Chapter 86: Lure the Snake Out of the Cave

The north wind whirled the snowflakes, whooshing through the forest sea, sounding like a wolf's howl. Li Ping'an stood at the entrance of the Command Post, gazing at the overcast sky, pondering the next step of the plan.

Political Commissar, I think our Command Post needs to move its nest, Li Ping'an said suddenly, his voice neither loud nor soft, just right for the nearby soldiers to hear.

Zhou Zhengwei was startled: Move the nest? Why? Isn't this place quite snug?

Li Ping'an deliberately raised his voice: Snug? Last night the Sentinel saw a suspicious figure again. I think this spot is likely exposed, we must change location quickly.

The nearby soldiers instantly pricked up their ears, eyeing each other, their gazes tinged with unease.

Er Gazi leaned in: Instructor, really moving? In this ice‑and‑snow, where to move?

Li Ping'an gave him a meaning‑laden look: This matter needs careful planning. Come, let's discuss inside.

In the command room, Li Ping'an spread out the map, his finger sliding back and forth over several locations.

Black Wind Ravine, Laohu Ling, Langya Dong— all three spots were on the table. He spoke loudly on purpose so those outside could vaguely hear; which to pick still required further deliberation.

Zhou Zhengwei nodded, playing along: If I were to speak, I'd say go to Black Wind Ravine; its terrain is treacherous, easy to defend, hard to attack.

No, no, Li Ping'an shook his head, Black Wind Ravine is too remote, supply lines inconvenient. If I were to speak, Laohu Ling is the better choice.

Squad Leader Yang interjected: Langya Dong is also fine, hidden tightly, the Little Devils certainly won't find it.

The men exchanged remarks as if in earnest discussion, but were really watching the outside shadows in secret.

At dusk, Li Ping'an deliberately called Er Gazi aside: Go prepare; tomorrow at three a. m., the Command Post moves to Laohu Ling. Remember, keep it tight‑lipped; besides us, no one may say a word.

Er Gazi's eyes lit up: Understood! I'll ensure everything is handled snugly!

After Er Gazi left, Li Ping'an summoned Squad Leader Yang: Relay the order, tomorrow at four a. m., the Command Post moves to Black Wind Ravine. Note, the news may only be told to each squad captain; under no circumstance let the wind leak.

Squad Leader Yang nodded in understanding: Don't worry, I know what to do.

Finally, Li Ping'an approached Zhou Zhengwei: Political Commissar, please inform the Mess Hall Team; tomorrow at five a. m., the Command Post will move to Langya Dong, have them ready dry rations in advance.

Political Commissar couldn't help but laugh: Which play are you reciting?

Li Ping'an also laughed: Lure the Snake Out of the Cave. I want to see which opening this snake will crawl into.

Night deepened, the camp was silent, only the wind whooshing. Li Ping'an lay on the kang, eyes open, listening closely to the outside sounds.

Sure enough, around midnight, a faint footstep sound came from outside the window. The steps were light, as if deliberately slowed, yet in the hushed night they were unmistakably audible.

Li Ping'an rose quietly, peering through the window slit. A black silhouette tiptoed out of the camp, and in a blink vanished into the woods.

Hooked. Li Ping'an thought to himself, but didn't rush to capture anyone. He wants to cast a long line for a big fish, to see who this snake will contact next.

Early the next morning, Li Ping'an wandered the camp on purpose, asking anyone he met: Heard the Command Post is moving? Do you know where to?

The answers varied wildly; some said Laohu Ling, some Black Wind Ravine, others Langya Dong. Everyone eyed each other, doubting the others' claims.

This was odd, Li Ping'an feigned confusion: Why does everyone say something different?

Just then, the Sentinel rushed in to report: Instructor, we found this in the woods!

It was a tiny slip of paper, depicting a schematic of the three locations, with time and troop deployment noted beside.

Sure enough there was a Traitor. Zhou Zhengwei's face grew grim; it seemed there was more than one.

Li Ping'an examined the slip closely, then laughed: No, just one. Look, the handwriting was deliberately altered, but certain stroke habits are identical.

He pointed to the hook and the upward stroke: These two strokes are peculiar; ordinary people wouldn't write them that way.

So what do we do now? Squad Leader Yang asked, seize them outright?

No rush. Li Ping'an shook his head, since the fish is already on the hook, let's see what else we can reel in.

He ordered them down: per the original plan, split forces into three routes toward the three spots, each with only a few men, while the main force lay hidden around the camp.

If the Traitor truly bites, he'll try to inform the Japanese Soldiers to launch a raid. Li Ping'an analyzed, we'll turn the scheme against them.

Sure enough, at noon the Sentinel spotted a squad of Japanese Soldiers stealthily moving toward Black Wind Ravine.

Looks like the Traitor thinks we're heading to Black Wind Ravine. Li Ping'an sneered, ordered Er Gazi to act per the plan.

Er Gazi's squad had already set an ambush in Black Wind Ravine, waiting for the Japanese Soldiers to walk into the net.

Meanwhile, Li Ping'an began individual checks in the camp. He had each person write a short passage containing the words Laohu Ling, Black Wind Ravine, Langya Dong.

When the third person wrote, Li Ping'an's eyes narrowed. This soldier named Wang Lao Wu's handwriting matched the slip's strokes exactly.

Wang Lao Wu, your writing is not bad, Li Ping'an said calmly.

Wang Lao Wu was startled, then laughed: Instructor, you flatter me; I haven't studied many years, my writing is rough.

Is that so? Li Ping'an produced the slip; the characters on it look quite like yours.

Wang Lao Wu's face turned ashen, sweat beading on his forehead: Instructor, what do you mean? I didn't write that slip!

I never said you wrote it. Li Ping'an looked at him meaningfully, why are you panicking?

At that moment, a clamor erupted outside. A soldier rushed in: Instructor, we found a small Radio Station under Wang Lao Wu's bedding!

Wang Lao Wu, seeing this, drew a dagger from his boot and lunged at Li Ping'an. But Li Ping'an was prepared, sidestepped, twisted his wrist, and pinned him to the ground.

Speak! Who ordered you? Li Ping'an demanded sharply.

Wang Lao Wu clenched his teeth, saying nothing.

Just then, Er Gazi returned with his squad, all in high spirits.

Instructor, total victory! Er Gazi reported excitedly, the Little Devils fell into our ambush, were beaten to a pulp, and we captured a few alive!

Li Ping'an nodded, turning to Wang Lao Wu: Hear that? Your master is finished. Now confess, and you might still obtain leniency.

Wang Lao Wu finally broke down, collapsing: I'll tell, I'll say everything…

It turned out Wang Lao Wu had once been captured by the Japanese Soldiers; under brutal torture he defected. The Japanese released him back only to have him infiltrate the resistance and supply intelligence.

Besides you, who else? Zhou Zhengwei asked sternly.

Wang Lao Wu shook his head: Just me. The Japanese fear many people expose them, so they assigned only me.

After the interrogation, Li Ping'an stood alone in the snow, his mood heavy. Though the Traitor was uncovered, he couldn't feel any joy.

Er Gazi came over: Instructor, what's wrong? Didn't we win?

Li Ping'an sighed: We won the battle, but lost hearts. I can't understand why some would rather be traitors than stand upright and be decent.

Er Gazi fell silent for a moment, then said: "Instructor, you're overthinking. In a big forest, all kinds of birds appear; what matters is that most of us are of one mind."

Li Ping'an patted Er Gazi on the shoulder: "You're right. Let's go check on the brothers."

At the center of the camp, the soldiers were gathered around a fire. Seeing Li Ping'an approach, they all rose to their feet.

"Instructor, is the traitor really only Wang Lao Wu?" someone asked.

Li Ping'an nodded: "For now, that seems to be the case. But we still need to stay vigilant; the Japanese soldiers won't let this go."

Squad Leader Yang proposed: "Instructor, since the command post has been exposed, should we really move?"

Li Ping'an smiled: "Actually, the command post doesn't need to be moved at all."

Everyone was stunned.

"I've secretly reinforced the defenses; this place is now safer than anywhere else." Li Ping'an explained, saying the reason for suggesting a move was to Lure the Snake Out of the Cave.

Everyone then suddenly understood, and they all praised Li Ping'an's brilliant strategy.

However, Li Ping'an changed the subject: "After this incident, I think we really should change locations."

"Why?" Zhou Zhengwei asked, puzzled. "Didn't you say this place is very safe?"

"Safety is safety, but people's hearts are uneasy." Li Ping'an looked at everyone, saying that with a traitor among us, nobody feels at ease. Moving to a new place would let us start over.

Everyone fell silent, yet their hearts felt warm. The Instructor not only considered their safety but also looked after their feelings.

The next day, the Command Post began its official relocation. This time it wasn't a ploy; it was for real.

The new location Li Ping'an chose was a more concealed valley, easy to defend but hard to attack, and it had multiple escape routes.

"Now it'll be hard for the Little Devils to find us." Er Gazi said proudly.

Li Ping'an, however, shook his head: "Don't be careless. The Japanese soldiers have suffered such a loss; they will surely retaliate. We must prepare for a tough battle."

Night fell, and a bonfire was lit at the new campsite. The soldiers gathered around, chatting and laughing, as if to dispel the previous gloom.

Li Ping'an watched all this, his heart somewhat eased. But he knew this struggle was far from over.

Although the Traitor has been rooted out, the threat from the Japanese Soldiers remains. Moreover, who can guarantee there isn't a second Wang Lao Wu in our ranks?

He gazed at the dancing flames, silently resolving: no matter what, he must protect this team, protect those comrades who trust him.

In the distant woods, a pair of eyes observed the new camp's every move through a Telescope. A hint of a cold smile curled at the corner of the mouth, then the figure vanished silently into the darkness.

The storm, however, is far from over…