Chapter 360: Sudden palace chaos!

Year 1552 AD,

Zhang Cheng, who had spent two years in Kyushu, finally returned to the capital.

Before the city gate, a carriage arrived slowly.

When Jia Jingzhong arrived with the imperial decree, the surroundings were filled with various imperial gifts.

Stepping down from the carriage, Zhang Cheng immediately cupped his hands and knelt: "Subject, Zhang Cheng, pays respects to Your Majesty!"

"Exempt from ceremony!"

Looking at Zhang Cheng, Jia Jingzhong never expected that in a mere two years, he could contribute the equivalent of six years of tax revenue to the Great Ming.

Sixty million taels—Zhang Cheng simply treated Kyushu as a treasure bowl; whether it was money or food, he scraped it all up desperately.

And under his support, Imagawa Yoshimoto also successfully marched on Kyoto.

As the synonym for the Great Ming in Kyushu, Imagawa Yoshimoto could be said to be the Great Ming's "lackey"!

Whenever any order from the Great Ming was issued, Imagawa Yoshimoto was the first to respond—money, food, absolutely no nonsense.

After all, the things he wanted were all robbed from others' hands; how could he not be happy!

As for daring to fight back, you'd have to ask Imagawa Yoshimoto's "father" behind him if he agreed!

"By the grace of heaven, the Emperor decrees: Regional Commander Zhang Cheng, devoted to the country... conferred as Marquis of Valor! Vice Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, in charge of the Southern Division!"

"Respect this!"

"Marquis Zhang, receive the decree!"

Looking at Zhang Cheng before him, Jia Jingzhong couldn't help but smile.

"Many thanks, Lord Jia!"

Coming before Jia Jingzhong, Zhang Cheng laughed loudly.

"Since our parting that day, I never expected that the things Marquis Zhang did overseas would be so great!"

Looking at Zhang Cheng, Jia Jingzhong also couldn't help but smile.

"This subject merely did some troublesome things; in the future, I hope for Lord Jia's care!"

Looking at Jia Jingzhong before him, Zhang Cheng knew that this was the Emperor's personal attendant!

And he himself didn't have any disdain for eunuchs; after all, if it weren't for being unable to survive, who would be willing to be castrated for a mouthful of food!

He, Zhang Mou, had even been a beggar back then!

Inside the capital, West Garden,

Jiajing, with a full wallet, had now completely begun to let himself go.

Because now, no matter where money was needed, he could point at the noses of the civil and military officials and say, We are not short on money!

But it was precisely because of such actions that Jiajing truly began to refine immortality pills.

Whatever rare materials were needed, as long as they didn't have them, he would have Jia Jingzhong send people to buy them.

And it was precisely this practice that caused Jiajing's health to deteriorate day by day!

Although he wasn't clear that this was something he had done himself, Zhang Cheng was quite interested in the recent imperial court politics.

After all, upon returning to the Southern Division, Zhang Cheng first greeted Lu Bing; after all, this was his old superior!

For other superiors, Zhang Cheng might try to "stir up trouble," but for Lu Bing, Zhang Cheng had no way!

After all, Lu Bing followed rules in his conduct and wouldn't do anything that would anger heaven and resent people, and he also served the country wholeheartedly.

To mess with him wouldn't just be immoral—it would be losing one's conscience!

In the imperial garden,

Zhang Cheng was currently drinking, singing, and watching the graceful figures dancing before him.

Looking at Zhang Cheng, Xiyu walked up: "Husband, aren't you going to introduce this one?"

Looking at the woman beside Zhang Cheng, Xiyu was filled with resentment.

Because Zhang Cheng had gone out for two years and brought back a woman upon his return; who wouldn't be angry?

Don't talk about the rites of the Ming Dynasty; Xiyu was a martial artist!

She was an assassin back then; you want to talk to her about the Three Obediences and Four Virtues? Have you never been stabbed?

"This is!"

Looking at Xiyu awkwardly, Zhang Cheng turned his head: "Ding Xiu, Ding Xiu, you tell her!"

"Ah, tell her what?"

Looking at Zhang Cheng in confusion, Ding Xiu picked up a chicken leg: "I don't know anything, don't ask me!"

Saying this, Ding Xiu ran out quickly.

And looking at Ding Xiu's back, Ding Baiying, who was sitting in the chair, said with a gloomy face: "Where are you going?"

"Master, I!"

Looking at Ding Baiying with grievance, Ding Xiu said awkwardly: "That, this is my master!"

"Your master?" Looking at Ding Xiu in disbelief, Xiyu was stunned.

"That's right, my master!"

Shrugging his shoulders, Ding Xiu explained.

And in the next second, Xiyu said: "How did your master end up with him..."

"Five thousand taels! For five thousand taels, this rebellious disciple actually sold me out!"

Looking at Ding Xiu angrily, Ding Baiying scolded.

"This is indeed something he would do!"

Looking at Ding Xiu, Xiyu thought for a moment and slowly said these words.

"See, your character is truly known to everyone!"

Looking at Ding Xiu before him, Zhang Cheng rolled his eyes.

And hearing Zhang Cheng say that, Ding Xiu retorted: "Are you saying your character is very good?"

"Do I have any?"

Opening his eyes wide, Zhang Cheng looked at Ding Xiu with suspicion.

But looking at Zhang Cheng, Ding Xiu thought for a long time: "It seems you really don't!"

!. Read

But just as everyone was chatting, someone rushed in quickly: "Vice Commander, something bad has happened! The Commander requests your immediate entry into the palace!"

"Enter the palace? But the gates are already closed!"

Hearing these words, Zhang Cheng was immediately stunned.

But in the next second, Zhang Cheng stood up abruptly: "Ding Xiu, enter the palace!"

Hearing Zhang Cheng say this, Ding Baiying and Xiyu beside him also sensed that something was wrong, because Zhang Cheng wouldn't be like this on ordinary days!

Putting on the imperial-bestowed fighting bull robe, Zhang Cheng walked quickly toward the outside.

And just at this moment, the "Kriegs" received the order and immediately rushed to the Prince of Yu's mansion.

Although Zhang Cheng didn't know what had happened, since Lu Bing had sent someone to find him, it must concern the Emperor!

Galloping on horseback through the streets, the Embroidered Uniform Guard's lanterns made the patrolling soldiers afraid to step forward.

And just as Zhang Cheng was rushing to the palace, inside the Yan Mansion, Yan Shifan also received the news, his eyes widening: "What did you say? His Majesty has fallen ill?"

"My lord, the news from the palace is indeed like this; I heard he is already delirious! Lu Bing of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and Zhang Cheng have already gone into the palace, along with the Duke of England and others..."

Just as the servant was explaining, Yan Shifan turned his head: "Father, we absolutely cannot let the Prince of Yu ascend! I have offended him too deeply!"

Hearing Yan Shifan's words, Yan Song gritted his teeth: "I told you to cultivate virtue in the past! Look at what you've done!"

After saying these words in anger, Yan Song also stood up and hesitated.

Because as the Chief Grand Secretary, he had to be involved in the matter of the imperial succession!

"Quick, enter the palace; we absolutely cannot let Lu Bing and the others control the imperial court!"

Shouting loudly, Yan Song also realized that time was opportunity; once missed, it would be too late for regrets!

Inside the Forbidden City, West Garden,

When Zhang Cheng rushed over, he saw Jiajing lying on the bed, coughing up blood continuously.

Watching this scene, Zhang Cheng was immediately stunned.

Because what kind of thing had Jiajing eaten to be poisoned like this?

"Subject pays respects to Your Majesty!"

After kowtowing, Zhang Cheng looked at Lu Bing beside him.

And looking at Zhang Cheng, Lu Bing also gritted his teeth: "Seal the news; no one is to see anyone in the palace at this time!"

"Yes, my lord!"

Hearing Lu Bing's words, Zhang Cheng also hurriedly took command.

But Zhang Cheng was skeptical about whether the news could be sealed, because who didn't know that the Great Ming imperial palace was like a sieve!

"Go tell Zhang Juzheng to find a way to tell the Prince of Yu to prepare for ascension!"

Narrowing his eyes, Zhang Cheng looked at Ding Xiu, his eyes filled with ruthlessness!

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 361 =====