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

Zhang Tingshu's expression changed drastically upon hearing this: "Damn it, someone's trying to undermine us from the root! Find out who did it, and I'll make sure they pay!"

Gu Cheng first looked at Zhang Tingshu, then said softly, "Sister Rong, if you make any discoveries in Jinzhou in the future, you should let me know first."

Jiang Yingrong was taken aback, then quickly realized, "Jingchuan, please don't misunderstand! I was just thinking that Princess Min is in charge of Jinzhou and handles a lot of accounts, so maybe she can find out something that could help you..."

Gu Cheng shook his head and smiled: "Sister Rong, I understand your good intentions. But think about it, I am, after all, the Jinzhou garrison commander appointed by the General. Min Gong trusts me and is willing to help, but what if other people with ulterior motives hear about this—"

They thought I, Gu Cheng, was indecisive and needed women to relay messages to me in order to gain a foothold in Jinzhou.

Jiang Yingrong was silent for a moment: "It was my oversight. I was only thinking about helping you, I didn't think about all these complicated details."

Gu Cheng got up and went out with her: "I know you're genuinely trying to help me, Sister Rong... If you discover anything in the future, feel free to come to the brigade headquarters to find me, or have Yang Song pass on a message, and I'll handle it myself."

The two walked out of the brigade headquarters side by side, with Zhang Tingshu following behind.

"Ting Shu, you just got back from Fengtian. You must have had a long journey. Go back and rest early," Gu Cheng said, turning around.

Zhang Tingshu looked worried: "How can I rest now? I heard Tianqi is badly injured, I'm going to go see him. You all go about your business, don't worry about me."

After saying that, he nodded to Jiang Yingrong and then hurriedly led two guards toward the room where Gao Tianqi was recuperating.

Gu Cheng watched him walk away before turning around and getting into the car Jiang Yingrong had come in.

The night was deep, and the carriage moved slowly along the bluestone road. There was silence in the carriage for a while.

Jiang Yingrong leaned against the car window, gazing at the scattered lights outside, lost in thought.

Gu Cheng didn't speak, but closed his eyes to rest, pondering how to start the conversation with Wang Yongjiang the next day.

Shortly after, the car came to a stop in front of the Wang family residence.

"We've arrived." Jiang Yingrong was the first to push open the door and get out of the car. She glanced back at Gu Cheng and said, "Min Gong is waiting for you in the study. I'll take you there."

Gu Cheng straightened his clothes and followed behind her through the familiar covered walkway.

The lanterns under the eaves swayed gently in the wind, casting the shadows of the two people in varying lengths.

As Gu Cheng passed through the courtyard in front of the main hall, he glanced up and caught a glimpse of a slender figure flashing past at the end of the corridor.

Even with just a fleeting glance, Gu Cheng easily recognized Wang Yuyou.

She seemed to have just come from the study, and when she saw the two walking side by side from afar, she clearly paused for a moment.

The moonlight was hazy, and Gu Cheng couldn't see the expression on her face. He only felt that the figure lingered by the pillar for a moment before turning around and walking away quickly. The hem of her skirt fluttered gently in the night wind, like clouds scattered by the wind.

Following Gu Cheng's gaze, Jiang Yingrong also noticed him. She opened her mouth to call out to him, but found that the figure had already quickly left.

Gu Cheng was puzzled, but thinking about his meeting with Wang Yongjiang, he hurried to Wang Yongjiang's study.

Jiang Yingrong didn't say much, but simply pointed ahead and said, "Min Gong is in the study. You can go there yourself. I won't go in."

Gu Cheng nodded and was about to take his leave when Jiang Yingrong added, "Jingchuan, Min Gong may be stern on the surface, but he's on your side. If he says anything unpleasant, don't take it to heart."

"I know," Gu Cheng replied, and walked towards the study.

The study door was half-open, and warm yellow light leaked out from the crack, spreading a river of light across the blue brick floor.

Gu Cheng gently knocked on the door twice.

"Come in." Wang Yongjiang's voice came, slightly hoarse, but still sounding steady and powerful.

Gu Cheng pushed open the door and entered.

The study was simply furnished, with a few ancient books on the display shelf, and brushes, ink, paper and inkstones neatly arranged on the desk. A censer of sandalwood incense wafted gently from the corner of the room.

Wang Yongjiang, wearing a dark gray outer robe, sat back in a grand chair with a bowl of steaming soup beside him, his eyes lowered as he looked at a stack of account books spread out on the table.

Seeing Gu Cheng enter, he raised his eyelids slightly, but did not get up. He simply gestured with his chin toward the chair opposite him and said, "Sit."

After Gu Cheng sat down, Wang Yongjiang didn't speak immediately. Instead, he picked up his hot soup and took a sip: "Did Yingrong tell you about the construction site materials?"

"I told you," Gu Cheng nodded. "I plan to take Yang Hao and Li Mao to the construction site first thing tomorrow morning to check and verify all the building materials."

Wang Yongjiang nodded slightly, his gaze falling on Gu Cheng's face. After scrutinizing him for a moment, he spoke again: "I was at fault in this matter."

He leaned back in his chair, his gaze falling on the deep night outside the window. "I've been sick all this time, and Liu Chen has been handling everything, big and small."

He was overwhelmed, having to manage both Fengtian's finances and oversee the allocation of grain supplies to Jinzhou; how could he possibly oversee the flow of building materials to and from the construction site?

Gu Cheng bowed slightly: "Min Gong, you flatter me. You are ill, yet you still devote yourself to the Jinzhou camp. I am already deeply grateful. As for Mr. Liu Chen, he is simply too busy, so no one can be blamed."

He looked at Wang Yongjiang and said, "Don't worry about problems. As long as we investigate step by step, we will find a clue. I have already asked Tingshu to go to the construction site first thing tomorrow morning to go through the inventory records and the origin of each batch of timber, one by one, and not let go of any clues."

Furthermore, I will have Yang Hao from the brigade headquarters keep a close eye on the delivery of building materials... Don't let his young age fool you; he's literate and meticulous in his work. With him overseeing things, there won't be any more mistakes."

Wang Yongjiang turned his head and looked at the calm and composed young man in front of him, a slight smile appearing on his face.

"I'm relieved that you think that way." He picked up the hot soup beside him and took another sip. "However, while you're investigating, don't make too much of a fuss. The people in Jinzhou are already restless right now. Tang Yulin's old subordinates haven't been completely settled yet. If you launch a large-scale investigation of materials here, it will easily lead to speculation and give those with ulterior motives a handle to use against you."

Gu Cheng nodded: "Min Gong is right. I plan to have Ting Shu investigate under the guise of a 'routine inventory'... Once we find solid evidence, we'll deal with it behind closed doors, and absolutely no one will have the opportunity to make a fuss about it."

Wang Yongjiang's eyes showed a hint of approval.

"Since you've thought of this, I have nothing more to say." He put down the soup bowl, leaned back in his chair, and said, "Jingchuan, this mess in Jinzhou is ultimately your responsibility. I can lend you a hand and help you out for a while, but in the end, you have to walk your own path."

He raised his eyelids and looked at Gu Cheng meaningfully, "In this world, there are few people who can get things done, and even fewer who can get things done. You are young, courageous, and resourceful, which are your strengths. But you must also remember—don't be too hasty in everything. If you take too big a step, you'll easily get yourself into trouble."