In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 891 Only one in ten survives, one after another.
The night was as dark as ink, slowly enveloping Liaoyang City.

The hustle and bustle of the day gradually faded into the darkness, but the oppressive atmosphere inside the military headquarters grew increasingly heavy.

Inside the storeroom, candlelight flickered, casting a dim, yellowish light that danced on the walls.
It reflected the gloomy faces of everyone.

Pan Jing stood in front of the remaining pile of silver.
His hands were clenched into fists, veins bulged on his forehead, and his eyes burned with rage.

He whirled around and roared at the warehouse manager beside him:
"What exactly happened? Why did things turn out like this?"
Those garrison troops, who are usually fed and cared for well, are so disregarding the greater good at this crucial moment!

The steward trembled with fear, his legs went weak, and he almost knelt down, stammering:
"My lord, the Tuntian Guard said..."
They heard that the government had money but refused to pay the soldiers' salaries, and they worried that if they delayed, they wouldn't receive their money at the last minute.

That's why they were so anxious, even to the point of inciting crowds to cause trouble."

"What nonsense!"

Pan Jing was so angry that he kicked a box next to him, which shook a few times and made a dull sound.

"This is clearly someone instigating behind the scenes to deliberately sabotage the road construction!"

Grandpa Zang Shengjie sighed softly, stepped forward, and comforted her:

"Lord Pan, please don't get so angry. It's not worth ruining your health. Things are already like this, so getting angry won't do any good."

Liu Yanchen nodded and said:
"Yes, once these 100,000 taels of silver are spent, the debts owed by the Commander will be minimal, which is not necessarily a bad thing."

We currently have over ten thousand taels of silver, which should be enough for our initial plans.
After some time, when the storm has passed,

"Let's talk to the wealthy families in the city again, and ask the Commander to lend us some more. I believe they'd be happy to improve relations with you."

Pan Jing took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, but the anger on his face was still hard to hide.

He looked at Lu Yunyi and asked in a slightly hoarse voice:
"Lord Lu, you see? These people have never wanted anything good for us!"

After a moment of contemplation, Lu Yunyi slowly said:
"Lord Pan, what happened today was indeed unexpected."

The person behind this was cunning; they exploited the garrison's concerns about military pay and incited them to cause trouble.

Although there wasn't much money left, it wasn't hopeless.
Road construction is a massive undertaking, but as long as there's a consensus between higher and lower levels, it can be done even without money.

It's just a matter of taking on more debt.

The sand, gravel, lime, and all the equipment can be paid on credit; there's plenty of ore in Liaodong, and we can pay it back slowly.

Upon hearing this, Pan Jing's brows relaxed slightly.
But he quickly frowned again and let out a heavy sigh:
"Lord Lu, I'm sorry you had to see this."

Such massive projects have always been highly controversial.
It's normal to have both supporters and opponents; Lord Pan shouldn't be discouraged.

Although the powerful clans of the Capital Commandery also joined in the commotion, their vision was not short-sighted.
Instead, they prioritize family interests.

Once the commander grasps their vital interests, they will naturally gravitate towards Lord Pan.

Upon hearing this, Zang Shengjie's expression changed slightly. He glanced at Liu Yanchen and silently muttered to himself:
"How did he manage to pick up such a capable person? It's really strange. When did the Zang family produce such a person?"

Liu Yanchen was very satisfied with Lu Yunyi's composure and calm analytical skills.

Although his face was serious, he was secretly laughing inside.

For these families

Profits and succession are the most important things; everything else is insignificant.

In fact, Liu Yanchen believed that if the three younger generations hadn't been unable to control the family, things wouldn't have escalated to this point, and Zhou E wouldn't have had a chance to take advantage of the situation.

Despite Lu Yunyi's best efforts to comfort and reassure him, Pan Jing remained very depressed.

He looked at the empty wooden box and sighed.
"Last time I almost lost my life, and this time the yamen has lost face too."
To act as an official in such a manner is truly laughable.

In a daze, Pan Jing even had a fleeting thought of regretting coming to Liaodong.
I think it would be excellent to be a deputy commander in Beijing.

The moment the thought crossed Pan Jing's mind, he shuddered and abruptly cut it off!

The enemy wants him to leave the command post, but he absolutely cannot leave!

Instead, we should try our best to stay here.

Otherwise, it will only cause pain to loved ones and joy to enemies.

Taking a deep breath, Pan Jing rallied his spirits and looked at everyone present:

"Thank you all for your help today."

It's getting late, so I won't keep you for dinner. Please go your separate ways."

Pan Jing looked at the guards at the door and gave them instructions:

"See off the two gentlemen on my behalf, and then see off a few other officials."

"Yes!"

After the officials left, Pan Jing dragged his tired body back to the yamen and returned to his listless state.

He had just sat down in the chair when his guards came to report:
"My lord, Lord Yu and Lord Cheng from the capital request an audience."

Upon hearing this, Pan Jing felt completely drained and nearly slid off his chair.
He braced himself with his hands and let out a heavy sigh.

"Let them in."

A short while later, the guards led the two men into the yamen.

Yu Xin walked ahead. He was in his forties, with a serious face and eyes that revealed a composure and sharpness honed by years of experience in officialdom.

He was dressed in a blue official robe, and his steps were steady and powerful.
Cheng Jun followed behind Yu Xin.

As a commander of the Leopard Wave Guard, he was tall and strong.

Dressed in black, the long sword at his waist gleamed faintly in the candlelight.

His eyes held a hint of wariness and displeasure.

After all, if there were problems with the money, he was also suspected of failing to properly escort it.

Pan Jingqiang mustered his spirits and forced a smile:
"What brings you here so late at night?"

Yu Xin's face was grim, his gaze fixed on Pan Jing, his tone carrying a hint of accusation:

"Lord Pan, we have come here to escort 100,000 taels of silver for road repairs."

I was really looking forward to the smooth progress of this road construction project, hoping it would bring benefits to the people of Liaodong.

But now things are really messed up; the silver has only been at the command headquarters for a few days...

Ninety percent of it just disappeared inexplicably. What exactly happened?

"Lord Pan, you must give me an explanation today, or we will have no way to explain ourselves when we return to the capital!"

Pan Jing was somewhat embarrassed by this question, and a helpless look appeared on his face. He sighed and said:
"Lord Yu, this is a long story. Please have a seat."

"Some things did happen at the Military Commandery today, which I could not have predicted."

Yu Xin frowned, his face showing anger:
"Lord Pan, even if some merchants cause trouble..."

Could they possibly use the money allocated by the imperial court for road repairs to pay off their debts?
Road construction is a national policy approved by the imperial court; how can it be treated so lightly!

If this delays the road construction progress, Lord Pan, can you bear the responsibility?

Pan Jing shook his head with a wry smile and said:

"Lord Yu, how could I not know the stakes involved?"

But by then the situation was already out of control.
If we don't use money to appease the unruly civilians and merchants, it might trigger even greater unrest.

Not only will road construction be impossible, but the entire city of Liaoyang will descend into chaos.

Yu Xin let out a sigh, his tone softening slightly:
“Lord Pan, even if you want to appease the people, you shouldn’t use the special funds for road repairs.”

"Doesn't the Military Command have any other options?"

Pan Jing sighed helplessly and said:

"Lord Yu, I was forced to resort to this desperate measure."

I am now trying to find a way to make amends, and have already sent people to discuss the matter with other wealthy families.

Let's see if we can borrow some more money to keep the initial progress of the road construction going.

Yu Xin's eyes revealed suspicion:
"Lord Pan, in my humble opinion, after today's commotion..."
They probably have great doubts about the military command, so who would dare to lend money to the military command?

What if this money is like this 100,000 taels again?
They just vanished without a trace. Who can they complain to?

Pan Jing was speechless and looked dejected.

"I know this matter is troublesome, but now that it has come to this point, what else can I do?"
Hopefully, we can gradually find a way to turn this situation around.

Seeing Pan Jing's appearance, Yu Xin's anger subsided slightly.
"Lord Pan, it's too late to say all this now."

The most urgent task is to find a solution to the funding problem as soon as possible to ensure that the road construction can continue.

Otherwise, we will have no way to explain ourselves to the imperial court when we return.

When the court finds out, Lord Pan, you may be able to bear the consequences, but the two of us will also be implicated!

Pan Jing raised his head, a hint of determination in his eyes:
"Rest assured, gentlemen, since I have shouldered this important task of road construction, I will not give up easily. You two should stay at the military headquarters for a while longer; there's no rush to return to the capital."

You can leave after the commander has raised the funds and the road has been properly repaired.

I hope that you two gentlemen will put in a good word for me before the court at that time.

This was to explain the difficult situation in the area, so that the imperial court could allocate more silver as a reserve.

Yu Xin looked at Pan Jing and nodded slightly:
"Lord Pan, if we can turn this situation around as soon as possible and ensure that the road construction is not greatly affected,..."

I will naturally speak on your behalf before the imperial court.

But if the road construction stalls, then there's nothing I can do to help.

Pan Jing quickly cupped his hands and said:

"Thank you both, I will resolve the issue of the silver as soon as possible."

Yu Xin and Cheng Jun exchanged a glance, and then Yu Xin said:

"In that case, we'll wait in Liaodong and hope that Lord Pan won't disappoint us."

It's getting late, so we won't disturb Lord Pan's rest any longer. We'll take our leave now.

After saying this, Yu Xin and Cheng Jun bowed and took their leave.

Pan Jing personally escorted the two to the entrance of the yamen.

Watching their figures gradually disappear into the night, he turned and went back inside.

He plopped down in a chair, his face showing exhaustion and resentment, and began to curse:

"damn it!"

"Everything is going wrong, and anyone can get away with defecating on my head!"

The sky grew increasingly dark, and the entire city of Liaoyang was deathly silent.
There is neither the prosperity of Daning City nor the bustling activity of Yingtian City here.

It was just a colossal black object standing on the earth!

As midnight approached, Zhou E finished dealing with all the affairs of the government office and returned to his residence.
I had barely sat down and hadn't even begun to rest when the steward came up to me and said in a low voice:
"Master, we have found out who caused the trouble today."

Zhou E's eyes narrowed, and he turned to look at the steward:

"Whose person?"

"The people who caused the trouble were all employees of the Fengning Trading Company in previous years."

"What?" Zhou E's eyes widened, a look of astonishment flashing across them.

"Are you kidding me?"

"Sir, there's absolutely no mistake. Three years ago, Fengning Trading Company sold several shops at a low price, citing poor management as the reason."
These shops were taken over by the Wen, Li, Lin, and Zang families.
They quickly turned a profit and started making money.

During that period, many people ridiculed the eldest son of the Liu family for his lack of business acumen, and he even publicly lost his temper.

Zhou E frowned, a hint of absurdity flashing in his eyes:
"So, you underestimated him?"

The manager nodded emphatically:

"My lord, I have also discovered that the families of those who caused the trouble still maintain close ties with the Fengning Trading Company."

Some business deals were delivered to them through the secret channels of the Fengning Trading Company, at much lower prices.

The petty person felt this was like giving away money.

Zhou E looked enlightened upon hearing this news.
He no longer had any doubts; these people were just pawns of the Liu family boss!
Pieces placed among the other four players!
However, the ensuing doubts left Zhou E puzzled.

"Then why did he provoke this incident today?"

The Liu family has been a staunch supporter of road construction; their son-in-law is right there.

However, Zhou E quickly figured it out.

"No. The Liu family is still under the control of Old Master Liu; the eldest son of the Liu family doesn't have the final say."
So, it seems the father and son disagree?

The steward was delighted and immediately smiled.

"Your Excellency is wise. Do you still remember Liu Zixian, who was sent over a few days ago?"

"Liu Sizhen's son?"

"Yes, yes, that's him. He committed a crime in the capital and was exiled to Liaodong. After some investigation, I discovered that his crime was actually smuggling, not embezzlement of money and grain as stated in the official documents."

"Smuggling?" Zhou E's eyes widened:
"Did Liu Sili help him get away with his crime?"

The steward thought for a moment and said:

"According to the information I gathered, both Lord Liu and Lord Lu helped him at the time, otherwise he would not have been able to return to Liaodong safely."

But Liu Sizhen must have been very dissatisfied.
Because Liu Zixian developed a chronic illness.

Now that he's bedridden, it's uncertain whether he'll survive the winter. It's understandable that they have some grudges against each other.

"So Liu Sizhen wants to sabotage the road construction so that Lu Yunyi's goal cannot be achieved?" Zhou E asked thoughtfully.

"Perhaps Liu Sizhen can take this opportunity to seize some power within the family and increase his influence."

After all, Old Master Liu was getting old, and while the other families had already changed their heads of household, the Liu family hadn't.

The butler whispered a reminder from the side.

"Ah, that makes sense! The two old masters, Zang and Liu, are still lingering."
It's perfectly normal for young people to want to climb the ladder.
Perhaps we can follow suit and see if anyone in the Zang family wants to take over!

Zhou E grew increasingly excited as he thought about it. If the five major families in the city all stood on his side, coupled with his power...

Pan Jing is nothing to fear; he'll be gone sooner or later!

"Alright, tomorrow morning, go and invite Liu Hongzhong to my residence. I need to have a talk with him!"

The butler smiled and bowed slightly.

"Yes, sir."

The next morning, Liu Sizhen woke up from his sleep, looked at the still dark sky outside the window, and asked groggily:
"What time is it?"

"Grandpa, it's almost dawn, are you getting up?"

"Okay, get me a glass of water."

Liu Sizhen was helped up by the waiter, took the water handed to him, and drank it all in one gulp.

He only went to sleep after midnight yesterday, and slept for only three hours, which left him feeling dizzy.
However, he forced himself to cheer up, got up, washed, put on a neat brocade robe, and prepared to go to the trading company after breakfast.

At this moment, a waiter quietly approached and whispered:
"Sir, the merchant guild has sent a letter saying that Lord Zhou invites you to come over for a chat."

Liu Sizhen, who had just taken off the towel, frowned:
"Zhou E? What does he want with me?"

He took the letter, opened it immediately, and his expression instantly turned serious and grim.

The letter also became wrinkled from the force of the hand!
"I see."

Liu Sizhen took the letter and placed it on the candlelight.

As the flames gradually engulfed the words on the paper, a complex emotion flickered in his eyes.

"How did Zhou E find out about this? Could it be that the government has spies around me?"

Just as he was lost in thought,

An elderly steward slowly walked into the back hall and bowed deeply.
"Young Master, the Master invites you to the dining hall for a meal."

"I won't be going today, there's something going on at the business," Liu Sizhen replied without turning his head.

"Young Master, you should go. The Master has something to tell you."

Liu Sizhen turned around, turned slightly to look at the steward, and nodded gently:
"I see."

Before long, Liu Sizhen, dressed neatly, arrived at the dining hall!

Liu Yanchen sat at the table, sipping a bowl of millet porridge.

There were some side dishes on the table, which looked light and appetizing.

Upon seeing his father, Liu Sizhen slowed his pace slightly.

There was a distinctly off atmosphere in the room; surprisingly, none of the younger family members were there.
Moreover, there were no servants in sight, only an old servant standing silently to the side.

"Sit down, what are you standing for?"

Liu Yanchen glanced at him and pointed to the seat next to him.

Liu Sizhen walked over and slowly sat down.

Before he could even pick up the bowl to serve the porridge, his father's words made him tremble.

"There was a mutiny at the government office yesterday. You weren't involved, were you?"

(End of this chapter)