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

Li Shanchang's eyes turned cold, and he said in a deep voice: "Those who waver are just fence-sitters. The real Huaixi Party members will never give up because of a temporary setback. Zicheng, you must remember that the more difficult the time, the more you must stand firm. What we need to do is to reunite the people and look for new opportunities."

Huang Zicheng nodded thoughtfully and whispered, "Teacher, what you mean is... we should be patient for the time being and wait for the right opportunity?"

Li Shanchang nodded slightly, with a hint of deep meaning in his tone: "That's right. Although Ouyang Lun is proud today, he is too aggressive and will sooner or later arouse the fear of the emperor. As for us, we just need to wait and see and wait for the opportunity. The Huaixi Party has a deep foundation and it cannot be shaken overnight. As long as we unite, there may be a chance for us to make a comeback."

Huang Zicheng's eyes flashed with hope, and he whispered, "Teacher is wise! I understand. Although our Huaixi Party has suffered a temporary setback, as long as people's hearts are not scattered, we will be able to revive one day!"

Li Shanchang showed a tired smile and said slowly: "Zicheng, I'm glad you understand. Remember, those who achieve great things do not care about trivial matters. Today's setbacks are only temporary. As long as we have faith in our hearts, the future of the Huaixi Party is still in our hands."

Huang Zicheng nodded solemnly and whispered: "Disciple will remember the teacher's teachings!"

In the study, the candlelight flickered, reflecting Li Shanchang's deep face. He looked out the window at the night, and a complex light flashed in his eyes. Where will the future of the Huaixi Party go? He was not completely sure in his heart, but he knew that no matter what, he had to stick to it. Because this was the belief he had fought for all his life.

"Ouyang Lun, I, Li Shanchang, will not give up so easily!"

The court meeting had just ended and the bells in the palace were still echoing when Zhu Biao had already changed out of his dragon robe, dressed lightly, and quietly came to the clan residence with a few personal guards.

Zhu Yuanzhang personally appointed Ouyang Lun to take over as the general of the military cabinet at the court meeting, and the imperial edict had also been issued at this moment, which attracted the attention of all the ministers in the court.

Zhu Biao knew clearly in his heart that Ouyang Lun's ability was extraordinary. His planning in the war against Northern Yuan Dynasty had already won Zhu Biao's admiration. That war would be a war of the era, and the scene at that time was still echoing in his mind.

Ouyang Lun was sitting in the study at this time, holding a "military book" in his hand, his brows slightly frowned, but his eyes were not on the pages. His mind had already drifted away, and the details of the battle with the three ladies last night were replayed repeatedly in his mind. Suddenly, there was a hurried sound of footsteps outside the door, and Zhou Bao hurried in and said hurriedly: "Master, the emperor... The emperor is here in person."

"You are already a high-ranking official, can you be more steady?!"

Ouyang Lun frowned slightly when he heard this, and then he gently put down the book in his hand.

"Hehe, master, I'm used to it. I'll be more careful next time." Zhou Bao said with a embarrassed smile.

Ouyang Lun ignored him and sighed in his heart, thinking that Zhu Biao must have something to ask for since he came here at this time.

Although he had no ill feelings towards the young emperor, every time Zhu Biao came to visit him, he always brought some requests that gave him a headache. However, since the emperor came to visit him personally, he could not turn him away.

"Please come in, Your Majesty." Ouyang Lun stood up, straightened his robe, and put a faint smile on his face, but he was secretly thinking about the purpose of Zhu Biao's visit.

When Zhu Biao stepped into the study, he had a gentle smile on his face. His eyes stayed on Ouyang Lun for a moment, then he bowed and said, "Brother-in-law, I wanted to ask you to stay and chat after the court meeting today, but you left too quickly. When I was about to speak, you had already disappeared. I came to visit you and congratulate you on taking over the position of the general of the military cabinet."

I know that you two, father and son, are prone to looking for trouble, so of course I have to run faster!

Ouyang Lun smiled slightly and bowed in return: "I am overwhelmed that the emperor has come in person. But it is the trust of the court, and I will do my best to live up to the trust."

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes showing some concern: "My brother-in-law has just taken up the post of General of the Military Cabinet. I believe he is very busy. If there is anything you need my assistance with, please feel free to ask."

Ouyang Lun's heart was moved. Zhu Biao's words were polite, but he knew that the emperor would not come to visit just for the sake of greeting. He remained calm and said calmly, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Although I have just taken up this position, I still have the military affairs under control and there is no problem for the time being."

Zhu Biao heard this, a hint of approval flashed in his eyes, and then he smiled and said, "My brother-in-law is indeed full of confidence, which makes me very happy. However..." He paused, and his tone became serious, "I came here this time to ask for something else."

Ouyang Lun had expected this in his heart, his face remained calm, and he nodded slightly: "Your Majesty, please speak."

Zhu Biao looked at Ouyang Lun with a sharp gaze: "I want to learn military skills from you. Your strategy and decision-making in the war against the Northern Yuan Dynasty completely changed my view of war. I know that if you want to govern the country and ensure its security, you must be proficient in military affairs. Please give me some advice."

Ouyang Lun was slightly shocked when he heard this. He didn't expect Zhu Biao to make such a request. The emperor came to learn military affairs from him in person? He looked up at Zhu Biao and saw that he looked sincere and expectant, which was obviously not a whim.

Ouyang Lun pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Your Majesty is worth a fortune. It would be too much trouble for you to learn military affairs in person. If Your Majesty has any questions, I will do my best to answer them. But if you want to learn from me, I am afraid..."

Zhu Biao waved his hand and interrupted him: "General, don't worry too much. Although I am the emperor, I also know that governing a country is not something that can be done by one person. I am convinced by your talent. If I can get your guidance, I will humbly accept it."

Just at this moment, Princess Anqing came in with tea and naturally heard the conversation between Ouyang Lun and Zhu Biao.

"My husband, Your Majesty, what's wrong with the two of you today? This is not the court, why are you two being so polite to each other? What is the purpose of this?!"

Princess Anqing's complaints made Ouyang Lun and Zhu Biao feel a little embarrassed.

"Brother-in-law, I just want to learn from you how to use those new weapons in combat. Last time you told me about the power of science and technology, I have been thinking about it for a while. I don't think as far ahead as you, brother-in-law, but I firmly believe that those new weapons are the future!" Seeing Zhu Biao's firm attitude, Ouyang Lun weighed the pros and cons in his heart. He knew that Zhu Biao might have done this to learn how to use new weapons, but more to take this opportunity to get closer to him, and even to intervene in military affairs. However, Zhu Biao was the emperor after all, and if he refused again and again, it would be disrespectful.

Thinking of this, Ouyang Lun smiled slightly and said, "Since the emperor values ​​it so much, I will do my best to help the emperor improve his military skills. However, when it comes to science and technology, we also need to proceed step by step. We must not rush."

Ouyang Lun was naturally very happy that Zhu Biao was interested in new weapons and technology. His only worry was that Zhu Biao would rely too much on technology in the future, which would instead sow the seeds of disaster. Now the situation seems to be okay. Zhu Biao's ability to accept new things is far stronger than Zhu Yuanzhang's, which is obviously a good thing.

Zhu Biao was delighted when he heard this, and a gleam of success flashed in his eyes. He smiled and said, "I feel relieved to have my brother-in-law to help me. From tomorrow on, I will come here every day, and we will handle military affairs together!"

Ouyang Lun nodded in agreement, but he sighed inwardly. He knew that from now on, his life would not be so easy.

The two exchanged a few more pleasantries, and Zhu Biao stood up to say goodbye. Ouyang Lun saw him off to the gate of the mansion, and watched Zhu Biao's carriage go away. The smile on his face gradually faded, and his brows furrowed again. He turned back to the study, sat at the desk, tapped the table with his fingers, and his mind was full of thoughts.

"The emperor is becoming more and more sophisticated!" Ouyang Lun whispered to himself, with a hint of doubt in his eyes. He knew that Zhu Biao was not a mediocre person, and he would not come to him just to learn military affairs. Perhaps, this young emperor has begun to make some moves on the power structure in the court.

Although it is clear that the longer an emperor serves, the greater the changes he will undergo, Zhu Biao today is obviously different from the Zhu Biao of the past.

Thinking of this, Ouyang Lun frowned even more. He looked out the window. The sky was getting darker, and the palace wall in the distance looked particularly solemn in the twilight. He knew that he had to be cautious in every step he took.

"If an enemy comes, we will fight him; if a flood comes, we will block it with earth." Ouyang Lun murmured in a low voice, with a glimmer of determination in his eyes. No matter what Zhu Biao planned, he had to be prepared.

The Jinyiwei prison was buried deep underground, and the damp air was filled with the smell of mold and decay. The torches on the walls flickered with a faint light, casting distorted shadows, as if countless wronged souls were struggling in the darkness. The cell was small and dark, with damp straw on the floor and blackened rags and broken dishes piled in the corners. Occasionally, there was the sound of iron chains dragging on the floor, accompanied by a few low groans, as if wailing from the depths of hell.

Lan Yu sat in the corner of the cell, his brocade clothes had long been stripped off, replaced by a tattered prison uniform. His hands and feet were locked with heavy iron chains, and his skin was covered with whip marks and bruises, obviously after being tortured. His hair was messy, his beard was growing in disorder, and his face was tired and numb, but his eyes were still sharp, like a trapped beast, ready to pounce on the enemy at any time.

Suddenly, there was a burst of hurried footsteps in the corridor outside the cell, accompanied by the harsh sound of the iron door being opened. Lan Yu raised his head and looked at the door coldly. Several Jinyiwei escorted a man in eunuch's clothes and walked in. The eunuch held a bright yellow imperial edict, with a bit of arrogance and disdain on his face.

"Lan Yu, receive the order!" The eunuch's shrill voice echoed in the cell, like a sharp knife piercing the silent air.

Lan Yu stood up slowly, the iron chain making a clanging sound as he moved. He did not kneel down, but stared coldly at the eunuch, without any fear in his eyes.

The eunuch frowned upon seeing this, but said nothing more. He just unfolded the imperial edict and read aloud:
"The Emperor, by the Mandate of Heaven, proclaims: Duke of Liang Lan Yu, due to his improper command during the expedition against the Northern Yuan Dynasty, caused the annihilation of 40,000 elite Ming cavalrymen, and his crime is unforgivable. However, in consideration of his past merits, he is hereby spared from death, stripped of all his official positions, his military power is taken back, and he is confined in the Duke of Liang's mansion. Without the Emperor's order, he is not allowed to enter the palace to attend court, nor is he allowed to leave the capital. I decree this!"

After reading the imperial edict, the eunuch looked at Lan Yu coldly and handed it over. Lan Yu took the imperial edict and looked down at it. There was no anger on his face, but a hint of surprise. He thought that he would definitely die this time, and even his entire clan might be implicated. After all, the destruction of 40,000 elite cavalry was enough to make any emperor furious. However, Zhu Biao only imprisoned him, which surprised him.

"Could it be... Li Shanchang and other Huaixi Party officials are doing their best to rescue him?" Lan Yu thought to himself, but then he rejected this idea. The Huaixi Party has long ceased to dominate the court. The rise of Ouyang Lun and the Prince Consort Party has long broken the original power structure. If Ouyang Lun took action, he would have no chance of survival.

Lan Yu raised his head, his eyes filled with doubt and contemplation. He looked at the eunuch, his tone became much better, and he quickly asked: "Your Majesty... do you have any other wishes?"

The eunuch sneered and said, "Lan Yu, the emperor has shown special favor to you. What else do you want? Do you want to bargain?"

Lan Yu did not answer, but lowered his head and looked at the imperial edict in his hand, with a lot of thoughts in his mind. He knew that although he had saved his life temporarily, his future would never be easy. Confined in the mansion, not allowed to enter the palace without an imperial edict, this meant that he would completely lose power and become a tiger with its claws plucked out.

"Eunuch, I was wrong just now." Lan Yu's eyes lit up, and then he took out a piece of precious jade from his sleeve and put it in the eunuch's hand, "This piece of precious jade is worth at least one thousand taels, please accept it!"

The eunuch touched the jade in his hand, which felt very good, definitely not an ordinary product, and his expression became much better. He said slowly: "Since Duke Liang has said so, how dare we get angry."

The eunuch also knew that even though Lan Yu had been dismissed from all official positions, given Lan Yu's qualifications, he would still have great influence after he was released from prison. It would be natural not to offend him if possible. Besides, the other party had given him such a precious treasure, so for the sake of this jade pendant, he had to give him face.

"Does Duke Liang have anything else you want to ask? As long as our family knows, we will tell you everything."

The eunuch was also an old hand, so he naturally knew that Lan Yu gave him the jade pendant not just to apologize, so he spoke directly.

Seeing this, the other eunuchs, guards and even the Jinyiwei behind him consciously left the prison, and soon only the eunuch and Lan Yu were left at the scene.

"Eunuch, do you know why the Emperor treated me like this?!"

Lan Yu directly expressed the doubts in his heart.

If he doesn't figure this out, Lan Yu won't even dare to step out of the Jinyiwei prison! (End of this chapter)