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

Chapter 150

Soon, the news of Zhou Chu's demotion as commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard spread throughout the capital, and officials, common people, and merchants alike applauded the news.

Many shops even set off firecrackers to celebrate. In their view, Zhou Chu had been causing too much trouble during his time as commander, especially in recent days. They didn't dare to breathe loudly. Moreover, thanks to the deliberate propaganda of those civil officials, Zhou Chu had long been seen by the people as a living devil who persecuted loyal officials and indiscriminately killed innocent people.

Now that this living devil has been ousted from power, everyone is very happy.

Zhou Chu's flying fish robe was taken away, and he was replaced with the fine clothes worn by ordinary centurions. He then strolled around the streets of the capital with Shen Lian and Fang Hong.

As it turns out, the vast majority of people don't recognize Zhou Chu at all. When Zhou Chu was the commander, even if he walked by, no one dared to look up and see what he looked like. They recognized him because of his flying fish robe. Now that he has changed his clothes, who would recognize him?

Looking around at the people and merchants who were happy because Zhou Chu had been demoted, Shen Lian felt a pang of sorrow. He couldn't help but recall the words of Daoist Feixiazi: "The people will not be grateful to you; they may even hate you."

Only then did Shen Lian understand why his teacher said he was far inferior to adults; in terms of demeanor alone, he was far inferior.

During the days Shen Lian followed Zhou Chu, he grew to admire and even worship Zhou Chu more and more. In particular, this time Zhou Chu showed no attachment to the position of Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, using it to exchange for a thousand corrupt officials and countless riches. With this, the Ming Dynasty's finances would be worry-free for ten years or even longer.

Shen Lian looked at the jubilant people with a sorrowful expression. These people didn't even know who was truly good to them, or who was painstakingly planning for their future well-being.

Not knowing is one thing, but they also regard those who are good to them as enemies and treacherous officials, and regard those officials who are usually high and mighty to them and who have been trying to exploit them as loyal and virtuous officials.

How foolish!

Not only Shen Lian, but if Zhou Chu hadn't stopped him, Fang Hong would have almost rushed up to teach these people a lesson several times along the way.

"Fang Hong, you don't need to come with me anymore. Go and take care of whatever you need to do. In a few days, we will be heading to Suzhou Prefecture. Once we go to Jiangnan, we don't know when we will be able to return to the capital."

Zhou Chu said with a hint of emotion.

Upon hearing this, Fang Hong seemed to recall something, and his face flushed slightly.

"My lord, there is something I have been thinking about for many days."

Fang Hong said somewhat guiltily.

"What's the matter? Tell me."

Zhou Chu said with great interest.

"Your subordinate wishes to marry Miss Shen Qing."

When Fang Hong said this, her face turned even redder. She knew very well that the commander in front of her knew that she was a girl. She didn't know how she had the courage to bring it up in front of Zhou Chu. But when she thought that she might be going to Jiangnan for several years, and that Shen Qing was already in her early twenties and would be an old maid in a few more years, Fang Hong naturally paid attention to Shen Qing's affairs these days and knew how the people around her were gossiping.

Fang Hong finally understood. Shen Qing's feelings for the master were unrequited. The master's ambitions lay in the world and all corners of the land, so naturally he wouldn't linger for a mere woman. It was precisely because Fang Hong understood this that he mustered the courage to say those words.

Hearing this, Shen Lian was somewhat surprised, but he also thought it was normal, as he did not know that Fang Hong was a woman.

Zhou Chu was quite surprised to hear this. He never expected that Fang Hong would like women. But thinking about it, he could understand it. After all, he was raised as a man from childhood, so it was hard not to develop a male self-identity.

As for Shen Qing, she has remained unmarried for many years. Zhou Chu had asked her about it, and Shen Qing said that she was afraid her husband's family would want to take advantage of her lack of descendants, which would put her in danger. Zhou Chu thought it made a lot of sense, so he didn't ask her again.