In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 790 The Warlike Spirit Remains Unabated, Mu Jinghe Comes to the Door
"Starting a war is easy; the real challenge is how to end it gracefully!"

"Slaying an enemy with a sword seems simple, but the difficulty lies in making a precise, single strike!"

Inside the Central Military Command's Operations Room,
Lu Yunyi leaned forward, pressing his hands heavily onto the sand table, his voice strong and resonant.
He refuted the opposing commander, who was eager to start a war and pursue the enemy without holding back.

"The Northern Yuan is not a weak and easily bullied group."

The Oirat and Tatar were locked in a fierce internal struggle, and Yesuder had just ascended the throne, leaving the Northern Yuan regime in a state of internal strife.

At this point, attacking the Northern Yuan Grand Commandant Nairbuqa was an extremely risky move.

If war is rashly started again, the internal conflicts within the Northern Yuan will be temporarily put aside, and they will unite against external forces.

This united front against a common enemy undoubtedly leads to a fight to the death.

Either the internal conflicts within the Northern Yuan were completely resolved, or the Ming Dynasty completely defeated or destroyed them.

However, none of these three outcomes are the best course of action for the Ming Dynasty at present.

The best course of action now is to subdue the enemy without fighting.

By selling weapons, armor, salt, sugar, tea, and other supplies to the Northern Yuan, they supported their internal strife, keeping them constantly mired in infighting.
Instead of blindly sending troops and wasting money and national strength!

Lu Yunyi became more and more excited as he spoke, and his voice grew louder and louder.

The spittle he spat out left a few black spots on the sand table.

"That's utterly absurd! Complete nonsense!"

"We should take advantage of his illness and kill him."
Those vast grasslands—if the Ming Dynasty doesn't take them, wouldn't it be a waste to give them away to the Northern Yuan?

Once they recover, they will pose a huge threat to the northern part of our Great Ming Dynasty.

Therefore, this governor believes that we should not only fight, but fight a massive and thorough war.
"Fight to Karakorum, fight to the northern deserts, fight to Mount Langjuxu, and even fight to the North Sea!"

Hu Tong, the former Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Military Governor's Office, was equally unyielding.
He was practically lying face down on the sand table, his voice booming like a bell.

The generals inside the room looked at each other, bewildered.

Some of the young generals who were listening in found it unbelievable.

This was the first time they had ever seen such a heated argument between high-ranking officials of the Governor's Office over the war.

Lu Yunyi felt a little short of breath.
Take a deep breath and say it again loudly:
"The combined military force available in Shaanxi, Gansu, and Ningxia is no more than 150,000."
Among them, the number of cavalry capable of long-distance marches, even if you count them all, is no more than 60,000 per person and horse.

Does Lord Hu know how far it is from Ningxia to Helin?
Two thousand three hundred miles!
Each person and horse needs one and a half catties of food per day, and each of the laborers behind them needs two catties of food per day.

Based on the calculation that each soldier requires one laborer to transport provisions, do you know how much grain is needed?

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, and many officials opened their books to begin calculations.
Some experienced military commanders squinted their eyes; having traveled this route, they were well aware of the enormous amount of provisions required.

Lu Yunyi continued:
"Based on a daily travel of 100 li, the round trip would take 46 days. If we factor in 10 days for military operations, that would be 56 days."

A force of 120,000 men would require 6.72 million catties of grain and fodder for laborers.
The soldiers needed 5.04 million catties of grain and fodder, plus 7.84 million catties lost along the way.

The total was 19.6 million catties, or 170,000 shi of grain and fodder.

In fact, this account should be at least five times larger.

It's impossible to travel a hundred li in a day with laborers.

Each soldier requires at least three laborers for supplies, and the war cannot last only ten days.

If the war is to be escalated

We need to prepare at least one million shi of grain in Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, Shanxi, and the vicinity of Datong.

Transporting grain from Shandong, Henan, and Zhili resulted in losses of 500,000 shi (a unit of dry measure).

To be on the safe side, the imperial court was to prepare two million shi of grain and fodder in the vicinity of the capital.

If we didn't have these two million shi of grain, what difference would it make to send troops to the Northern Yuan?

The imperial court has just emerged from a major war, and the national treasury is now empty. Where will these two million shi of grain come from?

Some officials and young officers who were making calculations stopped writing and their pens, their faces showing shock.

This number is truly terrifying.
It's even beyond the imagination of many young people that two million shi of grain piled on the ground would form a huge hill.

Duke Li Jinglong of Cao State spoke softly:
"In the third year of Hongwu's reign, my father went on a campaign to Yingchang."
It mobilized 250,000 soldiers and laborers, took eleven months, and used a total of seven million shi (a unit of dry measure) of grain.

They were still looting and killing along the way, taking almost no prisoners.

Hu Tong, the Vice Commander-in-Chief, said in a deep voice:
"The sweet potatoes have already been planted, and this year will see a bumper harvest. It is entirely feasible to transfer two million shi of grain from the capital region."

This governor has already done the calculations, and even three million shi (a unit of dry measure) wouldn't affect grain prices.

Hu Tong waved his hand, and the officials from the Vanguard Commandery immediately stepped forward and distributed documents to the officials.
Lu Yunyi supported himself with his arms, his eyes strange and his face full of worry.

The officials may not be aware of the situation regarding sweet potatoes.

But the military commanders must know this.

With food in hand, ambitions swelled, giving rise to the idea of ​​achieving great deeds and establishing a career.

Lu Yunyi expressed his full understanding of Hu Tong's impulsiveness.

Hu Tong and Zhang Quan were both veterans of the same era.

Now that Zhang Quan has risen to a high position, and he is still only a vice commander-in-chief, it is only natural that he feels resentful and frustrated and wants to go out to fight.

Even if you don't become an overnight sensation, becoming a nobleman is still an option, at least you won't fall behind.

Moreover, the mere mention of sending troops again has already garnered the approval of many veteran military officers.
Lu Yunyi glanced at the document handed to him by the clerk, not intending to dwell on the matter, and instead spoke directly:
"A quick victory is not advisable; we must be prepared for a protracted war against the Northern Yuan."

The country is currently in turmoil, the situation is unstable, and rebellions are breaking out in various places.

If we launch another military campaign and transfer all our elite troops to the northern grasslands, wouldn't that just be giving away an opening?

In short, we must be careful and cautious when dealing with the Northern Yuan.

If we rashly send troops, it might allow the Northern Yuan to continue its consolidation, creating another powerful enemy in our north!

Seeing that Lu Yunyi was not responding, Hu Tong's face flushed red, and his voice became fierce:
"Lu Yunyi, why didn't you mention this before you sent troops to fight the Jurchens?"

Lu Yunyi sighed, a look of helplessness flashing across his face:

"Governor Hu, I've said this at least five times already."
The Jurchens are insignificant; they're just soldiers without even swords or armor, it can't be considered a war.

"Lu Yunyi, don't try to talk nonsense with me."

The documents from Liaodong have arrived.
The four tribes of the Haixi Jurchen once crossed the Halamulin River to send troops to the vicinity of Lake Buyur.

They utterly defeated at least six major steppe tribes and plundered countless riches.
Could soldiers with swords and armor really do this?

Lu Yunyi was about to speak when Hu Tong raised his hand to stop him:

"Stop it, kid. Don't say one thing and do another."

The steppe people of the Oirat lands were elite, but the steppe people of Buyur Lake became cowards who couldn't even defeat the Jurchens.

They're both horsemen and archers, what's the difference?

“Governor Hu, the majority of the Buyur Lake troops are indeed vulnerable and cannot compare to the elite Oirat forces under Yesuder’s command.”

Hu Tong was so angry he laughed, hands on his hips:

"You really have no shame. The Northeast can fight, but the Northwest can't?"

“We just fought, and Nairbuhua is waiting at the Ministry of Rites to be assigned an official position.”

Hu Tong waved his hand impatiently, his gaze unwavering:

"Alright, alright, I'm not going to waste my breath arguing with you about this nonsense."

The former military governor's office supported continuing the military campaign to annihilate the Oirat Northern Yuan regime in one fell swoop!

Only then did the group of young soldiers belatedly realize what was happening.

Most of the military commanderies under the former military governor's office were located in the south, such as the Huguang Military Commandery, the Garrison Commandery, the Fujian Military Commandery, the Jiangxi Military Commandery, and the Guangdong Military Commandery.
However, the Governor-General's Office, which was in charge of the Southern Regional Military Commission, advocated for military action against the Northern Yuan in the far north.
This left many people looking at each other in bewilderment, unable to understand the key point.

"Alright, alright, what kind of behavior is this, making such a racket?"

All records from today will be kept on file, and the military meeting will continue tomorrow!

Marquis Guo Ying of Wuding stood up, waved his hand, and walked out of the operations room with an impatient look on his face.

He walked away shaking his head, seemingly utterly helpless.

As he left, the group of white-bearded governors also stood up, shook their heads, and departed.

Another day that ended badly.

Lu Yunyi returned to his seat, gulped down two large bowls of tea, and his voice was a little hoarse:

"From now on, you'll have to do these kinds of jobs yourself; they're too tiring."

Li Jinglong stood up with a smile and massaged Lu Yunyi's shoulders:

"I'm not as eloquent as you. These days, all the generals are crazy about going to war."

The imperial court had no money, so they could only argue behind closed doors.

Lu Yunyi shook his head, walked to the side, picked up a pear and started taking a big bite, saying:

"You can suppress it for a while, but not forever."
If this constant arguing continues, the Governor's Office will be in complete chaos sooner or later.

"We'll see when the time comes. Anyway, we've done our best."

Li Jinglong waved his hand dismissively, slumped into his chair, and said with some emotion,
"The Governor's Mansion is just like a vegetable market. My father was absolutely right."

"Alright, I'm going back. I've been arguing for an hour, and I'm covered in sweat."

Lu Yunyi didn't want to talk to him, afraid of getting into trouble again, so he quickly left.

Li Jinglong didn't try to persuade him, but instead sat there and shouted loudly:
"Come over for dinner tonight, Zigong said he's got a few bottles of good wine."

"You guys eat, I need to rest."

Lu Yunyi did not turn around, but waved his hand and quickly left the Central Military Governor's Mansion.

He had already made up his mind about this military meeting.

I'll try not to come in the future; the noise and disturbance are just annoying.

Before long, Lu Yunyi returned to the Lu residence in the Third Alley of Xianmen.

He spotted the carriage parked at the door at a glance, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.

Who is coming?
Before they could even step through the gates, the steward, Gu Chunzhu, hurriedly came forward, a strange look on his face, and said in a low voice:
"Master, Manager Mu Jinghe from Miaoyinfang has arrived. She says she wants to discuss some business matters with you."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yunyi paused, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

"Miaoyinfang? Is that the Miaoyinfang that caters exclusively to women?"

"Sir, it's her."

Lu Yunyi thought for a moment and said:

"Go and take care of them first, I'll be there shortly."

Gu Chunzhu responded and was about to turn and leave when Lu Yunyi called her back:
"Wait, prepare some hot water for me first, I want to take a bath."

Gu Chunzhu accepted the order and left, while Lu Yunyi went straight to his bedroom.

He was covered in sweat and felt sticky and uncomfortable all over, desperately needing a hot shower to refresh himself.

Soon, the hot water was ready.

Lu Yunyi took off his clothes and stepped into the bath, with Su Wanheng serving him from the side.

The warm water enveloped his body, gradually relaxing his tense nerves.

He leaned against the edge of the bathtub, closing his eyes to rest, but his mind was still pondering the debate in the governor's mansion about whether to send troops to the Northern Yuan.

After taking a bath, Lu Yunyi felt refreshed and invigorated.

He casually picked up a dry cloth from the side, wiped the water droplets off his body, then put on a loose robe and walked towards the side hall.

As soon as he entered, Lu Yunyi saw a graceful woman sitting in a chair, holding a cup of tea in her hands, sipping it gently.

The woman was none other than Mu Jinghe.
Today she wore a light purple gauze dress with delicate floral embroidery on the hem, which swayed gently with her movements.

Her long, jet-black hair cascaded down her shoulders like a waterfall, with a few strands clinging to her cheeks, adding to her allure.

Her skin was as white as snow, her eyebrows as dark as distant mountains, and her bright eyes were like stars, full of liveliness and charm.

Below her delicate nose was a cherry-like mouth, which was slightly upturned, carrying a faint smile.

Lu Yunyi secretly praised him.
Mu Jinghe is indeed exceptionally beautiful; she truly deserves to be the manager of a business run by women.

He coughed lightly, breaking the silence in the side hall.

Hearing the sound, Mu Jinghe looked up and saw Lu Yunyi shirtless, wearing only a robe, with clearly visible eight-pack abs and smooth, firm muscle lines.

At just one glance, her heart skipped a beat. Then, seeing that young, handsome, and dignified face, Mu Jinghe inwardly exclaimed in admiration:
"What a handsome young man."

Lu Yunyi strode to the head seat and sat down, smiling as he said:

"Manager Mu, I've long admired your name. May I ask what brings you here today?"

Mu Jinghe snapped out of her daze, quickly stood up, gave a graceful bow, and her voice was as melodious as a nightingale's song:
"Lord Lu, I have long admired your name."
Seeing you today, you are indeed exceptionally handsome; even I, a mere woman, have fallen in love with you.

Lu Yunyi remained calm. He was used to whatever tricks this female shopkeeper, who was having an affair with the Imperial Guards, would pull. He retaliated without hesitation:

"Manager Mu is also extremely beautiful. If I were not yet married, I would definitely marry you and bring you home."

Upon hearing this, Mu Jinghe was momentarily stunned, a hint of surprise flashing in her bright eyes.

She looked at Lu Yunyi with surprise, then smiled sweetly:
"It is said that the more handsome a man is, the more likely he is to lie. I didn't believe it before, but after meeting Lord Lu today, I do believe it."

Lu Yunyi was slightly stunned, then chuckled and stood up, walking over to Mu Jinghe.

As Mu Jinghe watched him approach step by step, his smooth and healthy features became increasingly clear. Her body tensed up suddenly, a hint of panic flashed in her eyes, and her small hands on her skirt clenched tightly.

Lu Yunyi stood in front of her, looking down at her with undisguised scrutiny in his eyes.

The atmosphere was tense for a moment.

The silence was broken by a soft laugh.

"Oh, Manager Mu is truly a beauty of unparalleled grace."

After saying that, Lu Yunyi sat down next to Mu Jinghe.

The overwhelming masculine scent made Mu Jinghe hold her breath, and her eyes showed even more panic.

She underestimated the man's aggressiveness. Despite the exaggerated rumors, when they actually met face-to-face...
She discovered that the imposing presence emanating from the person before her was far more intense than that of Mao Xiang, and there was also a kind of unbridled madness about him.

She knew that this was because she had killed too many people and had become indifferent to human life.

Mu Jinghe's breathing became slightly rapid, and her voice trembled slightly:

"Lord Lu, I heard that the Beiping Military Command has recently opened a textile workshop, which sells fine mink coats."

"I've come today to discuss this coat business with you."

Just as Mu Jinghe was preparing to resist the man's further advances, Lu Yunyi simply said:
"continue."

Mu Jinghe was taken aback, then pursed her lips and continued:

"Miaoyinfang caters to wealthy women."

Yingtian Trading Company recently acquired a batch of top-quality mink.
The leather coat, I heard, is from Beiping (Beijing).

I've also seen it; the quality is excellent and the craftsmanship is superb.

Therefore, I wish to cooperate with you, sir, to open up trade routes so that Miaoyinfang can also sell such fine mink furs.

"Don't worry about the price, Lord Lu. Miaoyinfang can offer three times the price."

"The mink coats are made with the finest sable from Liaodong. The cost in the workshop alone is at least three taels, so three times that price is nearly ten taels. How much does Miaoyin Workshop plan to sell them for?"

Mu Jinghe smiled gently, seemingly regaining her composure in doing business:
"Lord Lu, the value of Miaoyinfang's products lies not in their craftsmanship or quality, but in their uniqueness."

If each mink pelt were unique and custom-made, Miaoyinfang could sell them for ten times the price.

"Only ten times?"

Lu Yunyi glanced at her with some surprise, and his positive impression of Miaoyinfang vanished instantly.

If it only sells for ten times the price, it won't be enough to justify Yingtian's position as the leading luxury goods brand.

"Even in winter, the weather in Yingtian is warm, and a mink coat is exceptionally warm."
"I might only need it once or twice a year, so fifty taels of silver is more than enough."

Mu Jinghe explained with a smile, her eyes filled with certainty.

Lu Yunyi lifted his clothes, feeling somewhat hot:
"Manager Mu, that's not how business is done."
Let me show you the way: I'll sell you a mink coat for three hundred taels each, and each one will have a unique serial number.

Even if you get Yingtian, you can still sell it at at least ten times the price.
Whether it sells for three thousand taels or five thousand taels is none of my business, but I guarantee it will sell like hotcakes.

If you can't sell them, Yingtian Trading Company will buy them back at the original price.

I won't let you suffer any losses, okay?

Mu Jinghe shuddered and looked at Lu Yunyi in disbelief.

Costing three taels, selling for three thousand taels?
How could he dare to charge a thousand times the price?
"Lord Lu, mink fur is warm, but there are very few occasions where it can be used."

Lu Yunyi raised his hand to stop him:
"Alright, Manager Mu, stop talking."

It is precisely because it is used in small quantities that it must be sold at a high price; this is my principle.

When it comes to business, I'm better at it than you are.

If you're obedient, then cooperate; if not, leave now.

"This"

Mu Jinghe's red lips parted slightly, and after thinking carefully, she immediately gave a bitter smile.

In business, I'm no match for this young man.

"The achievements of Yingtian Trading Company far surpass those of a thousand Miaoyin Workshops."

Lu Yunyi tapped his fingers on the chair and said:
"Manager Mu, when doing business with noble ladies, don't be afraid of the high prices."

Yingtian is a gathering place for wealthy people from all over the world, and there are even many foreigners with huge fortunes.

Even if you sell each piece for fifty taels and work yourself to the bone to sell dozens of pieces, you'll only earn a few thousand taels.

This is not as good as carefully packaging and selling a unique, emotionally valuable 3,000-tael mink coat.

If you can't understand this principle, then Miaoyinfang will stop here.

Mu Jinghe gradually came to her senses, a hint of excitement appearing in her eyes, and a charmingly innocent smile playing on her lips:
"Lord Lu, everyone says you have a knack for making money."

Upon seeing it today, I can confirm that it is indeed so.

I admire you, I admire you.

(End of this chapter)