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

"Brother-in-law, you are finally here!"

A warm and joyful voice broke the silence.

Zhu Biao, who was sitting on the throne, suddenly had his frown relaxed and a sincere smile bloomed on his face.

Zhu Biao even stood up from the dragon throne and walked down the steps quickly. His bright yellow dragon robe sparkled as he walked, and the beads on his crown swayed gently with his steps.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you." Just as Ouyang Lun was about to salute, Zhu Biao grabbed his arm.

"No need to be polite." Zhu Biao patted Ouyang Lun's shoulder affectionately, his eyes flashing with relief. "Brother-in-law, you came at the right time. I have a difficult matter to discuss with you."

Seeing this, Lan Yu, who was standing nearby, had a gloomy look in his eyes.

He coughed heavily, clasped his fists and said, "Your Majesty, the military situation is urgent, please make a decision as soon as possible."

"I know that you, Duke of Liang, are very anxious, but don't be hasty. After I discuss it with my brother-in-law, I will naturally make a decision!" When Zhu Biao looked at Lan Yu, his smile immediately disappeared and he completely restored his emperor's majesty.

After saying this, Zhu Biao no longer paid attention to Lan Yu and continued talking with Ouyang Lun.

Inside the Fengtian Hall, under the magnificent dome, Ouyang Lun felt the strength of Zhu Biao's grip on his arm, which was a trust that came from his heart.

He lowered his head slightly, and glanced at Lan Yu who was standing beside him. The Duke of Liang, who had made great military achievements, had a gloomy face and sparks of displeasure in his eyes.

"Your Majesty has summoned me here. I wonder what important matter is there?" Ouyang Lun's voice was clear and particularly loud in the silent hall.

Zhu Biao let go of his hand, turned around and paced back and forth, his bright yellow dragon robe making a slight sound as it dragged on the bluestone floor.

The worry between his brows gathered again, and the joy he had just felt when he saw Ouyang Lun had been replaced by the heavy affairs of state.

"Brother-in-law, something happened in the north again." Zhu Biao sighed and pointed to the huge territory map hanging on the side of the palace. "That guy Nai'erbuhua is leading his cavalry to plunder the south again."

Ouyang Lun looked in the direction of Zhu Biao's finger. On the map, the border area between Yan and Ning was circled heavily with cinnabar pen, and several arrows pierced into the territory of the Ming Dynasty like bloodstains.

"This time it's worse than before." Zhu Biao's voice became deeper. "Last month, they broke through three of our border forts and slaughtered more than a thousand soldiers and civilians. The fourth brother's urgent report said that Nairbuhua's cavalry came and went like the wind, specifically targeting caravans and farming villages. Border trade has almost stagnated, and the people dare not leave the city to farm."

Ouyang Lun frowned slightly. Although he was not directly involved in the military, he was very clear about the financial impact of the obstruction of border trade.

The northern sales channels for silk, tea and porcelain were cut off, and the court's tax revenue dropped sharply. If this continued, the national treasury would be tight. Not only would the Ming Dynasty suffer, but even the tribe where his wife Asuna lived would be affected.

Before Zhu Biao opened his mouth, Lan Yu snorted coldly: "Your Highness has lived in the capital for a long time, living a life of luxury, so he naturally doesn't know the dangers of the border. Nai'er Buhua is the last disciple of Wang Baobao, a famous general of the Northern Yuan Dynasty. He is proficient in riding and shooting, familiar with the art of war, and has unpredictable guerrilla skills."

Zhu Biao glanced at Lan Yu and continued, "This man is indeed a difficult person. After Emperor Shundi of the Yuan Dynasty fled north, Nairbuhua gathered the remnants and settled in the northern desert. He has been harassing our border for ten years. He never engaged in direct confrontation with our army, but instead specialized in sneak attacks and looting. When he succeeded, he would flee far into the desert. Our army has failed in several attempts to encircle and suppress him."

Several ministers in the hall nodded one after another. The Minister of War Ru Rong stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty is right. Last year, I was ordered to inspect the border and witnessed the destruction caused by Nairbuhua. He not only looted property, but also brutally killed our Ming people and piled up the heads into a Jingguan to intimidate the border residents."

Ouyang Lun's eyes flashed with a hint of coldness: "So rampant?"

"What's more worrying is," Zhu Biao lowered his voice, "according to the spies' report, Nai'erbuhua has been in frequent contact with the Oirat and Tatar tribes recently, and seems to be on the verge of uniting. If the northern tribes are really united by him, the border troubles will be even more serious."

Lan Yu clasped his fists and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to lead the army out of the border and wipe out Nairbuhua in one fell swoop!"

Zhu Biao shook his head. "I know that the Duke of Liang is brave and valiant, but Nai'er Buhua is cunning and treacherous. Our army has gone on several expeditions but has returned empty-handed. Mobei is vast and his cavalry is familiar with the terrain. Our army is deep in enemy territory and has a long supply line, so it is easy for them to attack us by surprise."

The hall fell into silence.

Ouyang Lun looked at the winding Great Wall and the scattered border forts on the map and suddenly chuckled.

The laughter was particularly abrupt in the solemn atmosphere.

Everyone's eyes turned to Ouyang Lun, and a hint of sarcasm flashed in Lan Yu's eyes.

"I thought it was some big deal, but it turns out to be this." Ouyang Lun said in a relaxed tone, as if he was talking about tomorrow's weather.

There was an instant uproar in the Fengtian Hall.

Lan Yu's face suddenly changed, his eyes widened with anger: "What do you mean by that, Prince Consort? The soldiers at the border fought bloody battles, and the people were slaughtered. In your eyes, is this just a joke?"

The mature and prudent Minister of Personnel also frowned and said: "Lord Ouyang, this matter concerns the safety of the country and cannot be taken lightly."

Several military officers were even more indignant and whispered to each other.

Ouyang Lun even heard someone muttering in a low voice, "This dandy boy knows nothing about military affairs."

In the midst of this commotion, an old but vigorous voice came from the front of the civil servants: "Your Majesty, this old minister has something to say!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw Li Shanchang, the Duke of Korea, holding a jade tablet and walking slowly out of the line. Although this veteran of three dynasties was nearly seventy years old, his back was straight, his eagle eyes were piercing, and his white beard fluttered with an aura of majesty without anger.

Zhu Biao nodded slightly: "Mr. Han Guo, please speak."

Li Shanchang first bowed respectfully to Zhu Biao, then turned to face Ouyang Lun, his eyes sharp as a knife: "I dare to ask, does your Majesty know who this Nai'er Buhua is?"

Ouyang Lun bowed and said, "I just heard what your majesty and Duke Liang said, and I know a little bit."

"Know something?" Li Shanchang sneered, and his voice suddenly rose. "When I followed Emperor Taizu Gao to pacify the world, the prince consort was probably not even born yet! This Nai'er Buhua is the most cunning and cruel person among the remnants of the Northern Yuan Dynasty. In the past ten years, he has killed countless of our border residents and destroyed countless of our cities!"

All the ministers in the hall nodded, and Li Shanchang continued: "This old minister would like to ask your Highness, have you ever been to the battlefield? Have you ever seen corpses everywhere? Have you ever heard the wailing of women and children?" Every time he asked a question, he took a step forward, with an imposing manner.

Ouyang Lun remained calm and said, "Duke Hanguo, I have indeed never been to the battlefield, but I have led troops to fight. Lord Li should know my record. I have not lost yet!"

"Uh..." Li Shanchang was stunned and continued, "There is a difference between leading troops to fight and going to the battlefield in person. Everyone can talk about war on paper!" "You just don't have battlefield experience."

"Since you have no military experience, how can you talk about border affairs so easily?" Li Shanchang suddenly turned to face Zhu Biao and said loudly, "Your Majesty! I think that military affairs are no joke. How can we let inexperienced people make irresponsible comments? Your words not only disrespect the border soldiers, but also disregard the safety of our Ming Dynasty!"

These words were so powerful that many ministers in the palace showed their approval. Several civil servants who were on good terms with Li Shanchang even echoed them: "Korean Duke is right!" "Military and national affairs should be decided by those who know military affairs!"

Li Shanchang saw that the situation was favorable and pursued the victory: "I would like to ask the prince consort again, do you know how much food and money the Ming Dynasty spent every year to resist the Northern Yuan Dynasty? How many soldiers were sacrificed? If what the prince consort said is true, these sacrifices are "trivial matters"? "

Ouyang Lun was about to answer, but Li Shanchang did not allow him to interrupt. He turned to Zhu Biao and continued, "Your Majesty! I have served three dynasties and experienced countless battles. I know that the way to use troops is to be cautious. The son-in-law's words are frivolous and may not be a good strategy. I beg Your Majesty to think twice and do not sacrifice the public interest for personal gain!"

As soon as the words "for personal gain, abandon public interest" came out, the atmosphere in the palace suddenly froze. This was clearly a hint that Zhu Biao was biased because Ouyang Lun was his brother-in-law.

Zhu Biao frowned and was about to speak, but he saw Ouyang Lun stepped forward and bowed deeply to Li Shanchang: "Duke Hanguo has worked hard for the country for decades, and his loyalty is evident. I am young and inexperienced, and my words just now were indeed inappropriate. I hope you can forgive me."

Li Shanchang did not expect Ouyang Lun to suddenly lower his posture and was speechless for a moment.

Ouyang Lun stood up and continued, "But when I said 'not a big deal', I didn't mean to underestimate the border threat. Rather, I think there is a solution to this problem and there is no need to treat it as a major enemy."

"Oh?" Li Shanchang narrowed his eyes. "Since the Prince Consort has a good plan, why don't you tell it to the public so that we old men can also open our eyes?"

Ouyang Lun smiled slightly: "Please forgive me, Lord Hanguo. I heard that the Northern Yuan Dynasty sent many spies to our Ming Dynasty. I can't say it easily. If the traitors and the Northern Yuan spies hear it, it will be a disaster!"

Ok? !

Li Shanchang was stunned at first, then he became very angry, "Ouyang Lun, are you saying that I am a spy for the Northern Yuan Dynasty?!"

"Master Li, please don't misunderstand me. I never said you were a spy for the Northern Yuan Dynasty. What if you are a traitor?"

Ouyang Lun said with a smile.

"Ouyang Lun, you...you are talking nonsense!" Li Shanchang pointed at Ouyang Lun and almost fainted.

However, Li Shanchang had been in the court for many years, so he quickly reacted. He immediately bowed his hands and said to Zhu Biao, "Your Majesty, I know that Prince Consort Ouyang is seeking revenge for my doubts just now. I don't want to affect the overall situation of the Ming Dynasty because of his personal affairs!"

"Prince Consort Ouyang is a man of eloquence. There are few people in the entire Ming Dynasty who can argue with him. But fighting a war is not just about talking!"

"I suggest that Duke Lan Yu of Liang be appointed as the commander-in-chief and lead the troops to wipe out Nairbuhua, or even directly destroy the Northern Yuan Dynasty!"

"Your Majesty, looking at the Ming Dynasty, only Duke of Liang Lan Yu is the most suitable! Please do not hesitate any longer!"

Ouyang Lun's mouth curled up slightly when he heard this, and a sharp light flashed in his eyes. He slowly turned around, looked at Lan Yu with a sharp gaze, then glanced at Li Shanchang, and finally bowed to Zhu Biao and said:
"Your Majesty, I think what Duke Han said is wrong!"

The hall suddenly became quiet, and everyone held their breath, waiting for the next words from the prince consort.

Ouyang Lun adjusted his sleeves slowly, and then said: "General Lan Yu, the Duke of Liang, has indeed made great military achievements, but I'm afraid he may not be the most suitable person to eliminate Nai'erbuhua."

Upon hearing this, Lan Yu's face instantly turned gloomy and his fists clenched so hard that they made a clattering sound.

Li Shanchang immediately retorted: "What do you mean by that, Prince Consort? The Duke of Liang is the most powerful general of the Ming Dynasty. He made great achievements in the Northern Expedition against the Yuan Dynasty. How can it be inappropriate?"

Ouyang Lun chuckled and said, "Don't be impatient, Lord Li. Let me tell you slowly." He turned to Zhu Biao and said seriously, "Your Majesty, I oppose General Lan Yu's appointment as commander for three reasons."

"First, General Lan Yu's style of using troops is bold and decisive, and he is good at direct battles. However, Nai'erbuhua is as cunning as a fox, and never engages our army in direct confrontation. Last year, General Lan Yu led his army out of the border, and the expedition lasted for three months, consuming countless food and money, but he didn't even see the shadow of Nai'erbuhua, and finally returned empty-handed. Isn't this a clear proof?"

Lan Yu was furious: "Ouyang Lun! You——"

Zhu Biao raised his hand to stop him: "Duke Liang, please be patient and let the prince consort finish his words."

Ouyang Lun continued, "Secondly, General Lan Yu is strict in his military discipline and often whips his soldiers. The soldiers at the border are already exhausted, and if they encounter a strict commander, their morale will inevitably be low. To deal with a guerrilla expert like Nai'er Buhua, the soldiers need to fight for their lives. How can he be so harsh?"

"Third." Ouyang Lun paused, looking directly at Lan Yu, "The Duke of Liang has a violent temper. Last year in Suzhou, he slaughtered more than 3,000 surrendered soldiers in a fit of rage. Although this matter has been suppressed, Your Majesty knows it well. If he is allowed to lead the troops out of the border, there is no guarantee that he will not repeat the same mistake. Not only will he fail to wipe out Nairbuhua, but he will also provoke more tribal resistance, and our Ming border will never be at peace!"

As soon as these words came out, there was an uproar in the hall. Lan Yu's face turned pale, and veins popped up on his forehead: "Ouyang Lun! How dare you slander me!"

Li Shanchang also hurriedly chimed in: "Your Majesty, what you said is too much! The Duke of Liang is a pillar of the country, how can you slander him like this?"

Ouyang Lun took out a memorial from his sleeve calmly and presented it with both hands: "Your Majesty, this is a secret memorial from the commander of Suzhou, which records the situation on that day in detail. I dare not speak nonsense, and I hope Your Majesty will understand it."

Zhu Biao took the memorial, glanced through it quickly, and his brows furrowed deeper and deeper.

Ouyang Lun took the opportunity to continue: "Your Majesty, I actually have a fourth reason, which is that the previous expeditions to the Northern Yuan Dynasty were led by the generals of Huaixi. What was the result? Every expedition failed!"

"Is there some mystery in this?"

"Duke Liang and Duke Han, please don't look at me like that. I didn't say that it was caused by the incompetence of the Huaixi generals. Some things are destined by heaven. If we don't use the reward from the Huaixi Party this time, maybe we can achieve a good effect."

Li Shanchang:
Sapphire:.
Zhu Biao:.
Ouyang Lun, who has always been particular about logic and science, directly used metaphysics this time.

Everyone was confused.

But it is undeniable that everyone agreed that Ouyang Lun was right.

Even Li Shanchang and Lan Yu began to have doubts in their hearts.

Li Shanchang's white beard trembled slightly, and his face turned pale. He never expected that after decades of ruling the court, he would be fooled by a young man today. He took a deep breath, trying to calm the anger in his chest, but found that his hands were shaking unconsciously.

"Absurd! Absurd!" Li Shanchang said hoarsely, his finger trembling as he pointed at Ouyang Lun. "Your Highness's words are clearly an attempt to sow discord! The generals of Huaixi have served their country loyally, how can you slander them like this?" (End of this chapter)