In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 785 A fierce fight broke out, with no mercy shown.

Lu Yunyi hurriedly rode his horse to the Lotus Pavilion.

He reeked of alcohol and his face was flushed.

However, his sharp eyes did not lose any of their sharpness. With a light sweep, the people waiting on the outside all lowered their heads.

He went up to the second floor and entered the room.

He immediately noticed the telescope placed by the window, and his face instantly turned extremely ugly.

Without hesitation, he strode towards Mao Xiang.

Mao Xiang followed his gaze and inwardly cried out in alarm…

"What do you want to do?"

Mao Xiang asked.

Lu Yunyi's sharp gaze shot straight at him, a cold smile curling at the corner of his lips:
What do I want to do?
"Lord Mao, your words are truly laughable. It should be I who should be asking you that!"

Having said that, Lu Yunyi moved.
Like a ghost, it lunged at Mao Xiang.

Mao Xiang was startled; he hadn't expected Lu Yunyi to be so direct.

At the same time, a ruthless glint flashed in his eyes. As the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he was confident in his close-quarters combat skills.

He quickly dodged to the side, and at the same time drew the sword from his waist and slashed at Lu Yunyi.

Lu Yunyi remained calm and dodged to the side, his sword grazing the hem of his clothes.

Taking advantage of the situation, he kicked Mao Xiang's wrist, and Mao Xiang felt a sharp pain in his wrist.
The sword flew out of his hand and landed to the side.

Mao Xiang inwardly cried out in alarm, but he endured the pain and threw a punch at Lu Yunyi's face.

Lu Yunyi tilted his head, easily dodging a punch, then grabbed Mao Xiang's arm with his other hand and twisted it forcefully.
Mao Xiang felt a sudden numbness in his arm, and was spun around by Lu Yunyi.

Lu Yunyi kicked Mao Xiang in the knee, and Mao Xiang fell to his knees with a thud.

"Lord Mao, is this all you've got?"

Lu Yunyi looked down at Mao Xiang with disdain in his eyes.

Enraged, Mao Xiang gritted his teeth and tried to stand up by supporting himself with his other hand.

Lu Yunyi didn't give him that chance, stepping on Mao Xiang's back.

Mao Xiang fell heavily to the ground again, his face pressed against the ground, looking extremely disheveled.

At this moment, the members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard became anxious upon seeing their master in such a disheveled state.

Wei Hua shouted:
"Brothers, charge! Save the master!"

After saying that, a group of Imperial Guards brandished their swords and charged towards Lu Yunyi.

Upon seeing this, the guards that Lu Yunyi brought quickly went to greet him.

These guards were all elite soldiers carefully selected by Lu Yunyi, each with superb combat skills.

They charged into the crowd and engaged in combat with the Imperial Guards.

A member of the Imperial Guard swung his sword at Feng Yunfang.
Feng Yunfang dodged to the side, flicked his long sword, and knocked the Jinyiwei's sword away.

Then, he darted forward and kicked the Imperial Guard in the chest.

The man screamed and flew backward.

Facing the combined attack of two Imperial Guards, Basong showed no fear, dodging left and right.

Seizing the opportunity, he drew his soft sword from his waist and stabbed a member of the Imperial Guard in the throat.

The Imperial Guard was unable to dodge in time and was fatally wounded in the throat by a sword, falling straight to the ground.

The remaining Imperial Guard panicked upon seeing his comrade killed, and Basong kicked him in the stomach, knocking him to the ground.
Then he pointed the sword at his neck, making him afraid to move.

In a short while, the Imperial Guards were easily subdued by the guards.
They were pinned to the ground, unable to move, adding to the bloodshed of the scene.

Seeing this, Mao Xiang was both shocked and furious. He shouted at Lu Yunyi:

"Lu Yunyi, how dare you openly defy the Embroidered Uniform Guard! This is treason!"

Lu Yunyi sneered and stomped his foot.

Mao Xiang felt the pressure on his back increase dramatically, and he almost couldn't breathe.

"Lord Mao, don't try to pin this on me."

What are your intentions in sending people to monitor you without your consent?

Do you think I, Lu Yunyi, am easy to bully?

Despite the pain in his back, Mao Xiang gritted his teeth and said:
"Lu Yunyi, don't try to deny it. You didn't kill the two Imperial Guard commanders who died at Lotus Tower?"

Lu Yunyi frowned and said:

"Lord Mao, you must have evidence to support your claims."

Your men died, is that my business?
I was going to have a drink with His Highness Prince Yan at Zuixianlou.
"Your people are here, and you're complaining about me? What kind of logic is that?"

Mao Xiang sneered:

"Lu Yunyi, let's not beat around the bush. Did you kill my men?"

Lu Yunyi said disdainfully:

"Lord Mao, I act with integrity and uprightness, but you..."
As the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, you abuse your power and spy on your colleagues; don't you feel ashamed?

Mao Xiang was so angry that he trembled all over and shouted:
"Lu Yunyi, don't think that just because you have some martial arts skills, you can do whatever you want."

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard is His Majesty's personal guard. His Majesty will not let you get away with this insult."

Lu Yunyi pushed off again with his feet.
Mao Xiang felt as if a mountain was pressing down on his back, and he almost fainted.

"Mao Xiang, don't try to intimidate me with His Majesty."

This general defended the country's borders and slew countless enemies.

But you, using His Majesty's name, have committed despicable acts.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard has fallen into your hands; it has truly declined!
If His Majesty finds out, he will certainly not forgive you.

At this moment, Ling Han, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, was watching the two of them from the side.

His gaze swept over Lu Yunyi, a strange look flashing across his eyes, before turning to Mao Xiang, who was pinned to the ground, his strange look gradually turning into mockery.

He never expected that the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, who was always extremely arrogant in the capital,
That's all the skill they have; they were easily subdued.

But he also knew that both of them were important officials in the imperial court.
If things escalate out of control here, it might be difficult to resolve.

He cleared his throat and said:
"My lords, please calm down."

The deaths of the two Imperial Guards are still under investigation; the urgent task is to find the murderer, not to argue and fight here.

Lu Yunyi glanced at Ling Han, snorted coldly, and released his foot from Mao Xiang's back.

Mao Xiang jumped to his feet with a start.

He dusted himself off and glared fiercely at Lu Yunyi.

"You are presumptuous!"

Lu Yunyi frowned, not expecting Mao Xiang to be such a stubborn person.

He didn't indulge her either.

He rushed forward in one stride, and the two immediately began to wrestle.

In less than three breaths, Mao Xiang was forced to the ground again.

This time, Lu Yunyi didn't stand on ceremony with him, but instead pried open his hands.
With a push and a pull, Mao Xiang's two hands slammed to the ground, completely powerless.

Mao Xiang was furious. The throbbing pain in his arm made him break out in a cold sweat, and his body trembled slightly.

Upon seeing this, a hint of joy flashed in Ling Han's eyes, but he still spoke seriously:

"My lords, please stop fighting. Don't disturb the scene."

This matter is highly suspicious and requires careful consideration. It might be a deliberate act to sow discord between the two of you.

If you fight to the death here, wouldn't you be falling into a trap?

Lu Yunyi said:
"Lord Ling, my actions today were truly out of desperation, forced upon me by Mao Xiang."

"If he hadn't been so aggressive, why would I have taken action?"

Mao Xiang said:

"You harbor ill intentions and must be thoroughly investigated. The deaths of the two Imperial Guards are definitely related to you."

Lu Yunyi clapped his hands with disdain, walked past Mao Xiang, and gave him a slightly mocking look:
"If I wanted to kill someone, would you have noticed anything? That's absurd."

Ling Han looked at the strange scene in the room. He and Lu Yunyi were standing, while Mao Xiang was lying on the ground, looking rather odd.

But Ling Han didn't try to help him up. Instead, he looked at Mao Xiang on the ground and said:
"Lord Mao, everything must be based on evidence."

Without evidence, we cannot draw any conclusions.

"Lord Lu, please don't act impulsively. This matter requires our cooperation in the investigation."

"Me, cooperate?"

Lu Yunyi stared wide-eyed at the Lotus Pavilion.

"If this were not the property of my brothers, I would not even glance at it, even if all the Imperial Guards were to die here."

Mao Xiang snorted coldly, his voice hoarse and menacing:

"Lu Yunyi, you wait. I will definitely report this matter to His Majesty and ask him to make a decision for me."

Ling Han quickly said:

"My lords, please stop arguing."

The most urgent task now is to find the murderer and give the court an explanation. Lord Mao, please have the Embroidered Uniform Guards withdraw.

"Lord Lu, please have your guards release them as well."

Lu Yunyi waved his hand, and the group of guards released the Imperial Guards. Both sides slowly retreated, their tension palpable, and the atmosphere eased somewhat.

However, Mao Xiang remained lying on the ground, looking rather comical.

However, there were only three people in the room at the moment, and Lu Yunyi and Ling Han couldn't be more happy for him to lie down for a while longer.

By this time, the sky outside was getting darker and darker. As the night drew to a close, the entire Qinhuai River came alive with the aroma of wine and the spirit of spring.

The area outside the Lotus Pavilion remained completely surrounded by the Black-Armored City Defense Army and the Silver-Armored Imperial Guards.
It even affected two nearby brothels, causing them to become deserted.

Ling Han said:

"My lords, this is not the place to talk. Let's find another place to discuss this matter in detail."

Lu Yunyi nodded and followed Ling Han out of the Lotus Pavilion.

After they left the room, a group of Imperial Guards rushed in immediately.

Before long, Mao Xiang arrived outside the Lotus Tower with a normal expression.

When the people outside saw them come out,
They all cast curious glances their way.

Ling Han addressed the crowd:

"This matter has not yet been investigated. No one is allowed to leave without authorization. Everyone should go back and wait for the investigation."

A series of wails rang out.
Helpless, everyone could only disperse.

The three quickly gathered in the open space outside the Lotus Pavilion, all looking perfectly normal, as if the commotion in the room had never happened.

Seeing the somewhat somber atmosphere, Ling Han, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice, spoke first, saying in a deep voice:
"Why these two Imperial Guards are here is not important to me."
The important question is why they died.

Who did it, and what was their purpose?

Mao Xiang glanced at Lu Yunyi, even though he was resentful.

But he still retains his most basic judgment about things.

It is highly likely that this was not Lu Yunyi's doing, but rather someone else acting opportunistically.

Or perhaps they simply couldn't stand the Embroidered Uniform Guard and were seeking revenge.

He took a deep breath, feeling the throbbing pain in his arm, and said in a low voice:
"I will continue my investigation. The Lotus Pavilion shall not open its doors to guests until the matter is clarified."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yunyi didn't hesitate and threw a punch.

Mao Xiang's expression changed drastically. He raised his hand to block, but the immense force coming from his chest made him involuntarily take two steps back.

He scolded:

"Lu Yunyi, are you crazy?"

Lu Yunyi stood with his hands behind his back, his expression mocking:

"What nonsense is Lord Mao spouting? The Lotus Pavilion was bought by Black Eagle for nearly 40,000 taels of silver."
Now that someone has died, we can't even open the door to welcome guests. What kind of rule is this?
"If one of your Embroidered Uniform Guards dies in the Yingtian Trading Company, does that mean the trading company can't even welcome customers?"

Seeing that the two were about to start arguing again, Ling Han quickly tried to smooth things over:

"Lord Mao, Lord Lu, why are you two doing this?"

He looked at Mao Xiang and sighed:

"Lord Mao, cutting off someone's livelihood is like killing their parents."
Now that someone has died at Lotus Pavilion, its business will definitely suffer a great loss.
It's unreasonable and unacceptable to refuse entry to customers.

"I have changed my mind now. The Embroidered Uniform Guard will pay for the Lotus Pavilion."

From Lotus Pavilion, go to other places along the Qinhuai River.
"It's bad luck that one of your Imperial Guards died here!"

"Lord Lu, please don't cause any more trouble. It's past midnight now, and I'm exhausted at my age."

Ling Han narrowed his eyes slightly. If he let these two argue any longer, the matter might not be resolved until dawn.

Lu Yunyi raised his hand to stop him from continuing, and looked at Mao Xiang:

"If you hadn't sent people to Lotus Tower to monitor me, I wouldn't have died, and my business wouldn't have failed. The responsibility lies entirely with the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

If Lord Mao does not give me an explanation today, this matter is not over.

Lu Yunyi was aggressive, his voice filled with coldness.

Mao Xiang's face turned extremely ugly. He abandoned all his years of self-restraint and began to curse loudly:

"What kind of pipe dream are you having? My man died, and you expect me to pay you compensation?"

"Good! You've been using top-secret military equipment without authorization. Just wait for the Governor's Office to impeach you tomorrow."

Lu Yunyi waved his sleeve and said, "Let's go!"

Mao Xiang's expression changed slightly. He looked at his subordinates not far away and demanded:
"Where's the panorama?!"

Wei Hua looked completely bewildered, exchanging bewildered glances with the group of Imperial Guards.

"here!"

Feng Yunfang raised his arm high in the crowd and waved it vigorously.
The two lenses of the telescope are particularly noticeable in the candlelight.

Mao Xiang's expression suddenly changed, and he clenched his fists tightly at his sides.

"Oh shit!!"

"Come back! Qian, the Imperial Guard, has left!!"

Lu Yunyi stopped in his tracks and waved:

“Give him a telescope, and give the next person the 40,000 taels of silver whenever it arrives.”

Feng Yunfang nodded, ran over quickly, and returned shortly after.

The group rode off on their warhorses toward the distant ferry crossing, clearly heading back to the south bank.

Mao Xiang gripped the telescope tightly, gritting his teeth and breathing rapidly.

Ling Han, standing to the side, watched this scene with great interest, secretly chuckling to himself.

This Lu Yunyi really knows how to deal with Mao Xiang.

Mao Xiang immediately noticed the smile on Ling Han's lips, and his face darkened.
"Lord Ling, what are you laughing at?"

"laugh?"

Ling Han's expression suddenly hardened. "Is that so?"

Mao Xiang did not dwell on the matter with him, but instead said in a deep voice:

"Lord Ling, I suspect that someone is trying to sow discord. I request the Ministry of Justice to cooperate with the Embroidered Uniform Guard in investigating the case."

When it came to serious matters, Ling Han's expression also became solemn, and he said in a deep voice:

Who does Lord Mao think it is?

Mao Xiang's face darkened again: "There are too many, even I don't know."

Ling Han was speechless for a moment. Looking around the capital, perhaps the only people with enemies were the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

"Sigh, let's investigate. Anyone who has entered the Lotus Pavilion will definitely leave a trace."

The Ministry of Justice will send experienced officials to assist; whether they can find anything depends on the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Mao Xiang looked at Ling Han, knowing that the Ministry of Justice was only going through the motions, and felt somewhat dissatisfied:
"Lord Ling, the commanders of the Embroidered Uniform Guard are also government officials. Shouldn't the Ministry of Justice investigate this carefully?"

"Humph…"

Ling Han chuckled and slowly shook his head.

"Lord Mao, you've arrested over a hundred people from the Yingtian Trading Company. Doesn't the Ministry of Justice need to investigate?"

Speaking of Yingtian Trading Company, Ling Han reminded him:

"Yingtian Trading Company is about to distribute its first dividends, and you've arrested so many people, cutting off their livelihoods."

It's perfectly normal for someone to act desperately.
Mr. Mao should really investigate this thoroughly.

The officials from the Ministry of Justice will remain here; I will return now.

Watching his departing figure, Mao Xiang fell silent.

It's not that he doesn't want to narrow down the scope,
Instead, it was a group of dukes, officials, gentry, and merchants—the Embroidered Uniform Guard had offended almost everyone in the past month, and any one of them was capable of accomplishing this task.

Looking at his bewildered subordinates,
Mao Xiang felt a wave of exhaustion and let out a heavy sigh.

……

Lu Yunyi led his men back to the private room on the second floor of Zuixianlou.
The private room was filled with the smell of alcohol, and bottles and jars of wine were scattered everywhere.

Not far away, a beautiful woman danced gracefully.
The women standing at the four corners held musical instruments and emitted bursts of soft, melodious sounds.

Prince Yan, Zhu Di, his face flushed from drinking, burst into laughter. Upon seeing Lu Yunyi arrive, he waved repeatedly.
"Come on, Yunyi, what have you been doing? You've been back for so long."

Lu Yunyi sat down with a solemn expression, downed the wine in his glass in one gulp, and continued drinking with a grave look.
"what happened?"

Zhu Di frowned, clearly realizing the seriousness of the situation.

Lu Yunyi recounted the events at the Lotus Pavilion in detail.
When they heard that all the commanders of the Embroidered Uniform Guard were dead...
Pan Jing, the commander of Liaodong, twitched his brow and his eyes were filled with apprehension.
Such audacious people are rare in the capital!
Zhu Di thought for a moment, then said in a deep voice:
"Someone must have deliberately sown discord between you and the Embroidered Uniform Guard to escalate the conflict."

Lu Yunyi frowned:
"Your Highness, I don't understand why we're doing this."

The King of Yan laughed loudly and said:

"It's simple. Everyone in the world is driven by profit, so there must be benefits to doing this."
If it's not with you, it's with the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Think about what major events have happened recently.

However, I think it's probably because the Embroidered Uniform Guard is too disliked.
That's why I was planning to use you to deal with them.

Lu Yunyi shook his head and picked up the wine glass on the table:
"Let's not talk about such troublesome things. Come on, let's drink."

(End of this chapter)