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

Chapter 480

"Lord Zhou, what is it that can't be discussed calmly? Why must we arrest someone and throw them into the imperial prison?"

When Yang Lian arrived at the Zhou residence, he didn't even present a visiting card. The gatekeeper of the Zhou residence originally wanted to stop Yang Lian, but Yang Lian barged in with a forceful attitude.

This was because Zhou Chu had made prior arrangements, and the gatekeeper didn't really intend to stop him. Otherwise, given the Zhou family's defensive capabilities, the hidden Imperial Guards could have easily subdued Yang Lian.

"What do you mean by that, Lord Yang? I don't understand."

Zhou Chu waved away the gatekeeper who had chased after him, looking puzzled.

Upon hearing this, Yang Lian simply snorted coldly.

"Lord Zhou is truly a master of feigning ignorance. Who in the entire capital doesn't know that Shen Lian is Lord Zhou's bodyguard, and he only ever carries out Lord Zhou's orders? He led men to arrest Young Master Mao and imprison him in the Imperial Prison. How can Lord Zhou possibly absolve himself of any involvement?"

Yang Lian said with a face full of disdain.

"Oh? Is that so? Dazhu, go and call Chunfu over. He left in a hurry earlier, I don't know where he went."

Zhou Chu looked at the large pillar beside him and said in a serious tone.

"Lord Yang, please don't be anxious. Let's talk things out. Sit down and have a cup of tea first."

Zhou Chu said with a big smile.

Upon hearing this, Yang Lian didn't press the matter further, so he simply sat down, picked up his teacup, and began to drink tea.

However, Yang Lian's expression was not very good.

He didn't expect that at this critical juncture, Zhou Chu, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, would suddenly cause trouble.

After more than half a month of continuous growth, Yang Lian's popularity had reached its peak, and no one in the entire capital dared to go against his lead.

Zhou Chu made his move at this particular moment, which greatly angered Yang Lian and put him in a difficult position.

If this matter is not handled properly, and people see the power and influence of Yang Lian, or rather Mao Ji, many of the officials who have been trying to curry favor with them will back down.

After all, while promotion and wealth are desirable, not everyone would dare to take the risk if the Embroidered Uniform Guard were to actually make a move.

Yang Lian was well aware of this, as was Mao Ji. However, Mao Ji dared not gamble; he needed to leave himself some room for error. Therefore, this matter could only be handled by Yang Lian.

This matter must be handled skillfully. At the very least, we must force Zhou Chu, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, to bow his head. Only then will Yang Lian and the officials under Mao Ji continue to act with impunity.

Once Mao and Ji's power reached a certain level, Yang Yiqing's departure was inevitable, and Mao and Ji's ascension to the cabinet was unstoppable.

However, Zhou Chu's timing in doing this was impeccable, seemingly hitting the exact right spot in time, leaving Mao Ji and Yang Lian in an awkward position.

About fifteen minutes later, Shen Lian followed Da Zhu to Zhou Chu and Yang Lian at a leisurely pace.

"Chunfu, Lord Yang said you arrested Young Master Mao, is that true?"

Zhou Chu looked at Shen Lian and asked the question knowingly.

"In reply to your question, sir, this is indeed the case. Just now, I received a report from Manager Sun of Zuixianlou that Young Master Mao and the young master of Lord Yang's family got drunk at Zuixianlou and broke a lot of things. Not only did they refuse to pay compensation, they also demanded money from Zuixianlou. What kind of logic is this? Where does Young Master Mao's behavior place the laws of the Ming Dynasty?"

Shen Lianyi spoke righteously.

"Nonsense! Why didn't you inform me before handling this matter privately?"

Zhou Chu said with a hint of disappointment.

"Just now, Your Excellency was giving a lesson to the Crown Prince of Chu. I really didn't dare to disturb you, so I had to take matters into my own hands. Please forgive me, Your Excellency."

Shen Lian hurriedly apologized.

"Alright, alright, you two stop acting and release them now."

Yang Lian said with a look of impatience.

"Release them? Why were they released?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chu picked at his ear with his finger, as if he had heard something unbelievable.

"What exactly is Lord Zhou's intention?"

Seeing Zhou Chu's appearance, Yang Lian immediately realized that this matter was unlikely to end well, and his face darkened.