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

Chapter 318

The Imperial Guards that Yu Hai brought were all absolutely trustworthy; he naturally wouldn't bring any of the problematic ones.

As soon as Zhou Chu gave the order, before anyone had a chance to react, the Imperial Guards stepped forward and subdued the men. Although they were shocked, they immediately understood what was happening when they saw Lu Ying remain silent, and none of them dared to resist.

After all, if they don't resist, they might die, but their families will be fine. If they do resist, things could get very different. Disobeying military orders would at least result in military law, and in severe cases, it could be equivalent to treason.

These people have long lost their fighting spirit, so naturally they dare not resist.

So these people were beheaded by the Embroidered Uniform Guard in front of tens of thousands of soldiers.

Tens of thousands of soldiers, witnessing this scene, immediately began to discuss it, and hope was ignited in their hearts.

However, many veterans felt that Zhou Chu was just going through the motions, killing some unimportant people. They knew very well that there were far more than just these people who had embezzled military pay. These were just some centurions, with only one chiliarch. How dare they embezzle military pay on their own?

"Today I am here by imperial decree to do only three things: fairness! Fairness! Fairness, to hell with it!"

Zhou Chu said loudly.

“You will receive your full military pay, and any shortfalls from previous years will be made up.”

Upon hearing Zhou Chu's words, the 30,000 soldiers in front of him visibly became excited, while Lu Ying and the others beside him were filled with worry. If this continued, Lu Ying was even worried about whether she would still be able to command the army.

However, when Lu Ying thought that most of the centurions and commanders in the army were on her side, she immediately felt relieved.

With these officers around, the army won't fall into chaos.

"Sir, isn't what you're saying a bit inappropriate? Weren't all those who embezzled military funds killed? How much military pay could they possibly have?"

Lu Ying said with some dissatisfaction.

Clearly, Zhou Chu's actions were about to cross her bottom line, and Lu Ying was now hesitating whether to take action.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chu glanced at Lu Ying but ignored him.

“I only killed a small portion of them just now. Most of the corrupt officials are still hiding among you. Starting today, I will give you three days. Anyone you believe has embezzled military funds and who has evidence can be tied up and brought before me.”

Zhou Chu looked at the excited soldiers in front of him and said.

"Once verified, 20% of the military pay embezzled by these people will be used as a reward for those who catch the whistleblowers."

Before coming here, Zhou Chu had already figured out how to break the deadlock; otherwise, why would he have rashly entered such a dangerous place as the military camp?

Upon hearing this, the soldiers discussed it animatedly, but none of them took immediate action.

Lu Ying could no longer sit still.

"Lord Zhou, isn't this inappropriate? Lord Zhou, aren't you afraid you won't be able to leave my camp if you cause such trouble?"

Lu Ying said with a gloomy expression.

"Oh? Is Lord Lu threatening me? I was appointed by His Majesty to inspect the military camp and have the authority to act expediently. How dare you threaten me like this, Lord Lu? You are simply lawless!"

Zhou Chu's expression suddenly changed.

As soon as Zhou Chu said this, Shen Lian and the others, who had been waiting for this opportunity, stepped forward and subdued Lu Ying and the others.

Although Lu Ying was a military general, he had indulged in pleasure over the years. Although his martial arts skills were much stronger than those of ordinary people, they were still far inferior to Shen Lian's. He was subdued by Shen Lian in just one exchange.

Not to mention the other civil officials.

"Brothers, what are we waiting for?"

Although Lu Ying was restrained, she still felt she could control the situation and shouted.

Upon hearing this, the centurions and commanders in the army all drew their swords.

“Someone is plotting a rebellion and colluding with the Mongols. Brothers, take them down.”

One of the thousand households shouted.

He originally thought he could command a large following, but the situation that followed was far beyond his expectations. The soldiers barely moved, and many of the soldiers next to him were even looking at him with ill intent.

The commander who shouted was quickly subdued by the surrounding soldiers, and a group of soldiers brought him before Zhou Chu.

"Sir, this man is named Xu Yong, and his official rank is commander of a thousand men. He was also involved in embezzling military funds, and we have evidence."

Zhou Chu glanced at Xu Yong, then at the soldiers, and nodded.

"I understand. I will immediately order the Embroidered Uniform Guard to investigate. Once it is confirmed, he will return all the military pay he has swallowed, and 20% of it will be given to you as a reward."

"Thank you, sir."

The soldiers were incredibly excited.

The other soldiers didn't rush to move; they wanted to see if Zhou Chu would really keep his word. If Zhou Chu did, then things would get interesting in the camp.

Zhou Chu naturally understood this principle as well.

At this moment, Lu Ying panicked completely. He never expected that things would get out of his control so quickly. He was in his own military camp, yet Zhou Chu had so easily taken away his military power.

Lu Ying regretted it deeply. He regretted not taking action against Zhou Chu and his group immediately. Although it would have been more troublesome, it would have prevented him from falling into this predicament.

In fact, it wasn't just Lu Ying who regretted it; all the officials in front of Zhou Chu were filled with remorse.

However, they were not as anxious as Lu Ying. They thought that Zhou Chu was just reorganizing military affairs, and even if he detained them temporarily, he wouldn't do anything to them. After all, embezzling military funds had nothing to do with them.

"Lord Zhou, what business is it of ours to reorganize the military? Why are you being so rude to us?"

Hu Duo didn't dare to speak too forcefully at this moment. After all, this was a military camp. If they angered Zhou Chu and he killed them, they would have no recourse.

"Please don't worry, everyone. We just need your cooperation. Please bear with us for now. We'll let you go back in a couple of days."

Zhou Chu said.

Upon hearing this, Hu Duo and the others immediately fell silent. They only cared about their own safety; they didn't care about Lu Ying's life or death. There were plenty of generals, one after another, so what difference did it make who they cooperated with?

Just like General Hang Xiong before her, Lu Ying had only been promoted for a short time, so to say that they had a deep relationship with her would be a stretch.

"Everyone, please disperse. As for this person, we'll have a result soon."

Zhou Chu looked at the soldiers before him and said.

Upon hearing this, the 30,000 soldiers dispersed.

Those commanders and officers noticed that the soldiers around them were looking at them strangely, and they couldn't help but feel uneasy.

"What are you trying to do? Are you looking to die?"

One of the commanders, though outwardly fierce, inwardly spoke cowardly.

"Sir, will these soldiers really make a move?"

Shen Lian said with some worry.

"If your military pay is constantly being embezzled, how would you feel about these centurions and commanders?"

Zhou Chu looked at Shen Lian with a half-smile.

"hatred!"

Shen Lian thought for a moment and said.

“That’s you. You’re strong and naturally not afraid. But ordinary soldiers are both afraid and hateful of their superiors who embezzle their pay. They won’t act rashly if they don’t see any real benefit.”

After saying this, Zhou Chu turned to look at Yu Hai.

"I'll give you half a day to thoroughly investigate Xu Yong's background."

"Yes, my lord."

Yu Hai accepted the order.

In fact, Yu Hai had already done a pretty good job of investigating before. He had already recorded Xu Yongben on his list. Now it was just a matter of thoroughly investigating. Although he knew a lot of things before, he hadn't investigated them thoroughly, so naturally there were many things he couldn't find.

Now that Yu Hai has no more scruples, he will naturally go all out and make a big splash.