Daming: I can’t kill such a greedy prince-in-law?

As a person who traveled from the New World, Ouyang Lun was well aware that the withdrawal of cavalry from the stage of history was the result of the combined effect of multiple factors.

With the popularization of firearms and the advancement of technology, the power of muskets and artillery has been greatly enhanced. Cavalry has become vulnerable to dense firepower, and traditional charge tactics have become difficult to work.

At the same time, the rise of mechanized warfare, especially the emergence of tanks and armored vehicles, made the mobility and impact of cavalry pale in comparison.

The tactics of modern warfare have also undergone fundamental changes. The combination of positional warfare, trench warfare, firepower, mobility and information warfare has gradually eliminated cavalry tactics.

In addition, cavalry is expensive to maintain, requiring large quantities of horses, fodder, and training, while mechanized forces have logistical and cost advantages.

Social development and industrialization also promoted the innovation of transportation. Cars, motorcycles, etc. gradually replaced horses, and the urbanization process further squeezed the living space of cavalry.

Overall, the disappearance of cavalry was the result of the combined effects of military technology, tactical evolution, social changes and logistical pressures.

Normally, the cavalry would not be eliminated so quickly in the Ming Dynasty, and it was even at its peak. However, the appearance of Ouyang Lun accelerated this process. Today's battle proved this. Of course, the cavalry will not disappear in a short period of time.

After all, the Ming Dynasty is the only one that possesses muskets and cannons, and it does not yet have a large-scale industrial base. It will take years or even decades of development.

But there is no doubt that hot weapons will become the protagonists of the era, while cold weapons and horses will gradually be marginalized, which is the same as the chariots in the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period.

When Zhu Biao, Zhu Di and others heard Ouyang Lun's words "the era of hot weapons has arrived", they did not quite understand. However, after seeing today's battle with their own eyes, they also understood the power of muskets and artillery.

"Brother-in-law, today's battle is so fast!"

"I've been hearing that the central government's army is undergoing reforms, but I didn't expect the effect of the reforms to be so good. My impression of the Ming army is still stuck in the past! I didn't expect that just one reform would make it so powerful!"

Zhu Di sighed as he enjoyed his massage.

In fact, Zhu Di has been training his own army over the years. His army is also equipped with muskets and red cannons, and there are quite a few of them. He even feels that his Prince of Yan Army is stronger than the army of the central court!

But now after the comparison, he suddenly felt that his Yan Wang Army was absolutely nothing compared to Ouyang Lun!
If his Yan Wang Army also encountered Ouyang Lun's methods, there would be no doubt that they would end up like the Northern Yuan Army, or even worse. After all, most of the Northern Yuan were cavalry, who could escape on horseback if something went wrong, but the Yan Wang Army was mostly infantry, as well as the Fire Gun Battalion and the Red Cannon Battalion. Facing the attack of gliding missiles, they would all be wiped out!

Not only Zhu Di thought so, but Zhu Quan and other vassal kings also thought the same.

With the support of these new weapons, the combat effectiveness of the central court army is completely not on the same level as their vassal kings' armies. If a real fight breaks out, it will be like a father beating his son!

"What's so surprising about this!"

Ouyang Lun rolled his eyes at everyone and said, "I have already told you during your training at the clan house that the times are constantly changing, and the speed of change will be faster and faster. What you can do is to adapt to new things as quickly as possible and master them, so that you will not be eliminated!"

"Just wait and see. The days of rushing out with swords and guns and wearing armor to fight in groups will not disappear soon. The future will be a brand new battle!"

"Firepower is king!"

"What's the point of having so many soldiers? Before the battle, fire three rounds of artillery fire to kill half of the enemy's combat power. Even if the remaining half are not dead, they will be stunned by the explosion. Then send in the elite rifle team to reap the spoils!"

"Moreover, the power of artillery will be increased. Now it can only flatten a small hill, but in the future, one bomb will be able to destroy a major town. In other words, as long as the delivery is accurate enough, one shot can destroy the enemy!"

Upon hearing Ouyang Lun's words, Zhu Biao, Zhu Di, Zhu Quan and others immediately widened their eyes.

Today's battle has already overturned their understanding of war. Ouyang Lun actually said that there is a cannonball that can destroy a town with one shot. Is that really a weapon that can be made by humans?
"General Lan Yu is really hardworking. As soon as he arrived, he immediately led his army to pursue the Northern Yuan army. No wonder he was able to defeat the Northern Yuan army before!" Zhu Quan said with emotion.

"Bullshit!" Zhu Di said immediately, "Lan Yu did this because he was worried that if he didn't take action, he would never have another chance to take action, which would mean no credit!"

"As the left vanguard, he fought a whole battle but didn't contribute anything. How embarrassing it would be if word got out!"

"Humph, I just think Lan Yu is crazy. He has already won the fight, but he still wants to chase. If he is ambushed, it will be a disgrace to the Lord."

Zhu Di had long been dissatisfied with Lan Yu. It was because of Lan Yu's competition that he almost failed to serve as the commander-in-chief to recover Yunnan. Afterwards, Lan Yu used his authority in the army to suppress him intentionally or unintentionally. If he had not married Xu Da's second daughter and gained Xu Da's support, he, Zhu Di, might not have been able to succeed in the army!

Moreover, Li Shanchang had slandered the vassal kings in various ways some time ago, which made Zhu Di even more dissatisfied with the Huaixi Party. Lan Yu happened to be a member of the Huaixi Party.

"That's right. My brother-in-law clearly refused, but Lan Yu insisted and even brought up my brother. She didn't take my brother-in-law, the military advisor, seriously at all."

"I think Lan Yu is just jealous. He is jealous of my brother-in-law's effective command and the great victory we won in the conquest of the Northern Yuan Dynasty. Lan Yu has never achieved such a great victory before!"

"Lan Yu failed in his pursuit this time. I will definitely report him severely!"

Other princes echoed this.

Zhu Biao frowned slightly, and Lan Yu nodded when he asked him to chase him. He felt a little embarrassed at this time, but if the situation happened again, he would still agree. After all, whether in the army or in the court, balancing multiple forces was his basic principle as an emperor.

Moreover, he repeatedly reminded Lan Yu that even if there was no great victory in this attack, nothing would go wrong.

"Don't mention Lan Yu. Since he said he would take the responsibility, let's just let him go. If he wins, it will be very beneficial to Ming Dynasty. Even if he loses, judging from the current situation, it won't make much difference if he's gone."

"It's nothing."

Ouyang Lun spoke calmly.

Hey!
When Zhu Biao, Zhu Di and others heard the four words "insignificant", they felt Ouyang Lun's confidence and a hint of dominance!
If Lan Yu heard this here, he would probably be so angry that he would vomit blood.

Zhu Biao thought to himself.

"Brother-in-law, can we, the princes, buy these new weapons you used today?"

Zhu Di rubbed his hands and asked expectantly.

"of course!"

Ouyang Lun nodded.

"Oh!"

When they heard Ouyang Lun's words, the eyes of Zhu Di and other princes suddenly lit up.

They knew very well how powerful these new weapons were. If they could buy these weapons, the combat effectiveness of their vassal armies would be greatly enhanced!

Zhu Biao was stunned. If the princes' armies also possessed these weapons, would this pose a threat to the central government? !
Although Zhu Biao trusted his younger brothers very much, as the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, he had to take this into consideration.

If Zhu Yuanzhang knew that his brother-in-law sold these powerful weapons to the princes, he would probably be furious.

"Brother-in-law, should we wait until we get back and discuss this matter with our father before making a decision? After all, this is a very important matter." Zhu Biao spoke quickly and kept making eye contact with Ouyang Lun.

Ouyang Lun naturally understood Zhu Biao's words and eye contact. He gave Zhu Biao a "reassuring" look and said, "Your Majesty, please rest assured. I will make my own decision!"

"When a general is on the battlefield, he may not obey orders."

"I have actually discussed the matter of selling weapons with the Emperor a long time ago, and he was supportive at first, so it's not a big problem."

"We all sell weapons to foreign countries. The princes are all on their own, so it is even more difficult to sell weapons to them. However, if you want to buy, there are conditions."

"What conditions? As long as we can do it, we will definitely do it!"

Zhu Di had long been attracted by the new weapons and now only wanted to possess these new weapons.

"The first condition is that if you want to get the right to purchase these weapons, you have to participate in the process in the early stages," Ouyang Lun said.

"Of course there is no problem with this, but we don't have the talents who can research new weapons in our fiefdom. How can we participate?" Zhu Di agreed immediately, but asked with great confusion.

"You don't need to provide manpower, you only need to provide money. Weapon research and development requires a lot of funds. The huge capital demand is also a huge burden for the central court. If you can participate and share the cost, it will be very beneficial to weapon research and development."

Ouyang Lun explained.

It turns out it’s about giving money!

After listening to Ouyang Lun's explanation, the princes also reacted.

But they also felt that Ouyang Lun was right.

"No problem. We'll discuss the details of how much it costs when the time comes!"

"Brother-in-law, this money can't be too much, we can't afford it if it's too much!"

"Yes, oh, by the way, if we invest money in the early stage, can we get a cheaper price when we buy it later?"

The princes spoke one after another.

"Of course the imperial court will pay the bulk of the R&D expenses, and you can just contribute a small portion!" Ouyang Lun said with a smile, "In addition, once the weapons are successfully developed, not only can you buy them cheaply, but the imperial court will even allow you to become middlemen and sell these weapons to others!"

Oh! !

Upon hearing this, the princes' eyes lit up!
They can be middlemen!
If this is the case, then the money invested in the early stage is really nothing!
They can definitely make back the money by being middlemen! !

The princes who were originally somewhat resistant immediately nodded happily.

"Brother-in-law, there is no problem with this condition. Please tell me your remaining conditions!" Zhu Di said impatiently.

The other princes also looked at Ouyang Lun with expectation.

"The second condition is of course the price. You have to offer a price that is sincere enough at that time! Although I'm giving you a preferential price, I won't do a business that loses money." Ouyang Lun said.

"Of course this is no problem!"

Zhu Di agreed immediately. He had already made up his mind that no matter how high the price was, he would buy it, and buy more. At worst, he could just increase the price and sell it later!

Such a good weapon, there is no need to worry about not having a market!
Any one of them is of artifact level!
When the other princes saw that Zhu Di agreed, they also agreed immediately. Zhu Di was the smartest among their brothers, and it would definitely be right to follow Zhu Di's choice.

Afterwards, everyone chatted while getting massage.

Not long after, everyone had their massage, and Zhu Di, Zhu Quan and other princes took the initiative to leave.

Ouyang Lun and Zhu Biao were the only ones left in the tent.

"Brother-in-law, if you really want to sell such a powerful weapon to the vassal king, I still think it will be a great threat to our Ming Dynasty!"

Zhu Biao spoke worriedly.

Ouyang Lun did not directly answer Zhu Biao's question. Instead, he took a deep breath and said slowly, "Your Highness, do you know that if there is a power that can double the output of farmland in Daming, allow craftsmen to weave a hundred pieces of cloth in a day, increase the combat effectiveness of the army several times, and even prevent the people from suffering from diseases, what do you think?"

A trace of doubt flashed across Zhu Biao's eyes: "Is there really such a power in the world?"

Ouyang Lun nodded: "This power is called 'technology'."

Zhu Biao frowned slightly: "Technology?! I have heard you, my brother-in-law, mention it many times, is it really so magical?!"

"Your Majesty, haven't you seen this? Roads, houses, weapons, trains, they are all technology!" Ouyang Lun smiled slightly: "Technology is the exploration and application of natural laws by human beings. For example, Your Highness, do you know that if there is a machine that can replace human farming and cultivate a hundred acres of land in a day; if there is a medicine that can cure smallpox, malaria and other stubborn diseases; if there is a weapon that can take the enemy's head thousands of miles away, what do you think will happen to the national strength of the Ming Dynasty?"

Zhu Biao's eyes flashed with shock: "If this is true, the Ming Dynasty will surely become a prosperous country with strong people and people from all over the world will obey you!"

Ouyang Lun nodded: "That's right. The power of science and technology can not only improve national strength, but also change people's lives. Your Highness, just imagine, if the people of Ming Dynasty are no longer troubled by food and clothing, the craftsmen are no longer burdened by hard work, and the army is no longer worried about combat effectiveness, why should Ming Dynasty worry about not prospering?"

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and said slowly: "What the prince consort said does make sense. But where does this technology come from?"

Ouyang Lun's eyes were firm: "Your Highness, science and technology do not come out of thin air, they need human research and exploration. I would like to introduce a group of skilled craftsmen, scholars and doctors to your Highness to study this together. With your support, in time, the Ming Dynasty will surely become the most powerful country in the world!"

“In fact, we have been doing it all the time!”

Zhu Biao's eyes flashed with a gleam, and he asked worriedly: "I see, but can the power of this technology last forever?"

"Technology has no limit. As long as there is a heart that keeps exploring, technology will continue to transform into the power of progress for the Ming Dynasty!" (End of this chapter)