In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 845: Stones from other mountains can attack jade

"Another death?"

Inside the council hall of the Military Commandery,
Lu Yunyi looked at Feng Yunfang, who had come to deliver the news, with some shock, and his voice suddenly rose.

Swish, swish, swish,
Many eyes turned to them.

The faces of the many adults present immediately turned extremely grim.

Feng Yunfang nodded emphatically:
"Sir, someone has died at the fur workshop on Fine Sand Street."

The furs were piled up in the warehouse.

The foreman kept saying that they couldn't start production without raw materials, but the workers wouldn't admit it.

They started arguing back and forth.
The foreman said he would deduct their wages, and that's when the fight started.

Finally, the steward was beaten to death.

Feng Yunfang's voice grew softer and softer, but everyone could hear the bias in his words.
Lu Yunyi nodded:
"I understand. Who from the Commandery was present?"

"Ortai is here."

"Let him handle the aftermath and appease the workers and the people."

"Yes!"

Feng Yunfang walked away quickly, and the crowd looked at his back, exchanging bewildered glances. Many of them had strange expressions, and the atmosphere suddenly became somber.

Two deaths in quick succession would normally not attract the attention of the authorities.

But now, at this crucial moment, it happens to represent public opinion.
Lu Yunyi glanced at everyone present, his expression calm and his eyes unwavering.

After glancing around, he looked at Prefect Hong Yishan and said calmly:

"Lord Hong, with one death after another occurring, what explanation does the government have?"

Cold sweat streamed down Hong Yishan's forehead as he stammered, "..."
"Reporting to Your Excellency, the government office already spoke with those merchants yesterday."
They promised me they would open the gates today.
I just didn't expect that although the door was open, no work had started. It's outrageous!

After the meeting,

"I will go and fetch them again, and order them to start work!"

“But…” Hong Yishan paused, pursed his lips, and said:

"Sir, these merchants are all profit-driven people."

The commandery is currently preparing for war with the grasslands, and all business has ceased.

Even if they manage to create something, they'll have nowhere to go, so it's only natural for them to have such worries.

"Our prefectural and military offices can't push people to their deaths."

Upon hearing this, everyone present frowned, some admiring Hong Yishan's audacity.

In such a critical time, how dare they defend these merchants?

Hong Yishan, on the other hand, secretly groaned in his heart.

He wasn't speaking for these merchants, but for the business dealings between them.

If business were to stop for a month, who knows what kind of chaos would erupt in the city, and his responsibility would be even greater then.

Zhang Bin, acting as the deputy commander, pursed his lips and said softly:
"Lord Hong, with the workshops closed, the people have nothing to do all day."

If they were allowed to gather at the workshop entrance, it would be strange if no trouble broke out.

Moreover, the situations in the south and north of the city are different, as Lord Hong is surely aware of.
If things continue to be chaotic like this, it will make things very difficult for the city's garrison.

Everyone looked at Zhang Bin again and felt that what he said made sense.

Commander Duan Zhengze tentatively spoke:
"Starting construction now will undoubtedly mean taking money from a bunch of merchants."
Rumors were already circulating yesterday.
It's said that the government offices robbed the rich to help the poor; their reputation is terrible.

"Yes, yes, merchants came to our door yesterday."
They said they wanted to increase the orders from the government offices so that the officials could make a living.
It seems that the work stoppage wasn't their intention; they simply had no other choice.

A man in his forties from the government office spoke in a deep voice, his tone filled with concern for the country and its people.

Amidst the conflicting opinions, shutting down the workshop has become almost a matter of survival.

As the conversation deepened, many people gradually turned their attention to the young adult at the head of the table.
In the current military command, although it's not exactly a one-man show, it's pretty much the same.

Ultimately, the decision rests with the person in front of you.
Lu Yunyi noticed the gazes of the crowd, but his expression remained calm.
He simply looked at Wu Su'an, the head of the Experience Department, and said in a deep voice:

"Lord Wu, please put all other matters aside after the meeting."

Send out clerks and officials from the Records Office.

Centered on Xisha Street, efforts were made to expand outwards, registering all workshops that were unable to continue operating.

Wu Su'an agreed without any hesitation:
"Yes, my lord!"

The group looked at each other, puzzled as to why this arrangement was made.

"My lord, what... what is this?" Assistant Commissioner Duan Zhengze asked tentatively.

Lu Yunyi leaned back in his chair and said in a deep voice:
"As you all surely know, the workshops are now essential to the livelihood of most people in Daning City."
"Take this opportunity to see how many workshops in the city are like this, so fragile and dependent on foreign trade for survival."

Upon hearing this, a question arose in everyone's mind: why was that?
Lu Yunyi continued:

"The primary task of the Beiping Regional Military Command was to defend against wars on the northern grasslands, that is, military affairs."

Is it acceptable for the military command to be in such disarray before the war has even begun?
Gentlemen, you are all generals who lead armies into battle.
How to quell external enemies when there is internal unrest?

Not to mention the massive attack by the Northern Yuan,
The fact that just a few major tribes of the Northern Yuan have already thrown the Military Command into such chaos is utterly unacceptable.
So, taking this opportunity,

The military command and the prefectural government should make thorough contingency plans.
Workshops that are vulnerable to change will be identified.

In the future, we should try our best to avoid involving the livelihoods of the people in Daning City.

Orders and jobs from the military command and government offices should also be controlled, and we should try not to give them any work.

Otherwise, if war were to break out, the government would have to rely on them to maintain stability within the city.

Who knows how chaotic things will get.

Upon hearing this, the high-ranking officials stared blankly at the head of the table, looking at him with disbelief.

That's not what they meant.
Things took an unexpected turn, and Hong Yishan quickly said:

"Sir, doing this might bring you infamy."

"Let them curse."

"Sir, if this is not handled properly..."
It seems many shopkeepers are reluctant to discuss the workshop.

If they refuse to do it...

Hong Yishan's voice abruptly stopped as Lu Yunyi's eyes shot over like thorns.
"Lord Hong, the Military Command should prioritize military matters."
Everything must give way to defense and military needs.
Since these merchants are of no use, let them be.
Let them go wherever they can make money.

"Liaodong, Beiping, or Shaanxi, Shanxi, or at worst Ningxia—why do you have to stay in Daning?"

Hong Yishan's face was stiff, cold sweat streamed down his forehead, and he said with a forced smile:

"My lord, in matters of commerce, appeasement should be the primary approach, with force as a secondary measure. Doing things this way might be..."

Lu Yunyi waved his hand:
"Alright, I have some experience and achievements in the business world as well."
I know perfectly well how to treat merchants; Lord Hong need not say more.

He then looked at Wu Su'an:
"Go now, because workshops that lack raw materials, have damaged equipment, or are short of staff are all on the list."

They are currently unable to operate and are facing daily losses.

Considering the significant contributions these merchants have made to Daning City, continuing to lose money like this is not a sustainable solution.

Here's what we'll do: if they're willing to sell their workshop, the Military Command can take it over.
"Have the household and property go together, and offer a price based on the taxes paid."

Wu Su'an stood there, stunned and somewhat bewildered.
However, he quickly realized what was happening and nodded hurriedly:
"Yes, sir, I will make the arrangements immediately."

"Well, let's go."

Lu Yunyi smiled and nodded.

After Wu Su'an left, Lu Yunyi's smile faded, and he glanced at the assembled adults, asking calmly:

"Judging by the time, the letter should have been delivered by now. Has there been a reply?"

Zhang Bin replied:
"My lord, it will take three days to deliver the message to most of the grasslands."
A reply may come in two or three days.

Lu Yunyi nodded in satisfaction:

"It seems that all of you gentlemen know that it only takes three days to travel from the grasslands to Daning City, then..."
If they are not prepared to hand over the bandits,
They prepared to fight a decisive battle with Da Ning to determine who was superior.
"Has the Military Commandery fully prepared its response measures?" "Lord Zhang, as the garrison commander of Daning City, are there any contingency plans in place for the defense of the four city gates?"

Are there any plans to protect the construction sites outside the city?

Upon hearing this, everyone present was stunned, and then felt a chill in their hearts.

The grasslands are now severely damaged; it's fortunate they can even do business.
Everyone knew they wouldn't dare to provoke Da Ning, but the lord in front of them said it anyway.

Zhang Bin pursed his lips, took a deep breath, and said in a deep voice:

"Reporting to you, sir, the city defense army's battle plan is still being formulated."
If war breaks out with the powerful northern clans, the city's garrison will do everything in its power to defend Daning City and the construction sites outside the city.

Lu Yunyi frowned slightly and shook his head:

"Lord Zhang, two days have passed."

Why is it still being drafted? Weren't there any contingency plans in place beforehand?

The sudden attack made Zhang Bin's face stiffen, and the hand under the table clenched tightly.
With the grassland in such a state of disrepair, how could they possibly make a defense plan?

Several commanders present raised their heads sharply, their eyes showing a hint of shock.

They all knew that Zhang Bin was the most likely candidate for promotion to Assistant Commander of the Capital Garrison.
This questioning now is not merely an inquiry, but also a reproach.
This caused the commanders to fall into deep thought, their minds racing.

Zhang Bin took a deep breath and said in a deep voice:

"Lord Lu, the city's defense forces have contingency plans for dealing with attacks from the grasslands, but that was a long time ago."

Now that the Northern Yuan has collapsed, the grasslands are in disarray.
The nomadic people of the grasslands did not yet have the capability to reach Daning City from the northern border.
Even if that happens, there's still time to develop a defensive strategy.

"That means there isn't any left."

Lu Yunyi's voice was calm, but it made Zhang Bin's heart tighten.

"Perfect timing. While the city is in chaos, let's find out about some of the old problems."
Treat what can be treated, and find a way to treat what cannot be treated. Asu.

Asu, who was concentrating on taking notes, paused upon hearing the sound.
He looked up somewhat blankly and found that all the adults present were looking at him.

He looked up and met a pair of warm eyes.
Asu quickly put down his brush and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture:

"grown ups."

"You've been in Daning City for many years and are very familiar with things in the north of the city."
"You will be responsible for a portion of the defense against the Northern Yuan this time, and will work with Lord Zhang to formulate the plan."

Asu was even more bewildered; how could he possibly devise a plan for city defense?

It is a top secret in any city, and usually only a few people know about it.

He, a mere commander of a garrison, what merit or ability does he possess?
However, he wasn't stupid.
On the contrary, having served as an official in the Ming court for so long,
He had already roughly figured out some of the rules of officialdom.

Knowing that this was an act of deliberate promotion by the adults,
Or… Asu glanced at Zhang Bin, quickly gathered his thoughts, and said in a deep voice:

"You flatter me, sir. I have always been in charge of the land reclamation outside the city, and I am quite unfamiliar with defense."

"If you understand land reclamation so well, then building defenses will be a piece of cake."

The matter is settled then, Lord Zhang, do you have any objections?

Lu Yunyi ignored A Su's resistance.

Instead, he looked at Zhang Bin with a half-smile, his eyes holding a profound meaning.

Zhang Bin suddenly held his breath, a surge of resentment welling up inside him.
This matter is of greater political significance than practical significance!
He was at a crucial stage in his promotion, which made it hard for him not to overthink things.

Taking a deep breath, Zhang Bin said in a deep voice:

"My lord, I have no objection."

"Alright, produce a concrete defense plan within three days, lest the grassland people resort to desperate measures. Liu Heiying."

"What are your orders, sir?" Liu Heiying said solemnly, straightening his back.

"Lord Zhang and Asu made a defense plan."

You and Zhang Huai'an and others developed an attack plan.

If the Northern Yuan rebels are unwilling to hand over the people, then let's be decisive and settle things with swords and spears.

Suddenly, Lu Yunyi's demeanor changed abruptly.
The atmosphere suddenly turned cold and somber, creating a more oppressive atmosphere in the council chamber.

"Yes, sir!" Liu Heiying accepted the task without any hesitation.

After doing all this, Lu Yunyi looked at Prefect Hong Yishan and said calmly:

"Lord Hong, once the division of the business is completed by the Director..."

The government must immediately begin the process of acquiring the trading company.
Regarding the price, the company negotiated with the homeowner.

Since it's a business that doesn't make money, then you have to offer discounts.
Don't be foolish and buy at full price or even a premium; at least get it at half price!

Hong Yishan stood there, stunned, somewhat anxious:
"My lord, most of the government's funds and provisions have been invested in construction sites outside the city and the sweet potato harvest. There is currently no money left."

"Lord Hong need not worry about the money. This money will be provided by the Commander, and the Commander will also manage it after the acquisition of the trading company."

Lu Yunyi appeared very calm, as if the commander was well-off.

But those adults at that level know that...
The capital is now completely empty; all the money is being sent to construction sites outside the city.

Lu Yunyi glanced around and spoke calmly:
"When I went to the capital, I did a business deal with some merchants there."
They selected the finest furs to make luxurious fur coats, which were then sold in the capital.

Furthermore, they jointly established a trading company, and the first payment of 50,000 taels of silver has already been made.

It is now stored in the back hall of the military headquarters, and this money is earmarked for specific purposes.

However, considering the urgency of the matter, it can be used first to collect money from these unprofitable and risk-resistant merchants in the city. Lord Hong should spend it sparingly.

Fifty thousand taels?
The adults present looked around somewhat bewildered.

How could such a large sum of money have come so quietly, without them even hearing a peep?
Also, what exactly are luxury goods? How much fur can cost to sell for 50,000 taels?

Lu Yunyi did not explain his doubts.

Instead, he looked at Hong Yishan and raised his chin:
"Lord Hong, is this money enough?"

Hong Yishan's face was grim; he didn't know what to say anymore, and could only nod with difficulty.
"That's enough. That's more than enough."

"Okay, then let's get to work on it quickly. Those projects that aren't starting..."
Even workshops that started operations and made up various excuses won't fare well in their hands; they'll take them all! Does Lord Hong understand?

Lu Yunyi gave Hong Yishan a deep look, the warning in his eyes clear.

"Understood, Your Excellency understands." Hong Yishan nodded repeatedly.

Lu Yunyi nodded:
"Liu Heiying, these merchants are incredibly audacious; they're colluding with the Northern Yuan people."

Two thousand soldiers from the new city garrison were transferred into the city to temporarily manage its defenses.

"Yes!"

A sinister smile curled at the corner of Liu Heiying's lips as he glanced around and deliberately raised his voice in agreement.

The meeting at the Military Commandery's office ended in a strange and inexplicable atmosphere.
All the adults seemed absent-minded when they left the yamen, and it was unclear what they were thinking.

Many people lingered on Zhang Bin's retreating figure, lost in thought.

Today, whether for merchants or for the Northern Yuan,
It seems that the one who suffered the greatest loss was this Lord Zhang!

Moreover, there is already a possibility of losing promotion.

And the biggest winner of this meeting was undoubtedly Asu.

Many people pondered this, suggesting it might be a tactic to win over the Northern Yuan people.
Zhang Bin hurried back to the yamen.

I met Gao Haoxuan, who had been waiting there for a long time.
His gaze suddenly fell on his left hand, which was wrapped in burlap.

Gao Haoxuan stood up, his face showing anxiety:
"My lord, how is it?"

Zhang Bin did not answer, but looked at his palm and said coldly:

"Open."

"What?" Gao Haoxuan was taken aback.

Zhang Bin's face instantly turned cold and ferocious as he shouted:
"I told you to open it!!"

(End of this chapter)