Yu Lian neither knew if Yang Xiyi had stirred up a bloody storm in Lumina, nor if Elinore was indulging in fishing and treasure hunting in the New World, or secretly expanding her forces by recruiting desperadoes.
He stated that he was just an ordinary student waiting to graduate, and what could those major events have to do with him?
Of course, revealing some future events to his senior as rumors he occasionally heard was just him bragging while eating charcoal-grilled marmot.
There was no need to tell the old man everything that young boys and girls talked about to foster their relationship during meals.
To Yu Lian, who looked bewildered, the Old Marshal simply grunted noncommittally.
Seizing this opportunity, Feifei had already set down the tea and appetizers, giving Yu Lian an inscrutable look.
As soon as the girl left, the Old Marshal took a sip of tea and frowned slightly, seemingly unaccustomed to this pure Chinese clear tea.
Yet, he still thoughtfully savored the taste on his lips before smiling and saying, "Your wife?"
Yu Lian rolled his eyes and directly changed the subject: "So, you're now at the Military Research Institute, not the Defense Integration Headquarters, living a few comfortable and leisurely days—isn't that good?"
"I originally thought so.
But Keith has repeatedly begged me, hoping I can help him again.
I was so pestered that I softened and agreed, taking on additional roles as a military advisor to the Cabinet and Parliament.
Receiving so many salaries, I can only try to do a bit more while my old bones haven't fallen apart yet.
Now, the latest military intelligence received by the Defense Strategic Headquarters, the General Staff Headquarters, and the Cabinet—I have a copy of it all.
That kid Keith really isn't afraid of working me to death!"
Although he seemed to be complaining, his face was filled with a sense of exhilaration from being needed and respected, even carrying a certain mission of dying for a true friend.
Yu Lian also sighed.
It was truly understandable why the Defense Committee Chairman would have so many supporters in the future.
Yu Lian was helpless; he couldn't possibly tell the Marshal that he was just a useless figurehead and that he absolutely shouldn't be deceived.
Duke Zhou feared the day of rumors, and Wang Mang was humble before usurping the throne!
As Yu Lian was pondering, he heard the old man say again, "The reason Yang Xiyi was able to locate Taxus and his separatist rebels was due to intelligence captured from a Lumina Rebels' vessel when your classmate, Horatio Wien, served as third officer."
Subsequently, Brigadier General Yang Xiyi, as the Chief Intelligence Staff of the Outer Rim Fleet and Outer Rim Military District, made an immediate decision.
After consulting with the newly appointed Commander, General Bonaparte, he swiftly mobilized the nearest Hell Paratrooper Division to the scene for an orbital airborne operation, destroying the main force of the separatist rebels in one fell swoop.
"Hmm, this is good news, worth celebrating for Old Yang... General Yang! And for the Hell Paratrooper Division!"
"You really played no role in this?"
"What kind of person do you take me for?!" Yu Lian genuinely felt wronged this time.
Furthermore, mere Lumina Mantis, no matter how much trouble they caused, were only at the level of terrorists; did he need to specially divert his attention to them?
Did they have such a high standing?
"Then, there's the New World.
Elinore Bonaparte has been out of contact for almost a week since her fleet left New Lushun.
The New World is unlike the Galaxy Native Land; it doesn't have as many source-matter wave centers, making communication inconvenient.
I've met the young girl from the Bonaparte family; she has an overly aggressive temperament.
I just hope she doesn't cause any trouble.
Although the New World is far from the Galaxy Native Land and is considered a power vacuum for various countries, it is precisely because of this that it is too chaotic.
It is precisely because of this that one minor incident could affect the whole situation!
The current international situation is very delicate, and I truly hope no more trouble arises."
Who was that reckless old man who, back then, spoke of "active self-defense rights" and directly smashed a fleet that was "exercising"—at least legally—with an ultra-hard blow?
Was it really that one's position dictates one's stance?
"So, this has nothing to do with us..." This time, Yu Lian felt a little guilty.
"I also think I might be overthinking it.
Getting old, one tends to be suspicious; I hope you understand."
Marshal Paris glanced at Yu Lian, still not entirely relieved.
"...Sir, you didn't come here to demand an explanation, did you?"
"No, I truly came to accept your invitation and taste something touted as a fifteen-hundred-year-old delicacy.
After all, I'm just an advisor; it's quite reasonable to squeeze out some time to look around, travel, and attend some events.
The girls of Jin City and the cuisine of Jin City are equally famous throughout the world, and they truly live up to their reputation.
That pretty young lady just now, who exactly is she to you?"
The Old Marshal chuckled, his laughter growing increasingly lewd.
A few minutes later, the six cold dishes, eight hot dishes, and four dim sum prepared by the uncle were served one after another.
Marshal Paris picked up his chopsticks, ready to begin the meal.
"Aren't you going to join us?" Yu Lian began to greet the others again.
This time, five military personnel accompanied Marshal Paris: one lieutenant colonel, two junior officers, and two non-commissioned officers, who were likely his assistants, secretaries, bodyguards, and personal doctors.
For a dignified Marshal, even if he currently held only an advisory position without military power, this level of pomp was not excessive.
Considering that soldiers can eat a lot, six cold appetizers, eight hot dishes, four dim sum, plus two soups, would be just enough to avoid waste.
"We are assistants and bodyguards escorting the Marshal on this trip... inspection! We do not eat!" They loudly refused.
Why don't you just shout!
"They'll eat after we finish.
These fine young men are from the Security Bureau; theoretically, they're on duty right now, and they're very particular about these things!
Little fellow, you sit too."
The Old Marshal said, picking up his chopsticks and carefully lifting a slice of beef, cut as thin as a cicada's wing, with some surprise.
"I know, this should be Boiled Beef from Sichuan cuisine, right?"
"You're an expert." Yu Lian praised him sincerely.
"But, this thin?"
"Yes, although it's called 'boiled,' the best way to prepare this dish is to blanch the beef in hot oil!"
Marshal Paris nodded convincedly and put the beef into his mouth.
Of course, this wasn't a gourmet anime world, so there wouldn't be reactions like crying, clothes bursting, or acting like one had taken an aphrodisiac.
But Yu Lian could still feel that the old man's spirit seemed to be filled with happiness.
After the grand meal was over, the old man clearly wasn't ready to leave, looking eager and still wanting to pester Yu Lian.
Yu Lian was helpless; he couldn't really kick the old man out, so he found a spot by the window, brewed another pot of clear tea for the old man, and began to play chess with him.
Anyway, he was used to doing this on the Blue Swan, so it wasn't unfamiliar at all.
At this moment, Rongxia Restaurant and Fu Street had also returned to their usual bustling state, with customers coming and going, crowds flowing like weaving threads, and a vibrant atmosphere.
The old man seemed to enjoy this feeling, holding a teacup in one hand and a chess piece in the other, squinting his eyes and swaying his head.
If he didn't make a move every few minutes, Yu Lian might have thought he had fallen asleep.
"Yesterday, Keith finally gained support in Congress, and the nature of the Xiwei Star System campaign has been officially defined.
All fallen soldiers will receive state funerals, medals, and generous pensions.
Additionally, those who rendered meritorious service will receive corresponding medals based on their contributions, and all participating officers and soldiers will receive war commemorative medals."
However, the fact that Congress took the opportunity to demand that the Defense Committee and Military Headquarters retract all "active self-defense rights" was another matter.
The old man also did not intend to mention it.
"Finally, the tragedy of New Paris eighteen years ago didn't repeat itself!" The Old Marshal sighed, but then remembered Yu Lian's background and quickly apologized: "Sorry, when one gets old, one starts speaking confusedly."
Yu Lian shook his head, indicating he didn't mind.
He was a little confused as to what the so-called "tragedy" referred to.
His mother had died in battle, but the military had provided ample pensions and various honors.
Didn't all personnel who died in that incident receive the same treatment?
"I'm talking about Lieutenant General Minqi Vincent.
I just saw him last week.
Eighteen years can really change a person... Back then, he was a spirited, brave general, full of seemingly endless energy!
But now, he's a bit like a businessman."
It took the Old Marshal a long time to finally find a somewhat positive evaluation.
It seemed that the current image of "Lieutenant General Vincent" had quite an impact on him.
Yu Lian bowed his head to hide his gaze.
He really hadn't expected to hear that name at this moment.
However, he still calmly said, in a voice so steady and composed that it surprised even himself: "Oh, he appeared?
Lieutenant General Vincent, I remember he disappeared after the New Paris Incident?"
"Yes, we initially thought he was unwilling to take responsibility and had defected.
He and all the crew members of the Walenstein were considered defectors... But now we know that they actually fought to the last moment, only surrendering when they ran out of ammunition and supplies.
Lieutenant General Vincent was imprisoned by the Raiders for several years and finally managed to escape by chance.
At that time, among our military personnel who were imprisoned with him, he was the last one left.
But as soon as he escaped, he was imprisoned by the Empire on suspicion of being a Raider spy.
We only got news of him recently!"
"...Isn't that equivalent to the Empire rudely detaining our general?" Yu Lian had finished his expression management, lifted his head, and sighed empathetically.
"The Empire stated that it was all a misunderstanding, agreed to compensate Lieutenant General Vincent for all his emotional damages, and paid a large sum of money.
Then, they also said that it was understandable to be cautious in order to combat the Raiders, hoping we could understand... It's truly a pity; such a promising general will probably end up like this for the rest of his life."
"...Did the Empire also say that it was all the Raiders' fault?
And now that the tragedy has occurred, they hope our side can arrange things properly, so that the unyielding heroes don't shed tears after shedding blood?" Yu Lian sneered.
The Marshal also sneered, but with a touch of helplessness.
"But, now that he's back, there's no position for him, is there?"
"Yes, although his honor has been restored, and he's been reissued medals and all his salary for over a decade, and will receive a general's annual salary every year from now on, there really isn't any suitable position for him.
He has applied for retirement, saying he wants to do something for retired veterans like himself, and has decided to form a charity mutual aid organization or something.
He hopes to get my help.
So, the day after tomorrow, he's planning a gathering in Mist Capital.
He invited me, Marshal Guerrero, oh, and some political and business celebrities."
Yu Lian secretly clenched his fist under the table, but on the surface, he smiled: "That's a good thing!"
"Yu Lian, the reason I'm telling you this is because I hope you can understand... the New Paris Incident eighteen years ago was not Lieutenant General Vincent's responsibility."
"Don't worry.
I won't blame him.
If that mutual aid organization can get off the ground, I'd be quite willing to do whatever I can to help."
Yu Lian showed a relieved smile, looking as if he had long since let go.
Yes!
I already know the ins and outs and the truth of the New Paris Incident, so of course, I won't blame him for that.
However, I want to kill him for other reasons!
The mastermind of the "July 26th Incident," which theoretically won't happen until two years from now, has appeared so soon?
Then go die early!
