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

Chapter 636

Wang Xian seemed to have been waiting for Jiajing to say these words. After receiving Jiajing's approval, Wang Xian went to Zhang Cong.

"Lord Zhang, you must keep a close eye on the progress of the railway on the grassland, otherwise, once war breaks out, you will be missing a crucial opportunity."

Wang Xian immediately pinned a huge accusation on Zhang Cong.

"Lord Wang, you've spoken too harshly. Although the Ministry of Revenue is only responsible for allocating funds, the Ministry of Works is in charge of railway construction. However, as the Minister of Revenue, I will naturally not shirk my responsibilities. I will certainly urge Lord Zhao of the Ministry of Works to supervise his subordinates. But Lord Wang should also know that the construction of railway tracks cannot be rushed. If we are going to build them, we must build them well. Otherwise, if they break down after a period of use, who will be responsible?"

Zhang Cong was able to rise from a new official to Minister of Revenue in just a few years, which shows he was no easy opponent. Even a difficult fellow like Wang Xian was dealt with by him with a combination of gentle persuasion and firmness.

"Yes, Lord Wang, I understand your desire to expand the territory of the Ming Dynasty, but the construction of railways is a matter of taking things step by step. Rushing it too much can easily lead to accidents. Moreover, if nothing unexpected happens, the railway from the grasslands to the west of Wuhai will definitely be completed within six months. Why are you in such a hurry, my lord?"

Seeing that the atmosphere was getting a bit tense, Minister of Works Zhao Huang stepped in to smooth things over.

If we're talking about the most lucrative department among the Six Ministries, the Ministry of Works is definitely one of them. However, Zhao Huang, as the Minister of Works, had to maintain a good relationship with Zhang Cong. Although they were both ministers, the Ministry of Works could apply to the higher authorities for any project it wanted to do. After the cabinet approved the application, the Ministry of Revenue would allocate funds. If the Ministry of Revenue wanted to withhold their money, they had plenty of ways to do so. It was common for them to delay for two or three years.

Therefore, Zhao Huang always treated Zhang Cong very well, even somewhat humbly, because he had to be mindful of the Ministry of Revenue's feelings.

"Then I'll have to trouble you two adults."

Wang Xian was not annoyed by Zhang Cong's words at all. After serving as an official for many years, his skin was thick as a city wall and he would not get angry over such a small matter. Moreover, he knew that he had indeed been a bit irritable lately and was likely to displease others. As the Minister of Revenue, it was no big deal for Zhang Cong to say a few words to him, as long as the matter could be accomplished.

"Okay, let's all disperse."

Seeing that the others had finished speaking, Jiajing waved his hand and said...

Upon hearing this, the officials all bowed to Jiajing and then dispersed.

Not long after Zhou Chu returned to the capital, he saw Chu Liu, dressed in the uniform of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, patrolling the capital with other Embroidered Uniform Guards.

"Greetings, my lord."

Upon seeing Zhou Chu, the group of Imperial Guards hurriedly bowed.

"No need for formalities, you should all get on with your work."

Zhou Chu waved his hand, then looked at Chu Liu.

"Come with me on the sixth day."

Upon hearing this, Chu Liu came to Zhou Chu's side.

"What are your orders, sir?"

Having served in the Embroidered Uniform Guard for so long, Chu Liu had gotten used to calling Zhou Chu "Master" instead of "Young Master."

"After you got married, did the Ding family cause you any trouble?"

In fact, Zhou Chu had been so busy all year that he hadn't had a moment to spare and hadn't seen Chu Liu much. A few months ago, Chu Liu got married and specially invited Zhou Chu. Chu Liu's wedding was very low-key, with only a few people invited, such as Sun Qiang, Xiao Dao and his apprentice, and some of Chu Liu's brothers from his time in the army.

As for the others, none of them were invited. Chu Liu was well aware that Lord Zhou had given him such an honor, and it would be inappropriate for him to act recklessly using his status as his cousin.

The Ding family may have some dissatisfaction with Chu Liu's actions, but they dared not say anything. After all, Chu Liu's status was much higher than theirs now. Moreover, Chu Liu had never mistreated Ding Lan. She had everything she needed, and even the best of everything. The jewelry Ding Lan was using was the most top-of-the-line from Yun Gui Fang.

On the sixth day of the lunar new year, he might not have much else, but he was never short of money, so he certainly wouldn't mistreat his woman.