In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 622 The Ming and Yuan people were all from Daming.

A day later, the wind and snow gradually subsided.
The gloomy sky finally let in a sliver of sunlight, which was refreshing.

The area north of Daning City is inhabited by grassland people.

Although there was no clear division between Han Chinese and nomadic residential areas within the city.

But everyone tacitly follows an unspoken rule.

The nomads lived in the north of the city, which faced the cold winds, while the Han people lived in the south of the city, which was sheltered from the winds.

Everyone chooses to live closer to their hometown.

When Lu Yunyi arrived in the north of the city, the orderly scene before him surprised him.

This place was not the dirty and chaotic place he had imagined.

Instead, the roads were neat and the houses were sturdy and orderly.

Even the furs drying in front of the houses were arranged neatly.
The horse and cow dung used for burning were piled into square blocks and neatly stacked at the entrance.

Lu Yunyi couldn't help but think that this place seemed even cleaner than the south of the city.

Beside him was Ya Rong's son, Ortai.

Compared to his youthful days, Ortai now appears much more weathered.

He grew a beard, his face became covered in hair, and his skin turned dark.

However, his eyes, which had remained unchanged, still shone with the same brilliance as before.

"Your Highness Arsleng."

Just as he was about to speak, Ortai realized his mistake and quickly changed his address to "Lord Lu".

This is a "slip of the tongue" that he has experienced every time he speaks in the past two days.

"Those furs are all goods to be sold next year."

If the wind is calm and the sun is shining, you should take them out to dry quickly.

Ortai pointed to a man and a woman grooming furs in front of the house and said.

Then, he pointed to the young man washing clothes in the snow not far away:

"Lord Lu, they were washing clothes in the snow."

The snow in Daning is very clean. I washed the oil stains off my clothes as soon as the snow stopped.

At this point, Ortai sighed:
"Sir, they didn't do this when they first arrived."

But seeing that the Han people were all dressed in bright and beautiful clothes
They also started washing their clothes regularly and deliberately controlling their body odor.

Lu Yunyi looked around and nodded in satisfaction.

"That's great."

The freezing cold can easily make people feel gloomy.

If I'm not dressed neatly, my mood will only get worse.

"Were these houses built by the commander?"

Lu Yunyi pointed to the more than one hundred houses in front of him and looked into the distance. There must be many more in the distance, all of which were covered in white snow.

Ortai nodded: "It was built by the Commander."

We learned how to build houses from craftsmen.

However, the houses that were built were crooked and looked rather incongruous.

Each has its own strengths.

The people of the grasslands are skilled at setting up tents, a skill that the Han Chinese simply cannot match.

Ortai nodded in agreement, then shook his head.

"Lord Lu, the tents currently used by the Commandery are assembled using fixed components."

Simply assemble them securely together.

More sturdy than tents on the grasslands, and better able to withstand strong winds when planted in the ground.

Lu Yunyi nodded. This was a method developed by the army during the Duke of Song's northern expedition.

It has now been promoted throughout the entire Ming Dynasty.

"But correspondingly, the cost is also higher."

Everything has two sides; it can't be all good or all bad.

At this point, Lu Yunyi turned his head to look at Ortai and asked:

"Are you doing well here?"

Ortai pursed his lips and nodded gently.

"Great, this is much better than being on the grasslands. We no longer have to worry about food shortages."

On the grasslands, some cattle and sheep will inevitably die when snowstorms hit.
There won't be enough food, and everyone will go hungry.

Now, in this vast city,
Don't worry about the weather, just worry about whether you're working hard enough and whether your crops are growing well.

"Yes, it's always better to make a living by manual labor than by relying on the weather."

Lu Yunyi nodded and then asked, "How many grassland people are there in the city now?"

Nearly ten thousand.

Most of them were remnants of the Northern Yuan dynasty.
Unwilling to be relocated to the Oirat by Yesudier, he fled to the territory of the Ming Dynasty.

The commander took in some and released others.
The three guards of Doyan in the northeast also accepted some.

"Ten thousand people"

Lu Yunyi looked thoughtfully at Yao Tongchen, the clerk behind him, and gave instructions.

"As soon as possible, we need to analyze the population structure of these 10,000 people."
Distinguish between the elderly, young adults, children, and women, and also between those who know how to till the land and those who don't.

Yao Tongchen, pen and paper in hand, quickly took notes:

"Yes, my lord!"

Ortai, who was standing to the side, suddenly became worried. After hesitating for a long time, he asked softly.

"Sir, what are you planning to do?"

He had a vague worry that the imperial court might forcibly distinguish, classify, and differentiate these grassland people.

Lu Yunyi smiled and comforted him.

"Don't worry, I came to Daning City not to punish the grassland people."

Instead, we need to find a way out for them.
Let them integrate into the Ming Dynasty as soon as possible.

Look now, the Han people live in the south of the city, and the nomads live in the north.
Two contrasting scenes in one city—it's utterly absurd.

"Sir, at first everyone lived together,"

But later, they naturally separated.

There are still some differences between the Han Chinese and the nomadic people of the grasslands.

"I understand that differences in lifestyle habits will inevitably lead to arguments and disputes, but these are not problems."

Lu Yunyi waved his hand, put his hands on his hips,
Looking at the grassland people who kept casting glances at him, he said in a deep voice.

"I intend to promote the planting of a new crop in Daning."

Let those who are good at farming do the work.

I also brought a lot of piglets this time.
What do you think about assigning skilled herders to raise pigs?

Upon hearing this, the entourage all looked surprised.

Ortai said somewhat hesitantly:
"Sir, pigs need to eat grain. The commander has tried raising pigs before."

"Yes, sir. Cattle and sheep can eat grass, but pigs eat more grain than people."

Uyun Bilige, a grassland man with an unusual beard, also spoke up.

He was the chieftain of a portion of the grassland people here, and he enjoyed great prestige.

As soon as he spoke, the surrounding grassland people started chattering amongst themselves.

Even the officers of the military headquarters found the matter rather strange.

In Daning Commandery, pig farming was always considered unfeasible.

After all, the food for the people here had to be allocated from Beiping, so how could they feed it to pigs?

Listening to the crowd's discussion, Lu Yunyi nodded in satisfaction and smiled.

"Look, the Han people and the grassland people are not entirely without similarities, and they can reach a consensus on ideas and opinions."

These words stunned everyone present.
Everyone looked at the people around them with some confusion, unsure of how to react.

Tan Wei, who was not far away, suddenly widened his eyes.

I'm increasingly convinced that this young man has a knack for doing things!
Ortai scratched his head: "Sir, raising pigs is really not feasible."

That was before; now there are new crops.
Can't the food that people can't finish eating be used to feed pigs?

"If we don't plan ahead now, are we going to let the grain rot in the warehouse?"

Lu Yunyi, to everyone's astonishment
He turned around, took a sweet potato out of his bag, broke it open, and gave half to Ortai.

"Here, have a taste. Is this good?"

After saying that, Lu Yunyi took a big bite.

Although the sweet potatoes had cooled down, you could still taste their soft, sticky texture and sweetness.

Ortai also took a small bite, and his eyes lit up immediately.

The sweet potato has a smooth and creamy texture, and chewing it feels like eating noodles; the taste is indeed quite good.

"Sir, what is this? It tastes quite good."

Lu Yunyi smiled slightly as he looked at the longing eyes of the people around him.

"Yunfang, bring out some sweet potatoes and share them with everyone."

Before long, everyone present, whether they were grassland people or Han people, had a sweet potato in their hands.

As everyone tasted it, different expressions appeared on their faces.

Without exception, they all thought it was delicious.

Tan Wei walked over and said, "Lord Lu, what is this? I have never seen it before."

"This was once the highest secret of the imperial court, and it was also the key to our Daning people living a good life."

"Top Secret?"

Tan Wei's expression immediately turned serious as he stared blankly at the sweet potato in his hand.

Ortai also examined the object in his hand carefully, his face full of doubt.

How could top secrets be divided up like that?

"Oh, that was before, not anymore."

To tell you the truth, now you think sweet potatoes taste good.
When sweet potatoes are everywhere in the house later, they won't seem so special anymore.

After saying that, Lu Yunyi burst into laughter.
Carrying the sweet potato, they walked towards the residential area ahead.

The group followed behind, completely bewildered, but still hurried to catch up.

Lu Yunyi and his group walked and stopped, looking around.
They quickly toured the residential area in the north of the city. Lu Yunyi's expression became somewhat serious.
At this moment, Yao Tongchen behind him handed over a document.

There is some calculation data above, which is related information about the people we just met.

Lu Yunyi looked at Ortai thoughtfully and asked:

"Why are there so many women but so few young men?"

Ortai's face darkened, and he hesitated.

Finally, it was the elder beside him, Uyun Bilige, who spoke up in a deep voice:

"Let me tell you."

His lips moved slightly, and a ruthless glint flashed in his eyes.

"Lord Lu, when the Commandery was first established, there were indeed many able-bodied men."

However, later on, many clansmen were not accustomed to the lifestyle of the Ming Dynasty.

With some people stirring things up and enticing them, they all ran back to the grasslands.

Over the past two years, more and more people have left, and another batch left a few days ago.

They weren't truly unable to adapt to life in the Ming Dynasty, but rather filled with fear.

"fear?"

Lu Yunyi quickly understood and nodded thoughtfully.

According to the official records of the capital,

In the past two years alone, nearly one or two thousand grassland people have been executed in Daning City.

In the event of rebellion, riots, or other similar incidents

No one involved escaped unscathed; the principle of "better to kill the innocent than let the guilty go free" was upheld.

Ortai then spoke:
"Sir, many people have run away out of fear."

After the news spread, many people fled, leaving only these women and children behind.

It wasn't that they didn't want to escape, but rather that even if they returned to their tribe, life would be worse than death.

It's better to just pretend we didn't see anything.

Lu Yunyi nodded and turned to look at everyone present.

"I understand your concerns,"

But please believe me, such incidents will decrease significantly in the future.

In addition, whether they are Han Chinese or nomads from the grasslands, once they come to Daning, they become Daning people.

The commander will treat everyone equally from now on.
Those who make mistakes should be arrested or executed if necessary, without implicating the innocent.

Some people present looked hesitant, skeptical of what he was saying.

Lu Yunyi smiled calmly.

"It doesn't matter if you don't believe me. The Commander will prove it with his actions. You just need to wait and see."

By this time next year, I dare not say that you will all be able to eat meat.

But at least it ensures that everyone can have enough to eat.

I believe that by then, even if we try to force people out, no one will want to leave.

Perhaps the people of the grasslands will even flock to join them.

As he spoke, Lu Yunyi's expression turned serious.
He stood tall, exuding the aura of a fierce general.

"But let me make this clear from the start..."

There must be no trouble this year, and no scheming or trickery.

There are plenty of people on the grasslands; even if you're gone, there are others.

The people of the Three Guards of Doyan had always wanted to enter the city, but they never had the chance.

"In short, the good days are just a year away."

During this period, anyone who causes sabotage will be considered an enemy of the people of Daning!

"Spread this word, and the commander will also post notices throughout the city."

If anyone misinterprets my meaning...
This official will show no mercy and will deal with all cases according to the laws of the Ming Dynasty.

The atmosphere in the room suddenly became heavy.

Lu Yunyi scanned the crowd, spotted Xie Jin hiding in the back, bundled up tightly, and called out:
"Jie Jin and Yang Shiqi,

From now on, you will be responsible for propaganda and education work within the city.

Make sure everyone in the city knows.
Anyone who disrupts the good life of the people of Daning will be severely punished!

Xie Jin raised his head, trembling.

She pursed her lips tightly, wanting to walk out of the crowd, but felt that her hands and feet wouldn't obey her commands.

Yang Shiqi, standing to the side, responded loudly:
"Yes, my lord!"

"Okay, that's all for today."

"Summon the leaders of all departments to the headquarters to discuss matters."

After speaking, Lu Yunyi turned and left, and Ortai behind him immediately straightened up:

"Yes!"

On the way, Yang Shiqi hurriedly followed, with Xie Jin beside him, too cold to speak.

"Sir, it means we'll be able to live a good life next year."

"Isn't this too hasty? What if it can't be achieved?"

Lu Yunyi stopped, looked at Yang Shiqi, then glanced at Xie Jin, and said with a smile.

"Some things are not done with great effort because they can be accomplished, but rather they are accomplished because they are done with great effort."

People always consider the 'feasibility' of making a promise.

The closer the time, the easier it is to understand and accept.

If I were to promise a good life in ten years, everyone would have fled by next year.

If things that could have been accomplished can't be accomplished, then what's the point of talking about a good life?

"Everything has a beginning, but few things have an end."

Xie Jin spoke haltingly.

Yang Shiqi instantly understood that this was a line from the Book of Songs.

It means that people often have a good start in doing things, but few can persevere to the end.

Lu Yunyi glanced at Xie Jin with some surprise:
"Not bad, as expected of a great talent, but his body is too frail."

Lu Yunyi approached, pinched Xie Jin's clothes, and his face stiffened.

"Aren't you wearing a cotton-padded coat?"

"Something is undignified"

Lu Yunyi tugged at Yang Shiqi's clothes again.
He was dressed in thick clothes, and he looked like he had gained weight.

"Sir, I am wearing two layers and it is too cold."

"Not bad, not too stupid."

Lu Yunyi smiled with satisfaction, then looked at Xie Jin:

"Great talent, wait until you freeze to death, then I'll collect your corpse."

Actually, you don't need to collect them; you'll freeze into an ice pop by then.

Wrapped in a sheepskin mat, it was sent back to Yingtian.

Xie Jin's teeth were chattering as he decided to go back and put on a cotton-padded coat! Three layers, no less!

Lu Yunyi said as he walked.

"The reason for making a one-year commitment is..."

The shorter the time frame, the less uncertainty there is, and the more willing people are to wait.

Of course, this also increases credibility, demonstrates the commander's determination, and inspires enthusiasm.

"Sir, what if it's not finished?"

Yang Shiqi asked curiously.

"Not done? If not done, then promise another year."

"what?"

Yang Shiqi looked bewildered, and Xie Jin also spoke in a trembling voice.

"Gaining the trust of the people is essential; without trust, nothing can stand."

Lu Yunyi laughed.

"What? In a year, I can't even bring about any change in Da Ning? Or will it just stand still?"
If there is any improvement, what harm is there in me saying it for another year?

When the time comes, even if they want to run away, they'll have to think it over carefully.

If we succeed next year, wouldn't it be a waste of a year to leave now?
Therefore, it is very likely that they will wait another year.

Year after year, we just keep waiting.

Having put in so much effort, they will convince themselves that waiting another year will definitely lead to success!
By then, if you drive them away, you'll become their enemy.

"what?"

Yang Shiqi and Xie Jin stood there, stunned.
The officers following behind looked at each other in bewilderment.

That makes so much sense, doesn't it?

"Sir. Wise"

After struggling for a while, Yang Shiqi could only express his admiration with this sentence.

"Alright, if you want to keep people, you have to do things well. You have to be strong yourself to succeed."

After returning, Yao Tongchen gathered some soldiers who were skilled in farming.

Explain to the leaders of each department how to grow sweet potatoes.

Let them have something to look forward to, avoid causing trouble, and get through this winter peacefully.

Of course, you have to teach with your heart.
"We don't want to make a fool of ourselves by next spring when everyone still doesn't know how to plant it."

"Yes!"

The clerk, Yao Tongchen, responded loudly.

Lu Yunyi then said:
"By the way, Shiqi, you'll have to put more effort into the propaganda work in the city."

If the people of the grasslands are illiterate, they will have someone loudly proclaim this in the city.

You can come up with the slogans yourselves.

It must be simple, clear, and easy to understand. The core message is: "Once you come to Daning, you are a Daning resident."

Yang Shiqi seemed to understand something: "Yes!"

(End of this chapter)