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

Chapter 205

Yang Shen countered with a question.

Yang Yiqing gets a headache just hearing Yang Shen speak. After Yang Shen was scolded by the emperor, he seemed to have become a different person. He almost never lost a verbal battle in the court. Even when he lost, it was because he was outnumbered and had to be at a disadvantage.

Yang Yiqing naturally didn't want to face Yang Shen's firepower alone.

"Your Excellency Yang is mistaken. The Grand Secretary only said to take it into consideration. As the saying goes, urgent matters should be handled slowly. If you are too hasty, you are more likely to make mistakes."

Before Yang Yiqing could speak, an official from the Ministry of Revenue stepped forward from behind him.

This person was one of Yang Yiqing's most outstanding students.

These words are very well said. At first glance, they seem to make no mistake and there is nothing wrong with them. Matters of the imperial court usually have to go through procedures and be processed layer by layer. After going through all the steps, it would take at least half a year.

Yang Yiqing wanted to buy time. He knew very well that Cui Wenkui and Xia Yan were guilty, and if he tried to exonerate them, he would only get himself into trouble.

If it drags on for half a year, then it can be sent back for reconsideration, and another pretext can be found to go through the whole process again, and then it will all be dropped.

This is a common trick used by people like Yang Yiqing. Not only Yang Yiqing, but all the civil and military officials in the court are extremely familiar with this method.

As long as we can stall for time, there is room for maneuver.

But this was clearly not the result Jiajing wanted.

"Does the Grand Secretary think so too?"

Jiajing looked at Yang Yiqing and said.

"Your Majesty, it's always good to take things slowly; being too hasty often leads to mistakes."

Yang Yiqing spoke with the air of someone who had been through it all.

"I think Yang Wenxian's words make a lot of sense. Such a thing has happened in Suzhou Prefecture. If we don't deal with it with swift and decisive measures, how can we give the people of Suzhou Prefecture an explanation? If this continues, won't people be filled with fear and anxiety?"

Jiajing was clearly not going to be misled by Yang Yiqing and went straight to the heart of the matter.

"Your Majesty is absolutely right. If this matter is not handled properly, it will not be enough to give the people of Jiangnan an explanation."

Yang Shen echoed.

After Yang Shen finished speaking, Han Jie and other officials echoed his words.

"If that's the case, then strip Cui Wenkui of his military power as a small punishment to serve as a warning, and Wang Yangming will be in complete control of the military power in Jiangnan Province."

Jiajing did not give Yang Yiqing another chance to speak, and decisively announced his decision.

Both Jiajing and his ministers selectively ignored Xia Yan.

With Jiajing's words, the matter was considered closed, and Yang Yiqing was powerless to refute it, no matter how much he wanted to.

After the court session, Sun Jiaojiao's father, Sun Hong, quickly caught up with Han Jie, who was walking ahead.

"Lord Han, let's go to Zuixianlou for a couple of drinks later."

As Sun Jiaojiao's father, Sun Hong benefited from Sun Jiaojiao's influence. Because of Zhou Chu and Sun Jiaojiao, he got in touch with Han Jie and caught the eye of Jiajing. As a result, he was transferred to the Ministry of Personnel and promoted two ranks to become a fourth-rank official in the Ministry of Personnel.

For Sun Hong, who had been stagnant for many years, this was like a second spring. Moreover, it was clear to anyone with eyes that Sun Hong's political future was bright, and it was probably far more than just a fourth-rank official position.

Given the right opportunity and a suitable vacancy, both Emperor Jiajing and Han Jie would likely prioritize Sun Hong.

After all, Sun Hong had served as an official for many years. Although he was somewhat corrupt, he had also accomplished a lot, which was what Jiajing valued.

"Why drink so early? I'll have Jiaojiao come and play with Yuan'er later. Yuan'er has been sulking with her husband these days. Let Jiaojiao talk to her."

Han Jie smiled.

Han Yuan'er got married half a year ago. Han Jie found a son-in-law for her. Han Yuan'er and he were quite loving, but they were both quite serious and often sulked.

Han Jie did not use his status to bully his son-in-law. In his view, it was just a quarrel between the young couple, which was normal.

Upon receiving the news, Sun Jiaojiao immediately got into a sedan chair and headed straight for the Han residence.

Soon, Sun Jiaojiao met Han Yuan'er, who was sulking.

"Yuan'er, what's wrong with you?"

Sun Jiaojiao asked with concern.

"Don't even mention it, it's all his fault. He complained that I wasn't paying attention to him and acted like a woman all the time."

Han Yuan'er said with a frustrated expression.

"Then find him something to do. How can a grown man do this?"

Sun Jiaojiao smiled.

"Let's not talk about him. I heard that the weighing equipment has caused quite a stir in Suzhou Prefecture recently."

Han Yuan'er said excitedly.

"I've heard about what happened in Suzhou Prefecture. It's related to weighing instruments, isn't it?"

Sun Jiaojiao asked in confusion.

Unlike Han Yuan'er, she lived in her husband's family home and had limited access to information.

"Of course, the weighing instrument industry is causing quite a stir in Suzhou Prefecture."

The moment Zhou Chu was mentioned, Han Yuan'er's previous gloomy mood vanished, and she started talking non-stop with Sun Jiaojiao.

Sun Jiaojiao listened with repeated amazement, her eyes sparkling with admiration, and her admiration for Zhou Chu grew even stronger.

After Han Yuan'er finished speaking, she seemed to remember something and couldn't help but sigh.

"I really miss the days when I ran a restaurant with Hengqi."

Upon hearing this, Sun Jiaojiao also fell into her memories.

Yes, back then, Hengqi was still a businessman, and they could chat and laugh with him.

Looking back now, it seems like a long time has passed. Unconsciously, the gap between them and Zhou Chu has grown wider and wider.

This gap isn't just about status; it exists in every aspect.

So much so that when Zhou Chu was still in the capital, they didn't even have the courage to go to him.

That's why Sun Jiaojiao and Han Yuan'er miss the past.

At the time, it was only common.

At this time in Suzhou Prefecture, Chunlan came before Zhou Chu.

"Young Master, Xu Yaozong has arrived. He brought a woman and a child with him. They should be the people you are looking for."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chu immediately perked up.

Xu Wei has finally arrived.