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

"Does Father Emperor call Ouyang brother-in-law at this time because he wants to borrow money?"

"That's not right. If Father Emperor wants to see Brother-in-law Ouyang, he could simply have Eunuch Wang go and fetch him. Why did he have to make me go and fetch him?"

Zhu Biao asked curiously.

Cough
Faced with Zhu Biao's question, Zhu Yuanzhang coughed twice, somewhat embarrassed.

At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang himself felt uneasy.

At this moment, Wang Zhong spoke up: "Your Majesty, I have already invited Prince Consort Ouyang, but he has made various excuses not to come."

"The Emperor Emeritus had no other choice but to do this."

"Nonsense, we have no way out at all. We're just worried that if we invite this kid so many times, he'll get arrogant!"

Zhu Yuanzhang immediately retorted.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao's lips curled up. He naturally understood that his father was afraid of losing face.

"In that case, I will personally go to the Imperial Clan Court and invite my brother-in-law Ouyang over."

Zhu Biao nodded and continued, "However, Father, I must make this clear: if my brother-in-law Ouyang really comes, you'd better be polite!"

"After all, they came because of my son. If we completely offend my brother-in-law Ouyang Lun this time, we don't know how many tricks we would have to use to invite Ouyang Lun in the future."

Hearing Zhu Biao's words, Zhu Yuanzhang was somewhat unwilling, after all, he was the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty and now the retired emperor!

She actually had to try to please her son-in-law!
But he still nodded, "Okay, okay, we'll do whatever you say, as long as Ouyang Lun comes here today."

"We promise we won't lose our temper, and we'll definitely discuss this properly with Ouyang Lun!"

"Biao'er, you'd better hurry up and go. Every night you spend some time there, your father is losing a lot of money!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will go right away!"

Zhu Biao rarely saw Zhu Yuanzhang in such a hurry, and he couldn't delay any longer, so he turned around and left Taile Palace, heading to the Imperial Clan Court next door.

Taile Palace and the Imperial Clan Court are next to each other.

So Zhu Biao arrived at the Imperial Clan Court very quickly. When the servants of the Imperial Clan Court saw that it was Emperor Zhu Biao, they all hurriedly knelt down and paid their respects.

"No gift!"

"Is Brother-in-law Ouyang at home?!"

Zhu Biao asked gently.

"Your Majesty, my master is currently fishing!"

The maidservant quickly answered.

"Fishing again?"

"Then I must go and take a look." Without waiting for a maid to lead the way, Zhu Biao headed towards the Imperial Clan Court Garden with practiced ease.

Sure enough, Ouyang Lun was seen fishing by the lake in the garden.

"Brother-in-law."

"Shh!"

Just as Zhu Biao was about to speak, Ouyang Lun turned his head and made a shushing gesture.

Zhu Biao was not angry about this. Instead, he decisively shut up and then dismissed Xiao Li and the guards who were following behind him.

Finally, he picked up a small stool and sat down next to Ouyang Lun.

As soon as I sat down, the lake surface stirred.

Then Ouyang Lun caught a large, fat carp.

"Ha ha!"

"Your Majesty, you are truly our lucky star! As soon as you arrive, fish take the bait!"

I was in a pretty good mood because I caught a fish.

"I didn't help much; it was mainly because my brother-in-law is such a skilled fisherman."

Zhu Biao said with a smile.

"Fishing skills are useless, it's all about luck!"

"That Zhou Bao guy, I don't know if he saved the galaxy in his past life, he always comes back with a full catch every time he goes fishing!"

"I'm an old-timer fishing boat!"

"If you hadn't come today, I probably would have been out of commission again!"

Ouyang Lun said irritably.

"Oh, Your Majesty, why have you come to see me at this hour? Is there something else that needs your attention?"

"Ahem, I'm fine, it's just that my father wants to see you and would like you to come over!"

Zhu Biao said with a smile.

"Ouch!"

"This retired emperor is really something, actually letting you teach me personally!"

Ouyang Lun waved his hand, "It's definitely not good news, I'm not going!"

"When Your Majesty returns, tell the Emperor Emeritus that I am ill, very ill, and about to die."

"Brother-in-law, you don't look seriously ill!" Zhu Biao said with a wry smile, "Brother-in-law, please do me a favor for my sake!"

"Father really has something to ask you, and only you can solve it!"

Ha ha.

Ouyang Lun smiled and said, "You and your son have said this to me countless times!"

"I admit that I, Ouyang Lun, am capable, but I really can't take this kind of exploitation from you!"

"Brother-in-law, this problem is really simple for you! I guarantee it!"

Zhu Biao quickly replied.

"Simple?!" Ouyang Lun's eyes darted around, and he said with a smile, "If Your Majesty could tell me what it is, I might consider it!"

"This..." Zhu Biao hesitated, "My father instructed me not to do it ahead of schedule."

"In that case, there's nothing more to say. Your Majesty, please return. I suddenly feel very uncomfortable in my chest and will probably need to rest for a while."

As he spoke, Ouyang Lun reached out and covered his chest, making a gesture of great pain.

"Brother-in-law, I'll tell you now!"

Seeing this, Zhu Biao knew that if he didn't make things clear to Ouyang Lun today, he definitely wouldn't be able to persuade him.

So Zhu Biao told Ouyang Lun about how Zhu Yuanzhang lost money in the massage and foot bath business.

What! ?

After hearing this, Ouyang Lun was taken aback at first, and then couldn't help but laugh.

"Ha ha!"

Ouyang Lun burst into laughter.

"Your Majesty, are you saying that the Emperor Emeritus didn't listen to my advice and actually went and started making massage foot bath tubs? And ended up losing a lot of money?!"

"That's roughly it, but Father didn't tell me the specifics." Zhu Biao said helplessly, "I can understand Father, brother-in-law, you are the best businessman in the Ming Dynasty."

"My father is competitive and naturally wanted to beat you, but I didn't expect this."

"I have already told you about this, but you must pretend you don't know anything about it later. Besides, this matter should be very simple for you!"

"Father was already in a bad mood when the nobles of Huaixi retired to their hometowns. This incident has only worsened his mood. The imperial physician told me that although Father looks healthy, he is actually quite fragile!"

"Brother-in-law, you can't just ignore this!"

Upon hearing Zhu Biao's words, Ouyang Lun also stopped smiling and nodded, "Of course I know about this."

"In that case, I'll accompany His Majesty on this trip!"

"However, I am sure I have a solution, but I'm afraid the Emperor Emeritus won't listen to me."

Seeing Ouyang Lun nod in agreement, Zhu Biao nodded repeatedly, "I will definitely listen, brother-in-law, don't worry!"

"Didn't I advise him last time? If the Emperor Emeritus had listened, this wouldn't have happened."

Ouyang Lun rolled his eyes.

Zhu Biao was a little embarrassed.

"Alright, alright! The Emperor Emeritus is still our father-in-law, we can't just stand by and watch him die!" "Besides, he's losing money I gave him."

"Let's go."

Then Ouyang Lun and Zhu Biao arrived at Taile Palace.

When Ouyang Lun stepped into the hall, Zhu Yuanzhang had already arranged for a table full of food to be prepared.

"My dear son-in-law has arrived!" Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile, "Come, come, have a seat!"

"If you hadn't come soon, the food would have gotten cold. It's just right now!"

Forehead.
Knowing that Zhu Yuanzhang was asking for his help, he held Zhu Yuanzhang's current behavior in utter contempt.

Old Zhu is a typical example of someone who favors those he employs and dismisses those he doesn't.

But don't hit someone who smiles at you.

Not to mention the smiling face of the retired Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Brother-in-law." Zhu Biao gave Ouyang Lun a look, his eyes pleading.

Ouyang Lun took a deep breath and forced a smile, "The Emperor Emeritus has prepared such a lavish feast; I am truly humbled and honored!"

"Haha!" Zhu Yuanzhang was very satisfied with Ouyang Lun's reaction and immediately said with a smile, "It's been a long time since we, father-in-law and son-in-law, have sat down to chat and drink like this!"

"It's a rare opportunity today, and since Biao'er is here too, let's have a meal and chat!"

As Zhu Yuanzhang spoke, he gestured for Ouyang Lun and Zhu Biao to sit down.

"Brother-in-law, since it is Father Emperor's hospitality, let's sit down and talk!"

Zhu Biao also extended an invitation.

"it is good."

Ouyang Lun nodded and sat down with Zhu Biao.

After the three of them sat down, they began to eat and drink.

After three rounds of drinking.

"Your Majesty, you have summoned your son-in-law here today, surely there is something important to discuss?"

Seeing that Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent, Ouyang Lun asked him directly.

"Hehe, there is indeed something I need my son-in-law's help with!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was wondering how to bring it up, but Ouyang Lun asked him first, saving him the trouble of thinking about it.

"My dear son-in-law, here's what happened."

Then Zhu Yuanzhang told Ouyang Lun again about how he lost money investing in massage foot bath tubs.

Compared to Zhu Biao, Zhu Yuanzhang obtained more detailed information.

"My dear son-in-law, here's the thing: our massage foot bath is both beautiful and practical, and it's made of the finest rosewood. Why is no one buying it?"

"Moreover, we also had people place ads in major newspapers and magazines, so we were always on the front page and headlines!"

"As a result, apart from a few sold on the first day of opening, not a single one has been sold since!"

“We’re losing money every day now! Even more than the last time we made clothes. The million you gave us is almost gone.”

"If this continues, we'll be crippled!"

As Zhu Yuanzhang spoke, he took out a foot massage tub.

"My dear son-in-law, please take a look and see what's wrong!"

"To be honest, we don't even make much profit selling these foot massage tubs for 100 taels each."

After saying that, Zhu Yuanzhang stared at Ouyang Lun with wide eyes.

Ouyang Lun found it somewhat amusing to see Zhu Yuanzhang holding the massage foot bath tub with a wronged expression.

"Your Majesty, I think this bucket of yours is a fine piece, but the price is..."

Ouyang Lun frowned slightly.

"Is it too expensive?" Zhu Yuanzhang gritted his teeth and said, "If we can sell them all, we can halve the price of these wooden barrels!"

"Losing half is better than losing it all!"

However, Ouyang Lun shook his head, "Your Majesty, you have misunderstood what I meant. What I meant was that you sold it too cheaply!"

"If I were to set the price, I would set it at one thousand taels per bucket. That's the price for a regular bucket. The more expensive ones would be priced at ten thousand taels or even one hundred thousand taels!"

Um! ?

Ah this! ?
Upon hearing Ouyang Lun's words, Zhu Yuanzhang and his son Zhu Biao were completely dumbfounded.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"Brother-in-law, you...you must be joking!" Zhu Biao quickly reminded him, "Father is already heartbroken enough because of this, brother-in-law, please don't tease him."

"We can't even sell it for a hundred taels, let alone a thousand or ten thousand taels!"

Zhu Yuanzhang's smile vanished, and he looked at Ouyang Lun with a disgruntled expression. "Ouyang Lun, if you're here to laugh at us, just say so!"

"You can refuse to help us, but don't humiliate us!!"

Ouyang Lun shook his head helplessly, "Your Majesty, the prejudices in people's hearts are like a mountain!"

"I didn't tease the Emperor Emeritus at all, nor did I intend to humiliate him!"

"I'm telling the truth. If you want to sell this barrel, you have to do as I say!"

Upon hearing Ouyang Lun's certain words, Zhu Yuanzhang and his son Zhu Biao exchanged a glance.

"Father, why don't we listen to my brother-in-law? Perhaps he really has a solution!"

Zhu Biao quickly spoke up.

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at Ouyang Lun, thought for a moment, and then nodded.

Now, apart from Ouyang Lun, there is no one else who can help him. Just listen to what he says; it won't hurt.

"Ouyang Lun, then tell us! If you're spouting nonsense, we won't let you off easily!"

"Good Le!"

Ouyang Lun nodded, "If the Emperor Emeritus wants to revive this wooden barrel business, then he needs to do a good job of promotion!"

“Publicity? We’ve been doing it all along!” Zhu Yuanzhang said. “We’ve been placing ads in newspapers and magazines, and we’ve also been sending people out on the streets to promote it!”

"But all of this was done, and it was all for naught; nobody still bought it!"

"That's because Your Majesty, you started off with the wrong propaganda!" Ouyang Lun asked with a smile, "How did Your Majesty conduct your propaganda?"

"Is that even a question? Of course, we're going to tell everyone about the benefits of this massage tub!"

"You can enjoy massage services at home!"

"No, no!" Ouyang Lun shook his head. "This thing is called a massage tub. You can tell what it's for just by the name."

"This doesn't need any advertising at all!"

"The real advertisement claims it's a great gift for elders or superiors!"

Um! ?

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao were taken aback at first, then their eyes lit up slightly.

"Since it's a gift of one thousand taels of silver, it's naturally not expensive."

“You can’t expect a lot of people to buy it from the start, so you have to hire some shills to make it seem like it’s a hot seller.”

"Isn't this a lie!" Zhu Yuanzhang muttered.

"No, this is called attracting customers. Our products are genuine and of high quality, and buying and selling are voluntary!"

"If you see a store that's selling like hotcakes, wouldn't you be curious too?"

Ouyang Lun said with a smile.

"That's true," Zhu Yuanzhang nodded. "Anything else?"

"Also, you need to find more celebrities, such as officials and other famous people, to use this product and get them to praise and recommend it!"

"Also, it can't be supplied in unlimited quantities, to highlight its scarcity."

"We can also launch customized versions, commemorative versions, and so on later."

As Zhu Yuanzhang listened to Ouyang Lun's words, his eyes grew brighter and brighter.
(P.S.: This book is nearing completion. My new book, "Three Kingdoms: Starting Out as Cao Cao's Son-in-Law," has already started updating. Please check it out! Thank you all for your continued support!!) (End of Chapter)