Chapter 137

Zhu Gaoxu could only sigh inwardly at this matter; it was all fate.

However, logically speaking, this affair involving Song Shen was actually not that big.

Now that he was on the list of those awaiting judgment, it was likely that Lao Zhu was also considering whether to thoroughly clear out some potentially restless factors.

In fact, in Zhu Gaoxu's view, it was completely unnecessary.

Finding people to help one climb the ladder was a common occurrence in every dynasty; such things were impossible to prohibit despite repeated bans.

After killing this batch, there would still be another batch of people continuing to do the same in less than two years.

To prohibit it, one could not rely solely on the butcher's knife; it also had to be combined with governance strategies.

Zhu Gaoxu was not in a hurry about this matter; judging by Lao Zhu's current mindset, even if he intended to punish these people, it likely would not be too severe.

At most, it would be nothing more than stripping them of their official posts and never employing them again.

It should not implicate their families, but since Song Shen was, after all, the grandson of Song Lian, Zhu Gaoxu felt that if there was an opportunity to help, he should still help.

Seeing that the matter had been discussed, Zhu Gaoxu stood up and sent the servant away.

Outside, the Embroidered Uniform Guards were still playing Mahjong.

The conference hall in Zhu Gaoxu's main tent had by now been completely converted into a senior activity center.

There were seven or eight Mahjong tables set up outside.

The Mahjong tiles had also been completely finished by someone.

The Mahjong tiles usually used by the Embroidered Uniform Guards were made of bamboo or ordinary wood, while the ones Zhu Gaoxu used himself were made of golden nanmu.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard who was playing in Zhu Gaoxu's place saw Zhu Gaoxu come out and stood up, intending to let Zhu Gaoxu continue playing.

But at this moment, Zhu Gaoxu had no heart left to play Mahjong; he pressed his hand down to let the guard continue, and he himself stood up and walked out of the main tent.

Although Mao Xiang had been playing Mahjong the whole time, he had been keeping an eye on Zhu Gaoxu ever since he came out of the inner room.

Seeing that Zhu Gaoxu's complexion was not very good, he also summoned a guard who was watching the game to replace him, and he followed behind Zhu Gaoxu to accompany him as he walked out.

Zhu Gaoxu turned his head to look at Mao Xiang, who had followed him out, and then cast his gaze toward the drill ground.

"It's almost the Longevity Festival in about ten days, isn't it?"

As he walked, Zhu Gaoxu asked indifferently.

Mao Xiang, following behind Zhu Gaoxu, nodded and said, "It is eleven days until His Majesty's birthday."

Zhu Gaoxu nodded after hearing this and continued, "Jingcheng must be extremely lively right now; the Feudatory Princes from all over and the vassal states must all be coming to the capital to offer birthday greetings."

Hearing Zhu Gaoxu's words, Mao Xiang did not know what Zhu Gaoxu was thinking, but he still replied, "Goryeo, Ryukyu, Shanbei, Zhongshan, the three kings of Shannan, Annam, Siam, Chenla, Brunei, and other countries have all sent envoys; they are likely already waiting in Jingcheng for an audience."

Hearing about so many countries, Zhu Gaoxu could not help but nod.

Most of these countries were the predecessors of the various East Asian nations of later generations, and many were even later incorporated into the Great Ming.

Thinking this, Zhu Gaoxu suddenly said with a hint of implication, "With Jingcheng in such a state now, it would be a pity to miss it."

Hearing Zhu Gaoxu say this, Mao Xiang did not know how to respond for a moment.

He also knew that Zhu Yuanzhang had issued an edict for Zhu Gaoxu not to enter Jingcheng for a short time, and seeing Zhu Gaoxu like this, he must be feeling stifled.

Helpless, Mao Xiang could only console him, "Although Jingcheng is lively at the moment, it is not very peaceful; I believe that once His Majesty has settled everything, he will certainly summon Your Highness to the capital."

Zhu Gaoxu nodded noncommittally upon hearing this, then stopped talking and walked around the Military Camp silently with Mao Xiang.

He had only one purpose in saying this: he hoped to give Lao Zhu a reminder through Mao Xiang's mouth.

It was about time to let him enter Jingcheng.

He was truly afraid that Lao Zhu would forget about him because he was too busy.

The time was about right; those who had committed heinous crimes and deserved to be killed had surely all been killed.

The other small fry could not stir up much trouble anymore, so it was about time for him to go back.

Although Zhu Gaoxu did not usually enter the capital much when he had nothing to do, staying mostly in the Military Camp,

now that such a big event had occurred, he could only watch from the sidelines, which made him feel somewhat anxious inside.

After walking around, Zhu Gaoxu saw that everything was normal and returned to the main tent.

Mao Xiang, seeing Zhu Gaoxu return, did not follow him in, saying he was going to inspect the training situation of the various squads.

Back inside the main tent, Zhu Gaoxu sat down at the Mahjong table again and began to build the "Great Wall."

If not for this Hu Weiyong affair, this life would truly be very comfortable.

But whenever Zhu Gaoxu thought of the blood flowing in Jingcheng while he was playing Mahjong here, he felt very uncomfortable.

In this state of mind, the idle Zhu Gaoxu continued to play Mahjong to pass the time.

Finally, when evening came and everyone dispersed, Zhu Gaoxu returned to the inner room and practiced his Martial Arts again.

He had already practiced the Nianhua Finger to a decent level.

He did not know what level he was at, only that it would be very difficult to make further progress.

With no one around to watch him, Zhu Gaoxu had no choice but to put the Nianhua Finger aside for now.

He then took out a copy of the Thousand-Hand Tathagata Palm from his Storage Space and began to read it.

Having practiced the Nianhua Finger, Zhu Gaoxu already had some experience.

Slowly turning to the first page, Zhu Gaoxu began to practice according to the methods written on it.

Just like when he practiced the Nianhua Finger, as Zhu Gaoxu read, he could not help but begin to practice it.