Chapter 2310: Chapter 2307: Purpose

Zhang Zhi looked troubled: "It’s all my fault that I lack the ability to find the evidence."

"The news Minister Zhang brought back is already commendable, I am pleased. Tomorrow, as you mentioned, you can bring it up again during the early morning audience." Emperor Xuanming was not prepared to swallow his anger.

Zhang Zhi quickly bowed and nodded: "Yes, I will return today and make a more detailed report."

"Very good." Emperor Xuanming calmed his anger, maintaining a favorable attitude towards him, "Minister Zhang, return home early to heal your injuries. I won’t detain you any longer."

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I will recover quickly so as not to delay my official duties." Zhang Zhi was keen to earn Emperor Xuanming’s attention, naturally not missing the chance to shape himself as a diligent official.

Emperor Xuanming was even more pleased and awarded him medicinal herbs.

Zhang Zhi exited the Imperial Study.

A eunuch followed him, personally escorting him out of the palace.

His mind was still pondering how to handle the court ministers the next day, as he hurriedly left the palace, encountering officials who deliberately came to meet him by chance at the gate. He found opportunities to leave them all, presenting himself as an honest person, declining to meet with them privately.

The following morning.

Zhang Zhi attended court with his injury.

The officials saw him and knew he was here.

For a moment, they whispered among themselves, glancing at Zhang Zhi, and before the early audience began, many officials approached to interact with him, hoping to glean some information.

Zhang Zhi responded with a tone of not understanding.

"Why did Magistrate Zhang come to court today? Wasn’t Your Majesty having you stay at home to recover?"

Zhang Zhi humbly replied: "Your Majesty is benevolent, but as a subject, I must relieve Your Majesty’s concerns. Moreover, the Imperial Physician has seen me, and Your Majesty has awarded medicinal herbs. The injury is not serious, and it will be fully healed within a couple of days, not affecting my duties."

"Is that so, Magistrate Zhang is indeed diligent, attending court while injured. If it were me, I would surely recover fully at home before going out. After all, the bones and muscles take a hundred days to heal."

Several officials complimented each other.

Upon realizing they couldn’t gather any information, they dispersed.

However, they all felt that Zhang Zhi attending court while injured certainly meant something, and some perceived him as deeply calculative, using this to earn the Emperor’s attention, given Zhang Zhi’s youthful age.

Of course, the former were seasoned court officials, indifferent to whom the Emperor favored at any given time.

The latter were young officials, yet to understand the true priorities within the official circle, merely envying Zhang Zhi.

It was already late in the hour.

Soon Emperor Xuanming entered the grand hall.

After discussing the reception of envoys from various nations.

He promptly set the military exercises of the cavalry battalion trained by Chu Heng to occur before the winter hunting event.

Xiang City stepped forward promptly upon hearing: "Your Majesty, who will oversee security during the winter hunt?"

"The security arrangements will be entrusted to the Imperial Forest Army and Capital Garrison, with Commander Xiao and Minister Xiang jointly responsible." Emperor Xuanming evidently already had his plan, directly naming them.

Since the previous palace incident, Xiao Tianhao had been responsible for the Imperial Forest Army, and Xiang City, though actually not holding military command, had the authority to deploy the Capital Garrison for security.

Entrusting these matters to them was no surprise.

Hence, the court ministers offered no opposition, finalizing the arrangement.

"Minister Qi, regarding the trip to Jiangnan, please share your insights." Emperor Xuanming shifted the topic to Minister Qi.

Minister Qi appeared well-prepared.

Upon hearing, he displayed no fluster.

Stepped forward, with steady tone, reported on the findings concerning the Maritime Merchants in Jiangnan.

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