Chapter 144: The Fish Has Taken the Bait

Wu Jingzhong was suddenly struck as if by a thunderbolt.

He had power.

But talent was hard to find.

How many people could navigate the officialdom as smoothly as Hong Zhiyou, raking in money with such decorum?

How many could handle things perfectly with just a single glance from him?

Take Yu Zecheng, for instance; even he lacked Hong Zhiyou's knack for "finding work."

More importantly, this fellow was the apple of Wu Rui's eye, his future son-in-law.

If he were to be killed, Wu Jingzhong could retire on the spot and spend his days in leisure.

"Old classmate.

"This is absolutely a misunderstanding.

"He went to Beiping because a batch of civilian supplies was transported to the Jinmen port, and Ma Hansan had been dragging his feet on signing the handover.

"That is why I sent him there."

Wu Jingzhong gritted his teeth and implicated himself.

"You sent him?

"But it was he who brought Liu Yuzhu back to Jinmen.

"Jingzhong, think carefully before you speak."

Jiang Jianfeng frowned and stared at him coldly.

Wu Jingzhong knew that whether Hong Zhiyou lived or died depended entirely on him.

"Please believe me.

"This was indeed a trap set by Ma Hansan.

"He knew Secretary Hong was in a relationship with my daughter.

"The supplies were not signed for.

"He deliberately waited until I was anxious and sent Secretary Hong over, only then did he send Liu Yuzhu to follow the vehicle back.

"Old classmate, just think about it.

"Liu Yuzhu was already keeping company with Director Dai in Beiping; why didn't she leave with Dai Li at that time?

"She had to wait until Secretary Hong went to Beiping before she was sent back to Jinmen.

"Going through all that trouble, wasn't his goal to drag me into the water through Secretary Hong?

"This person has ulterior motives.

"Of course.

"Jingzhong once called you, but that was entirely out of public duty.

"Director Dai was holding secret talks with the Americans in Jinmen, and in order to secure the position of Navy Commander, he did not hesitate to sell out the details of the Double Tenth negotiations, as well as intelligence on the party-state's strategic resources and combat deployments.

"He even intended to turn Qingdao into a concession for the Americans in our country.

"Having just driven out the Japanese, he brought in the Americans; it is simply disastrous for the country and the people, and utterly foolish.

"That is why Jingzhong..."

Wu Jingzhong explained with a face full of hatred.

"Dai Li was a parasite of the nation; his death was purely deserved.

"Ma Hansan, Liu Yuzhu, and Li De-lin are the primary suspects.

"The problem now is that there are rumors your secretary acted out of anger for a beauty, harboring a grudge against Dai Li, and thus participated in it," Jiang Jianfeng said.

"Impossible.

"Secretary Hong is famously a playboy.

"How could such a person offend Director Dai for the sake of a woman?

"You must believe me, this is a rumor spread by people with ulterior motives.

"Their target is not Secretary Hong, but me."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"You?" Jiang Jianfeng's eyes narrowed.

"Yes, me.

"I know Ma Hansan; this man is as cunning as a wolf.

"He and Li De-lin just want to muddy the waters and drag me into this.

"Then, by exploiting our classmate relationship, they want to stir up conspiracy theories, making the world believe that you and the Generalissimo ordered me to murder Director Dai.

"Thereby making the people of the Military Statistics Bureau hate you and me, and even the Generalissimo.

"Letting this sharp sword lose its edge.

"Losing its ability to keep Li Zongren, Bai Chongxi, and Fu Zuoyi in check.

"Li Zongren and the others have long harbored resentment toward the surveillance of the Military Statistics Bureau.

"Once the Bureau falls into internal chaos and becomes alienated from the Generalissimo, wouldn't that play right into their hands?

"Old classmate.

"You must not fall for their poisonous scheme and put yourself and the Generalissimo at a disadvantage."

Wu Jingzhong was truly shrewd; he simply blew the matter out of proportion.

He knew the taboo of Jiang Jianfeng and the Generalissimo: power.

Sure enough, Jiang Jianfeng's expression shifted slightly, and he fell into deep thought.

Li Zongren was powerful and prestigious, always wanting to replace his father and coveting the presidential throne.

The Gui Clique also had heavy troops in their hands.

Dai Li's death.

Because of the rift between Ma Hansan and Dai Li, it was originally an opportunity to strike at Li Zongren.

But once Wu Jingzhong was dragged into it.

If some people were allowed to fan the flames, the direction of public opinion would change instantly, which would be extremely unfavorable to himself and his father.

And if the Military Statistics Bureau fell into internal chaos and lost control, it would lose its restraint over the Gui Army.

Li Zongren could then use public opinion to launch a counterattack.

It was terrifying to think about!

"Sit for a while, I'm going to make a call," Jiang Jianfeng said as he stood up.

Soon.

He walked back.

"My father's meaning is that with the bandit suppression imminent, we must consider the overall situation.

"Handle it coldly.

"After some time, Mao Renfeng will issue an investigation report.

"Dai Li's plane crash was due to weather conditions.

"It has nothing to do with Ma Hansan or anyone else.

"Let this matter end here."

Jiang Jianfeng announced very calmly.

"The Generalissimo is wise," Wu Jingzhong said righteously, suppressing the ecstasy in his heart.

"Jinmen is a major northern port and the lifeline of the Northeast and Beiping.

"If you guard Jinmen well, you will have performed a great service.

"Go back."

Jiang Jianfeng stood up and said.

"Jingzhong will certainly not fail the mission."

Wu Jingzhong stood up, saluted, and slowly backed out.

Once he left the official residence.

Cold sweat broke out all over his body, and his legs trembled uncontrollably.

Wu Jingzhong feared nothing more than the Dai Li affair blowing up.

Whoever got involved in this would be doomed.

He suspected that the little fox Hong Zhiyou had long ago calculated the infighting between the Generalissimo and Li De-lin.

That was why he dared to take such a dangerous path.

Unless he truly could predict the future and knew the date of Dai Li's death.

Regardless.

He was secure this time.

His people were safe, and the new head of the Military Statistics Bureau would still be his old classmate, Zheng Jiemin.

Dealing with him would be easy.

It would be far more comfortable than walking on eggshells under Boss Dai.

In the future, he could peacefully collect some small trinkets and enjoy life.

Jinmen, Wandong Restaurant.

Ma Kui pushed open the door and entered the private room.

Inside, a man and a woman hurriedly stood up, their faces full of awe as they greeted him.

"You are called Chen Sanmei."

"You are called Li Guinian?"

Ma Kui closed the door, and with his hands behind his back, his gaze swept back and forth over the two of them.

"Yes, sir," the two said with fawning smiles.

"Sit," Ma Kui said, raising a hand.

He then asked with a smile: "What do you two do for a living now? You seem to be living quite well."

"Thanks to Section Chief Liu's kindness, I am a warehouse manager at the freight wharf.

"Sanmei has settled down with me, and she works at the flour mill.

"They are both good jobs, with wages and subsidies.

"The leadership there also takes good care of us."

Li Guinian said, nodding and bowing.

"The bustling world of Jinhai is not bad, is it? How does it compare to when you were fighting as guerrillas in the mountains?" Ma Kui poured tea for the two, not rushing to assign the mission.

"Officer Ma, that is truly like heaven compared to earth."

Seeing that Ma Kui was approachable, Qiao Sanmei also began to chatter:

"I won't lie to you, back when we were fighting as guerrillas in the mountains, let alone eating meat and drinking wine, it was good enough just to have a steamed bun to gnaw on for a meal.

"I'm not afraid of you laughing at me, but during the most difficult times of the blockade.

"We ate rats, wild vegetables, anything in the mountains.

"That was no way for a human to live.

"Jinhai is better, the Party-State is better."

"Yes, yes!" Li Guinian also nodded fawningly.

"Hmm.

"That you can have this realization shows that Section Chief Liu did not save you in vain.

"Do you know what happened to that Xiao Wuzi?"

Ma Kui asked.

"We know, we heard he was beaten to death," Qiao Sanmei said with a lingering fear.

"Indeed.

"You are lucky. Since you have decided to be loyal to the Party-State, you cannot just eat white rice for nothing."

Saying this, Ma Kui called out:

"Waiter, come in."

The waiter pushed open the door and stepped forward: "Captain Ma, what would you like to eat today?"

"Just what is on this.

"Bring whatever is delicious, don't be afraid to spend money."

Ma Kui pointed to the wooden plaques of dishes hanging on the wall and ordered grandly.

"Understood, please wait a moment, the food will be here right away."

The waiter took the order and left.

Ma Kui was not in a hurry to talk about the mission.

After a table full of good wine and dishes was served, he said while eating:

"The Jinhai Station Action Team and the canteen are currently short of people.

"This is an iron rice bowl that eats the Emperor's grain.

"One month's salary is more than what you make in a year at the flour mill.

"Especially the canteen, it is leisurely and has many perks.

"How about it, are you two interested?"

Upon hearing this, the eyes of the two lit up.

Life in Jinhai was certainly good, but it all required money.

Entering the Juntong Bureau station not only meant a high salary.

It was also extremely beneficial for ensuring their own safety and preventing the anti-traitor squads from taking action against them.

"That's great.

"We beg for Officer Ma's guidance," Li Guinian said excitedly.

"Are you familiar with Chen Cuiping and her husband Yu Zecheng?" Ma Kui asked.

"I'm not familiar with Yu Zecheng, but his name is very well-known.

"His family is from Heigou; years ago, we only heard he went out to study, join the army, and so on. Anyway, he settled down in the city and ate the Emperor's grain.

"His sister also married an official.

"In the surrounding ten miles and eight villages, their family's ancestral grave is the most prosperous."

Li Guinian said with a look of jealousy.

"Not familiar, then tell me about Chen Cuiping," Ma Kui said.

"Chen Cuiping, we are very familiar with her, we are both from Weitou Village.

"During the anti-mopping-up campaign, she was our Mobile Corps Commander detachment leader, leading several dozen of us from the nearby villages.

"Her shooting was 'bang, bang,' always accurate.

"And her fists..."

Qiao Sanmei took over the conversation and began to speak with great animation.

Ma Kui had no interest in listening to this and interrupted her:

"In other words, she is a Mobile Corps Commander, she is a Red ticket.

"Do you know when she married Yu Zecheng, and did they hold a wedding banquet?"

"We don't know about that.

"Anyway, we never heard of her getting married," Qiao Sanmei said, curling her lips.

"She has an aunt named Wang Caiju," Ma Kui reminded her.

"Right, her aunt is named Wang Caiju, she specializes in matchmaking.

"If you put it that way.

"They might have been paired up and got a certificate.

"In the past, during famines and the Japanese devils, things like marriage were just makeshift. It was very common for a couple to just have a name without living together if the man died or went out to make a living."

Qiao Sanmei nodded in sudden realization.

"Forget it, let's not talk about this," Ma Kui did not ask any more.

He knew that no matter how much he said, there was no direct evidence.

Relying solely on the mouths of these two, Wu Jingzhong could have a hundred reasons to refute him.

Liu Xiong was a living example.

That was Wu Jingzhong's most loyal guard, an old brother who had been through life and death together for many years.

The testimony of these two could only be the icing on the cake.

The most critical thing now was to get ironclad proof that Cuiping was a Red ticket.

It was not difficult.

Because he had a secret weapon.

Ma Kui took a small tape recorder out of his pocket, placed it on the table, and said:

"Chen Cuiping, does she have a cousin who sells mountain goods and has a lame leg?"

"Yes!

"His name is Chen Hongfa, we all call him Lame Chen," Li Guinian said.

"Good!"

Ma Kui said loudly.

"I have intelligence that your organization intends to have her return to the mountains to rejoin the team under the pretext of her cousin's wedding.

"At that time, you will wait for her near Langfang.

"Just say that the organization sent you to pick her up."

After speaking, he took the miniature tape recorder out of his pocket and placed it on the table.

"What is this?" the two asked with curiosity.

"This is called a tape recorder, it can record people's voices.

"After you meet up with Cuiping, secretly press this button and find a way to trick her into talking and record it, and the mission will be complete.

"What to say, I have already written it on a note.

"Can you read?"

Ma Kui took out the script he had already written and handed it to Li Guinian.

"I can't read.

"He can read."

"He used to work as an assistant for Political Commissar Yuan and learned how to read."

Qiao Sanmei gave a forced smile and handed the note to Li Guinian.

Li Guinian glanced at it a few times and tucked it into his pocket:

"Don't worry, Officer, we will definitely complete the mission."

"Mm."

Ma Kui nodded, picked up his chopsticks, poured some wine, and began to eat with gusto.

Once he was full.

Ma Kui stood up and said, "It's not often you come here, so eat more. You can pack up whatever you can't finish."

"I have other business, so I'll be going now."

He adjusted his round hat and quickly left the table.

"Brother Guinian, you have to admit, Section Chief Liu and Captain Ma are actually quite decent people.

"They arranged work for us and even treated us to a meal.

"Sigh, thinking back, I was truly foolish.

"Every day I followed others like a peasant, eating chaff and vegetables—what kind of life was that?

"If I had known surrendering came with such good treatment.

"I would have come into the city to surrender long ago. It's hard enough to be born a human; why suffer like that?"

Qiao Sanmei complained while eating her food.

After finishing the meal, they packed up the leftovers.

The two of them were carrying the leftovers and had just reached the lobby downstairs, feeling quite pleased, when they were intercepted by a waiter from the restaurant:

"You two, please settle the bill."

"W-what do you mean?" Qiao Sanmei was a bit confused.

"Paying for a meal is only natural." The waiter's expression tightened, and with a wave of his hand, several people surrounded them.

"Are you blind? Didn't you see that Captain Ma from the Jinhai Station invited us to eat?" Qiao Sanmei snapped.

"Who does Captain Ma think he is? If he invited you to eat, who do you think you are?

"What, are you trying to stiff us on the bill and eat for free?"

The waiter rolled up his sleeves and asked with a menacing look.

"Who's eating for free? Get your boss..."

Qiao Sanmei wanted to make a scene, but Li Guinian quickly blocked her and smiled apologetically:

"Waiter, how... how much is it?"

"Six silver dollars," the waiter said.

"What? For just one meal?" Qiao Sanmei shrieked.

"What's so strange about that? A single bottle of wine here sells for hundreds of US dollars.

"The prices are clearly marked.

"If you can't afford to eat, don't come. Don't embarrass Captain Ma, alright?"

The waiter sneered sarcastically.

"Fine, fine, six dollars it is.

"I'll pay."

Li Guinian paid the money, his heart aching.

After leaving the restaurant, Qiao Sanmei gritted her teeth in hatred:

"That damn Ma Kui.

"A dignified lieutenant colonel, comes out to eat, gives us a pile of tasks, and still makes us pay.

"City people are truly black-hearted and stingy."

"Didn't you just say he was a decent person?" Li Guinian said with a hint of jealousy.

"Decent my foot.

"A wicked wretch.

"Sooner or later, he'll get a bullet."

The next morning at nine o'clock.

Cui Ping packed her bags and walked downstairs, cursing under her breath:

"Every day I feed you, give you drink, and even sacrifice my own clean reputation to serve you.

"And you actually find ways to report me to the organization.

"Isn't it just because you look down on us country folk?

"Isn't your home also in Heigou? You've only been eating city food for a few days, don't get so high and mighty.

"Heartless, wicked.

"A petty person!

"Shameless!"

"Cui Ping, listen to me.

"I wanted you to go back before, but later I... with Shopkeeper Qiu gone and the organization's notice coming down, even if I wanted to keep you, I couldn't.

"You are a Party member; you should know the discipline of the organization."

Whenever Yu Zecheng thought about Cui Ping having to go back to feed pigs for three years, or even having to endure all sorts of open and secret investigations, he couldn't help but feel secretly relieved.

The transit station was already gone.

The organization must have had a contingency plan long ago.

At the very least, before a new liaison station was established, Cui Ping wouldn't truly go back.

Everything was just to counter Ma Kui's malicious schemes.

"Do you even need to say that?

"Back to the mountains it is. With you just collecting money and silver, eating and drinking.

"My own skills are of no use at all.

"I don't even care."

Cui Ping ranted for a while.

When they reached the entrance, two cars were parked there.

One was Hong Zhiyou's.

The other was from the Security Section.

Mei Qiuju stepped out of the car and hugged Cui Ping:

"Silly girl, you've only been here a few days, and you're already going back."

Seeing her look of reluctance, Cui Ping felt a lump in her throat: "Sister Mei, my cousin is getting married, and the rules back home are strict. If I don't go back, people will talk behind my back.

"Old Yu is busy, and Section Chief Lu won't give him leave, so I have to be the one to go."

"Will you come back then?" Mei Qiuju asked.

"No, I won't.

"His parents are getting on in years, and someone needs to look after them.

"The old folks think the city is too noisy and don't want to come, so I have to stay home.

"As for when I'll come back next... who knows when that will be."

As Cui Ping spoke, she turned to look at Yu Zecheng, her heart aching terribly.

She understood the hardships Old Yu faced.

Working in this line of business was far more cruel than real combat.

On the battlefield, if a bullet hits you, you just close your eyes and report to the King of Hell.

In this godforsaken place, once you are suspected.

Countless tortures are enough to destroy anyone's dignity and body.

It is a state where you can neither live nor die.

Unfortunately, she couldn't help him with anything.

The only thing she could boast about—her cooking—was actually a complete disaster.

Thinking of this, Cui Ping couldn't stop her tears from falling.

It was for Yu Zecheng, because it was too bitter and too difficult.

It was also for herself, for failing the organization's trust and not being able to integrate into the work quickly.

What a failure!

"Sigh, we just started getting close, and now we have to part."

Mei Qiuju also began to shed tears:

"Are you pregnant?"

"Not yet.

"My Old Yu isn't very capable anymore. Sister-in-law, keep an eye on him for me. If he dares to find a wild woman outside, slap him hard."

Cui Ping glanced at Yu Zecheng and joked while wiping away her tears.

"Your Zecheng is honest, rest assured."

"By the way, I brought you some things; take them home with you."

"You are a Colonel's wife in the city, after all; you can't lose face."

Mei Qiuju pulled her and laughed.

"Thank you, Sister Mei."

"Why so polite? We are all family."

"Sister-in-law, let's go, I'll take you to the station." Seeing them chatting endlessly, Hong Zhiyou hurriedly interjected.

"You're really stingy."

"There's a car for going to Baoding for meetings."

"Can't you dispatch a private car to take me back to Yixian? I have to squeeze onto a bus."

"I can tell you have no conscience; you've been hoping for me to leave."

Cuiping glared at Yu Zecheng, scolding him with a smile that was both reluctant and resentful.

"Pfft!"

Mei Qiuju laughed out loud: "Little sister, you can't blame Zecheng for this."

"The station has regulations; cars cannot be dispatched unless it's for official business."

"Even when I go to visit relatives or travel far, I have to take the bus or train."

"Fine."

"I'm off, Squinty."

"Sister Mei, Auntie He, Liu Ma."

Cuiping greeted them one by one and dove into the car.

"Hey!"

Yu Zecheng watched the car drive away.

Even though he knew Cuiping would return, he really felt a bit unaccustomed to her leaving.

Hong Zhiyou drove to the bus station.

Cuiping boarded the car arranged by Ma Kui.

"Sister-in-law, have a safe trip." Hong Zhiyou waved goodbye to her.

"Little Hongzi, you must practice hard; don't slack off for a single day, regardless of the winter cold or summer heat."

"I'll test you next time we meet."

"If you don't practice well, just wait to get beaten."

Cuiping grinned wide and waved her fist at him with a laugh.

"Alright, go easy on me when the time comes, Sister-in-law; I'm afraid of pain." Hong Zhiyou teased.

As the car started, the two waved goodbye.

Operations Team office.

Ma Kui stood guard by the telephone.

Ring-ring.

The phone rang.

"This is me."

"They've set off, right? Are you sure they've already boarded?"

"Good!"

Ma Kui hung up the phone, excitedly clapped his hands together, and quickly dialed a number:

"The fish has taken the bait."

"Be ready to board the car on your end at any time."

"Remember, the license plate number is 035A."

(End of chapter)