Chapter 915: Capturing the Spy

Editor: Henyee Translations

General Tang Jinghong’s successful assassination spread quickly throughout the military camp, creating a tense and grim atmosphere.

“Has the general really been assassinated?”

“Not only was he assassinated, but he’s also in critical condition, with several military doctors attending to him simultaneously.”

“That damned assassin, can’t he distinguish right from wrong?”

“Since he’s an assassin, you shouldn’t expect him to have any sense of morality.”

“Let’s not talk about him; focus on your duties. Even if the general is injured, the camp must not descend into chaos.”

“You’re right!”

Such conversations were common around the camp, though some held a pessimistic view.

“If something happens to the general, our mission in the eastern border might have to end prematurely.”

“Shut up, do you want to be executed for saying that?”

“Yes, yes, I spoke out of turn. My apologies!”

While discussions continued, Qi Kaiming and a group of soldiers were stationed around the camp, ready to intercept any pigeons and catch any soldiers sneaking out of the camp.

“Whoosh—” An arrow flew into the sky, striking down a carrier pigeon.

A soldier picked up the pigeon and handed it to Qi Kaiming, “The message says General Tang Jinghong is at death’s door, time to make the next move.”

After reading it, Qi Kaiming looked into the distance, pondering for a moment before ordering, “Continue to intercept.”

He then had the message sent back to the camp to have someone compare the handwriting to identify who sent it.

“Yes.”

Some time later, a shadowy figure appeared in front of them. Qi Kaiming, hidden in the darkness, signaled to his men, and four of them stepped forward to surround the figure, with Qi Kaiming approaching last.

This was a soldier responsible for managing the armory. Upon seeing Qi Kaiming, he showed a look of surprise, then attempted to appear calm and saluted, “General Zhongwu.”

Qi Kaiming scrutinized the soldier, “Where are you headed?”

The soldier hesitated, “General Zhongwu, I wasn’t really going anywhere, just needed to relieve myself.”

Considering their surroundings were forested, his reason seemed plausible.

Qi Kaiming eyed the soldier, his brow furrowed, and asked, “Do you have family or friends?”

The soldier bowed his head slightly.

Suddenly, a cold yet clear voice came from behind, “There’s another one here.”

Qi Kaiming and his men turned to see a beautiful young woman standing not far behind them, her foot on someone pinned to the ground. Qi Kaiming quickly approached, “Miss Chu.”

Chu Qingzhi moved her foot, lightly kicking the person towards a tree, “How is Jinghong?”

Qi Kaiming glanced left at the soldier and right at the person against the tree, hinting, “The general has been assassinated.”

Chu Qingzhi understood, “You don’t need to return to the camp right now, I’ll use your identity for a while.”

Qi Kaiming agreed, “Yes.”

After splitting up, Chu Qingzhi transformed into Qi Kaiming’s likeness in a secluded spot and headed towards the camp.

She went straight into the main tent, where Tang Jinghong had already been ‘rescued’ and was now sitting at his desk reviewing documents.

Chu Qingzhi reverted to her original appearance and approached Tang Jinghong, “Jinghong.”

Hearing the familiar voice, Tang Jinghong looked up in surprise. Chu Qingzhi’s pale, jade-like face came into view, bringing him a rush of joy, and he stepped forward to embrace her, “I didn’t expect you to come back.”

Chu Qingzhi returned the embrace, her concerns and desires intertwining, “I heard you were assassinated and seriously injured, I had to come see for myself.”

Tang Jinghong, eager to alleviate her worries, quickly explained, “It was a strategy to draw out a spy in the camp, I’m not injured.”

“I already knew that.” Chu Qingzhi closed her eyes, savoring the joy of their reunion, “Jinghong, I’ll go capture the arsonist, handle this matter, then head to Chen’an Country.”

Tang Jinghong said, “Whatever you decide, I’ll support you.”

After a brief chat, Chu Qingzhi transformed back into Qi Kaiming and left the main tent, heading towards the medical supply storage.

The site of the fire was cordoned off with string; the truth was still unclear, and bystanders were kept away, with only a few officials responsible for this type of investigation allowed inside.

“General!”

“General!”

“Qi Kaiming” nodded to two guards and stepped inside the circle, “What have the officials found out?”

The officials lined up and handed their findings to “Qi Kaiming.”

“Qi Kaiming” reviewed the reports quickly, coming to several conclusions.

The fire had consumed the military camp’s medical supplies, which, although typically just common herbs that could be easily grown, were now invaluable due to the current emergency. The materials had been completely destroyed, rendering them unable to aid in any future disaster relief efforts similar to those recently required.

The cause of the fire was determined to be deliberate, using fuel oil to ignite the blaze. The simultaneous timing of the fires at both storage locations suggested that at least two arsonists were involved.

“Qi Kaiming” considered the findings and then posed a question to the officials, “In the camp, who could bring in such quantities of fuel oil without arousing suspicion?”

One of the officials, stroking his beard thoughtfully, responded, “Only those in the kitchen crew would have such access without raising alarms.”

“And what is fuel oil typically used for in the camp?” “Qi Kaiming” probed further.

“For starting fires when cooking; a splash of fuel oil helps ignite the flames quickly. At night, it’s used for torches and firepots; and if something needs to be burned quickly, we also use it,” another official explained.

“Qi Kaiming” nodded, his expression grave. “Investigate everyone in the kitchen crew.”

The kitchen staff, totaling around three hundred, were responsible for various tasks, from cooking and boiling rice to preparing firewood—each role was clearly defined.

The head cook, standing respectfully aside, spoke up, “General Zhongwu, I have assembled all the kitchen personnel.”

“Qi Kaiming” scanned the gathered crowd, “Are they all here?”

The head cook glanced back at his subordinates and said, “It was a rush call, and with so many people, I can’t be sure if everyone is present.”n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Qi Kaiming” directed, “Line them up in groups of fifteen. Make sure everyone is in order.”

After the line-up, it was discovered that three were missing.

“Qi Kaiming” asked the head cook, “What are the duties of those who didn’t show?”

The head cook appeared puzzled, “I was busy arranging lunch; I don’t know where they might be.”

“Qi Kaiming” demanded, “Gather the names of these three individuals.”

The head cook quickly inquired and found out who the absentees were. He then retrieved the duty roster and handed it to “Qi Kaiming.”

“Qi Kaiming” quickly reviewed the information. “All three are from the eastern border. It’s likely they are involved. Issue a warrant for their arrest, regardless of whether they’re part of the firefighting team or not.”

“Yes, General.” The head cook saluted and hurried off to execute the orders.

“Qi Kaiming” returned to the main tent to report to Tang Jinghong, “The arson suspects are tentatively identified as three kitchen staff members. Capturing them should reveal the truth.”

Before he could settle in, a soldier rushed in to report, “General, General Zhongwu, the three kitchen staff have been found.”

“Let’s go see them,” “Qi Kaiming” followed the soldier out of the camp.