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

Chapter 341

In the past, the emperor and his officials had differing opinions on issues concerning Datong and even the entire Hetao region. Many emperors wanted to resolve the issues there completely, but the officials kept delaying the process.

Now that the problems in Datong have been completely resolved by Zhou Chu, it is only a matter of time before the entire Hetao region is thoroughly settled.

After all, there was a precedent in Datong, and Yang Shen believed that it was impossible for these merchants in Datong to only implicate those people in Datong and not involve anyone from other regions.

In fact, Zhou Chu obtained a lot of evidence about Shanxi merchants in other regions, but he was in no hurry to take action.

At this time, Datong is like a tumor that has just been cured and needs to recover. If it rashly takes action against other prefectures in Shanxi or the Hetao region, the merchants, gentry, and even the officials involved in those areas will probably be driven to desperation if they find out.

These people are definitely watching and seeing whether the court will only target those in Datong, or will target them all at once.

Zhou Chu will not rush to deal with them. Before dealing with these people, he must first deal with the Mongols, so as to cut off their escape route.

Without the Mongols, even if these people wanted to resort to desperate measures, they wouldn't have the ability to do so.

Of the merchants from Datong, Zhou Chu chose to keep six of them. Of course, their property was confiscated, but he spared the lives of their entire families.

Then Zhou Chu sent these merchants with the Tiger Army to the Mongol tribes on the grasslands to begin a continuous campaign of annihilation against the Mongols.

This would not only undermine Anda's cause, but also undermine the cause of other merchants and gentry in Shanxi and even the Hetao region.

In the capital, at the court assembly, Jiajing looked at the memorial in his hand, his face full of anger.

"This is outrageous! How dare those merchants in Datong be so audacious as to collude with the enemy and betray their country? Their crimes are unforgivable. And the Datong General Hang Xiong and Lu Ying embezzled military funds; their crimes are unforgivable."

Let's discuss the charges.

Jiajing looked at the court officials below and said.

"Your Majesty, Hang Xiong has served as the general in Datong for many years and has embezzled countless military funds. Fortunately, no serious consequences have occurred. I believe that Hang Xiong should be exiled and his property confiscated."

A third-rank official from the Ministry of Revenue stepped forward.

"Exile is too lenient on him. If Hang Xiong is exiled, what will happen to Lu Ying?"

Han Jie retorted.

Lu Ying had only been the General of Datong for about half a year, and he had managed to thwart the Mongol attack. Therefore, his crimes were far less serious than Hang Xiong's.

If Hang Xiong's property is confiscated and he is exiled, Lu Ying cannot be treated the same way as Hang Xiong, can she?

"I believe that Hang Xiong should be executed in the autumn to set an example for the people, and Lu Ying should have his property confiscated and be exiled."

Han Jie added.

"Your subject agrees with what Lord Han said."

Yang Shen stepped forward.

This matter is practically settled, so there's really nothing to argue about. Those officials who hope Hang Xiong's punishment will be lighter are simply trying to secure their own future.

"If that's the case, then let's proceed accordingly."

Jiajing made the decision.

"Regarding the selection of the new prefect of Datong and the new commander-in-chief of Datong, do any of you have any suggestions?"

Jiajing looked at the civil and military officials and said.

Upon hearing this, everyone perked up immediately; this was the real highlight of the day.

Datong is a military stronghold, so the appointment of the Datong General and Prefect is of paramount importance. If their people can be appointed, their influence will be greatly enhanced.

"Your Majesty, I believe that Lin Zhixin, the eldest son of Princess Deqing, is the most suitable candidate for the position of General."

Yang Shen stepped forward.

"Oh? Why do you say that?"

Jiajing asked.

"Lin Zhixin had led troops on the border for many years before. Last year, he followed Zhou Hengqi to quell the rebellion and suppress the Japanese pirates in Jiangnan and made outstanding contributions. It will not be a problem for him to guard Datong."

Yang Shen replied.

"What does Shi Cong think?"

Jiajing looked at Yang Yiqing and asked.

Hearing this, Yang Yiqing felt somewhat helpless, thinking to himself, "You've probably already made up your mind, why bother asking?"

However, Yang Yiqing, being an old fox, knew very well what to say in his position, so he naturally stood up to object at this time.

"I believe that General Lin is too young and needs to gain more experience in the future before he can take on this important responsibility."

Yang Yiqing said.

"Your Excellency is mistaken. As the saying goes, heroes emerge from among the young. Moreover, Lin Zhixin is known for her maturity and prudence, and is capable of undertaking this important task."

Yang Shen retorted.

......

In the end, Lin Lu was appointed as the general of Datong. As for the new prefect of Datong, he was a name that Zhou Chu had never heard of before. It was said that he was a lone official who had not sided with any side. In this way, everyone was happy.

Although the imperial decree ordered Lin Lu to guard Datong, it did not order Zhou Chu to leave Datong. Clearly, Jiajing's intention was for Zhou Chu to oversee the overall situation from Datong and remain there for a period of time.

In this way, Zhou Chu became relatively free, since he had no specific mission and the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard could go wherever he wanted.

Zhou Chu planned to go to Zhejiang to find Wang Yangming two months after Lu Wei's wedding. By then, the academy was almost finished and had begun enrolling students.

Many students from the Ming Dynasty went to Zhejiang to study because of Wang Yangming's reputation, including Hai Rui, who was only eight years old and came from Hainan.