mesbooks Chapter 945 Zhong Zheng Joins the Army
Chapter 945 Zhong Zheng Joins the Army
Because they failed to keep track of Li Mingxuan's whereabouts in time, and because such a big thing happened on the first day of the Lunar New Year, Cui Ling was severely scolded by Zhou Pu.
"Minister Cui, I always thought you would be my trusted advisor and right-hand man. I never imagined I would overestimate your abilities. You've been unable to capture a mere traitor for so long, and now, on the very first day of the Lunar New Year, the treasure map has been leaked. The people are spreading the news privately, and the situation is clearly out of control. Who knows how it will turn out tomorrow? Wealth can move people's hearts, especially when it's a fortune that rivals a nation's. Tell me, what should we do about this?!"
Cui Ling smiled bitterly to himself. Although he knew that there was little point in arguing at this point, he still couldn't help but say a few words in his own defense.
"Your Majesty, I have investigated this matter thoroughly. It was during the New Year's Eve banquet in the palace yesterday that a group of beggars took advantage of the darkness to post treasure maps at the entrances of residential areas in the south and west of the city."
I have already apprehended the people and interrogated them promptly. They only said that the big beggar leader above ordered them to post it like this, and they couldn't understand what it was. Now the big beggar leader has already fled, and I am sending people to arrest him. There is no point in further interrogating these little beggars.
In my humble opinion, someone is definitely manipulating this matter behind the scenes, in collusion with Li Mingxuan, who escaped the net. This person must be quite powerful. We must find Li Mingxuan himself; otherwise, we won't be able to distinguish the real from the fake treasure maps.”
At this point, Cui Ling paused before continuing, "However, now that things have escalated so much, all the major families and clans are probably watching closely. Now might not be the right time to take action against him. It's also not advisable to make a big fuss about this. Perhaps we should issue a statement to refute the rumors first, and wait until the storm has passed before making any further moves?"
Zhou Pu snorted coldly upon hearing this, slapped the armrest of the dragon throne, and said, "Hmph, do you even need to tell me this? Anyone with a toe could figure it out. Those powerful families are all like wolves and tigers, and when they get their hands on something, they're even more cunning than monkeys. Now that they've smelled blood, they're all rushing to join the fray. In the end, it's all because of your poor governance!"
“Indeed, it is your fault for failing in your governance. I am ashamed before Your Majesty and beg Your Majesty for punishment,” Cui Ling said, bowing respectfully.
"Ha, what's the use of punishing you? What I want is for you to redeem yourself through meritorious service!" Zhou Pu said disdainfully.
After saying that, his eyes flickered, a hint of suspicion flashing in them. "However, what you just said about the person with immense power behind Li Mingxuan does indeed need to be thoroughly investigated. Among all the civil and military officials in the capital, there are not many who have the ability to hide someone under your control. If I count carefully, there are only about ten people. How can I allow someone to sleep soundly beside my bed? If this person cannot be found as soon as possible, I will not be able to eat or sleep in peace!"
Cui Ling immediately understood and assured him, "Your Majesty, I understand. I will find this person as soon as possible and hand him over to Your Majesty for judgment!"
"Hmm," Zhou Pu responded indifferently, though his murderous intent resurfaced. However, his imperial position was not yet fully secure, so it was not the right time.
One by one, no one can escape. He keeps a mental record of everything!
Because of this, the already lackluster New Year became even more meaningless.
The few days of relaxation that are rare throughout the year have become like court sessions, filled with mutual probing, testing, speculation, and suspicion.
The government notice was quickly posted, stating that it was all a rumor spread in secret and that the matter was not true. Anyone who continued to talk about it would be imprisoned.
Whether the people actually believe it or not is hard to say, but at least outwardly no one is bringing it up again.
Xiao Hu also took the opportunity of the New Year to come to the mansion to pay his respects. Zhang Lao Er and Xu Shi were as warm as ever to him. "Xiao Hu is here! You've gained a lot of weight since you went to the estate. It's good to be fat. Fat people are blessed!"
"Uncle and Aunt, I wish you a Happy New Year!" Little Tiger smiled shyly.
It's been a while since I last visited, and I feel a bit distant, so I'm not as comfortable talking to you as I used to.
Zhang Lao Er sensed it, beckoned Xiao Hu to sit down, gave him a New Year's red envelope, and asked about his recent situation. He was relieved to learn that everything was fine.
Xiaoyuer went out to pay New Year's visits and wasn't home. After Zhang Ping'an finished seeing off his subordinates who came to pay their respects, he also came over, his attitude friendly.
This relieved Xiaohu's psychological burden considerably, as he was afraid that Zhang Ping'an would drift away from him.
He had a rough idea of why he went to the manor.
He used to secretly compete with Chibao, but now he thinks it's unnecessary; people should face reality.
Actually, things weren't as serious as he thought. Zhang Ping'an felt alright with this cousin, even though he had sent him to the estate. He knew that Xiao Hu harbored no ill intentions towards their family or towards him.
It was during a conversation that Zhang Ping'an inadvertently learned that Zhong was about to leave to join the army.
"He's going to join the army. Why? He's only a little over fifteen, just reaching the age for enlistment. He's a bit too young."
Xiao Hu sighed: "Who says otherwise? This child is so young. He has grown up in the manor since he was a child and has not experienced much. Although he is skilled and steady in his work, and usually acts like an old man, he is still just a child after all."
Life on the estate is so carefree; he has no worries about food or drink. But I've tried to persuade him, I've even scolded him, but he's so stubborn and won't listen. Oh well, let him be!
Xu had always disliked Zhong Zheng, and that hadn't changed over the years. Hearing this, her face fell, and she said with a sneer, "That's why we say our family is kind-hearted. Although we bought this child from a slave trader, we didn't register him as a slave. He could join the army. He wants to go out and make his own way in the world, so let him go. Once he's out there, he'll know how high the sky is and how hard the earth is!"
Xiao Hu chuckled awkwardly, "Hehe, this kid is a bit arrogant, or maybe it's because I spoiled him when he was little."
Xu Shi didn't notice Xiao Hu's embarrassment and nodded confidently, "Who says otherwise? It's all because he's been spoiled!"
Zhang Ping'an didn't dwell on the details and went straight to the point, asking, "Did he say where he plans to join the army?"