The Most Powerful Brain in the Interstellar Space

Chapter 773 A Good Game
Since Zhou Xiuwen's family already had plans for this, Jiang Hui didn't want to pry too much.

She knew the Zhou family would likely be making various arrangements around the First Legion for the foreseeable future, so after thinking for a moment, she briefly mentioned Colonel Phillips to Zhou Xiuwen. She didn't say much, but simply recounted an incident from a month ago—

This only son of the third generation of the Phillips family is named Teres Phillips, who currently holds the rank of colonel and is also a reserve general of the First Army Corps.

Although his obvious dereliction of duty caused chaos, she was also one of the victims. Afterwards, Jiang Hui complained to Commander Zhou through Zhou Xiuwen, which could be considered revenge for herself.

However, it seems that he is one of the more normal people out of that bunch of rotten things and rotten people.

People are indeed arrogant, and because of their excessive arrogance and conceit, they harm themselves and others, dragging their families down with them. There's no way to deny that.

But he wasn't really that bad. Jiang Hui still remembered the genuine disapproval that flashed in his eyes when she wanted to accuse the person behind the attack. Later, when they were taken to the military law office, he still fulfilled his responsibilities as an invigilator, carefully handing over the students caught up in the storm, even though he had to go and explain the incident.

Furthermore, just a few days after the unified recruitment, Jiang Hui received a remittance from an unknown number at the military liaison office. The remittance was marked as compensation and was unsigned. It also came with various documents representing an unconditional gift, all of which had already been signed. In short, the other party had thought of everything very thoroughly, so even if she didn't want anything, she wouldn't have any worries about receiving such a large sum of money.

Of course, Jiang Hui wouldn't be so brainless as to spend money recklessly just because she doesn't know where it came from. She would definitely investigate the source, in case someone sent it to her by mistake.

Stark happened to have some free time at the time, so he helped him investigate, and he actually found out something. The money came from a Mr. Phillips. Although he couldn't find out exactly who it was, based on the time and place of the remittance, it should be Teles Phillips.

The other party must have also transferred money to more than a dozen accounts at the same time, all of which belonged to people who had taken the qualification exam last time. Jiang Hui guessed that they might be the few who were injured at that time.

The military had already provided compensation and subsidies for the incident, and Colonel Phillips had been punished. However, this compensation was clearly a personal one for Teles Phillips. He had seriously reflected on his recklessness and misjudgment, and felt he should compensate the injured candidates. Therefore, with this belated but remedial mindset, he immediately began remittances as soon as he was released from confinement at the command post.

However, some damage has already been done. Just like Jiang Hui and Taylor before, they almost died in the water. If they hadn't been lucky, they would be dead by now. So no amount of monetary compensation can really make up for it.

These aristocratic scions are known for their pride and arrogance. Even when they make mistakes, they would rather bleed and break their bones than compromise their dignity. Most of the aristocratic scions Jiang Hui had encountered before had this problem—they were obsessed with saving face. Such behavior of making compensation afterward, which was almost an admission of wrongdoing and submission, was really unlike their style.

Therefore, while one cannot definitively say this person is of good character, he at least possesses some sense of right and wrong and principles. Zhou Xiuwen faces immense difficulties in subduing the First Legion amidst layers of obstruction. The legion has been internally divided for years, and there are undoubtedly many powerful and deeply entrenched factions like the Phillips family. Although General Phillips has temporarily lost the initiative, given his abilities, he cannot remain dejected indefinitely. Once he recovers, who knows what trouble he will cause Zhou Xiuwen?

Jiang Hui can't offer much practical help on this, but he can offer some analysis. Perhaps Colonel Phillips could serve as a starting point for Zhou Xiuwen to infiltrate the First Army Corps?

The struggles between people are nothing more than for their own interests. If there are common interests, shouldn't we live in harmony?
The fundamental reason why General Phillips stepped down from his candidacy was that the Zhou family wanted to reclaim the First Army Corps; it was the result of a power struggle between the two sides. As everyone can see, the Phillips family was dragged down by their "pig teammate."

However, having developed for many years in the First Legion, their position remains important in terms of foundation. Regardless of whether Zhou Xiuwen can successfully take command of the First Legion in the future, he will inevitably have to deal with the Phillips father and son.

Why can't Zhou Xiuwen reach a cooperation agreement with the Phillips family? Even if they can't reach an agreement on their differing interests, they should at least try to ease the tension.

After all, the Phillips family's painstaking efforts to become the head of the organization ultimately stemmed from a desire to elevate the family's status. However, it's common knowledge who truly holds the power in the First Legion. Even if they were to become the head, how long could this illegitimate, acting title last?

The various factions had initially seized the First Legion under Zhou Yuanjing's command through underhanded means. Although Commander Zhou, prioritizing the greater good, ultimately refrained from doing so due to health and political reasons, the legion still belonged to the original owner. Given Commander Zhou's illustrious reputation in interstellar space, it wouldn't be impossible for him to reclaim it without resorting to any underhanded tactics.

Therefore, the First Legion will eventually return to their hands, a fact that all factions within the legion are aware of. They simply want to postpone this time, hoping to delay it until the Zhou family falls from power. That would truly be considered a "right bet"—at that point, they would be the legion's founding members and elders, truly sitting in the highest positions.

The Phillips family naturally shared this view, and they had been scheming for the position of head of the organization for many years. However, as things unfolded, their plans ultimately failed, and even their influence in the military was slightly affected. As a result, General Phillips severely beat his only son, whom he had never been willing to discipline, reportedly by personally requesting family discipline.

Now that this has begun, Zhou Xiuwen will have to fight against various forces within the legion. So why not find some allies for himself?

General Phillips is a cunning old fox, not so easy to subdue, and one wrong move could lead to him outmaneuvering you. But Colonel Phillips, the only son of the other party who just caused trouble, is a suitable person to approach.

If Zhou Xiuwen could recruit this person—no, simply establish a good cooperative relationship—he might be able to open a door in the First Legion. And if Zhou Xiuwen had more leverage in the future, the Phillips family might choose to bet on him.

If this is played well, it can be considered a good move.