Chapter 88: Going to the United States Again

The next morning, Jinling was shrouded in a thin mist, the President's Office's blue‑tiled eaves appearing vague in the haze, like a coiled giant beast. The guards stood upright on the post, their bayonets glinting coldly in the dawn light.

Inside Principal Jiang's office, the rosewood furniture exuded a faint sandalwood scent, and on the wall hung Sun Zhongshan's inscription "The world belongs to the public." Heavy curtains were half open, letting the morning's slanting light stream in. Principal Jiang stood behind the desk, dressed in neatly pressed military uniform, even the disciplinary buttons fastened meticulously. His fingers tapped the desk rhythmically, his gaze blazing as he stared at the upright yet innocent‑looking subordinate before him.

"Damn it, Jingxing, you go out to have fun and still manage to cause me trouble," Principal Jiang's voice suppressed anger, sounding especially clear in the quiet office.

Li Yuxuan, wearing a slightly wrinkled military uniform, was clearly rushed. He strained to keep a solemn expression, but his eyes held a hint of indifference: "Young Master, by heaven's conscience, I didn't cause any trouble."

"Did you go to the casino yesterday?" Principal Jiang's voice lowered a few degrees, bearing undeniable authority. He turned, grabbed a document from the desk, slammed it onto the surface, the papers scattering to reveal the Song Family's seal.

Li Yuxuan blinked and calmly admitted, "Yes."

Principal Jiang inhaled deeply, his chest visibly rising, "That was the Song Family's casino; they've even filed a complaint against me here."

"Oh," Li Yuxuan replied, his tone as calm as if discussing today's weather.

This attitude fully ignited Principal Jiang's fury; he couldn't help but utter his trademark phrase, "Damn it, seeing you gives me a headache."

Upon hearing that, Li Yuxuan showed no fear; instead he slightly lifted his head to glance at the ornate chandelier on the office ceiling, a faint, almost imperceptible smile tugging at his lips. This subtle change did not escape Principal Jiang's eyes, deepening his resentment.

The office fell into a brief silence, only the wall clock ticking. Principal Jiang walked to the window, gazing at the gradually awakening Jinling City. Zijin Mountain's outline flickered in the morning mist, and the Yangtze River wound eastward like a silver ribbon. This capital he had painstakingly cultivated appeared tranquil on the surface, yet hidden currents surged beneath.

"Didn't you say you wanted to go to the United States?" Principal Jiang suddenly turned, his gaze sharp as an eagle.

Hearing that, Li Yuxuan's eyes instantly lit up, like stars suddenly igniting in the night sky: "Did you agree?"

"I will never agree again. Are you planning to tear Jinling apart?" Principal Jiang retorted irritably, his finger absentmindedly rubbing a jade.

Li Yuxuan immediately adopted an aggrieved expression, his bright eyes now resembling a bullied child: "There's no such thing, Young Master."

"Get out, get out!" Principal Jiang waved his hand, his tone weary and helpless, as if a tough negotiation had just ended.

"Alright, Young Master." Li Yuxuan gave a proper military salute, turned, and briskly walked away, his steps light and springy.

The office door closed gently, Principal Jiang let out a long sigh, rubbing his throbbing temples. He walked to the desk, picked up the accusation letter, and read it carefully. The letter, penned by Song Ziwen, was harsh in tone, accusing Li Yuxuan of not only causing a ruckus in the casino they ran, but also speaking disrespectfully and threatening to expose the alleged "missing military pay" truth.

The secretary Chen Bulei, who had been quietly standing in the corner, finally spoke cautiously, adjusting the golden‑wire glasses on his nose; his voice was gentle as if afraid to disturb something: "Chairman, are you just letting him go?"

Principal Jiang did not turn back, his gaze still fixed on the outside: "What can we do if we don't release him? My brother now finds everyone unsightly." His tone was complex, mixing helplessness with a barely perceptible indulgence.

Chen Bulei hesitated a moment, then voiced his concern: "Chairman, aren't you afraid he'll go there?"

"I was afraid at first," Principal Jiang turned, a complex smile on his face, "but now Xuewen is still in Jinling. Moreover, he's a person whose aspirations are higher than the heavens, unable to endure hardship. Rather than fearing him going there, it's better to fear him training troops again."

"Chairman's insight," Chen Bulei nodded respectfully, though a hint of doubt remained in his eyes.

Principal Jiang walked back to his desk and sat down slowly: "You know Jingxing. During the Northern Expedition, he led a unit to assault Tingsi Bridge for seven days and nights, managing to defeat a division of Sun Chuanfang. With a person like that, keeping him tightly bound to you would backfire."

"But regarding Minister Song's side…"

"As for Ziwen, I have my own arrangements," Principal Jiang interrupted, picking up a fountain pen and signing his name on the document, "Jingxing's departure might not be a bad thing. The United States' stance is ambiguous now; we need someone to probe their details. Given Jingxing's character, he won't stay obedient there, which is perfect for observing various reactions."

Chen Bulei suddenly realized: "So the Chairman is intentionally…"

Principal Jiang raised his hand to stop him from continuing, a deep glint in his eyes: "Go arrange it, have the Ministry of Foreign Affairs process Jingxing's United States travel paperwork as soon as possible. Also," he paused, "notify the embassy in the United States; Jingxing's every move there must be reported promptly."

"Yes, Chairman." Chen Bulei bowed and left the office.

The room fell silent again, and Principal Jiang pulled a yellowed photograph from the drawer. It was a group portrait from the Qilu period, with a young Li Yuxuan standing beside him, his smile radiant and eyes clear. Back then, they harbored ideals of revitalizing the nation, fighting side by side, sharing life and death.

Now, with time passed, the once passionate youth has grown into a capable General Officer, and their relationship has become complex and subtle. Principal Jiang sighed softly, resealing the photograph. In this era of overt and covert power struggles, he both needs a brother like Li Yuxuan and must guard against his achievements threatening the leadership.

Outside, Jinling City was fully awake, streets bustling with endless traffic and a roar of voices.

At the same time, Li Yuxuan stepped out of the President's Office, glanced back at the solemn building, a hint of a meaningful smile curling his lips. He adjusted his uniform collar, strode toward the car waiting by the road. Morning light bathed him, giving his silhouette a golden rim.

"Sir, where to?" the driver asked respectfully.

"Back to the residence." Li Yuxuan leaned back in the seat, closed his eyes, "It's time to prepare the gear."

The car started slowly, heading toward the depths of Jinling City. Along the road, French plane trees cast dappled shadows, as if narrating the era's interplay of light and darkness.