The Noble Woman's Guide On How to Tease One's Husband

Chapter 44 - Lure the Enemy

Within the next few days, the first investigation Pei Yuanshu did at the Yamen General Administration in Jingzhou was the auditor envoy for salt and iron. 

Although they had known the stationing of troops Deng Tianguan secretly did before they arrived, it was however difficult to apprehend and unmask this kind of matter, so they could only find another method. It is known that weapons and food are the most indispensable items in a battle. As the number of soldiers increases, the demand for these items will also increase; thus, they should be able to seize him as long as they follow this thread of investigation. 

The investigation should not be too blatant. After all, they are still treading on other people's turf and it will be troublesome if by any chance Deng Tianguan jumped over the wall like a cornered dog*. Therefore, they could only find out the situation with calm composure. As the surrounding area of their residence is full of Deng Tianguan's informers and people following them stealthily whenever they leave the mansion, Jungkook just brought Lisa to go shopping and pretended to amuse himself with his beloved concubine. 

[T/N: 狗急跳墙 (Gǒujítiàoqiáng) – a desperate man would risk anything.] 

They had caught sight of several blacksmith shops along the way that not only did they not sell many items, the quality also seemed brittle and non durable. At a glance, too many impurities could be seen in the raw materials, which were really substandard. Jungkook had deduced at that time the wantonly confiscation of raw materials by Deng Tianguan was to make weapons. Thus, it was indeed as such from what Lisa extricated from the jewelry shopkeeper. Hence, he immediately asked Pei Yuanshu to start investigating without delay. 

After Chu Sehun ascended the throne, he transferred all the management rights of salt and iron to the royal court. So, there was a post of auditor envoy for salt and iron who was mainly responsible for collection and sales of local minerals. Thus, Pei Yuanshu would have to look through those related account books to inspect this official's performance. If there is an unreasonable outflow of iron ore, he can track down and find more clues, then substantiating Deng Tianguan's conspiracy. 

Pei Yuanshu had been working through the lamplights until daybreak and by the time he came to report to Jungkook, he had already walked innumerable rounds.

"Well?" 

It was pitch dark as ink outside the room while the room was illuminated with just a single candle flame. Both of them sat across the copper furnace with several charcoal remnants burning red within, it continued to radiate billowy heat. With his head hung and eyes restrained, Pei Yuanshu gathered his sleeve slightly that the face that was already profound within the shadow appeared even more hesitant when he heard Jungkook's question.

"Wangye, this lowly official has carefully checked through those account books and found nothing inappropriate." 

Taking the silver pot from the furnace and with a slight arc of his wrist, hot water gushed out from the spout as Jungkook filled up two glazed teacups successively. He pushed one towards Pei Yuanshu then spoke slowly, "This King knows." 

Pei Yuanshu raised his head due to this breezy tone and asked puzzledly, "Wangye had already speculated it?" 

"Deng Tianguan is astute. He would not slip up on this kind of matter, so it's normal that you can't find out."

"Then.. this direction is cut off like this?" 

"Of course not. This King already ordered people to probe into the foundries around Jinguan City. News ought to be back soon." Pausing, Jungkook fixed his gaze on him, "Go back and fix yourself. The shadow guard will escort you to Lingnan tomorrow morning. This King wants you to win Chang Xin over in the shortest possible time."