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

Chapter 493

Xie Qian said a lot, mostly things that were unfavorable to Mao Ji, and all of them were based on reason and evidence, not just empty talk.

Even so, it is by no means easy to move a cabinet member.

"Mao Weizhi, I really didn't expect this. I originally thought you were a wise and experienced man who could govern the country, but I never expected you to be harboring such evil intentions."

Jiajing looked at Mao Ji with a disappointed expression.

"Lu Shunzhi, take Mao Weizhi to the Zhaoyu prison and investigate him thoroughly. If Mao Weizhi really did these things, I will not tolerate it. If Mao Weizhi did not do these things, then clear his name."

Jiajing gave Mao Ji no chance to argue and looked directly at Lu Wanshan below.

"I accept the decree."

After bowing, Lu Wanshan went directly to Mao Ji's side.

"Grand Secretary Mao, please come with me. It will be more dignified for both of us."

Upon hearing this, Mao Ji looked utterly defeated, realizing that his power was waning and that anything he said now would be futile. Mao Ji stood there blankly for a while, then turned and followed Lu Wanshan out of the court.

The two officials who had originally spoken up for Mao Ji turned extremely pale upon hearing Xie Qian's words. According to Xie Qian, Mao Weizhi's mistakes were truly unforgivable, and their actions of speaking up for him against all odds would likely jeopardize their future careers.

It wasn't just the two of them who had this realization; the officials in the court who had previously had a good relationship with them subconsciously distanced themselves from the two. Everyone knew that the Mao-Ji case was destined to have far-reaching implications. These two might not have spoken up for Mao-Ji out of personal motives, but since they had stood up, it meant they were standing on the opposite side of the majority.

Even without investigating and punishing the two individuals, their demotion and exile are practically inevitable.

Both men were over fifty years old, and once they were demoted and sent to remote areas, it basically meant the end of their political lives.

The imperial court is the most pragmatic place; most officials fawn over the powerful and bully the weak. Only a very small minority dare to speak up for Mao and Ji.

"Retreat from the court."

Jiajing waved his hand somewhat listlessly.

When Jiajing announced the end of the court session, many officials breathed a sigh of relief. Many were afraid of being implicated in the Mao Ji case. Ever since Mao Ji was taken away, they had been extremely uneasy. In addition to those officials who had curried favor with Mao Ji, there were many other officials who had previously had close ties with him. These people were now extremely fearful, afraid of being implicated.

Zhou Chu and the other officials were leaving court and were having a pleasant conversation with Yang Shen when Huang Jin jogged up to them.

"Lord Zhou, please wait. His Majesty requests that you come to the Imperial Study to see him."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chu and Yang Shen both stopped in their tracks.

"Your Majesty's favor towards the weighing instruments is truly abundant."

Yang Shen said half-jokingly.

"Brother Yongxiu, I originally wanted to go to Zuixianlou with you and drink until we dropped, but it seems we can't go now."

Zhou Chu said with some regret.

"We can drink wine anytime. Go quickly, don't keep His Majesty waiting."

Yang Shen smiled.

Yang Shen and Zhou Chu often drank together and had long become close friends despite their age difference. If Yang Shen hadn't been afraid of being a generation younger than Tang Bohu, the two would have become sworn brothers long ago.

After bidding farewell to Yang Shen, Zhou Chu followed Huang Jin to the Imperial Study.

"Hengqi, what do you think of my calligraphy?"

Emperor Jiajing was practicing calligraphy in his study when he saw Zhou Chu arrive. He immediately became interested and pulled Zhou Chu to his desk.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chu looked at the words written by Jiajing on the desk and examined them carefully.

"Your Majesty's calligraphy must have been practiced for many years, and with the guidance of a famous teacher, it has already begun to show its style."

Zhou Chu spoke the truth.

When Jiajing heard this, he was very pleased. If anyone else had said this, Jiajing would have thought that the person was flattering him. But since it was Zhou Hengqi who said it, Jiajing knew very well that Zhou Chu had no need to flatter him in this way.

"I only practice calligraphy and painting in my spare time as a hobby. I don't intend to delve into it deeply. Emperor Huizong of Song was a master of calligraphy, but he was an incompetent emperor."