In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 676 Should Be a Lackey Under Lord Lu

Inside the other carriage,

Wu Su'an told Du Si about his plans to engage in the textile business and launch new equipment.

Hu Chongyi and the others looked at each other in bewilderment.

They could hardly believe it.

The commander was surprisingly generous in giving them the newly developed equipment.

Wu Su'an took in their expressions:
"Don't worry, gentlemen. We'll go to the weapons workshop later to take a look at the sewing machine."
Compared to manual processing, it is at least twenty times faster.

"It's not too late to discuss cooperation then."

"Twenty times?"

The three of them stared wide-eyed in disbelief, their hearts pounding.

They couldn't believe it, but the people were already on the carriage.
They weren't in a hurry; the truth might be revealed in less than fifteen minutes.

Wu Su'an smiled:

"I forgot to tell the three managers something."

Manager Shi of the Beijing Taxue Trading Company was also among the first batch of partners.
Judging by the time, the others should already be waiting in the workshop.

Hearing his name, Hu Chongyi actually felt relieved.

Taxue Trading Company was a large trading company in Beiping, and was not under the jurisdiction of the Beiping Military Command.
Even if you're going to take action, you have to be careful.

And so, the group of people, harboring complex and incomprehensible thoughts,

They arrived at the weapons workshop, which was not far from the military headquarters.

The group alighted from the carriage and saw that Shi Yu was already waiting there.
He was pacing back and forth with his hands behind his back, clearly lost in thought.

"Manager Shi, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

Wu Su'an greeted her with a smile.

"Thank you for your concern, Lord Wu. I just arrived myself," Shi Yu replied.

Wu Su'an smiled and nodded, then looked at Hu Chongyi and the others behind her:
"Those shopkeepers, please come with me."

The four exchanged glances, silently sharing their thoughts, and quickly reached a consensus.

Whether it's true or not, let's wait and see.

The group arrived at the back of the weapons workshop and stopped in front of a large building.

Wu Su'an turned around and instructed:
"Gentlemen, this item is a top secret of the Beiping Military Command, belonging to the category of military equipment."

After reviewing it, even if cooperation is not possible, there must be no disclosure.

Hu Chongyi and the other two did not react much.

But Shi Yu's heart skipped a beat:
"It seems they're forcing us to cooperate. If we don't, the Commander might come and arrest us."

He looked around and sighed silently.

They had no other choice now.

"Forget it. Consider it paying for peace of mind. This Da Ning City is too complicated. I'll never come here again."

Shi Yu glanced at Hu Chongyi and the other two, seeing them still nodding excitedly:

"Fools are sometimes lucky; they get sold out and still pay the seller."

These Yuan people are too naive.

Shi Yu watched as Wu Su'an pushed open the tightly closed door.

The warm air that hit me carried a musty smell.
A faint, rapid tapping sound could also be heard.

A hint of doubt flashed in Shi Yu's eyes:
"What is this? It's so rhythmic!"

"Please, gentlemen."

Wu Su'an led them in.

At this moment, the huge building has been transformed into a production workshop.
A dozen or so sewing machines were neatly arranged, and behind each one sat a woman in her forties, busy at work.

When they saw someone approaching, they only slightly raised their heads before lowering them again to continue working.

A woman sitting at the very front stood up.
She was tall, voluptuous, with a curvaceous figure, and possessed a wildness reminiscent of the women of the grasslands.

"Lord Wu, you've arrived."

Wu Su'an smiled and nodded, then introduced the four shopkeepers behind her:

"This is Siqin, the manager of the weapons workshop. Don't underestimate her."

These sewing machines in front of us were made by Siqin's husband.

However, his words went unanswered for a long time.

The four shopkeepers stood frozen in place, staring blankly at the machine that was constantly moving up and down in front of them, their eyes practically bulging out of their sockets.

They saw a woman holding a piece of light gray linen.

With just a few strokes of the needle, a row of neat and orderly sewing marks appears before your eyes.
This process might only take three breaths? Or five?
what is this?
How can there be such a fast sewing method in the world?
It would normally take at least fifteen minutes to sew a three-foot-long piece of cloth using ordinary needlework.

If it's more complicated, it might take 45 minutes or even 30 minutes.

Now, it's done with just a gentle pull on the sewing machine?

Almost instantly, Shi Yu realized that the Commander had not lied!
He also took back his previous words, saying that Da Ning was wonderful and that he should come more often!
Moreover, he keenly sensed the huge business opportunities involved!
If you simply process some scraps of cloth from Beiping (Beijing) and sell them to the grasslands, you can earn at least a hundred times the profit.

In the past, Taxue Trading Company wanted to do this business.

But the money they earned wasn't even enough to pay their wages.
Now, there are absolutely no such concerns.

He walked forward in a daze, watching the female worker take another piece of cloth.

Placed on that constantly moving needle board, tap tap tap
Three breaths!

The originally worn edges were neatly sewn back together, no longer rough and uneven.

"Lord Wu, how much does this sewing machine cost? Can Taxue Trading Company purchase it?" Shi Yu asked eagerly.

Although Hu Chongyi and his two companions were amazed by the speed of the sewing machine,

But I haven't figured out how to make money with a sewing machine yet.
Hearing Shi Yu say this, they also pricked up their ears to listen.

Wu Su'an always had a smile on her face:
"The sewing machine is still in the experimental stage and will not be sold to the public for the time being."

However, if the managers are interested, they can cooperate with the commander to establish a trading company.

I do some fabric business; the prices are reasonable.

At this point, Wu Su'an smiled mysteriously:
"Furthermore, the four managers have decided that the matter of the sewing machine will not be publicized for the time being."

Shi Yu's eyes suddenly turned red!

This is just like someone who has mastered the technology to cheaply produce white sugar and then keeps it a secret, making a fortune from it!
As long as the sewing machine is not disclosed to outsiders

The price of processed and finished fabrics will not decrease, allowing for substantial profits!

"Cooperation, cooperation!"

"Lord Wu, the Taixue Trading Company of the capital is willing to cooperate with the Commander!"

Although Hu Chongyi didn't know how to make money from it, he nodded repeatedly:
"Since the commander wants to open a trading company, we merchants must support it."

I just don't know how much silver it will cost.
As you know, I have just suffered a significant financial loss.

Wu Su'an waved her hand:
"Don't worry, Manager Hu, how much does it cost to open a workshop?"
At most, I'll spend some money on a sewing machine, a few thousand taels of silver in total, that should be enough.

These words further solidified Shi Yu's conviction.

The commander must be desperately short of money, otherwise he wouldn't be making such a big effort to win them over.

In the small room, Shi Yu just stared at the sewing machine in front of him, its eyes gradually becoming vacant.

He had a feeling that this stuff would be even more lethal than cheap white sugar!

I wonder if the other cloth shop owners will still be able to sit still.

"Lord Wu, may I try it out?"

Just to be on the safe side, Shi Yu looked at Wu Su'an and asked a question.

"Of course, Siqin, you can teach Manager Shi."

If he takes a liking to you, you'll be in for a lot of trouble.

Wu Su'an said.

Siqin smiled gently:
"My lord, what are you saying? Compared to sweeping before..."
The work here is easier and less tiring, and the pay is higher.

She looked at Shi Yu and pointed to the empty sewing machine:

"Please sit down, Manager Shi. I will teach you how to operate this item."

"Thank you very much," Shi Yu said.

At the Military Commandery, the Mi brothers were brought by Feng Yunfang to the office where Lu Yunyi was located.

Upon seeing the dozen or so heavily armed soldiers guarding the gate...

The two tensed up a bit, and their attitude became more humble.

Even if they are very prominent and wealthy in Daning City,

Compared to these armed and well-equipped armies, they were utterly ineffective.

Upon entering, they quickly saw Lu Yunyi handling paperwork.
They also saw the desk piled high with documents. "Mi Chen and Mi Bin greet Lord Lu."

Lu Yunyi merely raised the corner of his eye and glanced at them:
"Yunfang, serve tea."
"Please wait a moment, gentlemen, while I read this document."

The two dared not say anything more and were led by Feng Yunfang to sit down to the side.
The initial excitement vanished without a trace, leaving only fear upon seeing people.

What good news could it be that they were summoned so hastily?
Time passed slowly, and in less than a quarter of an hour...

Lu Yunyi put down the document, stood up, and sat down opposite the two of them.

"I have invited you two managers here today because I have a business deal to discuss with you."

Mi Chen and Mi Bin exchanged a glance, both seeing the seriousness in each other's eyes.
Mi Chen nodded repeatedly:

"Please give your orders, sir. The Mi Family Trading Company will do its utmost."

Lu Yunyi waved his hand:
"I heard that you two met with Bayartaiji of the Baisong tribe a few days ago?"

Almost instantly, Mi Chen and Mi Bin had already decided on how to die.

They sat there stiffly, somewhat at a loss, their bodies itchy.

"My lord, this... this..."

Mi Chen stammered, unsure how to begin, his face looking worse than if he were crying.

Mi Bin, standing to the side, felt a chill run through his body.

Suddenly, I thought of that nearly month-long prison sentence.

There, all they did all day was fight.

Lu Yunyi smiled lightly and waved his hand casually:

"Don't panic, both managers. The Northern Yuan has been destroyed."

The Beiping Commandery maintained friendly relations with the grasslands, preventing them from engaging in constant fighting.

Moreover, Bayar visited the official's residence when he entered the city.
He invited me to do a business deal, but I refused at the time.

But the situation has changed, as the two managers have also seen.
Construction is underway outside the city, while pigs are being raised inside. Sweet potatoes will also be planted in the spring.

The commander's finances are somewhat strained, therefore…

The two were stunned on the spot. The icy cold that had just enveloped them vanished without a trace, replaced by a surge of excitement!

They almost doubted they had heard correctly.

The two knew that Bai Song's tribe wanted to do business with the wild Jurchens.
However, considering the large quantity, which would easily attract attention, they resolutely refused.

In the past, they might have dared to give it a try.
But now that a new official has taken office, they dare not.

Now, this new official, who is as ruthless as a devil, is actually proactively revealing his desire to do business.
this.
Mi Chen couldn't imagine how much money he could make with a real superior standing behind him.

"Lord Lu, we have an unshirkable responsibility for the construction of the military headquarters."

If the military command is short of money,

Our Mi's Trading Company is willing to expand trade routes and increase revenue for the Commander!

"Please give your orders, sir. My family, the Mi clan, is willing to fight on the front lines for you!"

Mi Bin echoed him from the side, his excitement evident.

If this succeeds, let alone buying a house in Beiping...
Even if you buy it in Yingtian, it's more than enough!
"Then thank you very much, shopkeepers."

Bayar Taiji left just a few days ago, so he must still be within the territory of Dusi.

"I request that the two managers send swift horses to pursue and bring him back so that we may discuss matters of trade together."

Lu Yunyi said.

"Please rest assured, sir, I will make the arrangements immediately."

Mi Chen's attitude suddenly became much more humble.

Once this is accomplished, the Mi family will soar to new heights!
"Then I'll have to trouble you two managers. I await your good news," Lu Yunyi said with a smile.

After Mi Chen and the other person left, Lu Yunyi sat there quietly.
His eyes were deep-set, and his mind was racing with thoughts.
A day passed in the blink of an eye, and the sun hanging in the sky quietly set.

It brought a vast expanse of orange-yellow light, illuminating the entire city of Daning.

After the two brothers sent out fast horses to chase after Bayar at the Mi Mansion on Yiren Street, they returned to the mansion.

Even the servants in the mansion could see it.

The two gentlemen were in high spirits, and their steps were much lighter.

Inside the main hall, the two sat down quietly, enjoying the fine tea from Beiping.

Mi Bin spoke with a smile:
“Brother, I didn’t expect Lord Lu to be so good at making money. He even wants to earn this kind of money.”

Mi Chen nodded in deep agreement:
"If we expand too much, how can we afford to repair the roads without making more money?"
I heard that the commander gave two methods for road repair.

One option is to find laborers, and the other is to hire them.

It's strange that they wouldn't use free labor but instead choose to pay to hire it.
This predicament is entirely of our own making.

Mi Bin suddenly asked, "Brother, does this mean we're in cahoots with Lord Lu, like grasshoppers on the same rope?"

"Haha, of course we've calculated that the Mi family is going to prosper in the future."

Mi Chen was so happy that her voice became slightly unsteady.
She seemed to have become younger overnight.

"To be honest, I really admire this Lord Lu."
For the sake of Daning City and its people, he was willing to bear the infamy.

Now they're even taking risks; this kind of person is capable.

Mi Bin nodded in agreement.

In the six months since Lord Lu arrived at the capital, the city's appearance and the lives of its people have improved at a visible pace.

And this pace is accelerating; this year will be even better.

"Brother, I'm a little worried."
If Lord Lu does this, won't anyone cause him trouble?
"If he falls, our Mi family will be in trouble," Mi Bin said.

"Hahahaha"

Mi Chen laughed heartily, appearing very relaxed.
"Lord Lu is a confidant of the Duke of Liang. Will the Duke of Liang fall?"

He's the Crown Prince's uncle!
When the crown prince ascends the throne, he will be the emperor's brother-in-law.

Lord Lu will not fall; on the contrary, he will soar to great heights.

With his current achievements, if he makes a name for himself in Da Ning, being ennobled as a marquis is not out of the question.

Mi Bin's breathing quickened, his eyes burning!
His Majesty is old. After the Crown Prince ascends the throne...
Lord Lu will surely rise to great heights.
At that time, the two brothers might be able to break free from the constraints of Da Ning and rush into the interior of the pass!
They also discussed some details.
Mi Bin then bid farewell to his elder brother and excitedly returned to the backyard, arriving at a quaintly decorated house.

Upon entering, he immediately spotted Yueyao, who was hunched over the table, intently and laboriously writing.

He crept forward, a lewd grin on his face, hoping to startle Yueyao.

But before he could get close, Yueyao, who had been lying on the table, suddenly jumped up.

He made a big funny face and let out a loud shout:
"what--"

Mi Bin was startled.
But when he saw the smug and radiant smile on Yueyao's face, he couldn't help but laugh too.
"You're going to scare me to death sooner or later!"

"whee."

Yueyao put down her brush, skipped and hopped into Mi Bin's arms, and looked at him with deep affection:
"Second Master, why are you resting so early today? You must be tired after a busy day."
"Sit down quickly, Yueyao will give you a massage to loosen your muscles."

Upon hearing this, Mi Bin's heart melted.

The Yueyao in front of me is much better than other women.

Those vulgar women, all they want is money, money.
Only Yueyao cares about herself
Yueyao's nimble little hands began to massage his shoulders and back, her movements gentle and methodical.

Mi Bin closed his eyes and enjoyed the moment, a smile playing on his lips:
"Yueyao, when our Mi family prospers in the future..."

"Second Master will take you to Yingtian and make you a noble lady there, how about it?"

"Yingtian?"

Yueyao stood behind, her beautiful eyes sparkling.
"I am already content to go to Beiping with Second Master. I dare not hope for more."

I heard that it's full of powerful and wealthy people.

With a single turn and a smash, one could become a wealthy merchant.

"Indeed. There, Mr. Mi was just an ant, but things will be different later."

Today, the Mi family has managed to curry favor with Lord Lu; in the future, Lord Lu's status will rise accordingly.
Even we dogs can live a prosperous life, and no one dares to mess with us.

"After all, you have to consider the owner before beating a dog," Mi Bin said with a smile.

"Lord Lu?"

Yueyao narrowed her eyes, muttering to herself, before asking:
"Second Master, didn't Lord Lu imprison you before?"

"That was before. From now on, the Mi family will be nothing more than lackeys of Lord Lu!"

Life will get better and better. I'll buy you a big house in Yingtian, something that will impress everyone!

Mi Bin's voice was filled with excitement!
Yueyao blinked, a hint of doubt flashing across her eyes:
"Second Master, what happened?"

It's not that Second Master didn't want to tell you.
This matter is of great importance and cannot be disclosed to outsiders yet.

"Just wait and you'll be a noblewoman," Mi Bin said.

Yueyao made a note of this, and then a bright smile appeared on her face:

"Second Master, please don't overwork yourself. Yueyao hopes you can stay healthy."

(End of this chapter)