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

Chapter 412

The next day at court, Jiajing looked at the assembled officials below, especially Yang Yiqing and Xie Qian. Seeing that these two old men were so old yet still had to get up so early for court, Jiajing felt sorry for them. However, when he thought about how old people usually get very little sleep, he suddenly felt that they weren't so pitiful after all.

"Among the memorials submitted by the Cabinet yesterday, many were impeachments against Yan Weizhong. What are your views on Yan Weizhong?"

Emperor Jiajing looked at the civil and military officials and asked.

"I have heard that Yan Weizhong is tyrannical and oppressive in Jiangnan, and can be said to have absolute power and use any means necessary."

Mao Ji was the first to stand up and speak.

Of course, most of these statements were fabricated and exaggerated, so Mao Ji carefully used the word "heard," so that even if it was later proven that Mao Ji was talking nonsense, he would still have a reason to explain himself.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I have also heard that Yan Weizhong has only been in Jiangnan for a little over a year, yet he has already acquired a very large mansion, a seven-courtyard house, with extremely luxurious furnishings. I do not believe that Yan Weizhong has not plundered the people's wealth."

Xia Yan echoed.

"Lord Mao and Lord Xia are truly prone to spouting nonsense. Since when can one evaluate an official so irresponsibly? I've heard? Do you two have any substantial evidence? Is it appropriate for us to make such superficial remarks about a high-ranking official?"

Yang Shen stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, since there are so many memorials impeaching Yan Weizhong, then send someone to investigate and find out whether what is said in the memorials is true. If it is true, then investigate and deal with it accordingly. If it is not true, then we can clear Yan Weizhong's name."

Seeing that Yang Shen and Mao Ji were about to start arguing, Yang Yiqing stepped forward and stopped their argument, which also served as a summary of what they had said.

"These are the words of a seasoned statesman. Look, you are indeed worthy of Shi Cong, Minister Mao, and Minister Xia. I do not wish to hear such words again. There must be either confirmed news or concrete evidence. Otherwise, it is inappropriate to attack a conscientious official based on mere hearsay."

Jiajing looked at Mao Ji and Xia Yan with displeasure.

Mao Ji and Xia Yan were not surprised by Jiajing's words. They knew very well that Yan Song was working for the emperor, and the emperor would not fail to protect him.

It would be best if these memorials impeaching Yan Song were effective, but it wouldn't matter if they weren't.

The words they speak today represent their stance and identity. In any case, on the matter of the performance evaluation system, they are ultimately going to stand on the opposite side of the emperor. The emperor's words to them are of no consequence. For these two men who have been in officialdom for countless years, these words have no effect whatsoever.

"In that case, tell Zhou Hengqi to send someone to investigate Yan Weizhong thoroughly. I only found out these past two days that Zhou Hengqi is safe and sound."

The commendation was given with great seriousness.

When Xie Qian arrived in Beijing, Jiajing knew that Zhou Chu's whereabouts could not be kept secret, so he simply went along with it and told him.

Upon hearing this, Mao Ji, Xia Yan, and the others thought to themselves, "Who are you trying to fool?" But on their faces, they wore expressions of "I see."

"It is truly a blessing for our Great Ming Dynasty that Lord Zhou is safe and sound."

Yang Yiqing said in a feigned manner.

"Yes, it is truly a blessing for the court that such a pillar of the state as Lord Zhou is safe and sound."

Mao Ji echoed this sentiment.

"Your Majesty, how is Lord Zhou doing now?"

Xia Yan probed.

"Alas, Zhou Hengqi's body was seriously injured. Even after so long of recuperation, he is not in good condition. It takes a hundred days to recover from a broken bone. It seems he will need to recuperate for a long time."

Jiajing sighed.

Mao Ji and Xia Yan's eyes lit up when they heard this.

Sure enough, this matched the information they had received from Xie Qian perfectly. If Zhou Chu couldn't make any progress, then the next few months would be their time to show their skills.

Whether Zhou Chu was truly still recovering from serious injuries or was simply too scared to come out of that small mountain village, it made no difference to Mao Ji and Xia Yan.