Chapter 1691: 1688: Military Camp

Chapter 1691: Chapter 1688: Military Camp

“Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law is right, let’s not drink, just enjoy the food and talk slowly.” Chu Heng also voiced his refusal, so Chu Cai naturally couldn’t insist. He no longer offered more drinks or refilled, simply sipping the small cup of medicinal wine he had already poured.

After dinner, a crescent moon hung in the sky. Madam Wang saw them off at the door, muttering, “Third Brother’s Wife, once I finish tidying up the residence, I’ll find time to chat with you, don’t find me bothersome.”

“Second Sister-in-law, if there’s anything you don’t understand, just come and ask me. If it’s really troublesome, I have maidservants that have been trained, and you can borrow them to get acquainted with the capital.” Ye Muyu said gently.

Madam Wang, a bit embarrassed, said she would let her know if she needed anything.

Ye Muyu didn’t press further, as helping should not be forced, especially regarding family matters like training servants. It’s better to let Chu Heng arrange and let Chu Cai purchase servants.

Leaving the Chu family, the carriage was already waiting at the door.

Seeing the horse beside the carriage, Ye Muyu was a bit surprised, curiously asking, “Did you come on horseback?”

“Yes, I went to the military camp outside the city today. Before the New Year, the Ministry of War already manufactured the armors, but they haven’t been distributed yet. The Emperor asked me to make a headcount.” Chu Heng held her hand, helping her onto the carriage first.

Chu Ziluo and Nuanbao then boarded the carriage behind.

Once Chu Heng got in and sat down, Ye Muyu asked, “Why would the Emperor ask you to check the number of soldiers in the camp?”

This matter is quite sensitive, especially since Chu Heng is already a favorite of the Emperor. I’m afraid it’s not that simple; the generals in the camp might have some resistance against Chu Heng. If communication fails, it could end up offending them thoroughly.

Such matters have happened before.

Usually, when such issues arise, someone will certainly be held accountable.

In Ye Muyu’s view, the number of soldiers in the camp sometimes has discrepancies; it’s just unclear how significant they are.

Chu Heng reassured her, “Earlier, when the Emperor received the armors, he hinted to the court officials. Those in the Military Affairs Camp who are smart should have resolved it by now.”

“Of course, some might still be lucky enough to bring out those unresolved account books. Now, by arranging for me to go, it also signals the Emperor’s stance.”

Ye Muyu understood clearly, “You mean the Emperor is aware of these borrowing nonexistent soldiers to occupy slots, and embezzling military funds. He uses the armor issue to warn the court officials. Plus, with your previous iron-fisted approach, sending you makes it clear – if such things truly exist, they cannot escape. Even if they want to make excuses, they must come up with more. They won’t even dare to make excuses for fear of you finding evidence, affecting their official positions. They can only privately cover up the shortfalls or erase the false accounts, thus achieving the Emperor’s purpose.”

Chu Heng nodded in confirmation of her words, his eyes filled with gentle smiles, gently squeezing her small hand.

“Well, it seems the Emperor is quite gentle, at least not petty. If his measures were more iron-fisted, he would have made an example of someone.” Ye Muyu hopes that Chu Heng can follow an Emperor with benevolence, at least not having to worry about being treated merely as a tool, instead of a subject.

“The previous handling of a group of officials has already shaken the court, making it unsuitable to take too obvious of an action now.”