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

Chapter 705

"My lord, I have been away from the Ming Dynasty for so many years, and I have always thought of you and General Lu. I am able to be where I am today entirely because of your support and guidance. Otherwise, I don't know if I would be alive today."

Although Wang Zhi was not good with words, he had already thought about what to say when he arrived at the Zhou residence. In fact, he had rehearsed these words countless times back in Japan. He had imagined countless times how he would speak when he returned to the capital and met Lord Zhou and General Lu.

“Wang Zhi, you need to understand one thing: we need you, His Majesty needs you, and the Ming Dynasty needs you. You have the ability, which is why we promote you. Why don’t we promote others? Others may also have the ability, but they may not be able to control their ambition. Many people seem strong, but they are actually very weak. They simply cannot control their hearts. Do you understand?”

Zhou Chu waved his hand, stopping Wang Zhi from making his sentimental remarks.

"Your subordinate understands. His Majesty has said similar things to me. I will be loyal to you and His Majesty."

As Wang Zhi spoke, he stood up, wishing he could kneel before Zhou Chu, but Zhou Chu raised his hand to stop him.

"Just talk, sit down. You're a general now, why are you still so impetuous?"

Zhou Chu said.

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhi sat back down dejectedly.

“I have always known that my abilities were not particularly outstanding compared to others in the Xuanwu Army back then. There were even quite a few people more capable than me. There must have been other considerations for you, sir, and General Lu to choose me.”

Wang Zhi said sincerely.

Over the years, Qi Liang and Lin Zhi had been telling him about the events that had happened in the Ming Dynasty. Lin Lu, who served under Zhou Chu, had been appointed as the Grand General of Pacification. Wang Zhi thought Lin Lu's achievements were exaggerated, and he knew he couldn't do what Lin Lu had done.

Both Lin Luyi and Wang Zhi thought the other party was very capable, and felt that they were able to do everything they had done because Lord Zhou had arranged everything. They were just carrying out the orders. Any captain or even a centurion in the Xuanwu Army or the Tiger Legion could have done this very well. They were just lucky.

Wang Zhi even knew that many of his fellow soldiers from the Xuanwu Army had joined the army that went to the Frankish side and were making great achievements, with some even becoming generals.

Therefore, Wang Zhi has never been complacent. He feels that many people can replace him in his current position, and even do a better job.

The truly capable person has always been Lord Zhou, and even General Lu, according to his second brother, was trained by Lord Zhou.

Nowadays, most of the generals in the Ming Dynasty who are well-known were trained by Lord Zhou. Compared with Lord Zhou, Wang Zhi felt that he was not much different from that new recruit back then.

"Now that you've achieved some success, when are you planning to return to your hometown? As the saying goes, 'Wealth and honor not returned to one's hometown is like wearing fine clothes at night.'"

Zhou Chu looked at Wang Zhi and teased him.

"I am preparing to depart in two days."

Wang Zhi said somewhat embarrassedly.

"Of course, we should help your father return to his roots as soon as possible. You shouldn't lack money. You didn't study much growing up, and although you've become a general, you lack the refinement of poetry and literature. I'll have Chunlan get you some calligraphy and paintings by famous artists. You can take them back with you, whether you want to pass them down to your family or keep them, to add some culture to your home. When you go back this time, matchmakers will definitely be knocking down your door. Take this opportunity to get the marriage done."

Zhou Chu looked at Wang Zhi and gave him instructions like an old father.

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhi almost burst into tears. Since his father's death, no one had ever considered his needs so thoroughly.

At this moment, in Wang Zhi's eyes, Zhou Chu was not much older than him, but Zhou Chu and Yun Jin were like father and mother to him. Without these two people, he would not be where he is today.