NABC Chapter 134 Routine Inspection
Chapter 134 Routine Inspection
The letter simulated a "secret deal" between the enemy leader and Gu Jinyan, using insidious language and full of internal and external coordination.
Forged secret letter (draft):
"Ancient Girl":
The messages you have conveyed have greatly pleased us.
As you predicted, the transport route was arranged without any obstacles. Based on your intelligence, we successfully ambushed two small grain convoys and reaped a considerable harvest.
As you wish, when we launch our next major operation, we will try to help you achieve a higher position in the military.
Please ensure that the specific route and timing of the next grain transport are provided within three days, using the same method.
Remember, our agreement must be kept absolutely confidential. Any disclosure would come at an unbearable cost to both of us.
The compensation and position you requested have been arranged by us.
If this plan succeeds, we promise not to view women's identities with any prejudice. As long as you have the strength, you can become a great general in the Northern Desert, personally build an army, and expand your territory.
The Northern Desert will recognize your talent with a fresh perspective.
—The chief spy outside Hesha City, Jungar
Liu An put down his pen and looked at Zhao Wenchang triumphantly: "How about that? As long as someone sees this letter, they will definitely believe that Gu Jinyan has long been colluding with the enemy."
Moreover, not only did he leak intelligence, but he also attempted to seize a high position by leveraging the enemy's power.
Zhao Wenchang nodded in satisfaction: "Very good. But we still need to make this letter more specific, mentioning some actual times and places, so that it will be more authentic."
Add details: time, place, and psychological traps
The grain transport officer, Wang Ge, stepped forward and suggested with a sneer, "Why don't we mention the grain convoy that's heading north of the city in three days? If the letter explicitly points to that convoy, it will make people believe that she not only leaked intelligence but also cooperated with the enemy in devising an ambush plan."
Zhao Wenchang slammed his fist on the table and stood up: "Good, let's do it this way! Write down the time and place of a few more 'secret meetings,' and we only need to arrange a few people to 'testify,' and that will be enough to convict her completely!"
Under Zhao Wenchang's instructions, Liu An added more detailed information to the secret letter:
The revised confidential letter (final draft):
"Ancient Girl":
Based on the intelligence you provided, we ambushed three supply convoys in the last operation. You indeed revealed the transport routes as promised, for which we are sincerely grateful. The next operation will be an ambush on your northern supply convoy on the 29th of this month. To ensure the operation's success, please proceed according to the original plan.
In addition, the spies we have assigned will meet with you at midnight tomorrow night near the old well in the western suburbs. Please confirm the next grain transport route at that time.
We have prepared everything you desire in terms of power and status.
If this plan succeeds, your abilities will be fully respected and supported in the Northern Desert, without any gender restrictions.
At that time, you will assume the position of Grand General, wielding military power over a region, personally building your elite army to help you unify the frontier.
—The chief spy outside Hesha City, Jungar
Zhao Wenchang looked at the secret letter and smiled with satisfaction. "Perfect. As long as someone sees this letter, no matter how capable she is, she won't escape the charge of 'treason'."
Zhao Wenchang coldly instructed Wang Ge: "Wang Ge, you are responsible for hiding this secret letter at Gu Jinyan's residence."
Remember to put it under her pillow so we can find it without a trace during our 'routine check'.
Wang Ge nodded in agreement: "Don't worry, General, once this letter is found, she'll never be able to recover."
Zhao Wenchang then turned to several trusted soldiers: "You guys, I will arrange a routine search first thing tomorrow morning."
You must cooperate well in this charade. Upon discovering the secret letter, immediately report it to the entire army and spread the news throughout the ranks.
After everything was arranged, the group exchanged glances and smiled smugly. Their meticulously planned conspiracy was virtually flawless.
As night fell, Zhao Wenchang summoned several soldiers he had already bribed or coerced outside a secluded military warehouse.
The soldiers standing in the shadows had different expressions; some looked fearful because they were threatened, while others were excited because they were greedy for money.
Zhao Wenchang glanced at them coldly and said, "I called you here today because I need your cooperation on an important matter."
"As long as you obey, you'll reap the rewards in the future; but if you disobey..." He paused, his gaze sharp, "I'll find ways to make sure you can't stay in the army."
The soldiers' faces tightened upon hearing this, especially those who were serving in the army because of family difficulties, knowing that their families would also be implicated if they disobeyed.
Zhao Wenchang led the group deep into the camp and explained their "mission" in detail: they were to testify, if necessary, that Gu Jinyan had secretly met with "suspicious people" at night and acted suspiciously.
You could even say you heard her whispering things like "the next operation".
Although these statements were vague, they were enough to arouse suspicion about Gu Jinyan within the military.
Zhao Wenchang walked up to the first soldier, whose name was Li Tuo. He was young and had only recently joined the army. He came from a poor family and was honest and hardworking.
Zhao Wenchang lowered his voice and said to him, "Li Tuo, I know your family situation very well. If you cooperate with my arrangements, you will definitely receive a military reward in the future, and I can even arrange a job for your mother."
But if you don't listen, your family will probably have an even harder time.
Li Tuo lowered his head and remained silent, his heart filled with struggle.
He knew that if he disobeyed Zhao Wenchang's orders, his family's livelihood would be in danger.
Zhao Wenchang's threat coiled around his mind like a venomous snake, forcing him to submit.
His voice trembled slightly as he managed to squeeze out, "Commander, I will obey your orders."
Seeing his compliance, Zhao Wenchang revealed a satisfied smile, patted his shoulder and said, "Very good. Remember, as long as you are obedient, I will arrange a secure position for you in the future."
Immediately afterwards, Zhao Wenchang walked to the second soldier, Zhang Songhu, his tone icy: "Zhang Songhu, I heard you owe a lot of gambling debts, is that true?"
Zhang Ming's expression changed, and he quickly lowered his head, saying in a weak voice, "Commander, please understand... I... I do indeed owe some debts."
Zhao Wenchang smiled dismissively: "If you do as I say, I will naturally resolve these debts for you."
Otherwise, I don't think those debt collectors would let you off so easily, would they?" Zhang Songhu had no choice but to nod in agreement, his eyes filled with despair.
Zhao Wenchang persuaded these soldiers one by one, using coercion and enticement to firmly control them.
Ultimately, under pressure, several soldiers agreed to "testify."
Standing before these soldiers, Zhao Wenchang thought to himself that these soldiers must act realistically enough to convince everyone.
So he arranged a small "rehearsal" in the tent, teaching them one by one how to describe "the scene of seeing Gujin Rock".
Zhao Wenchang pointed at Li Tuo and said coldly, "Remember, you are the first eyewitness. You must say that you saw Gu Jinyan wearing a dark cloak near the old well in the western suburbs camp late at night."
You can't describe the exact content of the conversation, but you must convey that she seemed nervous, whispering to the shadowy figure, and then hurriedly leaving.
Li Tuo swallowed hard, his heart racing, and tried to describe it: "I...I saw Gu Jinyan wearing a black cloak."
Approaching the old well in the middle of the night, he spoke with a blurry, dark figure. She looked furtive and seemed very wary…” He said, observing Zhao Wenchang’s expression as he spoke.
Zhao Wenchang nodded in satisfaction: "Very good, but you need to act even more frightened. Don't say much, just say that she was having a whispered conversation with the shadowy figure. That will make people more suspicious."
Then, Zhao Wenchang turned to Zhang Songhu: "You said that you met Gu Jinyan by chance while transporting grain on the northern route."
At that time, she asked you about the delivery time of the grain supplies, and also seemed to be asking some questions that she shouldn't have asked, intentionally or unintentionally.
Remember, you need to make it seem like she's gathering intelligence.
Zhang Songhu nervously repeated, "When I met her, she asked about the grain transport arrangements on the northern route in great detail. I found it strange at the time, but I didn't dare to say anything."
Zhao Wenchang frowned in dissatisfaction: "Don't just focus on being afraid. Make people feel that you're uneasy because you've noticed something strange about her, not because you're afraid of her."
"It's because you felt her behavior was unusual that you suspected her." Zhang Ming nodded to show he understood, though he was filled with fear, he dared not show it at all.
After thoroughly training the group, Zhao Wenchang instructed them: "Remember, you guys, don't reveal this information easily. Only stand up and testify when I give the order."
"You can only play your role when it comes to critical moments." The soldiers answered tremblingly, their hearts filled with unease.
After making the arrangements, Zhao Wenchang looked around, a ruthless glint in his eyes.
No matter how strong Gu Jinyan was, she could not escape this intricate web of traps.
Zhao Wenchang was certain that as long as these soldiers "confirmed" her crimes at the crucial moment, coupled with that secret letter, her innocence and reputation would be beyond redemption.
Even after arranging the false evidence, Zhao Wenchang did not stop.
The next morning, fog blanketed the military camp, as if even the air itself carried a sense of oppression and unease.
Zhao Wenchang stood outside his tent, took a deep breath, and then coldly ordered, "Begin the operation. Don't reveal any flaws."
Zhao Wenchang summoned several trusted soldiers and announced loudly: "During last night's patrol, we discovered enemy spies loitering nearby. To ensure there are no hidden dangers in the camp, I have decided to conduct a comprehensive routine inspection."
On the surface, Zhao Wenchang appeared righteous and awe-inspiring, claiming that it was for the safety of the military camp, but he could not hide his inner pride.
The soldiers in charge of the inspection exchanged knowing glances.
Zhao Wenchang had already clearly assigned the task—their target was not every corner of the military camp, but Gu Jinyan's residence.
This operation was not just a "routine inspection," but a crucial step Zhao Wenchang took to completely destroy Gujinyan.
"Let's go, start the search." Zhao Wenchang waved his hand, and several soldiers immediately split up and dispersed to different areas.
He specifically arranged for several trusted confidants to search Gu Jinyan's residence. They were the key figures in this conspiracy and had to "discover" the secret letter under everyone's watchful eyes.
Gu Jinyan's accommodation was on the west side of the campsite, a simple tent.
Although she held a high rank in the military, she never indulged in pleasure. Her living quarters were simply furnished, with only a wooden bed and a few simple clothes, and no other decorations.
Several soldiers approached her tent, exchanged a meaningful glance, and the lead soldier coughed and said loudly, "By order of the quartermaster, we are conducting a routine inspection. Please cooperate!"
Gu Jinyan was organizing documents in her tent when she looked up at the group of uninvited guests, her brows furrowing slightly.
"Routine check? Now?"
"Sorry, this is an order from my superiors."
When the leading soldier saw Gu Jinyan about to ask a question, he interrupted him, his tone harsh and leaving no room for argument.