The Eastern Depot.
Cao Zhengchun lazily finished reading the last memorial and tossed it aside. "Send it to His Majesty for review."
These days, His Majesty rarely changed his recommendations, almost always having the Seal-Holding Eunuch stamp them directly before they were sent to the various ministries and offices.
"Still no word from Lin Lang?"
Several days ago, Lin Lang had said good news would arrive soon. Why had there been no movement yet?
The Second-in-Command stood bowed before Cao Zhengchun. "Director, perhaps it will come in the next few days. You hold Thousand-household Lin in such high regard. He won't disappoint you."
The last time he visited Pingyang Prefecture, Lin Lang's hospitality had left him thoroughly satisfied. Unlike the other Jinyiwei Thousand-household Offices he visited, where they only knew to give him money. Was he short of money?
"It had better be so. Did you plant any men in Pingyang Prefecture?" Cao Zhengchun lifted his teacup and slurped some hot tea.
The Second-in-Command smiled ingratiatingly. "Rest assured, Director. From Pingyang Prefecture's prefect to the two Chief Banner Officers at the Thousand-household Office, they're all our men. If Lin Lang harbors disloyal intentions, we'll know at once."
"Mm." Cao Zhengchun nodded in satisfaction. "Do you think it's wrong of me to treat a meritorious official this way?"
The Second-in-Command said solemnly, "Everything you do is to secure Great Ming's realm for all eternity. Lin Lang is a loyal official. He will surely understand your painstaking efforts, Director."
"Hahaha!" Cao Zhengchun pointed at the Second-in-Command. "You really do know how to say pleasing things."
As they chatted, the Third Chief strode in. "Director, a secret letter has arrived from Pingyang Prefecture."
Cao Zhengchun set down his teacup. "Read it."
The Third Chief unfolded the secret letter. "Dongfang Bubai of the Sun