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

"This servant, Wang Chengen, inquires after Her Majesty the Empress's well-being!"

"Please rise, Eunuch Wang!"

Empress Zhou personally stepped forward to help him up, which startled Wang Chengen.

"What are Your Majesty's orders?"

Empress Zhou first dismissed her attendants, then sighed softly.

"I heard that His Majesty called upon his officials to donate funds today in the Fengtian Hall. Is this true?"

Wang Chengen nodded and replied, "That is indeed the case."

"How much did the Emperor's father-in-law donate?"

"Your Majesty, the Emperor's father-in-law led the donation of five hundred taels of silver."

Empress Zhou's face turned very ugly upon hearing this.

His father was the emperor's father-in-law, who was granted the title of marquis, and his younger brother, Zhou Jian, was a high-ranking member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

The Zhou family, once prominent and wealthy, are now facing national crisis and are only willing to offer five hundred taels of silver. It's shameful enough to be told this out loud.

"I heard His Majesty sent you out of the palace, is it to the Zhou residence?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"What did His Majesty say?"

"this……"

Wang Chengen hesitated immediately, after all, in the Ming Dynasty, there was a rule that the empress dowager was not allowed to interfere in politics.

Seeing this, Empress Zhou said, "This matter concerns my father and brothers; it is my family affair."

Wang Chengen could only say, "His Majesty only said one sentence: 'When the nest is broken, how can the eggs remain intact?'"

"When the nest is broken, no egg remains intact..."

Empress Zhou gave a wry smile, then took out a stack of silver notes.

"This is my savings that I have accumulated over time. I would be grateful if you could pass it on to my father-in-law, Eunuch Wang."

Wang Chengen took them, glanced at them, and saw that each bill was worth one thousand taels, and there were five bills in total, which amounted to five thousand taels.

He had served Emperor Chongzhen for many years and knew that the harem was not well-off. He saved as much as possible on food, clothing and daily necessities.

This five thousand taels was probably all of Empress Zhou's savings.

"Please keep today's events a secret for me, Eunuch Wang, and do not mention them to outsiders."

"This servant understands."

Wang Chengen put away the silver notes, bowed and took his leave, and went to the Zhou residence.

The trip took only one hour before they returned to the Qianqing Palace to report back.

"This servant has delivered His Majesty's message."

Zhu Youjian asked, "What did the Emperor's father-in-law say?"

"The Emperor's father-in-law said that with only the government's salary and a large family of servants to support, there was really no surplus grain in the family."

"snort!"

Zhu Youjian sneered and said, "Since that's the case, then don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Wang Chengen had a vague feeling that something bad was about to happen. Thinking of the silver notes that Empress Zhou had entrusted to him, he said, "This servant dares to say one more thing, Your Majesty, you should wait a while. Perhaps the Imperial Father-in-law has figured out the key to the matter and is willing to give away all his wealth to serve the country. It is still unknown."

"Wang Banban, do you know something?"

Zhu Youjian clearly sensed that Wang Chengen's words had a hidden meaning.

Given his personality, he would usually try to stay away from anything that happened.

But today, it seems I've said a bit too much about the Zhou family.

Wang Chengen was not particularly cunning, and upon seeing this, he quickly knelt down.

"This servant deserves to die a thousand deaths! This servant has been hiding something from Your Majesty!"

"explain!"

"Yes, yes..."

Wang Chengen swallowed hard and said, "Before I left the palace, Her Majesty the Empress gave me five thousand taels of silver and instructed me to pass it on to my father-in-law..."

"and then?"

"Then, then... this servant personally handed the silver notes to the Emperor's father-in-law..."

"That's it?"

"That's it... that's it!"

Zhu Youjian thought for a moment and said, "Since the Empress has this intention, I will give the Zhou family one more day. You must remember that this matter must not be mentioned to outsiders."

"This servant obeys the decree!"

Wang Chengen was covered in sweat, unsure whether he had done the right thing or the wrong thing.

At this moment, a young eunuch stepped forward with small, quick steps and said, "Your Majesty, Luo Yangxing, the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, requests an audience!"

Zhu Youjian nodded: "Summon!"

Luo Yangxing stepped forward and bowed deeply in worship.

Your subject, Luo Yangxing, inquires of Your Majesty's well-being!

"I am well!"

Zhu Youjian waved his hand and then asked, "How did it go?"

Luo Yangxing first glanced at Wang Chengen beside him, seemingly wary.

Wang Chengen understood and said, "This servant takes her leave!"

"stop!"

Zhu Youjian suddenly called him to a stop, his face showing a hint of impatience.

"As the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, you hold the power to approve imperial edicts and also control the Eastern Depot. With the country in turmoil and court officials harboring their own agendas, the only thing I can rely on is the Eastern Depot and the Eastern Depot!"

"But look at yourself. You're always so timid and hesitant, always trying to be a 'nice guy' and not offend anyone. Do you think that's possible?"

Wang Chengen hurriedly knelt down, crying, "This servant deserves to die a thousand deaths!"

Zhu Youjian glanced at Luo Yangxing and continued, "The Imperial Guards are not only henchmen, but also a sword hanging over the heads of all officials! If this sword is too dull, can it still intimidate the officials?"

Wang Chengen was sweating profusely. In recent years, the Eastern Depot had indeed lost the fear it once had.

The root of this matter actually lies with Emperor Chongzhen. Back when Wei Zhongxian was in power, the secret police were incredibly influential, and even the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet had to give them some face.

However, as soon as Emperor Chongzhen ascended the throne, he immediately eliminated Wei Zhongxian.

Taking advantage of the situation, the Donglin Party rose up and regained power. To this day, officials don't even bother to look at the secret police.

Luo Yangxing replied, "Your Majesty, I am fully prepared!"

Zhu Youjian looked at him meaningfully and asked, "What preparations have you made?"

"It is time for me to draw my sword!"

As Luo Yangxing spoke, he took out a list and presented it with both hands.

Upon seeing this, Wang Chengen hurriedly took it and then presented it to the Emperor.

"This is a list of all the high-ranking officers of the Embroidered Uniform Guard who are receiving salaries without working. I have given them a day. Just before I entered the palace, five people voluntarily confessed and turned over the salaries they had received without working, totaling 56,000 taels of silver. I have already ordered someone to send this silver to the Imperial Treasury."

Zhu Youjian nodded and then asked, "What should we do with the rest?"

"His Majesty has given them a chance. Those who stubbornly resist will be considered traitors to the Emperor. Those who deserve execution will be beheaded, and those whose property should be confiscated will have it confiscated! The Embroidered Uniform Guard is the Emperor's personal army, and disloyalty to His Majesty is absolutely forbidden!"

"Whom are you going to start with?"

"The Zhou family!"

Zhu Youjian thought for a moment and said, "Let's find someone else."

Luo Yangxing frowned slightly. Since a thorough cleanup was to be carried out, it was only natural to start with the most arrogant one.

Don't you understand the principle of capturing the king first?

If we don't take precautions for the first birthday, what will others think?

Seeing this, Zhu Youjian explained, "It's not that I intend to show favoritism, but the Zhou family's situation is somewhat special. Give them another day. If they're still feigning death by this time tomorrow, then they can't blame me!"

Luo Yangxing replied, "Your Majesty, I understand. Let's start with Qian An of the East City Thousand Household Office. This man not only openly embezzles salaries without working, but also buys and sells official positions within the East City Thousand Household Office. His actions are extremely egregious!"

"Let's begin!"

"I obey your decree!"

After bowing, Luo Yangxing withdrew and strode away.

Zhu Youjian looked at Wang Chengen and asked, "Why are you still standing here?"

Wang Chengen was at a loss for words and could only say, "Please give your orders, Your Majesty..."

Zhu Youjian frowned and said, "The Eastern Depot monitors all officials, including the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Today, I intend to reorganize the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Does the Eastern Depot just stand by and watch?"

Wang Chengen realized what was happening and quickly said, "This servant will arrange it immediately!"