FBC – Chapter 145 Inspection

The military supply warehouse was located inside the barracks just outside the city’s northern gate.

The barracks were guarded by the Imperial Guards’ two elite cavalry divisions—Xiaoqi and Longmeng—as well as the Tianwu infantry.

Since the winter uniforms had not yet been formally inspected, the Pei family had also sent personnel to monitor the situation. However, as Pei family members were not permitted to enter the barracks, they camped outside, awaiting the official inspection.

The commander overseeing this military camp was Yuan Zhongying, the second uncle of Prince Jiang.

This procurement was overseen by Prince himself.

By early hour of si (around 9 a.m.), all three officials responsible for inspecting military supplies had arrived.

Pei Yi, as Director of the Ministry of Revenue and a member of the Pei family (which had supplied the goods), technically had no authority to participate in the inspection.

However, Prince ordered someone to summon him, stating that since Pei Yi was familiar with the items, his participation would speed up the process.

When Pei Yi received Prince’s order, his heart was pounding with anxiety.

Gu Hua had warned that the Pei family might fall victim to a winter uniform switcheroo scandal. During their strategy discussions, Pei Yi had mentioned that he wasn’t qualified to take part in the inspection, and thus wouldn’t be able to detect or prevent any tampering.

But Gu Hua had insisted: Prince would let him in.

And sure enough, he had.

Thankfully, he had listened to Gu Hua.

Thankfully, he had chosen to ally with her.

At the command of Jin Guyong, the Director of the Engineering Division under the Ministry of Works: “Open the warehouses.”

The six warehouse doors were opened simultaneously.

The prince turned to Pei Yi. “Lord Pei, these are all goods provided by your family. Please feel free to choose one or two sets to inspect.”

Pei Yi respectfully cupped his hands and replied, “This official holds a lowly position and dares not overstep. Besides, these are materials submitted by the Pei family; I must avoid any appearance of impropriety.”

Gu Hua had instructed him: if Prince asked him to choose samples for inspection, he must refuse.

The prince laughed heartily. “Good! Very good! Lord Pei is respectful and composed—knows when to advance and when to retreat.”

“In that case, General Yuan will select one set from each warehouse for inspection.”

Yuan Zhongying cupped his fists. “Yes, sir.”

Under everyone’s watchful gaze, he directed the soldiers to retrieve one cotton-padded jacket and pants set from each warehouse and laid them out on a long table.

Prince stepped over and felt one of the sets. “Lord Pei, can you confirm these were submitted by your family?”

Pei Yi stepped forward, carefully touching the cotton fabric, checking its thickness and elasticity, and then examining the stitching.

Finally, he used scissors to snip a small section and pulled out the cotton stuffing—confirming its authenticity.

Outwardly calm, inwardly his heart pounded.

Gu Hua had warned him: if he discovered during inspection that the clothes had been switched, he must state it immediately and request that all three ministries join in a thorough investigation to clear the Pei family’s name.

She also advised that the Pei family should promise to compensate double for every counterfeit piece discovered.

If the problem was uncovered before the official inspection was completed, it would not count as having failed; if the Pei family promptly replaced the goods, they wouldn’t face heavy punishment.

However, once the inspection was completed and the goods registered, distributed, and then problems arose, the Pei family would face grave consequences.

If, as Gu Hua suspected, all 300,000 pieces were fakes and the problem wasn’t discovered until later, the Pei family would surely be exterminated for the crime of supplying substandard goods to the army.

But so far, he had checked six sets and all bore the Pei family’s markings.

The Pei family had secret, unique marks on their clothing known only to their own members, hidden in subtle spots.

Pei Yi had found these marks on all ten garments laid out.

There had been no signs of switching.

He reported truthfully, “Your Highness, my lords, this set is indeed part of the winter uniform batch submitted by the Pei family.”

The prince waved his hand. “Good. Lord Pei’s personal confirmation is sufficient. Bring the inspection papers for all present to sign—including Lord Pei.”

Pei Yi’s hands trembled slightly within his sleeves.

Once again, Gu Hua had predicted correctly.

Prince would try to rush the conclusion and make him personally confirm that all the warehouse goods were from the Pei family.

Later, if problems were discovered, everything would fall on Pei Yi—accused of intentionally concealing evidence and covering up the Pei family’s fraud.

Yuan Zhongying quickly had his men unroll the prepared documents on the long table, setting out brush, ink, and paper.

Prince, all smiles, stepped forward and lifted the brush to sign.

Suddenly, Zuo Fengtian, Deputy Minister of War, spoke up. “Your Highness, this isn’t proper procedure. According to regulation, the first inspection must cover at least ten percent of the stock. We’ve only examined six sets so far.”

Prince’s hand paused mid-air. He turned toward the Ministry of Works’ Vice Minister. “I figured Lord Pei verified it himself in front of everyone. If anyone has doubts, they’re welcome to take a look. This is how it’s done every year—no need to complicate things.”

Pei Yi stepped forward and cupped his hands. “Your Highness, this official is present on site. If the inspection isn’t carried out per regulation and something goes wrong, I won’t be able to absolve myself. Following procedure allows us to catch problems early. The Pei family would still have time to make corrections, avoiding delays to the front lines. My lords, am I right?”

Prince’s smile faded as he fixed his gaze on the Ministry of Works’ Vice Minister.

“This is a Ministry of Works-led operation. What do you say, my lord?”

The Vice Minister quickly said, “Other supplies are also inspected by taking one sample per warehouse. If we really do a ten percent check, that’s thirty thousand sets. Not to mention whether it’s necessary, even sampling would require the Pei family to spend manpower and resources repairing the cut pieces. These winter uniforms are meant for the southern front. With the sudden outbreak of war, Duke Yong has already rushed ahead—the winter gear needs to be shipped immediately.”

Zuo Fengtian frowned. “My lord, with all due respect, if we don’t inspect properly and something goes wrong, who bears the responsibility?”

Yuan Zhongying bellowed loudly, though his tone was sharp, “The Vice Minister is right. Does Lord Zuo think I, Yuan, would embezzle or swap out all three hundred thousand sets of winter clothes? Southern Command is freezing this year—such a crime I dare not shoulder!”

The Yuan family, like the Mu family, was a military clan with troops under their direct control.

“No need for such words, General. If problems are discovered before inspection, the Pei family bears responsibility. But if inspection is complete and the goods are sent south—then problems arise—that could impact the war effort. The Pei family wouldn’t be able to shoulder that alone. Would you and Prince be willing to take the fall?”

Zuo Fengtian, once a subordinate of the old Duke, was known for his upright character and righteous military demeanor.

Pei Yi was stunned.

So these winter uniforms were meant for the Mu family’s army.

If what Gu Hua said was true and they had been swapped, and the Jiang family failed to replace them in time, not only would the Jiang family be implicated, but even Duke Yong could be dragged down.

The more he thought about it, the more terrified he became—cold sweat soaked through his back.

Minister of Revenue Vice Minister Cao Liyu stroked his beard and nodded. “Lord Zuo speaks the truth. If we don’t follow protocol, it’s a violation. No one here can afford to take that kind of risk.”

Pei Yi stepped forward and pleaded, “My lords, I respectfully request that we inspect according to regulation.”

He wouldn’t believe—without seeing for himself—that someone dared to tamper with such a massive military shipment.

Prince’s face darkened. Aside from Cao Liyu, Zuo Fengtian, and Jin Guyong, there were also other officials from the three ministries present.

If he insisted on skipping inspection and someone later accused him of covering things up, the Jiang family would be placed in a precarious position.

The prince forced a smile. “Very well. I was merely testing whether my lords would uphold the rules—just a little joke, haha.”

“General Yuan, proceed with the ten percent inspection.”

Yuan Zhongying acknowledged and personally led soldiers to prepare for entry into the warehouse.

Pei Yi suddenly said, “Why don’t I accompany General Yuan in drawing samples?”

“No need!”

Yuan Zhongying instinctively waved his hand and firmly refused.

Zuo Fengtian’s eyes narrowed. “If Lord Pei can’t go, I will accompany the general.”

Jin Guyong cupped his hands to his superior. “Since the Ministry of Works is leading, I shall also join in.”

The Vice Minister was stunned, and before he could say anything, the two had already rushed into the warehouse.

Prince’s face turned even darker, quickly signaling Yuan Zhongying with his eyes.

Yuan Zhongying hurriedly followed, calling out, “There’s too much dust in the warehouse—please remain at the entrance, my lords!”

But Zuo Fengtian grabbed Jin Guyong and raced into the warehouse interior in a flash.

The two carefully selected sets and directed soldiers to extract each marked piece.

Soon, the long table was overflowing.