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

"Yes." Ouyang Lun said firmly, "At present, the selection of generals in the Ming Dynasty mostly relies on hereditary meritorious service or faction recommendations. Although many middle and senior generals have distinguished backgrounds, they lack real military talent. This situation not only wastes talents, but also leads to corruption and inefficiency within the army. Therefore, I plan to set up military academies to train military talents. No matter whether you are the son of a noble family or a commoner, as long as you pass the assessment, you can enter the military academy to study. The academy will set up systematic courses, including tactics, strategy, logistics, weapons manufacturing, etc., to ensure that every graduate has solid military literacy."

Zhu Biao was so excited that he couldn't help but interrupt, "In this way, the selection of generals in the army will no longer depend on their background and faction, but on their talents! The situation where the nobles monopolize the positions of middle and senior generals will also be broken!"

Ouyang Lun nodded and said, "That's right. The establishment of military academies can not only break the monopoly of the nobles, but also inject fresh blood into the army. More importantly, these generals who graduated from military academies have been educated since childhood to defend their country and be loyal to the court. They will not have factional differences in their hearts, and will only focus on national interests."

Zhu Biao took a deep breath, his eyes full of admiration: "Brother-in-law, your plan is really far-sighted! In this way, the factional problems within the army and the problems of noble monopoly can be easily solved!"

Ouyang Lun shook his head, his tone solemn: "Your Majesty, it's not that simple. Although these reforms are beneficial to the Ming Dynasty in the long run, they will inevitably affect the interests of many people. The Huaixi Party, the noble group, and even some conservative ministers in the court will strongly oppose it. The resistance we have to face is much greater than we imagined."

Zhu Biao's expression became serious when he heard this: "How does my brother-in-law plan to deal with these obstacles?"

Ouyang Lun smiled slightly, with a sharp look in his eyes: "Reform cannot be achieved overnight. We must proceed step by step and start with pilot projects. For example, we can first set up a military academy on the northern border to train a group of generals loyal to the court. At the same time, we can try out the military honor system in the border troops to let the soldiers see the benefits of reform. When these pilot projects are successful, we will gradually promote them nationwide. As for those opposing voices, we don't have to rush to confront them head-on, but we must speak with facts and use results to prove the necessity of reform."

After hearing this, Zhu Biao suddenly understood. He stood up and bowed to Ouyang Lun solemnly: "Brother-in-law, I understand. This reform is not only related to the future of the army, but also to the destiny of the Ming Dynasty. I will definitely support you with all my strength and face these challenges with you!"

Ouyang Lun also stood up and patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder, with a relieved tone in his voice: "I am relieved that Your Majesty has this intention. However, the road to reform is long, and Your Highness needs to learn more, especially those courses in the science and technology park, which will be of great use in the future."

Zhu Biao nodded in agreement, full of expectations for the future. He knew that this reform would completely change the military structure of the Ming Dynasty, and he would play an important role in this change, which made Zhu Biao excited.

"Brother-in-law, what are you going to do next?"

"The development of the Ming Dynasty is quite good now. If we carry out drastic reforms like before, it will inevitably cause a lot of opposition, which will be extremely disadvantageous to this reform."

"And if the first step doesn't get off to a good start, the rest will be even more difficult!"

Zhu Biao thought for a while and then spoke.

"Your Majesty is right." Ouyang Lun nodded with a hint of relief in his eyes. Emperor Zhu Biao was indeed growing. If it were in the past, Zhu Biao would definitely agree to whatever he said, but now Zhu Biao could not only understand his ideas quickly, but also put forward his own opinions!

"If we want to solve the problem, it's not enough for us to just reach an agreement! So my first step is to hold a meeting!"

Ouyang Lun said with a smile.

"Meeting?!"

Zhu Biao was stunned for a moment.

"Yes, it's a meeting. We gather a group of people and find a place to sit together to discuss, and finally come to a unified conclusion!" Ouyang Lun explained with a smile.

"This is the same as the court meeting!" Zhu Biao reacted.

"It's indeed similar, but when I say a meeting, everyone sits. It is really inhumane to stand in a meeting, especially for workers to stand in a meeting while the emperor sits! After several hours of meetings, the lumbar muscles will be strained!" Ouyang Lun nodded and complained casually.

Forehead.
Although Zhu Biao did not quite understand the meaning of Ouyang Lun's words, he could also feel Ouyang Lun's dissatisfaction with the court meeting. Of course, Ouyang Lun's dissatisfaction with the court meeting system has been going on for a long time.

"Brother-in-law, can I go to this meeting with you?" Zhu Biao asked with anticipation.

"Of course, Your Majesty, you went to the meeting with me, and you were the one sitting in the middle of the podium!" Ouyang Lun said with a smile.

"Okay! It's my honor!" Although he was not quite clear about what it meant to sit on the rostrum, Zhu Biao could feel from Ouyang Lun's tone that this was definitely a very important position!

Zhu Biao was too embarrassed to ask questions like this.

After reaching an agreement with Zhu Biao, Ouyang Lun immediately started making arrangements.

"Somebody come!"

"Your Majesty, your subordinate greets the Grand General of the Cabinet!" A military cabinet official walked in and saluted quickly!
"Let me ask you, what is the organization of the military cabinet?" Ouyang Lun asked slowly.

"Replying to the general, my cabinet has three generals. These three gentlemen are in charge of the national military affairs, formulate strategic policies, and dispatch the three armies. They have heavy responsibilities and are the core of our Ming military."

"Secondly, there are six deputy generals in the cabinet, ranked second and third ranks. These six people are in charge of various arms and war zones, implement combat plans, supervise training and military discipline, and are the left and right arms of the general.

Furthermore, there are nine cabinet advisors, ranked third and third rank. These nine gentlemen are the military think tanks, responsible for studying strategies, analyzing enemy situations, providing tactical advice, planning and winning battles thousands of miles away. "

"In addition, there will be six cabinet inspectors, ranked fourth and fourth ranks. These six gentlemen are the mirrors of the army, responsible for supervising military discipline, investigating and punishing violations, and ensuring that the army is clean and efficient."

"There are also nine cabinet logistics inspectors, ranked fifth and fifth ranks. These nine gentlemen are the cornerstone of the army, responsible for ensuring the supply of materials, managing military equipment and food, and ensuring that the military has no worries."

"There are also six cabinet intelligence officers, ranked sixth and sixth ranks. These six gentlemen are the eyes and ears of the army, responsible for collecting enemy information, analyzing intelligence, and assisting in the formulation of combat plans."

"There will also be six cabinet training directors, ranked seventh and seventh ranks. These six gentlemen are the role models of the army, responsible for formulating training plans and improving the combat effectiveness of the army."

"In addition, there are six military judges in the cabinet, ranked eighth and eighth grades. These six gentlemen are the law of the army, responsible for maintaining military discipline, hearing cases, and enforcing military law."

"There are six chief military doctors in the cabinet, ranked ninth and ninth ranks. These six gentlemen are the benevolent people in the army, responsible for treating the wounded and managing medical resources."

"Including the clerks who assist us, my military cabinet has a total of eighty-seven people!"

Hearing the official's answer, Ouyang Lun nodded slowly, "I remember it clearly. What is your name? What position do you hold in the military cabinet?"

"In reply to the general, my name is Li Zhongjun, and I am one of the cabinet advisers." Li Zhongjun replied with a bow. "Li Zhongjun is a good and straightforward name. Why do I only see you as a cabinet adviser today? Where are the other advisers?" Ouyang Lun asked.

"This..." Li Zhongjun immediately looked hesitant.

"Just tell me what's the matter. His Majesty the Emperor is here. What do you have to worry about?" Ouyang Lun said.

"Brother-in-law Ouyang is right. Just say it. Even if the sky falls, I will hold it up for you!" Zhu Biao said.

Hearing this, Li Zhongjun finally made up his mind and immediately said, "Your Majesty, General, except for me, the other eight military cabinet advisers are all officials of the Huaixi Party. They have not come to the military cabinet during this period."

Li Zhongjun did not continue speaking.

There is no need to explain the reason. Ouyang Lun and Zhu Biao both knew that Lan Yu had the final say in the military cabinet before, and all personnel matters in the military cabinet were basically arranged by Lan Yu. Ouyang Lun seemed particularly calm about the fact that eight of the nine military cabinet members were from the Huaixi Party.

"Brother-in-law, now that you are the general of the military cabinet, you get to decide how to rectify the situation. I support you very much!"

Zhu Biao was a little angry.

“Your Majesty, stay calm. Regardless of whether he is an official of the Huaixi Party or not, if he can really do something, I can tolerate him!”

Ouyang Lun spoke slowly, "Li Zhongjun."

"My subordinate is here."

"Go and call all the officials of the military cabinet to the meeting room of the clan affairs office!"

Ouyang Lun arranged.

"Yes!"

Although he was a little confused, Li Zhongjun still agreed.

"Brother-in-law, why do you want to go to the clan house?"

Zhu Biao couldn't help but ask.

"Your Majesty, didn't I just say that the first step to solving this problem is to hold a meeting?"

"And the more open it is, the better!"

"Let's go, let's get ready."

After saying that, Ouyang Lun took Zhu Biao and left the Military Cabinet.

The mist had not yet dispersed, and the sound of horse hooves could be heard on the streets of the capital. A team of military cabinet officials in official uniforms were riding horses to the clan house. The military cabinet staff officer, who was also the highest-ranking official in the military cabinet besides Lan Yu, frowned and whispered to the military cabinet staff officer Wang Qian beside him: "Brother Wang, why did Ouyang Lun suddenly call us to a meeting today? Is he, a civilian official, really going to interfere in the affairs of my military cabinet?"

Wang Qian sneered and stroked his beard. "Humph, although Ouyang Lun is the son-in-law of the emperor, he is a civilian after all. He has no rules when fighting and relies on various means to win. He probably knows nothing about military affairs. I'm afraid that he wants to take the opportunity to suppress us, the old Huaixi people. He has always been at odds with the Huaixi Party. I'm afraid he has come with bad intentions today."

Zhang Yuan, a military cabinet adviser, interrupted and said, "That's right! We Huaixi people have made great contributions to the Ming Dynasty. How can a civil servant like him make decisions? Let's see what tricks he can come up with today!"

Everyone nodded, with disdain and vigilance on their faces. Most of them were core members of the Huaixi Party, and they had no good feelings towards Ouyang Lun, and even had hostility towards him.

After arriving at the Imperial Clan Court, the officials were ushered into a large meeting room that they had never seen before. As soon as they entered the room, they were all stunned by the scene before them.

In the center of the conference room stood a huge mahogany round table, the tabletop was as smooth as a mirror, and the edges were carved with delicate dragon patterns, which looked solemn and majestic. Dozens of single sofa chairs surrounded the table, and the chairs were covered with soft brocade, which was extremely comfortable to sit on. The names of each official were also posted on the back of the chairs, which was obviously carefully arranged.

Large military maps were hung on the walls, with colored silk marking the distribution of troops in various war zones. There were also several bronze candlesticks placed in the corners, with the flickering candlelight illuminating the entire room, making it bright and solemn. The most surprising thing was that there was a huge wooden screen on one side of the room, with a huge bronze mirror inlaid on it. The mirror surface was as smooth as water, reflecting everyone's figure.

An official couldn't help but exclaimed in a low voice: "What kind of arrangement is this? It's so luxurious and practical!"

Wang Qian, the military cabinet staff officer, also nodded slightly, with a hint of appreciation in his eyes: "Ouyang Lun may not be a likable person, but the layout of this venue is quite unique."

Other officials were also talking about it, looking at everything in the conference room with curiosity.

After everyone sat down, Ouyang Lun and Crown Prince Zhu Biao walked into the venue together. Ouyang Lun was wearing a purple official robe, with a stern look and a sharp gaze. He looked around at everyone and slowly said, "My Lords, today we have gathered everyone to discuss the reform of the military cabinet."

He paused, and his tone suddenly turned cold: "However, I have recently checked the military archives and found that the current situation of the military cabinet is heartbreaking! Although you are in high positions, you have failed to fulfill your duties. Military affairs are slack, training is lax, materials are wasted, intelligence is lagging, and some people even embezzle military pay for their own benefit!"

As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar in the meeting hall.

Li Cheng, the military cabinet advisor, slammed the table and stood up, angrily saying: "Lord Ouyang, what do you mean by that? We fought for the Ming Dynasty and risked our lives. How can you slander us like this!"

Ouyang Lun sneered and refused to give in. "Slander? General Li, last year in the battle in the northern border, our army was defeated due to the delay of food and grass. Do you dare to deny this? And Lord Wang Qian, as a military advisor and general, you failed to see through the enemy's trick in time, causing our army to lose soldiers and generals. What crime should you be charged with for this?"

His eyes were like knives, sweeping over every official: "My lords, if you don't make progress and rectify military affairs, don't blame me for reporting to the emperor and punishing you severely!"

The meeting place was in dead silence, and everyone looked at each other, angry and terrified. Upon seeing this, Crown Prince Zhu Biao slowly stood up and said in a gentle but unquestionable tone: "My Lords, although what Ouyang Qing said was harsh, it was all for the sake of the Ming Dynasty. I hope you will take this as a warning and work together to ensure the peace and prosperity of our Ming Dynasty." (End of this chapter)