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

A moment later, an official in plain clothes came in. It was another of their colleagues.

"What are you talking about? So mysterious." The official asked with a smile and then sat down at the table.

The slightly plump official waved his hand and said casually, "Nothing, just chatting casually. By the way, do you feel that Qi Tai has been getting more and more excessive recently?"

The official's face darkened immediately after hearing this, and he whispered, "Don't mention it. I was just scolded by him today. Just because a document was submitted half a day late, he said in front of everyone that I was incompetent. Humph, who does Qi Tai think he is? He's just a newcomer, what right does he have to tell us what to do?"

The middle-aged official sneered and whispered, "It seems that we are not the only ones who have a problem with him. In this case, why don't we find an opportunity to teach him a lesson and let him know that he is not the only one who has the final say in the military cabinet."

Several people exchanged glances and reached a tacit understanding in their hearts. They knew that Qi Tai's "excessive diligence" had aroused public anger, and this undercurrent struggle had just begun.

At the same time, Qi Tai didn't know that he had become the target of public criticism. He still went out early and came back late every day, working hard, hoping to break Ouyang Lun's suppression through his own efforts. However, he didn't know that he was gradually falling into a conspiracy woven by dissatisfaction and jealousy.

I understand that Zhu Biao's trust in Ouyang Lun was unreserved, and he wanted to host the meeting not because of his special concern for Qi Tai, but to affirm the changes in the military cabinet and to stand up for Ouyang Lun and express his support for him. Based on this background, I will re-adjust the details of the dialogue to reflect Zhu Biao's trust and support for Ouyang Lun, as well as Ouyang Lun's indifferent attitude towards this.
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As the assessment was drawing to a close, the atmosphere in the court gradually eased. Emperor Zhu Biao was quite satisfied with the assessment results of the military cabinet, and was especially pleased with Ouyang Lun's ability to coordinate. He decided to personally intervene and co-host an internal meeting of the military cabinet with Ouyang Lun, both to affirm the changes during this period and to express his support for Ouyang Lun to everyone in the court.

One evening, Zhu Biao summoned Ouyang Lun to the imperial study. Ouyang Lun walked into the study and saw Zhu Biao sitting at his desk reading memorials with a focused look. He stepped forward and saluted, saying respectfully, "Your Majesty, I, Ouyang Lun, have come here by order. I wonder what your Majesty wants me to do?"

Zhu Biao raised his head, a friendly smile on his face, and waved his hand to signal Ouyang Lun to sit down: "Brother-in-law, there is no outsider here, no need to be polite. I am looking for you today because I want to discuss something with you."

Ouyang Lun smiled slightly, his tone much more relaxed: "Your Majesty, please give me instructions, I will do my best."

Zhu Biao put down the memorial in his hand, his tone gentle but with a hint of unquestionable firmness: "I heard that the assessment of the military cabinet is nearing its end, and the results are quite significant. I would like to preside over an internal meeting of the military cabinet with you to learn more about the results of this assessment, especially the results of the reforms under your coordination. What do you think?"

Ouyang Lun raised his eyebrows slightly when he heard this, and said with a hint of ridicule: "Your Majesty, are you going to personally stand up for me? I am just doing my duty, why do you need your Majesty to worry so much?"

Zhu Biao smiled, with a hint of sincerity in his tone: "Brother-in-law, I know that you have always been well-informed about the affairs of the court, and the results of this assessment are quite significant. I would like to take this opportunity to express my support for you to everyone in the court. After all, I have seen all your contributions."

Ouyang Lun still looked calm, with a hint of ease in his tone: "Your Majesty is so kind, I am flattered. However, I think this matter does not need to be too grand, just summon the core officials of the military cabinet. After all, Your Majesty is busy with all kinds of affairs, why bother with these trivial matters?"

Zhu Biao shook his head, with a hint of ridicule in his tone: "Brother-in-law, do you think I am meddling in your affairs?"

Ouyang Lun chuckled, with a hint of helplessness in his tone: "How dare I? I just feel that your majesty's attention to me is a bit too much. No matter how dedicated I am, I am just doing my duty. Why does your majesty attach so much importance to me?"

Zhu Biao smiled, with a hint of deep meaning in his tone: "Brother-in-law, I know you have always been low-key, but the effectiveness of this assessment has been witnessed by everyone in the court. I would like to take this opportunity to show everyone that I remember your contributions. Besides, I feel relieved to have you by my side to check."

Ouyang Lun was silent for a moment, a trace of indifference flashed in his eyes, and he nodded, saying in a relaxed tone: "Since Your Majesty insists so much, I will obey. However, I still say that I am just doing my duty, Your Majesty does not need to worry too much."

Seeing Ouyang Lun finally give in, Zhu Biao smiled and said, "Okay, then I'll follow my brother-in-law's wishes and call together the core officials. Let's set the date for the meeting in three days."

Ouyang Lun nodded slightly, and said calmly: "I obey your order."

Zhu Biao nodded with satisfaction, and then added: "Brother-in-law, I hope you can treat everyone in a fair manner at this meeting. Especially Qi Tai, although he is young, he is quite talented. I hope you can give him more opportunities to serve the court."

Ouyang Lun heard this, a hint of indifference flashed in his eyes, and his tone was calm: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I have always put the overall interests of the court first, and will never let my personal likes and dislikes affect my decision-making. If Qi Tai has real talent and knowledge, I will certainly make use of him."

Zhu Biao nodded, with a hint of relief in his tone: "I feel relieved with your words, brother-in-law. I believe that with you here, the court's military plan will surely proceed smoothly."

Ouyang Lun bowed slightly and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, you are too kind. I am just doing my duty."

Zhu Biao smiled and waved his hand: "Okay, let's stop here today. Brother-in-law, you should also go back and rest early. I look forward to presiding over the meeting with you in three days."

Ouyang Lun stood up and saluted, saying in a relaxed tone: "I will take my leave." After saying that, he turned and left the imperial study. When he walked out of the palace gate, Ouyang Lun's face was still calm. He looked up at the palace wall in the distance, and a trace of depth flashed in his eyes. He whispered to himself: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I appreciate your trust in me. However, the chess game in the court has long been under my control. No matter how outstanding Qi Tai is, he is just a chess piece."

At the same time, Zhu Biao sat in the imperial study, watching Ouyang Lun's departing figure, feeling a little relieved. He knew that Ouyang Lun's ability was unmatched in the court, and this meeting was just to express support for him. As for Qi Tai, although Zhu Biao admired his talent, he also knew that he was just a chess piece on Ouyang Lun's chessboard.

"I hope that this meeting will allow everyone in the court to see the situation clearly and understand my support for my brother-in-law." Zhu Biao murmured in a low voice, then picked up the memorial again and continued to review it.

Three days later, the internal meeting of the military cabinet was held as scheduled. Zhu Biao and Ouyang Lun sat together in the main seat, and the core officials of the military cabinet were on both sides. The atmosphere was solemn and dignified. Qi Tai stood in front of everyone with a calm expression, ready to report his reform plan to the emperor and Ouyang Lun.

After the meeting began, Zhu Biao spoke first, his tone gentle but with a hint of majesty: "My dear ministers, I have called you all here today to learn in detail about the results of this assessment, especially the effectiveness of the reforms coordinated by Minister Ouyang. Minister Ouyang, you can start."

Ouyang Lun stepped forward, saluted respectfully to Zhu Biao, and then began to report the results of the assessment in detail. His words were clear and logical, and each reform measure was carefully considered, showing his excellent coordination ability.

Zhu Biao nodded frequently, with a satisfied smile on his face. He knew that this meeting not only recognized Ouyang Lun's contribution, but also expressed his support to everyone in the court. As for Qi Tai, although Zhu Biao admired his talent, he also knew that he was just a chess piece on Ouyang Lun's chessboard.

After the meeting, Zhu Biao stood up, with a hint of satisfaction in his tone: "My dear ministers, I am quite satisfied with the results of this assessment. In particular, I am deeply pleased with the coordination ability of Mr. Ouyang. I hope that you will continue to work hard and serve the court."

Everyone responded in unison: "We will obey your majesty's orders!"

Zhu Biao nodded, with a hint of deep meaning in his eyes. He knew that this meeting not only recognized Ouyang Lun's contribution, but also expressed his support to everyone in the court. As for Qi Tai, although Zhu Biao admired his talents, he also knew that he was just a chess piece on Ouyang Lun's chessboard.

The meeting continued. After listening to Ouyang Lun's summary of the assessment, Zhu Biao nodded with satisfaction and asked, "Brother-in-law, I am quite satisfied with the results of this assessment. However, the reform of the military cabinet cannot stop here. What are your plans next?"

Ouyang Lun smiled slightly, his expression calm and confident. He stepped forward, bowed to Zhu Biao, and then slowly said: "Your Majesty, I have thought deeply recently and believe that although the Ming army is strong, it still has many shortcomings in organization, management and combat system. If we want to further improve the combat effectiveness of the army, I propose to reorganize the Ming army and establish a complete military system."

As soon as these words came out, the scene suddenly fell silent. Everyone held their breath and looked at Ouyang Lun. Even Zhu Biao was slightly stunned, and then showed an interested look: "Oh? Brother-in-law, tell me in detail, what is the specific plan of this reorganization?"

Ouyang Lun nodded, his tone steady and powerful: "Your Majesty, my plan is to divide our Ming army into four major branches: the army, navy, artillery and logistics support forces. Each army will be divided into divisions, brigades, regiments, battalions, companies, platoons, squads and other levels, and the responsibilities and powers of commanders at all levels will be clearly defined. At the same time, a unified military supply and logistics system will be established to ensure the supply of materials and medical care for the army. In addition, a strict training and assessment system must be established to ensure that every soldier can play the greatest role on the battlefield."

He paused and continued, "The most important thing is that I have previously proposed to set up a military academy to train military talents. Both generals and soldiers need to undergo systematic learning and training to be competent for their respective duties. In this way, our Ming army will no longer be a ragtag group of soldiers, but a modern army with strict discipline and strong combat effectiveness."

As soon as Ouyang Lun finished speaking, there was an uproar at the scene. The faces of the officials of the Huaixi Party suddenly changed, and they exchanged glances with each other, their eyes full of shock and uneasiness. They never expected that Ouyang Lun would propose such a radical reform plan. This not only means that the power of the army will be reshuffled, but also means that the power of the Huaixi Party in the army will be seriously weakened.

A core official of the Huaixi Party could not help but stand up, with a hint of urgency in his tone: "Your Majesty, Lord Ouyang's plan is good, but such a large-scale reorganization may cause unrest in the army. Our Ming army has always been based on local garrisons. If we rashly reform, it may shake the morale of the army. Please think twice!"

Another Huaixi Party official also echoed: "Yes, Your Majesty! Military reform is of great importance. If it is not handled properly, it may cause unnecessary trouble. I think this matter needs to be considered in the long run."

The officials of the Huaixi Party nodded one after another, their faces full of worry and dissatisfaction. They knew that once Ouyang Lun's plan was implemented, the power of the Huaixi Party in the army would be completely dispersed. Those generals and local guards who were attached to the Huaixi Party would lose their original power and status. This was tantamount to a catastrophe for the Huaixi Party.

However, Ouyang Lun looked calm, as if he had anticipated their reaction. He smiled slightly, and his tone was calm but with a hint of unquestionable firmness: "I understand the concerns of my colleagues. But it is precisely because our Ming army has many problems that we need reform. If we stop moving forward because of fear of turmoil, how can our Ming army cope with future challenges? As for the morale of the army, I believe that as long as the reform is done properly, the soldiers will naturally understand and support it."

After listening to Ouyang Lun's explanation, Zhu Biao's eyes flashed with approval. He nodded, and said firmly: "Brother-in-law is right. Although our Ming army is strong, if we don't keep pace with the times, we will be eliminated by the times sooner or later. I fully support this reform."

When the officials of the Huaixi Party heard Zhu Biao's words, their faces turned even uglier. They knew that the emperor had already made it clear that he supported Ouyang Lun. If they continued to oppose him, it would not only be useless, but might also cause the emperor's dissatisfaction. So, they could only suppress their dissatisfaction and quietly sit back in their seats, their faces so gloomy that water could almost drip out.

An official from the Huaixi Party whispered to his colleague beside him: "Ouyang Lun is trying to completely cut off our roots! If he succeeds, our influence in the army will be wiped out!"

Another official responded with gritted teeth: "But now he is the general of the military cabinet and has the support of His Majesty. We are powerless to refute him. We can only be patient for the time being and look for another opportunity."

Although the officials of the Huaixi Party were angry, they could do nothing about it. They knew that Ouyang Lun was now extremely powerful and had the full support of Emperor Zhu Biao. If they rashly opposed him, they would only bring shame upon themselves. So, they could only watch Ouyang Lun's plan being carried out step by step, while secretly thinking about how to turn the situation around. (End of this chapter)