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

Chapter 585

Even as the Minister of Revenue, Zhang Cong couldn't easily criticize this, because if he did, the officials in the Ministry of Revenue would likely resent him for being the Minister.

This is not the situation Zhang Cong wanted to see.

But Zhang Cong was well aware of why Jiajing and Zhou Chu had transferred him back to the capital. Restraining these Ministry of Revenue officials was something he had to do, and Zhang Cong had to find the right balance.

"Lord Zhang, His Majesty has ordered us to recalculate. What price do you think would be appropriate?"

An official from the Ministry of Revenue looked at Zhang Cong and asked.

This question really didn't stump Zhang Cong.

"Gentlemen, your memorial is indeed a bit outrageous. Lord Zhou is currently in the capital. I have heard these past two days that the construction of this railway was initiated by Lord Zhou. Lord Zhou was originally a merchant. Do you think your little schemes can be hidden from Lord Zhou? Can't you see what happened to those officials in the Ministry of Works a few days ago? Why do you think Lord Zhou is cracking down on the Ministry of Works?"

Zhang Cong was well aware that as the Minister of Revenue, he could not indulge these officials; appropriate reprimands were necessary. Of course, such reprimands had to make them feel that he was considering their interests from their perspective.

There's a lot more to it than meets the eye.

The officials in the Ministry of Revenue were startled by these words and exchanged glances.

"I have heard about this matter. I heard that it was because that good-for-nothing Shao Xi from the Ministry of Works offended the family of the guards around Lord Zhou, which caused this trouble."

One of the officials said.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Cong shook his head.

"Gentlemen, how can you see things so simply? If it were really because of this, wouldn't it have been simpler for Lord Zhou to just have the Shao family arrested? Why bother mobilizing so many people from the Ministry of Works?"

Zhang Cong countered with a question.

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent.

"I have a very good personal relationship with Lord Zhou. Lord Zhou can be said to be infallible. You all can think about it. Since taking office, has our commander ever done anything like this, putting personal interests before public duty?"

Zhang Cong continued to press for answers.

"What do you mean, sir?"

The Vice Minister of Revenue understood Zhang Cong's implied meaning and replied respectfully.

"Before Lord Zhou reformed the Ministry of Works, he probably already planned to build this so-called railway. But at that time, the officials in the Ministry of Works were corrupt. If we were to hand over this project to the Ministry of Works, how much more would they embezzle? Have you all thought about that?"

Zhang Cong glanced at the crowd and sneered.

Upon hearing this, everyone felt a chill run down their spines. They had originally planned to take advantage of this opportunity to make a quick buck, but after hearing Zhang Cong's words, they were filled with fear. If they had actually done so, they would probably have been purged by the Northern Garrison Command as soon as the project started.

"Thank you for your advice, sir."

The Vice Minister of Revenue bowed respectfully.

"The salaries the court provides to you all are quite high these days, and the national treasury is full. At the end of each year, the court will also give you a substantial bonus. It's not that we don't want you to take this money; after all, you get your hands dirty. As long as you don't have any improper thoughts or try to take more than your share, I believe that Lord Zhou will not make things difficult for you."

Seeing that the tapping had achieved the desired effect, Zhang Cong nodded in satisfaction.

"However, it is difficult to strike the right balance here. I hope you will go and sound out Lord Zhou."

The Vice Minister of Revenue said somewhat nervously.

"Fine, I'll go in your place."

Seeing the eager looks in everyone's eyes, Zhang Cong sighed.

"Thank you, sir."

The officials of the Ministry of Revenue bowed and said...

At this point, Zhang Cong had won over the hearts and minds of all the officials in the Ministry of Revenue.

"Young master, Minister Zhang of the Ministry of Revenue has sent a visiting card."

Not long after Zhou Chu returned from the palace, Chunlan came to him with a visiting card.

Given Zhou Chu's current power in the capital, countless people send visiting cards to the Zhou residence every day, trying to pull strings. Chunlan filters out more than 90% of these cards directly, and those who are unsure will ask Zhou Chu for his opinion.