new city.
Sophie gently put down the quill in her hand and looked down, only to find that a drop of ink fell on her white wrist at some point. She smiled lightly, wiped it away, touched her sore eyes, raised her head, and looked at the candle.
The windows were open, the night wind blew in, the candles flickered, and the shadows of the reflected people seemed to be swaying.
Sophie sighed softly, with a worried look in her brows, and looked at the hourglass in the room again.
By this time, it was already late at night.
As if she was waiting for something, as the fine sand in the hourglass slowly flowed, the anxiety in her eyes became more intense.
(Teacher, teacher, what you left me is really a heavy burden.)
Finally, a moment later, there were hurried footsteps in the corridor outside the door, and Sophie was instantly refreshed. Soon, the door was pushed open, and a strong figure strode in, it was Junker.
Junker's face was solemn. After entering the door, he first nodded to Sophie, then turned around and closed the door carefully before walking to the desk and stopping.
"How's it going?"
Although she was anxious in her heart, when she finally asked the question, these emotions did not show on her face at all. Sophie's expression seemed to return to that calm and indifferent look again, and even her tone of voice was as calm as ever.
Junker took a deep breath and looked at the young girl in front of him, who was hailed as the most outstanding disciple by his teacher Caviehir... After a little hesitation in his heart, he finally said, "Not very good."
Hearing Junker's answer, Sophie frowned slightly and glanced at Junker: "Be specific."
Junker smiled bitterly: "I started to pay attention to these people at your request a few days ago." After a pause, he looked out the window subconsciously, and then lowered his voice again and said, "According to what we have learned before. , In the Northern Army, there are four people who have an old relationship with the old duke, and three of them are from the original Seventh Corps. After you instructed me a few days ago, I quietly began to pay attention to these people. Two The targets have now been assigned to the garrison to do idle jobs. I don't think it is very likely, so I focused on two people. These two targets, one of the two targets, one of the soldiers has been training in the past few days, and has not returned from the field. So there is no problem, the problem is target number two."
Sophie nodded. She knew who Junker was referring to as "Target No. 2". In fact, she personally delineated these suspicious targets.
This No. 2 target was born in the 7th Corps. Later, in the reorganization of the Northern Army, it was also the first batch to fall to Xia Ya, showing a cooperative attitude, so it was not affected during the cleaning process. He also served in the first Corps of the Northern Army, which was established, and he still held a part of the military power, a general at the flag regiment level.
Originally, all this would not be a problem, but with the news from the imperial capital, after Duke Minas returned, Sophie immediately and keenly caught the signal of danger!
As Caviehir's most outstanding disciple, he has been taught by his teacher for many years by his teacher's words and deeds by his side, and in the imperial capital where the power struggle is the most intense, he is familiar with all kinds of struggles.
Sophie can naturally judge the impact and bad situation of Duke Minas' comeback.
Moreover, she immediately and keenly anticipated the role that Char Ya played in this high-level military confrontation in the imperial capital: Adrick's powerful foreign aid.
When the Duke of Minas comes back, he must attack this emerging force in the north, and the best way to attack is to secretly win over the old past.
It can be said that at the beginning, when Sophie asked Juncker to quietly "pay attention" to these goals, Juncker was opposed.
Juncker's reason is very simple: in the Northern Army, we are all newcomers from outside, and we have not really integrated into this group. Now doing this kind of "surveillance" thing, if it is exposed, it will cause the generals in the Northern Army. repulsion.
However, under Sophie's strong insistence, Junker had to agree to Sophie's request.
"Target No. 2 has behaved a bit abnormally in recent days. He sold the land entrusted to Syltan County, nominally giving it to the middle and lower-level officers in the army. I think this may be a kind of bribe of people's hearts. Of course, what's more important is that he just doesn't want to stay in the north for a long time. According to what I know, in the recent military conferences, he has repeatedly mentioned the 'Central Army' and the 'Seventh Corps', and It seems that he is testing the reactions of some other officers intentionally or unintentionally. Also, he recently submitted some military planning documents... These things have not yet reached the submission date, but they were submitted to the commander's office in advance, but he himself did not go to commander. Mansion, it stands to reason that the chief officer should submit documents of this level in person. If there are any questions, the boss can also ask in person. Therefore, I think he may be deliberately concealing the documents. I am not qualified to read and detain those documents, but... "
"But what." Sophie looked calm, glanced at Junker, smiled slightly, and said, "You mean... Green?"
Green!
The second commander in the Northern Army, second only to Char's core figure, is the backbone of maintaining the operation of the Northern Army. More importantly, among the Northern Army, the old Duke of Minas's past, if you talk about it in detail, Green is the most obvious one! He is not just an ordinary old man, but a disciple of the Duke of Minas, and a direct descendant from the Imperial Military Academy!
However, in the previous surveillance operations, both Sophie and Junker seemed to have deliberately ignored this biggest goal and avoided talking about Green.
At this moment, without waiting for Junker to speak, Sophie took the initiative to mention it. Looking at Sophie, Junker hesitated for a while, but finally said nothing, but the expression on his face was undoubtedly tacit.
"Green... there won't be a problem." Sophie frowned and thought for a while, then added: "Even if there is, it's not a big problem. I know his temperament very well, he is a very pure soldier, and he won't be involved in this kind of thing. Li. I believe he can tell the difference between Dayi and Xiaojie, and he won't do anything to betray Char. I'm not worried about this, I'm just worried that with his temperament, he will do something stupid... "
Junker sighed, looked at Sophie, and said in a low voice, "Sophie, let it be enough, I still insist on my opinion: as you and me, it is not suitable to participate in this kind of thing at this time, we are all Newcomers from outside, there is no foundation in the Northern Army, we are involved in this kind of internal affairs, if it is misunderstood, from now on…”
Sophie nodded and looked calm: "I understand."
Suddenly smiling, Sophie said softly to Jun Ke: "Jun Ke, you are my senior brother, and also the disciple that teacher relied on during his lifetime. Now the situation is complicated, and the career left by the teacher is pinned on this guy, Xia Ya. Relying on the group of the Northern Army, so you and I have no room for retreat and choice. At this time, some small concerns don't have to be thought about. Trust me, okay?"
Junker sighed: "Why don't I believe you? It's just... Sophie, if this kind of struggle is involved in a power struggle, it will lead to death! I have been in the palace for many years, and I can see it most clearly. If this matter is exposed, let the officers and generals in the army know about our secret surveillance actions, and they will feel disgusted with us. That’s all. More importantly, our actions were taken without Xia Ya’s permission. Xia Ya that guy is not bad, but if it involves such power, if he comes back, we will be held accountable, after all, to monitor the generals of the army without his permission is overstepping his authority!"
"He's not here, and there's something to do at home." Sophie shook her head: "Besides, we did this to maintain the stability of his Northern Army and for his own good."
"That's what I said." Junker smiled bitterly: "Even if Xia Ya understands our good intentions, but... If the generals in the army are disgusted with us, and Xia Ya wants to appease the dissatisfaction in the army, maybe he will throw us out to appease us. The anger is the scapegoat."
"Hehe, being a scapegoat, then... there's nothing wrong with that." Sophie actually laughed. The girl seemed to be smiling happily, which made Junker stunned.
Just looking at Sophie's unfathomable smile, Junker sighed inwardly: Well, anyway, I've never been able to guess what she's thinking - it seems that this little junior sister is the most similar to the teacher, people like them Mind, it is difficult for others to guess.
Sophie pondered for a while, but suddenly stood up and smiled at Junker: "Come with me."
"Where?"
"Let's go see Green." Sophie said slowly: "If you stabilize him now, you will stabilize the overall situation. The actions of other little devils are not a real threat. Green, he will not mess around, I'm just worried about him doing something stupid."
With that said, Sophie had already strode to the door, Junker behind him was stunned, but she had to follow instinctively.
This time... to see Green
Could it be that Sophie, Sophie is going to confront Greene face to face? !
※※※
The residence of Sophie's "Chief of Staff" is also in the Commander-in-Chief's Mansion, which is not too far from the military affairs office of Chief Green. The two walked out and declined the escort of the guards. They just went there casually. the Military Office.
When I came to the Military Affairs Office, Green's adjutant told him that General Green was not in the room, but was out. No one knew exactly where it was. It was just that when the general left, he refused to follow and went out alone to spread the air. .
Sophie smiled when she heard it: "In that case, I'll wait in the room for the general to come back."
Green's adjutant did not refuse this request.
Although Green's office is a secret place for the entire Northern Army, this kind of secrecy has no restrictions on Sophie, the "chief of staff". In fact, the current high-level decision-making of the Northern Army basically involves Sophie. shadow. Before Sophie came to discuss matters with Greene, and even encountered Greene's absence, she could calmly enter his study and wait.
Now that the military and government of the Northern Army are gradually separating, Green is in charge of military affairs, and Sophie, the chief of staff, handles government affairs, which is also clearly indicated by Xia Ya.
Moreover, even if you take a step back, there are really high-level secrets in military affairs that cannot be known to others, and Green will not keep those secrets in his study at will.
However, Sophie entered the study and waited, but the door was open. Green's guards, adjutants and others are just outside the door, which is also what the title should mean.
Sophie entered the study this time, but instead of just sitting on a chair and waiting like before, she stood in the room and looked at Green's desk with a strange look in her eyes.
On Green's desk, there are a few pieces of burnt ashes, obviously some kind of paper that was burned. Although it is only a little remnant of ashes, it is very obvious.
Sophie sighed, she knew what had happened!
Green's motto has always been: everything can be said to others!
He has always acted in an upright manner. Even though he was dealing with military affairs, he was never authoritarian. Even if it was a secret matter in the army, if he really had to deal with it, he would convene high-level officials in the Northern Army to discuss it.
It seems that in the study, some documents are quietly burned directly without showing it to others, but it is very rare.
The military and government affairs of the Northern Army have always tried to be transparent, and the official documents handed down below will receive specific approval.
This kind of private burning of documents is not in compliance with the regulations. Green never quietly decides major matters alone. As the "second core", he abides by the role of his deputy, pays great attention to his actions, and never gives the impression of "authority".
Thinking of this, Sophie smiled and invited Green's adjutant in outside the door, as if it was just a casual chat.
She is the chief of staff, although she is young, but since the Northern Army these days, both Green and Char have respected her very much, and the following officers also have to maintain respect for her.
In the face of Sophie's greeting, the adjutant was a little restrained, but she still let Sophie ask the answer she needed.
"The general doesn't seem to be in a good mood today. He went into the study in the afternoon and never came out. He didn't even use dinner. In the evening, he went out for a while, saying that he wanted to get some air and wouldn't let us follow. Then he came back, looking like It seems that the mood is still not very good, and the food that was delivered has not been eaten, but just approved some of the following official documents overnight, let us send it out overnight, deal with the accumulated things, and then go out again, this is The second time he said he was going to spread the air, he didn't bring anyone, he just let the guards lead the horse, thinking that he was going for a ride in the city."
When Sophie heard this, her eyes changed immediately!
"You mean... General Green went out once at night, came back, finished military affairs, and went out again?"
"Yes." The adjutant smiled: "The general has been in a bad mood today. It's better to go out to breathe. The general is too busy with his official business on weekdays, and he rarely has time to relax and go out for a walk. We also think it is good for his health. "
Sophie smiled bitterly, looked at the adjutant, and said, "In that case, I'll talk to Lord Green tomorrow, and I won't disturb you tonight."
She said she was leaving. Although others wondered why the chief of staff was leaving after waiting for a while, it was not easy to ask.
Sophie and Junker left the Military Affairs Office, and immediately quickened their pace. Sophie walked in a hurry, and even trotted all the way towards the gate of the Commander-in-Chief's Mansion. ,you… "
"Quick! Junkers, find two horses! Don't say anything, just say I'm going out on horseback to relax! Quick!!"
Looking at Sophie's face, Junker finally lost his usual composure, but showed an anxious look, and couldn't help but sink in his heart: "What's wrong?"
Sophie stomped her feet and said, "Alas! Green! Green! I'm afraid he's gone!!"
Junker's heart was shocked, Sophie had already said first: "Now is not the time to talk! You go to the horse! Maybe you can catch up with him in time! Oh, this fool! Fool!! I am worried that he will do something stupid. , he really did something stupid!"
Junker didn't dare to ask any more questions, and immediately went to find two horses. The two rushed out of the commander-in-chief's mansion and ran wildly. Door!"
Junker stayed for a while: "He, if he wants to..."
"You don't understand, even if Green leaves, he will never go south to the imperial capital! He has no intention of betraying Xia Ya, but he is afraid that he will not be able to let go of his kindness to Duke Minas. Instead, hang up the seal to resign and leave. This is a choice that has to be made in a dilemma! We will go north and we will catch up with him!"
Said, the two went all the way to the north city gate. Sure enough, when they came to the city gate, Sophie showed her token, and the guards at the city gate opened the door to let go. Before the hour, General Green left the city from here. Green was the commander-in-chief of the army.
After Sophie and Junker left the city, they hurried all the way, without stopping for a moment. They rode like this for about an hour. The time estimate was that it was already the middle of the night. Although Sophie was sweating from exhaustion, Junker was also a little out of breath.
Although the horses under the crotch were good war horses, they kept running like this without stopping. The two of them didn't care about their horsepower, they just drove the whip and galloped, and the horses gradually couldn't take it anymore.
Although Sophie was covered in sweat, her expression gradually calmed down. She knew very well that if she chased after him like this, she would most likely be able to catch up with Green.
Green left alone. Although Green had excellent riding skills and his mount must be a good horse, after he left, he would definitely cherish the horsepower and would not squeeze the physical strength of the war horse so desperately. Ke chased after him so desperately, thinking that he was very sure to catch up.
At this moment, the moon is in the sky, the stars are all over the sky, and the two riders are galloping on the road all the way north. Finally, they see a small forest in the distance. There is a faint fire in the woods. Sophie's heart is shocked: "It's there!"
The woods were beside the road, and the two of them galloped away on their horses. Sure enough, they saw a bonfire beside the woods, and a horse fell beside the tree.
A figure, looking from a distance, it was Green himself. He had already heard the sound of horses' hooves coming from afar. Green had already stood up, standing beside the bonfire, holding a sword tightly in his hand, his eyes looking at the distance. The two riders looked a little gloomy.
Sophie rushed her horse almost to the fire, and only then did she rein in the reins. She was so good at riding as a girl, and in such a hurry, she almost fell off the horse. Green frowned, and finally stepped forward and stretched out his hand. He helped her grab the reins and control the horse, and at the same time helped Sophie down the horse steadily with one hand.
As soon as Sophie landed, she stared at Green closely. Green glanced at Junker, who also turned over and dismounted from behind Sophie. There was a hint of vigilance in his eyes, and the sword in his hand tightened.
"General Green." Sophie took a deep breath, and stared into Green's eyes without waiting for her breath to settle down: "General is in charge of the Northern Army. What is he doing here alone late at night?"
Green's expression was gloomy. He originally had a wooden expression on his face, but at this moment, he looked more and more solemn. He looked at Sophie for a long time, and finally sighed, his voice was a little hoarse: "I know that people don't do dark things, since You came here, I believe you understand my intentions... What's the matter, the chief of staff, are you here to arrest me and take me back?"
Speaking of the last word, the sword in his hand was already across his chest.
Seeing that Green was holding the sword, Junker took two steps earlier and protected it in front of Sophie. He had already drawn the sword he carried with him, and looked at Green.
Seeing the confrontation between the two, the atmosphere was a bit cold, but Sophie suddenly laughed, took a step forward, looked at Green and said with a smile: "What the general said, you and I are colleagues after all, old friends travel far, how can I Won't you come and deliver?"
After a pause, Sophie looked at Green's eyes with concerns, and sighed deliberately: "We are just two people, I'm just a weak woman, although General Junker is strong, but Master Green has experienced hundreds of battles, naturally I'm not afraid, so how can I look like a big enemy? If I have the intention to harm the general, it will not be the two of us, but a team of iron cavalry."
When Green heard this, he snorted, dropped his sword, and looked at Sophie with his head raised.
Sophie sighed, pointed to the fire, and whispered, "Please sit down and talk."
Saying that, she didn't wait for Green to speak, and she sat on the ground beside the fire by herself. Junker also put away his sword and stood still behind Sophie.
Green's face was gloomy and uncertain, he hesitated for a while, and finally came over slowly and sat opposite Sophie.
Sophie turned her head to Junker, Junker immediately handed over a wine bag from the horse, Sophie opened it and smiled: "Since it's a gift, how can there be no wine! There are no wine vessels here. , let's have three bites first!"
As she said that, she, the little woman, unscrewed the stopper, and took three gulps. The drink was strong and spicy, and the choked Sophie coughed violently a few times, and then handed the wine bag to Green, who frowned slightly and said that. I solemnly took it and took three sips.
"Okay, I've drank the wine too, Chief of Staff, if you come to see me, it will be considered as a gift, if there are other things... I will follow Greene." Greene threw the wine bag aside, Looking at Sophie coldly.
Sophie sighed, and suddenly smiled: "General, where are you going?"