In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 907 I just want to be the county magistrate's wife; as for who the county magistrate is, I don't care.

When Yi Seong-gye's thoughts were exposed, his face instantly darkened.

But he was a seasoned official and knew that this was not the time to lose his temper. He forcibly suppressed his anger and tried his best to maintain a respectable appearance.

He bowed slightly and said with his hands clasped:

"General Lu, you are mistaken. I, Yi Seong-gye, am devoted solely to the cause of Goryeo."
They held the Ming Dynasty in the highest esteem and never harbored any disloyal thoughts.

Lu Yunyi revealed a meaningful smile, his eyes sharp, and slowly said:
"Prime Minister Li, let's not beat around the bush."

Can you hide what you've done all these years from the people of Goryeo and from the Ming Dynasty?
However, I have not come here today to argue with you about these things.

Yi Chenggui sensed a hidden meaning in Lu Yunyi's words, suggesting that he hadn't come to interrogate him.

"I was unaware of General Lu's arrival today, and I hope you will enlighten me."

Lu Yunyi stood up, put his hands behind his back, and slowly paced inside the tent.
His gaze swept over the arrangement inside the tent, as if he were considering how to begin.

As he walked, everyone's gaze shifted, and their hearts tightened.
"Prime Minister Li, are you aware that in the future, roads will be built between Daming and Liaodong, and the two military commands outside the pass will engage in trade and exchange goods?"

Yi Seong-gye frowned slightly and nodded:

"To be honest, Lord Lu, Goryeo has some trade relations with Liaodong, and I have also heard about this news."

"Is Goryeo interested in joining in? Further cooperation with Beiping and Liaodong?" Lu Yunyi looked at him with a half-smile.

Lee Seong-gye's pupils suddenly contracted.
Li Zhilan, who was standing to the side, also widened her eyes and clenched her fists!
"Lord Lu, Goryeo now has trade relations with Liaodong. I don't understand what you're saying."

"hehe."

Lu Yunyi waved his hand, and Gong Xianzhi, who was beside him, took out a map from his pocket.

Yi Seong-gye's personal guards tensed up suddenly, gripping their sword hilts tightly.

Lu Yunyi said with a smile:

"Don't be nervous. If they wanted you dead, you would have been dead long ago."

Lu Yunyi pointed to the map, his finger lightly tracing the lines on it, and said:
"Once the new road is completed, the travel time from Liaodong to Beiping will be halved. I'm sure Prime Minister Li knows what that means."

Yi Seong-gye's breathing suddenly quickened, and a red light flashed in his eyes:

"Lord Lu, is that road really that fast?"

"Hahahaha, Prime Minister Li can go and take a look when he has time, or send merchants to Beiping to take a look."

How smooth those roads are!

The carriage traveled on it recklessly, covering fifty li a day without a care in the world.

Yi Seong-gye's breathing became increasingly rapid; he knew what this meant.

Goods from Liaodong could enter the interior of the pass more quickly.

Goods from within the Great Wall will also enter Liaodong as quickly as possible.

Once they entered Liaodong, it was as if Goryeo had it, which meant Goryeo had it.

Lu Yunyi continued:

"Silk, tea, or porcelain, ironware,
All of these goods will circulate along this trade route, bringing immeasurable wealth.

"Does Goryeo not want to join in?"

As Li Chenggui listened to Lu Yunyi's description, his heart stirred.

He knew that Goryeo was located in a remote area and had relatively scarce resources.

If such a trade route could be opened, it would undoubtedly be a huge boost to Goryeo.

Moreover, as long as this trade route is under our control...

His power will be unparalleled! No one will be able to resist him.

"Is what General Lu said true? Why would such a good thing fall into the lap of Goryeo?"

"I have always upheld the principle of mutual benefit."
A business can only grow big if everyone makes money.
"Once the trade route is established, it will benefit both sides, so why not do it?"

Yi Seong-gye remained silent for a moment, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

After a while, he raised his head and looked directly into Lu Yunyi's eyes:

"General Lu, if you're here to discuss business, why make such a big fuss?"

"If the scale isn't large, can we sit down and talk peacefully?"

Lu Yunyi smiled:

"I've heard that you have some junior officers in your Privy Council."
They keep clamoring for war against the Ming Dynasty.
Since you neither support nor stop it, then I will have to stop it myself.

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the Goryeo generals present changed slightly.

Especially two of the young men,

They were somewhat shocked at how well-informed the person in front of them was.

Li Zhilan tried to keep her voice calm and said softly:

"Lord Lu, are you not afraid that Goryeo will report this matter to our superior nation?"

"Sigh~ His Majesty and the Crown Prince have always sided with their relatives, not with what is right."

The people who entered Goryeo were Jurchens. What do they have to do with our Great Ming?

If you don't believe me, then spread the word far and wide.
Let's see whether the court trusts you or me.

The atmosphere in the room was heavy and silent for a long time.

Lu Yunyi returned to his seat, picked up the water pouch, and took a small sip.
"Prime Minister Li, as I have said before, the two military commands outside the pass only want to do business, and it doesn't matter who they do business with."

Now that Goryeo is under your control, as long as you can guarantee smooth trade...
Guarantee the safety and interests of our Ming merchants in Goryeo.

Your great undertaking will naturally flourish.

Lee Seong-gye's heart pounded again.
He understood the meaning behind Lu Yunyi's words.

This is an implication to him.

As long as he cooperates with the Ming army, ensuring the smooth progress of trade...

The Ming army would not interfere with his actions in Goryeo.

They might even support him to some extent.

This was undoubtedly a huge temptation for Yi Seong-gye!
But he still asked cautiously:

"General Lu, is this true?"

"Ben will never lie."

At this moment, Li Zhilan, who was standing to the side, knew it was time for him to speak, and he asked cautiously:
"Lord Lu, how can we believe what you say?"
What if this is just a delaying tactic on your part?

What if they wait until we lower our guard and then attack Goryeo?

Lu Yunyi laughed, a hint of disdain in his smile.

"You are overthinking it. Our Great Ming is a land of etiquette, and we always keep our word."

Moreover, they intend to target Goryeo.

There's no need for you to lower your guard; I've already easily entered.
To be honest, if I were to truly decide to launch an attack,

After all that fighting and killing along the way...
That would mean widespread suffering and chaos throughout the land.

Furthermore, I have come here in person today to discuss matters with you.
Having already shown sincerity, why not believe it?

Yi Seong-gye pondered for a long time, weighing the pros and cons in his mind.

He knew this was an opportunity to change the fate of Goryeo.

If we can seize this opportunity

By establishing close trade relations with the Ming Dynasty, Goryeo will usher in unprecedented development.

But what if there are any pitfalls involved?
He will also fall into an abyss of no return.

The atmosphere inside the tent was unusually tense.
The wind was still howling outside, making the tent flap loudly.

Both generals kept a close eye on Yi Seong-gye and Lu Yun-il, awaiting their decision.

Finally, Yi Seong-gye raised his head, his eyes shining with determination, and said:

"General Lu, although I, Li Chenggui, dare not claim to have great abilities, I do understand the implications of this matter."

If what you say is true, and this trade can bring such enormous benefits to Goryeo...

I'm willing to give it a try, but I have a few conditions.

Lu Yunyi slightly raised his hand:
"Listen to my conditions first. Does Prime Minister Li think that exchanging goods is a free lunch?"

Yi Seong-gye's expression changed slightly:
"You say."

"The road from the Goryeo border to the Liaodong interior needs your funds for repair."
The general didn't want to see goods speeding along for 90% of the journey, only to crawl slowly in the last 10%.

"May I ask, General Lu, how much silver?"

"Five hundred thousand taels."

"it is good!"

Everyone in the room was still reeling from the shock of "500,000 taels of silver."
He was stunned into a daze by the next "good".

Even Lu Yunyi's expression stiffened, as if he had misheard.

Immediately, a wave of regret washed over him.
Great!
Yi Seong-gye before us has gone mad; as long as the Ming Dynasty doesn't interfere with his usurpation of power, he's willing to pay any price.

For a country's regime, 500,000 taels of silver...

Too cheap!

Lu Yunyi suppressed his regret, forced a smile, and said:

"Prime Minister Li, you are truly a hero of our time. Tell me your terms."

A resolute look flashed in Yi Seong-gye's eyes; he had recognized the situation!

The Ming army was able to break out of the mountains and forests in the snowstorm.

Then he should stop fantasizing, because the Goryeo army couldn't do it.

Taking a deep breath, Lee Seong-gye began:
"First, in trade and commerce, we must have an equal status and not be treated unfairly."

Secondly, Ming merchants in Goryeo must abide by Goryeo laws and must not act recklessly.

Third, if disputes arise in trade transactions, both parties must resolve them through negotiation, and neither party should be favored.

After hearing this, Lu Yunyi smiled slightly and said:

"The conditions proposed by Prime Minister Li are reasonable and justifiable, and I agree to them."

Our Great Ming Dynasty has always advocated fair trade.

As long as both parties abide by the agreement, trade will proceed smoothly.

Yi Seong-gye was secretly delighted, but he didn't show it on his face and continued:

"General Lu, words are not enough; we need to put it in writing to show our sincerity."

"We won't draw up a written agreement, as it will be difficult to resolve later. Deliver the silver to the Beiping Regional Military Command before summer, and the road will be repaired within three years."

By the way, after summer begins, merchants from Beiping and other parts of Beiping will come to discuss cooperation with you. Minister Li, please remember to arrange for someone to receive them.

Lu Yunyi stood up, a cheerful smile on his face, and led ten men out of the military tent.

The wind and snow blew open the fluttering curtains.

Their figures gradually disappeared into the white snow.
Li Chenggui stared in the direction where Lu Yunyi and the others had left, standing there for a long time, the wind whipping snowflakes against his face, but he was completely unaware.

The generals around him exchanged bewildered glances; the atmosphere was extremely tense.

Li Zhilan broke the silence first, her brows furrowed, and said with deep concern:

"Prime Minister Li, the conditions proposed by Lu Yunyi seem tempting, but there are too many variables involved."
If 500,000 taels of silver could truly bring in trade, it would be a huge profit.

But was it really as smooth as he said?

What if he tries something underhanded? Wouldn't we lose both our wife and our army?

Yi Seong-gye slowly turned around, a ruthless glint in his eyes, and said coldly:

"How could I not know the risks involved?"

But now the arrow is on the string and it has to be shot.

The Ming army was powerful; if we didn't comply with their wishes...

Goryeo is going to suffer a disaster, and it will also be a major blow to our prestige.

But our money isn't so easy to take!

After saying that, he strode to the table beside him, picked up a pen, dipped it in thick ink, and wrote a military order on the paper. His handwriting was strong and powerful, exuding an air of authority.

After finishing writing, he slammed the pen down and shouted at his trusted guards beside him:

"Issue my military order: immediately, mobilize another 5,000 troops from the Northwest, bringing the total to 20,000 soldiers."

"You must reach a point thirty li from Shun'an City within three days and join forces with the main army!"

The guard knelt on one knee and responded loudly:
"Yes!"

He then turned and left in a hurry.

A young general hesitated for a moment, but couldn't help asking:
"Prime Minister Li, we have already mobilized 15,000 troops. If we mobilize another 5,000, wouldn't that leave the northwest defense line vulnerable?"
If Lu Yunyi in front of us is just a trigger,
The real main force is in Liaodong.

"If they take advantage of the weakened defenses and break in, then what will happen to us?"

Yi Seong-gye snorted coldly, his gaze sharp as he swept over the crowd, and said loudly:
How many cavalrymen could the Ming army have?
Liaodong just fought a major battle. If they could handle this themselves, would they need to ask Lu Yunyi for help?
I simply refuse to believe that Lu Yunyi would so brazenly cross Liaodong and arrive in Goryeo.
The officials in Liaodong don't know!

"Does Your Excellency mean that Liaodong will not take action?" Li Zhilan asked tentatively.

"Liaodong is too busy to take action, and even if they were to launch a campaign, they wouldn't do it in winter."
Therefore, our current enemy is only these ten thousand or so people in front of us.

We don't need to win; we just need to hurt them to gain peace.
As for future trade routes, we should explore them further in Liaodong.

If that's really the case, then the money is spent, and that's that.

If this hadn't happened, and the silver were in our hands, would he have been able to rob us again?

The generals all nodded in agreement.

Although doubts still lingered in my mind,
Seeing that Yi Seong-gye's attitude was resolute, he dared not say anything more.

At this moment, Shui Le'an, who had been advocating for war in the Privy Council, hesitated and spoke nervously:
"Prime Minister Li, I think we should not easily clash with the Ming army. We should just send them away peacefully."

"reason."

Lee Seong-gye's gaze pierced through them.
A hint of panic flashed in Shui Le'an's eyes as she explained:
"Prime Minister Li, Lu Yunyi's reputation is widespread; he is said to have traversed thousands of miles of territory without ever suffering a defeat."
The Northern Yuan, Luchuan, and Jurchen all lost to him.

If we were to confront them,

If we win, great; if we lose...
That would attract a lot of gossip and criticism, which would damage the national image.

Lee Seong-gye's gaze turned completely cold as it lingered on Soo Yong-an's face.

"Are you afraid?"

Shui Yong'an's heart skipped a beat, and he abruptly held his breath.

"No, no! I hope Prime Minister Li will investigate thoroughly. I am not afraid."

"Then what nonsense are you spouting? You can't win on the battlefield, so you think a few words will count?"
Don't be so naive. Your vanguard must be prepared for battle; you cannot be afraid to fight!

"Yes!"

Shui Yong'an straightened up, his voice firm and powerful, but the panic in his eyes was unmistakable.

Yi Seong-gye looked at everyone with a firm gaze and continued:

"Pass down the order to have the soldiers prepare."

Lu Yunyi was renowned and powerful.
But my Goryeo army is not to be trifled with.

You need to be capable to take away Goryeo's money.
If he dares to cheat, I will make sure he doesn't leave alive!

Having said that, he abruptly flicked his sleeves, strode out of the tent, and headed towards the military camp against the fierce wind.

The wind howled, making his battle robe flutter loudly.

His posture was upright, like a majestic mountain peak.
As everyone watched his retreating figure, they felt a sense of peace for no apparent reason.

Back in the central command tent, Yi Seong-gye sat at his desk, lost in thought.

He was well aware that this cooperation with the Ming army was fraught with uncertainty.

But for the sake of his future and the power he held, he was willing to take the risk.

After all, looking at the world,
It wouldn't be easy for him to find a few people around him who would support his attempt to seize power.

At this moment, Li Zhilan entered the tent, looked at Li Chenggui's focused expression, and said softly:
"Minister Li, the strategic meeting has been held."

However, many of the younger players became somewhat timid upon hearing that their opponent was Lu Yunyi.

Lee Seong-gye raised his head, looked at Lee Ji-ran, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes, and sighed:
"It's only human nature; if I were to face off against the Prince of Zhongshan and the Prince of Kaiping, I would also be afraid."
But there's probably nothing we can do.
If you don't take this step, you'll never grow.

They were all among the top young generals in the army.
They only quelled the rebellion domestically, and didn't see the real elite troops.

How can we entrust our large army to them with peace of mind?

Li Zhilan nodded slightly, but a trace of worry remained on her face:
"I hope they can overcome their inner demons and stand on their own."

Yi Seong-gye said calmly:

"I know the Ming army is powerful, but we are not without a chance of winning."

Goryeo was situated in a strategically important location with complex terrain.
The Ming army had come from afar and was unfamiliar with the terrain.

We can use the terrain to our advantage, engage them in skirmishes, and wear down their strength.

Moreover, we have 20,000 reinforcements.
With proper command, we might be able to fight them.

"Prime Minister Li, if I may be so bold as to ask, is there any other way?"
In the battles fought in Goryeo, regardless of victory or defeat, one had already already lost.
Moreover, war is brutal; those who died were our own loyal troops.

Yi Seong-gye was silent for a moment, then sighed and said:
"How could I not know the cruelty of war?"
But now there is no turning back.
If we do not demonstrate our strength and determination, how could the Ming army easily cooperate with us on an equal footing?
Only by letting them know,
We, Goryeo, are not pushovers; that's why they take our conditions seriously.

"Once the cooperation is reached, we'll have accomplished more than half of our major task."

After hearing this, Li Zhilan suddenly understood and nodded, saying:

"In this way, we can gain the initiative in trade and commerce."
This will also prevent the Ming army from underestimating us and from interfering in our future affairs.

"Yes, that is my plan."

Yi Seong-gye pursed his lips and waved his hand gently:

"Go and spread the word: tell the soldiers to rest more, stay vigilant, and start the battle immediately once the Northwest army arrives!"

(End of this chapter)