In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 781 A man should be viewed with new eyes after three days of separation.
The vanguard of the northern expeditionary army marched into Puzikou City in a grand procession.
Marquis Yongding, Zhang Quan, had already arranged the military tents and other matters.

While the soldiers were setting up camp, the generals had already finished washing up in the shower facilities.

He changed into a brand-new official robe and hurriedly left Puzikou City for Yingtian Imperial City!

The group entered the palace in a grand procession and headed towards the Fengtian Hall.

A large red carpet has been laid out on the royal avenue, and colorful ribbons and lanterns symbolizing good fortune have been hung on both sides.

All the imperial guards, palace maids, and eunuchs stood on both sides of the road to respectfully welcome him.

When Duke Li Jinglong of Cao saw this scene, he felt his heart surge with emotion, and his back straightened involuntarily.

This was the first time he had led his troops to victory since he had been involved in military affairs, and the enemy was an elite steppe cavalry!

He faced the sun and looked at the towering Fengtian Hall standing at the end of his vision.

The turmoil in my heart gradually subsided, turning into calm and seriousness.

Once upon a time, his father did the same thing, traveling along the Gongdao Road to the capital to report the good news after winning a northern expedition.

Years later, he walked on it as well.

For the first time, Li Jinglong felt as if he were overlapping with his father's figure.
This gave him confidence.

At least... he didn't disgrace his family.

Not far away, the Prince of Yan, Zhu Di, did the same.

He strode ahead with a powerful stride, the smooth bluestone path beneath his feet far smoother than the sandy desert of the north.

A complex mix of emotions flashed across his dark face.

Finally... finally...

Since taking up his fief, he has been eagerly anticipating leading troops into battle.

Ten years later...

He finally got this opportunity, and he seized it decisively.

They advanced in winter, catching Nairbuhua completely off guard, and won a great victory in this battle.

Zhu Di clenched his fist tightly, secretly vowing in his heart,

From then on... the name of Prince Yan, Zhu Di, would resound throughout the north and south of the Yangtze River.
Let those who say that granting fiefdoms to foreign princes is a disservice to the country take a good look!

Beside him, Prince Zhu Gang of Jin, also dressed in a python robe, shared the same sentiment, his fists clenched, his face solemn and reverent.

In stark contrast to these young men were Duke Ying, Fu Youde, Marquis Dingyuan, Wang Bi, and others…

Their expressions were calm, as if they had come home.

They have won countless times in their lives.

At this point, winning or losing no longer stirs any emotion in them.

It's as simple as eating a home-cooked meal.

The group walked slowly along the path, their footsteps mingling with the sound of their clothes fluttering.

As the Fengtian Hall drew closer, its majestic silhouette shone with a solemn light in the sunlight, as if proclaiming the might of the Ming Dynasty.

Finally, the group arrived in front of the Fengtian Hall.

In the square in front of the palace, civil and military officials were already lined up in neat rows, waiting for them.

Zhu Yuanzhang, dressed in a bright red dragon robe, sat upright on the dragon throne, his majestic gaze sweeping over the crowd.

"Your Majesty, we pay our respects! Long live the Emperor!"

The crowd shouted in unison, their voices echoing throughout the entire square.

Zhu Yuanzhang slightly raised his hand and said:

"My lords, rise. You have all made great contributions to this northern expedition, and I am very pleased."

Everyone stood up, and Prince Yan, Zhu Di, stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said:

"Father, in this northern expedition, your son led a large army deep into the Gobi Desert."

After several days of fierce fighting with the Nairbuhua tribe, they were finally defeated, and countless prisoners were captured. The Northern Yuan Grand Commandant has also surrendered.

This is all thanks to the Emperor's boundless blessings and the soldiers' valiant efforts.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in satisfaction and said:
"I am very pleased. You vassal kings should take it as your duty to protect your homes and country and expand the territory of the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Di knelt down to express his gratitude: "Your Majesty, I will never fail you and will dedicate myself to the Ming Dynasty until my dying breath."

Subsequently, generals such as Fu Youde and Wang Bi stepped forward to report on the specific details of the northern expedition.

Zhu Yuanzhang listened attentively, nodding in approval from time to time.

Li Jinglong stood in the crowd, feeling both nervous and excited.

He awaited His Majesty's question, eager for an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities.

Finally, Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze fell upon him.

"Jiujiang, I heard you won a victory in this northern expedition? Tell me about it," Zhu Yuanzhang said.

Li Jinglong quickly stepped forward and said respectfully:
"Your Majesty, during this northern expedition, I was deeply impressed by the ferocity of the steppe cavalry."
But we also witnessed the bravery and fearlessness of our Ming Dynasty soldiers.

Your Majesty, I believe that we should strengthen border defenses and train more elite troops to deal with the incursions of the steppe tribes.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly and said:

“Jiujiang’s words are reasonable. You have made great contributions in this northern expedition and have not disgraced your father. I will reward you according to your merits.”

Li Jinglong suddenly felt a lump in his throat, and a feeling he couldn't quite describe welled up inside him.

He stepped forward and bowed deeply:
"Your subject will certainly continue to work hard and serve the Ming Dynasty."

After the audience, Zhu Yuanzhang stood up and waved his hand:
"Order the Imperial Kitchen to prepare a grand banquet to reward the entire army!"

As night fell, the Fengtian Hall was brightly lit.

The magnificent palace appeared even more solemn under the candlelight.

Inside the main hall, square tables were arranged in a neat and orderly fashion.
The table was laden with delicacies, a dazzling array of rare and exotic foods, emitting an enticing aroma.

The fine wine flowed from the exquisite wine jug, making a crisp sound as it was poured into the glass.

The melodious sounds of silk and bamboo instruments filled the air as dancers in colorful costumes gracefully began to dance, their figures swaying like a dream.

The civil and military officials sat behind the table, their laughter and chatter echoing around them.

Li Jinglong and Lu Yunyi sat in the seats closest to the head of the table.

By this time, Li Jinglong had drunk glass after glass of wine and was already somewhat drunk.

His cheeks were flushed, his eyes were unfocused, and he held a wine glass in his hand, swaying as he spoke:

"Yunyi, two years ago, I was busy in this Fengtian Hall, entertaining guests from all sides."

At that time, I could only stand aside and watch those people chat and laugh.
But he didn't even have a place to sit.

As he spoke, he let out a burp and took another swig of wine.

"But now, I, Li Jinglong, can sit here openly and proudly."

Drinking and having fun together, so relaxing!!

Lu Yunyi listened silently without saying a word.

He looked at the spirited Li Jinglong in front of him and recalled the scene when the two first met.

At that time, Li Jinglong was still somewhat green and naive, but he was already very adept at dealing with people and things, like a mature young master from a wealthy family.

Today, he has grown into a capable general, having served on the battlefield and earned merits…

Lu Yunyi gently patted Li Jinglong on the shoulder and said:
"Jiujiang, your hard work and dedication will eventually pay off. Everyone can see it. You will have a bright future ahead of you."

Li Jinglong chuckled, then leaned closer to Lu Yunyi and lowered his voice to say:

"Yunyi, let me tell you, I've finally figured out what this northern expedition is all about."

Those steppe cavalry, though seemingly fierce, also had weaknesses.
With the right strategy, we can definitely crush them.

As he spoke, he began to gesture wildly, drawing the attention of those around him.

"Hey~ the war's over, what nonsense are you spouting? Hurry up and drink..."

"Wait until you've cleared your head before thinking about the battlefield. You can't understand it now."

Marquis Wang Bi of Dingyuan walked over carrying a jar of wine, but before he even got close,

He then heard Li Jinglong shouting and yelling.

"Hehe... Yes, the war is over... Drinking is the important thing."

Li Jinglong, his eyes glazed, smiled and picked up his wine bowl. "Come on, let's drink!"

Lu Yunyi shook his head and smiled, picked up his wine bowl, waited for Wang Bi to pick up his wine bowl, then clinked bowls together and drank it all in one gulp.

"Kid, it's a real shame you didn't go this time. The grass in the Oirat region is taller than a man!"

Wang Bi sat to one side.
He somehow got hold of a pair of chopsticks and started eating and talking.

Lu Yunyi laughed:
"The harsher the battlefield environment, the more obvious the advantage of the side with better weaponry."

In battles fought on such battlefields, the nomadic people would be constrained by the terrain.
Even if you have ten points of ability, you can only use five points.

"Hey, you really see things clearly, you're absolutely right."

Wang Bi's cold dish stopped in mid-air, and he said with some surprise.

"Lord Dingyuan, this inspiration came from the battles against Luchuan and Liaodong."

"As long as weaponry is used properly, it provides a natural advantage on the battlefield," Lu Yunyi said.

"Yes, yes, you didn't see it."
Our scouts, positioned on high ground and each equipped with a telescope, can clearly see from which direction the enemy is approaching.
All we have to do is prepare the bag and wait for them to come rushing in!

Wang Bi said excitedly.

"In all my years, I have never fought such an easy battle. I won inexplicably, without even putting in much effort."
"The roads in Shanxi are just too difficult to travel; many people have died just trying to get there," Wang Bi continued.

Li Jinglong was dizzy and mumbled:
"Weren't we supposed to avoid talking about war? Why are you bringing it up again?!"

"Hahahaha, drink, drink."

Wang Bi burst into laughter, picked up his wine bowl, and drank it all in one gulp…

The three soon began a drinking contest, attracting the attention of many civil and military officials.

Pan Jing, the commander of Liaodong, was also seated at a slightly lower table.

He saw this scene, his brows furrowed, and his eyes widened in absurdity.

He finally understood: this Lord Lu seemed to have good relationships with nobles, military officers, and civil officials alike.

But why someone with such a powerful background,
Why did they choose to go to such a harsh and cold place as Beiping Commandery?
Pan Jing couldn't understand it and could only secretly envy him.

At the head of the table, Zhu Yuanzhang held a small wine cup and sipped it slowly.

Consort Guo Ning listened with a smile as Guo Quan rambled on about the battlefield, occasionally patting his head with a look of heartache in her eyes.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Di not far away and waved to him:
"Fourth Brother, come here."

Zhu Di was holding a wine cup, chatting and laughing with his third brother beside him, when he heard his father's words and quickly came over.

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke with a smile:
"This is the first time you and the third brother have led troops as commanders."
Although we have won the battle, we must not be complacent.
Many more difficult battles are yet to come.

You brothers must defend the borders for our country and withstand the threat from the north.

Zhu Di's expression became extremely solemn, and he bowed deeply.
"Father, I will do my utmost!"

Zhu Yuanzhang's smile faded, and he nodded slightly.
"You will stay longer this time you return; the task of reorganizing the imperial estate is now in your hands."

"Royal Estate?"

Zhu Di had some doubts, but he still agreed immediately:

"My son, I accept the decree."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, and the chief eunuch beside him handed him a document, saying softly:
"Fourth Prince, these are the accounts and records of long-standing problems at the imperial estates. There are many more in the palace."
If the Fourth Prince needs it, he can come and take it at any time.

Zhu Di only flipped through a few pages before realizing that the matter of rectifying the imperial estates involved a wide range of issues.

The complex web of interests involved makes this undoubtedly a challenging task.

But he also understood that this was his father's trust in him, and he had to do his best.

"Father, I will begin to deal with this matter tomorrow and will certainly handle it properly," Zhu Di said.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly and said:

"Get up. The Imperial Estate is a royal property, and it concerns the face of the royal family. There can be no negligence whatsoever."

If there are any parts you don't understand, you can ask Lu Yunyi.
He's got a lot of clever ideas; let him give you some suggestions.

"Yes!" Zhu Di replied.

After discussing a few more matters, Zhu Di, with some doubts, returned to his seat.

His initial appetite gradually waned; the delicacies on the table no longer appealed to him, and his mind was filled with doubt.

What happened to Huangzhuang?
He looked up at Xu Huizu not far away and found that Xu Huizu was also looking in his direction.

With just a glance, the two understood each other perfectly.

A slight flush of drunkenness appeared on Zhu Di's face. Holding the wine jug beside him, he slowly stood up and said to the Prince of Jin beside him:
"I'm going to have a few drinks with Yun Gong."

"Hahaha, drink more. Yun Gong is enjoying himself in the capital all day long."

Prince Zhu Gang of Jin laughed heartily, waved his hand hurriedly, and even raised his wine cup to drink with Xu Huizu across the distance.

Zhu Di approached Xu Yungong, who had just set down his wine cup, his smile undisguised, but his voice remained solemn:

"His Majesty has already told you, hasn't he?"

"You know about this too?" Zhu Di asked, somewhat surprised.

"It's not just that people know about it; the whole capital is in an uproar over this. The Six Ministries and the Governor's Office are in constant turmoil, and everyone is filled with anxiety," Xu Huizu said.

"What does the rectification of the imperial estates have to do with them?" Zhu Di was even more puzzled.

"His Majesty sent you to handle this matter?"

"He also told me to ask Lu Yunyi more questions," Zhu Di said.

Xu Huizu looked enlightened:
"That's right, this incident has a lot to do with him."

"Your Majesty not only intends to rectify the imperial estates, but also to establish an office on par with the Six Ministries, called the Market and Exchange Bureau..."

Xu Huizu quickly explained the functions of the Market Exchange Bureau to Zhu Di.

His expression changed repeatedly as he listened, a mix of shock, speechlessness, and admiration flashing through his mind.

As a member of the imperial family, he deeply understood how irreconcilable the conflict between the palace and the court was.
Every time the battle reached its most intense moment,

It always comes with a massacre, as was the case the previous times.

But now, the Li Party affair has just ended.

Is a new round of fighting about to begin?
Moreover, the palace's target this time is too large, with all departments of the court under attack, making it by no means easy to seize financial power.

The atmosphere between the two had been somewhat tense. Zhu Di asked:
"Has the imperial court made any moves recently?"

Xu Huizu shook his head:
"There's been no movement these past few days; it seems they're planning to start with the imperial estates."

After all, it wouldn't make sense, morally or logically, not to start with oneself in such a serious matter.

Xu Huizu looked at Zhu Di, his eyes filled with sympathy:
"This mission is not easy. If you don't handle it well, you may be ostracized by the court officials. You'd better be prepared."

Zhu Di's expression was somewhat solemn, clearly indicating that he understood the seriousness of the matter, but he also harbored some doubts.
"What exactly does Father want to do?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Huizu raised an eyebrow, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes:
"You also feel something's not right?"

"Nonsense." Zhu Di raised his wine cup to cover half his face and said in a voice only the two of them could hear:
"Father Emperor never acts in such a hurry. The fact that the Market Exchange Bureau is being hastily established is obviously not right."

Or it could be like the household registration certificates and the fish-scale yellow registers, where this matter would drag on for years to come.
But I think that's unlikely. I believe Father has other motives.

"What?" Xu Huizu asked.

"How would I know!" Zhu Di's brows furrowed, his dark face contorting into a grimace, and the scabs on his skin cracked open.

"However... I can ask him tomorrow. That kid Lu Yunyi must know something."

Zhu Di raised his chin, and Xu Huizu looked at the square table where Lu Yunyi was.
Li Jinglong was gesticulating wildly and spouting nonsense; he was clearly drunk.

“Alright, go ask tomorrow and give me a definite answer. Otherwise, the entire Governor’s Mansion will be in a state of unease, and there are some things we want to do but dare not do,” Xu Huizu said.

Zhu Di raised an eyebrow: "What do you want to do?"

"It's not that I want to do it, but there are so many vacant positions everywhere."
There are also some powerful people who haven't been touched yet. The Governor's Office can't ignore them. Those who should be replaced should be replaced, and those who should be dismissed should be dismissed.

I'm afraid that if things get unstable within the Governor's Office, doing something like this will cause trouble.

A few rebellions are enough to make us lose face, and those officials from the Six Ministries will then ridicule us.”

As Xu Huizu spoke, a look of helplessness and exhaustion appeared on his face.

Zhu Di smiled and said, "Being in the central government is such a hassle. I'll give you an answer tomorrow."

“Okay,” Xu Huizu said.

(End of this chapter)