In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 800 It's hard to refuse kind words, like a mantis stalking a cicada.
Lu Yunyi, having left the Crown Prince's residence, strolled along the spacious bluestone path.

My gaze was scattered, staring blankly at various places, my mind completely empty, not thinking about anything.

This strange state continued until the noise returned, at which point he reluctantly withdrew from it, glancing at the street ahead with a touch of melancholy.

The streets were bustling with traffic and people coming and going.

Everyone had their own things to do, busy and never stopping, looking very anxious.

The crown prince was determined to go to Guanzhong.
Lu Yunyi had no good solution to this.

This is national policy. If we insist on obstructing it, we might succeed, but the cost would be too high.
Moreover, if the clues are discovered, it will be like shooting oneself in the foot in an instant.

In this regard, it's like the sky wanting to rain and a mother wanting to remarry.
If the Crown Prince wants to go, then let him go.

Taking advantage of the faction's predicament during this period, when the rebels were caught off guard and in disarray by the imperial court, a surprise attack would be much safer.

Thinking of this, Lu Yunyi let out a long sigh, his whole being enveloped in a layer of emptiness and bewilderment.

He looked at Feng Yunfang, who was standing to the side, and asked:

Do you feel good about your life right now?

Feng Yunfang was taken aback, not understanding why the adults were asking this question, but he still answered honestly:

"Okay, of course."

"What's so good about it?"

"Fortunately, we have food and drink, and our days are fulfilling, so it's at least better than before."

Feng Yunfang chuckled as he spoke, thinking of his wife at home. If this were in Qingzhou, he wouldn't even have enough to eat, let alone support his wife.

"Yes, things must be better than before, no matter what."

Lu Yunyi put his hands on his hips, looked at the crowd of people coming and going, and sighed.

He was tall and handsome, and was surrounded by many guards.
Many pedestrians noticed the stares.

They only glanced in this direction briefly before quickly looking away.

The person in front of me is clearly rich and powerful; I can't afford to offend him.

"Yunfang, the most beautiful scenery is found on the most dangerous peaks."

We are currently in the most glorious, but also in the most dangerous situation. We must be prepared.

Feng Yunfang looked somewhat serious, but he didn't understand what had happened, and there was some confusion in his eyes.

"Yes, my lord."

"Okay, let's go to the General's Mansion."

"Yes!"

As evening approached, Lu Yunyi walked out of the General's Mansion somewhat wearily, scratching his head in frustration.

Why doesn't anyone listen to advice?

The entire court, from bottom to top, was filled with stubborn and inflexible individuals.
The General's attitude was even more forceful than that of the Crown Prince.

We must go to Guanzhong, and we must do so in a grand manner to deter the villains.

Lu Yunyi didn't understand what they were thinking. Perhaps it was precisely because they had such a fearless mindset that they were able to rise up and succeed in the chaotic world.

Shaking his head, Lu Yunyi dragged his weary body to Zhanma Beixiao's side.
Looking at its smooth, soft fur and its bright, expressive eyes, Lu Yunyi smiled and patted it.
"What are you looking at?"

"laugh--"

Bei Xiao snorted, clearly expressing his dissatisfaction.

"Eat and sleep, sleep and eat, and don't have to think about anything else all day long. That's a good life for you."

Lu Yunyi plucked a hair from Feng Yunfang's mane, twirling it in his hand as he looked at Feng Yunfang and asked:
"Any news about Gong Xianzhi?"

Feng Yunfang quickly leaned closer and lowered his voice:

"My lord, Gong Xianzhi's last letter was sent at 1:00 PM."

They said the caravan was ready and they would follow it after leaving the city, then choose an opportune moment to strike.
My subordinate estimates that the next message should mark the end of the matter.

"Yes, make arrangements for the follow-up support. Even if something happens, we must bring the person back."

"Yes!"

Feng Yun looked uneasy, and after hesitating for a long time, he finally reminded her:

"My lord, I am a little worried about him leading such an important mission. Perhaps I should go and take a look?"

"Ok?"

Lu Yunyi was taken aback and looked at the many guards standing there.

Seeing that they all looked tense, he smiled and said:

"Why are you so nervous? What could possibly go wrong with a spoiled brat like him?"

"My lord, he has quite a few guards, and there are also Imperial Guards following him."

Lu Yunyi waved his hand:
"If you doubt someone, don't use them; if you use someone, don't doubt them."

Since the task has been entrusted to him, we should trust that he can do it well.

In the future, if you become generals, you must also trust your subordinates.
You can't just delegate the work to someone else and then worry that they won't do it well, always interfering.

How can subordinates develop in this way? How can morale be maintained?

If you worry about everything, you'll get more and more tired as a general. You need to give your subordinates the opportunity to take charge on their own.

The more capable they are, the easier their job as generals becomes.

Feng Yunfang scratched his head. He understood the reasoning, but he was still very worried.

Lu Yunyi smiled and stepped forward, patting him on the shoulder:

"Alright, things have already started, so there's no need to worry too much. Just wait for good news."
Let's go. It's getting dark.

Let's take a stroll around Yingtian City and see what good wines and dishes they have, and try some different flavors."

"Buy whatever you want to eat yourself, and get reimbursed by the manager when you get back."

"Don't be stingy, don't be frugal. This little bit of money won't bankrupt me."

These words immediately dispelled the heavy atmosphere.

The guards immediately broke into smiles.

Some were eager to try it out, and the group headed towards the bustling city center with exaggerated gestures.

As the sun sets, its orange-red rays bathe the entire city of Yingtian.
The shadows of their group were stretched long and swayed slightly.
Outside Yingtian City, on the wide official road leading to Zhongdu, a vast array of caravans and pedestrians strolled lazily in the afterglow of the setting sun.

Everyone squinted, their lips slightly upturned, as if they had entered a dream.

At this time of year,
They all knew that their day's journey was about to come to a halt, and they would soon rest at the post stations, along the official roads, and in the villages ahead, before continuing their work the next morning at dawn.

This is a rare time of rest for traveling merchants.
The old manager and employees of the business were already used to it.
Some of the new recruits, unable to contain their excitement, began fumbling for their water bottles.
There was a limited amount of alcohol available, and they eagerly awaited a rest before drinking it.

The Dongyuan Trading Company's convoy swayed and staggered.
There were about twenty carts, all fully loaded with goods.

The driver followed beside them, while the coachman lazily cracked his whip, propelling the mules and horses forward.

In the central carriage, two people sat in the driver's seat: an old man and a young boy.

The two men, dressed in simple gray robes, shook their heads and swayed.

Compared to the elderly, the young people were clearly more impatient and restless.
He held a palm-leaf fan and kept fanning himself, his eyes filled with barely concealed anger.

The old man noticed his feverishness, chuckled softly, and said:
"Young master, you must remain calm in times of great importance."
A temporary setback is nothing to worry about; we can get our revenge later.
Your father, your uncle, and your grandfather did not all have smooth sailing from the start of their military careers; they all stumbled and struggled before finally securing their positions as naval commanders.

Compared to their setbacks, young master, you're just staying home for a while, so what's there to be upset about?"

The young man was none other than Yu Qilun, who had hastily left Beijing.
He was extremely frustrated at the moment. He should have been enjoying wine and merriment at home with his concubines, but why did he suddenly have to run outside the city to endure this scorching sun!
He spoke with some resentment:
"Uncle Yang, it was my father who did it. What does it have to do with me? Why make me leave the capital in such a hurry?"

Uncle Yang said with a smile:
"You young masters are all the apple of the master's eye. If any of you were to make a mistake, the master would be heartbroken."

With the capital in such chaos, no one dares to lay a dirty hand on the master.
But I can't guarantee I won't do anything underhanded to you.

It would be safer to leave the capital sooner rather than later, and return after things have calmed down.

"So what if I killed two Imperial Guards? What's the big deal?"
Could Mao Xiang really turn against him because of this?

"Be careful!"

Yang Bo's voice was cold and clear. Yu Qilun respected the old servant who had been in the house for nearly forty years, so he immediately shut his mouth.

Uncle Yang sighed and said softly:

"If the matter had not been investigated, there would have been no problem. Even if Mao Xiang had some suspicions, it wouldn't have mattered. But the problem is that the person was caught red-handed. Mao Xiang will definitely remember this matter."

Although he wouldn't openly oppose the master, who knows what he might do behind the scenes?
Even a rabbit will bite when cornered, let alone the Imperial Guards.

Yu Qilun sighed heavily.
As if he had thought of something, he said with great interest:
"That Mao Xiang is far too timid; he didn't even dare to cause trouble for Lu Yunyi."

He's just a border garrison commander, what do you think Mao Xiang is afraid of? If they start fighting, I might not be able to leave at all.”

Uncle Yang's expression was somewhat solemn:

"Young master, do not underestimate the heroes of the world. Mao Xiang's reputation in the capital is at its peak, and many court officials are afraid of him."
But look at those ministers of the third rank or above, which one of them is afraid of him?

They would make sarcastic and ostracizing remarks whenever they met, and Mao Xiang had no way to deal with it.

Lu Yunyi was even more remarkable, controlling the military affairs of a region and participating in several major battles.

Mao Xiang is even less likely to offend such people; the best course of action is for him not to seek trouble.

If Mao Xiang were that stupid, he wouldn't have been chosen as the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Upon hearing this, Yu Qilun's face darkened.
He felt offended by everything he was told.

He once thought that if he were a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the first person he would investigate would be Lu Yunyi.
Investigate him thoroughly and then imprison him in the Jinyiwei prison and torture him severely!
The thought of Lu Yunyi being tied to torture devices and begging for mercy made Yu Qilun happy, and he even let out a few sneers.

Uncle Yang shook his head helplessly. This young master was too slow-witted.

"Rest at the post station. Inspect all the goods in each carriage and horse, ensuring nothing is missed!"

At that moment, a loud shout from the front of the convoy snapped the two men out of their reverie.

Looking at the massive post station ahead and the hundred or so carriages already parked there, Yang Bo said softly:

"Young master, please remember my instructions before you left: do not overstep your bounds, and do not do anything out of the ordinary."
You're now just a worker in this business, doing what a worker is supposed to do, understand?

At first, Yu Qilun didn't seem to care much, just nodding slightly, completely unconcerned.

"Young master, now that we've left the capital, this stretch of road to Zhongdu is the most dangerous part."
Remember, if you want to have fun, do it after you get back to your hometown.

Hearing the solemnity in Uncle Yang's voice,
Yu Qilun then became serious and nodded:

"I see."

"Alright, secure the wagons and horses. Inspect the goods!"

Shouts came from afar, and one after another, wagons and horse-drawn carriages loaded with goods stopped.

The post stations in the capital region were generally very large, like the restaurants along the Qinhuai River, some reaching several stories high.

Between the houses is a huge courtyard, large enough to accommodate a hundred carriages and horses.

The windows of each building are located on the side closest to the courtyard, allowing merchants and shopkeepers to see their goods with just a tiptoe.

Of course, caravans traveling back and forth would leave people on board.

Furthermore, people will be stationed in the room to keep a close watch on the goods at all times to ensure they are not lost.

After all, people are much cheaper than goods.

At that moment, in the second window from the left of the three-story house to the south, a tiny telescope pierced through the window paper and peeked out.
He carefully examined the Dongyuan Trading Company convoy that was parked below.

The telescope swayed gently with tiny amplitude, searching for its target.

Soon, he found his destination in the middle of the caravan.

A cold, emotionless voice rang out:
"My lord, we've found someone! Next to the eleventh carriage of the Dongyuan Trading Company's caravan, a man dressed in a gray long robe with a black ribbon around his waist and a brown turban on his head. Beside him is an old man dressed in the same manner!"

The men accompanying the three carriages nearby were likely protectors, numbering around twenty in total.

Their movements were sluggish and erratic, too obvious.

In the simple dwelling, Wei Hua stood by the window, his hands behind his back, staring through the crack in the window at the two people busy beside the carriage, his eyes cold and his gaze icy.

"Continue to observe and make sure all those under protection are confirmed."

"Yes!"

Wei Hua turned to the young man guarding the door and gave the order:

"Go and find out where they are staying. Be careful not to reveal your whereabouts."

"Yes!"

The young man responded, quietly opened the door, peeked out, observed carefully for three breaths, and then squeezed his body through the crack in the door.
Wei Hua stared at Yu Qilun in the arena, his face gloomy and his expression unpleasant.

Having just arrived in Beijing, I've already been assigned such a difficult task. Isn't this just making things difficult for me?
Wei Hua had reason to believe that if this matter wasn't handled well, or even if it were exposed,

Lord Mao would absolutely not lend a hand; instead, he would readily abandon them and pretend nothing had happened.

It wasn't that Wei Hua distrusted the government, but rather that he distrusted his superior.

Wei Hua sighed. The people had already arrived, and the preparations had been made. There was no point in saying more.
His gaze sharpened, fixed on the seemingly loose yet orderly crowd below. He gave a soft hum and gave the order:
"Get everything ready, let's move tonight and finish this quickly!"

At this moment, Shen Jie, the centurion in charge of recording and analyzing the data, changed his expression slightly, looked up, and showed surprise.

He didn't know much about this newly appointed commander, but after two days of contact, the man seemed to be a very impatient person.

He reminded:

"My lord, isn't it too close to the capital to take action here?"
According to the plan, we should wait until the caravan leaves the capital region.

This statement was agreed upon by many people, who also knew that this target was unusual and that if they were too close to the capital, they would be immediately hunted down once they made a move.

Wei Hua glanced around casually at their concerns and dispelled them with just one sentence.

"Being close to the capital means that even if things are exposed, Lord Mao can easily come to our rescue."

Centurion Shen Jie understood the implication in his words, and his expression changed slightly.

Although taking action here is not a good choice, it is the best place for them to do so.

If something happens here, even if Chairman Mao doesn't want to save someone, he will do everything in his power to do so.

Shen Jie nodded emphatically, his face showing admiration.
"My lord, we will act tonight."

"Yes, remember. We are just here to teach him a lesson. Don't harm the innocent or kill too many people, otherwise we won't be able to explain it when we get back."

"Yes!"

Just then, the last batch of carriages and horses hurriedly arrived at the entrance of the post station.

Upon seeing them, the innkeepers breathed a sigh of relief and took out megaphones to shout to the remaining caravans waiting at the door:
"It's full, let's move on to the next place."

In fact, even if he didn't shout,

The caravan also began to move, preparing to rest at the next post station.

The last caravan to enter the post station was from the Yingtian Trading Company.

This is a privilege of the Yingtian Trading Company; the post station will reserve two empty seats for caravans until sunset.

If the Yingtian Trading Company's convoy hadn't arrived, then they could have squeezed in.
If they come, they will have no choice but to leave in disgrace.

The Yingtian caravan had a large number of vehicles, roughly sixty or seventy carts, and nearly three hundred crew members.

Their arrival made the entire post station square crowded and noisy.
But the innkeeper and his staff were very happy.
The Yingtian Trading Company is incredibly wealthy and generous, paying large sums of money readily!

Within the caravan, beside the six carts carrying furs, a dozen or so people were working quickly and skillfully, indistinguishable from the other workers.

Gong Xianzhi took the hemp rope and tightly bound the fur to the bottom edge of the cart, using both his hands and feet to press it down firmly, then secured it with more hemp rope.
At the same time, his eyes darted around.

He quickly discovered the best observation location using the mindset of a spy.

He looked at the young man opposite him and said softly:
"Yunlang, take a look at the houses facing due south, those with three or more floors."

Yun Lang didn't pause at all, he just nodded slightly.

The next moment, he climbed to the very top of the fur coat, caught the rope that was thrown to him,

He pulled on the rope and leaned back, as if trying to tighten it.

"Someone come and help hold it down."

Gong Xianzhi shouted, and another young man jumped from the car next to him, blocking Gong Xianzhi with only a gap between his arms.

"Okay, that's it."

Yun Lang leaned slightly to one side, holding the rope with one hand, and pulled out a small telescope from behind his back with the other. The telescope was smaller than his palm.

Using the cover, he brazenly peered through the gaps to inspect each house.

He quickly spoke in a deep voice:
“There were people watching from the second and fourth windows on the left of the three-story building, and the first window on the right of the fourth floor. They must have been acquaintances.”

Gong Xianzhi raised an eyebrow and said with a smile:
"Alright, we've found the person, no need to rush."

(End of this chapter)