In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 946 The world is in chaos, but the situation is just right.

The news from the Beiping post station was quickly reported up the chain of command by the staff.

In less than an hour, it was delivered to the duty office of the Prince of Yan's mansion.

The room was dimly lit, and an elderly man dressed in black sat silently behind a table.
By the dim candlelight, I turned the pages of the scriptures in my hands.

He was in his fifties, with several scars on his bald head, and his breathing was long and even.
Half-hidden in the darkness, it exuded a gloomy aura.

Just then, hurried footsteps came from the doorway, and a young guard in his twenties strode in.

"Master Yao, here is an urgent letter from the post station. It is extremely urgent. Please take a look."

"Okay, put it there."

The old man's voice was calm, his gaze never leaving the scriptures, only he turned the pages a little faster.

Half an hour later, after reading a page of scripture, he put down the book and picked up the letter.

After carefully inspecting the sealing wax and confirming that everything was correct, it was then disassembled.

The letter was brief.
But after the old man finished reading, his eyes narrowed slightly, and he didn't look away for a long time.

"A messenger from the capital arrived at the post station and urgently summoned Lu Yunyi, the commander of the Northern Pacification Command, to the capital."

The old man put down the document after a long while.
Turning his gaze to the geomantic map hanging not far away,

His gaze fell on the Liaodong and Goryeo regions, and he looked thoughtful.

After a moment, he gently shook his head:
"No, road construction is a matter of people's livelihood, and even more so of the imperial court's control over the area outside the Great Wall."

Even if His Majesty knew the money was obtained illegally, he wouldn't pursue the matter further.

Those impeachments by the censors were nothing but a laughing stock.

"If that's the case, there must be another reason for summoning him to the capital."

The old man lowered his eyes and fell into deep thought.

After a long while, he looked up thoughtfully, his face showing surprise.

"Could it be that His Majesty has no one else to rely on? Is that why he summoned this person who strongly supports moving the capital back to Beijing?"

"But what are we supposed to do back in the capital?"

"Kill someone? No, that's too wasteful. Is that supposed to be intimidation? No, that's not right either."

The old man remained silent for a long time, and the entire yamen was extremely quiet, with only the heavy atmosphere emanating from his deep thoughts.

Yingtian Trading Company

Market and Exchange Bureau

"Could it be that they want to win people's hearts through these two government offices?"
If that's the case, what benefits would the imperial court be willing to cede?

He knew very well that to persuade others to abandon the prosperous land of Yingtian and move to the icy, snowy north was a difficult task.

It's not something that can be accomplished simply by making a promise.

If the imperial court wants to win them over, it must offer tangible benefits.

Just then, light footsteps sounded outside the door again; it was the same guard in his twenties.

This time, his expression was exceptionally solemn.

"Master Yao, this is a document sent back by our informant in the capital. It is extremely urgent and needs to be reported to His Highness Prince Yan immediately."

The old man frowned and gasped.

What happened today?
Urgent letters kept arriving from the capital.

"Understood. Go and wake the Prince of Yan. I will be there immediately."

"Yes!"

The young guard hurried away, and the old man immediately opened the newly delivered letter.

The words that came into view made his pupils contract suddenly.
A dangerous aura spread from the bottom of his heart, sending chills down his spine.

What a big deal!

"When Duke Chang Mao of Zheng died in Longzhou, Xu Guan, who was the top scholar in the imperial examination, was born in the capital. He opposed the relocation of the capital, which caused a stir among scholars and officials."

The old man read the letter over and over again.
Only after confirming that everything was correct did I breathe a sigh of relief and manage to calm myself down.

Every single thing mentioned in the letter was of paramount importance, even earth-shattering.

He glanced at the letter summoning Lu Yunyi to the capital and suddenly had a clue.

So this is what really happened.
Thinking of this, the old man picked up two letters and then took a document that had already been prepared.
He quickly left the duty room and headed straight for the back hall of the Prince's Mansion.

As soon as I stepped into the backyard, a young guard came to greet me and said softly:
"Master Yao, His Highness the Prince of Yan has woken up and is currently in his study."

"it is good."

The old man entered the study and immediately saw Prince Yan sitting at the desk, resting with one hand on his forehead and his eyes closed.

He strode forward and called out softly:

"Your Highness."

Prince Yan, Zhu Di, slowly opened his eyes, looked up, and spoke with a hint of helplessness:

"What's the matter that's so urgent so late at night?"

"Your Highness, this is an extremely urgent matter that cannot be delayed for even a moment!"

"Look quickly, these are documents sent from the capital, and this is a message from the post station."

Zhu Di took the two letters, glanced at them briefly, and...

He suddenly stopped, his whole body frozen in a daze.

His thoughts raced, and almost instantly, the words on the letter pulled him back to twenty years ago.

A burly young man with an arrogant face,
Holding a long spear, he looked down at him from his horse.

"Fourth brother, a knife may be fast, but it's not as useful as a spear. If you want to charge into battle with me, you'd better practice your spear skills first!"

The image suddenly shattered, and Zhu Di's gaze returned to the paper.

He hesitated for a moment, unable to believe it was true.

"How can this be?"

Zhu Di's breathing became rapid, and the trembling of his beard could not conceal the turmoil in his heart.

The leader of the kids since childhood, just disappeared without a trace?
I didn't even get to see him one last time.

The old man beside him took a deep breath, his voice steady:
"Your Highness, please accept my condolences. The dead cannot be brought back to life."

Only then did Zhu Di gradually regain his composure.

He staggered back into the armchair, his hands trembling slightly, and continued reading.
With the groundwork laid by previous news,
Even if the following content were earth-shattering, it was difficult to stir his thoughts much.

At this moment, his mind was filled with scenes of his childhood playing with "Grandpa Mao".
Seeing this, the old man sighed softly, walked to the door, and gave instructions to the guards:

"Go and fetch a bowl of calming soup."

"Yes."

After the guards left, the old man looked up at the sky and gazed at the starry expanse, feeling a sudden emptiness in his heart.

"Guangxiao, tell me, who killed Master Mao?"

Standing at the door, Yao Guangxiao turned around, his expression serious, and shook his head very subtly:

“Your Highness, please be careful with your words. The Duke of Zheng is the current Duke of the State. Although he has been exiled, he is by no means someone that an ordinary person can touch.”

"But he's dead!"

Zhu Di seemed to have found an outlet for his emotions, and he slammed his fist on the table, cursing loudly.

The rosewood table wobbled slightly as he patted it.
The sound was exceptionally clear in the quiet night.

"Your Highness, please calm down. The most important thing now is to find out what exactly happened."

Your subject believes that once the affairs of the capital are clarified, the truth about the Duke of Zheng will come to light.

Yao Guangxiao's voice was calm and even, seemingly carrying a soothing power.

This gradually calmed Zhu Di down.

Zhu Di leaned back in his armchair.
His former majesty was gone, and his eyes were filled with confusion.

Yao Guangxiao looked helpless, stepped forward, took the letter, and slowly began to speak:
"Your Highness, the fact that the arsonist in the capital has not yet been apprehended has greatly diminished the court's prestige."

Now that Xu Guan has made such outrageous remarks, it's not hard to predict that the court and the literati will definitely make him the scapegoat.
Using his name, they vigorously incited and openly opposed the relocation of the capital.

"At this moment, His Majesty is completely isolated and helpless."

You should submit a memorial requesting to return to the capital to be with His Majesty, and incidentally, express your support for moving the capital.

"If possible, we should also mention the proposal to move the capital to Beiping."
As for the reason, the death of the Duke of Zheng was the perfect pretext.

"Furthermore, Lord Lu has been urgently summoned to the capital."

This is enough to prove that His Majesty has no one left to use among the civil and military officials, which is why he summoned the border generals to the capital.

At this juncture, Lord Lu's attitude is of paramount importance.

"Once he can establish himself in the capital..."

Furthermore, if a group of people can be won over to support the relocation of the capital, the situation will improve.

Your Majesty could then use the news of the Duke of Zheng's death to intimidate certain individuals.

"Your most important task right now is to inform Lord Lu about this matter."
Ask him to put in a good word for you before His Majesty.

Also, make sure he mentions the previously discussed matter of a trade hub.
Whether there are dates or not, give them a good whack first.

Yao Guangxiao continued speaking to himself.

Zhu Di, however, seemed not to hear him, sitting there with a blank stare in his eyes.

Even after Yao Guangxiao finished speaking, seeing that His Highness remained in the same state,
He shook his head helplessly and gave instructions to the guards at the door:
"Go and invite the princess here."

"Yes."

A short while later, faint footsteps came from the doorway.

Princess Xu arrived with two maids.

She was in her twenties, with a gentle appearance and a composed demeanor in every move.

She waved her hand gently, signaling two maids to wait at the door, and went into the study alone.

"Master Yao." The princess nodded gently to Yao Guangxiao.

"Your Highness, news has arrived from the capital: the Duke of Zheng has passed away."

Your Highness is in low spirits, but the matter is urgent, and you must trouble the Princess.

"what?"

Xu looked shocked, her eyes filled with disbelief.

But she quickly calmed down and asked:
"How did you die?"

"We don't know yet, but it's probably not a dignified way to die."

Upon hearing this, Madam Xu nodded, indicating that she understood.

Over the years, many nobles have died mysteriously, and although the court has publicly stated that they died of illness,
But the tricks involved are perhaps only known to those who have actually experienced them.

"Send a letter to Chang Sheng, telling him to be extra careful, to always bring guards when he goes out, and not to wander around without a valid reason," Madam Xu instructed calmly.

Upon hearing this, Yao Guangxiao's pupils contracted slightly, and he asked softly:

"Does Your Highness mean that someone intends to harm the Crown Prince?"

"Otherwise what? Did the fire in Shanxi go unpunished?"

With the death of the Duke of Zheng, only Chang Sheng remains of General Chang Yuchun's lineage. If anything were to happen to him, the Crown Prince would be missing an arm.

"Yes, princess."

Yao Guangxiao took a deep breath, feeling a surge of admiration for the princess.

As expected of the eldest daughter of the Duke of Wei's mansion,

Their sensitivity to these kinds of things far surpasses that of others.

Princess Consort Xu sat down beside Zhu Di, took his large hand in hers, and spoke softly:

"Your Highness, this matter is indeed strange, but now is not the time to be sad."

You must pull yourself together. No matter how chaotic things are in the capital, Beiping must not be allowed to fall into chaos.

Your Majesty has arranged for vassal kings to guard the borders.

That's precisely so it can be used in situations like this.

"If the capital falls into chaos, the border regions will follow suit."
That would truly be a crisis both internally and externally, and even His Majesty would be disappointed.

Zhu Di took a deep breath, slowly suppressing the sorrow in his heart, and said in a deep voice:

"Starting tomorrow, martial law will be declared throughout Beiping, and strict checks will be conducted at all four city gates."

Internally, arrest local thugs and bandits; anyone who commits a crime will be severely punished!

Yao Guangxiao bowed respectfully.
"Yes, Your Highness."

"The number of armored soldiers patrolling the streets daily also needs to be increased."

Patrols must be intensified day and night to demonstrate the Prince's attitude.

Inform all the wealthy households in the city.

Anyone who dares to cause trouble at this time should not blame me for showing no mercy.

"Yes, I will draft the document shortly."

After saying this, Zhu Di fell into a slump again.

He leaned back in his chair, held the princess's hand, and sighed softly:
"Grandpa Mao is still so young. The last time I saw him was four years ago."

I never imagined that our parting would be forever. I cannot accept this.

A hint of sadness flashed in Princess Xu's eyes:
"Your Highness, my condolences."

The next morning, the courier Li San hurriedly left Beiping City and headed towards Daning City, the capital of Beiping Commandery.

After a night's rest, he was in high spirits and confident that he could reach Daning City within two days.

Meanwhile, in the villa west of the city, Lu Yunyi slowly awoke.
The sunlight streaming through the window fell on his face, making him feel that everything before him was bright.

"grown ups!"

Just then, Basong's voice came from the doorway.

His peculiar accent has gradually become normal.

However, he still had a slight hometown accent, which was particularly noticeable.

"My lord, are you awake? His Highness the Prince of Yan has sent a letter."

Lu Yunyi originally wanted to sleep a little longer,
Upon hearing this, he sat up abruptly, the confusion in his eyes instantly vanishing, replaced by seriousness.

He knew very well that he had just met with the Prince of Yan yesterday.

The letter arrived in such a hurry this morning; something serious must have happened.

"Bring it in!"

The door opened, and Basong, holding the letters, jogged into the room.

Lu Yunyi took the letter, opened it, and immediately frowned.

The letter detailed recent major events in the capital and concluded with a reminder to him.
The courier from the capital set off for Daning this morning to summon him to the capital.

"Going to Beijing?"

Lu Yunyi was filled with doubt.

Why was he summoned to the capital? What was he to do there?
Is it about to be punished?

The idea had barely crossed his mind when he immediately rejected it.

In the current chaotic situation of the court, someone as steadfast in supporting the relocation of the capital as he is is more precious than gold.

Even if His Majesty is dissatisfied, he would never punish him at this time.

Since it's not about punishing him, then it's about getting him to do something.
What can we do?
Lu Yunyi was filled with confusion.

The imperial court was a melting pot of people, including ministers from the Six Ministries and numerous nobles.

What can a second-rank commander accomplish?

What role could he play in such a major event as moving the capital, where there was no middle ground and only leftists or rightists?
Has the messenger left?

"Reporting to my lord, they have already left."

"Okay, prepare breakfast. After breakfast, we'll go to the Prince of Yan's residence."

"Yes!"

When Lu Yunyi arrived at the Prince of Yan's residence, it was just past Chen Shi (7-9 AM).

The morning dew still clung to the mane of the stone lion in front of the mansion, reflecting the pale golden morning light.

The guards at the gate stepped aside without announcing his arrival.

The Prince's Palace was placed under martial law overnight.

Everyone knew that this Lord Lu was His Highness's important guest.

Passing through the front courtyard, he saw Zhu Di's personal guard waiting at the door of the study. Upon seeing him, the guard immediately bowed and led the way.
"His Highness is waiting for you inside, and the officials from the Three Departments have also arrived."

Lu Yunyi nodded, pushed open the door and entered, a faint scent of ink wafting towards him.

Inside the study, Zhu Di sat at the head of the table, holding a scroll of documents about commerce in his hand.

Sitting next to him were Zhou Huan, the Provincial Administration Commissioner of Beiping, Wu Qian, the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner, and Wang Ying, the Deputy Commander of the Capital Military Commission.

Each of the three had a teacup in front of them, but their expressions were all solemn.

"Yun Yi is here."

Zhu Di turned around and handed him the document.

You should have seen the news from the capital last night.

Chang Mao's affair is suspicious, and Xu Guan has once again stirred up trouble in the scholarly circles.
"Your father has summoned you to the capital now, surely hoping to use your strength to break the deadlock."

"Take this document with you. If Beiping is to become a commercial hub in the north, we need to show Father the concrete rules and regulations."

Lu Yunyi took the document, his fingertips touching the rough texture of the mulberry paper.

The text is densely covered with detailed rules about the trade routes connecting Beiping to the east, north, and west, as well as items regarding the establishment of mutual markets and the distribution of tax revenue. The ink is still slightly damp.

Zhu Di looked at Zhou Huan and the other two:

"You've all seen the business plan Yunyi proposed yesterday. Do you have any objections?"

Zhou Huan spoke first. He was nearly fifty years old, with some gray in his temples, and his finger lightly touched the document:
"Lord Lu's plan is very meticulous, especially the connection between the Tongzhou canal transport and the Juyongguan trade market, which will surely revitalize the commercial flow in Beiping."

"However, 30% of the tax revenue will be allocated to the garrisons to support the troops, which will likely put some pressure on the Provincial Administration Commission."

Zhu Di waved his hand:

"Alright. We'll discuss this later. Right now, the most important thing is to come up with a plan first, and we can refine the specific details later."

The three exchanged a glance, then took out their respective seals and stepped forward to firmly stamp them on the blank space at the end of the document.

The bright red seal is clearly visible, contrasting with the Prince of Yan's imperial seal.

"Keep this document safe."

Zhu Di rolled up the document, tied it tightly with a red silk ribbon, and handed it to Lu Yunyi.

"If anyone questions the plans for Beiping after we arrive in Beijing, just throw this document in front of them."

"What Father Emperor wants are people who can get things done, not scholars who can only talk big."

Lu Yunyi took the document and said in a deep voice:
"Your Highness, rest assured, this humble general will not fail in his mission."

"But after I leave, Your Highness will still need to put in more effort to manage the cement workshops in Da Ning and the Liaodong trade routes."

"Go ahead and do as you please." Zhu Di patted him on the shoulder.

"I will keep an eye on things in Beiping."

Your hundred guards, I have already had horses and provisions prepared, and they are waiting outside the manor.

Lu Yunyi bowed respectfully.
"Thank you, Your Highness."

Leaving the Prince of Yan's residence, Lu Yunyi mounted his horse, gently spurred it on, and said in a deep voice to the guards behind him:

"go!"

(End of this chapter)