In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 783 Heaven and Hell are Just a Thought Away
Time passed, and the sun streaked across the sky like a shooting star.
It took away the clear blue sky, turning it into a deep, dark place.

The bright moon hangs high in the sky, casting its cool, white light.

The Qinhuai River outside Yingtian City has returned to its former liveliness, and is even more bustling with the return of the northern expeditionary army.

Recently, some shopkeepers who used to look worried have started to smile from ear to ear.

No matter when.
As long as there are enough people in the capital, business will boom.

Zuixianlou Restaurant on the banks of the Qinhuai River is once again packed with people.

Many wealthy young men waited at the entrance with their number plates in hand, looking at the painted boats on the Qinhuai River in the distance with envy on their faces.

They were wealthy but powerless; even getting into the Drunken Immortal Pavilion required a long queue, not to mention the limited number of pleasure boats available.

Especially in the last few days, more and more powerful and influential people have returned from Beijing.

They often charter an entire boat for gatherings.
This has made painted boats increasingly precious, and their prices have risen considerably.

"I heard that some pleasure boats have changed owners."

A young man in white waved a folding fan, watching the women dancing in unison on the painted boat. He felt a surge of appetite and quickly tried to distract himself by talking.

"Yes, these ships used to belong to the Duke of Shen's family."
Now that they've suffered a disaster, these brothels and pleasure boats, which make a fortune every day, would certainly not close down.

A young man in black standing beside him had an arrogant expression.

His name was Yuan Chang, and he was a distant relative of Governor Yuan Hong.
Originally a commander of a thousand men in the Shandong Military Command, he has now followed Yuan Hong to the capital.
Although both are chiliarchies, the chiliarchies in the capital are not comparable to those in local garrisons.

These days,
He distinguished himself during the confiscation of property, thus rising to prominence among the newly rich in the capital.

It is clearly a rising star.

Today, he came here with his friends for drinks and saw the dazzling array of beautiful flowers on the Qinhuai River, which made him secretly envious.

"Brother Yuan, do you know which shop is the new manager?"

The young man in white waved his folding fan and asked in a low voice.

Yuan Chang, with a mysterious expression, pointed behind him:

"The original owner of Zuixianlou was Marquis Wang Bi of Dingyuan."

The young man in white looked surprised.

"So it was him! We are so envious. I wonder how much money he can earn in a day."

Yuan Chang raised an eyebrow and said:

"Brother Kong, there's no need to be envious. Once you pass the imperial examination, we'll build a pleasure boat and see how much money we can make."

The young man surnamed Kong was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter:

"Brother Yuan, then I can only rely on your blessing. To pass the imperial examination is as difficult as climbing to heaven."

Yuan Chang pursed his lips, turned his body slightly to the side, and lowered his voice:

"Brother Kong, although you are from a collateral branch, your status is still noble."

With such a major event happening this year, all the seats that used to be occupied are now empty.
The opportunities are much greater than in previous years, not to mention anything else.
I have faith in your knowledge.

The young master surnamed Kong shook his head:

"Brother Yuan, nobody's a fool."
With such a major upheaval this year, the imperial examinations next year will undoubtedly be much easier.

I heard that some students from Jiangxi and Fujian have already traveled to Beijing overnight, intending to visit renowned teachers and make connections so they can improve their chances of passing the imperial examinations next year.

"That's it"

Yuan Chang shook his head with a wry smile:

"It seems that both the civil and military paths are incredibly crowded."

"Brother Yuan, you have already entered the inner circle. You only need to accumulate some more military merits to soar to great heights. Your future is bright."

"bright?"

Yuan Chang shook his head and turned to look at the enormous plaque of Zuixianlou:

"It takes a long time to invite someone to dinner. Brother Kong, are you mocking me for saying that?"

Hahaha, no rush, no rush.
I've been to this Drunken Immortal Pavilion a few times before, and I can usually get a seat quickly. But for some reason, I haven't been able to get in yet today.
"I reckon a very important person is coming, that's why the manager of Zuixianlou is keeping a seat for them."

After hearing this, Yuan Chang looked towards the end of the road, somewhat enlightened, where a group of people were slowly approaching.

The group at the head strode forward, pointing and gesturing towards the Qinhuai River.
Loud laughter could be heard from time to time, attracting the attention of many people.

But when they saw the guards gathering on both sides, they quickly looked away.

Everyone knew that a big shot had arrived.
Yuan Chang looked at the person who had arrived and murmured:

"Brother Kong, you're right, a very important person has indeed come."

Kong Yue also saw the group of people approaching and asked curiously:
"Who is it? Such a large entourage, with guards."

A hint of doubt flashed in Yuan Chang's eyes.
"The young man on the left is Lu Yunyi, whom I told you about. He's very influential in the Governor's Office."

The man on the right is Pan Jing, the next commander of Liaodong.
As for the one in the middle, I've never seen it before.

Kong Yue looked at the burly, dark-skinned man in the middle, pulled him aside, and walked to the side of the entrance to Zuixianlou.
"They must be important figures in the military. Let's keep our distance and avoid clashing with them."

A flicker of hesitation crossed Yuan Chang's eyes as he considered whether or not to go up and pay his respects.
After a moment's thought, he looked at Kong Yue and asked what was on his mind.

"Brother Kong, do you think I should go and pay my respects?"

Kong Yue shook his head:

"Brother Yuan, it's best if you don't go."

Judging from their attire, these adults are dressed casually, clearly not wanting to reveal their identities.

Your hasty approach will likely not only leave a bad impression, but will also disturb the refined atmosphere of these gentlemen.

Yuan Chang was silent for a moment, then said:

"What if we could say a single word?"

Upon hearing this, Kong Yue shrugged helplessly: "Then Brother Yuan, please go."

"it is good!"

"Lord Lu, the Qinhuai River is a place that everyone from Yingtian must visit."
I have watched as the Qinhuai River has transformed from a barren wasteland into the prosperous place it is today.

Those uncouth men of the Yuan dynasty had no understanding of romance and beauty; they ruined the once beautiful city of Nanjing.

When I first arrived, this was the Qinhuai River.
It's less than half the width.

Pan Jing, beaming with excitement, pointed to the Qinhuai River on one side and began to speak.

As a founding hero
He witnessed the changes in Yingtian vividly.
It is heard, seen, and described vividly.

Lu Yunyi nodded frequently, listening with great interest.

Yingtian's ability to become the largest city in the world was not simply due to its status as the capital; its thriving commerce and culture were equally important.

Of course, these entertainment venues are also part of the prosperity.

Without these romantic tales...

It will be much more difficult for Yingtian to persuade merchants from various regions to stay.

Looking at the many pleasure boats on the river, Zhu Di was also somewhat moved:

"These ships are getting bigger and bigger, and look at all those colorful things, they're really beautiful."
Unfortunately, I have important business to attend to today; I'll visit the pleasure boat another day.

"Your Highness, please let me know in advance next time you come, and I will make the arrangements!"

Pan Jing pounded his chest loudly, his face flushed.

"Lord Pan, you won't be in the capital next time I return."

"You can make the arrangements when we go to Liaodong later."

"Hahahaha, I forgot, I forgot, look at my head."

Pan Jing laughed heartily. Although he wasn't good with words, he wasn't as taciturn as rumored.

On the contrary, he speaks and treats people with great sincerity, which makes people feel close to him at first glance.

This impressed Lu Yunyi greatly.
A military general can make those he comes into contact with feel friendly.
If this skill is learned, it will greatly benefit the morale of the troops.

The group arrived at Zuixianlou, where the manager, Fang Hanheng, was already waiting.

Upon seeing the person approaching, a forced smile appeared on his thin face, and he was about to step forward...

Just then, a dark figure darted up beside him, and Feng Yunfang and his guards rushed to meet it.

The man bowed deeply and spoke in a deep voice:
"Your humble servant, Yuan Chang, commander of the Imperial Guard, pays his respects to Lord Lu and Lord Pan."

Upon hearing this, Feng Yunfang, who had drawn his long sword halfway out, breathed a sigh of relief.

He pressed the long sword back and stepped aside.
Zhu Di glanced at the guards blocking his way, as well as the personal guards who hadn't yet stepped forward, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
"Impressive, such a quick response, truly a strong military."

Pan Jing glanced at his unresponsive subordinate behind him, his face darkening.
However, a surge of admiration immediately welled up in my heart.
That was fast enough; he didn't even have time to react.

Lu Yunyi smiled and waved his hand: "Basong, step aside, it's nothing."

Upon hearing the order, Basong, who had been standing in front of Zhu Di, lowered his long sword and stood silently to the side, his dark, young face showing complete composure.

As everyone looked at him, Basong was already scanning the crowd ahead, clearly not stopping for a moment.

"Basong? A foreigner?"

Zhu Di asked a question.

Lu Yunyi explained with a smile:

“It was sent by General Ajumyo of Siam; it’s very clever.”

"It doesn't look like it."

Zhu Di spoke with a smile.

Only then did he look at Yuan Chang, who was still hunched over, and after sizing him up, he asked:

Which guard post?

Yuan Chang was drenched in sweat and let out a long sigh of relief; finally, someone had spoken to him.

Although I don't know who the person in front of me is, it's always best to answer honestly.
"Reporting to my lord, I am a commander of the Xuanwu Guard."

Zhu Di nodded.

"Is the military so relaxed that there are no training exercises?"

Yuan Chang felt a strong sense of pressure wash over him and hurriedly replied:

"I am off duty today and have invited my friends to Zuixianlou to enjoy some fine wine and food."

Zhu Di nodded and then remained silent.

Pan Jing, standing to the side, glanced at Kong Yue behind him, sensing the scholarly air about him. He looked at Yuan Chang with some surprise and said:

"What's the matter?"

Yuan Chang's face stiffened, and he quickly said:

"I recently sat in on a lecture at the Left Army Commander's Office and met Lord Lu and Lord Pan."
Arriving at this time

Firstly, it is to pay my respects to the esteemed officials; secondly, it is to offer my congratulations to Lord Pan.

Pan Jing looked him over, a flash of realization crossing his eyes.
He remembered that this person was a talented young man who had accompanied the Duke of Wei and the Marquis of Wuding to listen to the proceedings.

His expression softened considerably, and he smiled:
"Thank you, Lord Yuan."

A flash of joy crossed Yuan Chang's eyes, and he quickly bowed, stepping aside.
"My lords, please forgive my rudeness today."

Pan Jing had a favorable impression of him and nodded slightly.

Zhu Di did not look at it again, but instead looked at Fang Hanheng, the manager of Zuixianlou, and said with a smile:

"Manager Fang, I'm here again. Have you added any new dishes lately?"

"Your Highness, it is currently the height of summer."
Zuixianlou Restaurant has added many refreshing dishes to its menu, as well as lychees and other specialties that were rushed from Guangdong. I have prepared them all, awaiting Your Highness's enjoyment.

"Hahaha, very good! Today I will have a taste. We've been eating nothing but sand on the battlefield, so let's whet our appetites today!"

After saying this, Zhu Di strode forward and entered Zuixianlou, followed by his entourage.

Yuan Chang stood there, stunned and lost in thought.
Your Highness? Which prince?
He only thought about it for a moment,
Then they knew who the visitor was: the Fourth Prince, His Highness the Prince of Yan.

Immediately, a sense of lingering fear flashed through Yuan Chang's mind. Fortunately, the Fourth Prince was kind and did not find fault with him.
If he had known beforehand that it was a prince, he would never have dared to step forward.
While he was stunned,

The group had all disappeared up the steps of the Drunken Immortal Pavilion.

The waiter also came out at this moment with a forced smile.
"Gentlemen, thank you for your patience. With such distinguished guests at our door, our shop must proceed with utmost care. Please take your seats now."

Today's expenses will be discounted by 40% for all our customers.
Each table is also given a complimentary serving of fine Guangdong lychees; we hope our esteemed guests will not find this unusual.

Upon hearing this, the eyes of the crowd waiting outside lit up, and the slight dissatisfaction in their hearts quietly disappeared.

Actually, when His Highness the Prince of Yan appeared here,
Their anger had already subsided; how could they dare to contend with His Highness Prince Yan, especially since Zuixianlou was so open and transparent in its dealings?

The group of people waiting at the entrance entered one by one. Kong Yue walked up to the stunned Yuan Chang and said with a smile:

"Brother Yuan, today's trip has been worthwhile. How was your meeting with the Prince?"

"I'm so nervous. I can't even speak properly."

Yuan Chang's heart pounded, his eyes sparkled, and a surge of excitement began to fill him.

He looked ahead:
"Brother Kong, let's go inside and have some drinks. We won't leave until we're drunk tonight!"

"it is good!"

The two entered the Drunken Immortal Pavilion together.

Across the Qinhuai River, on the second floor of the Lotus Pavilion.
Two figures stood silently by the window, holding binoculars, looking at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion on the opposite bank.

Qian Xinghuai said as he looked at it:

"Is that person Yuan Chang?"

"My lord, it's Yuan Chang. He's a commander of the Xuanwu Guard. He performed exceptionally well during the raid on the residences of the Marquis of Nanxiong and the Marquis of Ji'an. He's a ruthless character."

The centurion Xu Ban'an, standing to the side, calmly replied, his mind instantly filled with various pieces of information about him.

“I remember he was on the watch list of the Ministry of Justice and the Governor’s Office.”

Qian Xinghuai asked a question.

"Yes, when he searched several residences..."

He has a history of misappropriating money, abusing the families of convicted officials, and committing wanton murder.
This was also recorded on the list sent by the Censorate yesterday.

Xu Ban'an spoke calmly.

"Well, what did the Governor's Office say?"
This person is ultimately a military officer; even if an investigation is to be conducted, the opinion of the Governor-General's Office must be considered.
Otherwise, if we rashly arrest them, we'll be in a very passive position.

Qian Xinghuai asked a question.

Xu Ban'an's expression was somewhat strange:
"The Governor's Office has not yet given a reply."
According to his subordinates' speculation, it was because Yuan Chang was a distant nephew of Governor Yuan.
Even if you don't care about the monk, you should at least ask him something first.

Qian Xinghuai nodded:

"Then let's wait for the Governor's Office's reply."

Some people are taking advantage of the chaos by confiscating homes, thinking the court is unaware—how absurd!

Even if they don't arrest him in the end, our Imperial Guards must still step in and warn him that there will be no second chance.

Xu Ban'an hesitated, but finally a resolute glint flashed in his eyes, and he asked softly:

"Sir, aren't we going to do something unnecessary? We're just creating another enemy for no reason."

Qian Xinghuai took his glasses off the binoculars.
She glanced at him sideways and said earnestly:
"Ban'an, this is your first time in the capital. You don't know how complicated the capital is, where everyone is related by blood or marriage."

If you take care of this person today, you'll have to take care of that person tomorrow.

How can our Embroidered Uniform Guard possibly take care of everyone?
Therefore, Chairman Mao issued the order early on.

Apart from the direct descendants of nobles, everyone else was treated equally; those who should be arrested were arrested, and those who should be executed were executed.

That makes things simpler.

At this point, Qian Xinghuai's expression became somewhat strange:
"That Liu Zixian is the nephew of Liu Sili, the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies. He was personally arranged to work at the Yingtian Trading Company. We can arrest him without hesitation."

He was beaten half to death in prison, and who spoke up for him?
As I said before, we are the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

"Serving His Majesty requires unwavering resolve; otherwise, we will be the ones to die."

Xu Ban'an thought for a moment, then quickly understood and nodded slightly:
"My lord, I understand. So, were we keeping watch on Lu Yunyi today to capture him?"

Qian Xinghuai's face immediately darkened.
He didn't quite understand why the adults would transfer such a stupid person to the capital and even promote him to the rank of commander.

Taking a deep breath, Qian Xinghuai spoke in a low voice:
"The reason you and I are monitoring Lu Yunyi is to guard against his wicked intentions."

This person is cunning and should not be underestimated.

The Yingtian Merchant Guild will be punished by the Three Judicial Offices and the local government tomorrow; we must be on guard.

A hint of doubt flashed in Xu Ban'an's eyes; this behavior was completely opposite to his previous high-sounding demeanor.

He glanced down at the telescope in his hand, a strange look appearing in his eyes.
It's rather strange to use the weapons he developed to monitor him.
However, he didn't say anything and continued to stare ahead.

As he looked, a smile involuntarily crept onto his lips as he thought of Lord Mao's promise to him.

After the Yingtian Trading Company matter is resolved, I will be able to become a commander of a thousand households.
This is a commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, even more prestigious than an ordinary garrison commander.

Just as he was imagining the days when he would lord it over others,

"Boom boom boom——"

A steady, rhythmic knocking came from outside.
The sound was particularly jarring in the otherwise quiet house.

A woman sitting beside the bed glared sharply at him.
"Who?"

There was no reply; only the calm "thump-thump-thump" sound continued.
(End of this chapter)