In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 604 Each on their own path, each with their own ferry crossing

Time passes by in a hurry like a white horse.

Seven days passed in the blink of an eye.

The excitement of opening new businesses has not yet subsided, and the entire Fudong Street remains bustling with activity.

During these days, Lu Yunyi neither set foot on Fudong Street nor went to the Governor's Office or the Ministry of Works.

He spent all his time in the military camp in Puzikou City.

At this moment, he sat behind the desk in the military tent, looking at the few documents in front of him, feeling his heart surging with emotion.

I finally have some free time.

Since relinquishing his duties at the Ministry of Works and the Governor's Office, Lu Yunyi has been living a leisurely and carefree life.

They even resumed their regular drills.

He was full of energy and had regained the vitality that a young man in his twenties should have.

At that moment, light footsteps came from outside the military tent.

Feng Yunfang poked his head in:
"My lord, Sun Si'an and Yang Shiqi have arrived."

"Let them in."

Lu Yunyi sat up straight, picked up the cola on the table, and took a big gulp.

It's worth mentioning that, thanks to the free Coca-Cola offered at the entrance of the store, which can both hydrate and cool you down, Coca-Cola is now selling very well at the store.

Children from wealthy families especially love to drink it.

Sun Si'an and Yang Shiqi walked in, and the two looked very different now.

Sun Si'an was fair-skinned and clean-cut, and with his handsome face, he had the air of a scholar.

Yang Shiqi, compared to his previous frailty, was now much stronger, and his skin had become as dark as that of a soldier.

"sit."

Lu Yunyi pointed to the table next to him and said with a smile.

He stood up, walked to the table, and sat down first.

After that, the two of them carefully sat down opposite each other.

"How have you decided?"

Lu Yunyi asked with a smile.

After exchanging a glance, Sun Si'an took a deep breath and spoke first:
"My lord, I have made up my mind. I want to study at the Imperial Academy."

Lu Yunyi nodded calmly.

"I will make the arrangements for you, and you can start your classes tomorrow."

As for your teacher… I will write you a letter, which you can then present to Grand Secretary Song.”

Sun Si'an's heart pounded, and her expression changed several times.

Although I had already made up my mind, after the matter was actually settled, a sense of loss still lingered in my heart.

From then on, he may never have a chance to serve in the military again.

"Thank you, sir."

"No need for that. The road is under your feet. Whether it's a good road or a bad road, as long as you can walk it, that's fine."

Lu Yunyi waved his hand, not surprised that Sun Si'an had chosen the Imperial Academy.

He looked at Yang Shiqi, his smile equally gentle:
"What about you?"

Yang Shiqi let out a long sigh, his face showing some unease.

After his lips moved twice, he spoke in a deep voice:
"Sir, I am going to Daning."

After saying this, Yang Shiqi seemed to collapse from exhaustion, his whole body going limp.

His high shoulders drooped slightly, as if he had made an extremely important decision, which was indeed the case.

"Oh?"

Lu Yunyi looked up at him, somewhat surprised:
"Haven't you always wanted to study at the Imperial Academy?"

Yang Shiqi rallied himself and spoke in a deep voice:
"My lord, I have always believed that by thoroughly studying the Four Books and Five Classics, one can govern the world and become a renowned minister."

But the months spent in the military made the students feel so ashamed they wanted to disappear.

Besides remembering the accounts best,
The students were completely ignorant of all other military affairs, appearing utterly foolish.

However, the student believed he had gained considerable insight from reading.

This stark contrast surprised the students.

The students, deeply saddened by their actions, ate and slept alongside the soldiers, assisting the officers in handling military affairs.

However, it was discovered that although the principles mentioned in the Four Books and Five Classics are mentioned, they cannot be applied blindly.

If applied directly, it might turn a good thing into a bad thing.

Not daring to deceive the adults, the student is now extremely confused. There is a path underfoot, but he dares not take a step.

Therefore, the students wanted to go to Daning to see it.

Looking at the magnificent landscape of northern China, one should put oneself in their shoes and consider how... one should serve as an official.

Yang Shiqi spoke very frankly, and Lu Yunyi nodded after listening.

The two people before me are completely different, yet they have chosen completely different paths. Perhaps this is fate's arrangement.

"Since you are willing to go to Daning, then go with the army."

During this period, you should learn from senior military officers and observe how they handle military affairs during marches and battles.

"Yes!"

Yang Shiqi's face was resolute, as if he were going to die a heroic death.

Seeing this, Lu Yunyi smiled and waved his hand:

"There's no need for that."
You have both chosen the path that is best for you, and it is also the best path for the court at present.

A hint of doubt flashed in their eyes.

Lu Yunyi straightened his expression, looked at Sun Si'an, and said in a deep voice:
"His Majesty has always wanted to have soldiers learn to read and write and take the imperial examinations, but with little success."

If you achieve success in your studies at the Imperial Academy, your name will appear on the desks of His Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince.

Let alone passing the imperial examination and becoming a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest level of the imperial examinations), even passing the provincial examination and becoming a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial level of the imperial examinations) will result in the imperial court assigning you an official position.

Sun Si'an raised her eyes slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in them.

Then his heart started pounding and his face flushed instantly.

"My lord, I will certainly study diligently."

"Um……"

Lu Yunyi looked at Yang Shiqi and sighed:
"As for you... before you even achieve anything, your name will appear on His Majesty's desk the day you leave the capital."

To be honest, you're not the only scholar going to Daning this time; there's also Xie Jin and more than a dozen students from the Imperial Academy.

Xie Jin offended me, and I forcibly brought him here.

The dozen or so students were assigned by the palace and were very reluctant to go.

Da Ning was, after all, a harsh and cold place, and scholars were unwilling to go there; the palace didn't have any good solutions either.

Your initiative to go there as a scholar is truly commendable.

Yang Shiqi looked astonished, feeling that it was somewhat absurd.

What was thought to be a life-or-death situation inexplicably turned into a miraculous escape from the brink of disaster...

This left him somewhat bewildered, but he quickly said:

"My lord, I am going to Daning not for fame, but to improve my skills."

Lu Yunyi nodded:
"Know.

Do more work in the army now. If you do well, I can find you a small town to serve as an official.

While those who passed the imperial examinations were of high status,

However, many high-ranking officials in the court came from impoverished backgrounds and had little formal education, but this did not affect the overall situation.

Hearing this, Yang Shiqi felt not less pressure, but rather a heavier weight on his shoulders:
"Thank you, sir."

Lu Yunyi stood up and took a small wooden box from the bookshelf next to him.

He walked up to Sun Si'an and handed it over:

"Take it."

Although you have received a considerable reward and hold an official position,

However, prices in Beijing are high, especially for housing.

This house is just one street away from the Imperial College. Once you sign your name and put your fingerprint on it, it will be yours, making it convenient for your future school enrollment.

Sun Si'an stared at the box in his hand, his eyes wide with astonishment.

He opened the box, and inside were the house deeds and land deeds, with the official seal of the Jingzhao Prefecture prominently displayed.

"My lord, this is far too precious."

"Ah, money is just an external thing. As long as it is used for the right things, it is not valuable."

Lu Yunyi waved his hand, then took out another box and handed it to Yang Shiqi:
"Here, this is for you... Don't overthink it, it's not a house."

Yang Shiqi looked at the wooden box in his hand, equally astonished.

Upon opening it, they found a stack of banknotes.

"You've trained many people in the army these past few months, and the results have been remarkable."
This is your... quarterly bonus. It's not much, but take it and spend it.

"not much?"

Yang Shiqi looked at the box in his hand; it must have weighed at least a hundred taels...

It's not much for an adult, but for him, it's almost a year's wages.

"Alright, everyone go back and get ready."

Those who needed to say goodbye said goodbye, those who needed to exchange pleasantries exchanged pleasantries; tomorrow we will be setting off.

Lu Yunyi stepped forward, patted the two of them on the shoulder, and said with a smile.

"Yes, my lord..."

The two of them bowed and took their leave.

After they left, Lu Yunyi also walked out of the military tent.

Today the sun is shining brightly, the heat is beginning to spread, and a layer of moisture is permeating the air.

It makes exposed skin feel sticky.

At the entrance, Feng Yunfang, dressed in armor and holding a long sword, was patrolling.

Seeing him come out, he quickly walked over:
"grown ups."

"How are you feeling, almost home?"

Lu Yunyi looked into the distance, watching a white cloud drifting in the sky.

Feng Yunfang suddenly felt a little awkward, scratched his head, and said:
"Sir, something feels off."

She seems a little hesitant to see her family.

"Haha, it's normal to feel this way after two years apart. I'll feel better after going back for a couple of days."

Once we arrive in Daning, we'll give you all a break. Those who need to visit their families can do so, and those who need to get married can get married.

From now on, it'll be closer to home in Daning, and we can see each other more often.

Feng Yunfang's face was filled with excitement, and his eyes gleamed with anticipation.

At this moment, Liu Heiying, dressed in black armor, scratched his head and came to the vicinity of the central command tent.

Seeing Lu Yunyi standing outside the military tent, he looked slightly surprised:
"Brother Yun'er, what are you doing outside?"

"Hey, isn't this the groom?"

Lu Yunyi joked that Black Hawk's wedding had just been held two days ago, and the scene was very grand.

The largest restaurants in the capital have all been booked.

Liu Heiying scratched his head, his face full of helplessness:

"Oh dear, Brother Yun, please don't say that. I've been exhausted these past two days."

Come inside quickly... I need to tell you something, it's so hot outside..."

Liu Heiying pushed Lu Yunyi into the military tent and pressed him down into a seat.

"What's wrong? What happened?"

Lu Yunyi asked while laughing.

"Brother Yun'er, I feel something's off..."

Liu Heiying sat to the side, took off his helmet and put it aside, scratching his head and cheeks, feeling that nothing was right.

"Just tell me if you have anything to say."

Liu Heiying sighed deeply, slumped back in his chair, and spoke with a look of utter despair:
"Getting married feels a little different..."

"What's the difference?"

"Every aspect!"

Liu Heiying perked up, sat up abruptly, leaned closer, and said:

“Brother Yun’er, the fruit and melon shop has reopened, right? I was planning to ask Qin Qing to help us out, but she’s ignoring me now.”

"What?"

A moment of confusion flashed in Lu Yunyi's eyes, then he laughed.

He patted him on the shoulder earnestly:

"If you choose one tree, you have to give up a whole forest."

"Take it easy, you'll get used to it."

"She wants to come to Daning with me."

Liu Heiying said something for no apparent reason, then sat down in his chair without saying a word.

Lu Yunyi's laughter stopped abruptly, and he turned his head sharply, a look of astonishment flashing in his eyes:

"Really?"

Liu Heiying sighed:
"Why would I lie to you? She said she wanted to roam the world with a sword and uphold justice."

"Do you believe this?"

"Of course I don't believe it!"

"That's it."

Lu Yunyi shrugged, his expression immediately turning strange:
"If you can persuade Minister Qin, it's not impossible for you."

But... after you married Hua Jieyu, the chances actually decreased a lot.

"What kind of high-ranking official's daughter becomes a concubine for a brothel owner?"

"That's where the problem lies!"

Liu Heiying clapped his hands suddenly.

He stood up abruptly and paced back and forth inside the military tent.

"So what are your thoughts?"
"Qin Qing is a good young lady; she's hardworking and reliable, and also comes from a well-to-do family."

"Me? Who would complain about having too many women, especially someone as beautiful as Qin Qing?"

Liu Heiying shook his head and sat down:

“Brother Yun’er, I thought about it carefully yesterday and felt that I couldn’t hold them back.”

Although Daning is our hometown,
But it's not her hometown.

If she acts impulsively and goes along without thinking, she'll regret it sooner or later.

How do you know they'll regret it? What if it's true love?

Lu Yunyi was somewhat surprised.

"Brother Yun'er, you're the one who told me that young girls act impulsively and don't consider the consequences."

"Now that I'm considering it, you're not."

Liu Heiying let out a long sigh of relief, picked up the cola on the table, and took a big gulp.

He said fiercely:

"Yes, it was just a momentary impulse."

Daning is 5,000 li away from Yingtian, and it's a bitterly cold place. Only someone in their mind would go there.

I need to make it clear to her that she shouldn't waste her precious youth on me.

After saying that, Liu Heiying hurriedly ran out.

Lu Yunyi watched his retreating figure, smiled helplessly, and let out a long sigh of relief.

It’s great to be young!
The day passed quickly, and evening was approaching.
Lu Yunyi returned to the Lu residence in the Third Alley of Xi'an Gate.

At this moment, the Lu residence was bustling with activity, as everyone was busy packing large and small bags of things.

Three large horse-drawn carriages were parked in the courtyard, piled high with bags and packages.

Lu Yunyi arrived at the main hall, where Mu Chuting was sitting drinking tea, holding a military book in her hand, reading it intently.

Upon seeing him return, Mu Chuting instantly transformed from aloof to radiant, and quickly stood up:
"Husband, you're back?"

"How's it going? Is everything packed?"

Lu Yunyi sat down with a smile, and Mu Chuting skillfully walked behind him and massaged his neck and shoulders.

"It's all packed up."

The manager of Xinchen Trading Company came by today and said that they would take care of the courtyard after we left.

Furthermore… he also said that the general had already paid.

"Yes, that's right. The general paid for ten years at once."

The main hall fell silent.

Looking at the exquisitely decorated main hall, Mu Chuting felt a pang of emotion:

"My husband, I don't know when I will be able to return after this trip."

Lu Yunyi held her hand:

"Walk from the southernmost point to the northernmost point,

You've been by my side all this time, thank you for your hard work..."

Mu Chuting has a gentle and graceful appearance.
“What’s so hard about this? I’ve always heard my father talk about how vast the grasslands are.”
But I have never seen it with my own eyes.

This is a good opportunity to see what a real grassland looks like.

But my husband...

The journey was tiring and exhausting.

Moreover… many rumors have circulated among the people, saying that the court is ruthless and cruel, and that after her husband has finished his business, he will send her to the frontier.”

A ruthless glint flashed in Lu Yunyi's eyes as he said softly:

These rumors need not be heeded.

The capital city is a good place, but for us, it's a den of dragons and tigers.

"I must thank Your Majesty and the Crown Prince for allowing me to leave sooner."

Mu Chuting's eyes softened as she gently massaged Lu Yunyi's temples.

“In the capital, my husband is always on edge.”

Hopefully, after arriving in Daning,
My husband can finally get a good night's sleep... and his hysteria is also improving.

"Oh, by the way... Husband, Miss Song sent a letter today."

"The letter? Where is it?"

Lu Yunyi didn't open his eyes, and asked calmly.

"It's here..."

Mu Chuting picked up the letter from the table above and handed it to Lu Yunyi.

"Were you peeking?"

Lu Yunyi opened the letter while asking questions.

Mu Chuting rolled her eyes at him:
"My lord, do I need to peek?"
"When my husband looks at it, I can look at it openly and honestly."

"Hahahaha, then let's watch it together."

The letter contained a simple poem written in delicate, small handwriting:

Don't wash the red color too much, or it will become too light.

My beloved, a young man, whom I met yesterday at Yinqiao.

May you return soon after being granted a title; lest you become an arrow on a bowstring.
Mu Chuting smiled and said softly:

This is [休洗红] by Li He, a poet from the Tang Dynasty.

It is about a woman seeing off her lover.

I hope he will return soon after achieving success and fame, and not be like an arrow shot from a bow, never to return.

"My lord, this Miss Song is still deeply in love with you."

Lu Yunyi read the poem again and suddenly laughed:

"Don't other women love me deeply?"

Mu Chuting raised an eyebrow, her smile deepening:

"That's true... I heard my husband is leaving."
No fewer than a hundred letters were delivered today, among which…

At this point, Mu Chuting bent down and whispered in his ear:

"There are also many wives of powerful and wealthy people."

She probably saw that her husband was about to leave.
I never dared to express my feelings before, but this time I wrote in a hurry…

They, too, were deeply devoted to their husbands.

(End of this chapter)