In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 1008 Rumors Spread in the Capital
After reading the impeachment document, Lu Yunyi suddenly looked up.
Looking at the clerk who had come to deliver the message, his voice was cold and laced with an inscrutable quality:
"What does the Censorate mean by this? What are they trying to do?"
A subordinate impeaching a superior? Acting insubordination?

The messenger felt an intense sense of oppression wash over him, making it hard for him to breathe.

However, this sense of oppression was fleeting.
Lu Yunyi waved his hand, quickly composed himself, and smiled:

"I have been impolite. Guards, bring me a reward."

Amidst the officials' shock,
A young clerk hurried in.

They slipped a heavy red envelope into his hand; the banknotes inside were quite substantial.

This blatant reward left him momentarily frozen in place.

"This this."

The clerk stammered, wanting to refuse but not daring to.

The man before me is a powerful official of the second rank.

But he was just a nobody official, how could he dare to offend the other party?

At the same time, he secretly sighed in his heart.
There had long been rumors among the Six Ministries that the Market and Exchange Bureau was wealthy and generous; today, I witnessed it firsthand.

Lu Yunyi waved his hand:
"Take it and go back to tell Lord Zhan that I have received the document."

"If the Censorate wishes to summon me, they may send someone."

The clerk looked distressed. How could the Censorate have the confidence to summon a second-rank official?
But he dared not say more, and could only bow and reply:
"I'll take my leave, villain."

After the clerk left, Lu Yunyi picked up the document and examined it repeatedly, his face showing deep thought.

Although Zhang Gou and he had some disagreements, these were mostly due to differences in political views.

The situation in Liaodong and Daming is now stable, a situation that even the imperial court is pleased to see.

There's no reason to let the Censorate jump out and cause trouble at this time.

What's even stranger is that these impeachment documents were delivered directly to his desk, which is quite unusual.

Lu Yunyi picked up a pot of iced tea from the table and sipped it slowly.

Gradually, his expression turned strange.
Suddenly, I remembered His Majesty's attitude in the Wuying Hall.

Could it be that His Majesty instructed him to tone down his brilliance?
He thought this way because of the impeachment documents previously submitted against him.

There are countless letters with more vehement language than this one.
But he hadn't seen a single letter.

The more Lu Yunyi thought about it, the more likely it seemed, but then doubts arose in his mind.
What exactly is Your Majesty trying to do?
"Someone, compile a document outlining the Censorate's activities over the past three months. I need to see it immediately."

"Yes!"

The guards standing at the door were already adept at giving such orders.

They were even quite adept at it.

On the contrary, Hou Xian, who had just delivered the documents,
Seeing this, his expression was somewhat subtle.

The young official in front of me has always been unscrupulous in the government office and never plays by the rules.

"Sir, please take another look at this document."

Hou Xian walked to the table and placed a document with a reddish cover on it.

"what is this?"

Lu Yunyi had no mind to look at anything else at the moment; his mind was filled with the strange behavior of the Censorate.

Hou Xian looked troubled and stammered:

"Lord Lu, the twelve eavesdroppers in the palace have heard that the Market and Commerce Bureau is planning to establish a new trading company. They have all sent documents to inquire whether the palace can also participate in it."

A flash of annoyance crossed Lu Yunyi's eyes as he coldly swept his gaze over Hou Xian:
"How did the news get out that the Market and Commerce Bureau was going to establish a new trading company?"

Hou Xian's heart skipped a beat.
Clearly, the adults suspected that it was a eunuch working for the Market and Exchange Bureau who relayed the message back to the palace.

He inwardly groaned and quickly explained:

"My lord, I have already investigated, and the people who help the Market Exchange Bureau did not dare to reveal the information."

The news came from the imperial estate.

"Oh!"

Lu Yunyi slammed his hand on the table, furious:

"This group of people is more trouble than they're worth!"

They don't keep their profitable deals to themselves; they go around telling everyone!

Hou Xian shrank back and added softly:

"I heard from Lord Wen that ever since you earned a large sum of money for His Majesty..."
The managers of the imperial estate couldn't sit still any longer.

There were also rumors in the palace that the Imperial Estates controlled more money than the Market and Exchange Bureau.

The potential profits are pitifully small; it would be better to entrust the imperial estates to the Market Management Bureau as well.

Lu Yunyi's face darkened, and he burst into curses:

"Who is this bastard spouting nonsense again!"

The imperial estate was originally the palace's private property, and the head managers were all eunuchs trusted by His Majesty.
Even if we lose money, it's because it's our own family.
If they really need money, they can just arrest a few negligent eunuchs and confiscate their property.

How could it be entrusted to the outer court government to manage?

This argument, seemingly made to defend the imperial estate, was in reality a covert attempt to harm the Market Exchange Bureau.
If the imperial estate is really handed over,
Wouldn't the Market and Exchange Bureau become the target of public criticism?
Lu Yunyi keenly sensed that
Behind these words, it is likely that people from Huangzhuang are stirring things up.

Thinking of this, Lu Yunyi suddenly looked up and asked:

"Has the workshop's first batch of sewing machines been delivered to Huangzhuang?"

Upon hearing this, Hou Xian knew things were going badly.

Given this official's vindictive nature, he will surely make a fuss about this matter.

He forced himself to reply:

"Reporting to your Excellency, the delivery has begun, but only 20% has been paid so far."

The people at Huangzhuang said they would send these sewing machines to the weaving bureau in Hangzhou to increase production capacity.

"Subsequent deliveries are suspended for now."

Lu Yunyi's voice was flat, as if he were talking about something completely unrelated.
He then tossed aside the documents concerning the imperial estate and picked up the impeachment document again to examine it.

Hou Xian stiffened, hesitated for a moment, and tentatively advised:

"Sir, the contract has already been signed, and delivery is now suspended. Our government is responsible for making payments."

Lu Yunyi didn't even look up:
"If Cai Qirui dares to take this money, let him come."

Cai Qirui is now the chief steward of the imperial estates, having managed trade in Dadu (Beijing) during the Yuan Dynasty.

Now that he has arrived in Yingtian, he still holds an extraordinary position in the palace.

"My lord, Lord Cai certainly wouldn't dare accept it."

"I just think we should inform the Imperial Estate first?"

Lu Yunyi took a deep breath, looked up at Hou Xian, and sneered:

"Are you still considered a member of the palace?"

Who would dare spread such news in the palace without the Emperor's tacit approval? Would Wen Cheng dare?

Hou Xian's lips twitched. The Divine Palace Administration may seem powerful in front of outsiders, but compared to a wealthy tycoon like the Imperial Estate, it is utterly insignificant.

"My lord, I understand. I will immediately order the workshop to suspend the delivery of sewing machines to the imperial estate."

In addition, send a copy of the documents for the establishment of the textile workshop to the Left Army Commander's Office, and personally deliver it to the Marquis.

Hou Xian was taken aback. Just a few days ago at the meeting, he had said...

The newly established trading company should avoid the existing shareholders of Yingtian Trading Company and try to bring in as many people as possible.
To avoid making enemies unilaterally, why have you suddenly changed your mind?

Seeing that he remained motionless, Lu Yunyi
He then raised his head, leaned back in his chair, and sighed deeply.

"The situation is constantly changing, and business cannot remain static. Go ahead."

Although Hou Xian couldn't understand the reason, he knew it must be related to the recent turmoil in the capital.

He could clearly sense that the adults were much more irritable than usual.

He bowed in agreement, then turned and left.

After Hou Xian left, Lu Yunyi suddenly stood up.

He had to take several deep breaths to barely suppress the frustration in his heart.

The current situation is so chaotic that he can't see things clearly.

Scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants all got involved, and even the palace intervened.
It's unclear whether this is an attempt to de-escalate the situation or if there are other motives.

"A time of great turmoil!"

As dusk settled, the lights along the Qinhuai River came on.

The willow branches on the bank drooped in the red light.
The reflection made the river surface sparkle, like a handful of scattered gold.

The painted boat glided slowly on the river.

The sounds of string and wind instruments and the soft laughter of women drifted from the boat, mingling with the shouts of vendors from the taverns along the riverbank, making the entire Qinhuai River bustling with activity.
There was none of the somberness of Beijing, nor the bleakness of autumn.

The Drunken Immortal Pavilion was packed to capacity.

The octagonal tables on the first floor were full of diners.
The waiters moved about, white towels draped over their shoulders, calling out orders as they served food.

The shopkeeper, Fang Hanheng, stood at the top of the stairs on the second floor.

Clutching a towel, his brow was covered in sweat.
For some reason, there were 30% more customers today than usual.
They were all high-ranking and powerful figures.

Even without a reservation, Zuixianlou wouldn't dare refuse. He figured it was because news of the owner's impeachment by the Censorate had spread.
No wonder those people looked at him with a hint of provocation.

However, Fang Hanheng was already used to this situation.
It would be strange if the company hadn't been impeached in the past few months.

Just then, he was about to go to the kitchen to urge them to hurry up with the order.
Then they heard a noise coming from the private room on the third floor, as if someone had knocked over a wine glass.

He quickly picked up the wine jug and hurried upstairs.

The private rooms on the third floor are all individual cubicles.
Those sitting inside were all prominent figures.

Fang Hanheng had just reached the outermost Tingtao Pavilion when
Then they heard hushed conversations coming from inside, interspersed with a few snickers:

"Have you heard? A scandal has occurred at the residence of Grand Secretary He."

A voice, tinged with a hint of gossip,
They seemed to be speaking very quietly, but they were deliberately letting the people next to them hear.

"Lord He? What scandalous things could he possibly have done?"

Another voice, full of doubt, was mixed with the soft clinking of wine glasses.

"Sigh~ Rich families are often corrupt. Do you remember his second son? Didn't he die of illness a couple of years ago?"
Leaving behind a daughter-in-law to live as a widow, she should, by all accounts, be content with her lot and behave herself.
A few days ago, someone noticed that the daughter-in-law's belly was showing!

"what?"

The questioning voice suddenly rose in pitch, then quickly lowered again:

"That's impossible! The rules in the He family are so strict, who would dare to mess around with their widowed sister-in-law?"

"Who knows?" the first person to speak scoffed.
"Some people say that after the second young master of the He family died..."

Grand Secretary He took special care of this daughter-in-law.
They sent her tonics and let her move into the inner courtyard; none of the servants in the mansion dared to say a word.

Tell me, besides him, who else would dare to touch him?

"This is absolutely outrageous!"

Fang Hanheng paused, his hand holding the wine jug still.
I just found it funny; the sordid affairs of the powerful and wealthy in the city were being gossiped about on the Qinhuai River every day.

He Zicheng's story sounds outrageous.

It might just be gossip made up by some enemy; don't take it seriously.

He didn't listen any longer, gently knocked on the door, and called out:

"Would you like some more wine, sir?"

The sounds inside stopped instantly.

After a moment, a person lifted the curtain, looking somewhat awkward, and waved his hand:

"No need, you can go now."

Fang Hanheng nodded, turned and went downstairs, putting the matter out of his mind.

The hustle and bustle of the Qinhuai River gradually subsided by the time it reached Hai hour (9-11 PM).

The lights on the painted boats faded into the distance, and the taverns on the shore began to close.
Most of the customers in Zuixianlou had left, leaving only two tables still slowly drinking.

Fang Hanheng asked the staff to clear the tables and chairs, while he sat behind the counter to do the accounting.

Just then, footsteps came from outside the building, accompanied by a few frivolous words and laughter.

Fang Hanheng looked up and saw several young men dressed in brocade robes.

He had just stepped off the pleasure boat on the river, his steps unsteady, clearly having drunk too much.

The one leading the group was the son of a high-ranking official in the Ministry of Personnel.

Fang Hanheng, a frequent visitor to Zuixianlou, recognized the place and quickly stood up to greet them.

"Young Master Li, would you like to come in and have a cup of tea to sober up?"

Young Master Li waved his hand, his tongue slightly tied:

"No, no, I have to go home."

One of the young men beside him leaned over and said with a smile:
"Manager Fang, I have something interesting to tell you, you'll definitely be interested!"

Fang Hanheng's expression was strange, and he lowered his voice to match:

"What's the matter?"

The young man smiled ambiguously.
"It's all over the pleasure boats today that the daughter-in-law of Grand Secretary He, whose son has died, is pregnant."

The other young master also laughed:
"Scholar He is truly vigorous for his age!"
Back in the academy, he really gave us a good talking-to.

It is said that one should be polite and uphold one's reputation.

But now, he's the one who broke the rules first, hahahahaha.

The sound was extremely loud. Young Master Li let out a hiccup and mumbled:

"You...you shouldn't make wild guesses. Lord He is the top scholar in the land, how could he do such a thing?"
However, things have indeed been going wrong at the He residence lately; there's even talk about it in the imperial court.

The young men chatted and laughed for a few more minutes before staggering away.

Fang Hanheng stood at the door, watching their backs disappear into the alley, and the smile on his face gradually faded.

He thought the conversation in the private room was just casual gossip.
But now even the son of the Minister of Personnel is saying...
This is no longer just idle talk.

He frowned and went back behind the counter.
He picked up his pen, a thoughtful expression on his face; he had also noticed the turmoil in the capital.

But upon closer examination, it seems there's nothing that could possibly involve Grand Secretary He.
So where did this rumor come from?

At this moment, the waiter in the building had finished cleaning up and came over to ask:
"Manager, everything's packed up. When do we close?"

"Wait a little longer, let me double-check the accounts. You guys go and rest first."

The waiter acknowledged and left.

Fang Hanheng was the only one left in Zuixianlou.

The lights along the Qinhuai River outside the window are already sparse.
Only a few lanterns from the painted boats still floated in the distance, reflecting the entangled figures on the water.

He picked up the ledger, but had no interest in doing the calculations.

The words I had just heard kept replaying in my mind, and the more I thought about it, the more I felt that this matter could not be taken lightly.

He closed the ledger and locked it in the cupboard.

I've decided to send the message into the city first thing tomorrow morning.
This is precisely the purpose of Zuixianlou and other restaurants.

They can gather news about scandals that are completely unrelated to anything else.

As dawn broke, the aroma of cooking oil filled the alleys of the northern part of the city.

At Wang's breakfast stall at the east entrance of Zeyang Street, oil sizzled in the wok.
Old Wang, the stall owner, was turning the fried dough sticks with long chopsticks, but his ears were perked up, listening to the conversation of the diners around him:
"There was news on the Qinhuai River yesterday that Grand Secretary He has gotten his daughter-in-law pregnant!"

"what?"

The man across from me who was drinking soy milk almost choked.

"How can you believe such nonsense?"

"Who knows? But there's no smoke without fire."

Before he could finish speaking, Old Wang quickly coughed twice and gestured towards the alley entrance with his lip:

"Keep your voice down! Master Lü from Mingdao Academy is coming. Don't let the scholars hear this, or it will cause trouble if word gets out."

Everyone turned around in unison.
Lu Chen, carrying a schoolbag, strode quickly from the alley entrance.

He was wearing a faded blue cloth robe, and his face showed a hint of urgency as he hurried on his journey.

He had only caught bits and pieces of what they were saying earlier.

Without pausing for long, he quickly left without slowing his pace.

After passing through two alleys, you will arrive at the entrance of Mingdao Academy.

At this time on other days, the academy gate would already be crowded with students.
The blue scholar's robe shimmered so brightly it made people dizzy, and the murmurs of discussion were incessant.
But today it was unusually quiet.

Even the street sweeper at the entrance moved much less vigorously, his expression strange.

As soon as Lü Chen stepped into the courtyard, he sensed that something was wrong.

The courtyard, usually filled with the sound of students reading aloud, was now eerily quiet, even the birds were silent.
Several students gathered in twos and threes under the sycamore tree.
They huddled together, their voices hushed.

Upon seeing him approach, she immediately shut her mouth and walked into the classroom with evasive eyes.

Upon entering the classroom, the eeriness became even more apparent.

The pens and ink on the desks were scattered crookedly, unlike the students who usually sat ramrod straight.

Today, most of them had their heads drooping, but their eyes were exchanging glances with each other.

Mr. Zhang, standing on the podium, held a copy of the Analects in his hand and turned three pages.
I couldn't find the chapter I wanted to talk about.

His fingers were repeatedly tracing the pages of the book, clearly indicating that he was somewhat distracted.

"cough!"

Mr. Zhang cleared his throat, his voice slightly unsteady:
"Today we will discuss the chapter 'Wei Zheng' (The Book of Governance), which teaches us to guide others with virtue and regulate them with propriety."

He had only read half a sentence when he forgot the next one, so he had no choice but to lower his head and stare intently at the pages.

Lu Chen sat by the window, glancing at the students in the room out of the corner of his eye.
These people are all wealthy and powerful, and have the best access to information.
At this moment, however, everyone was distracted, and some were even whispering to each other.

Clearly, they were all too shocked by the rumor to concentrate.

As the students whispered amongst themselves, Lü Chen gradually learned the whole story, and his jaw dropped in astonishment.
How could the highly respected Grand Secretary He do such a thing?

Moreover, he was able to keenly perceive that

There must be someone spreading rumors behind this, otherwise the news couldn't have spread so quickly.

(End of this chapter)