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

Chapter 541

It took Zhou Chu four days to return to Datong from Taiyuan. When Zhou Chu arrived in Datong, Xie Pi, who had been appointed by the court as the Protector-General of the Western Regions, was already waiting for him.

Originally, Xie Pi was supposed to go directly to the grasslands to take up his post, but before he left, Xie Qian specifically instructed him to visit Zhou Chu in Datong, ask him what Zhou Chu should do on the grasslands, and then strictly follow Zhou Chu's instructions to avoid making mistakes.

Xie Qianren was a shrewd and experienced man who was well-versed in the ways of officialdom. He knew very well that in officialdom, doing little or nothing would not cause any trouble, but if you made a mistake, it would be very serious, especially in a place like the grasslands. Once you made a mistake, it could bring irreparable consequences to the Ming Dynasty. At that time, Xie Pi would be guilty even if he died a thousand deaths.

That's why Xie Qian sent his son to visit Zhou Chu.

In Xie Qian's eyes, Zhou Hengqi, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, was not yet twenty years old, but he was very methodical in his work and seemed to have never made a mistake. Such a person was terrifying, which reminded Xie Qian of someone.

Huo Guang, the prime minister of the Western Han Dynasty, never made a mistake in his life. He was so perfect that even the number of steps he took to enter the court each day was fixed.

Although Xie Pi didn't quite understand Xie Qian's views, he resolutely carried them out. Xie Pi knew very well that his father had been an official for decades and understood the ways of officialdom far better than he did.

"Your humble servant Xie Pi greets Your Excellency."

When Xie Pi learned that Zhou Chu had returned to Datong, he immediately paid him a visit.

"No need for such formalities, please have a seat."

Zhou Chu waved his hand, signaling the servants to serve tea.

Today in Datong, there is also a house belonging to Zhou Chu. Although it is not large, only a three-courtyard house, it is enough for Zhou Chu to live in.

"Sir, you are truly honest and dedicated to serving the people."

Xie Pi took the teacup, looked around at the extremely simple furnishings, and said sincerely.

"That's not true. I'm not short of money. It's just that I won't be staying in this house in Datong for more than a few days, so there's no need to make elaborate arrangements. It would be too wasteful."

Zhou Chu took a sip of tea.

Xie Pi froze upon hearing this, unsure how to respond.

Although he was over forty, he had been under Xie Qian's protection for a long time and had been in charge of compiling books in the Hanlin Academy. He was not very good at the power struggles in the court, which was the fundamental reason why Xie Qian was not at ease with him.

"May I ask what business you have with me, Lord Xie?"

Zhou Chu continued.

“My father sent me to see you, sir. He told me to follow your instructions in everything, and that I need your guidance on how to conduct myself on the grasslands.”

Xie Pi was an honest man and did not hide anything.

His words were quite clever, placing himself in the position of Zhou Chu's junior and placing Zhou Chu and Xie Qian on equal footing in terms of seniority. In this way, Zhou Chu would naturally give him some pointers.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chu nodded, thinking to himself that Xie Pi was indeed a clever man.

"I have already appointed a Mongol as the deputy protector of the Western Regions Protectorate. This has been approved by His Majesty. A Mongol understands the Mongol people better and is better able to govern them. When he takes office on the grasslands, you should listen to his opinions and let him handle the tasks below. You can be a hands-off manager, but your job is to keep a close eye on him and prevent him from making any underhanded moves."

Zhou Chu looked at Xie Pi and gave him some instructions.

"If I discover that this person has treacherous intentions, what should I do? The vast grasslands are mostly inhabited by Mongols, and I don't have many people under my command."

Upon hearing this, Xie Pi's heart tightened.

"Don't worry about that. The Protectorate of the Western Regions is now part of the Ming Dynasty, so naturally a Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard) will be set up there. We will send over a thousand Jinyiwei and a Jinyiwei commander. I will instruct him to follow your orders in everything he does."

Zhou Chu smiled.

"Thank you for your guidance, Lord Zhou. Without your guidance, I really wouldn't know what to do."

Xie Pi stood up and bowed.