In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 888 An Outward-Oriented City, Gathering to Cause Trouble
Outside the office of the Liaodong Military Command's meeting hall,
The two clerks stood quietly at the door, listening to the argument inside, and looked at each other in bewilderment.

After exchanging a glance, they both pretended nothing had happened.

The argument inside the yamen was so intense that it caused the snow on the eaves to keep falling.

The argument lasted for nearly 45 minutes before finally stopping.
The two exchanged a glance, still shaken, and both saw relief in each other's eyes.

Inside the room, Commander Pan Jing glared angrily at Zhou E.

Zhou E was equally impolite, glaring back angrily.

From the initial quarrels among clerks, to the subsequent quarrels among the chief officials, and then to the quarrels among the assistant commissioners...

Now it's time for the two adults to personally get involved.

The atmosphere in the room was extremely tense; everyone looked at each other in bewilderment.
All eyes turned to Lu Yunyi, who sat there calmly and collectedly.
They hoped he would say something to ease the heavy atmosphere in the room.

But to everyone's disappointment...
Lu Yunyi did not speak until the end of the meeting.

The officials in the yamen left one after another.

In the end, only Commander Pan Jing and Lu Yunyi remained.

The anger on Pan Jing's face seemed to vanish instantly, replaced by calm, and he smiled:

"I'm sorry to have made Lord Lu laugh at me."

"Disagreements are perfectly normal; even the imperial court often has its share of arguments."
On the contrary, I think it's much better to be open about everything than to do things secretly and underhandedly.

Pan Jing sneered and shook his head helplessly:
"Lord Lu, if only the officials in Liaodong could be as reasonable as those in the capital."
In the few months since I arrived, I have witnessed rampant and reckless behavior, with the rules of the Commandery being completely disregarded!
Even the movement of military equipment could be done by moving the equipment first and then completing the paperwork later.

When he brought it to me for my official seal, he even boasted that, seeing I wasn't there, he had secretly done countless dirty tricks.

At this point, Pan Jing suddenly laughed, looking quite strange.

Lu Yunyi pursed his lips. The Lord Pan in front of him seemed to be smiling, but in reality, he was at a loss.

Nevertheless, Lu Yunyi still smiled and reminded him:

"Lord Pan, you should take good care of the 100,000 taels of silver that arrived yesterday."
If it is misappropriated again, then I really won't be able to explain myself.

Pan Jing nodded solemnly:
"Don't worry, Lord Lu, I've arranged for my trusted men to watch over the money."
I refuse to believe they can pull any more tricks this time!

"Alright, with these 100,000 taels of silver, we can start work now."

After the artisans and accountants of the military command have rested tomorrow,

The government provided a large room for them to gather and discuss the preparations for road construction.
If all goes well, construction can begin in a month.

"hope everything is fine."

Pan Jing sighed, his expression desolate, the wound on his shoulder throbbing with pain.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and the entire military headquarters was extremely busy.
The craftsmen and accountants coming and going almost blocked the side door!

With the combined efforts of the two local military commanders, the road construction project progressed rapidly.

In fact, the experience gained from the Northern Pacification Commandery saved the Liaodong Commandery from many detours.
Some of the advance preparations were completely useless.

The gloom on the faces of Pan Jing and Xu Cheng and other adults gradually faded, and they slowly put on smiles.

At noon that day, Lu Yunyi was strolling around Liaoyang City with Mu Chuting.
This city, after being expanded and expanded again, was much larger than Daning City, and also extremely bustling.

Not only were there grassland people, but also Koreans.

You can even spot Japanese people in some remote corners!
Most of them are women.

"My lord, these Japanese women are all refugees who have come here."

Anyone in the city who wants them can take them away freely; they won't mind. The only problem is they might run away later.
Many fled during the fighting a few days ago.

Luo Jun, a clerk in the Liaodong Bureau of Records, looked respectful.
He introduced the local customs and culture of Liaoyang City to the group.

Upon hearing this, Lu Yunyi glanced at the Japanese women with surprise for a few more moments, then smiled and said:
"Here to borrow sperm?"

Luo Jun was stunned, his eyes widening in disbelief.

"My lord, you are truly a genius; you even know such things."

"That's just how the Japanese are. During the Tang, Song, and Yuan dynasties, they liked to marry men from the Central Plains and then take their children back with them."

They're unhappy with their height and want to be taller, am I right?

Luo Jun nodded vigorously.
"Yes, yes, yes, you are absolutely right, sir."
Some noblewomen usually come here to spend a lot of money to borrow sperm, while those of lower status go to the Jurchens and Goryeo.

My lord, you have no idea how despicable these Japanese are.

Don't fight back when hit, don't retaliate when scolded.

In previous years, some people treated them like livestock.

Finally, even the government officials couldn't stand it anymore and decided to uphold justice for him.
It's basically just about changing them to another place.
But they refused to leave, even saying things were going well, which left us speechless.

"How could this happen? Are they stupid?"

Mu Chuting looked at the row of people standing on the street corner with surprise and asked a question.

Luo Jun scratched his head:

"They're not stupid, they know how to work and eat, but they're also a bit silly, they don't even know to run away when they're being beaten."

Lu Yunyi smiled and said:
"This is called convert fanaticism, like some Yuan people who surrendered on the border."

To prove their loyalty and determination,

When it comes to fighting, they often act more actively and fanatically than the Ming army, and they are ruthless in killing people.

There are quite a few in Daning as well, but in the last six months, the fighting has mostly involved the Northern Yuan people.

However, most of the fighting involved Northern Yuan people defending Daming, arguing and clashing with foreign merchants, resulting in numerous deaths.

"I see."

Mu Chuting thought of the Indians in Yunnan; they were also incredibly loyal.
Even if they were sent to their deaths, they wouldn't hesitate; this might be a form of fanaticism among converts.

Having figured this out, Mu Chuting took Lu Yunyi's arm:

"My husband, you are truly learned and talented."
"I have read so many books, yet I have never encountered such a principle."

"I heard it from someone else."

Lu Yunyi smiled and pointed ahead:

"Let's go check out the workshops in Liaoyang City."

The workshop cluster was located in the north of Liaoyang City, mainly engaged in forging ironware and processing iron ore.

There are also some very crude light industries,
Because the weather was still very cold, some weaving and shoemaking workshops were closed, and only the sounds of hammering and banging echoed from the blacksmith's workshop.

“My husband, this place is much more desolate than Xisha Street.”

Mu Chuting looked around, then looked down at the muddy road, her delicate brows furrowing slightly.

The quantity is much smaller.

Lu Yunyi nodded, looked at Luo Jun, and asked:

Will all the workshops here open after spring?

"Reporting to my lord, all the gates will be open. Koreans and Jurchens will come to buy things, and the workshops will be overwhelmed with work."

When August and September come and the weather gets cold, they will gradually close again.
At that time, most of the Jurchen and Goryeo people had also disappeared.

A look of surprise flashed in Mu Chuting's eyes. She lowered her voice and whispered:

"My lord, Liaoyang City is actually an outward-oriented city."

"Huh?" Lu Yunyi turned his head in surprise.

You've read my book?

Mu Chuting smiled proudly, her snow-white chin slightly raised:
"How about that? Not only did you read it, but you also wrote it all down."

"Fine, you can slack off while I secretly work hard."

Lu Yunyi smiled and squeezed Mu Chuting's arm, feeling its shapeliness, then pointed around:
"These workshops alone are not enough to make a city that is outward-oriented."

"When I have time, I'll take you to see Tielingwei and Sanwanwei; the minerals mined there are the true lifeblood of Liaodong."

"I'll be waiting!"

Hearing their conversation, Luo Jun's expression became extremely strange.
How did he feel about this esteemed man from Daning?

He knows Liaodong better than even a native of Liaodong.

The group wandered around the city a few more times.
After having lunch at the largest restaurant in Liaoyang, they returned to the military headquarters.

The carriage swayed and rocked, and Mu Chuting's face flushed from the warmth inside.
She became drowsy, leaning on Lu Yunyi's shoulder, and murmured:
"My husband, I also want to go home and visit."

Lu Yunyi slightly opened his eyes, a thought flashing through his mind, "Okay, let's find a time."

"Um"

Suddenly, a noisy argument poured into the carriage like a surging tide.

Mu Chuting had just closed her eyes when she was startled by the sudden noise.
Her drowsy state vanished instantly, and she sat up abruptly, her delicate brows furrowed.

She instinctively gripped Lu Yunyi's arm and asked softly:
"Husband, why are you making such a racket?"

Lu Yunyi frowned slightly, gently patted Mu Chuting's hand, and comforted her:

"Don't rush, let me take a look."

After saying that, he gently lifted the curtain of the carriage and looked outside.

The street where the military governor's office was located was already completely blocked by crowds.

There was a wealthy man dressed in brocade robes, and a waiter dressed in a cotton-padded jacket.

Their faces were flushed, they were agitated, waving their arms and shouting loudly.

"We lent the money to the government out of kindness, promising to pay it back in a year, but now they've gone back on their word. Is there no justice left in this world?!"

A burly man with a fierce-looking face shouted at the top of his lungs.

His voice became hoarse with anger.
The veins on his neck bulged out, resembling winding earthworms.

"That's right! Our small businesses are already struggling."

If we can't get this money back, our whole family will starve!

A thin, small shopkeeper with anxious eyes chimed in.

As he spoke, he kept stomping his feet, as if that would help him vent his anger.

"How could the Military Commandery be so untrustworthy?"
If we don't get an explanation today, we will never give up!

A woman dressed in finery, but with a face full of anger, stood with her hands on her hips, shouting loudly.

Her voice was sharp and shrill.
Like a sharp knife, it sliced ​​through the already chaotic scene.

Amidst the crowd, various voices mingled together.
It created a cacophony of noise that made people dizzy.

At the front of the crowd, Bai Wenzhao stood there with a helpless expression, trying to take charge of the situation.

His face was weary as he spoke loudly:
"Everyone, please be quiet!"
This decision was made by Commander Pan; everyone, please stop making a scene here.
"We can talk this over properly."

"Negotiation? What's there to negotiate! We just want our money!"

Someone in the crowd shouted.

Immediately, the crowd erupted again, and a torrent of accusations and insults surged toward Bai Wenzhao.

"Lord Bai, don't try to intimidate us by using Lord Pan as a pretext."

We want to see the money today, or we won't leave!

A man with a full beard and fierce eyes,

He squeezed forward a few steps, pointed at Bai Wenzhao's nose, and shouted loudly.

Bai Wenzhao was caught off guard by this sudden accusation.

His expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure.

He suppressed his anger and patiently said:
"Everyone, please calm down. The Military Commandery is indeed facing difficulties at the moment."
But Lord Pan is already trying to find a solution; please give him some more time.

"Time? We've given you plenty of time!"

How long has it been since we borrowed the money? We can't wait any longer!

At this moment, someone in the crowd shouted again:
"Why didn't the Liu and Zang families come? Are they too wealthy and powerful to get involved in this?"

"Hmph, they're clever enough to stay far away and let us be the ones to stick our necks out!"

Another man said sourly, his face full of dissatisfaction.

Bai Wenzhao frowned and quickly shouted:
"You are all from the Li, Wen, and Lin families, aren't you?"

Why is it that only you guys are causing trouble? Why don't other people cause trouble?

The government is in trouble right now, so why don't you just bear with it!
The commander will handle this for you. Do you intend to rebel?

"Resolve it? How? If you don't pay us back today, we won't leave!"

Hearing him say this, the crowd became increasingly agitated.
It's like a powder keg ready to explode at any moment.

Inside the carriage, Mu Chuting listened to everything, her expression somewhat puzzled, and whispered a reminder:

“Husband, Bai Wenzhao is just looking for trouble and deliberately stirring up conflict.”

Lu Yunyi nodded and chuckled softly:
"To pay lip service while secretly disobeying orders, to put up a false front and sell something else entirely."

Just as the argument was escalating like a raging tide, threatening to engulf the entire street,
Suddenly, a series of hurried and chaotic footsteps came from behind the crowd.

Immediately afterwards, a tall, stern-faced man strode through the crowd and arrived at the front.

This man was none other than Xu Cheng, the Vice Commander-in-Chief, who was considered one of Pan Jing's confidants.

His face was grim, and he frowned deeply as he looked at the scene before him.

He glanced around at the agitated crowd in front of him.

A minor official beside him, looking flustered, leaned close to his ear and said quickly and urgently:
"Lord Xu, these people are ungrateful and have been causing trouble here. Lord Bai is even fanning the flames."

Xu Cheng nodded slightly, cleared his throat, and shouted loudly:

"Quiet, quiet, everyone be quiet!"

The sound, like a thunderclap, suddenly rang out in the noisy crowd, silencing the bustling scene.

Everyone turned their attention to Xu Cheng.

Xu Cheng crossed his arms, coldly looked at the crowd, and said:

"How dare you people make such a ruckus in front of the Military Command's office! What kind of behavior is this!"

In the crowd, the burly man stepped forward, stiffened his neck, and shouted:
"Lord Xu, we don't want to cause trouble, but the Military Commandery is simply untrustworthy!"

They promised to pay it back in a year when they lent me the money.
But now they're saying they won't pay it back, that doesn't make sense.

Before Xu Cheng could speak, Bai Wenzhao's eyes flashed, and he preemptively answered:

"Hmph, you're making such a scene here just because of this little bit of money?"

Do you know how great the difficulties the Military Commandery is facing now?
Road construction is crucial to the future of Liaodong.
"This concerns the well-being of each and every one of you. What's wrong with delaying the repayment of this small amount of money?"

Upon hearing this, everyone present became anxious. He jumped up and down, shouting:

"You make it sound so easy!"

Bai Wenzhao's eyes sharpened as he stared at the shopkeeper and said coldly:
"Don't try to cause trouble here! When has the Military Command ever mistreated you?"
"If it weren't for the development of Liaodong, why would we need to borrow money from you? You should prioritize the greater good!"

Upon hearing this, the crowd erupted in commotion once again, as if it were about to engulf the entire area.

Seeing this, Xu Cheng's face grew even darker. He glanced coldly at Bai Wenzhao and shouted:
"Guards! Seize these troublemakers!"

At his command, a troop of city defense soldiers suddenly surged out from both sides of the street.

These city garrison soldiers, dressed in neat armor and wielding long spears, quickly surrounded the crowd.

Without the slightest hesitation in their eyes, the leading centurion shouted:
"Stop it, all of you! Anyone who dares to cause trouble again will be killed without exception!"

The crowd was stunned by this sudden turn of events.

For a moment, the streets were completely silent, save for the clanging of the city's garrison armor.

Xu Cheng looked at the now quiet crowd and said coldly:
Do you think that causing trouble like this will solve the problem?

I'm telling you, that's impossible!
Now, I will give you three a chance: the Li family, the Wen family, and the Lin family.
Each family should select a representative to come with me to the yamen to discuss this matter.

The rest of you, disperse immediately!
Anyone who dares to gather and cause trouble again will be severely punished!

Among the crowd, people looked at each other, none daring to speak easily.

After a while, the burly man looked around at the people, gritted his teeth, and said:

"Alright, let's go! I refuse to believe that the Military Command can control everything!"

Having said that, he turned to the people behind him and said:
"You all go back first, I'll go see what's going on."

The other two companies also each selected a representative.
The three followed Xu Cheng, and under the protection of the city's defense troops, they headed towards the military headquarters.

Lu Yunyi, sitting in the carriage, observed everything and said softly:
"They really will stop at nothing."

(End of this chapter)