Chapter 1428: A traitor in the army!

After Aunt Cao finished speaking, An Miaoyi, who realized what she was thinking, immediately looked at her. Seeing this, Aunt Cao continued:

"My lady, I heard that tonight is dark and windy, and the weather is the driest!"

An Miaoyi was also somewhat tempted when she heard this. In order to prevent Ye Mingsheng from checking the accounts and finding any flaws, An Miaoyi had always found someone to do the accounts to ensure that there were no flaws on the surface.

Although she had disguised herself, An Miaoyi was also very clear that if she didn't want others to know, she had better not do it. There were so many problems in the account book, and although she had disguised herself, she could still find the problems as long as she looked carefully.

So in this case, it would undoubtedly be a good thing if these problems could be solved once and for all!
However, An Miaoyi changed her mind and realized that although doing so would solve the problem once and for all, Ye Mingsheng had just given Murong Qingwu the power to assist in the management of harem affairs and check accounts, and then something like this happened immediately afterwards. This seemed too deliberate!
In the past, when they were still in the Ye Mansion, there had always been rumors that there were problems with the accounts of the Ye Mansion. However, because the accounts of the Ye Mansion had long been controlled by An Miaoyi, Pei Zhixiu, who was later appointed by Ye Mingsheng to assist in managing the affairs of the mansion, reached a tacit understanding with An Miaoyi not to be in charge of the accounts.

So rumors have always been just rumors, and there is no real evidence!
But don’t treat everyone as fools. If we really do what Madam Cao said, I’m afraid everyone will realize that the rumors are true!
Thinking of this, An Miaoyi shook her head. Seeing An Miaoyi shaking her head, Madam Cao became even more anxious.

As An Miaoyi's right-hand man, she was in charge of many issues in the Ye Mansion's accounts. Therefore, once the truth came out, An Miaoyi, as the queen, would at most be overwhelmed, but she, as a servant, would definitely have to bear the consequences...

At this time, An Miaoyi also noticed that Madam Cao was in a panic and immediately scolded:
"I just asked her to help manage the harem. Why are you so nervous? With me here, nothing can stop you!"

Listening to An Miaoyi's words, Madam Cao nodded repeatedly, and at this time An Miaoyi continued to instruct:
"Keep an eye on all the accountants. If anyone dares to say anything nonsense, you know what to do!"

Although An Miaoyi's tone was very calm, Aunt Cao, who was listening to her, was shocked and quickly assured:

"My lady, don't worry, I promise that there won't be any mistakes on the accountant's side!
An Miaoyi waved her hand when she heard that, and Nanny Cao immediately said goodbye and left.

After Madam Cao left, An Miaoyi also sat on the sofa and closed her eyes in deep thought. Although she had acted very domineering in front of Madam Cao just now, it was just to give Madam Cao a reassurance. In fact, facing the foreseeable Murong Qingwu's audit, she did not have any particularly good way to deal with it now.

After thinking carefully for a while, An Miaoyi seemed to have thought of something, and her beautiful eyes revealed a hint of coldness.

After pondering for a moment, An Miaoyi found the document again. After reading it again, she made up her mind and asked the palace maid outside:
"Where's Qiqige?"

"Your Majesty, Qiqige is out on business!"

"When she comes back, ask her to see me immediately..."

"Yes!"

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Yunqian, evening

Zhang Meng, the commander of the Daqian camp at the foot of the Gray Snake Ridge, was standing on the watchtower, looking seriously at the Tusi camp on the Gray Snake Ridge not far away. At this moment, the eyes of this Daqian general were full of hatred and murderous intent.

For the Yun-Qian campaign, Zhang Meng made a lot of preparations before the war, and repeatedly assured the court that he would prepare seriously and would not make the mistake of underestimating the enemy. However, in Zhang Meng's heart, he never took these chieftains of Yun-Qian seriously!
In Zhang Meng's eyes, this battle of Yunqian was a place for him to improve his military record and merits, and it was just a stepping stone for him to become the Duke of Daqian!

In Zhang Meng's plan, the battle between Yun and Qian should be smooth sailing and he should win it without any trouble!
Zhang Meng never thought that he would be fooled and deceived by others!
It was precisely because of this confidence that Zhang Meng easily believed the Li family’s lies about surrendering without any doubt!

And now the facts have proved that Zhang Meng's self-confidence has turned into arrogance, and Zhang Meng has paid the price for his arrogance!
In the previous battle of Grey Snake Ridge, the 3,000 Daqian soldiers led by Chen Tao not only had all their baggage and firearms destroyed, but only half of them managed to break out, while the remaining half were either killed in battle or captured by the chieftain's troops!

The losses in this battle were greater than all the losses suffered by the First Army during its previous march into Yunqian combined. There was no doubt that this was also a shame for the First Army!

In addition to the loss of soldiers and generals, the Li family also took advantage of their familiarity with the terrain as local tyrants. Taking advantage of the Daqian army's lax defense, they sent out several small troops to attack the First Army's baggage and artillery units through the mountain roads, causing the destruction of more than ten artillery pieces and more than 200 shells...
More importantly, Li Huan of the Li family used the victory of this sneak attack to successfully boost the morale that had been low due to the rapid demise of the Xiong family, and united all the local chieftains and soldiers of Yunqian, both large and small, around him!
This also made Zhang Meng secretly anxious. Although the casualties of Chen Tao's battalion and the loss of artillery and gunpowder looked ugly, they did not actually cause serious losses to the First Army. The main force of the First Army was still there!

But Zhang Meng has signed a military order in front of His Majesty, vowing to capture Yunqian this year!
It is already mid-to-late October and November is coming soon. Time doesn't run out for Zhang Meng!
Originally, because of the Xiong family's sudden defeat, all the chieftains in Yunqian were in a panic. Some small chieftains who had originally had a weak will to resist were ready to surrender, but after Li Huan's move, they became more determined to resist to the end!

If things develop in this direction, it will not be good for Zhang Meng. After all, his First Army is going on a long expedition. Local tyrants like Li Huan can afford it, but he, Zhang Meng and the First Army cannot!
Thinking of this, Zhang Meng became even more angry towards Li Huan. He had already made up his mind that as long as he could break through Jinzhi City, he would cut this bastard Li Huan into pieces, and as for the other members of the Li family, he would not let any of them live!
These bastards must pay for the mistakes they made. They must understand what will be the fate of those who dare to deceive and play tricks on him, Zhang Meng!
After observing Gray Snake Ridge again, Zhang Meng also walked down the watchtower. He now had a plan in his mind...

After defeating Chen Tao's troops a few days ago, the Li family immediately built a camp on Huishe Ridge and stationed 10,000 soldiers here, trying to use it as the first line of defense against the Daqian army and defend Jinzhi City!
However, in Zhang Meng's opinion, this makeshift camp was simply vulnerable!

Although the First Army's artillery suffered some losses due to road problems and sneak attacks by local chieftains, the First Army, as the main ace force of Daqian, still had a strong financial foundation. Many artillery pieces produced by the First Manufacturing Bureau were also supplied to the First Army first.

In the past few days, Zhang Meng personally led the main force of the First Army to Huishe Ridge, and on the other hand, he also coordinated logistics to gather as many artillery pieces of various types as possible at Huishe Ridge.

Thanks to Zhang Meng's efforts, nearly thirty artillery pieces and five hundred artillery shells have arrived at the First Army camp at Huishe Ridge!

Zhang Meng had observed it just now. Perhaps because of the tight time and heavy tasks, the chieftain's army camp was built very simply. Zhang Meng believed that three hundred artillery shells would be enough to blow this temporary camp into pieces. By then, let Ayushila and Apingmuga's troops go up and consume the enemy's resources first. Finally, the First Army could capture Gray Snake Ridge with one charge!
After taking over Grey Snake Ridge, Zhang Meng can wait relatively patiently for the logistics to transport more artillery and shells to the front line. About five to seven days later, he can gather about fifty artillery pieces and thousands of shells and launch an attack on Jinzhi City...
As long as the weather is good and it doesn't rain for several consecutive days, Zhang Meng fully believes that under the cover of artillery, his First Army can capture the Jinzhi City within five to ten days. By then, everything will be back on track, and no one in the entire Yunqian will dare to resist the flag of Daqian!

Thinking of this, Zhang Meng's originally depressed mood improved a little. As long as he could capture Yunqian on time, even if he had some flaws, they would be insignificant. But if he failed to complete the military order, some of his previous things might become his death warrant!
By then, even if His Majesty does not kill me because of my past contributions, my military career will come to an end and my title will probably be stripped!
Thinking of this, Zhang Meng also made up his mind. He was still young and had a bright future ahead of him. He must not capsize in Yunqian. He must take Yunqian within the deadline of the military order and gnaw on this hard bone! When Zhang Meng returned to the camp to prepare to rest well tonight and command the troops to capture Gray Snake Ridge tomorrow, one of his personal soldiers quickly walked into the camp and reported:

"Commander-in-chief, Lieutenant General Yu wants to see you for something important!"

Hearing that it was his confidant Yu Ya who wanted to see him, Zhang Meng, who was already in bed, didn't think much about it. He immediately stood up, straightened his clothes, and signaled his men to let Yu Ya in.

As soon as Yu Ya came in, he didn't even bother to greet everyone, and immediately started to report:

"Sir, it's bad. There is a traitor in our camp..."

Zhang Meng was shocked when he heard this, and immediately ordered Yu Ya:
"What exactly is going on?"

Yu Ya said without hesitation:
"Sir, our secret sentry just caught a man with suspicious whereabouts. After being tortured, it was found that he was a subordinate of the Li family. This time he sneaked into our military camp to meet with people and discuss rebellion!"

"Who is the person he met?" Zhang Meng hesitated for a moment and asked back:

"According to this man's confession, he said the person he was looking for was named Jikeyitie!"

Zhang Meng was also very surprised to hear the unfamiliar name Jike Yitie. After thinking carefully, he asked Yu Ya:

"Who is this Zeke Yitie?"

Facing Zhang Meng's question, Yu Ya also shook his head and said:

"Sir, I don't know who this Jike Yitie is, but judging from his name, he should be a subordinate of Ayushila and Aping Muga. This matter is of great importance. After I tortured that person, I came to report to you!"

Zhang Meng didn't say anything when he heard that, but just nodded slightly. Seeing that Zhang Meng didn't say anything, Yu Ya didn't know what Zhang Meng's attitude was, so he could only stand there and wait for Zhang Meng's order.

After pondering for half a cup of tea, Zhang Meng asked Yu Ya:

"The Li family has always been cunning. Do you think this could be a counter-espionage plot?"

Yu Ya was a little surprised to hear Zhang Meng say the word "counter-espionage". He thought for a moment before answering:
"Sir, I think what the spy said is true, and I think Aping Muga and Ayushila are not trustworthy. It is better to believe in such things than not to believe in them! It is better to be safe than sorry!"

Zhang Meng thought about it again and felt that what Yu Ya said made sense. The First Army is now stationed together with the troops under the command of Aping Muga and Ayushila. If one of these two people has rebellious intentions, then with the cooperation of the Li family, the First Army will be at great risk!

There is even a risk that the entire army might be annihilated. If that were true, Zhang Meng would become a sinner of Daqian and would be condemned to death!

Realizing this, Zhang Meng made up his mind and immediately ordered:
"Go tell Wang Ruijin to order his soldiers to be alert to the troops of Ayushila and Apingmugga. If there is any unusual movement of their troops, they should be wiped out immediately without any notification!"

"Then call Aping Muga and Ayushila to come to me! I want to interrogate them personally!"

"Yes!"

At the same time Zhang Meng made the decision, Ayushila also found his good brother Aping Muga in the military camp.

Aping Muga looked at Ayushila who hurried into the tent and asked curiously:
"Ayu, what's up so late?"

Faced with the question from his good brother, Ayushila hesitated for a moment, but decided to tell the whole story:

"A Ping, I want to tell you something. I have been in touch with Li Huan secretly!"

As soon as these words came out, Aping Muga was shocked, and then he said with some sorrow:

"Ayumu, why are you doing this?"

"These Qian people are untrustworthy, especially the one named Zhang. He promised to hand Xiong Ping over to me, but he didn't do it after the fact. I've already inquired about it. Their emperor never issued an imperial edict to him, and he didn't give me any compensation..."

(End of this chapter)