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

Chapter 703

"No need for formalities. I have often heard Hengqi mention you, saying that you are a loyal and patriotic person, as well as a capable one. I was somewhat skeptical at first, but now it seems that Hengqi is right. Japan can do without anyone else, but it cannot do without you."

Jiajing laughed.

"Your Majesty is too kind. Japan is now stable. Whether I am here or not makes no difference. Even if someone else were sent, it would be the same."

Wang Zhi lowered his head and said.

"How can it be different? Japan is far overseas. If others were sent there, how many could control their ambitions? I understand that you, Minister Wang, are considerate of me. Over the years, you have made great contributions to the Ming Dynasty. I have not yet formally rewarded you. Let me reward you now."

Jiajing said solemnly.

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhi immediately knelt down.

"Wang Zhi has rendered countless meritorious services in the Ming Dynasty's expedition to Japan. Effective immediately, Wang Zhi is hereby officially appointed as the General Who Pacifies the Japanese Pirates, and awarded with a reward of one thousand taels of gold, five thousand taels of silver, and silk..."

Jiajing then revealed the rewards and honors bestowed upon Wang Zhi.

"Your Majesty, thank you for your grace."

Wang Zhi kowtowed with immense excitement.

The heartfelt words Jiajing had spoken to Wang Zhi had given him the urge to die for a friend who understood him. Now, Jiajing's bestowal of honors upon him made Wang Zhi feel that his years of hard work in Japan had not been in vain.

Wang Zhi's background was too poor, and he was far from being qualified to be a general. Moreover, Wang Zhi originally belonged to Yun Jin's subordinates, and it was Zhou Chu and Yun Jin who sent him to Japan. All the strategic plans were also formulated by the two of them.

To put it bluntly, Yun Jin contributed to Wang Zhi's achievements, so it was definitely inappropriate to confer the title of Grand General on Wang Zhi. However, Jiajing would not treat Wang Zhi unfairly and specially conferred a title upon him.

The difference between a general with a title and an ordinary general is significant.

"Get up. You used to always write me memorials asking for a day off, but at that time, Japan couldn't do without you, so I didn't grant you permission. You won't blame me, will you?"

Jiajing came up to Wang Zhi and patted him on the shoulder.

"What are you saying, Your Majesty? My loyalty to Your Majesty is as clear as the sun and moon."

At this moment, Wang Zhi wished he could tear his heart out and show it to Jiajing.

"It's good that you don't blame me. Now that you're back, take a good rest. It's time to go back to your hometown. I heard from Hengqi that your father hasn't returned to his roots yet. I will send the Embroidered Uniform Guard to escort you all the way so that your father can return to his roots."

It must be said that Jiajing was a good leader who fully understood the needs of his subordinates. Wang Zhi's most pressing need was to return to his hometown in glory, so Jiajing naturally wanted to give him a grand welcome.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Wang Zhi knelt down again and kowtowed.

"Alright, no need for so much formality. Just enjoy your time in the capital these next few days. It's your first time in the capital, so take this opportunity to explore."

Jiajing said with some reproach.

Wang Zhi was deeply moved by Jiajing's thoughtfulness. He felt he wanted to say something to repay the emperor, but he couldn't put his words into words.

After leaving the palace, Wang Zhi glanced at Huang Jin, who had seen him off.

"Eunuch Huang, may I ask where Lord Zhou's residence is?"

Wang Zhi said respectfully.

"You can't explain it in a single sentence. How about this, we'll find someone to take you there."

As Huang Jin spoke, he waved to a eunuch not far away.

"Godfather, what did you call me for?"

When the eunuch saw Huang Jin calling him, he dared not delay and ran to Huang Jin.

"Take General Wang to Lord Zhou's residence."

Huang Jin said.

"Okay, godfather."

After saying this, the eunuch came to Wang Zhi.

"General Wang, please come with me."

This eunuch was a decent person, quick-witted, otherwise Huang Jin wouldn't have taken him in as a godson. When Huang Jin mentioned Lord Zhou, he didn't ask any questions, even though Zhou Chu wasn't the only official with the surname Zhou in the court.

But the only person who could get his godfather to give special instructions was Duke Zhou of Dingguo.

There's no need to ask any more questions.

Wang Zhi gave Huang Jin a grateful look, then hurriedly followed the eunuch.

“Father-in-law, I would like to prepare some gifts first.”

Wang Zhi looked at the eunuch in front of him and said.

"Of course, Yun Gui Fang is the best shop in the capital. General, please come with me."

The eunuch then led Wang Zhi straight to Yun Gui Fang.

The two arrived at Yun Gui Fang. Wang Zhi was very generous in Yun Gui Fang, and quickly prepared a generous gift. He then had the people from Yun Gui Fang follow him to the Zhou residence.

"What brings you here, sir?"

The gatekeeper of the Zhou residence dared not neglect the eunuchs, regardless of whether they came from the palace or the princess's residence; they had to treat them with utmost respect.

"General Wang, you can tell me yourself. I'll head back now."

The eunuch looked at Wang Zhi and said.

"Thank you, father-in-law."

As Wang Zhi spoke, he took out a five-tael silver ingot from his pocket and handed it to the eunuch. This was something Lin Zhi had repeatedly told him before he came, instructing him to be more shrewd in the capital and to use silver as much as possible.

After all, Wang Zhi had been in Japan for so many years, and the one thing he had no shortage of was silver. Even though Wang Zhi never thought of embezzling, he still saved up over a million taels of silver.

If he doesn't take it, Lin Zhi and Qi Liang will find a way to make him take it; otherwise, it will be difficult for Lin Zhi and Qi Liang to take it.

Of course, Lin Zhi and Qi Liang didn't take it for nothing. They would always give Zhou Chu a considerable amount as a gift. Jiajing was aware of this. The amount they took was not much, just a drop in the ocean, so Jiajing naturally turned a blind eye.

The eunuch received the silver and immediately smiled with satisfaction.

"General, you're too kind. Alright, I have to go back and report to my godfather. You go ahead with your work."

The eunuch bowed to Wang Zhi.

"My name is Wang Zhi. I used to be Lord Zhou's subordinate in the army. I have come here specifically to request an audience with Lord Zhou."

Wang Zhi looked at Zhou Chu's gatekeeper and explained his purpose.

"Please wait a moment, sir, while I go and inform the master."

The doorman greeted him.