Ding Zhennan was unwilling to say more, and Shi Suliang didn't ask much. Ding Zhennan could see the great relationship thoroughly, so there was no need to say more about Shi Suliang.

Any young officers like Ding Zhennan who have no background will definitely stay away from him when they are involved in interest disputes.

It is not that there is so corrupt that there is within the Imperial Army, but that there are people in the world and smart people will definitely not place themselves in the position of cannon fodder.

After that, I had nothing to say and came to the Prime Minister's Residence.

Although it is called a military conference, not only military generals came to attend the conference, but also some senior government officials and more informed intelligence officials.

What surprised Ding Zhennan was that he met Bai Huawei's sister in the tea hall.

That's right, it's Bai Huamin.

This unexpected encounter made Ding Zhennan very embarrassed.

The reason is very simple. Before marrying Li Tianling, Bai Huamin once had the intention to regret the marriage, and Ding Zhennan was the one who acted as the "third party". Simply put, shortly after she got engaged to Li Tianling, she met Ding Zhennan through Bai Huawei and was attracted by Ding Zhennan's talent. Because of this, Ding Zhennan had to give up the opportunity to work in the General Staff Department and went to the grassroots troops for several years. After Bai Huamin married Li Tianling and had children, he returned to the imperial capital and got the opportunity to go to the Army Command to train.

He had no inappropriate thoughts about Bai Huamin and Ding Zhennan.

It’s not that he has already started a family, but it’s also related to Bai Huawei.

Of course, Ding Zhennan also knew that even though he was very talented, he was not qualified to act as a third party in the marriage between the two major military families of the empire.

Fortunately, time can change everything.

No matter what, more than 10 years have passed, and even if Bai Huamin still has a little thought in his heart, he will not ignore his family.

Because he knew about the past between Ding Zhennan and Bai Huamin, Shi Suliang slipped away after seeing Bai Huamin.

"General Ding."

"Ms. Bai..."

Just looking at her appearance, Bai Huamin has not changed much. Like Bai Huawei, she is born not very old, and her special work nature also requires special attention to her personal image.

"We haven't seen each other for more than ten years, right?"

"almost."

"I heard that General Ding was coming to the meeting, but I didn't expect it was you."

"It's just good luck."

"You are still so humble."

Ding Zhennan was speechless and didn't know what to say.

Just as they were chatting, the two came to the terrace outside.

The tea room is on the second floor, facing the back garden.

Although it was not yet dawn, the garden was brightly lit. Under the high-power spotlight, the carefully cultivated golden olive chrysanthemums looked particularly enchanting.

"When did you come back?"

"You actually want to ask, why did I come to the Chief Auxiliary's residence to attend a military conference?"

Ding Zhennan forced a smile. Bai Huamin was still so sharp and direct. Her diplomatic work that she had worked in for more than ten years did not have any impact on her.

“I’m not here to attend the meeting.”

"this……"

"I'm going to the airport later. I heard that you're coming, so I've been delaying for a while."

Now, Ding Zhennan was even more speechless.

"Don't think too much, after all, I haven't seen you for more than ten years, and Hua Wei rarely mentions you in front of me." Bai Huamin smiled and continued: "Although I am not a soldier and I am not clear about the matter of combat, the current situation cannot be completely blamed on the frontline commander."

After hearing what Bai Huamin said, Ding Zhennan understood.

Obviously, she was talking for Bai Huawei.

From Shi Suliang, he learned that Bai Huawei stayed in Zhenbao Port and did not return to China. Ding Zhennan realized that Bai Huawei's situation was not good.

Even if Zhou Yongtao will not target Bai Huawei, someone will need to take responsibility.

At this time, there is still enough weight to stand up and speak for Bai Huawei.

In order to avoid suspicion, Zhou Yongtao must remain silent.

Don’t forget that he was cultivated and promoted by Bai Zhizhan himself, and he can be regarded as Bai Zhizhan’s direct confidant, and in terms of personal identity or Bai Huawei’s elder.

Other naval generals, especially senior generals, have almost all similar problems.

In the Air Force, with the Li family in their relationship, there are only a handful of generals who can come forward to speak for Bai Huawei.

On the Army side, Shi Shuliang is definitely not good.

The only one who is trustworthy and has enough influence in his personal relationships is Ding Zhennan.

Although Ding Zhennan and Bai Huawei have a deep personal relationship, there is no interest in the two.

What you want to say can be considered a friend at most.

During the war, the imperial soldiers were all robes, let alone friends!

"Don't worry, I'm a good person." Ding Zhennan also sighed very much. This matter was so troubled that Bai Huamin wanted to come forward. The situation must be very complicated.

"I just said it casually, don't take it to your heart."

Ding Zhennan nodded, and Bai Huamin didn't say much.

Those who target Bai Huawei are likely to be using this matter to deal with Zhou Yongtao.

There is no need to say much about the relationship between Bai Huawei and Zhou Yongtao. The key is that the 41st Special Mixed Fleet did achieve a tactical victory, and the 61st Special Mixed Fleet suffered the defeat. Even if this tactical victory is not worth the loss, it is a gold medal for exemption. Therefore, even if you have to be held accountable, you should go to the commander of the 61st Special Mixed Fleet. It is obvious that you are looking for trouble for Zhou Yongtao.

From this perspective, Zhou Yongtao would definitely not go on the battlefield personally, nor would he let senior navy generals and other military branches of the army who had close ties with the Bai family come forward.

Obviously, this is what Bai Huamin wants to convey.

After talking about some other things, Bai Huamin then said goodbye and left.

She came to the Chief Auxiliary’s residence not only to meet Ding Zhennan, but there were indeed other things.

Although she didn't say it clearly, the meaning she revealed during the conversation was also related to the naval battle that had just ended, and it was a diplomatic activity personally appointed by the Prime Minister.

As expected, it is very likely that it was as a special envoy to have secret contact with the Newland authorities through a neutral third country.

Shortly after Bai Huamin left, the Chief Secretary rushed over and notified the arrival of generals that the military meeting would be held 10 minutes later.

More than 30 generals attended the meeting. Except for a few chiefs of staff and a few senior generals represented by Shi Suliang, the others were all young generals like Ding Zhennan. Government officials and intelligence officials were basically unfamiliar faces, and less than 10 people could call out their names.

As for the content of the meeting, it was the same as Ding Zhennan guessed.

The battle on Dongwangyang has come to an end. To be precise, it has entered a strategic stalemate. Except for strategic bombing with limited significance, there will be no changes in the short term.

To this end, we must determine the main strategic offensive direction.

Northwest or southern subcontinent?

If you want to say it, the atmosphere of the meeting is dull, probably because of some concerns. Even senior generals like Shi Suliang are more conservative. Only a few generals expressed their opinions, and they are all conservative, or ambiguous, and no clear statement was given.

There is no need to say much about those government officials.

As for intelligence officials, most of the time, they make factual statements and do not participate in decision-making discussions. Even the director of the Military Intelligence Bureau did not express his opinions, but only emphasized the great significance of determining the direction of the strategic offensive as soon as possible and opening up a new main battlefield.

As a result, it was not until Zhou Yongtao announced a temporary recess and asked everyone to have breakfast, but there was no discussion.

In fact, at the beginning of the meeting, when he met Zhou Yongtao, Ding Zhennan noticed that the Prime Minister's expression was obviously aging several years old.

Not to mention anything else, even the gray hair has increased a lot.

Perhaps, I just didn't dye my hair, after all, an old man like Zhou Yongtao had already turned white.

Of course, this outfit is a very clear signal that the Prime Minister is so haggard who works day and night for the benefit of the empire.

This guess was quickly confirmed.

After the recess, Ding Zhennan went to solve the internal emergency. When he came out of the bathroom, the confidential secretary of the chief minister Luo Youbin was already waiting outside.

When we arrived at the study, Zhou Yongtao was calling.

"You can do this matter first. After the situation is clear, we will discuss countermeasures." After putting down the phone, Zhou Yongtao nodded to Ding Zhennan.

"The Chief Supervisor..."

"Sit down casually, I asked Xiao Luo to prepare dumplings, noodles and buns, which were simpler, but they all tasted good."

The prime minister is so enthusiastic that Ding Zhennan seems a little embarrassed when he rebelled.

In addition, his full energy when speaking shows that he is in good spirits.

"I just heard someone mention recently that Hua Min's girl had a quarrel with Li Tianling at the beginning, and it was related to you."

"this……"

"Young people understand."

The Prime Minister's words scared Ding Zhennan into a cold sweat.

"Don't think too much. That girl has been used to being willful since she was a child and has a special emphasis on feelings. In this situation, it is reasonable for her to look for you."

"I didn't think much about it, just think that no matter what, I should not blame the frontline commander."
To be continued...