In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 651 The Snowwalking Merchant Guild: Bringing in New Customers (Supplement: 119)
"Lord Lu!"

A cry of surprise,
Qu Qingfeng, the commander of the Daning Vanguard, rushed over with hurried steps.

He was a middle-aged man in his thirties.
His skin was unusually fair, and there was no dryness or cracking on his cheeks.
They don't seem to be from Da Ning, but rather like soldiers from the southern army of the Ming Dynasty.

"Lord Lu has come from afar, and I am sorry that I was unable to greet you properly."

Qu Qingfeng bowed deeply, his voice sincere.

Lu Yunyi returned the smile and quickly stepped forward to help him up:

"Lord Qu has truly worked hard."
I rushed into the city yesterday, and I'm leaving in a hurry today.

"It's the Commander's fault for making Lord Qu run around so much."

Qu Qingfeng's expression turned strange.
A hint of joy flashed in her lowered eyes, and she quickly spoke:
"I am not troubled. It is because I did not inform the Commander of this matter in advance that this misunderstanding occurred."

"Hmm, where is Lord Liu?"

Lu Yunyi nodded.
Looking around, they did not see Liu Heiying.

"Lord Liu is inspecting the remaining military rations in a nearby military tent; he is not here."

"Oh? Military rations are stored separately?"

A look of surprise flashed in Lu Yunyi's eyes, but he ignored the strange expression on Qu Qingfeng's face.

"My lord, please come with me. The weather has been unpredictable these past few days."
The location for storing grain often changes.
Otherwise, if it gets damp and moldy after rain, snow, or wind, the grain will be ruined.

As Qu Qingfeng spoke, he led Lu Yunyi toward the middle of the military camp.
Upon seeing this, the surrounding soldiers quickly followed, looking around warily.

After about twenty breaths,

Lu Yunyi then spotted a very distinctive grassland tent.

It presents a large circle, with a slightly convex upper layer, the whole
Each tent was firmly planted in the ground at the rear, making it appear very sturdy.

"Sir, some of the grain is inside."

Just then,
A disheveled Liu Heiying emerged from behind the lifted curtain.

As he walked, he waved his hands in front of his face from side to side.
It was as if they were trying to dispel the pervasive dust.

"Black Hawk."

Liu Heiying squinted and raised his head.
She spotted Lu Yunyi immediately, and also saw Qu Qingfeng standing there, and quickly walked over.
"Greetings, Lord Lu."

"how?"

Lu Yunyi smiled and helped him brush the dust off his shoulders and arms.

This caused Qu Qingfeng, who was standing to the side, to raise an eyebrow.
"Rumor has it that these two are childhood friends, and now it seems their relationship is indeed extraordinary."

Liu Heiying didn't speak, but instead gave Qu Qingfeng a subtle look.

He quickly understood, cupped his hands in greeting, and hurried to the side.

After he left, Liu Heiying said:

"Brother Yun'er, there's no shortage of food supplies, but some of the new grain has been replaced with old grain, about 20% to 30%."
In addition, the grain was transported here temporarily.

The ground below did not show any obvious depression.
Moreover, the grain near the bottom showed no signs of dampness.

I deduce that this period of time is not long.
The supplies were probably returned after I left last night.

Lu Yunyi nodded after hearing this. Exchanging old grain for new grain was a common practice among the border troops.
Even the commanders turned a blind eye to this.

Because the border troops suffer so much, if they aren't allowed to skim some profits...
Nobody wants to come, and they'll likely have other ulterior motives.

Two to three tenths is already considered excellent, and it's still within the rules.

"Didn't the people left behind yesterday find anything?"

Lu Yunyi looked surprised, while Liu Heiying's expression was somewhat strange. He gently shook his head.

"There was a strong wind late last night, and even telescopes and telescopes couldn't see clearly."

Furthermore, I deduce that the grain was transported from several nearby camps via the official road.

"The official road?"

Liu Heiying shook his head:

"Yesterday the brothers stayed in the north and east."

No clues were found, so the Doyan Three Guards and the grassland people can be ruled out.

Lu Yunyi chuckled softly:
"That means there's a mole. But I don't quite understand why they would move all this grain."
Do they think they can get away with it during the inspection next spring?

There are rules in the military that granaries must be inspected at least five times a year.

Spring, summer, autumn, winter, and the end of the year,

Xuanfu and Datong are the most heavily guarded towns, subject to multiple inspections every quarter.

A hint of doubt also flashed in Liu Heiying's eyes:
"Brother Yun'er, this matter is still a bit unclear. Let me investigate further."

"Don't you want to take a vacation?"

Lu Yunyi looked at him with some surprise.
Liu Heiying shuddered, a flicker of fear crossing his eyes:
"I'd better not take a break, my body can't take it anymore."

"Um"

Lu Yunyi nodded in agreement, then suddenly realized something.
"Hmm? Ya Rong?"

Liu Heiying nodded vigorously, his face still showing lingering fear.

Sweat immediately broke out on his forehead.

Seeing his expression, Lu Yunyi smiled contentedly.
He reached out and patted his stomach with the back of his hand:
"Alright, keep a relaxed exterior but be vigilant inside. Investigate thoroughly what happened."
As for Da Ningqianwei and Qu Qingfeng...
Let's put it aside for now; the reward will still be paid.

"Brother Yun'er, won't this make us seem weak?"

"Of course, but the city has finally gotten back on track, and this positive situation needs to continue."

Now the granaries several miles outside the city are empty, not to mention the garrisons outside.

A fierce glint flashed in Lu Yunyi's eyes, and a cold smile curled at the corner of his mouth:

"Take your time, let's wait for the first batch of silver to arrive."
The road needs to be repaired as soon as possible to provide a livelihood for the people in the city.
By then, Daning City will be truly impregnable.
"If anyone wants to cause trouble, we have the support of the masses."

Liu Heiying nodded emphatically:
"I understand, Brother Yun'er."
"Once we return to the city, let's see what the brothers have found out, and investigate secretly."

"it is good!"

After speaking, Liu Heiying waved to Qu Qingfeng:
"Lord Qu, when will the grain be moved back?"

The Lunar New Year is the day after tomorrow, and there will be heavy snow.

Upon hearing this, Qu Qingfeng

He breathed a long sigh of relief, feeling a huge weight lifted from his heart.
"You passed the test."

He immediately flashed an innocent smile.

"Please rest assured, Lord Liu."

Once the granary is repaired, the grain should be put back immediately.

Meanwhile, the commercial road west of Daning City was bustling with people.

It's much more lively than before.

Some merchants who were planning to make a fortune during the Chinese New Year,

Braving the wind and snow, they rushed to the area beyond the Great Wall.

They carried all sorts of goods, and offered everything from food and drink to entertainment.

There are also some festive items, such as fireworks, firecrackers, Spring Festival couplets, and the character "福" (fortune).

Because there were too many caravans arriving today,

Traffic congestion has already begun at the west gate of Daning City.
The number of soldiers checking at the city gate increased one after another.
However, the caravan remained blocked at the entrance, only able to move slowly.

Among the caravans, the convoy of the Beiping Taxue Trading Company was mixed in with the crowd.
There were about a hundred carts and horses, loaded with goods and bearing the logo of the Taxue Trading Company.

Taxue Trading Company was one of the top trading companies in Beiping.

Many of the trade transactions with areas outside the pass were handled by the Taxue Trading Company.
Now that Da Ning has been brought under the control of Da Qian,

It is also a very important supplier to the Beiping Metropolitan Area.
It has everything: firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea.

Today's leader is Shi Yu, the third owner of Taxue Trading Company.

He was in his fifties and sat in the lead carriage.

He was draped in a thick cloak, and his face was deeply lined with wrinkles.
At this moment, his eyes were slightly closed, and an air of calm nobility permeated the air.

Beside him stood a young man in his early twenties who bore a striking resemblance to him.
He was extremely handsome, yet his demeanor revealed a touch of effeminacy.

Every now and then, I would lift the window curtain and look outside.
Upon seeing the crowd of merchants surrounding him, he frowned and spoke softly:
"Father, the road to the border is inherently difficult to travel."
With so many more scattered merchants now, travel is even more difficult.

The imperial court didn't even issue a decree to regulate it.
"By having us supply all the goods for Daning City, things will proceed smoothly and in an orderly manner; this is truly a brilliant plan."

Shi Yu slowly opened his eyes.

A hint of tenderness flashed in his cloudy eyes, and he gave a dry laugh:
"Bai Feng, how can you praise yourself like that?"

Shi Baifeng looked over with a smile:

"Father once told me..."

A man born into this world should be confident and proud.
If one is listless and dispirited all day, one will never amount to anything.

"Hahahahaha."

The old man's comforting voice echoed in the spacious carriage.

Shi Yu was clearly very pleased with his son's words.

"That being said, one should still be humble once one has passed through the pass."
This is your first time visiting Daning City. You may not know that the people here are all from the grasslands.

They are barbarians; they will fight at the slightest provocation.

If I were to hear such arrogant words from you, I might very well have to fight you to the death.

Shi Baifeng's expression was slightly strange, but a smile played on his lips.

But he couldn't hide the faint sarcasm in his eyes.

"Father, the reason we've come here is to make a fortune off these grassland people."
I had already heard in the capital that most of the powerful and influential people in Da Ning were Yuan people who had fled from Dadu (Beijing).

He possessed countless pieces of jewelry and wealth.

This time, we're here to make a killing.

"Hehehe"

Shi Yu remained calm and spoke softly:
"Bai Feng, you must remember this."
In the eyes of business people,

There is no such thing as Yuan people, grassland people, or Ming people.
Anyone who pays is a customer.

Furthermore, the merchant guild can make a profit no matter where its goods are sold.
Now we're rushing to Daning City just before the New Year.

It's a chance to reconnect with many old friends, get a little closer to them, and avoid becoming estranged.

Although doing business is not like being an official, there are still some considerations regarding personal relationships.

Shi Baifeng showed some resentment and muttered softly:

"Selling it to them so cheaply, they made a fortune for free."

Shi Yu shifted and sat up, gently lifting the curtain with his fingers.
He peered out, spoke softly, his voice somewhat hollow:

The imperial decree for the northern expedition will be issued soon.

Nowadays, the most valuable thing in Beiping is not salt, sugar, or tea, but grain.

The Prince of Yan's residence and the Beiping Military Command are scrambling for grain and fodder, sparing no expense in purchasing them.
This was to ensure the northern expedition would be foolproof.

Unfortunately, we have no food supplies.

The adults above were already getting a little angry.
They say we've made so much money, yet we don't share the burdens of the imperial court.
Do you know what this means?

Shi Baifeng's expression was solemn:
"Please enlighten me, Father."

Shi Yu sighed and slowly shook his head:
"It means the business is on the verge of collapse, and it means it could be replaced at any time."

"Father, is it that serious?"
"Our Taxue Trading Company is a top-tier trading company in Beiping."

"Compared to those big shots..."

With a flick of the finger, a towering merchant empire could be established.
To create more billionaires in Beiping,
Just like Liu Huaipu, who has emerged in the last two years,
It's unclear who's behind him, but he always buys at the most crucial points.
And yet, he always manages to make a fortune each time.

Perhaps it all came down to a few words spoken by some important figure in their spare time.

At this point, Shi Yu's expression showed a mixture of envy and jealousy:

"If such an important person had told us in advance..."
The imperial court is about to launch a northern expedition, but it is lacking in food, fodder, and supplies.

Even if it means going bankrupt, we will fill the army for the Northern Expedition to the brim.
So, in the future...
Our Taxue Trading Company is truly reliable.

Unfortunately, due to differences in kinship, the powerful figures above were unwilling to reveal their identities.

Shi Baifeng's eyes widened suddenly, and he exclaimed in surprise:

"Father, has Liu Huaipu made money again?"

Shi Yu sighed:
"Houses on several streets were all sold out during the peak prices of the previous two months."

At the time, I wondered if this old guy was going to Yingtian.

But as news of the northern expedition arrived...
The prices of mansions and residences plummeted, losing a staggering 30% of their value.
Liu Huaipu bought back those houses without lifting a finger.
The total came in tens of thousands of taels of silver.

He's been enjoying himself these past two months without missing a beat, and he's earned more than the two of us working ourselves to the bone."

"This"

Shi Baifeng's brow twitched violently; a surge of jealousy quietly welled up within him.

"Father, how come he's so well-informed? Could he be a manager for a high-ranking official in the capital?"

Shi Yu sighed:

Many people speculate that

But there has never been any evidence. I, as his father, have also investigated him.

I used to sell melons around Beiping, and there was no way I could have any connection with Yingtian.
But the fact that he's so well-informed is truly puzzling.

After a pause, Shi Yu continued:
"Look at us now, we're still struggling to find food."
The grain he bought from Shandong and Henan arrived in the capital even before news of the northern expedition arrived.
The officers of the commandery were all beaming with joy.
A few days ago at the military headquarters, I specifically mentioned him.
He said that although he was a merchant, he served the country and its people, and was a model merchant of Beiping.

Shi Baifeng stood there, stunned.
Thinking of the scene a few days ago when my father stormed home, I understood.

So that's what it was about.

"Father, this time we brought back enough grain from Daning,"
The officials of the Military Command and the Provincial Administration Commission will be overjoyed.

That's true, but if you're slow at one step, you'll be slow at every step.
Sending 100 shi of grain two months earlier would have pleased the adults.
Now, even the thousands of stones remain as still as a lake, with only a few ripples.

A hint of sorrow flashed in Shi Yu's eyes, his previous composure gone.

"I hope this time it will go smoothly."

Bai Feng, go and see when we can enter the city.
With so much sugar, there's no guarantee that something won't go wrong.

Shi Baifeng nodded:
"Yes, Father, I'll go and ask right away."

Shi Baifeng lifted the carriage curtain, nimbly leaped out, and led his men toward the city gate.

Shi Yu remained seated in the carriage.
Feeling the warm air around him, his eyes remained filled with sorrow.

At the city gate, squads of armored soldiers were carefully searching passing merchants.

Shi Baifeng immediately noticed the huge notice posted on the west gate. A hint of doubt flashed in his eyes, and he hurried forward to take a look.

At first glance, Shi Baifeng froze on the spot and exclaimed in surprise:
"how is this possible?"

[Announcement from the Beiping Metropolitan Command regarding matters related to white sugar]
From December 24th, 2022
All white sugar from outside the territory of the Northern Pacification Command is strictly prohibited from entering any city, garrison, or military camp.

What's particularly striking is the enormous seal of the Deputy Commander-in-Chief on the notice!

After reading the notice twice more, Shi Baifeng's face turned deathly pale.

"Oh no, oh no. Why didn't anyone say anything about this?"

Shi Baifeng took off running towards the convoy.
He jumped onto the carriage in no time, shouting:

"Father, something terrible has happened!"

Shi Yu suddenly opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing across them:

"What's wrong? What happened?"

"White sugar cannot enter Daning City; there is a notice at the city gate."

"No white sugar from outside the territory may be allowed into any of the cities and garrisons under the jurisdiction of the Commandery."

Shi Baifeng was in a panic.
"what?"

Shi Yu's reaction was almost identical to his.
First came a moment of confusion, then a sense of absurdity.

Why was no one informed of this matter?

After saying this, Shi Yu hurriedly jumped off the carriage.

Although he is over fifty years old, he is still agile.

Not long after, when he saw the notice with his own eyes,

My heart sank to the bottom, feeling utterly cold.
He stared blankly at the document, suddenly remembering Liu Huaipu's excellent information network.
His fists clenched tightly, and he gritted his teeth:
"Such a big deal, why didn't anyone say anything?!"

(End of this chapter)