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

Chapter 135

When Zhou Chu returned to Ning Shou Palace, the atmosphere there was completely different from before.

Previously, the Palace of Tranquil Longevity had countless eunuchs and palace maids. In terms of grandeur, the Palace of Tranquil Longevity was second to none.

But now the situation was completely different. The Ning Shou Palace was filled with Jinyiwei (Imperial Guards), ostensibly to protect the Empress Dowager, but in reality, they were placing her under house arrest. Only a few eunuchs served her in the entire Ning Shou Palace, but they were also restricted from entering and leaving. They had to get permission from the Jinyiwei to do anything.

The palace was now very different from before. There were no more palace maids, but many more Imperial Guards, making it extremely solemn. The surviving eunuchs were all silent and trembling, and did not even dare to look up at Zhou Chu.

"Your subordinate greets Your Excellency."

The Imperial Guards standing at the door bowed to Zhou Chu as soon as they saw him.

Zhou Chu nodded without saying anything and strolled into the Ning Shou Palace.

The Ning Shou Palace was now a desolate place, devoid of its former grandeur. Only a few eunuchs were carefully tidying up the things that Zhang had thrown all over the place.

Clearly, the Empress Dowager was in a bad mood. Anyone who had experienced such a major change would not be in a good mood.

Zhou Chu soon saw Zhang Shi. At this time, the Empress Dowager had lost her former demeanor and nobility. Without the careful service of the palace maids, she looked extremely disheveled.

"I see the Queen Mother."

Zhou Chu bowed and said.

Etiquette must not be disregarded. No matter what, the person before him was the Empress Dowager. Even though she had temporarily failed and was under house arrest, Zhou Chu knew that one should not do anything too presumptuous just because one is overconfident.

If that were to happen, and others found out, Zhou Chu's image would slowly crumble.

Just like at the end of the Han Dynasty, although Cao Cao held the emperor hostage to command the princes, he still had to show the proper etiquette to the emperor on the surface. Dong Zhuo did not understand this principle, which is why he was attacked by the princes of the world.

"Zhou Chu!"

Zhang looked at Zhou Chu with bloodshot eyes, wishing she could rush forward and kill this treacherous minister in her eyes.

"I wonder what brings the Empress Dowager to see me?"

Zhou Chu asked.

"Do you really think you can control everything in this palace?"

Zhang looked at Zhou Chu angrily.

"Your Majesty's words have made me tremble with fear. This is the Imperial Palace, and there is only one heaven in the Imperial Palace, which is Your Majesty. I am merely a pawn in Your Majesty's hands. With me here, no one can block Your Majesty's view."

Zhou Chu spoke calmly, his tone neither overly respectful nor disrespectful, appearing quite composed.

But it was this calm that made Zhang even angrier. How dare Zhou Chu, a subject, speak to her in such a tone? It was simply unforgivable.

"Do you really think no one can handle you?"

Although Zhang was furious, she was helpless against Zhou Chu.

"Your Majesty, why do you say such a thing? I am deeply terrified."

Zhou Chu looked puzzled.

"What do you want in exchange for the withdrawal of these Imperial Guards?"

Zhang knew that arguing with Zhou Chu was pointless; if they continued, he might drive her crazy. So she simply stated her thoughts directly.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. I was only doing this for Your Majesty's safety. Two days ago, Your Majesty ordered me to withdraw the Embroidered Uniform Guard. As a result, those assassins took advantage of the palace's weak defenses and left behind a trail of bloodshed. This was my dereliction of duty, and I deserve to die. Therefore, no matter what Your Majesty says this time, I will not allow them to leave their posts without permission."

Zhou Chu, with the air of a loyal minister and general, spoke eloquently, becoming more and more excited as he spoke. As he spoke, he even felt that he was truly thinking about the safety of the Empress Dowager, and for a moment he was even moved.

"you!"

Seeing Zhou Chu's shamelessness, Zhang felt a surge of anger rising in her chest, unable to vent it, and didn't know what to say.

"Your Majesty need not worry too much. His Majesty has ordered that each prefecture select several thousand good men from good families and send them to the capital. After further screening, they can enter the palace to serve Your Majesty."