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

Chapter 487

“Cousin, very few people in the capital know about my relationship with the young master. If others find out, I will be in a lot of trouble…”

As soon as Zhou Chu left, Sun Qiang made a pointed remark.

"We'll keep this a secret, I won't even tell my wife."

Wang Mu was afraid that Sun Qiang would overthink things, so he quickly assured him.

Sun Qiang nodded, not doubting the truthfulness of Wang Mu's words.

Sun Qiang knew very well that what allowed his cousin to keep the secret was the power and influence of the weighing instrument, not the so-called guarantee.

As the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Zhou Chu was a laughing stock. If Wang Mu and his son dared to leak this information, it would be a joke to try to keep it from the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

"Then let's part ways here. I need to go back to Zuixianlou to keep up with my business."

Sun Qiang clasped his hands in a salute.

When Wang Mu and his son saw Sun Qiang bow, they were flattered and hurriedly returned the greeting. Wang Ying, in particular, returned the greeting with a junior's bow, her waist almost bent at a ninety-degree angle.

"If you want to go further in your career, you might as well broaden your horizons and perspective, and not just focus on your family's affairs."

Sun Qiang patted Wang Ying on the shoulder and sighed.

After saying this, Sun Qiang turned and left, while Wang Ying fell into deep thought.

"Father, what do you think Uncle meant by that?"

Wang Ying looked at Wang Mu beside her, her face full of confusion.

“You’ve read so many books and you still don’t understand, how could I possibly understand? Go back and think about it more. Since your uncle said that, there must be a reason.”

Wang Mu said solemnly.

Upon hearing this, Wang Ying nodded thoughtfully.

"I never expected your cousin to have such an opportunity. You must keep his relationship with Lord Zhou a secret, otherwise Lord Zhou will definitely find out once it gets out."

Wang Mu's first half of his sentence was filled with emotion, but the second half was extremely serious.

"Don't worry, Dad, I know what's important."

Wang Ying said with a hint of helplessness.

Hearing this, Wang Mu nodded. He had always trusted his son, Wang Ying, who handled many things better and saw things more clearly than him.

The fact that Wang Mu and his son are safe does not mean that others are safe. So many scholars want to take shortcuts. If we don't make an example of them, this trend will continue to spread.

"My lord, this is the list of officials who confessed to their service."

Lu Wanshan arrived at the Zhou residence and handed a booklet to Zhou Chu.

Zhou Chu opened the booklet, picked up a brush, and selected from top to bottom the gifts given by the scholars, marking about ten in total. He then threw the booklet on his desk.

"Arrest people according to the list."

"My subordinates will do it now."

Lu Wanshan picked up the booklet, turned around, and left the study.

"Zisheng, something terrible has happened! Shaoning has been captured by the Northern Garrison Commanders."

Xu Jie was reading in his room at the inn when one of his close friends hurriedly pushed open his door, looking quite shaken.

Upon hearing this, Xu Jie put down the book he was holding.

Why were you arrested?

Xu Jie already had some guesses in his mind, but he was not quite sure.

His friend had connections with Yang Lian, the Vice Minister of Rites, and had received a great deal of money from him. Recently, there had been a tense atmosphere in the capital, and Yang Lian and a number of other officials had been arrested.

Xu Jie did not believe that officials like Yang Lian would hold a grudge against scholars like them.

However, this time there were many more officials trying to get in touch with these people than ever before. This was mainly because some time ago, these officials had been praising Mao Ji and Yang Lian to the skies, as if as long as one could establish a relationship with these two people, one's chances of passing the imperial examination would be guaranteed.

Like cooking oil over a blazing fire, it will eventually boil over. Xu Jie always understood this principle, so he didn't join in the fun. Even when his friends invited him to join, he refused.

"It's probably because of Yang Lian, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites."

Xu Jie's classmate said with lingering fear.

"What should I do? I've already pulled some strings at the Yang residence. Will the Northern Garrison also come to arrest me?"

The man looked at Xu Jie with a helpless expression.

He didn't think he could hide his trip to the Yang residence from the Northern Garrison Command.