In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 921 Flood washed away the Dragon King Temple

As March arrives, the weather is gradually warming up.

On the official road after the snow had cleared, the wheels of vehicles rolled over the remaining snow, leaving two deep ruts.

Shi Baifeng sat on the shaft of the lead carriage, wrapped in a thick, dark blue cotton robe.
Fox fur was sewn onto the collar and cuffs.

But the biting cold wind kept seeping into the seams of my clothes.

The caravan had been away from Zhenjiang Fort for three full days.

As Xu Cheng instructed, after leaving the fortress, they first traveled along the official road for half a day, and then switched to a less traveled post road at the fork in the road, avoiding the post stations that ordinary caravans usually passed through.

Throughout this journey, Shi Baifeng dared not stop for even a moment.

He personally drove the carriage during the day, and at night he would just make do with sleeping in abandoned inns or mountain temples.
The guards took turns keeping watch at night.
Everyone knows that the things on the carriage cannot afford to be damaged in the slightest.

"Manager, Phoenix City is just ahead!"

The lead guard reined in his horse and turned back to shout to Shi Baifeng.

Shi Baifeng looked up and saw the horizon in the distance.

A gray-black city is gradually becoming clear.

Phoenix City was the garrison town of Dingliao Right Guard.
The city walls weren't high, but they were built exceptionally thick.
Bright yellow flags fluttered in the wind at the city gate.

There were significantly more guards at the city gate than at a typical border fort.
Each of them was clad in iron armor, their long spears pointed diagonally at the ground, their sharp eyes sweeping over every team that entered or left.

"Slow down, do it the way we said before."

Shi Baifeng gave the order in a low voice, his fingers secretly clenching the travel document in his arms.

For this shipment of silver, Taxue Trading Company made thorough preparations, even obtaining a document bearing the seal of the Prince of Yan's residence.

The caravan slowly approached the city gate, and the guards waved goodbye.
"Pull over! Pull over! Hand over your clearance documents and all other relevant paperwork!"

Shi Baifeng jumped out of the car, strode forward, and put on a friendly smile:

"Sir, you've worked hard! I need to deliver some furs to Daning. Here is the travel document."

The guard captain was a man with a full beard.

He took the document but didn't look at it; instead, he glanced sideways at the carriage.

"Is the truck carrying furs?"

"Yes, yes, yes! They're all fox and mink furs from Korea. They're not worth much, they just take up space."

"open to take a look."

The guard captain's tone was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.

Shi Baifeng's heart skipped a beat, and his brows furrowed instantly.

According to regulations, those holding travel documents from the military commander and the prefectural government should not be required to have their luggage opened for inspection.
Only ordinary caravans would be subjected to such scrutiny.

After all, it was an open secret that various government offices would bring back some goods from Goryeo to earn extra money.

He keenly sensed that something was amiss with the guard's attitude, his smile froze, but he still turned to the guard and said:

"Lift up the tarpaulin and let the officer take a look."

The guards slowly lifted the oilcloth, revealing piles of furs underneath.

The top layer is indeed tanned fox fur.

Its fur was glossy, and it looked no different from an ordinary caravan.

The captain of the guard stepped forward, ruffled the fur with his spear, but his gaze fell on the axle of the carriage:

"This carriage looks heavy; can the furs really be that heavy?"

Shi Baifeng quickly explained:
"Sir, you jest! This carriage is newly made, with solid wood, so it's naturally heavier."

Besides, although furs are light, the sheer quantity makes up for it; a dozen cartloads piled up will add up to a lot of weight.

The captain of the guard didn't speak, but simply whistled.

Immediately, more than a dozen guards surrounded the caravan, their spears all aimed at the caravan's protectors.

Shi Baifeng's expression changed:
"Sir, what does this mean? We have the necessary travel documents, we're conducting business legally, we haven't done anything wrong, have we?"

Whether it's right or wrong isn't up to you to decide.

A man dressed in a blue official robe walked out from the inside of the city gate, followed by several yamen runners.

"By order of the county magistrate, the entire city is to search any suspicious caravans."
"Your group, come with me to the government office."

Shi Baifeng recognized the newcomer's official robes; he was a clerk from the Phoenix City government office.
Despite his low rank, he had a big air about him, and his face was full of arrogance.

His heart sank even further.

"Sir, we are a legitimate business with all the necessary documentation. Why do we need to go to the government office?"

"Cut the nonsense!"

The clerk waved his hand impatiently.
"The magistrate has ordered that all caravans coming from the direction of Zhenjiang Fort be thoroughly investigated!"
Anyone who dares to obstruct us again will be charged with resisting inspection!

Shi Baifeng took a deep breath, suppressing his anxiety, and spoke with a hint of reminder:

"Just a heads-up, sir, we are the Taxue Trading Company from Beiping, working for the Beiping Regional Military Commission. We have all the necessary documents and the official seal of the Commission's office!"

"What nonsense! Let's go!"

The clerk sneered, his voice suddenly rising in pitch.

Shi Baifeng's expression was solemn, and he pondered for a moment:

"Okay, we'll go with you."

"Once we arrive at the yamen, we beg you, sir, to give us an explanation."

The clerk said nothing more and turned to lead the way.

The caravan was escorted by guards towards the government office, and pedestrians on the street quickly made way for them.

They watched the surrounded caravan with curiosity.

The whispers and pointing fingers drifted into Shi Baifeng's ears on the cold wind:
"Another one being questioned? Phoenix has been cracking down really hard these past few days."

"I heard there's an order from above to crack down on smuggling."

Shi Baifeng's heart sank little by little.

It seems this wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather something that had been planned beforehand.

"Has the Commander's influence already reached this far? Is the Right Guard of Dingliao unreliable?"

The government office is located in the center of Phoenix City; it is a four-courtyard complex.
The paint on the plaque at the entrance was peeling, but it still exuded an air of authority.

The caravan was taken to an open area in the backyard.
The official ordered the guards to be separated, leaving only Shi Baifeng standing beside the carriage.

"Wait, the magistrate will be here soon."

The clerk left a single sentence and turned to enter the inner hall.

The snow in the backyard hadn't been cleared yet.
Shi Baifeng stood beside the carriage, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings. The courtyard walls were very high.

There were yamen runners patrolling around, so it was impossible to force our way out.

Shortly after, footsteps came from the inner room.

A man dressed in a blue official robe came out.

He was about thirty years old, with a thin face, and wore a black turban.
He was also holding a folding fan in his hand.
Even in the dead of winter, he maintained his airs; this was none other than Wen Xuesong, the magistrate of Phoenix City.

Wen Xuesong was a member of the Wen clan in Liaoyang City, with deep roots in the clan, and his clansmen held positions in the military command and government offices.

"You're the caravan manager?"

Wen Xuesong walked up to Shi Baifeng, his tone calm, but his eyes scrutinized her.

"Yes, this humble one is Shi Baifeng, greetings to Lord Wen."

Shi Baifeng bowed and presented the travel document with both hands.

"Sir, these are our travel documents."

From Goryeo to Liaodong, and then to the Beiping Regional Military Command, the paperwork is complete. Please inspect it, sir.

Wen Xuesong took the document, flipped through it casually, his gaze falling on the official seal but not looking at it closely, instead looking up at the carriage:

What exactly was in the truck?

"Reporting to you, sir, it's just a pelt. The officer already checked it at the city gate," Shi Baifeng replied.

"You've seen it?"

Wen Xuesong sneered and turned to the bailiffs, saying:

"Lift up all the tarpaulins and inspect carefully!"

The constables immediately stepped forward and hurriedly lifted the tarpaulins off all the carriages, then used their spears to peel off the fur on them.

When the third carriage was being moved, one of the yamen runners exclaimed, "Eh?"
Use the spear to lift up a piece of fur, revealing the wooden box underneath.
A faint silvery-white reflection could be seen through the gaps in the wooden crate.

"Sir, it's not fur!" the constable shouted.

Wen Xuesong's eyes lit up immediately.

He walked over quickly and gestured for the bailiffs to open the wooden box.

The constables found a crowbar, and with a snap, they pried open the lock on the wooden box, lifted the lid, and there it was—a box full of silver ingots!
Sunlight streamed in through a gap in the courtyard wall.
It landed on the silver ingot and reflected a dazzling white light.

Each silver ingot was the size of a palm.
They were neatly stacked in a wooden crate, filling it halfway.

Everyone present held their breath!
Apart from Wen Xuesong, no one has ever seen so much silver!
The constables then pried open the wooden boxes of several other carriages.
The result was exactly the same; they were all silver ingots!

At this point, Shi Baifeng actually calmed down.
His arrogance as a young nobleman surged up, and he looked down at everyone present.

Wen Xuesong suddenly tensed up.

He originally thought it was just a minor matter assigned by the clan.

Help the commander investigate smuggling, and incidentally make some extra money.

But to his utter surprise, there was silver in the carriage!
He roughly estimated that these dozen or so carriages...

Each vehicle carried at least a thousand silver ingots, totaling a staggering 100,000 taels!

Whose money is this?

A layer of cold sweat broke out on Wen Xuesong's back.
He realized that this wasn't smuggling at all, but a major matter involving important figures.
He's just a minor county magistrate in Phoenix City; he has no right to get involved!
"Whose silver is this?"

Shi Baifeng stood there quietly, glancing at the surrounding constables, his eyes conveying a hint:

"Your Excellency, there are too many people around and too much noise."

"Get away from me!"

Wen Xuesong waved his hand, and the constables stared at the silver in the cart, reluctantly retreating.

Shi Baifeng took out a document from the Prince of Yan's residence from his pocket and handed it over, his expression arrogant:

"Your Excellency, please take a look."

Wen Xuesong's hand trembled violently as he took the document, and he brought it close to his eyes to examine it carefully.

The seal clearly bore the three characters "Yan Wang Fu" (Prince Yan's Residence), with vigorous strokes and subtle traces of cinnabar on the edges, indicating it was not a forgery.

Everyone outside the Great Wall knows that Zhu Di, the Prince of Yan, is the Emperor's eldest son and commands a large army while guarding Beiping.
Even the Northern Pacification Command and the Liaodong Command had to be mindful of his feelings.

The Snowwalking Merchant Guild was actually able to produce documents from the Prince of Yan's residence.
The silver in the carriage, was it the Prince of Yan's? Wen Xuesong's back was instantly soaked with cold sweat, the lining cloth clinging to his skin, cold and sticky.

He originally thought this matter was at most a conflict within the Liaodong Military Command.

But now it seems that this has stirred up a hornet's nest.
Let alone a mere magistrate of Phoenix City, even the entire Wen clan cannot afford to offend the Prince of Yan!
"This document."

Wen Xuesong's voice trembled.

He repeatedly stroked the seal to confirm it three times before daring to look up at Shi Baifeng.

The arrogance in his tone had vanished without a trace, leaving only a cautious probing:

"Steward Shi, are these furs from the Prince of Yan's residence?"

Seeing his expression, Shi Baifeng felt a weight lifted from his heart, but his face remained calm, only slightly raising his chin.
"Your Excellency Wen is wise; the seals on official documents cannot be forged."

Our company is a partner of the Beiping Metropolitan Commandery.
The goods being transported this time were also for the sake of the Commander-in-Chief, and incidentally, some Goryeo specialties were purchased for the Prince of Yan's residence.

If they weren't afraid of causing trouble on the road, they wouldn't have used fur to cover themselves.

These words, though half true and half false, struck a chord with Wen Xuesong.

He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Shi Baifeng:
"Steward Shi, I was rash just now and offended you. I hope you will forgive me."

As he spoke, he turned to the constables and shouted:

"What are you standing there for? Cover it with the tarpaulin! Be careful not to damage what's inside!"

He then instructed the clerk:

"Go to the post station and prepare the best courtyard."

Have the kitchen prepare some hot dishes and wine to properly entertain Manager Shi and the brothers of the trading company!

The clerk quickly agreed and ran out to make the arrangements.

Shi Baifeng watched Wen Xuesong bustling around,

He sneered inwardly, but didn't pursue the matter further, simply saying:

"Lord Wen, you're too kind. We were just doing our job. It's good that the misunderstanding has been cleared up."

I just hope that when the adults conduct investigations in the future, they will check the documents first to avoid making such a fool of themselves again.

"Yes, yes, Steward Shi is right."

Wen Xuesong nodded repeatedly, apologetic smile plastered on his face, and personally led Shi Baifeng toward the post station.

He showered us with concern and care throughout the journey, acting like a lowly clerk serving a superior, showing none of the airs of the county magistrate he had before.

Upon arriving at the inn, the best courtyard had indeed been prepared.

A charcoal fire was burning inside, and hot dishes and a pot of warmed rice wine were laid out on the table.

Wen Xuesong personally poured Shi Baifeng a glass of wine.

He then instructed the postmaster to take good care of him before hurriedly leaving the post station with a belly full of worries.

He didn't return to the government office, but went directly to a residence on West Street in the city.

That was the Wen family's villa in Phoenix City.
This is also the residence of Second Master Wen Mingyuan, who came from Liaoyang City this time.

Wen Mingyuan was the second son of a collateral branch of the Wen family.

The ostensible reason for this trip to Phoenix City was to inspect the clan's businesses.
In reality, he was entrusted by Zhou E to keep an eye on the movements in the direction of Zhenjiang Fort and, incidentally, to win over the generals of Dingliao Right Guard.

This villa is even more luxurious than Wen Xuesong's county magistrate's mansion.

The courtyard wall was two zhang high, and two gilded lanterns hung at the entrance.

The guards were all servants of the Wen family, dressed in black, with sharp eyes.

Wen Xuesong arrived at the door.
After the guards informed him, someone quickly led him inside.

Passing through two moon gates, we arrived at the main hall.

Wen Mingyuan was sitting in the armchair.

He held a book in his hand, and a cup of hot tea was placed on the small table next to him.

He was about fifty years old, with gray hair, but he was still very energetic. His face was expressionless, but his eyes revealed a shrewd and calculating nature.

"What happened?"

Wen Mingyuan put down his book, looked up at him, and spoke in a calm tone.

Wen Xuesong strode into the hall, bowed deeply, his face full of anxiety:
"Second Master, something terrible has happened! We've arrested the wrong person!"

"Arrested the wrong person?"

Wen Mingyuan frowned.
"Are you talking about that caravan that came from Zhenjiang Fort?"

"Yes!"

Wen Xuesong nodded, walked to Wen Mingyuan's side, and lowered his voice.

"That caravan wasn't smuggling at all; the carts were carrying silver, a full tens of thousands of taels!"
Moreover, they produced documents and seals from the Prince of Yan's residence!

"what?"

Wen Mingyuan sat up abruptly, nearly dropping the teacup from his hand.
"The Prince of Yan's residence? Are you sure you saw it clearly?"

"See it clearly!"

Wen Xuesong affirmed,

"That seal is genuine, not a forgery."

The caravan manager said they were working for the Beiping Military Command.

She also purchased goods for the Prince of Yan's residence; this time she returned from Goryeo.

Wen Mingyuan fell silent, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of the armchair, his brows furrowed.

He initially thought that this caravan was a smuggling group secretly released by Xu Cheng.

Arresting him and handing him over to Zhou E would be a good way to do him a favor.

Unexpectedly, the caravan was connected to the Prince of Yan's residence.
"Second Master, I've managed to calm the person down. What do we do now?"

Seeing that he didn't speak, Wen Xuesong became even more flustered.

"Or...or we should pretend nothing happened and release them?"

Just say it was a misunderstanding, and let them go once the facts are cleared up.
This way, we won't offend the Prince of Yan's residence, nor will we put Lord Zhou in a difficult position.

But to his surprise, Wen Mingyuan shook his head after hearing this, a glint of greed flashing in his eyes:
"Let go?"

Wen Mingyuan sneered.
"Cedar, you are still too young."

"Over a hundred thousand taels of silver, plus documents from the Prince of Yan's residence—you think this is just an ordinary merchant caravan?"

Wen Xuesong was stunned:

"What does Second Master mean?"

Wen Mingyuan stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the snow scene outside.
"Lu Yunyi disappeared a few days ago. Lord Zhou found out that he may have gone to Goryeo and even disguised himself as a Jurchen to beat up Yi Seong-gye."

This caravan returned from Goryeo with so much silver and documents from the Prince of Yan's residence.

Do you think this money has anything to do with Lu Yunyi?

Wen Xuesong was startled, and his pupils contracted slightly!

Thinking about it this way, it's highly likely that Lu Yunyi got this silver from Goryeo.

Using documents from the Prince of Yan's residence as cover was to prevent any mishaps on the way!

“That’s the seal of the Prince of Yan’s residence.”

Wen Xuesong was still somewhat hesitant.
"If we offend the Prince of Yan, then we..."

"Offend the Prince of Yan?"

Wen Mingyuan turned to look at him, his eyes full of disdain.
Whether the Prince of Yan knew about this matter is another matter.
He was far away in Beiping, and it was not his place to interfere in the affairs of Liaodong.

Besides, we arrested a smuggling caravan, not people from the Prince of Yan's mansion.

Confiscate the silver and subdue the people.

Then inform Lord Zhou and let him handle it. Even if the Prince of Yan finds out, he won't blame us.

Wen Mingyuan sat back in the armchair and patted him on the shoulder:

“Cedar, you’ve stayed in Phoenix City for too long and have forgotten the rules of your tribe.”

The reason we were able to establish ourselves in Liaodong was not because we were overly cautious, but because we chose the right place to stand.

Currently, within the military command, Pan Jing and Lord Zhou are locked in a fierce power struggle.

Now that we've already pledged our allegiance to Lord Zhou, we can't turn back!
This sum of over ten thousand taels of silver is evidence that Lu Yunyi secretly led troops to Goryeo, and it is a great gift for Lord Zhou!

As long as Lord Zhou is happy, you, the county magistrate...

"Maybe I'll get promoted again and transferred to Liaoyang City!"

Wen Xuesong's eyes lit up.
He had served as the county magistrate of Fenghuang City for three years and had long wanted to be transferred back to Liaoyang City.

That place is not only where the military headquarters is located, but also the foundation of the Wen family. Only there can he achieve greater development.

But he was still a little worried:

"But what about the caravan members?"
They have documents from the Prince of Yan's residence; if things get out of hand…

"It won't cause any trouble."

Wen Mingyuan interrupted him, his tone firm.
"Place them under house arrest at the post station, treat them well with good food and drink, and wait for Lord Zhou's instructions before taking any further action."

He walked to the table, picked up a pen and ink, wrote a short note, folded it, and handed it to Wen Xuesong:
"Immediately send someone by fast horse to deliver this letter to Liaoyang and give it to Lord Zhou."

We must be quick, there can't be any delays!

Wen Xuesong took the letter, his fingertips trembling slightly.

He knew that once he took that step, there would be no turning back.
If he succeeds, he will be promoted and become wealthy.

If he loses, not only will he be finished, but the Wen family may also be implicated.

"Second Master, this...this is too risky."

Wen Xuesong was still somewhat hesitant.
"In case Lu Yunyi reacts, or Lord Pan intervenes..."

Wen Mingyuan sneered.
"Lord Pan is now in dire straits himself."

As for Lu Yunyi, he's still in Korea and hasn't returned yet.

By the time he gets back, we'll have everything sorted out!

Looking into his determined eyes, and thinking of his own career, Wen Xuesong finally gritted his teeth and nodded:
"Alright, Second Master, I'll listen to you!"

"That's right."

Wen Mingyuan smiled with satisfaction.
"Go to the post station now and send someone to keep an eye on that caravan, and don't allow anyone to enter or leave."

In addition, the pried-open wooden crates were relocked and guarded by personal guards.
No one is allowed to touch it; that's our security, and we can't afford to make the slightest mistake!

"Yes!"

Wen Xuesong bowed in response, then turned and quickly left.

(End of this chapter)