I, Emperor Chongzhen, have extended the life of the Ming Dynasty by five hundred years.

Three days later, Luo Yangxing brought the latest roster to the palace to meet the emperor.

Zhu Youjian's mood worsened as he looked at the document; the full-strength Imperial Guard of 150,000 men actually numbered less than 50,000.

If the Embroidered Uniform Guard was in such a state, one can only imagine the extent of corruption in the guard posts across the country.

"You've done a great job as commander!"

"I deserve to die ten thousand times over..."

Luo Yangxing had already prepared himself for a scolding, so he immediately knelt down and bowed his head, not daring to utter a sound.

Zhu Youjian then asked, "Where did all 100,000 'ghost salaries' go? How much did you, as the commander, consume?"

"Your subject dares not..."

Luo Yangxing quickly replied, "I failed in my duty of supervision and am willing to accept punishment!"

"Is it merely a matter of inadequate regulation?"

"I swear to Heaven, I have never received a salary without working!"

Zhu Youjian's tone softened slightly: "I'll trust you one more time. Next, conduct a thorough investigation. Who embezzled funds, and how much? Make them all come back to me!"

Luo Yangxing hesitated and said, "Your Majesty, according to my preliminary investigation, this, this..."

Seeing this, Zhu Youjian became even more displeased and rebuked him, "Speak your mind! I don't want to ask you a second time!"

Luo Yangxing gritted his teeth and said, "Commander Zhou Jian... is the most suspicious."

Zhu Youjian frowned, because Zhou Jian was his brother-in-law.

With members of the imperial family leading the way in corruption, no wonder Luo Yangxing dared not intervene!

"Whoever it is, investigate thoroughly!"

"As you command!"

Luo Yangxing said no more and got up to take his leave.

Upon returning to the Northern Garrison Command, he immediately summoned all officers.

Next, the commanders of the 17th Thousand Household Division of the Embroidered Uniform Guard arrived one after another.

The crowd looked at each other, wondering what had happened.

The past few days have already kept everyone busy with checking the roster, what are we going to do today?

Luo Yangxing looked around and slowly spoke.

"Our Great Ming Dynasty is now in turmoil, surrounded by powerful enemies from the outside and suffering greatly among its people. With the nation in peril, it is precisely the time for us, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, to step forward and protect the country. However, this commander has learned that some within the Embroidered Uniform Guard are greedily seeking petty gains and openly embezzling salaries without working. Such behavior is tantamount to destroying our own Great Wall and disregarding the safety of the nation!"

Upon hearing this, the people below the hall began to whisper among themselves.

When the roster was checked, people had their doubts.

However, over the years, the practice of receiving salaries without working has become commonplace.

If it were just for that little bit of salary, who would want to be an official?

Luo Yangxing continued, "His Majesty was furious upon hearing this, deeply feeling that this trend must not be allowed to continue. He specifically ordered this commander to thoroughly investigate the matter as a warning to others. Out of consideration for our comrades, and unwilling to see you ruin your futures due to momentary greed, this commander hereby solemnly warns you!"

"From this moment forward, you are given one day to hand over in full the rations and pay you have embezzled. If you voluntarily confess your crimes, it may be considered that you have repented and turned over a new leaf. I, the commander, can then petition His Majesty for leniency and to let bygones be bygones. I hope you will cherish this opportunity, pull back from the brink, and not ruin your own lives."

"Anyone harboring illusions, attempting to slip through the cracks, or feigning compliance while refusing to cooperate, will be thoroughly investigated by this commander, with zero tolerance! At that time, whoever it is, every single one of them, will be dismissed from their post, investigated, and severely punished without exception. Then, it will be too late for regrets; do not blame this commander for showing no mercy to our comrades!"

Everyone looked at each other, silently wondering, "Is His Majesty going to get serious?"

At this moment, Commander Zhou Jian coughed twice and slowly stepped forward.

"Commander Luo, shouldn't we have informed everyone beforehand about such a big matter?"

Luo Yangxing smiled faintly and said, "I'm just giving you a heads-up. Otherwise, would you all be sitting here drinking tea? I'll say it again, this time tomorrow is the deadline. I've said my piece, so you'd better take care of yourselves!"

Seeing this, Zhou Jian looked at everyone and said, "Did you all hear what Commander Luo said?"

Everyone nodded and agreed, neither daring to agree nor to disagree, and could only give a perfunctory response.

Zhou Jian turned his head and said again, "Commander Luo, don't worry... Huh?"

As he spoke, he seemed to sense something, looked around, and asked, "Where is Vice Commissioner Li? Why didn't he attend such an important meeting?"

Luo Yangxing said, "He has a special mission!"

"I see. I was overthinking it."

Zhou Jian quickly changed his tune, saying, "Please rest assured, Commander Luo, this matter will be personally supervised by me!"

Luo Yangxing glanced at him, thinking to himself, "I'm investigating you!"

"Very good, I, the commander, will await your good news here!"

The crowd dispersed and returned to their respective garrisons.

A few people, however, did not go far. They wandered around and eventually arrived at the Flower Shop in Rouge Alley.

As night falls and the city lights begin to twinkle, a beautiful woman accompanies you.

Amidst the melodious sounds of the pipa, everyone toasted and drank with great relish.

Seated in the main seat was Zhou Jian, the deputy commander.

"Zhou Tongzhi, regarding today's matter... none of us brothers are entirely confident about what to do!"

The speaker was named Qian An, a commander promoted by Zhou Jian.

Zhou Jian gently put down his chopsticks and said with a smile, "You're overthinking it. Which garrison hasn't had its share of ghost employees? Our Commander Luo hasn't handled any cases in a long time; he just wants to use this to establish his authority and scare people."

Qian An said awkwardly, "That's true, but judging from Commander Luo's demeanor, he's probably up to no good."

"All of you here are the Emperor's personal guards, His Majesty's eyes and ears, wielding great power. Why should you fear these things?"

Zhou Jian waved his hand, his tone tinged with disdain, and continued, "Besides, how many imperial relatives and noble descendants are among the high-ranking members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard? His Majesty wouldn't even bother with such a trivial matter."

Upon hearing this, Qian An smiled and said, "Prefect Zhou is right, but we cannot let our guard down. After all, there are too many variables in this world."

Zhou Jian laughed heartily, patted Qian An on the shoulder, and said, "You are my people, and I am the Emperor's man. With me, Zhou Jian, here, I will ensure the safety of everyone present."

Seeing this, Qian An quickly chimed in, "With your words, the brothers are relieved. Let's all toast Magistrate Zhou again; we won't leave until we're drunk tonight!"

Compared to the hustle and bustle of the Flower Shop, the Beizhen Prefecture Office was much quieter.

At this time, everyone had already finished their shifts, except for the commander's office, where the lights were still on.

The gatekeeper leaned out and said, "Commander Luo, the tea has gone cold. Let me get you a fresh cup."

Luo Yangxing, holding a teacup, slowly said, "No need, you may leave."

"yes!"

The gatekeeper didn't dare ask any more questions and turned to leave.

Luo Yangxing frowned, secretly making plans in his mind.

His Majesty's sudden order to investigate the roster and monitor the Duke of Cheng's residence indicates that something big is about to happen!

Judging from their behavior, it's probably unrealistic to expect them to voluntarily return the embezzled grain and salary.

The words have already been spoken; by this time tomorrow, things will turn ugly.

"Commander Luo!"

The curtain was lifted, and Li Ruolian hurriedly entered.

Luo Yangxing raised an eyebrow and asked, "Did you find anything?"

Li Ruolian's face was grim as she said, "According to my undercover investigation, the Duke of Cheng's mansion is indeed problematic!"

"speak!"

"Duke Zhu Chunchen of Cheng is suspected of colluding with the enemy!"