In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 799 Taking a Risk: The Emperor and His Ministers' Meeting
Lu Yunyi rode up to the Crown Prince's residence.

At a glance, Zhu Yuntong was seen leisurely riding his bicycle in front of the door.

At this time, Zhu Yunwen was over twelve years old, with a robust physique and ruddy complexion.
Her fair face still retained a touch of childishness.
But compared to the year before last and last year, he has matured a lot, as if he suddenly became enlightened overnight.

Zhu Yunyi also saw Lu Yunyi.

Actually, what he noticed first was the tall and majestic horse that Lu Yunyi was riding.

In comparison, my bicycle seemed exceptionally small.

However, when he saw clearly who had dismounted,
Her whole demeanor brightened instantly, her eyes shone even brighter, and she quickly waved and shouted:
"Lord Lu!"

Immediately afterwards, he started pedaling hard on his bicycle and rode towards Lu Yunyi.

A radiant smile echoed through the empty street, followed by a group of eunuchs, each with a worried expression, constantly calling out:

"Your Highness, please slow down!"

Zhu Yunwen considered himself to be a very skilled driver.
When he was a few body lengths away from Lu Yunyi, he slammed on the brakes and twisted the handlebars hard, causing the leather wheels to screech against the cobblestones.

Finally, it came to a steady stop in front of Lu Yunyi, as if waiting for praise.

Lu Yunyi, naturally not wanting to spoil the fun, patted Zhu Yunwen's little head vigorously and asked with a smile:

"Your Highness, how did you learn to drive so well?"

Zhu Yunwen was overjoyed to receive the praise. He grinned, revealing his uneven, hollow baby teeth.

Perhaps realizing his laughter was laced with silencing, he quickly shut his mouth.

She looked as if something embarrassing had been discovered, and her face flushed slightly.

"Hahaha, Your Highness, when I was a child and losing my baby teeth, I couldn't even eat!"

Your Highness still has a few teeth left, which is already quite good.

Zhu Yunwen was very embarrassed and stammered as he asked:
"Lord Lu, will my teeth ever grow back?"

"of course."

Lu Yunyi grinned at him, revealing his white and even teeth.

Zhu Yunwen relaxed considerably and breathed a sigh of relief, just like an adult.

At this moment, the eunuch behind him also came up, smiling broadly, and said:
"I have met Lord Lu. His Highness is very concerned about his teeth."
But when we told His Highness, he didn't believe us; he was afraid we were lying to him.

Zhu Yunwen gave a light snort, turned his head to look at Lu Yunyi, and asked:

"Lord Lu, I already know how to ride a bicycle. Is there anything else fun to do?"

"Fun?"

Lu Yunyi blinked, looked at his expectant eyes, thought for a moment, and said,

"Of course, I will send it to you tomorrow."

"it is good!"

Zhu Yunwen immediately burst into laughter, extending his little finger.

"Come on, pinky promise."

"Your Highness, you're so old, why are you still making pinkies?"

Despite saying that, Lu Yunyi still held up his finger.

"Pinky promise, a hundred years from now."

"Alright, no take-backs!"

Zhu Yunwen was clearly very happy, and his tone of voice became erratic.

"Of course I won't go back on my word. Your Highness, please continue playing. I need to pay my respects to His Highness the Crown Prince."

"Go on, go on, Father is in the study."

After bidding farewell to Zhu Yunwen, Lu Yunyi, led by a eunuch, walked through the winding corridors and arrived at the study of Crown Prince Zhu Biao.

The study door was half-open, letting in a dim candlelight.

In this somewhat chilly mansion, the candlelight seemed especially warm.

The eunuch knocked gently on the door, and after receiving permission from inside, he stepped aside to let Lu Yunyi in.

Inside the study, Zhu Biao sat behind his desk, surrounded by a pile of memorials to the emperor.

His brows were furrowed, and his eyes revealed his exhaustion.

Hearing footsteps, he slowly raised his head and saw that it was Lu Yunyi.
A gentle smile appeared on his face, but it couldn't hide his weariness.

"sit."

Zhu Biao's voice was slightly hoarse. He put down his pen and gestured for Lu Yunyi to sit down.

Lu Yunyi bowed respectfully, but did not sit down immediately. Instead, he said in a deep voice:
"Your Highness, you work hard day and night, please take good care of your health."

Zhu Biao waved his hand gently and said with a wry smile:

"There are many affairs in the court, and as the Crown Prince, I should do my best. What important matter brings you here today?"

Lu Yunyi nodded, his expression turning serious:

"Your Highness, I've heard that you plan to travel to Guanzhong this year to map the mountains and rivers and investigate the people's livelihood?"

Zhu Biao paused slightly, then nodded and put down the document in his hand:

"That is indeed the case. The matter of moving the capital should be done sooner rather than later. If we do not make plans soon, we do not know when it will be delayed."

Lu Yunyi frowned and continued bowing as he spoke:

"Your Highness, please reconsider!"

"With the turmoil in the court still unresolved, leaving the capital rashly could lead to unforeseen complications."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao's expression changed slightly.

He was well aware of the dangers of this journey, but how could he back down from the matter of moving the capital?
Zhu Biao gave Lu Yunyi a meaningful look and tentatively asked:

"You also disagree with moving the capital?"

Lu Yunyi shook his head, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes:
“Your Highness, I am a northerner, how could I disagree with moving the capital? I just feel that now is not the right time, and the Guanzhong region is not a good place either.”

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao's grave expression eased slightly, and he waved his hand, saying:

"Please sit down first, my neck hurts terribly whenever I lift it."

Manager Sun, who was standing nearby, quickly lifted a chair and placed it at the lower end of the table.

After Lu Yunyi sat down, he immediately spoke:
"Your Highness, it is still unknown whether sweet potatoes can survive in Guanzhong, but they have already been planted in Daning and are growing well."

Therefore, it seems that sweet potatoes could be grown in Beiping (Beijing).

"Your Highness, why the rush? You can wait another year and see how the sweet potatoes grow in Guanzhong next year before making a decision."

"I have noted your concerns, but the relocation of the capital is already a done deal and must be carried out."

If we don't accomplish this while the court's prestige is at its peak, who knows what trouble might arise later.

Zhu Biao said in a deep voice.

Seeing the Crown Prince's unwavering resolve, Lu Yunyi couldn't help but feel a little anxious:
"Your Highness, I do not mean to stop you from moving the capital, but I feel that this is not the best time."

The matter of moving the capital concerns the future of the Ming Dynasty and must be handled with utmost care.

Your subject suggests that you postpone this trip until the turmoil in the court subsides, and then proceed with the relocation of the capital.

Zhu Biao stood up, putting his hands behind his back.
He paced slowly through the study, his gaze revealing an unwavering determination:
"Yunyi, while there is certainly turmoil in the court, the perfect opportunity to relocate the capital has also arrived."

The purge of the rebel party is nearing its end, and the prestige of the dynasty is at its zenith.

Even if there are those with ill intentions if I go to Guanzhong now,

They may be caught off guard and have unexpected concerns.

Even if they wanted to stop them, they wouldn't have had time to make thorough preparations; this was the strategy of surprise.

He stopped and turned to look at Lu Yunyi, his eyes filled with worry:

"If we wait another year, those who are obstructing the relocation of the capital will come to their senses."

They will secretly collude both inside and outside the court, inciting public sentiment, and will face numerous obstacles at that time.

How easy is it to implement this?
This is an opportunity that must not be missed!

Upon hearing this, Lu Yunyi frowned, feeling that there was some truth to what he said.

At least for now, the court is in good order and the people are at peace; no one dares to openly defy the palace.
Even matters concerning the Market Exchange Bureau can only be handled secretly.

"Your Highness, I have long heard that the Datong military garrison is as solid as a rock."
They are the backbone of the entire Northwest in resisting the Northern Yuan. I have long wanted to go and check them out, but I have never had the opportunity.

"I would like to take this opportunity to humbly request to accompany Your Highness."

Zhu Biao leaned back in his chair, his brows furrowed slightly, and looked at Lu Yunyi with some surprise:
"what are you worried about?"

"Your Highness, it was only during this turmoil that I saw how audacious the rebels were. I am worried that some people might resort to desperate measures."

Zhu Biao's expression turned cold as he gently rubbed the hem of his clothes with his hand, and he let out a cold snort:
"With the rebel faction eliminated and the officials silenced, who would dare to act in this way?"

Having said that, Crown Prince Zhu Biao's expression softened, and his voice became much gentler:

"Your worries are unnecessary. Let the Governor's Office argue for a few more days."
After everyone has calmed down, you should return to Daning as soon as possible.

The imperial court is uneasy if there are no outstanding generals to guard the frontier regions.

"But...Your Highness..."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao raised his hand:

"Alright, alright, let's talk about something else."

"I am utterly exhausted from handling state affairs these past few days and have no desire to discuss these matters further."

Seeing that the Crown Prince had made up his mind, Lu Yunyi sighed softly and bowed again.
"Your Highness's foresight is admirable. However, Your Highness's journey to Guanzhong is long and arduous, and you will inevitably encounter various dangers along the way."
I hope Your Highness will bring more elite guards and ensure your safety.

Furthermore, I implore Your Highness to employ more soldiers from humble backgrounds; they are far more reliable.

"hehe."

Zhu Biao smiled and nodded.

"I will consider it."

Have you been to the Song residence?

"Your Highness, I had just left the Song residence before coming here, and I ran into His Highness the Prince of Yan."

It was His Highness Prince Yan who informed you of your plans to travel to Guanzhong.

Zhu Biao raised an eyebrow, and his smile widened even further:
"The fourth prince actually found you. It seems he really doesn't want me to leave the capital."

"Your Highness, I did not wish to either."

Lu Yunyi spoke curtly.

"Hahahaha, your worries are unnecessary, it's alright."

Seeing Lu Yunyi's dark face, the Crown Prince became even happier and burst into hearty laughter.

He pointed to some children's toys in the corner of the study and said:

"Now that the child is older, we've bought most of the toys from Yingtian Trading Company, but he gets tired of them after playing with them for only a few days."

You should urge the artisans in the trading company to make more toys for children.

"I think children's money is the easiest to make; their things are small and they're expensive."

“Your Highness is right, women’s money is just as easy to earn.”

Lu Yunyi added with a smile.

At this point, Zhu Biao remembered something and asked:

"I heard from people in the capital that you've taken a fancy to the shop at the entrance of the Grand Workshop and want to do business with that...that Miaoyin Workshop?"

Lu Yunyi raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised:

"Your Highness, how could such a trivial matter have reached your ears? Someone must have reported me!"

"No, the officials in the capital are too busy fighting amongst themselves to have time to fight you."

It was because the capital government was afraid of offending the Transport Commissioner that they inquired with my uncle, and that's how I learned about it later.

"Oh~ So you asked the General."

Lu Yunyi looked enlightened and explained with a smile.

"Your Highness, tomorrow I will send Prince Yunhu a new toy that I guarantee he will play with for a long time."

If it's suitable, it will also be listed for sale at Yingtian Trading Company.

As for that shop, I plan to do some business with women.

The commander is now spending money like water on road construction, road building, and land reclamation.
If we don't find some new sources of revenue, the military command might really go out of business.

"What kind of business could cover such a huge deficit?"

"It's a luxury goods business, with limited quantities and high prices."

"I have already made arrangements with Manager Mu of Miaoyinfang. The mink coats will be sold for 300 taels each, and will be sold for 3,000 taels in Yingtian."

Zhu Biao was stunned for a moment, a look of confusion flashing in his eyes.

He thought for a long time before confirming that he hadn't misheard, and then asked:
"Is it a mink coat sold by a merchant?"

"Yes, it's produced by Daning Textile Trading Company."

"Selling for three thousand taels?"

Lu Yunyi smiled:

"Your Highness, it was only after coming to Yingtian that I realized how many people in this world are extremely wealthy."

If you sell it cheaply, it won't attract their interest.

For them, the higher the price, the better it sells.

"This this."

Although Zhu Biao had served in the government for many years and was considered quite knowledgeable,
However, he still had some doubts about Lu Yunyi's words.

"Can it work? I don't think those wealthy families are fools."
Why not buy a mink coat worth three thousand taels of silver from Yingtian Trading Company?

Lu Yunyi spoke decisively:
"Your Highness, please rest assured, it will definitely succeed, and the garment will be in high demand!"
The Daning Textile Merchants would select the best furs from the mountains, choose the best craftsmen, and use the most meticulous craftsmanship to make the best one hundred mink coats, and they would embroider the serial numbers with gold thread.

At that time, I will send one item each to the wife of the Grand General, the wife of the Duke of Cao, and the wife of the Duke of Wei.
As long as the brand name is catchy enough, there's no need to worry about a lack of buyers.

"Only one hundred pieces?"

Zhu Biao looked suspicious, and suddenly many thoughts began to emerge, his mind starting to wander.
Lu Yunyi replied:
"Your Highness, things are valued for their scarcity; one cannot bite off more than one can chew."

Zhu Biao seemed to understand somewhat, and tentatively nodded, only uttering two words in a low voice:
"Salt permit".

Lu Yunyi looked up in surprise, then laughed:
"Your Highness is wise; the two approaches are similar in principle."

"Well done, you've got a brilliant plan."

When is the business planning to open?

Send one to the Crown Prince's residence, but forget about the palace.
"Father's concubines are obsessed with comparing themselves to each other; if we really wanted to buy more, you wouldn't have many left out of your hundred pieces."

"Your Highness, it may be late autumn, when winter clothes sell best during the change of seasons."

After Lu Yunyi answered, he tentatively asked:

"Is Your Highness interested in participating?"

"Like the Yingtian Trading Company?"

"Exactly."

"Forget it, the Market and Exchange Bureau is in an uproar right now, and the court is arguing about it all day long."
If I were to meddle in the affairs of merchants again, I would be condemned to death by all the court officials.

At this point, Lu Yunyi's expression turned slightly solemn, and he said in a deep voice:
"May I ask Your Highness, when does Yingtian Construction Firm plan to begin construction?"

I observe that cement piles up like mountains at various cement workshops.

If this policy is not adopted, the various cement workshops will inevitably become weak and ineffective.

"It'll be soon. Once Lao Wu returns to Henan, he'll bring all the cement from the warehouse over there."

This time, no matter how many dikes are breached, we must plug them.

As he spoke, Zhu Biao's tone was very assertive, which in itself represented the attitude of the imperial court.

Lu Yunyi couldn't help but feel sorry for some of the officials in the Henan Three Departments; this matter was sure to end badly.

"Your Highness, where there's a will, there's a way."

I believe that with the Yellow River floods now subsided, the court will be able to properly handle any situations that may arise next year.”

"Don't talk about things so early. The imperial court hasn't decided on the person in charge of flood control yet. Do you have any recommendations?"

The crown prince asked the question with a relaxed expression.

The two are now like old friends who haven't seen each other for many years, and they have even forgotten about the difference in status.

"Your Highness, Li Zhigang is an official-obsessed man."

If we send him to do this kind of work, he will definitely do his utmost to repair the dike.

"Ah"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao chuckled and nodded slightly.

"It's good to be obsessed with officialdom, it's great to be obsessed with officialdom."

Then it's him. If a position for political advisor becomes available this time, let him fill it.
His promotion of three ranks can be seen as a reward for his loyalty to the court.

Lu Yunyi smiled and respectfully cupped his hands in greeting:
"Your Highness, I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of Li Zhigang."

"I have another question, and I humbly request Your Highness's clarification."

"explain."

"Commander of the 30,000 Guards, may I ask what Your Highness's plans are?"

Lu Yunyi didn't mince words and asked directly.

"Xu Cheng is quite a tough guy."

Several positions of Assistant Commissioner were vacant in Liaodong, and the imperial court planned to promote him and allow him to continue serving in Liaodong.

If you wish, you can transfer him to Daning.

If I remember correctly, Da Ning still has two vacant positions for Assistant Commander-in-Chief.

"Your Highness, Xu Cheng has been in Liaodong for a long time and is familiar with the local situation."

Now, with this latest development, his prestige in Liaodong will surely increase greatly. How could I possibly take away what is loved by others?

"Then let him stay in Liaodong. With you in Daning, there's no need to worry about any trouble in Liaodong."

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness."

"Alright, hurry up and send the child's toys over tomorrow. I will order the Jingfu government to make room for you."

"Thank you, Your Highness. I am deeply grateful."

"go Go."

Zhu Biao waved his hand, closed his eyes wearily, and his breathing quickly became calm.

(End of this chapter)