In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 848 A Powerful Strike: Human Nature is Inherently Evil

As evening approached, news of the incident on Xisha Street in the north of the city had spread throughout the government offices, causing a great uproar.

Such a forced sale,

Even on the northern grasslands, it would seem extremely crude.

But that's exactly what the government did.

Many people were secretly annoyed.
Why couldn't these merchants have held out a little longer?
Instead, they surrendered immediately after receiving the tax bill.

As darkness fell, the lights inside the military headquarters remained on.

Many adults stayed behind, anxiously awaiting news.

This struggle is not only a struggle for internal and external balance,
It was still an internal power struggle, from which none of the powerful and influential figures could escape.

Wu Su'an returned to the yamen with a thick stack of documents, followed by exhausted clerks whose large baskets were half empty.

He looked at the group of officials, sighed deeply, and said:

"Put your things down and go tidy up. Return to the yamen to work in half an hour."

The business acquired today is scheduled to start operations tomorrow.
"We need to decide on a manager as soon as possible; we can't delay."

"Yes!"

The officials, realizing the seriousness of the matter, readily agreed.

After the officials left, Wu Su'an returned to the yamen with the documents.

After making some preliminary arrangements, he took the documents to the central office in the back hall.

When I arrived here, just as I was about to go in,

Feng Yunfang extended his hand, somewhat embarrassed, and said:

"Lord Wu, please wait outside for a moment. Lord Asu is reporting from inside."

Wu Su'an nodded in realization:

"it is good."

Inside the room, Asu sat across the long table, recounting the events of the day.

From the time the incident occurred in the north of the city until Li Xian finally stepped in to quell the matter,
He spoke in great detail, his expression growing increasingly grave.
On the contrary, Lu Yunyi's expression was extremely calm, and even seemed somewhat absent-minded in A Su's eyes.

"My lord, that's how it is."

After finishing his explanation, Asu looked at Lu Yunyi somewhat nervously.
He was found standing there, stunned, with lifeless eyes.
Clearly, he hadn't listened to anything that had just happened.

"grown ups?"

Lu Yunyi then came to his senses and smiled apologetically:

"I was just spacing out. I know what you're talking about. What do you think Li Xian's motives are?"

Asu straightened his expression and said:

"My lord, I believe this is Lord Li trying to curry favor with the Commander."

"why?"

"His actions today clearly indicate that someone asked him for a favor, perhaps it was done by Lord Zhang."

But Lord Li's last words subtly implied that this humble official was likely to be promoted.
After much deliberation, I realized that he was implying he would not take sides.
even
"I believe that if I were to ask Lord Li for help in quelling the unrest in the north of the city, he would not hesitate to offer his assistance."

Asu spoke in a clear voice, expressing all his thoughts.

Lu Yunyi nodded:
"Li Xian has lived in the city for a long time and has always been very peaceful."

He did not participate in either the previous matter of the Yellow Register or the recent business matters.

If he wanted to participate, given his high moral standing, he would surely become one of the leaders.

Asu nodded in agreement:

"My lord, some merchants in the north of the city originally worked for Lord Li."
Even during wartime, they played a role in connecting the inside and outside.

"Um"

Lu Yunyi nodded. The Northern Expedition of 212...

Many people within the Northern Yuan court were colluding with foreign powers and sending messages to the Ming Dynasty.

Li Xian, relying on his father's and cousins' connections with the Ming Dynasty, had previously engaged in such activities.

Although it did not play a decisive role,

But their attitude has always been correct.

The imperial court praised him highly for this and invited him to serve as an official in the court several times, but he refused each time.

In the city of Daning today, there are very few people who are more respected than him.

After a pause, Lu Yunyi looked at Asu with a half-smile and asked:

"If there's an opportunity for promotion, will you be able to seize it?"

"what?"

Asu was stunned for a moment, somewhat shocked.

He was promoted to commander this year; if he gets promoted again, that would be too fast.

However, Asu quickly regained his composure and said firmly:
"Reporting to my lord, I am willing to serve you like a dog or a horse."

Lu Yunyi's smile widened, and he gently waved his hand:

“You are highly respected in the north of the city, and many people believe what you say.”

As long as the north of the city remains stable and no further disturbances occur, I can overcome all opposition and promote you!

Asu suddenly felt a little dazed, as if he had returned to the Northern Yuan royal court.

Having worked in the Ming Dynasty officialdom for so many years
He always speaks in roundabout ways, and the deeper meaning is left for each person to discover.

He was quite uncomfortable with the way the adult in front of him spoke so directly.

But once you've taken office, there's no one who doesn't want a promotion!

He stood up and bowed deeply:
"Thank you for your promotion, sir. I will do my utmost to ensure the safety and well-being of the people, merchants, and businesses in the north of the city!"

"Yes, don't reveal today's events to outsiders. You also need to pay attention to the defense plans for the north of the city."

"Yes!"

"That's enough for today, let's go back now."

"I am resigning."

Asu cupped his hands in greeting, then turned and left.

The moment he turned around, his previously tense face lit up with a radiant smile, and he couldn't stop smiling no matter what.

Before long, Wu Su'an hurriedly entered the yamen with the documents in his hand.

The oppressive atmosphere that enveloped him made his expression even more serious.

"sit."

Lu Yunyi put down a document in his hand and gestured for him to sit down.

After Wu Su'an sat down, she made no formalities.
Instead, he handed over the document immediately and said softly:

"Sir, these are the documents for today's acquisition of the business, as well as some land deeds."

The accounts are still being sorted out and may take some time.

The manager to be dispatched tomorrow is also under discussion.
We must strive to start production tomorrow and prevent any trouble from arising at the North City Trading Company.

Lu Yunyi gently flipped through the documents, nodding frequently.
He had no doubt about Wu Su'an's abilities; she had accomplished so much in just one day.

"What's the public's reaction? Has anyone resorted to insults and profanities?"

Lu Yunyi asked with a smile.

Wu Su'an's expression was somewhat strange, and she gently shook her head:

"My lord, having learned from the experience of the construction site outside the city..."
The people of the city applauded the government's acquisition of the businesses.
Some ordinary people were even wondering if the merchant would provide meals.

Lu Yunyi chuckled and shook his head helplessly.
"Do you see? The common people don't care about any important matters of the court."
As long as I have enough to eat and wear, I'm already very satisfied.

As for other forms of extravagance and debauchery, those are things to do after one has eaten one's fill.

"Your Excellency is wise. Today, when I saw those people waiting to be worked, I felt very bad."

Under the scorching sun, they sat against the wall, waiting for news.

Especially after their subordinates went down, they saw hope and refused to leave; several old men even suffered heatstroke and fainted.

"How was it handled?"

"My subordinate gave them some money and had the clerk take them to the clinic."

Lu Yunyi nodded:
"The things that the government does nowadays can attract criticism, so we should try not to leave any evidence against them."

"Subordinates, please remember this!"

"How much silver did you spend?"

"Reporting to your Excellency, we have acquired sixteen merchant houses in total."
There were three large merchant houses, costing nearly nine thousand taels of silver.
The rest were mostly small businesses, costing no more than five thousand taels.

After deducting some overdue and necessary taxes, there were still 33,000 taels of silver left.

Lu Yunyi's brow twitched wildly, somewhat incredulous:

"It only cost that little?" Wu Su'an nodded:
"My lord, I've figured it out now. None of these business managers are clean."

Not paying taxes is a minor issue; some craftsmen have even reported them for disregarding human life.

My subordinate learned this from a fur workshop.

Last month, two illegal workers from the grasslands died of heatstroke in the warehouse.

In the end, they only paid less than one tael of silver, and with the help of officials covering it up, the matter was dropped.

Lu Yunyi frowned, his eyes flashing with a fierce light:

"Make a note of all these shopkeepers, and deal with them after the storm has passed."

Wu Su'an nodded:
"Sir, there is a classification record on the last page of the document."

Several shopkeepers stopped production under pressure, and their subordinates did not make things difficult for them.

He told them they would start work tomorrow and then left.

"Hmm, well done. These workshops acquired by the government will be temporarily managed by the Registrar's Office."

You must remember, there are now jobs in the city.
Now that the people have a chance to make a living, they can no longer act as recklessly as before.

Although they were from the Northern Yuan Dynasty

But now that we've come to Daning City, we're all Daning people, regardless of whether we're from the south or the north of the city.

The workshops in Chengnan are all easy and lucrative jobs, and the situation cannot be reversed in a short period of time.

In the north of the city, the workshops must at least ensure their basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, and transportation, and more importantly, guarantee their safety.

A business can only thrive if everyone, from top to bottom, acts in the best interests of the business.
This will make the business better and earn more money, thus creating a positive cycle.

If they are exploited in every way, the workshop workers will be left helpless and vulnerable, their lives hanging by a thread.
It would be strange if this business were to thrive.

"You just said that the people in the north of the city have demands for food and drink, so let's address that first."

All workshops under the jurisdiction of the department, regardless of profit or loss, must be provided with food and drink; go back and carefully calculate the accounts.

Wu Su'an nodded repeatedly:
"My lord, the workshops we've acquired this time are all highly profitable."
Moreover, for financially stable businesses, providing food and drink is not a problem.

"Yes, the workshop must be people-oriented; only then can it grow and become stronger."
We'll start work tomorrow, and announce the news once the matter with the grasslands is settled.

"Yes!"

Wu Su'an looked somewhat hesitant and asked softly:

"My lord, if we are truly to start a war with the grasslands, should the workshops operate at full capacity or just barely manage to stay afloat?"

"Let's maintain this for now; scarcity always makes things valuable."

Trade with the grasslands went too smoothly.
Many businesses have started internal competition, causing prices to drop again and again. This won't do!
Next, these workshops must maintain basic production.

To sell at a higher price, you must minimize production and maximize quality.

As for war and the like, there's no need to worry.

There are so many people on the grassland.

Even if the White Pine Tribe is gone, there's still the Red Pine Tribe. As long as everyone survives, there will always be something to sell.

"Yes, I understand."

"During this period, the company may have to work overtime."
Talk to the officials properly, reason with them and appeal to their emotions; this year's reward will not be less than last year's!
Okay, go get back to work.

Wu Su'an looked excited and quickly stood up:
"On behalf of my many colleagues, I thank you, sir."

"go Go."

"Subordinates resign!"

After Wu Su'an left, Lu Yunyi did not continue to look at the documents in his hand, but instead thoughtfully rested his chin on his hand.

The imperial court now has a Market Regulation Bureau, but the local governments do not.

It is conceivable that establishing a municipal administration office in a local area would be much more difficult than in the capital.

Should Da Ning be a pioneer in this?
This move has both advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that it can gain the support of the palace, while the disadvantage is that it may incur hostility from various provinces.

After all, being unconventional is a sin at any time.

Lu Yunyi put the matter aside for the time being, intending to observe the effects of the merchants under the jurisdiction of the Commandery before making any further decisions.

At that moment, the guard at the door knocked gently, and a loud voice responded:
"My lord, Yang Shiqi and Xie Jin request an audience."

Lu Yunyi paused, his hand stilling as he was about to pick up the document. He looked up and chuckled softly.
"Let them in."

Shortly after, the door opened, and two tall, handsome men walked in.
But the "middle-aged man" has a dark and cracked complexion.

They wore coarse linen clothes and cloth shoes, the most common type of shoes in the city.
He looked disheveled and reeked of a sour stench.

He looked like an old farmer who had just emerged from the ground.

Lu Yunyi's expression was somewhat strange as he looked at the two of them and asked in surprise:

Where have you all been?

Yang Shiqi looked at the attire he and his companion were wearing.
Perhaps a little embarrassed, he gave an awkward laugh and explained:

"My lord, Brother Da Shen and I went to a village outside the city to teach writing, and we have just returned."

Upon hearing that you had returned from the capital, I immediately came to pay you a visit.

I didn't even have time to change my clothes, please don't be offended.

Xie Jin, who was standing to the side, also cupped his hands in a respectful gesture.
His expression no longer held its usual arrogance, but instead conveyed a sense of helplessness at having no other options.

Lu Yunyi sized up the two of them, then smiled and gestured for them to stop.

"Sit down, sit down. You two have made significant contributions to Da Ning."
I've heard that schools have been set up in many villages outside the city. I heard you are teachers?

Yang Shiqi smiled sheepishly:
"My lord, we are just following suit."

Because there are too many villages in the surrounding area, the two of us couldn't manage it all.

Only a few bright children could be selected to teach, learning some simple characters.

At this point, Xie Jin spoke curtly:
"My lord, I request that the Commander assign us more scholars."

The villagers around the city are simply... utterly hopeless!

"I have never seen such a stupid person in my entire life."

Xie Jin wanted to say something, but Yang Shiqi pinched his thigh hard.

Xie Jin didn't hold back either, glaring back:

Why are you pinching me?!

He turned to look at Lu Yunyi:
"My lord, there are dozens of villages outside the city, but there are no more than a hundred people who can write their own names completely!"
Those who can work as substitute teachers and instruct others are no more than thirty years old...
With just these resources, it's far too difficult to complete the task assigned by the Commander!

Lu Yunyi listened attentively, a smile always playing on his lips.

I'd only heard bad news for the first few days after I got back, but finally I heard some good news.

"What tasks did the Commander give you?"

At this point, Xie Jin reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.
He was a little agitated and spoke indignantly:
"Sir, Lord Liu has instructed us to ensure that each village has three villagers who can read the entire notice within a year. How is that even possible?"

Yang Shiqi seemed to have thought of something bad as well.
He became listless and sighed constantly.

If this were a village inside the Great Wall...

They could be more than three, or even ten.

Unfortunately, this is outside the Great Wall, and the area outside the city is inhabited by nomadic people from the grasslands.
They couldn't even recognize the characters of the Northern Yuan, let alone the characters of the Ming Dynasty.

After nearly half a year of hard work, the task is still far from being completed.

Lu Yunyi smiled:

"The Commandery is a place that oversees military affairs, and its mission is military matters."

Now that the order has been given, carry it out properly and think of a solution.

Xie Jin looked at Lu Yunyi with a strange expression.
Although the person in front of me does things that are both praised and criticized, he has always been easy to talk to.

How come you've become like those high-ranking officials in the military command today!
Overcome difficulties!
Before he could speak, Lu Yunyi said:

"Minister Li of the Ministry of Rites in the capital has promised me that he will send more scholars to the area beyond the Great Wall to spread the king's teachings."
Once they arrive, things should be a bit easier for you.

The two of them straightened their backs immediately.

The grief and anger in my heart vanished without a trace, replaced by ecstasy!
Who comes to this shabby place?
it is good!it is good!it is good!
Yang Shiqi tentatively asked:

"My Lord, is this true?"

"Of course it's true, Minister Li personally promised me."

Once they arrive, they will all be under your command. The most important task is to help more people learn to read.

After all, only those who can read can understand notices.

That way we won't be fooled by some rich gentlemen, don't you think?

The two men looked extremely solemn, their hearts heavy with worry.

They are blatantly lying and deceiving the public with their notices; this is a common occurrence for them.
Especially when drawing the fish-scale yellow book,
They can turn white into black, causing many deaths.

Having been there for so long, the arrogance of scholars in their hearts had vanished.

It's not that human nature is inherently good, but rather that human nature is inherently evil.

(End of this chapter)