Chapter 535: Another Way to Make Money is Here

Chapter 535: Another Way to Make Money is Here

Chapter 535: Another Way to Make Money is Here
In the Ji'an Marquis Mansion at No. 1 Zhangde Street, Dagongfang,
Lu Zhongheng sat quietly in the study room as he always did.

Today was different from usual. On normal days, he would read military books.
What is in front of me now is the homework copied from the Imperial College.

Regarding what the several staff officers of the Governor's Office said,

He ignored it completely and the documents were thrown aside carelessly.

At this moment, he was concentrating on studying Lu Yunyi's explanation of "How to be a good centurion".

His expression was a little solemn, and his eyes paused on the pages of the book from time to time.
Then he fell into deep thought, with a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes from time to time.

After a long while, he sighed heavily. Even though they were enemies,
But such a young and promising talent appeared in the army,

It still made him feel deeply touched, and even a trace of regret welled up in his heart.

"If he could play under me, he wouldn't be in such a difficult situation now."

Lawrence Lu turned his eyes away from the document and looked at the half-closed window.

The afterglow of the setting sun poured in through the gaps, casting a golden light on the ground.

The current situation in the court seems to be evenly matched.
However, when it comes to the future, they are undoubtedly doomed to lose.

The reason is that the imperial court had proposed the strategy of using the old to guide the new several years ago.

In the past few years, a group of young talents have emerged both in the army and in the court.

Today, the imperial party and the prince's party have already produced new nobles, who have already made their mark in the court.

But on their side, there is still no young person who can stand on his own and hold up the sky.

In the subsequent power struggle, he was clearly at a disadvantage.

At that time, as long as the imperial party and the prince party voluntarily give up their power, they will have no choice but to follow suit.

And this concession will put all the power in the hands of young people like Lu Yunyi.
No matter from which angle you look at it, it's a total lose-lose situation.

Thinking of this, Lawrence Lu sighed heavily again, with a few gloomy flashes in his eyes.

At this time, the servant Feng Tiemu, who was standing quietly by the side, took a step forward.
I filled a cup of steaming hot tea for him and asked softly:
"My Lord, what happened that makes you so worried?"

Lawrence Lu raised his eyes and looked at the seal in front of him:

"How many years have you followed me?"

Feng Tiemu, who was over fifty years old, replied respectfully:

"When the Marquis, Duke Xin, Marquis Jiangxia, and Marquis Yichun were training in Linqing,

Seeing that I was alone and helpless, he felt pity for me and brought me back to the capital and into the marquis's mansion.

Now, it has been ten years.”

"Ten years"

Lawrence Lu was filled with emotion, and there was a hint of emptiness in his voice.
"Time flies, and many of my old brothers have either passed away or have been bedridden for a long time.

Do you think that, given the current situation, I still have any choice?"

Feng Tiemu lowered his head slightly, paused for a moment, and said softly:
"My Lord, His Majesty is suspicious by nature."

The study room fell into a long silence.

After a long time, Lawrence Lu sighed:
"Yes, Your Majesty is suspicious. Even if you want to turn back now, it's too late."

Lawrence Lu looked at the document in his hand, a hint of helplessness flashed in his eyes:
“After today, the Imperial Party and the Prince’s Party have won over many people’s hearts.

Now that Lu Yunyi has made a name for himself, many young soldiers who came to listen to his lecture today,
Maybe in the future everyone will rise to prominence under his name.

When he takes one more step forward and truly becomes the core, these people will all become his disciples.

But where should we go to find disciples?"

Feng Tiemu looked calm, bowed slightly and said:

"My Lord, in my humble opinion, you have made outstanding military achievements and have held high positions for a long time.
Soldiers from all over the country admire you.

However, you have fought many battles over the years,

Such experience and achievements are beyond the reach of ordinary soldiers.
I can’t learn it even if I want to, and I don’t even dare to learn it.

In contrast, Lu Yunyi rose to fame and held a high position after only ten years in the army.

Especially in the past three years, it has skyrocketed.

This gave many young soldiers hope.
Feeling that I had the opportunity to emulate him, I naturally felt close to him and wanted to follow and learn from him.

In this way, they naturally became part of the imperial party and the prince's party.

However, Lu Yunyi is extremely capable and has good luck.

Some young soldiers might think he is out of their reach and do not respect him.

If the Marquis wants to reverse the current unfavorable situation,
It would be a good idea to recommend some young talents who are steady and seem more accessible.

The most fascinating thing is that it seems out of reach.

But if something is within reach by just standing on tiptoe, they will think about trying harder to reach it. "

Lawrence Lu’s expression became more and more solemn. After thinking for a long time, he slowly nodded:
“What you said makes sense. Lu Yunyi’s current status is all due to his real ability.

If the palace, Lan Yu and Mu Ying had not urged him to leave Beijing,
This time we will push him into the Governor's Office and make him the Deputy Governor.

Trapping him in the capital, and plunging him into a quagmire."

When Feng Temu heard this, a hint of surprise flashed across his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

"My Lord, if this news can be spread,
Lu Yunyi would appear even more out of reach in the eyes of the young soldiers.

If the Marquis introduces a more down-to-earth young talent at this time, he will surely reap great rewards! "

“You are right, but looking at the world,

Those who are young and hold high positions are mostly children of noble families.

Pushing such a person out may not have a good effect, so it is better not to push him out.”

At this point, Lawrence Lu’s eyes flashed with helplessness, and he drank the tea in the cup.

Feng Tiemu pursed his lips, took a step forward, refilled Lawrence Lu’s tea again, and said in a low voice:
"My Lord, I just received news.

Lu Yunyi gave the mansion awarded by the palace to Deputy General Liu Heiying. The house was located at No. 4 Zhangde Street.

I wonder if the Marquis needs me to go and contact him?"

Lawrence Lu frowned and said in surprise:
"Is there such a thing?"

"It is absolutely true. Many people have witnessed it with their own eyes. They must not have left yet."

"He is very generous. No wonder he has achieved success."

A glimmer of admiration flashed in Lawrence Lu’s eyes, and a surge of admiration for talent surged in his heart.

Feng Tiemu nodded repeatedly:
"My Lord, the rumors circulating in the capital,

Not only Lu Yunyi was targeted, but the deputy general Liu Heiying was also not spared.

Many people think that he has no ability, but just found the right backer and got close to a good superior.

Regardless of whether he has real talent or not,
I'm sure he'll have some resentment in his heart if we can win him over."

"To win over Liu Heiying?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Lawrence Lu’s eyes, and he sat up straighter.

"My Lord, a strong fortress is often breached from within.

As a deputy general, Liu Heiying's abilities are not worth discussing for now, but he must be no mediocre person to have been able to gain a foothold in the army.

And he was also young and reached a high position,

It was just that he was overshadowed by Lu Yunyi's brilliance, which made him less famous."

Feng Tiemu looked solemn and continued to speak eloquently.
"My Lord, a real man is born between heaven and earth, who wants to be inferior to others?

The more capable a person is, the less willing he is to play a supporting role.

It seems difficult to win over Liu Hei Ying, but I think it's worth a try."

Lawrence Lu fell into deep thought.

He suddenly felt that this might not be an unfounded fantasy.

Even if he could not successfully win over Liu Heiying, it would be worth it to create some rift between him and Lu Yunyi.

"Lu Yunyi is still in the mansion and hasn't left yet?"

Lawrence Lu asked in a deep voice with a gleam in his eyes.

Feng Tiemu heard this and replied respectfully:

"Reporting to the Marquis, Lu Yunyi is still here."

“After Lu Yunyi leaves, prepare a generous gift for him.

Get in touch with him first and feel out what he has to say."

"Yes."

“Go and sort out all of Liu Heiying’s past deeds. I want to know the details.

Not only him, but also some key generals in the front scout army will have to sort out relevant information!"

After receiving the order, Feng Tiemu bowed slightly but did not leave immediately.
Instead, he quickly walked to the bookshelf nearby, took out a thick document, and walked over steadily:
"My Lord, I collected this information when they entered the capital.

Compared to the present, it lacks some of their recent activities in Beijing, but it is generally enough. "

Looking at the document in front of him, Lawrence Lu couldn't help but laugh.
He looked at the copied homework next to him and couldn't help but nodded in praise:

"Lu Yunyi is right. Any superior prefers capable subordinates. You have worked hard."

Feng Tiemu bowed slightly, stood quietly aside and said no more.

Lu Zhongheng opened the document and read it word by word.

At first, he was only slightly interested and didn't take it seriously.

But soon, his expression became more solemn, and he muttered to himself:

"This Liu Hei Ying seems ordinary,
But judging from Lu Yunyi's trust in him and his prestige in the army, this man is by no means an ordinary person.

He is actually responsible for handling many military affairs?
It's really strange. Could it be that this person is well versed in the principle of great sound without sound? Why has he been so low-key and never attracted anyone's attention? Even I have never noticed him."

"Oh, this guy is a playboy, and he has so many concubines?
He opened a brothel in Qingzhou and looked for a brothel owner in Yuezhou. Can he also write couplets? "

The more he looked down, the more solemn Lawrence Lu’s expression became.

He had learned a truth from His Majesty.
A man who is liked by women wherever he goes is definitely not an ordinary person.

But how did this person manage to be like a nobody and not attract anyone's attention?
Listening to Lu Zhongheng's mumbling, Feng Tiemu beside him lowered his head, with waves in his eyes.

Sometimes there is a gleam of light in his eyes, and I don't know what he is thinking about.

After a long time, Lu Zhongheng read the document in his hand twice, put it on the table, and fell into deep thought.

"So, send someone out to spread the word about Liu Hei Ying starting tomorrow.

It is imperative that all soldiers in the capital know of his existence, and that the news be spread widely among the common people as well.

Let everyone know that there is such a young man in the military camp.

Not only did he have great military achievements, he was also a romantic and suave playboy.

By the way, also publicize the couplet he wrote in Hezhou and find some scholars to praise it.

In order to create a rift between the two of them,
We must first let Liu Hei Ying have a taste of fame.

No matter where he goes, women will fall in love with him and people will admire and praise him! "

Feng Tiemu bowed slightly and said respectfully:
"Your Excellency has considered everything very carefully. I now know what to do."

"There will be a martial arts performance at the small parade ground tomorrow to test the young soldiers.

Black Hawk is born with supernatural powers. I will try to get him on stage to demonstrate his abilities.
Regardless of whether he can be used by us in the end, let him have his moment in the spotlight first."

As he spoke, Lawrence Lu stood up, straightened his sleeves, and looked solemn.

"What are you doing?" Feng Tiemu looked puzzled.

“I will go find Zhao Yong and ask him for help.

The rules of the assessment have already been set, and it is difficult for me to change them alone."

Feng Temu suddenly understood and nodded repeatedly:

"Then I will wait for Lu Yunyi to leave and then go to Liu's house to deliver the gift."

Lu Zhongheng nodded: "Take Chi Laowen's 'Snowflake Iron Ring Knife' with you."

Feng Temu was shocked when he heard this. Chilaowen was from the Xundusi clan of Mongolia.

He once served as the leader of the Qiexue Army and was one of the four heroes under Emperor Genghis Khan.

He knew very well that the Marquis had always regarded this iron ring knife as a treasure.

"My Lord, is this gift too expensive?"

“When giving gifts, the more expensive the better. Only in this way can sincerity be demonstrated.

Well, let’s do it.”

Having said this, Feng Temu bowed slightly:

"Yes, my lord. I will prepare your horse right away."

"In my opinion, there should be some green plants in the yard and the ground should be paved with white marble.

Forget about the light-blocking thing at the door, and make it a big bunk bed.

This way, the light is particularly bright as soon as you enter the door.

The courtyard is already spacious, and with this arrangement, anyone who sees it will praise it.

By the way, the main hall will also be replaced with mahogany furniture when the time comes.

If we can't buy a complete set, we can bring a whole tree from Yunnan and make a set ourselves.
When the time comes, ask the craftsmen in charge of making furniture for the palace to come and do the work!"

"Also, the bed in your main room is too small, you need to change it to a better one, at least one that's more impressive!

It can hold three to five people!
We can't let your female friends look down on us!"

At No. 4 Zhangde Street, Lu Yunyi strode out while talking incessantly and gesticulating.

Liu Heiying on the side had a helpless look on his face and shook his head like a rattle.

"Hey, why don't you say anything? Do you think my plan is great?" Lu Yunyi looked surprised.

Liu Hei Ying then stopped, looking a little depressed and listless:
"Brother Yun'er, a piece of white marble floor tile costs fifteen taels of silver.
A house this big would cost at least a thousand dollars, and it would cost 12,000 taels of silver at once!

As for the mahogany furniture, I heard from Cao Guogong that

One table costs three thousand taels, and the whole set costs at least twenty thousand taels.
I don’t have so much money!
Besides, this is too conspicuous. If others see us, they will think we have embezzled a lot of money."

"Tsk." Lu Yunyi smacked his lips, rolled up his sleeves, and patted his chest.

"Don't worry, we have money!

The palace has awarded me a hundred acres of good farmland. Tomorrow I will find someone from Xinchen Trading Company and sell some of it to them."

"Still selling? That's good farmland."

Liu Heiying quickly covered his chest and felt a sharp pain in his heart.

In Gyeongju, there are less than a thousand acres of arable land, and most of it is barren.

"You and I don't farm the fields, so what are we keeping them for?
As sweet potatoes become more popular, land will only become cheaper and cheaper.

If you want some, just buy some when you earn some money."

Ok?
Liu Heiying's eyes suddenly widened, "The land will be cheap? Brother Yun'er, is it true?"

"Just wait and see. A few days ago, five mu of good farmland near the city wall was sold for 11,000 taels.

Once the news of the sweet potato yield of 10 dan per mu spreads, the price will at least be halved."

Lu Yunyi curled his lips, and a hint of cunning flashed in his eyes.

"Ah, how could this happen?"

Liu Heiying's face was filled with shock, and the guards beside him also widened their eyes and pricked up their ears to listen.

Lu Yunyi stopped and showed a bit of pride on his face:

“The difference between the best and the worst fields is only the difference between producing three dan per mu and one dan per mu.

When people were hungry, a difference of two stone of grain was a matter of life and death.

But once sweet potatoes are rolled out, what is the difference between a yield of ten shi per mu and a yield of five shi per mu?

If people can fill their stomachs by growing good or bad land, what is the value of good land?"

Liu Heiying was stunned and blinked blankly.
"I think that's the truth."

"What's more, the prices of the fields near Yingtian City are already too high.
In ordinary places, the best fields are worth no more than ten taels of silver, or twenty taels at most.

There are many powerful people in Yingtian, but no matter how many there are, they can't sell for more than 2,000 taels per acre. Anyone who buys will be a sucker."

Lu Yunyi chuckled and gently patted Liu Heiying's belly with the back of his hand:

“Just spend this money with confidence.

By the way, is your uncle still speculating in real estate in Peking?

As the war is about to start, let him buy more real estate.

Once sweet potatoes are popularized, land will no longer be valuable and what will be valuable will be houses in the city. It will be easy to make a fortune then.

What's the point of your furniture money? "

Liu Heiying held his breath suddenly!
Feng Yunfang on the side also widened his eyes, and a doubt in his heart was instantly resolved!

"No wonder Hu Kui can live in a house with four entrances.
With adults behind the scenes giving advice, it’s hard not to make money.”

"I understand, Brother Yun'er! The court awarded me ten acres of land, and I will sell it tomorrow!"

"It's up to you. You stay here and figure out how to spend the money. I'm leaving now."

Lu Yunyi walked down the stairs with a smile, leaving Liu Heying with a dashing back view.

After Lu Yunyi left, Liu Heiying stood at the door of the mansion with a dazed look.

Hu Xiaowu, who was standing by, was full of excitement, his eyes full of envy:

"Sir, if this house is decorated like this, it will be so magnificent."

"You want it too?" Liu Heiying glanced at him.

Hu Xiaowu nodded somewhat embarrassedly:

"Who wouldn't want such a nice house?"

"If you want something, go find your brother, don't cry poor in front of me!

Speaking of which, Hu Kui has been rich for two years but he didn't tell you a thing.

You work hard here to earn a few ounces of silver every month.

Hu Kui spent as much on a meal in Peking as your salary for ten years."

"Ah? My brother is angry?"

Hu Xiaowu was stunned for a moment, and his hometown accent came out unconsciously.

Liu Heiying still had a smile on his face, but when he saw a group of people walking towards him in the distance, his smile gradually stopped.

The group arrived in front of No. 4 Zhangde Street. The leader bowed slightly and asked respectfully:
"Excuse me, are you General Liu?"

Liu Heiying looked at the person who came. The man looked to be in his fifties and was wearing gray clothes. He seemed to be the manager of a certain family.

He nodded gently: "Exactly, who are you?"

Feng Tiemu smiled and bowed, saying:

"I am Feng Tiemu, the manager of the Marquis of Ji'an's mansion.

I am here to present a gift on the orders of Lord Ji'an."

(End of this chapter)