In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 795 Unleashing a Bloodbath: The Peril in Tibet
After Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty moved back to the Wuying Hall, he became much more peaceful.

They are no longer as sharp and aggressive as before, readily taking lives.

Now, in Lu Yunyi's eyes, His Majesty in the palace seems much more amiable.

However, His Highness the Crown Prince, who had not appeared for a long time, was clearly a ruthless and decisive "killing star".

Previously, Li's faction only implicated three clans.
But with a stroke of his vermilion brush, the Crown Prince could decree the arrest of anyone involved in a case or who had benefited from the family's wealth.

All of them were included in this list, and those who committed minor offenses were exiled, while those who committed serious offenses were executed.

Today, the affairs of Chunhua Horse Ranch are also being handled by His Highness the Crown Prince.

All eunuchs of the rank of Imperial Horse Administration and above were arrested and severely tortured; a thorough investigation is imperative.

After Lu Yunyi and Zhu Di left the Wuying Hall, they were both somewhat dazed.

Standing in front of the Wuying Hall,
Prince Zhu Di of Yan opened the gleaming document in his hand.

The document was written by the Crown Prince, the order was issued by the Crown Prince, but it was His Majesty's jade seal that was affixed.

This made the two of them think that perhaps among those whom the Li faction originally intended to kill, many were personally orchestrated by His Highness the Crown Prince.

Lu Yunyi was filled with doubt. The court and scholars alike spoke highly of His Highness the Crown Prince's virtue and benevolence.

But no matter how he looked at it, it seemed that the Crown Prince had done all the work, while the Emperor had taken all the blame.

Just as the two were huddled together, tilting their heads to look at the document,

Marquis Guo Ying of Wuding, who was standing at the entrance of Wuying Hall, walked in.

He was dressed in heavy armor, which clattered and rattled.

"What are you looking at?"

The two men turned around simultaneously and, seeing that it was Marquis Guo Ying of Wuding, chuckled.

The Prince of Yan quickly closed the document and handed it over, saying in a deep voice:
"I am going to the Imperial Stables to arrest someone. I would like to trouble Marquis Wuding to send a team of men to accompany me."

Marquis Guo Ying of Wuding nodded without the slightest hesitation:

"Okay, how many people do you need?"

"Five hundred people, I guess."

"five hundred?"

Marquis Guo Ying of Wuding suddenly widened his eyes, and only then did he open the document in his hand.

When he saw the sign that read "All eunuchs of the rank of official should be arrested," his pupils contracted sharply, and his voice involuntarily lowered considerably.

"What happened? Why all this commotion?"

The Prince of Yan did not hide anything and told him everything about the Chunhua Horse Ranch.

Upon hearing this, Guo Ying's brow twitched violently, her right hand gripping the long sword clenched tightly, her eyes seemed to spit fire, and her voice was chilling:
"Good... I knew it! There's always been a shortage of warhorses for the Beijing army these past few years. Turns out someone's been lining their own pockets, making money twice! Damn it!"

Without any hesitation, Guo Ying turned back to look at Guo Zhen, who was honestly on duty there, and scolded him:

"What are you still standing there for? You have no sense of timing at all! Go and mobilize the troops!"

Guo Zhen looked bewildered, feeling somewhat innocent, but still grabbed the token and ran away quickly.

Guo Ying looked at Prince Yan and Lu Yunyi and said:

"Arrest all these eunuchs and interrogate them thoroughly."
Where have all the old warhorses gone? We must investigate thoroughly and trace them back to their source.

Zhu Di nodded, his expression grave.

Before long, Guo Ying returned to stand guard in front of the Wuying Hall, while Lu Yunyi parted ways with the Prince of Yan and headed towards the palace gate alone.

The Twelve Directors of the Palace were ultimately the Emperor's servants; this was a family matter within the palace, and it was not appropriate for an outsider like him to get involved.

If one were to rashly participate, it might incur the hostility of the other eunuchs.

Walking along the palace path, Lu Yunyi was in a great mood.

The Ming Dynasty has no shortage of infantry, and the military households of the garrison and the imperial guards can be incorporated into the regular army at any time. The only thing it lacks is these precious warhorses.

That's why horse markets were opened in places like Shaanxi, where resources vital to the grasslands were sold in exchange for warhorses.

The same applies during major battles: prisoners may be spared, but warhorses must be brought back with them.

"I wonder how many of the many warhorses Shaanxi has sent this time will be allocated to Da Ning..."

Lu Yunyi pondered this thoughtfully.

The rewards for the recent fighting in the north have not yet been issued.

Someone has already tipped him off.
There may not be any grand reward; instead, compensation will be provided from other sources.

Lu Yunyi was very satisfied with this; he would accept either money or a horse!
As for merits and empty titles, those are clearly more needed by veterans like Huang Yingzhi.

A young man like him can eventually enter the governor's office by taking his time; there's no rush.

In high spirits, Lu Yunyi even whistled.
His walking posture wasn't as upright either.
It's like a wealthy young master strolling leisurely through the palace streets of the capital.

Just as they were about to reach the palace gate, a soft exclamation interrupted Lu Yunyi's thoughts.

"Lord Lu."

"Ok?"

Lu Yunyi stopped in his tracks and looked to his right.

Not far away, at the base of the wall at the fork in the road, stood a young eunuch dressed in a blue robe.

It was Hou Xian, who came from the eighteen tribes of the Western Regions and from Tibet.

Hou Xian was a little nervous.

He waved to Lu Yunyi, signaling him to come over.

Lu Yunyi was a little puzzled. He looked around and found that there was no one there.

After much deliberation, he went over anyway.

When he walked to the eaves, Hou Xian's expression relaxed considerably, and he even smiled slightly.
"Greetings, Lord Lu."

"Eunuch Hou, what is it?"

Hou Xian's expression changed repeatedly, and he gestured for someone behind him to invite him in.
"Lord Lu, it's not convenient to talk here, please come with me."

Lu Yunyi narrowed his eyes, a fierce glint flashing within them.
He clenched his fist, his arm muscles tensed, and the long needles that were fastened to his forearm instantly broke through his skin and fell into his hand.

"Eunuch Hou, please speak here. This is the Imperial City; you are not allowed to wander around."

Hou Xian was taken aback. He looked around, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes, then gritted his teeth and said in a deep voice:

"Lord Lu, I heard from Lord Wen that..."

In your unit, there is a strange object, I heard it's called a sewing machine.
"Can it greatly increase the speed of textile production and save time?"

Lu Yunyi was taken aback, then nodded slightly:

"This thing does exist, but it's currently only available in Daning and Beiping."
How did Eunuch Wen find out?

Hou Xian said softly:
"Eunuchs were also kept guarding the former Yuan imperial city in Beiping."

They would often hear interesting tales from the streets and pass them on to Yingtian.

Upon hearing this, Lu Yunyi understood.

It turns out that the sphere of influence of the Imperial Palace Administration was not only limited to the capital city, but also extended to the capital city of Beiping.

"Why is Eunuch Hou inquiring about sewing machines? Is there a need for them in the palace?"

"No... not really."

Hou Xian seemed somewhat uneasy, a stark contrast to his usual composure.

He spoke in a voice that could only be heard by the two of them:
"Lord Lu, as you know, I come from the Western Regions, where cattle and sheep are produced."
Some wool was woven into woolen garments, while some exquisite pieces were used as tributes.

However… wool is soft, and making a single piece of woolen cloth for one person takes a considerable amount of time.

Moreover, due to differences in individual craftsmanship, the quality varies.

So…so…”

At this point, Hou Xian felt a little embarrassed and awkward, and hesitated several times before continuing.

Lu Yunyi understood, blinked, and looked somewhat surprised:
"You intend to send sewing machines to Tibet and then use these machines to weave woolen fabric?"

Hou Xian's face flushed red, and he was filled with a surge of impulse, nodding vigorously.

His eyes were moist, and his voice was choked with emotion:

"Lord Lu, Tibet is too far from the prosperous lands of the Ming Dynasty, and my hometown is too miserable."

As someone who lives away from home, I want to do my part for my hometown.

If a sewing machine could be used to weave woolen fabric, at least...

The family members can suffer less from the cold in winter and can knit more.

I don't ask for a life too luxurious, I only hope to have enough to eat and wear. I beg Lord Lu to grant my wish!

Hou Xian bowed deeply, his whole body trembling with excitement.

Lu Yunyi quickly pulled him up and pointed ahead:
"Let's go, this isn't the place to talk."

Hou Xianzhi stood up. He didn't make any move, but looked at Lu Yunyi's right hand.

A sharp, bright needle is visible at the tips of the index and middle fingers.

"Lord Lu, what... what is this?"

Lu Yunyi smiled and withdrew the needles:

"For self-defense. You can't carry a knife into the capital. If someone tries to cause trouble in the palace, you need something to protect yourself."

"What's going on in the palace..."

Hou Xianguang was about to retort, but then stopped himself, as if he had thought of something, and instead nodded:
"Lord Lu is right. We can be more at ease in the palace, but we need to be more careful in the capital."

"Is something really wrong?" Lu Yunyi's eyes flickered repeatedly.

"Lord Lu, please don't ask anymore."
In short... the capital city is crowded and dangerous, it's not a safe place.

"Hmm... let's go."

Before long, the two wandered around and came to a narrow crevice in the inner city palace wall.

This is a small house hidden in the wall, furnished with tables, chairs, and benches, and is very simple.

"Please have a seat, Lord Lu. This is where the eunuchs on winter duty stay."

Now that it's summer, no one comes.

"Hmm..." Lu Yunyi casually pulled over a stool and sat down, asking:

"Eunuch Hou, has someone from the Western Regions asked you for help?"

"No... it was a petty person's doing on their own initiative."

I was born in the Western Regions and entered the palace at a young age. I received instruction from the palace teachers and became well-versed in ancient books and poetry.

Although he understood some of the principles, the hardships of his hometown remained in his heart like a thorn, deeply embedded in his soul.

Unfortunately, most of what I saw and heard in Yingtian were items that could only be used in prosperous places.

Even if they were sent back to their hometowns, it wouldn't help; you can save one person, but you can't save a thousand.

Hou Xian pursed his lips and said softly:

"It was only after Lord Lu arrived in the capital that some new things gradually appeared."

Especially handcarts, which are much faster to use on difficult mountain roads in my hometown than people carrying them on their backs or horses.

A few days ago, I learned about sewing machines from Mr. Wen by chance, and I felt like I had found a treasure.

If this item could be used in our hometown, it would surely improve the lives of our people. However… I don't know how I obtained it, and it wasn't until Lord Lu came to the capital that I finally found an opportunity…”

Lu Yunyi looked enlightened, nodded slightly, and smiled:
"You've been waiting a long time, haven't you?"

Hou Xian was taken aback, and scratched his head sheepishly:

"Previously, Lord Lu was always accompanied by others, so I dared not approach him..."

“Hehe…” Lu Yunyi chuckled.

Hou Xian felt somewhat relieved when he saw Lu Yunyi's smiling face, but he was still a little uneasy.

He knew that such a request was no small matter, especially since it involved confidential financial matters.

But for the sake of his hometown, he was willing to give it a try.

"Lord Lu, I know this request may be excessive."

But the scoundrel couldn't think of any other way.

If Lord Lu can grant my request, I am willing to go through fire and water for you without hesitation.

Hou Xian spoke earnestly, his eyes shining with unwavering determination.

Lu Yunyi looked at Hou Xian, a complex emotion welling up in his heart.

He also came from the border region and knew the hardships of the people there.

Moreover, compared to Tibet, Gyeongju could easily be called paradise on earth.
At least there are still mountains and forests, and still arable land.

Although sewing machines are not exactly a secret, they are not something that can be easily shared.

However, looking into Hou Xian's pleading eyes, the scales in his heart gradually tipped.

“Eunuch Hou, we are both from the border region, so I naturally understand your good intentions.”

"I can give you the sewing machine, but I have conditions," Lu Yunyi said in a deep voice.

Upon hearing that there was hope, Hou Xian's eyes lit up, and he quickly said:

"Please speak, Lord Lu. Whatever the conditions, I will do my utmost."

Lu Yunyi nodded slightly, his expression turning serious:

"I want you to tell me the relationship between the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Miaoyin Pavilion, as well as the relationship between Mao Xiang and Mu Jinghe."

Upon hearing this, Hou Xian's expression changed slightly, and he looked at the person in front of him with some shock.

Clearly, they hadn't expected Lu Yunyi to make such a demand.

Moreover, how did he know that Miaoyinfang was involved with the Embroidered Uniform Guard?

Hou Xian hesitated for a moment, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.

"Lord Lu, this... involves secrets of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. If I were to reveal it, I'm afraid..."

Lu Yunyi smiled gently and said:
"Eunuch Hou, since you know I come from a border region..."
You should then understand that I am not someone who speaks without reason.

I have my reasons for asking these questions.

Don't worry, I will never make things difficult for you.

And they certainly wouldn't leak this information.

Seeing that he still looked hesitant, Lu Yunyi thought for a moment and lowered his voice, saying:

"I have feelings for Mu Jinghe and wish to take her as my concubine."

But her relationship with the Imperial Guards is ambiguous, which worries me somewhat.

Hou Xian then looked enlightened, and his tense body relaxed a little.

He said softly:

"Alright, alright, since Lord Lu wants to know, I will boldly speak my mind."

However, I hope that Lord Lu will not spread this matter.

After all, few people in the capital knew that Miaoyinfang was connected to the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Lu Yunyi nodded solemnly:

"Don't worry, Eunuch Hou."

Hou Xian pursed his lips before slowly speaking:
"Miaoyinfang is ostensibly a merchant house that caters to wealthy women, but in reality, it is the financial backer of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

"Investor?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Lu Yunyi's eyes. He had considered countless possibilities.

But I never thought of this kind.

"Does the Embroidered Uniform Guard still need money?"

Hou Xian's expression was somewhat strange:
"Lord Lu, the palace never goes through the Ministry of Revenue or the Governor's Office to provide for the Twelve Imperial Guards."

Rather, it is His Majesty and the Crown Prince's own money.

These 50,000 elite troops spent money like water.

Even with all the money His Majesty has, he is still struggling to make ends meet, which has resulted in the Embroidered Uniform Guard having very little money.

In the past, when Vice Commissioner Jiang was in power, the Embroidered Uniform Guard could extort a lot of money from various places, and they lived a relatively comfortable life.

But ever since Lord Jiang Huan died in the north,
The Embroidered Uniform Guard then lost its people skilled in making money.

Originally just a subordinate entity, Miaoyinfang has suddenly become a major financial backer, its status completely different from before.

The Imperial Palace Administration once conducted calculations.
If Miaoyin Pavilion doesn't pay, the Embroidered Uniform Guard won't even be able to pay their salaries for next month.

"what?"

Lu Yunyi's mouth was slightly open, his expression utterly absurd.

The once mighty and imposing Imperial Guards have actually fallen to such a state.

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard raids homes every day? How could they be short of money?"

Hou Xian explained with a solemn expression:
"Lord Lu, the last time the Embroidered Uniform Guard was shut down, it was because they used private torture to confiscate money from people's homes, which led to their impeachment by civil and military officials."

That scene...it looked extremely frightening.

Since then, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has dared not openly seize money.

It took Lu Yunyi a while to process the news.

No one knows better than him how expensive it is to build an intelligence network.

He toiled for two years, spending all his own money and his wife's, and even sold all the land, before he could barely manage to connect Beiping and Yingtian...

A force like the Embroidered Uniform Guard, which connects various provinces and supports countless people, would only cost more money.

Lu Yunyi smacked his lips.

I realize I've been a bit lax lately, and I haven't even thought about money!
He looked at Hou Xian and said with a smile:

"Eunuch Hou has resolved a great doubt that has been troubling me."

What is the relationship between Mao Xiang and Mu Jinghe?

"them…"

Hou Xian's tone became somewhat subtle at this point. He scratched his head, unsure of how to express himself, and finally tentatively began:
"Lord Mao must like Manager Mu."

On several occasions, the Imperial Palace Supervisor discovered that Mao Xiang had secretly hoarded valuables, including some expensive women's jewelry, which he then gave to Manager Mu.

However, she was proud and arrogant, and always treated Lord Mao with indifference.

Lord Mao must be feeling quite distressed.

Lu Yunyi's heart stirred. He had previously felt that there seemed to be some kind of subtle relationship between Mu Jinghe and Mao Xiang.

Now, after hearing Hou Xian's explanation, I am even more convinced.

"Eunuch Hou, do you know why Mu Jinghe treats Mao Xiang this way?" Lu Yunyi pressed.

Hou Xian shook his head and said:

"I don't know the specifics of the person in question; I've only heard rumors from time to time."

It is said that after Lord Jiang died, Lord Mao also wanted to take Mu Jinghe as a concubine so as to completely control Miaoyinfang.

But now it's clear that Mu Jinghe has refused.

Oh, and something else happened recently.
Lord Mao borrowed 50,000 taels of silver from Manager Mu and even wrote an IOU.

As for the silver…

Hou Xian looked at Lu Yunyi, his meaning self-evident.

"Did he borrow the money to compensate Lotus Tower?"

Lu Yunyi was shocked. How could a dignified Imperial Guard have fallen to such a state?
Hou Xian stared wide-eyed innocently, nodded repeatedly, and added:
"And there's interest..."

Upon hearing this, Lu Yunyi pondered to himself.

If that's the case,

It's impossible for Mao Xiang not to have feelings for Mu Jinghe, after all, she was his financial backer.

Let alone her outstanding appearance, even if she were a pig, as long as it could alleviate his financial pressure, Mao Xiang would probably accept it without hesitation.

Lu Yunyi nodded, seemingly satisfied with Hou Xian's answer.

He stood up and smiled:

"Eunuch Hou, thank you for this."

Don't worry, I'll arrange the sewing machine; I'll make sure you're satisfied.

However... sewing machines, though small, are extremely difficult to manufacture.

Da Ning himself didn't have much either.

I can only give you... fifty... never mind, one hundred units.

We are all people struggling in this border region; we should help each other.

Upon hearing this, Hou Xian was overjoyed and immediately bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Lord Lu! Thank you, Lord Lu!"

I will forever remember your kindness, and never forget it!

Lu Yunyi smiled and said:

"Eunuch Hou, what happened today must not be told to anyone."

Moreover... it's not the right time to promote sewing machines yet.

Once the item is in your possession, you must keep it strictly confidential and not disclose it to anyone.

Otherwise, once word of the sewing machine spreads and reaches the ears of those merchants,

The textile workers throughout the Ming Dynasty were so overcrowded that they could hardly make a living.

If that incites a popular uprising, we will both suffer.

Hou Xian's expression was extremely serious.

The tragedy involving the handcart was still fresh in his mind, and he knew the importance of this matter.

"I understand! I will keep my mouth shut and never reveal a single word!"

"Alright, let's settle this matter here."

"I'll be leaving now. Once the goods are delivered to the capital, I will have someone from the trading company contact you."

"Yes! Thank you, Lord Lu!!"

(End of this chapter)