In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 734 The Two Sons of the Prince of Yan
The Prince Yan's Mansion in Beiping was located on Fuyou Street, in the Longfu Palace in the southwest of the Yuan Dynasty capital, which was the residence of the Yuan Dynasty's crown prince.

After arriving here, Lu Yunyi looked around carefully.

The imperial city of Dadu, the capital of the Yuan Dynasty, was mostly destroyed in the war, and the city walls were also largely destroyed.

But standing here, one can still feel the "grandeur" unique to the grassland regime.
It was like a house, large and spacious.

Fuyou Street in front of the gate, roughly estimated,
It can accommodate at least twenty carriages walking side by side, and is extremely spacious.

As for the Prince of Yan's mansion ahead, just looking at its gate...
It made Lu Yunyi feel as if he had arrived at the Hongwu Gate of the Imperial City of Yingtian.

The massive door was embedded in the wall, with each exquisite copper nail firmly attached, densely packed together.

Standing before the vermilion gate, an aura of power naturally permeates the air.

Not to mention the hundred or so guards waiting at the gate.
They were all dressed in fish-scale armor.
The silver-white helmet gleamed brightly under the scorching sun, and the armor plates shimmered with gold.
Only the long, black sword at his waist revealed a sense of composure.

"Stop, what are you doing!"

Lu Yunyi is now a vendor selling steamed rice cakes, accompanied by two people.

Just as he was about to approach the Prince of Yan's residence, he was reprimanded by the guards.

The guard looked at the three people in front of him with a wary expression.

The three walked slowly and stared intently at the gate, looking as if they were plotting something.

Lu Yunyi chuckled and leaned closer.

But once the guard saw his face clearly, he drew his long sword with a whoosh.

The person in front of me had dry, cracked skin and a dark complexion, clearly someone who had been exposed to wind and sun.
But he was extremely handsome and had a very broad build, so he didn't look like a street vendor at all.

"stop!"

The unusual situation attracted the attention of many guards, who all turned their gazes toward it.

Lu Yunyi saw that the distance was about right.

He straightened up and said in a low voice:

"I am an old friend of the Prince of Yan, and I have come specifically to request an audience with the Princess of Yan."

This is my official seal; you'll see it when you show it to the Princess Consort of Yan.

As he spoke, Lu Yunyi took a piece of steamed cake from the cart behind him and handed it over:

"The official seal is inside. The matter is urgent, so we need to keep it discreet."

The guard's expression was extremely strange.
After this person straightened up, an aura of power emanated from him.
He couldn't be mistaken; it was definitely the aura of someone in the military, and someone of a high rank.
The guard, looking suspicious, took the fluffy steamed cake.

Then, with a firm squeeze, he indeed touched one of the large seals.
His face turned to shock.

This seal is far too large; it's much bigger than the seal of a thousand households.

He turned around without making a sound.

While breaking the steamed cakes into pieces and distributing them, he looked at the exposed seal.

Soon, he saw a large silver seal, measuring three inches and one fen on each side and seven fen thick.

Looking at the seal inscription, it is the stacked seal script used exclusively by the imperial court, with exquisite carving and no obstructions whatsoever.

The guards could confirm that the seal was genuine.
And from the second rank?
Who is the person in front of you?

Fifteen minutes later, Lu Yunyi successfully entered the Prince of Yan's residence through the back door and was arranged to wait in a side hall at the back of the residence.

He was dressed in a simple gray outfit and wearing cloth shoes.

Even with her simple makeup, the sight of her pacing back and forth with her hands behind her back still secretly surprised the guards watching at the door.

The person before me is no ordinary person!

Lu Yunyi stared at the decorations in the side hall with great interest.

The decoration here is elegant, with dragons and phoenixes carved on it.
Everywhere you look, you can see the noble status that the Crown Prince's residence once held.

Seeing this environment, Lu Yunyi's expression became extremely strange.
He has always believed that the environment is one of the main factors that change a person.

Living in such a place, the King of Yan would be reminded of loved ones by the sight of familiar objects; it would be strange if he didn't have any thoughts about it.

Even the imperial palace of Yuan Dadu was not far away.
He wasn't surprised that the Prince of Yan sat on the dragon throne.

Amidst a strange and peculiar train of thought, the sound of footsteps echoed outside.

Lu Yunyi stopped and looked towards the door.
A group of guards and servants escorted a woman as she gracefully approached.

The woman was dressed in a magnificent robe, with a dignified and imposing appearance, and her phoenix eyes revealed a sense of authority.

As he walked in front of her, an aura of power naturally emanated from him.

Beside her, a little girl of eight or nine years old, with a ponytail, skipped and hopped ahead, holding a colorful kite in her hand.

Whenever the kite whirred and spun, she would let out a silvery laugh:

"Steamed rice cake, where is the steamed rice cake?"

Just then, a chubby little boy stepped out from the group, went up to the little girl, and took her hand:

"Auntie, be good and don't run around. A young lady should be dignified."

A bizarre scene unfolded before my eyes. What was going on here?

However, a glint of light flashed in Lu Yunyi's eyes soon after he realized who the newcomer was.

That dignified and beautiful woman must be Princess Xu Miaoyun of Yan.

The chubby boy is Zhu Gaochi, the eldest son of the Prince of Yan.
As for the young girl, she should be Xu Miaojin, the third daughter of the King of Zhongshan!
Calculating their ages, Zhu Gaochi is twelve years old now, and Xu Miaojin is ten years old.

But the Princess Consort of Yan was only twenty-eight!
Soon, the group arrived at the door.

Xu Miaoyun stared at Xu Miaojin:
"Don't make a fuss, wait outside properly, your sister has some important business to attend to."

"Oh~"

Xu Miaojin was running around like a whirlwind, so there was no point in saying anything.

"Gao Chi, come inside with your mother."

"Yes, mother."

The chubby Zhu Gaochi seemed much more polite, with a touch of composure on his youthful face.

After they stepped over the high threshold and came in...

Lu Yunyi stepped forward quickly and bowed deeply:
"Lu Yunyi, Deputy Commander of the Northern Expeditionary Army, pays his respects to the Princess Consort of Yan and His Highness the Crown Prince."

Princess Consort Xu Miaoyun paused at the doorway, her eyes subtly scrutinizing the person before her.

The surprise grew, and finally, a sense of感慨 arose:
"Are you really Lu Yunyi?"

Zhu Gaochi, standing to the side, looked at the person in front of him with some shock.

He had heard his father say this before.

A remarkable figure has emerged in the Ming army; I never expected him to be so young!
Lu Yunyi straightened up and said in a deep voice:

"I have come today to discuss some matters concerning goods with the Princess of Yan."

As soon as she spoke, Xu Miaoyun relaxed her guard a little, confirming the identity of the person in front of her.

Although I was also somewhat shocked.

But her long-standing honor still kept her expression normal.

Xu Miaoyun stepped forward, walked to the head of the table, and sat down in the main seat.

Zhu Gaochi stood obediently to the side.
"The goods have been safely delivered. May I ask what brings Lord Lu here today?"

"Your Highness, things have changed."

Xu Miaoyun frowned slightly, a shadow of gloom flashing across her eyes:

What has changed?

Lu Yunyi's expression was solemn as he recounted everything concerning Tang Xingbang, adding at the end:

"Your Highness, Tang Xingbang has disappeared without a trace."
If he finds the location of the goods, unexpected troubles are inevitable.

"At that point, it wouldn't be impossible for them to resort to force and loot it."

The side room fell silent instantly, the atmosphere so oppressive it was frightening.

Zhu Gaochi's expression was equally solemn.
His gaze swept back and forth between the two of them, his eyes darting around.

After a long silence, the Princess Consort of Yan spoke in a deep voice:
"I will order people to check the entry and exit records of the four city gates and to search the taverns and residences within the city."

Once we make a discovery, where should we inform Lord Lu?

Lu Yunyi spoke in a deep voice:
"Your Highness, you can inform Huang Yingzhi of the North City Camp. He will enter the city with me."

Upon hearing this, the Princess Consort of Yan frowned:

"Where has Lord Lu gone? As an official appointed by the imperial court, leaving the office without orders is a serious crime."

Lu Yunyi bowed deeply:
"Your Highness, I am currently at the military headquarters overseeing the spring planting of sweet potatoes and have not left the office."

As for what happens next, I will act secretly and conceal my whereabouts.

"How brave!"

As soon as she spoke, Princess Yan narrowed her eyes and sized up the young man in front of her.

She was about the same age as her younger brother.

But what he did was incredibly audacious.

Even Zhu Gaochi frequently sized up the person in front of him.

He was somewhat impressed by how shamelessly they could lie through their teeth.

After a moment of contemplation, the Princess Consort of Yan said in a deep voice:
"If Tang Xingbang is found, what should Lord Lu do with him?"

"If you can capture them, then capture them; if you cannot capture them, then kill them decisively."

"What if someone else gets involved?"

Lu Yunyi fell silent and remained silent for a long time.

This is also what he is most worried about.

If the cargo's whereabouts have been leaked, it will inevitably lead to a struggle among various parties.

After all, the goods in front of them had become the most crucial straw, concerning the balance of power in the struggle with the imperial court.

After a long silence, Lu Yunyi spoke in a clear voice:
"Your Highness, I dare to ask..."

"Your Highness, please lead the Yanshan garrison to manage military affairs and study musket tactics." Zhu Gaochi, who had been deep in thought, suddenly looked up, his face filled with shock.
It's like saying, "What does this have to do with me?"
Princess Yan, on the other hand, remained much calmer, merely furrowing her brows slightly before quickly making a decision:

"Lord Lu, the Right Protectorate of Yanshan has left a commander of one thousand in Beiping."
They had previously studied musket battle formations under Zhang Yu's guidance.

Now that he is leading troops to accompany the King of Yan on his campaign, the remaining soldiers must not slacken their training.

"As you have said, let Gao Chi lead the troops and take charge."

The two of them quickly settled the matter by exchanging words.

Zhu Gaochi's innocent smile was filled with confusion as he looked down at his chubby body.

Thinking of the warhorse that was even taller than him, he couldn't help but shudder.
"mother"

"My child"

Princess Yan turned her gaze in that direction, her eyes softening:
"As a member of the imperial family, even if you are still young, you should still do your part for the country."

This matter is of great importance, concerning the imperial court. You must follow General Lu and do your utmost.

"me."

Zhu Gaochi looked uneasy, his chubby little face filled with restraint.
Finally, he regained his composure and bowed deeply.
"Yes, mother."

"Let me go—"

Just then, a childish yet clear voice suddenly rang out from the doorway.
You could tell that the person was trying to raise their voice.

The three looked in the direction of the sound and saw a burly-looking, dark-skinned boy standing at the entrance of the side hall.

Although his body was exceptionally robust, he was wearing armor that was many sizes too small.
But you can tell that he's only about ten years old.

Upon seeing him, the Princess of Yan's face darkened.
His hands, which were placed in front of him, clenched tightly, and he gritted his teeth:
"Gao Xu! You're being naughty again!"

The visitor was Zhu Gaoxu, the second son of the Prince of Yan.

His eyes were fixed intently, and he held a long, narrow wooden sword.

He jumped into the doorway in a flash, chin held high, his voice both childish and loud:

"Mother! To rid the nation of traitors, your son should bravely take the lead and fight the enemy!"

"If my older brother is too scared to go, I'll go!"

Princess Yan's face darkened again. She gave Lu Yunyi a slight, apologetic smile.
"This is Gao Xu. He has been mischievous since childhood. Please forgive him, Lord Lu."

Lu Yunyi smiled slightly, his gaze lingering on Zhu Gaoxu.

Compared to a normal ten-year-old child,

The chubby-faced boy in front of him was clearly much taller, almost as tall as his older brother who was two years older.

Moreover, he possesses a youthful and unpretentious nature, completely uninhibited.

He looks like an excellent prospect for military general.
Upon seeing Zhu Gaoxu, Lu Yunyi suddenly understood something.

Why did the Prince of Yan hesitate?

So alike.
He had the exact same lawless vibe as his father.

"you"

Zhu Gaochi noticed the person's gaze and felt as if he were being seen through.

Just as I was about to speak, I felt my momentum weaken.

He immediately straightened his back, raised his head, and increased his voice:

"What are you looking at!"

Lu Yunyi remained silent, gazing at him quietly.

A fierce aura, the kind only found on the battlefield, quietly emerged.

Zhu Gaochi looked at him with a chill down his spine, and the hairs on his body stood on end.
It was as if one could see mountains of corpses and seas of blood rising and falling behind him.
He even felt as if he could smell a thick, sticky stench of blood.
"What are you looking at?!"

He raised his voice even higher and lifted his chest even more!
"Good! Good!"

Lu Yunyi's eyes gleamed, and he finally looked away.

Zhu Gaoxu felt that the world before him had suddenly returned to normal, and the heavy atmosphere had disappeared.

Instead, there was a feeling of ease and relief, along with a cold sweat.
Lu Yunyi looked up, a smile playing on his lips, and said in a deep voice:

"Princess Consort of Yan, the Second Prince is strong and fearless, and has the bearing of a famous general."

Princess Yan's eyes lit up with joy upon hearing this.

As a mother, it's impossible not to be happy when others praise her son.
Especially since the person before him had rendered meritorious service.
"Gao Xu has always loved to play around since he was a child, please don't take offense, General Lu."

Lu Yunyi smiled:
"His Highness the Crown Prince is exceptionally intelligent, and His Highness the Second Prince has the potential to become a great general. The Prince of Yan's mansion has worthy successors!"

Princess Yan's eyes lit up with even greater joy, but then she turned her head and thought of the rumors about the person in front of her.

He quickly suppressed his smile, regained his composure, and said in a deep voice:

"If that's the case, if we really have to resort to force..."

Let Hong Xi and Gao Xu follow General Lu and see for themselves.

Her voice was cool, but her gaze softened as she looked at the two of them.

"You two were born into wealth and privilege, and have always been fearless."
But there are still some bloody battles in this world that even the Heavenly Family cannot avoid.

You should be like your grandfather and maternal grandfather.
He was capable of governing the country and maintaining peace through civil administration, and of suppressing rebellions through military force.

Only then can one find a place of peace in this chaotic world.

Zhu Gaochi's expression was extremely solemn.

As the crown prince, he is still young, but he has already learned about some of the darker aspects of the world and has matured considerably.
"Thank you, Mother. I will remember this."

Zhu Gaoxu, on the other hand, seemed rather carefree, happily crowding over:
"Thank you, Mother! Watch as your son wiped out all those traitors!"

Princess Yan patted her two sons' heads and looked at Lu Yunyi:
"General Lu, this matter is of great importance, and two children should not be involved."
However, after the Prince of Yan left, the Prince of Yan's residence...
It's a bit unreasonable for me, a woman, to support myself.

Therefore, I thought it best to let the two children experience life's hardships as early as possible, and I hope General Lu will not take offense.

Lu Yunyi bowed with his hands clasped:
"Your Highness, rest assured, I will handle this matter without resorting to force if possible."

If it really comes down to the time to mobilize troops...

We urge the Prince's Mansion to address the public outcry and refute this claim.

"I have noted it down."

Having said that, the Princess of Yan took out a document from her sleeve and handed it over:

"These are some hiding places that my father set up when he was stationed in Beiping."

There is sufficient money, food, and water in all areas; General Lu may use them as needed.

"Gao Xu, go give this to General Lu."

Zhu Gaoxu hesitated for a moment.
But he still mustered up his courage, took the document, ran over, and handed it over.

At the same time, he looked up at the person in front of him.

As he got closer, he could feel the blood and gore of battle even more strongly.
Lu Yunyi smiled as he accepted the document:

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Zhu Gaoxu forced himself to remain calm and spoke in a stiff voice:
"You are Welcome!"

After saying that, he darted back to Princess Yan's side in a flash.

Regarding this young man whose identity is unknown...

He felt the same imposing presence as his father.

Lu Yunyi took the document, glanced at the numerous locations on it, and quickly memorized them.

Then he smiled at Zhu Gaoxu and handed over the document:

"Come"

Princess Yan looked strange, a flash of shock crossing her eyes.

Zhu Gaoxu, however, was somewhat confused and looked at his mother.
"Go and get it back."

"Yes"

Zhu Gaoxu walked forward with his head held high and chest out.
He took the document back and then ran back to his original spot in a flash.

Seeing this, Lu Yunyi smiled slightly and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Princess Consort Yan. It's getting late, so I'll take my leave."

Princess Yan nodded slightly.
"Lord Lu, please be careful. Gao Chi and Gao Xu will be at the North Camp at noon today."

If Lord Lu needs to mobilize troops, please feel free to do so.

"Gao Chi, Gao Xu, bid farewell to Mr. Lu."

Two teenagers bowed deeply.
"Please take care, Lord Lu!"

Lu Yunyi cupped his hands in greeting, then quickly left.
After he left, Zhu Gaochi couldn't wait to ask:

"Mother, mobilizing troops without orders is tantamount to rebellion."

Princess Yan smiled warmly and gently patted his round head.

"My son, rules are used to bind ordinary people."
"Many things in this world would be as difficult as climbing to heaven if done according to the rules."

Zhu Gaochi nodded thoughtfully:

"There are still some things I don't understand."

"It's alright, you'll understand later."

Princess Yan looked at Zhu Gaoxu, who still seemed shaken, and said with a smile:

"Gao Xu, haven't you always wanted to be a general? What did you think of that general just now?"

"Him?" Zhu Gaoxu was startled.
"He's better than the master in the manor. He's not polite at all."

"Of course, the master craftsman at home is always worried that you'll bump into something, but other people aren't afraid."

Princess Yan stopped Zhu Gaoxu and said softly:

"Gao Xu can gain experience under his command when the opportunity arises."

Zhu Gaoxu shuddered at the thought of that man's calm smile.
"Mom, I don't want to go."

"This was decided by your father; you have no say in it."

(End of this chapter)