Chapter 116: Stirring Trouble

As an emperor, he hoped to have ministers who cared only about interests and nothing else.

Because such ministers were easier to use and easier to control. Conversely, ministers who talked grand ideals were not easy to use.

But on the other hand, as a sovereign, he also hoped his ministers had principles.

It had to be said—an emperor was a contradictory combination.

Zhu Youxiao let out a gentle sigh, calming his emotions. Speaking of which, he was now just a tool, a tool without feelings.

After calming down, Zhu Youxiao began to think about what he should do.

In fact, this situation was somewhat beyond his expectations. Because he had already arranged some things himself, and had not anticipated that something like this would happen on this front.

These ministers were truly ruthless when it came to kicking a man when he was down. The key question was—what should he do?

After pondering for a moment, Zhu Youxiao set the routine memorials aside. Turning to look at Chen Hong, he said directly, "Keep them all shelved."

In fact, doing this was not because Zhu Youxiao did not know what to do—rather, he already knew exactly what he was going to do.

This approach was in fact his choice.

After the memorials were shelved, those people would continue submitting more. He needed to wait a while longer—the conflict had not yet erupted.

With so many memorials sent up, there was no way to keep it hidden. Outside, it had probably already caused an uproar.

Zhu Youxiao wanted to watch first—to put it plainly, he wanted to let them fight among themselves first.

After Chen Hong had taken away all the memorials, Zhu Youxiao looked at Chen Hong and asked, "What about the Embroidered Uniform Guard? How are things over there?"

Chen Hong was momentarily stunned, somewhat confused. Was there something going on with the Embroidered Uniform Guard?

Seeing Chen Hong's expression, Zhu Youxiao furrowed his brow.

No wonder Chen Hong did not have Wei Zhongxian's abilities and remained suppressed without ever rising to prominence. He really was inadequate—his reaction speed and vision were far too poor, a world apart from Wei Zhongxian.

Zhu Youxiao had no choice but to say again, "Go to the Embroidered Uniform Guard and ask Luo Sigong. Those students gathered to cause trouble—how does the Embroidered Uniform Guard plan to handle it?"

Hearing Zhu Youxiao's words, Chen Hong immediately shuddered.

His Majesty was going to deal with that bunch.

What did he mean by telling him to go ask? If he did not intend to make a move, what was there to ask about? Because right now, nothing had actually happened. Those students did not dare to make trouble, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard had not intervened either.

So His Majesty was going to stir something up.

Chen Hong did not dare say anything more, and hastily bowed, saying, "This servant will go at once."

Watching Chen Hong's retreating figure, Zhu Youxiao shook his head helplessly.

Chen Hong's vision was far too shortsighted.

Luo Sigong, the Regional Military Commissioner of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, was the same. At a time like this, he could not even see which way the wind was blowing.

No wonder you people could not outdo Wei Zhongxian.

Those students going to cause trouble had already been within Zhu Youxiao's expectations. It would have been normal for them to make trouble—it would have been strange if they had not.

Zhu Youxiao was waiting precisely for this moment.

If he did not make a move now and let them run wild, then next time they would cause trouble again, and their methods would be even more intense.

What should be done about Chen Kedao?

The key problem was—if the matter did not blow up, how could he intervene?

How could he make the matter bigger?

Drawing in more people with greater power and influence—that was what mattered most.

If the whole affair just faded into silence, then what was he even doing all this for?

Meanwhile, Chen Hong left the imperial palace and went straight to the Embroidered Uniform Guard headquarters.

He could not figure out what his Majesty intended to do, and spent the whole journey thinking about it.

That His Majesty would deal with those students was certain, but in Chen Hong's view, this was completely unnecessary.

His Majesty could not possibly have any reason to move against those students, because His Majesty had never even seen them.

Now that His Majesty wanted to move against them, there must be a deeper meaning behind it.

It was just that he could not see it clearly right now, but that did not matter—he had allies. If he told Luo Sigong, the Regional Military Commissioner of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, about this matter, he believed Luo would understand what His Majesty intended to do.

Upon learning that Chen Hong had arrived, Luo Sigong did not dare show the slightest neglect and ran straight out of the duty room.

Chen Hong was now his ally—more precisely, he was his backing inside the palace.

For Chen Hong to come to him at this time, there must be something he wanted to discuss. And since Eunuch Chen had come in person, it must be a major matter.

After the two exchanged a few pleasantries, Luo Sigong waved his hand to signal those around them to withdraw.

After everyone had left, Luo Sigong finally spoke to Chen Hong, "Eunuch Chen, what brings you here today? Do you have any instructions? Whatever you command, the entire Embroidered Uniform Guard will see it done."

Chen Hong glanced at Luo Sigong, and understood at once.

This Luo Sigong had run into trouble and needed him to lend a hand.

The matter was simple. His Majesty had told him to help Chen Kedao give lectures and build an academy for Chen Kedao, but the very first lecture had been ruined. Not only had it been disrupted into a mess, but he did not know what to do next.

If they really continued the lectures, what if those people came to cause trouble again?

If they did not continue the lectures, then the task His Majesty had assigned was not done properly. What was he to do?

Luo Sigong was caught in a dilemma and needed Old Chen to give him some advice.

Thinking of this, a smile appeared on Chen Hong's face. Good—so you know you need me when the time comes.

Glancing at Luo Sigong, Chen Hong said with a smile, "I have come today not on my own private business, but because His Majesty has questions he wishes to ask."

Hearing Chen Hong's words, Luo Sigong hastily stood up, assuming a posture as if about to receive an imperial edict.

Chen Hong hastily smiled and stopped Luo Sigong, then said, "Lord Luo need not do this. His Majesty has not issued any decree to you—he merely sent me to ask about some matters."

Even after Chen Hong said this, Luo Sigong still stood ramrod straight, then bowed and said, "Please instruct me, Eunuch."

Chen Hong also straightened up, and said with a grave expression, "His Majesty has asked me to inquire—how do you plan to resolve the matter of those students causing trouble?"

Hearing this question, Luo Sigong was somewhat stunned.

He raised his head to look at Chen Hong, never having expected that His Majesty would ask about this matter.

But in an instant, he had already reacted — if His Majesty was asking this way, then naturally He wanted him to do something about it; otherwise, He wouldn't have asked at all.

Luo Sigong hastily bowed and said: "Your servant is already investigating. It has now been confirmed that these people are organized. Your servant is currently investigating several of the ringleaders, and has already identified them. Your servant will arrest them immediately and severely punish those who instigated the trouble, guaranteeing that such incidents will absolutely never happen again."

Chen Hong nodded with satisfaction and said with a smile: "In that case, this servant will report back to Your Majesty."

After this exchange was concluded, Luo Sigong saw that Chen Hong seemed about to leave, and hastily grabbed hold of him.