In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 731 Returning Home and Leaving Home Again

Spring plowing is progressing very smoothly.

Because they had rehearsed many times in advance, they even completed the task ahead of schedule.

The following days were spent carefully tending to the sweet potatoes, waiting for them to ripen.

In addition, I pray for favorable weather and abundant harvests.

Please do not expect wind or snow for at least the next month.

In the afternoon, Lu Yunyi and the others returned to the Military Commandery.

All I saw along the way were smiling faces.

Daning is closed today.
The streets and alleys were packed with people, and many stalls didn't have enough food to go around.

At the entrance of the military headquarters, Lu Yunyi stopped in front of the notice and examined it carefully.

The paper on top was so white it shone, and all traces of glue residue around it had been scraped away cleanly.

A refreshing feeling wafted over me.

It's obvious that they take good care of it regularly.

Lu Yunyi nodded in satisfaction. He had been away for several months.
Instead of becoming chaotic, the command post became even more orderly.

He read the notice again and said to Wu Su'an beside him:
"From now on, all notices must be written in plain language."
If the writing is too complicated, the common people won't understand it, and fewer obscure characters should be used.

"The more you see and read, the more characters you'll recognize."

"Yes, my lord!"

Wu Su'an nodded quickly and agreed, keeping the matter in mind.

Beside him, Qiao Hui, who was in charge of reading the notice, stood there anxiously, his face full of unease.

Lu Yunyi turned his gaze over.

He looked him over for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

"You must be Qiao Hui. Well done!"
Now, more people in the city know you than I do.

Work hard; these notices are extremely important.

"If you read it aloud, the people of the city will feel the presence of the Commander."

Qiao Hui's face flushed red instantly. He could tell it was a compliment, and he nodded repeatedly.

"Yes, Lord Lu, this humble official will do his utmost!"

"Um"

Lu Yunyi nodded, turned and entered the military headquarters, and the group rushed away.

Only after everyone had left did Qiao Hui breathe a sigh of relief, still feeling a lingering sense of relief.
Leaning against the notice, he wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.

Although we've met many times, it really feels different to talk to each other face-to-face.

"Look at you, we're not afraid, what are you afraid of?"

A group of people who were waiting to see the notice gathered around, and one of them spoke with a smile.

Qiao Hui glanced at them and cursed:

"Shut up, what do you know?"

Big shots always have a smile on their face when they walk around.
You have no idea what Lord Lu is like in the yamen; he scolds people like they're his grandchildren.

"so smart?"

"There's even more exciting news coming, it's all in the announcement, just you wait."

As soon as he said that, more and more people gathered around, their eyes fixed on him.

After several months of getting to know each other,

They knew Qiao Hui was a kind-hearted person, just with a foul mouth, so they didn't hold back at all.

"What news? Are they going to give out money again?"

"Yes, yes, it's almost the middle of the year."

"Even if we don't pay them, we can open two more workshops. We're all waiting to get some work done."

The group was huge.
Qiao Hui's face was dark, and he waved his hand impatiently:
"Alright, alright, you wouldn't understand even if I explained. Just wait and see."

After saying that, he turned and walked away, striding towards the yamen (government office).

"Hey~ don't go, read it to us."

"Go and recognize them yourselves! You're making me read them to you all day long! Eight hundred times a day!!"

Qiao Hui walked faster and faster, adding:

"Come back tonight, there will be a new notice."

In the left wing of the rear hall,

Lu Yunyi met Huang Yingzhi, the Vice Commander of Beiping, who had been waiting there for a long time.

Upon seeing his arrival, Huang Yingzhi immediately stood up, his expression serious:

"Lord Lu, I am relieved to see you back safely."

Lu Yunyi also laughed:

"General Huang, you look great! How is your recovery going?"

"I'm old, and it took me a long time to recover before I could get out of bed, but thankfully I can move around now."

Minor ailments are nothing to worry about; I'm used to them.

Huang Yingzhi spoke with nothing but frankness; as a general who had fought for many years,
As long as you can survive on the battlefield.

Some minor hidden dangers left behind don't even attract attention.

Lu Yunyi's expression turned solemn:

"General Huang, the Commandery recently seized some precious medicinal herbs."
I'll have someone send you some later. Take good care of yourself; you need to be more careful as you get older.

"Thank you very much, Lord Lu."

Huang Yingzhi did not refuse and spoke with a smile.

However, after Lu Yunyi sat down, his expression became serious:

"Lord Lu, we have made some progress in our investigation today."

"Oh? Someone really contacted Tang Xingbang?"

Lu Yunyi's eyes gleamed, and he looked thoughtful.

Huang Yingzhi nodded heavily, his expression complex.
"Several commanders in the army are old friends of Tang Xingbang."
With the army stationed in the city, gatherings were inevitable, and drinks were naturally a must.

According to what the others said, Tang Xingbang had indeed inquired about the situation in Liaodong.

Huang Yingzhi let out a long sigh and shook his head:
"Several of them did indeed reveal this, but according to what they said afterward..."
The matter of the Marquis of Runan was not disclosed.
It simply means that the army is experiencing food shortages and other difficulties.

Lu Yunyi's expression was slightly somber.
He also knows a lot about things that happen when people are drunk, and it's common for him to blurt things out without thinking.
"General Huang, this matter is of utmost importance."

Tang Xingbang will definitely examine it carefully; he won't let go of even the slightest clue.

Judging from the current results...
He undoubtedly received some secret information and hurriedly left Daning City.
We must prepare for the worst.

The atmosphere in the room instantly froze to an extreme.

The two men looked grave and remained silent.

They all knew how risky it would be if this kind of thing were leaked.

If you are not careful, all your previous efforts will be wasted.

After a long while, Huang Yingzhi, exasperated, shouted:
"A bunch of useless trash, repeatedly ordered not to reveal this to outsiders."

Now not only has the news leaked, but all the brothers will suffer the consequences.

"After these people go back..."
This person will be punished for leaking military intelligence, and all his superiors will also be held accountable.

Lu Yunyi shook his head:
"General Huang, let's discuss these punishments later."
The best course of action now is to bring Tang Xingbang back.
To salvage the situation and ensure the goods could be delivered to the capital smoothly.

Only then will you and I be truly safe.

"Otherwise, if the goods are intercepted before reaching the capital..."

Our lives are going to be tough from now on.

At that time, someone will be accused of arbitrarily labeling court nobles.
Whether General Huang can return to Tianjin safely is another matter entirely.

Huang Yingzhi's expression grew increasingly solemn.
The last glimmer of hope vanished from his heart, and he let out a somewhat dejected sigh:
"call"

"Lord Lu, but Da Ning is so big, where are we supposed to find the person?"

Lu Yunyi glanced at him and said calmly:
"Where the goods are, there the people are."

Huang Yingzhi raised an eyebrow and fell into deep thought.
A short while later, he suddenly raised his head:

"Lord Lu, I will immediately lead a small force back to Beiping on horseback to thoroughly inspect the goods."
"Then send a special escort to ensure they arrive in Yingtian with utmost care and caution."

Lu Yunyi nodded slightly:
"This matter is of great importance; I will go with you."

"Want to go together?"

Huang Yingzhi's eyes widened:
"Lord Lu, border generals cannot leave their territories at will."

"At this point, who cares about anything else?"

My idea was to transport the people separately to switch them out.
Now that things have gone wrong, it's naturally my responsibility to resolve this.

Huang Yingzhi showed some concern. In any case, it was a serious crime for a border general to leave his territory.

If anyone investigates, losing one's official position is the least of one's worries.

Lu Yunyi comforted him:

"Don't worry, General Huang. As long as we can get the person to Yingtian, the palace will cover up any crime, no matter how serious."

Conversely, even the smallest sin can become a major sin.

By the way, I also have some matters to attend to in Beiping.

"to make!"

Huang Yingzhi spoke decisively:
"Then let's set off today."

"Yes, we'll set off after dark. Once we reach Beiping, we'll enter the city together and then part ways."

"You and I, one in the light and one in the dark, will cooperate with each other."

"Very well, as Lord Lu says." Taking advantage of the remaining time before nightfall, Lu Yunyi did not deal with the many affairs of the government office.

Instead, he went home to rest until evening before leaving again.

"My husband, you've only been back for less than a day and you're already leaving again."

Inside the main hall, Liu Wanyi stared at him with wide, bright eyes.
At the same time, his palms moved back and forth on Lu Yunyi's hands, peeling off the dry, cracked skin.

Sitting beside Qiuhe, he nodded repeatedly, clearly agreeing with this statement.

Lu Yunyi glanced at the two of them and smiled:

"This matter is of great importance, and I do not trust anyone else to handle it."

Furthermore, the road has already been built for such a long time.
I need to go to Beiping and give them a heads-up.

It would be extremely impolite to build a road right up to someone's doorstep without saying a word.

"Oh"

Liu Wanyi knew nothing about road construction, so she could only nod her head.

“Since you are busy, then go ahead and do your work. Everything is fine at home.”

"Is it Qiuhe?"

Qiuhe raised her head with a grin, nodded repeatedly, and revealed a simple, honest smile:

"Don't worry, young master."

Lu Yunyi laughed and patted her head:
"You seem to have gained weight recently."

"what"

Qiuhe straightened up abruptly, her face showing surprise:

"Young Master, you mustn't scare Qiuhe. She's not fat at all."

"Yes, I've gained weight. All I do all day is eat. How could I not gain weight?"

Liu Wanyi nodded in deep agreement, while simultaneously taking Lu Yunyi's hand and placing it on her waist:
"Husband, feel it, isn't it fine? And feel Qiuhe's too."

Lu Yunyi reached out and touched it; the firm, smooth waist and abdomen felt soft and supple, with a wonderful texture.

"It's alright, I haven't gained much weight."

Qiuhe puffed out her cheeks and breathed a sigh of relief:

"Young Master, there are so many delicious foods in the city, Qiuhe can't control her appetite."

Liu Wanyi spoke calmly:
"My lord, you may not know this, but there have been quite a few more merchants coming from Beiping lately."

The steward of the manor said that some people are doing business on a construction site outside the city.
He also clashed with some merchants in Daning, causing some unpleasantness.

Qiuhe nodded repeatedly, clearly having heard about this matter as well.

Lu Yunyi answered frankly:
Where there are people, there is business.

The more people gather in a place, the better the business will be.

Nearly 20,000 people are working on the road outside the city; it's a lucrative business.
It's normal for some people to have designs on that place.

"Young Master, isn't the Commander going to do anything about it?" Qiuhe asked blankly.

Lu Yunyi looked at the enormous main hall:
"Chu Ting went to see the child, otherwise I would have had her come and tell you."

When it comes to matters of commerce, protection is absolutely essential.

Products like sugar, cement, and mink fur from Daning are all items that need to be protected.

People from Beiping are trying to steal our business; the commander must take decisive and forceful action.

As for other living expenses, fruits and vegetables,
Competition is a good thing; it drives progress and allows people to buy high-quality goods at reasonable prices.

Qiuhe thought for a moment, her eyes sparkling:
"Young master, the pastries in the city have become much cheaper recently."

"Eat as much as you like, it's fine."

"Young master, Qiuhe will grow into a little pig by then."

When the pig was mentioned, Qiuhe's eyes lit up and her gaze became intense:

"Young master, you wouldn't believe how good the piglets raised outside the city are, so clean and white!"
It just smelled a bit awful, kind of stinky.

"Ha ha ha ha."

Lu Yunyi laughed heartily.

The three of them chatted and laughed for a while.

As it grew later, Lu Yunyi propped himself up and stood up:

"Alright, I'm going to rest for a bit. We're leaving the city tonight."

A hint of heartache flashed in Liu Wanyi's eyes, revealing some worry, but she still urged Qiuhe:
"Qiuhe, hurry and go serve her."

"Don't worry, Madam."

Qiuhe narrowed her eyes into two crescent moons and tugged at Lu Yunyi's sleeve:

"Let's go, young master."

Lu Yunyi was stunned when he saw this scene, and then followed after him with a sigh.

When he was in Gyeongju, his parents always urged him to take a nap.

Qiuhe pulled him along like that,
Before I knew it, so much time had passed.
At the beginning of Hai hour, around 9 pm

It was completely dark by now.

The silvery-white moon hung in the sky, radiating a cool, clear light.

The sky is especially deep today.
The sky was filled with twinkling stars, a sight that was truly delightful.

In front of the Lu Mansion on Sanbao Street in Daning, dim yellow lanterns hung, illuminating the few remaining streets.

A group of more than ten riders were already waiting at the gate.
Wearing armor and wielding a long sword,

The cool moonlight shone down, highlighting the cold gleam on his body.

At this moment, the mansion gate slowly opened.

Lu Yunyi, also clad in armor, emerged carrying a long sword.

Feng Yunfang immediately dismounted and pulled over the tall, black-maned horse beside him:
"grown ups."

Lu Yunyi responded, put his belongings in the saddlebag, and gently patted the horse's head.

Upon seeing its master, the warhorse snorted happily and pawed the ground with its front hooves.

Lu Yunyi turned to look at the figure standing in front of the mansion gate, and waved with a smile:

"Go back and get some rest. I'm leaving now."

"My lord, please take care and be careful."

Mu Chuting spoke softly, waving her hand with eyes full of concern.

Liu Wanyi also seemed somewhat melancholy, and said:

"Yuanfang, keep an eye on him. Don't let him act rashly or do anything dangerous."

Feng Yunfang's expression was strange; knowing he was being called, he quickly replied:

"Do not worry"

"Young Master, please bring Qiuhe some food when you come back." Qiuhe cried, her face streaked with tears, her voice choked with sobs.

Lu Yunyi laughed and mounted his horse.

"Alright, you all keep watch over the house. I'm leaving."

Having said that, he pulled on the reins, and the warhorse began to stride forward, the sound of its hooves echoing through the air.
The group followed Lu Yunyi's figure and gradually disappeared into the darkness.

The east gate, though quiet in the dead of night, was quietly opened.

A group of over a thousand people quietly left the city.
Ahead, the wide cement road stretched out like a silver ribbon.

It received most of the moonlight, making the surrounding world appear dark and deep.

Fortunately, there were guardians of the land who lit lanterns, allowing them to rival the brilliance of the land.

“Lord Lu, we are traveling light, and this matter must be kept secret in the city.” Huang Yingzhi looked to the side with some emotion.

"General Huang, rest assured, everything in the city has been arranged."

"Won't things get chaotic in the army without you?"

Lu Yunyi asked a question.

Huang Yingzhi's expression was complicated, and she sighed softly:

"The number of dead and wounded in Tianjin Sanwei is not as high as before, but they can manage."

Lu Yunyi nodded and looked at the dark road ahead:

"That's good, shall we go?"

"Walk"

Huang Yingzhi laughed loudly and released the reins.
At the same time, he cracked his whip and charged out first!

The group of people behind them quickly followed.

Watching their retreating figures, Lu Yunyi also smiled:

"Hurry up and keep up, we can't show weakness."

"drive--"

The vanguard scouts, numbering over a hundred, charged out like sharp swords.
On the city wall, Liu Heiying stood with his hands behind his back.

Watching the group walk further and further away, disappearing into the darkness, his expression became extremely serious.
Hu Xiaowu tentatively spoke:
"My lord, is Lord Lu going to see my brother when he goes to Beiping this time?"

Liu Heiying gave an affirmative answer:

"To meet someone in the vast Beizhili region is not a simple matter."

A flash of joy crossed Hu Xiaowu's eyes:

"My brother has wanted to meet the adults for a long time, but unfortunately he has never had the chance."

"It's working this time."

Liu Heiying smiled and turned to leave.

(End of this chapter)