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

Chapter 667

Tang Bohu took a sip of tea and said.

"Weighing instruments, I have already made a preliminary ranking of the meritorious officials of the Zhenwu Hall. Do you have any objections?"

Seeing that the group had finished speaking, Jiajing took out a booklet and had Huang Jin hand it to Zhou Chu.

Zhou Chu took the booklet, opened it, and saw that it contained the ranking of the meritorious officials of the Zhenwu Hall.

Zhou Chu is undoubtedly ranked first. If this ranking were based on points, Jiajing would likely have given Zhou Chu a significant lead over the second-place finisher, and the combined points of everyone else might not even equal Zhou Chu's.

Lu Bing ranked second, a ranking that Jiajing (the Jiajing Emperor) influenced somewhat with his personal feelings.

In terms of merit, Lu Bing did have some achievements, such as recovering Annam and protecting Jiajing's personal safety. However, both Zhou Chu and Jiajing knew that Lu Bing was far inferior to Yun Jin in terms of merit. Yun Jin had quelled the Japanese pirates at sea, laying the foundation for the Ming Dynasty's opening of the sea. Even Annam was recovered by Yun Jin.

Yun Jin also contributed to the reconquest of Tibet. However, Lu Bing's status was special, and he was Yun Jin's older brother. Zhou Chu had no objection to Lu Bing being ranked ahead of Yun Jin, but ranking him second was a bit too high.

Yang Shen ranked third.

Yang Shen served in the Grand Secretariat for many years, devoting himself wholeheartedly to the Ming Dynasty. Like water, he nourished all things silently. Yang Shen never liked to take credit for himself, but Jiajing and Zhou Chu both knew that over the years, his firm support for many of Zhou Chu's decisions and the decisions he proposed himself had a profound impact on the Ming Dynasty.

Zhou Chu felt that ranking it third was a bit low.

According to Zhou Chu's thinking, Yang Shen should be ranked ahead of Lu Bing.

Following Yang Shen is Yun Jin. Zhou Chu was not surprised by this ranking. Following Yun Jin is Yang Yiqing. As the Grand Secretary, Yang Yiqing had been slacking off for the past few years, but he has been very motivated in the last two years. The operation of the entire cabinet and the court can be described as well-organized under his leadership.

Moreover, as the Grand Secretary, Yang Yiqing's ranking could not be too low. Jiajing wanted to use Yang Yiqing as a benchmark to inspire other officials.

This ranking is not unreasonable.

Following Yang Yiqing was Lin Lu, then Ouyang Bijin and Meng Ji, followed by Wang Zhi, then Wang Xian, Zhang Cong, Han Jie, Yan Song and a host of other officials. Even Hai Rui and Yang Shengzhai were included, and their rankings weren't low. Hai Rui and Yang Shengzhai were now officially serving in the Southern Garrison, making them legitimate members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

As for Hu Zongxian and Zhao Zhenji, they could be included if they officially entered officialdom, but since they still had to take the imperial examinations and did not officially serve in the military, they are not ranked yet.

"His Majesty is too biased towards the eldest brother. Mr. Sheng'an should be ranked second, and the eldest brother third."

Zhou Chu said.

"I've never been sure about the ranking of Yang Yongxiu and Wenfu either. Now that you mention it, it's true. I'll change it later and move Wenfu's ranking down."

Jiajing nodded.

Zhou Chu's words were actually a way of protecting Lu Bing. If Lu Bing were ranked second, he would be hated by countless people, and countless people would try to bring him down and replace him. But if Yang Shen were ranked second, this problem would not exist.

First of all, Yang Shen was the leading scholar of the Ming Dynasty and a Grand Secretary. For many years, Yang Shen was loyal to the country and dedicated to serving it, which is evident to all. The key point is that Yang Shen was not only loyal to the Ming Dynasty and the emperor, but also very capable. In the Grand Secretariat, even the chief minister Yang Yiqing could not compare to him. Few people would disagree with Yang Shen being ranked second.

As for Zhou Chu being ranked first, that's beyond question. Even those who dislike Zhou Chu can't find fault with this ranking.

Of course, this is only a preliminary ranking. There are very few people who have truly made great contributions to the Ming Dynasty. Most of those on the list are for their domestic affairs. In the future, when people like Hu Zongxian have truly grown up, that will be when they continue to climb the ranks in the Zhenwu Hall.

Only then will the ranking of these meritorious officials in the Zhenwu Hall truly be considered valuable.

There's a bit of water now.

But that's not important. After all, it's a startup, so it's normal to have some shortcomings. As time goes by, those who don't work hard enough will eventually be kicked out.

"And what about the military academy? What are your thoughts on weighing instruments?"

Jiajing looked at Zhou Chu and asked.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Chu took a sip of tea and pondered for a moment.

"As for the military academy, His Majesty can serve as its dean. In his spare time, he can go and give political lectures to the students. He can talk about anything he wants. Since His Majesty goes there in person, they will naturally feel extremely honored and loyal."

Zhou Chu thought for a moment and then said.

“Zhixin and Yun Jin can both teach at the academy. As for Hu Ruzhen and Zhao Mengjing, they can join the military academy as students and assist us in teaching.”

When Jiajing heard this, he nodded.

"This arrangement is quite appropriate. Hu Ruzhen and Zhao Zhenji have followed you in Tibet for two years, so their ability to lead troops in battle should be quite good. They made great contributions to the blitzkrieg against the Yarkand Khanate. When they officially enter officialdom in the future, I will send them to the Zhenwu Hall."

"Your Majesty, my lord, my abilities are mediocre, I'm afraid..."

Lin Lu had already returned and was listening intently. He was particularly nervous when he heard that he was about to start teaching at the military academy. He had always felt that his ability to lead troops into battle was actually just average. Whether it was the previous campaign across the grasslands or the northern expedition against the Jurchens, it was all thanks to Lord Zhou paving the way. Everything was just a matter of time.

Moreover, the grasslands were not completely conquered by him, but by the Zhou and Chu states. In fact, his achievements were the northern expedition against the Jurchens and the destruction of the Yarkand Khanate.

However, in the battle against the Yarkand Khanate, the strategy was devised by Zhou Chu, and the battle was fought by Hu Zongxian and Zhao Zhenji. As a general, he received the military merit, but deep down he felt very uneasy.

Hearing Zhou Chu and Jiajing say this, he hesitated for a moment.

"Don't underestimate yourself. You are actually very good at leading troops and fighting battles. Being able to execute strategies perfectly is a testament to your ability. Back then, the Duke of Wei always executed Emperor Taizu's strategic plans perfectly. Can you say that the Duke of Wei is not good at leading troops and fighting battles?"

Zhou Chu looked at Lin Lu and said.