Chapter 561 Lu Yunyi Serves the Country and the People
Chapter 561 Lu Yunyi Serves the Country and the People
"Really?"
In the main hall of the Lu Mansion, Mu Chuting listened to the news brought by Lu Yunyi.
The eyes that were originally a little sleepy suddenly brightened up.
She remembered that her husband had been busy at the Sheung Shui Sugar Factory for two days.
I thought the matter had come to an end, but I didn't expect good news to come today.
Lu Yunyi smiled and raised his eyebrows at her:
"When have I, your husband, ever failed in anything I do?"
"Pfft."
Mu Chuting laughed out loud and looked her husband up and down.
I just felt that he was like a proud rooster at this moment.
However, Mu Chuting soon straightened her expression and asked with a sweet smile:
"Husband, if this sugar-sprinkling method is successful, won't we be able to make a lot of money?"
Lu Yunyi nodded with a smile:
"Of course, although the price of sugar will not be as high as it is now, small profits but quick turnover is the key.
At least the army won't have to worry about sugar shortages anymore, so it's a good deal."
Upon hearing this, Mu Chuting moved closer and took Lu Yunyi's arm:
"Husband, when the time comes, write a letter to mother and ask her to take care of this matter.
By the way, I still need to ask my mother for some money.
Otherwise, who knows who will get the money.”
Lu Yunyi was slightly surprised:
"No wonder my father-in-law always says that you are biased."
Mu Chuting rolled her eyes at him and said:
“Since you are married to your husband, you naturally have to consider your husband’s family.
The idea was thought up by my husband, so he should get a share of the money he made."
At this point, Mu Chuting sighed and murmured:
"My dear, some of my relatives are not easy to deal with.
If they insist on holding on, let Mu Sheng deal with them.
That kid is fearless and dares to teach anyone a lesson."
Hearing her say this, Lu Yunyi smiled brightly.
It is really rare to have a wife who is always on your side.
“There are still many rules to be determined for this matter. We need to communicate with the palace first before we can talk about making money.
Besides, even if you really make money, you should keep it and I won’t take it.
When you married me, I didn't have much money.
It was all your money that was spent, and I feel guilty about it.”
Mu Chuting stared at him blankly, her heart feeling as sweet as candied fruit.
She leaned her head on Lu Yunyi's shoulder and murmured:
“My dear husband, you are capable and take care of your family. You are a good man that is hard to find in the whole capital.
My money is your money, feel free to use it, don't be so polite."
At this point, a sly look flashed across Mu Chuting's eyes.
"Husband, does Doctor Jinyu like you?
There have been some rumors out there lately, and they sound very plausible.”
Lu Yunyi scratched his head awkwardly, and after thinking it over again and again, he decided to reveal some truth.
"I suspect she is from the Royal Guards.
So let's get in touch with her first and see if we can find any clues."
"what?"
Mu Chuting's eyes were full of astonishment.
But soon he tugged at Lu Yunyi's sleeve, with a bit of dissatisfaction on his face.
"My dear husband, I am not such a stingy person. If there is a girl who likes you, let her like it.
If the husband is also interested, it would be fine to take her home.
I am not a noisy person, so why bother using this excuse to deceive me?"
As she spoke, Mu Chuting felt more and more aggrieved.
The little heads drooped and the voices became smaller and smaller.
Lu Yunyi curled his lips helplessly and explained earnestly:
"Really, I am now in this position and in charge of a lot of money.
There are also major issues concerning the country, such as businesses and concrete.
It would be strange if the Jinyiwei didn't keep an eye on my husband."
Hey~ Mu Chuting lowered her head and thought carefully, and felt that what he said did make some sense.
She raised her head again, her heart full of astonishment:
"Doctor Jinyu is a secret agent of the Royal Guards?"
“I can’t be sure yet, but her identity is too perfect, and she is too proactive towards her husband.
In the past few days, she often went to the government office to deliver food for various reasons.
All the officials knew about this.
Now the officials in the government office look at my husband in a strange way."
Lu Yunyi concealed nothing and told the truth.
He also wanted to take this opportunity to remind Chu Ting,
Times are different now, so we must be extra careful and cautious in our actions.
Mu Chuting opened her mouth slightly, looking surprised.
After thinking about it, she felt that her husband was overthinking and rolled her eyes at Lu Yunyi:
"Husband, maybe Doctor Chu Ting has chosen you. You are just overthinking it."
"I hope I am overthinking this, and there has been some progress on the sugar issue.
The company will have to start some cooperation with her, so don't misunderstand me when the time comes."
"cooperate?"
Mu Chuting's eyes flickered as she said,
"It is common for my husband to have three wives and four concubines. Why would I care?
As for Miss Lingyun, it would be better for your husband to bring her back as soon as possible, so as to avoid outsiders spreading gossip about you."
When it comes to Deng Lingyun,
Lu Yunyi suddenly felt overwhelmed and lost all his energy:
"Alright, alright, I have so many documents to read lately that I can't even finish them all.
It's really a headache to get involved in these romantic affairs."
Seeing him like this, Mu Chuting burst out laughing:
“My husband, you are different from others and don’t seem to like getting entangled with women.
If I hadn't taken the initiative, I would have missed my husband."
Lu Yunyi slumped in the chair and did not respond for a long time, feeling exhausted.
"Husband, do you want to take a rest?"
At some point, Mu Chuting walked behind the chair and gently massaged Lu Yunyi's shoulders.
"No, pack up and let's go visit my father-in-law and tell him about the success of the sugar-sprinkling method.
If this matter is to proceed smoothly, my father-in-law will have to contribute."
Mu Chuting was slightly stunned, then nodded and said:
"I know it."
Mu Mansion is located on Mu Mansion Street in the central city of Yingtian, adjacent to Guiyi Gallery and Tangfang Bridge.
Guiyilang is the main market for silk cloth and is very bustling.
Tangfang Bridge was originally named Wanshou Bridge and was first built in the Southern Song Dynasty. Later, it was renamed Tangfang Bridge because there was a maltose workshop in the south of the bridge.
The Mufu Street where the Mufu is located has a quiet environment.
Although it is close to the busy main street, it is unusually quiet.
Most of the luxury houses in Yingtian City are like this, quiet in the bustling city.
It is neither remote nor noisy.
The two arrived at the Mu Mansion and entered smoothly. They met Mu Ying, who was wearing casual clothes, in the main hall.
Mu Ying was holding a military book in his hand.
He was very happy to see the two people coming, and his smile had never faded since they sat down.
"How come you two have time to come to my house today?" Mu Ying looked at Lu Yunyi with a smile.
Seeing his sunken eyes and fatigue all over his body, he couldn't help but blame him:
“No matter how many documents the Governor’s Office has, you have to read them slowly.
Do you think you can finish reading it if you stay in the government office all day and don't go home?
When you reach my age, you will know that spending more time with your family is the most important thing.”
Lu Yunyi scratched his head, not knowing how to answer, and could only chuckle.
Mu Chuting glared:
"Father, my husband is still young, and it is commendable that he is working hard. How can you say this about him?
Furthermore, when my father was young, he would not come home for half a year.
All they do is fight and fight, and the house is deserted all day long."
After hearing this, Mu Ying opened and closed his mouth slightly, but was unable to speak for a long time. He could only scratch his head.
He and Lu Yunyi looked at each other and they both laughed awkwardly.
"Ahem. Tell me, what are you doing here this time?"
Mu Ying sat up straight, regaining the dignity of a nobleman in the imperial court.
But the blush on her face hasn't completely faded.
Lu Yunyi sat up straight and told Mu Ying the news that the yellow mud water sugar method was successful.
He also took out the document that had been prepared long ago and handed it over:
"Father-in-law, this is the cost change that I calculated in Yunnan earlier.
If things go well and the workshop has sufficient production capacity, the cost of sugar may be reduced by 80%!
And the quality can be improved by at least 50%, reaching the level of tribute to the palace."
Mu Ying's face was extremely solemn. He took the document and examined it carefully.
Every word and every calculation above has not been missed.
After reading it twice, he looked up at Lu Yunyi and asked:
"Really successful?"
Lu Yunyi nodded and said, "It's at my mother-in-law's Sheung Shui Sugar Factory.
The shopkeeper of the successful sugar factory was named Ban Yan, and he was an extremely capable man.
"Ban Yan?"
Mu Ying looked thoughtful, and soon a glimmer of understanding flashed in his eyes.
“I have some impression of him. He housed some disabled soldiers in his workshop.
If I remember correctly, Sheung Shui Sugar Factory didn't make much money before.
It was mainly used to house soldiers and process sugarcane shipped from the south.
It turned out that he had done it. Great, great, great.
If it is true as the document says, then there will be no shortage of sugar in the army."
Mu Ying was very happy. Once the army had enough sugar, he wondered how many lives could be saved.
Every year, many soldiers die from wound festering.
If you sprinkle a handful of white sugar on the wound after getting injured, the chance of the wound festering will be greatly reduced.
Lu Yunyi paused and said in a deep voice:
“Father-in-law, this sugar can not only be used in the army, but selling it is also a very profitable business.
Therefore, I would like to ask you, father-in-law, to come to the palace and report this matter to His Majesty.
In addition, my son-in-law also wants to open a sugar factory in the capital.
Part of the sugar was sold to Yingtian Trading Company to maintain its operations.
The other part was transported to Daning for use by the Daning Regional Military Commission.
In the future, you can even buy brown sugar from Beijing, Henan, Hebei and other places.
It is transported to Daning for processing and then sold.”
After hearing this, Mu Ying was a little confused. After careful consideration, he asked:
"Do you want to make money, or do you want to find a way to make a living for Daning?"
Lu Yunyi's expression became more serious:
"Father-in-law, you know me well. I have never had high demands for money. Just enough is enough."
Mu Ying understood when he heard it, nodded slightly, and sat at the top, lost in thought.
Seeing that he remained silent for a long time, Mu Chuting stood up and sat next to him, gently shaking Mu Ying's arm:
"Father, my husband will be going to Daning at the end of the year.
How can you convince people if you are unfamiliar with the place and don't bring any benefits?
I also heard that there are many foreigners there, and they only care about money, and your husband is also thinking about the court."
Mu Ying sighed helplessly:
"Ting'er, please let your father think about it again.
Although sugar was not government-run, many of the workshops were owned by nobles.
Only in this way can we ensure that sugar prices are stable and supply is sufficient during wartime.
Your method involves a lot of people, and stealing money from others is an offense."
Mu Chuting pouted, obviously very dissatisfied.
Mu Ying rubbed his brows and changed the subject:
“However, if the cost of finished white sugar can be reduced by 80%, it will be almost the same as brown sugar.
It is difficult, but not impossible.”
"Really?"
Mu Chuting's eyes lit up, and she immediately became happy. She gently shook Mu Ying's arm again.
"Please come to the palace soon. Daddy is the best."
"Don't worry, don't worry." Mu Ying looked at Lu Yunyi helplessly and smiled.
"You have chosen a good time. The leaders of all forces are not in the capital now.
There are fewer obstacles to getting this done than before.
However, if you have this method in your hands, I wonder how much money you can make.
Are you willing to hand it over to the palace?"
Lu Yunyi had already considered this carefully, and said in a deep voice:
“Father-in-law, the most urgent thing for me as your son-in-law is to make full preparations for going to Daning.
If nothing is accomplished in Daning, then money will be of no use.”
"Yeah," Mu Ying nodded in agreement, then smiled and said,
"I'm glad that you can tell the difference.
But this matter is of great importance, and the sugar industry involves many people,
It is extremely difficult to break the current situation rashly, so we can only make a breakthrough temporarily.
Of course, the price is that this method of making sugar must be spread far and wide so that workshops everywhere can know about it."
After a pause, Mu Ying continued,
"If you just want to make money, I suggest you open workshops in various places.
By then, if we can get through the key links and sell it at the current price, we can make a lot of money."
Lu Yunyi shook his head decisively: "Father-in-law, you know that I am not that kind of profiteer."
Mu Ying smiled and nodded gently:
"I will go to the palace right away and inform His Majesty and the Crown Prince of this matter."
"Father-in-law, do you want me to go with you?" Lu Yunyi asked from the side.
"No, you should go home and rest early. Your father can take care of this little thing."
"Yes, thank you, father-in-law."
Mu Chuting also became happy, jumping up and down, holding Lu Yunyi's arm, and said to Mu Ying with a smile:
"Thank you father!"
Mu Ying hurriedly walked into the Wuying Hall of the Daming Imperial Palace.
At a glance, he saw the Hongwu Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang sitting at the top, reading the memorials.
Strangely, the prince was not there.
"My child meets his father!"
Zhu Yuanzhang heard footsteps and looked down.
Seeing that it was Mu Ying, his serious face instantly broke into a smile, and he quickly waved his hand and said:
"Hurry, hurry, the cool drink just arrived from the imperial kitchen.
I can't finish it, come and drink it, don't waste it."
Mu Ying was not polite and walked to the imperial desk.
He picked up the bronze cup on the table, drank it all in one gulp, and let out a relieved "ah".
"How's it going? Does it taste good?"
Zhu Yuanzhang looked at him with a smile, and the originally solemn atmosphere in the hall suddenly eased a lot.
Mu Ying smiled and nodded:
"The child came here in a hurry, and was so hot from walking that this thing came just in time.
I wonder if there is any more, father?"
Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and instructed the eunuch waiting beside him:
"Go, get another pot, and put more ice and sugar in it."
Mu Ying sat down on the small stool beside the imperial desk and asked:
"Father, this candy is not cheap.
Especially the sugar used in the palace, which is several times more expensive than outside.”
"Of course, the imperial kitchen said it was fine and white, better than the sugar outside.
But I can't taste any difference, the money is not worth it." Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head repeatedly.
Mu Ying moved closer and whispered:
"Father, I have good news for you. Do you want to hear it?"
"what?"
Zhu Yuanzhang raised his eyebrows, bent down and leaned his head over.
The father and son hid behind the imperial desk, and only two high buns could be seen.
Mu Ying whispered:
"Father, the Yunnan workshop has developed a new method.
It is called the yellow mud sugar pouring method, which can turn brown sugar into white sugar, and the price can be 80% cheaper.
And the white sugar produced is no different from the white sugar carefully selected in the palace."
Zhu Yuanzhang raised his eyebrows, his eyes slightly widened, and soon regained his composure, tilted his head and asked:
"really?"
"Really? It was invented by Lu Yunyi when he was in Yunnan, but the workshop only succeeded in improving it recently."
This time Zhu Yuanzhang straightened up, his face full of doubts:
"It's this guy again? He's always tinkering with weapons, why is he tinkering with sugar again?"
"Father, you don't know that the Beijing army suffered heavy losses in the Dingbian battle.
The cavalry led by Lu Yunyi suffered over a thousand casualties when they broke through the Luchuan camp.
According to him, some brothers could not be saved because of the scarcity of sugar.
It was only after the war that he began to study white sugar.
I didn't hold out much hope at first, but
Today, a letter came from Yunnan saying that this method has been successful!"
Zhu Yuanzhang's face became serious and he nodded slightly:
"That makes sense. Tell me about the sugar-sprinkling method. How effective is it?"
"Of course it works!"
Mu Ying also straightened up, took out the document and put it on the table.
Then he took out the white sugar sent from Yunnan and placed it on the table.
"Father, look, isn't this similar to the sugar in the palace?"
Zhu Yuanzhang looked at it carefully, then looked up at Mu Ying:
"There's no difference. It seems to be whiter. Does this mean that sugar won't be so expensive in the future?"
"exactly!"
"Well, this kid Lu Yunyi is really capable of doing anything! I will definitely reward him handsomely!"
Mu Ying said quickly:
"Father, Lu Yunyi wants to open a sugar-making workshop specializing in selling white sugar."
Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes and said with a smile:
"He's short of money again? Okay, let him open it."
"Thank you, father! But you guessed wrong this time.
He is not short of money, but is thinking about the political affairs of Daning."
"Oh? Tell me."
(End of this chapter)