In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 612 Seeing an object evokes homesickness; meeting an old friend
After a satisfying meal, the three left the Red Willow Teahouse around 9:00 AM.

Lu Yunyi stroked his belly with satisfaction, a look of emotion on his face.

Although Yangzhou is located north of the Yangtze River, it can be called a famous city in Jiangnan and has its own unique cultural heritage.

The state borders are mostly water, with rippling waves.

Walking through the city streets, you can see babbling brooks everywhere.
Distributed like capillaries, they add a touch of tranquility and nature to this city that should be bustling and busy.

Lu Yunyi led the two of them on a stroll, their hair fluttering in the gentle breeze.

"Lingyun, which places in Jiangnan have you visited?"

"I've been to Suzhou Prefecture, Huzhou Prefecture, and oh right, I've also been to Songjiang Prefecture."

Deng Lingyun's eyes sparkled with hope as she said:

“My mother was still alive then, and she took me to see silk workshops in various places.”

Especially in Suzhou and Songjiang prefectures, there were many workshops there.

Deng Lingyun gestured a large circle in front of her to indicate the large quantity.

Lu Yunyi nodded with a smile:

"How are the people there living? Are they well-fed and clothed?"

Deng Lingyun nodded repeatedly:
“Excellent! The people are well-fed and clothed, and although the work is tiring, at least they won’t go hungry.”

My mother once said, "If only Yingtian could produce silk too."

Lu Yunyi wholeheartedly agreed, then turned to look at Mu Chuting:

"My father-in-law plans to make white sugar a signature product of the Yunnan Military Command this time he returns to Yunnan."

At that time, the sugar could be transported to various parts of the Ming Dynasty at a very low cost, but the travel expenses would be too high.
Even with costs reduced to extremely low levels, making a profit remains somewhat difficult.

Mu Chuting seemed lost in thought, and sighed softly:

"It would be good enough if we could keep the workshop running."

My father just wanted to find work for the people of Yunnan.
In contrast, making money is not the goal.

"That's exactly the point. Solve the employment problem first, then think about making money."

Lu Yunyi seemed to be deep in thought:
"It's not that there's no way to make money, it's just that it's a bit complicated to do."

"Husband, do you have a solution?"

“The Ming Dynasty is thousands of miles away from Yunnan, so even if you transport the cheapest sugar there, you won’t make any money.”

A tree dies when transplanted, but a person thrives. Since selling to various parts of the Ming Dynasty isn't profitable...
They could sell it to the Indians through Luchuan.
They must be at war over there right now, which is exactly when they need sugar.

Alternatively, they could sail directly from Luchuan to sea, joining the imperial fleet to sell their goods.

"Luchuan. Setting sail?"

Mu Chuting's eyes lit up, realizing that this was indeed a feasible path, but its implementation would be fraught with difficulties.

"Has my husband mentioned this to my father?"

She tightened her grip on Lu Yunyi's arm.

"I did say that my father-in-law said he would consider it."

Although maritime trade was profitable, the imperial court stipulated that it could only be operated by the imperial court itself.

Anyone else involved in maritime trade is essentially competing with the imperial court for business.

"Does my husband think we should set sail from Luchuan?"

"I?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Lu Yunyi's eyes, and he smiled as he said:
"If you don't use the sea outlet, you might as well use it."

As for maritime trade, even though the imperial court strictly prohibited maritime trade, some people still engaged in smuggling.

Countless ships travel back and forth between Fujian, Guangzhou, Chongming Island, and other places every day.
Some of these were official vessels, but the majority were smuggling boats.

Speaking of this, Lu Yunyi remembered something:

"By the way, some treacherous officials have recently come up with a new trick."
From Liaodong to Korea, and then to Japan.

After leaving some cargo behind, they sailed south from Japan, making a large detour to avoid the waters controlled by the imperial navy.

"Is there such a thing?"

Mu Chuting's eyes widened:

"Can you still make a profit by taking such a long detour?"

Lu Yunyi crossed a small stream and sighed:

"Once the goods are out to sea, the cost can be recouped with just half a shipment on board."

The rest is all profit, so how could we not make money? It's just a matter of how much we make.

The profits from maritime trade are enormous. Now that the imperial court has banned maritime trade and firmly controls it, countless people are envious, and smuggling is rampant despite repeated crackdowns.

Now that new sea routes have been opened up in Liaodong, there are probably still many undiscovered places.

Deng Lingyun and Mu Chuting suddenly realized what was going on, nodded, and said nothing more.

They quietly supported the man beside them.
Following him along the cobblestone streets of Yangzhou, feeling the unevenness underfoot, I wondered what he was thinking.

After strolling around for a while, the three of them soon arrived at the bustling city center.

The markets in Yangzhou were different from those in Yingtian.

The items sold here are mostly silk fabrics, books, and calligraphy and paintings.

After inquiring, Lu Yunyi learned that this market was specially set up for tourists visiting Yangzhou City, and it sold only elegant items.

But for daily necessities like rice, oil, and salt, you have to go further down the road.

The largest market in Yangzhou is located in the east of the city.

At this moment, Mu Chuting picked up a small jar and examined it carefully.

This is Yangzhou porcelain, decorated with exquisite cloud patterns, which is very delicate.

She looked at the shopkeeper and asked:

What is this porcelain jar used for?

“Young lady, this porcelain jar can be used to store small items, such as pickled vegetables or rice.”

Mu Chuting looked at the palm-sized porcelain jar in her hand, a sense of doubt creeping into her heart.
Is this tiny container for pickled vegetables?
"how much is this?"

"Girl, one tael of silver."

"it is good"

Mu Chuting paid the money readily and efficiently, making the shopkeeper beam with joy.

"Sister, can we try to bargain?"

Deng Lingyun muttered to herself, glancing at the shopkeeper and inwardly cursing him as a shrewd businessman.

"It's alright, it's only a penny. Even if we haggle, we won't save much. No need to bother."

As Mu Chuting spoke, she looked at the small porcelain jar with delight.

"Sister, what are you buying this for?"

Mu Chuting smiled gently, her gaze tender as she looked at Lu Yunyi, who was selecting bamboo products, and said:

My husband likes to eat pickled vegetables, but pickled vegetables stored in bowls or dishes always dry out easily.
Buy a deep little jar; it'll hold the soup and liquids.

Deng Lingyun blinked, then looked at the small jar that Mu Chuting was holding tightly in her hand, and felt a sense of loss for no reason.

"Sister, you are so observant. I didn't even notice this."

Mu Chuting smiled gently and patted Deng Lingyun's head:

"As a wife, you should think more about your husband, and you will gradually get used to it."

Hearing this, Deng Lingyun blushed, feeling somewhat embarrassed to say it so bluntly.

At this moment, Lu Yunyi was in front of a stall, carefully examining a bamboo cup.

How much is this bamboo cup?

"Sir, you have excellent taste!"

This bamboo cup is woven from the finest bamboo; even when brewing hot tea, it won't burn your hands.

The price wasn't expensive either, fifty coins.

"Fifty coins isn't expensive?"

Lu Yunyi's eyes widened suddenly, staring at the shopkeeper in disbelief.

The shopkeeper, without changing his expression, smiled and said:

"Sir, you've probably never seen a bamboo cup like this anywhere else, have you?"

Even if there were, it wouldn't compare to this.

I bought a novel item for fifty coins. When my friends came to visit, they asked about it.

"Then you can boast about it; fifty coins is a great deal!"

Lu Yunyi was amused and nodded:
"Alright, fifty coins it is. Remember to restock once you've sold out."

"Ting'er, pay the money."

Mu Chuting stepped forward and took out some silver.
The shopkeeper took the money, his eyes narrowing into slits with a smile.

He was just a little puzzled.
How does this person know to restock after selling out?

"Husband, what's so special about this thing?"

Mu Chuting looked at the small bamboo cup and asked.

"This is something from Yujia Village in Jurong County. It's amazing that it's sold in Yangzhou City."

Lu Yunyi looked at the cup in his hand and sighed.

"Something from Yingtian? How does my husband know about it?"

Mu Chuting looked surprised, and Deng Lingyun also cast a questioning glance at her.

Lu Yunyi smiled mysteriously, turned the cup over, and pointed to the cross shape on the bottom, saying:

"People in Yujia Village are used to weaving the first button at the bottom center."

Whether it's a bamboo jar, a bamboo cup, or a bamboo basket, it's all done this way; it's their unique secret.

The two men looked closer and saw that there were indeed two flat bamboo sticks intersecting at the bottom of the cup.

"Really!"

Deng Lingyun suddenly laughed.
For some reason, looking at the small bamboo cup in front of me, I felt like I was meeting an old friend in a foreign land.

I didn't have any particular feelings when I was in Yingtian before.
Now that I've left Yingtian, seeing the things from Yingtian fills me with a mix of emotions and feelings.

"Take it. I didn't expect this to spread so quickly, and to reach Yangzhou City so soon."

Lu Yunyi smiled sincerely. If the goods from the villages surrounding Yingtian could be sold throughout the country,
The villagers will be able to live a comfortable life with modest wealth.

Yingtian Trading Company has made a great contribution.

"This is all thanks to my husband. If it weren't for his hard work in managing the business, Yu Family Village wouldn't be where it is today."

Mu Chuting smiled broadly, her eyes filled with admiration.

Life is full of beauty; what we lack is the eyes to see it.

The bamboo products of Yujia Village have always been there, it's just that no one has discovered them yet, I dare not take credit for it.

Even if Lu Yunyi isn't here today, Li Yunyi will be tomorrow; there will always be ambitious and enterprising individuals.

Lu Yunyi said with a smile, enjoying the praise.

He suddenly remembered something and shook his head regretfully:

"It's a pity Wanyi didn't get to see her husband's abilities."
Back in my school days, she was always going against me and provoking me.

"How did your husband handle it?"

Mu Chuting's pretty face showed curiosity, and her eyes sparkled with gossip.

Deng Lingyun, standing to the side, felt somewhat uneasy, thinking to herself:
"This older sister sounds intimidating; I hope she doesn't bully me."

Lu Yunyi waved his hand dismissively, a smug look on his face:
"I'm invincible in school. If she comes to provoke me, I'll beat her until she cries!"

But every time, she would run to tell on me, which resulted in me getting a beating from my mother. It's really strange.

Mu Chuting smiled slightly, her eyebrows curving into crescent moons:
"My husband and my sister really are childhood sweethearts."

"They're a pair of bickering lovers. When we were kids, I made a joke, and she actually took it seriously and insisted on marrying me. It seems my charm is too great."

Lu Yunyi casually tossed his head, his hair flying in the wind.
His handsome face was bathed in sunlight, his skin was fair, and he exuded a sharp aura.

Mu Chuting and Deng Lingyun did not refute this.

They had personally witnessed the letters delivered by some women in the capital.
The contents of this book are enough to make one blush.

The three strolled around, chatting and browsing the market in a very leisurely manner, attracting envious glances from many people.

But seeing the fierce-looking guards behind them,

Everyone immediately looked away, not daring to look any longer.

As Lu Yunyi walked out of the market, he let out a long sigh:

"Let's go, it's time to get down to business."

Before long, Dongguan Street, the most bustling street in Yangzhou, came into view.

This street was extremely prosperous from the Tang Dynasty to the Yuan Dynasty.

It was a vital hub for water and land transportation in Yangzhou, and also a center for commerce, handicrafts, and religious culture.

Even in the Ming Dynasty, the prosperity of Dongguan Street continued.

Shops lined both sides of the street, and all kinds of shops opened early.
The goods on display were plentiful, and many merchants and tourists from other places were already strolling around.

Wow, it's even more lively here!

Deng Lingyun exclaimed in amazement, her big eyes scanning the area incessantly, unable to get enough of looking at it.

Before long, the three arrived at the door of a fruit and melon shop.

Deng Lingyun looked puzzled:
"Would you like some melon, my husband?"

Lu Yunyi smiled helplessly and reached out to pinch her little cheek:

"You guys wander around, I have something to take care of."

Deng Lingyun was still completely confused.
Mu Chuting, who was standing to the side, had already realized what was happening. She smiled gently and took her arm.

"Let's go, let's wander around."

Lu Yunyi looked at Feng Yunfang and raised his chin:

"Follow them and protect them."

"Yes!"

After making the arrangements, Lu Yunyi stepped into Taihe Fruit Shop.

The shop is small, about the size of two small rooms.

There were many varieties of fruits and vegetables, and the prices were not expensive. Several customers were picking them out with bamboo baskets.

Lu Yunyi looked around the store, picked up two pears, and walked towards the counter.

"Sir, two pears cost fifteen coins."

The guy was a young man of seventeen or eighteen.

He was strong and sturdy, and after being weighed, he said with a smile.

Lu Yunyi handed over a banknote and said softly:

"Is your manager here? An old friend from the north has arrived."

After speaking, Lu Yunyi clenched his right fist, placed it diagonally in front of his chest, and pressed his fist against his shoulder.

Upon seeing this posture, the waiter's pupils contracted slightly, but he quickly realized what was happening and said with a smile:
"Go to the backyard yourself, I have business to attend to."

Lu Yunyi remained calm, took two pears, and walked towards the backyard.

Passing through the short corridor and lifting half of the curtain, Lu Yunyi arrived at the backyard.

The backyard is small, only half the size of the front shop.

But the sunlight was plentiful and very bright.

Large baskets filled with fruits and vegetables were neatly arranged in the shady corners of the yard.

In the center of the courtyard, a middle-aged man in his forties sat in a simple wheelchair.
He squinted, enjoying the sunshine.

"Xiao Chen, what's wrong? Another shipment has arrived?"

Seeing that no one responded for a long time, the middle-aged man slowly opened his eyes, a hint of surprise flashing in them.

He turned his wheelchair and looked back.

A young man dressed in black casual clothes was standing there.
He was looking at the small courtyard with a serious expression, his face full of curiosity.

Upon seeing the newcomer, the middle-aged man froze, almost unable to believe his eyes.

He pursed his lips, blinked, and finally saw who it was, exclaiming in surprise:

"grown ups!"

Lu Yunyi turned his gaze over, a smile blooming on his calm face.

Seeing the middle-aged man struggling to get up,
Lu Yunyi quickly stepped forward to support the wheelchair:
"Hey, it's good to get some sun every day, don't move around too much."

"This humble servant, Lü Mingxin, greets Your Excellency!"

The middle-aged man was very excited.
Her previously unhealthy, pale face flushed red.

Lu Yunyi smiled and patted his shoulder.

He turned his wheelchair around, then sat on the edge of the dry well and asked:
"No need for formalities, please sit comfortably. Is this wheelchair convenient to use?"

"So convenient! With this, I can go anywhere and even move goods!!"

For some reason, Lü Mingxin started crying as she spoke.
His eyes were red and his voice was choked with emotion.
"My lord, if it weren't for you, my lord..."
"This humble servant may have to lie in bed for the rest of his life and become a useless person."

"What nonsense are you talking about? You followed me into battle and were left crippled."

We must find a way for you to survive, no matter what.

People are most afraid of being idle, because when they are idle, they easily get stuck in a rut.

Your fruit and vegetable business is doing well now; you must be making a lot of money every day.

Lu Yunyi spoke gently and slowly.

"You can make money here. There are many wealthy people here, much better than outside the Great Wall, and even better than Yunnan."
A pear or a melon costs only a few coins, but on a good day they can sell for over ten coins.

Lu Yunyi nodded with a smile:

"Can you earn ten taels of silver a month?"

Lü Mingxin chuckled and rubbed his eyes vigorously:
"I can earn money, I can earn money, enough to support my family."

"Hmm, not bad. Is that your son, Lü Chen, outside?"

"That's my son. He's very filial and came to help out at the store."

Lü Mingxin nodded repeatedly, her smile radiant.

"Very good, making the most of everything is more important than anything else."

Save up more money so I can get my son a wife.

Write to me when you get married, and I'll have to give you a wedding gift.

Lu Mingxin smiled from ear to ear, tears streaming down her face.
"Thank you, sir. I almost thought my life would be filled with darkness."

He lay in bed all day, his body covered in sores, and he dared not spend any money.

"Alright, alright, business is already up and running, why are we still talking about this? Look ahead, there's still a long road ahead."

"Yes, yes, look ahead!"

"Where are the letters from the capital? Let me see."

Lu Mingxin quickly wiped away his tears, became serious, turned the wheel with both hands, and said:
"My lord, please come with me."

Seeing that he was struggling to turn his wheelchair, Lu Yunyi stood up and pushed him, asking:

"Where?"

Lu Mingxin, her face filled with emotion, pointed to a room on the west side, her voice choked with emotion:

"West Room".

Soon, the two went inside.

Lü Mingxin explained:

"This is where the accounts are kept."

After closing the shop and restocking in the evening, I teach my son to read and also talk to him about principles.

"Yes, that's good. It's always good to be able to read and write."

Lü Mingxin walked to the corner,
He pulled out a thick ledger from under a stack of accounts.

Inside, there was a hollow space with several letters neatly placed inside.

He picked it up and handed it to Lu Yunyi:
"Sir, there have been a lot of letters these past two days, almost every time a shipment arrives, there is a letter with it."

Lu Yunyi's expression was solemn:
"Something happened in Beijing, don't worry. Just focus on your business and make a living peacefully."

"Yes, my lord!"

(End of this chapter)