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

Zhu Yuanzhang was nonchalant: "What are you afraid of? When we fought on horseback, it was much more dangerous than this!"

"Father-in-law, are you okay?" Ouyang Lun asked again.

This old man in his sixties was really a troublemaker. He was the retired emperor Zhu Yuanzhang. If it was someone else, Ouyang Lun would have kicked him in the ass.

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hands and said, "What's the problem?" He patted the iron wall of the locomotive and said, "Wow, it's really powerful!"

Ouyang Lun didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so he had to help Zhu Yuanzhang get off the locomotive. Back on the platform, Zhu Yuanzhang looked back at the huge machine with a strange light in his eyes.

"Ouyang Lun," he suddenly became serious, "Do you know why we have to come to see this tonight?"

Ouyang Lun shook his head.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked into the distance and said in a low voice: "We are old, and there are not many new things we can see." He pointed at the railroad tracks, "This thing can make the Ming Dynasty different. We have to see it with our own eyes and touch it with our own hands before we can rest assured."

Ouyang Lun's heart was shocked. He suddenly understood the mind of this founding emperor - Zhu Yuanzhang was not being willful, but was using his last time and energy to guard the last barrier for the dynasty he founded.

"Father, the train will be open soon. You can ride it however you want. I will build you a special train for the emperor. It will be fully equipped. Whether you want to inspect the frontier or travel to the south of the Yangtze River, you can take it!"

Ouyang Lun said helplessly: "Why are you here so late?"

"Who told me I couldn't sleep today? I'm getting older and I sleep less and less." Zhu Yuanzhang glared at Ouyang Lun. "I didn't ask you to do anything else, but you didn't want to do it. Didn't I tell you to wash your feet?"

"Don't think we don't know, your favorite thing is to wash feet!"

"Hehe, thank you for your compliment, father-in-law." Ouyang Lun said with a smile.

"You are getting complacent." Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and suddenly asked, "I heard that you plan to build railways all over the country?"

Ouyang Lun nodded: "Yes. Start with a few main lines and gradually form a network."

“It’s a lot of money, isn’t it?”

“It’s definitely not small. But in the long run, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.”

Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment, then suddenly patted Ouyang Lun on the shoulder and said, "Do a good job. I believe in you."

These three simple words made Ouyang Lun's eyes warm.

"Ouyang Lun, don't be too touched." Seeing Ouyang Lun's look, Zhu Yuanzhang immediately reached out and prepared to pat Ouyang Lun on the shoulder.

"My dear father-in-law, I am not moved, but I want to cry!" Ouyang Lun said unhappily.

"Is there any difference?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked puzzledly.

"There's a huge difference. You just say 'work hard' and ask me to build railways all over the Ming Dynasty. Your abacus beads are about to hit me in the face!" Ouyang Lun muttered.

"Haha!" Zhu Yuanzhang smiled awkwardly, "What did we just say? Oh, yes, we are going to wash our feet. Let's go. It must be very comfortable to wash your feet with hot water at this time."

After saying that, he left quickly.

"Uh" Ouyang Lun's face was full of black lines.

On the streets of Beijing.

Ouyang Lun followed behind Zhu Yuanzhang, secretly groaning in his heart.

Although this Paradise on Earth was his property, he usually let his subordinates take care of it and he seldom showed up in public.

Of course, Zhu Yuanzhang had also come to Tianshang Renjian several times, but that was a long time ago. Today, Tianshang Renjian has been renovated several times and it costs much more to play there than in the past.

Given the current situation in Heaven and Earth, Ouyang Lun was not sure whether Zhu Yuanzhang, an old man in his sixties, could accept it.

"Father-in-law, how about we go to another place?" Ouyang Lun asked tentatively, "There's a new teahouse opened in the south of the city, I heard it's pretty good."

"Stop talking nonsense!" Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hands without even turning his head. "What's wrong with you today? Don't you usually like to wash your feet? Why are you making excuses when we want to go to Tianshang Renjian today? Is there something shameful about your Tianshang Renjian?"

"That's not right. We've been to this paradise a few times. Although it's not too serious, it's not a big deal."

"Hehe, father-in-law, this Paradise on Earth has developed over the years and has changed a little from when you first went there. I'm just worried that you're getting old and can't handle it." Ouyang Lun said with a smile.

"Oh! You actually despise me for being too old!"

"Since you put it that way, let's go see today how 'heavenly' your 'Heaven on Earth' is! How much has it changed!"

"go!"

The two turned the corner and a seven-story building with bright lights appeared before them.

A gilded plaque with four large characters "Heaven and Earth" written in a flamboyant style was hung on the vermilion lacquered gate. Two welcoming servants dressed in gorgeous clothes stood on both sides of the door.

"Except for repainting the exterior wall and replacing the new plaque, there is no other change!" Zhu Yuanzhang said.

After saying that, Zhu Yuanzhang was about to walk straight in, but he soon stopped.

"Father-in-law, have you changed your mind? Are we not going in?"

Ouyang Lun asked quickly.

"We're already at the door, so of course we have to go in."

Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head and continued, "It's a bit too conspicuous to go in like this. We have to change our identities." He took out a soft hat from his pocket and put it on, covering half of his face. "From now on, I am your distant cousin, my surname is Ma, remember?"

Ouyang Lun didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so he could only nod.

As soon as the two men walked to the door, the servant came up to them warmly: "Please come in, gentlemen! What would you like to play tonight? We have a few new girls from Yangzhou here, who are proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes lit up, and Ouyang Lun quickly coughed: "Ahem, we are here to wash our feet, we need a private room."

"Okay! Gentlemen, follow me." The servant led the two through the front hall. Zhu Yuanzhang looked around as he walked, his eyes full of curiosity.

The interior decoration of Tianshangrenjian is extremely luxurious.

Dozens of Western crystal lamps hang from the ceiling of the hall, illuminating the entire space as bright as day; the floor is covered with woven carpets imported from Persia, which are soft and silent when stepped on; famous calligraphy and paintings are hung on the walls, including authentic works of contemporary masters. What's more, the entire space is cleverly divided into several areas, with both Jiangnan-style rockery and flowing water, and northern-style warm rooms and heated kangs, a combination of Chinese and Western styles that is dazzling.

"Good fellow, you really know how to enjoy yourself!" Zhu Yuanzhang lowered his voice and asked, "How much silver does this cost?"

Ouyang Lun laughed dryly: "Small business, small business"

As they were talking, a group of drunk guests came towards them.

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly stopped, and Ouyang Lun followed his gaze to see the cabinet ministers Lu Chang and Song Lian. Song Lian had obviously drunk a lot, his cheeks were red, and he was hugging a singing girl and laughing. When he looked up and saw Zhu Yuanzhang, he was struck by lightning, sobered up instantly, and his legs softened and he almost knelt down.

Zhu Yuanzhang was quick to support him and whispered, "Master Song, you have recognized the wrong person, right? My surname is Ma, and I am a distant relative of Boss Ouyang."

Song Lian was stunned, but Lu Chang was smart and reacted immediately: "It turns out to be Mr. Ma! Excuse me!" As he said this, he pinched Song Lian secretly.

"Please continue, my two lords." Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand with a smile, and quickly left with Ouyang Lun.

Turning around the corridor, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly laughed out loud: "Interesting! Song Lian is usually so righteous in the court, but I didn't expect that he is so romantic in private!"

Ouyang Lun wiped the cold sweat from his forehead: "Father-in-law, are you not angry?"

"Why are you angry?" Zhu Yuanzhang didn't care. "When we were conquering the world, didn't we also like to drink a little wine and listen to some songs after winning the battle? As long as it doesn't interfere with our work, we should enjoy it."

Ouyang Lun secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that this old man was surprisingly easy to talk tonight.

The waiter led the two into an elegant room. The room was small but exquisitely decorated. There were two mahogany lounge chairs in the middle, and a gilded foot bath tub in front of each chair. A painting of "Night Banquet of Han Xizai" was hung on the wall. In the corner, sandalwood was lit, and the smoke was curling, which was quite elegant.

"Please wait a moment, gentlemen. I will arrange for a girl to serve you right away." The servant bowed and left.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat down on the recliner and sighed comfortably: "This chair is good, more comfortable than the dragon chair."

Ouyang Lun almost spit out the tea he had just taken: "Father-in-law, be careful with your words!"

"What are you afraid of? There are no outsiders here." Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand nonchalantly, and suddenly lowered his voice, "We saw more than just Song Lian and Lu Chang just now, right? Is the person sitting in the corner over there Fang Keqin, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works?"

Ouyang Lun's heart skipped a beat. This old man's eyesight was too sharp! "This... maybe it is"

"My goodness, your place is almost becoming a second imperial court!" Zhu Yuanzhang was not annoyed, but was very excited. "Call Xu Da, Tang He and others over some other day. We haven't had a drink together for a long time."

Ouyang Lun was wondering how to respond when there was a light knock on the door.

"Come in." Zhu Yuanzhang immediately sat up straight and regained his majestic demeanor.

The door opened and two young ladies came in. The one in front was wearing a light green gauze skirt and holding a wooden basin; the one behind was wearing a pink skirt and holding a pipa.

"I am Xiao Cui (Xiao Hong), nice to meet you two masters." The two girls bowed gracefully.

Ouyang Lun secretly cried out in dismay. This Xiao Cui was the top girl in Tianshang Renjian, and usually only served the most distinguished guests. Why did it happen to be her turn to be on duty today? What's worse, this girl had accompanied him to several official gatherings, and she might recognize Zhu Yuanzhang!

Sure enough, the moment Xiao Cui looked up and saw Zhu Yuanzhang, her face turned pale and the wooden basin in her hand fell to the ground with a bang, spilling hot water all over the floor.

"I, I deserve to die!" Xiao Cui knelt down hurriedly, her voice trembling.

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed: "It's okay, it's okay! Don't be afraid, little girl. I may look a little fierce, but I can't eat you."

Ouyang Lun quickly tried to smooth things over: "Miss Xiao Cui may have slipped her hand, just change the basin of water."

Xiao Cui retreated tremblingly, and returned with a new basin of water a short while later, but her movements were obviously much stiffer. She knelt in front of Zhu Yuanzhang, carefully took off his shoes and socks, and put his feet into the warm water.

"Mm, comfortable!" Zhu Yuanzhang closed his eyes contentedly, "The water temperature is just right, and the technique is good too."

Xiao Cui's hands were shaking even more violently, and she almost splashed water several times while scrubbing. Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly opened his eyes and said, "Little girl, are you afraid of me?"

"No, I dare not." Xiao Cui lowered her head, her voice as thin as a mosquito.

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed and turned to Ouyang Lun: "It seems that I can't pretend like this anymore." He took off his soft hat and said, "Miss Xiao Cui, do you know who I am?"

Xiao Cui trembled all over and fell to the ground, "Slave. Slave"

"But it doesn't matter."

"I recognize you. You are the emperor." Xiao Cui's voice was filled with tears.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded: "Yes. Then you know what happened when you saw me here tonight."

"I saw nothing! I know nothing!" Xiao Cui said hurriedly.

"Wrong." Zhu Yuanzhang said with a pleasant face, "You met your old customer Lord Ouyang and his distant cousin Mr. Ma tonight. Do you understand?"

Xiao Cui was stunned for a moment, then she understood: "I understand."

"Okay, let's continue washing your feet." Zhu Yuanzhang lay back down, "By the way, I heard that you play the pipa well?"

Xiao Hong quickly said, "In reply to the master, Sister Xiao Cui's pipa is one of the best in Yingtian Prefecture."

"What are you waiting for? Let's sing a song of "Spring River Moon Night"!"

As the sound of the pipa rang out, the atmosphere in the private room gradually relaxed.

Zhu Yuanzhang closed his eyes and rested, tapping his fingers lightly on the armrest.

Seeing Zhu Yuanzhang's look of enjoyment, Ouyang Lun suddenly felt that Zhu seemed to have changed a little. In the past, if Zhu Yuanzhang saw the court officials living so leisurely here and the paradise on earth so extravagant, he would definitely be very angry.

I guess as people get older, many of their ideas will change.

Ouyang Lun didn't think any more about it.

As the melodious sound of the pipa began to play, the atmosphere in the private room gradually relaxed. Zhu Yuanzhang closed his eyes and soaked his rough feet in the warm water sprinkled with flower petals. Xiao Cui's slender fingers were gently massaging the acupuncture points on the soles of his feet.

"Ouyang Lun," Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly spoke, his voice lazily, "how long do you think it will take to build this railway to the north?"

Ouyang Lun was enjoying a foot massage from another girl. He was stunned when he heard this: "Father-in-law, are you talking about repairing to Mobei? That's far away. It will take at least three to five years."

"Too slow." Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head, swaying his feet gently in the water, splashing a few drops of water, "The remnants of the Northern Yuan Dynasty will not wait for us to slowly build the road."

Ouyang Lun immediately understood and waved his hand to signal the two girls to stop serving: "You guys go down first, I'll call you when I need you."

After the door was closed, Ouyang Lun lowered his voice and asked, "Father-in-law, do you want to use the railway to completely solve the problem of the Northern Yuan Dynasty?"

Zhu Yuanzhang opened his eyes, his gaze was sharp: "Why, do you think it's wrong?"

"No." Ouyang Lun sat up straight, "I have had this idea for a long time. But..."

"Just what?"

"But the civil servants in the court are probably going to say things like 'waste of money and manpower' and 'warmongering' again." Ouyang Lun curled his lips, "They keep talking about 'benevolence and righteousness' all day long."

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted coldly, "They know nothing about fighting!" He suddenly raised his foot, bringing up a string of water droplets, "In the previous expeditions, our Ming Dynasty chased the Northern Yuan Dynasty to the depths of the desert, and it was because we couldn't keep up with the supply that we let them run away! Now that we have the railway--" (End of this chapter)