"What is that? I'm a bit far away and can't see clearly."
Yan Guang seemed to have made up his mind and said in a deep voice, "This is a piece of broken cloth. At first glance, it looks like the material for the hem of a Tiancheng soldier's jacket."
Now, everyone had a vague idea of what the rag was.
It turns out that it is not about catching the turtle in the jar, but about luring the snake out of the hole.
The emperor's move was truly decisive and ruthless. In the desert, in the dead of night, even a wandering ghost couldn't escape half a mile.
Many people were secretly amazed, and only one person began to sweat.
The man who set up the game scanned the dozen or so faces in the account book one by one and pretended to be confused.
"Oh? I didn't expect there would be a soldier in Tiancheng who was so compassionate to the beasts and birds that he ripped off his own clothes to heal their wounds and relieve their pain. This is truly a saintly act."
Yan Guang's mouth twitched, and he could only continue to report: "Your Majesty... there are words on this piece of cloth."
"What word? Read it to me."
Yan Guang's voice lowered for the first time.
In just a few dozen words, every word revealed Tiancheng's latest marching movements. Even the order for the Black Feather Camp to retreat southeast just an hour ago was conveyed word for word.
Even though I had guessed it before, it was still shocking and disgusting when I actually heard it.
The generals were in an uproar, and then their expressions became angry.
If anyone had previously suspected that the spy was just a thief crying "Catch the thief", they would instantly become united in their hatred of the enemy after seeing this, and would wish they could tear the spy into pieces on the spot to comfort the Tiancheng soldiers who died in vain.
The emperor tapped his fingers lightly on the edge of his chair, seeming to feel a little regretful. "I thought I had made some progress in commanding the army, but I didn't expect this to happen. I should reflect on myself and ask if I was too lenient before."
Zhu Tingmao wiped the sweat from his hands beneath his wide sleeves and stepped forward, saying loudly, "Your Highness, we implore you to thoroughly investigate this matter and reveal the truth to your Majesty."
Many people stood up and echoed him. The emperor raised his hand slightly to signal everyone to be quiet, and then looked at Lu Songping.
Lu Songping understood and reported the results of his investigation early in the morning truthfully.
"Your Majesty, I have compared the handwriting on this secret letter, but the writer has clearly concealed it, and no trace of it can be found."
The generals looked at each other in confusion.
Huh? When did Lu Songping become so capable?
"Have you found the person who sent the letter?"
"I checked the soldiers on duty tonight and discovered this man through the torn hem of his clothing. He was a sergeant from the prisoner camp. He committed suicide the moment he was captured. I am incompetent and failed to save him alive."
Hearing this, a certain sweat-soaked fist involuntarily loosened.
He could hardly control the pride that was boiling in his heart.
The emperor set a trap to catch him, but so what? Didn't he just fool him?
As long as he is careful enough, no one will find out...
"Master Zhu, what are you so happy about?"
The emperor's voice came suddenly, and Zhu Tingmao shuddered unconsciously.
No, it's impossible. He definitely didn't show even a ten-thousandth of that on his face.
Zhu Tingmao displayed an honest and sincere expression and replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, I consider this a truly fortunate fact. Although the spies haven't been apprehended, this crucial message has been intercepted. The Luzhou Governor deserves credit for this."
"Master Zhu is absolutely right. However, it's not just the Governor of Luzhou who has made contributions. During that incense stick of time just now, I assigned several sentries from the Black Feather Camp to watch everyone from a high point. I saw who returned to their tents, who went to the toilet, who..." The emperor paused, his gaze set on Zhu Tingmao, "I know exactly who went near the prisoner camp. Am I right, Master Zhu?"
Zhu Tingmao still controlled himself from shaking, but his face gradually turned pale.
He managed to maintain a last shred of dignity and calmly defended himself, "Your Majesty, the reason I went near the prisoner camp was because I spotted someone suspicious and wanted to follow them to investigate."
"Did you find anything, my dear?"
"I am incompetent. That person was very cunning. He disappeared in just a few moves. I thought I was seeing things, so I had to give up for now."
Su Yuanxiu watched coldly from the side and suddenly asked, "If that's the case, why didn't Lord Zhu ask the patrol soldiers to come and check it out from the beginning?"
The generals nodded frequently, but Zhu Tingmao barely paused before replying, "I wasn't sure if what I saw was truly unusual, and I didn't want to cause any disturbance during this critical moment. I never imagined this would arouse suspicion. I feel truly wronged."
The husband says he is right, and the wife says she is right. I am afraid there will be no end to this matter.
Everyone turned their eyes to the person sitting there.
The emperor finally showed some expression and seemed to sigh.
"My dear, your words are reasonable. It's just a coincidence that you are the only one who has been near the prisoner camp. If there is no one else who can testify for you..."
Zhu Tingmao's expression finally couldn't hold back any longer. He fell to his knees, his voice choked with sobs.
"Your Majesty, I am terrified! I am innocent. Someone must be jealous and wants to frame me and make me unjust..."
Zhu Tingmao was not young anymore. As a sixty-year-old minister, he fell to the ground and cried bitterly. The scene was really tragic.
Many people began to soften their hearts.
"Your Majesty is wise. Perhaps there really is some misunderstanding here. It would be better to investigate..."
The emperor sighed again, seeming to be very sad and regretful about the situation before him.
"My dear, your love is truly sincere, and I do not wish to embarrass you." The voice floated from above Zhu Tingmao's head, even with a hint of a smile. "Since your heart is so sincere and you will not tolerate others tainting it, I grant you the right to commit suicide before the throne to prove your innocence. Are you willing?"
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