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

Imperial Palace, Taile Palace.

Zhu Biao held the teacup and gently stroked the celadon with his fingertips.

The ambergris rose from the gilded beast furnace, but it could not hide the murderous look between the old emperor's brows.

"Father." Zhu Biao finally couldn't help but speak, "Recently, the Censorate has submitted seven memorials to impeach Brother-in-law Ouyang. I have seen Chen Ying. "

"Biao'er." Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly interrupted, and with his skinny fingers he pulled out a list and a yellowed account book from the pile of memorials. "Do you recognize this?"

Zhu Biao took a closer look and found that it was a list of materials and an account book for building a railway.

One line of red-marked comments in the account book was clearly written by Qi Tai: "Change thirty pieces of pine wood into poplar wood, and the remaining two hundred taels of silver will be confiscated."

"This..." The prince's pupils shrank slightly.

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly sneered: "When we decided to build the railway, we asked Qi Tai to build it and let him be responsible for half of the railway construction. He did a good job, but..." The sleeves of his dragon robe swept across the table, and Lu opened a page of the account book: "Now the Jinyiwei handed over this."

The freight bill was filled with records: The price difference of 200 taels for changing from pine to poplar → The steward of Yingchuan Marquis's Mansion received it → Transferred to Lanyu Villa → Purchased Liaodong ginseng → Gift for Li Shanchang's 60th birthday
"Li Shanchang, this old fox." Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly grabbed the inkstone and smashed it against the palace pillar, and the ink splashed like blood. "Do you think you can use the clear stream as a knife to muddy the water? You think you can provoke the relationship between me and Ouyang Lun?"

Zhu Biao's breathing was slightly sluggish.

“You knew it.”

"Of course I know!" The old emperor slammed the table so hard that dust fell from the beams. "For such a large project as the Beijing-Pingcheng Railway, we will not allow any mistakes. We have already asked the Jinyiwei to keep a close eye on it, and the postmen at each station are our eyes and ears!"

The prince suddenly remembered something: "That's why Qi Tai was demoted to Baoding."

"Juyongguan is two hundred miles north of Baoding Station." Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes flashed with ferocity. "Li Shanchang wants to use the railway to gain benefits, so we will nail his people to the rails! This is our last chance to give them!"

Thunder roared outside the window, illuminating the old emperor's ferocious face.

One day, I attended a court meeting.

When Chen Ying stepped forward to impeach Ouyang Lun again, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly laughed: "Chen Aiqing cares so much about the railway office." The retired emperor Zhu Yuanzhang slowly stood up from the dragon chair, "Why not go to Taiyuan Station as an inspector?"

Chen Ying was stunned.

Chen Ying wanted to explain himself, but when he looked up at Zhu Yuanzhang's murderous gaze, his legs softened and he knelt down, "I thank the emperor for his grace!"

"Duke Hanguo." Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile, "I heard that your old illness relapsed? We specially asked the Imperial Hospital to prescribe medicine." Then he signaled the eunuch to carry up the medicine box.

The moment the lid of the box was opened, Li Shanchang staggered back - there were thirty Liaodong ginsengs neatly stacked inside, each wrapped with yellow paper with the date of birth written on it!
"Thank you very much, Your Majesty." The old Duke's Adam's apple rolled, and he saw Zhu Yuanzhang personally pick up the thickest one: "My dear minister, remember to take three pieces every day. This is what Qi Tai exchanged for his future."

Ouyang Lun stood in the line of officials with his head lowered, the corner of his mouth slightly raised. He thought he would have to waste some time arguing today, but he didn't expect that Old Zhu would beat these guys back without him even having to open his mouth.

Although Lao Zhu is old, his mind is becoming clearer and clearer.

On the other hand, Li Shanchang seemed to be living better as he got older.

It saves me a lot of trouble. I’d like to give a thumbs up to Lao Zhu today.

Imperial Palace, Taile Palace.

"boom!"

Zhu Yuanzhang slapped the dragon table with his palm, causing the teacup to fall over, and the scalding tea soaked the secret report. The old emperor's eyes flashed coldly, and his skinny fingers almost crushed the memorial.

"Good, very good!" Zhu Yuanzhang laughed in anger, "I'm not dead yet, and these old Huaixi people dare to be so presumptuous!"

Ji Gang knelt on the ground, his forehead pressed against the gold brick: "Your Majesty, this is the list of spies planted by the Northern Pacification Office in the Five Military Commandery. There are a total of 27 people, all of whom are"

"Read!" Zhu Yuanzhang interrupted harshly.

"Wang Bin, assistant to the Five Military Commandery, Cao Xing, Marquis of Huaiyuan, and Wang Zhi, Marquis of Dingyuan..." Every time Ji Gang read a name, the old emperor's face darkened. All of these names were the backbone generals of the Huaixi Party in the army.

Zhu Biao was shocked when he heard this and couldn't help but persuade him: "Father, is this matter

"Biao'er!" Zhu Yuanzhang turned his head suddenly, his eyes full of ferocity, "Do you know how serious a crime it is to discuss state affairs in the army?!"

Zhu Biao fell silent immediately.

"Ji Gang, if I remember correctly, these are the people who secretly disrupted the assessment and were dissatisfied with the military reorganization, right?"

"Yes." Ji Gang nodded quickly.

"Very good!" The old emperor Zhu Yuanzhang grabbed the red pen and drew a blood-red cross on the list: "Ji Gang! Arrest the people according to the list immediately, and don't miss a single one!"

"I obey your order!" A hint of ruthlessness flashed in Ji Gang's eyes, and he bowed and left the hall.

That night.

The iron cavalry of the Embroidered Uniform Guards shattered the tranquility of the capital.

Teams of soldiers in Feiyu uniforms rushed into major military camps and mansions, dragging the generals out of their beds while they were still asleep.

"What are you doing? I am Marquis Huaiyuan!" Before Cao Xing could finish his words, he was hit on the mouth by a scabbard of a sword by the Jinyiwei, and blood mixed with broken teeth gushed out.

Wang Bin was caught red-handed in his own backyard while he was having a secret meeting with several generals.

When the Jinyiwei broke into the room, there was still some unfinished wine and a secret letter full of complaints on the table.

"Capture them all!" Ji Gang sneered and waved his hand, "The emperor has issued an order that anyone who discusses state affairs will be killed without mercy!"

In just one night, twenty-seven Huaixi generals were thrown into the imperial prison. The next morning, twenty-seven bloody heads were placed outside the Meridian Gate.

Korean Palace
"Bang!" The teacup in Li Shanchang's hand broke into pieces.

The old Duke's face turned pale, and he pointed a trembling finger at the subordinate who came to report the news: "What did you say? All twenty-seven generals were..."

"They were all executed." The retainer's face was ashen. "The emperor didn't even try them. He just let the Jinyiwei imprison them in the imperial prison."

Li Shanchang stood up suddenly, the teacup in his hand fell to the ground with a clang, and said with a sad look: "The emperor is trying to cut off my foundation in Huaixi!"

Li Shanchang tried to remain calm, but the veins on his forehead kept throbbing: "Quick, send people to appease the guards immediately. We must not let the army lose its morale!"

The once bustling Governor's Mansion was now completely silent. The heads of the Huaixi Party generals were hung on the gate, frightening the remaining generals into silence.

"Have you heard? The emperor promoted a group of young generals this morning." "Shh! Keep your voice down. Do you want to follow in the footsteps of General Wang?"

Several officers were hiding in a corner and whispering, when they suddenly saw the new commander coming with the Jinyiwei, and they immediately scattered.

In Taile Palace.

Zhu Biao walked into the hall with a worried look on his face: "Father, the army is in a state of panic, and I am worried."

"What are you worried about?" Zhu Yuanzhang sneered, "Are you worried that the Huaixi Party will rebel?"

The old emperor pulled out a secret decree from under the dragon table: "Biao'er, take a look at this."

When Zhu Biao unfolded it, he found it was a secret report from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, which recorded in detail the defense situation of each guard post in the northern border, as well as the distribution of power of the Huaixi Party in the army.

"I have already asked the Jinyiwei to find out the details." Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes, "The twenty-seven people executed this time were all backbones of the Huaixi Party. Now..."

The old emperor suddenly smiled grimly: "Li Shanchang's minions in the army have been cut off by 30%."

Zhu Biao suddenly realized that his father was taking advantage of this issue to completely eradicate the influence of the Huaixi Party in the army!
Zhu Biao took a deep breath, carefully closed the secret report, and whispered: "Father, there is one thing I don't understand. Although the Huaixi Party is domineering, they are all old ministers who followed you to conquer the world. Why do you have to..."

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly stood up and walked to the window with his hands behind his back. The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the window lattice, casting mottled shadows on his face.

"Biao'er, do you know when is the most dangerous time for a big tree?" the old emperor suddenly asked.

Zhu Biao was startled: "My son is stupid."

"It is when it seems to be flourishing, but has already been eaten away inside." Zhu Yuanzhang turned around, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, "The Huaixi Party is like this now. People like Li Shanchang and Lan Yu are submissive on the surface, but secretly they form cliques for personal gain, embezzle military pay, and even...

The old emperor pulled out a secret letter from his sleeve and slammed it on the table: "You dare to buy and sell even the border official position!"

Zhu Biao was shocked and quickly unfolded the secret letter, which detailed the time and place of secret meetings between officials at all levels and Li Shanchang's confidants, as well as a record of transactions involving the sale of official positions.

"How dare they do this?" Zhu Biao's hands trembled slightly.

"They even dare to rebel, what else can they not dare to do!" Zhu Yuanzhang sneered, "These old foxes buy and sell official positions, and often make trouble so that I can't do without them."

"Who do they think they are? They still want to compete with Ouyang Lun, are they worthy?"

"I didn't want to be so ruthless, especially since you have already inherited the throne, but some people are just unwilling to give up their evil intentions and are not doing their duty!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was so angry that his face flushed and his chest heaved violently.

"Father, calm down and don't hurt yourself!"

Seeing this, Zhu Biao hurriedly tried to comfort him.

"Humph!" Zhu Yuanzhang snorted coldly, "The people in Huaixi are really getting more and more outrageous!"

Zhu Yuanzhang walked to the military sand table and picked up the flag representing the Prince of Yan: "So we should let the fourth son guard Beiping, let other princes guard the borders, and let Ouyang Lun take charge of the military cabinet. These new forces are the future of the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Biao thought: "But the Huaixi Party is deeply rooted."

"That's right." Zhu Yuanzhang sighed, and suddenly looked much older. "They control most of the official positions in the court, and more than half of the generals in the army are their students and old friends. If we really uproot them, I'm afraid it will shake the foundation of the country."

Zhu Yuanzhang patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder and said, "That's why we have to take it step by step. First, we will weaken his power in the court, and then cut off his wings in the army. Just like..."

Zhu Yuanzhang picked up the teapot on the table and tilted it slowly: "Don't pour the water too quickly, otherwise it will splash out and burn your hands."

Zhu Biao suddenly realized: "So only 27 people were dealt with this time, and Li Shanchang and others were not touched?"

"That's right." Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes flashed, "But Biao'er, remember, you have to hit the snake at its weakest point. Wait until Ouyang Lun's railway is completely built and the vassal kings are fully grown up."

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly clenched his fists, his knuckles making a crackling sound: "It's time to settle the accounts!"

"We will definitely leave you a clean Ming Dynasty. As for whether to get rid of Li Shanchang, Lan Yu and others, it is up to you, Biaoer. Of course, the premise is that Li Shanchang, Lan Yu and others know how to restrain themselves and know when to advance and retreat!"

Suddenly, hurried footsteps were heard outside the palace. A Jinyiwei knelt outside the door and said, "Report to the Emperor, the Duke of Korea Li Shanchang wants to see you."

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao looked at each other, and the father and son understood each other tacitly.

"Announce." Zhu Yuanzhang straightened his clothes and instantly regained his calm expression, as if the murderous aura just now had never existed.

Zhu Biao looked at his father's back and suddenly understood a truth: the true art of being an emperor lies not in thundering means, but in forbearance and waiting for the right time.

Led by the eunuch, Li Shanchang slowly walked into the palace, his old body casting a swaying shadow under the palace lanterns. With every step he took, the jade belt around his waist made a slight sound, as if beating the rhythm for the upcoming confrontation.

"I, your old minister, pay my respects to the Emperor." Li Shanchang bowed deeply, his forehead almost touching the ground. This posture made his snow-white beard and hair fall on the gold bricks, like a handful of melting snow.

Zhu Yuanzhang put down his red brush and smiled: "Duke Hanguo, please stand up quickly. Someone, please give him a seat."

When the eunuch brought the embroidered cushion, Li Shanchang's eyes twitched slightly - this stool was three inches shorter than usual, and when he sat down, his line of sight was just below the imperial desk.

"This old minister has come to express his gratitude." Li Shanchang held up a brocade box with both hands. "The Liaodong ginseng given by the emperor has excellent medicinal effects."

Zhu Yuanzhang took the box but did not open it. He stroked the dragon pattern on the lid with his fingertips and said, "As long as the Duke likes it. I heard that Lan Yu visited you last night?"

The copper clock in the hall suddenly sounded very crisp. Li Shan's hands in his sleeves trembled slightly, but he looked ashamed: "Duke Liang came to express his misunderstanding to me, and I scolded him severely, saying that he did not discipline the soldiers strictly, which led to the young men in the army making irresponsible comments on state affairs."

"Oh?" Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly leaned forward, the candlelight flickering in his eyes, "Does the Duke think these people should be killed or not?"

Li Shanchang raised his head and looked directly at the emperor, a gleam of light flashed in his cloudy eyes: "He deserves to be killed." The two words were loud and clear, "but..."

"Just what?"

"It's just that I heard that Marquis Huaiyuan cried out for justice before his execution, saying that someone had tampered with the military meeting records." Li Shanchang took out a memorial from his sleeve, "This is the truth that I have verified, please have a look, Your Majesty."

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly unfolded the memorial, and when he saw the words "376 soldiers of Yanshan Guard were frostbitten", his brows twitched slightly.

"Does the Duke also want to be held accountable?"

"I dare not." Li Shanchang suddenly got up from his seat and knelt on the ground. "I just want to ask for a favor - to allow these soldiers who died in vain to be enshrined in the Martyrs' Shrine."

Zhu Biao was secretly shocked. This old fox retreated to advance, clearing himself and shifting the blame to others. The ultimate person responsible for the military supply issue was Ouyang Lun!
Li Shanchang has been using a lot of tricks recently!
Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly laughed, and the laughter shook the dust off the beams. "The Duke really cares about the soldiers!" The old emperor changed the subject, "But the matter of the Martyrs' Shrine will have to wait until Ouyang Lun finishes investigating the military supply corruption case."

"Some things have not been concluded yet, and even for the emperor and I, it is difficult to deal with them." (End of this chapter)