PDLP Chapter 730
Chapter 730
What a ridiculous and short-sighted idea.
To say that Jiajing had no fear of Zhou Chu would be a lie, but to say he was extremely fearful of him would also be an exaggeration, given that Zhou Chu had now formed a marriage alliance with the princess's household and had even married Lu Yunjin.
Whatever his reasons, Jiajing knew that Zhou Hengqi had no other intentions.
Moreover, the main task of the Ming Dynasty now is to train generals and prepare for the large-scale expansion of the Ming territory in the future. Jiajing can still distinguish between the main and secondary issues. The Ming Dynasty is now thriving. Even Yang Yiqing, the Grand Secretary who originally had disloyal intentions, is now working hard for the Ming Dynasty.
In today's Ming Dynasty court, not all, but most officials are united as one, because they all share a common goal: to expand the territory of the Ming Dynasty, achieve meritorious service, and enter the Zhenwu Hall.
Under these circumstances, Jiajing would be even less likely to harbor suspicions towards Zhou Chuheng. For Jiajing, Zhou Hengqi was the most indispensable person to the Ming Dynasty at that time.
If Zhou Hengqi had become arrogant and unruly, Jiajing might have sent a eunuch to teach him a lesson. However, Zhou Hengqi always knew how to advance and retreat. Even when his family's property was confiscated, Jiajing knew exactly how much money was taken.
It can be said that Jiajing had something on Zhou Chu.
Now, this eunuch Wang Hong actually thinks that because of a single word he says, he will be extremely wary of Zhou Hengqi, and thus be asked to put Zhou Hengqi in a bad light.
What a ridiculous idea.
Hearing Jiajing's icy tone, Wang Hong felt a chill run down his spine. Only then did he realize that something terrible had happened and that he had been wrong.
However, things had come to this point, and Wang Hong had no way out.
“Your Majesty, the Royal Military Academy does not belong to Lord Zhou, but to Your Majesty. The appointment and removal of personnel in the academy must be approved by Your Majesty. Lord Zhou’s actions show a complete disregard for Your Majesty. Your Majesty is my heaven, and I cannot tolerate his arrogance.”
Wang Hong said, forcing himself to speak.
"I am no match for you. You have your own ideas now and you can even teach me how to do things?"
Jiajing looked at Wang Hong, his tone growing increasingly cold.
"What an ignorant lackey! You think you can sow discord between His Majesty and Lord Zhou?"
As the head of the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs, Huang Jin was Wang Hong's superior, so naturally he had to reprimand Wang Hong.
"Huang Jin, he's one of your people from the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs. What do you think should be done with him?"
Jiajing looked at Huang Jin and handed over the authority to deal with Wang Hong to Huang Jin.
"If you ask me, this ignorant servant deserves to be beaten to death."
Huang Jin gritted his teeth and said.
"Then let him receive thirty strokes of the cane and be sent to Nanjing."
After saying this, Jiajing closed his eyes and stopped looking at Wang Hong.
Wang Hong immediately understood and kowtowed repeatedly.
"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."
Jiajing waved his hand somewhat listlessly, and Huang Jin beckoned two eunuchs to carry Wang Hong out.
After Wang Hong and the others had gone far away, Huang Jin came to the outside of the Imperial Study and beckoned a eunuch to come to him.
"Godfather, what are your orders?"
The eunuch approached Huang Jin, his face full of flattery.
"Give the order to have the men beating Wang Hong use more force."
Huang Jin said.
These words were spoken cryptically, but the meaning was extremely clear to the eunuch: kill Wang Hong.
"Don't worry, Godfather, I know what to say."
After saying this, the eunuch turned and left.
After giving these instructions, Huang Jin turned and returned to the Imperial Study.
Jiajing naturally knew what Huang Jin had said. Jiajing didn't say anything. In fact, Huang Jin hadn't lowered his voice. Huang Jin was very smart. He wouldn't do anything or say anything behind Jiajing's back.
Thirty strokes of the cane and being sent to Nanjing demonstrate the Emperor Jiajing's boundless benevolence. However, Huang Jin knew that Wang Hong had just angered His Majesty and had to die. Moreover, in Huang Jin's view, Wang Hong was truly blind to dare to sow discord between Lord Zhou and His Majesty, and Huang Jin had no intention of letting him go.
“You can send someone else who is reasonable to take Wang Hong’s place later.”
Jiajing opened his eyes and looked at Huang Jin.
"This servant will make proper arrangements."
Huang Jin lowered his head and said meekly.
Upon hearing this, Jiajing felt much better and then continued to peruse the Daoist canon on his desk.
Another hour or so passed, and Zhou Chu brought Yu Dayou to the palace.
"Lord Zhou, what brings you here?"
Huang Jin saw Zhou Chu and spoke softly.
"I have come to report some matters to His Majesty."
Zhou Chu smiled.
Yu Dayou, standing behind Zhou Chu, was astonished to see the eunuchs at the entrance of the Imperial Study so respectful to Lord Zhou. He then realized the extent of Zhou Chu's power.
"Lord Zhou, please come with me."
As Huang Jin spoke, he opened the door to the Imperial Study, and Zhou Chu led Yu Dayou to stand before Jiajing.
"Hengqi, isn't today the day for the military academy's admissions? What brings you here to see me?"
Jiajing put down the Daoist canon in his hand and said in a light tone.
"Your Majesty, I have come here today to recommend a talented general to you."
Zhou Chu bowed and said.
"Oh? Is it the person behind you?"
Jiajing looked at Yu Dayou and asked.
"Indeed, this is his file. Your Majesty will know as soon as you take a look."
As Zhou Chu spoke, he handed Huang Jin the dossier on Yu Dayou that the Embroidered Uniform Guard had compiled, and Huang Jin then gave it to Jiajing.
Jiajing opened the dossier and looked at it. The dossier recorded Yu Dayou's life and deeds in great detail. The more Jiajing read, the more surprised he became. If the man in front of him was really as described in the dossier, then he was indeed a rare military talent.
"Yu Zhifu's military strategy is very strong, even stronger than Lin Zhixin's."
Zhou Chu added.
When Jiajing heard this, he was quite surprised. He did not expect Zhou Chu to have such a high opinion of Yu Dayou.
In fact, Zhou Chu's evaluation was even higher. However, Zhou Chu had only met Yu Dayou today. Although Yu Dayou had demonstrated his use of battle formations, it would be too much for Zhou Chu to say that Yu Dayou was even better than him in some aspects.
This can be said later, but not now.
"I have taken the liberty of appointing Yu Zhifu as an instructor at the academy. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."
Zhou Chu bowed and said.