You get Lu Bu as your starting character.

Chapter 260 The Grand Tutor's Youngest Daughter?

A month has passed.

The affairs of the Great Zhou Dynasty were proceeding in an orderly and unhurried manner.

Whether it was the Ministry of Revenue's investigation into the land grabbing by powerful families, or the Ministry of War's repossession of the private soldiers of these families, things went relatively smoothly without any major disruptions.

Given the current power and influence of the Great Zhou Dynasty, most aristocratic families are able to see the situation clearly.

Although these powerful families were unwilling to hand over their private armies and act in accordance with the imperial court's orders.

But under the imperial court's power, they dared not resist and could only reluctantly obey the imperial decree and hand over their private troops.

Of course, some powerful and wealthy families were not afraid of death and were unwilling to obey the imperial decree.

As a result, these powerful and influential families who refused to obey the imperial decree disappeared within the territory of the Great Zhou Dynasty and became a thing of the past.

The Royal Academy was also built under the supervision of the Ministry of Works day and night.

It can be said that the entire Great Zhou Dynasty was thriving for a time.

……

The Hall of Nourishing Heart.

Zhou Chen sat upright on the dragon throne, flipping through the messages sent by the Eastern Depot.

The Eastern Depot has now grown powerful, and no matter what happens in the Great Zhou Dynasty, it cannot be hidden from the Eastern Depot.

The progress of Xun Yu and Prince Kao Shan's activities in various places would be immediately reported back to Luoyang by the Eastern Depot and presented to Emperor Zhou Chen.

"It seems that it won't be long before the Prince of Kao Shan returns."

Looking at the message sent by the Eastern Depot, Zhou Chen spoke.

It has been more than a month since the Prince of Kao Shan was ordered to recall the private armies of the powerful and wealthy families across the land.

In the past month or so, most of the private soldiers of powerful families and wealthy clans across the land have been taken back by the Prince of Kao Shan.

Only a small number of private soldiers from powerful and wealthy families have not yet been taken back.

However, Zhou Chen believed that it wouldn't be long before it was over.

Cao Zhengchun, who was standing beside him, nodded; "Yes, Your Majesty."

"All the powerful families in the world are watching those top aristocratic families. As long as we can intimidate those families and force them to hand over their private armies..."

"Then most of the powerful and wealthy families in the world will not face any resistance."

Cao Zhengchun began to speak.

After cooperating with the Prince of Kao Shan to suppress the four major clans, reclaim their private armies, and take down some rebellious aristocratic families, Cao Zhengchun returned to Luoyang.

With the four powerful clans taking the lead, and with the example set to deter others, Cao Zhengchun believed that he, as the head of the Eastern Depot, would no longer need to personally intervene in the following matters.

With the help of the Imperial Guards and the King of the Mountain, that's enough.

Therefore, after making an example of Cao Zhengchun, he returned to Luoyang.

Zhou Chen put down the message in his hand and glanced at Cao Zhengchun; "How's the investigation into Consort Zhen's matter going?"

Zhou Chen did not bring up the matter of the Prince of Kao Shan taking back his private army, but instead asked about Cao Zhengchun and Consort Zhen.

Although Zhou Chen didn't care too much about Consort Zhen's matter, he hadn't forgotten about it.

Cao Zhengchun immediately bowed and said, "Your Majesty, this old servant has found some clues about Consort Zhen's matter."

"According to my investigation, Consort Zhen was born into the Grand Tutor's family and was the Grand Tutor's youngest daughter."

"More than twenty years ago, Consort Zhen suddenly contracted a serious illness and died in the palace, but this old servant feels that things are not so simple."

Cao Zhengchun recounted some of the information he had found about Consort Zhen.

The Grand Tutor's youngest daughter?

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chen raised an eyebrow.

Zhou Chen never expected that Consort Zhen was actually from the Grand Tutor's mansion and was the Grand Tutor's youngest daughter.

Could it be that this matter involves the Grand Tutor's Mansion?

"If I remember correctly, more than twenty years ago, something extraordinary happened at the Grand Tutor's mansion."

"In the entire Grand Tutor's mansion, apart from the old Grand Tutor, quite a few people died."

Zhou Chen had heard about this matter.

However, Zhou Chen was not very familiar with the specifics of what happened at the Grand Tutor's Mansion more than 20 years ago.

After all, Zhou Chen must have been born not long ago at that time.

Upon hearing Zhou Chen's words, Cao Zhengchun nodded; "Yes, Your Majesty, more than twenty years ago, a great change did indeed occur in the Grand Tutor's Mansion, and this old servant has already investigated."

"More than twenty years ago, the Great Zhou encountered a powerful enemy. Not only did many people from the Grand Tutor's Mansion die in battle, but many members of the royal family also perished."

"But this matter is somewhat mysterious. I haven't been able to find out who the specific powerful enemy is."

"However, this old servant suspects that this matter is related to Consort Zhen."

Cao Zhengchun said solemnly.

Even with the current capabilities of the Eastern Depot, they still can't fully investigate this incident from twenty years ago, which shows that this matter is not as simple as it seems on the surface.

"Oh?"

"is it?"

"More than twenty years ago, the Great Zhou Dynasty encountered a powerful enemy?"

Zhou Chen frowned, his gaze flickering uncertainly.

Zhou Chen had no idea what kind of powerful enemy the Great Zhou had encountered more than twenty years ago that could cause such a drastic change in the Grand Tutor's Mansion, and even result in the deaths of many members of the royal family.

It should be understood that even if the Great Zhou Dynasty is in decline, the royal family is still the ruler of this world.

Even if the four great clans or the four foreign tribes outside the Great Wall joined forces, they would not be considered formidable enemies in the eyes of the Great Zhou royal family.

So, who was this formidable enemy that the Great Zhou Dynasty encountered more than twenty years ago?

A question arose in Zhou Chen's mind, and he frowned in thought.

"What else did you find out?"

Zhou Chen asked again.

Cao Zhengchun bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, this old servant has also discovered that the Empress Dowager was a palace maid who served Consort Zhen more than twenty years ago."

As soon as Cao Zhengchun said this...

A glint of light immediately flashed in Zhou Chen's eyes.

The news that the Empress Dowager was a palace maid who served Consort Zhen more than twenty years ago was a complete surprise to Zhou Chen.

Zhou Chen looked at Cao Zhengchun and asked, "Can you find out if Consort Zhen gave birth to a prince more than 20 years ago?"

This is what Zhou Chen cares about most.

As for the other things, Zhou Chen didn't care too much.

Cao Zhengchun shook his head; "Please forgive me, Your Majesty, but I have not yet found any other information about Consort Zhen. This is all I have found so far."

Cao Zhengchun bowed and said.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chen fell silent.

In fact, when Cao Zhengchun revealed that the Empress Dowager was a palace maid who served Consort Zhen more than 20 years ago, Zhou Chen already had a pretty good idea of ​​what was going on.

However, we still need to investigate further before making any decisions.

"However, if Your Majesty wishes to investigate Consort Zhen's matter as soon as possible, you may inquire with the Eighth Prince and the Prince of Kao Shan."

"This old servant believes that the Eighth Prince and the Prince of Kao Shan should know something about what happened to Consort Zhen more than twenty years ago."

Cao Zhengchun spoke again.

"I understand."

Zhou Chen nodded and said nothing more.

……

"Your Majesty, it's time for your meal..."

Not long after, Cao Zhengchun bowed and reminded Zhou Chen.

Zhou Chen glanced at the sky, collected his thoughts, and said, "Bring up lunch!"

As soon as Zhou Chen finished speaking, Cao Zhengchun waved to the outside.

Outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, palace maids and eunuchs carried exquisite dishes into the hall. As the emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty, Zhou Chen naturally wouldn't skimp on his meals.

These dishes were all meticulously prepared by the imperial chefs of the palace over the course of a morning, and each one was a delicacy.

Perhaps only Emperor Zhou Chen could enjoy such an honor.

However, Zhou Chen only casually picked a few dishes and ate a few bites.

These dishes do taste good, but after eating them for a while, they start to lose their flavor.

Of course, Zhou Chen tested all the dishes with Cao Zhengchun before eating them.

As the emperor, Zhou Chen's daily life and diet could not be taken lightly.

Even though Zhou Chen had mastered the first level of the Emperor's Conferring God Technique, he was no longer afraid of being plotted against by ordinary villains.

However, these necessary procedures cannot be omitted.

Just as Zhou Chen was having his meal, the eunuch from the Imperial Guard entered, bowed, and reported: "Your Majesty, Jia Xu has returned from the northern capital outside the pass and is now requesting an audience outside the palace."

"This servant has already told him that His Majesty is currently dining, and Jia Xu said he is willing to wait outside until His Majesty finishes his meal before requesting an audience..."

Oh!
Has Jia Xu returned?

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chen waved his hand and said, "Let Jia Xu in."

Zhou Chen would never place a man of Jia Xu's stature in the northern capital outside the Great Wall.

Therefore, Zhou Chen had already sent an imperial edict to Jia Xu, ordering him to return to court to report on his duties.

As for the position of the prefect of Beidu Prefecture, it is up to other officials to take over.

"According to the order."

Not long after the eunuchs and guards bowed and withdrew, Jia Xu entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Judging from Jia Xu's travel-worn appearance, he had clearly just returned to Luoyang and entered the palace.

"Your subject Jia Xu greets Your Majesty."

After Jia Xu entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation, he bowed respectfully to Zhou Chen.

"Get up!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Jia Xu stood up.

Zhou Chen picked up a piece of food and glanced at Jia Xu; "Judging from Wenhe's travel-worn appearance, he must have just returned to Luoyang!"

"Haven't you eaten yet?"

"Sit down and eat with me!"

As soon as Zhou Chen finished speaking, Cao Zhengchun brought out a chair and placed it next to the dragon table.

Upon hearing this, Jia Xu's expression changed, and he hurriedly said, "What virtue or ability do I possess to be qualified to dine with Your Majesty..."

"If I say you are qualified, then you are qualified."

"If it weren't for you, Jia Wenhe, it wouldn't have been so easy for me to deal with the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang."

"When the Western Rong invaded the border, you, Jia Wenhe, were the one who made the greatest contribution in annihilating their army. Consider this meal a reward from me."

Zhou Chen gestured to Jia Xu, indicating that he should sit down.

However, Jia Xu dared not actually sit down...

To Jia Xu, Zhou Chen was the emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the ruler of the world, while he, Jia Xu, even if he was an outstanding person, was just a subject.

If the emperor and his subjects were to dine together at the same table, wouldn't that disrupt the rules and violate etiquette?

You are a gentleman.

A subject is a subject.

Neither of these two must be crossed!

Even if one is deeply favored, one must still be clear about the distinction between ruler and subject.

Otherwise, it would be a harbinger of great disaster.

In addition, Jia Xu had just returned to Luoyang, covered in dust from his journey, and hadn't even had time to bathe. How could he dare to sit down and dine at the same table as the emperor?
Jia Xu was filled with fear and unease.

However, under Zhou Chen's unquestionable gaze, Jia Xu reluctantly sat down.

Even so, Jia Xu was restless and tense, not daring to even touch his chopsticks...

Zhou Chen observed Jia Xu's performance.

Zhou Chen glanced at Jia Xu indifferently and said, "Start eating! Do you expect me to personally serve you?"

"You, Jia Wenhe, are known as a ruthless strategist. What is there to be cautious about in front of me?"

"I'm not a tyrant. I won't just have a meal and then behead you."

Zhou Chen knew Jia Xu's personality; he was a person who always knew how to be careful and protect himself.

Of all the outstanding figures in the Three Kingdoms period, only this cunning strategist managed to meet a peaceful end.

Even though this cunning strategist plotted against the eldest son and general of that treacherous warlord, he still lived a carefree life within that warlord's camp.

Amidst Jia Xu's bitter smile and inner struggle, Zhou Chen finally finished his lunch.

During the meal, Jia Xu only touched his chopsticks three times, sitting in his chair like a wooden stake, not daring to look around or move...

It wasn't that Jia Xu was genuinely worried about what Zhou Chen would do to him.

Rather, it was Jia Xu's natural personality that drove him to be so cautious and careful in everything he did.

Especially when facing imperial power, Jia Xu would bring out this natural personality to its fullest extent.

This is not making a mountain out of a molehill, but rather taking precautions to prevent problems from arising.

It must be said that Jia Xu's ability to live to a ripe old age during the Three Kingdoms period was inseparable from his naturally cautious and prudent personality.

Seeing the palace maids and eunuchs coming in one after another to clear the table, Jia Xu finally breathed a slight sigh of relief.

"It's finally over."

To be honest, Jia Xu felt quite pressured dining at the same table as Emperor Zhou Chen.

Even the most ruthless strategist can only remain calm and composed in front of ordinary people.

Even the most cunning strategist would find himself on edge in the presence of an emperor.

This is the impact of status and imperial power.

After the palace maids and eunuchs finished tidying up, Zhou Chen sat on the dragon throne and looked at Jia Xu, saying, "Wenhe, since your birth, you have been working tirelessly for me. You have successively eliminated the Shu King's rebel party, captured the two marquises of Zhenbei and Xiliang, and annihilated the 300,000-strong army of the Western Rong who invaded the border. Your contributions are invaluable."

Zhou Chen did not exaggerate.

Since signing in, Jia Xu has not appeared in court, but outside of court, he has taken on a lot of responsibilities for Zhou Chen.

If it weren't for Jia Xu's planning, the Marquis of Zhenbei and the Marquis of Xiliang wouldn't have been captured so easily.

"Your Majesty, this is my duty."

Jia Xu bowed and said, without a trace of arrogance.

Zhou Chen smiled, said nothing more, and looked at Jia Xu, saying, "Tell me about the situation in Beidu Prefecture first!"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Jia Xu replied, and began to report on the various matters concerning the Northern Capital Prefecture.

……

Outside the Great Zhou Pass lies the northern capital.

Two figures stood outside the city gate, frowning as they looked at the three large characters "Beidu City" on the gate.

One of the figures asked in confusion, "Isn't this the capital of the Northern Barbarians? When was it renamed the Northern Capital?"

Another figure glanced at the guards at the city gate and said, "I'm afraid it's not as simple as just changing it to Beidu City. We don't seem to have encountered any Northern Di tribes along the way."

"Looking at the people coming in and out of this city gate, there are very few people from Beidu."

"It seems that quite a few things have changed here in the past few decades of not being involved in the world."

Upon hearing this figure's words, the first figure to speak also noticed the problem.

"Let's go into town and take a look."

The two figures said nothing more and walked directly into the Northern Capital.

……

(End of this chapter)