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

On the execution ground, the executioner's dagger gleamed coldly in the sunlight.

Li Shanchang was led to the center of the execution platform. He looked around, his gaze sweeping over the execution platform—where sat Zhu Yuanzhang, expressionless; Zhu Biao, with a complex expression; and Lan Yu, with his eyes lowered and silent.

"Kneel down!" the Imperial Guard shouted sternly.

Li Shanchang slowly knelt down, placed his head on the execution platform, and remained expressionless.

Behind him, the other Huaixi Party officials were escorted to the execution platform in turn.

Unlike Li Shanchang's calm demeanor, most of them were pale-faced, their legs were weak, and they were being dragged forward by the Imperial Guards.

"Your Majesty, spare my life! I am innocent! I am innocent!" An official suddenly broke free from his restraints, fell to the ground, and frantically kowtowed towards the execution platform, blood quickly seeping from his forehead.

"Your Majesty! Save us! Please say something!" Another person cried, tears streaming down his face, struggling to crawl toward Zhu Biao, but was held down firmly by the Imperial Guards.

"Shut up!" Li Shanchang suddenly looked up, his eyes sharp as knives, his voice hoarse but still authoritative: "A dignified official of the imperial court, if you are going to die, so be it. What kind of decorum is this, crying and wailing!"

His rebuke was like a thunderclap, and the wailing officials paused for a moment. Some were still sobbing quietly, but no one dared to wail loudly anymore.

“Prime Minister Li…we…” an elderly civil official began in a trembling voice, his eyes filled with despair.

Li Shanchang glanced at him coldly and said slowly, "Since you chose this path, you should have expected this day. Even in death, you should die with dignity."

After saying that, he bent down again, pressed his neck firmly against the execution platform, and closed his eyes to await death.

Seeing this, the Huaixi officials finally stopped struggling. Some collapsed to the ground, some sobbed softly, but others straightened their backs and, like Li Shanchang, silently faced their deaths.

Below the execution platform, the clamor of the people gradually subsided, and the entire execution ground fell into an eerie silence.

Seeing that the time was almost up, the executioner turned to look at the retired Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, and saw the latter slowly nod.

"The time has come, execution!"

As the executioner dropped the command arrow.

The executioner understood and raised his executioner's blade.

The light of the knife flashed.

A white-haired head rolled onto the execution platform, its blood splattering onto the straw mat that had been prepared beforehand.

Swipe!

The other executioners also acted at almost the same time.

Dozens of Huaixi Party officials were beheaded.

Blood flowed like a stream, staining the entire execution ground crimson.

Where is Ouyang Lun?

Zhu Yuanzhang then realized that Ouyang Lun had not come.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the Imperial Son-in-Law just sent word that he is feeling unwell and will not be attending the execution today. Please forgive him, Your Majesty."

Wang Zhong quickly explained.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang frowned.

"Return to the palace." Zhu Yuanzhang stood up, the hem of his dragon robe sweeping across the steps.

The old emperor's figure appeared particularly lonely in the setting sun.

After the officials knelt to see off the emperor, the crowd began to stir.
Zongren Mansion.

Ouyang Lun lay on the rocking chair, somewhat lost in thought, seemingly pondering something.

At this moment, Princess Anqing slowly walked over.

"Husband, isn't today the day Li Shanchang and the others were beheaded? Why didn't you go?"

"Be careful, or your father will be angry!"

Princess Anqing said with concern.

"Let them blame me if they want. I've done plenty of things already, so what's a little more?"

Ouyang Lun said somewhat "giving up".

"Husband, what's wrong with you today? Li Shanchang has been targeting you all along. Now that he's been brought to justice, shouldn't you be happy?"

Princess Anqing asked with some doubt.

"Are you happy? Maybe."

Ouyang Lun didn't want to discuss this topic further, and said with a smile, "Have you seen the news sent back from the overseas islands?"

"Yes, I've seen it. The island is very well-maintained, and the scenery is beautiful. I really want to go and see it for myself."

Princess Anqing looked on with anticipation.

"Soon, once we're done here, we'll go on vacation to the island," Ouyang Lun said with a smile.

"Mmm." Princess Anqing nodded, but quickly asked worriedly, "Father won't let you leave so easily, will he?"

"There will always be a way." Ouyang Lun smiled confidently.

Just then, the eunuch Xiao Li ran over and said, "Your Highness, His Majesty requests your presence at the Fengtian Hall."

"I have something important to discuss with you!"

After saying that, Leonardo DiCaprio added, "The Emperor Emeritus is also here."

"Okay, I understand. Let's go!"

This time, Ouyang Lun didn't delay at all and immediately got up to leave.

"Your Highness? Aren't you going to ask what it is about? Don't you need to make any preparations?"

Little Li looked puzzled.

"I can't think of anything else that could be calling me at this time except for that matter."

"Everything that needs to be prepared is ready. What else needs to be prepared?"

Ouyang Lun smiled and continued, "However, there is indeed still something that needs to be done!"

"Zhou Bao!"

"Master!" Zhou Bao rushed out.

"You accompany Eunuch Li to the storeroom to select a treasure!" Ouyang Lun said gently, "Thank you so much for your care over the years, Eunuch Li!"

"I'll go to the Fengtian Hall myself. Eunuch Li can take his time choosing. Zhou Bao, please take good care of Eunuch Li!"

"Yes, sir!" Zhou Bao immediately pulled Xiao Lizi along and headed towards the storeroom.

"Eunuch Li, please come with me. The master's storeroom has recently acquired a few more treasures, I guarantee you'll be satisfied!"

As Zhou Bao pulled him along, Xiao Li thanked Ouyang Lun, saying, "Thank you so much, Your Highness!"

When Ouyang Lun arrived at Fengtian Hall, a large number of people had already gathered inside.

The retired emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, the emperor Zhu Biao, and civil and military officials such as Lü Chang, Song Lian, Tang Duo, and Lan Yu.

And there was a huge map lying across the hall!
Swish--

All eyes turned to Ouyang Lun.

"Your subject, Ouyang Lun, pays respects to the Emperor Emeritus and Your Majesty!"

"Brother-in-law, no need for formalities," Zhu Biao said with a smile. "Father has decided to personally lead an expedition to the grasslands to completely eliminate the threat there!"

"Now we're just waiting for you to discuss it together!"

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at Ouyang Lun and said with a smile, "My dear son-in-law, we won't ask about anything else. We'll just ask you one question: is it feasible for us to personally lead the army now and completely recover the grasslands?"

“Since the Emperor Emeritus has made his decision, this matter is naturally feasible!” Ouyang Lun nodded.

"it is good!"

"I hereby proclaim myself Grand Marshal of the Three Armies, and lead the three armies on a northern expedition to the grasslands!"

"Lan Yu, we appoint you as the striker."

"Your subject obeys!" Lan Yu stepped forward, his expression excited.

"Ouyang Lun, you will be the strategist and also in charge of logistics!"

"Your subject obeys!" Ouyang Lun nodded calmly.

"Your Majesty, you shall stay in the capital with all civil and military officials and await our triumphant return!"

Zhu Yuanzhang said with great excitement.

"Please rest assured, Father, your son will definitely guard the rear. Your son wishes you victory in this battle and a triumphant return!"

Zhu Biao quickly cupped his hands in greeting.

"May the Emperor Emeritus win this battle and return victorious!"

The other officials also spoke up in unison. "Very good! Ahem," Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in satisfaction.

"Father, are you alright?"

Zhu Biao quickly inquired.

"It's alright, I'm perfectly healthy!"

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and said excitedly, "Alright, everyone go and get ready!"

"This time, we will completely wipe out the grasslands and resolve the northern border threat of our Great Ming!"

"Yes!"

The History of Ming Dynasty: Records of Hongwu's Northern Expeditions

In the spring of the 28th year of the Hongwu reign, Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang personally led an expedition to the northern deserts, vowing to cleanse the world.

By then, the Beijing-Pinggu Railway had been completed, and armored trains were running day and night, transporting 300,000 troops northward.

The new artillery was arrayed like a forest, and the musket battalion formed a wall of formation, striking fear into the hearts of the various tribes of the grasslands.

In April, the Ming army marched beyond the Great Wall.

Lan Yu led his vanguard cavalry on a swift march of a thousand miles, breaking through three Tatar camps in succession.

Emperor Taizu, commanding from the central command post, swiftly and decisively encircled the remnants of the Northern Yuan forces on the banks of the Onon River.

The Yuan emperor, Togus Temur, fled westward in panic, only to be captured by Ming scouts and brought before the emperor.

Emperor Taizu personally interrogated him and rebuked him, saying, "Your ancestors have caused chaos in China for a hundred years, and now they are finally executed!" He then escorted him back to the capital, whereupon the ancestral temples of the Northern Yuan were completely destroyed, and the dynasty was extinguished.

In May, all the tribes south of the Gobi Desert surrendered.

Chiefs of the Khorchin, Uriyangkhai, and other tribes prostrated themselves before the military gate, presenting surrender documents and offering horses as tribute.

Emperor Taizu established the "Northern Desert Protectorate" in Karakorum, relocated refugees from the Central Plains to populate the border, and built cities and cultivated land.

He also ordered Ouyang Lun to oversee the construction of the "Northern Frontier Road" to connect the Hetao region with railway tracks, which gradually facilitated trade and travel.

July, triumphant return.

The people of the capital lined the streets to welcome him. Emperor Taizu rode into the city in his imperial carriage and presented the captives to the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

That night, Empress Ma suddenly caught a cold, and the imperial physicians were helpless.

On the third day of the eighth lunar month, Empress Ma passed away in Kunning Palace.

Emperor Taizu was so grief-stricken that he suspended court proceedings and personally inscribed the posthumous title "Empress Xiaoci Zhaoxian Zhiren Wende Chengtian Shunsheng Gao," and buried her in Xiaoling Mausoleum.

The entire nation wore mourning clothes, and Ouyang Lun knelt before the coffin for three days, his face filled with grief.

In September, a sudden change occurred.

Princess Anqing's residence was left empty overnight, and the prince consort Ouyang Lun and his family disappeared.

The servants all said that he had taken his wife and daughters "to visit immortals overseas," but the treasures in the storeroom remained untouched, and only a letter was left in the study.

Emperor Taizu opened the letter and saw eight characters:
"The world is at peace now, I shall depart."

The Imperial Guards searched the entire country, but found no trace of him.

Later generations said that a merchant ship saw a man in white on Luzon who looked like Ouyang Lun. He took his female relatives to the island and left, never to return to the Central Plains.

The historian said:
Emperor Taizu, dressed as a commoner, seized the throne with a three-foot sword, while Ouyang Lun, a merchant, disrupted the Hongwu Emperor's political game.

He assisted the Ming Dynasty in developing its industrial policies and expanding its territory, but in the end he quietly withdrew from public life, truly "leaving without a trace after accomplishing his task, concealing his identity and fame."

In his later years, Emperor Taizu lost his wife and son-in-law, and although he unified the world, he became a lonely figure.

—From the History of Ming Dynasty, Volume 184, Biographies of Dissident Officials

In the thirty-first year of the Hongwu reign, Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang died at Taile Palace at the age of seventy-one.

On his deathbed, the old emperor suddenly opened his eyes and cried out in a hoarse voice, "Ouyang Lun!"

The courtiers around him were all astonished, but none of them understood his meaning.

Shortly after, Emperor Taizu passed away.

The will instructed Emperor Zhu Biao: "All the strategies left by Ouyang Lun should not be lightly discarded, and should be carefully implemented."

Afterwards, Zhu Biao officially changed the era name to Longxing, followed the instructions of Emperor Taizu, and implemented the policies set by Ouyang Lun to vigorously promote industry and commerce, expand maritime trade, and improve agricultural administration.

They made good use of the "Royal Academy of Sciences" and recruited skilled craftsmen from all over the world to develop new firearms and machinery.

In the second year of the Longxing era, the Ming Dynasty's national strength grew daily.

The Beijing-Pinggu Railway runs through the north and south, and the roads crisscross like a network; steamships patrol the East China Sea, and caravans travel to the Western Ocean.

European countries sent envoys to the Ming Dynasty, presenting rare and exotic animals and referring to the Ming Dynasty as the "Celestial Empire".

However, Zhu Biao worked tirelessly day and night, and his overwork led to illness.

In the fourth year of the Longxing era, the emperor died at the young age of forty-one. His temple name was Huizong.

After Crown Prince Zhu Xiong Ying ascended the throne, although he was physically weak, he had the world at heart and governed the country with benevolence.

He broadened the channels for public opinion, established the "direct appeal system" for remonstrating officials, and broke the closed-mindedness of the court; he implemented the "equal land distribution and benefiting the people" policy, measured the land across the country, redistributed taxes, alleviated the gap between the rich and the poor, and enabled the people to live and work in peace and contentment.

In military affairs, he reorganized the border defenses, appointed young generals, and strengthened the Great Wall defenses, thus stabilizing the frontier. In cultural affairs, he established more official schools, funded students from poor families, and compiled classics, leading to the vigorous development of cultural undertakings.

Over the course of five years, Zhu Xiongying, with his exceptional wisdom and perseverance, promoted the prosperity of the nation, and the people were all deeply grateful for his kindness.

However, Zhu Xiong Ying died young. Because of his benevolent rule and outstanding achievements during his reign, he was posthumously honored with the temple name "Renzong" and buried in Yongde Mausoleum. Later historians praised him, saying, "Although his life was short, his virtuous rule was evident and his achievements will last for a thousand years."

In the ninth year of the Longxing era, Zhu Yunwen, the Prince of Huai, ascended the throne and changed the era name to "Jianwen".

Yunwen was young and impetuous, and fearing the power of the various princes, he listened to the advice of Qi Tai and Huang Zicheng and vigorously carried out the policy of reducing the power of the princes.

Enraged, Prince Zhu Di of Yan raised an army and marched south under the pretext of "purging the court of corrupt officials".

In the eleventh year of the Longxing era, the Yan army captured Nanjing.

Seeing that all was lost, Yunwen attempted suicide by burning down the palace but failed. Suddenly, he remembered that the late Emperor Zhu Biao had left a brocade pouch in a secret room.

Upon opening it, a silk scroll was found that read:
"If the nation is in peril, you can take a giant ship eastward to find your uncle Ouyang Lun, and perhaps the lineage of the Ming dynasty can be preserved."

Yunwen suddenly understood, and then took several trusted confidants and set sail on the steam warship "Hongwu". Following the nautical chart, they headed straight for the South Seas.

In the second year of the Yongle reign, rumors circulated that there was an island in the South China Sea named "Xinming".

The city was magnificent, the streets were bustling, and the people all wore Ming Dynasty clothing. However, the artifacts were exquisite and far surpassed those of the Central Plains.

The island's owner is a man in white who calls himself "Lord Xiaoyao," accompanied by a beautiful woman who resembles Princess Anqing.

Yunwen landed and requested an audience, but the island lord refused to see him, only sending a letter as a gift. Yunwen unfolded the letter and saw that the handwriting was as elegant as ever:
"The rise and fall of dynasties are predetermined. Now that you have come here, you should forget the name of an emperor and live out your days as a commoner."

Yunwen was heartbroken and settled on an island, never to return.

The historian sighed:

Ouyang Lun's talent surpassed that of Hongwu, yet he ultimately went into hiding overseas; the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty was fleeting, ultimately unable to escape internal strife.

On a certain island.

As the sun rose, silvery laughter echoed from the white sand beach on the east side of the island.

"Husband, look! This seashell changes color!" Princess Anqing ran barefoot in the shallow water.

She bent down and picked up a colorful seashell; the sunlight refracted onto its surface, creating a dreamlike halo.

Ouyang Lun leaned back in a rattan chair under the palm tree, a smile playing on his lips.

He was dressed in a plain white robe, his hair loosely tied up, looking quite relaxed.

“That’s a giant clam’s young shell. In ten more years, it’ll be as big as a millstone.” As he took the shell, he casually grasped his wife’s slender wrist. “Be careful not to get sunburned. Miaoyun said yesterday that your back was peeling.”

Anqing playfully stuck out his tongue and suddenly splashed the icy seawater onto Ouyang Lun's face.

While he was wiping, she ran towards Xu Miaoyun, who was painting on the beach, with a smile.

The two women squatted down side by side, pointing at the drawing board, their clear laughter ringing out from time to time.

The sea breeze carried a faint salty scent, and Ouyang Lun squinted as he gazed into the distance.

“This is life!”

"To live with the people I love, without being oppressed!"

"Life is but a mere 30,000 days; enjoy each day to the fullest!"

"Anqing, Miaoyun, Miaomiao, Asuna, let's play in the water together!"

Ouyang Lun jumped up from the chair and rushed towards the beach.

///The End///
(P.S.: Thank you all for your continued support. This book has come to an end. May everyone's life eventually be as free and carefree as Ouyang Lun's!!)
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