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

Facing Zhu Yuanzhang's questioning, Ouyang Lun calmly replied, "Your Majesty, it is reasonable for us to sell firearms to various princes. This was agreed upon at the beginning. The princes guard the foreign lands for the Ming Dynasty, so isn't it normal to build up the army!" "You can't say nothing when you make money, and then try to throw the blame on your son-in-law when something goes wrong!"

As soon as Ouyang Lun finished speaking, all the civil and military officials in the court held their breath, and even their breathing became barely audible.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on Zhu Yuanzhang, fearing that the ruthless emperor would fly into a rage in the next second and order Ouyang Lun to be dragged out and beheaded.

Li Shanchang stood at the head of the civil officials, his eyes twitching slightly, and the ivory tablet in his hand was almost cracked.

He cursed in his heart: "Ouyang Lun is simply courting death!" But then he thought, if Ouyang Lun was convicted today, perhaps it would weaken the power of the prince consort's party, which might not be a bad thing for him.

Zhu Biao's face changed, and he immediately stepped forward, clasping his hands and saying, "Father, the Prince Consort is outspoken and did not mean to offend..."

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his hand to stop Zhu Biao from speaking. His face was as dark as iron, his eyes were as sharp as knives, and he stared at Ouyang Lun, as if he wanted to see through his thoughts.

Ouyang Lun remained calm, even raising his chin slightly and looking at Zhu Yuanzhang without any hesitation.

The gold pocket watch in his hand turned gently, making a slight "click" sound, which was particularly clear in the silent hall.

One second, two seconds, three seconds...

Just when everyone thought Zhu Yuanzhang was about to fly into a rage, the old emperor suddenly grinned. His hoarse laughter revealed a bit of appreciation: "Good! Good Ouyang Lun! You are the first one in the whole court who dares to speak like this in front of us!"

The ministers were stunned and looked at each other.

Zhu Yuanzhang stood up, put his hands behind his back and paced for two steps, then suddenly turned to look at Ouyang Lun, a gleam in his eyes: "You are right, selling firearms to vassal kings is a business allowed by the court, we really can't blame you for everything that goes wrong."

Ouyang Lun smiled slightly, cupped his hands and said, "The Emperor is wise."

Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes and suddenly changed the subject: "However, the Xiang prince rebelled with the firearms of your company. You have to give us an explanation for this, right?"

Ouyang Lun took his time, pulled out a memorial from his sleeve, and presented it with both hands: "I have already found out that the firearms purchased by the King of Xiang were recorded in the account book as 'training weapons', which did not exceed the military quota of the princes. But the King of Xiang modified them privately and even intercepted the military train with the intention of rebellion. This matter is beyond my control."

Zhu Yuanzhang took the memorial, glanced at it quickly, and snorted coldly: "Little Twelve is quite courageous!"

Ouyang Lun's eyes flashed, and he suddenly lowered his voice and said, "Grand Emperor, I'm afraid there is someone behind the King of Xiang."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes suddenly became sharp: "Who?"

Ouyang Lun did not answer directly, but looked at Li Shanchang meaningfully, and said lightly: "In the rebellious manifesto of the Prince of Xiang, it was specifically mentioned that he wanted to 'clear the court'..."

Li Shanchang's face suddenly changed, and the tablet in his hand fell to the ground with a "bang".

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly turned his head and his eyes stabbed at Li Shanchang like a knife.

Inside the hall, the atmosphere once again became extremely tense.

At this moment, Ouyang Lun suddenly cupped his hands and said in a loud voice: "I request your permission to personally go south to quell the rebellion!"

Zhu Yuanzhang stared at him, silent for a moment, and suddenly laughed: "Okay! Ouyang Lun, I'll give you this chance!" He suddenly drew the sword from his waist and threw it at Ouyang Lun, "Here is the imperial sword. Within three months, we will see the results!"

Ouyang Lun caught the sword steadily, and a cold smile appeared on the corner of his mouth: "Your Majesty, I obey your order."

Inside the Fengtian Hall, the scent of sandalwood wafts through the air.

Zhu Yuanzhang stood in front of the window with his hands behind his back, looking at the gradually darkening dusk outside the palace, his brows furrowed. Zhu Biao stood aside, looking respectful, but also hesitant to speak.

After a while, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly said, "Biao'er, do you think we were too lenient with Ouyang Lun today?"

Zhu Biao was slightly stunned, then smiled and said, "Father is wise and has his own considerations."

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted, turned around, and stared at Zhu Biao with a sharp gaze: "Don't play tricks on me, kid! Do you also think that if someone else heard what Ouyang Lun said today, his head would have been moved long ago?"

Zhu Biao smiled bitterly and nodded, "I am indeed a little surprised, but...what my brother-in-law said is not entirely unreasonable."

Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes, slowly walked to the imperial desk, and tapped the table lightly with his fingers: "We don't kill him, not because he is right, but because what he said is useful."

Zhu Biao was startled: "Is it useful?"

Zhu Yuanzhang sneered: "This guy dared to confront me in front of the whole court today, just relying on two things - first, he really did not violate the rules, the sale of firearms is allowed by the court; second, he knows that I need him now."

Zhu Biao seemed to be thinking: "Father, what do you mean...about my twelfth brother?"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes: "Little Twelve's rebellion must have hidden reasons. Although he is arrogant, he is definitely not a reckless person, and he will not intercept the army or issue a letter for no reason."

Zhu Biao said quickly: "Father, please understand! My twelfth brother may have been confused for a moment and was bewitched by someone..."

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his hand to interrupt him: "Biao'er, you are too soft-hearted. Rebellion is rebellion, there is no such thing as 'momentary confusion'." He paused and spoke in a slower tone, "But you are right, there must be someone behind Xiao Twelve."

Zhu Biao hesitated for a moment and asked tentatively, "Father suspects... Li Shanchang?"

Zhu Yuanzhang did not answer directly, but said meaningfully: "Ouyang Lun's glance just now was not in vain."

Zhu Biao suddenly understood, but then he became a little confused: "But why did my brother-in-law volunteer to go and suppress the rebellion? He usually... doesn't seem to be keen on government affairs."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes suddenly fixed, and he slammed the table: "Something is wrong!"

Zhu Biao was startled: "Father, what's wrong?"

Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes and said slowly, "Biao'er, don't you find it strange? Ouyang Lun usually slacks off and avoids things, but today he is acting out of character and taking on this troublesome matter on his own initiative?"

Zhu Biao thought for a moment and nodded, "It is indeed abnormal... unless he has been prepared for it?"

Zhu Yuanzhang sneered: "This kid is very smart and never does anything he is not sure of. He dares to take this job, which means he has something in his hand."

Zhu Biao frowned: "Then why did the emperor let him go?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes flashed with a sharpness: "Because I also want to see what cards he has hidden!" He paused, and said in a grim tone, "If he does a good job, we will just pretend that what he did to me in public today never happened. If he fails..."

Zhu Biao's heart trembled, and he whispered, "Settling the old and new accounts together?"

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted and didn't answer, but his eyes said it all.

Zhu Biao was silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled and said, "Don't worry, Father. I believe my brother-in-law can handle it."

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at him and said, "You believe him." Zhu Biao said frankly, "Although my brother-in-law is flamboyant, he has never disappointed the court. This is the case with the railway, and I believe it will be no exception in suppressing the rebellion this time."

Zhu Yuanzhang stared at Zhu Biao for a long while, and suddenly sighed: "Biao'er, you are too kind." He turned and looked at the night outside the window, muttering, "I hope Ouyang Lun... won't let me down."

In the secret room of the Duke of Korea’s mansion.

The candlelight flickered, illuminating faces with different expressions. Lan Yu sat on the armchair with a big horse and a golden sword, tapping the armrest impatiently with his fingers, sneering: "Ouyang Lun, this kid, does he really think he is a big shot? He dared to challenge the emperor in the court, and volunteered to quell the rebellion? Ha, I think he is just afraid of dying!"

Huang Zicheng stroked his beard and smiled sinisterly, "The King of Xiang is no pushover. He has tens of thousands of elite soldiers under his command and has a favorable geographical location. Ouyang Lun is just a son-in-law and has never led an army. I'm afraid he will bring humiliation upon himself this time."

"It's better to make him fall flat on his face!" A Huaixi general slammed the table and stood up, "Then let's see how he ends up! The emperor can forgive him once, can he forgive him a second time?"

Everyone laughed and the atmosphere was lively, as if they had already seen the scene of Ouyang Lun being defeated and questioned.

Only Li Shanchang sat in the main seat, with a gloomy expression and said nothing.

Lan Yu glanced at him and grinned, "Old Prime Minister, why don't you say anything? Are you still afraid that Ouyang Lun will cause trouble?"

Li Shanchang slowly raised his eyes, his gaze swept across the crowd like a knife, and his voice was hoarse and cold: "You all underestimated Ouyang Lun."

The room suddenly became quiet.

"Over the years, who among you has seen through his tricks?" Li Shanchang sneered, "When the railway was built, how many people were waiting to see the joke? What happened? Now all the money in the Ming Dynasty is flowing into the railway! How many people impeached him for raising a tiger to cause trouble by selling firearms to the princes? What happened? The court's annual income doubled!"

Huang Zicheng frowned: "But this time is different, this is a major rebellion case"

"It is precisely because this is a major rebellion that we must be more cautious!" Li Shanchang slammed the table, causing the teacup to clink. "Do you think Ouyang Lun is a reckless man? The fact that he dared to take on this task means he was well prepared!"

Lan Yu was dissatisfied: "What preparations can he make?"

"You ask me?" Li Shanchang smiled grimly, "I don't know either. This is the most terrifying thing - until the last moment, you never know what card Ouyang Lun will play."

He slowly stood up, a gleam of light flashed in his cloudy old eyes: "Pass my words, all the old Huaixi people, stay in line during this period. Anyone who acts rashly..."

The words were not finished yet, but the chill had already made everyone shudder.

"Prime Minister, are we just going to stand by and watch?" Lan Yu asked unwillingly.

Li Shanchang turned and looked out the window. The night was as dark as ink. "Just wait. There will be a good show between the Prince of Xiang and Ouyang Lun."

A sinister smile appeared on his lips: "We just need to sit back and reap the benefits."

In the clan residence, Ouyang Lun’s study.

The candlelight was bright, the tea aroma was wafting. Ouyang Lun leaned back on the armchair, playing with the imperial sword bestowed by Zhu Yuanzhang, the blade gleaming coldly under the candlelight.

There were hurried footsteps outside the door, and then Guo Zi, Wu Jinzhi, Zhu Wenhai, Jiao Ren and other officials of the Prince Consort's Party came in one after another, all with solemn expressions.

"Your Highness!" Guo Zi couldn't help but speak as soon as he entered the room, his voice full of anxiety, "You are in the court today... It's really too risky!"

Wu Jinzhi followed suit and said, "Yes, Prince Consort! You know the temper of the Emperor. If he gets angry, the consequences will be disastrous!"

Ouyang Lun looked up at them, his lips slightly raised, still looking lazy: "Why, do you think the emperor will chop me down?"

Zhu Wenhai wiped the sweat from his forehead and whispered, "Prince Consort, we are not worrying too much, it's really... if it were someone else, ten heads wouldn't be enough to chop off for what you said today."

Jiao Ren was even more worried: "Prince Consort, the rebellion of the Prince of Xiang is already a difficult matter, and you took the initiative to take on this task. What if..."

"What if?" Ouyang Lun chuckled and sheathed the imperial sword with a clang. "Are you afraid that I can't deal with the King of Xiang?"

Everyone looked at each other, speechless for a moment.

Guo Zi sighed, "Son-in-law, the King of Xiang is not an ordinary prince. He has a deep foundation in Huguang, tens of thousands of elite soldiers under his command, and he has a geographical advantage. What's more, he dared to rebel openly this time, so he must have someone to rely on!"

"Rely on?" Ouyang Lun raised his eyebrows, smiling, "You mean... the people from Huaixi?"

Wu Jinzhi lowered his voice and said, "My dear Prince Consort, you can see clearly! Li Shanchang, that old fox, may appear calm on the surface, but he must be planning something behind the scenes!"

Ouyang Lun picked up the teacup, took a sip slowly, and then said, "You guys are just too nervous."

Everyone was stunned.

"The rebellion of the Prince of Xiang may seem to be fierce, but it is actually full of loopholes." Ouyang Lun put down his teacup, a gleam of light flashed in his eyes, "He intercepted the army, issued a manifesto, and caused a great disturbance in the city, but he couldn't even find a decent excuse. He could only talk about 'clearing the court' - what does this mean?"

Zhu Wenhai hesitated and said, "Does this mean...he is not well prepared?"

"No," Ouyang Lun shook his head, "It means the people behind him are not ready yet."

Jiao Ren suddenly realized: "What the Prince Consort means is... the Prince of Xiang is just a pawn that was pushed out?"

Ouyang Lun smiled but did not answer. He just pulled out a secret letter from his sleeve and threw it on the table: "Take a look."

Guo Zi quickly picked up the secret letter, glanced through it, and his face suddenly changed: "This... Zhou Ji, the chief historian of the Prince of Xiang's Palace, is actually Li Shanchang's disciple?!"

Ouyang Lun said calmly: "Zhou Ji has been lurking in the Prince of Xiang's mansion for many years. He personally drafted the rebellion manifesto of the Prince of Xiang this time."

Wu Jinzhi took a breath and said, "So, Li Shanchang is the real mastermind behind this?"

"Whether it is him or not, it is hard to say now." Ouyang Lun narrowed his eyes, "But since they want to play, then I will play a big game with them."

Everyone felt relieved, but still a little worried.

Guo Zi hesitated and said, "Son-in-law, how do you plan to deal with this? The King of Xiang is entrenched in Huguang. If we attack by force, I'm afraid there will be a lot of casualties..."

Ouyang Lun suddenly smiled, with a sly smile: "Who said I'm going to force an attack?"

He stood up, walked to the window, looked at the night in the distance, and whispered: "Doesn't the King of Xiang like to intercept military trains? Then I will send him another one."

Everyone was stunned. Before they could react, Ouyang Lun had already turned around, with a hint of coldness in his eyes: "But this time, what's loaded on the train... is not munitions."

"And the King of Xiang is familiar with me. If there is no special reason, he will never rebel." (End of this chapter)