Chapter 206: Remnants of the Former Dynasty
It was already evening when Wen Chengyun learned of Liao Yu's suicide by biting his tongue. He immediately returned to the courtyard after leaving the barracks. Both Wen Chengming and the Imperial Noble Consort wept with joy at Wen Chengyun's safe return.
After all, from their perspective, Wen Chengyun had returned safely from collecting ginseng in the mountains, which was considered a happy event. Cheng Weiyao also helped prepare a large table of delicious dishes, and after all the busy work, her rest time actually stretched into the middle of the night.
After everyone had gone to bed, he used his Qinggong skills to reach the outside of the military camp. In fact, he had heard Wu Qi's secret signal during dinner that night, but his family was by his side at the time, so it was difficult for him to leave.
"My Lord, it was my incompetence that prevented me from prying the true culprit out of Liao Yu, and instead allowed him to commit suicide."
Upon arrival, Wu Qi had already ordered Liao Yu's body to be carried to the tent. He lowered his head, a trace of guilt in his tone. He had only wanted to avenge the prince, but he hadn't expected Liao Yu to be so vulnerable to torture that he chose to commit suicide right after the punishment had begun.
Wen Chengyun waved his hand nonchalantly. Although Liao Yu's death was unexpected, it indirectly confirmed his suspicions. If there wasn't someone behind him, Liao Yu wouldn't have to resort to such methods to keep his mouth shut.
On the contrary, this method had a certain connotation of sacrificing a small pawn to protect the general. It actually proved that the other party was quite powerful. At least in Liao Yu's eyes, he was a small pawn that could be discarded.
"who!"
There was silence inside and outside the tent. Wu Qi was accompanying Wen Chengyun in reviewing the confessions of the soldiers. When he heard a light footstep, he immediately dodged out of the tent and grabbed the person's neck.
Lieutenant General Li had not expected that the people in the tent were so vigilant. He immediately frantically pulled at Wu Qi's hands and tried to explain.
Liao Yu's accident was too sudden. As a confidant, he was bound to worry about being held accountable. However, to his surprise, Su Yi, the governor, only showed up briefly and took him down, without pursuing or intercepting Liao Yu's confidants.
Lieutenant General Li was a smart man, and naturally realized that a man of insight is a hero. This time he came here just to redeem himself and explain some things about Liao Yu.
I originally thought that Su Yi was a civil servant and would not be so vigilant. He could test the waters outside the tent first and then sort out his words. But I didn't expect that he would be choked as soon as he approached.
"Wu Qi, bring him in. He's a deputy general after all, so give him some respect."
Wen Chengyun didn't even raise his head as he looked down at the file. With his inner strength, it was not difficult for him to sense the approach of Lieutenant General Li. He remained motionless only because Wu Qi was by his side.
Although Wu Qi's martial arts skills were inferior to his own, it was not a problem for him to deal with Lieutenant General Li.
Lieutenant General Li recognized the tone of voice. As he escorted the man into the tent, he glanced up at the person in the main seat and instantly broke out in a cold sweat. He could still vividly remember how he had treated Wen Chengyun by exploiting the situation. Now, the tide had turned. He wondered if he would be treated well in this man's eyes. There was something fishy going on...
"What's wrong? Lieutenant General Li must have something to tell you. Why did he become silent when he saw me, an old acquaintance?"
Wen Chengyun waited for a moment, then saw Lieutenant General Li kneeling on the ground in silence. Instead, he raised his eyebrows in interest. So this guy could be afraid...
"Your Highness, there's no need to mock me like that. It's up to you to kill me or chop me up."
A flicker of struggle flashed through Lieutenant General Li's eyes, but he ultimately chose to confess honestly. Liao Yu was already doomed, and if he were to imitate him and attempt to capture him alive, he'd probably be interrupted by the guy next to him before he could even reach out.
"I'll be brief. First, the account books showing you and Liao Yu and the others embezzling military rations and salaries must be submitted to me as evidence. Second, I will know everything you know about Liao Yu, no matter how big or small..."
Wen Chengyun gave Wu Qi a look, signaling him to release the hands that were restraining Lieutenant General Li. After all, the monk can escape, but the temple cannot. He wasn't worried about Lieutenant General Li escaping.
Whether or not to escape from the barracks is one thing, but once you actually escape, your entire family will be punished.
Lieutenant General Li sighed softly. He fumbled in his shirt for a long time and took out a palm-sized account book.
Everyone knew he was a cautious person, and he repeatedly emphasized that he would not carry such important things with him. However, the fact is that the most dangerous place is often the safest place. Whether it is in a military tent or at home, it is not as safe as carrying it on your body.
Wen Chengyun's eyes darkened slightly. He had been too clever, and had fallen into Lieutenant General Li's trap. He had truly believed that rhetoric and hadn't considered this possibility.
The account book recorded every corruption case Liao Yu had been involved in since he took office as the general, and the amount of military rations and military pay he had embezzled was shockingly high. However, Wen Chengyun was somewhat disappointed that there was not much information about the contact person in the capital.
In other words, this evidence is one-way. It is enough to convict Liao Yu, but it cannot uncover the traitor in the capital.
"Your Highness, I know my crime is unforgivable. I only ask that you not bring harm to the orphans and the elderly at home. I do have some vague suspicions about Liao Yu's identity, but this is a matter of great importance, so Your Highness needs to dismiss his attendants."
Lieutenant General Li watched Wen Chengyun's face furrow slightly as he held the account book, and he began a new round of accusations. He had no choice now. He was selling military rations, embezzling military pay, and now he was also accused of being an accomplice to treason. All of these crimes, one after another, combined to form a punishment. According to the law, being torn into pieces by five horses would not be excessive.
All he wanted now was to die peacefully with his body intact and without bringing trouble to his entire clan.
As soon as the request to dismiss the attendants came out, Wu Qi's eyes immediately became somewhat alert. His master had an old poison in his system, and he had just recovered from the Seven Star Poison. He couldn't help but be suspicious of Lieutenant General Li's intentions.
"Go out first, it's not a problem."
Wen Chengyun waved his hand gently, signaling Wu Qi to wait outside. He thought he had some discernment in judging people. Lieutenant General Li didn't exude a murderous aura, but rather a heavy air of death.
Wu Qi gave Lieutenant General Li a fierce look as a warning, then left the tent.
"Your Highness must be curious as to why Liao Yu hates you so much. Logically speaking, you should be considered his mentor. But the problem is, he's actually a remnant of the previous dynasty..."
Lieutenant General Li smiled helplessly, and as soon as he opened his mouth he gave Wen Chengyun a bombshell piece of news.
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