"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 Conghe’s profile in his mind.
"He’s just transferred back the troops to Yanjing, yet he’s reached out to meddle with the roster for the personnel change. If he were using his own people, it wouldn’t be surprising. But the frontier is a harsh environment, and I’ve heard it’s not very peaceful, even needing peacekeeping. If he wanted to plant his people, he wouldn’t send them there, right?"
Ning Gang was somewhat surprised—this youngster didn’t seem to be messing around just for show!
Old Master Ning’s eyes shone brighter and he said, "Go on."
"Big Brother Qi has military achievements, but recently, hasn’t he failed a mission? He’s still under assessment, I think. To say it’s a promotion—I wouldn’t 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 Ge’s 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, he’s barely warmed his seat as Commander. Isn’t it too aggressive to move against his opponent’s people so soon? As far as I know, Jiang Conghe is a very shrewd person. This aggressiveness doesn’t 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 didn’t 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 wife’s 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 haven’t had much dealings with Qi Taiguo, and it seems you haven’t 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 doesn’t 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 don’t 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. It’s 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 wouldn’t exile them to the frontier. To me, it seems more like Qi Taiguo has offended Jiang Conghe!"
A flicker of appreciation crossed Old Master Ning’s 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 it’s not to suppress his own side, but rather because of an offense, it’s even more puzzling. Qi Taiguo, just a platoon leader, can’t 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 Brother’s words, "I’ve got it, I think I know now!"