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

Chapter 618

Yun Jin didn't give Tang Bohu a chance to refute and made the decision directly.

"Chunlan, go and invite Master's wife and Tang Mo over."

Zhou Chu looked at Chunlan, who was waiting beside him, and said.

Seeing this, Tang Bohu shook his head helplessly, not giving him a chance to refuse.

Wen Zhengming stayed at the Zhou residence. Although he had bought a house in the capital, he had lived there for a long time before passing the imperial examination. Therefore, he felt as if he were at home.

Yang and Yang Ran rode in sedan chairs, while Zhou Chu and Lu Wei rode horses ahead of Yun Jin to clear the way.

Although Yun Jin was not wearing official robes or military uniform, her everyday clothes were all custom-made at Yun Gui Fang. The style was completely different from ordinary women's clothing, and was more like the uniforms of the Imperial Guards, making her look clean and neat.

Yang was somewhat helpless about Yun Jin's insistence on the minimum, but Yun Jin did hold an official position, and was a general, which at least matched his status.

As soon as the group arrived at the entrance of the princess's residence, the steward eunuch and the guards at the gate, who had been waiting for a long time, hurriedly stepped forward to pay their respects.

"This humble servant greets Lord Zhou, General Lu, and Young Master Lu."

After saying this, the head eunuch gave a look to the two guards and the gatekeeper, and the men hurriedly stepped forward to help lead the horses, while Zhou Chu and the others dismounted.

Yang and Yang Ran had already gotten out of the sedan chair.

"The princess has been waiting for a long time, please come in."

The eunuch led the way, and the group followed him to the main hall in the backyard of the princess's residence.

"You guys are here."

At the entrance of the main hall, Princess Deqing, having received the news, was already waiting at the door with Lin Lu, Lin Lu's wife, and Lin Zhi.

"Since my sister invited me, how could I dare not come?"

Over the years, Yang has frequently visited the princess's residence. In addition, as the emperor's wet nurse, the Lu family's status is now quite different from what it used to be. She and Princess Deqing are already sisters, which doesn't seem out of place at all.

"Yunniang, it must have been many years since we last met."

Princess Deqing looked at Yunniang and said warmly.

"Yes, Your Highness, it's been several years. The last time we met was in Suzhou."

Yunniang said with some emotion.

At their age, they had long since lost the desire to compete for favor. Moreover, if Yunniang were someone who enjoyed competing for favor, she probably wouldn't have been able to stay by Tang Bohu's side for long, since Tang Bohu frequented brothels.

Beside Lin Lu, his wife was looking at Zhou Chu with great curiosity. She had heard of the great name of this commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard before she married into the princess's mansion. After she married him, she had heard her husband talk about how wise and capable Lord Zhou was, and how he was always right.

According to Lin Lu, Zhou Chu was practically omnipotent.

This made Lin Lu's wife very curious about this commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. When she saw Zhou Chu, she felt that he was not much different from other young masters, except that he was more handsome and did not look like he had three heads and six arms.

Soon, everyone followed Princess Deqing into the main hall. In this setting, men were in one room and women in another. Soon, Yang Ran, along with Yun Jin, led by Madam Lin Lu, to a side hall.

"You should treat Heng Qi and Tang Jieyuan well."

Princess Deqing gave Lin Lu a few instructions, and then took Yang Shi, Yunniang, and Xu Wei to the side hall.

"grown ups."

After Princess Deqing left, the two brothers, Lin Lu and Lin Zhi, naturally came to Zhou Chu and bowed.

"There's no need for such formalities. This is the princess's residence, and you are of noble status."

Zhou Chu waved his hand and said.

"I heard you've been going to Japan less and less lately? Is your cousin covering for you?"

Zhou Chu looked at Lin Zhi in front of him and teased him.

"Japan was alright when I first went there, but after a while it became just so-so. I've done all the things that were supposed to be there, so it's not interesting at all."

Lin Zhi scratched his head and said.

"But we can't keep sending you away forever. We're sending you to Japan to make a name for yourself, not just to have fun."

Zhou Chu's expression hardened.

When Lin Zhi saw Zhou Chu's expression, he was so frightened that he almost knelt down.

"Please forgive me, sir. I will never cheat or shirk my duty again."

In front of Zhou Chu, Lin Zhi didn't even have the courage to make excuses and directly admitted his mistake.

Tang Bohu silently sipped his tea and watched, gaining a direct understanding of his student's power for the first time. Even the princess's two sons trembled in fear before his student, especially the princess's eldest son, who was a marquis and a great general, yet dared not even breathe loudly in front of his student.

Tang Bohu didn't take it personally and advised Zhou Chu not to be too serious. He knew very well that saying such things would only damage his student's dignity. As a teacher, Tang Bohu knew what to say and what to do.

Seeing Lin Zhi readily admit his mistake, Zhou Chu sighed.

“You need to know that people’s hearts are fickle. The emperor is far away in Japan. If you let your cousin stay there for a long time, he will inevitably have other ideas. In that case, you will be harming him and Wang Zhi.”

Zhou Chu looked at Lin Zhi and said with a serious expression.

Upon hearing this, Lin Zhi broke out in a cold sweat.

"My lord, I know my crime. I will submit a memorial to His Majesty immediately and depart for Japan."

Only then did Lin Zhi realize what a foolish thing he had done.

He had spent a long time with Wang Zhi in Japan and knew Wang Zhi's character well. Wang Zhi never had much ambition; all he cared about was getting promoted. Lin Zhi always trusted Wang Zhi, so he felt that it didn't matter whether he went to Japan or not.

But upon hearing Zhou Chu's words, he realized that he had overlooked his cousin.

If Wang Zhi is bound by official promotions and titles, his cousin, who has lived in the princess's mansion since childhood, has seen it all. If he stays in Japan, he will inevitably develop the idea of ​​becoming king himself. At that time, Wang Zhi will probably suffer at his hands.

Of course, this doesn't mean Qi Liang has ill intentions. As the time span is extended indefinitely, the risks become increasingly greater, and no one dares to gamble on people's hearts.

At the very least, Zhou Chu wouldn't gamble.

Zhou Chu's consistent principle is that if you don't want someone to betray you, don't give them the opportunity to do so.

Seeing that his goal had been achieved, Zhou Chu nodded, picked up his teacup, and took a sip of tea.

Zhou Chu and the others had lunch at the princess's residence. Just as Zhou Chu left the princess's residence, he ran into Lu Wanshan, who had come looking for him.

"Recruited?"

Zhou Chu looked at Lu Wanshan's undisguised joy and said.

"Hit it!"

Lu Wanshan nodded.