In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 943 Daring to Discuss State Affairs

The nights in early May still carried a slight chill.

The painted boats on the Qinhuai River have just set sail, and colorful lanterns are lit one after another.

The noise in Zuixianlou had not yet subsided.
The news had spread like wildfire, skimming across the cobblestone streets, over the four walls of the capital, and into every mansion in the city!
Minister of War Shen Jin had just returned to his residence.
He was still clutching two documents in his hand, and before he could even sit down, his old servant rushed in carrying a secret report:

"My lord, news from the Drunken Immortal Pavilion."

Shen Jin frowned slightly, took the secret report, and unfolded it. It contained only a few words:

"Xu Guan, drunk at Zuixianlou, bluntly stated that Yingtian was a good city and that the capital should not be moved."

"Snapped!"

Shen Jin immediately slammed the secret report on the table, his face extremely grim:

"You brat, you haven't even entered the hall yet, and you dare to talk about national policies! You really don't know your own limitations!"

Meanwhile, inside the Ministry of Works, Qin Kui was sighing and lamenting over the documents concerning flood control in Henan.
Although water management has made rapid progress recently,
The funds and supplies allocated in advance are almost gone. If no more funds and supplies are raised and sent over, the project will have to stop in two months.

"Where are we going to get the money?"

At this moment, Wang Guoyong, the Assistant Director of the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Agriculture, hurriedly entered the office, looking flustered.

"My lord, my lord, something terrible has happened!"

Qin Kui raised his eyes and glanced over, his brows furrowing:
"What, is the sky falling down?"

"Oh dear, sir, something terrible has happened!"
Xu Guan made outrageous remarks on the Qinhuai River.
There were probably nearly two hundred students present who bluntly stated that the imperial court should not move the capital!

"what?"

Qin Kui frowned, a hint of absurdity flashing in his eyes.
How could someone so stupid possibly become the top scholar in the imperial examination?

"My lord, when I came here, I saw many people hurrying towards the capital, heading straight for the Six Ministries. I suppose you all know by now."

Wang Guoyong's expression grew increasingly grim.

The Ministry of Works was already having a difficult time due to the tense situation.
Now this has happened again.

Needless to say, once the situation becomes tense, the Ministry of Works will likely suffer as well.
Qin Kui shook his head:
"I understand, don't tell anyone."

The matter of moving the capital is not something we can decide; it's difficult either way.

Even so, he pushed the documents aside and looked out the window.

He simply couldn't understand why His Majesty would leave the warm spring of Yingtian and instead go to the freezing cold of Guanzhong.

Inside the Liu residence, Zhao Mian and Liu Sanwu were sitting opposite each other, brewing tea.

Amidst the rising steam of tea, Liu Sanwu's disciple entered carrying a message and said softly:

"Master, Lord Zhao, there's news from Zuixianlou."

Scholar Xu said that Yingtian (Nanjing) was a good place and that the capital should not be moved, adding that moving the capital would pose a great hidden danger.

Zhao Mian paused, holding the teacup.
He looked up at Liu Sanwu.

The two looked at each other and suddenly laughed.

There was no surprise in his smile; instead, it carried a hint of relief.

Liu Sanwu stroked his beard and said slowly:
"This Xu Guan is indeed a man who dares to speak his mind; it has not been in vain that I have carefully cultivated him."

Zhao Mian put down his teacup, his voice tinged with amusement:

"Having achieved the highest honors in six consecutive examinations, he already commands the attention of scholars."

Once he uttered those words, it's likely that all the scholars in Yingtian would echo his sentiments.

Liu Sanwu nodded, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes:
"Your Majesty wants to move the capital, but most scholars in the land prefer Yingtian."

Xu Guan's words struck a chord with them.

Zhao Mian chuckled softly and poured himself another cup of tea:

“My father-in-law is right. This newly appointed top scholar has spoken up for them first.”

The two said no more and simply sipped their tea in silence.

The candlelight inside the room illuminated their faces, obscuring much of their emotion.

They only need to exchange a glance to know what's on each other's minds.
The underground government office of Miaoyinfang.

Mao Xiang had just finished checking Chen Zhong's case file at the Imperial Palace when Qianhu Wei Hua rushed in and handed over a secret report:

"My lord, this is news from the spies at Zuixianlou."

Xu Guan publicly opposed moving the capital at the banquet, saying that Yingtian (Nanjing) should not be moved; by now, the news should have spread throughout the capital.

Mao Xiang's pupils contracted. He took the secret report, quickly glanced at it, clenched his fist tightly, and burst into curses:

"Damn it, who's behind this now?"

Mao Xiang knew very well that the top scholars were not stupid.

Now that this has happened, it must be because someone is plotting something behind the scenes and using dirty tricks.

Moreover, Zuixianlou is located on the Qinhuai River, which is outside the city.
The news spread so quickly.

It's clear that someone is pulling the strings behind the scenes.

"Prepare the horses! We're heading to the palace!"

Mao Xiang suddenly stood up, grabbed the token on the table, and walked out.

Wei Hua quickly followed:

"My lord, shall we proceed to the palace now?"

His Majesty has probably already retired for the night.
Besides, going at this time would probably get me scolded.

"I'll go even if I get scolded!"

Mao Xiang's voice was somewhat hurried.

This matter cannot be delayed!

If this news spreads throughout the capital by tomorrow, we'll all be held responsible!

As night deepened, Mao Xiang rode his horse at breakneck speed through the streets of Yingtian.

The light from the street lanterns illuminated his face, which was filled with anxiety.

Upon arriving at the Meridian Gate, the guards, recognizing him, dared not stop him and quickly allowed him to pass.

Mao Xiang dismounted and almost trotted towards the Wuying Hall.

The candles inside the hall were still lit.

He knew that His Majesty had not yet rested.

Outside the Wuying Hall, the eunuch on duty saw Mao Xiang rushing over and hurriedly went to greet him:
"Lord Mao, His Majesty is still reviewing memorials. Why did you arrive at this hour?"

"I have urgent news to report to Your Majesty!"

Mao Xiang interrupted him, his tone leaving no room for argument.

The eunuch dared not ask any further questions and hurriedly went inside to report.

A short while later, the eunuch came out and beckoned:

"His Majesty invites you in."

Mao Xiang took a deep breath, straightened his official robes, and strode into the hall.

Only three candles were lit inside the hall.
The dim light illuminated the numerous memorials on the desk.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat behind his desk, not even raising his head, still holding a vermilion brush in his hand:

"What's the matter? Why are you here so late?"

Mao Xiang bowed respectfully, his voice tinged with nervousness:

"Your Majesty, I have important matters to report."

The newly appointed top scholar, Xu Guan, publicly opposed the relocation of the capital at a banquet held at Zuixianlou Restaurant today.

Zhu Yuanzhang paused, his pen still.

He raised his head, his gaze falling on Mao Xiang, and the air in the hall instantly froze.

Mao Xiang could clearly feel it.

His Majesty's gaze was initially calm.
Then, anger gradually builds up, a anger that seems to burn through one's bones.

"what did he say?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was low, yet it carried an undeniable authority.

Mao Xiang quickly repeated:

Xu Guan said, "Yingtian is a good place. We cannot move the capital. Moving the capital would pose a great hidden danger."

"Snapped!"

Zhu Yuanzhang slammed his vermilion brush on the table, splashing ink onto the memorial and creating a black stain.

"How dare you, you brat! He's just a newly appointed top scholar, yet you dare to speak ill of the government!"

Mao Xiang stood at the lower end, his head bowed even lower.

He could hear His Majesty's heavy breathing, and he could also feel the almost raging anger within the palace.
"check!"

Zhu Yuanzhang stopped pacing and looked at Mao Xiang, his eyes sharp as knives:

"Find out for me who is behind this message!"

Find out if anyone is behind Xu Guan!
"He's just a scholar, with no one to back him up, how dare he presume to comment on national policy?!"

"Yes! I will investigate immediately!"

Mao Xiang quickly replied, cold sweat already streaming down his face.

Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze shifted to the map on the wall, his voice carrying a ferocious determination:
"I moved the capital for the sake of the foundation of the Ming Dynasty! To safeguard the northern lands!"

These people only saw the prosperity of Yingtian.
There was no sign of war in the north, no sign of the Tatars still lurking, and no sign of the differences between the people of the north and south.

Xu Guan achieved the highest honors in the imperial examinations six times, yet his eyes were only on Jiangnan, not on the vast territory of the Ming Dynasty!

He turned around and looked at Mao Xiang again:
"Find out who hosted the banquet at Zuixianlou and whether any of the students were former students or protégés of court officials."

I want to see who dares to use the name of the newly appointed top scholar.
"Incite people to oppose moving the capital!" "Your Majesty, I obey!"

Mao Xiang responded again, but his heart was heavy.

This investigation will likely involve quite a few people.
The waters of the capital will only get muddier.

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand:
"Go ahead and find out as soon as possible. Don't let this bad trend spread."

Mao Xiang bowed respectfully and slowly withdrew from the hall.

As soon as he stepped out of the palace, he heard the sound of porcelain shattering coming from inside.

Mao Xiang sighed and strode towards the Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard) headquarters.

Inside the hall, Zhu Yuanzhang stared at the porcelain shards on the ground, his face ashen.

He walked to the imperial desk, picked up Xu Guan's policy essay, and the handwriting of "stationing troops on the frontier, cultivating the land and guarding the border" was still clearly visible.

"They're all short-sighted!"

Zhu Yuanzhang muttered to himself, his gaze falling again on the map on the wall, settling on the land of Beiping.

"If I don't move the capital, in a few decades, the northern lands will be lost. Will you people still be able to protect the prosperity of the south?"

The night grew darker, and the flickering candlelight illuminated his lonely figure.

After an unknown amount of time, he spoke calmly:
"Bring me the memorial impeaching Lu Yunyi by Zhang Gou."

"Yes"

Hearing the sound, the eldest sister-in-law suddenly relaxed her breath.
The almost frozen atmosphere in the room finally eased a little.

Before long, the head eunuch strode in from the side hall carrying three memorials:

"Your Majesty, this is the memorial submitted by Minister Zhang."

"Um"

Zhu Yuanzhang opened the memorial and read it word by word, and the anger on his face gradually disappeared.

"How is the construction of Lan Yu's city in Sichuan progressing?"

"Your Majesty, the Governor's Office reported a few days ago that four of them have been repaired."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, tossed the memorial onto his desk, and instructed:

"The Hanlin Academy drafted an imperial edict ordering Lu Yunyi to return to the capital to undergo investigation."

The head eunuch raised an eyebrow slightly and bowed in response:

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Beiping Military Command, Beiping City!
Although it is springtime, the night wind still carries a chill.

Inside the study of the Prince of Yan's mansion, the candlelight illuminated the maps covering the walls, making them even clearer.

That was a map of the entire Northern Pacification Commandery.
From Beiping Prefecture to Liaodong Commandery, from Daningwei to grassland tribes, dense red circles and black lines mark the military situation over the past year.

Zhu Di was dressed in a black casual robe with a jade belt around his waist.
He was leaning over the map, his finger slowly sliding along a dotted line that led from Daning to Liaodong.

His brows furrowed slightly, his gaze focused:

"The most dangerous part for Lu Yunyi when he traveled through the grasslands was not dealing with the Jurchen tribe, but crossing the snowfield in winter."

At the height of the snowstorm, even the guides couldn't tell which way to go.

How did he manage to travel 300 li in seven days?

Standing on the left, Zhang Yu, the commander of the Yanshan Left Guard, was still in full military uniform, the copper buckles on his armor gleaming coldly.

"Your Highness, in my humble opinion..."

Lord Lu must have contacted the White Pine tribe on the grasslands in advance.

Last year, Daning and Baisong miners collaborated on mining; they have a close relationship, and with their guidance, they can avoid the areas with the most severe winds and snow.

"Where are the provisions?"

Qiu Fu, the deputy commander of the Yanshan Central Guard on the right, spoke in a low voice.

He was burly, with a scar on his face that made him appear exceptionally fierce.

“In winter, the grasslands are barren, and even with the help of the Baisong tribe, it is difficult to carry provisions.”

This humble general suspects they may have used a light-travel method, carrying only three days' worth of rations and relying on plundering along the way for supplies?

Zhu Di looked puzzled and shook his head:
"It's no easy feat to locate a grassland tribe so precisely."

In the corner of the study, two teenagers were huddled together in front of another small map, discussing it quietly.

The older Zhu Gaochi, slightly overweight, sat upright.

He lightly tapped the map on the map of Daning and said to his younger brother Zhu Gaoxu beside him:
“Second brother, look, General Lu is setting off from here, bypassing the main battlefield, and heading straight into the heart of Liaodong. This is called avoiding the strong and attacking the weak, which is written in military strategy.”

Zhu Gaoxu was only twelve years old and had a lively personality. Upon hearing this, he waved his hand, his eyes full of excitement:
"What do you mean by avoiding the enemy's strength and attacking their weakness? This is clearly a case of not wanting to team up with the cowards in Liaodong and preparing to take the initiative to attack the enemy!"

As he spoke, he drew the small wooden sword from his waist and slashed forward with force.
This prompted Zhu Gaochi to shake his head helplessly.

Upon hearing his two sons' conversation, Zhu Di's solemn expression eased slightly, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.
"Gao Chi, defeating the Jurchens head-on is naturally the simplest way."

However, the situation in Liaodong is complex.
Every day that is delayed increases the danger to the military and civilians.

The art of war requires not only courage, but also speed and precision. You all need to learn this well.

Zhu Gaoxu stuck out his tongue, sheathed his wooden sword, and looked solemn:

"Father, when I grow up, I want to lead troops on a long-distance raid!"

Just as Zhu Di was about to speak, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the study.

Immediately afterwards, the butler's voice, tinged with a mixture of panic and excitement, rang out from outside the door:
"Your Highness! Your Highness!

"Lord Lu Yunyi, the Commander of the Northern Expeditionary Army, is currently requesting an audience outside the mansion gate!"

"what?"

Zhu Di turned around abruptly, his smile vanishing instantly, replaced by utter astonishment.

"Lu Yunyi? Isn't he in Liaodong? Why would he suddenly come to Beiping?"

Zhang Yu's eyes widened in surprise, and the copper buckles on his armor made a crisp tinkling sound.

He instinctively took a step forward, his voice filled with disbelief:

"Lord Lu has arrived? Just a few days ago he was building roads in Liaodong, how come he's in Beiping today? Could it be that we've mistaken him for someone else?"

Zhu Di composed himself, suppressing his shock, and said in a deep voice:

"Are you sure? Is it really Lu Yunyi? How many people did he bring?"

"Your Highness, I saw it clearly. It was indeed Lord Lu. He only brought two guards with him."

Zhu Di then gave the following instructions:

"Quickly! Open the main gate and set up the ceremonial guards. I will personally go to greet you!"

"Your Highness, please allow me to invite the lord in."

Qiu Fu quickly tried to dissuade him.

"According to etiquette, Your Highness is a prince, and Lu Yunyi is a commander. According to the rules, he should be the one to see you."

Zhu Di waved his hand, his tone firm:
"We're all close friends, so why bother with these rules?"

As he spoke, he strode towards the door.

Zhang Yu and Qiu Fu quickly followed.
Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Gaoxu followed behind, skipping and hopping, afraid of missing the chance to see Lu Yunyi.

The main gate of the Prince of Yan's residence slowly opened, and Zhu Di stood on the steps, his gaze fixed on the area outside the gate.

In the darkness of night, three fine horses stopped at the gate, and the leader was dressed in a black close-fitting outfit, with a tall and straight figure.

He was only around twenty years old, his face bearing the marks of time, yet he didn't look unkempt at all; instead, it added to his dashing air.

The boots were still covered in mud, clearly indicating that they had been speeding all the way without even having time to rest.

It was Lu Yunyi.

Upon seeing Zhu Di standing on the steps, he quickly dismounted, strode forward, and bowed in greeting.
"This humble general, Lu Yunyi, pays his respects to Your Highness, the Prince of Yan!"

"I have come without prior notice; I hope Your Highness will forgive me."

Zhu Di strode down the steps, reached out to help him up, his gaze falling on his travel-worn face, and smiled:

"Why are you being so polite! I'm overjoyed that you've come to Beiping, so why would I need to ask for forgiveness?"

Several generals bowed in salute, and Zhang Yu appeared particularly excited:
"Greetings, Lord Lu!"

Lu Yunyi looked at Zhang Yu and laughed:
"Zhang Yu, how have you been?"

Qiu Fu also stepped forward and laughed heartily:
"Lord Lu, it is truly an honor to meet you today, General Qiu Fu!"

"Qiu Fu?"

Lu Yunyi sized up the person in front of him.

He was in his forties, broad-shouldered and burly, with a fierce appearance, but his eyes were very sincere.

"General Qiu, you're too kind."

At this moment, Zhu Gaoxu pulled Zhu Gaochi along and ran over, looking up at Lu Yunyi with delight in his eyes:

"Lord Lu, it's been a long time!"

Zhu Gaochi also bowed in greeting, his voice steady:
"Student Zhu Gaochi greets General Lu."

Lu Yunyi smiled and reached out to pat the two of them on the head:
"You've grown so tall in just one year! Looks like you two are quite the gluttons."

"Hahahaha"

Everyone burst into laughter, and Zhu Di smiled and shook his head:

"Yunyi, you must be tired from your journey. Let's go into the study to talk."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Lu Yunyi responded and followed Zhu Di toward the study.

(End of this chapter)