In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 756 Unsettled Trouble, Unexpected Assistance

South of Yingtian City, the official post station of Jurong County was bathed in the warm sunshine.

The morning light pierced through the upturned blue tiles of the post station's eaves.

The light, sized like copper coins, dappled the stone path, flickering in and out with the swaying bamboo shadows in the wind.

The copper bell on the hitching post was scorching hot from the sun, reflecting tiny golden rays.

The tea stall in front of the post station has a faded sunshade, and the sunlight shines through, weaving a fine golden net on the surface of the tea.

Lu Yunyi sat idly at the door, watching the passing caravans and pedestrians.

He was still wearing his armor, and there were still traces of blood on the edges that had not been completely wiped away.
However, he wasn't wearing his helmet now, revealing his heroic face, which made his murderous aura seem less intense.

Among the many carriages coming and going,

Young women would often peek out and scrutinize him, their eyes sparkling.

Lu Yunyi smiled and waved in response, as if to say hello.

He believed that if his skin weren't so dark, a woman would definitely have approached him.

Three days had passed since the group arrived in Beijing.
The chaotic battlefield not far away had long been cleaned up, and the corpses had all been buried.
There were only some faint dark red marks on the official road ahead.
If not told, no one would know that it was blood.

Progress in the capital was extremely smooth, almost like an autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves.
All the party leaders were taken down so quickly that even Lu Yunyi was shocked.

Many of them were captured effortlessly by the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Imperial Palace Administration.
This made Lu Yunyi secretly wary.
In the capital region of Yingtian, such an intelligence agency is far too powerful.

"Boss, give me back my knife!"

Just as Lu Yunyi was lost in thought, a somewhat urgent shout came from behind him.

Lu Yunyi squinted and looked back, two black lines appearing on his forehead.

Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Gaoxu were seen wrestling together.
The two men were fighting over a long knife, neither willing to give in.

After the war ended, the two boys seemed to have been unleashed, spending their days either fighting or fooling around.
I can hear them arguing every day.

Lu Yunyi felt like his head was about to explode.

"Pull them apart, give them a knife, and tell them to shut up."

Feng Yunfang, who was also idle to the side, also looked dejected.
It felt like I had been suddenly assigned heavy military duties, leaving me utterly exhausted.

He sighed, dragged his weary body forward, and before he even got close, he began to shout:
"Your Highnesses mustn't fight. What's the point of wielding this knife?"
There are plenty in the army; I'll get you another one.

"no!"

Zhu Gaoxu's eyes widened in anger.

"This is a good knife, I found it!"

Zhu Gaochi was extremely shameless:

"Second brother, please let your elder brother take a look, just once, just once."

"No way! If you take it, you won't give it back to me."

Zhu Gaoxu was not to be outdone and raised his voice even higher.

Feng Yunfang's veins throbbed as he examined the longsword the two were fighting over, his brow furrowing.
Ordinary scabbards are dark in color, but the long sword in front of me is jade-colored, and even the hilt is very special, inlaid with various auspicious beasts.

"Give me the knife, let me see it!"

Feng Yunfang stepped forward, not indulging the two brats.

He took the knife directly from their arms.
The waiter standing nearby stared wide-eyed.

"Give it to me!"

Seeing the long sword getting higher and higher, Zhu Gaoxu jumped up to reach it.
But Feng Yunfang held his long sword high, refusing to give it to them.

They ignored their shouting.

Soon, Feng Yunfang noticed the character "Deng" engraved on the hilt of the knife.

If I remember correctly, the Duke of Shen's longsword and armor have already been sent to the capital.
Why another round?
Feng Yunfang, holding a long sword, strode towards Lu Yunyi.
"My lord, this looks like a knife from the Duke of Shen's mansion."

Lu Yunyi reached out and took it, and the two heads, one fat and one thin, immediately squeezed over.
The two boys dared not make a sound at him, but simply stared wide-eyed at the long knife.

"Do you know where this knife came from?" Lu Yunyi asked, looking at the two of them.

Zhu Gaoxu shook his head repeatedly:
"I don't know, but this knife looks like a good knife."

Zhu Gaochi, however, hesitated for a moment, then shook his head.
Lu Yunyi glanced at him: "Stop playing tricks, just tell me."

Zhu Gaochi's face immediately fell, and he put on an adult-like demeanor, letting out a long sigh:

"This knife should be the one His Majesty bestowed upon the six founding dukes, and it belonged to the late Prince of Ninghe."

"Ok?"

Lu Yunyi suddenly became serious:

"Really?"

Zhu Gaochi nodded repeatedly:
"My eldest uncle's family also has a similar one."

Upon hearing that the knife was so extraordinary, Zhu Gaochi, who was standing to the side, immediately became restless.
He punched Zhu Gaochi hard and cursed loudly:
"You little brat! So that's why you suddenly stole my knife today—it's so valuable!"

Zhu Gaochi, however, paid no attention and used his burly body to push him aside:
"This knife is incredibly valuable, do you even know how to wield it properly?!"

Where did you find it?

Lu Yunyi watched the two bickering, his gaze gradually turning strange, and then looked at Zhu Gaoxu to ask a question.

Zhu Gaoxu sighed deeply, his lips trembling as he spoke:
"It's in that pile of swords and armor."
When I looked for it, it was wearing a black knife sheath and had been thrown in a corner.
"This is what I found, it's mine."

Lu Yunyi's face darkened instantly. Soldiers who weren't his own were simply unreliable; how could they let such a precious knife slip through their fingers?

"Go away, go away, go play somewhere else. Do you really want to take such a precious knife home?"

Zhu Gaochi remained silent and sighed quietly.

Zhu Gaoxu, however, nodded vigorously without any hesitation.

Lu Yunyi ignored them, hung up his sword, and continued to look at the many pedestrians on the official road ahead.

I felt the peace and tranquility there.

Seeing that Lu Yunyi ignored them, the two brothers left listlessly.

Before long, they started playing around again for some unknown reason.
The entire post station was filled with their noise.

As time passed, the weather gradually got warmer.

The sunlight was so bright that it was almost blinding, and many passing merchants were fanning themselves as they walked along with a sense of helplessness.

At this moment, a luxurious yet understated carriage slowly came to a stop at the entrance of the post station.

Many people's attention was drawn to it.
The soldiers looked on alert, and Lu Yunyi, sitting in the shade, also turned his gaze towards them.

As the carriage shaft swayed slightly, the bamboo curtain of the carriage was lifted like flowing clouds.

A slender, fair arm emerged first, its alabaster skin gleaming warmly in the sunlight. With a light touch of the fingertips, the golden bell on the wrist rang softly.

Immediately afterwards, a pale yellow skirt, like a blooming jasmine, gently drifted down onto the bluestone slabs of the post station.

The woman stood gracefully, the camellias subtly embroidered on her skirt appearing and disappearing with her movements.

The moon-white silk sash tied around her waist was lifted by the breeze, making her figure appear even more slender and graceful.

She lowered her eyes slightly, her long eyelashes casting butterfly-wing-like shadows beneath them.
A faint smile played on her lips. As she raised her hand to shield her eyes from the glaring sunlight, her wide sleeves slipped down, revealing half of her slender arms. Every gesture she made exuded gentle charm.

When Lu Yunyi saw the newcomer, he raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
Why is she here?

"Lord Lu, it's been a long time."

Song Wan'er walked over with a smile, carrying a food box.

Before I even got close, a gentle breeze carried her fragrance.
It smells like the fragrance of books, or perhaps a faint scent of locust blossoms.

Lu Yunyi stood up with a smile and went forward to greet him:
"Miss Song, it's been a long time. What brings you here?"

Song Wan'er gave him a flirtatious glance:
"Lord Lu, can't this humble woman come to visit an old friend?"

Without any hesitation, she sat down on the bench where Lu Yunyi had been sitting, placing the food box aside.
"Sir, would you like some refreshing food to cool you down?"

An eerie atmosphere began to develop.
Many soldiers stared wide-eyed at the sight, their excitement palpable, as if they were enjoying watching a spectacle unfold.

In the courtyard of the post station, Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Gaoxu also stopped their playful fighting.

He lay on the two sandbags, staring intently at them.

"Uh"

Having not seen each other for a long time, Lu Yunyi felt a little awkward.
Only when he met Song Wan'er's smiling gaze did he give an awkward smile and slowly sit down on the other side of the bench.

"Miss Song, it's been a long time. You are still as beautiful and charming as ever."

Song Wan'er was taken aback upon hearing this, and a slight smile appeared on her rosy lips, clearly indicating that she had been struck by a chord.
As she opened the food box, she said:
"Lord Lu came to the capital without even informing me."
Fortunately, I learned from my grandfather that Lord Lu was staying at this post station, so I rushed over without stopping.

After speaking, Song Wan'er handed over a small bowl, her eyes smiling.
"Try it, the best sour plum drink is an excellent way to cool off in the summer."

"You made it yourself?" Lu Yunyi took the small bowl, but did not drink it immediately. Instead, he handed it to Feng Yunfang beside him.

A hint of doubt flashed in Song Wan'er's eyes, and she chuckled softly:
"This humble woman doesn't possess such abilities; I obtained it from the Imperial Academy."

It was the imperial physicians who prescribed medicine for my grandfather and other high-ranking officials, to prevent them from experiencing chest tightness in the summer.

Song Wan'er's voice stopped abruptly.

Her beautiful eyes widened as she watched Feng Yunfang drink the plum juice in one gulp.

They were even smacking their lips as if savoring the memory.

"My lord, it tastes excellent."

"This...this!! Lord Lu! This was specially prepared for you by this humble woman! What! What!"

Song Wan'er stammered, somewhat anxious, with disbelief on her face.

Lu Yunyi pressed his hand down and whispered:
"Miss Song, it's always good to be careful during this critical time."

Song Wan'er froze on the spot. She immediately understood what it meant, and her expression changed repeatedly.

The next moment, she seemed a little sullen.
She put the bowls and chopsticks she had just taken out back into the food container, as if she was angry.

"Lord Lu, please stay here and enjoy the sun!"

After saying that, she picked up the food box and was about to leave, her steps hurried and her arm swinging high.

Lu Yunyi and Feng Yunfang exchanged a glance, their faces full of innocence.
After taking only a couple of steps, Song Wan'er stomped her foot hard again.

Standing still, he suddenly turned around:
"Lord Lu, how can you be so heartless? It's ten miles from the capital."

Lu Yunyi quickly waved:
"Miss Song, you must be tired from your journey. Please come back soon."

Song Wan'er pouted, gave a soft hum, and looked unwilling.

But he still walked back and sat back in his original spot.

As she handed over the plum juice, she glanced at Feng Yunfang and said:
"Drink up, he's still alive."

Lu Yunyi smiled awkwardly, took the plum juice, and tasted it.
It's chilled upon entry, with a herbal flavor, and tastes excellent.

Song Wan'er's expression relaxed, her eyes narrowed into two crescent moons, and she was very happy.

As she handed him a pastry, she said:

"Grandpa asked me to inform you that the turmoil in the capital seems to have subsided."
But beneath the surface, things were not peaceful; the imperial court had been in turmoil these past few days.

If you encounter any difficulties that you cannot handle, you can go to him.

"Oh?"

Lu Yunyi's eyes flickered, somewhat puzzled by the Grand Scholar's actions.

"Grandpa said that the army itself is fighting fiercely right now, and asking them to get involved in some matters would only make things worse."

Lu Yunyi frowned slightly, feeling utterly overwhelmed.

The storm is almost over. What difficulties can I not handle?

However, he also knew that Song Na wouldn't bring this up without a reason.

He must have learned some secrets that were unknown to others.

But what exactly is it?

A hint of doubt flashed in Lu Yunyi's eyes.
He moved the food box to the other side and sat down next to Song Wan'er.

When Song Wan'er saw him approach, her cheeks flushed instantly.
Her slender, pale fingers, hidden in her sleeve, intertwined, and she slowly lowered her head.

The overwhelming masculinity made Song Wan'er tense up, and her expression became somewhat unnatural.

"Miss Song, what else did Grand Scholar Song say to you? I'm a little confused by what he said."

"Lord Lu, Wan'er is telling you this, but please don't reveal it to anyone else."

"Of course, please rest assured, Miss Song."

Song Wan'er's lips curled up, feeling secretly pleased. She whispered:
"The court is in a very turbulent state recently, and many ministers of the Six Ministries will need to be replaced."

Even some in the army expressed dissatisfaction with His Majesty's ruthless approach to extermination.

Moreover, some high-ranking officials in the court began to make plans.
Taking advantage of the chaos in the court, the plan was to send several adult princes from the palace to their fiefdoms. This matter was somewhat related to Lord Lu.

"To take up a fiefdom?"

Lu Yunyi frowned.
"Miss Wan'er, what does this have to do with me?"

"Um"

Song Wan'er pursed her lips and whispered:
"Grandpa visited several places where he was enfeoffed."

Lord Lu's territory, Daning, is ranked number one.

My grandfather meant that the prince's enfeoffment was unstoppable; it was the result of the court officials' joint efforts.

However, one or two people can be selected to be enfeoffed.

In Da Ning, if a more obedient prince were sent, it wouldn't interfere with Lord Lu's work.

Moreover, it's not just Grandpa who thinks this way.

The ministers of the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Works, and the Ministry of War all felt the same way.

Therefore, if the palace were to assign a domineering prince to Da Ning,
Lord Lu felt it was in the way and advised against going to Duke Liang and the others, saying it would only make things worse.

Firstly, the court nobles and officials all have kinship ties with His Majesty.
Secondly, it is illegitimate and improper for nobles to interfere in the affairs of regional princes.

Upon hearing this, Lu Yunyi frowned, a hint of absurdity flashing in his eyes.

This makes a lot of sense.
At this juncture, an overbearing prince would undoubtedly pose a significant obstacle to the local government.
But he couldn't understand why these people would help him.
Could it be that Da Ning has some potential that he doesn't know about?

Lu Yunyi thought for a long time but couldn't come up with a solution, so he simply asked directly:

"Miss Wan'er, you cannot accept a reward without merit."
"May I ask why Grand Secretary Song is offering such assistance?"

Song Wan'er also looked puzzled and gently shook her head:
"Grandpa didn't say that, but you can ask General Lu yourself after he returns to the capital," Grandpa said.

Song Wan'er's voice grew softer and softer, and a hint of shyness appeared on her face:
"Grandpa said he wanted to invite Lord Lu to his home for a meal so he could learn about the scenery of the northern border."

A fleeting look of seriousness crossed Lu Yunyi's eyes. He nodded slightly and downed the plum juice in his bowl in one gulp.

"Thank you, Miss Wan'er. Yunyi will remember this."

"Um"

Song Wan'er spoke in a voice barely audible, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated several times, as if there was something she found difficult to say.

Lu Yunyi wasn't in a hurry.
He ate his snacks while looking at the official road ahead, thinking carefully.

After an unknown amount of time, Song Wan'er, having seemingly gathered her mental strength, said softly:

"Lord Lu, could you please tell Wan'er your birth date and time?"

Lu Yunyi was startled, turned his head sharply, and stared straight at her.

Song Wan'er was eighteen or nineteen years old.

Her skin was incredibly soft and supple, almost translucent, and at that moment it resembled the setting sun, bathed in a soft blush.

"Miss Wan'er, do you want to castrate someone?"

"what?"

Song Wan'er looked up in surprise, and when she met Lu Yunyi's smiling eyes, her fist suddenly pounded towards him:
"Lord Lu, you are an official appointed by the imperial court, how can you act like a lecher?"

Lu Yunyi laughed heartily, leaned against the wall behind him, and said frankly:
"I'll tell you when I get back to Beijing. The situation hasn't completely calmed down yet."

"If I were to die outside the capital, Miss Wan'er wouldn't need to resort to voodoo dolls."

Song Wan'er looked surprised:
"Not yet pacified? Wasn't it already over?"

"The court acted hastily; who knows if there are any traitors hiding?"

I advised Wan'er not to go out unless absolutely necessary, at least to avoid this trouble.

As he spoke, Lu Yunyi's eyes narrowed as he looked at the group of people who were coming from the direction of Yingtian.

The number of people was nearly a thousand, all dressed in black armor.
The leader was a general in his fifties whom he did not recognize.

Song Wan'er followed his gaze and, upon seeing the newcomer, was startled:
"Governor Yuan?"

"Which Governor Yuan? Do you know him?" Lu Yunyi asked.

Song Wan'er said softly:

"Yuan Hong, the former commander of Shandong, is now the vice commander of the rear army. He and Marquis Wuding are on duty near the imperial city."

Lu Yunyi sat up straight immediately, knowing who it was.
The father-in-law of Li Jinglong, the Duke of Cao.

(End of this chapter)