Chapter 759 — Intelligence
Blade of Dawn · Page 2 of 4
"Internal Affairs Division Three is only a tool; in the end, it too is run by people," Gao Yang said, looking at Amber. "Cross-supervision, long-term accountability, two-way tracing of responsibility, and the follow-up systems we will keep refining on that foundation in the future—along with the enforcement and maintenance of those systems—those are what ensure the long term.
"On that basis, we should actually be glad now. At least we can still dig those people out in time and draw up the list. That shows many of the systems we set up in advance are working, and that there are people able to carry them out. If the day ever comes when your list is empty, then you, as director of Military Intelligence, will truly be in trouble."
"It's just a pity that most of the Administrative Council only carry out orders," Amber said with some feeling. "Few think about the purpose behind those orders, fewer still can work out their logic and foundation, and almost no one can fully grasp your enormous system... Aren't you tired?"
Gao Yang smiled, neither confirming nor denying.
Two seconds later he asked Amber, "And you? Which category do you fall into?"
"I probably don't count as any of them," Amber said after a moment's thought, then suddenly laughed. "I'm not the type who likes to use her head."
"Willing to insult your own intelligence just to avoid overtime—you really are a tryer," Gao Yang said with a helpless smile, then raised a hand toward the document he had just been reading. "Typhon has given preliminary approval to our proposal—exchange of long-term ambassadors, establishment of embassies, expanded commercial cooperation, and so on. As for exchange students, they will send an inspection delegation before spring; it will be led by Roan Augustus's eldest daughter, Mathilda Augustus."
Amber blinked, and at once found the corresponding intelligence in her mind. "Mathilda Augustus, twenty-two, eldest daughter of Roan. Intelligent, outstanding in martial skill, skilled with the single-handed sword; her personal strength should be at the high tier, exact level unknown. She does not often appear in public, but enjoys a fine reputation in Typhon's noble circles, and for her noble birth, excellent character, and outstanding learning she is called the flower of the high peaks of the Typhon Empire...
"In addition, according to Military Intelligence's assessment, this 'flower of the high peaks' has roughly a forty percent chance of becoming the next Emperor of Typhon. Her younger brother, Prince Hardiren Augustus, is a strong rival; as commander of the Obsidian Guard, he holds the advantage in succession priority. But that does not mean there is friction between them. At least up to now, Mathilda Augustus and Hardiren Augustus have always shown the world a relationship of harmony and mutual respect—especially after the accidental death of Roan Augustus's eldest son, when the relations among the two remaining principal heirs and their other siblings have been exceptionally united and amicable.
"That's all the intelligence I have. After all, it concerns the upper levels over there, so this is all that has leaked out."
"A standard and perfect image setup..." Gao Yang stroked his chin thoughtfully. "And somehow I feel I've heard a similar character setup somewhere before..."
Amber did not understand him for a moment. "Hm? What are you getting at?"
Gao Yang's thoughts were already wandering. "I'm thinking of bringing Veroira out and having the two of them duel. Which one do you think would be stronger?"
Amber was utterly baffled. "...Why put them together? Because they're both princesses? But Veroira is already..."
"Because the two of them are quite... ah, no, never mind," Gao Yang said, waving a hand. "Just talking off the top of my head. No particular meaning."