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

Chapter 570

"Lord Zhou, this is too precious, we cannot accept it."

Huang Jin was somewhat flattered.

In Huang Jin's eyes, he never placed himself and Zhou Chu on the same level or in the same position. Since entering the capital, the person Huang Jin respected most was Jiajing, and the second was Zhou Chu.

Even the Empress Dowager ranked after Zhou Chu in Huang Jin's heart.

"They're just some trinkets. I have plenty of these kinds of things and money here. Eunuch Huang, just take them."

Zhou Chu said somewhat reproachfully.

Huang Jin was deeply moved when he heard this.

In this capital city, the only people who truly treated him as a human being were Emperor Jiajing, Lu Bing, and the Lord Zhou standing before him.

Even Empress Dowager Jiang always regarded him as a servant.

As for the officials in the court, the reason they held Huang Jin in high regard was simply because of his status. Huang Jin knew perfectly well that those people were secretly cursing him as a castrated dog.

Since Zhou Chu had said so, Huang Jin no longer refused and put the agate away.

"I won't stay any longer; I must return to report to His Majesty."

Huang Jin bowed to Zhou Chu.

After saying this, Huang Jin led a large group of people and left the Zhou residence.

"Go and call Lu Wanshan over."

Zhou Chu looked at Shen Liandao, who was standing to the side.

Soon, Lu Wanshan jogged up to Zhou Chu.

"Sir, what are your orders?"

Lu Wanshan said respectfully.

Logically speaking, Zhou Chu should be working at the Embroidered Uniform Guard. However, whether it was two years ago or now, Zhou Chu has long been accustomed to handling Embroidered Uniform Guard affairs at home. At this time, the Zhou residence has become the highest command center of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. No one dares to say anything about Zhou Chu not going to the Embroidered Uniform Guard for duty.

If even the emperor has no objections, who among the Embroidered Uniform Guards would dare to object?

"His Majesty has issued an edict to make an exception for Li Zongqi, the Vice Minister of Works."

Zhou Chu looked at Lu Wanshan and said.

Upon hearing this, Lu Wanshan was unsure how to deal with Li Zan.

"Then what does Your Excellency think should be done with this Vice Minister of Works?"

"Give them a break" or "treat them leniently" are just official rhetoric. The key is to what extent the break is made and to what extent the punishment is lenient.

“Make him hand over all the money he embezzled, and then demote him to a local position as a seventh-rank official, not a county magistrate, and see where there are any official positions without real power.”

Zhou Chu sipped his tea and said casually.

Zhou Chu knew very well that even if Li Zan was demoted, he should not be demoted to the position of county magistrate in charge of a region. Li Zan had so much property confiscated this time. If he were to become a county magistrate in a remote area, far from the emperor's reach, he would probably try every means to make money. In that case, the local people would have no way to survive.

Give him a low-ranking, seventh-grade local official position with no real power, so he can't make money even if he wants to. In this way, the emperor's wishes are fulfilled, and the people are not made to suffer.

"We can't let him off so easily. Let him set an example and confess everything he should. That way, we'll have a reason to treat him leniently."

Zhou Chu added.

"My subordinate understands."

Lu Wanshan had done many things with Zhou Chu and immediately understood Zhou Chu's meaning.

After leaving the Zhou residence, Lu Wanshan went straight to the Zhao Prison.

"Bring Li Zongqi here."

After entering the Zhaoyu prison, Lu Wanshan did not go to see Li Zan, but instead stood at the entrance of the Zhaoyu prison and looked at the prison guards.

"Yes, my lord."

To the jailers and guards of Zhaoyu Prison, Lu Wanshan was like the sky above them, and they dared not disobey his words in the slightest.

Soon, Li Zan was brought before Lu Wanshan by a group of prison guards.

"Lord Lu, what can I do for you?"

Li Zan appeared somewhat defiant at this moment, probably because he believed he was beyond saving, hence his tough stance.

"Lord Li is indeed quite assertive. I originally intended to offer him a way out, but judging from his appearance, it seems unnecessary."

Lu Wanshan looked at Li Zan and sneered.