In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 712 Dawn Bread Arrives, Those Who Block the Road Die
The next morning, the soldiers at the Lingshanpo camp, who had just woken up, were surprised to find that...

The entire open space of the camp was piled high with large boxes.
It was covered by huge sheets of burlap, and people had already gathered there.

what happened?
The soldiers, rubbing their rumbling bellies, dragged themselves over.

As they drew closer, their conversation reached their ears:

"This grain is enough to feed us for a long time, but it's a bit moldy."

"What nonsense! We should be grateful to have anything to eat."

The soldiers were stunned, and rushed forward one after another.

As they approached, the overwhelming smell of grain and fodder engulfed them.

Although there was still a slightly damp and musty smell in it,
But in any case, they could smell the aroma of grain in it.
We have grain. We have grain.
A sense of relief at surviving a disaster welled up in everyone's hearts, making them want to burst into tears!

At this moment, Chihiro Ike walked over quickly, waving his hands incessantly:
"That's all for now. Hurry back and pack up. We'll talk after dinner."
We're going to the Jurchen camp across the street to fetch supplies, so eat plenty!

The soldiers looked at each other, bewildered and confused.
Many people looked north and saw that the village gate was already wide open.

One after another, large carts were brought in, among them were the grain and fodder boxes in front of us.
what happened?
They don't understand.
But it doesn't matter, as long as there is food.
Even if the Jurchens came again, they were confident they could defeat them!
The Jurchen camp in the mountains was now empty.

The mighty army of yesterday has vanished today, as if nothing had happened.

The mighty Jurchen people did not appear, nor did the steppe people.

North of the camp, on the upper reaches of the Songhua River, hordes of soldiers surged across the frozen surface.

The sound of horses' hooves on the ice was completely different, very dull!
More than six thousand soldiers marched until they reached the end of their line of sight.

Then they split into two groups, one heading north and rushing into the lands of the Jurchen people.

The other part headed east, rushing towards the Haixi Jurchens!

In the southern Haramu Forest, there were also long processions and carriages.
They marched westward in a grand procession, heading towards Daning!

In the mountains and forests, the captured military strongholds became easy and convenient resting places for the returning troops.

Ten days later, north of Daning City!
A dozen or so riders roared out of the raging wind and galloped toward the city gate.

He was extremely disheveled, bearing the marks of a long journey.

Upon seeing this, the guards rushed forward to try and stop them.
But then a voice came from inside:

"Make way, make way! This is an urgent dispatch!"

The garrison commander immediately emerged from the warm room, hurriedly waving his hands and shouting, his face serious:
"Quickly, quickly, move the roadblocks away, everyone get out of the way!"

"Tell the city defense troops to clear the roads within the city, especially those people queuing on Anhe Street, and make them all move aside!"

The soldiers guarding the city were very familiar with this kind of thing.
They split into two groups and quickly cleared the road!

The cavalry did not stop and went straight into the city!
Not long after, inside the headquarters of the Da Ning City Military Command,
In the right wing of the back hall, Liu Heiying stared grimly at the document in his hand, his eyes blazing with anger, gritting his teeth:
"These bastards are asking for it!!"

"You wait, until the war is over."
"If I don't ransack your homes, I'm not a Liu!"

He tossed aside the document in his hand and picked up another one.
The anger remained unchanged; he continued to grit his teeth, even as the document's content grew considerably.

Just then, hurried footsteps sounded, and Hu Xiaowu's excited voice rang out:

"Sir, military intelligence has arrived!"

Liu Heiying froze, then abruptly stood up.

His massive body knocked the table askew.
But he ignored everything and rushed out of the house!
Soon, he met the returning messenger soldiers in the commander's reception room!

"Gong Xianzhi, how is it?"

Before even stepping across the threshold, Liu Heiying asked a hurried question.

Gong Xianzhi turned around, put down the large bowl in his hand, and looked excited:
"My lord, a resounding victory!"

"it is good!!!"

With a roar, Liu Heiying's fierce aura intensified, and he strode over like an enraged black bear.

Gong Xianzhi was somewhat puzzled. What was wrong with Lord Liu?
Without much thought, he unpacked his bag and quickly handed over a thick stack of battle reports, saying:
"General Liu, our lord has led us to join forces with the Three Guards of Doyan to launch a pincer attack."

"We utterly destroyed the Jurchen camp, annihilating over 40,000 enemy troops, while the Doyan Three Guards annihilated over 50,000!"

Liu Heiying was startled, a look of absurdity flashing in his eyes:

"Why are there so many people?"

Gong Xianzhi stepped closer, glanced at the guards standing at the door, and lowered his voice:
"It is because someone in Liaodong is colluding with the Jurchens from within."

Provide provisions, armaments, and supplies.
Only the Jurchens could maintain such a large battle formation.

"Inside and outside cooperation?"

Liu Heiying frowned slightly and smiled strangely:
"How come everyone knows this trick? That's really strange."

Liu Heiying sat down to the side with the documents in his hand and quickly scanned them.
It records all the encounters of Tianjinwei, the former scouts, and the three Jurchen guards, down to the smallest detail!
He finished reading it quickly, feeling as if the document in his hands weighed a ton.
If what I have heard and recorded were to be spread, it would cause turmoil in the country and unrest among the people.

Liu Heiying's expression was solemn as he said in a deep voice:
"When will the first batch of returning soldiers arrive? Where are they now?"

"Reporting to you, sir, we were still in the Haramu Forest when we set out."

They should have reached Quanningwei by now, and should be able to return to Daning in another ten days!

"it is good!"

Liu Heiying's eyes were fixed intently, his fists clenched, and he silently muttered to himself:
"I'll let you live for another ten days!"

After calming himself down, Liu Heiying asked again:

"When will the army that has penetrated deep into the Jurchen territory return?"

Gong Xianzhi thought for a moment:

"Lord Lu said it would be at least the end of May, and also instructed that preliminary information could be sent out first, but he didn't say where to send it."

Upon hearing this, Liu Heiying had a better understanding of the situation.

He stepped forward and patted Gong Xianzhi on the shoulder:

"You've worked hard, go and rest first."
As before, they must not show themselves until the main army has completely returned.

Gong Xianzhi laughed:
"Don't worry, General, we know the rules."

"Okay, go ahead."

"Yes!"

After the group left, Liu Heiying stood in the reception room, his hands behind his back, pacing back and forth.
A thoughtful glint appeared in his small eyes.

Before long, he stepped out of the reception room and then left the military headquarters.

No. 3 Hongye Street, Liu Residence!

Liu Heiying rushed back and saw Hua Jieyu, heavily pregnant, strolling leisurely in the main hall.
"Oh dear, you're about to give birth, you can't walk anymore."

Hua Jieyu heard the sound, looked over, and her eyes lit up:
"General, why are you back so early today?"

Liu Heiying didn't answer, but instead helped her sit down, his face serious.
"The doctor said not to walk too much during the day, so as not to disturb the fetus."

"My husband, it's alright. I just feel uncomfortable lying down or sitting up, but walking around helps a bit."

Hua Jieyu touched her swollen belly, her face radiating maternal warmth.
It's impossible to tell that he was once a powerful and influential figure.

"Then be careful, lest something goes wrong at the last minute."

Liu Heiying repeatedly gave instructions, glancing at the trembling steward and maid standing to the side:

"Keep a close eye on them, or I won't let you off the hook!"

"Don't worry, sir, we won't dare to leave your side for even a moment."

A sweet glint flashed in Hua Jieyu's eyes as she grasped Liu Heiying's hand:

"My lord, I know what's going on. Why are you back so early? Is something the matter?"

Liu Heiying's expression was solemn, and he waved his hand:

"You all go down."

After the steward and maid had left, Liu Heiying took out a document from his pocket and handed it over:

"Send this document to the capital through your channels."

"This is?"

Hua Jieyu took the document and looked at him with some surprise.

"Open the battle reports from the north and the truth about the incursions into Liaodong. Take a look."
This is detailed intelligence, which will be sent to the imperial court by the military commander.

I plan to cut some of the spoils out; I'll keep them for myself.
"Then you will send back detailed intelligence, which will be considered a contribution," Liu Heiying explained.

Hua Jieyu nodded and opened the document to examine it carefully. The more she read, the more serious her expression became, and her brows furrowed.

Her rosy lips parted slightly, her face filled with shock.

After a while, she finished reading the entire document, closed it, and remained deeply moved.

"General, these people are incredibly audacious."

"I didn't expect this either. I thought it was just a simple case of collusion between insiders and outsiders."

Now it's been turned into treason and collusion with the enemy, even allowing enemy forces to enter the country.
Fortunately, the situation has been contained and the truth has come to light.

Liu Heiying sighed.

The two looked at each other and fell silent.

After a long while, Hua Jieyu said softly:
"General, how could a woman like me have the opportunity to be involved in such confidential matters?"

Sending the intelligence back so hastily might arouse suspicion.

Liu Heiying's expression turned slightly serious as he thought carefully:
"So what do you think we should do?"
"Such a significant matter deserves recognition; I'd feel I'd be doing you a disservice if I didn't award you some recognition."

Hua Jieyu smiled gently and tucked her loose hair behind her head:

"General, intelligence cannot be delivered directly, but it can be corroborated indirectly."

I can write to say that the general has been very happy these days.
They kept saying that the money for the subsequent road repairs had been secured.

The general can then write down less about the spoils of this expedition.

In this way, I will also have contributed, but it won't be too conspicuous.

After listening, Liu Heiying considered for a moment and nodded slightly:

"Alright, you're the expert on this, so we'll do it your way. Which channel are you planning to use?"

Hua Jieyu thought about it thoughtfully for a moment.
"How about we go through Bao Cui Xuan's channels? The general has always found them an eyesore, so we can use this opportunity to get rid of them openly and legitimately."

Liu Heiying frowned, a glint of light flashed in his eyes, and then he suddenly laughed:

"Such matters are better suited to Madam's expertise."

Hua Jieyu rolled her eyes at him, her voice low and mournful:

"The general doesn't like them getting in the way of the city."
"If I wanted to warn the officials in the capital, this was the only option I could resort to."

"Alright, we'll do it your way. It's just a pity that all the trouble we've been putting them in has been for nothing."

"General, the objective has been achieved. A little bit of tediousness doesn't matter," Hua Jieyu comforted him.

"I'm afraid Mao Xiang will suspect you," Liu Heiying said with some concern.

Hua Jieyu leaned back in her chair, somewhat nonchalantly, and patted her stomach.
"I don't care what he does. Does he think he can just come and chop me up with a knife?"

"I doubt he has the guts," Liu Heiying laughed.

"That settles it then. As long as the general doesn't dislike me, I have nothing to fear."

Hua Jieyu slowly stood up.
She sat down on Liu Heiying's lap and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I am a general's wife, not some member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."
If Lord Mao doesn't trust me, then he can simply not use me, and he'll have some peace and quiet.

Liu Heiying grinned.

"That makes sense. Have you thought about a name for your child?"

"General, I don't know anything about this. Please take care of it."

Liu Heiying scratched his head, stopped Hua Jieyu, and felt a little dizzy from the strong fragrance emanating from her.

"This is my first time being a father, I don't know anything about this."
But don't worry, your father will go to Beiping to invite the best Taoist priests and old monks for us.
Look at them one by one, and use whichever one is suitable.

In a couple of days, doctors from Beiping will also be arriving; they are all hired at high salaries.
Although we are using military medics,
It's good for them to offer their opinions, but you must remember to always be wary of them.

"General, isn't this a bit too alarming?" Hua Jieyu asked, looking surprised.

Liu Heiying's expression was serious, and he gently shook his head:

"The enemy is everywhere in the military region, and the land survey has caused chaos and disorder."

Now, roads outside the city are also frequently experiencing problems.

I suspect it's those powerful and influential people behind this; it's always better to be cautious.

Hua Jieyu's lips were pressed tightly together, her face showing worry:

"General, please take care of your own safety!"
Such hasty actions will undoubtedly incur the wrath of many.

When I was in Huguang,
The imperial court issued an order to survey and register all the land, but the local officials turned a blind eye to it.

When the court inquired, they would simply make up some excuse to deflect the question, and thus all was well.

Liu Heiying's expression was solemn, and he let out a long breath:

"Daning is my hometown. If I, a local, don't do my best to maintain it, who else can I rely on?"

"But if the general loses the support of his hometown, he will probably face even greater difficulties."

Hua Jieyu's face showed sorrow; she knew the rules of the imperial court.

Southerners serving as officials in the north, and northerners serving as officials in the south, were even less allowed to hold office in their hometowns, for fear of officials protecting each other.

As for why they are afraid...
How can a prefect, surrounded by relatives and friends, possibly do good deeds?

"General, let's slow down."

Public resentment is boiling over throughout Da Ning; even I, at home, have heard about it.

"Haste makes waste! We absolutely cannot delay!"

Liu Heiying's eyes were cold, his fists clenched.

"Those powerful and influential people, under the guise of the government, wreak havoc in the region."
They made a fortune, but Yun'er and I are the ones taking the blame. What kind of logic is that? We must cut off their hands!

Hua Jieyu looked at the young man before her with gentle eyes.

This drive and fearless boldness are exactly what she admires.

"General, if only I had met you when I was young."

The tense atmosphere instantly dissipated, and Liu Heiying smiled:

"What are you saying? I'm the one who's late, and I've made you take the extra time."

"General."

Hua Jieyu was heartbroken. She cried so hard she looked like a little kitten, and collapsed into Liu Heiying's arms.
Just as the atmosphere was getting heated, Hu Xiaowu poked his head out from outside the door, his voice serious:

"Sir, something has happened outside the city."

The romantic atmosphere vanished instantly, and a surge of anger welled up inside Liu Heiying.
He tried to take a deep breath to keep himself calm.
"You stay home and take care of it."

"General, be careful."

"Do not worry."

As Liu Heiying hurriedly left home, he asked:

"what happen?"

Hu Xiaowu spoke rapidly, recounting the information he had received:
"My lord, fifty li outside the city..."

The roadbed that had been laid long ago has now been cut in half by someone.
It was about several meters long, and it had been filled with gravel, splinters, and iron nails; the soil had also frozen over.

Hu Xiaowu handed over the iron nail, which had three sharp edges.
Placing it on the ground ensures that the spikes face upwards, a clever tactic used against enemy warhorses.

Liu Heiying's face was extremely gloomy:
"Damn it, he's asking for it!"

"Sir, the laborers on patrol last night also said they saw will-o'-the-wisps."

I also saw some dark shadows floating in the air.

The villagers are now saying that the road construction offended the mountain god, which is why the god appeared to warn them.
Moreover, there are some rumors circulating in the city now, and some storytellers are talking about it!

"Have you arrested anyone?" Liu Heiying asked, turning around and mounting his warhorse.

"not yet!"

"Arrest them. Arrest everyone on the list from the past few months."

Letting them run rampant for so long, they really don't know what's good for them!

"Yes!"

(End of this chapter)