"In my opinion, the fact that Jiang Conghe has taken an interest in Big Brother Qi is certainly worth investigating," Ning Ge said, stroking his chin and flipping through Jiang Congheās profile in his mind.
"Heās just transferred back the troops to Yanjing, yet heās reached out to meddle with the roster for the personnel change. If he were using his own people, it wouldnāt be surprising. But the frontier is a harsh environment, and Iāve heard itās not very peaceful, even needing peacekeeping. If he wanted to plant his people, he wouldnāt send them there, right?"
Ning Gang was somewhat surprisedāthis youngster didnāt seem to be messing around just for show!
Old Master Ningās eyes shone brighter and he said, "Go on."
"Big Brother Qi has military achievements, but recently, hasnāt he failed a mission? Heās still under assessment, I think. To say itās a promotionāI wouldnāt believe it even if I were beaten to death. But if, as you said, he knew it was your man and deliberately transferred him there, it would be like cutting off the prospects you had been nurturing for Big Brother Qi," Ning Geās thoughts raced, completely oblivious to the contemplative looks of both the Old Master and Big Brother Ning, and said, "There is a possibility in this, but if you think about it, heās barely warmed his seat as Commander. Isnāt it too aggressive to move against his opponentās people so soon? As far as I know, Jiang Conghe is a very shrewd person. This aggressiveness doesnāt seem to fit his style."
As soon as he finished speaking, Old Master Ning and Ning Gang instinctively sat up straighter, staring at Ning Ge.
Unaware of their reactions, Ning Ge continued to be absorbed in his own thoughts and said, "For Jiang Conghe to climb up the ranks, he didnāt hesitate to abandon his original wife. Although he did give the higher-ups a heads-up, who knows the real story behind it? After he got the support of his current wifeās family, he rose rapidly and became Commander. Would he destabilize his own position to suppress a rival by going after someone whose loyalty is not even confirmed? Big Brother, you havenāt had much dealings with Qi Taiguo, and it seems you havenāt even decided whether he is really one of your men, right?"
Big Brother is not a frivolous person. Just because he is in business with Cheng Su, it doesnāt mean he will love everything associated with her, including Qi Taiguo.
When it comes down to it, Big Brother is quite principled!
"So?" Ning Gang raised an eyebrow.
"So, I donāt think Jiang Conghe is trying to suppress your side by making a move on Qi Taiguo," Ning Ge said, shaking his head.
"Then why?" Old Master Ning prompted, "Qi Taiguo, although impetuous in his last mission, still cannot have his past merits erased. After all, he is a moldable person. Itās not impossible that Jiang Conghe would try to win him over!"
Ning Ge sneered, "Old Master, if you were trying to place your people, you wouldnāt exile them to the frontier. To me, it seems more like Qi Taiguo has offended Jiang Conghe!"
A flicker of appreciation crossed Old Master Ningās eyes, but his expression remained unchanged, "Oh?"
"These two have never intersected. How could Qi Taiguo have offended him?" Ning Gang frowned and said, "Qing City is thousands of kilometers away from Yanjing. Why would Jiang Conghe move against Qi Taiguo?"
If itās not to suppress his own side, but rather because of an offense, itās even more puzzling. Qi Taiguo, just a platoon leader, canāt even reach the current Commander Chiang, let alone Commissar Chiang from before.
Since he cannot reach him and they have no connection, how could there be an offense?
The more he thought about it, the more Ning Gang believed that Jiang Conghe was planning to target his side, starting with the wanted Qi Taiguo, gradually nibbling away the personnel he needed.
Pacing in the living room, Ning Ge suddenly had a flash of inspiration upon hearing Big Brotherās words, "Iāve got it, I think I know now!"