grave danger; with each day of delay, the peril increases.

Upon hearing this, Wang Junping inwardly groaned.

But he also knew that what Lu Yunyi said was true.

The situation is urgent, and he can no longer afford to delay.

"Rest assured, Lord Lu, I will write the letter immediately."
Send it back to our country as quickly as possible, and strive to receive the King's reply as soon as possible.

"With Yi Seong-gye in control of the government, can your letter still be sent back?"

If Yi Seong-gye were to learn the contents of this letter,

Then you'll have no room for maneuver.

Wang Junping's heart tightened, and he quickly spoke:
"Please rest assured, Lord Lu, although the court is currently controlled by Yi Seong-gye..."
However, there were still some loyal officials in the court.
Sending a letter to the palace is still possible.

Lu Yunyi nodded and gestured for him to proceed.

Wang Junping then walked to the table, spread out paper and pen, and began to write furiously.

His brows were furrowed, and his pen danced rapidly across the paper.

Before long, a heartfelt and earnest letter was written.

Wang Junping carefully folded the letter and placed it in the envelope.

Then he walked up to Lu Yunyi, handed him the letter with both hands, and said with sincere eyes:

"Lord Lu, I'm entrusting this letter to you."

We earnestly hope that you can send someone back to our country as soon as possible to save our Goryeo royal family from this dire situation.

Lu Yunyi took the letter, nodded slightly, and said:

"Rest assured, Lord Wang, I will immediately arrange for someone to deliver the letter to Goryeo."

In the meantime, I hope Lord Wang will wait here patiently for news and refrain from causing any further trouble.

Wang Junping quickly nodded in agreement and said:

"Lord Lu, rest assured, I will follow your instructions and wait patiently."

As long as the adults can send troops to help.

The Goryeo royal family will forever remember your kindness.

Lu Yunyi stood up and said with a smile:

"Lord Wang, there's no need for such politeness."

"Since I have promised you, I will naturally do my best."

Having said that, he took the letter and left the house.

Wang Junping stood still.
Watching Lu Yunyi's departing figure, I felt a mix of emotions.

He didn't know if his decision was right.
It remains to be seen whether this letter can change the fate of the Goryeo royal family.

But he knew that at this moment he had no other choice.
Since cooperation with the Ming Dynasty is not possible,
Cooperation with the Ming army in one region is also an option.
The situation can't get any worse than it is now.

Lu Yunyi felt exceptionally relaxed after leaving Wang Junping's house.

He hummed a little tune and walked briskly back to his office, pondering how to handle the matter.

If such a large sum of money were to arrive...
That solved a major problem, as the road between Liaodong and Daning was now in place.

The people of Liaodong would not refuse this opportunity because of this road!
A short while later, Feng Yunfang hurriedly walked in.
With a hint of excitement on his face, he cupped his hands and said:

"My lord, good news!"
The money from the Mi family is ready.
It's been placed in a secluded house in the south of the city; we're to go and retrieve it.

A hint of surprise flashed in Lu Yunyi's eyes, and he laughed heartily:
"Good! This Mi family member is quite sensible, sending someone to retrieve the silver."

"Yes!"

After saying this, Feng Yunfang, accompanied by his carriage and several guards, headed south of the city.

Feng Yunfang, accompanied by carriages and several personal guards,
We sped along the wide streets of Daning City, heading south.

The south of the city was where the Ming people lived, and it was different from the hustle and bustle of the north.

The houses along the streets here are arranged in a pleasing, staggered pattern.
Most of the buildings are made of blue bricks and gray tiles, exuding a simple and tranquil atmosphere.

The occasional bark of a dog echoed from the deep alley, adding to the tranquility.

At this moment, the blazing sun shone on the street, covering the ground with a layer of golden gauze.

Feng Yunfang had no interest in appreciating the beautiful scenery.

He frowned slightly, his eyes scanning his surroundings warily.

As soon as he stepped into the southern part of the city, a guard rushed to Feng Yunfang's side and reported in a low voice:

"Sir, someone is following us."

Feng Yunfang's eyes instantly turned cold, a sharp glint flashing in them.

"Arrest them, but don't alert them."

The guards received the order, quickly mounted their horses, and rode away to relay the command to their comrades.

The carriage continued on its way.

Before long, the carriage arrived at an ordinary house.

The houses are surrounded by high walls.
The wall was covered with green vines, swaying gently in the breeze.

The house was locked, and the surroundings were eerily quiet.

A bodyguard approached:
"Sir, there are people watching us around here, but they don't seem to be following us."

Feng Yunfang already understood that these people who were tailing him were definitely after the Mi family.

A resolute glint flashed in his eyes as he coldly said:
"Arrest them all; don't let them escape."

The guard responded and quickly led a few men to surround the enemy.

Feng Yunfang then led the remaining men to the front of the house.
He reached under a stone by the door and quickly found a key.

Take the key and gently insert it into the lock.

With a soft "click," the door slowly opened.

He entered the house, which was dimly lit and filled with a faint smell of dust.

With the help of the faint light coming in through the window,

Feng Yunfang saw several huge boxes placed inside the room.

He was overjoyed and quickly walked to the box, reaching out to open the lid of one of the boxes. Instantly, a dazzling silver light came into view.

The box was neatly filled with gleaming silver, each ingot radiating an alluring luster.

Feng Yunfang examined it carefully.
It was confirmed that all the silver was pure silver and there was no adulteration.

He nodded in satisfaction and loudly ordered:

"Load all these boxes onto the carriage, be careful not to bump or knock them."

The guards sprang into action.
They carefully lifted the boxes one by one onto the carriage and then secured them with ropes.

After everything was settled, Feng Yunfang was preparing to leave.

The guards who had gone to catch the person keeping watch rushed over and reported:

"Sir, the suspects have been apprehended, six in total. What should we do with them?"

Feng Yunfang's eyes turned cold, and after a moment of contemplation, he said:

"Bring back."

Having said that, he led his carriages and guards...
They escorted the six captured men and sped towards the yamen (government office).

Upon returning to the yamen, Feng Yunfang, without taking a break, went straight to Lu Yunyi's office.

At this moment, Lu Yunyi was sitting at his desk, intently looking at a document.
He looked up when he heard footsteps.

Seeing Feng Yunfang's travel-worn appearance, he smiled slightly and asked:

"came back?"

Feng Yunfang quickly stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting, and said:
"My lord, the silver has been successfully retrieved and is stored in the backyard."

However, there is something I need to report to you, sir.

Lu Yunyi frowned, put down the document in his hand, his expression turned serious, and asked:
"What's the matter? Tell me."

Feng Yunfang took a deep breath and said:
"On our way to the south of the city to collect the silver, someone was following us."

Near the house, there were people keeping watch, seemingly targeting the Mi family.

My subordinates have already ordered their men to arrest them and bring them back to the yamen.

Lu Yunyi's eyes instantly turned cold:
"Yun Fang, go and interrogate those people yourself and find out who's behind it all."

"Yes!"

After saying that, he turned and walked towards the dungeon of the yamen.

The dungeon was filled with a pungent stench of decay and blood.

The torches on the walls flickered, casting a sinister and terrifying light throughout the dungeon.

The arrested individuals were placed in separate cells.

They were all huddled in the corner, their eyes filled with fear.

Feng Yunfang arrived at the first cell and looked at the trembling man inside.

He sneered and said:

"Speak, who sent you? What is your purpose here?"

The man looked up, glanced at Feng Yunfang in alarm, then quickly lowered his head again, stammering:
"My lord, I am merely an employee."
I came here just to see what was going on; I have no other purpose.

Feng Yunfang shook his head, then turned to the jailer beside him and said:
"Go, bring the instruments of torture, let him experience the consequences."

The jailer responded.
A short while later, he came over carrying various instruments of torture.

The jailer picked up a red-hot branding iron and waved it in front of the man.

Feng Yunfang said:
"If you don't tell the truth, this branding iron will be stuck on your body."
"Don't blame me for being ruthless then."

The man saw the red-hot branding iron.

He was so frightened that his face turned as pale as paper, and his body trembled uncontrollably.

He hesitated for a moment, then finally succumbed to the psychological pressure and cried out:
"My lord, spare my life! I'll tell you, I'll tell you!"

We were sent by Manager Hu Chongyi. He told us to keep an eye on the Mi family's movements.

If anything happens, report it to him immediately.

A knowing glint flashed in Feng Yunfang's eyes:
Why did Hu Chongyi do this? What grudge did he have against the Mi family?

The man quickly said:
"Sir, I only know that Manager Hu and the Mi family have some business rivalry."

I truly do not know the specific reason why this is so.

Feng Yunfang snorted coldly and said:

"You're honest enough. Men, take him away and keep a close watch on him."

Feng Yunfang turned around and looked at the stalkers who were locked in another cell.

Unlike the previous man,
Although these people were tightly bound by ropes, their eyes revealed a calmness.

Even in this gloomy and terrifying dungeon, he showed no sign of panic.

Feng Yunfang stared coldly at the man inside, his voice low and deep:

"Speak, who sent you to follow them? And what is their purpose?"

The man slightly raised his head and calmly met Feng Yunfang's gaze.

His lips were tightly closed, and he didn't say a word.

Feng Yunfang frowned slightly and turned to the jailer beside him, saying:
"Go, begin the torture!"

The jailer responded and hurriedly left.

A short while later, he came over with several jailers, carrying various instruments of torture.

Feng Yunfang walked to the instruments of torture and examined them carefully, one by one.

Finally, he picked up a pair of incredibly sharp iron pliers and slowly walked up to the man:

"I advise you to confess honestly to avoid suffering this physical pain."
These iron pliers can easily crush your bones.
Don't blame me for not giving you a chance then.

The man remained expressionless, simply turning his head to the side.

Feng Yunfang frowned again.

Such composure indicates that this person is no ordinary individual.

"Torture!"

The jailers immediately stepped forward and pinned the man firmly to the ground.

One of them picked up a pair of pliers and clamped one of the man's fingers tightly.

He gritted his teeth and squeezed hard; a cracking sound echoed in the cell.

Broken bone fragments pierced the flesh, and blood gushed out like a torrent.

The jailer didn't stop; instead, he pinched the finger and twisted it hard.
Flesh and bone intertwined instantly, as if trying to twist the finger off!
"what!"

The man finally couldn't hold back and let out a scream.
His body trembled violently, and large beads of sweat instantly appeared on his forehead.

Even so, he gritted his teeth and refused to utter a single word.

Feng Yunfang stood not far away, watching calmly.

The jailer then picked up a thick wooden stick.
It slammed down hard on the man's legs, with a cracking sound accompanied by the man's painful scream.

His legs were twisted backward, clearly broken.

However, the man only blushed with pain.

His body convulsed, but he kept his lips tightly shut and refused to speak.

Seeing this, Feng Yunfang felt even more that things were not simple.

He walked to another cell and said to the man inside:
"You guys are pretty tough, but I'd like to see how long you can keep it up."

"Torture them all!"

"Yes!"

The jailers picked up various instruments of torture again and took turns torturing the men.

The sounds of whips lashing bodies, bones breaking, and screams of agony mingled together.
The echoes reverberated through the dungeon, sending chills down one's spine.

However, no matter how the jailers tortured them.

The men remained tight-lipped, refusing to utter a single word.

Feng Yunfang realized that ordinary torture seemed to have no effect on them.

He pondered for a moment, then addressed the jailers:
"Go, fetch the painter."

Draw their faces for me, then take them to the four city gates and the military camp.

I refuse to believe I can't find someone who knows them.

The jailers obeyed and left, returning shortly with a painter.

The artist cautiously entered the dungeon.
Looking at the horrific scene before him, he couldn't help but frown.

But he still forced himself to endure the discomfort and walked up to the men.
I carefully observed their faces.
Then I picked up a paintbrush and started sketching on the paper.

Before long, several lifelike portraits were completed.

Feng Yunfang picked up the portrait, examined it carefully, nodded in satisfaction, and said:

"Go."

The jailers responded and hurriedly left with the portrait.

Feng Yunfang looked at the men again and said coldly:

Do you think you can protect the people behind you by keeping quiet?
Even if you don't tell me, I can still find out the truth.

However, before that, you will have to endure this physical pain again.

Having said that, he waved his hand again.

The jailers began a new round of severe torture.

(End of this chapter)