In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 762 Having connections in court makes promotion easier

The three days passed in the blink of an eye.
As July approached, the sweltering summer heat intensified, and the entire military camp was enveloped in steam.
The camps where the various units were stationed were particularly hot and humid.

At noon, the sun was high in the sky.

Lu Yunyi groggily woke up from his sleep.

The bloodshot eyes gradually faded during the three days of deep sleep, replaced by a clear gaze.

However, my brain, which hadn't been used for a long time, was still a bit foggy.

He sat up from the bed and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

I find this kind of weather really torturous; I can't even sleep soundly.

"Yunfang! Yunfang!"

Lu Yunyi called out loudly.

"Yes, sir."

Upon hearing the shouts, Feng Yunfang immediately rushed inside.

He was dressed in armor, carrying a long sword in one hand and a large palm-leaf fan in the other.

He was so hot he looked like a cooked shrimp, his face flushed red.

Upon entering this house filled with ice blocks,

Feng Yunfang felt a cool breeze hit his face, and immediately a look of relief appeared on his face.

"Didn't I tell you you didn't need to wear armor, Pu?"

What danger could there be with over 100,000 troops at Zikou City?

Lu Yunyi reminded him.

Despite Feng Yunfang's extreme heat, he still patiently and earnestly advised him:

"My lord, it's better to be on the safe side."
We only have about a hundred brothers. If anyone tries anything, wearing armor will make things easier.

"Alright, increase the rotations. Wearing armor all day will make you sick from the heat." Lu Yunyi waved his hand.

"Yes!" Feng Yunfang replied.

"Has the document from the capital arrived? When can it enter the city?" Lu Yunyi then asked.

"I heard from Marquis Yongding that we can enter the city this afternoon."

Feng Yunfang quickly took out a document from his pocket and handed it over.

"Sir, this is the entry permit, allowing over a hundred men in armor to enter the city."

The seal of the Marquis of Yongding has been engraved, but we still need to wait for news from the Governor's Office.

Lu Yunyi took the document, carefully examined it, and nodded:

"Understood. Get the brothers ready. We'll enter the city as soon as we get any news this afternoon."

"Yes!" Feng Yunfang accepted the order and left.

After Feng Yunfang left, Lu Yunyi stood up and stretched vigorously.
She walked to the basin and took a towel to wash her face and body.

After a cool breeze, he put on a black casual suit.
Aside from his somewhat dark and cracked complexion, he had a rather elegant and refined appearance.

Around 3 PM, in the early afternoon,
News from the Governor's Office finally arrived.

The four city gates were reopened, allowing ordinary citizens and merchants to enter the city.
Lu Yunyi led his men into Yingtian City immediately!
Riding a warhorse along the wide streets of Yingtian,
Lu Yunyi felt a desolation unique to the northern frontier.

The people hurried along, dodging and weaving as they went, afraid of offending someone.

The city's four gates were sealed off for nearly five days, and even the common people knew that something big had happened.

However, after the group arrived at Pishi Street and the Jewelry Gallery,
The desolation was swept away completely.
Tricycles were parked everywhere, and the workers were hurriedly unloading goods under the scorching sun.
Nearby, merchants clutched their receipts, anxiously waiting to collect their goods.
The scene was bustling with activity and noise.

After leaving the jewelry gallery, we arrived at the entrance of Fudong Street, where Yingtian Trading Company was located.

This place is even more lively.
Just like when it opened, a winding iron fence was set up.
Thousands of people meandered through it, preparing to enter the trading company.

Officials from the capital could be seen working hard to maintain order, and announcements from loudspeakers could be heard incessantly.

Seeing this scene, Lu Yunyi's heavy heart eased slightly, and he became much calmer.
Compared to battlefield combat,

It is this peaceful and prosperous scene that is truly delightful.

Looking up, the facade of Yingtian Trading Company has been renovated.
With the addition of some decorations, it looks less serious and more approachable.

Huang Yingzhi, riding his warhorse, stared in disbelief at everything before him.
He was somewhat dazed. Where was he?

Is this a canal port? Why is it so lively?

Moreover, what is this strange building that is twice as tall as the surrounding buildings?
"General Huang, this is the Yingtian Trading Company."
It is now the largest commercial complex in the Ming Dynasty.
Anything that exists in the Ming Dynasty, they sell there.

Lu Yunyi spoke with great enthusiasm, a smile always on his lips.

Regardless, this was a groundbreaking creation he personally crafted.

The Yingtian Trading Company alone is enough to earn him a place in history.

Huang Yingzhi then belatedly realized what was happening, her eyes filled with shock, and murmured:

"So this is how much money Yingtian Trading Company makes in a day."

Huang Yingzhi understood why the people around him were so popular in the capital.
People who can make money are considered lucky charms, no matter where they are; they deserve to be treated with respect.

"Lord Lu, I, Huang, am in charge of part of the canal transport and consider myself well-informed."

But seeing the Yingtian Trading Company today, I realize I'm the one who's only seen things from a small perspective.

Huang Yingzhi sighed.

"General Huang, you can go inside and have a look around after this matter is settled."
"There are many exotic items from the South that we don't have in the North," Lu Yunyi said with a smile.

"Okay, definitely!"

Huang Yingzhi nodded firmly, her face showing anticipation.

The group continued on their way without any obstacles and soon entered the imperial city, arriving at the Five Military Governors' Office.

The atmosphere here is much more serious than before.
Outside the gate stood imperial guards clad in silver armor, some even wearing face shields.

Beads of sweat could be seen dripping from the hem of the armor.

It will evaporate instantly upon hitting the ground.

Upon entering the Governor's Mansion, sunlight streamed down.

The officials moved with incredible speed, walking hurriedly with solemn expressions.

The two arrived at the main hall, where the cool air made them feel comfortable.

The decorations in the main hall were no different from before.
There are two chairs at the head of the table, and five chairs on each of the left and right sides at the bottom.
A large map of Southern Zhili is hanging nearby, and a sand table is placed quietly.

At the head of the table, Duke Lan Yu of Liang and Duke Xu Huizu of Wei sat quietly.

Lu Yunyi entered the house.
Upon seeing the general, I felt a little more at ease and relaxed. I had finally found a powerful backer.

But Huang Yingzhi became nervous. As a local official...
He was still somewhat uneasy upon meeting the person in charge of the most central command of the Ming army.

"Lu Yunyi pays his respects to the General and Duke of Wei," Lu Yunyi said, bowing.

"Huang Yingzhi pays his respects to the Duke of Wei and the Duke of Liang." Huang Yingzhi followed closely behind.

A hint of a smile flashed in Lan Yu's eyes as she sized up Lu Yunyi and said in a deep voice:
"Get up. I heard you've been sleeping all day in the army?"

"Uh"

Lu Yunyi raised his head slightly, showing some surprise, and replied:
"Reporting to the General, I came from beyond the Great Wall, traveling at breakneck speed. After arriving in the capital, I was put in charge of some defense duties, and I am utterly exhausted."

"Humph"

Lan Yu snorted coldly, looking at him with a half-smile:
"When I was young, I would stay up for days and nights without sleeping."

"Your health has deteriorated so young? Or is life in the Northeast just too comfortable?"

"Reporting to the General, I am also extremely exhausted from my work outside the pass."
Working with Black Hawk often kept him up for several nights in a row, causing his wife at home to complain.

Lu Yunyi explained.

Upon hearing this, Lan Yu burst into laughter:

"Hahaha, I certainly wouldn't believe anyone else who said that."

But I trust what you said.

Duke Xu Huizu of Wei also smiled and nodded:

“I believe you, Yun Gong said that you two brothers are so busy that there is no end to it, and he is tired of being a personal guard.”

The heavy atmosphere in the room dissipated completely, and Huang Yingzhi was somewhat surprised by the scene.

Judging from his current behavior, Lord Lu is not only a confidant of the Duke of Liang, but also has an unusual relationship with the Duke of Wei.

This made Huang Yingzhi secretly admire him.
If he had these connections, he wouldn't have stayed in Beiping for so many years.

Afterwards, Lu Yunyi recounted some details of the Liaodong campaign and his experiences along the way.

The two dukes at the head of the table looked grave.

Whether it was the war in Liaodong or escorting the Marquis of Runan, the hardships they faced were beyond their imagination.

Fortunately, things have turned out well, and everything went smoothly. Duke Xu Huizu of Wei looked at Huang Yingzhi and asked in a deep voice:

"Lord Huang, you have rendered meritorious service in resisting the Jurchens."
The Governor's Office has decided to bestow generous rewards upon you generals. What do you desire?

Huang Yingzhi looked up in surprise; it was the first time he had ever experienced such a direct scene.
Xu Huizu said with a smile:
"There are no outsiders here, so just say what you want. We'll give it a shot, whether we're confident or not."

An excitement rose within me.

Huang Yingzhi knew.
From then on, I could say I had someone to rely on.

A sense of disorientation washed over him; the Grand Commander had been dead for twenty years.

Only today can this matter be considered completely over.
Twenty years ago he was full of ambition and pride; now he is old and frail.
Huang Yingzhi's expression turned slightly solemn. After a moment of thought, a decision flashed in his eyes, and he said in a deep voice:

"Duke of Wei, Duke of Liang,"

This humble general led his troops to Liaodong to fight, but unexpectedly encountered the powerful Jurchen enemy, and his brothers suffered heavy casualties.
This humble general humbly requests the Governor's Office to treat the families of the fallen soldiers with utmost respect.
The family will receive generous compensation, and his son will be permitted to inherit his father's position.

Xu Huizu nodded:
"This is exactly what the Governor's Office should do."

My question is: As the commander-in-chief, what reward do you desire?

Huang Yingzhi said:
"Reporting to the Duke of Wei, I am nearly sixty years old and have long since become indifferent to official positions and fame."
If possible, this humble general wishes to resign and return home.
He acquired some land to live comfortably in his old age.

Xu Huizu sized up Huang Yingzhi.
Months of continuous fighting and traveling had drained his energy and spirit.
He looked listless and dispirited, like a seventy-year-old man.

Especially the deep lines on his face, which seemed to stretch endlessly into the distance.

In the past, retiring at home would have been no problem.
But now, the reckoning has only just begun.
There were many vacant positions, and the court lacked people it trusted.

After a long silence, Xu Huizu spoke in a deep voice:
"General Huang, I cannot agree to this. Let's find another one."

The imperial court is currently in dire need of capable personnel.
People like General Huang, loyal to the emperor and patriotic, still have great uses.

Huang Yingzhi looked up with a puzzled expression, but quickly understood the key point.

In the past, the imperial court would have been eager for these old guys to get out of there and make room for the younger generation, but now that's not the case.

"Duke of Wei, I am old and can no longer make any significant contributions to the military."

But my son is still young.

If the imperial court could spare me this opportunity, considering my decades of service guarding the borders,
I am deeply grateful for the help you have provided for my nephews and nieces.

Huang Yingzhi said.

Xu Huizu knew he wanted a hereditary military position to ensure the continuation of his family line.
After a moment's thought, Xu Huizu nodded:

"The imperial court will consider this matter. General Huang, please wait patiently for news."

As soon as she finished speaking, a hint of joy flashed in Huang Yingzhi's eyes.
He knew that the matter was almost certainly going to succeed.

"Thank you very much, Duke of Wei and Duke of Liang. I am deeply grateful."

Xu Huizu looked at the clerk standing at the door and instructed him:

"Take General Huang down there and record information about his nephews and nieces so that the court can make arrangements."

"Yes!"

The clerk stepped forward and gestured for them to proceed.
"General Huang, please."

"This humble general takes his leave." Huang Yingzhi cupped his hands in greeting and quickly departed.

Once he left, only their own people remained in the room, and the atmosphere immediately relaxed.

Xu Huizu looked at Lu Yunyi with a smile:
"Now it's your turn. What reward do you want?"

This question stumped Lu Yunyi.

He looked embarrassed and scratched his head somewhat blankly:
"Duke of Wei, let's forget about the reward."
"I am still young and unworthy of such merit."

"Those who make merits should be rewarded, and those who make mistakes should be punished."
You led your troops to repel the Liaodong Jurchens, and I heard you even went on a killing spree.
After this battle, it would take the Jurchens at least ten years to recover, and Liaodong was finally at peace.

Such a great achievement, if not rewarded, how can the court establish its credibility with the army?

Xu Huizu said, but there was a hint of worry in his eyes.
The Governor's Office had already made things extremely difficult regarding the rewards bestowed upon the person before them last time.

After much research, I finally found a suitable but not overly exaggerated name for the Crown Prince's guest.

There are no longer any such prestigious but powerless positions.

The main hall fell silent. Lu Yunyi pondered deeply before tentatively speaking:
"Duke of Wei, the Northern Pacification Commandery is preparing to repair the road between Beiping and Shanhaiguan; construction has already begun."

However, the corresponding documents have not yet been obtained.

Why not complete the document to atone for its shortcomings?

Lan Yu leaned back in her chair and chuckled:
"Can't the road be built without the necessary documents?"
How much silver are you planning to ask the imperial court for to repair the road?

"Uh, General, there was originally a shortfall in funds for road repairs."

"But after the battle of Liaodong, the deficit was filled, and the imperial court no longer needed to allocate funds," Lu Yunyi said.

"Others want documents for money, but you don't want money, so why do you need documents?"

"Does Beiping and Shanhaiguan really think they can tear down the roads you built?" Lan Yu asked.

No, that won't happen.
Your subordinate met the Princess Consort of Yan in Beiping.
The princess suggested that the royal palace could contribute some funds to repair the roads, but her subordinates refused.

Lu Yunyi explained.

Upon hearing this, the two men at the head of the table looked at him with a strange expression.

Xu Huizu looked at him with a hint of helplessness:
"You really don't lack money? Where did you get so much money?"

Lu Yunyi answered honestly:

"There were some merchants in Daning City who had committed some illegal acts and, fearing punishment from the imperial court, decided to donate money to repair the road."

Xu Huizu's smile froze; naturally, he didn't believe such nonsense.
It must involve coercion, bribery, and all sorts of exploitation.

He reminded:

“Local powerful families have deep roots; excessive exploitation could backfire.”

Lu Yunyi chuckled:
"Thank you for the reminder, Duke of Wei. I will remember it."

Seeing his expression, Xu Huizu knew he hadn't taken the words to heart.

The young man in front of him looked almost exactly like his younger brother.
They readily admit their mistakes, but never correct them.

Lan Yu spoke in a deep voice:
"Zhou Xinghui will be transferred to the position of Commander-in-Chief of Jizhou at the end of the year."
The position of Commander-in-Chief will then become vacant, and you will fill it.

Upon hearing this, Xu Huizu turned his head sharply, his eyes widening slightly in shock.

Lu Yunyi was the same.
He suddenly looked up at Lan Yu, a huge sense of crisis surging up inside him.

Although he now controls the Beiping Metropolitan Commandery, it is in fact a power without a formal title, so he can speak to outsiders with less fear.

If he were to actually become the Commander-in-Chief, the fear and apprehension of others would increase dramatically.
In reality, nothing will change; on the contrary, the risks will be much greater.
Lu Yunyi understood this perfectly; he was bound to suffer a huge loss!
Taking a deep breath, Lu Yunyi said in a deep voice:

"General, I have only recently been promoted. Such a hasty promotion may not appease public opinion."

"The palace has decided to widely disseminate information about the Jurchens of Liaodong."
If the court didn't offer a decent reward for annihilating 100,000 enemy soldiers, it would be truly unacceptable.
How will the armies of the land view the imperial court then? And why would they be willing to risk their lives for it?

Lan Yu shut down Lu Yunyi's argument with just one sentence.

Lu Yunyi stammered and asked directly:

"General, isn't the great victory in the northern expedition enough to quell the turmoil?"

In his plan, the Liaodong affair was a family scandal involving collusion between insiders and outsiders.
It should not be disclosed to outsiders.

Moreover, the great victory in the northern expedition was already inspiring enough; there was no need to publicize it further.

Unexpectedly, the situation changed so quickly that it exceeded his expectations.

A fierce glint flashed in Lan Yu's eyes:
"You personally experienced what happened at the South Gate; some people were restless."
The imperial court must appease the people and the military to save face.

As for any subsequent troubles, don't worry, our guild will handle them all at the hands of the imperial court.

As for the local area, I believe with your abilities, you can't cause any trouble.

Lu Yunyi was about to speak when Lan Yu abruptly waved her hand:

"The matter is settled then. As officials of the Ming Dynasty, we must stand up in the face of chaos."

Although taking control of a local military at such a young age would likely cause considerable turmoil.
But at least he got a promotion.

Your wife also received a title and honors befitting a second-rank official, so it's not a loss.

After saying that, Lan Yu shook her head helplessly:
"If you were forty, things would be much simpler. Why make things so complicated now!"

Now that the matter was settled, Lu Yunyi said no more and bowed deeply.
"Thank you, General and Duke of Wei."

"Alright, get ready. Tomorrow you'll be taking your seat at the Five Armies Commandery."
This turmoil will affect at least 50,000 people.

"This is a time when we're short-handed, so come and help us out," Lan Yu said.

Lu Yunyi suddenly felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him.
"General, I am not well-educated and get a headache when I see documents. May I not come?"

“No,” Lan Yu said decisively.

"Your subordinate obeys."

(End of this chapter)