In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 769 Asking for an exorbitant price, then negotiating on the spot
After the morning court session ended, news from the Market and Exchange Bureau spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the Ming Dynasty court in an instant.

Everyone who heard this news found it unbelievable, and some were even horrified.

The same was true for Crown Prince Zhu Biao.

At dawn, the carriage swayed and rattled into the imperial city, entered the palace, and headed towards the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao sat upright in the spacious carriage.
His expression was solemn, his brows were furrowed, and he felt a dull ache in his head.

He was shocked when he heard the news.
But as the carriage passed through Yingtian City and arrived in the imperial city...

His thoughts gradually shifted, and he began to form his own guesses.

The carriage came to a smooth stop in the square in front of the Fengtian Hall.
Crown Prince Zhu Biao did not wait for the servants to help him up.
He then stepped down from the carriage, hurriedly entered the main hall, and shouted loudly:
"Father, Father!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was sitting at the head of the table, quietly flipping through a document in his hand ordering the confiscation of his family's property.

Hearing the voice, he slightly raised his eyes, glanced at the crown prince who was rushing into the hall, and asked:
"What's wrong? Why are you in such a hurry?"

"Father!"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao hurriedly walked to the head of the table, bowed deeply, and said:

"Your Majesty, I have heard that you intend to establish a Market Exchange Bureau. May I ask why things are being done in such a hasty manner?"

Was it rushed?

Zhu Yuanzhang put down the document in his hand and leaned back on the dragon throne with a look of deep emotion:

"Biao'er, time waits for no one!"
"I am getting old, and if I don't do something now, it may be too late."

Upon hearing this, the surrounding eunuchs all knelt down, trembling with fear.

Zhu Biao frowned deeply. He remembered that the imperial physician had examined his father's health just last month.

He was said to be in excellent health, no worse than when he was fifty. How come he is now...
After a moment's hesitation, Zhu Biao waved his hand:
"All go out."

The eunuchs and palace maids were overjoyed and quickly stood up and left.

Once only the father and son remained in the hall, Zhu Biao asked directly:

"Father, what exactly happened?"

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and rummaged through the table.

He quickly found a document without a cover and handed it over:

"Look, I saw Lu Yunyi and Liu Sili here yesterday."

Some of his words inspired me, while others resonated with my own thoughts.

Zhu Biao frowned, took the document, and quickly flipped through it.
The above is a conversation between three people in the hall, with Zhao Mian, the Minister of Revenue, joining in at the end.
Zhu Biao quickly finished reading it, his brows furrowing in a serious expression.

"So, have you figured anything out?"

Zhu Yuanzhang asked with a smile.

"Father, I want to watch it one more time."

After Zhu Biao finished speaking, his gaze swept around.
He quickly sat down on a vase and quietly began to look through the flowers.

This time he observed with exceptional care, even pausing to ponder key points.

But his brows did not relax; instead, they furrowed even more.

After a long time, he finally finished reading the document.
After thinking it over carefully, he said in a deep voice:
"Father, if the imperial court were to control a portion of the merchant guilds..."

Perhaps we can hire more people and share more profits.
However, the Market and Commerce Bureau's attempt to coordinate the affairs of merchants across the land is perhaps taking too big a step.

Your son had already received the news when he arrived.
The entire Six Departments are now in an uproar.
It was simply because of a message that came from an unknown source.
The first merchants taken over by the Market and Commerce Bureau were those belonging to the Six Ministries.

A glint of shrewdness flashed in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes, and he raised an eyebrow slightly:

"That's right. The Market and Commerce Bureau will take over all the imperial estates and the merchant houses under the Six Ministries."

"Father! We are acting too hastily."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao immediately became anxious.

In his view, doing so was clearly tantamount to cutting himself off from the court.

Even if it can be forcibly implemented based on personal prestige,
But some chaos is inevitable.
There might even be an even greater reckoning someday in the future!

To Crown Prince Zhu Biao's surprise, Zhu Yuanzhang also nodded slightly:

"It was indeed a bit too hasty."

Zhu Biao was taken aback: "Then you?"

“Biao’er, you’ve never been to the streets, so you don’t know some of these principles.”

When my father worked in Fengyang in his early years, he saw the practice of "asking for exorbitant prices and then bargaining on the spot" most often, and he learned a thing or two about it.

Back when I was a common soldier under Commander Guo,

He dared to take on a team of 100 people on his first time leading one.

The commander-in-chief saw that I was bold and gave me fifty men.

Actually, Dad was thinking that having three or five people around to help him would be enough.

Zhu Biao frowned, then relaxed, and then became serious again.

He knew his father's thoughts.
The court officials were unlikely to concede on matters concerning merchants; once government orders left the capital, they were nothing more than worthless pieces of paper if no one followed them.
The palace will inevitably have to take another step back.
Even if they withdraw, they won't withdraw completely.

Zhu Biao felt a vague sense of worry and said in a deep voice:

“Father, the court is a solemn place. Such actions may disrupt its previous solemnity.”

Subsequent decrees will likely make court officials and the people feel that...
Just like this time, they asked for an exorbitant price, then bargained down to the bottom.

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't care at all, he just scoffed:
"Is there any perfect plan in the world?"
If you take the benefits, you'll also have to bear the risks.

Dad is already sixty-two. Your grandfather passed away at sixty-three. Judging by the days, Dad should be getting close to you soon.

At this age, if you don't live life to the fullest, wouldn't you have lived in vain?

"Father, have you become confused?!"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao rebuked him, his eyes filled with displeasure:

"Grandpa starved to death during a year of great famine; otherwise, given his physique, he could have lived to eighty."

"Father, you now live a life of luxury, with imperial physicians constantly by your side; please refrain from uttering such ominous words."

After saying this, before Zhu Yuanzhang could speak, Zhu Biao continued:
"Father, if the court officials hear this, they will start to have all sorts of wild thoughts."

"Ha ha ha ha."

For some reason, Zhu Yuanzhang felt that

This noisy atmosphere is what makes a home.

He leaned back lazily on the dragon throne, gently patting his belly, and said:
"Biao'er, people's hearts are unpredictable."
This time, as long as we can firmly control Yingtian Trading Company and Construction Company, Father's expectations are not high.

As for that Market Exchange Office...

It doesn't matter whether it exists or not; it's just a title.

"As long as it can quell some people's thoughts, that's fine."

Zhu Biao frowned slightly and tentatively asked:

"Father, has something happened?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's smile gradually faded, replaced by a worried expression:

"Yingtian Trading Company is a treasure that controls the capital region, and some people are taking advantage of the chaos to try and take it over."

Zhu Biao also knew a little about this matter.

Many powerful and influential people began to target the downstream areas, penetrating deep into various villages.
Cast a wide net, slowly eroding Yingtian Trading Company from the bottom up.
A few days ago, Yingtian Trading Company removed nearly a hundred of its partner shops.

Just as Zhu Biao was lost in thought, Zhu Yuanzhang spoke with a smile:
"Lu Yunyi is absolutely right. It is better for the imperial court to control commerce than for the gentry and powerful to control it. At least it can give the people a way to make a living."

"Has Biao'er seen the documents regarding his road construction in Daning?"

"Father, I read it almost every day." Zhu Biao became much more serious when he talked about this.

"Yes, it's good to look at more."

One road can support nearly 30,000 workers.
If each household has three members, that would affect 90,000 people, encompassing almost the entire city of Daning.

This morning I was thinking that for so many years I have always used military households to complete numerous projects.

Although they do provide money and meals
But compared to what Lu Yunyi did, it was still too conservative.

If the imperial court could allocate a large sum of money for large-scale construction and renovation,

In distributing money through work relief programs, the Ming Dynasty's commerce was even more advanced.

At this point, Zhu Yuanzhang's expression turned solemn, and he added:
"The premise is that commercial taxes and a host of miscellaneous taxes can be collected; otherwise, the court's money will be wasted."

If the Market and Commerce Division can really be established this time,
Biao'er thinks, who is the right person to run this household?

Zhu Biao was still pondering the many questions that had arisen earlier and did not reply immediately.

Zhu Yuanzhang was not in a hurry and just waited quietly.

After nearly fifteen minutes, Zhu Biao finally spoke in a deep voice:
"Father, I believe it's best not to be overly ambitious. The Market Exchange Bureau has absolutely no chance of success." "Sigh... always consider both sides."

If it doesn't work this time, there's always next time. No rush.
Let's think about the candidates first; that way, we won't have time to rush things.

Zhu Biao looked thoughtful and said softly:
"Father, Lu Yunyi is quite adept at spending money like this to deal with merchants."

I heard that he squeezed most of the money for road construction from local tycoons.

"The imperial court must act in accordance with the law. Such behavior may be acceptable outside the pass, but it will cause great chaos inside the pass."

Don't worry, Your Highness, think about it again.

Find someone trustworthy, extraordinary, and unassuming.

"Keep the Market and Exchange Bureau running smoothly and steadily."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes were vacant, and he pursed his lips slightly:

"Biao'er, I hope that the Market and Commerce Bureau can flourish under your leadership and solve the problem of the nation's shortage of money and grain."

Zhu Biao gave a stiff smile and then changed the subject:
"Father, the trial planting of sweet potatoes in Yunnan has yielded results."

The plant was tested twice in the almshouse of Dali City, and both times it yielded fruitful results and a bumper harvest.

The documents from the Yunnan Provincial Administration Commission have been sent to the Imperial Court and should reach the Emperor's desk today.

"Oh?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression suddenly became solemn:
"Growing sweet potatoes in a nursing home? That's a good idea."

The area is populated by widows, orphans, and the lonely, who will surely do their utmost to care for sweet potatoes.

Whose idea was this? Wenying had never been so meticulous before.

Zhu Biao's expression was strange, and he said softly:
“Father, Yin Haoran from the almshouse is Lu Yunyi’s good friend, and the sweet potatoes were brought by him.”

"It's him again?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression also became strange.
He felt that Lu Yunyi's name was everywhere in the Ming Dynasty court, and he no longer wanted to see him.

"They're certainly good at causing trouble. Are the border residents somehow different from us? Why can't they ever stop for a moment?"

“Father, when Lu Yunyi left the frontier, he was surrounded by poor people.”

Even if one wanted to abuse power for personal gain, there would be no cronies to rely on.
They could only bury their heads and forge ahead, which ironically reduced their worries.

The court officials were all outstanding individuals, exceptionally intelligent.

They are capable, but they are bound by various rules and regulations.

Being overly cautious prevents one from acting effectively, resulting in things being started strong but ending weakly and becoming a mess.

Zhu Yuanzhang noticed the resentment in his words and glanced at him:
"Take the flood control in Henan as an example. This matter involves a great deal of issues and is a quagmire."

Even the bravest person who enters that place will be covered in mud, unable to move, and can only struggle back and forth.

This time, the construction companies must be firmly controlled by the imperial court.

In the future, the construction of dikes and river embankments will no longer require the assistance of local powerful figures and gentry.

The imperial court will do everything in its power; if there is any further resistance, the provincial governor will be dispatched.

Zhu Biao hesitated, looking like he wanted to say something but then stopped several times.

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke calmly:
“Just say what you have to say. Why are you so hesitant and evasive with your own father?”

"Father, my fifth brother has sent a letter from Yunnan."

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression froze for a moment, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, before he finally let out a soft hum:
"What did you say?"

"My fifth brother said that Yunnan is humid with a lot of miasma and mosquitoes."

He had only been there for less than a year when he was covered in red rashes, his skin had become dark and cracked, and he had lost about twenty pounds.

Zhu Yuanzhang tightened his grip and asked:
"All you can do is pour out your grievances?"

"He also asked about his father's health and sent him the best Pu'er tea from Yunnan, saying it could clear heat and reduce internal fire."

"You little brat, you still have some conscience, where's the stuff?"

"It's at my residence. I'll have someone deliver it to you later."

Zhu Biao raised an eyebrow, as if suddenly remembering something, and said with feigned realization:
"Father, I have just remembered something."

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't respond, but gave a light hum and said calmly:
"Send the fifth brother back to Kaifeng?"

"Uh"

Zhu Biao's prepared speech froze, then gradually turned into a forced smirk:

"Father Emperor is wise. With Wenying in charge of Yunnan, it is enough. The local chieftains and powerful clans will not be able to turn the tables."

But if Kaifeng loses its own people,

Look at the state of things now; the three departments are practically in complete chaos.

"Da da da"

Zhu Yuanzhang tapped his fingertips lightly on the armrest of his chair, as if he were deep in thought.

After a long while, he sighed:
"Apart from our own family, we can't rely on anyone else in this world. I'll think about it some more."

Zhu Biao's eyes lit up with joy, knowing that the matter was almost certain.
He stood up, looked at the table piled high with documents, and said with a smile:

"Father, what documents have you not yet reviewed? Let me help you."

"These are all things you can decide for yourself."

Dad's going to take a nap; he hasn't slept for days and is tired.

Zhu Biao quickly looked towards the entrance of the main hall and shouted:
"Someone, help His Majesty to rest."

News of the Market and Exchange Bureau spread rapidly throughout the capital.

In less than a day, it became known to everyone.

The entire merchant and official population was gripped by fear.
But it's like their mouths are sealed shut.
He could only sulk and fum in silence, utterly terrified by the imperial edict he received this morning.

Documents regarding the punishment of Li Shanchang's faction have been posted all over the city gates and notices.

Tens of thousands of heads rolled to the ground, visible to the naked eye.

At this moment, no one dared to utter a sound.

After much investigation, court officials and merchants finally discovered some clues.
They all searched for Lu Yunyi and Liu Sili's whereabouts in the capital.

At this moment, Lu Yunyi had already appeared at the Song residence in the back alley of Jinwu!
This is the residence of Grand Secretary Song Na.
It is very close to the Imperial College, just across the street.

While waiting at the entrance, Lu Yunyi carefully surveyed Jinwu Back Street.

This place doesn't look like a place of great wealth and status.

The houses were all small and humble, and scholars dressed in Confucian robes could often be seen coming and going.
They often live in groups of three or five, which suggests they are sharing an apartment.

Their walk down the street added a touch of refinement to the entire area.
Lu Yunyi stood at the entrance of the mansion, sizing them up.

Each of them was imposing and handsome, or at the very least, of average appearance.

This is closely related to the imperial examination system of the Ming Dynasty.
Let alone passing the imperial examination, even taking the county-level examination required a dignified appearance and beautiful handwriting.

If any aspect is flawed, it will be a hundred or a thousand times more difficult to gain entry into the imperial court.

Lu Yunyi had met the Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) from previous years.
They all had square faces, full foreheads and broad jaws, exuding righteousness, and with beards, they were all handsome old men.

As Lu Yunyi sized up the passing students, they were also sizing up Lu Yunyi and his group.

However, they did not dare to look around openly, only daring to glance at it when they had a spare moment to turn their heads.

Seeing him waiting unabashedly at the gate of the Grand Master of Ceremonies' house, many people speculated...

Could it be another rich young master from some wealthy family?
Are you coming to the Imperial College to study?
Just as they were wondering what was going on, the tightly closed door was opened.

A graceful figure in a white dress walked out.

She was tall and slender, with a curvaceous figure, fair skin, a rosy complexion, and bright, watery eyes that exuded a sense of purity.
When she appeared, many students on the street unconsciously slowed down their pace.

As the daughter of a Grand Secretary and a newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination)

Song Wan'er was a well-known figure at the Imperial Academy, and was the dream girl of many students.

Many people felt their bodies burning when they saw her, and quickly lowered their heads, not daring to look at her.

Only a few students from wealthy or scholarly families raised their hands to greet him openly.
"Little junior sister!"

Song Wan'er was too busy to respond today. She smiled gently at Lu Yunyi standing at the door.
"Lord Lu, please come in quickly. Please forgive us for our lack of manners."

Lu Yunyi smiled and looked her up and down:
"Miss Wan'er, you've become even more beautiful and charming since I last saw you a few days ago."

"is it?"

Song Wan'er slightly raised her eyelids, a hint of joy welling up in her heart, her eyebrows and eyes curving up, but she was still trying to suppress her voice.

She nervously twisted her fingers together, her body swaying slightly.
"Thank you, Lord Lu. You've become even more handsome."

Upon seeing this charming and captivating scene...
Many students who had raised their hands in anticipation of a response remained frozen in place.
The sound of shattering porcelain seemed to echo throughout Jinwu Back Street.

(End of this chapter)