"Regarding the grain situation in the valley, I've been thinking about it for days. I have a plan I'd like to discuss privately with Mr. Ning. Search: \(\、Complete、Book、God、Station、) to read high-quality literature for free."

It was approaching noon, and the scent of cooking rice already wafted from the small courtyard halfway up the mountain. Luo Ye, dressed in military uniform, stood up after Ning Yi's inquiry and spoke these words in the study. Ning Yi tilted his head slightly, thought for a moment, then waved his hand, "Sit." Only then did he sit back down.

As the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together. Since Ning Yi and the others gradually settled down in Little Cang River, in addition to the Yongle Youth League and the Righteous Qi Society youths, small factions gradually emerged within the army. The Hua Yan Society was the most open and aboveboard of these, its name appearing after Ning Yi suggested the term "Huaxia" (China).

The participants in this group were mostly lower-level young officers in the Wu Rui Army. As the initiator, Luo Ye himself was also an outstanding soldier. Although he was originally just a captain commanding a dozen men, he came from a wealthy family, had read some books, and possessed extraordinary conversation and knowledge. Ning Yi had long taken notice of him.

"If I remember correctly, Brother Luo, your family was quite well-off in the capital," he paused slightly and looked up to say.

Luo Ye sat upright opposite him, not avoiding the topic. "The Luo family had a number of businesses in the capital, involved in both legal and illegal activities. Now... with the Jurchen siege, I estimate it all belongs to the Jurchens."

"But you were among the first to follow when the Wu Rui Army rose up."

"As I said, the Luo family had a background in both legal and illegal activities in the capital. Among the brothers in the family, I was the most useless. I couldn't focus on my studies since I was young, but I liked to be brave and fight, always sticking up for the underdog and causing trouble. After I came of age, my father thought of using his connections to get me into the army. He only needed a few years to rise in the ranks, then I could use my position to support the family's business. At first, he placed me in the Wu Sheng Army, under the care of a superior with connections. I rose two ranks and then, unfortunately, I encountered the Jurchen invasion."

The young man named Luo Ye spoke firmly and without hesitation, "Later, I followed the Wu Sheng Army all the way to the outskirts of Bianliang City. That night of the ambush, we encountered the Jurchen cavalry, the army was completely defeated, and I led my brothers to Xia Village, later being incorporated into the Wu Rui Army... I have been unruly since I was young, and I felt suffocated by many things in my family, but where one is born is determined by fate, and there is no choice. However, during my time in Xia Village, I realized why this world was so corrupt and why we had been fighting and losing all the way."

"...The battle at that time turned out as it did. Later, the Qin family lost power, and Right Minister Qin, General Qin, suffered injustice. Others may have been ignorant, but I understood the reason. I also knew that if the Jurchens invaded again, Bianliang City would have no hope. I couldn't persuade my family, but in such a world, I already knew what I should do."

He paused for a moment after speaking in one breath, "Moreover, at that time, for my father, if Bianliang City really fell and the Jurchens massacred the city, I would be considered to have preserved the Luo family's bloodline. Looking at it in the long term, if my choice proved to be correct in the future, perhaps... I could save the Luo family. It just looks like, right now..."

He had probably thought about these words repeatedly in his heart before. His words became slightly more difficult at the last few sentences. Blood is thicker than water. He couldn't stand the actions of his family, and he had defected with the Wu Rui Army without hesitation, but he didn't necessarily want his family to really be in trouble.

However, the fall of Bianliang had been half a year ago. Since then, the Jurchens had plundered and looted, killing people like flies, and had also taken a large number of women and artisans to the north. Luo Ye's family might very well be among them. Just considering this point, no one would feel good.

He didn't finish the last sentence. Ning Yi nodded and pushed the tea towards him, "Regarding the matter of Bianliang, if your family can survive, there may not be a turning point in the future. Please ease your mind."

Luo Ye sat there and shook his head. "The Wu Dynasty has weakened to this point. As Mr. Ning said, everyone is responsible. The Luo family must also bear this karma. Since I have already come out, I will put my life on the line, only seeking to struggle out a path. Regarding family matters, I am no longer concerned."

Ning Yi smiled and looked at him. After a moment, he slowly nodded and said no more about it, "Understood. Brother Luo, you said earlier you had a plan for the grain situation. I wonder what it is..."

Luo Ye straightened his posture. "As I said before, the Luo family had some connections in both legal and illegal activities. When I was young, I also followed my father to visit some wealthy families. Now that I think about it, although the Jurchens have killed their way to Bianliang City, there are still many places north of the Yellow River that have not suffered from the war. The wealthy families in those places will still have several years' worth of grain. Thinking back, near Huoyi in Pingyang Prefecture, there is a large family, the master named Huo Ting, a wealthy man. He dominates the local area, owns thousands of acres of fertile land, and has influence in both legal and illegal activities. Although the Jurchens have not really arrived yet, the situation north of the Yellow River is changing rapidly, and he must also be looking for a way out."

"I once met Huo Ting with my father. Huo Ting went to the capital several times and also stayed at the Luo family for a short time, so we can be said to have some acquaintance. I think if I go to persuade this wealthy man Huo, I might be able to convince him to seek refuge in Little Cang River. If he agrees, the grain shortage in the valley can be slightly alleviated."

The grain problem in Little Cang River was not hidden internally. Everyone in the valley was worried, and most of those who could think had gone over it several times in their minds. There were probably many who wanted to find Ning Yi to offer advice.

After Luo Ye finished speaking, the room fell silent for a moment. Ning Yi's gaze was solemn, his hands clasped together, and he thought for a while. Then, he took over the paper and pen. "Pingyang Prefecture, Huoyi, Huo Ting, the wealthy man Huo..."

He wrote the words on the paper, then stood up and turned to the bookshelves and wooden boxes behind the study. After searching for a moment, he pulled out a thin dossier and walked back, "Huo Ting, the wealthy man Huo, indeed, his name is there in the grain shortage in the northern region in the eleventh year of Jinghan. Near Huoyi, he is indeed very wealthy, one of the leading grain merchants. If we have his support, supporting ten or twenty thousand people will not be a problem."

Luo Ye said, "Although this person's behavior is not upright, with the current situation, we may be able to cooperate. Furthermore, if Mr. Ning has any ideas, I can act as an internal informant, find out the truth about the Huo family. Our Little Cang River can send troops to break the Huo family, and the grain issue can be easily solved."

His family came from a ******* background. Although the reasons for rising up with the Wu Rui Army were upright and courageous, he did not shy away from sinister methods in his bones. However, after speaking, he added, "I also know that this is not good, but since we have broken with the Wu Dynasty, I don't think we need to worry too much about some things. We always have to get past the obstacles we encounter. Of course, whether or not to do these things ultimately depends on Mr. Ning and the generals in charge of the overall situation. I just think it's necessary to say it so that Mr. Ning knows and can use it as a reference."

"You're doing it for everyone's good." Ning Yi smiled and nodded, then said, "This matter is very valuable. I will hand it over to the staff headquarters for joint discussion. If things really come to a head, I am not a kind person either. Brother Luo can rest assured."

Luo Ye's serious face then slightly smiled. He placed his hands on his legs and lifted his head slightly. "The things I wanted to report are finished. I won't disturb you, sir. I'll take my leave now." After speaking, he was about to stand up, but Ning Yi waved his hand, "Hey, wait."

Luo Ye sat back down. Ning Yi said, "I have some words I want to chat with Brother Luo about."

Looking at Luo Ye's once again straightened body, Ning Yi smiled. He approached the coffee table and was silent for a moment, "Brother Luo, regarding the previous members of Zhuji... let's just say comrades for now, do you have confidence in them?"

Luo Ye frowned. "I am definitely not because..."

"No, I'm not talking about that." Ning Yi waved his hand and said seriously, "I absolutely believe in Brother Luo's sincerity and heartfelt love for military affairs. Brother Luo, please believe that I am asking about this matter only to understand some common thoughts in the army. I hope you can talk to me about this as objectively as possible. It is also very important for our future actions."

Luo Ye hesitated for a moment and nodded. "Regarding... the seniors of Zhuji, I naturally have confidence in them."

"But, regarding their ability to solve the grain problem, you still have some reservations."

"...The matter is undecided, after all, it's difficult to say completely. I also know that the seniors of Zhuji are very admirable, but... I also think that if there is more information, the road to choose will be wider after all."

"...I don't have much confidence in their ability to solve this matter. Actually, I don't have much confidence in my ability to solve this matter either." Ning Yi looked at him and smiled. After a moment, his expression became solemn. He slowly stood up and looked out the window, "Before, the shopkeepers of Zhuji, including those with potential in business, rhetoric, and planning, totaled two hundred and twenty-five people. After grouping them, plus their accompanying guards, there are now a total of one thousand two hundred people placed outside, each with their own duties. But I have no confidence in whether they can open up a commercial route connecting all parties, whether they can smooth out the complex relationships in this area. At least, I still can't see a clear outline."

"But I believe effort will surely be rewarded." Ning Yi said slowly, almost word by word, "I have experienced many things before. At first glance, they were all dead ends. There were many times when I couldn't see the road at the beginning, but retreat was not an option. I could only slowly do what I could and push things to change. Often, when we have more and more chips, an unexpected road will appear in front of us... Of course, that's what I say. I look forward to when there will suddenly be a clear path in front of me, but at the same time... I can expect more than just them."

Luo Ye sat upright, his eyes slightly confused, but obviously trying to understand Ning Yi's words. Ning Yi turned back. "We have more than ten thousand people in total. Including Qingmu Fortress, there are tens of thousands of people. It's not one thousand two hundred people."

"Brother Luo, I used to tell everyone why the Wu Dynasty's army couldn't beat others. What I dared to analyze was that they all knew what the people around them were like. They couldn't trust the people around them at all. But now, we have more than ten thousand people in Little Cang River. Facing such a big crisis, even when everyone knows there is such a crisis, why haven't we immediately dispersed? Because you are more or less willing to believe in the one thousand two hundred people who are working hard outside. And what about these one thousand two hundred people? They are also willing to believe that even if they can't solve the problem, with so many trustworthy people working together, they will most likely find a way. This is actually the biggest difference between us and the Wu Dynasty's army, and it is also the most valuable thing among us so far."

Luo Ye's eyes flickered slightly, and he nodded slightly. Ning Yi paused and looked at him, "So, Brother Luo, what I want to say is, what if one day, our grain stores run out, and our one thousand two hundred brothers outside all fail. Will we reach a dead end?"

Luo Ye raised his head, his eyes becoming resolute. "Of course not."

"Of course not!" Ning Yi waved his hand suddenly. "We still have nine thousand troops! That's you! Brother Luo, the one thousand two hundred people outside are working hard to complete their mission, and the reason they are motivated is not just themselves. This also includes the nine thousand brothers in the mountains, because of your training, you are strong."

"If one day, even if they fail. Of course, you will solve this matter!"

"Yes!" Luo Ye straightened his shoulders slightly.

"In a system, everyone has their own duties. Only when everyone does their own thing is the system the strongest. Regarding the grain issue, many people have been worried recently. As a soldier, it is good and bad to have worries. The pressure is good, but despair is bad. Brother Luo, you came here today. I can tell that you, as a soldier, are not here because of despair, but because of pressure. But when you feel the pressure, I believe many people still have no confidence in their hearts."

Luo Ye lowered his head and considered it. Ning Yi waited for a moment, "The worries of a soldier have a premise. That is, no matter what he faces, he knows he can draw his sword and kill! With this premise, we can find various methods to reduce our losses and solve problems."

"Mr. Ning, I..." Luo Ye stood up with his head lowered. Ning Yi shook his head and patted his shoulder seriously, "Brother Luo, I am very sincerely talking about this matter. Please believe me. What you said today is very valuable. Under no circumstances will I reject such information. I absolutely don't want you to have such thoughts in the future and not say them. The reason I'm analyzing these things with you is because you are the head of the Hua Yan Society. I want to grab you as a strong man."

Ning Yi said, "Of course, there will be no benefits to being the head of this society, and I won't give you more power. But there are many people around you who are willing to communicate with you, and the core spirit of the army must be 'drawing the sword can kill everything'! When encountering anything, the first thing must be to be able to fight. What the one thousand two hundred people can't solve, your nine thousand people can solve. What you find difficult to solve, these one thousand two hundred people can help with. In this way, we can have two or three layers of insurance against any problem. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"This subordinate... understands."

"So, I really like that everyone can have independent thinking ability like you, but I'm also afraid of its side effects." Ning Yi tilted his head and laughed.

Luo Ye stood up, "This subordinate will return and definitely work hard to train and do what I should do!"

The breeze outside the window stirred the leaves, and the sunlight shone through the gaps in the trees. At noon, the aroma of food floated over. Ning Yi nodded in the room.

"Stay for dinner."

**************

At the same time, on a desolate mountain a dozen miles away from Little Cang River, a group of a dozen people was braving the sun, traversing the mountain.

Their pace was quite fast, turning around the mountain and walking towards the mountain stream. The area was full of strange trees and piled with rubble, quite desolate and dangerous. The group walked halfway when the guide at the front suddenly stopped and said a few passwords. Another person's voice came from the shadows. After matching the passwords, someone flashed out from behind the stones, watching them vigilantly.

These people were mostly dressed as mountain people and hunters, but their skills were extraordinary. Several people had a clear aura of government officials on them. They moved forward for a while, descending into the dark mountain stream. Tie Tianying, the former chief constable of the Ministry of Justice, came out of a cave with his subordinates and met the other party.

The person at the head of this group was wearing a cloak. After handing over a document for Tie Tianying to inspect, he slowly lowered the hood of the cloak. Tie Tianying looked at him, his brows tightly furrowed.

"What happened with the imperial court? They actually sent you over!?"

"You are now under my control. Do not be disrespectful."

The light shining down from the mountain crack illuminated the pale and thin face of the visitor. He looked at Tie Tianying, his gaze carrying some melancholy in the quietness, "The imperial court has decided to move south. Lord Tan sent me over to continue the task of eliminating rebels with you. Of course, if Master Tie is not convinced, go back and verify this matter."

Tie Tianying looked at him. After a moment, he coldly snorted, "Letting you preside over this matter, humph, you are all disciples of Qin Siyuan. If it weren't for a teacher like him, how would such a traitor come out today! What exactly are the people in the capital thinking!"

His words were dissatisfied, but after all, he did not question the authenticity of the other party's warrant document. The thin man on this side recalled the past, his eyes showing a hint of pain, coughing a few times, "Master Tie's thoughts on the rebel can be said to be prescient, but you have misunderstood one thing. That Ning Yi is not a disciple of Minister Qin. They are peers. Although I was promoted by Old Minister Qin, the relationship can't be said to be a disciple."

Tie Tianying's expression froze. The other party raised his hand to his mouth and coughed a few times again. He had left behind pain in the war before. He had experienced many things in the following year or so, and this root of the disease had fallen, and had not been able to recover. After coughing, he said, "I also have something I want to ask Master Tie. Master Tie has been going north for half a year. Why have you only been lingering around here, without any action?"

Tie Tianying frowned slightly, and then his eyes became sinister. "Lord Li has great official authority. Could it be that you have come up here to interrogate me?"

"It's not an interrogation, but although my acquaintance with him is not long, I also understand his style of doing things. Moreover, a friend named Cheng Zhouhai also gave me instructions this time. Ning Yi Ning Liheng, although his usual actions are often strange tricks, they are actually lazy and helpless actions. This person's true talent lies in planning and strategy. What he promotes is that those who are good at fighting have no remarkable achievements. When his layout is not stable, you can still find a chance to compete with him. As time goes by, his foundation will only become more stable. If you give him enough time, until one day he carries a great momentum to suppress you, cough... I'm afraid... cough cough cough cough... this world is fragmented, and few people can handle it..."

The sunlight shone down on his face, and Li Pin Li Dexin coughed violently again. After a while, he straightened his back slightly.

"So... Master Tie, let's not suspect each other. You have been here for such a long time. Please tell me about the situation in the mountains..."

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