In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 782 Hysteria, Meeting with the Prince of Yan

The next morning, Lu Yunyi groggily opened his eyes.
What comes into view is a tall and ornately decorated roof.

One of the beams even has carved decorations, with various rare and exotic animals depicted on it in lifelike detail.

The next moment, the warm, soft light that had been filtering into the room suddenly turned dark and deep.

The auspicious carvings on the beams suddenly turned into something ferocious and terrifying.
Its gaping mouth revealed sharp, bloodstained teeth, and its thick tongue was covered in barbs.

The stench that hit him made Lu Yunyi frown slightly.

Before he could react, the space in front of him seemed to distort.
One after another, strange beasts rushed towards him, each one ferocious and terrifying.

A Pixiu covered in festering sores and pus, a cicada with pustules oozing from it, and a swallow with half its wings hollowed out.
One after another, strange beasts, reeking of decay, approached.

Lu Yunyi simply watched quietly.

His eyes held a hint of indifference.

The Pixiu and other creatures rushed forward, then vanished in a cloud of black mist.

Immediately afterwards, the surrounding scenery changed rapidly, like a scroll painting.
The lavish room vanished, replaced by a gloomy and terrifying wasteland.

The sky was covered with dark clouds, lightning flashed and thunder roared, and a fierce wind howled, swirling up withered branches and leaves from the ground.

A vast number of figures surged in from all directions.
These people had distorted faces and empty eyes.

They were dressed in tattered clothes and reeked of a nauseating stench.

They staggered toward Lu Yunyi, letting out piercing cries:

"Give me back my son! Give me back my son!"

Lu Yunyi stood calmly in place, his gaze sweeping over the frenzied crowd, his heart unmoved.

He had long been accustomed to this nightmare of being unjustly asked for his "son," and each time it felt utterly absurd to him.

"You have the wrong person."

Lu Yunyi's voice was calm, without the slightest tremor, as if he were stating a perfectly ordinary fact.

However, those people wouldn't listen to his explanation at all and continued to press him relentlessly.

An old woman with a wrinkled face stretched out her withered hand and grabbed Lu Yunyi's arm tightly, her nails digging deep into his flesh, and blood flowed down his arm.

She cried out at the top of her lungs:

"It was you! You're the one who killed my son! You'll pay for this!"

Lu Yunyi frowned slightly, and with a gentle flick, he broke free from the old woman's hand.

He looked at the old woman with a hint of pity in his eyes:

"Auntie, I don't know your son at all, and I would never harm him."

But those people simply wouldn't listen to Lu Yunyi's words.
They surged in like a tide.
They surrounded Lu Yunyi.
Some grabbed his clothes, some pulled his hair, and some even pounced on him and headbutted him.

Waves of excruciating pain came over me.

Lu Yunyi felt as if his body was being torn apart, his flesh and blood being pulled out.
The bones cracked and shattered one by one, and bone fragments were pulled out along with them.
Even after Lu Yunyi had half an eye gouged out, his remaining eye remained calm.
Until the eerie scene before them was swallowed by darkness.

Lu Yunyi opened his eyes, but all he could see was darkness.
He was slightly taken aback, but he quickly realized where he was.

With a sudden burst of strength, he ripped the silk quilt that was tangling all over his head.

The light came into view in an instant, still gentle and bright.

He glanced around; the house was lavishly furnished, exuding an aura of wealth.

And beside
Li Jinglong was fast asleep, constantly pulling the scattered bedding from the bed into his arms, straddling it.

After seeing all of this clearly, the memories of last night's hangover slowly returned.

Although it was fragmented, at least I remembered some things.

However, the ensuing sharp pain made him clutch his head and gasp for breath.
The slightest movement of my hands and feet brought on a feeling of dizziness, probably because I was still lingering from last night's drinking.

"Why am I here?"

Lu Yunyi looked bewildered, racking his brains but unable to recall why he was there.
His last memory was of the group leaving the imperial city, the gentle breeze that felt wonderful.

As the saying goes, "Wine in the morning breeze, the King of Hell beckons," it seems that he became like this after being drunk and exposed to the wind.

"Get up, get up."

Lu Yunyi grabbed the blanket and tugged at it hard, while Li Jinglong just smacked his lips a few times.
He continued to sleep soundly, even covering his head with a blanket.

Lu Yunyi couldn't wake him, so he got up on his own.
"Lord Lu, you're awake."

Hearing the noise, the waiter slightly opened the door and saw Lu Yunyi standing up through the crack. He then opened the door and welcomed him in.

Lu Yunyi was a little confused, and waved his hand:

"Bring a basin of hot water and some clean clothes."

"Yes"

Half an hour later, after taking a hot shower and changing into clean clothes, Lu Yunyi felt like he had come back to life.

When they returned to the room, they found that Li Jinglong was sleeping in an even more unrestrained posture, with half of his body hanging off the edge.

Lu Yunyi left the Duke of Cao's mansion without disturbing him.

At the entrance, Feng Yunfang was sitting in the driver's seat of the carriage. Seeing him come out, he jumped down from the carriage with a smile.
"My lord, you're awake."

What happened last night?

Lu Yunyi asked a question.

Feng Yunfang's expression was somewhat strange, and he was about to speak when Lu Yunyi raised his hand to stop him:

"Okay, no need to say more."

Feng Yun looked puzzled, and Lu Yunyi explained with a smile:

"Yunfang, do you know what's most terrifying about being drunk?"

Feng Yunfang shook his head: "I don't know."

"Someone helped you recall what happened while you were drunk last night. If we're going to get drunk, let's all get drunk together."

If someone were awake, that would be a real problem.

Feng Yunfang thought of some embarrassing things that happened after he got drunk in Qingzhou, and couldn't help but shudder. He dug his toes into the ground, and he understood something.

He said quickly:
"My lord, the Prince of Yan sent a letter this morning, saying that he would ask you to go to the Central Military Command's office after you wake up, as he seems to have something to ask you."

"King Yan?"

A hint of confusion flashed in Lu Yunyi's eyes. He looked at the blazing sun overhead and shook his head helplessly.
"Let's go to the capital."

The Duke of Cao's mansion is located on Wangfu Street in the central city, which is not very close to the imperial city.

The carriage swayed and rocked as it drove away, the ice inside keeping it very cool.

Lu Yunyi leisurely ate a bowl of wontons, occasionally pulling back the curtains to look at the street outside.

Even though it was incredibly hot outside,

But the streets were bustling with people.
Every now and then, a tricycle can be seen speeding by, fully loaded with goods.

I also saw some students dressed in Confucian robes riding bicycles belonging to the Imperial College, weaving through the crowds.

The cries of vendors hawking their wares filled the air along both sides of the street.
One by one, the shops stood tall and imposing, with people coming and going.
The entire city of Yingtian was teeming with life and all things were thriving.

As the carriage traveled closer to the imperial city, the streets became increasingly solemn and imposing, and the population gradually dwindled.

Upon arriving at the gates of the imperial city, the gates were empty, with only guards standing in front.

After revealing his identity, Lu Yunyi successfully entered the imperial city and arrived at the Five Military Commands' Office.

His arrival elicited an extraordinary reaction.
The clerks all looked strange, and the officials hesitated to speak, as if they had something to say to him.

A hint of doubt flashed in Lu Yunyi's eyes.
but
Since no one else asked, he didn't rush to answer. Instead, he went into the Central Military Governor's Mansion and met Prince Yan, Zhu Di, who had changed into casual clothes.

He was still the same as always, tall and strong, with a round face and a long beard.

If there was any difference, it was that he was a bit darker and thinner, and looked travel-worn.

Moreover, both of them still had the hangover, their eyes were bloodshot, and they seemed unable to open them.

"Your humble servant Lu Yunyi greets Your Highness, Prince Yan."

The Prince of Yan waved his hand: "Sit down, pour two cups of tea."

"Yes!"

Lu Yunyi sat down at the round table, picked up the teapot and looked around, then poured two cups of strong tea.

After reading the document, Zhu Di stepped down from the seat of honor, his steps unsteady, a wry smile on his face.

"I feel dizzy and disoriented when I walk now. It's been a long time since I've drunk such strong wine."

Lu Yunyi also gave a wry smile, pushed the strong tea over, and explained:

"Your Highness, the sweet potato harvest is in the future."

Those winemakers are becoming increasingly willing to use grain.
As a result, the wines and spirits in the capital region became much stronger, and many wine merchants came to the capital to purchase wines.

Zhu Di blinked blankly, his expression one of utter shock:
"There's such a connection? No wonder I got dizzy after only a few jugs of wine in the palace yesterday." With that, he picked up his teacup.

He was supporting his head with one hand while drinking, clearly trying to combat dizziness.

"Your Highness, there are so many things that grain can do."

If sweet potatoes can alleviate the imperial court's food shortage, many more changes will follow.
"At least the rice wine and spirits in the capital are much more fragrant."

"Okay."

Zhu Di appeared very pleased:
"I've always felt that the wine in our Great Ming Dynasty isn't strong enough."

Great news! We're in for a treat now!
This wine is neither good nor bad.

I enjoyed drinking it then, but the next day I had a splitting headache and regretted it terribly.

Lu Yunyi laughed:
"Your Highness, let's have another drink tonight to sober up."

"No, no, the central army of the northern expedition will arrive today, and I need to attend to military affairs."

We also need to review and analyze the strategy for this march.
Are you coming to the military conference tomorrow?

"I?"

Lu Yunyi straightened his body slightly:

"Your Highness, I did not participate in the northern expedition."

"You were the one who proposed the strategy of recruiting surrenderers, how can you say you weren't involved?"
The matter is settled. You will attend tomorrow's military conference.

Let's hear what else needs improvement. Feel free to speak your mind then, don't hold back.

Lu Yunyi nodded slightly with a strange expression:

"Yes, then I will come to the Governor's Mansion early tomorrow."

"Um"

Zhu Di's expression became much more serious. He looked at the two servants at the door, waved his hand, and the two tactfully left the room and closed the door behind them.

"I have summoned you today because I have some other matters to consult with you. I hope you can give me an answer."

Lu Yunyi narrowed his eyes and said softly:

"Your Highness, please speak frankly and without reservation. I will tell you everything I know."

"Alright, since you're so straightforward, I won't keep you in suspense any longer."

Zhu Di sat up straight, his fists slightly clenched, and tentatively asked:

"I wish to know, what was the purpose of Father Emperor in establishing the Market Exchange Bureau?"

Lu Yunyi thought to himself, "As expected," but he still managed to show a hint of realization.

Prince Yan, Zhu Di, sighed, his face showing worry:
"To be honest, yesterday my father ordered me to take charge of the imperial estates."

I am completely baffled right now, but I learned from Yun Gong that it might be related to the Market Exchange Bureau.

"I would like to ask Lord Lu, how should this imperial estate be managed, and to what extent should it be managed?"

"To be honest, the imperial estates are related to the Imperial Clan Court and the palace's expenses."
If I, the king, don't know how to strike the right balance, I won't be able to stay in this palace, and I'll also ruin the relationships between my brothers and sisters."

Lu Yunyi blinked.

In his view, the King of Yan was probably worried about his relationship with his eldest sons, including the Crown Prince, the King of Qin, and the King of Jin.

Although there are many princes in the palace, the Prince of Yan in front of us should not be a threat to us.

After a moment's hesitation, Lu Yunyi made no attempt to conceal anything and said:

"Your Highness, this is His Majesty's attempt to negotiate a lower price on the spot after asking for an exorbitant amount."
Ultimately, it would be enough for the Market Regulation Bureau to control the Yingtian Trading Company, the Construction Company, and the Cement Company.

As for the merchants of the other six ministries, even if the palace wanted them, the officials would not give up.

Moreover, if the Market and Exchange Bureau were to truly control these merchant houses, it would actually be a troublesome matter.

Upon hearing this, the hard lines of Prince Yan, Zhu Di, softened somewhat, and he breathed a sigh of relief, as this was largely what he had expected.

If the palace wanted to seize control of the Six Ministries' finances, it wouldn't have created a new department out of nowhere.

This would only create chaos and give rise to a new force.

"Does the Market and Commerce Bureau intend to take control of the Imperial Estates?"

Zhu Di asked.

Lu Yunyi smiled and shook his head:

"Your Highness, the imperial estates are businesses within the palace's inner court."
If we hand it over to an outsider, wouldn't His Majesty be imprisoned from now on?

Zhu Di's eyes lit up. His mind, which had been filled with darkness and confusion, seemed to be cleaved open by lightning, and a sudden realization came to him.

Yes, he spent ten years in his fiefdom and deeply understood the importance of military and financial power.
If you lose either of these, you can't get anything done.

As the founding emperor, how could my father not understand this principle?

Once this was understood, a number of questions arose.

Zhu Di asked in confusion:
"If that's the case, what exactly needs to be addressed in the rectification of the imperial estates?"

"Inventory check and reconciliation."

Lu Yunyi gave his answer without any hesitation, explaining:
"At Yingtian Trading Company, an inventory of the goods on the shelves must be taken every day after closing."

Every ten days, an inventory check is conducted on the remaining stock in the warehouse for accounting purposes.
Then, based on this account, the subsequent replenishment of goods will be completed.

The quantity of subsequent orders will be adjusted based on the amount of remaining stock.

Zhu Di was completely bewildered, feeling utterly confused.
He was a general who led troops into battle, and he knew absolutely nothing about such accounting matters.

"What should I do?"

Lu Yunyi was about to answer, but his voice trailed off. After thinking for a long time, he slowly said:

"Your Highness, the accounts of the imperial estates are mostly chaotic, with serious overspending."

There were even quite a few people who lined their own pockets at various levels.

Now that the court is stable and there are no external enemies, it is time to sweep the snow from our own doorstep.

While it's not necessary to be as meticulous in calculations and strict in accounting as the Yingtian Trading Company,

At the very least, like a regular shop, they should be clear about their annual profits and losses, and whether next year will be good or bad, profitable or not.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di's face lit up with realization:
"Now that you put it that way, I understand. We need to investigate the corruption involved and get to the bottom of things."

So that Father wouldn't see such a muddled account.

Lu Yunyi nodded in deep agreement:

"Your Highness is wise; this is indeed the case."

"Hahaha, why are you being so polite with me? If you hadn't reminded me, my mind would still be a complete mess."

Zhu Di burst into laughter, then suddenly remembered something and said:

"Lend me a few accountants from Yingtian Trading Company. I'll check the accounts of the imperial estates over the years to see if there are any omissions."

Lu Yunyi raised his head somewhat blankly:
"Your Highness, the accounts are fine, but wouldn't it be too impulsive to conduct an audit so hastily and offend someone?"

Zhu Di frowned, his eyes turning slightly cold. He waved his hand and snorted coldly:
"I am afraid of offending them."
Since the imperial estates aren't intended to be taken over by the Market Exchange Bureau, then there's no need to be polite; let's investigate thoroughly.
Even if the meat rots, it's still rotten in our own pot; we can't afford to embarrass ourselves.

Lu Yunyi looked at the Prince of Yan before him.
Suddenly, I realized that ever since we won this battle,
He seems to have changed; he's more confident and composed.

Lu Yunyi stood up and bowed deeply:
"Your Highness, the Prince of Yan, is fearless in the face of powerful enemies. I admire you."

"Sit down, sit down. There's something else I need to tell you. I heard you're planning to build an official road from Daning to Liaodong?"

Lu Yunyi sat down and gave an awkward smile:
"Your Highness, this matter is still far from settled."

Even if repairs are needed, they will have to wait until the road from Daning to Shanhaiguan is completed.

Otherwise, the command wouldn't have that many skilled workers.

Upon hearing this, a hint of disappointment flashed in Zhu Di's eyes:
“That’s true. But it’s alright. I promise you, if the official road between Daning and Liaodong is built, the royal palace can contribute 100,000 taels of silver.”

"One hundred thousand taels?"

Lu Yunyi's eyes lit up.
If you had 100,000, half of the financial problem would be solved immediately.

"Beiping is in dire need of reconstruction. Once the road to Shanhaiguan is repaired, Beiping will greatly benefit. Beiping will not take advantage of this opportunity for nothing."

If Liaodong could be connected to Daming without any obstruction, Beiping would also greatly benefit, wouldn't you say?

Lu Yunyi stood up, his expression solemn, and bowed deeply:
"Your Highness, this action is for the sake of the country and its people, and I admire it greatly."

The King of Yan was very pleased and waved his hand with a smile:

"Why be so polite? Let's invite the newly appointed commander of Liaodong tonight, have a couple of drinks, and discuss things."

Lu Yunyi was taken aback:
"Is Your Highness no longer handling military affairs?"

Zhu Di frowned and let out a hearty laugh:
"The situation in Beiping and the areas outside the Great Wall is far more important than these military matters. That's the decision."

"Yes, Your Highness."

(End of this chapter)