In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 748 A Disgraceful Departure: Sacrificing a Pawn to Save the King
Liu Feng and Wei Baiyi exchanged a glance and nodded slightly.

Then Liu Feng waved his hand and said in a deep voice:

"You all stand down."

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall stood up and filed out.

Before long, only Li Zhigang, Liu Feng, and Wei Baiyi remained in the room.

The atmosphere inside the room instantly became heavy, as if frozen in time.

Liu Feng was the first to break the silence.

He stood up and pointed at Li Zhigang, shouting.

"Li Zhigang, don't refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit!"

"Sending you back to the capital today is a way to save face; don't be ungrateful!"

Wei Baiyi sat to the side, gently stroking his beard.
With a seemingly gentle smile on his face, he slowly said:

"Lord Li, as you know..."

The current situation is complex, with various forces deeply entrenched in their power.

If you insist on staying in Henan to manage the floods, it will likely cause you a lot of trouble.
At that time, not only will the flood control efforts fail, but we ourselves will likely suffer setbacks as well.

Li Zhigang remained calm and said indifferently:
"Lord Liu, I have been ordered by the imperial court to come here to manage the floods, and I will do my duty to the best of my ability."

Seeing that Li Zhigang remained unmoved, Liu Feng's face grew even more gloomy.

He slowly walked up to Li Zhigang, lowered his voice, and spoke with a measured tone:
"Lord Li, to tell you the truth..."

Several sections of the dike have developed cracks, and there is a risk of them collapsing at any time.

If that time truly comes, the raging flood will not discriminate between high-ranking officials and ordinary citizens; everyone will be swept away.

Li Zhigang's heart skipped a beat, and his pupils contracted slightly.

He understood the threatening meaning in Liu Feng's words.

He gritted his teeth, about to speak in rebuttal,
But then Wei Baiyi took out a thick document from his sleeve and gently placed it on the table:
"Lord Li, please take a look at this first."

Li Zhigang was puzzled, so he stepped forward, picked up the document, and read it carefully.

Upon opening it, I saw that it was covered with names written all over it.
The three characters "Written by Ten Thousand People" at the top made him stiffen.
This is a petition from merchants at the port of Zhuxian Town, residents of Chenqiao Town, and people from nearby villages.
The messages all urged him to leave Henan and return to Beijing to seek help.

Li Zhigang's hands trembled slightly, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

He knew that these people must have been bewitched.
But now, faced with this letter to all people, he felt powerless.

Seeing that Li Zhigang's expression wavered, Wei Baiyi pressed his advantage and said:
"Lord Li, look, the people all want you to leave."

If you insist on staying, wouldn't that be going against the will of the people?

"When the people blame you, can you bear the consequences?"

Liu Feng chimed in from the side:

"Lord Li, as long as you agree to return to the capital to seek help..."

This official and Lord Wei can promise you that we will provide you with all the support we can, ensuring a smooth journey.

After returning to the capital, report the truth to the court, and the court will send someone to handle the matter.
We will also write to our friends in the capital to ask them to help you get out of this predicament.
"It might even be a great achievement."

Li Zhigang was torn between his inner thoughts and his own mind, and after a long while...

He sighed deeply, a resolute glint in his eyes, and looked at Liu Feng and Wei Baiyi.

"Very well, I grant your request and will return to the capital to seek assistance."

Upon hearing this, Liu Feng and Wei Baiyi's faces immediately showed disbelief.

How could it be so easy?
However, they soon remembered Li Zhigang's reputation for currying favor with the powerful in the capital, and they understood!
Liu Feng patted Li Zhigang on the shoulder and said.

"That's right, Lord Li. A wise person knows when to yield."

"Don't worry, I will arrange for someone to escort you back to the capital and ensure your safe journey."

Wei Baiyi also said with a smile.

"Lord Li, after you return..."

You must report the situation in Henan to the imperial court.
We must strive to bring in reinforcements and supplies as soon as possible to quell the flood.

Li Zhigang sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm. He cupped his hands in greeting and said...

"Thank you both, sirs. I will go back and pack my bags now."

We will depart for the capital tomorrow; there's no need for a farewell party. Leave some people behind to manage the floods.

Wei Baiyi was taken aback for a moment, then quickly burst into laughter.

"Very good, very good. Lord Li's concern for the floods is a blessing for the people."

Li Zhigang remained calm as he turned and strode out of the main hall.
The muddy footprints left deep marks on this place.

After passing the pavilions and towers, Li Zhigang left the courtyard, his dark footprints still visible.

However, by the time they reached the gate, they had become almost imperceptible.

Stepping out of the courtyard gate, the air was still filled with birdsong and the fragrance of flowers; the scenery was delightful.
However, the gloomy weather in the sky was a bit of a downer.

He walked alone for a short while.

The clerk who had appeared earlier suddenly emerged from nowhere and followed behind with a respectful expression.

Li Zhigang's eyes grew increasingly vacant.
The treacherous tricks and sordid dealings here were beyond his imagination.

He now understands somewhat why using cement to build roads and houses is such a fast and efficient method.
However, it was only implemented in a few counties surrounding the capital.
Even in the surrounding counties, progress has been slow.

"It takes at least three or even five years for a new thing to be accepted. Nothing can be rushed. Time is the strongest force in the world."

Lord Lu's words resonated in his mind, striking Li Zhigang like a thunderbolt.

He took a deep breath, a resolute look in his eyes.
He was too hasty this time, acting impulsively.
The news of using materials from Yingtian Construction Firm was leaked early on.

If he hadn't been so lax,
The one who was once the center of attention, Lord Liu and Lord Wei, might now be replaced by him.

"When I return, I will certainly get things done."

Thinking of this, a hint of relief appeared in Li Zhigang's eyes.
Fortunately, not too many dikes collapsed this year, so we were able to handle it calmly.

If it were during those years of severe flooding, he wouldn't have had a chance to start over.

Before long, Li Zhigang returned to the open space at the west end of Qiuye Village and came to the carriage.

The clerk tentatively asked a question.

"Sir, where are you going?"

Li Zhi paused, his expression somewhat complicated, as he had just lifted his hand.

"Back to the inn."

The clerk stiffened, his eyes darted around for a moment, and then tears welled up in his eyes.

However, he quickly digested the information in a blink of an eye and nodded with a normal expression.

"Yes, my lord."

Li Zhigang sat back in the sedan chair, only to find that his crimson robe was now heavy and damp.

It made him very uncomfortable, but compared to the sorrow in his heart, this torment was nothing.

The carriage swayed and rattled as it left the high ground and headed towards the inn in Zhuxian Town.

"What's your name? Are you from Chenqiao Town?"

After leaving the high ground, Li Zhigang asked a question.

"My name is Chen Dexuan, a native of Chenqiao Town. Years ago, I went to Kaifeng Prefecture with my father to make a living," the clerk answered honestly.

Is the ancestral home still in Chenqiao Town?

“Yes, although there have been major floods in the past and the area is often submerged, my father would come back every year to clean it up.”

"Um"

Li Zhigang nodded slightly.

"When I come to Henan next time, you will work for me."

The clerk did not answer; his young face was etched with complex emotions.
He gripped the reins so tightly they creaked, and his body swayed gently with the carriage.

He had lost count of how many water management ministers had given up halfway through their duties; it was always the same.
"Don't want to?"

Li Zhigang asked the question.

Chen Dexuan smiled slightly and nodded.

"Thank you for your kind offer, sir. I work as a clerk in Kaifeng and can take care of my family."

If one were to join the Grand Canal Transport Office, one might frequently be on the move.

Moreover, fate is fickle, and it's unknown when the adult will return.

Li Zhigang chuckled softly; he was perfectly aware of Chen Dexuan's intentions.
"I am only returning to the capital to request reinforcements; I will be back soon."
If I were to return, would you be willing to work with me?
It would be excellent if young people could travel around and help repair the dikes.

The clerk smiled helplessly; he had heard this countless times before.

"Then thank you for your kind offer, sir."

Li Zhigang's smile faded, and he sat silently in the carriage, lost in thought.

They traveled in silence, and by the time Li Zhigang returned to Zhuxian Town, it was nearly evening.
The last rays of the setting sun were shrouded in dark clouds.

Only a few rays of golden sunlight peeked out, as if trying to breathe.

The carriage came to a stop in front of the inn.

Li Zhigang lifted the curtain, stepped down, nodded to Chen Dexuan, gave him an approving look, and then turned to enter the inn.

Just got to the second floor,

He then found Shen Zao's room and pushed the door open to enter.

Shen Zao, who was fast asleep, suddenly opened her eyes, sat up abruptly, and looked tense!
However, his body quickly relaxed.

"Sir, why didn't you say anything before coming in? You scared me to death!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw that Li Zhigang's expression was frighteningly calm, and his heart skipped a beat. He glanced out the window again; it was still a long time before dark. He tentatively asked:
"Sir, what has happened?"

"Pack your things and leave tonight."

Li Zhigang spoke softly, his voice slightly hoarse.

Shen Zao was taken aback: "Where to?"

"Return to Beijing for assistance."

"The dam has collapsed?"

Shen Zao's voice suddenly rose, and she was completely terrified.

Li Zhigang remained silent throughout.

Shen Zao understood this time, and her whole demeanor calmed down.
He nodded with a complicated expression, his voice soft and gentle:
"Sir, are you leaving so early? Why not stay a couple more days?"

"Let's go. Remember to take the local specialties from the Green Bamboo House on the third floor. When we get back to Beijing, we need to share them with our old friends."

Shen Zao's lips trembled as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, it all turned into a sigh:
"Yes, sir, I'll get ready right away."

Time passed quickly, and soon it was dark.

It was already early 9 PM, and fifteen flatbed carts and five horse-drawn carriages were neatly parked in front of the inn.
Some of the women waited by the carriage, their eyes filled with absurdity and disbelief.
You've only been in Henan for a month, why are you rushing back to Beijing?

Why bring so many local specialties?

A short while later, Li Zhigang walked out of the inn.
He had already taken off his official robes and put on his usual dark blue robes.
His beard and hair were well-groomed.
However, his sunken eye sockets still revealed a hint of fatigue.

"Master, why do we suddenly want to go back to the capital? Is there going to be a flood?"

A woman in her late twenties asked with a frown,
She was Madam Meng, the wife of Li Zhigang, and came from a scholarly family in Songjiang.

Li Zhigang sighed softly, glancing at the officials from the Three Departments waiting not far away, a shadow of gloom flashing in his eyes.
"Something has happened, and we must return to the capital to seek help."
It's not safe for you to stay here; it's better if we leave together.

Meng frowned deeply:

"There's no need to rush like this. We haven't even finished exploring Kaifeng."

"No need for further words, get in the carriage, I'll explain a few things to my colleagues."

Without saying much, Meng waved her hand gently.

The women then boarded the carriage, some looking excited and others looking puzzled.

Li Zhigang then walked up to the group of people standing there, his expression calm, and spoke softly.

"What? Are you worried that I won't leave?"

"No, no, Lord Li, you are overthinking it."

There is currently flooding, and there are many disaster victims and displaced people.

The Commander-in-Chief has specially dispatched someone to accompany you back to the capital, and to ensure your safety.

A middle-aged general spoke with a smile.
He pointed to the hundred or so soldiers behind him and then took out a token from his hand.

"My lord, you see, these hundred-odd soldiers are all elite troops."

If there are bandits, they can be killed.

Now look at this token in my hand; it was personally bestowed upon me by Commander Liu.
"I guarantee a smooth and unobstructed journey from here to the capital!"

Shen Zao, who was standing to the side, was already furious.

He wasn't stupid; he could tell that these people were there to spy on him.

Just as he was about to step forward, Li Zhigang raised his hand to stop him, looking at the hundred or so people in front of him with a half-smile.

"Let's go, General, you must be tired from your journey."

However, since there were women in the caravan, and they needed to be protected, they were divided into two groups, one in front and one behind.

"Keep some distance from the team, to be honest."

Li Zhigang's smile faded, and his eyes grew increasingly cold.

"I find you disgusting!"

The middle-aged general's smile remained unchanged; in fact, it grew even wider.

"Then I will keep my distance from you, sir, so as not to offend your eyes!"

As he spoke, the middle-aged general looked at one of the men behind him and shouted.

"You will lead thirty men to clear the way, carrying sufficient warrants and tokens, and you must not allow anyone to obstruct Lord Li's convoy!"

"Yes!"

Li Zhigang gave a light snort and turned away.

The middle-aged general laughed heartily:

"Let's go! We'll arrive in Beijing in ten days!"

The moon is bright and the stars are few; the bright moon hangs high in the sky over the border region between Henan and the capital.
The sky was clear and bright, and countless stars could be seen twinkling.

The land was pitch black, with only a few scattered villages offering a glimpse of light.

On the Huai River, however, the lights were on full display!

The Huai River originates in the Tongbai Mountains of Henan Province.

The main stream flows through southern Henan, then eastward into Southern Zhili.

Passing through Fengyang and Sizhou, it joins the Yellow River east of Qinghe County.

Finally, we entered the sea through the Yunti Pass.
The Huai River was also the only waterway that one had to take to get from Henan Province to Yingtian!

On the dark, deep Huai River, only the moon reflected in the water provides a glimmer of light.

The densely packed boats also illuminated the Huai River!

Countless merchant ships come and go here.
On the wide river, a merchant ship can be seen every hundred feet, sometimes side by side and sometimes crossing paths.

On the Dongyue merchant ship, Chen Jingyi stood silently at the bow, gazing into the distance.
The darkness in the distance was all taken in by sight.
The glow of candlelight not far away often illuminated his eyes.

After leaving Zhuxian Town, the Wanbao Ship became the Dongyue Ship.
The atmosphere on the ship did not ease; instead, it became even more tense.

Because they discovered that as they got closer to the capital,

The search efforts are intensifying.

They've reached the point where they have informants in every port.

Even in some villages on both sides of the strait,

People often take out their binoculars and look into the river.

A tense atmosphere permeated the entire merchant ship.

Many people are having trouble eating and sleeping, and Chen Jingyi is no exception.

Xu Cheng was the same.

He emerged from the cabin, his face still sporting a large beard, his skin painted dark, and combined with his tall stature, he appeared somewhat fierce, like a mountain bandit.

He stood on the deck, watching Chen Jingyi's back, his face extremely solemn.

After leaving Zhuxian Town, he noticed that Lord Chen seemed to have something on his mind.
He always looked uneasy and stood here every night.

A thoughtful look flashed in Xu Cheng's eyes. He slowly stepped forward and spoke with a smile.

"Lord Chen, you're not asleep yet?"

A flicker of emotion crossed Chen Jingyi's usually calm eyes. He turned his head and chuckled softly.

"Lord Xu didn't sleep either."

"I can't sleep. When I finally lie down, all I can think about are the brothers who covered our retreat. I wonder how they are doing."

Chen Jingyi spoke calmly.

"Life and death are preordained, wealth and honor are determined by fate. There's no need to worry too much. Death is a normal thing on the battlefield."

Xu Cheng pursed his lips.

"The recent encirclement and suppression efforts have become increasingly severe."

"Um"

Chen Jingyi nodded and said softly:
"We will enter Southern Zhili tomorrow morning. When we reach the first port, Lord Xu, please disembark."

Xu Cheng was taken aback, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes, as if he didn't quite understand.

Chen Jingyi continued:
"I am not confident that I can handle the subsequent encirclement and interception."

"Lord Xu, please disembark and proceed to Yingtian on your own. This will make you a less conspicuous target."

Xu Cheng understood this time, and his eyes widened suddenly:
"How could that be? We've come this far, getting off the ship would be pointless!"

Chen Jingyi shook his head with a complicated expression:

"Lord Xu is a witness to the events in Liaodong, and a testimonial."
Only with you here can things proceed smoothly and can the Liaodong matter be brought to justice.

Lord Xu, disembark and proceed alone. I, along with my men, will provide cover for you.
Even if we are discovered, we will do our best to entangle ourselves and delay the inevitable.

As for whether he can reach the capital, I believe Lord Xu can.

Xu Cheng wanted to say something, but Chen Jingyi suddenly turned his head, his gaze sharp:
"This is the safest way; at least one of the two will be saved."

Don't forget, this is a battlefield, and covering the rear is perfectly normal.

I have prepared the money, travel documents, and identification papers for you.

We'll disembark tomorrow morning if we don't enter the port, and head to Yingtian.
If you can't get into Yingtian City, go to Zuixianlou on the Qinhuai River outside the city; it's a restaurant for adults.

If the restaurants aren't good enough, then go to Puzikou Town.

They say you're an old friend of Zhang Huai'an; he was a commander of the vanguard scout unit.

His father is now the Marquis of Yongding, residing in the city of Puzikou.

Xu Cheng's expression was complicated; he knew this was the best solution at the moment.

He remained silent for a long time, until the moon disappeared behind the clouds, before finally nodding slightly.
"I see."

(End of this chapter)