Chapter 197 Feint to Seek Wealth
"You think Beirong won't send troops, right?"
Cheng Xiang had been keeping an eye on the fireman's movements. He had always had a sharp eye for people. Although the fireman looked simple and innocent, he actually had a sharp edge.
"Probably a feint."
Wen Chengyun nodded gently.
The people are the foundation of a country. No matter whether it is the Northern Rong or our own country, no matter how it develops, we can never avoid the people. After all, there is no country without the people.
Wen Chengyun has had many experiences in fighting with other countries. Before the real war between the two countries broke out, in addition to the supply of food and other support.
Without exception, the government will notify its people to evacuate in time, and traveling merchants doing business abroad will also receive notices to return home in order to reduce necessary casualties.
Judging from the trade situation in Qingshi Town, there is still a constant stream of Beirong people coming and going. In addition, Beirong's grain harvest this year is poor, so they need to exchange and purchase through Qingshi Town, the nearest trading area.
Taking all factors into consideration, the probability of Beirong launching a war is not high. Even if it does, it is most likely an excuse to ask for food.
"I've considered the possibility you mentioned, but it's better to be safe than sorry."
A hint of admiration flashed in Cheng Xiang's eyes. He reached out and patted Wen Chengyun's shoulder, which seemed like he was leaving a last word.
"From your accent, you sound like you're from Qingshi Town. If a war really breaks out and we can't go back, please burn some incense for us brothers whenever you think of us during festivals."
There was a certain desolation in these words, and Wen Chengyun felt a little suffocated. The border defense team was too small. If they made a mistake in judgment, except for the soldiers sent back to report the news, everyone else would have to hold the position to the death.
When Wen Chengyun pushed the cart back, he looked back at the little green men hiding in the grass and made a bold decision.
At nightfall, a faint bird song was heard and a figure crawled out of the military tent.
Wen Chengyun tiptoed out of the tent. Outside the barracks, Wu Qi had also changed into a black nightgown and was waiting in the shadows. Knowing his master had entered the barracks, he wouldn't have rashly contacted Wen Chengyun in this way unless it was urgent.
But he couldn't resist Cheng Weiyao's constant nagging and insisted on helping to pass on a letter. Seeing that the princess's expression was indeed extremely urgent, he didn't dare to delay and had to take the risk to come.
"This is a letter that the princess requested to be passed on to the lord."
Wu Qi's words made Wen Chengyun raise an eyebrow in disbelief. He knew Cheng Weiyao's personality well. She was always steady and collected. Could it be that something important happened at home?
Wen Chengyun frowned, and before he even opened the letter, Wu Qi had already said something sympathetically, "Everything's fine at home, and the situation in Qingshi Town is stable. I think it's just some trivial matter, just to express my longing..."
Wen Chengyun paused as he opened the letter, his lips twitching slightly. Madam, with her unintelligent nature, was no match for a woman who could write a love letter. With such affectation, she'd already sold several servings of food...
He was filled with emotion, but his hands were not slow at all as he opened the letter. The content of the letter was just as Wu Qi said, some gossip he had heard from the diners.
The reason for the letter was that these guests were all soldiers, and the names of the Minister of Revenue and the Prince of Beirong were mentioned among them.
The names of these two people were crucial, and Wen Chengyun was a little surprised. If it were an ordinary soldier, it would be impossible for him to know such inside information, but if it were Liao Yu's confidants, it might be possible...
However, if it could be used as a topic of conversation, its authenticity remained to be verified. After returning from Cheng Xiang, he had intended to visit the Beirong military camp, but now it seemed that this trip was a must!
Wen Chengyun rubbed his temples, took out a tinderbox on the spot, blew on it lightly, and burned the letter completely.
"Tell my wife that I am doing well in the military camp. Thank you for delivering the news. Please take good care of yourself and your family. We are on track to achieve our goal and will return victorious soon. Don't worry."
On Cheng Weiyao's side, it was already late at night when she received the letter brought back by Wu Qi.
Wen Chengyun himself had already taken advantage of the night to sneak into the Beirong camp. Inside, there were numerous carts piled high with sacks. Groups of Beirong soldiers sat around a campfire, drinking kumis and cracking obscene jokes.
The first thing that made Wen Chengyun suspicious was those bags of grain. Beirong had a poor grain harvest this year, so how could such a large amount of grain be piled up in the camp?
Wen Chengyun's figure flashed slightly, and in a few breaths, he jumped behind one of the carts. He gently poked a hole in the sack with a knife, and the sack revealed not rice, but yellow straw.
It seemed his guess was correct; it was all a cover-up. Wen Chengyun breathed a sigh of relief. The lack of food and fodder had almost confirmed that this war was a sham.
Next, there was the question of a traitor within the court. Even without Cheng Weiyao's letter, Wen Chengyun would have pinned his suspicion on the Minister of Revenue. After all, he was the best contact person in the capital, and both military rations and military pay would pass through his hands.
The imperial court had doubts, but any rash action would discourage some old officials who were unaware of the truth, so the act of treason required irrefutable evidence.
"His Royal Highness's tent is bustling with singing and dancing again today. I'm so envious. When can we really start a war and find two Central Plains women to play with..."
The Beirong soldiers pointed out the direction of the Beirong prince's tent to Wen Chengyun with an envious tone. Before they got closer, they could hear the singing and dancing inside, which was very lively.
Wen Chengyun went around to the back and determined the eavesdropping position based on the size of the sound source.
"Your Highness, the people over there have sent a letter asking when we will send the troops. If we don't send the troops, it will be difficult for them to ask the court for extra military pay..."
"Why rush? Even if it's just a feint, we need time to prepare. Those hypocritical Central Plains people don't understand. Don't you know our situation? Food is a big problem. We need to seize the opportunity to find signs!"
Yelu Rong held the slender beauty in his arms, and mercilessly scolded his subordinates who were meddling in other people's affairs.
He had collaborated with foreigners like the Minister of Revenue more than once or twice, and no one was more familiar with the Central Plains people's calculations than him. He had delayed sending troops in order to gain greater benefits. As long as he could put the Minister of Revenue and Liao Yu on the line, then if he could negotiate a 50-50 split, it would be 40-60.
Wen Chengyun was a little frightened when he heard this outside the tent, even if it was just a feint. These six words were not simple to read...
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