In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 721 From a humble peasant in the morning to a high-ranking official in the evening

An hour later, Qian Xinghuai, satisfied, left the Jinyiwei prison with the documents in hand.

Strangely, he felt no joy whatsoever; instead, he felt somewhat uneasy.
It was like the calm before a storm, filled with a sense of oppression.

He took the confession to the back hall of the yamen.

After announcing the arrival of the commander, Mao Xiang, they met.

Mao Xiang, as always, sat quietly behind his desk, dressed in his flying fish robe.
Holding the document in his hand, it seemed that nothing could disturb his mind.

Qian Xinghuai felt much more at ease upon seeing him.

"Sir, Ding Bin has confessed."

"Oh?"

Mao Xiang raised his eyebrows, a hint of surprise flashing across his face, before calmly nodding.
"Bring it here."

Qian Xinghuai stepped forward and handed over the document, his expression serious:
"My lord, this confession contains many things that I find extremely serious."

Mao Xiang's lips curled up slightly, revealing a smug smile, as if to encourage him:
The more serious the matter, the more important the Embroidered Uniform Guards are.

If these are all trivial matters, His Majesty wouldn't need to entrust them to us.

After saying that, he picked up the document and looked at it quietly.

Even though the above content was shocking, he remained calm.

When the Embroidered Uniform Guard (Jinyiwei) carried out such important tasks, they always sought confessions only after obtaining concrete evidence.
This method is both efficient and convenient, and eliminates the need to scheme against prisoners.

After spending half an hour reading the document, Mao Xiang solemnly put it down:
Things are more complicated than I imagined.
Li Cunyi and his son were not at peace in Chongming.

"He's even able to contact the outside world and network with court officials; that's quite an ability."

Qian Xinghuai admired these people's extraordinary abilities, but spoke with some apprehension:
"Sir, what do we do next?"

"Arrest them! Go to Chongming Island and bring the father and son to the capital for rigorous interrogation!"

Mao Xiang spoke without any hesitation.

Qian Xinghuai's expression changed slightly, and he tentatively asked:

"Sir, they have been housed in the naval camp."

If we go up and arrest them, it might cause some trouble.

Even if the Marquis of Nanxiong has long since left the capital, the navy is now leaderless, so it won't be an easy task.

Mao Xiang was well aware of the difficulties involved.

Li Cunyi and his son were exiled in the eighteenth year of the Hongwu reign (1380).
He was always kept under guard in the military camp.
Their lives were naturally excellent; they ate and drank well every day, living a more carefree life than the merchants of Yingtian.
The root of all this was the protection they received from Zhao Yong, the Marquis of Nanxiong.

As the leader of the Chaohu naval force, Zhao Yong's position in the court was unshakeable by the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Especially at such a critical juncture.

Taking a deep breath, Mao Xiang said solemnly:
"I will handle this matter. Prepare the horses."

Qian Xinghuai looked puzzled, unable to understand how the adults could capture people, and could only bow slightly.
"Yes!"

Before long, Mao Xiang mounted his warhorse and led more than ten men away from the Embroidered Uniform Guard headquarters.

It was nearing the end of the afternoon session, and the officials from the six ministries were walking along the main road.

Seeing him riding his horse through the imperial city with a furrowed brow, a sudden surge of resentment welled up in my heart!
They all had to walk through the imperial city.

What are the Embroidered Uniform Guards anyway?
Was Mao Xiang completely indifferent to the veiled accusations and undisguised complaints?
In crucial moments, the more arrogant he is, the more he is criticized, the more secure his position becomes.

If one day the courtiers start praising him, then his death is imminent.

Soon, Mao Xiang led his men out of the imperial city and headed towards the inner city of Yingtian.

Today, trade in Yingtian City has reached its peak.

The streets were filled with handcarts and tricycles, all loaded with goods.

Especially when passing through Zhongzheng Street and Fudong Street, it was almost always packed with people.
Countless people flocked to Yingtian Trading Company after finishing their work.
I hope to buy some cheap or even discounted food there.

Mao Xiang rode his warhorse through the street, looking at the densely packed crowd.
Even though he was unconvinced, he secretly admired him.
The emergence of the trading company undoubtedly added a breath of fresh air to the entire Yingtian.

Thanks to the major actions of the Embroidered Uniform Guard in recent days

When the people saw the dozen or so warhorses and the flying fish robes, they quickly moved aside, not daring to look up.

Once we left the area of ​​Fudong Street, the number of people on the main street suddenly decreased, and the roads became much wider.

When the warhorse turned into Zhangde Street in Dagongfang...

The number of people was even smaller, with only servants from various mansions walking around.

When they saw the Imperial Guards arrive, they looked even more panicked than the common people.

His expression even changed drastically, and he quickly ran back to his residence.

It's simply because the residents of Zhangde Street are all either rich or noble.

Everyone has intricate connections with the government.
Any minor incident could wipe out their entire fortune.
This is the place where we are least afraid of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and also the place where we are most afraid of them.

Mao Xiang paid them little attention and went straight to No. 15 Zhangde Street.

Looking up at the plaque, the two large characters "Yu Mansion" were inlaid on it.

The gold lacquer, though bright, was understated and exuded an air of power.

When Mao Xiang arrived, the guards at the mansion gate showed slight changes in expression.
One of them came forward, while the other turned back to report.

"May I ask, sir, what brings you here?"

Mao Xiang dismounted, his face calm.
"I, Mao Xiang, Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, have come to pay my respects to Governor Yu."

Upon hearing him introduce himself, the remaining guard's expression turned somewhat unpleasant.

The arrival of the Imperial Guards at this time is hardly a good thing.

"Please wait a moment, Lord Mao, while we go in and inform them."

Mao Xiang stood there calmly, which was tantamount to acknowledging this statement.

Soon after, hurried footsteps sounded.

The guard who had gone to report earlier rushed over, his face grave, and he even carried a long sword.

He looked at Mao Xiang, who was waiting at the door, and said in a deep voice:

"Lord Mao, please return. The Governor does not wish to see you."

Mao Xiang's expression changed slightly, and he clenched his fist tightly behind his back.

At that moment, the disheveled state of his present situation pulled him back to reality.
No matter how prestigious his reputation was in the capital,
In the face of these truly powerful and influential people, they are still insignificant and receive no respect whatsoever.

Taking a deep breath, Mao Xiang tried to calm himself down.
He forced a smile and said in a deep voice:
"I am here to see Governor Yu because it concerns a matter of great importance to the nation. Please continue to inform me."

I have been waiting here until Governor Yu sees me.

"Please wait for me, Lord Mao."

After some entanglement, Mao Xiang finally entered the Yu residence and met Yu Tongyuan, who had just returned to the capital, in the main hall.

Compared to before, he has lost a lot of weight and his skin has become darker.
He sat there like a steel blade, exuding a sharp and piercing aura.

When he saw Mao Xiang walk in, he smirked, revealing a hint of mockery.

"What brings you to my humble abode today, Lord Mao?"

"Reporting to Governor Yu, I have important matters to discuss with you."

Yu Tongyuan looked at him with a half-smile and gave a cold snort:
"I think Lord Mao is used to being arrogant and domineering."
They come to visit without even presenting a visiting card, just barging in straight in.

Could it be that Lord Mao has forgotten what his official position is?
"You're shameless, but does the Yu family have no shame either? If this gets out, how much of an impact will it have?"

A series of questions made Mao Xiang's face stiffen.

As the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, although he was despised by everyone behind his back,

But at least on the surface, things are peaceful and they treat each other with courtesy.

He was quite unaccustomed to such a direct denunciation today.

However, Mao Xiang was a man who could bend and stretch; he cupped his hands in greeting and said in a deep voice:
"Please forgive me, Governor Yu. I will send a formal letter and personally apologize another day."

Yu Tongyuan's face was gloomy, and his mood was extremely unpleasant.
Having just returned to Yingtian, he found that the entire capital region seemed to have changed.

The capital city became more prosperous, and the political situation at court also underwent obvious changes.

Thanks to the recent visit of the South Korean minister to the capital,

The imperial court held these meritorious officials in high esteem.
His past achievements were frequently mentioned, and the palace's previously lukewarm attitude changed.

Not only were he rewarded, but he was also able to return to the capital in such a short time.

However, although the situation has changed,
But his enemies seem to have grown stronger and stronger, to the point that they are now able to rival him.

After thinking for a long time, Yu Tongyuan said in a deep voice:
"What's the matter?"

A flash of bloodlust crossed Mao Xiang's eyes. He silently approached and lowered his voice, saying:
"Commander Yu, the Embroidered Uniform Guard arrested a man a few days ago."
He revealed some information, and this information is very significant, so I would like to ask Governor Yu for a favor.”

"Who is it?" Yu Tongyuan asked in a deep voice, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.

Mao Xiang didn't keep them in suspense. He cleared his throat and succinctly uttered two words:
"Ding Bin." Yu Tongyuan's pupils suddenly contracted, and he abruptly raised his head, looking at him with some shock!
Ding Bin? How could it be him?
How could he have been arrested by the Embroidered Uniform Guard? Did the Embroidered Uniform Guard have such audacity?

A sense of absurdity welled up in Yu Tongyuan's heart.

A series of questions arose, but Yu Tongyuan quickly realized the key to them.
This is not something the Embroidered Uniform Guard can decide; it is an imperial decree!

After figuring this out, the ensuing doubts left him mentally blank.

Haven't the imperial court and the nobles reconciled?
How did it become like this?
He couldn't figure it out, so he turned his gaze to Mao Xiang and asked for confirmation:

"The Korean Duke's nephew?"

Mao Xiang nodded slightly, a smile on his face:
"He named several people, mostly powerful officials in the imperial court."
Some of these people have put me in a very difficult position, which is why I've come to Lord Yu for help.

"Mao Xiang, you're getting bolder and bolder! Does the Duke of Han know about this?" Yu Tongyuan pressed in a deep voice.

Mao Xiang shook his head mysteriously:
"How could we let the Korean government know about this?"
This person was secretly arrested by the Embroidered Uniform Guard; only a handful of people in the imperial court knew about it.
what does this mean?
I imagine Governor Yu understands this as well.

Yu Tongyuan was not a fool; on the contrary, he was very intelligent.
He suddenly felt that Mao Xiang's visit today might be a good thing.

At least based on the current performance,

He was neither an enemy of the Embroidered Uniform Guard nor an enemy of the palace.

"What do you need me to do?" Yu Tongyuan asked tentatively.

Mao Xiang smiled, a hint of smugness creeping into his heart.

The power of the Embroidered Uniform Guard did not disappoint him.

He moved closer again, disregarding the difference in their social standing, and said casually:

"I hope Governor Yu can go to Chongming Island and help me bring two people out."

Chongming Island? Who?

Yu Tongyuan's expression changed slightly.

Chongming Island was an important place for their Chaohu naval force.
That place is where the entire Yangtze River estuary converges, and it is also a hub for smuggling, which they have always regarded as their private territory.

Mao Xiang spoke meaningfully:
"These two are under the protection of the Marquis of Nanxiong, and you, Governor Yu, also know them."

Yu Tongyuan's pupils dilated violently as he stared at Mao Xiang in utter shock.

"Li Cunyi?"

Mao Xiang didn't speak again, but instead slightly curved his lips and nodded gently.

"I hope Governor Yu can do me this favor."

If Governor Yu ever needs anything in the future, I am willing to lend him a hand.

Mao Xiang continued.

Yu Tongyuan's expression suddenly changed, and his gaze pierced sharply.

He heard something else in those words.

After a moment's hesitation, he tentatively asked:

"Lord Mao is a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Is there anything he can do to help me?"
"Could it be that I, an official, would be reduced to being imprisoned by the Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

Mao Xiang smiled mysteriously after hearing this.
"The world is unpredictable, and no one can see the whole picture. Heaven and earth are just a matter of Your Majesty's thought."

"By the way, the palace has already decided on the arrangements for Commander Zhang Quan; he will be granted the title of Marquis of Yongding."

Compared to him, Governor Yu comes from a more distinguished family and should also have a chance to receive this honor.

Yu Tongyuan's eyes turned cold after hearing this.

His fist, hanging by his side, clenched tightly, making a cracking sound!
The lobby suddenly fell silent, the atmosphere becoming extremely oppressive!
After an unknown amount of time, Yu Tongyuan let out a long sigh and leaned back in his chair.
When will the person be needed?

Mao Xiang raised an eyebrow, a gleam of delight flashing in his eyes:

"The sooner the better!"

Yu Tongyuan took a deep breath.

"The person will be handed over to you in five days. I have one request."

“Governor Yu may speak frankly,” Mao Xiang said.

"After bringing the person back, I need to know where your Embroidered Uniform Guard has gotten, or... where you want to get to," Yu Tongyuan said in a deep voice.

Mao Xiang straightened up and paced back and forth in the main hall, a thoughtful look in his eyes.

He murmured:
"Logically speaking, this matter concerns state secrets, and I should not disclose it to outsiders."

However, if it were Governor Yu, I could reveal a few details.

"Oh?" Yu Tongyuan narrowed his eyes, looking at him with a half-smile:
"What is so special about me that makes Lord Mao trust me so much?"

Mao Xiang turned around, looking intently at him, and said, word by word,

"Because we have a common enemy."

"Who?" Yu Tongyuan pressed.

“Lu Yunyi!” Mao Xiang said.

Yu Tongyuan narrowed his eyes; what he said was indeed true.

"Just because of that?"

Mao Xiang pursed his lips and shook his head meaningfully:

"I still have some concerns about how to handle this matter."
Every direction of the investigation requires the palace's approval.
The palace showed some favoritism towards Commander Yu.

As soon as he finished speaking, Yu Tongyuan's heart jumped into his throat.

Immediately afterwards, my heart started pounding, and the burden in my heart seemed to lessen.

He knew perfectly well that this confrontation had already uncovered Li Cunyi's involvement, and it was bound to be bloody and cause a great stir.

At this time, preserving oneself is more important than ever.

Having considered this, Yu Tongyuan made a decision and said in a deep voice:

"I will hand the person over to you within three days."

Noticing the change in his attitude, Mao Xiang nodded in satisfaction.

Governor Yu has worked hard; I must take my leave now.

Yu Tongyuan stood up and gestured for him to proceed.
"I will escort you."

The smile on Mao Xiang's lips deepened.
He made a gesture to stop the action and spoke somewhat apologetically:
“Governor Yu, such actions will have a negative impact.”

However, Yu Tongyuan still escorted him to the entrance of the mansion.
"Please take care, Lord Mao."

Mao Xiang stopped at the door, took an envelope from his pocket and handed it over, saying with a hint of mystery:

"Governor Yu, this is Lu Yunyi's whereabouts and recent activities."

There must be something Governor Yu wants to know here.

Yu Tongyuan accepted it without making a sound, and nodded almost imperceptibly.

Only after watching Mao Xiang leave did Yu Tongyuan's smile vanish abruptly.

His entire demeanor turned icy cold, and with a sudden flick of his sleeve, he headed for the study!

A short while later, he slammed the study door shut.

Yu Tongyuan couldn't wait to sit behind his desk and open the letter to read its contents.

He read it word by word, his expression growing increasingly grave with each word.
Especially when he saw the recent covert military operations,
Yu Tongyuan held the letter in his hand.

It turned white from the force applied, and was even trembling slightly.

Everything in the letter, and all that follows, undoubtedly points to one thing.

The palace's trust in Lu Yunyi had reached an unprecedented level.

Far more than him, a fallen nobleman!
This gave Yu Tongyuan a sense of crisis.

He suddenly deflated, closed his eyes, and leaned back in his chair, a sense of powerlessness rising within him.

If Mao Xiang hadn't come to see him today, he wouldn't have known the details of how things had unfolded so clearly.
Whether they can maintain their integrity amidst future turmoil remains to be seen.

After all, he was involved in some of these things.

"What a turbulent time," Yu Tongyuan sighed.

"Someone come here!" The guards at the door walked in.

"grown ups!"

Yu Tongyuan took the paper, quickly wrote something, then stamped it with his official seal and handed the letter over:

"Take this letter to Zhang Mingjie, the deputy commander of Chongming Island."
Tell him to send the person over within two days!

"Yes!"

The guard took the letter and turned to leave.

(End of this chapter)