Chapter 453

It can be said that the people currently in the court are the ones who truly serve Zhu Youjian and the Great Ming.

That is why the opposition to his resumption of the Eastern Depot was so small and the process so smooth!

Of course, the position of the Eastern Depot also fell into Wang Chengen's hands.

Who else but him, being the closest to Zhu Youjian and the one who knows the most about propriety in conduct?

With the position of Director of the Eastern Depot falling to him, for the sake of balance, the command of the Embroidered Uniform Guard ultimately fell to Luo Yangxing.

Luo Yangxing himself was born into the noble Luo family.

His ancestors were even personal guards serving beside the Emperor in the early Ming.

His family has monopolized great power within the Embroidered Uniform Guard for three generations.

He entered official service as a Company Commander in the Embroidered Uniform Guard; however, he is cautious and upright, considered a very capable person.

Zhu Youjian chose him to command the Embroidered Uniform Guard only after observing him for a long time.

After reviewing memorials in the morning and finishing his noon meal, Zhu Youjian was just preparing for his afternoon nap.

Suddenly, the Embroidered Uniform Guard brought urgent news.

"Your Majesty, urgent news from the Embroidered Uniform Guard!"

Although Wang Chengen controlled the Eastern Depot, he still served beside Zhu Youjian.

Zhu Youjian had just lain down but now had to sit up again. "Where did this news come from?"

Being forced every day by the Laozu Sect in the group chat, even wanting to be a foolish ruler is difficult.

"Yes, it was sent by Mr. Su from Fuzhou Prefecture; after receiving the news, Lord Luo delivered it personally."

Wang Chengen explained while placing a cushion behind Zhu Youjian's back.

Hearing this, Zhu Youjian's eyes lit up. "Mr. Su has rarely sent news to me since going south; now, having the Embroidered Uniform Guard deliver such urgent news, it must be no small matter. Let him come in."

Indeed, it was no small matter; it was merely about the treasure.

Moreover, once the news reached Jingcheng, Luo Yangxing examined it immediately.

After reading it, he could not help but be greatly shocked and, not daring to delay, rushed into the palace.

When Su Qiao was previously in Jingcheng, Luo Yangxing had basically never met him.

One reason was the unequal relationship; Su Qiao usually met only with Zhu Youjian, several Grand Secretaries, or Wang Chengen representing Zhu Youjian.

As for others, he rarely interacted.

The second reason was that he rarely went out; one might not say he was a shut-in, but going out to wander or build relationships with others was rare.

When not busy, he simply stayed in his residence.

At that time, Luo Yangxing was merely a Battalion Commander, so naturally, he had no connection with Su Qiao.

Although he did not know Su Qiao, Luo Yangxing had heard of Su Qiao's name and reputation.

And he knew that Su Qiao was deeply valued by the current Emperor.

So when he first received news from Su Qiao, he was very curious and looked at it more closely.

Who knew it would be such important intelligence?

Upon learning that the Emperor summoned him, Luo Yangxing quickly adjusted his clothes and followed the eunuch into the bedroom.

"Your humble subject greets Your Majesty!"

"Enough, rise. What important news did Su Qing bring? Present it quickly!"

"Your Majesty, Mr. Su has discovered a treasure!"

"Treasure?"

Hearing this, Zhu Youjian was stunned, then took the note delivering the news.

It was convenient for carrier pigeon transmission to speed up the delivery of news.

The content of the note was not much, or rather, very concise; it was just one sentence!

"Qiling Temple in Yangzhou is suspected to be the place where Emperor Yang of Sui hid his treasure!"

Just this single sentence made a look of wild joy appear on Zhu Youjian's face!

Yes, it was wild joy!

When Zhu Di discussed with Su Qiao previously, although Zhu Youjian did not speak and could not interject, he saw and heard some of it through the video call screen.

When Su Qiao explained to Liu Rushi at that time, he mentioned the speculation that Emperor Yang of Sui had buried treasure.

Liu Rushi did not take it to heart at the time.

Zhu Di and Zhu Youjian, however, took it to heart.

Why? Because they had their own palace secret histories that allowed them to trace some clues.

Of course, it was not one hundred percent certain; it was also speculation.

Now, unexpectedly, Su Qiao has actually found it.

The delivered news was one hundred percent certain.

If not ten out of ten, it was nine out of ten accurate.

Otherwise, Su Qiao would not have specially asked someone to urgently deliver the news to Jingcheng.

"Good, hahaha! I said Su Qing is my lucky star, and now it truly is! Luo Yangxing, you must have read this content, right?"

Zhu Youjian was so happy his mouth could hardly close.

The treasure of Emperor Yang of Sui, a treasure capable of restoring the nation!

How much must that be?!

He never complained about having too much money in the national treasury; the poverty of the previous few years was still vivid in his mind; he was purely terrified of being "poor."

Hehe, back then when he rewarded Su Qiao with over a hundred thousand taels in silver notes, the Laozu Sect said he spent money recklessly and was lacking in sense.

Now the return on investment has arrived!

It's many times more than the original hundred thousand taels!

This deal is hugely profitable!

Luo Yangxing immediately nodded and said, "I've inspected it!"

"Good. Since you've seen it, you know what to do, right?"

"I'll send men at once to surround the place and retrieve the treasure!"

Luo Yangxing said without hesitation.

308, the secret is leaked!

"Stop!"

Zhu Youjian cut him off without a moment's thought.

Luo Yangxing looked utterly bewildered.

"You only need to mobilize the army and the Embroidered Uniform Guard to surround the place—no fly may enter. When to retrieve the treasure? Wait for Su Qing's secret memorial to arrive."

Zhu Youjian was excited, but his mind had not been clouded.

Would such an important treasure be simply taken out?

It would be unthinkable not to have laid some backup plans.

He decided to proceed with caution.

Having spent so much time with Su Qiao, Zhu Youjian had grown increasingly mature and composed.

With the Tatars no longer looming over him, he now felt far lighter and more at peace.

Though Luo Yangxing still had some minor doubts, he had just assumed office, and this was the command of His Majesty—he agreed without hesitation.

…

Two days later, Su Qiao's secret memorial arrived.

Along with it came a new Embroidered Uniform Guard intelligence report to the capital.

After Su Qiao had sent his message via pigeon to the capital through the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Luo Yangxing had immediately set out for Yangzhou per Zhu Youjian's orders.

But upon arriving in Yangzhou, Luo Yangxing realized the situation was clearly off.

Yes, clearly off!

No one knew whether the secret had been leaked or what had happened.

After entering the Yangzhou boundaries, Luo Yangxing made contact with the local Embroidered Uniform Guard.

He finally understood what was wrong.

First, there were far too many wandering swordsmen.

He also discovered numerous spies and traces of Bai Lianjiao remnants.