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

Chapter 590

"Alright, think it over carefully. I've figured it out. Lin Yao is determined to marry no one but you, and I don't have any good ideas."

Jiajing found it difficult.

Zhou Chu knew very well that Jiajing was speaking to him; to put it bluntly, the emperor in front of him still hoped that he could marry Lin Yao.

Of course, Zhou Chu didn't have much of an objection to marrying Lin Yao; the real question was how to handle the matter properly.

Therefore, this matter should be handled slowly rather than hastily; patience will lead to a smoother outcome.

The Ministry of Revenue's accounting report was approved by Emperor Jiajing. After his approval, Jiajing sent the report to the Grand Secretariat. Yang Yiqing and others in the Grand Secretariat were shocked when they saw the costs reported by the Ministry of Revenue in the report.

"Have these people in the Ministry of Revenue changed their ways? Why are they reporting such low figures?"

Yang Yiqing looked at the document, his face full of confusion.

"They do want to get involved, but has the Grand Secretary forgotten that Zhou Hengqi just purged the Ministry of Works? Does Your Excellency think that our Commander's actions against the Ministry of Works are merely for personal grudges?"

Looking at the memorial, Xia Yan instantly understood the thoughts of the officials in the Ministry of Revenue. With Zhou Chu's sword hanging over their heads, these people really didn't dare to embezzle too much.

Upon hearing this, Yang Yiqing suddenly realized what was happening.

"I see. Zhou Hengqi probably had the idea of ​​building railways a long time ago. He dealt with those people in the Ministry of Works to put pressure on the Ministry of Revenue. Brilliant! He thinks ten steps ahead for every one step he takes. No wonder he is Zhou Hengqi."

Yang Yiqing exclaimed in admiration.

"Gentlemen, let's vote."

Yang Yiqing looked at the others and said.

The final result was self-evident. With such a low offer, there was no reason for the cabinet not to approve it. Today's cabinet is not the same as the cabinet of the past. Even Xia Yan dares not do many things openly.

After the cabinet approved the document, it was quickly sent to the Ministry of Revenue, which then began to operate, allocating funds to the Ministry of Works and putting pressure on it.

The Ministry of Works had too many responsibilities. Their job was to liaise with those people in Annam, and they also had to handle the procurement of other raw materials.

Of the six ministries, the Ministry of Works is currently the busiest, running around like crazy, while officials from the Ministry of Revenue are constantly putting pressure on the Ministry of Works.

The latter half of the railway from Beijing to Datong was mainly constructed by the Prince of Dai's Mansion, while the first half was constructed by many local Beijing merchants. In any case, this was a huge project that no single person could handle.

While undertaking the construction, officials from the Ministry of Works also informed them of the division of responsibilities, which was roughly the same as what Zhou Chu had said before.

The railway from the capital to Taiyuan was jointly constructed by a group of merchants and two or three princely mansions. These princely mansions were only relatively close to the line, and upon learning of this, they were determined to secure the project no matter what.

As for the railway connecting the capital to Jiangnan, this route is the longest and has the most contractors. There are seven or eight princely mansions involved in this railway alone, not to mention other merchants involved.

As for those who wanted to participate in the construction but didn't get the opportunity, Jiajing also had to make appropriate appeasement.

"These three railways are just the beginning. In the future, the entire Ming Dynasty will be covered with railways. You'll have a lot to do then."

Representatives from various regional princely mansions came to the capital, all vying for the construction projects. Emperor Jiajing assigned Zhou Chu to appease these people, as Zhou Chu had good relations with the princely mansions from various regions.

Apart from the Prince of Jin's residence.

The Prince of Jin's residence was even unable to secure a contract for the construction of the railway leading to Taiyuan this time.

"Brother, why did you call me here?"

Zhou Chu looked at Lu Bing's worried expression and said.

Lu Bing called Zhou Chu, not at the Lu family residence, but at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion.

This left Zhou Chu somewhat puzzled.

"It wasn't me who called you, it was Yun Jin who told me to call you."

Just as Lu Bing finished speaking, the door to the private room opened, and Yun Jin walked in.

"I told Yun Jin about His Majesty's decision to have you marry the county princess some time ago."

Lu Bing looked at Zhou Chu, somewhat embarrassed.