In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 791 Warhorse Beixiao, Attacking the Enemy with Weakness

Time passed quietly, and as evening approached, the mink fur deal was completely finalized.

Inside the main hall, Lu Yunyi handed the signed document to Mu Jinghe beside him, his face full of kindness:
"I hope the Northern Parallel Metropolitan Commandery and Miaoyinfang will have a pleasant cooperation."

At this moment, Lu Yunyi had changed into a black robe, and when he didn't speak, he appeared extremely cold.

But now that he was smiling, Mu Jinghe felt that he was even more handsome than before.

"Lord Lu, it is already extremely difficult for me to run a business. I have always been fighting alone, without any help from anyone."

Today, I am deeply grateful to Lord Lu for sharing his experience.

"If you ever need anything in the future, please don't hesitate to ask, and I will do my best to fulfill your request."

Mu Jinghe's charming eyes were filled with joy.

Although three hundred taels is indeed expensive for a peeling coat,
But after an afternoon of analysis, she was convinced by Lu Yunyi.

Let alone selling it for three thousand taels, she was willing to try even if it were five thousand taels.

She was particularly interested in the "limited edition" strategy and felt like she had found a treasure.

"Manager Mu, only through cooperation and mutual benefit can we make big money and make our business better and better."

If one insists on monopolizing all the benefits, sooner or later one will be attacked by the masses.

Mu Jinghe's eyes flickered, as if she had thought of something:
"Does Lord Lu think that Miaoyin Pavilion might be attacked by the masses?"

"Miaoyin Pavilion?"

Lu Yunyi smiled and shook his head.

"Miaoyinfang is powerful and has a strong background. It has already united a large number of people, so there is no need to worry."

Mu Jinghe smiled, pursing her lips:
"Lord Lu is too kind. I am but a woman."
If someone had a powerful background, they wouldn't need to show their face in public to make money; it wouldn't look good if word got out.

"Women were not allowed to show their faces in public; that was a rule from the Song Dynasty."

"We don't have that kind of saying in our Great Ming Dynasty."

"Lord Lu is right."

Mu Jinghe smiled broadly, holding a teacup in her hand, her posture very relaxed.

During their conversation that afternoon, she discovered that the person before her was not as despicable as Mao Xiang had described.
He was neither arrogant nor haughty; on the contrary, he became quite charming once you got to know him.

Aside from initially giving her a visual treat, everything else was handled very appropriately.

For some reason, Mu Jinghe felt much more relaxed when she was with this person.

"Where is Manager Mu from?" Lu Yunyi asked with a smile.

"Reporting to Lord Lu, I am from Hangzhou, and my parents are tea farmers."

Because I frequently came into contact with tea merchants, I eventually became a merchant myself in my later years.

At this point, Mu Jinghe smiled, her expression filled with longing.
"I never imagined that the path of merchants would be so perilous. Fortunately, I have been extremely lucky, which is why I have this Miaoyin Pavilion today."

Lu Yunyi nodded repeatedly:
"Manager Mu is truly a heroine among women. I admire her greatly just from hearing about her."

"I've heard that Lord Lu is from the Northern Frontier?"

"Yes, from a remote border region, a person from Qingzhou."

I'm ashamed to say
Ten years ago, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call myself a nomad from the grasslands. Fortunately, Daming came under the rule of the Ming Dynasty, which made me a Ming citizen. It was a blessing in disguise.

Mu Jinghe's eyes flickered repeatedly, and her breathing involuntarily slowed down:
"Lord Lu, if I were in the Northern Frontier, I might never be able to turn my life around."

And you, at such a young age, have already risen to a high position in the imperial court, becoming a powerful official in your region.
His fame spread throughout the Ming Dynasty, making countless soldiers envious.

"I was just lucky to happen to be caught up in the northern expedition."

If I joined the army at this time, I might have to stay in Qingzhou for the rest of my life.

These days I've become increasingly aware that some things, once missed, are missed forever; a single misstep can lead to endless setbacks.
Once you seize the opportunity, your entire life trajectory will be changed.

In our great Ming Dynasty, countless heroes and valiant men have died in despair because they lacked opportunities.

Lu Yunyi's face showed emotion, and a trace of vicissitude appeared in his bright eyes.
These words were what he truly thought and were a genuine expression of his feelings.

Mu Jinghe was stunned, and her mind immediately recalled the ups and downs of the business world over the years.

Miaoyinfang has grown from a jewelry store with only one storefront to a store that now occupies half a street, a feat that has been achieved through considerable hard work.

Even surviving alongside the Embroidered Uniform Guard was a matter of pure chance; once missed, it was gone forever.

A moment of silence fell over the main hall, then Mu Jinghe let out a long sigh:

"Although Lord Lu is young, he is very experienced, and I feel the same way."

Lu Yunyi smiled gently, looked at Gu Chunzhu who hurriedly walked in through the door, and asked with a questioning expression.

Gu Chunzhu looked respectful and bowed deeply.
"My lord, someone from the Imperial Horse Administration has come, saying they are here on the orders of His Highness Prince Yan to deliver a gift to you."

"Gift?"

Lu Yunyi looked puzzled, while Mu Jinghe's pupils suddenly contracted, her expression becoming extremely strange.

A gift from His Highness the Prince of Yan?
She couldn't imagine what kind of person would prompt a prince to personally deliver a gift.

"What is it?" Lu Yunyi asked as he stood up.

Gu Chunzhu replied:
"Reporting to Your Excellency, the people from the Imperial Horse Stables did not say anything. You should go and see for yourself."

"Um"

Lu Yunyi looked down at Mu Jinghe, who was sitting quietly. He could see her full, rounded chest and her fair, delicate skin.

"Manager Mu, shall we go take a look together?"

"Me? A young lady like me can watch this too?" Mu Jinghe was taken aback, her eyes looking strange.

"Let's go. Now that we've done business together, we're friends. There's no need for formalities between friends. Come on."

Lu Yunyi bent down and smiled as he helped her up.

"what"

Mu Jinghe was caught off guard, feeling overwhelmed by the masculine scent.
The solid strength coming from her palm made her heart pound.

"Walk."

Seeing that she had stood up, Lu Yunyi let go of her hand, laughed heartily, and walked towards the gate of the mansion.

Mu Jinghe's expression changed repeatedly, her cheeks flushed unusually, and finally she lightly stamped her foot and followed.

At the entrance, a young eunuch dressed in a blue robe stood quietly. Upon seeing Lu Yunyi emerge, he quickly went to greet him.

"Our Imperial Horse Stable Supervisor Cao Chenxi greets Lord Lu."

"No need for formalities. What is it?" Lu Yunyi waved his hand and asked the eunuch in front of him.

Cao Chenxi smiled and pointed to the side:
"Lord Lu, please take a look."

Lu Yunyi looked in the direction Cao Chenxi pointed.
A tall, magnificent horse with a glossy coat and flowing mane was being held down by several strong servants.

The horse was robust, with strong and powerful limbs, and its muscles undulated like a dragon.

Its eyes burned like flames, revealing an untamed wildness. Heavy, hot breaths constantly spewed from its nostrils, accompanied by low hisses, as if it was extremely dissatisfied with the constraints imposed on it by those around it and was ready to break free of its shackles and gallop away at any moment.

Cao Chenxi smiled broadly and said respectfully:
"Lord Lu, this warhorse was just delivered from Shaanxi to the capital; it was acquired through trade."

His Highness the Prince of Yan specially instructed that this most spirited horse be selected for you from among many fine steeds.

This horse has a pure bloodline and is a rare gem on the grasslands, a top-quality horse among the best.

These horses would never have been sold to my Ming Dynasty in the past.

Now, some grassland tribes, seeing that the army has utterly defeated Nairbuhua, have specially sent these fine horses, hoping to establish friendly relations with our Great Ming.

With such a divine steed by his side, Lord Lu will surely be able to gallop across the battlefield and achieve great deeds for our Ming Dynasty.

A flicker of realization crossed Lu Yunyi's eyes, followed by excitement.

A good warhorse is of great benefit in charging into battle.

Even a hundred good horses can have an impact on a local war.

He strode towards the warhorse, each step steady and powerful.

Those around him, seeing this, couldn't help but feel a pang of worry for him.

After all, this horse is so fierce that it could easily get injured if one is not careful.

"Lord Lu, this horse has a violent temper; please be careful."

Mu Jinghe stood to the side, her eyes following Lu Yunyi's figure with curiosity.

Although she didn't know much about horses, she could still sense danger from the horse's imposing presence.

Seeing Lu Yunyi approach so boldly,
Her hands unconsciously clenched the hem of her clothes, and a hint of nervousness flashed in her eyes.
It was as if I were the one facing danger.

Lu Yunyi approached the warhorse.
The horse seemed to sense the danger and struggled even more violently, trying to break free of its restraints.

The servants were sweating profusely and looked pained, but they still gritted their teeth and persevered.

Lu Yunyi approached and brazenly examined it.
The more he looked at it, the more satisfied he became, and the corners of his mouth curled up even more.

In an instant, Mu Jinghe, who was lagging behind Lu Yunyi, felt a wildness surge up, no less than that of a struggling wild horse.

Lu Yunyi strode to the side of the warhorse and grabbed the saddle with both hands like iron clamps.

Sensing the threat, the warhorse reared up on its front hooves, letting out a deafening neigh, and stomped its hind hooves on the ground, its whole body shooting forward like an arrow, trying to throw Lu Yunyi off.

Lu Yunyi's feet were firmly planted on the ground, his body slightly crouched, and his hands gripped the saddle tightly.

No matter how much the warhorse struggled, he remained motionless.

His muscles were taut, and the veins on his arms bulged out like winding earthworms.

The forelegs, which should have been raised, were pressed firmly to the ground.

Seeing that it could not shake off Lu Yunyi, the warhorse suddenly made a sharp turn, trying to throw him towards the stone lion beside it.

Lu Yunyi was prepared; he pushed off with both legs.
His body nimbly turned with the warhorse, while his hands pulled hard on the saddle.
Using this force, he flipped over and landed steadily on the horse's back.

The warhorse felt the weight on its back and immediately became extremely enraged.

It started running wildly, sometimes making sharp turns, sometimes leaping high into the air, trying to throw the person on its back off.

Lu Yunyi gripped the reins tightly, his legs clenched firmly around the horse's flanks, as if rooted to the spot.
No matter how much the warhorse jolted, he remained firmly seated on its back.

His eyes were filled with wild excitement, and his smile gradually widened until it turned into maniacal laughter.

Suddenly, the warhorse leaped high into the air, making a stunning leap.

Lu Yunyi's body leaped high into the air with the bounding of his warhorse.
Just as it was about to land,
He yanked the reins hard with both hands, squeezed the horse's belly with his legs, and leaned back, using the shift in his center of gravity to forcefully pull the warhorse back.

After the warhorse landed, it staggered and almost fell to the ground.

It seemed to realize that it had encountered a powerful opponent, and its struggles gradually weakened.

Taking the opportunity, Lu Yunyi gently patted the warhorse's neck and said softly:

"Don't panic, let's form a good bond today."

The voice was deep and gentle, as if possessing a magical power that completely stopped the warhorse's struggles.

At this moment, everyone around was stunned.

Cao Chenxi's eyes widened in disbelief, and he murmured:

"Lord Lu, what skill you have! To subdue such a wild horse so easily is truly admirable."

The servants stopped what they were doing and stared at Lu Yunyi in disbelief, their eyes filled with admiration.

Mu Jinghe's heart raced as she watched, and her cheeks flushed.

She had never seen a man who possessed such a dashing and untamed spirit.

At this moment, Lu Yunyi was galloping freely on horseback, the sound of his hooves echoing throughout the wide streets of the Three Alleys.

A strange glint flashed in her eyes, her hands unconsciously clenched the hem of her clothes, and her breathing became rapid.

Gradually, the warhorse's struggles weakened and eventually stopped, standing obediently in place, and the hot breath coming out of its nostrils became much calmer.

Lu Yunyi gently patted the warhorse's neck, a satisfied smile appearing on his face:
"Good horse!"

He dismounted, approached Cao Chenxi, and smiled:

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I really like this horse."

Cao Chenxi quickly returned the greeting:
"If Lord Lu is pleased, then His Highness the Prince of Yan will be very pleased to know."

Now that this horse has been given to you, I hope you will treat it well.

Lu Yunyi nodded:
"Of course, I will take good care of such a fine steed."

At this moment, Mu Jinghe stepped forward, her eyes filled with envy:
"Lord Lu is truly skilled. He can tame such a wild horse with ease. I have certainly broadened my horizons today."

Lu Yunyi smiled and looked at her:
"Manager Mu, you flatter me. It's just a matter of brute force overcoming all techniques."

This horse is indeed rare. If there is an opportunity in the future, Manager Mu can try riding it.

Mu Jinghe blushed and said coquettishly:
"Lord Lu, please don't make fun of me. I've never ridden a horse before, so how could I dare to try?"

However, seeing Lord Lu's demeanor today has stirred a longing in this young lady."

Lu Yunyi laughed heartily:
"If Manager Mu is interested, I will teach you in the future."

Horse riding isn't actually difficult; once you master the techniques, you can enjoy it.

Mu Jinghe's heart stirred, and a hint of joy flashed in her eyes:
"Then I thank you in advance, Lord Lu. But I wonder when you will be available?"

A strange light flashed in Lu Yunyi's eyes; he hadn't expected Mu Jinghe to be so proactive. He pondered for a moment:

"Once I finish dealing with my current affairs, I'll find some time to take Manager Mu on a horseback ride in the countryside. How about tomorrow?"

Upon hearing this, Mu Jinghe was overjoyed and nodded quickly.

“That would be wonderful. I will come tomorrow.”

Cao Chenxi watched the two talk, secretly speculating about their relationship.

He smiled and said:

"Lord Lu and Manager Mu are a perfect match, and they are having a very pleasant conversation."

Now that the horse has been delivered, I should return to report to His Highness the Prince of Yan.

Lu Yunyi cupped his hands and said:

"Thank you for your help, Eunuch Cao. Please give my regards to His Highness Prince Yan."

Cao Chenxi nodded and left with his entourage.

Lu Yunyi looked at the warhorse with great affection.

He stepped forward, stroked the warhorse's mane again, and said softly:
"From this day forward, you will serve under me."
"I will certainly not mistreat you; I will give you the best fodder, the finest armor, and the most beautiful wife."

The warhorse seemed to understand him and gently nuzzled his hand.

Mu Jinghe walked to Lu Yunyi's side, smiling broadly:

"Lord Lu, does this horse have a name?"

Lu Yunyi shook his head: "It hasn't been named yet. Shall we have Manager Mu come and name one?"

Mu Jinghe smiled and nodded, then pondered for a moment and said:
"This horse comes from the northern grasslands and is so magnificent. How about we name it 'Northern Valiant'?"
"North" represents its origin, while "valiant" signifies its bravery and fearlessness.

Lu Yunyi's eyes lit up, and he praised:
"Great name! From today onwards, it will be called 'Bei Xiao'."

As dusk fell, the afterglow of the setting sun bathed the two of them in a golden glow.

Lu Yunyi looked at Mu Jinghe and said:

"Manager Mu, it's getting late. Why don't you stay for dinner before you leave?"

Mu Jinghe was taken aback, then a hint of joy welled up inside her, but she feigned composure on the surface:

"Wouldn't this be too much of a disturbance to Lord Lu?"

Lu Yunyi smiled and said:
"What are you saying, Manager Mu? We are both partners and friends, so how could you say I'm bothering you?"

Moreover, having acquired this fine horse today, I would like to celebrate with Manager Mu.

Mu Jinghe no longer declined and nodded gently:

"Then this humble woman will humbly accept your offer."

The meal lasted a long time, and it was almost 9 AM.
When Mu Jinghe returned to Miaoyinfang, night had already fallen. The building was brightly lit, and the sounds of string and bamboo instruments could be faintly heard.

She went straight to her room, pushed open the door, and
Then they saw Mao Xiang sitting at the table, his expression gloomy.

Mu Jinghe was startled, her heart tightened, and her voice turned cold:

"Lord Mao, what are you doing here?"

Mao Xiang raised his head, his gaze as sharp as a hawk's, and sized Mu Jinghe up and down. His brows furrowed slightly, and he said in a low voice:

"You went to the Lu residence to discuss business today, why are you returning so late?"

Mu Jinghe frowned slightly and moved with light, graceful steps.

He walked to the table, sat down, poured himself a cup of tea, took a small sip, and said:

"Lord Mao took fifty thousand taels of silver from this young lady, and now you're bothering with all this?"

Mao Xiang clenched his fists tightly at his sides, his breathing rapid, clearly suppressing his anger:

“Lu Yunyi is no good. Keep your distance from him and be careful not to be discovered.”

"Humph"

Mu Jinghe gave a soft hum.
"Want to make money off others but not let them get close? There's no such thing as a free lunch."

"Mr. Mao, you're meddling too much."

What happened today?

"The deal on the mink fur has been settled, and the 50,000 taels of silver deficit will have to be covered by it."

Mao Xiang narrowed his eyes, seemingly not quite believing her words, and pressed further:

"Just business talks? Nothing else happened?"

Mu Jinghe frowned:
"Lord Mao, is this something you should be concerned about?"

Having said that, Mu Jinghe stood up, turned and left, leaving behind a single sentence:

"Since Lord Mao prefers the boudoir, I will go elsewhere."

(End of this chapter)