In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 631: Winning Over Lu Yunyi

As afternoon approached, the officials of the Northern Pacification Command discovered that...
There were many livestock, including cattle and sheep, that had appeared in front of the government office.

They just brazenly occupied the road in front of the door, and an unpleasant smell permeated the air.

The officials who passed by covered their noses and looked at the cattle and sheep with disgust.

But upon seeing that the cattle and sheep were being led by soldiers of the Doyan Three Guards,
They suppressed their dissatisfaction and remained silent.

The Three Guards of Duoyan were quite different from the many guard posts under the jurisdiction of the Capital Garrison.

The Commandery did not actually extend its control to the area where the Three Guards of Duoyan were located.

The two sides maintained a delicate and fragile relationship.

This relationship is not based on mutual benefit or shared origins.
Rather, it was after the Ming Dynasty destroyed the Northern Yuan Dynasty,
They had no rivals in the north and intimidated them with their overwhelming power.

Therefore, the commander and the three guards of Duoyan appeared to be at peace with each other.

Amidst the commotion, officials and clerks from various departments of the military command arrived at the meeting hall.
Discussions began regarding the first batch of sweet potato trial plantings.

This has made many officials eager to try.

They all wanted to plant sweet potatoes in the garrison areas that were closely related to them.

However, after the Assistant Magistrate Lu Yunyi and the three Vice Magistrates took their seats, the Bureau of Records issued a preliminary list.

Everyone received the documents.

The first thing you see

These are Tainingwei, Duoyanwei, and Fuyuwei, which rank first.

An unsettling atmosphere spread through the hall.
Many people looked at each other, wondering if they had seen it wrong.

But after rubbing my eyes carefully, I realized that it was indeed on the list.

The first batch of trial plantings was carried out in ten sanatoriums.
Duoyan Sanwei was prominently ranked in the top three.

The scene began to erupt in uproar.
Many people turned their attention to the head seat.

Looking at the young commander, he wondered if there was some hidden story behind it.

At this moment, Lu Yunyi said softly:
"Gentlemen, do you have any objections to this list?"

In an instant, the previously noisy conference hall fell silent.

Pairs of eyes swept back and forth, lingering on the various adults.

Hopefully, someone will step forward and find out exactly what happened.

After a moment of silence, Bai Liangcai, a judge from the Judgment Division, tentatively asked a question.
He was a middle-aged man in his thirties.
He had dark skin, a wrinkled face, a tall stature, and a deep, booming voice.
"May I ask, Lord Lu, why are the Three Guards of Duoyan included in this trial planting list?"
As far as I know, since the Three Guards of Doyan submitted to Daming...
The Judicial Office received many cases involving the Three Guards.

This number remains high among all the guard posts and garrison posts of the entire command.

In my humble opinion, including the Three Guards of Doyan in this list would likely be difficult to justify.

As soon as the words were spoken, some discussion finally broke out in the previously quiet room.

Many people nodded in agreement, feeling that Bai Liangcai's words made a lot of sense.

Lu Yunyi remained calm, nodded slightly after listening, and looked towards the location of the Experience Department.

The original clerk was Wu Su'an.

He has now become a clerk in the Bureau of Experience, a seventh-rank official.
Assist the manager in handling paperwork and administrative affairs.

However, since Kuang Xiaofei is still in prison, and he is currently in charge of the Department of Investigation, he has risen to the top in one step, getting promoted countless times.

He sat there, attracting envious glances from many people.
After noticing the adults' gaze,
Wu Su'an coughed lightly, took out a document from her hand, and said loudly:

"This morning, the three guards of Duoyan sold three hundred cattle and two thousand sheep to the commander to help the commander get through the winter."

"Wow—"

The scene became noisy again.

Many people raised their eyebrows, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes.

Tan Wei, the Vice Commander of the Capital Garrison, said with a smile:

Why are these people suddenly being so kind?
"In the past, when we tried to buy cattle and sheep from them, they never sold them to us."

Duan Zhengze also found it very strange. He glanced at the person at the head of the table and said with a smile:
"Lord Lu is newly appointed, perhaps this is a congratulatory gift from the Three Guards of Duoyan."

Upon hearing this, everyone present showed expressions of sudden realization.
It turned out to be the case.

They were well aware of how the Doyan Three Guards had submitted to the Ming Dynasty.

The King of Liao, the King of Huining, and Marshal Duoyan were all captured alive during the battle and sent to Yingtian.
Otherwise, the Commandery would now face the difficult problem of how to deal with these three forces.
It won't be as relaxed as it is now.

At this moment, Wu Su'an coughed lightly:
"My lords, it's not just that."

The prices of cattle and sheep sold in Duoyan Sanwei are only half of the usual prices.
Therefore, when the Bureau of Records was drafting the document, it included the list of the three guards.

"Fifty percent?"

Tan Wei frowned, and the smile on his face froze.

Having dealt with the people of the grasslands for so long

He knew their character all too well.

The current situation looks like a weasel offering New Year's greetings to a chicken—it's clearly up to no good.

Duan Zhengze's expression was solemn, and he coughed lightly:
"How could the Department of Experience act so rashly?"

Such a momentous matter was hastily decided upon simply because of three hundred cows and two thousand sheep.

If the military command issues similar decrees in the future...
Other garrisons are following suit; what should we do?

Tan Wei also spoke at this moment:
"That's true. The Three Guards of Doyan haven't been under their command for very long."

Such actions would likely draw criticism and deter potential nomadic tribes from submitting to them.

The selection of trial planting sites by the authorities should be fair and impartial.

If other grassland people saw this...

They thought that if the Three Guards of Duoyan didn't give them money, the Commander wouldn't give them any benefits either.

If this continues, the commander will lose the trust of the people.

Judge Bai Liangcai looked at Wu Su'an and reminded her:

"Lord Wu, the Commander should uphold fairness and impartiality."
The trial planting of sweet potatoes is of paramount importance to the commander and cannot be taken lightly.

Wu Su'an remained calm throughout, seemingly accepting the criticism with equanimity.
The clerks who had come with him lowered their heads, their faces showing shame.

Amidst the crowd's condemnation, Liu Heiying said in a deep voice:

"We really can't be so hasty. The department in charge should revise the list."

We should strive to create a list that will be accepted by the public.

As for the three guards of Duoyan, if their conditions meet all the requirements for sweet potato trial planting,

There's no need to shy away from it; add it to the trial planting list.
In this way, I believe it will convince the public.

Everyone present understood what Liu Heiying meant.

The situation in Duoyan Sanwei is special; we can't deny them trial planting slots, but we can't give them too many either.

If you could give me a spot, that would be great.

In this way, they both received the money and got the job done, and they could also silence any criticism.
just don't know,
Will this newly appointed judge be able to grasp the deeper meaning behind it?

At this moment, Lu Yunyi, who had been sitting at the head of the table, said in a deep voice:
"Since there is controversy, the relevant department will draft a new list."

Before the afternoon court session ended, the list was presented to Lord Liu.

Wu Su'an stood up:

"Yes, my lord."

"Alright, everyone go about your business."

Lu Yunyi waved his hand, stood up first, and left with the documents.

As soon as he left, the three assistant commissioners followed him.

Only then did the meeting room erupt in chaos.

Many people offered Wu Su'an kind words of advice.

Tell him not to be so biased, or something like that.
Wu Su'an didn't say anything, but just smiled and nodded repeatedly.

As the court session was about to end, around 5 PM, the time for the officials to leave office was approaching its close.

The department in charge of personnel management produced another list.
This time, only Taining Guard, where the former Yuan Liao King was located, remained among the three guards of Doyan in the initial list of guard posts for trial planting.

The reason given was that there was an abundant water source there, and it was relatively close to Daning City.

Many adults had no objections to this list.

I feel this arrangement is just right, impartial and unbiased.
The news of the list quickly reached the ears of Azashiri and others.

No. 11 Anhe Street, Duoyan Sanwei Office.

Azashili and the other two sat in the side hall, staring blankly at the documents in their hands, their expressions slightly solemn.

Torukhchar, who sat at the head of the table,

His face was even more gloomy, and his breathing became somewhat rapid.

After a while, Azashiri sighed:

"These corrupt officials, we've taken out so much money..."
"To think we only got a trial planting spot in return! This is outrageous!"

However, Azashiri was not nearly as angry as she appeared.
Anyway,

The Tainingwei garrison where he lives is already ready for trial planting, so he's not in a hurry.

Beside him, Prince Huining, Haisanan, began to curse loudly:

"I heard that all three of us were on the list at first, but we were removed because of opposition from the public."

They keep talking about fairness and justice, it's utterly absurd!
When other garrisons lacked food, the military command would allocate it.

We lack food but have to spend money to buy it.

Why aren't we talking about fairness and justice now!
In my opinion, Lu Yunyi is just deceiving us.

"We agreed that all three villages could try planting, but now two are missing. What are we going to do?" At this moment, Tuoluhucha'er, sitting at the head of the table, unexpectedly spoke up:
"I think this is a good thing."

"A good thing? The money's been wasted, how can it be a good thing?"

Prince Huining looked at Prince Liao and said in a deep voice:

"I don't care, if things don't get done..."

You have to return my silver; I can't just give away half of it for nothing."

Azashiri, who was initially pleased, froze upon hearing this.
"This is a matter for the Commandery, what does it have to do with me?"

"Alright!! Stop arguing!"

When Tuoluhuchar saw that his words were being ignored by the two men...
Furious, he slammed his hand on the table and shouted angrily.

Prince Huining then calmed down and asked:

"Tell me, how is this a good thing?"

A glint of wisdom flashed in Toruhuchar's eyes, and his mind was filled with a myriad of thoughts.

Finally, he said:

This incident precisely illustrates that...

Although Lu Yunyi wields considerable power now, he cannot yet fully control the decisions of the Commandery.

Think about it, if Zhou Xing were to handle this, would anyone object?

"Ok?"

Azashili's eyes lit up, and after thinking for a moment, she nodded repeatedly:

"He failed to fulfill his promise to us; he truly cannot control the Commandery."

This is definitely a good thing for us.

Prince Huining pondered for a moment and nodded:
"So, we don't need to worry too much about him attacking us?"

A smile appeared on Toruhuchar's face:
"That's the reason.
However, we still need to win over some adults.
Let them speak for us in the capital.

A glint of light suddenly flashed in the eyes of Liao King Azashili, and he abruptly sat up straight:

"I've thought of someone, someone who definitely carries a lot of weight in the military!"

His beard trembled slightly, his excitement evident.

"Who?"

When King Huining asked, Tuoluhuchaer also turned his gaze to him.

The King of Liao said in a deep voice, "Lu Yunyi!"

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the room became somewhat surprised.

Even the cold wind blowing outside seemed to have grown stronger.

The King of Liao continued speaking:
"Yes, we should try to win over Lu Yunyi."
Since he is not yet able to control the Commandery,

How about we lend him a hand and help him take control of the military command?
He can't just seize power and then abandon us after we've served our purpose.

Tuoluhucha'er's face was blank, but after a moment's thought, his eyes lit up:
“Hiss is a good idea.”

Although we have a grudge against Lu Yunyi
But now is not the time to be his enemy.
We should at least wait until we have a good grasp of sweet potatoes before planning anything further.

For a moment, Tuoluhuchaer was somewhat excited.

Once an alliance is formed with Lu Yunyi, the future development of the Three Guards will certainly be promising.

Moreover, it is a case of rising by taking advantage of existing momentum.

Strengthen themselves by leveraging the power of the commander.
Even if they rebel in the future, they will have enough strength.

Having thought this through, Tuoluhuchar made a decision before the two could speak:

"That's settled then."

Currently, Lu Yunyi wields the most power in the military command; winning him over is far more effective than winning over anyone else.

Prince Huining and Prince Liao exchanged a glance, and suddenly felt a pang of heartache.

The cost of winning over such people to make a comeback will certainly be considerable.

I was only thinking about the benefits in the future.
They nodded in agreement.

The beginning of the Xu hour, around 7 pm.

The military commander had already left the office by this time.

However, because there were still many matters to be handled, many government offices had their lights on.

Lu Yunyi was also quietly looking at the documents in the yamen.

The above is the Bureau's forecast for land reclamation in the coming year.

Compared to this year, the seventeen guards under the jurisdiction of the Northern Pacification Command are required to reclaim nearly 30,000 mu of new farmland.
This speed is more than half slower than that of many military garrisons in the mainland.

Seeing the comparison, Lu Yunyi sighed:
"Digging by hand in the freezing cold is still too difficult."

Lu Yunyi showed a hint of helplessness.

He had cultivated farmland while he was in Gyeongju.

It was early spring, and the frozen ground had not yet fully thawed.

With each strike of the hoe, the hand on my thumb and forefinger throbbed with pain, as if I were colliding with metal.

Only when the weather gets warmer can we dig the hoe deep into the soil.

Even so, the ground was much harder than usual.

"If only we had an excavator," Lu Yunyi muttered to himself.

Just then, there was a knocking sound at the door.

Lu Yunyi immediately held his breath and sat up straight:

"Come in."

The door opened, and Liu Heiying, covered in snow, rushed in.

Upon seeing it was him, Lu Yunyi immediately relaxed and rolled his eyes.

"Why are you knocking? I thought it was someone else."

Liu Heiying, who had just turned around, looked stunned.
She looked at the door, then at him, and opened her mouth several times, only to swallow her words back down.

He walked to the desk and sat down, his expression somewhat strange.

"So? Did they agree?"

Lu Yunyi asked impatiently, leaning forward slightly.

Liu Heiying's expression became even more strange. He nodded, then shook his head.

"What does this mean?" Lu Yunyi asked.

“I went to Anhe Street and saw those three people.”

But before I could even speak, they themselves said they wanted to increase the herd to five hundred cattle, four thousand sheep, and one hundred warhorses.

"what?"

Even with his vast experience and knowledge, Lu Yunyi was momentarily stunned.
Why would anyone willingly stick their neck out to be fleeced?
Liu Heiying scratched his head:
"Brother Yun'er, I think it's because we acted so realistically today that they took it seriously."

Therefore, they are willing to pay a higher price to realize the Sanwei trial planting.

and"

Liu Heiying clicked his tongue, unsure of what to say.
"Just say what you have to say, stop dawdling," Lu Yunyi urged impatiently.

"Azashili said, 'Thank you for your care, Brother Yun'er.'"
They also said that anyone in the military command who disobeyed orders was a traitor.

The three guards of Duoyan firmly stand on your side, Brother Yun'er.

Lu Yunyi's expression became even more astonished, and he looked completely bewildered.

"What are you doing?"

On second thought, Lu Yunyi's eyes lit up, and he tentatively said:

"them.
Do they think my position in Dusi is unstable?
Trying to take this opportunity to get closer to us? And even planning to offer support?

Liu Heiying pursed his lips and nodded repeatedly:

"That's what I think too."

Neither of them spoke, and the atmosphere in the room became extremely strange.

Lu Yunyi suddenly felt an itch on his scalp, scratched it vigorously, and a strange smile appeared on his lips:
"This...this, wouldn't this be considered recognizing a thief as one's father?"

"Uh"

Liu Heiying didn't know how to answer, so he said:
"I think they should have their own considerations."

Perhaps sweet potatoes are truly something very appealing to them.

It took Lu Yunyi a while to calm down, and he nodded repeatedly:

"That's for sure. Every year, a lot of people starve to death in the Three Guards of Duoyan."

In the past, they could overcome difficulties by waging war and consuming some of their able-bodied men, but now they can only starve.

Since they have extended an olive branch,

They brought out so many livestock.

We need to add all three bathrooms to tomorrow's meeting.

By the way, should we invite them to come and sit in on the proceedings?
Having spent so much money, they should at least show off a bit.

Liu Heiying nodded repeatedly:
"Yes, we'll praise it highly and get the resolution passed smoothly, okay?"

"That's what we'll do. Later, we'll also arrange for some people to teach them how to farm."
Since they paid a high price,
We should reciprocate in kind and give them something in return; that's only fair, isn't it?

For some reason, Lu Yunyi felt a strange feeling when he said these words.

(End of this chapter)