In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 886 When the granaries are full, people know etiquette; when they are well-fed and clothed, they know honor and shame.
"Is Zixian involved in this kind of thing?"

These words caused a tense atmosphere in the room, and many people narrowed their eyes, their gazes subtly shifting towards the person at the head of the table.
His gaze swept back and forth between Liu Sizhen and Lu Yunyi, his expression inscrutable.

Grandpa Liu paused with a smile, as if waiting for a reply.

Lu Yunyi showed a hint of surprise and some doubt:
Who is Zixian?

The somber atmosphere dissipated like bamboo shoots after a spring rain, turning into an extremely awkward situation, with many people looking bewildered.

This answer was unexpected, yet reasonable. It would be strange if a commander-in-chief could remember such an unknown soldier.

However, Liu Hongzhong was certain that this person was pretending to be stupid, because he had just mentioned Liu Zixian and asked whether he was dead or alive.

However, Liu Hongzhong wouldn't be foolish enough to expose them on the spot in such a situation.

Seeing that no one spoke, Lu Yunyi smiled, somewhat apologetically:

"There are too many people involved with the rebels. There are at least eight hundred or a thousand people named Zixian. Which one is Uncle concerned about? You can tell me, and I will send someone to help you investigate."

"However, since the rebels are involved, the outcome may not be good."

A hint of embarrassment flashed in Liu Sizhen's eyes. His whole body tensed, his breathing became slightly heavy, and he took a deep breath:

"It's Liu Zixian, the manager of Yingtian Trading Company. He was recently charged with smuggling by the capital government."

"In charge?" Lu Yunyi was taken aback, then shook his head and smiled wryly:

"I haven't been involved in the affairs of Yingtian Trading Company for a long time. The company is expanding rapidly now, and there are many people in charge."

"Well then, when I get back, I'll write a letter to my father-in-law and ask him who this Liu Zixian is."

"you!"

Liu Sizhen's eyes widened; it was clear that Lu Yunyi was going to deny everything.

Before he could speak, Lu Yunyi looked over with a smile:

"I wonder what Uncle wants to do? Is he trying to exonerate him? Or does he want to see his criminal record?"

Liu Sizhen's face stiffened; those words had struck at his Achilles' heel.
If the joint investigation by the three judicial authorities can still result in acquittal, then such extraordinary power is truly remarkable.

He originally just wanted to express his dissatisfaction through this matter, but he didn't expect to be speechless now.

"Hahaha, since it's a serious crime of smuggling, then there's nothing wrong with it, and all the punishments are deserved."

"Yunyi, the boss just wanted to ask, he didn't mean anything else."

At this moment, the third brother, Liu Sirui, patted his stomach and spoke up, appearing very forthright.

Lu Yunyi smiled and nodded after hearing this, then said nothing more.

Judging from the current situation, there is some disharmony among the three branches of the Liu family; at least the eldest and the third son don't get along.

Seeing that the atmosphere was a bit quiet, Old Master Liu waved his hand with a smile:
"The person has been acknowledged. It's getting late, you should all go back and rest."
Yun Yi had a long and tiring journey, so we didn't delay his rest.

Since that had already been said, all the men and women present stood up, bowed, and slowly left the main hall.

After they all left, Liu Yanchen turned to look at Lu Yunyi, who was also standing there as steady as a mountain, and smiled:
"Yunyi, I'm sorry to have made you laugh. You come from a humble family, you don't know how to be flexible, and you don't speak politely."

"Grandfather, please don't say that. I have seen some prominent families in the capital."
However, compared to my grandfather's house, it was still slightly inferior; at least in terms of etiquette and manners.

"Hahahaha." Liu Yanchen chuckled dryly twice, leaned back in his chair, and said:
"Zhili was a place of constant warfare, where anyone who wanted to conquer the world had to fight to the death, which led to the frequent changes of powerful and influential families there."

Now that the Ming Dynasty has risen, a new batch of powerful and wealthy people has emerged, so it is normal for them to lack a solid foundation.

If this were in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, or Jiangxi, the Liu family would be insignificant.

Lu Yunyi nodded in deep agreement:

"Grandfather is absolutely right. The imperial court has no way to deal with those powerful and influential families."

"Since ancient times, imperial power has not extended to the countryside; the villages and fields have been governed by the gentry."
The fact that the imperial court has now opened schools in the countryside is a significant step forward; one must take things one step at a time.

As the head of a powerful clan, he felt a strong sense of crisis as the imperial court tightened its grip.

That's why he hastily ordered a family member to take up an official post, so that if something really happened in the future, there would be someone to take care of him.

"Back then, when I sent Sili to serve in the imperial court, I thought it would be a great achievement for him to even become a prefect."

Unexpectedly, he has now entered the capital to serve as an official, and even became one of the Nine Ministers.

Moreover, this minor Nine Minister wielded more power than some of the major Nine Ministers.
I was caught completely off guard, and none of my preparations were needed. It really is a matter of timing and fate.

Lu Yunyi smiled slightly, knowing what Liu Yanchen wanted to ask, and said directly:

“My father-in-law is proficient in mathematics and has a knack for making money. He manages the business in an orderly manner, and all the government departments are very satisfied with him in this position.”

Liu Yanchen's eyes lit up, and the wrinkles on his aged face seemed to soften somewhat as he nodded repeatedly.

"It's good to be able to sit still; even if you're a low-ranking official, it takes skill to be able to sit still."

As for you, Yunyi, your official position is extremely secure, and some of the businesses in your household have trade dealings with Da Ning.

They say that Daning is changing rapidly, with the pace of change accelerating every day, especially in terms of the local customs; they say the people have become much more amiable.

Lu Yunyi nodded slightly: "When people have money and a livelihood, they have hope for the future and will naturally live in harmony."

If one has no ties or worries, and no one knows where their next meal will come from, a mere argument could lead to a murder in the street.

A hint of surprise flashed in Liu Yanchen's eyes. After thinking carefully, he nodded slightly.

"When the granaries are full, people know etiquette; when they are well-fed and clothed, they know honor and shame. The ancients were right."

"Is Yun Yi here to discuss road repairs?"

When it came to serious matters, Lu Yunyi's expression became solemn:
"The funds allocated by the imperial court are in place, and the Beiping Regional Military Commission has also prepared all the necessary arrangements for construction. Only the Liaodong Regional Military Commission is missing. Once the negotiations are completed, construction can begin when the snow melts in the spring."

"Okay, okay."

Liu Yanchen exclaimed in admiration:
A saying has spread from the capital: "If you want to get rich, build roads first."

Once the road is repaired, it will greatly benefit both places.

Some people in the city have calculated that if the roads in Liaodong are also repaired,

The travel time from Liaoyang to Beiping could be reduced by 40%.

In this way, commerce will surely flourish.

Lu Yunyi seemed to be deep in thought; from these few words, one could sense...
The powerful families in the capital region were somewhat looking forward to the road construction and did not oppose it as fiercely as expected.

"Grandfather, we can only talk about a prosperous trade after the road is repaired."

I heard from Lord Pan that the Military Command is currently facing numerous obstacles, making it extremely difficult to advance anything.
I don't know if this is true or false.

Liu Yanchen didn't reply immediately. Instead, he picked up a teacup from the side, gently stirred it, and said thoughtfully:

"There is such a thing, but it's been exaggerated and it's not that serious."

Lord Pan was, after all, the Commander-in-Chief, with elite troops by his side and former colleagues and subordinates within the Commandery.
Although temporarily hampered, the situation has recently reversed some of its decline, and it has won over some powerful local families.
As a powerful clan, someone always needs to work in the government office. By winning over powerful clans, one can naturally win over others as well.

"It was him who picked you up today, and that group of people behind him."

"Lord Pan's situation is not as bad as you might think."

Images flashed through Lu Yunyi's mind, one face after another appearing in his heart.

"Lord Pan's progress is not slow; he has already won over so many people in just a few months."

Liu Yanchen chuckled twice:
"As long as the price is high enough and the benefits are great enough, people will naturally flock to it."

"Indeed, why did Lord Zhou fall out with Lord Pan, only to lose his official position?"

Lu Yunyi asked the question directly.

"Everyone says that one should know one's destiny at fifty, but Lord Zhou is already fifty-three. How many more years can he stay in the court?"
Losing his position this time meant losing the possibility of further advancement, which is why he was so angry, even resorting to some unscrupulous means.

Lu Yunyi shrugged.

To be honest, he couldn't really empathize with this mentality, since his promotions had always been smooth sailing.

"Isn't it absurd to continue fighting like this, disregarding the people's livelihood?"

"Striving for power is human nature, and both of you are now confident that you can restore order after a struggle."

Lord Zhou relied on his past experience; during the recent turmoil of war, he managed Liaoyang City exceptionally well.

Lord Pan relied on the newly built roads. Once the roads were under construction, the people had something to do, the merchants had something to look forward to, and the chaos naturally subsided.

The two are now locked in a stalemate, leaving us wealthy residents of the city in a difficult position.

Liu Yanchen shook his head, a helpless expression on his face:

"A few days ago, there was a mutiny in the city. Lord Zhou asked us wealthy families to pool our money to pay the soldiers' wages and provide them with new winter uniforms."
Now Lord Pan wants us to contribute money to repair the road, putting us in a difficult position from both sides.
We have no choice but to give, which is extremely exhausting.

Now that you've arrived, Yunyi, settle things quickly. Don't let the two officials continue fighting; it will only harm Liaodong."

Lu Yunyi seemed lost in thought, his eyes deep-set:

"Regarding the last mutiny in the army, may I ask, Grandfather, was there any clue about it?"

Liu Yanchen took a sip of tea and sighed heavily: "If I said there were no clues, I'm afraid you wouldn't believe me."

"It's really too much of a coincidence."

"I think so too, so I had Hongzhong investigate. He found that the soldiers' pay and winter clothes should have been issued, and the imperial court had allocated silver, but it was taken away by the people in the government office."

"Moved away? What could be more important than ensuring the stability of the military?"

Lu Yunyi's eyebrows shot up, his face full of disbelief.

Liu Yanchen's expression was somewhat unnatural. He pondered for a long time, seemingly organizing his thoughts, before finally saying:

"It's related to border defense."

"Is the Jurchen in trouble again?"

"No, it's the eastern defense line."

"Goryeo?"

Liu Yanchen nodded:
"Yes, Goryeo is a country that our Great Ming does not conquer. In the past, even if we arranged defenses, it was very limited. The two countries have always lived in harmony."

Last year, news broke that Yi Seong-gye was planning to seize power.

The Governor-General's Office issued a strict order: the eastern defense line must be fully equipped with elite troops and well-prepared; even if Goryeo were in chaos, the flames of war must not be brought into the Ming Dynasty.

This military order disrupted the commander's plans, which is why soldiers and supplies were hastily dispatched to the border.

The government originally thought that Liaoyang Central Guard and a group of garrison guards were close to Liaoyang City.
They managed to keep things from getting their military supplies transferred, but unexpectedly, things still ended up in chaos.

Whether someone instigated the conflict or acted spontaneously, I haven't been able to find out.

At this point, Liu Yanchen opened a hidden drawer in the square table next to him, took out two documents, and handed them over:

"This contains some major events that have recently occurred in the Commandery. You can take a look at it to prepare yourself."

Although the imperial funds have now arrived and the entire military command has decided to repair the road,
But I always felt that things might not be that simple.

Lu Yunyi's expression was extremely solemn. He took the document, flipped through it casually a couple of times, and said very solemnly:

"Thank you for your help, Grandfather. If this matter is accomplished, the commanders of both places will be extremely grateful."

"We're all family, why be so polite? The road repairs will also benefit your family."

"Alright, it's getting late. I won't keep you any longer. Go to sleep early; there are things to take care of tomorrow."

Liu Yanchen smiled and waved towards the door, whereupon two waiters who had been waiting entered.

"Lead Yunyi back to the back hall to rest."

Lu Yunyi stood up, cupped his hands in greeting, and said, "Grandfather, I will take my leave first."

"go Go."

Liu Yanchen smiled and waved, but after Lu Yunyi left, the smile on his face slowly faded, and he let out a soft sigh.

Candles burned in the main hall, casting a dim yellow light on him, his shadow moving with the wind on the wall.

Liu Yanchen sat motionless in his chair, seemingly asleep.

After an unknown amount of time, faint footsteps sounded from outside the door, and Liu Sizhen, the eldest son of the Liu family, walked in with a gloomy face.

"Father."

Liu Yanchen raised an eyebrow and glanced at him indifferently: "Aren't you going to sleep yet?"

"My son can't sleep."

"Why?"

“He has a lot of worries in his heart. Zixian has suffered a lot on his way from the capital and now he has developed a chronic illness and is bedridden all day. How can I, as his father, just let him go?”

Liu Sizhen's face was gloomy: "The second son and Lu Yunyi were both in the capital at the time."
They could have saved Zixian, but they made him suffer so much instead. It's obvious they treat us like outsiders.

Liu Yanchen opened his eyes, looked him over for a moment, and let out a long sigh.
"You reap what you sow, so who can you blame but yourself?"

Today you complain about this, tomorrow you complain about that, are you also going to complain about why you weren't given all the money from Yingtian Trading Company?"

Liu Sizhen immediately became anxious:

"That's not what my son meant. Since they're in the capital, saving someone is just a small thing for them."
Not only are they denying it now, but they're also pretending not to know each other. It's ridiculous!
They're completely disregarding us.

"Ugh"

Liu Yanchen let out another long sigh and shook his head helplessly:
"The matter is over. What kind of outcome do you want?"
Do you want Lu Yunyi to kowtow and apologize to you in this main hall, or to beat his chest and stomp his feet, tears streaming down his face, regretting that he didn't help you back then?

They don't eat your food or take your money.
It's already incredibly kind of you to offer help, why do you insist on asking for more?

"Father! Why are you taking the side of outsiders!"

"Hey, now that you know they're an outsider, why should they help you if they're an outsider?"
As I said before, Zixian brought this upon himself. It's already a miracle that he's still alive. Let's hope he doesn't cause any more trouble.

"The Liu family will need you to steer the ship in the future. If you're so narrow-minded, the family will decline sooner or later."

"Father! The Liu family business is thriving now, and the third son has opened several new mines."

Although he kept it hidden from me, it's still the Liu family's business; how can it decline!

Liu Sizhen was very indignant, sighing incessantly, thinking that his father was getting senile.

Liu Yanchen was furious and shouted:

"Alright, alright, we've spent so much money and only managed to set up a few trading companies. What do you call 'thriving'?"
The other day, the magistrate came to collect money, and it was all his savings, his old capital.

"Over the next three years, we must make up for the lost money no matter what!"

"I understand, Father. Once the road is repaired, these businesses will make a fortune. Just wait and see."

After saying that, Liu Sizhen's eyes darted around, a hint of gloom in them:

"Dad, those mines belonging to the second son's family haven't been touched yet. It's not good to just leave them sitting there like this."
Why don't you leave it with me first, and I'll watch it for him?

"Once the road is open, we can start digging immediately, which will save time."

Liu Yanchen's breathing suddenly quickened, his face turned red, and he looked disappointed in Liu Yanchen.

"Mind your own business. You can't even handle your own affairs, yet you're trying to meddle with others."

Boss, let me give you a piece of advice: be humble and kind to others.
Never act like you're the boss just because you're rich and powerful.

Look at Commander Du, there are many people with more power than you, but how many are like you?

"With such a grand entrance and exit, anyone who didn't know better would think the emperor had arrived."

"Okay, okay. Dad, you get some rest. I'm going now."

Seeing him hurrying away, Liu Yanchen watched his retreating figure and reminded him:

"I'm warning you, don't get any funny ideas. The government is fighting fiercely right now. If we sit back and watch the fight, both sides will try to win us over."

"Okay, Dad, you should get some rest."

After saying that, Liu Sizhen left in a hurry.

(End of this chapter)