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

Chapter 225

Nie Bao made invaluable contributions to the later development and flourishing of Yangming's philosophy.

When Zhou Chu arrived at the county government office, Nie Bao was engrossed in handling official business. Only after being reminded by a nearby clerk did Nie Bao realize that an outsider had arrived.

"This humble official greets Lord Zhou."

Upon seeing the three people before him, Nie Bao immediately understood Zhou Chu's identity. He had visited the Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard) office in Huating County when it was established and had been busy with the matter, so he had naturally seen the portraits of Zhou Chu and the other two.

"Lord Nie, there's no need for such formalities. I heard that you've been working hard on the Embroidered Uniform Guard these past few days, so I've come to express my gratitude."

Zhou Chu smiled.

"Lord Zhou, your words are too kind to me. Those gentry have been adding layers of pressure on the common people, and I have been helpless. I can only do my best to protect some of them. Thanks to your great talent and strategy, Lord Zhou, your plan has completely thwarted their scheme. They have shot themselves in the foot. I admire you greatly."

Nie Bao's words were not purely flattery; most of them came from the heart.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chu felt refreshed and invigorated.

"In the future, we will need Lord Nie's help with the affairs of Jiangnan. Lord Nie is a capable and dedicated person, just like you are needed by our Great Ming."

Zhou Chu sighed.

Talented individuals like Nie Bao, at the age of thirty-five or thirty-six, could only serve as county magistrates. The entire court of civil officials held their positions without performing their duties, each one a sycophant who only knew how to make money, yet they held high positions in the imperial court.

If the Ming Dynasty is to undergo change, it needs officials like Nie Bao, who have a clear understanding of the lower classes and are also capable.

Only when there are more officials like this will the Ming Dynasty gradually improve.

"You flatter me, sir. I was merely doing my duty."

Nie Bao laughed.

On the other side, Lu Bing led several thousand cavalry as the vanguard, marching rapidly all the way. They had already entered Annam. Although he had expected it, he was still deeply shocked when he saw the entire country of Annam surrendering to the Ming Dynasty. He felt somewhat uneasy about accepting such a tremendous achievement.

Especially when he saw his younger sister, looking at her who was completely different from before, so dashing and spirited, Lu Bing was momentarily dazed.

"Brother, what are you spacing out for?"

Yun Jin smiled.

"I just didn't expect you to be so amazing. How old are you? You're only twelve at most. When I was your age..."

Lu Bing felt deeply ashamed whenever this was mentioned.

“Why compare, elder brother? You are my elder brother. Besides, I have been by my second brother’s side since I was a child. I have received your careful guidance and have taken you as my role model.”

Yun Jin tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled gently.

Seeing this scene, Lu Bingcai found a trace of the familiar little sister in Yun Jin.

"Yes, Hengqi is simply a prodigy. It's hard to become mediocre if you're working alongside him."

Lu Bing sighed.

Hengqi is much smaller than me, but everything he does is earth-shattering. It can be said that His Majesty's current situation is entirely due to Hengqi. Compared to Hengqi, what I have done is simply insignificant.

"Wan'er, I can't accept this credit. I'll ask His Majesty for it on your behalf later."

Lu Bing said.

Upon hearing this, Yun Jin shook her head.

"Brother, you absolutely mustn't. This credit is only right for you. My Xuanwu Army is kept secret from the outside world and it's not suitable to make it public for the time being. Moreover, if I were to gain military merit, His Majesty would become somewhat wary of me, my second brother, and my Lu family."

Yun Jin said with a serious expression.

She had one more thing to say: once she had military merits, it would be difficult for the emperor to bear seeing her and Zhou Chu together, or even getting too close.

This is definitely not the situation Yun Jin wanted to see.

Upon hearing this, Lu Bing's expression hardened, and he understood the key point.

"That would be too unfair to you."

Lu Bing looked at his younger sister with a face full of heartache.

"I'm not upset. As long as I can help my elder brother and second brother, I'll be satisfied. As for the soldiers of the Xuanwu Army, they killed a lot of Japanese pirates recently. Please ask my elder brother to ask for their credit on my behalf."

As Yun Jin spoke, she handed the military merit book she had previously recorded to Lu Bing.

Lu Bing carefully put the booklet away.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it."