In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 792 Wealth and Prosperity Everywhere in the Ming Dynasty
The next morning, before dawn,
Lu Yunyi got up to wash up, then took his spear and went to the courtyard, where he brandished it wildly.

As the spear danced, flashes of light and whistling wind filled the air.
This caused the many servants standing nearby to become wary, fearing that they might be stabbed by the sudden spear.

With each swing, each flick, and each lift, fine beads of sweat appeared on Lu Yunyi's forehead, and his whole body became increasingly light and agile.

It's no exaggeration to say that his time in Beijing has been the most relaxed he's had in recent years.
There is plenty of time every day, and I can even practice in the morning.

If he were in Daning, the daily official duties would leave him breathless.
Let alone training, he couldn't even muster the slightest interest in his beautiful wife at home; all he wanted was to rest as soon as possible.

These days of training have caused his muscles, which had somewhat atrophied, to reappear, and a long-lost sense of strength has returned.

Lu Yunyi felt the spear in his hand getting lighter and lighter, and he was able to swing it faster and faster.

Not far away, a group of guards, witnessing this scene, couldn't help but exchange bewildered glances.

The adult before him seemed like a ferocious, humanoid beast, exuding ferocity and wildness.
It is awe-inspiring, somewhat like yesterday's "Northern Valiant" warhorse.

The morning drill lasts for half an hour.

As the sun gradually rose, the clear, bright light of the morning sun quickly enveloped the entire Lu residence.

The last trace of nighttime coolness in the air quietly dissipated, replaced by the sweltering heat of summer.

"call"

"Ding--"

Lu Yunyi let out a long breath, his gaze sharp, and with a backhand flick of his spear,
A sharp silver beam shot out, piercing straight towards the longbow target not far away.

With a soft "thud," the spear was firmly pinned to the metal, trembling slightly and leaving afterimages in its wake.

"it is good!"

Feng Yunfang's eyes lit up, and he was the first to raise his hand and applaud.

The many guards standing nearby also showed their admiration and cheered.

Upon seeing this scene, Su Wanheng almost leaned against the pillar, her whole body going limp.

This overwhelming masculine energy is irresistible to any woman.

Lu Yunyi waved his hand and smiled:

"Quiet down, everyone go have breakfast. I heard that today's breakfast is the famous steamed buns from Yingtian, and they taste amazing."

"Yes!" Feng Yunfang stood up straight and chuckled.

Lu Yunyi looked at Su Wanheng and raised an eyebrow at her:
"Come, help the master take a bath."

"Yes"

Su Wanheng was secretly delighted and giggled repeatedly.

Before long, in the huge hot spring pool,
Lu Yunyi leaned against one side, feeling the soothing warmth of the hot water.

He raised his arms out to the sides and clenched his fists tightly. He didn't feel any obvious pain, so he felt relieved.

"Sir, what are you doing?"

"Strenuous exercise can cause damage to the body."

For acute injuries or illnesses, hot water should not be used; ice should be used to reduce inflammation.

Only some hidden injuries require hot water.

This will accelerate blood flow and allow for gradual conditioning.

Su Wanheng was full of questions, feeling that the adults were speaking in a very profound way and she couldn't understand some of it.

Lu Yunyi was happy to explain:

"If you sprain your ankle, apply ice; if your hands and feet ache, apply heat. Do you understand?"

Su Wanheng nodded her little head repeatedly:

"Master, I understand."

"What do you think of that shopkeeper Mu from yesterday?" Lu Yunyi asked with a smile.

Su Wanheng looked thoughtful; she had spent many years in the world of prostitution.

Although they may not have seen pork, they've seen pigs run, and for some women, their observations are remarkably accurate.

She said:

"Master, about that shopkeeper Mu from yesterday..."

They are people who can only be admired from afar, not touched or played with.

You don't know, but the feeling she gave me was like that of a maid in a brothel.
Every move he made carried a warning, making people uncomfortable.

However, Manager Mu was much more relaxed when he was with the master.

Especially during yesterday's banquet, she was only slightly wary of the master.

Su Wanheng raised her hand and pinched her index finger and thumb into a "small" gesture.

Having said that, she began, somewhat excitedly:
"Master, in our dusty world..."
At this stage, a woman can begin to half-heartedly comply.

If there's no guard at all, then the master can take whatever he wants.

Su Wanheng's eyes blazed with gossip.
Miaoyinfang was famous throughout the entire Southern Zhili region, and as the top courtesan, she had naturally heard of it.

Unfortunately, Miaoyinfang only catered to the wives of the powerful and wealthy.

People of such lowly status as them dared not even approach, let alone enter.

Her eyes darted around, and a few wicked ideas suddenly popped into her head.

"If I could serve the master alongside this shopkeeper Mu..."

Wouldn't that make me no different from Manager Mu?

She was lost in thought, a seductive glint in her eyes, her cheeks flushed redder, and she felt a tingling, numbing sensation all over her body.

"what happened to you?"

Lu Yunyi tilted his head and glanced at her.

"Nothing."

A hint of panic flashed in Su Wanheng's eyes. She quickly composed herself and gently massaged Lu Yunyi's shoulder with her palm.

However, after thinking it over, she leaned down and whispered in Lu Yunyi's ear:

"Master, once you've dealt with Manager Mu, I'll be serving you by your side."
"I want to see how the usually noble and dignified manager of Miaoyin Pavilion will beg for mercy."

Lu Yunyi's face stiffened, then he chuckled and patted her head.

What do you think about all day long?

"Master doesn't want to?"

Lu Yunyi raised an eyebrow, his deep-set eyes revealing his features:

"The more beautiful the flower, the more thorns it has, and the more careful you should be. Just wait and see."

When Lu Yunyi stepped out of the hot spring, he felt refreshed and his clothes felt light and airy.

As he walked out of the back hall, the steward, Gu Chunzhu, was already waiting at the door. Upon seeing him emerge, she bowed respectfully.
"Sir, Manager Mu has sent a visiting card. He will come to visit at noon and has brought some exquisite pastries. Would you like to reply?"

Lu Yunyi paused, blinked blankly, glanced at Su Wanheng, and said in a strange tone:
"Let her come. Prepare some cooling items in the manor."

"Yes."

Gu Chunzhu nodded with a smile, then leaned closer and whispered:
"Sir, the owner of Xinchen Trading Company is waiting at the door. Would you like to see him?"
They said they've recently received many requests to sell land from the north.

“Zhou Song?” Lu Yunyi asked.

"Yes."

"Let's see who else is coming today."

Lu Yunyi looked worried; whenever he had free time, he would receive countless visiting cards every day.

Gu Chunzhu pondered and said:

"Sir, the number of visiting cards we received this morning is about the same as usual, over a hundred."
A large portion of them were high-ranking officials in the imperial court, as well as some shopkeepers and wealthy landowners in the city.

Oh, and there are also several young generals in the capital who have recently gained fame.

They came in person, saying they wanted to study military strategy and listen to teachings.

As for the others...
As usual, they didn't explain their purpose.

Lu Yunyi checked the time and gave the instructions:

"Let them all in. First, let Zhou Song come in and prepare some tea and snacks."

"Yes."

Gu Chunzhu turned and left. Lu Yunyi looked at the obedient Su Wanheng beside him and gave her a smile and instructions:

"If you find it boring to stay in the mansion, go out for a stroll. Your carriage and horses have already been provided, and the expenses will be covered by your family."

Oh, right, didn't you want to go see Miaoyinfang?

Have the steward bring the imperial edict.

You can use it to get in, and it just so happens that we have two more people in the house now.

Su Wanheng's heart pounded, a hint of infatuation flashing in her eyes. She moved closer, leaned on Lu Yunyi's shoulder, and said softly:
"My lord, you are too good to me. I have no way to repay you."

"Okay, let's go."

"Yes~ This servant will go and buy some clothes for the master. The master is so elegant, it is too monotonous to wear only black casual clothes."

"it is good."

Lu Yunyi hurriedly arrived at the main hall, and as soon as he sat down, he saw the shopkeeper Zhou Song, who had been led in by Gu Chunzhu.

He was no different from before, still looking like he was nearly forty years old.

He was somewhat portly, dressed in a plain linen robe. "This humble man, Zhou Song, greets Lord Lu."

"Sit down. We're old acquaintances, no need to be so polite."

Lu Yunyi waved his hand and accepted the iced tea offered by the waiter.

I took a small sip, and a cool, refreshing sensation immediately spread through my body.

"Manager Zhou, please try it. The herbal tea tastes excellent."

"Yes."

Zhou Song, somewhat flattered, sat down halfway, picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and his eyes lit up:
"My lord, it is indeed quite different from hot tea; it is rather novel."

"Haha, the sun in Yingtian is too strong. If we don't cool off, it will be unbearably hot."

The housekeeper mentioned some requests that came from the north.

Zhou Song's smile gradually faded.

He took a document from a bundle on one side, handed it over respectfully, and said in a low voice:

"My lord, in the last two months, not only Xinchen Trading Company, but also some of the larger brokerage firms in the city have received land sales commissions from the north."

Led by Liaodong, Daning, and Beiping,
Most of the land sold was prime farmland near the capital.

I believe this situation is extraordinary and I should inform you, sir, before coming to request an audience.

Lu Yunyi's expression was strange as he flipped through the documents in his hand.

Most of the items listed above are notices from brokerage firms and trading companies selling land.

Even those transactions already completed by county governments are included.

Lu Yunyi was increasingly alarmed as he looked at it.
How come they're all so rich?
Hong Yishan, the prefect of Daning City, sold 900 mu of prime farmland in Jurong County in one go.

There were also several estates, and countless others sold by the adults, which left Lu Yunyi astonished.

In other words, the hundred acres of land he sold were not worth mentioning at all.

Lu Yunyi believed that these fields were only a portion of the total.
No one else would sell everything like him.

Lu Yunyi quickly finished reading the document and looked at Zhou Song:
"Have these fields been sold?"

Zhou Song's face lit up with joy, and he quickly said:
"Sir, you are unaware that once these fields are put up for sale, they are quickly snapped up."
Some of them were even intercepted by powerful figures before they could be posted.

Even those of lowly status know that there are thousands of acres of land involved.

"So, it's actually quite popular?"

Lu Yunyi's lips twitched slightly; he had clearly underestimated Ying Tian's spending power.
These powerful and wealthy individuals keep a low profile, but they are incredibly rich.
"My lord, it's not just hot news; even the wealthiest merchants from Jiangsu and Zhejiang have heard the news."
They sent people to stake out various brokerage firms, and as long as there was land for sale, they would buy it all, regardless of price.

All brokerage firms are now overcrowded, especially my humble new trading company.

Lu Yunyi chuckled softly upon hearing this, and nodded somewhat in realization:
"I understand. There's no need to concern yourself with it. If you receive similar news again in the future, please report it to me promptly."

"Yes."

Zhou Song felt a surge of joy and a deep sense of relief.

Today, we have finally made contact with this new tycoon.

Such a relationship may not be necessary, but it cannot be absent; it might be a matter of life and death in an emergency.

He asked tentatively:

"My lord, if I may be so bold as to ask, what has happened in the north?"

Based on Zhou Song's experience, people who live in the north do not want land in the capital region.
Either there was war in the south, or they were unable to mobilize and were disheartened, so they prepared to settle down in the north.

Lu Yunyi smiled and explained:

"Da Ning planted sweet potatoes, built roads, and even opened a trading company."

It's understandable that some adults have given up on returning to the capital.

"Oh~"

Zhou Song looked enlightened. Although he didn't quite believe it, the reason was reasonable.

"By the way, the textile merchants in Daning are preparing to cooperate with Miaoyinfang."
If you're looking to do some business, do you have any good shop locations around here?
It needs to be large and spacious, preferably quiet; money is not an issue.

Zhou Song froze on the spot. Miaoyinfang? A collaboration?
He was somewhat surprised, never expecting to learn such big news unintentionally.

He quickly replied, "Sir, I will send you all the information about the merchants as soon as I return."

If you're interested in any particular property, whether you want to buy or rent, Xinchen Trading Company will offer you the lowest price.

"No need, the original price is the price."

"Business is business. You can't let emotions interfere with making money."

Zhou Song felt completely refreshed.

As expected of an important person, he does things in a methodical and orderly manner, and never thinks about taking advantage of others.

"Yes, sir, I will make the arrangements as soon as I get back."

"Yes, send another copy to Manager Mu of Miaoyinfang so she can take a look too."

"Yes."

Zhou Song's eyes darted around, drawn to the exceptionally handsome shopkeeper...

It is known to everyone in the capital.

Moreover, he was also aware that the Myriad Sounds Pavilion had an extremely terrifying background.

Many people wanted to do business with the noble ladies, but Miaoyinfang turned them away.

After hesitating for a long time, Zhou Song bowed deeply and said softly:

"May I ask, does Lord Lu have feelings for Manager Mu?"

"No, it's just a business collaboration."

Lu Yunyi's expression was strange as he touched his almost nonexistent beard.
I feel like I'm still too young; gossip is always around me.

Zhou Song reminded him:
"My lord, Miaoyinfang has a powerful background. If you want to cooperate with them, you should be careful."

"Of course, given your official rank and achievements, there aren't many people in the capital with a more powerful background than you."

Lu Yunyi smiled gently and nodded:

"Thank you, Manager Zhou. I will remember this. If there is nothing else, you may return now."

"Yes." Zhou Song quickly bowed and said, "This humble servant takes his leave."

"Um"

After Zhou Song left, Lu Yunyi looked at Gu Chunzhu, who was standing at the door, and instructed her:
"Bring in those young players."

"Yes."

At the gate of the Lu residence, five or six young soldiers received permission to enter.

A look of joy appeared on their faces as they busily wiped away sweat, drank water, and prepared to enter.

Gu Chunzhu looked at them with a smile and said softly:

"Generals, there are clean towels and water provided in the mansion. You can wipe yourselves down after you enter."

The group rushed into the mansion, and upon entering, they were stunned by the enormous garden that came into view, and couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.

"It's huge."

Yuan Chang looked at the flowers, plants, and trees in the garden and couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.
Especially the tree-lined paths that run throughout, and the spacious, clear pond teeming with goldfish.

It made him feel as if he had entered a summer garden in the Jiangnan region.

Gu Chunzhu smiled and waved, and a group of waiters came up with water and towels.
There was also herbal tea and ice cubes prepared in advance.

"Generals, please cool off first. I will then take you to see the master."

The master is very pleased with the arrival of all the generals.

Upon hearing this, the resentment that had lingered for two hours at the door quietly dissipated, and the group became excited.

Yuan Chang, as the leader, cupped his hands in a respectful gesture:
"Thank you, Steward Gu. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to meet Lord Lu."

Gu Chunzhu responded with a smile.
After less than a quarter of an hour, seeing that their flushed faces had returned to normal, he then led them to meet him.

Deepest part of Miaoyinfang

A faint fragrance filled the air inside a not-too-large room.

Clothes of all colors were laid out on the bed, the table, and even the chairs.

A tall, slender young woman was swaying back and forth in front of a full-length bronze mirror, her delicate eyebrows slightly furrowed, revealing some dissatisfaction.

"Pink clothes are too frivolous; it doesn't look proper."

She quickly took off her clothes, picked up a light blue long dress, put it on, and continued to look at herself.

“The shopkeeper’s”

At that moment, the door was pushed open.

Xiao Rou, the personal maid, burst in carrying a makeup box.
She was slightly taken aback when she saw the various clothes arranged in the room.

"Shopkeeper, what are you doing?"

"Xiaorou, you've come at the right time! Come and help me see how this outfit looks."

Xiao Rou stared blankly at the shopkeeper in front of her; his usual stern and aloof demeanor had vanished.
Instead, there was a sense of excitement and trepidation, like a young girl falling in love.

"Shopkeeper, what's wrong with you?"

Mu Jinghe rolled her eyes at her:
"Quickly close the door and check for me, it's almost time."

(End of this chapter)