Qin Mu’s expression froze, and the words he was about to scold got stuck in his throat.
Xia Chen pulled Qin Mu aside and whispered.
"Sir, I know the procedure is a bit off, but rest assured, when the Lieutenant General learns of this, he will be overjoyed. Not only will he not blame you, but you might even be able to move up a position with this Credit!"
Xia Chen had a smile on his face, completely devoid of the cold, unfeeling demeanor he had while working earlier.
Although Qin Mu was only a Commandant, he was still his superior. Xia Chen had studied Mao Zedong's selected works, and the old man's wisdom was etched in his heart.
In politics, one must always make more friends and fewer enemies, uniting all who can be united. At the critical moment, at the opportune time, people will naturally spontaneously promote you to that supreme position.
Qin Mu's eyes lit up after hearing this. Just as he was about to speak, Xia Chen's voice rang out again.
"The people have already been caught and brought back, so there's no rush. Why don't we go to the Lieutenant General's place together now!"
Xia Chen smiled brightly.
… …
… …
"What? You're saying the military defense map was actually stolen by a Surveillance Institute spy?"
Lieutenant General Li Wenzhong shot up from his chair, spilling tea all over himself, startled by Xia Chen's words.
Qin Mu, who was standing by, also looked surprised. He naturally knew about the major incident that had recently occurred in the capital, the theft of the military defense map. Their Yulin Guard had even been ordered to assist the Lantern Bearers in a thorough investigation of the matter.
It was already a consensus that the military defense map had been stolen by the Imperial City Bureau.
Even the Lantern Bearers currently believed this.
But now Xia Chen had revealed another version.
"According to the information I've received, the military defense map was planned and directed by the people I arrested today. They have all been brought back, and everything will be clear after interrogation.
Moreover, even if the military defense map has nothing to do with these people, it is a certainty that they are Surveillance Institute spies. No matter what, this is a great achievement for us!"
Xia Chen reported respectfully. Li Wenzhong sat back down in his seat, calming himself, but the more he thought about it, the more he couldn't stop smiling.
If the military defense map was truly stolen by someone from the Surveillance Institute, then this would be an immense achievement.
Even if Xia Chen was mistaken, as long as the people brought back were indeed spies, it would still be a great achievement, so there was no loss.
It's just that…
"It's just that this time we might offend the Lantern Bearers. I wonder if you, sir, can withstand the pressure from their side!"
Before Li Wenzhong could voice his thoughts, Xia Chen spoke.
Li Wenzhong's eyes flickered. The Lantern Bearers organization was independent of the court and held immense power. This time, the loss of the military defense map was already considered a failure on the part of the Lantern Bearers. If the military defense map was indeed stolen by the Surveillance Institute, then this would be another major dereliction of duty for the Lantern Bearers.
The immense achievement they would gain would directly elevate them by stepping on the Lantern Bearers!
"No matter. My Yulin Guard is the Son of Heaven's personal army. The Lantern Bearers cannot control us here. Besides, we also have the right to intervene in this matter, so it is legitimate and proper!"
Li Wenzhong hesitated for only a moment before his gaze became firm. This great achievement was already within his grasp. If he still didn't dare to take it, wouldn't he be too cowardly?
The Lantern Bearers possessed overwhelming power, but did Li Wenzhong not have a background?
"Do not publicize this matter yet. First, go and get those people to talk, and collect all the evidence. When the time comes, I will enter the palace to request an audience with Your Majesty and ask for commendations for everyone!"
When Li Wenzhong spoke the last sentence, his gaze fell on Xia Chen. This young man from the Marquis's Residence was more sensible than he had imagined, completely devoid of the arrogance of someone who had just started out and looked down on everyone.
He was too experienced in handling matters.
Xia Chen had already fed the credit into his mouth, so he naturally had to return the favor.
Xia Chen showed a slight smile upon hearing this, then respectfully clasped his hands.
"Everything is up to the General!"
A mature politician must know how to divide the cake, provide benefits for those below, and also feed those above. One must never monopolize everything.
Learning from history, throughout the ages, all those who tried to monopolize everything met with a tragic end.
Xia Chen naturally would not make such a mistake.
Moreover, he was still too weak now. If he truly confronted the Lantern Bearers, he would not gain any advantage.
It was better to give up a portion of the credit and let Li Wenzhong carry the banner and charge into battle, while he developed discreetly from behind.
The subsequent struggle with the Lantern Bearers was not something he, at his level, could participate in.
Qin Mu stood to the side, watching Xia Chen, who was naturally discussing subsequent matters with Li Wenzhong, and suddenly felt a little dazed.
He couldn't help but think of a saying: That year, at 35, I stood like a grunt!
No, wasn't he Xia Chen's superior? Why were his subordinate and his superior discussing things so enthusiastically, while he couldn't get a word in?
But Qin Mu thought, he didn't have to worry about anything, and he earned credit by just lying down. This was too good, so he might as well just be a reliable support!
Qin Mu accepted his fate!
… …
Xia Chen had just emerged from Li Wenzhong's military tent when he saw Xia Hui leading people in.
"How are things on your side?"
"Sir, I destroyed three strongholds and captured all the important individuals, but when I went to the fourth stronghold, it was already empty!"
Xia Chen fell into thought after hearing Xia Hui's words. He had only secured two strongholds, and it was clear that Xia Hui's people from the Surveillance Institute had received the news a step too late.
"Bring the people in!"
Xia Chen didn't say much. The most important Xi Ling had already been captured, so this trip was not a loss no matter what.
Noon!
All the Yulin Guard soldiers felt that the atmosphere was a bit off, as if it had become tense from top to bottom.
The Lieutenant General, who usually stayed in his military tent drinking tea, came out several times himself, personally going to the small prisons at the very back of the Yulin Guard Barracks. When he came out, his face was beaming with an uncontrollable smile.
"It should be related to the people Captain Xia arrested this morning!"
Many people guessed that it was related to this.
Xia Chen had been staying quietly in the military tent, only accompanying Li Wenzhong to the prison in between to interrogate Xi Ling and others. Although it was called a prison, it was actually just a few airtight rooms.
Only the Ministry of Justice and the Lantern Bearers had their own independent prisons in the entire imperial court.
Among them, in order to quickly obtain effective information, Xia Chen also taught several "Great Memory Restoration Techniques" to help Xi Ling and others quickly recall the entire process of the military defense map theft.
Xia Chen did not intervene in these steps. He only knew that after he taught the "Great Memory Restoration Technique," screams echoed continuously from the small prison, making some who heard them feel a chill down their spines.
Some of the people who implemented the "Great Memory Restoration Technique" began to look at Xia Chen with a sense of awe.
This new Captain must be a ruthless person. He could even come up with such a perverted torture. Even specially trained spies probably couldn't endure it!