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

The adopted son continued, "According to the report from the spy, the two were chatting and laughing in the private room. Ouyang Lun even personally poured tea for the emperor, who seemed quite pleased."

"They drank together afterwards."

Lan Yu sneered, picked up the wine cup and drank it all: "What is Lao Zhu going to do?"

The adopted son hesitated for a moment and then said, "What's even more strange is that when Ouyang Lun left, the emperor patted him on the shoulder and said, 'I'm at ease with you doing the job.'"

"Heh..." Lan Yu's eyes gradually turned cold, "What is Ouyang Lun planning with the emperor?"

The adopted son whispered, "Adoptive father, Ouyang Lun's power in the court has been growing in recent years, and he has been secretly communicating with the tribes on the grassland. Now the emperor is so close to him, I'm afraid..."

Lan Yu raised his hand to interrupt, his eyes sharp as a knife: "The emperor is testing and warning you."

"So what the godfather means is..."

"what did you just say?"

"My child said that the emperor and Ouyang Lun were close."

"Not this sentence, the previous sentence."

"That means Ouyang Lun is secretly communicating with the tribes on the grassland!"

"Yes, that's it!"

Lan Yu was silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed: "I remember someone said before that Ouyang Lun was in collusion with the people on the grassland, and now the emperor has begun to suspect it."

He stood up, walked to the window with his hands behind his back, looked at the dark night, and said slowly: "Go, send someone to keep a close eye on Ouyang Lun and find out the details of his transaction with the grassland people."

The adopted son nodded: "Yes!"

Lan Yu added: "Also, send a message to the old subordinates in the north and ask them to prepare."

The adopted son was shocked: "Adoptive father is worried..."

Lan Yu sneered: "The emperor has his own purpose for everything he does. If it is really as I guessed, then maybe our chance has come!"

"What does godfather mean?"

The adopted son asked quickly.

"If my guess is correct, the emperor is thinking about conquering the Northern Yuan Dynasty again!" Lan Yu said with a smile.

"The Emperor is going to conquer the Northern Yuan Dynasty?" The adopted son was surprised and happy.

Lan Yu's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he tapped the table with his fingers, and said slowly: "Think carefully, what has Ouyang Lun done in these years? On the surface, he is engaged in the tea-horse trade, but in fact, he has close contacts with various tribes on the grassland. There are even rumors that he smuggled ironware to the remnants of the Northern Yuan Dynasty. In normal times, this is a serious crime of confiscating property and exterminating the clan!"

The adopted son frowned and said, "But the emperor not only did not punish him, but became even closer to him."

"This is the key!" Lan Yu slammed the table. "What kind of person is the emperor? How could he tolerate collusion with the enemy? Unless..." He lowered his voice, "unless Ouyang Lun's actions were in accordance with the secret order!"

The adopted son took a deep breath and said, "Godfather is saying..."

"Pretending to collude, but actually investigating!" Lan Yu sneered, "Ouyang Lun must have known the inside story of the Northern Yuan Dynasty for many years. Now the emperor suddenly had a secret meeting with him and said, 'I'm at ease with you doing the job'. He must be preparing to close the net!"

The adopted son's eyes sparkled with excitement: "If we really want to use troops against the Northern Yuan Dynasty, we need a general who can lead the troops."

"Besides me, Lan Yu, who else is more familiar with the terrain of Mobei?" Lan Yu raised his head proudly, his scars looking particularly hideous under the candlelight. "During the battle at Buir Lake, the Northern Yuan Dynasty was frightened by my name. I have been idle at home these years, and they probably think that there are no more powerful generals in the Ming Dynasty!"

The adopted son knelt on one knee excitedly: "Congratulations, foster father! As long as the war starts, the emperor will definitely rely on foster father! When the time comes..."

Lan Yu suddenly raised his hand to stop him from continuing, a hint of deepness flashed in his eyes: "Remember, this matter has not been made public yet, we just need to be prepared. You should do three things immediately: first, secretly contact the old subordinates, especially Ye Bushou who is familiar with Mobei; second, count the armor and weapons in the mansion; third" he sneered, "send someone to watch the vicinity of Ouyang's mansion to see if he has been frequently in and out of the Ministry of War or the Five Military Commandery in recent days."

"I understand!" The adopted son was about to leave, but suddenly turned around and said, "Foster father, if we really want to use our military force against the Northern Yuan, shouldn't we start early?"

Lan Yu pulled out a yellowed sheepskin map from his bosom and slowly unfolded it on the table: "Look, this is the map of the key passes in Mobei that I drew myself. Although I have not been in the court in recent years, I have been aware of the movements of the various tribes of the Northern Yuan Dynasty." He pointed his finger at a valley, "For example, the place where Nai'erbuhua is stationed is surrounded by mountains on three sides. The army can only pass through when the river freezes in winter. Who in the court knows these better than me?"

The adopted son looked at the densely packed annotations on the map and exclaimed: "It turns out that my adopted father had already made preparations!"

"As a general, you should plan ahead." Lan Yu rolled up the map and suddenly lowered his voice, "Remember, before the imperial edict arrives, what you and I said today..."

The adopted son immediately understood and wiped his neck with his hand: "If you leak anything, I will bring my head to you!"

The adopted son hesitated for a moment and whispered, "Foster father, I am worried about something."

Lan Yu raised her eyebrows and said, "Speak."

The adopted son swallowed his saliva and said carefully: "The last time we conquered the Northern Yuan Dynasty, my adopted father led his army deep into the northern desert, but was ambushed by Wang Baobao, and the 30,000-man army was wiped out. This incident shocked the court and the public, and people are still talking about it. It is precisely because of this that you, my adopted father... If Ouyang Lun makes a big fuss about this, saying that my adopted father underestimated the enemy and advanced rashly, and is not worth using, will the emperor and His Majesty..."

Lan Yu heard this, a cold light flashed in his eyes, but then he sneered: "Do you think that the emperor will completely abandon me because of a defeat?"

The adopted son lowered his head and said, "I am just worried."

Lan Yu slowly stood up, paced with his hands behind his back, and said in a low and firm voice: "Remember, war is never about the gains and losses of a city or a place. In the Battle of Buir Lake, I led my army to attack thousands of miles away, defeated the main force of the Northern Yuan Dynasty in one fell swoop, and captured the Yuan princes and ministers!"

"Which general in the entire Ming Dynasty can compare with such meritorious service? Duke Wei and Duke Xin are indeed stronger than me in experience and qualifications, but they are old!" He turned around suddenly, his eyes sharp: "What if 30,000 troops were annihilated? I, Lan Yu, have won far more battles than I have lost! What kind of person is the emperor? How could he lose the big picture because of the small? What's more..." He sneered, "Who in the court is more familiar with the Northern Yuan Dynasty than me? Although Feng Sheng and Fu Youde are here, they have not been in battle for a long time. As for those newly promoted generals, who has the courage to go deep into the desert and attack the royal court?"

The adopted son's eyes gradually lit up: "What does the adopted father mean?"

Lan Yu narrowed his eyes: "The emperor uses me not because he trusts me, but because he has to use me!" He paused, his voice low and fierce, "Who is Ouyang Lun? A guy who relies on women to get to the top and makes a fortune through business, is he qualified to make decisions on military and national affairs? If he really dares to obstruct, don't blame me for being ruthless! ! "

The adopted son took a deep breath and nodded heavily: "I understand!"

Lan Yu patted his shoulder and softened his tone: "Go and prepare. Remember, the more times like this, the more you have to stay calm. If the emperor really wants to take action, he will test my attitude first. You just wait and see. Within half a month, there will be rumors!"

The adopted son clasped his fists and said, "Yes! I'll arrange it right away!"

Lan Yu looked out the window at the dark night, and a cold smile slowly rose on the corner of his mouth: "Bei Yuan. Ha, this time, I will completely conquer you and make you a stepping stone for me, Lan Yu!!"

As the sun sets, the fragrance of burning pine wood wafts through the back garden of the clan residence.

Ouyang Lun was half-lying on a rattan chair, one foot propped up on a stone bench, his wide brocade robe was loosely opened, revealing the snow-white silk undershirt underneath. He was playing with a small silver knife with an ivory handle, glancing at the charcoal fire from time to time.

"Sir, the fire is almost ready." The servant next to him reminded softly.

Ouyang Lun lazily hummed, without even raising his eyelids. He slowly used a small silver knife to cut off a slice of mutton as thin as a cicada's wing, and casually threw it to the hound lying at his feet. The dog caught the piece of meat deftly, wagging its tail happily.

"Why are you in such a hurry?" He said in a long tone, picked up a grape from the table and threw it into his mouth, "When it comes to barbecue, the key is to wait."

The iron rack on the charcoal fire was already burning red, and the fat was dripping with a sizzling sound. Ouyang Lun slowly stood up and picked up a fat and lean lamb rib with a silver knife. He flicked his wrist lightly, and the piece of meat fell steadily on the iron rack, and a puff of smoke with a burnt aroma immediately rose.

"Did you see that?" He nodded to the cook standing beside him, "The meat has to be three inches away from the fire. If it's too close, it will be too burnt, and if it's too far, it won't be fragrant." After saying that, he leaned back in the rattan chair lazily, took the chilled wine handed to him by the maid, and took a sip.

The aroma of barbecue wafted through the garden, mixed with the scent of late-blooming jasmine in the flowerbed next to it. Ouyang Lun squinted his eyes, watching the sunset dye the clouds golden red, and suddenly chuckled: "This day is much more comfortable than going to court."

The waiters turned the roast meat gently, occasionally sprinkling a handful of Western spices. Ouyang Lun suddenly became interested, reached out for the seasoning jar, and casually shook it on the meat. The action was as casual as throwing money, but it was also somewhat elegant.

"Sir, your technique is so bad..." The cook hesitated.

“Hmm?” Ouyang Lun glanced at him, “When it comes to barbecue, having fun is the most important thing.” He then poured another spoonful of honey on the meat and watched the syrup turn into golden caramel in the charcoal fire.

The evening breeze blew past, making his scattered hair flutter gently. Ouyang Lun sighed with satisfaction, and sank into the rattan chair like a boneless person, only the hand holding the silver knife would move from time to time to turn the barbecue over.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!"

A burst of hurried footsteps came from far away. The eunuch Xiao Lizi was seen holding the corner of his robe and running hurriedly through the moon-shaped door. Beads of sweat were dripping from his forehead, and his whisk was tilted to one side.

Without even raising his eyelids, Ouyang Lun slowly picked up a piece of golden roasted mutton with the tip of his knife and put it into his mouth, chewing it carefully.

"Oh my Lord Prince Consort!" Little Li stopped in front of him, panting, and bowed repeatedly, "His Majesty has been waiting for you in the Fengtian Palace for a long time, saying that he has something important to discuss. Please come with me!"

Ouyang Lun then lazily raised his eyes with a nonchalant smile on his face: "It turns out to be Eunuch Li, I haven't seen him for a while." He waved to the maid next to him, "Please show Eunuch Li a seat and bring some more bowls and chopsticks."

Little Li stamped his feet anxiously: "My Lord, this is not possible! His Majesty has urged us three times."

"What's the hurry?" Ouyang Lun personally poured a glass of iced wine and handed it over, "Try this, the fine wine tributed from the Western Regions, it goes best with this barbecue." As he said that, he turned around and told the housekeeper, "Go to the warehouse and get the pair of South China Sea pearls. Didn't Eunuch Li say he wanted a paperweight last time?"

Little Li was holding the wine glass in a dilemma: "My Lord, please don't embarrass me."

Ouyang Lun had already cut off a piece of lamb chop, put it on a gilded porcelain plate and pushed it in front of Little Li: "This meat must be eaten while it's hot. I used my special spices. Even the emperor said it was good."

The butler returned with a brocade box, inside which was a pair of pearls as big as longan, which shone with a warm luster in the sunset. Little Li's eyes lit up, and then he said with a bitter face: "I appreciate the kindness of the Prince Consort, but it's just that His Majesty..."

Although Little Leo said this, he took the thing very skillfully and put it into his sleeve quietly.

"Forget it." Ouyang Lun stood up slowly and straightened his messy clothes. The maids came forward with copper basins and towels. He washed his hands and said, "Keep the remaining meat warm on the stove. I'll be back soon."

Little Li was as if pardoned, and hurriedly led the way. Before leaving, Ouyang Lun turned back and reminded: "Pack up another pair of pearls for Eunuch Li." After saying that, he walked leisurely, following the anxiously sweating Little Li, towards the Fengtian Hall.

Little Li trotted behind him, looking at Ouyang Lun's lazy back, and couldn't help wiping his sweat. This prince consort's behavior was probably second to none in the whole court.

When Ouyang Lun followed Little Li into the Fengtian Hall, the solemn atmosphere in the hall immediately hit him. The tall hall pillars cast deep shadows, and the lights on the gilded dragon candlesticks swayed slightly, stretching the shadows of several important officials.

The Minister of War was frowning, his fingers constantly stroking the ivory tablet, and his crimson official robe made his face look even gloomier.

The Minister of Revenue Guo Zi stood aside, constantly wiping the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve. His fat body looked particularly bloated in his official uniform.

Wu Jingzhi, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, paced back and forth with his hands behind his back. His sword-like eyebrows were almost twisted together on his thin face, and his black official boots made a dull sound as he stepped on the gold bricks.

The most eye-catching person is Lan Yu standing at the foot of the imperial steps.

The general was wearing a scarlet Qilin robe, standing with his arms folded across his chest. The scar on his knife-like face looked particularly hideous under the candlelight. When Ouyang Lun entered the hall, his sharp eyes stared at him like a hawk, with a faint sneer hanging from the corner of his mouth.

Ouyang Lun simply ignored Lan Yu's gaze and turned to walk towards Guo Zi and Wu Jinzhi. The two men had already seen Ouyang Lun and took the initiative to walk towards him.

"Prince Consort" (End of this chapter)