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

Chapter 314

"One more bowl of noodles for each person, and another ten catties of mutton."

Zhou Chu underestimated the appetite of this group of people, mainly because they were too hungry.

After the two men finished eating, they wiped their mouths and went outside to relieve the two horse watchers.

Looking at the knife-cut noodles in front of him, Zhou Chu couldn't help but recall how he often heard people say that Shanxi cuisine was not presentable in formal settings in his previous life, and how countless people had served one main dish after another in an attempt to prove that Shanxi cuisine was good.

Therefore, before Zhou Chu arrived, he specifically instructed the eunuchs responsible for feeding the horses to bring a cook along and travel slowly behind them.

Eating noodles occasionally is fine, but if it's noodles for every meal, Zhou Chu really can't stand it.

After eating and drinking their fill, Zhou Chu and the others let out a satisfied burp, sat in the noodle shop for a while, and then paid their bill and left.

As soon as they stepped out of the noodle shop, a cold wind hit them in the face, instantly making Zhou Chu and the others, who had been feeling a bit sleepy because of the warm air inside the noodle shop, instantly become incredibly awake.

Only then did Zhou Chu have the mind to observe Datong. Compared with the capital, Datong appeared desolate and dilapidated, and its color scheme was completely different.

After all, it's a strategically important border town, so it's not surprising that war broke out in the capital.

"My lord, I was unaware of your arrival and have failed to greet you properly. I hope you will forgive me."

When Zhou Chu and the others came out, Yu Hai, the commander of the Imperial Guard in Datong, was already waiting at the door. Yu Hai was also a shrewd man, so he did not wear his official uniform and instead disguised himself.

Otherwise, as a commander of the Imperial Guard, he would still be quite conspicuous here.

"This is not a suitable place to talk."

Zhou Chu led out the black horse and mounted it.

"My lord, please follow me."

After saying this, Yu Hai mounted his horse and led the way.

More than half a year ago, when Zhou Chu began to plan for Datong, he replaced the commander of the Imperial Guard in Datong with Yu Hai.

Yu Hai was originally working in the capital and was one of Lu Wanshan's most trusted commanders. Zhou Chu transferred him to Datong to get a clear picture of the basic situation there.

Otherwise, Zhou Chu would be completely in the dark right now, knowing nothing at all. He had no idea how many of the Jinyiwei in Datong could be trusted.

The appointment of other officials in Datong may not be so easy, but the Embroidered Uniform Guard is, after all, the emperor's personal guard. Even if some Embroidered Uniform Guards have been infiltrated, they would not dare to do so openly. Replacing an Embroidered Uniform Guard commander with a commander would still be a piece of cake for Zhou Chu and Jiajing.

The group followed Yu Hai and soon arrived at a relatively secluded and large mansion.

"My lord, this is the place I have prepared for you to stay."

Yu Hai said respectfully.

Zhou Chu looked at the mansion in front of him; it was quite large, easily accommodating dozens of people.

"Well done. Tell me, what's the current situation in Datong?"

Zhou Chu walked into the main hall and sat down.

"My lord, the situation in Datong is very complicated. Many members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard have been infiltrated, so I dare not come to see you openly."

Yu Hai said.

Zhou Chu nodded upon hearing this.

"You've done a good job on that. Our identities need to be kept secret for now."

"This Datong, or rather the entire Hetao region, is mainly divided into three forces, which are intertwined and complex, yet they collude to prey on the people, including Shanxi merchants, officials and gentry, and garrison commanders."

Yu Hai answered truthfully.

Hearing this, Zhou Chu was not surprised. Along the way, he found that the people here were much worse off than those in the capital. Logically speaking, Shanxi and even the entire Hetao region should be very prosperous.

Zhou Chu knew very well that the wealthy people here were probably only the merchants and officials; the ordinary people were much poorer than those in the capital or Jiangnan.

There are three garrisons in Datong: Datong Left Garrison, Datong Right Garrison, and Datong Front Garrison.

Currently, the troops in these three garrisons are all under the command of Lu Ying.

"The situation is not optimistic."

Zhou Chu sneered.