roccoschili Chapter 401 Picking up the leaks
Chapter 401 Picking up the leaks
Chapter 401
Protector Zhou was known for his boldness and self-righteousness. He was not as frightened as the others when he heard this. He said loudly, "Your Majesty originally ordered me to keep this item temporarily. Your Majesty is busy with many things and may forget about it. How can I take it for myself?"
"Haha!" Emperor Yuanzhen laughed heartily upon hearing this, and looked at Protector Zhou with interest. He had always assigned this man to the Wuwei Generals' camp, rarely speaking in court, practically invisible. If it weren't for his distinguished military achievements and numerous exploits during his campaigns, even with his second-rank rank, he would hardly have remembered him. Now it seemed, he was truly a fascinating man.
After a while, Emperor Yuanzhen's laughter faded. He gazed at Protector Zhou with a sharp gaze and said in a deep voice, "General Wuwei has committed treason and betrayal, a heinous crime. The Nanyue army must not be left leaderless again. It is time for a new leader to take charge. I see that you are highly capable and loyal to the emperor and patriotic. Today, I will promote you to the first rank and appoint you as General Wuwei. You will also be given the title of General Zhenwei and command the Nanyue army. Do you have any objections?"
"I thank Your Majesty for your grace! I will dedicate myself to the service of the Great Zhou until my death!" Protector Zhou had already harbored some anticipation when his daughter mentioned the promotion. Hearing the appointment publicly announced in person, he couldn't conceal his surprise. But he knew the rules of etiquette well, suppressing his excitement. He immediately knelt to express his gratitude and swore an earnest oath, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty to the imperial family.
Emperor Yuanzhen was quite pleased with his performance and nodded with satisfaction. Then, ignoring the expressions of the ministers in the court, some expressionless, some unwilling, and some incredulous, he said, "Since there is nothing more to report, let's adjourn."
After saying this, he stood up and walked towards the back hall.
There was silence in the court until the eunuch's sharp voice of "Send the Emperor away" was heard. A moment later, an uproar broke out one after another.
The officials from the faction of Marquis Zhongyong and the neutral officials from the faction of Right Prime Minister all had calm expressions. They bowed to Protector Zhou, congratulated him, and then calmly left the court.
Those who displayed resentment were mostly second-rank officials who served in the same court as Zhou Duhu. Even though the majority of them were civil servants, they found it difficult to remain calm. After all, reaching the first rank was a height that many people would struggle to reach in their entire lives. While the difference between the second and first ranks was only two levels, that leap felt like an insurmountable chasm, blocking the careers of countless people. Now that Zhou Duhu had been promoted so easily, as if he had gotten a free ride, how could they not be resentful?
Minister of War Liu Da was one of those second-rank officials who felt resigned. Previously, he had never taken Protector Zhou seriously, even though they were both second-rank officials. But he never imagined that one day, Protector Zhou would rise to a higher position than himself. Unable to suppress the bitterness, a look of disdain spread across his face, and he sarcastically said, "You betrayed your former master in exchange for glory. Protector Zhou, oh no, now you should be called General Zhenwei. Do you feel even a hint of shame?"
Seeing someone come forward to provoke, the others were no longer in a hurry to leave the court. They all showed an expression of watching a good show. They all wanted to see how the usually taciturn Protector General, now General Zhenwei, would react.
Zhou Duhu was stopped in his tracks. He seemed oblivious to the sarcasm in the other person's words. After a moment's reflection, he shook his head and said, "Lord Liu, as the Minister of War, you have read far more than a mere warrior like me. But how could you speak so foolishly? What does it mean to betray my former master? My only true master is His Majesty. How could there be any other former masters?"
As he spoke, he looked at the Minister of War with a half-smile, "Could it be that the master in your heart is not His Majesty?"
"You..." The Minister of War was momentarily speechless, caught off guard by his harsh words. Humph, these are turbulent times. If those words were to reach His Majesty, how could I possibly face any consequences? With this in mind, he could only lower his hand in frustration, glaring at Protector Zhou fiercely before turning and walking away.
The ministers who had been hoping to watch the fun were disappointed to see the Minister of War, Lord Liu, so easily silenced. Protector Zhou had no intention of letting this go. He turned around, glanced at the crowd, and said, "Why are you all gathered here? Could it be that you share Lord Liu's sentiments?"
Someone frowned, about to speak out a rebuttal, but a colleague beside him grabbed the corner of his shirt. He winked at him, saying that if this argument reached the ears of Emperor Yuanzhen in the rear hall, he would surely be reprimanded by His Majesty. The person realized this, and despite being filled with resentment, he could only suppress his dissatisfaction and left one after another in a huff.
Zhou Duhu watched the retreating figures chuckle, unable to conceal his inner elation. With brisk steps, he impatiently headed out of the palace—he had to hurry back to tell his daughter about this great joyous event.
…………
At that moment, the daughter that Zhou Duhu longed for was in Osmanthus Alley. Luo Shuiyao had been cooped up in her room for the past few days, learning embroidery from Chuntao. Perhaps she had some natural talent for it, as she had mastered it in just a few days. While her designs were less refined and beautiful than Chuntao and Nanny Zhang's, they still gave the general idea.
Luo Shuiyao was startled when she suddenly heard someone coming to ask for an audience. She was even more stunned when she heard it was a young girl. She had never accompanied the Marquis's wife or anyone else on social outings, and naturally, she had never made friends with girls her own age. Chun Xing and the others didn't know this person either. Who could it be? Thinking about this, she placed the handkerchief and purse she was embroidering into the bamboo basket and ordered, "Chun Tao, go make some tea."
The two of them went their separate ways. Luo Shuiyao tidied her clothes and walked towards the reception room.
When she arrived at the reception room, Luo Shuiyao saw the table piled high with various items before she even saw anyone.
She raised her eyebrows slightly, and when she looked up, she saw a woman leaning out of the window. The woman saw her, walked over a few steps, and shouted with a smile: "Sister Yao, it's me, Baozhu!"
Luo Shuiyao was surprised and asked, "Baozhu, how did you find yourself here?"
She hadn't expected Zhou Baozhu to come to her house, and she couldn't help but wonder: How did she know she was here? But then she thought, Zhou Baozhu's father was at least a second-rank official. With some connections and information channels, it wasn't surprising that he knew her whereabouts.
Zhou Baozhu walked forward with a smile on her face and hugged Luo Shuiyao affectionately. She said coquettishly, "Sister Yao, I begged my father for a long time to help me find your address. I rushed over to find you. We haven't seen each other for a long time, and I missed you so much!"
Luo Shuiyao smiled knowingly after hearing this. How could she not hear the implicit explanation in Zhou Baozhu's words? Besides, she already had a good impression of this girl, so naturally she wouldn't blame her. Instead, she welcomed her visit.
She let Zhou Baozhu hold her and act coquettishly, then pulled her into the house and said, "If you miss me, just come. Why did you bring so many things?"