In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 892 Where there's a will, there's a way!

"Father is joking. I, Liu, have already promised the Military Command that I will not pursue the debt."

"We'll repay the debt when the government has the money later; why would we get involved in such a thing?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Liu Sizhen's eyes, and a forced smile appeared on his lips.

Liu Yanchen remained calm, glancing at him indifferently. His aged eyes held a wisdom that shone through as he asked again:
"Really not?"

"No!" Liu Sizhen said firmly.

"Ah"

Liu Yanchen chuckled and continued to focus on the food in front of him, saying casually:

"If you're going to do something, don't leave any clues; you have to consider everything carefully."

We are a wealthy merchant family, not the saints described in history books.
Some underhanded methods may be avoided, but it's essential to know them, and even more important to avoid using them poorly.

You must remember this; it will benefit you when you take over the Liu family business later.

Liu Sizhen's expression was subtle.

He was now certain that his father knew what he had done, but hadn't said anything.

Moreover, it seems that there is no opposition to this matter.

"My son knows."

"Okay, let's eat."

The two sat facing each other, and the pot of millet porridge was quickly devoured, and the several side dishes on the table were also completely finished.

"Father, then I'll take my leave now. There are still some matters to attend to at the business."

Liu Sizhen stood up, intending to leave to see Zhou E.

"No rush, come over here first."

Liu Yanchen unexpectedly intervened.

Then he led Liu Sizhen to a tea table and sat down quietly.

After the waiter brewed the tea, Liu Yanchen waved his hand and gave instructions to the waiters present:
"You all get out."

"Yes."

After the waiters left, they closed the door to the inner room, which immediately became dark inside.

Liu Yanchen tapped his fingers incessantly on the table, and after a long while, he slowly spoke:
"Sizhen, our Liu family has been entrenched in Liaodong for hundreds of years."
There were times when they were powerful and influential, and times when they fell from grace, but in the end they always pulled through.

In Liaodong today, the Liu family is even more powerful than before; though they are called merchants, they are in reality powerful figures.

Now that the Liu family has reached this point, it's better to proceed cautiously than hastily.
Everything must be done in order to ensure the family's continued succession; involvement in court intrigues should be avoided.

Especially those involving power struggles among local officials!
In this struggle, defeat would at best result in severe financial loss, and at worst, the destruction of one's family and the loss of life.

Liu Sizhen sat to one side, his face grave.

He carefully recalled the infighting within the military command over the past few months.

You might not think much of it when you experience it.
But now, looking back, he feels a bit scared.

Intense! Intense like never before!
This intensity reached a new peak after yesterday's mutiny.

This made Liu Sizhen somewhat uneasy, his eyes filled with doubt and suspicion.

"Father, do you think the conflict between Lord Pan and Lord Zhou will escalate into a major incident?"

"Isn't it big enough now?"

150,000 taels of silver were missing, hundreds died, and countless were injured.
The national policy of road construction set by the imperial court was not implemented on schedule and was delayed!

Don't forget, the imperial envoy in the capital is still here!

In this situation, bystanders would avoid it like the plague.

You still insist on going up to me; I don't know what to say.

Liu Yanchen shook his head as he spoke, his eyes filled with disappointment.

Liu Sizhen pursed his lips, his expression somewhat unpleasant:
"Father, things may not be as serious as you say."
The imperial court's attitude was not so clear.
If the road really needed to be repaired, why would they only provide 100,000 taels of silver and not even send any craftsmen or laborers?

Liu Yanchen shook his head helplessly and waved his hand:
"Alright, these self-deceiving reasons won't change the situation."
The capital is currently in a state of frantic activity regarding the relocation of the capital.
The flood control project in Henan will cost several million taels of silver. The fact that they can afford to donate 100,000 taels to road repairs already shows their willingness to help.
Moreover, the Northern Pacification Commandery was also nearby.

How did Daning City do it? Did you see it?

Instead of recruiting laborers, all workers were recruited and paid monthly.

Considering the 100,000 taels of silver the imperial court gave to Liaodong, don't you understand the court's intentions?

Liu Sizhen looked puzzled, his eyes filled with confusion.

Liu Yanchen sighed and said softly:
"As powerful and influential people, one should stay away from court politics, but one should understand politics."

The palace's message was clear: buy peace with money.

Before the debate over moving the capital is resolved,
The Northern Pacification Command and the Liaodong Command must not be allowed to fall into disarray!

This would free up resources for the palace to suppress the southern forces opposing the relocation of the capital.

What Zhou E is doing now is precisely to create chaos in Liaodong.

With Liaodong in turmoil, the imperial court would have to devote more of its energy to monitoring the situation there.
That would give the opposing forces an opportunity! The relocation of the capital might fail. Do you understand now?

Liu Sizhen's expression suddenly changed.
His fists were clenched at his sides, and his heart was in his throat.

A hint of relief flashed in Liu Yanchen's eyes.
He eventually figured it out; he's not beyond redemption.

"From now on, the Liu family will be in charge."
If you believe that His Majesty and the Crown Prince are incapable of relocating the capital,
Then we should wholeheartedly support Zhou E. The more chaotic Liaodong is, the better, as the future benefits will be countless.

But if you believe His Majesty is capable of accomplishing this task...
Then we should honestly support Lord Pan in building the road and strive to maintain local order.

At least for the next two years, Liaodong must not be thrown into chaos.

Sizhen, which path will you choose?

Liu Sizhen suddenly realized something, his face turned even paler, and cold sweat soaked his forehead.

To be honest, he's from the North, and he lives in the North.
But judging from the officials he contacted, they clearly did not want to go to the milder, more humid south.
Therefore, he believed that moving the capital was absolutely impossible.

In particular, some ministers and officials in the imperial court, as well as local powerful figures like them, would certainly oppose it fiercely.

The powerful landlords and tycoons in the south were more than a hundred times stronger than local tycoons like the Liu family.
How could the imperial court possibly succeed?

However, the biggest variable is the emperor who sits in the palace!

Born a beggar, he swept across the land, utterly defeating the grassland people.
Each time they were on the verge of failure, they managed to turn the tide.

If this emperor were not in the camp advocating for moving the capital,
Then Liu Sizhen will definitely work with Zhou E.
The more chaotic Liaodong is, the better, so he can seize power and take over!
But now, Liu Sizhen is somewhat ambiguous.
The room had been quiet for a long time, until a few rays of morning light peeked in through the window.

The light spots shone on the two men, making them appear even more profound.

After a long silence, Liu Sizhen slowly spoke:
"Father, His Majesty is getting old."

Liu Yanchen narrowed his eyes, and the crisscrossing wrinkles on his face deepened.

He chuckled softly and answered frankly, "I'm getting old too."

Liu Sizhen suddenly raised his head, a look of realization flashing in his eyes!
Yes, Father is getting old.

Even so, she still firmly holds the reins of power in the household.

He was completely unable to compete with them, and could only resort to petty theft.

The Emperor in the Palace
Liu Sizhen suddenly realized what was happening, stood up, and bowed deeply.
"Father, I understand. Liu will no longer participate in Lord Zhou's rebellion."

Liu Yanchen's expression remained unchanged.

But you could clearly feel that his gloom had dissipated a lot, and there was more satisfaction in his eyes.

He picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and said in a soothing tone:
"The Military Commandery is currently facing severe difficulties."
You allocate 20,000 taels of silver from shops in various places and send it to the yamen.

Say you're supporting road construction; it's like sending charcoal in a fire. Lord Pan will remember your kindness.

Liu Sizhen's brows furrowed immediately.
This time, he didn't let his mind wander; instead, he asked decisively:

“Father, even if you don’t think highly of Lord Zhou, Lord Pan might not necessarily succeed.”
"If we send money now, wouldn't we offend Lord Zhou?"

Liu Yanchen shook his head and let out a soft sigh:
"If everything waits until everything is settled, will it still be your turn?"

As a merchant, one must find certainty amidst numerous uncertainties.
And now, the most certain thing is that the road will definitely be completed!

"If you don't pay now, are you going to wait until everything's done before you pay?"

"Father, I don't think this matter will necessarily succeed."

That's a full 300,000 taels of silver, and now we're short 200,000!

"Ugh"

Liu Yanchen let out a heavy sigh and said earnestly:
"In the Ming Dynasty, whether something can be accomplished depends on who is doing it. Now, with this road construction, it seems that Lord Pan is leading the charge..."

But in reality, Yun Yi was the one in control.
If he hadn't handled this matter, the 100,000 taels of silver would never have been delivered to Liaodong, and the imperial court wouldn't have expected the road to be repaired.

Liu Sizhen's expression was strange:
"Father, you think too highly of him."

Liu Yanchen said:
"I told you when you were young that you should be free from prejudice when judging people."
Look at what he does, not what he says.

Since Yun Yi entered the inner circle, has there been a single thing he has done that failed?

Liu Sizhen frowned slightly, pondered carefully, and his expression changed slightly.

Liu Yanchen continued:

"Let's not talk about the distant past, but the Yingtian Trading Company has sprung up in the capital, earning hundreds of thousands of taels of silver a year, and a large number of people are tied to its backing."
The flood control project in Henan was a massive undertaking, costing tens of millions of taels of silver.
Not a single court official agreed, yet they're still revising it now, aren't they?

The person in charge of this matter was one of his former subordinates.

When the Jurchens invaded the border, everyone in Liaoyang believed that the border war was doomed to failure.
As a result, the Jurchens couldn't hold their heads high for ten years.

The road construction in Daning was met with countless pessimists; people all over Beiping and Liaodong were waiting to see the failure.
Now it's almost halfway done, and Daning is thriving.

Tell me, what do you mean by someone like this saying they're going to do something big?

If you were the imperial court, if you were His Majesty in the palace, would you think he couldn't do it?

Liu Sizhen's expression changed slightly upon hearing his father's words.
He was suddenly surprised to realize that this kid was actually quite capable.

Honestly, if he had such a capable subordinate, he would trust him completely and entrust him with everything.

"Road construction is indeed facing some difficulties right now."
But I believe there must be other solutions.
We had dinner together yesterday, and ninety percent of the 100,000 taels of silver is gone. Do you see how anxious Yunyi is?

Liu Sizhen shook his head blankly.
Thinking of Lu Yunyi's detached and indifferent demeanor, she felt increasingly strange.

Magistrate Pan of the yamen was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan.

He's so calm, that's not right!
"Father, what other way does he have to cover the shortfall of 200,000 taels of silver?"
According to his son, the Beiping Military Command is also currently facing a severe financial crisis.

Liu Yanchen shook his head, his voice calm:

"I do not know then."

Liu Sizhen pursed his lips and bowed deeply:
"Father, I understand."

Liu Yanchen glanced at him, his expression indifferent:

"I will clean up the mess you've left behind."
"I'm working hard to gather money these past two days, to get ahead of that old bastard Zang Shengjie!"

Liu Sizhen's heart tightened, and he grew increasingly fearful of his father's ruthless methods.
He raised his head slightly and asked:
"Will the Zang family also be involved?"

"It's obvious that I've been locked in a power struggle with that old man for decades."

I know his abilities; what I can see, he can see too. My son, never underestimate the heroes of the world.

"Yes, son, I understand."

By the time of Si Shi (9:00 AM), the sky was already bright.

Liu Sizhen's steps, which were originally intended to go to Zhou E's residence, ultimately stopped in front of his own mansion.

He stood there, his eyes filled with complex emotions, as if he had a thousand words to say but didn't know where to begin.

Finally, he sighed and turned to go to the trading company.

In Liu Yanchen's study, the candlelight flickered, illuminating his aged face.

He sat at his desk, holding an ancient book in his hand.
His gaze wasn't actually on the book, but rather he seemed to be thinking about something.

At this moment, an older butler quietly entered the study, bowed, and said in a low voice:

"Master, the eldest young master did not go to see Lord Zhou."

Liu Yanchen nodded slightly, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

He put down the ancient book in his hand and said in a deep voice:

"Very good, that was wise of you. You've dealt with those few weaknesses cleanly."

The steward bowed slightly, his tone tinged with coldness:
"Don't worry, sir, I've made all the arrangements."

After dark, they will disappear from this world without leaving a trace.

Liu Yanchen nodded calmly:

"Well done. This matter must be kept secret and no one should know about it."

The steward nodded in agreement and then quietly left the study.

A day passed in the blink of an eye, and the atmosphere in the city remained heavy.

As night deepened, several men dressed in black quietly gathered in the back alley of the Liu residence.

They were all elite bodyguards trained by the Liu family, each with exceptional skills and unwavering loyalty.

At this moment, they all held sharp daggers in their hands, their eyes gleaming with a cold light.

"Keep the objective in mind and leave no survivors."

The leader of the men in black said in a low voice.

The others nodded in agreement, their eyes showing no pity whatsoever.

The group quietly slipped through the back alley.

Following the shadows, we arrived at a secluded courtyard in the east of the city.

This small courtyard was where the chess pieces were hidden, arranged by Zhou E.

The men in black silently scaled the courtyard wall and landed inside.

They quickly dispersed, completely surrounding the courtyard.

Then, they attacked simultaneously.
They charged towards the chess pieces who were recuperating in the house.

Inside the room, several people were sitting around a table, eating and drinking.

They were unaware of the approaching danger until the men in black broke down the door.

They cried out in terror:
"Who are you? What do you want?"

The leader of the men in black sneered.
Instead of answering his question, he swung his knife and slashed at him.

Seeing this, the others also joined in!

Although these people fought back fiercely
But they were just ordinary workers, far less skilled than these men in black.

Therefore, the fight did not last long and ended in their crushing defeat.

The men in black carefully examined the wounds and delivered the final blows, leaving no survivors!
Then, they quickly cleaned up the scene.

The body and bloodstains were cleaned up perfectly, as if nothing had ever happened there.

After completing their mission, the men in black quietly left the courtyard and disappeared into the night.

At this moment, Liu Yanchen
He was sitting quietly in his study, waiting for the steward's report.

A short while later, the steward quietly returned to the study, bowed, and said in a low voice:
"Master, the matter has been taken care of. Those people have been dealt with without leaving any trace."

Liu Yanchen nodded slightly, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

"A generous reward."

"Yes!"

The steward nodded in agreement and left the study.

Liu Yanchen remained seated at his desk, his eyes deep-set.
In the back room, Lu Yunyi was carefully examining a road construction plan.
The surrounding area was filled with calculated draft paper.

His expression was grave, and his brows were furrowed.

Just then, hurried footsteps sounded from outside the door, and a figure was reflected on the door.

"Knock knock knock, sir, it's your subordinate."

Lu Yunyi raised his head, a hint of suspicion flashing in his eyes:
"Come in."

The door opened, and Gong Xianzhe rushed in, closing the door behind him. He walked to the desk, took a letter from his pocket, and handed it over.

"My lord, a letter has arrived from the north."

Lu Yunyi frowned, quickly took the letter, and felt a chill run down his spine.
He quickly opened it and read through it.
His furrowed brows gradually relaxed, and a smile appeared on his lips.

"Good, you haven't disappointed me at all. Go and tell the madam and the household."
I will be leaving Liaoyang City tomorrow to inspect the newly mined ore at the Yingchengzi Iron Mine.

"Yes, my subordinate will do it now."

(End of this chapter)