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

He took out a list from his pocket: "This is a list of the latest equipment, including three hundred new rifles, fifty portable artillery pieces, and..." He smiled mysteriously, "Ten 'Fire Dragons Out of Water', which can burn down the enemy camp a hundred steps away."

Lan Yu took the list, and his hands were shaking a little.

These equipments were exactly what he had dreamed of. He took a deep breath and solemnly clasped his fists: "You are so kind, my dear son-in-law! I am very grateful to you!"

Ouyang Lun waved his hand: "It's all for the Ming Dynasty. However." He looked at Lan Yu meaningfully, "The use of these equipment requires special guidance. I will send technical officers to accompany the army. I hope Duke Liang will treat them well."

Lan Yu immediately understood and said solemnly: "Don't worry, Prince Consort, I will treat them as my brothers!"

The two smiled at each other, and for a moment they felt that the other was not so hateful.

In the distance, Li Shanchang watched this scene with a face as gloomy as water.

He turned around and whispered to his confidant beside him: "Go check what other tricks Ouyang Lun has prepared recently. What other methods does he have?"

"Yes!"

The confidant took the order and left.

Li Shanchang looked at Ouyang Lun's back, a sinister look flashed in his eyes: "Ouyang Lun is really a man of endless tricks!"

But soon, Li Shanchang had to sigh again: "If Lan Yu can succeed in this battle, it can also improve the situation of the Huaixi Party in the court."

"Forget it, let's wait and see after this battle."

At the beginning of the new year, the afterglow of the lights and decorations in the capital was still there, but long queues had already formed in front of the six government offices to receive their annual rewards.

Wang Huanzhi, the head of the Ministry of Revenue, hurried home with the heavy brocade bag in his hand. As soon as he stepped into the courtyard, he heard his wife exclaim, "This is twice as much as last year's red envelope!"

"Madam, please keep your voice down." Wang Huanzhi twisted his beard and lowered his voice, but his eyes were full of smiles. "This year, the customs opened a new trade route to Siam, and the tax silver collected by the Maritime Customs alone increased by 300,000 taels." He took out an oil-paper bag from his sleeve and said, "Hurry up and cut the brocade I liked the other day. It will be just right for me to wear to Minister Guo's house to enjoy the lanterns during the Lantern Festival."

At the same time, the aroma of meat was wafting from the kitchen of Chen's house, a doctor in the Ministry of Rites.

The housekeeper instructed the servant to hang half a Jinhua ham on the beam, then turned to the accountant and said with emotion: "The master said that the court is well-off this year, and we will also have a good year at home." The sound of children playing came from outside the window. Several young masters in brand new silk jackets were chasing each other in the snow, and the jade pendants on their waists jingled.

The busiest place was the official ship dock on the Qinhuai River. Officials from the Ministry of Works and the Water Conservancy Bureau surrounded more than a dozen fully loaded grain ships, and the leading official read out the list loudly: "Two hundred dan of new rice from Suzhou, fifty jars of Shaoxing yellow wine - these are all special gifts from the emperor!" The people watching the excitement on the shore were amazed. An old bamboo craftsman suddenly pointed somewhere and exclaimed: "Look at the blue satin bundle!" Everyone looked in the direction and saw several officials from the Ministry of Personnel carrying a brocade box with the words "Imperial Gift" printed on it and getting on the sedan chair. The mink fur collars inside were faintly visible in the sunlight.

But amidst the joy of the city, there are also some strange scenes.

Zhou Yanru, Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, sat alone in the study, staring at the reward silver that had not moved on the table and frowned.

The housekeeper wandered outside the door for a long time, and finally heard the master sighing: "Go and exchange the silver into copper coins. The porridge stalls where the refugees outside the city spend the winter should be extended until the end of the first lunar month." The falling snowflakes outside the window covered the plaque with "Two Sleeves of Clean Wind" and gradually merged with the sound of stringed instruments coming from the red door in the distance.

Just after the hour of Yin, the lights outside the Forbidden City were already brightly lit.

Civil and military officials, dressed in brand new court robes and walking on the still-melted snow, gathered at the Fengtian Gate one after another.

Because it was the first day of the new year, everyone had a relaxed smile on their face, bowed to each other and greeted each other, and the sound of greetings was endless.

As the Minister of Revenue Guo Zi got off the sedan chair, he saw Zhao De, a doctor of the Ministry of War, coming towards him. The two smiled at each other and bowed to each other.

"Sir Zhao, new year, new atmosphere. I heard that the Ministry of War has sufficient military pay this year and the morale of the soldiers is high?" Guo Zi asked with a smile.

Zhao De stroked his beard and smiled, "Thanks to your majesty, the military equipment and food are all in place, and the soldiers are all grateful for the emperor's grace. As for Lord Guo, I heard that the treasury is full this year, and I'm afraid everyone in the Ministry of Revenue is smiling from ear to ear, right?"

Guo Zi laughed and lowered his voice, "This year, commercial taxes have increased significantly. The revenue of the Jiangnan Weaving Bureau alone has increased by 30% compared to last year. Your Majesty is very pleased. I'm afraid there will be a generous reward at the court meeting later!"

"Then I would like to congratulate Lord Guo in advance. Don't forget to give the Ministry of War more budget when the time comes!" Zhao De said hurriedly.

"Okay, okay!" Guo Zi said with a smile.

As the two were talking, they suddenly heard a hearty laugh behind them. Turning around, they saw the Minister of Works Shan Anren coming over with several of his officials.

"Mr. Guo, Mr. Zhao, Happy New Year!" Shan Anren's face was flushed, and he was obviously in a very good mood. "Several new warships built by the Ministry of Industry have been launched for sea trials. If Your Majesty knew about this, he would definitely be pleased!"

All the officials echoed the sentiment, and for a while there was laughter and joy outside the Fengtian Gate, and the atmosphere was harmonious.

When the bells and drums sounded, all officials entered the hall in order.

Zhu Biao sat high on the dragon throne, with a crown with tassels and pearls hanging down. He had a steady gaze and awe-inspiring majesty, already showing the demeanor of a mature emperor.

"Your Majesty, we bow to you and wish our emperor long live!" All the officials shouted in unison, shaking the palace.

"Everyone, please stand up." Zhu Biao raised his hand slightly and said in a loud voice, "Today is the first day of the new year. I am very pleased. Last year, the country was peaceful and the people were safe. Tax revenue hit a new high. It was all due to the diligence of you, my dear ministers."

Upon hearing this, all the ministers bowed to express their gratitude, unable to hide their joy on their faces.

Minister of Revenue Guo Zi stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, last year the national tax silver totaled 223 million taels, an increase of more than 20% over the previous year. The Jiangnan commercial tax and the customs duties of the Maritime Customs Office both hit record highs. I have prepared a list of rewards, please review it."

Zhu Biao took the memorial, glanced through it, and nodded with satisfaction: "Good! Now that the treasury is full, we should reward all officials. Pass on my decree that all officials above the fifth rank will receive a one-month salary increase; those below the sixth rank will be given two pieces of silk and five stone of rice."

As soon as these words were spoken, voices of gratitude rang out in the court.

Minister of War Tang Duo took the opportunity to step forward and said in a loud voice: "Your Majesty, the military report from the northern border has arrived. General Lan Yu has assembled his troops and is ready to go. All new firearms have been equipped. We can go out to fight once the snow melts in the spring!"

Zhu Biao's eyes gleamed, and he nodded slightly: "I have always trusted Lan Yu to do things. If you win this battle, I will not hesitate to reward you!"

Upon hearing this, all the ministers echoed it, and the generals from Huaixi were even more delighted.

All the officials shouted in unison: "Your Majesty is wise! We will do our best to live up to your grace!"

Zhu Biao nodded slightly, his eyes swept over the civil and military officials in the hall, and his tone turned serious: "Although my father has not come to court, he specifically asked me to tell you -" He paused, his voice became more majestic, "Those who have made contributions will be rewarded by the court; those who have made mistakes, don't think of getting away with it."

The hall suddenly became quiet.

Zhao De, the doctor of the Ministry of War, subconsciously touched his neck, while Yan Zhenzhi, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Justice, quietly wiped the sweat from his forehead.

On the other hand, Lan Yu, who was standing at the head of the military officers, held his head high and chest puffed out, with a confident gleam in his eyes.

"Duke Lan Yu of Liang, listen to my orders!" Zhu Biao suddenly raised his voice.

Lan Yu strode out of the line and knelt on one knee: "I am here!" "I order you to be the general who conquers the enemy, command 50,000 troops, and march to the northern border today. You must wipe out the Nairbuhua tribe within three months!"

"I obey your command!" Lan Yu's voice was like a loud bell, and his armor clanged when he stood up.

From the corner of his eye, he saw Ouyang Lun in the queue of civil servants nodding slightly at him, which made him feel more confident.

Zhu Biao turned his gaze to his son-in-law Ouyang Lun: "How is the progress of the Beijing-Pingcheng Railway?"

Ouyang Lun stepped out calmly: "Your Majesty, the rails have been fully connected, and the twelve stations along the way are being built day and night. The newly developed 'Hongwu' steam locomotive has completed thirty test runs, and the fastest speed can reach sixty miles per hour."

Minister of Industry Shan Anren could not help but interrupt: "Your Majesty, this thing is truly a miracle! I saw it with my own eyes last month. The iron horse does not need animal power. It can pull twenty carriages just by burning coal. The cargo capacity is comparable to that of a hundred horse-drawn carriages!"

"Just as the Prince Consort said at the beginning, even what he said at the beginning was still conservative!"

There was a sudden burst of exclamations in the hall.

Zhu Biao was very pleased: "Great! When the railway is officially opened, I will personally come to cut the ribbon. Brother-in-law Ouyang, you have done a great job."

"I dare not take credit for it. It is all thanks to your Majesty's wisdom and the great help from my colleagues in the Ministry of Works." Ouyang Lun bowed slightly with an indifferent expression.

After discussing several issues concerning the grain transport and the imperial examination, Zhu Biao waved his sleeves and said, "Dismiss! Three days later, I will hold a banquet in Wuying Hall to send off General Lan."

With three blows of the whip, all officials left the Fengtian Hall one after another.

Lan Yu was surrounded by a group of military generals to congratulate him, while Ouyang Lun was surrounded by officials from the Ministry of Works to inquire about railway matters. Only Li Shanchang walked alone at the end, as if he had been forgotten.

The mood of the Huaixi Party officials was even brighter than the rising sun.

Since the news of Lan Yu's return and leading the army to war spread, the Huaixi Party's residence, which was previously deserted, became lively again overnight. Those officials who once avoided him now came to visit him one after another, as if they had never been estranged.

There was an endless stream of carriages and horses in front of the Duke of Liang’s mansion.

Zhao Degang, a doctor of the Ministry of War, had just stepped out of the sedan chair when he saw several officials lined up in front of the government office, greeting each other with their hands raised. He sighed inwardly, "A few days ago, when these people saw the Huaixi Party, they wanted to take a detour, but now they are scrambling to establish a relationship with them..."

"Sir Zhao, you are here too?" A greeting came from behind. Zhao De turned around and saw that it was an official from the Ministry of Works.

"Lord Chen." Zhao De smiled slightly and whispered, "Now that Duke Liang has regained control of the military, we old subordinates naturally have to come and congratulate him."

The official from the Ministry of Works had a shrewd look in his eyes and said with a smile, "Yes, if General Lan can make more achievements in this expedition, the status of the Huaixi Party in the court will probably be further elevated."

The two looked at each other and smiled, understanding each other tacitly.

Li Shanchang sat in his study, listening to the butler report the list of officials visiting today, with a slight smile on his face.

"Master, thirteen gentlemen have handed in visiting cards today, all of them are important officials from various departments." The butler said respectfully.

Li Shanchang stroked his beard and said calmly, "Well, let them wait first. I'll see you later."

After the butler left, a hint of coldness flashed in Li Shanchang's eyes.

——These people are very good at changing their attitude according to the situation.

He picked up the teacup and took a sip slowly, his mind racing with thoughts:

"Lan Yu has returned, and the Huaixi Party has regained the emperor's favor. This is a good thing. But why did Ouyang Lun so readily provide Lan Yu with new firearms? What is he planning?"

——Is he really trying to help Lan Yu achieve his goal? Or is he doing something else?
Li Shanchang frowned slightly, put down his teacup, and muttered to himself: "Forget it, let's take it one step at a time. As long as Lan Yu wins this battle, the Huaixi Party will be able to gain a foothold. As for Ouyang Lun... I will slowly deal with him later."

Compared with Li Shanchang's profoundness, the middle and lower-level officials of the Huaixi Party did not hide their joy at all.

As soon as Zhao Degang, the Minister of War, returned to his residence, he could not wait to say to his wife, "Madam, please prepare some generous gifts. I am going to visit the Duke of Liang tomorrow!"

The wife asked in confusion: "Master, didn't you say a few days ago that we should have less contact with the Huaixi Party?"

Zhao De laughed loudly and said in a low voice: "Things are different now! General Lan has returned, and Your Majesty values ​​him so much. The Huaixi Party will surely make a comeback! If we don't show our loyalty now, when will we?"

The wife suddenly realized what had happened and quickly ordered the servants to prepare gifts.

At the same time, a censor from the Censorate was having a gathering with several colleagues in a restaurant.

"Brother Liu, I heard that you wrote a letter to impeach Lan Yu some time ago?" a colleague asked with a smile.

The Censor's face froze, and then he laughed dryly: "That's all misunderstanding, misunderstanding! Now that General Lan is going to fight for the country, we naturally have to support him with all our strength!"

Upon hearing this, everyone raised their glasses tacitly, and the atmosphere became lively.

As the night deepened, the Huaixi Party’s mansion was still brightly lit.

Duke Lan Yu of Liang stood in the courtyard, gazing at the sky full of stars, with a heart full of lofty sentiments.

"This time, I will definitely fight a good battle and make the Huaixi Party completely turn over! At the same time, I will also prove myself as Lan Yu!"

At dawn, the north wind was howling and flags were fluttering outside the camp outside the capital.

Lan Yu, dressed in military uniform, with a precious sword on his waist, rode with several of his sworn brothers and confidants. He looked from afar and saw that the 50,000-strong army had already formed up. The dark army array stood like an iron wall in the morning light, and a murderous aura was blowing in his face.

"Father, this..." The adopted son Lan Yong's eyes widened, his voice trembling, "Is this really our Ming army?"

Lan Yu did not answer immediately. He pulled the reins of his horse and scanned the army formation with his eyes like a hawk.

All 50,000 soldiers were wearing new uniforms, shiny helmets, and rifles were everywhere. The infantry formations were straight and level, the cavalry formations were neat and uniform, and even the horses were wearing new light vests, and they did not move in the cold wind. What was even more shocking was that no one in the entire army was talking to each other, and only the flags were rustling in the wind.

"What an iron army!" Lan Yu took a deep breath, his blood boiling. He had fought for half his life, but he had never seen such a disciplined Ming army.

The adopted son Lan Meng couldn't help but whispered: "Adoptive father, look at their firearms--"

Lan Yu looked in the direction he was looking and saw that in front of the army, three hundred new rifles were glowing with a cold metallic luster in the morning light, with long barrels and delicate structures. Further away, fifty portable artillery pieces were neatly arranged, with the barrels as black as ink, exuding a chilling deterrent force.

"The Prince Consort Ouyang Lun really didn't lie to us," Lan Yu muttered to himself, feeling shocked and confused. He originally thought that Ouyang Lun was just exaggerating, but he didn't expect that these new equipment were so sophisticated. (End of this chapter)