The disgraced official I took care of was actually Zhu Houcong's childhood friend.

"Brother, I want to drink shad soup."

As soon as Zhou Chu got home from get off work, Mu Yunjin ran over and grabbed his arm, acting all cute.

Over the past month, Mu Yunjin has become quite chubby thanks to Zhou Chu's care. Of course, it's just baby fat, not real fat.

During the month that Mu Yunjin studied painting with the old man, he discovered that her talent in painting far surpassed that of Zhou Chu.

Even far surpassing others.

Zhou Chu's talent in painting can only be described as average.

The old man's interest in Zhou Chu as a disciple was never based on his talent.

It was Zhou Chu's personality that mattered.

Resilience and gratitude.

At such a young age, his knowledge and experience far surpass those of ordinary people.

The old man had overheard Zhou Chu explaining military strategy to Lu Wei, and even asked Zhou Chu with great interest, "You talk so eloquently, do you have any methods to deal with the surrounding Mongols?"

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chu said, "That's easy."

In fact, the national policy of our Great Ming Dynasty was to gradually disintegrate the Mongols.

The Ming Dynasty strictly prohibited the smuggling of salt and iron to the grasslands.

The Mongols had no iron smelting technology whatsoever.

Perhaps it existed in the past, but it has long since degenerated.

Zhou Chu knew very well that the Mongols would become less of a threat as the Ming Dynasty progressed into its later stages.

After all, they have degenerated to the point that they would rather keep an iron pot as a family heirloom.

Many people have to use sheepskin bags and boiling water to braise meat because they don't have iron pots.

I ate it while it was still half-cooked.

In the previous life, the Ming Dynasty guarded against the Jin Dynasty with all its might, but the Jin Dynasty managed to exploit the loopholes.

This is entirely thanks to people like Li Chengliang.

Without the help of these people, the Later Jin dynasty would have been exhausted and would never have been able to rise to power.

Later, during the Qing Dynasty, border trade became increasingly restricted.

The Mongols have degenerated to the point where they are almost like savages.

Zhou Chu remembered a TV series he had watched where a Mongolian prince sent women to Nian Gengyao in order to obtain ironware.

Without iron tools, the Mongols are like tigers without teeth.

After Zhou Chu finished explaining the strategy, the old man's eyes lit up.

Although he didn't understand military strategy, he knew that this strategy was feasible.

"However, this method is too slow to take effect, and the Ming Dynasty may not be able to hold out until the Mongols collapse."

When Zhou Chu said this, the old man's expression changed instantly, and he looked around like a frightened bird.

"Are you out of your mind? You dare to say anything?"

The old man, having recovered, understood the implication in Zhou Chu's words.

"Then do you have any better ideas?"

Zhou Chu smiled, but didn't answer. Instead, he asked:

"If Huo Qubing could launch a surprise attack on the Xiongnu royal court, why couldn't others do the same?"

The old man scratched his head when he heard this.

"Because no one could locate the Xiongnu royal court as accurately as Huo Qubing."

Zhou Chu nodded.

"Yes."

"Whether it is the Xiongnu or the Mongols, they all have one thing in common: they live by following the water and grass, and the location of the royal court may change every few years."

"On the vast grasslands, we Han people are lucky if we don't get lost. Li Guang, for example, always got lost."

"That's one reason. The second reason is that Huo Qubing led his troops with quality over quantity, traveling light and using war to sustain himself. With such a night raid, the Xiongnu, who were originally extremely comfortable, could never have imagined that Huo Qubing would send his divine troops to their aid."

"Without any preparation, there is no way to defend against it."

"This is what the art of war says: speed is of the essence in war, and attack where the enemy is unprepared."

Zhou Chu talked a lot with the old man, which convinced the old man completely.

If the old man weren't so old, he would have wanted to become Zhou Chu's apprentice and learn military strategy.

This is why the old man chased after Zhou Chu after discovering he was missing.

Zhou Chu touched Mu Yunjin's hair.

"Okay, I'll go buy some shad. You can go and call the teacher over to eat with us too."

Zhou Chu just received his monthly salary yesterday.

The monthly pay isn't much, but the commission is high.

Last month, Shen Qing's shop's total turnover reached a staggering 80,000 taels.

Net profit was over 30,000 taels.

Shen Qing was also a sensible person, and gave Zhou Chu an extra 10% of the profits.

Zhou Chu received approximately seven thousand taels of silver.

Therefore, there is no need to eat at the shop for every meal.

Zhou Chu had cooked shad soup at the shop once before, and its delicious taste was unforgettable for everyone.

Even an old man who was used to eating delicious food drank until his belly was round and full.

"That's really strange, how come the shad soup you cooked is different from everyone else's?"

Of course it's different.

During his free time, Zhou Chu ground seashells into powder, mixed it with powder made from dried shrimp and dried mushrooms, and made a simplified version of MSG.

With the addition of MSG to enhance the flavor, and the deliciousness of the shad, the resulting fish soup is naturally incredibly delicious.

"Never mind, I'll cook it and send it to him later."

Zhou Chu thought for a moment and stopped Mu Yunjin from leaving.

Zhou Chu had found out where the old man lived these past few days.

He was staying at the home of the beautiful young woman he had met at the academy.

It has to be said, the old man is quite lucky with women.

"it is good."

Mu Yunjin said crisply.

Zhou Chu didn't let the little girl go out, mainly because it was getting late.

Not safe.

Zhou Chu took some money and returned to the shop.

"Ah Fu, go get me a few shad."

He then handed the money to Afu.

Shad has always been a hot commodity.

Because of its delicious taste, it was a favorite among high-ranking officials and nobles.

As a result, this type of fish has almost been eaten to extinction.

To buy shad, you usually have to go to the fish market in the early morning.

It was already evening, and it was difficult for most people to buy shad.

Even if you manage to buy it, it's most likely not fresh.

But Afu is different.

His cousin was a shad vendor.

Whenever he goes, he can get the freshest shad.

"Okay, boss."

When Afu heard that he wanted to buy shad, he remembered the shad soup the shopkeeper had cooked a while ago. He couldn't help but wipe his mouth and headed to his cousin's house with the money.

"Boss, come to my house for fish soup later, and invite Ah Dong too."

Zhou Chu looked at Shen Qing, who was still sorting goods with A Dong, and said.

Shen Qing seemed to be preoccupied, though she appeared to be in low spirits.

"it is good."

Zhou Chu naturally noticed Shen Qing's emotions, but he didn't rush to ask any questions.

It's easy to guess why Shen Qing was in a low mood.

Some things you have to face sooner or later.

Ah Fu was always efficient, and soon returned with several lively shad.

Shad has a delicious flavor, but it has many bones.

It is not suitable for other ways of eating.

It's perfect for making soup.

"Come to my house for fish soup in a quarter of an hour."

After Zhou Chu finished speaking, he took the shad and went home.

After Zhou Chu finished processing the shad, he stuffed ginger slices and scallion slices into the fish's belly.

Then, lard is added to the pan, and the shad is fried over high heat until golden brown on both sides.

Seeing that it was almost done frying, Zhou Chu added hot water.

The water turned milky white at a speed visible to the naked eye.

Zhou Chu covered the pot with the lid and cooked it for a few minutes. Then he opened the lid and added salt and tofu.

Cook for another ten minutes or so.

Lift the lid, and a pot of delicious fish soup is ready.

Finally, add MSG.

Shen Qing and the others had already arrived by this time.

Zhou Chu packed a large portion of fish soup into a food box.

"The fish soup is ready. You guys eat first. I'll go take some to the teacher."

Zhou Chu said, then picked up the food box and went out.

Shen Qing then went to the kitchen to help serve the fish soup.

The old man lived not far from Zhou Chu's house.

It's just a few turns and you'll get there.

Zhou Chu knocked on the door.

"Who is it?"

A clear and melodious voice rang out.

"Teacher's wife, it's me, Zhou Chu."

Zhou Chu's address of "Master's wife" made the woman's heart flutter, and she immediately opened the door.

"Weighing instrument, I was just about to cook. Come in quickly, I'll make something nice for you two."

The woman waved her hand warmly, inviting Zhou Chu to enter.

Many people believe in not eating after noon.

However, neither the old man nor Zhou Chu cared about such things.

"No need for you to trouble yourself, Madam. I cooked some shad soup and brought some especially for you and your teacher."

As Zhou Chu spoke, he pointed to the food box in his hand.

"You have a conscience, kid."

The old man had obviously heard the commotion and came into the yard as well.

Zhou Chu stayed and had a couple of drinks with the old man.

"Alright, alright, let's go back now."

After eating and drinking his fill, the old man waved his hand impatiently.

"Madam, I'll head back now."

Zhou Chu stood up and said goodbye to the woman.

"It's getting dark, watch your step."

The woman gave instructions.

"Don't worry about this kid. He's been practicing the Boy's Kung Fu with the Lu family. Even seven or eight people can't get close to him. He'll be fine."

The old man chuckled.

Zhou Chu ignored the old man and turned to leave.

When we left the old man's house, it was already completely dark.

There were practically no people on the streets.

Occasionally, you can hear the night watchman's call.

As I walked, seven or eight people came towards me.

The leader was none other than Feng Youde.

For the past two weeks, the Feng family shop has had absolutely no business due to Zhou Chu's exclusion.

Feng Youde was so angry he wanted to kill Zhou Chu.

But this is, after all, the capital city.

Everywhere you look, there are high-ranking officials and nobles.

Before Feng Youde had a clear understanding of Zhou Chu's background, he dared not make a move rashly.

These days, Feng Youde has been trying to find out more about Zhou Chu.

When he learned that Zhou Chu was just a servant from the Lu family, he no longer had any reservations.

No one will care if this kind of person dies.

So tonight he gathered six or seven burly men, intending to kill Zhou Chu.

They had been watching Zhou Chu when he went out before.

Only then did they prepare to take action.

"Manager Zhou, I've said it before, arrogance always leads to trouble."

Feng Youde felt victory was assured and his face was full of pride.

In his view, as long as Zhou Chu died, his shop's business would improve.

Zhou Chu was not surprised to see Feng Youde.

It wasn't just Feng Youde who was thinking about how to deal with Zhou Chu.

Zhou Chu was also thinking about how to solve the problem of Feng Youde once and for all.

After all, keeping someone like Feng Youde around is always a potential problem.

Zhou Chu had already bribed the shopkeeper of Feng Youde's shop and obtained a lot of evidence.

Feng Youde committed numerous evil deeds, including murder and arson.

Some shopkeepers knew about it, but they weren't involved.

However, Zhou Chu has been too busy to get away these days.

Unexpectedly, Feng Youde provoked him first, even though he hadn't provoked him.

"What? You dare to kill someone in the street?"

Zhou Chu said with a face full of disdain.

"What difference would it make if I killed you? You were just a servant; no one would hold you accountable if I killed you."

Feng Youde sneered.

After saying this, Feng Youde waved his hand, signaling to take action.

These people surrounded Zhou Chu and took out wooden sticks.

This surprised Zhou Chu.

But I quickly figured it out.

Ironware and knives are both controlled items.

How could this rabble possibly get their hands on a knife?

They were overestimated.

They were just some country bumpkins who knew no martial arts and relied solely on their strength.

No one could match Zhou Chu.

The old man was right about something.

Zhou Chu has been practicing martial arts since childhood.

One year's work is equivalent to several years' work for others.

Moreover, Zhou Chu's stance training was extremely solid.

Even without a knife in hand, every move is powerful and heavy.

These people were all blasted away a great distance.

As if hit by a carriage, he could never get up again.

After dealing with the others, Zhou Chu looked at Feng Youde with great interest.

"What...what are you going to do..."

Feng Youde looked at Zhou Chu with an expression as if he had seen a ghost.

"Let me tell you, this is the capital city, right under the emperor's nose. Do you dare to kill someone in the street?"

Zhou Chu would naturally not kill anyone.

They simply handed Feng Youde over to Shuntian Prefecture.

As for the people who besieged Zhou Chu, they had long since vanished without a trace.

Zhou Chu was alone and too lazy to bother catching these people.

"Manager Zhou, what brings you here?"

The yamen runners on duty at Shuntian Prefecture saw Zhou Chu with a big smile on his face.

Shen Qing's shop's turnover surged this month.

Zhou Chu knew he couldn't hide it from these officials.

So they simply had Shen Qing donate two thousand taels of silver to the Shuntian Prefecture to repair the yamen.

It was nominally for repairing the government office.

But Zhou Chu knew perfectly well that the money had definitely been divided up.

This money was definitely not wasted.

From then on, the yamen runners would come and greet Zhou Chu whenever they patrolled the streets.

Seeing this scene, some people immediately stopped having any inappropriate thoughts.

"This Feng Youde, murderer and arsonist, these are all the evidence."

As Zhou Chu spoke, he took out the evidence he had prepared beforehand from his bosom and handed it to the yamen runner.

He also handed the constable two taels of silver.

Upon hearing this, Feng Youde's face turned deathly pale, and he broke out in a cold sweat.

"Alright, I'll have the adults interrogate him first thing tomorrow morning, just you wait and see."

The constable took the evidence, found it quite heavy, and smiled knowingly.