In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 1069 Tomorrow's Sacrifice to Heaven, an Act of Rebellion
As the sun sank behind the western mountains, its afterglow swept across the palace walls of Yingtian, the capital city, before being quickly swallowed by the night.

The bustling streets and alleys of the day gradually fell silent as every household closed their doors to welcome the New Year.

Red lanterns under the eaves swayed in the cold wind, casting dappled shadows, but could not dispel the heavy atmosphere.

The Imperial Guard patrols were even more numerous than during the day, and the sound of horses' hooves pounding through the snow was dull and rhythmic, echoing through the empty streets.

No. 3, Bai Niao Lane, Fu Dong Street, was the residence of Yue Zhongda, an advisor to the Left Army Governor's Office.

The mansion wasn't luxurious, but it exuded a sense of order and order.

The vermilion gate was tightly closed, and the new "Fu" character on the lintel looked somewhat lonely in the night.

Inside the study of the mansion, a solitary lamp flickered, casting Yue Zhongda's shadow on the wall in alternating light and shadow.

Yue Zhongda, dressed in plain clothes, sat upright at his desk, holding a document in his hand, which he did not turn over for a long time.

He was in his early forties, with a resolute face, a short beard, and sharp eyes.
His brows were furrowed, and his expression was full of irritability, showing no joy whatsoever for the New Year.

The dire situation in the capital made him, an advisor at the heart of the military and political system, feel suffocated.

The current situation in the capital is even more severe than during the war with Luchuan, and the pressure on him is even greater.

Suddenly, a very faint sound came from outside the window.

Yue Zhongda suddenly looked up, his hand instinctively reaching for the short knife under the table, his eyes scanning the window warily:

"Who?"

"Lord Yue, it's me."

A deep, hoarse voice drifted in from outside the window, carrying a hint of deliberate concealment.

Yue Zhongda's pupils contracted slightly, and he quickly walked to the door and opened it.

Standing outside the door was a man dressed in a coarse cloth short jacket and wearing a felt hat, his face covered with a black cloth, revealing only a pair of sharp, hawk-like eyes.

Yue Zhongda was both surprised and suspicious, his face full of disbelief:

"Why are you dressed like this? Please come in!"

After entering the room, Sun Si'an accepted a cup of tea from Yue Zhongda without any pleasantries, and took out a sealed oil paper package from his pocket, handing it over:

"Lord Yue, the time is ripe."

Yue Zhongda clenched his fist tightly.

He knew that the reason he was transferred back to the capital from such a remote place as Dali was for today's events.

Last time Sun Si'an said the time was not right, and he thought he would have to wait a long time. He did not expect it to be so rushed, and it just so happened to be the key time of the New Year.

But he didn't hesitate and took the oil paper package:

"What to do?"

Sun Si'an did not answer directly, but simply gestured for him to open the oil paper package:
"Take a look at this first, and you'll understand."

Seeing his serious expression, Yue Zhongda stopped asking questions and reached out to unwrap the oil paper package.

Inside was a neatly folded letter, the paper rough, like the straw paper used by ordinary people.

He unfolded the letter and examined it closely by candlelight. He saw that there were no extra words on it, only rows of densely packed numbers, written in neat handwriting.

"This is."

Yue Zhongda frowned, carefully examining the serial numbers, his expression growing increasingly grim.
"These numbers... seem to be document numbers from the Governor's Office's archives!"

Yue Zhongda is now an advisor to the Left Army Commander-in-Chief's Office, responsible for formulating battle strategies and coordinating with weapons workshops. He is very familiar with the past file formats.

"good."

Sun Si'an's voice was deep and firm:
"These are all the archives, documents, and personnel rosters from the Northern Expedition in the 21st year of Hongwu's reign and the Yunnan War in the 22nd year of Hongwu's reign."

Yue Zhongda suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with shock and confusion:

"Show me these numbers, what exactly do you want?"

Sun Si'an took a deep breath, his tone heavy yet strangely calm:
"What Lord Yue needs to do is ensure that all these files are burned tomorrow."

"what?"

Yue Zhongda was struck dumb, and he stood up abruptly, the chair legs scraping against the bluestone slab with a screeching sound. His face was full of disbelief!

This was even more shocking than the factional struggles he had witnessed in the capital in recent months!
"Are you crazy? These are important military and national archives, recording the key to victory or defeat in the two wars, the merits of the soldiers, the cost of military supplies, the marching routes, and the battle strategies."

If it were burned, it would be a heinous crime, punishable by the extermination of nine generations of one's family!

Moreover, these kinds of files are always kept in duplicate, one copy kept in the Governor's Office and the other hidden in Puzikou City!

He simply couldn't understand why Lord Lu, who was far away in Daning, would do such a thing. Most of the records in the archives were about his merits!
"Lord Yue, please calm down."

Sun Si'an raised her hand and pressed it on his shoulder, staring at him sharply:
"If it weren't for something of great importance, we wouldn't be acting at this moment. Lord Yue must already be aware of the chaos in the capital."

"I've certainly seen it for myself."

"I can tell you that the turmoil after the New Year will only be more terrifying. No one will be spared; everyone will be drawn into this huge vortex."

"What does this have to do with these documents?"

Yue Zhongda pressed for further details.

Sun Si'an took a deep breath and said calmly:

"It records the names, achievements, and job transfers of all of Lord Lu's trusted confidants."

If this thing is preserved, and the rebels gain power, everyone will be doomed during the subsequent purges, including you, Lord Yue!

Yue Zhongda's pupils suddenly contracted, his whole body stiffened, and a chill ran from the soles of his feet to the top of his head.

What shocked him was not the order to burn the files, but Lord Lu's foresight regarding the ensuing struggle.
Even someone like Lord Lu, who wields military and financial power, will be purged?

Just as Yue Zhongda was filled with doubt and surprise, Sun Si'an said in a deep voice:
"Lord Yue's name is on page 15 of document number 370, which records the matter of Lord Lu transferring you from the Dingyuan Guard Commander to Yunlong Prefecture."

The next transfer will be from Yunlong Prefecture to the Left Army Commandery.

Lord Yue naturally understood the connection.

Yue Zhongda's breathing suddenly became rapid!

For a general like him, without any powerful backers or connections, being transferred even once every few years is already considered fortunate.
In just four years, this happened twice, almost like a meteoric rise to power. No one would believe there was no foul play involved.

If Lord Lu falls from power in the future, this official from Lord Lu's faction will inevitably be purged.
These two transfer records are the most direct evidence of the crime.

"Is this Lord Lu's intention?"

Yue Zhongda asked tentatively, still finding it hard to believe that the undefeated general would back down on such a matter.

Sun Si'an shook his head:

"Whether it was Lord Lu's idea or not, you don't need to delve into it."

All you need to know is that everyone is trying to protect themselves these days, and Lord Yue should also plan for his own future.

As long as these documents are burned, your transfer record to Yunlong Prefecture can be concealed.

At that time, the records of the Yunnan Military Command will also be revised. It will be General Mu Sheng who will transfer you to Yunlong Prefecture, and Lord Ning Zheng who will transfer you to the capital. It will have no connection with Lord Lu.

If there is any reckoning later, Lord Yue will be able to remain uninvolved.

Yue Zhongda's fingers gripped the letter paper covered in numbers tightly, his voice trembling slightly:
"What's the use of burning the Governor's Office's archives?"

Military and national archives have always been kept in duplicate, one copy in the Left Army Commander's Office and the other in the archives of Puzikou City, guarded by elite soldiers!
"If the files over there aren't dealt with, burning everything here is pointless. If something happens later, clues will still be found!"

Sun Si'an showed no panic on her face, but rather a knowing smile, her tone as calm as if she were discussing a trivial matter:

"Don't worry, Lord Yue. Someone will take action in Puzikou City."

"what?"

Yue Zhongda's pupils contracted sharply, and he took a sudden step forward, his breathing becoming rapid.

"Lord Lu has also placed people there?" Puzikou City is a military stronghold outside Yingtian City, and the archives are of utmost importance; ordinary people cannot even get close to it.

It's unbelievable that Lord Lu was able to plant people there and even burn the files.

The depth of the scheme and the ruthlessness of the methods sent chills down Yue Zhongda's spine.

He suddenly realized that his previous understanding of Lord Lu was too superficial.

This commander, far away in Daming, not only held considerable military power but also controlled commercial networks.
Furthermore, it has laid out a dense network of tentacles in the capital and surrounding key locations, even reaching the archives; this power is simply terrifying.

Sun Si'an did not answer directly, but simply nodded slightly, tacitly agreeing with his guess:
"It is not something that Lord Yue should ask.

All you need to know is that during the sacrificial ceremony tomorrow, the archives of the Governor's Office and Puzikou City will be burned simultaneously, leaving no hidden dangers.

He paused, then looked sharply at Yue Zhongda:
"Lord Lu always leaves no room for error in his work."

Since we dared to let you take the plunge, we've naturally considered every step and won't let you take any risks for nothing.

Yue Zhongda stood frozen in place, his mind a complete mess.

The depth of Lord Lu's plan shocked and impressed him, but also made him feel a sense of relief.

Now that arrangements have been made in Puzikou City, his risks are much lower.

This will prevent the situation from escalating to the point where a copy is left on one side and a copy is left on the other.

He raised his hand to wipe his face, his fingertips were icy cold, and he realized that he had been covered in cold sweat without even noticing.

He recalled his path to promotion over the years.
He was transferred from the position of commander of the agricultural settlements in Dingyuanwei to the prosperous Yunlong Prefecture.
He thought he could live out his days in peace, but unexpectedly, in just a few years, he was transferred back to the capital to serve as an advisor to the Left Army Commander-in-Chief's Office, rising to the top in one step.

All of this would have been impossible without Lord Lu's secret support.

He also knew that this promotion was both a blessing and a curse; once Lord Lu lost power,

He will inevitably be purged, and the transfer records in his file are the most direct evidence of his crimes.

Burning the files would sever this connection, allowing him to remain uninvolved even if things change in the future.
But if it isn't burned, he will surely die when the storm comes.

"Okay, I promise you."

His voice was hoarse but unusually firm:
"Tomorrow, I will make sure that all of these files in the Governor's Office are burned."

Sun Si'an smiled with satisfaction and nodded.
"Lord Yue is a wise man; he knows how to choose."

"What exactly should be done?"

Yue Zhongda asked, his tone much calmer:
"The archives are guarded by special personnel and are under strict security on weekdays."
Even if all the officials go to the Temple of Heaven to offer sacrifices tomorrow, the number of guards will not be reduced much.

How can I sneak in unnoticed and burn the files?

"You don't need to worry about that."

Sun Si'an said:

"Tomorrow, when the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven is in full swing, the storeroom on the west side of the Central Military Governor's Mansion will be the first to catch fire."

He paused, then explained in detail:
"The storage room was filled with a large amount of wood and waste paper, all of which are highly flammable."

The fire will spread extremely quickly, producing thick smoke, which will inevitably attract the attention of all the imperial guards and officials within the mansion; they will all rush to fight the fire.

"What you need to do is take advantage of this lull in the chaos to get into the archives."

Sun Si'an looked at Yue Zhongda, his eyes full of trust:
"As for the specific methods, Lord Yue must have his own plans."

But the whole process takes at most the time it takes for an incense stick to burn.

By the time firefighters discovered smoke coming from the archives, the files had already been reduced to ashes.

"But you've already returned to the sacrificial procession or the firefighting team, providing a perfect alibi, so no one will suspect you."

Yue Zhongda looked at Sun Si'an, his brows furrowing slightly:
"That's all? No other coordination is needed?"

"The simpler it is, the less likely it is to make mistakes."

Sun Si'an shook his head:

"With too many people involved, it's easier to expose weaknesses."

Lord Lu believes in your abilities; with your status and wisdom, you are more than capable of accomplishing this task.

With such trust placed in him, Yue Zhongda felt more confident.

"I understand. I will not fail you tomorrow."

Seeing that he agreed so readily, Sun Si'an showed a hint of relief on her face.
He then took out a sealed brocade box from his pocket and handed it over:

"This is for you."

"what is this?"

Yue Zhongda took the brocade box; it felt heavy in his hand, and he was filled with doubt.

"Open it and you'll know."

Sun Si'an said.

Yue Zhongda raised his hand and opened the brocade box. Inside was a stack of neatly bound documents, the paper was fine, and the text was written in neat small regular script.

He examined it closely by the candlelight, his pupils contracting again.
"Key points and tactical analysis of the use of Jing Lei Zi".

It contains detailed information on the use and storage of the new-style firearm, the Jing Lei Zi, from Daning.
It even includes tactical simulations of different scenarios such as sieges, field battles, and night raids, revealing exquisite details between the lines!

"This is?"

Yue Zhongda's voice was filled with doubt.

"This was specially sent from Da Ning by Lord Lu. It contains practical combat techniques researched by the Commandery."

Sun Si'an explained:
"Ten days later, a batch of top-secret military equipment will be transported to the capital, including the first batch of Thunderclap Spears."

This new type of firearm can blast open the thick walls of border towns, and even the walls of Puzikou City, so the imperial court will definitely pay attention to it.

At that time, you only need to thoroughly study this document and briefly explain its tactical ideas, and you will surely achieve remarkable success.

He looked at Yue Zhongda, his eyes filled with expectation:

"The governors of the governor's office, as well as the dukes and nobles present, are all discerning people and will surely notice your talent."

With this achievement, your future career will be smooth sailing.

Yue Zhongda held the brocade box, his breath catching in his throat.

As long as the files are successfully burned tomorrow, and with this secret scroll...

Establishing a foothold in the capital or even advancing further in the future will not be difficult.

"I will never forget Lord Lu's kindness."

Yue Zhongda said in a deep voice, his tone firm:

"I will do my utmost to accomplish tomorrow's tasks and will never let Lord Lu down!"

Sun Si'an nodded in satisfaction:
"Lord Yue is a wise man; he knows what a long-term plan is."

What happened today is known only to Heaven, Earth, you, and me; it must never be revealed to a third party.

"I understand that."

Yue Zhongda nodded:
"This matter concerns my life and fortune, and I would never joke about my own and my family's safety."

Sun Si'an stood up, straightened his coarse cloth jacket, put his felt hat back on, and covered his head with cotton cloth.
"There's no time to lose, I must go. Remember, there must be no mistakes when we offer sacrifices to Heaven tomorrow."

Yue Zhongda also stood up and escorted him to the window:
"Safe travels."

Sun Si'an nodded, and with a flicker, disappeared into the vast night.

(End of this chapter)