In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 1004: Being too old to die is a thief
"Oh, it's Yunyi. It's been a long time since we last saw each other."

Liu Sanwu stood in front of the house, his face warm and gentle.

The deep wrinkles on his face conveyed a sense of peace.

At this moment, he no longer resembled the once all-powerful scholar who held sway over the court and the literati.
He was an ordinary grandfather, with genuine joy at seeing his descendants come to visit.

Lu Yunyi was slightly taken aback.
Then, quickly realizing what was happening, he stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"Lu Yunyi pays his respects to his master. He has not had time to visit since arriving in the capital. He hopes his master will forgive him."

"hehe."

Liu Sanwu smiled, shakily helped him up, and said with a smile:
"I have taught countless students in my life."
Some people remember me, while others deliberately forget me.

But it's alright, I would never blame them; everyone has their own difficulties.

"Come in and have a seat. I've just brewed some fresh tea."

Without waiting for Lu Yunyi's reply, Liu Sanwu turned and walked into the house.

A series of unsteady steps intertwined with a slightly hunched back.
Lu Yunyi narrowed his eyes, his heart filled with suspicion.

At such an advanced age, do you really have the energy to go through such trouble?

Composing himself, Lu Yunyi stepped forward and followed him into the house.

The furnishings inside were not simple, but rather quite cluttered.
The tables, chairs, and benches looked like they had been hastily put together; the patterns and types of wood were all different.

The decorations inside the house were of all kinds and colors, making it look chaotic.

Liu Sanwu sat down near the window.
Seeing Lu Yunyi looking back and forth, knowing what he was looking at, she smiled and explained:

"These things were all donated by students and students."
Originally, there was only one table and two chairs in my room.

When they arrived, they found the room empty.
They brought things here and there, making my room a mess.

Sometimes, even I, an old man, sigh with emotion.

Fortunately, I have these things, which allow me to reminisce about the past.

Otherwise, as people get older, they gradually forget things.

Liu Sanwu was very talkative, like an old man who hadn't had a visit from his younger generation in a long time.
She kept talking non-stop.

Lu Yunyi sat down silently and listened attentively. The conversation covered a wide range of topics, from all over the world.

For a moment he felt as if,
I was an invited listener, not someone who came to visit on my own initiative.

Time flew by, and soon half an hour had passed.
Liu Sanwu had finished all the hot tea in his hand. He looked at the tea in Lu Yunyi's cup and smiled.
Why aren't you drinking?

Lu Yunyi smiled:

"Master, I'm not thirsty."

"Try it, there have been many things happening in the capital lately. You survived an assassination attempt, and the Crown Prince was also murdered."

But rest assured, I am a scholar.

No one would bother me for no reason, and no one would poison me here.

As he spoke, Liu Sanwu smiled, completely at ease:

"After all, I'm eighty years old this year."
"If you wanted to harm me, you wouldn't have gone to such lengths. Just wait until winter and let me die on my own."

Lu Yunyi pursed his lips, thinking of these elderly people...

Every winter is a tough hurdle to overcome, and you could give up at any moment.

Thinking of this, Lu Yunyi picked up his teacup and drank it all in one gulp.

The tea was slightly cool and had a bitter taste.
As people age, their taste buds deteriorate, which is why they tend to prefer strong tea.

After finishing his drink, Liu Sanwu waved.
I gestured to the waiter to add more tea, and waited for the waiter to take the teacup away.

He then looked at Lu Yunyi and asked with a smile:

"Enough with this old man's rambling. What brings Yun Yi here today?"

Lu Yunyi paused for a long time, unsure of how to begin.
The prepared remarks became insignificant amidst this rambling.

That sounds aggressive and impolite.

However, Lu Yunyi was also a quick-witted person. He took a deep breath and said softly:

"After Grand Scholar Song died, his daughter gifted me some of his handwritten letters and essays."
Yun Yi came to inquire; if his master needs it, he will send someone to deliver it later.

"Oh?"

Liu Sanwu's previously lifeless eyes suddenly lit up, and he stared intently at Lu Yunyi:
"Song Na's essays?"

Lu Yunyi nodded:
"Yes."

How did his things end up with you?

This old man has always valued these things more than his own life.

The Hanlin Academy has tried several times to obtain a copy for me, but he hasn't given it to me.

Liu Sanwu looked puzzled and raised his voice to question.

Lu Yunyi pondered for a moment, then said softly:
"It's about Song Lin. A few days ago, the rebels were causing trouble in the capital, and Song Lin joined in the commotion."

Afterwards, fearing repercussions from the imperial court, the Song family sought my help, and these essays and handwritten notes were their payment.

These words caused a moment of heaviness in the room.
Liu Sanwu glanced at Lu Yunyi and chuckled:
"Is it about the land speculation a few days ago? Was Song Lin also stirring up trouble? Did he and my son-in-law collude to wreak havoc on the court?"

Lu Yunyi nodded.

Liu Sanwu suddenly laughed, pointed at Lu Yunyi, and said in a slightly reproachful tone:
"A virtuous person establishes himself by being upright, and is strict with himself and others."
Such people participated in treason and deserve punishment, even to the point of having their property confiscated and their entire clan exterminated.

"After Zhao Mian was arrested, many people came to ask me if I should help him. Even if he dies, I want him to die with dignity."

"But I refused. Since I have done something wrong, I must be punished."

If my son-in-law, Liu Sanwu's son-in-law, is released today...
Wouldn't all those royal nobles escape punishment in the future?

Lu Yunyi understood the meaning behind Liu Sanwu's words, sighed, and shook his head:

"Master, it's difficult to fight alone in the imperial court; some interpersonal relationships are unavoidable."

What Song Lin did wasn't serious; he was simply exempted from punishment.

But it's impossible for him to get promoted in the future.

"I didn't mean to blame you, I'm just telling you to learn how to say no."
It's just a few handwritten notes; it's not worth making such a fuss about.

Besides, you're a martial artist, what would you need these things for? Can you eat them or drink them?

Liu Sanwu's words surprised Lu Yunyi greatly.
I never expected that this master would be such a pragmatist.

Before Lu Yunyi could even ask a question, Liu Sanwu spoke up with a sigh:
"However, there are many things in this world that are beyond our control."

Just like the current imperial court's plan to relocate the capital, which has caused a great uproar and thrown local central governments into chaos.

"I'm not speaking for those rebels, but if it weren't for the matter of moving the capital..."
There wouldn't be so much turmoil in Beijing in the next six months.

The common people can live a good life, and the court officials can feel at ease.

Now look what's happened, half a year has been wasted.
Nothing has been accomplished, and the situation is only escalating.

Upon arriving here, Lu Yunyi realized that...

These wise elders speak so succinctly, always seizing the initiative.

Lu Yunyi asked softly:
"Master, what is the reaction among scholars to the relocation of the capital?"

Given the current atmosphere in the court, I doubt those scholars and intellectuals will tell the truth, so I wish to inquire with my teacher.

Liu Sanwu chuckled and glanced at him:
"When Zhang Shicheng gained some influence, many people advised him to go north to attack the Yuan Dynasty, seize the Yuan capital, and take control of the country."

He said he was happy to stay in the warmer south.

Who would want to go north to the freezing cold and stand in the wind?

A glint flashed in Lu Yunyi's eyes.
He pondered the deeper meaning behind what he had said, and soon he understood.

It wasn't that Zhang Shicheng didn't want to attack the Yuan dynasty, but rather that the people in his region and those who supported him didn't want to move north.

As the heartland of the Southern Song Dynasty, guarding the southeastern corner was what everyone desired.

After a moment's hesitation, Lu Yunyi spoke softly:
"Master is getting old, and I doubt he would want to go up north and feel the cold wind."

Liu Sanwu was taken aback, not expecting him to be so direct:
"I hold an important position, and am honored to be a Hanlin Academician,"
If the imperial court truly decided to go north, how could it change its mind because of an eighty-year-old man like me?

At most, His Majesty considered my advanced age and inability to travel long distances, and allowed me to stay in Yingtian to recuperate.

"You want me to persuade those scholars to support moving the capital?" Liu Sanwu countered. Without hesitation, Lu Yunyi readily agreed.
"My esteemed teacher, you are wise. I served as an official in Daning."
If the capital were to move north, it would greatly benefit both Daming City and the areas beyond the Great Wall.
Communication in the south takes quite a long time.

"Hahahaha, you're so honest."

Liu Sanwu laughed and accepted the fresh tea offered by the waiter.

He took a small sip and smiled:

"Everyone has their own ambitions, especially these scholars who are particularly stubborn."

My words may have some effect, but changing their minds is absolutely impossible.

"Moreover, their ancestors have lived in the south for generations."
The capital was in Yingtian, which was close to their homes, making it easier for them to serve the court.

If the imperial court were to travel to Guanzhong and Beiping, the journey would be long and arduous.
Many people might then give up the idea of ​​entering the government and instead stay home to pursue their studies.

This won't do. Scholars serve as officials in the court, governing the people for the emperor. The court cannot function without them, no matter who else is needed.

"But His Majesty and the Crown Prince are also very stubborn."
Over the past decade, His Majesty has relocated many wealthy households to the north, clearly indicating his intention to move the capital.

Liu Sanwu said calmly:

"Speaking of this matter, I recall that His Majesty issued an imperial edict yesterday."
An order was issued to relocate three thousand wealthy households to Shaanxi; the decree was to be suspended immediately at the Hanlin Academy.

Several high-ranking officials from the Six Ministries were pulling in and out of line with His Majesty, hoping he would rescind his order.

Upon hearing this, Lu Yunyi's pupils suddenly contracted.
How come he didn't know about this?
Then he looked at Liu Sanwu in shock.
Did the Hanlin Academy conceal the news? Did they prevent it from spreading outside the imperial court?

The more Lu Yunyi thought about it, the more likely it seemed, and he couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine.

The court is now rife with rebellious factions, and while some government decrees may not be deemed insurmountable by the time they reach the palace...

But it's still quite easy to obstruct one or two things, just like now.

"Master, His Majesty's intentions are clear. Why don't you help persuade the scholars?"

Seeing his stubbornness, Liu Sanwu suddenly laughed and shook his head:
“As I said, these scholars are always arrogant and will not listen to me.”

“But you are a Hanlin scholar, the top scholar in the country, and an authority on classical studies.”

Liu Sanwu continued:

"Scholarship progresses precisely because this generation is not convinced of the authority of the previous generation."

Only by breaking down the old authority can a new authority be established.

That's how I got here; how can others possibly listen to me?

Liu Sanwu smiled and waved his hand casually. His thin, bony hand moved slowly as he stated directly:
"Zhao Mian was a staunch opponent of moving the capital. I advised him from the beginning not to oppose the court."

But now?

He instigated a disturbance and was imprisoned in the imperial jail.

If even the son-in-law is like this, how can we expect others to be?
It's already quite an achievement for an old man to remain impartial.
His Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince are aware of my suffering and have never pressured me excessively.

Lu Yunyi laughed and nodded:

"It was presumptuous of me, but I intend to go and see Xu Guan again."
If this newly appointed top scholar could agree to relocating the capital, perhaps things would take a turn for the better.

"Xu Guan? Didn't he speak frankly at your Drunken Immortal Pavilion, saying that the capital should not be moved?"

"People always change. He was drunk back then, who knows if he's changed his mind recently?"

Liu Sanwu thought for a moment, then nodded and shook his head:

"Unlikely, Xu Guan is from Mingdao Academy."

You should know better than I what kind of people live there.
Those students all come from scholarly families in the South, and their ancestral property is all here. Where can we send them?

Xu Guan studied there, and through his surroundings, he naturally didn't believe in the idea of ​​moving the capital.

Instead of being discouraged, Lu Yunyi smiled calmly after hearing this:
"We should at least give it a try."

Liu Sanwu was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter:

"You are just like your father, stubborn and obstinate."

However, this is also where your strength lies.
If you back down when faced with a challenge, you'll never achieve anything.

At this point, Liu Sanwu thought for a moment and said in a deep voice:

"Since you don't want to give up, then I'll lend you a hand."
Song Lian's student is currently in the capital; you can try to find him.
Although Song Lian has been dead for many years,

However, his writings have been passed down, becoming well-known to many, and he has also received a following among the community.

His disciple spoke
While I don't expect it to be of much use, it's better than nothing.

"Song Lian's student? May I ask where he is, Master?"

A look of doubt flashed in Lu Yunyi's eyes, while his heart was filled with great seriousness.

The capital city is now a hub for heroes from all walks of life.

"His name is Fang Xiaoru. He will be going to the Crown Prince's residence to teach the two princes in a few days."

Liu Sanwu probably felt that this statement was biased, so he said:
"It is the First Prince who is being taught. The Second Prince is kept under strict watch by the Governor's Office and is learning military tactics and battles. He will not be able to study academic subjects."

Lu Yunyi stood there, stunned.
A storm raged in his heart. Fang Xiaoru?

How did Fang Xiaoru enter the capital?

It was actually Liu Sanwu who got it?
A sense of absurdity suddenly arose in Lu Yunyi's mind.
The heroes of the world gathered together, having already occupied the capital in the twenty-fourth year of the Hongwu reign.

"know?"

Seeing that he didn't speak, Liu Sanwu smiled and asked a question.

"I don't know him personally, but I've heard of his name. He must be no ordinary person."

Lu Yunyi forced a smile, unsure how to express his feelings.

The Hanlin scholar before him also knew
The soldiers had already sided with the Second Prince, Zhu Yunwen.
Meanwhile, the eldest prince, Zhu Yunwen, was courted by scholars.
The two sides were clearly distinct, and it could even be said that they would never speak to each other again. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the struggle for the throne was a struggle for the rightful succession of the empire.

Whoever gets promoted will see their backing power soar to new heights.

Liu Sanwu stood up shakily, walked to the desk to the side, and took a piece of paper.

He wrote down Fang Xiaoru's address and then handed it to Lu Yunyi:
"He is currently staying here temporarily. If you are not willing to give up, you can go and find him."

Lu Yunyi took the document, stood up, and bowed deeply.
"Thank you very much, Master. I'll take my leave now."

Liu Sanwu looked him up and down, nodding repeatedly:

"He's truly a handsome man. Go ahead."
Bring more guards with you when you travel; the rebels in the capital are ruthless and unscrupulous in their actions.

"Thank you, Master. I will be careful."

Lu Yunyi smiled and walked out of the Liu residence, but the gate behind him slowly closed.

Lu Yunyi's smiling expression vanished instantly.
Although this master never explicitly stated his disapproval of moving the capital, he never did.

But you can understand what he means.

Moreover, Lu Yunyi was very confident.

Not only Zhao Mian did this, but this master also did it.

Taking a deep breath, Lu Yunyi walked down the steps at the door and got into the carriage.

Gong Xianzhi leaned back, warily scanning his surroundings, and whispered:

"Sir, there are more and more people following us."
Moreover, there are people secretly watching them in Beishi Street; my subordinates have already located their position.

Inside the carriage, Lu Yunyi narrowed his eyes slightly:
"Can you identify the method? Where are you looking?"

"It must have been an arrangement by the military, with one station at each end of the street."
Some passersby were also disguised spies; their target was likely the Liu residence.

Gong Xianzhi's voice was somewhat suspicious, and his expression was subtle.

Lu Yunyi nodded, not dwelling on it further.
The capital city is full of hidden talents; there are many who can mobilize soldiers.
Those monitoring the Liu residence could be from any sect or faction.
There are all possible opinions: some support moving the capital, some oppose it, and some remain silent, neither supporting nor opposing it.

"Has news come from the trading company? Where did that money come from at Red Leaf Shipyard?"

"Reporting to Your Excellency, the document from this morning says it will be delivered to the capital a little later, and there are already some clues."

"Yes, let's go back to the manor."

"Yes."

(End of this chapter)