Republic of China, 1922: Rise from the Post-Zhili-Fengtian War

With Jiang Yingrong's intelligence, she immediately realized that he was doubting her.

"Uncle, what are you thinking? I've been keeping an eye on things at the camp these past few days and I've noticed some suspicious things."

Jiang Yingrong smiled sincerely, "Even if I don't understand, I can tell that the wood is not good material at all... It cracks when you break it with your hands and burns when it comes into contact with fire."

And the cement, mixed with half sand in the bag, had ridiculously poor binding power and couldn't withstand any handling.

As soon as Jiang Yingrong finished speaking, Wang Yongjiang's face darkened instantly.

He said with a hint of disappointment, "It seems that while I was recuperating peacefully, my men were completely unsupervised. There are traitors within the military camp, and even the construction materials at the site have been secretly tampered with..."

This is not just cutting corners and trying to make a little money; it's clearly a deliberate attempt to undermine the foundation of Jinzhou's defenses!

Taking a deep breath, Wang Yongjiang looked at his daughter and smiled bitterly: "Yu'er, do you think my worries are unnecessary? The tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease. If I rest for a few days, the people below will want to turn the world upside down!"

Seeing this, Jiang Yingrong quickly chimed in, "That's exactly why I noticed something was wrong and wanted to check the accounts to find out who was involved and what kind of shady dealings they had."

I immediately told Jingchuan to keep a close eye on logistics and supplies from now on, to take precautions in advance, and to never let anyone take advantage of such a loophole again.

Wang Yongjiang nodded slowly: "This is no longer a simple matter of defense... This batch of inferior wood cracks at the slightest touch and ignites when exposed to fire. The cement mixed with sand has no binding power whatsoever and cannot support any fortifications or defenses at all."

No matter the cost or manpower, this batch of materials is unusable. All construction site frameworks built with these materials must be demolished and rebuilt.

Wang Yuyou gently comforted him, "Father, you've just recovered from your illness, please don't get angry. We can deal with the troublemakers slowly; it's not worth ruining your health if you get upset."

Wang Yongjiang sighed deeply, his eyes still heavy with unyielding gravity.

After days of rest and recuperation, it was thought that the situation could be stabilized. However, the corrupt officials in the court and military camps, as well as the schemes of foreign enemies, had already infiltrated the most basic logistics fortifications, and there were hidden pitfalls everywhere.

He looked up at Jiang Yingrong beside him and said, "Yingrong, could you pass on a message to Jingchuan for me?"

Jiang Yingrong immediately became serious: "Uncle, whatever you say, I will definitely convey it to you verbatim."

"Tell him to make time to come to the official residence to see me in the next few days." Wang Yongjiang's gaze was deep. "There are traitors in the military, Japanese spies infiltrating, and corruption involving construction materials. Each and every one of these matters is too deeply connected to be easily communicated."

Now that the funds for supplies have just been allocated, defense reconstruction is imminent, and the undercurrents lurking beneath the surface are even more dangerous. There are some plans I must discuss with him in person, and also finalize the methods for subsequent investigations and military reorganization.”

Jiang Yingrong instantly understood the deeper meaning; it was indeed impossible to discuss it remotely.

She nodded emphatically: "Don't worry, I'll change my clothes and then make another trip to the brigade headquarters."

Wang Yongjiang nodded slightly, leaned back on the couch, and looked out the window with tired but sharp eyes: "The game in Jinzhou is already the beginning of a dead end caused by collusion between insiders and outsiders. It's too difficult for him, a young man, to carry it alone. But I, an old man, can still help him... pave a way for him."

At this point, Wang Yongjiang's gaze fell on Jiang Yingrong, his tone softening, carrying the unique admonition and worry of an elder: "Yingrong, don't blame your uncle for speaking out of turn. You're a young woman, spending every day in the military camp, dealing with military affairs in Jingchuan, coming and going so frequently, that will inevitably lead to gossip and rumors, and ultimately it won't be good for your reputation."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yingrong replied frankly, "Uncle, I understand your concerns. But I'm not doing this for Gu Jingchuan personally; I'm doing it for Jinzhou, for the Northeast."

Before I came to Jinzhou, my elder brother had specifically instructed me. Now that the Japanese army is pressing in step by step, and the factions within Northeast China are corrupt and riddled with problems, Jinzhou is the first pass outside the Great Wall, and we cannot afford to make any mistakes.

Jingchuan and he both graduated from the military academy, and they came back wholeheartedly to serve the Northeast. Helping him is helping the Northeast... My conscience is clear, and I have no fear of what others say!

Wang Yongjiang was speechless looking at her. He turned his gaze to his daughter and saw her looking at Jiang Yingrong with admiration and approval. He shook his head with a wry smile and said, "Forget it. I really don't understand. I don't know what's so good about Gu Jingchuan. You two are all willing to side with him and help him."

Jiang Yingrong calmly said, "In chaotic times, there are countless people who are greedy for wealth and power, seeking only to live in peace and comfort. But how many dare to undergo painful reforms for the old-fashioned, who dare to shoulder the burden of the chaotic world, and who dare to defend the land for the people? Very few. Just for this reason alone, Jingchuan is worthy!"

Wang Yongjiang nodded slowly: "You are insightful, so I won't advise you much. However, the military camp is dangerous, with hidden weapons and arrows lurking in the shadows. Those Japanese are still lying in wait, and the corrupt elements in the army have not been eliminated. You must be extremely careful when you travel there and protect your own safety."

"I know what I'm doing." Jiang Yingrong got up and left. "Uncle, you rest first, I'll be right back."

…………

As dusk settled, candlelight flickered in the study of the Jinzhou Brigade Headquarters, and a military intelligence report that had just been proofread lay spread out on the desk.

Gu Cheng was looking down at the files when he heard hurried footsteps outside the door. Zhang Tingshu, covered in dust, had just ridden back from Fengtian and hadn't even had time to brush off the dust before pushing the door open and entering.

"Ting Shu, you're back?"

Gu Cheng put down his pen and stood up to greet him, "You must be tired from your journey... Haozi, quickly get me some water!"

"Hey, stop busying yourself!" Zhang Tingshu strode forward. "I just got back from the Marshal's Mansion. The outcome in Fengtian is truly infuriating!"

Gu Cheng remained calm, having already anticipated some of the outcome: "What was the Commander-in-Chief's decision?"

Zhang Tingshu gritted his teeth and said, "After investigating to the end, the commander-in-chief concluded that the whole mess was caused by Haruka Yumi's secret instigation and the remnants of Tang Zongxi's old subordinates' personal grudges, and had nothing to do with Tang Yulin himself!"

In the end, Tang Yulin was only convicted of failing to manage his subordinates and was sent back to his hometown in western Liaoning to reflect on his actions. Everything else was overlooked! After causing such a huge mess, even involving foreign enemies and treason, all he gets is a flimsy excuse like "returning home to reflect on his actions"?

Zhang Tingxu was filled with resentment. "The Commander-in-Chief is clearly protecting him!"

Gu Cheng was not surprised.

As a time traveler, he was well aware of all of Zhang Zuolin's considerations and concerns.

In his early years, his uncle Feng Delin was at the height of his power and rivaled Zhang Zuolin. The two factions were like oil and water, and there were several tense moments when they almost came to blows.

Even after things escalated to that point, Zhang Zuolin, after ascending to the throne in Fengtian, still considered the bond between his old comrades. Instead of exterminating them, he intervened several times to rescue Feng Delin from the predicament in Beijing, preserving his life and dignity.

To this day, Tang Yulin is a veteran comrade-in-arms who rose to power under Zhang Zuolin and is an elder in the Fengtian Army's foundation.

Tang Yulin lost his illegitimate son and his entire army... Zhang Zuolin knew that if he used this spy saga to thoroughly purge Tang Yulin and uproot the entire Tang faction, he would be sacrificing his old brothers as a sacrifice.