In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 961 Mao Xiang is a rebel
Outside the imperial city, in an elegant garden close to the imperial city,
Lu Yunyi led Du Pingping in, introducing her as they walked:
"This is a building that Yingtian Trading Company purchased last year, and it was only renovated this year. What do you think?"

Du Pingping watched his retreating figure, her expression extremely strange.
If the person who just spoke was the powerful and influential Sizheng...

So, what about Lu Yunyi now?
He felt like a rich young master from Beijing, showing off his nice things.

"Sir, such a house must be expensive."

"It's not expensive. A business went out of business and couldn't pay its debts, so they used the house as collateral."
The merchants were dishonest; they only charged 30% of the original price, but the later decorations weren't cheap at all.

Lu Yunyi led him to a side hall and continued:
"I will have someone bring you a token shortly. If there are things you can't say in the palace, you can come here."

"Thank you, Lord Lu."

Upon entering the side hall, a huge painting immediately caught Du Pingping's eye, leaving her stunned on the spot!

Today, it is the treasure of Yunnan!
A scroll of Buddhist images from the Dali Kingdom!

The long scroll almost covered three walls, looking magnificent.
It also added a touch of solemnity to the room!

Lu Yunyi sat down at the head of the table and, seeing him standing there in a daze, smiled and said:

"The replicas sent from Yunnan are just for everyone to copy."
It's just that some details can't be reproduced.

Even centuries from now, it will still be priceless.

Du Pingping sat down at the lower end of the table.

Still somewhat shaken, the man before them possessed an undeniable depth and power.
They can even get these kinds of things from Yunnan to use as decorations.

He composed himself and said in a deep voice:
"Lord Lu, I have come to see you today with another matter."

The Embroidered Uniform Guard was somewhat confused, so they thought they should ask the higher-ups for clarification.

"explain."

"It's about the fluctuations in land prices in Beijing during this period."

The entire government office was caught off guard by this sudden change, so they wanted to find a professional to investigate.

Lu Yunyi took the teacup brought by the waiter and smiled gently:

"Did Mao Xiang send you?"

A strange glint flashed in Du Pingping's eyes, then her expression became resolute:
"Please don't take offense, sir. Lord Mao really wants to know how much money the Market and Exchange Bureau made in this incident."

Why should I tell you, the Embroidered Uniform Guard?

Lu Yunyi raised his head, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes.

The gentle, wealthy young master has disappeared, replaced by a general fighting on the battlefield.

Du Pingping's face stiffened; she knew this request was unreasonable.
But since both superiors have given the order, we have to do it even if we have to bite the bullet.

"Lord Lu, it's like this."
Countless sums of money were circulated during this incident.
Even a single thread of it could provide for someone's basic needs for generations.

That's why the Embroidered Uniform Guard wanted to investigate and nip corruption in the bud.

Seeing Lu Yunyi's unpleasant expression, Du Pingping quickly explained:

"Please don't be offended, sir, it's just that there's too much money involved this time."

Such a thing as using the Imperial Guards to deliver silver is something I have never seen in my thirty years of official service.

Some of the higher-ups in the Three Departments also wanted to understand the underlying reasons.

Even some officials from the Six Ministries came to inquire about the Embroidered Uniform Guard, which is why Lord Mao sent his subordinate.

Lu Yunyi suddenly understood.

He looked at Du Pingping with a strange expression, a hint of surprise in his voice:
"No work or effort put in, yet you still want a share of the profits? What kind of logic is that?"
If the Embroidered Uniform Guard wants to investigate corruption, they should investigate within the Six Ministries.
As far as I know, quite a few high-ranking officials have invested their money in this project.
What? You can't recoup your investment by buying land, so you want to take it directly from the Market and Exchange Bureau?

Du Pingping's face stiffened, and she cursed inwardly!

It's not about criticizing the person in front of you.
Instead, they were cursing the officials who had instigated the Embroidered Uniform Guard to do such a thing.

"Lord Lu, what do you mean by that! The officials of the court are all concerned about the people, how could they get involved in such matters?"

"Alright, alright, the heads of those powerful clans are at Zhao Mian's residence."

Why are you Imperial Guards coming to me instead of arresting people there? Don't you have any evidence?

"I can give you all the documents detailing their money transfers, from beginning to end, without missing a single one."

By the way, some officials in the Six Ministries have also used money shops to divert a lot of silver to disrupt the market. Should I give you this evidence as well?
"I'm an old friend of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, no need to be so polite."

"No, no, no, sir. You're joking."

Du Pingping broke out in a cold sweat and waved her hands repeatedly.
Now, any adult who's been in the public eye knows who did it.

They were perfectly clear about which two groups were fighting and vying for power.

But knowing this doesn't mean you can go and arrest them.

A single move can have far-reaching consequences; a misstep could lead to widespread chaos, a scenario the imperial court dreads.

At the same time, he was secretly alarmed.

Even the Embroidered Uniform Guard didn't have all the evidence, so how did the Market Transaction Bureau know about it?
Seeing his expression, Lu Yunyi became even more suspicious:

"You Imperial Guards dare not offend them, but you dare to offend me? Am I too kind?"

Hearing that sinister tone, Du Pingping shuddered.
The person before me is not kind at all; they are clearly a murderer who kills without shedding blood!

Countless merchants were wiped out completely in this turmoil.

The number of deaths in the capital has increased significantly in the past few days.

"Lord Lu, please don't take offense. That's not what I meant, it's just that..."

Du Pingping stammered, unsure of what to say next, and finally sighed:

"My lord, to tell you the truth, I had no choice."
Now that Lord Mao is staying indoors, all the government departments are afraid of you and dare not go to the Market Exchange Office.
But the Embroidered Uniform Guards weren't afraid.
Several documents were delivered to us in one day, asking us to investigate the truth.

"I had no choice but to do this."

Lu Yunyi didn't discuss the matter further with him, but instead asked:
"Who is the mole within your Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

Du Pingping thought for a moment and confessed honestly:

"Reporting to your Excellency, it was Xia Yanmo, a centurion of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and several of his trusted confidants."

"A centurion? Could a centurion really do such a thing?"

Lu Yunyi raised his voice by one octave and continued:
"Building the warehouse for Yingtian Trading Company would cost tens of thousands of taels of silver. You think you can just send out a centurion and call it a day?"

Du Pingping's face darkened. What kind of talk was that?

A dilapidated warehouse could only hold a thousand taels at most, how did it turn into tens of thousands of taels in the blink of an eye!
"Sir, after searching high and low, we find nothing but small fry. The biggest fish is him."

Lu Yunyi picked up his teacup, his face thoughtful. After taking a sip, he raised an eyebrow, a glint of light flashing in his eyes:
"Lord Du, I do have someone I suspect. Would you like to hear about them?"

Du Pingping shook her head vigorously, like a rattle-drum.
But before he could refuse, Lu Yunyi had already spoken.

"Mao Xiang served as commander for so many years, achieving neither great merit nor great demerit, constantly taking advantage of the chaos."

This incident caused him to investigate hundreds of households for almost a month without finding anything.
Do you believe there's nothing fishy going on here?

Lu Yunyi didn't give Du Pingping a chance to speak and continued:
"Lord Du, would you like to be the commander?"

As soon as the words were spoken, the atmosphere in the entire elegant hall suddenly froze.
The flickering candlelight grew even more somber.
This made Du Pingping's plump and oily face look even more inexplicable.

After an unknown amount of time, Lu Yunyi let out a sneer.
"Just kidding, Lord Du, don't take it seriously."

Only then did Du Pingping come to her senses.
My lips feel dry and my throat is itchy.

Because he realized that he could really use this opportunity to cause trouble!
"Lord Lu is truly humorous."

"Hehe. Jokes aside, Mao Xiang definitely has problems! If you want to rise to power, investigate him more thoroughly."

Lu Yunyi smiled faintly, as if he were joking:

"Of course, if you can't find it, you can come and ask me."
"I know quite a few of the shameful things Mao Xiang has done over the years."

The voice carried a hint of wry mockery, but Du Pingping couldn't help but take it seriously.
With the influence of Yingtian Trading Company.
Finding out some secrets might be even easier than with the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

"Lord Lu is too kind."

"Is there anything else? If not, I will return to my residence."

Lu Yunyi smiled at Du Pingping, his eyes deep-set, his voice rising and falling:
"Don't worry, there are people watching from all sides. The walls have no ears."
"Lord Du, you may ask whatever you wish to know here."

Du Pingping's breathing became somewhat rapid.

I've almost forgotten why I came here.
His mind was filled with the glory of becoming the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard in the future.

After hesitating for a long time, seeing Lu Yunyi about to put down his teacup, a ruthless glint flashed in his eyes, and he said in a deep voice:
"Lord Lu, even if Lord Mao resigns and goes home, this commander position is not for me."

Previously, Mao Zedong favored Chiang Kai-shek, but after Chiang died,
Then came Lord Deng, who later also died.

"Oh? There were only three commanders in total, and two of them died, so you're the only one left?"

Du Pingping kept shaking her head, as if she had something difficult to say.

Seeing this, Lu Yunyi smiled and said calmly:
"Are you worried about diarrhea?"

"boom!"

Du Pingping felt her scalp suddenly explode.

My whole body, from head to toe, felt tingly and numb.

How does he know?

The entire Embroidered Uniform Guard headquarters was unaware!

Lu Yunyi was unsurprised by his reaction and comforted him:
“Darma is a long-dead man, why would he come out and compete with you for the command position?”
You shouldn't be worried about him.

Instead, they were some other people who suddenly appeared from some obscure corner.

After all, there's no guarantee that someone won't suddenly gain His Majesty's trust and take command of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

After saying that, Lu Yunyi put down his teacup and turned to leave.

He stopped when he reached Du Pingping, gently patted her shoulder, and said softly:

"I can help you, but you have to help me too."
Tomorrow, make a detailed list of everyone involved in this turmoil and send it to my residence.

By the way, Mao Xiang's laziness during this period can also be listed.

If you are unable to use your hands, I can.

When Lu Yunyi returned to the mansion, it was nearly 9 PM.

The pomegranate tree in the courtyard cast dappled shadows under the moonlight.
The horn-shaped lanterns under the eaves burned brightly, illuminating the bluestone path.

Just as I crossed the threshold and entered the main hall,

Then Mu Jinghe came forward carrying a bowl of lotus seed soup, her eyes full of smiles:
"You're back? Quickly try this soup. It's been simmering for two hours; it's good for clearing heat and relieving fatigue."

Lu Yunyi took the porcelain bowl, the warmth spreading from his fingertips.

He took a sip, and the sweet taste of the lotus seeds spread in his mouth, relieving most of his fatigue from the past few days.

"You made it yourself?"

As he asked the questions, he sat down at the table, his gaze sweeping over the ledgers piled on it.

Mu Jinghe sat down next to him, smiling:
"How was what I just learned?"

"Okay! Have you sold the land you have?"

Getting down to business, Mu Jinghe picked up an account book and handed it over, her voice tinged with excitement:
"They're all sold, for around twenty-seven taels each."

"My lord, you are truly amazing! In just a short while, you've earned more than I would in a lifetime."

Lu Yunyi flipped through the account books, a faint smile playing on his lips:
"Just go with the flow. You manage this money for now."

Part of it was kept for household use, and the rest was taken to a merchant's shop. I heard the palace bought a hairpin from you.

Mu Jinghe nodded repeatedly, her eyes shining:

"The three thousand taels of silver were bought by an old eunuch from the palace."

Although he didn't reveal his identity, I can tell.
"At his age, he still doesn't have a beard; what else could he be but a eunuch?"

"Hahahaha, Your Majesty always has to spend some of the money you earn, and so do you."
Buy whatever you want; you can always earn more money later.

"Don't worry, sir, I've had the finest golden silkworm silk brought from Jiangnan."
We're going to have the best tailor make you a garment to wear under your armor. It'll keep you warm in winter and cool in summer, saving you from having to wear soft armor all day, which is so hot!

Lu Yunyi smiled gently: "Thank you for your thoughtfulness."

Mu Jinghe remembered something else.
"My lord, today many officials from various government departments came to deliver documents, which are all placed in the study. They said they have important matters to consult with you."

Lu Yunyi nodded, got up and walked to the study. Pushing open the door, he saw a thick stack of documents piled on the desk.
The top one was sent by the Left Army Commander-in-Chief's Office.
Zhu Shou's handwriting is vigorous and powerful, and his writing is full of urgency.

The gist is that they want to invest more money in the Market and Exchange Bureau to help them generate more wealth.

The following is a request from the Ministry of Works, inquiring when land prices will stabilize.
Several other letters were sent by various government departments.

Some inquired about business strategies, while others wanted to invite him to give lectures.
Even the Imperial Academy sent him a letter, asking him to teach the artisans how to make crafts.

Lu Yunyi casually flipped through a few letters.
Most of them are trivial matters or attempts to curry favor and seek personal gain.

Lu Yunyi stacked the documents and looked at Mu Jinghe, who was standing quietly to the side.
"It's getting late, you should get some rest."

The next morning, just as Lu Yunyi finished washing up, the butler rushed in to report:
"Sir, Old Zhang, who delivers vegetables, said he has your document. A man asked him to deliver it this morning."

Lu Yunyi raised an eyebrow and smiled, gesturing for the butler to bring the documents.

He took the document and noticed that there was no signature on the kraft paper cover.

He held the document between his fingertips and examined it carefully against the light.

Only after confirming there are no hidden compartments or mechanisms should you gently pry open the seal with a knife.

Inside was a neatly folded stack of Xuan paper. Unfolding it, one could see...

The paper was covered with names, each followed by the name, address, and the amount of money used in the land price dispute.

"Zhao Mian, the Minister of Revenue, used 3.2 million taels of silver to associate with 17 salt merchants in Jiangnan and porcelain merchants in Jiangxi."

“Li Song, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, used 1.1 million taels of silver to associate with nine merchants involved in the canal transport.”

“Wang Huan, the Vice Minister of War, used 900,000 taels of silver to associate with four grain merchants in the border region.”

"Ji Yuchen, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, used 500,000 taels of silver to establish connections with thirteen construction workshops."

"Zhou Lin, the owner of Dongning Trading Company, and Yufeng Trading Company jointly used 1.4 million taels of silver and were associated with three money shops."

Lu Yunyi continued reading; the next section featured some nobles.

Although it wasn't the person in question, it was similar to the Dongning Trading Company and the Yufeng Trading Company.
On the surface, they appear to be a trading company, but behind the scenes, they are full of powerful and influential people.
There were even some former officials who had retired from the court early and returned home to enjoy their retirement.
The wealth ranged from hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands of taels, intricately intertwined and spread throughout the land.

No wonder the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Three Departments dared not go on missions.
Lu Yunyi believed that if the investigation were truly thorough, eighty percent of the officials in the court would be implicated, and chaos would be imminent.

"You are in me, and I am in you."

He folded the list, put it in his pocket, and called out towards the door:

"Basong!"

Basong quickly entered, bowed, and listened to the order:
"grown ups!"

"Prepare the horses, let's go to the yamen."

Outside the Lu residence, a plain-looking carriage waited quietly at the street corner.

The coachman saw that the gates of the Lu residence were wide open.

A young man emerged with his guards, his eyes widening in surprise. He quickly patted the carriage behind him.
"Miss, Lord Lu has come out!"

Inside the carriage, Song Wan'er had been keeping her eyes fixed on the entrance to the Lu residence; she had already seen him emerge.
But for some reason, she hesitated to take the final step.
"Miss, Miss!"

"Hurry up and go up, or Lord Lu will leave soon."

The coachman and his old servant were very anxious; their master had lost his mind and offended a powerful figure.
Now that the tide has turned, things are looking up at the Censorate with great difficulty.
It's time to get kicked out and go home again.
The only one who can save the master is the adult before us.

Song Wan'er gently bit her lip.

Her already fair skin appeared even paler.

She knew that her grandfather had asked someone for a favor before he died.
But, in her opinion, her father deserved what he had done!

"Oh well, let's go back to the manor!"

"Oh? Miss! You can't go back, the master is going to be kicked out of the house."

"Going home is fine. The officialdom is chaotic and complicated. Without Grandpa's protection, Father won't last long."
"You might escape this time, but you won't be able to next time!"

The old servant hesitated, unable to speak.
That's very true. The gentleman has only been a few years since he passed the imperial examination, and he's already offended almost everyone around him, from top to bottom and left to right.

They were also exhausted as a result.

At this moment, the old servant's eyes widened.

"Miss, Miss!! Lord Lu is here!!"

(End of this chapter)