In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 729 Respect Remains, Clues
Qu Jiarui soon met Tang Xingbang, who had come from Daning City, in the yamen.

"Your humble servant Tang Xingbang pays his respects to Lord Qu."

Qu Jiarui sat at the head of the table, holding a cup of tea, looking at him calmly, sizing him up, and then nodded slightly.

"What do you want from me?"

Tang Xingbang slightly raised his head, looked at the old official standing at the door, and said softly:

"Please dismiss your attendants, Lord Qu. This matter is confidential."

A glint of shrewdness flashed in Qu Jiarui's eyes.
He guessed that the person in front of him was probably here because of his son's affairs in Daning City:

"Old He, you can go out and get back to work now. Close the door behind you."

"Yes, my lord."

After the old official left, the door was closed.

"Can we talk about it now?" Qu Jiarui asked.

Tang Xingbang pursed his lips, made no attempt to hide anything, and began to introduce himself:
"Lord Qu, my uncle is the Marquis of Yan'an. I have come here to ask you for a favor."

"Marquis of Yan'an?"

Qu Jiarui was startled, her expression becoming slightly more serious as she looked at him intently:
"What's the deal?"

Tang Xingbang delivered the explanation he had prepared long ago:
"Lord Qu, I have a very close relationship with Brother Qingfeng."
I often drank with him when we were in Daning City.
My uncle also praised him highly.

Over the past two years, he has been given some high-quality iron.

As soon as the words were spoken, the atmosphere in the yamen suddenly froze.
Qu Jiarui's previously indifferent eyes vanished instantly.

It became sharper, stabbing fiercely forward, and the sound also became somewhat hesitant:
"It's you? Qingfeng has been cooperating with you all along?"

Tang Xingbang remained noncommittal in the face of such doubts, and simply stated:
“Lord Qu, we have both been in officialdom for many years, so there’s no need to talk about these things anymore. Brother Qingfeng has connections with us, and I’m afraid you can’t hide it from him.”

Qu Jiarui fell silent. As a high-ranking official of the second rank,

He wants to know some things, and he is still able to do them.

Taking a deep breath, Qu Jiarui glared fiercely at Tang Xingbang:

"Qingfeng has already been harmed by you, and you still dare to come and see me?"

Tang Xingbang chuckled, glanced at the rather cold and lifeless government office, and said with a mocking smile:
"Lord Qu, once you're gone, you're forgotten. You're in a precarious situation yourself now."

"presumptuous!"

Qu Jiarui roared angrily:

Even if I am down on my luck, I am not someone you juniors can mock.

If you utter another word of disrespect, you will die on the spot!

"click"

A crisp sound suddenly appeared on the east and west walls.
The decorative ornaments that were originally used on it have fallen off.
It revealed a series of dark holes.

Sharp arrows, gleaming with a cold light, were revealed.
Tang Xingbang's face stiffened for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure.

Even if the person in front of you is down on his luck, he is still a high-ranking official with loyal people by his side.

"Lord Qu, please don't take offense. It was my rudeness."

I have come today to discuss with Lord Qu the matter of rescuing Brother Qingfeng.
If only Lord Qu would do us this favor.

"At that time, Brother Qingfeng will surely be safe and sound, and will even be promoted and ennobled!"

Qu Jiarui's expression returned to calm, and he gently waved his hand.

The arrows that had appeared retracted.

The fallen ornaments were pulled back to their original positions by the rope, and everything returned to normal.

"explain."

Tang Xingbang approached with a grave expression, bowing and speaking in a low voice:

"Sir, we have just received news..."

During the battles of Liaodong Commandery

The people of Tianjin arrested Mei Yi, the Marquis of Runan.
He has already been handed over to Lu Yunyi, the Assistant Prefect of the Northern Pacification Command, who will secretly send him back to Yingtian.

Also traveling with them was Xu Cheng, the commander of the 30,000 guards, who served as a witness.

Upon hearing this, Qu Jiarui's pupils contracted sharply, and his heart skipped a beat.
What did he hear?
Has the Marquis of Runan been arrested?

Was it secretly sent to Yingtian?

A tremendous fear suddenly enveloped Qu Jiarui.

He had originally hoped that by struggling, he might be able to retain his official position.

Even if things go wrong, resigning from office and returning home would at least allow for some peace and quiet.
But now that the General of Liaodong has been secretly arrested, how can the Marquis of Yan'an be clean?
Thinking back to the sudden recall of the Marquis of Yan'an being brought back to Beijing a few days ago, Qu Jiarui felt a chill in his heart:
"Has the palace already set its sights on Liaodong?"

In an instant, Qu Jiarui broke out in a cold sweat, and his pupils swayed violently.
If the palace were to handle this matter, let alone his official position, it's uncertain whether even the lives of his entire family could be saved.

Even though I was terrified,
Qu Jiarui managed to force a smile:
"Lord Tang, what you're saying is too shocking to believe."

Tang Xingbang cursed the old man inwardly and said in a deep voice:
"I have received word that the two have arrived in Beiping from Daning through secret channels."
Judging by the time, they should already be heading towards Yingtian. Even if it's twenty days slower, they will arrive by now.

Once they arrived in Yingtian, the people were handed over to the palace.
There is absolutely no possibility of turning the tide and saving our lives.

"At that time, we will both die!"

"What? They left from Beiping?"

Qu Jiarui frowned. By this time, he had come to believe what Tang Xingbang had said.

Tang Xingbang said in a deep voice:

"We don't know exactly where they're going yet. We've come here to ask Lord Qu to help us investigate."
Whether the person actually left Beiping or not remains to be seen, as for what happened afterward.
"I will make the arrangements and ensure this matter is handled discreetly."

"What...what do you want to do?"

Qu Jiarui held her breath again, even more shocked by the courage of the person in front of her.

Tang Xingbang took a deep breath and said in a deep voice:

"Lord Qu, the Marquis of Runan is still the Commander-in-Chief of Liaodong."

As long as the people are rescued, the situation will not descend into chaos, and there will still be room for maneuver.
The palace cannot act solely on an imperial edict.
"Just kill the general who is leading the troops in the field."

Upon hearing this, Qu Jiarui understood.
Everything is being done in secret now. Only when he arrives in the capital, Yingtian, will everything be settled.
Before the person arrived

Nothing happened. Marquis Mei Yi of Runan was still stationed in Liaodong, still the Marquis of Runan.

A hint of difficulty appeared in Qu Jiarui's eyes.
He now faces two choices.

Each of them puts him on the edge of a precipice.

First, they stood idly by, letting the person be sent to Yingtian, and afterwards left the matter entirely to the whims of the palace.

Perhaps he could retire peacefully, or perhaps his entire clan would be exterminated.

As for two...
Completely align yourself with one side and help the person before you find the Marquis of Runan.
Then, with their help, we can escape.
However, if they fail, they will be completely labeled as rebels, and the extermination of their entire clan will be inevitable.

"Huhu."

Qu Jiarui looked conflicted, her breathing becoming slightly rapid.

He thought of his increasingly prosperous family.
I also thought of newborn babies crying for milk.
He then thought of the beautiful concubine he had recently taken as a concubine.
When all of that quietly dissipated, only his power as a regional governor remained.

This is the result of his decades of hard work, but now it's all going to come to nothing.
He was already standing on the edge of a cliff; one wrong step would mean utter ruin.

At this moment, Tang Xingbang took a deep breath and spoke in a deep voice:
"Brother Qingfeng once used Lord Qu's help to purchase some items from Beiping and then sold them in Daning."

Do you know where all those things went?

Qu Jiarui clenched her fists tightly, staring at him in disbelief.
Heavy breathing, like bellows, echoed throughout the office.

"Unfilial son! Unfilial son! This unfilial son!!"

"So that's why he got promoted so quickly; he was already in cahoots with you guys!"

Tang Xingbang smiled and nodded:

"Lord Qu, you are a civil official of the Three Departments, and you cannot influence the military officials of the Capital Command."

If it weren't for our support and effort from behind...
Brother Qingfeng is probably still a commander of a thousand households.

In exchange, Brother Qingfeng would provide the items he obtained through special channels each time.
They would all pass through Liaodong, either going to the Jurchens or to Goryeo, making a considerable profit.

Qu Jiarui's face was as pale as paper.
Now that things have come to this point, he has no other choice.

As a high-ranking official in charge of a region, he acted decisively, his gaze instantly regaining its sharpness, and he said in a deep voice:

Do you know the channels through which the gift was given?

"I don't know, but I can confirm the approximate date."

The person should have departed from Daning ten days ago.

If it goes quickly, it might arrive in three days; if it goes slowly, it might arrive in five days.

"So, the departure time from Beiping is within seven days?"

Qu Jiarui's expression was grave as he continued to ask questions:

Is it possible that the person is still in Beiping?

The safest course of action is to wait for the main army to return before heading back together.

Tang Xingbang's expression also turned somewhat grave:

"I share this concern, but the return date of the northern expeditionary force is still uncertain."

According to the commander's style of doing things,
They might send the person back to Yingtian as soon as possible.

Qu Jiarui seemed to have regained his usual air of authority, nodding calmly:
"I will sift through all records of people entering and leaving the city within the last seven days to find them."
As for taking action at the last minute, will you need my help?

A hint of surprise flashed in Tang Xingbang's eyes:
"Does Lord Qu have a way to mobilize troops?"

Qu Jiarui shook his head:
"I am a civil official, how could I have soldiers?"
However, over the years I have also won over some loyal people, so fighting and killing are to be expected.

"Then there's no need for that. Based on my estimation..."

The escorts must have been elite soldiers in disguise, and they would have been carrying weapons.

The only way to take them away is by force.

"Where are you planning to deploy your troops?"

"This matter cannot be disclosed, please forgive me, Lord Qu. As long as we find the person, we will surely succeed!"

Qu Jiarui nodded after hearing this, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes:
"Alright then, I will arrange for someone to inquire about the recent movements of the Prince of Yan's residence. They intend to transport a marquis to Yingtian discreetly."

Without the Prince's help, the difficulty would increase dramatically.

"Then thank you very much, Lord Qu. Please act quickly!"

After speaking, Tang Xingbang pursed his lips:

"Lord Qu, please help me forge a document in the city exit record to make it appear as if I have already left the city."

"Why?"

"When I left the Commandery, I used some tricks."
On one hand, it was for revenge; on the other hand, it was to confuse the public and stall the commander.

But we can't hide it for long; they'll eventually catch up.

"What means?"

When Qu Jiarui asked the question, Tang Xingbang did not hide anything and told her about setting off the cannons.
Qu Jiarui's eyebrows twitched violently upon hearing this.
A surge of exhilaration welled up within him, and he asked in a trembling voice:

"Is she Liu Heiying's wife?"

"Yes!"

"Alright, doing this can be considered as avenging that traitor!"

"Lord Qu, if we can overcome this difficulty..."
"You'll be promoted and make a fortune in the future, so please do your best, Lord Qu," Tang Xingbang reminded him.

"This concerns your life and fortune. I will do everything in my power to give you an answer within two days."

"it is good!"

At 1:15 AM, around 3:00 AM

On the official road north of Daning City,

Suddenly, a dull thud arose, the thumping sound drawing ever closer.

When they arrived at Daning City,

Many people living in the fields were awakened from their dreams.
The soldiers guarding the fields rushed out of their tents, swords in hand.

His eyes, still half-asleep and bloodshot, were filled with vigilance as he watched a troop of men rushing towards him from the horizon.

Dawn is the time for planting sweet potatoes.
At this moment, they will fight bravely against anyone who tries to cause trouble!
But as the torches along the roadside gradually lit up,
The dim light illuminated the charging group, and the soldiers' expressions turned strange.
They simply saw someone they knew.

Isn't that young soldier in the lead an adult?
Especially their hand-waving gestures while marching are exactly the same; they are the only ones like this in the entire army!
Gradually, the soldiers lowered their guard and began to spread the word:
"Lord Lu is back! Lord Lu is back!"

The entire camp became lively, with noise filling the air.

Lu Yunyi sped along the official road.

Looking at the neat rows of torches and lanterns on both sides of the road,

He also noticed the trenches that had been cleared long ago, and a hint of satisfaction flashed in his eyes!
It was winter when I left, and spring had arrived when I returned.

With spring planting just around the corner, he was filled with excitement.

Before long, the group arrived at the north gate of Daning City.

At a glance, one could see more than a hundred people pouring out from the north gate.
The leader was a burly man.

Even with the torches dim, large areas of shadow could be seen!

"Brother Yun'er~"

Liu Heiying waved incessantly and shouted loudly.
Lu Yunyi smiled, pulled on the reins, dismounted, and quickly went to meet him.
"Black Hawk, how did you get so fat?"

Liu Heiying did not answer this painful question, but instead asked:
"Brother Yun'er, you've gotten so thin, you're like a bamboo pole."

Lu Yunyi's face darkened:
"Don't even mention it, damn it. Our strategy was wrong. Forests after snowfall are completely different from forests without snow."

There are too many unexpected situations; even marching requires extreme caution.

"Then what about you?"

The revised strategy barely managed to keep things afloat.
But the Jurchens fled further and further away, into deeper and deeper forests, and their strategies changed.

Lu Yunyi was still shaken:
"During the final chase, the terrain ahead was clearly flat."

The brothers charged forward and fell into the ditch.
It took a lot of effort to get them up here, and we even lost a few brothers in the process.

Upon hearing this, Liu Heiying's expression suddenly turned serious:
"That sounds really dangerous."

"Let's not talk about this anymore. Everyone's back now. We'll summarize our experience later."

Lu Yunyi waved his hand and looked at the group of people standing behind him:

"Greetings, Lord Lu! We warmly welcome your triumphant return!"

The group shouted in unison.

Lu Yunyi looked at everyone present, from the gray-bearded Tan Wei to the increasingly thin Duan Zhengze.

Wu Su'an, who already possessed some power,
There's also Yang Shiqi, who turned to charcoal, and Xie Jin.

He looked at them one by one.

Suddenly I realize how wonderful it is to have someone by my side.

In the snow-capped mountains to the north, the vast expanse of white and the desolate silence are enough to drive anyone mad.

"well."

"During my absence, you have all worked hard, and you have all grown thinner day by day."
However, all the efforts paid off.

In this battle, the general had captured a considerable amount of spoils.
"After spring plowing is finished, I'll give you all a bonus!"

The atmosphere suddenly became lively.

Although many people present were not short of money.

However, the fact that the commander gives out reward money signifies that the commander recognizes their efforts and is a reward after a hard-fought battle!

"Thank you, sir!"

"Alright, everyone disperse and go back to get some rest. Tomorrow is spring planting season, so we'll be busy!"

The group then departed one after another.

In the end, only Lu Yunyi and Liu Heiying remained, falling behind.
Instead of entering the city, they walked to the side of the official road, talking as they went, facing the thousands of lights.

Soon, Liu Heiying finished recounting the experiences of the commander and the major events that had occurred during this period.

He took the water pouch from his waist, gulped down two mouthfuls, and complained:

"Brother Yun'er, you have no idea..."

These troublemakers! They've exhausted me; I can't reason with them no matter what I do. They're fixated on their tiny plot of land for grain.
I just don't understand, there are more than ten people in the family...

What's the point of having so much land? Even a high price from Dusi wouldn't be enough to buy it!

Lu Yunyi laughed and patted him on the shoulder:

"You've worked hard these past few days. We need to handle the major clients gradually."
In the past, when food was scarce, land was especially precious and was the most important tool for production.
But once the sweet potatoes ripen, the land they own becomes less important.

It will be much simpler to negotiate and make the purchase later.
If all else fails, then resort to some forceful methods.

"They have knives and guns, do you think they can subdue us?"

This matter is very serious, but Liu Heiying felt that...

When Yun'er Ge says it, it always sounds so nonchalant, like it's a trivial matter.

"By the way, is Hua Jieyu about to give birth?"

Lu Yunyi suddenly remembered something and asked a question.

At this point, Liu Heiying laughed sheepishly and kept scratching his head:
"Brother Yun'er, she's already given birth. It's a big, healthy boy."

"Oh? She's already given birth? Then I've come back just in time."

A hint of joy flashed in Lu Yunyi's eyes.

He kept nudging Liu Heiying with his elbow, and the two of them chuckled.

"When I become a father, I need to be more mature. Leading by example is the best teacher for children."

"Don't worry, Brother Yun'er."

Liu Heiying's expression turned serious, and he said in a deep voice:
“Brother Yun’er, there were some twists and turns today, and I feel there’s something strange about it.”

"What twists and turns?"

Lu Yunyi looked over and asked a question.

Liu Heiying then recounted what had happened that day.
Hearing this, Lu Yunyi frowned and clenched his fists:

"This is outrageous! This is clearly an attempt to make people suffer!"
Have they caught the person? Are the child and Hua Jieyu alright?

Liu Heiying replied:
"Even with that mountain ginseng king, it's not a big problem."

As for Tang Xingbang
He left the military headquarters a few days ago and his whereabouts are unknown.

"Do something bad and then run away? That's absurd."

Although Lu Yunyi was smiling, the moonlight illuminated the chilling murderous intent in his eyes.
However, he soon realized something:

"No, he's the nephew of the Marquis of Yan'an; he has a powerful background."
The land survey had nothing to do with him, an outsider.
Why would he do something so desperate?

Upon hearing the question, Liu Heiying froze on the spot, his eyes widening in shock:

"Yeah, why would he do that?"

Lu Yunyi's expression turned serious. Suddenly realizing something, he asked:

"Has Tianjin left?"

Not yet.

"Didn't we tell them to leave quickly? It's been days!" Lu Yunyi's voice suddenly rose.
Liu Heiying's face was grim, his brows furrowed, and he suddenly understood:

"Brother Yun'er, are you saying that news from Liaodong has leaked?"

Lu Yunyi pursed his lips and took a deep breath:

"If news from Liaodong is completely blocked, the Marquis of Yan'an will still retain his honor."

I can't think of any reason why he would do this.
Investigate! Investigate who he had contact with in Tianjin, and find out exactly what happened.

"Yes!"

(End of this chapter)