In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 773 Good News from the Northern Frontier: Yingtian Merchants Smuggle...

The meeting of the Left Army Commander-in-Chief's Office ended hastily, and the officials dispersed one after another.

Lu Yunyi, who had just left the main hall, was quickly surrounded by a group of adults, who completely blocked his way.

The Vice Commander-in-Chief Xiao Qi was very interested in this matter and was the first to come forward.

His expression was somewhat solemn, and his gaze toward Lu Yunyi carried a hint of suspicion.

He tentatively asked:

"Is what Lord Lu just said true or false?"

Lu Yunyi gave him a strange look and said in a deep voice:
"Lord Xiao, if the area outside the Great Wall wants to develop trade, it is absolutely impossible without a stable and reliable road."

Once the roads between Shanhaiguan and Daning are repaired, the two sides will be able to exchange goods and services, which will surely bring prosperity.

However, relying solely on trade between the two places is somewhat insufficient.
If Liaodong could be added, it would be a business involving millions of people.

This will be of great benefit to both Daming and Liaodong in the future.

Even Beiping (Beijing) would benefit from this.

Xiao Qi did not object to these words; on the contrary, she felt that what he said made a lot of sense.

The Governor-General's Office and all the court officials knew this principle.

Where roads are open, business thrives; this is especially important in border regions.

Look at Guangdong and Fujian in the south; they can make a fortune just by relying on both land and sea trade.
Not only did they not ask the imperial court for money, they could even give back to the imperial court.

However, opening such roads would be time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Moreover... if a large sum of money is spent on repairing roads outside the Great Wall, the Governor's Office will not be able to get past the domestic military command alone.

However, if the Commander-in-Chief of the Outer Pass raises the funds on his own, that's a different story, and the results will be completely different.

Thinking of this, a resolute look flashed in Xiao Qi's eyes:
"Does Da Ning have a road construction plan for Liaodong?"

Lu Yunyi made no attempt to hide anything and nodded:

"The construction company's branch has long been established in Daning City."

Today, the company employs at least two thousand cement craftsmen.

Once the road to Shanhaiguan was completed, these craftsmen and the people who built the road would need a place to go.

If we don't repair the roads in Liaodong, just figuring out how to support these people will give me a huge headache.

From frugality to luxury is easy, from luxury to frugality.

The people benefited from the road construction.
If they were to live those days of hunger and cold again, they wouldn't be happy about it.

Xiao Qi's expression was solemn, and he strongly agreed with this statement.

If the road built by Daning to Shanhaiguan was intended to open up trade routes...
The construction of roads in Liaodong was largely driven by self-preservation and the need to ensure the stability of people's livelihoods.

A resolute glint flashed in Xiao Qi's eyes as he said in a deep voice:
"Lord Lu, do you have a past relationship with Pan Jing?"

Lu Yunyi shook his head:

"I have never even seen this person before, let alone know who he is."

I recommended him simply to bring some stability to Liaodong.

The other adults were certainly very capable.

However, the forces behind it are complex and intertwined.
The fact that the commander is cooperating with them on road construction could easily lead to some unforeseen problems.

In comparison, I still think it's better to have a more straightforward official title like the Commander-in-Chief of Liaodong.

After all, there was the example of Mei Ni's brilliant performance.
If such a thing were to happen again, the Left Army Commander's Office would lose face.

Xiao Qi nodded solemnly:
"I understand."

After he left, the group of adults who had been observing gathered around and started asking questions all at once.

Lu Yunyi responded to each question with a very warm and friendly attitude, a stark contrast to his arrogance in the main hall just moments before.

This greatly changed many people's attitudes towards him.

After dealing with all the lords
Marquis Wuding and Marquis Changxing, who were at the very back, slowly walked up.

Marquis Guo Ying of Wuding beamed with joy, his eyebrows arched, and his eyes brimming with undisguised delight.

He walked up to Lu Yunyi and patted him heavily on the shoulder:

"here you go."

Marquis Changxing, standing to the side, also spoke up with a smile:
"You've become even more capable in the past two years."

"Your speed of promotion is something I've never heard of or seen before."

Lu Yunyi maintained a smiling expression throughout.

These two marquises had given him guidance on several occasions during the northern expeditionary force and had also offered him assistance on several separate occasions.
He had a very good impression of the two of them.

"My lords, may I ask who this Pan Jing is?"

At this point, Guo Ying laughed heartily:

"I've been very busy with affairs in the capital lately and haven't had a chance to meet you."

The old man, Zhu Shou, hastily convened a meeting, catching everyone off guard.

Fortunately, you're smart enough to have found the right person.

“My lord, Pan Jing stands out too much among the commanders. It’s hard for me to not notice him even if I wanted to.”

"Hahaha, I'm glad you understand what I mean."

This Pan Jing... he's a real taciturn guy.

He doesn't like to interact with people in his daily life and is busy with military affairs all day.

He was entrusted with almost all the affairs of the Left Guard of the Imperial Guard, and he handled them in an orderly manner.

But now he's getting old, over fifty, and if he doesn't take another step forward, he'll eventually have to go home and be kicked out.

As an old comrade-in-arms who fought alongside him, I should lend him a hand.

not to mention…

The situation in Liaodong is currently complex.
Without someone from our own side to keep things in order, chaos will inevitably ensue sooner or later.

Lu Yunyi frowned slightly, fully understanding Marquis Wuding's desire to promote his subordinates.

But he didn't quite understand...

Why did Marquis Wuding make such a prediction that Liaodong would descend into chaos?

"Lord Wuding, with Mei Yi's incident as an example, how dare anyone collude with outsiders?"

Marquis Wuding shook his head:
"It's not that there was collusion between insiders and outsiders, but the trade routes between Goryeo and Japan are just too tempting."

If you stay there too long, you'll eventually start having wicked thoughts.

So we need to find a reliable person to go there.

Moreover, news came from the Shandong Military Command that Yi Seong-gye of the Goryeo Dynasty had the inclination to declare himself king.

If he were to actually raise an army, he would inevitably have to purchase military equipment from Shandong and Liaodong.

Such a large sum of money, perfect for road construction!

Upon hearing this, Lu Yunyi's eyes lit up.

If I remember correctly, the Joseon Dynasty was established in the 25th year of the Hongwu reign.

Now, Prime Minister Yi Seong-gye controls the Goryeo court, effectively sidelining King Gongyang.

If things continue to develop in this way, he will ascend the throne sooner or later.

In that case, it would be great if we could earn some money from Korea to supplement our household income.

"My lord, I see that you are determined to obtain the position of Commander-in-Chief of Liaodong. Lord Pan... is it possible?"

Marquis Wuding smiled slightly:
"Man proposes, God disposes."

We should try it no matter what.

Xiao Qi has already wavered today.
If he could support Pan Jing, the matter would already be mostly settled.

At tomorrow's court assembly, Zhao Mian gathered a group of people, intending to persuade His Majesty to abandon the Market Exchange Bureau.

At that time, all he has to do is say that the imperial court has plenty of money.
We'll immediately jump in and make him pay for the road repairs. That way... we'll profit either way.

After a moment's thought, Lu Yunyi understood the key point.

If we could take this opportunity to get some money from the Ministry of Revenue, that would be excellent.

If the Ministry of Revenue refuses to provide it,

Then the Left Army Commander-in-Chief's Office would have to consider where the money for road repairs would come from.

Lu Yunyi astutely observed that these dukes and marquises, who had long been immersed in the court,

Although my education level is not high and I can't write fancy poems,

However, his application of military strategy was so ingrained that it was still effective in the imperial court.

No matter what it is, they can always find something to benefit from it.

They talked about some other things as well.

The group eventually parted ways in front of the Left Army Governor's Mansion.

Having resolved his doubts, Lu Yunyi felt refreshed and even his body felt much lighter.

Once this matter is resolved, it's time to consider returning to Daning.

He mounted his horse and staggered back to the Third Alley of Xi'an Gate.

It was afternoon, and the scorching sun was relentlessly basking in the heat, making the entire Three Alleys sweltering.

Upon entering, one could immediately feel the oppressive heat. Feng Yunfang, who was walking at the front, spotted the courier in front of the mansion and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

He tugged at the reins and strode forward to ask:
"who?"

Upon seeing the person approaching, the courier quickly bowed and took out several letters from his bundle, handing them over.

"My lord, this is an urgent dispatch from the Northern Pacification Command!"

Feng Yunfang's expression turned solemn. He quickly took the letter and instructed the soldiers beside him to give the letter a reward.

He handed the letter to Lu Yunyi.
Lu Yunyi stood at the entrance of the mansion, opened the package, and took out the letter inside.

With just a glance, he raised an eyebrow, let out a cold laugh, and unreservedly cursed:
"Deserved it."

After he finished reading the letter, he casually tossed it to Feng Yunfang:
"destroy."

"Yes!"

……

Miaoyinfang, No. 32 Zhuque Street

The shopkeeper, Mu Jinghe, hurriedly entered the inner room and met the travel-worn messenger, a middle-aged man in his forties dressed as a scholar.

Upon seeing Mu Jinghe, he hurriedly handed her the letter and said in a deep voice:

"Urgent report from Beiping."

Mu Jinghe opened the envelope and took out the letter.

At just a glance, her beautiful face paled, and her expression changed drastically.
His fingers, gripping the letter, trembled slightly, and his breathing became increasingly rapid.

"I see, you go down."

"Yes!"

After the messenger left, she stood there for a long time, pondering, her eyes finally turning ruthless.

She turned and left hastily, returning to her boudoir. She opened a secret passage in the bookcase next to her and hurried inside.

Soon, she arrived at the secret underground stronghold of the Embroidered Uniform Guard!

Because of the Li Shanchang incident, the entire Embroidered Uniform Guard is now working overtime.

As the most important stronghold in Yingtian City, this base has been operating almost non-stop these days.

Upon entering, one can see rows of Imperial Guards with sunken eyes and dark circles under their eyes.

Mu Jinghe's arrival attracted a lot of attention, and greedy eyes swept over her as if they wanted to devour her alive.

Below her slender waist were round, perky buttocks, which swayed even faster as she walked, making many people's mouths dry.

Mu Jinghe ignored the gazes of these people and went straight to the deepest part of the stronghold.

The office of Mao Xiang, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Mao Xiang was now overwhelmed by a mountain of documents.

Stacks of documents were neatly arranged on the large desk, almost completely engulfing him.

From the front, all you can see are documents; only by moving to the side can you see Mao Xiang's weary figure...

Hearing footsteps, Mao Xiang raised his bloodshot eyes and glared at them fiercely, his voice hoarse:
"What happened?"

Mu Jinghe stepped forward, slammed the letter on his desk, and scolded him:

"You promised me that my men would be safe when they were sent out!"

Mao Xiang frowned, picked up the letter on the table, and quickly opened it to read.

The scribbled handwriting caught my eye, and a surge of anger welled up from the bottom of my heart.

Mao Xiang gritted his teeth:

"This is utterly outrageous!!!"

Mu Jinghe took a deep breath, trying to remain calm, staring intently at Mao Xiang, and said, word by word:

"A dignified secret agent of the Embroidered Uniform Guard was openly confiscated and beheaded by local officials."
"Is this all you're capable of, commander?"

Mu Jinghe's words were anything but polite, her eyes reddened, and there were hints of tears.

Mao Xiang was speechless, staring blankly at the letter in a daze.

After all… it happened.

After a long while, he leaned back in his chair, let out a long sigh, and said in a deep voice:

"The matter of Da Ning was my oversight."

"If Lu Yunyi had gone to Daning, I should have brought my men back sooner. I shouldn't have taken this chance..."

"Now that the person is dead, what do you want to do?"

Mu Jinghe tried to calm her breathing.
But the more she tried to calm down, the more rapid her breathing became, and her voice trembled.

Mao Xiang remained silent, staring blankly at the document, and did not speak for a long time.

A hint of disorientation gradually appeared on Mu Jinghe's stubborn little face.

She was well aware that the Embroidered Uniform Guard had already gained enough attention in this turmoil.

He was practically a thorn in the side of all the court officials.

At this point, going against Lu Yunyi would undoubtedly be an unwise choice.

But she still hoped to save face, not for the sake of the steamed bun.

At the very least... we need to make a statement and boost the morale of our brothers in the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

A deathly silence fell over the dark and damp office, where the two remained in their original positions.

After a long silence, Mao Xiang sighed deeply and said in a deep voice:

"Now that things have come to this, any further weakness would only break the hearts of our brothers. This matter cannot be left unresolved."

Mu Jinghe pursed her lips, slightly surprised, and spoke firmly:
"How to do?"

Mao Xiang opened the drawer, took out a document, and opened it. It was filled with dense records, with names arranged neatly and orderly.

He quickly pointed to a name, emphasizing it:
"Liu Sili's nephew now works at Yingtian Trading Company, handling some goods that come from Beiping."

However, the Embroidered Uniform Guard discovered that he was using transportation channels to smuggle goods and engaging in smuggling.

Considering Liu Sili's background as a member of a prominent family in Liaodong, perhaps this could be a starting point.

Mu Jinghe bent down and carefully examined the document.

Under Liu Zixian's name, there were nearly twenty lines of records showing the entry and exit of goods.
It covers everything, big and small.

A train of goods from Yingtian Trading Company,
A train of smuggled goods,
Most of them are precious items such as refined iron, medicinal herbs, and spices.

Where did he get the spices?

Mu Jinghe keenly sensed something was amiss and asked in surprise.

If I remember correctly, spices could only be obtained through maritime trade in Southeast Asia.

Even the spices used in Miaoyinfang are sourced from Fujian, and are extremely expensive.

A resolute glint flashed in Mao Xiang's eyes as he spoke in a deep voice:
"It's because a lot of spices of unknown origin suddenly appeared in the capital."

The Embroidered Uniform Guard had just discovered the Yingtian Trading Company when they found Liu Zixian.

As for the origin of these spices, I speculate that they likely came from Korea and Japan.

At this point, Mao Xiang's expression turned amused, and his voice took on a slightly sarcastic tone:

"If I remember correctly, Mei Yi controlled a smuggling route from Japan to Korea and then to Liaodong."

If we could connect these two things,
Liu Zixian is doomed, and it might even implicate Liu Sili.

"Smuggling channels?"

A hint of doubt flashed in Mu Jinghe's eyes.
"Do Japan and Korea also have spices?"

Mao Xiang gave a soft snort and shook his head:

"It's a smuggling channel used by maritime trade."
Since the Duke of Xin led the Zhongdu Garrison to quell the rebellion in Fujian,

The regulations on maritime trade are becoming increasingly strict.

This led to the development of a route that bypassed Japan, unloaded the goods there, and then passed through Goryeo (Korea) into Liaodong.

Although it was troublesome, it was insignificant compared to the enormous sum of money involved.

"This is why the competition for the position of Commander-in-Chief of Liaodong is so fierce now."

If you control such a trade route, you could make a fortune every year.
There was enough for everyone, from top to bottom, to eat their fill.

Only then did Mu Jinghe show a look of realization, her eyes filled with deep apprehension:
"I see... But given Mei Yi's fate, would you still dare to use such channels?"

Mao Xiang gave a self-deprecating laugh, a hint of sarcasm appearing at the corner of his mouth:

"Do you think they're the same as me?"
They're all people who've survived chaotic times, yet they don't know the meaning of fear.

Mu Jinghe thought about it and realized that made sense, but she still had some concerns:
"If this matter is brought up, then we'll really have a complete falling out."

Will you be able to withstand the pressure from Liu Sili then?

He's a big shot in Beijing now; countless people come knocking on his door seeking favors.

Mao Xiang waved his hand:

"Those in positions of power should fulfill their duties; once they leave, their influence fades."

If he didn't have this position, who would fawn over him?

It's settled then, we'll arrest Liu Zixian tonight.

This time, we'll definitely teach that brat Lu Yunyi a lesson—the Embroidered Uniform Guard isn't someone to be trifled with!

(End of this chapter)