In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 788 Forced into Exile, Exiled to the Frontier

As noon approached, the Central Military Commander's Office remained a hive of activity.
The post-battle analysis of the Northern Expeditionary Army is in full swing.

The area around the war room sand table was crowded with people, each holding documents.

Most of them are military orders from the Northern Expeditionary Army at that time, from which we can see some of the decisions and choices made by the Northern Expeditionary Army.

The group argued and retorted without hesitation, rejecting the original battle orders.
Some believe such a rash approach is inappropriate, while others believe such a conservative approach is unacceptable.
In short, the entire Central Military Command was in complete chaos.

Behind each of the officials attending the meeting stood a clerk from the Governor's Office.

They would record the words and actions of the adults they belonged to.
After extensive analysis and discussion among the commanders of the Five Military Commissions, the optimal solution for that situation was determined.

Only then did the battle against the Northern Yuan come to an end.

This wasn't the first time Lu Yunyi had attended such a strategic meeting.
Every time, I get a splitting headache because it's so noisy.

Most of the officers in the military are not averse to anything, and all sorts of vulgar language is mixed in with their voices, each louder than the last.

He was watching Li Jinglong and Xu Huizu arguing their points.
The two sides have been arguing for almost fifteen minutes over the attack and defense of a single point of attack.

Each has its own compelling reasons.

Lu Yunyi listened with great interest.

From these operational meetings, one can discern the combat styles and troop usage habits of various generals, as well as their decisiveness at crucial moments.

Just like Geng Bingwen, the Marquis of Changxing, who was the best defensive general in the Ming Dynasty.

However, Lu Yunyi discovered that his "good defense" was manifested in his accurate judgment of the battlefield situation.

He knows exactly when to defend to the death and when to be aggressive and daring.

Especially in the struggle for certain key points, their judgments were remarkably accurate.

Extending his line of thought, let's take down a node.
The entire battlefield's defense system will change accordingly, becoming more comprehensive.

Marquis Guo Ying of Wuding, on the other hand, had a more substantial style.

I never care about being greedy for quick success or taking advantage of others and then running away.

They only scratched the surface of the competition for nodes.
Once an opportunity arises, they will act without hesitation and at any cost.

Having read many analyses of the battlefield by dukes and marquises,
Lu Yunyi suddenly realized that these generals had a strong liking for taking desperate gambles.
This is a combat habit that has been developed over time.
Before the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, there was no chance of making a comeback after a defeat.
It's better to go all in and fight to the death on the battlefield.

A young clerk cautiously entered.

He leaned down beside Lu Yunyi and whispered:

"My lord, Minister Liu of the Court of State Ceremonial is at the door and requests that you come out to see him."

Lu Yunyi was taken aback, then nodded slightly:

"I see."

He looked at the clerk behind him who was recording the events and gave the instructions:

"Write down everything they say, and I'll get back to them soon."

"Yes."

Lu Yunyi walked out of the main hall of the Central Military Commander's Mansion and soon saw Liu Sili, dressed in a scarlet robe, at the entrance:

"Father-in-law, what is it?" Lu Yunyi bowed and asked.

Liu Sili looked around and pointed to the government office ahead:
"Let's find a quiet place; I have something to tell you."

Lu Yunyi looked thoughtful, then nodded.
They led him into the Central Military Governor's Mansion, and they arrived at an empty house.

He personally poured Liu Sili a cup of hot tea, and the two sat facing each other at the round table.

Liu Sili took a sip of hot tea, sighed deeply, and said:

"Have you met the newly appointed Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, Han Yike? He spent some time in Yunnan."

Lu Yunyi was taken aback, and Han Yike's image immediately flashed into his mind. He nodded.
"Reporting to my father-in-law, I know him."
His student, Ma Yang, was a censor in Yunnan. I met him several times while he was in Yunnan. Has he been reinstated?

"Yes, His Majesty has reinstated him as the Yunnan Provincial Governor."
He was transferred to the position of Minister of the Court of Judicial Review in the first half of the year, and may be transferred to the Censorate at the end of the year.

Lu Yunyi suddenly realized that Han Yike's exile to Yunnan was actually a form of protection from the palace.

Now that some of those who targeted him have fallen from power, it is only natural for him to return to the capital.

"Father-in-law, what do you mean?"

Liu Sili spoke in a deep voice:
"I've already arranged the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate; all that's left is the Court of Judicial Review."
As your father, I hope you will go and talk to them.
In dealing with Zixian's situation, we should not kick him when he's down.

Lu Yunyi frowned slightly, his expression shifting between light and dark, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.

Have the Censorate and the Ministry of Justice already made arrangements?

How could he not have realized that his father-in-law possessed such great abilities?

Liu Sili took out account books and documents from his pocket, placed them on the table, and pushed them forward:

"Take a look, this is the whole story of how smuggling started."

The murder case at Lotus Pavilion yesterday has also been solved; the person behind it is Yu Tongyuan.

This smuggling route has always been managed by their navy.

Yu Qilun was present when Liu Zixian was arrested, but Mao Xiang let him go.

As soon as he finished speaking, a fierce glint flashed in Lu Yunyi's eyes, and his fist, which was under the table, clenched tightly.
Then, without making a sound, he opened the documents and ledgers and examined them carefully.

The more he looked, the more alarmed he became.

How could such a smuggling route involve so many people?
"Did my father-in-law give the account books to the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate?"

"Only the Censorate received it; the Ministry of Justice received the investigation report on last night's murder."

However, the two officials understood the seriousness of the matter and softened their stance on Zixian's punishment.

Liu Sili's face was calm, but his eyes were incredibly firm.

"Father-in-law, is Liu Zixian really worth it?"

Lu Yunyi's expression was extremely strange as he asked a question.

Liu Sili's expression shifted repeatedly, and finally he sighed helplessly, saying in a deep voice:

"Being part of a large family, one is not free to do as one pleases."

Whether it's right or wrong, you have to do it, otherwise you'll be cutting yourself off from your family.

Moreover, Liu Zixian was someone I brought to Yingtian.

Now that he's in trouble, if we don't do our best, we won't be able to face our family.

Lu Yunyi pursed his lips slightly. Even including Qiuhe, there were only four people in his family.
It's impossible to understand the thoughts of these large families, and it's impossible to experience it firsthand.

He pondered for a long time, and finally nodded slightly:
"Father-in-law, I'm writing a letter for you to give to Lord Han."
If Lord Han cherishes our past relationship, then there will be no problem.

If you don't care about past relationships, it would be convenient for you to tell him on the spot.

"Okay!" Liu Sili breathed a sigh of relief.

Shortly after, Liu Sili left the Central Military Governor's Office with the letter and headed to the Dali Temple.
Lu Yunyi returned to the operations room and continued to listen in, occasionally joining the argument.

Time flies, and two days have passed in the blink of an eye.

An unprecedented atmosphere pervaded the Three Departments' office, with officials walking with extreme caution.

This morning, Han Yike, Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, and Ling Han, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice,

Each of them led a group of officials to the Censorate.

In a side hall, Yuan Tai, the Right Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, waited quietly.
After everyone arrived, they took their seats in turn.

After the officials were seated, they placed the documents they carried on the long table in front of them.

Pens, ink, paper and inkstones were already prepared on the side, and a row of clerks sat behind them to take notes.

Once everyone had arrived, just as the door to the side hall was about to close,
An unexpected figure appeared at the doorway.

The group of people were slightly taken aback when they saw him.

Then he remembered the other official position of the person in front of him—Right Vice Censor-in-Chief.

Yuan Tai was the first to stand up, forcing a smile:
"Greetings, Lord Lu. May I ask what brings you here?"

Upon hearing this, all the officials and clerks present stood up.

They scrutinized Lu Yunyi's official robes, finding something amiss. Lu Yunyi stood at the doorway with a smile, surveying the crowd, and chuckled softly:
"What is this doing?"

Yuan Tai began to explain:
"Reporting to Lord Lu, the Three Departments are preparing to take final action against the Tianshang smuggling case."

We've gathered here to brainstorm and come up with a result as quickly as possible.
Otherwise, with the matter hanging in the balance, all three departments would feel uneasy.

Lu Yunyi nodded:
"May I listen in on this?"

"This"

Yuan Tai immediately looked troubled.

He had only met this Right Vice Censor-in-Chief once, at a victory celebration banquet, and had never worked with him.

But regardless of the reason for holding this concurrent position, the person before him is one of the heads of the Censorate.

If someone wanted to sit in on the proceedings, he wouldn't be able to find a reason to refuse.

"Perhaps I should ask Lord Zhan if I may sit in on the proceedings?"

"No, no, no, Lord Lu, please come in quickly."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Tai immediately abandoned any thought of refusing.
They were all officials under the Court of Imperial Sacrifices; they all urinated in the same pot, so the outcome was predictable.

Rather than going through all that trouble, it's better to take advantage of the situation.

So, Lu Yunyi sat down in the chair next to Yuan Tai, and the two sat side by side.
For a moment, the atmosphere in the side hall became strange because of his arrival.

Han Yike, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, sensed the strangeness in the room and, without any politeness, spoke directly:
“Lord Lu, when the three judicial departments investigate a case, those involved should recuse themselves. You should not be here.”

Lu Yunyi smiled:

"Although the Yingtian Trading Company was established by my own hands..."
But now, apart from a few individuals holding shares, there is no real connection or involvement.
I will not show favoritism towards anyone in this matter, so please rest assured, Lord Han.

Han Yike shook her head and didn't say anything more.

He knew that different places had their own rules, and the capital had its own rules.
To thrive, one must blend in with the crowd and learn to adapt to the rules.

After a moment of silence, Yuan Tai opened the file in his hand, stood up, and some other people in the room also stood up.

Yuan Tai said in a deep voice:
"The discussion regarding Yingtian Trading Company's involvement in smuggling will now begin."

This case was discovered by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and His Majesty personally ordered the Three Judicial Offices to investigate.
As the chief officials of the three departments, we should uphold justice impartially and without bias, restoring order and clarity to the nation.

Please take your seats.

The group sat down, and Yuan Tai spoke first:
"In the smuggling case, Yingtian Trading Company was involved with 177 people."

The group consisted of one manager, six supervisors, fifteen foremen, thirteen shopkeepers, and the rest were employees.

"Ladies and gentlemen, this case involves a huge amount of money and a large number of people."

The investigation by the Censorate alone could involve six provinces and at least a thousand people, which is truly astonishing.

But today we will only discuss the punishment for the people of Yingtian Trading Company.
Give an explanation to the people of the capital and the imperial court.

As for the individuals from various provinces who subsequently came forward, the Provincial Surveillance Commission will continue its investigation. Are you all aware of this, sirs?

"Know."

Ling Han nodded and spoke first, followed by Han Yike.

After the room fell silent, Yuan Tai spoke in a deep voice:
"Very well, I'm sure you gentlemen have all seen all the case files involved."

In my opinion, these people should be dealt with severely as a warning to others.

As soon as Yuan Tai finished speaking, Ling Han frowned slightly.

He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, pondered for a moment, and then spoke:

"What Lord Yuan said makes sense; this case involves a wide range of issues."
If the matter is not dealt with severely, it will be difficult to appease public anger and demonstrate the authority of the imperial court.

However, given the large number of people involved, if all of them are severely punished...

This could cause turmoil in the court; further consideration is needed.

Han Yike nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping over everyone, and said in a deep voice:

"Lord Ling is absolutely right. The key to this case lies in how to balance the interests of all parties."

Although the Yingtian Trading Company committed heinous crimes, many of its members were merely following orders.
To generalize would inevitably be unfair.

The ringleader should be severely punished as a warning to others.

For accomplices, the court may grant leniency as appropriate, to demonstrate its compassion.

Han Yike's words surprised many people, who glanced at him with some unexpectedness.
This Lord Han is known for his incorruptibility and impartiality.

Why are they actually turning a blind eye today?
Yuan Tai nodded slightly, his gaze falling on the dossier in his hand, and slowly said:

"Lord Han is right. As the highest-ranking person involved in the case among the Yingtian Merchant Guild, what do you all think should be done with Liu Zixian?"

Han Yike frowned, pondered for a moment, and then said:
"Liu Zixian disregarded the law and bears an unshirkable responsibility for this case. According to the law, he should be executed to set an example."

Ling Han shook his head, his gaze resolute, and said:
"Lord Han, although Liu Zixian is the main culprit, this case involves many powerful and influential people, so we must be careful."

Especially at such a dangerous time, if the court were to fall into chaos again,
It is not good if everyone is insecure.

In my opinion, it would be better to sentence him to exile.
This both demonstrates the imperial court's authority and provides an explanation to all parties involved.

Yuan Tai's heart stirred. He had always wanted to protect Liu Zixian, and Ling Han's words were exactly what he wanted.

He cleared his throat and said:
"Lord Ling's words make sense, however, the place of exile should be carefully considered."

In my opinion, Liaodong is a vast and sparsely populated area.

Furthermore, it borders the Northern Yuan and the Jurchen, and there are frequent battles between them.

He was exiled to Liaodong to guard the border.

Firstly, this would allow him to serve the court; secondly, it would keep him away from the capital, preventing further trouble.

Upon hearing this, Han Yi glanced at Lu Yunyi silently, her brows furrowing even more.

He understood that Yuan Tai and Ling Han were intentionally favoring Liu Zixian.

After a moment of contemplation, he said:

"Lord Yuan, Liu Zixian was born in Liaodong. Exiling him to Liaodong is tantamount to sending him home."

At this moment, a censor from the Censorate standing behind Yuan Tai stood up.
He opened the document in his hand and said respectfully:
"Lord Han, according to the records, Liu Zixian is from Yangzhou, not Liaodong."

Upon hearing this, even Ling Han looked at Yuan Tai with some surprise.

He never expected that the Censorate would come up with such a way to open a back door.

Noticing the gazes of the group of people inside the room,
Yuan Tai remained unmoved, extremely calm, and didn't take it to heart at all.

Han Yike glanced at Yuan Tai and the others, pursed her lips slightly, sighed, and said nothing more.

Ling Han opened the document in his hand and quickly located Liu Zixian's location.
He nodded, somewhat as if in realization:

"According to historical records, Liu Zixian was indeed from Yangzhou."
In this way, exile to Liaodong can be considered a severe punishment.
After all, Liaodong was a harsh environment with frequent battles; going there would inevitably mean enduring great suffering.

Seeing that no one spoke, Yuan Tai said in a deep voice:
"If the gentlemen have no objections, then the decision regarding Liu Zixian will be made as follows."

"How about we send him to the Embroidered Uniform Guard after the meeting?"

Han Yike pondered for a long time, and finally sighed helplessly, saying:
"Since you two insist, I have nothing more to say. Let's handle it this way."

Yuan Tai and Ling Han exchanged a glance, both of them breathing a sigh of relief.

They knew that as long as Han Yike stopped objecting,

This would give us an 80% chance of success, and the potential trouble could be minimized.

"What about Lord Lu? If you have any opinions, please speak them out, and we can discuss them."

Yuan Tai looked at Lu Yunyi beside him and asked.

Lu Yunyi remained calm and began to speak:

"Since the three judicial departments have already made their decision, then so be it."
The peace between the government and the people is currently very fragile. If the storm can be quelled, no one else can say anything.

Yuan Tai breathed a sigh of relief, looked at the clerk recording the events not far away, and instructed:
"Write this down: Liu Zixian, the official in charge, is exiled to the frontier and is not allowed to return for thirty years."

The rest were punished according to the law; those with severe punishments were exiled to the border, while those with lighter punishments were sentenced to one year of imprisonment.
Furthermore, all proceeds from smuggling shall be confiscated by the state treasury and turned over to the public treasury in accordance with the law.

"Yes."

(End of this chapter)