In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 780 Great Victory in the Northern Expedition, Zengcheng Lychees

"A great victory!"

"A Great Victory in the Northern Expedition—"

The thunderous sound of horses' hooves echoed outside the city like raindrops, growing more intense and powerful as they drew closer.

The merchants and common people who had been waiting to enter the city at the north gate turned around to look.

At the edge of their line of sight appeared a group of figures dressed in black armor, looking disheveled and travel-worn.

There were about fifty people in total. The dust kicked up by the galloping warhorses made their figures appear and disappear, as if they were tumbling in the yellow sand.

As they drew closer, the common people and merchants saw the blood-stained armor on their bodies.
And those weathered, withered faces, with clearly visible high-altitude redness and cracks.

The group galloped away, the dust kicked up by their warhorses prompting many civilians to wave their hands in front of them.
However, regarding such an offense,
They didn't care.

Instead, they listened intently to the messenger's report of victory.

"The Northern Expeditionary Army has achieved a great victory, and the Grand Commandant of the Northern Yuan has surrendered!"

The group rushed through the north gate, where the barricades had already been removed, and headed towards the Five Military Commands and the Ministry of War.

The sound attracted the attention of the people along the way, and pairs of eyes seemed to be fixed on it.

Li Wu, the manager of Li's brokerage firm, was carefully pushing a tricycle through the city.

Seeing this scene,

He quickly stopped the car, held onto the valuable porcelain in the carriage, and let them pass first.

Hong Chengyun, the nephew who was pushing the cart from behind, peeked out.

Although he was not good with words and was somewhat taciturn

But he still mustered the courage to ask:

"Second Uncle, did you win the battle?"

Seeing that the car had come to a complete stop, Li Wu tilted his head, wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve, and nodded with a smile:

"The good news has arrived, so we've naturally won. The presence of the princes makes all the difference."
In less than six months, the war was won.

Hong Chengyun laughed happily and said:
"Second Uncle, once the army returns victorious, we'll be busy again."

"Yes."

Li Wu also thought of this good news.
Since the brokerage firm opened, business has been incredibly smooth, and they've partnered with several workshops under the Governor's Office.
Sometimes, military supplies were transported to the northern camp of the city, or to Puzikou City.

As the army returns north, their weapons and equipment will naturally need to be replenished and replaced, and their vehicles will inevitably be needed.

Thinking of this, Li Wu laughed and said:
"After we finish this delivery today, let's go ask around at a few restaurants in town."

If they had the job of delivering food and supplies to the military camp,
Let's see if we can take over the job.

Hong Chengyun blinked, deeply impressed by his second uncle's keen intuition, and nodded repeatedly:
"Then let's hurry up, Second Uncle, and not waste any more time."
After delivering the items, my second uncle needed to go back and change into clean clothes before we could talk.

Li Wu looked down at the clothes that were engraved with "Li's Brokerage Firm".

Aside from the freshly soaked sweat, there were also some white sweat stains and mud, making him look quite disheveled.

However, upon seeing this, Li Wu not only showed no disgust, but instead smiled happily.

For a rickshaw driver... the more sweat he produces, the better his business is going.

He looked at Hong Chengyun and waved his hand:
"Let's go, after we finish delivering the goods, we'll go back together."
You go to the school, I'll go to the restaurant!

Hong Chengyun smiled and pulled his head back, placing his arms on the two handrails at the back of the tricycle.

Push hard...

With the two working together, the tricycle slowly moved away from its original position.

The remaining ordinary people and merchants who were shocked by the good news gradually returned to normal.

……

The main hall of the Lu residence!
Inside the huge bronze furnace were clean, white blocks of ice, the coolness emanating from them even turning into wisps of white smoke, dispelling the sweltering summer heat.

Inside the antique-style main hall, there was a large bamboo rocking chair.

Lu Yunyi lay comfortably on it, rocking back and forth, his face full of contentment.
Su Wanheng sat to one side, holding a round palm-leaf fan, gently fanning herself.

Every now and then, she would take a lychee from the fruit plate beside her, peel it gently, and put it into Lu Yunyi's mouth.
The chilled lychees exude a refreshing summer fragrance, and when you pop them into your mouth, the juice bursts out, filling your mouth with a sweet aroma.

"Sir, I heard these lychees came from Zengcheng in Guangdong."

They were to be escorted by express horses and arrive in the capital within three days.
"Sir, the one you're eating was probably just picked from the tree the day before yesterday."

"Where did you hear that? It's so mystical."

Lu Yunyi's eyes narrowed slightly.
The languor of summer kept him constantly drowsy.

With the Li faction's affair temporarily resolved, he cherished this rare moment of leisure.

Su Wanheng spoke softly:
"That's what the fruit vendor who sells lychees said."
It is said that the color of the lychee changes in one day, its fragrance changes in two days, and its taste changes in three days.
Therefore, to get the best lychees, you had to send them by express courier, changing horses but not riders.

Lu Yunyi smiled:

"These are all just gimmicks to inflate prices. Right now, our lychees might only arrive in three days."

It's common for lychees from other fruit vendors to take seven or eight days to arrive.

"Sir, won't it break?"

Su Wanheng's beautiful face showed a hint of surprise.

Lu Yunyi said:
"Stuff the bamboo basket with enough ice, and wrap it in a large quilt."

Lychees picked with their stems and leaves still attached, and if they are frequently sprinkled with water, they won't spoil for seven or eight days, though they might become slightly less fresh.
But it doesn't matter, since people in Beijing don't know what fresh lychees taste like anyway.

"what…"

Su Wanheng's mouth dropped open, her large, bright eyes filled with astonishment, a sly glint in them:
"Sir, have you ever heard a poem?"

"what?"

"A rider gallops through the dust, bringing a smile to the imperial concubine's face; no one knows it's lychees that have arrived. It's said that Yang Guifei sent lychees a thousand miles via post stations just to enjoy them..."

Do you think Yang Guifei might have eaten stale lychees?

"will not."

Lu Yunyi smiled and shook his head.

"Although Lingnan was mountainous and dangerous during the Tang Dynasty, it was still possible to deliver goods to Chang'an in three days, but the cost would be higher and some people would die."

Su Wanheng nodded her head in realization and whispered:
"My lord, every year around this time, people say that Yang Guifei brought ruin to the country and was arrogant because of the emperor's favor."

To go to such great lengths just to eat a few lychees,
even…

Some say that Emperor Xuanzong of Tang liked to eat and used Yang Guifei's name; in short, there are many different opinions.

Lu Yunyi shifted his position, making himself comfortable on the recliner, while placing one hand on Su Wanheng and saying with a smile:
"These kinds of rumors are just for fun. Whether Yang Guifei or Emperor Xuanzong liked them, they shouldn't be taken seriously."

"what?"

Su Wanheng blinked blankly, then leaned closer with a grin, resting her head on the armrest of the recliner, her big eyes fixed on Lu Yunyi with a look of infatuation:

"Master, I am not well-educated, please enlighten me."

"This matter is complicated. It seems to be about winning a smile from a beauty, but in reality, it is also an opportunity to test the court's control over the local areas."

For any dynasty, official roads are like the meridians and blood vessels connecting the nation, while post stations are like the bones that strengthen the connection between these meridians and blood vessels.

If these post stations could be used to ensure the smooth and unimpeded transport of lychees from Lingnan to Chang'an,

This proves that the central government still has a certain degree of control over the frontier.

Su Wanheng's eyes lit up, and she nodded as if she understood, then asked:

"What if it can't be delivered?"

Lu Yunyi slightly opened his eyes, his gaze revealing a deep meaning:

"If the goods cannot be delivered... it means that the local post stations are corrupt and can no longer fulfill their function as 'backbone' stations, or that the local authorities are outwardly complying with the imperial court's orders but inwardly disobeying them."
However, if problems arise with official roads and post stations, the imperial court's control over local areas will be greatly diminished.

After all, the post stations were also part of the army, and the army was often the last place to decay.

Therefore, in every dynasty, post stations and their servants were the most powerful presence on the official roads, representing an extension of the court's control.

Su Wanheng nodded in realization and let out a silly laugh:
"My lord, these principles are too profound for me to understand."

But if that's the case, wouldn't Yang Guifei have become a pawn for Emperor Xuanzong of Tang to test his control over the court?

Lu Yunyi chuckled softly:
"She wasn't really a pawn, but she just happened to be in this situation."

However, how many things in this world can truly be distinguished as genuine or feigned, unintentional or deliberate?

Just like these lychees, different perspectives lead to different answers. To outsiders, it's seen as Yang Guifei's extravagant act.
But in the eyes of the imperial court, spending such a small price to test their control over the regions was a huge gain.

Su Wanheng sighed softly, her eyes filled with admiration as she looked at Lu Yunyi.

"My lord, you are truly amazing. I have never heard of such a saying before."

"Such things have happened in every dynasty, but they are kept secret. Our Ming Dynasty is no exception."

"We have some too? Sir, please tell us."

Lu Yunyi pulled Su Wanheng close, letting her lean against him, and said with a smile:

"In the last battle of Luchuan, the imperial court mobilized grain and troops from all the military commands in the southeast and southwest in advance."
Even the Ü-Tsang Commandery and the Dorgon Commandery mobilized troops and supplies.

This was a way to inspect various places while the war was raging.
If troops and supplies fail to arrive in time, or are in short supply,

That means something's wrong; the court will settle old scores after the war ends. "How could it be like this…?"

Su Wanheng's beautiful eyes flickered repeatedly, showing some surprise and some shock:

"Master, there are so many intricacies involved..."

"That's natural. The Tang Dynasty's methods of probing were crude; they would either send lychees or send troops to the capital for training."
The Song and Yuan dynasties became much more secretive, and nowadays they are virtually invisible.
The imperial court is testing the waters in various ways.
Only by identifying problems and making timely adjustments can the court maintain its stability and prosperity.

Lu Yunyi tilted his head and looked at her, then smiled:

"Why is your body so soft?"

Su Wanheng's face was flushed, and she breathed heavily, looking somewhat shy.

"I go weak at the sight of you, sir..."

"Ha ha ha ha."

Lu Yunyi laughed heartily and patted her little head:
"It's not good to indulge in lewdness in broad daylight. Here's what I'll do... Go and draw the curtains."

Su Wanheng's cheeks were as red as the sun about to disappear below the horizon, her eyes were glazed, and her slender arms supported her voluptuous body as she twisted and turned to draw the curtains...

But before she could reach the door, a dark shadow appeared through the window, followed by a voice:

"My lord, the general has sent someone to deliver a message, instructing you to don armor and wait at the north gate."

Lu Yunyi, who had been dazed and languid, suddenly became serious. His eyes cleared in a flash, and he strained his waist and sat up abruptly.

"Understood. Call the brothers and prepare the horses."

"Yes!"

Feng Yunfang hurriedly ran away.

Lu Yunyi looked at Su Wanheng, who was standing there in a daze, took a step forward and slapped her hard on the back. Her buttocks trembled slightly, and Su Wanheng let out a soft moan...

"Something has come up today. We'll wait for the master to return!"

"Yes…"

Su Wanheng felt her whole body burning hot and her breathing rapid. She lowered her head and responded softly.

……

In less than fifteen minutes, Lu Yunyi was fully dressed.

He arrived hurriedly outside the north gate with more than a hundred personal guards.

He looked around; a smooth official road stretched out in the middle of it all.
People came and went on the platform, but the general was nowhere to be seen.

Just as he was wondering, the faint sound of horses' hooves reached his ears. Lu Yunyi looked towards the city gate.
A group of over a hundred men on horseback surged out, led by none other than Liang State Duke Lan Yu, who was dressed in the armor of a duke.
Behind him were familiar faces: Marquis Geng Bingwen of Changxing and Marquis Zhang Quan of Yongding.

Further away, there lay Duke Xu Huizu of Wei and Xu Zengshou.
Beside them were two teenagers, Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Gaoxu.

Seeing this scene, a hint of doubt flashed in Lu Yunyi's eyes. What had happened?
The group stopped in front of Lu Yunyi. Lan Yu tugged at the horse's mane and said:
"The northern expeditionary army has entered the capital region, and the vanguard is almost at Yingtian City. We will go to meet them."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yunyi looked enlightened and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect.

"Yes, General!"

"Walk…"

Lan Yu waved her hand and charged out first.

Lu Yunyi did not follow.
Instead, he made several hand gestures to the guards behind him.

In an instant, the hundred-odd people split into dozens of small teams, positioned around the group, seemingly close neighbors, yet also looking out for and helping each other…

The group, in full protective gear, headed north along the official road.

After speeding for only a few miles, they saw billowing dust ahead.
The figures of the vanguard of the Northern Expedition were faintly visible in the smoke and dust.

The thunderous roar of hooves seemed to shake the very earth.
Upon closer inspection, one could see that although the army was covered in dust from their journey, it still exuded a chilling and menacing aura.

The soldiers' armor was covered in marks from swords and spears, stained with blood.
Some had dried to a dark brown color, while others still carried the fresh smell of blood.

Their faces were weathered and weary, but their eyes remained sharp as eagles, radiating courage.

The flags fluttered in the wind.
The two characters "大明" (Da Ming) above were particularly eye-catching in the sunlight.

At the front of the procession, several generals stood out.

Although Duke Fu Youde of Yingguo was old, he still had a tall and straight posture, riding his warhorse steadily as if it were Mount Tai, and his eyes revealed the composure of someone who had been through many battles.

Prince Yan, Zhu Di, was agile and had a stern face, exuding an aura of authority without anger.

Prince Zhu Gang of Jin was much like him, and his brows also revealed a touch of heroism.

Cao Guogong Li Jinglong, young and vigorous, followed closely behind his elders.

Lan Yu took the lead and went forward to greet the generals, exchanging greetings with them, which slightly eased the tense atmosphere.

Zhu Di's gaze swept across the crowd.
Suddenly seeing Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Gaoxu, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.
He reined in his horse, and the horse reared up on its hind legs, letting out a neigh.

"What are you two brats doing here?"

Zhu Di asked loudly, his voice carrying a hint of authority.

Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Gaoxu shrank back and quickly spurred their horses forward. Zhu Gaochi bowed respectfully.

“Father, it was Lord Lu who brought us to the capital. Mother wanted us to broaden our horizons.”

Zhu Gaoxu, beaming with excitement, waved his riding whip and shouted:
"Father, we were so majestic on the road!"

Zhu Di frowned slightly, looking at Lu Yunyi beside him with a questioning look in his eyes.

Lu Yunyi's face stiffened, and he scratched his head:

“Your Highness, this is a long story… I will report it upon my return.”

Fu Youde looked at the two little children, laughed, and said:

"These two lads seem quite clever; they can't stay in Beiping all the time, they need to travel around."

Zhu Di shook his head helplessly and said:

"Those two boys are very unruly; they cause trouble all day long in the capital!"

Lan Yu looked at Fu Youde, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes:

"The army hasn't returned from Beiping?"

Fu Youde nodded:
"The vanguard was returning from Shanxi. Several heavy snowfalls delayed their journey there."
Originally, I was supposed to return to Beijing in June, but now it's been delayed until almost the end of July.

If we travel from Beiping again, it will be delayed until August.

Is the war progressing smoothly?

Lan Yu looked enlightened and asked with a smile.

"All plans have been prepared perfectly; how could anything go wrong?"

Nairbuhua, in the central army, entered the capital along with other generals who had surrendered from the grasslands.
You wouldn't believe it, these people always want to go into every city they come across. I couldn't really say anything, so I brought them back first.

They have probably returned to the capital.

Even though the weather was very hot, Fu Youde was in a very good mood and talked a lot more.

While the group of important figures were talking amongst themselves, Duke Cao, Li Jinglong, was exchanging lewd glances with Lu Yunyi...

Just as the two were getting into it, Prince Zhu Gang of Jin looked at Lu Yunyi and said with a smile:
"Yunyi, I heard you won a battle in Liaodong?"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw that most of the important figures present had received the news, and their expressions varied.

Just as Lu Yunyi was thinking about how to explain, Lan Yu put her hands on her hips and burst into laughter:

"The Jurchens in Liaodong are starving; they're just a bunch of scattered, disorganized soldiers."
If we cannot win, wouldn't our Great Ming Dynasty suffer a great loss of face?

Upon hearing this, some of the generals' expressions relaxed.

Regardless, the northern expedition was of paramount importance, and they were fighting against the elite troops of the steppes.
No matter what, the battle in Liaodong cannot overshadow their efforts.

"Okay...we'll talk about it when we get back, it's too hot here."

Fu Youde wiped his sweat and waved to the back of his hand.

The group then mounted their horses again and hurried towards Yingtian City.

Lu Yunyi remained by his side as a guard, while Li Jinglong suddenly appeared, his excitement barely concealed.
"Yunyi! I have good news for you!"

"what?"

Lu Yunyi was very happy to see her after a year apart.

Li Jinglong waved his hand dismissively, his face full of unrestrained pride:

"Li's military treatise was thus completed; you have no idea."

My two thousand men won several decisive battles; the steppe people are nothing but a joke!

"Really?"

Lu Yunyi also laughed.

"Now that we've achieved such a great victory, after tonight's celebration, I'll take you to the Lotus Pavilion, run by Black Hawk Woman. Every girl there is top-notch! It's my treat!"

Li Jinglong's eyes widened; although he was very tempted, he shook his head repeatedly.

"Tonight won't do. Tonight you have to check my marching arrangements for me to make sure there are no problems. Let's put the beauty aside for now."

Lu Yunyi was greatly shocked, his eyes filled with suspicion, while Li Jinglong was somewhat exasperated:
"From now on, I am General Jinglong, and beauty is nothing to me!"

(End of this chapter)