In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 771 Lotus Pavilion's Top Performer, Governor's Office Meeting

At the gate of the Song residence, Song Wan'er lifted her skirt to see him off.
After stepping out the door, Lu Yunyi stopped and smiled at her:

"Miss Wan'er, there's no need for me to see you off. I still have military affairs to attend to."

Song Wan'er was somewhat downcast, a hint of sorrow on her face, and she sighed softly:
"Please take care, Lord Lu."

“Miss Wan’er, life and death are the natural course of things. It is a joyous occasion that Grand Scholar Song is over eighty years old.”

Song Wan'er's voice was soft, carrying a hint of poignant beauty and fragility:
"Lord Lu, my grandfather worked hard all his life, but he loved Wan'er the most."
Even his decision to become a merchant was made by his grandfather.

Now that Grandpa is seriously ill, Wan'er is quite sad and upset.

Having said that, Song Wan'er's eyes filled with tears. Just as the tears were about to fall, she subtly wiped them away by raising her eyebrows.

"Miss Wan'er, if you ever encounter any trouble in the future, please feel free to come to me, and I will do my best to help you."

"Thank you, Lord Lu."

"Miss Wan'er, you should go back now. I'm leaving."

"Respectfully seeing off Lord Lu."

Lu Yunyi walked down the steps, mounted his horse, and rode away.

Song Wan'er watched the group's departing figures, her lips tightly pressed together, her hands clasped around her lower abdomen, struggling back and forth.
Before Lu Yunyi could even return to Puzikou City after leaving the Song residence, he was stopped by officials from the Governor's Office.

The newcomer was a young man in his early twenties, who was covered in sweat.

Upon seeing Lu Yunyi, a hint of relief flashed in his eyes:
"Lord Lu, I have finally found you."

Lu Yunyi reined in his horse, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes:
"What happened?"

"Reporting to Lord Lu, the Governor's Office will hold a meeting this afternoon. Marquis Wuding instructed me to inform Lord Lu that you must not be late."

"Council meeting?"

A hint of doubt flashed in Lu Yunyi's eyes. Why hold a meeting now that the external enemies have been quelled?

"I understand. I will attend the meeting this afternoon."

"Resign, villain!"

After the official left, Lu Yunyi remained where he was, deep in thought.

The reason why Marquis Wuding has shown goodwill on several occasions may lie in this meeting.

But what exactly is it?
Lu Yunyi asked himself, and he realized that he was still far behind those founding nobles in terms of background and experience.
He's always the one asking others for favors.

Where would the founding nobles come from, asking for their share?

Lu Yunyi couldn't understand, so he looked at the increasingly bright sun and gave the order:
"Go back home."

"Yes, return to the residence!"

With a wave of his hand, Feng Yunfang ordered the guards to change formation and turn around, heading towards the three alleys of Xi'an Gate!

The three alleys of Xi'an Gate, just one street away from the imperial city, were mansions that only founding nobles could own.

Living here, if you attend the morning court session, you can sleep an hour longer than other adults.
It's only a 15-minute walk from here to the main gate of the imperial city.

Upon arriving here, Lu Yunyi could clearly feel that the streets were much quieter and colder.
There were few commoners coming and going at the gate; they were mostly servants from various mansions.

Upon seeing the group arrive, they looked visibly surprised.

Lu Yunyi looked around and spotted several tree canopies that appeared to be used for surveillance.

The situation in Beijing is tense right now.
It's likely that the area within several miles of the imperial city is under surveillance.
It's just unclear which unit is responsible for monitoring it.

Upon arriving at number two, the gleaming stone lions in front of the gate stand majestically in the dappled sunlight.

The vermilion gate was tightly closed, its copper nails gleaming, and the plaque hanging at the entrance was spotless, the two characters "Lu Mansion" shining brightly in gold.

Before Lu Yunyi could even get close,
An old acquaintance suddenly darted out from the side door of the gatehouse.
It was Gu Chunzhu, the temporary steward from the capital last year, who is a key member of the Xinchen Trading Company.

"Master, you're back." He hurriedly came to greet him.

A hint of doubt flashed in Lu Yunyi's eyes as he pointed to the mansion ahead:
"You've been here all along?"

Gu Chunzhu replied with a smile:

"Reporting to the master, the shopkeeper heard that Lord Lu had come to the capital, so he immediately sent me here to wait for instructions."

Otherwise, with the master's family and servants all in Da Ning, it wouldn't be good to have no one to serve him.

Lu Yunyi nodded in realization, quite satisfied with the service provided by Xinchen Trading Company.

"How long have you been here?"

"Reporting to your master, it has been six days."

"Thank you for your hard work. Did you clean the house?"

"Reporting to the master, since you left the capital, five workers have come here to clean every day."

Having said that, Gu Chunzhu took out a document from her sleeve and held it in her hands:

"Sir, these are the documents from the past six months, including the cleaning times and the names of the people involved."

If anything goes wrong in the household, the root cause can be found quickly.

Lu Yunyi took the documents, deeply impressed by the professionalism of the Xinchen Trading Company.
No wonder the general hired them to maintain the mansion.
However, a price of 32,000 for ten years is indeed not cheap.

Upon entering the mansion, Lu Yunyi immediately spotted a dozen or so beautiful women standing in the front yard.
They were dressed in brightly colored clothes, and came in all shapes and sizes, and were all very good-looking.

"Greetings, sir."

A chorus of sweet, delicate voices rang out, and Lu Yunyi's hair stood on end.

"what is this?"

Gu Chunzhu raised an eyebrow and replied:
"Sir, these are for your amusement and entertainment. They are all famous actors from various opera troupes, as well as the top courtesan from Lotus Pavilion."

Lotus Pavilion was a brothel that Hua Jieyu bought at Mao Xiang's behest; it was located on the banks of the Qinhuai River.

Lu Yunyi raised an eyebrow and asked:

"Which one is from Lotus Pavilion?"

Gu Chunzhu waved quickly:
"Miss Wanheng, come quickly."

As the voice faded, a tall woman in pink slowly walked out from the center.

With light, graceful steps, her slender figure, shrouded in a faint fragrance, swayed as her skirt outlined her exquisite curves.

Her face was as white as snow, her eyebrows and eyes were like autumn waters shimmering with waves, and her emotions surged with every glance. Beneath her willow-leaf eyebrows, a cinnabar mole at the corner of her eye added to her charm.

The corners of his mouth turned up slightly, carrying a perfectly timed smile.

With a joyful expression, she slowly stepped out of the crowd and bowed to Lu Yunyi:
"This humble woman, Su Wanheng, greets Your Excellency."

Unlike her appearance, her voice carried a hint of coolness, and possessed an alluring quality befitting an intellectual woman.

"She stays, send the rest of you back."

Lu Yunyi waved his hand and strode towards the main hall.

Su Wanheng was taken aback, but then a look of intense joy flashed in her eyes, and the corners of her mouth widened instantly.

In contrast, the other women could not hide their disappointment.

Gu Chunzhu looked at everyone and waved her hands repeatedly:

"Alright, alright, all of you go back."

"Miss Su, why aren't you following them? What are you waiting for?"

Su Wanheng then realized what was happening and managed to calm her breathing:

"Thank you, steward. I'll go right away."

After saying that, she tiptoed, swayed her waist, and followed.

Inside the main hall, after Lu Yunyi sat down, he watched her walk in and pointed to a teacup beside him:
"Pour the tea."

"Yes"

Su Wanheng quickly went to pour tea.

As she brought over the teacup, a delicate fragrance followed.

Lu Yunyi took a sip, feeling some relief from his dry mouth, and smiled at the woman in front of him, asking:
Who gave you your name?

"Reporting to the master, it was taken by the head manager."

The word "晚" (wan) is taken from the hazy imagery of "月上柳梢头" (yue shang liu shao tou), and "蘅" (heng) refers to the herb Du Heng, which comes from the line "采芳洲兮杜若" (cai fang zhou xi du ruo) in the Chu Ci (Songs of Chu).

The shopkeeper also said it was a metaphor for noble character, like fragrant herbs, and he even had the young woman learn the guqin (a traditional Chinese stringed instrument).

Lu Yunyi scrutinized her carefully.
Su Wanheng's nearly 1.7-meter height made her stand tall and graceful, with a particularly alluring figure.

Especially when squatting down, the firm thighs and calves come together.
With a touch of healthy flesh, the tulle skirt stretched taut.

"Go and prepare hot water, and also prepare a clean set of official robes."

Su Wanheng's face flushed instantly, her slender, milky-white palms were beaded with sweat, and her breathing became slightly rapid.

"Yes, sir."

In the backyard, inside the large bathtub,
The shower, which covers half the roof, is currently spraying water downwards.

Lu Yunyi leaned against the stone wall, his eyes slightly closed.
Reflecting on the events of these past few days, I meticulously examined any potential oversights. As my mind became clearer, the oversights in my words, actions, and decisions were gradually identified and etched into my memory.

Fortunately, the decision didn't make Lu Yunyi regret it; it just had some minor flaws.

Beside him, Su Wanheng, dressed in a thin gauze, sat sideways, her firm buttocks forming a rounded curve, her fingers gently kneading his body.

The water that had been poured out had completely soaked the thin gauze covering her body, which clung to her skin, revealing her exquisite figure.

A flicker of doubt, and a hidden, burgeoning desire, flashed in her eyes.
Su Wanheng couldn't understand what could be more worthy of her contemplation than that of a great beauty like herself.

After a while, Lu Yunyi finally made a move.
A look of surprise flashed in Su Wanheng's eyes, but Lu Yunyi simply turned over and gave her instructions:

"Rub your back."

"Yes"

Su Wanheng's voice carried a hint of sorrow.
Slender, delicate fingers gently kneaded her firm, rounded back.

The sensation of power emanating from her fingertips made her heart pound, and the image of her being pinned down flashed through her mind.

Unfortunately, it wasn't until noon that...

Lu Yunyi put on the brand-new official robes of the Governor's Mansion, but Su Wanheng was also unable to get her wish, and her resentment was almost overflowing.

She helped Lu Yunyi straighten his clothes and asked softly:
"Sir, will you be back tonight?"

Lu Yunyi glanced at her, looking down at her from his vantage point where he could see the deep trench, and a blush on her neck exuded a delicate fragrance.

"Those who inquire about the whereabouts of high-ranking officials without authorization shall be punished with twenty lashes according to the law."

"what"

Su Wanheng froze on the spot, feeling that the adult in front of her was too serious.
He didn't seem like a vigorous young man in his twenties, but rather like a helpless old man over seventy.

"My lord, please forgive me. I wish to prepare some relaxation items for you, to help you loosen your muscles and bones."

"Let's prepare first, and talk about it when we get back."

Lu Yunyi walked to the table, picked up his teacup, drank it all in one gulp, and looked at Feng Yunfang at the door:
"Get ready, we're going to the palace."

"Yes!"

Before long, accompanied by Su Wanheng, the group headed towards the end of the east street of the three alleys.

Once you step out of the alley, you'll reach the imperial city.

Su Wanheng's face was full of sorrow. She reached out and pinched her chest, then her cheek, her eyes full of confusion.

"Am I not pretty enough? Why isn't the master reacting at all?"

At noon, Lu Yunyi entered the imperial city and arrived at the gate of the Five Military Commands' Mansion.

Many officials had been waiting there for some time.

Upon seeing Lu Yunyi arrive, they all bowed and greeted him.

"Lord Lu, please follow me."

Lu Yunyi nodded and followed the clerk into the Left Army Commander's Office.

Upon entering the main hall, countless eyes were cast upon them, each one displaying surprise.

Lu Yunyi then saw many different kinds of figures.

Some were acquaintances, while others were people I had never met before.

Especially the governor at the very head of the table, who was nearly fifty years old; he had only heard of him before but never seen him in person.
Seeing him today, I can see he truly lives up to his reputation as the person in charge of the canal transport.
If he weren't wearing armor, Lu Yunyi might have mistaken him for a fisherman.

"This humble general, Lu Yunyi, pays his respects to Lord Zhulu."

Zhu Shou, the Marquis of Zhulu, was in charge of the grain transport in previous years.
At the beginning of the year, he was transferred to the Left Army Commandery as Commander-in-Chief, a first-rank official position.

Lu Yunyi then looked at the first person on the left and bowed again:
"This humble general, Lu Yunyi, pays his respects to Marquis Chongshan!"

Marquis Chongshan, Li Xin, was a representative of those who rose from humble beginnings during the Hongwu reign.

The speed at which he rose from a military household to a marquis was astonishing.

Lu Yunyi then looked at the two people to his right and bowed in turn.

The two men were Chen Chun and Xiao Qi, both of whom were founding heroes of the Ming Dynasty and held the rank of second-grade official.

After doing all this, Lu Yunyi straightened up.

Most of the others were of his rank and did not need to pay homage.

It is worth mentioning that the original governor, Geng Zhong, has now gone to Sichuan to guard Zhucheng, and it is unknown when he will return.

This immediately distanced Lu Yunyi from the Left Army Commandery.

Sitting at the head of the table, Zhu Shou looked Lu Yunyi up and down, nodding frequently:

"Young, really young."

I've heard people say you're a capable person.
But I only learned how capable he truly was after I arrived at the Left Army Commander's Office. Lord Lu, please have a seat.

Lu Yunyi cupped his hands in greeting and stepped to the right, below him.

But Vice Commander Chen Chun smiled and pointed to the empty seat opposite him, saying:
"As a regional commander, he should at least be given a seat of honor, sitting opposite me."

Lu Yunyi paused, but without refusing, he turned and walked to the left, sitting down next to Marquis Chongshan, Li Xin.

The atmosphere in the main hall was somewhat strange.
Sitting in the back, the other officials from the Governor's Office who were listening in all turned their gazes toward Lu Yunyi, leaving them with surprise.

He was promoted to Deputy Commander-in-Chief just a year ago, and now he's getting promoted again?

Many people who were unaware of the truth were shocked and filled with doubt.

What are the Crown Prince and the General up to?
Why push a young man so hard?

Sensing the strange atmosphere in the lobby,
Lu Yunyi offered no explanation, calmly picking up his teacup and taking a small sip.

A commanding presence emerged, surprising many.

This courage alone far surpasses that of some young people in Beijing.

Marquis Chongshan, Li Xin, glanced at Lu Yunyi and said with a smile:
"General Lu has unleashed a massacre in Liaodong."
We were shocked when we received the document from the palace. Truly, new talents emerge in every generation; we, on the other hand, are growing old.

Lu Yunyi paused slightly in his tea-sipping motion, sensing the veiled barbs in the tea's tone.

He put down his teacup and spoke softly:
"The Jurchens of Liaodong have invaded our Great Ming Dynasty, which is an act of treason and rebellion."

If we don't deliver a strong blow, they might even start to covet it.

"Humph"

Li Xin gave a light snort and said with a smile:
"General Lu is far too ruthless."

Although the Liaodong Jurchens were not a significant force, they maintained extensive trade relations with Liaodong every year, and the Jurchens would collect medicinal herbs from the mountains and forests.

"The sudden loss of so many resources is a huge blow to Liaodong."

"Lord Chongshan, those who violate my borders, no matter how far away, shall be punished."

As for business dealings, the Liaodong Military Command can directly order them to be delivered.

If the three Jurchen tribes still dare to refuse now, that would be truly impressive.

The two exchanged words, neither willing to yield, engaging in a silent battle of wits.

Those inside the Left Army Commander's Mansion who knew the inside story exchanged bewildered glances, their eyes deep-set.
But the other governor's offices looked bewildered.
What are they talking about?
It wasn't until Zhu Shou, the Marquis of Zhulu, spoke that everyone understood what had happened.

"Lord Lu, with the strength of a mere commander, has killed over 100,000 enemies; he has rendered a great service."

"Wow—"

Many people looked horrified, and some adults even half-stood up to look at the group of officials from the Left Army Commandery.
what happened?
Zhu Shou waved his hand, and the clerks behind him distributed the documents one by one:

"This shows the military movements of Liaodong and Beiping Regional Military Command over the past six months."

The three Jurchen tribes invaded the border, coordinating with each other from within and without.

The Northern Pacification Command, acting on a secret imperial decree, dispatched troops and decisively defeated 100,000 soldiers and civilians from three tribes, pacifying the border region.

The adults eagerly finished reading the document.
After seeing those incredibly detailed numbers

The documents in my hands felt heavy, as if they were soaked in blood.

Marquis Chongshan, Li Xin, looked rather unpleasant and gave a soft snort:
"They killed 100,000 in battle. I wonder if the three Jurchen tribes had that many people."

Lu Yunyi shook his head with a wry smile, deciding not to argue with him any further.

"Then fifty thousand will do."

Marquis Chongshan, Li Xin, changed his expression slightly, gripped the armrest of his chair tightly, and felt a surge of anger.
Some of the adults present watched them with amused expressions.

Even if it meant slaying 50,000, it would still be terrifying enough.

Seeing that the atmosphere in the room was a bit tense, Zhu Shou smiled and tried to smooth things over:
"The reason I have invited you gentlemen here today is to discuss the selection of the next commander of the Liaodong Regional Military Commission."

His Majesty has ordered us to select at least five candidates before submitting them to the palace, which is why I have invited you gentlemen here.

These words immediately warmed up the atmosphere in the room.

Commander of Liaodong
This is a very good official position.
The iron mines in Liaodong alone could make a fortune!
Zhu Shou smiled and continued:
"Please wait a moment, everyone. The Duke of Wei, the Marquis of Wuding, and some young generals will also be here to listen in shortly."
Please have some tea and pastries first.

(End of this chapter)