The disgraced official I took care of was actually Zhu Houcong's childhood friend.

Chapter 563

The Embroidered Uniform Guard was surprisingly efficient. After receiving Zhou Chu's order, they found out what had happened at Er Ya's house in less than a quarter of an hour.

Upon hearing Shen Lian's report, Zhou Chu fell into deep thought.

“Dazhu is there at Zhang’s shop, so we don’t need to worry about him. Go and call Lu Wanshan over.”

Zhou Chu knew very well that Shao Xi was just a fifth-rank official in the Ministry of Works. Even if this playboy went back to call for help, or even if he called his father over, he wouldn't be a match for Da Zhu.

The Ministry of Works was in charge of construction projects throughout the Ming Dynasty, including repairs to any part of the imperial palace. Although it didn't have much power, it was a very lucrative department, and every official in the Ministry of Works made a lot of money.

Although Zhou Chu had purged a large number of officials from the Ministry of Works, these newly appointed officials had all relapsed into their old ways during the two years that Zhou Chu had been away from the capital. After all, it is extremely difficult for anyone to refrain from taking money when they have it in their hands.

Shao Xi was one of them, and together with other officials in the Ministry of Works, he engaged in corrupt practices without any restraint.

Zhou Chu could easily find out about officials like this every time he investigated them.

Soon, Lu Wanshan arrived in front of Zhou Chu.

"I heard that you've been turning a blind eye to these officials for the past two years, and haven't investigated or punished many of them at all?"

Zhou Chu glanced at Lu Wanshan in front of him and said expressionlessly.

Upon hearing this, Lu Wanshan immediately knelt down in front of Zhou Chu.

"My lord, please forgive me. While you are away fighting, His Majesty is surely thinking of maintaining relative stability in the capital and ensuring a safe rear for you. If I were to investigate arbitrarily, these officials would cause trouble, and I would not be able to suppress them..."

Lu Wanshan hesitated before speaking.

In fact, the reason why Lu Wanshan did not investigate these officials extensively in the past two years, besides the fact that he had experienced the Zhengde reign, was that Jiajing did not issue an imperial edict ordering him to investigate anyone.

Whether it's the Embroidered Uniform Guard or the Northern Garrison, they must first listen to the emperor. Lu Wanshan is older and has more to consider. He knows very well that with his abilities, he can only be the garrison commander of the Northern Garrison. Even if he were given a higher position, he wouldn't be able to control the situation.

"What are the duties of your Northern Garrison Command? You can't conduct large-scale investigations, but you can't not investigate either. You haven't grasped the right balance. To put it bluntly, you're afraid of being impeached by those civil officials."

Zhou Chu snorted coldly.

Zhou Chu generally agreed with Lu Wanshan's approach; otherwise, Lu Wanshan, the governor of the Northern Garrison, would have been replaced the moment Zhou Chu returned to the capital.

However, a reprimand is still necessary, after all, as the commander of the Northern Garrison, he cannot be too hesitant.

"Compared to you, sir, I am far inferior and naturally cannot grasp the proper measure. I hope you will forgive me."

Upon hearing this, Lu Wanshan breathed a sigh of relief. Both Zhou Chu's words and his tone indicated that Zhou Chu did not want to pursue the matter further.

"I've heard that officials in the Ministry of Works have become quite arrogant in lining their own pockets these past two years."

Zhou Chu took a sip of tea and said.

Hearing the words, Lu Wanshan immediately understood that an official from the Ministry of Works had offended Lord Zhou, or rather, offended someone he shouldn't have.

"Rest assured, sir, I will immediately lead men to thoroughly investigate the Ministry of Works. Any official in the Ministry of Works who has embezzled government assets will not escape punishment."

Lu Wanshan assured.

"Go."

Zhou Chu waved his hand and said.

Zhou Chu had originally considered sending Yang Yiqing and Yang Shen a letter, inviting them to a meal, and asking if there were any people in the Ministry of Works whom they wanted to protect, but then decided against it.

As the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he was destined to be a lone official and should not get too close to cabinet officials. Zhou Chu had previously reminded Lu Bing not to get too close to these officials, and now he almost ended up on that path again.