In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 683 The Embroidered Uniform Guard Reports

In a dimly lit room of the Liu residence, Liu Heiying looked at the letter in his hand.
His gaze swept over the tiny, densely packed characters, and his face darkened to an extreme.

The letter read:

[The Mi family business in the north of the city was investigated for hoarding goods and transporting them under the cover of night. They used the soldiers' positions to secretly collude with powerful figures.]

As the chief officer of the military command, Lu Yunyi not only failed to fulfill his supervisory responsibilities,

Instead, they colluded with merchants, allowing them to illegally leave the city and profiting from it.

Such actions are truly detrimental to the imperial court and violate the law.

We urge Your Excellency to investigate this matter thoroughly and set the record straight.
After reading this side, Liu Heiying turned the paper over; the other side contained even finer, more detailed writing.
These are all pieces of evidence of collusion between officials and businessmen.

Liu Heiying even saw the exact times when the Mi family received the goods, in great detail.

The dim candlelight flickered gently, casting intermittent light and shadow on Liu Heiying's face.

With a loud "bang",
Liu Heiying slammed the document on the table, abruptly looked up, and stared sharply at the three people standing in front of him:
"Look! Look! They've already touched our heels, and you didn't even notice!"

Why do we have to let others find out exactly what happened?
"Will you only stop when everything is made public?"

The three looked at each other, then silently lowered their heads.

I carefully pondered in my mind what exactly went wrong.

Liu Heiying was half-hidden in the darkness, his breathing slightly rapid.

"This time, although we did not conceal our actions at all and allowed them to discover them,

But did I not tell you? Catch the spies!
Now, many spies from various factions have been discovered, so why haven't the spies from the Embroidered Uniform Guard been discovered?
Where did you get such detailed information?

Is the problem with those around us, or with Bayar and Mishi?
Or perhaps it's some channel we're unaware of?

"answer me!"

The atmosphere was extremely cold. The warm stove emitted wisps of steam, but everyone felt a chill in their hearts.

Finally, Hu Xiaowu spoke first:
"My lord, we have deployed a tight cordon around the supply channels and the area around the warehouse, and have caught and documented quite a few people who were investigating."

My subordinate thinks the problem might not be with the distribution channels or warehouse transactions.
Could it be that there's a problem with Mis or Bayar?

Such detailed entry and exit records could only be obtained by seeing the ledger.

Liu Heiying looked up at the three people in front of him:
"Evidence, what we need in espionage is not subjective speculation, but solid evidence."

Do you think there's something wrong with the people around Mi and Bayar?
Why can't it be someone close to us?

Who among the shopkeepers, cart drivers, porters, and even the clerks keeping the accounts, isn't suspicious?

Liu Heiying waved his hand:
"It's no use saying all this now; things have already turned out this way."

Solve the immediate problem first, then consider addressing any shortcomings later.

Has the person who followed them returned? Find out who that person is!

Hu Xiaowu said in a deep voice:

"My lord, I've already gone to follow them, but they haven't returned yet."

Liu Heiying took a deep breath and looked at the document in his hand.
There are two signatures on it: [Caged Bird, Golden Hairpin]
The fact that two people's names appear above already tells a lot.

There are at least ten members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard inside Daning City.
This is how teams with at least two leaders can be formed.

Or, in an even more extreme case, there might only be two members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

However, based on the information we have so far, this scenario is unlikely.

Liu Heiying raised his head and looked at the three people in front of him:
The goods are to be shipped tomorrow.
All available spies were deployed to observe the area along the established route in sections.

Find all the suspicious people, then record them, and slowly investigate and filter them.

We must find the entire network of the Embroidered Uniform Guard hidden within the city—the entire network!

"In addition, after finding it, keep quiet, observe it discreetly, and act as if nothing has happened. The cargo delivery will proceed as usual tomorrow."

Hu Xiaowu knew this was to protect the source of the information, and nodded emphatically:

"Please rest assured, sir, I will certainly arrange this matter properly!"

"Hmm, think carefully, where did things go wrong!"

Liu Heiying, holding the document, suddenly stood up and strode away, leaving the three of them looking at each other in bewilderment.

Before long, Liu Heiying arrived at the door of the back room, knocked gently, and tried to keep his voice calm:

"have you slept?"

Footsteps came from behind the door, and the door opened quickly.

A graceful figure, still exuding charm, appeared before them, draped in a thin, sheer veil. A gust of cold wind blew, and goosebumps immediately rose on her fair skin.

But Ya Rong didn't care at all, and smiled brightly:

"General, why haven't you rested yet?"

"Hurry inside, it's so cold, why don't you put on an extra layer of clothing?"

Liu Heiying pushed her inside, and the warmth and smoothness of her skin made him feel somewhat emotional.

"Rong'er, your skin is getting better and better."

After closing the door, Ya Rong rolled her eyes at him, her hand gently gripping the thin gauze.

With that one pull, her slender, toned body was exposed to Liu Heiying's eyes.

She even twirled around once: "Is it pretty, General?"

"Put this on quickly, don't catch a cold."

Liu Heiying stepped forward to help her grasp her gauze skirt, then put his arm around her slender waist and led her to sit down on the large bed.
"Let's get down to business. I've come to you because there's something I need you to do."

"Just give the order, General."

Ya Rong sat to the side, constantly stroking Liu Hei Ying's hair.

She straightened his hair one by one, a simple, honest smile on her face.

This was completely different from the decisive and ruthless manager he usually was.

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard discovered that we were doing business with Bai Songbu."

As he spoke, Liu Heiying took out a document from his pocket and handed it over.

"have a look."

Ya Rong was taken aback, then shook her head with a simple smile:

"This is the general's business. I am just a woman, so I shouldn't be involved."

"See? They're not outsiders."

Only then did Ya Rong sit up straight, pick up the letter and examine it. The more she read, the more serious her expression became.
"General, what is it?"

Liu Heiying propped himself up, pulled her into his arms, and murmured:
"The capital is the headquarters of the Embroidered Uniform Guard; it's not a good place to make a move."
But this is Da Ning; it's not the place for the Embroidered Uniform Guard to interfere.

Once I find out who these people are, I'll kill them.

"it is good."

Ya Rong's answer was concise and to the point. Although her smile was gentle, her eyes revealed a coldness.

Liu Heiying was not surprised by this answer, and simply stroked her smooth back:

"How is Ortai doing lately? I never see him."

"He's a little embarrassed to see the general," Ya Rong said with a smile.

Liu Heiying touched his nose:

"To be honest, I felt a little awkward when I saw him."

Ya Rong smiled:
"This child is dull-witted and only knows how to do things."

General, don't worry about him; just let him do his work.

"We should always take care of our own family members; even if we don't care about the monk, we should at least care about the Buddha."
"You've waited for me for so many years, thank you for your hard work," Liu Heiying said with emotion.

"If you say that again, General, I'll get angry."

Looking at the antique-style furniture that subtly hinted at luxury, Ya Rong murmured:
"If the royal court does not treat its people well, its demise is the natural order of things; it's only a matter of time."
Here, the general treated the city's inhabitants kindly, seeing them working and earning money in the city, their families living happily together. Ya Rong was truly blessed.

As she spoke, Ya Rong seemed to remember something and gently touched her belly:

"If I could give birth to another child for the general, then Xiao Rong's life would not have been in vain."

Her face grew increasingly red, radiating a captivating charm.

Her plump thighs stretched out on the bed, exuding allure.

Liu Heiying's heart was pounding, but he remained calm:

"Not today. Xiao Wu and the others have gone to investigate the whereabouts of the Embroidered Uniform Guards."

They've worked so hard, I can't just sit here enjoying myself with a beautiful woman.

"Once this busy period is over, and since you're thinking of having a baby, I'll treat you to a proper meal."

Ya Rong sat up with a smile and gave him a big kiss:
"General, do you have any other women you like? You can bring them home."

"Hmm?" A look of doubt flashed in Liu Heiying's eyes:

"Why do you ask?"

Ya Rong tossed her hair, and a fragrance instantly filled the air. Her rosy skin was flawless, and her voice became alluring.

"If both Sister Hua and I are pregnant, wouldn't that be a hardship for the General?"

Liu Heiying was taken aback, but immediately understood her meaning, and promptly spoke in a righteous and stern tone:
"Having two wives is enough for me."

Ya Rong rolled her eyes at him:
"It's only natural that a brave and valiant man like a general would attract women."
"If the general likes it, he can bring it home. Xiao Rong and Sister Hua won't be jealous."

The more Liu Heiying spoke, the more excited he became, and he quickly waved his hand:
"Okay, stop talking. It's making me feel really uncomfortable. I'm leaving now. You should get some sleep."

Ya Rong smiled and gently squeezed his hand:
"go Go."

In the main hall of the Liu residence, Liu Heiying sat alone at the head of the table, his hand constantly stroking the dented surface of the dagger resting on the square table, his eyes deep-set. The charcoal fire in the room had long since gone out, and a biting cold enveloped him.
But he remained unmoved, and his expression did not change at all from beginning to end.

After an unknown amount of time, the dark clouds in the sky gradually shifted, revealing the cold moon behind them.

Hu Xiaowu, dressed in armor and carrying a long sword, hurried in with a solemn expression.

"My lord, the messenger has returned to Bao Cui Xuan on Qi Xian Street."

"Baocui Pavilion?"

Liu Heiying narrowed his eyes after hearing this.

If he remembered correctly, they only sold gold and silver jewelry there.
During rest periods, it's full of women.

He thought of Miaoyinfang in the capital, which also catered to women.

"Hmph, their methods are exactly the same."

Hu Xiaowu stepped forward and handed over a document:

"My lord, this is a list of matters related to Bao Cui Xuan copied from the government office."

According to records, Bao Cui Xuan opened in March of the 20th year of the Hongwu reign (1381).
It started as a small jewelry shop.

However, its manager, Tao Xuan, was a shrewd businessman, and in less than three years, he had turned Bao Cui Xuan into the most popular place for women in the city.

The items sold there were some that couldn't be found even in Daning or Beiping.

"Oh? It's that obvious?"

Liu Heiying was somewhat surprised. If Tao Xuan was truly a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, then he was far too unprofessional.

Hu Xiaowu's expression also looked somewhat strange:

"Sir, should we send someone to check on this tomorrow?"

"Go, of course we have to go. Keep a close eye on Tao Xuan."

When Tianjin leaves the city tomorrow, the goods will also leave the city.

If they were the Embroidered Uniform Guard, they would have to take action no matter what.

Seize every tentacle he extends; there can be no Embroidered Uniform Guards within the city of Daning!

Liu Heiying's voice was cold, making the room feel even colder.

"Yes!" Hu Xiaowu replied.

"Go and rest. You'll be busy tomorrow," Liu Heiying said.

The next morning, before dawn, Liu Heiying left his residence and hurriedly arrived at the Lu residence on Sanbao Street.

In the spacious courtyard, he saw Lu Yunyi practicing martial arts!
He was currently wielding a long spear, using it to charge, thrust, parry, and deflect attacks.

The three scarecrows placed in the courtyard were torn to shreds in an instant.

The straw swirled gently in the cold wind.

Lu Yunyi's face flushed red, and his breath formed wisps of white mist, long and lingering.

After finishing his routine, Lu Yunyi stood still, his hand on his spear, looking at Liu Heiying, and smiled:

"You're here so early? Hogging a meal?"

Liu Heiying chuckled and strode into the courtyard.

He picked up a nine-ringed broadsword from the weapon rack beside him and swung it around in his hand:
"Brother Yun'er, let's have a competition."

Lu Yunyi was somewhat surprised:
"Competing without warming up? Be careful not to strain your muscles."

"The battlefield is ever-changing; there's no time to warm up before facing the enemy. Come on."

With a shout, fine snowflakes fell softly, covering the courtyard with a thin layer of frost.

Lu Yunyi raised an eyebrow and smiled.
"Then let's go."

The next moment, his figure swiftly darted forward.
The spear flashed with silvery white light, its cold gleam aimed directly at Liu Heiying's face.

Liu Heiying spun around to dodge, his nine-ringed cleaver slicing through the air with a sharp, piercing sound.

The blade rings clashed together with a crisp sound, and the snowflakes fell even more densely.

The moment the spear clashed with the cleaver, sparks flew through the snow and mist, stinging the eyes.

Lu Yunyi flicked his wrist, and the tip of the spear, like a venomous snake, darted along the back of Liu Heiying's knife, aiming straight for the tiger's mouth where Liu was holding the knife!

Liu Heiying's pupils contracted sharply, his toes slammed to the ground, and his body leaned back.
Using the momentum of his backward lean, the nine-ringed saber swept out horizontally.

The airflow generated by the blade swirled the surrounding straw fragments into a vortex.

"Brother Yun'er, your kung fu hasn't gotten any worse yet."

Liu Heiying laughed loudly, and the blade suddenly trembled.
Three of the nine bronze rings broke apart during the fierce battle, the sound of the rings piercing the air intertwining with the wind from the blades.

Lu Yunyi chuckled lightly, advancing instead of retreating, his spear suddenly slamming down, the shaft striking the bluestone slab heavily.

Using the recoil force, they rose into the air.

The spear tip drew a large semi-circle in mid-air, using the spear shaft to directly confront the blade!
"when--!"

The clanging of metal made the icicles on the eaves tremble slightly.

Lu Yunyi's tight-fitting clothes were torn open by the wind from the blade, leaving a small rip.

Blood was already seeping from Liu Heiying's tiger's mouth.

The two men simultaneously retreated three steps, their toes carving two deep furrows in the thin snow.

As dawn broke, the first rays of sunlight turned the snowflakes in the courtyard into scattered gold, but they could not illuminate the ever-burning fighting spirit in their eyes.

Lu Yunyi didn't stop moving. He swept his spear, his wrist trembling, and the spear left afterimages in a small space.

Liu Heiying's expression was solemn, his nine-ringed sword gripped tightly.

Using his right foot as a pivot, he rotated his body and kept slashing!
In the seventh thunderous crash of clashing swords and spears,
Lu Yunyi's spear tip suddenly pierced the point where Liu Heiying's blade flashed most intensely!
Time seemed to stand still, but Lu Yunyi's spear tip was already pressed against Liu Heiying's chest.

"The training can't stop. The strength isn't enough, the speed isn't fast enough, and even the lower body is a bit unstable."

"What other women are you hiding in your home?"

Lu Yunyi holstered his gun and stood up to ask a question.

Liu Heiying casually tossed the longsword in his hand, and the remaining copper rings on it shattered one by one.
"Brother Yun'er, selling melons is still the best."
They don't have to get up early or work late all day, and they even have time to exercise.

Now I sit for the whole day, and my eyes feel a bit blurry.

Lu Yunyi flicked his wrist, sending his spear flying and embedding it in the weapon rack. He then walked towards the main hall.

"You're nearsighted. Do the eye exercises I taught you every hour, and it won't get worse."
If you slack off on this, you'll suffer sooner or later.

Lu Yunyi took the hot towel Qiuhe handed him and wiped his body.

Noticing that her gaze was fixed on him, he went over and pinched her nose.

"What are you looking at?"

"what"

Qiuhe shook her head and struggled to break free.

"Of course we're here to see the young master, what else could we be looking at?"

As she spoke, Qiuhe boldly stepped forward.

He vigorously stroked his well-defined, muscular abs, his face flushed, and he let out a silly, lecherous chuckle.

"Look at how stupid you are."

Lu Yunyi ignored him, tossed the towel aside, and sat down.

Qiuhe stepped forward to help him wipe his body.

Lu Yunyi then looked at Liu Heiying and asked:

"What happened?"

Liu Heiying took out a document from his pocket, looked at Qiuhe, and smiled:

"Sister Qiuhe, come here, take this."

"Take it yourself!" Qiuhe glared at him.

"Quick, quick, my leg is cramping!" Liu Heiying exclaimed dramatically.

Lu Yunyi suddenly burst into laughter and patted Qiuhe's round bottom:

"Go, bring it here. He's been lazy for a long time, he'll never change."

Qiuhe then went to fetch the documents.

Lu Yunyi took the document, opened it, and his expression immediately turned strange. He smiled and said:

"There really is one."

Liu Heiying rubbed his thigh and sighed.
"Who can argue with that? To have people stationed in this freezing cold place, just how much money does the Embroidered Uniform Guard have to squander?"

Lu Yunyi carefully read it twice, then closed the document and placed it aside:
"What are your plans?"

"Once the army has left, find a suitable opportunity to slaughter them all," Liu Heiying said coldly.

"Okay, you can arrange it. There's no need to worry about anything, but be discreet and don't let anyone find out anything."

Lu Yunyi turned his back and gestured for Qiuhe to help him wipe his back.

"Don't worry, Brother Yun'er, everything's planned. When are you leaving?" Liu Heiying asked.

"After I leave this evening, keep a close watch on the city and make sure nothing goes wrong."

Every step of the setup must continue without interruption; even if it has to be pushed forward, it must be pushed forward.

"Grit your teeth and get through this period; the second half of the year will be better," Lu Yunyi said.

"Yes!" Liu Heiying replied.

(End of this chapter)