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

Zhu Yuanzhang paced in the imperial garden with his hands behind his back, the early summer sun shining through the leaves onto the stone road.

Although the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty had abdicated and became the emperor emeritus, he still maintained the habit of inspecting the palace every day.

"Huh?" Old Zhu suddenly stopped and squinted his eyes looking at the flower garden in the distance.

Several eunuchs were pruning flower branches, their movements were more swift than anything he had ever seen before. What surprised him even more was that these eunuchs were not wearing the wide-sleeved robes commonly seen in the palace, but a type of short, narrow-sleeved clothing that he had never seen before.

"Go and call those servants over." Zhu Yuanzhang ordered the guards around him.

After a while, the three eunuchs knelt tremblingly in front of Zhu Yuanzhang, with their foreheads pressed against the ground. Their gray-blue short coats were tight to their bodies, with cuffs only reaching their wrists, cloth belts tied around their waists, and their trouser legs were tightly gathered, making them look neat and tidy.

"Raise your head." Zhu Yuanzhang said in a deep voice.

The leading eunuch raised his head tremblingly, his face pale: "Your servants, your servants pay their respects to the Emperor, you servants deserve to die"

"What's wrong with the clothes you are wearing?" Zhu Yuanzhang interrupted his apology.

The eunuch was stunned and stammered, "Reply, reply to the emperor, we feel that the sleeves of our clothes are too wide and they always get caught on branches when we work, so... so we changed the style of the clothes privately."

Zhu Yuanzhang reached out and tugged at the eunuch's sleeve, then walked around him again, his eyes gleaming with a gleam: "Who made this dress?"

"Yes, I changed it myself." The eunuch's voice became smaller and smaller, "Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

Unexpectedly, Zhu Yuanzhang burst into laughter: "Forgive me? Why should I punish you? This dress is well altered! Take it off and show it to me!"

The eunuchs looked at each other in bewilderment, but quickly took off their outer garments. Zhu Yuanzhang took the short coat with narrow sleeves, tried it on himself, and became more and more satisfied: "Good! Good! This coat saves fabric and is convenient for work. It is much better than those wide robes with big sleeves!"

He turned to the guards and said, "Reward each of them five taels of silver!" Then he said to the eunuchs, "Go, make me a few more sets of clothes like this and send them to the Taiyue Palace!"

The eunuchs were surprised and delighted, and they kowtowed repeatedly to express their gratitude. Zhu Yuanzhang could not wait to take the sample and strode towards the Taile Palace where Empress Ma lived.

"Sister! Girl! Come and see!" Zhu Yuanzhang shouted loudly as he entered the door, like a child who found a new toy.

Empress Ma was embroidering. Seeing her husband come in excitedly, she put down her needlework and smiled, "Chongba, what are you so happy about?"

Zhu Yuanzhang shook open the short shirt with narrow sleeves and said, "Look at this! This is something the eunuchs in the palace came up with!"

Empress Ma took the dress and examined it carefully. Her eyes gradually brightened: "This dress is really cleverly designed. The cuffs are narrow and the hem is short. It is indeed much more convenient to work."

"Is that so?" Zhu Yuanzhang rubbed his hands excitedly. "We just saw those eunuchs wearing these clothes pruning flower branches. They were so skillful! More than twice as fast as usual!"

Queen Ma nodded thoughtfully: "When ordinary people work, they are often burdened by loose clothes and big sleeves. If this kind of clothes is promoted..."

"That's exactly what I was thinking!" Zhu Yuanzhang slapped his thigh, "Sister, you are very skillful, make us a few more styles. We plan to ask the Ministry of Industry to produce a large number of them, first try them out in the army, and then promote them to the public."

A sly look flashed in Empress Ma's eyes: "Chongba, I can do it for you, but there is a condition."

"What conditions?" Zhu Yuanzhang looked at his wife warily.

"If this clothing becomes popular, your trading company must sell it. When you make money, give me half of it." Queen Ma said with a smile.

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes widened: "Half? You are too cruel!"

Empress Ma continued to embroider calmly: "Then you can find someone to do it yourself."

Zhu Yuanzhang paced a few steps in confusion, and suddenly his eyes lit up: "Well, you are responsible for designing the style, and I am responsible for production and sales. I will give you 30% of the profits!"

"Forty percent." Queen Ma said without even raising her head.

"Thirty-five percent! No more!" Zhu Yuanzhang gritted his teeth.

Queen Ma then raised her head and nodded with a smile: "Deal."

Although Zhu Yuanzhang felt sorry for the money, he could not help but get excited when he thought about the huge market after the promotion of this clothing: "We do this not only to make money, but also to liberate the people of Ming Dynasty! Those wide robes with big sleeves are useless except for looking good, and they also waste fabrics."

Queen Ma interrupted his chattering and said, "Alright, alright, I know you are doing this for the country and the people. Come, measure the size, and I will make a few sets for you to try first."

Just as Zhu Yuanzhang was being manipulated by Empress Ma like a puppet, he suddenly thought of something: "Oh, I have to discuss this matter with Biao'er and Ouyang Lun. Especially those stubborn people in the Ministry of Rites, they will definitely say something like 'violating the ancestral system'"

While recording the size, Empress Ma said, "You should try it on for a few days first. If you really like it, then you can tell me later."

Zhu Yuanzhang was impatient to wait: "No, the sooner the better. Come! Tell the emperor, Minister of Rites Lü Chang and his son-in-law Ouyang Lun to come to Taile Palace to discuss the matter tomorrow!"

The next morning, inside Taile Palace.

Zhu Biao sat in the main seat, while Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the armchair beside him. Lü Chang and Ouyang Lun stood on both sides. The atmosphere in the hall was a little subtle, because no one knew why the emperor suddenly summoned them.

"I called you here today because I have something to discuss." Zhu Yuanzhang got straight to the point. "We found a kind of short-sleeved shirt in the palace, which is very convenient. We plan to promote it throughout the country. What do you think?"

Zhu Biao looked at his father in surprise: "Father, are you saying that you want to change the clothing system?"

"That's right!" Zhu Yuanzhang took out a bundle from his side and shook out several sets of short clothes with narrow sleeves that Empress Ma had made overnight. "Look, these clothes are much better than the wide-sleeved robes we have now!"

A hint of joy flashed in Lu Chang's eyes. This was the result of his long-term plan with Ouyang Lun. But on the surface, he showed embarrassment: "Grand Emperor, this matter may not be easy. Clothing is the foundation of etiquette. If we want to change it, it will be opposed by the government and the public."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned: "What's so difficult about it? Good things should be promoted!"

Ouyang Lun interrupted at the right time: "Your Majesty, I think Lord Lu's concerns are reasonable. How about this? Instead of calling it 'reform clothing', we add a kind of 'work clothes', which are specially for farmers and craftsmen to wear when they are working. In daily occasions, they can still wear casual clothes. This way, it does not violate the etiquette and can also be convenient for the people."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes lit up: "Good idea! Let's do it!"

Zhu Biao also nodded in agreement: "Prince Consort Ouyang's proposal is very appropriate. We can first try it out in military settlements and government farms. If the effect is good, we can then promote it among the people."

Just as they were discussing the details, a eunuch outside the palace announced: "Your Majesty, Duke of Korea Li Shanchang and Duke of Liang Lan Yu request to see you." Zhu Biao glanced at Zhu Yuanzhang, and when he saw his father nod, he said, "Summon them."

After Li Shanchang and Lan Yu entered the palace and paid their respects, Li Shanchang's eyes were immediately attracted by the short-sleeved shirt on the table: "Your Majesty, this is..."

Zhu Yuanzhang said directly: "We plan to promote this kind of clothing as work clothes."

Li Shanchang's face suddenly changed: "Your Majesty! This is absolutely not allowed! Clothing is the basis of etiquette, how can it be easily changed? The Ming Dynasty Code clearly stipulates. "

"Rules are dead, but people are alive!" Zhu Yuanzhang interrupted him impatiently, "Look at how convenient this clothing is! How much effort can people save by wearing it while working?"

Li Shanchang insisted: "Your Majesty, loose clothes with big sleeves are the orthodoxy of China and symbolize the majesty of our Ming Dynasty. If you change to wearing short clothes with narrow sleeves like the Hu clothing, wouldn't it damage the dignity of the country?"

Lan Yu also chimed in, "I also think it's inappropriate. If the soldiers in the army wear this kind of clothes, how can we show the military might of the Ming Dynasty?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's face darkened, and he was about to get angry, but Ouyang Lun suddenly laughed and said, "Duke Han and Duke Liang are right. So the emperor is not going to abolish the daily clothes, but just add a special clothing for work. Just like soldiers have armor and officials have court clothes, each has its own use and does not conflict with each other."

Lu Chang also quickly added: "That's right. Farmers wear casual clothes when they are farming and craftsmen wear casual clothes when they are working, and they still wear regular clothes on other occasions. This does not violate the etiquette and can improve efficiency."

Li Shanchang was about to refute, but Zhu Biao had already spoken: "I think this proposal is very good. If the Duke of Han is worried about the etiquette, how about this - the Ministry of Rites formulates the "Regulations on Casual Clothes" to clearly define the occasions and styles of casual clothes?"

Faced with the unanimous opinion of the emperor, the emperor emeritus, and the two ministers, Li Shanchang knew that if he continued to oppose, he would only get himself into trouble. He forced a smile and said, "Your Majesty is wise. I will start to formulate regulations right away."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded with satisfaction: "Okay! It's settled. Lü Chang, you will be responsible for designing the style; Ouyang Lun, you will assist the Ministry of Industry in production; Biao'er, you will order a trial run in Yingtian Prefecture first."

Everyone followed the order and left. When only the father and son were left in the hall, Zhu Biao couldn't help but ask, "Father, why are you suddenly interested in clothes?"

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled mysteriously: "Biao'er, remember, governing a country requires not only managing major issues, but also paying attention to these small matters. Only when the people are convenient can the country be prosperous. Besides," he lowered his voice, "if this clothing is promoted, our trading company will make a lot of money again!"

Zhu Biao didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "Father, what are you doing?"

"What? The emperor can't do business?" Zhu Yuanzhang said confidently, "The money we earn is used for you, the emperor!"

Just as the father and son were chatting and laughing, Ouyang Lun came back and said, "Grand Emperor, Your Majesty, I have something else to report."

"Say." Zhu Yuanzhang was in a good mood.

Ouyang Lun said respectfully: "I think that promoting new clothing requires role models. Why not ask the Emperor and His Majesty to be the first to appear in public in casual clothes to set an example."

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his eyebrows: "You kid want me to be your signboard?"

Ouyang Lun waved his hand quickly: "I dare not. But the people value the example set by their superiors."

"Okay, okay," Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile, "Okay! When Queen Ma makes my clothes, I'll wear them for you to see!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was about to turn around and leave, but Ouyang Lun stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I have something else to report."

"Speak." Zhu Yuanzhang was in a good mood and waved his hand.

Ouyang Lun's eyes flashed with a shrewd light: "Once this narrow-sleeved short coat is promoted, the demand will definitely be huge, and it must be a huge market. I am worried that some unscrupulous merchants will sell inferior products as good ones and ruin the reputation of this narrow-sleeved short coat. How to sell it must be discussed in advance."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned when he heard this. Although he was a shrewd businessman, he relied more on the royal privileges to monopolize the business and had no clear concept of market norms. He touched his chin and thought for a moment: "What do you mean?"

"I suggest setting up a 'clothing trading license' system." Ouyang Lun was well prepared and spoke eloquently, "Only merchants with licenses can sell this kind of official casual clothing. If there is a problem, the license owner will be held responsible."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes lit up: "This is a good idea! How can I get a license?"

Ouyang Lun smiled and held up three fingers: "It's very simple. There are three thresholds: first, there must be a production plant to ensure independent production; second, there must be a sales outlet of its own, not a street stall; third, it must reach a certain scale to ensure stable quality."

At this point, Ouyang Lun paused deliberately, with a sly look in his eyes: "The most important thing is to support fair competition and not allow one company to dominate the market."

Zhu Yuanzhang was very smart and immediately understood the hidden meaning. He narrowed his eyes and stared at Ouyang Lun with a smile: "You kid, don't you want to do this business too?"

Ouyang Lun met Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze calmly, with a faint smile on his face: "It's fair competition! Although I am the son-in-law of the emperor, I am also a citizen of the Ming Dynasty, so I naturally have the right to participate."

The atmosphere in the hall was stagnant for a moment. Zhu Biao looked at the two nervously, fearing that his father would be angry. Unexpectedly, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly raised his head and laughed, and the laughter shook the dust on the beams to fall.

"Good! What a fair competition!" Zhu Yuanzhang clapped his hands and exclaimed, "Ouyang Lun, Ouyang Lun, I just like your unwillingness to admit defeat!"

He strode up to Ouyang Lun, his eyes sparkling with excitement at meeting a worthy opponent: "Then let's compete to see whose short-sleeved coat sells better!"

Ouyang Lun bowed his hands in a neither humble nor arrogant manner: "I will do my best to live up to the expectations of the Emperor."

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly lowered his voice, with a bit of cunning: "But, I have the advantage of the Royal Trading Company, aren't you afraid?"

Ouyang Lun also lowered his voice and responded: "The emperor has the Royal Trading Company, and I have the newly developed textile machinery from the Ministry of Industry. It depends on our ability."

The two smiled at each other, and there was a sense of mutual appreciation. Zhu Biao was stunned watching from the side. He had never seen his father discuss business with others on such an equal footing.

"Biao'er," Zhu Yuanzhang turned to his son and said, "Let's do as Ouyang Lun said. You issue an order to establish a license system, and the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue will jointly draft the details."

Zhu Biao quickly responded: "I obey your order."

Zhu Yuanzhang said to Ouyang Lun: "In three days, bring the textile machinery you mentioned to my imperial farm. I want to see it with my own eyes."

"I obey your command." Ouyang Lun bowed, a gleam of confidence in his eyes.

After Ouyang Lun left, Zhu Biao could not help but ask, "Father, do you really want Ouyang Lun to compete with the Royal Trading Company?"

Zhu Yuanzhang stroked his beard and said meaningfully: "Biaoer, governing a country is like doing business. No one can dominate. Only with competition can there be progress. Besides," his eyes flashed, "I want to see what surprises this kid can give me!" (End of this chapter)