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

Chapter 623

Emperor Jiajing spoke with great enthusiasm.

"Send Meng Wenxuan as an envoy to the Yarkand Khanate to exchange goods and promote the prestige of our Great Ming Dynasty."

Jiajing looked at Meng Ji and said.

When Jiajing learned that Wang Xian had chosen Meng Ji as the envoy, he had already agreed in his heart. Although it was a pity that such a pro-war faction died in the Yarkand Khanate, if other people were sent, they might not have had the courage to die there.

Moreover, Meng Ji only sought death, which is a perfect example of seeking benevolence and obtaining it, so Jiajing naturally had no reason to object.

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."

Upon hearing this, Meng Ji immediately knelt on the ground and kowtowed three times to Jiajing. These three kowtows were his farewell, and also his final goodbye.

"Huang Jin, quickly help Minister Meng up for me."

Jiajing solemnly stated.

Huang Jin ran straight to Meng Ji and helped him up.

"Your Majesty knows that Lord Meng is dedicated to the country and its people. This journey will be long and arduous. If there is anything you wish to say, please do so to avoid any regrets."

Huang Jin whispered to Meng Ji.

After the court session, Zhou Chu was summoned to the Imperial Study by Huang Jin.

"What's your majesty's order?"

Zhou Chu arrived at the Imperial Study and bowed.

"It's not a big deal. Meng Wenxuan is going to the Yarkand Khanate as an envoy. When Ouyang Bijin went to Annam before, I was a bit negligent and didn't help him with his affairs after his death. I still feel regretful whenever I think about it. In the next few days, you will help Meng Wenxuan with his affairs after his death."

Jiajing thought for a moment and then said.

Zhou Chu nodded upon hearing this.

"I will have the Embroidered Uniform Guard investigate and see if Lord Meng has any regrets. We will make sure to fulfill them for him. As for his family, we will give them enough money and send people to keep an eye on them to prevent them from causing trouble."

Zhou Chu said.

"The money for Meng Wenxuan will come from my private treasury. I will have Huang Jin prepare it and send it to you later."

As Jiajing spoke, he went to the bookshelf and picked up a lacquer box. The lacquer box was entirely glossy black, exuding elegance and luxury. The overall craftsmanship was extremely exquisite, with patterns drawn with gold thread all over it, so lifelike that it was clear at a glance that it had gone through countless processes.

Zhou Chu didn't know much about lacquerware, only that it was extremely complicated to make and that it was a luxury item in any dynasty.

"I really like this lacquer box, especially the patterns on it. I put some trinkets that came as tribute from Southeast Asia inside. You can take them back with you."

Jiajing looked at the lacquer box with some reluctance.

"Your Majesty, as the saying goes, a gentleman does not take what others love. Since Your Majesty likes it so much, why give it to me?"

Zhou Chu was somewhat embarrassed.

"Just take it. I have plenty of good things here."

Jiajing waved his hand and said.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chu stepped forward and picked up the lacquer box from the desk. As soon as he touched it, he felt a weight in his hand. Zhou Chu knew that the contents of the box were probably even more valuable.

However, Zhou Chu no longer cares much about even the most precious things. Every time Jiajing seizes an opportunity, he will reward Zhou Chu with treasures. In addition, Zhou Chu himself doesn't even know how much money he has, so he doesn't value these material possessions.

But even if you don't value it, you still have to show the appropriate respect and excitement when the emperor bestows it upon you.

After leaving the palace, Zhou Chu returned the lacquer box to his home, then rode his black horse, carrying Shen Lian, Da Zhu, and several large boxes of valuables prepared by the emperor, straight to Meng Ji's house.

As the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Zhou Chu could enter the Meng residence without any hindrance. However, he still had to show Meng Ji the respect due to him. Zhou Chu asked the gatekeeper of the Meng residence to announce his arrival. When Meng Ji learned that Zhou Chu had come to visit him, he was flattered and overwhelmed.

Although he was over thirty years old, he still held Zhou Chu in the highest esteem, even to the point of worship. Throughout the Ming Dynasty, Meng Ji believed that none of the officials could compare to this Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.