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

This rhetorical question hit the nail on the head. Li Shanchang was speechless for a moment, his face flushed.

Seeing this, Zhu Biao quickly tried to smooth things over: "You two dear ministers are both thinking about the country, there is no need to argue."

Ouyang Lun continued to press the matter: "Your Majesty, I have something to add. We can set up a 'Da Ming Construction Company' to specialize in government-run projects. The parallel operation of commercial and government-run projects, and their competition with each other, can better guarantee quality and efficiency."

Minister of Industry Shan Anren said excitedly: "Great idea! This way, the court can control the overall situation and also make use of the power of merchants!"

Seeing that the situation was not favorable, Li Shanchang suddenly changed the subject: "Although the proposal of the Prince Consort is good, I am worried about what the Prince of Yan will think?"

The atmosphere in the palace suddenly tensed. Everyone understood that this was a hint that Ouyang Lun and the King of Yan were too close.

Ouyang Lun's eyes flashed coldly, and then he returned to normal: "The Duke is worrying too much. The construction of the new city will benefit the country and the people. As a vassal king, His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan should give his full support."

He turned to Zhu Biao and said meaningfully: "Unless someone does not want to see the Ming Dynasty prosper."

Li Shanchang's face turned pale: "You!"

Zhu Biao slammed the table and said, "Enough!"

The hall was suddenly silent. Zhu Biao took a deep breath and said in a deep voice: "I have made up my mind about the strategy of the new city. The first batch of three pilot cities will be fully responsible by the prince consort. The Duke is old, so there is no need to worry about it."

This last sentence was equivalent to directly depriving Li Shanchang of his right to participate. The old Duke's face turned pale, and his hands kept shaking in his sleeves.

Ouyang Lun bowed deeply and said, "I obey your order."

Li Shanchang's eyes flashed with a hint of viciousness, and he suddenly stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty! This railway new city plan was proposed by the Prince Consort. Since Your Majesty also agrees, I, this old minister, naturally have no objection, but I, this old minister, still has one thing unclear!"

After saying this, Li Shanchang looked at Ouyang Lun meaningfully.

Zhu Biao raised his hand slightly tiredly: "Please speak, Duke."

Li Shanchang pointed his skinny finger at Ouyang Lun and asked, "What is the intention of the Prince Consort proposing to set up the 'Da Ming Construction Bank'?"

Upon hearing this, all the ministers in the hall held their breath.

Ouyang Lun raised his eyebrows slightly, but remained calm: "What do you mean by this, Duke?"

Li Shanchang sneered and took out a document from his sleeve: "It is well known that Prince Consort Ouyang is quite experienced in business. You started your business by opening a silver cabinet. I have found out that the 'Kaiping Silver Cabinet' under your name has been buying up money houses and pawnshops in various places over the years. It has long been the largest silver cabinet in the entire Ming Dynasty. Now you want to set up the Ming Construction Bank. Could it be that you want to use the name of the court to make money?"

"In my opinion, Prince Consort Ouyang is using the court's money to fill his own pockets!"

As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar in the hall.

Zhu Biao's eyes fixed on Ouyang Lun: "Brother-in-law, is this true?"

Ouyang Lun looked calm as he slowly took out a memorial from his arms: "Your Majesty, I was just about to report this matter."

The eunuch quickly presented the memorial.

Ouyang Lun looked around at the ministers and said in a clear voice: "It is true that Kaiping Silver Cabinet under my name has acquired many money houses and pawnshops, but these are just normal business activities. And what happened with Kaiping Silver Cabinet is no different from that of Ming Construction Bank, right?"

Li Shanchang sneered: "Sweet words and flattering appearance!"

Ouyang Lun said calmly: "The deeds, account books, and transaction-related accounts of these banks are all recorded and the court can check them at any time."

He turned to Zhu Biao and bowed deeply: "I propose that the Ming Construction Bank be fully controlled by the court, and I will never interfere in the slightest."

Li Shanchang narrowed his eyes: "No evidence!"

Ouyang Lun rolled his eyes at Li Shanchang and said slowly, "What Lord Han said is really funny. The court controls the Ming Construction Bank. What kind of proof do you need me to provide? If I need a proof, Lord Han, do you also need to provide one to prove that you will not interfere with the Ming Construction Bank?"

This move shocked the whole audience.

Zhu Biao waved his hands quickly: "Brother-in-law, why do you have to do this? How could I not believe you?"

"That's enough, Mr. Korea!"

Li Shanchang quickly said, "Your Majesty, I am devoted to the country and have no selfish motives. I am really worried that some people will use the economy to hold the court hostage in the future!"

The Minister of Finance Guo Zi suddenly stepped out and said, "Your Majesty, I can testify! The Prince Consort has never touched the bank vaults controlled by the court. Everything is done in accordance with the court's regulations."

The Minister of Industry, Shan Anren, also stepped forward and said, "I can testify to this. The Prince Consort has repeatedly stressed that the Construction Bank must be controlled by the imperial court."

Li Shanchang's face became increasingly ugly as he saw his ministers taking sides.

Ouyang Lun said calmly: "Your Majesty, the Construction Bank uses funds for specific purposes, and all accounts are open and transparent. Every loan requires the joint signatures of the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Works, and the Censorate."

After saying that, Ouyang Lun deliberately glanced at Li Shanchang and said indifferently: "Are you satisfied with this arrangement, Duke?"

Li Shan clenched his fists tightly in his sleeves, his knuckles turning white. "Hmph! That's easy to say! Who knows what mistakes will happen in actual operation!"

Ouyang Lun suddenly chuckled: "The Duke does not trust the court officials so much, does he think that His Majesty is not good at employing people?"

This counterattack hit the vital point directly.

Li Shanchang's face changed drastically, and he hurriedly bowed to Zhu Biao: "This old minister has absolutely no such intention!"

Zhu Biao's face darkened slightly: "Okay! There is no need to discuss this matter any further. The silver cabinet will be built according to what the prince consort said, and it will be directly under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Revenue."

Ouyang Lun saluted lazily: "Your Majesty is wise."

Li Shanchang's eyes flashed with resentment, but he had to bow his head: "I obey your order."

Zhu Biao seemed to want to ease the atmosphere, and said in a gentle voice: "The Duke is old, so you should take care of your health. Let the young people worry about these specific matters."

This may sound caring, but in reality it is a sign of power reduction.

Li Shanchang's face muscles twitched, and he forced a smile: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration."

Ouyang Lun changed the subject at the right time: "Your Majesty, regarding the location of the new city, I suggest giving priority to the transportation hub."

Minister of Industry Shan Anren quickly agreed: "I second the proposal! We can first pilot it in Baoding, Zhending and Jinan."

The court meeting then turned to specific planning, but everyone could sense that undercurrents were surging in the hall.

When leaving the court, Li Shanchang deliberately lagged behind by a few steps and walked side by side with Ouyang Lun.

He lowered his voice and said sinisterly: "The Prince Consort is very cunning."

Ouyang Lun looked straight ahead and whispered in the same voice: "Duke, you are too kind. I am just thinking about the Ming Dynasty."

Li Shanchang sneered: "Haha, your Majesty is wholeheartedly thinking about the Ming Dynasty, but some people may not be so. Your Majesty also has times when you fail to judge people."

After speaking, he walked away.

Ouyang Lun looked at Li Shanchang's receding back, a trace of doubt flashed in his eyes, "What does this old guy mean by saying this?"

"Whatever. It's normal for an old man who is about to be buried to say some strange things."

Ouyang Lun did not think much about Li Shanchang's words. After all, Li Shanchang had gone crazy more than once or twice. "That's not right. Li Shanchang just mentioned the Prince of Yan. Could it be that the Prince of Yan, Zhu Di, is going to do something weird?"

"That shouldn't be the case. Now that Zhu Biao has successfully inherited the throne, Zhu Di should not have such thoughts."

Three days later, in the Imperial Study

Zhu Biao held a red pen and wrote the words "approved" on the memorial, then looked up at Ouyang Lun who was standing in front of the desk.

"Brother-in-law, I have seen the plans for the three new cities of Baoding, Zhending and Jinan. They are indeed ingenious." Zhu Biao nodded slightly, "However, I still have one thing I am worried about."

Ouyang Lun said respectfully: "Your Majesty, please speak."

Zhu Biao put down his brush and sighed, "The construction of the new city is very expensive. Although there are bank loans and land auctions, if merchants wait and see and the capital turnover is not smooth, what should we do?"

Ouyang Lun was well prepared and answered calmly: "Your Majesty, rest assured. I have already spread the word that the land in the new city will be given priority to businesses that have invested in the railway. Since these merchants have already made profits from the railway, they naturally don't want to miss out on the fat piece of meat in the new city."

Zhu Biao's eyes flashed with approval: "I see. My brother-in-law wants them to be unable to stop."

Ouyang Lun smiled slightly: "Merchants pursue profits. As long as they can see the benefits, they will naturally rush to pay money."

Zhu Biao suddenly lowered his voice: "What about Li Shanchang?"

Ouyang Lun's expression became serious: "Although Duke Han is unwilling, His Majesty has made a clear decision, and he dare not object openly. However..."

He paused for a moment and continued, "I am worried that he will secretly make trouble, such as delaying the reform of the grain transport system or instigating local officials to respond passively."

Zhu Biao snorted coldly: "He dares!"

Ouyang Lun quickly bowed his hands and said, "Your Majesty, please calm down. I have ordered people to keep a close eye on the actions of the Canal Transport Office. If there is any unusual movement, it must be reported immediately."

Zhu Biao nodded: "I am at ease with you doing the job."
-
Half a month later, outside Baoding City
Wang Tiechui stood on the newly designated railway new city construction site, looking at the bustling construction scene in the distance, feeling both excited and nervous.

"This move by the Prince Consort is really brilliant," he sighed in a low voice, "The land has not even been officially auctioned yet, and those businesses have already rushed to advance funds to start construction."

The head of the Ministry of Works beside him laughed and said, "Lord Wang, you don't know that the Prince Consort has already spread the news that whoever advances the money first will have priority in choosing the land. Which of these merchants is not smart? Naturally, they are vying for the first place."

Wang Tiechui wiped the sweat from his forehead and thought: "The Prince Consort knows the minds of merchants very well. However, the scale of this project is so large, what if something goes wrong?"

While I was thinking, I heard a commotion in the distance.

"What's going on?" Wang Tiechui frowned and looked over.

A group of yamen runners came over with a few ragged men. The leading runner shouted, "We have arrested a few troublemakers! They incited the workers to slack off, saying that 'building a new city is a waste of money and labor!'"

Wang Tiechui's heart tightened: "Sure enough, someone is causing trouble!"

He stepped forward quickly and asked sternly, "Who ordered you to do this?"

Those ruffians lowered their heads and said nothing.

The officer kicked him and cursed, "My Lord, are you deaf when I ask you questions?"

One of them finally looked up, with a sly look in his eyes: "No one ordered us to do this. We just think that building this useless new city is a sheer waste of manpower!"

Wang Tiechui sneered: "Take him away! Interrogate him thoroughly!"

After the police escorted the people away, the head of the Ministry of Works came over and whispered, "Master Wang, this is not a simple matter. These ruffians have accents like those from Southern Zhili."

Wang Tiechui narrowed his eyes: "Nanzhili? Isn't that Li Shanchang's hometown?"

The two looked at each other, understanding each other tacitly.
-
That night, at the clan residence.

Under the candlelight, Ouyang Lun tapped the table lightly with his fingers after listening to Wang Tiechui's report.

"Sure enough, they are starting to trip me up." He sneered, "But their methods are too low-brow."

Wang Tiechui was worried: "Sir, should I report this to His Majesty?"

Ouyang Lun shook his head: "This is just a small matter, there is no need to disturb the emperor. Go to the Censorate tomorrow to find Lord Wu and tell him that I want him to send a few censors to 'inspect' the Canal Transport Office."

Wang Tiechui's eyes lit up: "Great! Li Shanchang is in charge of the grain transport, let's check the accounts of the grain transport!"

Ouyang Lun picked up the teacup and took a sip: "Remember, you have to investigate it 'aboveboard'."

Wang Tiechui understood: "I understand! We must let everyone know that the censor was ordered by the prince consort to check the accounts!"

Ouyang Lun nodded with satisfaction: "Go ahead."

"Also, don't come to report trivial matters like this so late at night. Either solve them yourself, or wait until the next day when I'm well slept, and then come back!"

"Uh" Wang Tiechui was embarrassed. He originally thought that this was a big deal, but he didn't expect that it was a trivial matter in the heart of the prince consort. The prince consort was indeed extraordinary!

"Yes, yes, I understand!" Wang Tiechui nodded repeatedly.

"Forget the rules here. When you have time, go find Zhou Bao and ask him for advice." Ouyang Lun wanted to explain the rules to Wang Tiechui, after all, he was a newcomer, but he was too lazy to do it. "Okay, it's late, you can leave. I want to go to bed!"

"Yes! I will take my leave."

Wang Tiechui bowed and withdrew, having already made up his mind to seek out Zhou Bao to learn from him.
-
Three days later, the Caoyun Yamen
Wu Jingzhi, the censor of the Censorate, brought a team of clerks and entered the grain transport office with great fanfare to check the accounts.

The governor of the Grand Canal turned pale, but he did not dare to stop him. He could only smile and said, "Master Wu, what do you mean?"

Censor Wu smiled wryly: "It's just a routine inspection. What's wrong, Governor? Are you feeling guilty?"

The governor of the Grand Canal was sweating on his forehead: "How dare I. But, does Lord Han know about this?"

Censor Wu snorted coldly: "I am following the emperor's orders! What? Duke Hanguo is more powerful than the emperor? Without Duke Hanguo's consent, I can't enter the gate of your Canal Transport Office?"

"If that's the case, then I'm even more interested."

The Governor of the Grand Canal was suddenly silent, as he knew that Censor Wu was not someone to be trifled with.

The news soon reached Li Shanchang's ears.

"boom!"

Li Shanchang slammed his palm on the table, causing the teacup to jump up: "How dare Ouyang Lun find out about me!"

The staff member said cautiously: "Please calm down, Duke. The account..."

Li Shanchang's face was gloomy: "Of course there is no problem with the account. But this is clearly a warning to me!"

He paced for a while, and suddenly sneered: "Since he wants to play, I will play big with him! Go, deliver a letter to Prince Yan's Mansion!"

The staff was shocked: "Duke! This..."

Li Shanchang's eyes flashed with a hint of ruthlessness: "Isn't Ouyang Lun close to the King of Yan? I want to see if he can still be so proud when the King of Yan becomes his 'stumbling block'!"
-
(End of this chapter)