In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 656 North and South Differ, Grassland People
A large caravan of horses waited at the city gate for inspection.
The group was the first to enter the city.

Shi Yu and his son stood dumbfounded behind, their expressions incredibly varied.

They never imagined that...

Liu Huaipu was actually Liu Qianshi's father?
Seeing his father's lack of interest, Shi Baifeng pursed his lips and thought for a moment:
"Father, information about how Liu Huaipu could earn so much money in Beiping is extremely important."
This precisely demonstrates Liu Qianshi's abilities and his connections with the capital.

If we can successfully latch onto the coattails of Vice Commissioner Liu or even Lord Lu,
Are you worried that the business won't have a good time?

Upon hearing this, Shi Yu's eyes wavered slightly.

She glanced at her son in surprise:
"Bai Feng, I'm having second thoughts about whether or not to send you to school."
With your adaptable and resilient nature, you would be excellent at business.

Shi Baifeng swayed precariously on the horse, a struggle flashing in his eyes.

However, he quickly regained his composure and said in a deep voice:
"Father, it's better to rely on yourself than to ask others for help."
Relying solely on others will only make you a vassal; you must be strong enough on your own.

If my child can pass the imperial examination,

Within ten years, our Snowwalking Trading Company will no longer have to depend on others.

Shi Yu also understood this principle, and a trace of worry flashed in his eyes:
"Over the years, the business has helped many students."
Not to mention the Jinshi degree, there wasn't even a single Juren degree; at most, they were Xiucai.

Their influence in Beiping is not as great as ours; this path will be very difficult.

"Father, I still want to go south to study."

The chances of us northerners passing the imperial examinations are far lower than those from Zhejiang, Jiangxi, and Fujian; if we were to go anywhere, we could only go to those three places.

"Did you notice it too?"

Shi Yu looked at Shi Baifeng, a look of joy flashing in his eyes.

The struggle between civil and military officials is the most prominent conflict in the court today, leading to chaos and disorder in various regions.

But as a merchant, he could clearly feel the conflict between the North and the South.

Northerners look down on Southerners, and Southerners despise Northerners.
Even the goods being transported to and from each other are not always shared.

Just like the kesi (silk tapestry) and brocade produced in Jiangnan,

Jiangxi's finest underglaze red and blue-and-white porcelain,

Some merchants simply don't sell to the north.

Some northern merchants went to the south,
They had to beg and plead to get some goods, and they had to go through countless intermediaries.

Nearly twenty years have passed since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, and only now is there some improvement.
At least the term "northern barbarian" has become much less common.

"Father, even if I go to study in the south, I will still face discrimination."
It's even uncertain whether some old-fashioned gentlemen are willing to teach.

If I could get direct entry into the Imperial College

Upon hearing this, Shi Yu raised an eyebrow, and his beard trembled slightly.
"Bai Feng, I've already exhausted all my resources to send you to the south."

He entered the Imperial College.
Some of the high-ranking officials in the three departments of Beiping are simply unattainable.

"Father, that was in Beiping, but if it were in Daning..."
I wonder if there's any chance?
People from outside the Great Wall entered the Imperial Academy to study.

"Experiencing the culture and culture of the Ming Dynasty—that's certainly a compelling selling point."

Shi Yu was taken aback, a thoughtful look appearing in his cloudy eyes, and he murmured:
"Students from the four northern towns all entered the Imperial Academy directly."

But it seems that Da Ning Xinli really doesn't exist.

His voice grew softer, filled with contemplation:

"In the future, the imperial court may, out of a sense of balance or consideration, allow students from the Beiping Military Command to enter the capital."

Compared to the vast number of students in Beiping,

"It seems much easier in Daning."

Shi Baifeng nodded repeatedly:

"If we have the support of Vice Commissioner Liu or Lord Lu again..."

Perhaps this matter can be resolved with just a few words, and isn't as difficult as you imagine.

"hiss--"

Shi Yu gasped. The more he thought about it, the more confident he became that the chances of success were high.
"Bai Feng, this matter must not be revealed to outsiders."

After finishing this task and completing the matter of the cloth that Liu Qianshi had instructed,
Let's discuss it further after we've built a better relationship.

Shi Baifeng nodded solemnly.

The Snow White Trading Company has three managers, each in charge of their own area.

The head manager and the second manager were very enthusiastic about sending people to study.
There has simply been no success so far.

If they knew about this shortcut, they would definitely do everything they could to squeeze through!

"Father, I understand."

"Come with me later, and we'll go see the grassland people."

The sugar we have now is a hot potato; we need to get rid of it quickly.

Upon hearing this, Shi Baifeng's eyes flashed with wild joy:
"Yes, father!"

Shi Baifeng was deeply moved.

Finally, finally!
We've finally reached this point.

In his branch, besides his eldest brother who was stationed in Beiping,

No son has yet been able to interact with the grassland people alongside his father.

For him, this is undoubtedly another step forward!
After escorting Liu Huaipu back, Lu Yunyi returned to the Military Commandery.

Before they could even enter the yamen, General Tan Wei, who had been waiting there, came to greet them:

"Lord Lu, I have important matters to report."

"Come into the house and talk."

Lu Yunyi remained calm and waved his hand.

The two entered the house, and as usual, Lu Yunyi went to the side and made two cups of tea.

He handed Tan Wei a cup, then took one for himself and sat down behind his desk.
"What happened?"

Tan Wei held the teacup, his expression somewhat grave:
"Lord Lu, my spies outside the city have sent back a message..."

Bandits who roam the northern grasslands have come to Daning City.

It was Narisu, the leader of Longwei Mountain, and his two brothers.

Their movements were extremely secretive; they traveled along side roads outside the city, and were met upon entering.

"Dragon Tail Mountain?"

Lu Yunyi looked at the huge map hanging on the wall.
There are several very prominent red dots located north of Dusi.

These are all known tribes and bandit gangs.

Longwei Mountain was a medium-sized outpost located only 300 li (approximately 150 kilometers) from the Beiping Regional Military Command.
According to the commander's estimation, there were approximately a thousand men and horses among them.

"Do you know where they went?" Lu Yunyi asked.

Tan Wei said in a deep voice:
"Sir, they disappeared after entering the city at the shacks in the north of the city. They must have disguised themselves."
But I have some suspicions in my mind, and I don't know whether I should say them.

"explain."

Narisu and Hu Chongyi have some connection.

Last year, several managers under Hu Chongyi were in arrears on taxes.
Finally, they fled, heading straight for Dragon Tail Mountain.

In that instant, Lu Yunyi thought of the white sugar that the Taxue Trading Company had sent into the city.
He also thought of the meeting between Hu Chongyi, Shi Yu, and others, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, and he thought to himself:

"Could it be that the grain-for-sugar trade has fallen through? Have they turned to smuggling?"

"Why can't the Taxue Trading Company sell it itself? Why drag Hu Chongyi into it?"
Was Qu Qingfeng involved?

A series of questions left Lu Yunyi puzzled.

He looked up at Tan Wei:
"Lord Tan, you've worked hard. Please keep a close eye on the movements in the north and outside the city, especially the merchant caravans heading north."

"Yes, please rest assured, Lord Lu."

Some smuggling cases are so easily investigated that if you really want to, you can find them.

"No, no, no, I'm not asking you to investigate smuggling. Just keep quiet after you find it."

Upon hearing this, Tan Wei thought to himself:

"really."

These past two days, rumors have been circulating throughout the entire military headquarters.
Lord Lu is condoning smuggling, but it has only been suspected so far.

Tan Wei was surprised that he admitted it himself.

His mind raced, considering many possibilities.
Finally, a resolute glint flashed in his eyes, and he said in a deep voice:
"Sir, if you want to earn money, there are other ways."

Lu Yunyi looked Tan Wei up and down, and smiled:

"Don't worry, Lord Tan, I know what I'm doing."

"Then I shall take my leave."

"Okay, go ahead." After Tan Wei left, Lu Yunyi called out:
"Lu Kang, come here for a moment."

The tall Lu Kang, clad in armor, walked in.
"Sir, you are looking for me."

"Arrange for someone to keep a close eye on Hu Chongyi, Shi Yu, and Qu Qingfeng, and record all their movements in detail."

Furthermore, the surveillance of individuals such as the Mi, Huang, and Wang families should be given greater attention.

If they have recently had contact with the grassland people,

I came to report immediately.

"Yes!"

Lu Yunyi lowered his head, grabbed a document, quickly wrote on it, then folded it neatly and handed it over:

"Give this letter to Ya Rong, the manager of Kang Le Trading Company, and tell her to find this person at all costs."

"Yes!"

"Go and invite Lord Duan here again."

Lu Kang quickly left.

Before long, Duan Zhengze, the Vice Commander, walked in, his face beaming with smiles.
"Lord Lu, yesterday's many rewards were distributed..."
The atmosphere throughout the entire command post has been completely refreshed; it's brimming with energy and enthusiasm.

Even I, your humble servant, am overjoyed at the sight of all that gleaming silver.

Lu Yunyi knew he was flattering him and let out a soft chuckle:
"Lord Duan, this is what the entire yamen deserves, and there will be more next year."

"Then I must have a good talk with the brothers."
Work hard, and you'll get a bonus next year!

Lu Yunyi smiled, took the document from the side, handed it over, and got straight to the point:
"Lord Duan, what did you say to them a few days ago?"

Why then does this layer-by-layer exploitation still occur?

Hearing the seriousness in his tone, Duan Zhengze's expression also became solemn.

Upon receiving the document and glancing at it, he flew into a rage:
"This is really unreasonable!"

"This is outrageous! They're showing no respect for the Commander!"

"My lord, I will immediately urge the relevant businesses on the list to cooperate."
Let them stop this kind of exploitation at every level.
"We will ensure that the people of Daning City enjoy the profits brought by trade!"

Lu Yunyi nodded indifferently:

"Once is enough, twice is not enough, but a third time is not enough. Tell them that."

If this isn't stopped, the Commander will cause them trouble!

"Yes!" Duan Zhengze also cursed loudly!

"Go ahead."

In a hidden warehouse in the north of the city,

Hu Chongyi sat by the stove, quietly watching the sizzling, oily roasting meat.

Randomly pick up a jar of spices and sprinkle them upwards.
As Hu Chongyi listened to the crackling of the firewood, he picked up the roasted meat and gently sniffed it. An irresistible aroma of meat wafted towards him.

"Mmm~, this is the taste."

"Brother Hu, what are you doing? Trying to reminisce about past hardships and appreciate present happiness?"

A wild laugh came from outside the warehouse.
Hu Chongyi turned his head and saw three figures walking in through the gate.

The leader was short in stature but had a very sturdy build, resembling a huge wooden barrel slowly moving, which looked particularly comical.

Hu Chongyi knew that the person in front of him was not to be underestimated.

He slowly stood up, opened his arms, and smiled.
“Narisu, it’s been about a year since we last met.”

The two slowly approached, then suddenly embraced, clapping their hands incessantly, appearing to be brothers in deep affection. But regardless of the two men behind Narisu, or the person behind Hu Chongyi,
They all silently placed their hands on the hilts of their knives, their expressions wary.

An inexplicable sense of unease began to spread between the two.

"Zhou Xing is gone, so I should get out and about too."

Narisu followed Hu Chongyi to the fire and sat down. Looking at the roasted meat on it, he sneered:
"Brother Hu, your grilling skills aren't what they used to be. Look, it's all burnt."

Hu Chongyi shook his head helplessly:

"Once you enter a city, you must adapt to its customs."
It's been so long since I've had barbecue.

Hu Chongyi drew a dagger from his waist and made a forceful cut in the roasted meat, splitting it into three pieces:
"Take a piece and try the craftsmanship."

Hu Chongyi was the first to pick up one of the pieces and start tearing into it:
"Hmm, these spices really do have an extraordinary flavor."

Narisu leaned closer and smelled it, but didn't eat it.

Just hold it in your hand, smile, and ask:

"Brother Hu, Zhou Xing has already left. Who is in charge of the city now?"

"Master Tongzhi Lu."

What kind of person is he? Is he easy to talk to?

Narisu's eyes lit up as he surveyed the surrounding warehouses, a hint of envy flashing in his eyes.

If they could live in the city, who would want to go to the village and eat sand?

Hu Chongyi did not answer immediately.

Instead, he pondered for a long time, then shook his head:
"Hard to say"

"Hard to say? What do you mean by 'hard to say'?"

Hu Chongyi chewed on the roasted meat in his mouth, finding it very sticky. He tapped it and said:
"You want to go to the city too? Are you willing to leave those brothers behind?"

Narisu's expression calmed down:
"What if I can't bear to part with it?"
I'm not young anymore, and all these years of fighting and killing have left me with a host of health problems.
My whole body aches when it's cloudy or rainy.

Some of his subordinates also became quite ambitious.
They actually wanted to establish a separate Yuan dynasty and make King Cheng their ancestor.

If I stay outside, I'll only face certain death.

A faint hint of mockery appeared in Hu Chongyi's eyes:

"They're all those down-on-their-luck Yuan people, aren't they?"

"Yes, these people are arrogant and conceited. They are incompetent yet meddlesome, and they love to put on airs. Many people in the village can't stand them, and they have fought with them many times."

A hint of sorrow flashed in Narisu's eyes.

"They were masters of infighting, and just like that, the once mighty Yuan Dynasty was destroyed by their own infighting."

Hu Chongyi's voice was full of disdain as he changed the subject and said:
"For the sake of our friendship, if you wish to move to the city to make a living,"

Don't come to Daning City, go to Liaodong, go to Beiping.

"Why?"

Narisu narrowed his eyes, his honest face tense with muscles:

"Brother Hu, are you afraid I'll steal your business?"

"Just you?"

Hu Chongyi glanced at him and slowly shook his head:

"If an outsider like you can steal my business, then I'm really pathetic."

"That is?"

Hu Chongyi took a deep breath, a hint of apprehension flashing in his eyes:
"That new Lord Lu is not someone to be trifled with; stay far away from him if you can."

How does he compare to Zhou Xing?

A flicker of fear crossed Narisu's eyes.
These grassland bandits,

What I fear most is that the Ming Dynasty's border troops would go to the grasslands to seek out merits, whether there was a reason or not.

Previously, Zhou Xing had been fighting almost every month, with a major battle every three months, leaving them exhausted.

Hu Chongyi shook his head: "It's hard to say, and hard to see through."

"What do you mean?"

"Lord Zhou does everything openly and honestly."
When things get impossible, they kill. And this Lord Lu...
Even without killing anyone, things can still be done.

This was a bit of a mouthful, but Narisu understood it:
"Highly skilled?"

Hu Chongyi looked puzzled, nodded, then shook his head:

"I didn't see any particular methods he used, but he did manage to do everything he set out to do smoothly."

It felt very strange to me.
If Zhou Xing is a fierce tiger, then Lu Yunyi is a venomous snake.

However, he quickly refuted his own statement:
"No, no, Lord Lu's battle skills are renowned throughout the Ming Dynasty; he is also a fierce tiger."
But overall, it just feels very strange.
I don't like dealing with people like that.
You can come if you like; I won't try to stop you.

Narisu listened to his rambling words and sighed quietly:

"Brother Hu, you've been away from the grasslands for so long."
Like those Ming dynasty figures, they started to beat around the bush.

Just then, faint footsteps sounded again at the gate, and two figures appeared at the entrance, one old and one young.
Upon seeing them, Hu Chongyi propped himself up and stood up:

"Narisu, let me introduce you. This is a distinguished person from Beiping."

(End of this chapter)