Chapter 106: Huang Zhong is Exposed

Yu Zecheng wanted to ask Hong Zhiyou, but upon second thought, he dismissed the idea.

He was a man who knew how to be grateful.

Hong Zhiyou had asked him to come buy smoked pigeons precisely because he wanted to stay out of it.

To deliberately drag someone else into the water would be ungrateful.

After all, Hong Zhiyou also had a family to support.

A little nudge was a favor.

Who would be willing to risk their neck dancing on the edge of a blade with him?

No, he had to go see Old Huang immediately.

He drove straight to the police station.

Tian Jun had been killed, and Old Huang was lucky enough to be away in Tanggu handling a case, so he wasn't caught up in it.

"Old Yu, why are you here?"

"Look at this mess."

"During the military mediation period, to have something like this happen, the higher-ups might just remove Director Li from his post."

As soon as they met, Huang Zhong poured him a cup of tea.

Since Shopkeeper Qiu had been arrested, he had aged significantly, with much white hair appearing at his temples.

"He won't be removed."

"Students in Jingling and Beiping are all denouncing Tian Jun."

"To remove Li Hanyuan would be to make an enemy of public opinion."

"The whole world's eyes are on Jiang Jianfeng right now, and he has always cared about his reputation."

"If Tian Jun doesn't die, he's the one who will be in trouble."

"In my opinion, not only will they not remove Director Li, but the higher-ups will tacitly approve and secretly commend him."

Yu Zecheng had long seen through the rot at the top, so he smiled and chatted about it for a moment.

"Enough about him, let's get to the point."

"Who knows when they'll assign me a task," Huang Zhong said.

"Has the communication station been restored?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"It has."

"A few days ago, the underground communication line in Beiping started up again."

"The codebook has already been replaced with a new one."

Huang Zhong said quite happily.

"Weren't we supposed to stay silent and undergo screening?"

"Isn't it too fast?"

Yu Zecheng had only asked casually, but he couldn't help feeling quite surprised.

"Jinhai is an intelligence hub after all; it can't remain idle forever."

"The higher-ups have their own considerations that we cannot fathom."

Huang Zhong poured him more tea.

"Yes, Jinhai Port is the maritime gateway to the Northeast."

"Looking at the situation, a war will break out sooner or later."

"It is indeed troublesome if intelligence is not timely."

Yu Zecheng blew on the tea leaves and didn't doubt it further.

"By the way, the higher-ups sent me a new radio operator named Tang Si Mao."

"He used to be one of Shopkeeper Qiu's men."

"Before Shopkeeper Qiu's incident, the radio broke."

"Tang Si Mao secretly took the radio to Beiping and happened to escape the disaster."

"Now, under the guise of being my nephew, he is assisting my wife in rebuilding the communication station to ensure smooth contact with Beiping and the Border Region."

Huang Zhong said in good spirits.

"There was a Liu Wensheng in Beiping before; is the person they sent reliable?" Yu Zecheng frowned.

"Reliable."

"The comrades in Beiping have already undergone strict screening and reorganization."

"The new team is very reliable."

"The key official in charge was dispatched from the Border Region."

"His name is Yuan Peilin."

"When Gu Shunzhang defected, he participated in saving the Party organization; he is a battle-tested veteran with extensive experience in underground work," Huang Zhong said solemnly.

"Does Mr. Yuan know about our line?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"He knows me."

"When Shopkeeper Qiu was here, he also shouldered the responsibility of contacting other underground lines in Jinhai and Beiping."

"Now that I've taken over this work, the 'Old Kite' can only change from a hidden piece to an exposed one."

"Of course, don't worry."

"You and Sanmin are Ke Gong's secret agents, and you only have a single-line connection with me."

"I guarantee to the Party organization that if anything changes, I will protect your safety with my life, just as Shopkeeper Qiu did."

"Of course, if one day your security clearance becomes higher,"

"the organization might consider establishing a top-secret communication station for you alone, with no contact with any other comrades."

Huang Zhong knew Old Yu was meticulous and cautious, so he explained a bit more.

"Good."

"Old Huang, you must be cautious with the comrades in Beiping."

"The water there is deeper than in Jinhai."

"Ma Hansan and Wang Puchen are thousand-year-old foxes; they have patience and methods, so be careful."

Yu Zecheng urged him, then added:

"The Station Chief, Lu Qiaoshan, and Ma Kui are currently executing a secret plan."

"It might be aimed at the military mediation representatives."

"In the back street of the Shangquan Society, there is a group of newcomers from the Jinhai Station and a vehicle."

"I suspect there is new surveillance equipment on board."

"Go and check it out."

"Alright, you be careful too; Ma Kui is back."

"That man is very dangerous," Huang Zhong nodded and said.

"Understood, I'm off!"

Yu Zecheng stood up to take his leave.

Returning to the station, just as he got out of the car, he saw Hong Zhiyou walking in with his hands in his pockets, looking wilted.

"What's wrong? You look like an eggplant hit by frost," Yu Zecheng asked.

"Last night, Rui Rui."

"Today, Wanqiu."

"My ammunition is spent; it's a miracle I'm still alive to see you," Hong Zhiyou joked.

"Lust is a blade; take it easy."

"I've already dropped the smoked pigeons off at your place on the way."

Yu Zecheng stepped forward and walked side-by-side with Hong Zhiyou.

"No, I'd better stay away from you." He wrinkled his nose and decisively stepped aside.

"No way."

"Is it that pungent?" Hong Zhiyou raised his eyebrows and asked with a smile.

"It is."

"You'd better stay away from me; if your sister-in-law smells it, I won't be able to handle her fists," Yu Zecheng laughed.

"Henpecked."

Keep pretending... Hong Zhiyou smiled.

The two entered the office, where Wu Jingzhong was on the phone:

"Brigadier Tian, I was the one who released them personally; no one expected those students to go and block the police station gate."

"Sigh, my condolences, brother."

"Don't worry, I've already ordered Li Hanyuan to use all police resources to track down the killer."

"I will definitely give you an explanation, brother."

"That goes without saying, it's my duty; why be so polite?"

"Alright, alright, go ahead and handle the funeral."

"If you need any help, just let me know."

"Zecheng, the matter..." Wu Jingzhong hung up the phone, just about to speak.

The phone rang again.

"Yo, Director Peng, is it?

"As long as you're happy and satisfied, we can skip the meal.

"Don't, brother.

"How could Tian Jun's death be my doing? That's called bringing it upon oneself; those who court their own destruction cannot live!

"That kid surnamed Tian was too arrogant, daring to provoke people in front of so many students.

"Meeting such a disaster can be considered a fitting retribution.

"Alright, let's play tennis together another day."

Wu Jingzhong hung up the phone with ease, lifted his chin, and smiled:

"Done!"

"Zecheng, how is it on your end?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

"The money from the Tian family was collected in advance.

"It totals one hundred thousand US dollars.

"The money from Director Peng's friend is seventy thousand US dollars.

"It was originally fifty thousand US dollars, plus two antiques. I asked the appraiser Lin, and he said the quality was average, so I didn't collect the extra twenty thousand US dollars from him.

"The money has already been given to your wife."

Yu Zecheng reported.

"Good, good, good!

"Well done, Zecheng. I didn't promote you in vain."

Wu Jingzhong narrowed his eyes and praised him repeatedly.

"Master, I told you, when it comes to squeezing money, Director Yu is the professional.

"If it were me, once a woman poured me some love potion, I might have ended up giving a fifty percent discount."

Hong Zhiyou took the opportunity to flatter Yu Zecheng.

"And you, smelling of wild women, what kind of results did you get from your gambling?"

Wu Jingzhong was in a great mood and turned to look at Hong Zhiyou.

"Master.

"Your phone should be ringing soon," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Is that so?

"Eat some fruit first; you two have been looking haggard lately, busy with these trivial military mediation matters."

Wu Jingzhong took out a premium fruit platter and bestowed it upon his two favorite subordinates.

Just as they were eating.

The phone rang.

After Wu Jingzhong finished the call, he slapped his thigh in delight:

"Zhiyou, well done.

"Treasures all have spirits. For a dog traitor like Mu Liancheng who doesn't deserve to possess them, one must pry his mouth open hard and make him spit it all out.

"Say no more, come to my house tonight for a feast.

"A grand feast!"

If one says scraping money is for survival.

Then antiques have the attribute of a private hobby.

Wu Jingzhong had "double happiness" today, and he was absolutely delighted.

"Master will definitely be able to sleep well tonight," Yu Zecheng joked with a compliment.

"Not just me.

"You, and you, will all be able to sleep soundly from now on," Wu Jingzhong said, specifically pointing at Yu Zecheng.

"Yes.

"With the light of Master's Buddha-nature shining upon us, we are naturally immune to all evil.

"We will definitely sleep soundly."

Hong Zhiyou followed up with more flattery.

"Master, how should we handle the Mu Liancheng matter?

"He really bled a lot this time.

"I won't hide it from you, Master, the benefits given to me alone were five thousand US dollars and three gold bars."

Hong Zhiyou "honestly" confessed.

Not enough yet... Wu Jingzhong's brow twitched violently, but his joy remained:

"If he wants to remove his label and is willing to bleed, it shows this person still has some awareness.

"What are your opinions?"

"Master, purging traitors is a top priority for the Generalissimo and Boss Dai; this matter still requires your final decision."

Hong Zhiyou was not stupid; involving Wanqiu would only bring trouble if he chimed in.

"Hmm.

"In my opinion, Mu Liancheng must still have many treasures hidden away.

"Pointing a gun at his head won't make a landlord like him open his mouth.

"We must cast a long line to catch a big fish.

"Like this: Mu Liancheng's traitor label must absolutely not be removed.

"However, we must give him some hope; let's remove the label from his niece first."

Wu Jingzhong pondered for a moment and said with deep cunning.

"The Station Chief is wise," Hong Zhiyou said with a faint smile.

"Indeed, besides, his niece doesn't have many days left to live anyway."

Wu Jingzhong stared at him and added a final blow.

You son of a... Hong Zhiyou's smile instantly froze and turned bitter.

"Alright, you two go get busy," Wu Jingzhong waved his hand.

As soon as Hong and Yu retreated.

Wu Jingzhong pulled open his drawer, took out a file folder, and extracted the intelligence sent by the Buddhist Shrine last time.

"Seventeen thousand, seventeen thousand.

"Enough for me to go to North America and become a farm owner!"

His eyes turned sharp; he picked up a match, lit the document, and burned it clean in a ceramic bowl.

"Station Chief.

"Ahem!"

Just as he opened the window, Ma Kui and Lu Qiaoshan walked in.

"Any progress?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

"The assistant to that leader surnamed Yuan of the Red Ticket in Beiping has revealed another piece of intelligence.

"There is a radio operator named Tang Simao.

"He was secretly sent to Jinhai, responsible for contacting the underground Red Ticket.

"I have already put the person under surveillance.

"Should we arrest him?"

Ma Kui fanned away the pungent smell of smoke and asked coldly.

"What does Beiping say? Has the one surnamed Yuan been controlled?" Wu Jingzhong asked sternly with his hands behind his back.

"Yuan Peilin just arrived and is reorganizing the underground work in Beiping.

"He currently doesn't know his assistant has defected.

"According to Wang Puchen, Boss Dai has given secret instructions that Yuan is of great value.

"We must use him to pull out important nails in Jibei, Jinhai, and even the Border Region.

"This person is highly valued by the Border Region's Security Department.

"He is to be used as a sharp sword.

"We must wait for him to be unsheathed; breaking him in the scabbard now is not worth it."

Lu Qiaoshan replied.

"Correct, as long as we use Yuan, we can continuously fish out the big Red Ticket fish in Jinhai.

"Who knows, there might even be some in our Jinhai Station."

Ma Kui echoed coldly.

"What about Tang Simao?" Wu Jingzhong asked with a smile.

"According to intelligence, Tang Simao has the latest codebook in his hands.

"As for the local radio stations and broadcasts in Jinhai.

"We have monitored quite a few, but we haven't had much success in effectively deciphering or utilizing them."

"Tang Simao can become our voice."

"For example, have him call out Emeifeng!"

Lu Qiao spoke in a low tone, his smile mixed with a hint of ruthlessness.

"Hmm, Qiaoshan, this suggestion is not bad."

"Captain Ma will be responsible for making the arrests."

"Qiaoshan will assist."

"Remember, use newly recruited outside agents; do not use people from the station."

Wu Jingzhong instructed.

This was exactly what Ma Kui wanted; he immediately accepted the order happily: "Yes, Station Chief."

"Captain Ma, you may go down first." Wu Jingzhong waved his hand.

"Station Chief, Tang Simao is a relative of Huang Zhong from the Police Bureau."

"Should we notify Bureau Chief Li?"

Lu Qiao asked.

"No need."

"Once Tang Simao confesses, arrest him immediately."

"That bastard inspector arrested my wife last time; I haven't settled the score with him yet."

Wu Jingzhong snorted coldly.

"What about Zhou Yunyi?" Lu Qiao asked.

"Have you thought about it? If Huang Zhong really is a Red Ticket, their people will definitely try to rescue him once they find out."

"At that time, let Zhou Yunyi and Tang Simao cooperate to call out Emeifeng and their comrades."

"What will happen then?"

Wu Jingzhong tapped Lu Qiao's chest, reminding him with a cold laugh.

"That will cause a storm throughout the city."

"Many big fish will have to jump out of the water."

"We can also have Zhou Yunyi contact the Red Ticket female representative in private."

"We will catch them in the act to avenge the leak from last time."

Lu Qiao understood immediately and began to laugh along.

"Hmm, use Zhou Yunyi as ballast."

"You go and handle Tang Simao and Huang Zhong first."

"Remember, keep it secret."

Wu Jingzhong ordered solemnly.

"Understood." Lu Qiao nodded.

"Station Chief, there is one more thing your subordinate doesn't know if he should say."

After a pause, he said with a soft, oily smile.

"Speak."

"Captain Ma already has an action team, and his subordinates are already connected with the Zhongtong."

"Now you are having him move our secret agents."

"If the operation fails and intelligence is leaked,"

"Since he has Director Mao as his backer, won't it all be blamed on you and me then?"

Lu Qiao licked his lips, looking worried.

"Qiaoshan, why don't you understand?"

"Having him move the special recruits,"

"Is precisely because I fear a mishap."

"Don't you have photos of his subordinates colluding with the Zhongtong?"

"No matter how big Director Mao's mouth is, can it be bigger than evidence?"

"Boss Dai is just confused, but he isn't dead, understand?"

Wu Jingzhong frowned and pointed out the secret.

"Yes."

"The Station Chief is wise; Qiaoshan has been enlightened." Lu Qiao's inner unhappiness vanished, and he was filled with admiration.

Beep!

Beep!

The basement of Huang Zhong's Western-style house in the east of the city.

Tang Simao's fingers were typing the telegram rapidly.

The young man was steady and capable; although they had only worked together for a few short days, Huang Zhong's wife, Jiang Aimei, already had a good impression of him.

"Madam, this is the latest codebook."

"I just connected with the Beiping side, and the call was successful."

"We will use this from now on."

Tang Simao stood up and reported happily.

"That's great."

"Ever since Comrade Qiuji went to Jingling, the transit station has been in a state of paralysis."

"With your arrival, the intelligence in Jinhai will be clear again."

Jiang Aimei praised.

"Mrs. Jiang."

"According to the comrades in Beiping, it's thanks to having a new leader with courage."

"Otherwise, the comrades in Jinhai might still have to remain silent."

Tang Simao blew at his handsome long bangs and smiled brightly.

"Do you know the people Comrade Qiuji contacted before?" Jiang Aimei asked out of caution.

"I don't."

"I am only responsible for sending telegrams; the one who makes contact is another fellow."

"His name is Wenchong."

"According to others in the shop,"

"When Shopkeeper Qiu was arrested,"

"He saw the situation was bad and slipped out the back door."

"Ma Kui and the action team have been looking for him."

"It's also possible he was arranged by the organization to be picked up."

Tang Simao shook his head.

Jiang Aimei frowned.

It was a good thing that Tang Simao did not know the comrades of the No. 1 line.

But Wenchong was specifically responsible for guiding and receiving; once caught, the comrades of the No. 1 line were at risk of being identified and betrayed at any time.

What was certain was that the higher-level organization had not arranged for this person to withdraw.

These days, she had been leading the traitor-elimination team to search for Wenchong in secret.

It was just a pity there was no news at all.

This kept her heart hanging day and night, leaving her in a state of panic.

While the two were talking,

on the street outside,

a truck was driving slowly.

Inside the vehicle, capable secret agents were monitoring and operating on a machine.

"Division Chief Lu, the telegram was sent from there."

The car suddenly stopped, and a freckled woman pointed at the small Western-style house at the corner.

"It really is him."

"Tang Simao, the telegram—the evidence is ironclad."

A cold sneer appeared on the corner of Lu Qiao's mouth.

"Liu Yang, can you decrypt the content?" he asked.

"I cannot."

"Only by knowing the other party's codebook can it be done," said the woman named Liu Yang.

"Understood, don't stop, drive past at normal speed," Lu Qiao ordered.

Eight o'clock in the evening.

No. 1 Changde Road.

Mei Qiuju had the Yuezhou chef prepare a table full of mountain delicacies and sea treasures to reward the two meritorious officials.

"Zecheng, Zhiyou."

"You have worked hard, eat more," Mei Qiuju said with a happy smile.

"Thank you for your trouble, Sister-in-law."

"Thanks to you, we are able to eat authentic Cantonese cuisine," Yu Zecheng said with a smile.

"Zecheng."

"The military mediation talks have been going on for so many days, and I don't see any progress coming out of them."

"As for public security, you should stop concerning yourself with it."

"Since you are free lately, don't go to the police station; there are too many people and prying eyes there, and it's easy to attract trouble."

Wu Jingzhong stared at his two favorite subordinates for a long while, and after thinking for a long time, he smiled and offered a hint.

Huang Zhong is very likely a Red agent.

He did not want to see Yu Zecheng implicated again.

After all, counting seventeen thousand US dollars makes one's hands cramp.

"Understood, Station Chief," Yu Zecheng said.

"Also, Qiaoshan is the Police Commissioner; if you run over there too often, he might get unhappy and make things difficult for you."

"This person has a pretty good relationship with Zheng Jiemin."

"There are many things I cannot say too much about."

Wu Jingzhong said earnestly.

"Understood," Yu Zecheng nodded respectfully.

"A good blade must be used on the cutting edge."

"Your abilities should not be wasted on catching Red agents or engaging in infighting."

"True swordsmen always keep their blades hidden."

"Those loud-mouthed types rarely end up well."

Wu Jingzhong had drunk a few extra cups, and his words had increased.

Yu Zecheng and Hong Zhiyou exchanged a look.

Old Wu's drunken words tonight were quite heavy-handed.

This meant there was a major operation coming, and he wanted to keep the two of them out of it.

After the meal.

Yu Zecheng feigned being drunk and, not driving, insisted on hitching a ride in Hong Zhiyou's car.

"Zhiyou."

"Does the Station Chief's meaning imply that there is going to be trouble at the police station?" he asked.

"I don't know," Hong Zhiyou did not take the bait.

"I have been in contact with Old Huang."

"If he happens to be exposed, will I be suspected?" Yu Zecheng asked, very distressed.

"No," Hong Zhiyou thought for a moment and said.

"Oh?"

"You have seventeen thousand US dollars protecting you; without concrete evidence, the Station Chief won't believe it just based on someone's word," Hong Zhiyou explained.

"Do you think I should give Old Huang a heads-up?" Yu Zecheng asked, feeling a headache coming on.

"Let Ma Kui do it."

"If you do it, the Station Chief just talked to you, and then Huang Zhong runs away—there's no way to explain that."

"Don't challenge Old Wu's bottom line."

"You will end up in a miserable state if you do."

Hong Zhiyou winked and smiled.

"Fine, I'll go find Old Xie," Yu Zecheng said.

"The money must be sufficient."

"Otherwise, he won't be steady."

"As it stands, this person still follows principles as long as he is paid," Hong Zhiyou nodded in agreement.

"He has no principles whatsoever."

"It's nothing more than that money-worshipping theory of his," Yu Zecheng sneered.

"Money-worshipping is good."

"At least you get what you pay for, with a clear price tag!"

Hong Zhiyou parked the car and entered the house.

Just as he sat down to catch his breath, the phone rang:

"Hello, is this Hong Zhiyou?"

"Your father is in our hands; if you don't want him to die, prepare ten thousand US dollars immediately to ransom him."

Dear bosses, I am very sorry, I went out to handle some business today and didn't get home until nine, so the update is late. My eyes can no longer stay open; I will get up tomorrow morning to work on the second chapter. Good night.

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(End of chapter)