In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 687 Revenge Must Be Taken, Business Must Be Done Too

"Taiji, Taiji, you're finally back!"
"My people, my people are all dead."

Inside the cold, damp prison, a voice wailed mournfully.
The sharp sound made everyone who heard it frown.

But everyone's faces were solemn as they stared blankly at the person imprisoned inside the cell.

Bayar, in particular, looked completely incredulous.

It's absurd that our own people could be defeated by the Jurchens!

He recognized the man before him; he was one of the more valiant warriors in his tribe.

Now he is not only a prisoner, but also in such a sorry state.
"What exactly happened?" Bayar asked through gritted teeth.

"Taiji, after you left, the Jurchens came again."

Lord Darima led us to meet the attack.
But unexpectedly, there were too many Jurchens.
The thousand or so people who came earlier were just a decoy; there were at least ten thousand of them, ten thousand!
Lord Darima was killed in battle, and the army was scattered.

I also lost my way in the snowstorm, and finally encountered Ming people, who captured me!

The man slammed his head hard against the cell bars.

He cried and wailed, tears and snot streaming down his face.

Bayar clenched his fists tightly, overwhelmed by a mix of emotions including shock, anger, and confusion.

"Didn't I tell you all before I left not to go to war lightly?"

"Those Jurchens are too arrogant; they come to steal the tribe's cattle and sheep every day."
Lord Darima was furious, so he sent troops to drive them away, only to find it was a trap.

The man's voice grew softer and softer until he finally knelt on the ground, utterly dejected.

The group stared at him blankly, their brows furrowed.

Li Guangyuan stood to the side and said in a deep voice:
"Judging from the grassland people captured in recent days, the Jurchens are planning something big."

Many grassland tribes were attacked.
Not only the Baisong tribe, but also the Haiquan tribe, Huoji tribe, and Jianping tribe were attacked.
Besides the major parts, the minor parts are countless.

Wang Xingbang's expression was grave as he asked the question:

"When did the Jurchens acquire such abilities?"
"Could they possibly cross the borders of the Three Guards of Doyan and arrive outside of Da Ning?"

"We don't necessarily have to go through the area of ​​the Three Guards of Doyan; we might go through Liaodong instead."

Lu Yunyi spoke calmly, his voice cool and clear.

But it caused the expressions of everyone present to change.

Li Guangyuan was unaware of the incursions into Liaodong, and said with a smile:

"My lord, Liaodong is full of elite troops and strong generals, so going to Liaodong is even more impossible."

Lu Yunyi didn't explain to him, but instead looked at the prison ahead:

"Let him go. All the people from Baisong tribe have been released."

Li Guangyuan's expression was somewhat strange.
But he still obeyed the order and waved his hand:
"Let go!"

Lu Yunyi looked at Bayar:

"Bayartaiji, things have come to this point."
Is Bai Songbu still capable of completing the remaining tasks?

Bayar had recovered from the shock he had just experienced, and he took a deep breath:

"Please rest assured, Lord Lu, we will avenge our grievances and continue our business."

Lu Yunyi nodded, looked at the person who had been released, and asked:

"If you don't mind, I have some questions for him."

"Please proceed, Lord Lu."

Bayar looked at the man and shouted:

"Answer whatever you are asked; do not hide anything."

"It's a Taiji"

The man had a mournful face, but also a kind of joy at surviving a disaster.

An hour later, the caravan had all entered Quanningwei.

Lu Yunyi, sitting in the house where he was settled, also witnessed Erdun's interrogation.

From the Jurchens' frequent provocations to the deployment of over a thousand elite troops from the stronghold...
Then came the crushing defeat, which was described in great detail.

A thin document was filled with writing, and Lu Yunyi was turning the pages one by one.

The same was true for Wu Fuliu, who sat to the lower left.
Even if the outcome of the battle is unknown, a general should be able to discern changes in the situation from battle reports.

The more Lu Yunyi looked, the more suspicious he became.
Especially seeing the Jurchens luring the enemy deep into their territory,
Then they infiltrated and encircled, separating Bai Song's troops.
His suspicions reached their peak. Did the Jurchens really have such abilities?

Lu Yunyi read the document three times until he could completely recreate the battlefield in his mind before he stopped.

He put the documents aside, picked up the teacup that had long since gone cold, and took a small sip.

Seeing that Wu Fuliu also looked deep in thought, he asked:

"Something feels off?"

"My lord, when did the Jurchen savages acquire so many warhorses?"

"And their marching discipline is a bit too good," Wu Fulu said.

Lu Yunyi nodded:
"That's the problem. The Jurchen barbarians can't even get enough to eat, so where would they get the food to feed their warhorses?"

According to Erdun, the Jurchen army numbered ten thousand.
Even if it's not ten thousand, but only five thousand, that's still unbelievable.

Throughout the entire Northern Pacification Command, apart from the Three Guards of Doyan,
The New City Guard had the most warhorses, a total of four thousand.

Other garrisons could have at most two thousand warhorses.
Many military garrisons couldn't even muster five hundred warhorses.
The Wild Jurchens, a force that couldn't even get enough to eat, actually had five thousand warhorses.

"My lord, is it possible that the Three Guards of Duoyan are secretly causing trouble?" Wu Fulu suggested a possibility.

Lu Yunyi pondered for a long time,
Thinking about Tuoluhucha'er's performance and the interactions between Daning City and the Duoyan Three Guards during this period, he gently shook his head:

"Unless he's an award-winning actor, it's unlikely."

Wu Fuliu was taken aback, a look of doubt flashing in his eyes, but he did not ask any further questions.

Lu Yunyi stood up and walked to the map spread out on the table. He put his hands on his hips and spoke thoughtfully:
"Have the Jurchen tribes united?"
The Jurchen savages did not have that many warhorses.

But the Jianzhou Jurchens and the Haixi Jurchens did exist.
Moreover, they had a rudimentary organizational structure and were quite capable in warfare.

However, the ensuing questions left Lu Yunyi puzzled:
"The Jianzhou Jurchens and Haixi Jurchens were a full thousand miles from the Baisong tribe, and they also had to cross the territory of Tainingwei."
"They're only after Baisong tribe? That doesn't make sense."

Wu Fulu thought of a possibility, his pupils contracted slightly, and he suddenly stood up:
"My lord, could they be planning another attack on Liaodong?"

He was now somewhat doubtful: had the Jurchens actually attacked Liaodong?

Previously, intelligence obtained from Tuoluhuchar confirmed that there had been no Jurchen raids on Liaodong.

But now, he's a little uncertain again.

Did the Jurchens actually attack Liaodong?

Taking a deep breath, a resolute glint flashed in Lu Yunyi's eyes:
"Rest for a day, and tomorrow send out all the scouts we brought to investigate the movements of most of the Jurchens."
"You stay in Quanningwei to take care of the soldiers; I'll go personally."

Wu Fulu did not agree immediately, but instead spoke up to stop him:

"My lord, I should go instead. It's too dangerous outside with the strong winds and heavy snow."

Lu Yunyi waved his hand:
"That's settled then. Back then, I was able to find the Northern Yuan royal court in the snowstorm, and I was also able to find the Jurchens in this heavy snow."

Before I return, you and your troops will remain stationed at Quanningwei; do not wander off anywhere.

“Yes!” Wu Fuliu replied.

"Okay, go and call Li Guangyuan over."

I originally planned to take only three thousand elite troops across the border.

"But things have changed, and some of the credit needs to be distributed," Lu Yunyi said.

"Yes!" Wu Fuliu accepted the order and left.

Before long, Li Guangyuan, covered in snow, hurriedly entered the barracks where Lu Yunyi was, and met him in the main hall.

"Sir, you wanted to see me?" Li Guangyuan asked.

"Sit down, we're family, no need to be so polite," Lu Yunyi said, gesturing for him to sit down.

Li Guangyuan sat down nervously.

In his mind, saying such things meant that something important had happened.

"I called you here to tell you something, and also to give you a chance to share the credit," Lu Yunyi said.

Li Guangyuan's heart sank, but his expression remained unchanged:
"Please give your orders, sir. I will do my utmost."

Lu Yunyi waved his hand, his voice calm:

"No need for such formality. I require you to gather two thousand elite soldiers from the entire Ningwei Guard to await me."
After I return, you will accompany me to cross the border to meet the enemy.

Li Guangyuan was stunned on the spot, almost thinking he had misheard.

He looked at the person at the head of the table with some disbelief.

In his memory, the commander had already assigned this year's military tasks before the new year.

Farm well, build walls and pave roads.
As long as the nomads on the grasslands do not invade the borders, we will avoid using military force if possible.

Now, the year has just passed, and it's not even March yet, and they're already going to start a military campaign? The overwhelming surprise left Li Guangyuan breathless.

He came to the frontier to kill the enemy, earn merit, and gain a chance to advance his career.

I thought I would have to wait a few more years.
Unexpectedly, the opportunity came knocking on my door.

With a sudden jolt, Li Guangyuan stood up abruptly and spoke in a firm and powerful voice:
"This humble servant is willing to lead all the elite troops of Ningwei to follow you in meeting the enemy!"

The entire Ningwei garrison is fully prepared and ready to repel any attacking enemy!

"Sit down, sit down. This time we're the ones who are causing trouble for others, it's not that serious." Lu Yunyi smiled and gestured for them to sit down.

After Li Guangyuan sat down, Lu Yunyi gave him some instructions:

"This matter must not be revealed to outsiders; it must be prepared in secret, especially so that the newcomers from the grasslands do not find out."

Li Guangyuan's eyes widened slightly:
"Does Your Excellency want to kick a dog when it's down?"

Lu Yunyi smiled mysteriously, offering no explanation:

"No need to ask further, but your contributions will certainly be significant."

"Make preparations after Bayar and the others leave tomorrow; never act in secrecy."

"Yes!"

Li Guangyuan was extremely excited.
He was convinced that the man before him was about to kick a man when he was down.

The night passed quickly.

The news we received yesterday suddenly disrupted the team's schedule.

Bayar was eager to return to his community and wanted to leave early in the morning.

At dawn, the grand convoy began to leave the Quanningwei camp, proceeding smoothly without any obstacles.

At this point, Bayar had no time to be happy.

Instead, he bid farewell to Lu Yunyi and the others with a solemn expression:
"Lord Lu, I will always remember your escort."
Once I return to my tribe and have sorted out the situation, I will certainly come to thank the commander again.

Lu Yunyi's expression was equally solemn, and he nodded slightly:

"Next time you come, I hope you can take just as many things with you."

"War is war, but we can't let it interfere with business, and we shouldn't hold grudges."

Bayar understood what he meant and nodded emphatically:

"Please rest assured, sir!"

Lu Yunyi looked at Mi Bin, his expression softening slightly:
"Manager Mi, please be careful on this trip."
Without you, business in Daning City would be impossible.

Mi Bin was wrapped up tightly, his face flushed.
"Please rest assured, Lord Lu, this business trip..."
The Mi Family Trading Company will make sure everything is clear and transparent, and won't disappoint the Commander!

This was the first time he had openly transported goods since he started doing business.

The sensation made him feel tingly and numb even in his dreams, almost making him laugh himself awake.

"Alright, you all should hurry up and set off."
Once the snow stops, I will also go to subdue Dragon Tail Mountain.

"If we go back like this, it won't be easy to explain," Lu Yunyi said.

The two nodded repeatedly: "Lord Lu, we'll take our leave!"

"Okay, go early and come back early, be careful," Lu Yunyi said.

“Yes!” Bayar and Mibin replied.

Lu Yunyi stood there with a smile, watching them mount their warhorses and leave with the caravan.

At this moment, Wu Fuliu leaned over and whispered:

"My lord, in my opinion, we can not only fight the Jurchens, but also deal with the steppe people in the process."

Look at how they've been blinded by money!

"I reckon they won't even have time to react if we attack their homes."

Lu Yunyi smiled and shook his head.

"Be cautious. Take things one step at a time. Let's deal with the Jurchens first."

Black Hawk is forcefully pushing through his policies within the command center; we must win this battle no matter what.

When they return with a great victory, Da Ning will be back on track.

If we lose, it's a total loss.

Wu Fulu became alert.
Although he didn't understand the key points, he knew that the adults were very meticulous about war.

"My lord, you must be extremely careful when you go out to investigate the Jurchens' whereabouts."
"If things look bad, we can retreat first," Wu Fuliu said.

"Don't worry, go and prepare. We'll leave the village quietly at dusk."

The training must not stop during my absence.

It is very difficult to integrate all the Ningwei soldiers into our battle formation system.
"Then we should strengthen their ability to fight independently, so they don't become a burden to us," Lu Yunyi said.

Wu Fuliu's expression was strange:
"My lord, I think that three thousand of us are enough, and if that doesn't work, there are two thousand garrison soldiers waiting there."

I feel somewhat guilty for bringing them all this way, only to prevent them from going to war.

Lu Yunyi pondered for a moment, then said softly:
"As a superior, you must know how to share the credit. There are so many Jurchen troops now, so winning would be a great achievement."

Sharing some with others can shut many people up.

As for the garrison troops, we don't have enough warhorses, and they can't keep up with the march, so this is a last resort.

Don't worry, I will make up for it elsewhere when I get back.

If we can seize enough warhorses in this battle,

"Allocate more to the new city guards so they can also train as cavalry."

“Yes, sir!” Wu Fuliu replied.

A day passed in the blink of an eye, and the sky soon became hazy.

The faint sunlight also completely disappeared without a trace.

The sudden appearance of moonlight brought a chill to this frontier region of the Ming Dynasty.
The white snowflakes shone with a silvery-white light under the moonlight, as if sprinkled with fine white sugar.

Five hundred soldiers silently gathered at the north gate of the Quanningwei camp.

Lu Yunyi, who was leading the group, changed into a jet-black warhorse, wore black armor, and had removed the red tassel from his head.

He was carrying a bulging backpack.

All supplies and exploration materials were stored inside.

It is worth mentioning that at the very front of the line,

More than fifty soldiers, though wearing armor, wore a thick white coat over it, making them white from head to toe.

It stood out starkly in the darkness and by candlelight.

The soldiers were not surprised by this.
They were the vanguard and also a scout team.
There are countless such strangely colored camouflage garments in the military camp.

They had witnessed the power of such clothing during their daily training.

Sometimes even they themselves couldn't find their hidden allies, let alone the Jurchens.

Five hundred people quickly gathered and lined up neatly.
The warhorse pawed restlessly, snorting every now and then, as if expressing excitement.

Lu Yunyi drew his long sword and looked at Qin Yuanfang beside him:
"Take a headcount and check the supplies."

"Yes!"

Qin Yuanfang's expression was solemn as he stepped forward.

He didn't speak, but instead took out a yellow command flag from behind his waist and waved it in front of him in a specific trajectory.

Then, something shocking happened to Li Guangyuan.

The five hundred soldiers began to move silently, taking off their backpacks and inspecting them carefully.

While touching it, its head was also moving up and down, as if silently counting.
The whole process was orderly and had a unique sense of neatness!

In less than 15 minutes, everyone was ready to be checked and the headcount was completed.

At this moment, Qin Yuanfang waved the command flag forcefully.
Everyone fastened their backpacks, adjusted their posture, and looked straight ahead.

Although it was silent, it sounded like a "click" in Li Guangyuan's mind.

Qin Yuanfang turned around, his voice soft yet powerful:
"Reporting to the lord, the five hundred scouts of the new city guard are ready to go at any time."

Lu Yunyi nodded, said nothing more, and said in a deep voice:
"Mount up and let's go!"

Five hundred soldiers made a synchronized sound and mounted their horses in unison.
Led by Qin Yuanfang, they slowly left Quanningwei.

Lu Yunyi lagged behind, looking at Wu Fulu and Li Guangyuan:
"During this period of my absence, I must guard the camp well and not slacken my vigilance."

"Yes!" the two replied in unison.

Lu Yunyi's gaze was resolute. He nodded emphatically, turned, and rode away.
Li Guangyuan hurriedly followed them out, only to see that after the five hundred scouts left the Quanningwei camp,

They sped off into the darkness in a fan shape from five directions.
He looked at Wu Fuliu beside him:
"General Wu, is it really alright for the troops to disperse and march at night?"

Wu Fuliu stared into the darkness ahead, his eyes deep-set:
"Don't worry, with adults around, everything will be fine."

(End of this chapter)