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

Chapter 277

They believed that the emperor's favor towards the empress was boundless and indulgent, and that the rise of the civil service group centered around Chen Wanyan would be unstoppable. Many thought they had seized the opportunity and wanted to board the ship as soon as possible.

After the officials recommended by Chen Wanyan were appointed by Jiajing, they became increasingly arrogant, believing that there was nothing they could not accomplish.

"So what about Yang Shen? So what about Yang Yiqing? They still can't stop me."

In the main hall of the Chen family mansion, looking at the officials who were fawning over him, Chen Wanyan said with a smug expression.

"That's right. His Majesty and the Empress are in perfect harmony, which is a good thing for Lord Chen. The rise of the Chen family is unstoppable."

A fifth-rank official flattered him.

"Yes, if we follow Lord Chen from now on, won't our future be bright?"

The praise from the crowd made Chen Wanyan feel like he was floating on air.

However, he soon realized a problem.

“The positions in the court are now all filled by one person, and even if I wanted to give you some guidance, there are no positions available. How can I recommend anyone? The previous ones have already put His Majesty in a difficult position.”

Chen Wanyan said with some worry.

"Lord Chen, you are mistaken. If there are no vacancies, we will create them and squeeze out the officials who are currently in these positions. Wouldn't that create vacancies?"

One of the officials laughed.

Chen Wanyan's eyes lit up immediately upon hearing this.

"Tell me, what should we do?"

“My lord, there are probably quite a few officials who want to curry favor with you. If you unite them all, and then impeach the official in the position you desire, step by step, won’t you be the one to call the shots in the court in the future?”

The man said with a sinister smile.

"Yes, sir. What is this Grand Secretary Yang? He'll be nothing in front of you when the time comes."

Another official hurriedly flattered him.

They knew that Chen Wanyan had been humiliated by Yang Yiqing and Yang Shen in the court, and as long as they seized on this, they could achieve anything.

Sure enough, upon hearing this, Chen Wanyan instantly became excited. He seemed to see himself pointing out the country's future in the imperial court, with Yang Shen and Yang Yiqing having no choice but to nod in agreement.

In the Zhou residence, Zhou Chu has been drinking and making merry every day for the past few days. As for Wen Zhengming, he is getting old and can't stand it, so he hides in his room to study under the pretext of preparing for the exam.

Liu Sisi and the other women were summoned to the Zhou residence every day. Zhou Chu also noticed Liu Sisi. Among these women, several of them would always glance at him intentionally or unintentionally, their eyes filled with complicated and conflicted thoughts. They were probably considering whether to take revenge.

Among them, Liu Sisi was the one who stared at him the most frequently.

"You come forward."

Zhou Chu was slightly tipsy at this point, and pointed at Liu Sisi.

Upon hearing this, Liu Sisi was startled. She realized that her chance for revenge seemed to have arrived, but she was torn about whether or not to take action.

"Keep your head up."

Zhou Chu looked at Liu Sisi with bleary eyes, still drunk.

Liu Sisi then raised her head with a spring-like look in her eyes. This kind of emotion was taught to her by someone when she first entered the brothel. After becoming the top courtesan, Liu Sisi no longer needed to treat people like this. The top courtesan of the brothel should naturally be proud of her status.

However, Liu Sisi was unsure of her own emotions at the moment, and fearing that she might give herself away, she subconsciously displayed this expression.

"You want revenge on me?"

Zhou Chu pinched Liu Sisi's chin and laughed.

Liu Sisi was shocked when she heard this.

"This lowly concubine dares not!"

Liu Sisi hurriedly knelt down in the tunnel, pressing her entire body to the ground, fearing that Zhou Chu might misunderstand and attack her clansmen.

"It's best if there isn't one."

Zhou Chu sneered.

After saying this, Zhou Chu looked at a member of the Imperial Guard standing to the side.

Whose daughter is she?

"Your Excellency, Liu Sisi is the daughter of Zhou Wenhuai, a former official of the Ministry of Personnel."

The Imperial Guards said respectfully.

"Go and get all of Zhou Wenhuai's files, make sure they are detailed."

Zhou Chu waved his hand and said.

"Yes."

The Imperial Guards received their orders and departed.

"You still want to take revenge on me? Do you know who those people who can't survive because of your father, Zhou Wenhuai, can take revenge on?"

Zhou Chu looked at Liu Sisi and said disdainfully.

"Since you've enjoyed the benefits brought by the Zhou family, you must bear the corresponding consequences. Do you really think you're innocent?"