In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 975 When it comes to personal gain, right and wrong can be disregarded.

The Crown Prince's carriage slowly departed from the Lu residence, the Imperial Guards securing the carriage tightly.
Everyone watched their surroundings warily, fearing that someone else might rush out and try to assassinate them with a flintlock pistol.

Inside the carriage, Crown Prince Zhu Biao held a folding fan and fanned himself incessantly, appearing extremely agitated.
He even unbuttoned two buttons on his shirt and kept muttering to himself:

"Why do they have to put so many iron plates on a perfectly good carriage? It's so hot."

Beside him, Zhu Yunwen was holding a small water bottle.

Observe while drinking.
What's wrong with Father?
After thinking for a long time, Zhu Yunwen wisely kept quiet and continued drinking his iced tea, feeling quite pleased with himself.

But even though he didn't seek out trouble, trouble came knocking on his door.

Seeing him so cheerful, Crown Prince Zhu Biao's face immediately darkened, and he asked in a curt tone:
"tasty?"

Zhu Yunwen froze for a moment, then nodded slightly:

"Reporting to Father, it tastes delicious."

Zhu Biao took a deep breath:

Have you finished your homework for today?

"finished."

Zhu Yunwen was very clever. Seeing that his father was about to speak again, he quickly interrupted and asked:
"Father, what's wrong? Is something bothering you?"

As expected, Zhu Biao's expression softened somewhat.
The thought of adding more homework for her son gradually faded, replaced by a long sigh:
"There are so many troubles, I could never finish talking about them."

"Father, Grandfather said..."
Keeping things bottled up inside will only cause problems sooner or later; talking about it makes things much better.

Zhu Yunwen put the lid back on the kettle, then obediently leaned over and gently massaged the Crown Prince's legs.
"I've heard that there are many rebels in the capital. Is Father worried about this?"

"Who said that?"

Zhu Biao frowned, his eyes turning cold.

“I overheard it when Brother Yunwen was talking to Aunt.”

Zhu Biao's expression softened somewhat, and he sighed:
“My son, what your father and your grandfather are facing is far more than just the rebels.”

Look, the high-ranking officials who can stand in the imperial court...

Ninety-nine percent of them are outstanding individuals and loyal ministers.
He does his job well and is a good employee.

But now they want to stand up against your father and your grandfather. What do you think your father should do?

Zhu Yunwen was only thirteen years old and couldn't quite grasp the intricacies of the situation.
But she still thought it over carefully and answered crisply:

"Two years ago, General Lu told me to read more of the Zuo Zhuan. I read it, and there's one sentence I remember very clearly."
To act in the interest of the public good without hesitation is loyalty.

I believe that since all the officials in the current court are loyal ministers, they must be concerned about the country and have no ulterior motives.
If one harbors disloyalty, then one is not a loyal subject.

Inside the Crown Prince's carriage, Zhu Yunwen's small hand was still resting on Zhu Biao's leg, the force of his pounding was lighter, but he was still serious.

Seeing his father's expression soften, he added in a low voice:

"I have also heard Lord Lu say that the people are the most important, the state is next, and the ruler is the least important."

If those officials truly cared about the people,
Even if you disagree with your father, you should talk it out calmly, not resort to underhanded tactics.

Zhu Biao paused, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes.

He reached out and touched his son's head:

“Yun-yi has grown up and knows how to distinguish right from wrong.”

He placed the folding fan on his lap and softened his voice.
"In fact, most of the officials in the court are not bad people."

Some who opposed moving the capital did not believe that Guanzhong could support the people of the Ming Dynasty.
Some families have their businesses all in the southeast and are reluctant to give up their ancestral property; this is only natural.

But as the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty, I am concerned with the entire Ming Empire and cannot change my mind because of a single village or county.

Zhu Yunwen nodded as if he understood, his little brows furrowed:

“Then Father should talk to them properly, just like Lord Lu explained military strategy to me, and explain the principles clearly.”

"It's not that easy."

Zhu Biao chuckled softly, his tone tinged with a hint of helplessness.

"Human nature is the most complex thing, especially when it comes to family interests."

Even if they understand the reasoning, they won't back down.

But you're right, as long as one is wholeheartedly devoted to the people, even if there are disagreements, they can be discussed and resolved gradually.

The soft sound of wheels rolling over bluestone slabs came from outside the carriage.
Zhu Biao lifted a corner of the carriage curtain and saw that they had arrived at the entrance of the Crown Prince's residence street:

"arrive."

He helped Zhu Yunwen up and straightened his collar.

"When you see your aunt later, don't mention the court matters we just discussed, lest she give your brother Yunwen extra lessons."

Zhu Yunwen nodded vigorously:
"Kid knows!"

As soon as the carriage came to a stop, the attendants rushed forward and lifted the curtain.

Zhu Biao led Zhu Yunwen downstairs.

The Crown Prince's steward, accompanied by a group of maids, was already bowing and waiting.
"Your Highness, Your Highness, you're back."

"Ah."

Zhu Biao nodded, his gaze sweeping across the courtyard.
The leaves of the pomegranate tree were darkened by the twilight, and afternoon tea cups were still on the stone table under the tree.

He didn't stop, walking straight towards the main house.
Zhu Yunwen skipped and hopped along behind.

He even smiled at the maids as he passed by.

Inside the main room, Madam Lü was sitting by the window embroidering.
Upon seeing Zhu Biao enter, she quickly put down her needlework and stood up to greet him.

She wore a moon-white ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), and her hair was adorned with only a pearl hairpin, giving her an elegant appearance.

"Your Highness is back. Are you tired?"

She reached out to take the folding fan from Zhu Biao's hand, but Zhu Biao dodged it by stepping aside.

Zhu Biao walked to the table and sat down, and a maid quickly served him freshly warmed tea.

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then spoke:
"Fortunately."

A hint of surprise flashed in Lady Lü's eyes:
"Is Lord Lu alright?"

"nothing."

Lady Lü sat down opposite him, smiled and nodded, her gaze falling on Zhu Yunwen:

"Did Yunwen have a good time at the Lu residence today?"

"I'm so happy! Lord Lu gave me iced tea and even had Basong teach me how to wield a knife!"

With his mouth full of pastries, Zhu Yunwen gave a muffled answer.

Lady Lü smiled, then looked at Zhu Biao, her tone tinged with a hint of probing:

"Your Highness, I heard from the people in the manor today that..."
Most of the rebels in Beijing were merchants who had recently speculated on land prices.

I heard they lost a lot of money; some even sold their ancestral homes.

Some people also say that the Markets and Analysts Bureau has been continuously suppressing land prices recently.
This is profiting at the expense of the people, forcing them to the brink of starvation.

Zhu Biao tightened his grip on the teacup, his eyes turning colder.
"Competing with the people for profit? Do you even know what kind of people are involved in land speculation?"

Lady Lü was startled by his sudden seriousness, and her hand holding the handkerchief tightened slightly.

"I heard it from the old women in the manor. They said that quite a few small businesses were also affected."

"Small businesses?"

Zhu Biao sneered, slamming the teacup down on the table, spilling a few drops of tea.

"Where would small businesses with real money have the spare cash to speculate on land prices?"
Those who lost money were either wealthy gentry or powerful figures.

The Market and Commerce Bureau's efforts to lower land prices were intended to stabilize the court; how did that become competing with the people for profit?

Madam Lü's face turned pale, and she quickly stood up and bowed:
"Your Majesty, I was foolish. I listened to gossip and said things I shouldn't have."

Zhu Biao sighed, his tone softening somewhat:
"It's normal that you've been staying in the manor for so long and don't know what's going on outside."

Don't listen to those old women gossiping anymore.

What do they know?
They've probably taken bribes from others and are deliberately spreading these rumors.

Seeing that the atmosphere was not right, Zhu Yunwen quietly put down the pastries in his hand and whispered:

“Father, Auntie was just worried about you, she didn’t mean it.”

Zhu Biao glanced at his son.
He didn't blame Lady Lü anymore, but simply picked up his teacup and took another sip of tea.

The room was quiet for a moment. Seeing that Zhu Biao's expression had softened slightly, Madam Lü casually brought up the matter again:

"By the way, Your Highness, there have been some other rumors circulating in the capital lately."

It is said that His Majesty intends to move the capital.

I've also asked my family.
They said that if the capital were moved, the family business would likely be affected.

Zhu Biao paused, his hand holding the teacup. He looked up at Madam Lü, his eyes now scrutinizing her.

Why would your family ask this?
"Relocating the capital is a major event for the imperial court; it hasn't been decided yet, and it's not their place to worry about it."

Lady Lü's eyes flickered, and she quickly explained:

"I was just mentioning it casually. My family was just worried about the business, and I didn't mean anything by it."

After all, my elder brother owns several silk shops in Jiangnan.

If the capital were moved, freight transport would likely become inconvenient.

"Inconvenient?" Zhu Biao's tone turned cold.

"The Grand Canal of the Ming Dynasty connects the north and south, and goods can be transported even to the grasslands. How is that inconvenient?"
If your brother is truly worried about the business...
We should be focusing on improving our silk production, not inquiring about the capital's relocation.

Perhaps realizing his words had been a bit harsh, Zhu Biao sighed, his voice becoming more subdued:
"You are now the Crown Princess, no longer a daughter of the Lü family."

Your every move represents the Crown Prince's Palace.

It's best to get as little involved as possible in your wife's family's affairs.
Especially regarding matters of the imperial court, don't let them ask you questions, and don't inquire about them yourself.

Lu's face instantly turned bright red, then paled.

She quickly knelt down, her skirt brushing the ground with a soft rustling sound.

"Your Majesty, I know I was wrong! I shouldn't have let my family interfere in court affairs. I will never do it again!"

Zhu Biao glanced back at her, his tone softening slightly:

"Get up. I'm not blaming you, I'm just reminding you."

Since you are in the Eastern Palace, if they use your name to do something underhanded,
In the end, it wasn't just the Lü family that suffered, but also the Crown Prince's palace.

He walked over to Madam Lü and reached out to help her up.

"Stay away from your maternal relatives in the future."
Especially your older brother, he's too calculating, so try to avoid him.

Mrs. Lü's eyes reddened, and she nodded vigorously:
"Your Majesty, I understand. Thank you for reminding me."

Seeing that his aunt was alright, Zhu Yunwen picked up another piece of pastry.
But Zhu Biao glared at him, and he quickly put it down again.

Zhu Biao shook his head helplessly and rubbed his temples.
"You must be tired today, you should all get some rest."
Yun-hu, you still have schoolwork tomorrow, don't stay out too late.

"I know, Father!"

Zhu Yunwen quickly agreed.

Lady Lü wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, stepped forward to help Zhu Biao take off his outer robe, and folded it on the clothes rack:

"Your Highness, would you like some dinner? The kitchen has prepared your favorite pigeon soup, which is still warm."

"No, I had ginseng soup at the Lu residence, so I'm not hungry."

As night deepened and the setting sun dipped below the eaves of the corner tower of the imperial city, the bluestone path was bathed in moonlight.

In the courtyard of the Lu residence, the last corridor lamp was blown out by a maid.

Only a few old locust trees remained, swaying in the wind.

The shadows cast on the ground were dense and numerous.

After an unknown amount of time,

A figure dressed in black night clothes quietly left through the side gate.
Outside the West Corner Gate is a narrow alley.

The courtyard walls on both sides blocked the moonlight, with only a few streaks of silver light leaking through the cracks in the bricks.

The man in black walked close to the wall.
Their footsteps were extremely light, making almost no sound.

Xi'anmen Street is just outside the alley entrance.

There was no one there at the moment, only the sound of the night watchman's clapper coming from afar.

He took a deep breath and, taking advantage of the pause in the clapper's sound,

He suddenly crossed the main street and headed north of the city.

Half an hour later, the shadowy figure arrived at Kaiming Street in the north of the city.

The wooden signboard of Hexing Dyehouse swayed in the wind.

Next to it was the Sanyuan Pawnshop, which was sealed off.

Shence Street is located north of Kaiming Street and is a workshop area.

The man in black walked to the end of the street and saw a wooden sign with the words "Long Live the Emperor" engraved on it.
A small copper bell hangs below, tinkling when the wind blows.

Wanshou Sugar Mill was the largest sugar mill in Beijing.

He was responsible for the palace's supplies and the production of nearly 40% of the white sugar, brown sugar, honey, and other sweets in the capital.

The sugar mill was enormous, occupying half of Shence Street.

The man in black arrived at the most dilapidated back door.
There were several cracks in the door panel, through which a little light shone.

He raised his hand and knocked on the door, following the agreed-upon rhythm:
Three light taps, two heavy taps.

Footsteps soon came from inside the door, followed by a steady voice, kept very low:
"Who?"

"I."

The wooden door was pulled open, and a young man peeked out. It was Sun Si'an. He quickly stepped aside.

"Please come in quickly, sir. Xianzhi is waiting inside."

Sun Si'an pointed to the small door of the workshop.

"Sir, let's hurry over there, the investigation has been very strict these past few days."

The man in black nodded and followed him into the workshop.

The workshop was dimly lit, with only an oil lamp hanging from the roof beam, its dim yellow light dazzling the eyes.

Gong Xianzhi stood beside the millstone, dressed in a black outfit, his hair tied up tightly, looking somewhat uneasy.

Upon seeing the man in black enter, he quickly stepped forward and bowed.

"grown ups."

The man in black ripped off his hood, revealing a young face—it was Lu Yunyi.

He stepped forward and patted Gong Xianzhi on the shoulder:

"You've worked hard. You seem to have lost weight? Did anything go wrong?"

"No."

Gong Xianzhi raised his head, his eyes filled with determination.

"Everything went smoothly, and no one noticed."

Sun Si'an added from the side:
"Don't worry, sir. People from the capital and the governor's office have come to investigate twice in the past few days, but they haven't found anything amiss."

Lu Yunyi nodded, his gaze sweeping over the equipment in the workshop.

A huge stone millstone, and rough pottery bowls piled on shelves against the wall.
There are also several large iron pots for boiling syrup, taller than a person, requiring about five or six people to encircle them.

"Where is the thing?"

"In the innermost syrup jar."

Sun Si'an led him deeper into the workshop.
"That jar is big and can hide things, so it's quite a hassle to get it out."

Reaching the end of the workshop, Lu Yunyi saw the syrup pot.
The mouth of the jar was covered with a huge piece of oilcloth, the edges of which were stuck with some solidified syrup, hard as a rock.

Sun Si'an walked up to the platform, reached out and lifted the oilcloth, and a warm, sweet fragrance wafted out.

The thick, dark brown syrup in the jar gleamed faintly and looked extremely sticky.

"Sir, the syrup was just made the day before yesterday and hasn't cooled down yet, so it's perfect for burying the gun in."

Sun Si'an took a long wooden hook with a loop of wire wrapped around the tip.
He lowered the wooden hook down along the side of the jar, and with a gentle twist of his wrist...
The wooden hook caught something hard and was slowly pulled up.

First, the butt of the gun revealed the syrup, with sticky sugar strands glistening under the oil lamp;

Next was the gun barrel, its metal surface coated with dark syrup, gleaming coldly;

Finally, there was the trigger, with some scraps of cloth still wrapped around it.
Lu Yunyi stepped forward, grabbed the flintlock pistol; the gun was lighter than he had expected.
The wooden stock was polished smooth, but it was now covered in syrup, making it sticky to hold.

He raised his hand to inspect the bolt, his fingers tracing the dents on the barrel:

"Can it still be used?"

"Yes, but it needs to be cleaned up."

As Sun Si'an spoke, he took the flintlock pistol and excitedly said:
"Sir, this thing is great! It's much more accurate than a musket, and it doesn't break easily!"

"If we had a thousand of these last time we fought, none of the brothers would have died."

Lu Yunyi smiled as he watched him clean the gun barrel:
"This gun costs three hundred taels of silver. It takes more than a dozen craftsmen to ruin nearly thirty guns before one can be made. It's too expensive."

"It's worth the price! Once the craftsmen's skills are more refined, the army will use these."

Sun Si'an busied himself for a while, quickly cleaning the spear and handing it back.

"Sir, here it is."

Lu Yunyi took the spear, examined it carefully for a moment, then handed it to Gong Xianzhi beside him, and said in a deep voice:
"Have the people from Dongning Trading Company investigated thoroughly?"

Gong Xianzhi nodded emphatically:
"My lord, Zhou Lin's true identity is a son of a concubine of the Zhou family in Quanzhou, Fujian."

A small portion of the funds for the Dongning Trading Company came from the Zhou Prince's Mansion, the bulk came from the Zhou family, and the remainder came from the wealthy merchants.

"So, this person is a true traitor."

Lu Yunyi looked enlightened, a chilling murderous intent flashing in his eyes.

"Reporting to Your Excellency, this person is undoubtedly a traitor."

During the investigation, subordinates also discovered that the people from the Dongning Trading Company had close ties with the Crown Princess's brother, and the two had conducted numerous business transactions together.

"You are in me, and I am in you; this is where all things go wrong."

Lu Yunyi's tone was icy.
"Let's proceed as planned tomorrow. Let's continue to stir things up and alert the enemy. The capital cannot remain quiet like this."

"Yes!"

(End of this chapter)