My queen is rebelling!

Chapter 231: Reasons for Failure—Couldn't Find a Woman More Beautiful Than Cohen's Lover! (Seeking readership, boo hoo)

(Readership is still dropping!!! Begging for readership, bosses, the electronic pet is about to starve to death. The economic situation has been dire lately, and without clear documentation, no bonuses are allowed, and Little Tang has to support his family, boo hoo hoo, OTZ OTZ OTZ)

In the Grand Duke's mansion, Grand Duke Silverfrost's face was ashen, and standing below were Prime Minister Faria of the Cabinet, Director Perez of the Central Intelligence Agency, and Viscount Claude, the Chief of the Army General Staff.

His good mood for the entire day had been ruined by a report from his son-in-law, Perez, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

Grand Duke Silverfrost looked at his son-in-law and asked in a deep voice:

"Is your information accurate?

And when did you come to those analyses?

Why didn't you say so earlier?"

"Perez" replied in his usual tone:

"The information came from the Kingdom of Ceylon, and it has spread throughout the royal capital of Quethaon.

It is said that Effain is preparing to bypass the Kingdom of Ceylon by way of the Western Regions Empire to attack our Silverfrost.

Including some troop movements in Effain, which are also quite abnormal.

As for the intelligence analysis...there were similar guesses before, but without concrete evidence, we didn't dare to disturb Your Highness.

It wasn't until recently that we had a more confident speculation based on this information."

Grand Duke Silverfrost's face visibly paled, and even Viscount Claude, the Chief of the Army General Staff not far away, couldn't help but show shock and fear in his eyes.

Effain, these three words have recently been like a thick cloud, shrouding the hearts of every Silverfrost citizen.

Grand Duke Silverfrost immediately looked at his Prime Minister Faria, his voice almost a roar:

"My dear Prime Minister, didn't you say that the Western Regions Empire had agreed to mediate between us and Effain?

Why is this situation happening now?"

Faria's face was equally unsightly, and he glanced at Director Perez of the Central Intelligence Agency with some blame and surprise.

Why did this Director General report this information to Grand Duke Silverfrost without consulting him in advance? This has put him in a very passive position.

This is different from before.

Although Perez is Grand Duke Silverfrost's son-in-law, he has the best personal relationship with Prime Minister Faria.

To be precise, Faria put in a lot of effort to help Perez become the Grand Duke's son-in-law. Without the Prime Minister's strong recommendation, Perez might not have caught the Grand Duke's eye.

The Prime Minister naturally didn't know that Perez had been replaced at this moment.

Prime Minister Faria suppressed the confusion in his heart. It was useless to say more at this moment. He had to appease the furious Grand Duke first. He bowed slightly to the Grand Duke, then looked past the Grand Duke and stared at Perez with stern eyes, asking in a deep voice:

"Director, has the Kingdom of Ceylon made an official statement?"

Perez shook his head:

"What about Effain?"

Perez replied:

"This is exactly what your subordinate is worried about. According to the informant's report, Effain's Marshal Arnold did disappear from the court for a while, along with three thousand beastmen soldiers.

Therefore, your subordinate speculates that the rumors in the Ceylon Kingdom's market have a certain degree of truth."

Prime Minister Faria's eyebrows were deeply furrowed. He could already imagine the impact these two pieces of news would have on the country's population once they were announced.

However, the most important thing at the moment was to calm His Highness the Grand Duke. Even if they couldn't defeat Effain if they really wanted to attack Silverfrost, they couldn't just surrender so easily.

And the key to all of this was that the head of the country couldn't lose his mind and judgment. He was really afraid that Grand Duke Silverfrost would be so frightened that he would run away directly.

Faria took a deep breath, looked at Grand Duke Silverfrost, and said in a deep voice:

"Your Highness, I still tend to believe that this is all Effain's psychological warfare. The reason why they are putting on such a posture is to make us surrender without a fight and submit to them.

This precisely proves their guilt. I think the efforts that the Western Regions Empire has made for us internationally must have paid off, and Effain no longer has a legitimate reason to send troops.

They can only use this method to put pressure on us.

If they really want to attack us, it is impossible to make such a big fanfare.

Military passage is an extremely confidential matter. How could even the markets of the Kingdom of Ceylon be full of rumors?"

Hearing Prime Minister Faria's words, Grand Duke Silverfrost's face immediately softened a lot.

What the Prime Minister said made sense. Yes, putting himself in their shoes, if he was preparing to attack a certain country, he would definitely take confidentiality measures and would not make it known to everyone before taking action.

Grand Duke Silverfrost asked:

"You mean, all this news and information was deliberately spread by Effain."

Prime Minister Faria nodded.

Viscount Claude, the Chief of the Army General Staff, also steadied his mind and asked:

"Then what is the purpose of spreading this rumor? Is it just to carry out a psychological offensive?

King Effain doesn't seem like such a rash person."

Prime Minister Faria shook his head slightly and said:

"We have too little information to analyze Effain's true intentions.

However, one thing is certain, they will not launch a military attack on us in the short term."

This was actually Prime Minister Faria's own true judgment.

After learning about the other party's various actions, Prime Minister Faria had already concluded that the other party would no longer launch a military strike against Silverfrost.

Because he had analyzed the various deeds of King Effain. This person either doesn't take action, or once he does, it will be a thunderous force.

The joint attack on the Central Empire and the Eastern Regions Empire was like this, and so was the attack on Black Tomb.

He would rather be a fool, give up his kingship, and endure under the mask for several years until he launched a key blow.

Therefore, this kind of publicity and fanfare before the war is definitely not a sign of a military attack.

The Prime Minister also had some doubts and didn't understand why Effain was doing this.

The only effect of doing this on Silverfrost was to make the whole country panic. Was doing this just for intimidation?

Without giving Prime Minister Faria time to think deeply, Grand Duke Silverfrost changed the subject.

Hearing the Prime Minister's decisive assertion, Grand Duke Silverfrost relaxed, but his expression was still very solemn. He looked at Claude and said:

"How is the plan you mentioned some time ago progressing?

Is there any feasibility?"

Claude immediately reacted. The Grand Duke was talking about the plan mentioned by several generals before to send a woman to King Effain. He glanced at Prime Minister Faria, who was firmly opposed to adopting a policy of appeasement.

To Viscount Claude's surprise, Prime Minister Faria also turned to him with a questioning look.

Viscount Claude's heart stirred slightly and he said:

"Your Highness, it's not very feasible."

Grand Duke Silverfrost frowned and asked:

"Didn't you say that King Effain is a lecherous person with a large group of women around him who have unclear relationships with him? Why is it not feasible again?"

Viscount Claude's face showed a faint hint of jealousy and he replied with a wry smile:

"Your Highness, a marriage alliance is possible, but the key is that we don't have a suitable woman to send."

Grand Duke Silverfrost's face showed astonishment and he asked:

"Are you kidding me?

Among the tens of millions of people in Silverfrost, can't we find a woman who can go to make peace?"

Claude replied in a low voice:

"Your Highness, according to our investigation, the women around King Effain seem to...have extraordinary backgrounds, and their appearances can be described as the best of the best.

Not to mention Queen Effain and the Golden Winged Woman, just the so-called female emperor's envoy next to him is a royal daughter from the most beautiful elf race.

There are not many people on the entire continent with this level of appearance.

Our Silverfrost really can't find this level of beautiful woman.

If we just find one and send it over, your subordinate is worried that people may not like it, and it will be counterproductive."

The Grand Duke's expression froze, and his heart was suddenly filled with resentment and indignation. Where did this damn gigolo get his luck? How could he hook up with all the beautiful women!

He waved his hand listlessly and said:

"We still have to look for it. I don't believe that such a big country can't even find a beautiful woman.

You still have to put your heart into this matter.

Okay, I'm upset today, so let's stop here. You can all go."

"Yes!"

Several people retreated in turn, only Viscount Claude slowed down slightly. After the other two left, he said with an ingratiating smile:

"Your Highness, you have been worrying about state affairs these past few days and you are too tired. Why not go to the Silver Egret Mansion in two days to relax?"

Grand Duke Silverfrost naturally understood what the so-called relaxation was all about. He pondered slightly and replied:

"Okay, which comrade should we call this time?"

Viscount Claude immediately replied:

"In response to Your Highness, it's General Radinoz, the military police supervisor of the army's turn."

Grand Duke Silverfrost's eyes showed deep thought and he said:

"Let it be him. In times of national turmoil, it is necessary to have more contact with people from the military to connect emotionally. You and Shepherd should arrange this matter.

As usual, don't publicize it. Also, if Miss Goya is not busy, call her too. We had a very pleasant chat last time."

Viscount Claude's face showed a respectful look and he replied with his head lowered:

"Okay, Your Highness."

Claude left the Grand Duke's mansion and went directly to Radinoz's base camp, the Army Military Police Headquarters.

Upon seeing Radinoz, he said face to face:

"Okay, my General Military Police Supervisor, I have completed all the things you ordered."

Radinoz suppressed the emotions in his heart and said with a smile:

"Old in-law is just reliable, has it been decided when specifically?"

Viscount Claude waved his hand:

"It's estimated to be in the next two days. I'll notify you in advance when it's decided.

Lord Military Police Supervisor, I have done what you asked me to do, my matter..."

Radinoz handed over a list and lowered his voice:

"This is the intelligence that I have obtained from the secret posts I left with several military region commanders. They are all core secret members of the Morning Glow Society, and many of them participated in the evidence collection and reporting against you last time.

Don't be so anxious to take action, otherwise, it will be difficult for me to be a person."

Claude took the list. After reading the names, his pupils shot out a cold light and a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. He said:

"I know, don't worry, I won't make things difficult for you."

Radinoz pretended to be worried and said again:

"You should not take it lightly either. These people have deep roots in the military. Don't offend everyone to death all at once."

Viscount Claude waved his hand, indicating he understood. He put away the list, keeping it close to his body. He changed the subject and asked, "Speaking of which, what's so important that you have to report to His Royal Highness in this kind of setting?"

Reynolds' eyes flickered slightly. Without betraying any emotion, he replied, "It's not good news.

I felt that only when His Highness is in a comfortable mood would he be willing to listen to my report."

Viscount Claude didn't mind. He waved his hand and said, "Don't worry, I'll put in a good word for you when the time comes. It'll be in the next few days, so prepare well!"

...

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The campus of Silverfrost National University's Academy of Art was bathed in golden sunset.

In the high-level conference room of the administration building, the president of Silverfrost National University and the dean of the Academy of Art stood respectfully behind a middle-aged man, introducing something in low voices.

Baron Shepard, the director of the Silverfrost Grand Duke's chamberlain's office, flipped through the files in his hand. One youthful and beautiful female student's face after another passed before his eyes.

From time to time, he would pause, lingering for a few seconds on a certain student's file. At this time, the dean of the Academy of Art behind him would quietly introduce the student's resume and family background.

After about half a day, Shepard took the roster, circled the names of five people, and said to the president of Silverfrost National University, "Let's go with these five. Make sure you do the necessary groundwork and explain the policies clearly.

It must be of their own volition. Don't cause any unpleasant incidents, understand?"

The president repeatedly assured him, then tentatively asked with a hint of flattery, "Baron, it's getting late. Would you like to try our university's specialty dishes for lunch?

The entire university has been looking forward to the Grand Duke's office's concern and guidance."

Baron Shepard's expression was very calm. He moved his lips and said, "Alright, I appreciate the thought, but there's no need for the meal.

My nephews and nieces are usually well taken care of by the president. If there's anything, just say it.

I'll help as much as I can."

The president's face instantly lit up with an even brighter smile. He waved slightly, signaling the dean behind him to leave.

Then he said, "The university's new campus will be officially completed next month. Could we invite His Royal Highness the Grand Duke to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony at that time? I would like to report on the work to His Highness in person."

Baron Shepard raised his eyebrows slightly, glancing at the portly president of the university, whose face wore a nervous smile. He asked directly, "President, we're old acquaintances. You need to explain the situation clearly for me to help you.

His Royal Highness the Grand Duke has been overwhelmed with the Effien matter recently. If there's no legitimate reason, I won't be able to bring it up!"

The muscles on the president's face twitched abnormally for a moment, his smile slightly freezing. After a fierce internal struggle, he finally said, "A few years ago, there were some financial problems with the expansion of the new campus.

To make up for the shortage of funds and ensure the timely completion of the new campus, without delaying the normal study and life of the students,

Our university came up with some ways to raise funds, but... the methods were not entirely legal and compliant.

But recently, I don't know what happened, the people from the Noble Council's Supervision Department have been relentlessly pursuing us, insisting on investigating. I heard that the report has even been submitted to the Cabinet Office, and Prime Minister has personally intervened... I'm worried that there might be some misunderstanding and want to report it to His Royal Highness the Grand Duke in person."

Shepard immediately asked, "What about the aftermath?

Did you make up for the funds you raised yourself?"

The president nodded and replied, "Yes, we subsequently submitted a supplementary application report to the Cabinet, which has been approved, and the money has arrived."

Baron Shepard's face showed a thoughtful expression. After pondering for a moment, he said something that seemed like an affirmation but wasn't very clear: "We're all working for the country. Everyone makes mistakes! If you make a mistake, just correct it!"

The president felt a surge of excitement. As long as he wasn't outright rejected, it meant there was still hope.

Correct it!

The key was to correct it. And how to correct it all depended on Baron Shepard's next statement.

The president only hoped that Baron Shepard wouldn't make an exorbitant demand. He lowered his voice and said softly, "Baron, the construction of the university's new campus involves many people, including the Minister of Education, the Minister of Industrial Construction, and some local governors and commanders...

In order to allow Silverfrost's students to use the new campus as soon as possible, everyone has put in a lot of effort and attention.

If Your Excellency is willing to lend a hand, everyone will be grateful to you."

The emotions on Baron Shepard's face relaxed a lot. Suddenly, he asked out of the blue, "If I remember correctly, the special fund for the university's new campus was personally approved by His Royal Highness the Grand Duke. How could there be a shortfall?"

The president felt a sense of panic in his heart, and he braced himself to reply, "This... there was an oversight in the budget group, which led to the submitted budget being insufficient."

Baron Shepard clearly sensed something amiss and pressed, "The budget was done by the Minister of Finance and his people. Does President mean that there's a problem with the Minister of Finance's work?"

The president quickly shook his head.

Shepard chuckled and said, "President, you're not telling me the truth, so it's not easy for me to help!"

The president hesitated for a long time, a bitter look on his face, his voice even lower: "This is our responsibility. We didn't do enough detailed work during the preliminary investigation and didn't discover that there were some noble's manors and land on the site of the new campus.

We missed it when reporting to the Minister of Finance, so the minister didn't make enough of a demolition fee budget, resulting in a big shortfall."

Baron Shepard's mouth revealed a smile, his voice with a hint of playfulness: "Oh, the dignified National University, the highest institution of learning in Silverfrost, actually made such an oversight. Isn't that a bit too careless?"

The president repeatedly reviewed, saying: "Yes, yes, it shouldn't be. The vice president in charge of demolition work has been severely criticized by me, and even made a deep review at the school's leadership cadre meeting. We must learn from this lesson."

Baron Shepard fell silent again, he had almost understood the key to the problem.

Obviously, it was not easy to work with the Minister of Finance, who was unwilling to acknowledge those so-called noble manors and lands.

So he simply paid the funds himself first, and then bypassed the Minister of Finance and submitted a supplementary application directly to the Cabinet.

Baron Shepard's eyes revealed a deep color, and he directly asked the key question: "Those noble manors and lands, were they there before the demolition, or did they suddenly appear after the demolition?"

Hearing Shepard's almost explicit words, the president knew that the matter could no longer be covered up. He suddenly fell silent, a layer of cold sweat involuntarily covering his back. It took a long time before he opened his mouth dryly: "Your Excellency, you know, although I am the president of the National University, in charge of the country's highest institution of learning, seemingly infinitely glorious, but in fact... I am just a senior clerk.

I can get to where I am today, inseparable from the support and help of many people. If they open their mouths, I have no way not to do it.

Some things, I don't say, you should understand in your heart.

Eight words, people in officialdom, are involuntary!"

The president's plea for sympathy did not move Baron Shepard in the slightest. What a joke, the dignified president of the National University described himself as so pitiful, too fake.

Shepard was convinced that perhaps the noble land grab behind this new campus construction was initiated by this president.

He was afraid that he wouldn't be able to cover it up alone if something happened in the future, so he called on others.

Shepard's expression was flat, and he still did not make a statement, but only asked stiffly: "I want to know who participated in this.

Is it those you just said, what Minister of Education? Minister of Industrial Construction?

And what governors and generals."

The president silently nodded, then added: "The construction of the new campus of the country's highest institution of learning is a huge cake, and there are too many people who want to get involved.

I am just a small president, and I can't afford to offend many departments.

Your Excellency, you now hold the lives of countless colleagues in your hands, please be sure to consider it carefully!"

Baron Shepard pretended to close his eyes and ponder, and after a long time, he gently uttered a number: "Thirty percent."

The corner of the president's eye twitched unconsciously, and he bit his tongue hard, seemingly trying to hide the shock in his heart.

He had long heard that Baron Shepard of the Chamberlain's Office was black-hearted and ruthless, and seeing him today, it was indeed well-deserved.

So many big leaders were involved, and they all wanted a share. He, the dignified president of the National University, the initiator and organizer of the entire project, only dared to take 10%. You, Shepard, haven't contributed any effort, just made a connection, and with a red mouth and white teeth, you want 30%.

Saying that he was making an exorbitant demand was not enough to describe Shepard's greed.

But the situation was pressing. This time, it was the Minister of the Supervision Department of the Noble Council who was biting them, and this minister had an excellent relationship with Prime Minister Faria.

Once he joins forces with the Prime Minister to continue the investigation, the loss will be more than 30% of the profits!

Although he thought so in his heart, the president still showed a very hesitant and struggling look. After a long time, he said, "Your Excellency, please have some tea, I'll go deal with some official business and come back later."

Baron Shepard smiled and said, "Official business is important, President must handle official business well!"

The president's eyes twitched slightly, he bowed and saluted, and left the conference room.

Baron Shepard leaned on the sofa, closed his eyes and rested, calculating in his heart how much money this 30% profit would be.

After a long time, the president gently pushed open the door, a hint of excitement on his face.

Baron Shepard opened his eyes, looked at the president, and said gently: "President, have you finished discussing official business?"

The president immediately replied: "It's done, Lord Baron, my colleagues unanimously believe that as long as Lord Baron is willing to help with this matter, this 30% will be regarded as your activity expenses."

Shepard slowly stood up, his voice with a hint of solemnity: "Please tell your colleagues and friends that they can rest assured.

I will not watch those who have contributed to the country's education cause bleed and shed tears!"