Chapter 152: Exchanging the Buddhist Shrine

Shangquan Society Military Mediation Office.

General Deng Ming sat by a stone table, brewing a pot of fine tea.

A moment later, Zuo Lan walked out of the room with quick steps and greeted him with a smile: "Director."

"You just rushed back from Beiping in the middle of the night, why not sleep a little longer?" Deng Ming smiled kindly and poured her some tea.

"Director, I couldn't sleep.

"The moment I thought about the secret agent lurking in Yan'an being dug out, and that we now have the leverage to rescue comrades Jiang Aimei and Huang Zhong, I felt excited inside.

"He... at least didn't work in vain."

At the mention of Yu Zecheng, Zuo Lan's pretty face flushed red.

"Indeed.

"Lovers who are also comrades, with a shared Dao and a common cause—there is no love more perfect than this in the world."

Deng Ming nodded gently with a smile and brought up the main topic:

"Regarding the plan to rescue comrade Jiang Aimei, I have already sent a telegram to headquarters.

"Headquarters has approved it."

"That's wonderful." Zuo Lan was overjoyed, but a trace of worry soon surfaced:

"Director, the truck parked in the back is a monitoring vehicle, newly imported from Germany; it can intercept our telegrams.

"Moreover, the traffic stations and local committees in both Ping and Jin have been raided many times.

"Will sending the telegram lead to a leak?"

Deng Ming smiled and did not answer.

Some secrets were not things Zuo Lan could be exposed to.

Yu Zecheng's identity was very sensitive.

He had not been nurtured in the organization's faith in an orthodox way.

When he first joined the organization, a large part of the reason was for Zuo Lan.

Now, the environment, the situation, and Yu Zecheng's status had all changed.

For Zuo Lan to deal with Yu Zecheng carried significant risks in itself.

Just as Wu Jingzhong would suspect Yu Zecheng, the organization, which was even more professional and rigorous in rooting out moles, naturally had certain precautions against Zuo Lan.

This had nothing to do with trust; it was an effective experience and method the organization had derived from bloody storms.

The situation in Ping and Jin had long been guessed by Mr. Wu and Ke Gong.

Their strategy was to use the enemy's own strength against them, thereby deliberately confusing the enemy.

The Ping-Jin traffic station and local committee were one set of codebooks.

Key figures like Deng Ming had another set of contact codes with headquarters.

Every time, they would send one copy openly and one copy secretly.

Often, this would have miraculous effects at critical moments.

"Director.

"Yu is in a very difficult situation right now; Ma Kui has been keeping a close eye on him.

"I have discussed it with him; perhaps we can use this plan to get rid of Ma Kui.

"However, this might require your cooperation."

Zuo Lan knew the organization had discipline, so she shifted to another matter.

"Tell me about it," Deng Ming said.

Zuo Lan explained the plan to Deng Ming in detail.

Deng Ming knitted his brows in thought for a moment, then stood up and paced with his hands behind his back:

"Protecting comrades has always been our Party's top priority.

"Jinhai is Old Jiang's life-supply line in the north.

"Intelligence here is of vital importance.

"Last time, Yu's information regarding Dai Li's secret mission to Jin played a major role for our troops in the Siping direction of the Northeast.

"Ke Gong values him highly now.

"It's just that your plan carries great risk, especially for you; are you sure you want to do this?"

Deng Ming was still very concerned about this beloved subordinate.

"I am sure!

"He has already gained Wu Jingzhong's trust.

"Protecting him is a mission in itself.

"As for missions, how could one shrink back out of fear of difficulty or danger?"

Zuo Lan's gaze was incomparably firm.

"Good.

"Approved.

"Go and execute it." Seeing her mind was made up, Deng Ming nodded and said in a resonant voice.

"Yes, Director."

Zuo Lan did not care about her fatigue; she called for the driver, Little Liu, and headed straight for the Jinhai Station.

Jinhai Station.

Wu Jingzhong sat in his office listening to the radio.

Seeing Hong Zhiyou walk in, he hurriedly turned it off, stood up, and beckoned:

"Come, come.

"Zhiyou, is there any lead?"

"Teacher, there is a big job, but it's not easy to take," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Tell me about it. I want to see what kind of matter in Jinhai I can't handle."

After returning from Jingling, without Boss Dai's constraints, Old Wu was now bursting with confidence.

"Teacher, you know Pu Jie, right?" Hong Zhiyou said.

"I know, Pu Yi's younger brother, a running dog of the puppet Manchukuo.

"Back in the day, I even sent people to assassinate him, but unfortunately, I fired several shots and missed; he was lucky.

"Wasn't this Prince captured by the Soviets?

"You don't want me to run to the Soviet Union to ask for someone, do you? That won't work; the Soviets are more stubborn and harder to deal with than the Americans.

"Let alone me, even if my old classmate stepped in, it might not be effective."

Upon hearing this, Wu Jingzhong frowned and waved his hand.

"Teacher, I know.

"I told Mrs. Kang that saving Pu Jie from the hands of the Soviets is impossible even if you offer a mountain of gold.

"Pu Jie's adjutant indicated that if they can't save his master, saving Pu Jie's Japanese wife and two children would also suffice.

"These three are currently still being held in Shenyang.

"Do you think you could find someone over there to smooth things over?

"After all, during the Japanese occupation, you were the Juntong Northeast District Chief and North Manchuria Station Chief.

"Speaking of which, Station Chief Wen Qiang still has to call you a senior."

Hong Zhiyou advised with a smile.

"What he says doesn't matter; the King of the Northeast is now Xiong Shihui, and he is the one responsible for receiving the Northeast and negotiating with the Soviets.

"Officer Xiong has always been at odds with Dai Li.

"He is very repulsed by our Juntong.

"Asking him for people is likely difficult."

Wu Jingzhong shook his head and sighed softly.

"Teacher, why is Officer Xiong dissatisfied with Juntong?

"In the final analysis, it is because of Jianfeng.

"Think about it, from welcoming Jianfeng back in '37, and then to Wannan, whatever the Generalissimo found inconvenient to do, he did it all for Jianfeng.

"He can be called a true follower of the dragon, a die-hard member of the Crown Prince party.

"And you?

"You are one of Jianfeng's most trusted old classmates.

"Now that Boss Dai has passed away, and you are the important anti-corruption official appointed by Jianfeng in Jinhai, a pillar of the military, can Officer Xiong not distinguish between the two?"

Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"How could I not understand what you're saying?

"I can put aside my pride, but the key is whether it's worth it."

Wu Jingzhong patted the back of his hand, raised his eyebrows, and smiled.

"Teacher.

"Pu Jie has a small house in Beiping, hidden in a small alley, very inconspicuous.

"According to Fang Min, it is filled with treasures brought out from the imperial palace."

"Think about it, that is Puyi's younger brother, the biological son of Zaifeng.

"Could their family possibly be short on good things?

"If Master can acquire them, who knows, you might be able to open a museum in Jinmen."

Hong Zhiyou said vividly.

Wu Jingzhong's eyelids snapped open, and his eyes began to shine brightly.

He could not sit still.

He stood up and paced back and forth, beginning to find reasons to convince himself:

"Zhiyou, what you say makes sense.

"The Manchu imperial family sucked the blood of our ancestors.

"These Eight Banners descendants, smoking opium and selling out the country, squandering the people's hard-earned money—how many treasures were either taken into the grave by them or snatched away by the foreign devils.

"In my view, if you don't unearth this batch of treasures.

"Who knows, they might end up in the pockets of the Soviets.

"No, no.

"With national treasures flowing abroad, you and I would be sinners against the Party-State and the nation, and that would invite retribution."

As he spoke, his expression turned stern and he pointed at Hong Zhiyou:

"Zhiyou, we cannot be those sinners; we must acquire them!

"We must provide an account to the people and the future of the nation."

Well, it had even escalated to the level of the nation.

Hong Zhiyou nodded repeatedly, moved: "Master is right.

"This is no longer a matter of your personal gain or loss, but a major affair concerning national dignity.

"You wouldn't want to see Ruirui's children having to run to the British Museum or Moscow in the future just to see a treasure, would you?"

Speaking of this, he urged with a look of deep distress:

"Master, you must take action!"

"Take action!

"Must take action!"

Wu Jingzhong proudly lifted his chin.

"Xiong Shihui is a military man; although he is well-versed in worldly wisdom, on the surface, I must give him a justifiable reason.

"Otherwise, once someone asks, neither he nor I will be able to explain it."

He paused and looked at Hong Zhiyou.

"Master, there is a ready-made reason.

"In the good neighborhoods of the Five Avenues, there are many Manchu loyalists who fled back from the puppet Manchukuo; pick one out, as these people are more or less connected to the Japanese devils.

"Grab any one of them and say there is a lack of evidence of their crimes.

"Pujie held a key position in puppet Manchukuo, so just say he needs to come to Jinmen to testify.

"The Soviets certainly won't release him.

"You can just say it's fine to have Pujie's wife and children come to testify instead.

"His wife served as his secretary for a period of time before.

"In this way, it will be justifiable to Officer Xiong.

"As for after she arrives in Jinmen, you can just find a reason to release her then.

"She is not Yoshiko Kawashima, and with two kids in tow, no one will pay her any mind."

Hong Zhiyou stated considerately.

"Hmm, this reason is not bad."

Wu Jingzhong looked at him, a faint hint of appreciation hanging on the corners of his mouth.

He felt more and more that this child was a replica of himself when he was young.

Back then, when he worked for Zheng Jiemin, he was just as meticulous.

Old Zheng was only responsible for showing his face and using his influence.

As for the internal matters, he would arrange everything perfectly; Old Zheng still misses that period of cooperation at the Intelligence Office, even now that he is going to Jingling.

"Have you picked the person?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

"Picked, his name is Zhang Cuiting.

"This person claims to be Aisin Gioro, of the Plain Yellow Banner lineage, and is usually extravagant and ostentatious.

"It is said he often wears dragon robes at home, and just the maids serving him number over a dozen.

"Previously, when the Generalissimo attacked Yan Xishan and was recruiting the Northeast Army, in order to win over hearts, he treated the loyalists led by Zhang Cuiting quite kindly.

"Plus, this person's calligraphy and eloquence are extremely remarkable, so he is considered somewhat famous in Jinmen.

"He has good personal relations with Zhang Tinge, Du Jianshi, and some people in the literary and art circles."

Hong Zhiyou said.

Upon hearing this, Wu Jingzhong frowned: "Why pick such a tough nut to crack?"

"Master, we must pick a tough nut.

"Nowadays, prices rise by the day; Kong Xiangxi's Yangtze and Yangzi companies, along with those powerful clans, are all crazily sucking the blood of the Party-State and the common people.

"Jiang Jianfeng wants to target not just the upper echelons of the municipal government and military, but the business world as well.

"If you go after some small fry with no real impact, won't that chill his heart?

"After all, he is pinning all his hopes on you to fire the first shot in Jinmen."

Hong Zhiyou said with a smile, while peeling fruit for Wu Jingzhong.

Wu Jingzhong took the apple, took a bite, and raised his eyebrows slightly to signal him to continue.

"This Zhang Cuiting reaches up to Zhang Tinge, and at most, has some exchanges with Mr. Yanjie because of his calligraphy.

"He is also a 'pigtail' loyalist who sings a different tune than the Three Principles of the People.

"A group of people whose deaths would be no loss!

"Moving against him is just right.

"And I have investigated; he and Zhao Chuncheng, the assistant manager of the Longyang Company's Jinmen branch, are uncle and nephew.

"Master, you and Mrs. Ji are also in the liquor business.

"Nowadays, for the distillery in Yuezhou, Ruirui has found someone specifically to manage it, and people who earn dividends expect performance.

"We use train cars to ship liquor to Jinmen.

"With the Longyang Company blocking us, there will be a bottleneck if we want our liquor to move up.

"The key is that this company's headquarters is in Shanghu, monopolizing the military and political upper crust.

"Jiang Jianfeng will definitely take action against the Longyang Company when the time comes.

"If you take the knife to them here in Jinmen, doesn't that just happen to suit his wishes?

"And as for the Longyang Company, they will only think you are acting under Jiang Jianfeng's secret orders; even if they have complaints, they won't dare to act out.

"This is a good deed that kills three birds with one stone."

Hong Zhiyou analyzed bit by bit.

Wu Jingzhong felt it was somewhat risky, but upon thinking of the room full of treasures, he gritted his teeth and said:

"Good, then do as you say.

"First, go and turn over Zhang Cuiting's background, get solid evidence, and arrest him directly.

"Then take down the Longyang branch company and support Renji back up."

"Very well, Master." Hong Zhiyou happily accepted the order.

"By the way, this is the anti-corruption list submitted by Zecheng.

"Take a look."

Wu Jingzhong pointed to the list on the coffee table.

"Very good; right now the people's livelihood is too bitter, and Master stepping out to investigate this group can be considered establishing a mandate for the people," Hong Zhiyou said.

"This Wu Taixun, this is your idea, right?" Wu Jingzhong smiled and asked.

"Nothing can be hidden from Master.

"The Wu family master and servant have repeatedly insulted me; it would be a lie to say I don't want revenge.

"Furthermore, Boss Dai is dead.

"Jiang Jianfeng and Zheng Jiemin need to take action against his confidants; Wu Taixun is Dai Li's sworn brother, so taking action against him fits the higher-ups' intentions perfectly.

"Also, Prince Wu has money.

"He has shares in a flour mill; it's just right to use this matter to eliminate a pest for the people.

"When the time comes, we'll use some methods, and he'll have to obediently spit it all out."

Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"Hmm, for a villain like this who is an enemy of the people, we must punish him severely.

"So, shall I approve it?"

Wu Jingzhong raised his eyebrows and asked Hong Zhiyou with a smile.

"Many thanks, Master." Hong Zhiyou hurriedly handed over a fountain pen with a beaming face.

"There is a saying that to beat... the son-in-law, one must also look at the father-in-law; it is time to give these fellows a little color."

"Make the call!"

After signing the documents, Wu Jingzhong swung his hand casually and walked over to the telephone, dialing the number for the Northeast Headquarters:

"Hello, Officer Xiong, it's Jingzhong."

"Ginseng? No need, no need."

"You are a busy man, so don't trouble yourself with such things."

"Alright, then thank you, brother."

"It's like this, there is a matter I would like to request your approval for..."

Wu Jingzhong said with a beaming smile, explaining the matter of requesting the person.

"Yes, yes."

"It's just a Japanese woman, bringing two children; keeping them locked up in the Northeast is just a waste of food."

"Aren't Puyi and that group of loyalists causing a stir?"

"Then let this sister-in-law of his come to Jinhai, let her perform some meritorious service; she's an orphan and a widow, I'll find a reason to release her."

"Good, good."

"Understood, Officer Xiong, you can rest assured."

"Alright, goodbye!"

Hanging up the phone, Wu Jingzhong smiled knowingly:

"You guessed right; with Dai Li dead, Xiong Shihui's attitude toward me is still quite good."

"He even said he wanted to send me some Changbai Mountain ginseng."

"I've already secured the person; in two days, you go to the Jinhai Station to pick her up."

"Be sure to be discreet."

"Also, after picking her up, go directly to Beiping to verify the items in that residence."

"If they are suitable, bring them back directly, let Lin Chaofeng verify the goods, and once Zhang Cuiting is taken down, release the person."

"If they aren't suitable, pack the two women back up and send them to Xiong Shihui."

"To save from owing him a favor."

Wu Jingzhong emphasized the instructions.

"Rest assured, Teacher, I know what to do!" Hong Zhiyou nodded and said.

Just as they were speaking, Yu Zecheng walked in with a smile:

"Teacher, Zhiyou, you two are chatting."

"I was just about to tell you, I have approved this proposal." Wu Jingzhong smiled.

"Just take these Wang De and Kou Zhengguo, use them to make the first move, capture them and interrogate them."

"Handle your side of the matter after the person arrives; take it one step at a time."

Wu Jingzhong said to Hong Zhiyou again.

"Understood, I will follow Teacher's arrangements." Hong Zhiyou nodded.

Just as they were speaking, they saw Xiao Guohua walk in quickly, glancing at Hong and Yu.

"There are no outsiders here, speak directly." Wu Jingzhong said.

"The female representative from the Red Ticket Military Mediation, Zuo Lan, wants to see you." Xiao Guohua said.

"Who?" Wu Jingzhong was very surprised.

"Zuo Lan, she said she has an important matter to report and discuss with you." Xiao Guohua said.

"Discuss?"

"I am at irreconcilable odds with them, what is there to discuss?"

"Send her away."

Wu Jingzhong scolded coldly.

"She said something about fasting and praying..." Xiao Guohua was completely confused.

Wu Jingzhong's expression changed slightly.

Hong Zhiyou and Yu Zecheng looked at each other, appearing completely unable to understand.

"Those who come are guests."

"Zecheng, didn't you have a past with her?"

"Since she has come to the door, go and see her."

"Bring her to the conference room."

Wu Jingzhong glanced at Yu Zecheng and ordered.

Yu Zecheng walked quickly to the door.

"Representative Zuo, please come to the conference room."

Seeing Zuo Lan, the two exchanged a look of mutual understanding, and Yu Zecheng led her inside.

They arrived at the Station Chief's office.

Wu Jingzhong sat high at the head of the table.

"Station Chief, I, I will step out first." Yu Zecheng said.

"No need, listen in together." Wu Jingzhong said solemnly.

"Station Chief Wu, hello." Zuo Lan stepped forward and said.

"Ms. Zuo, please sit."

"If you have something to say, speak directly." Wu Jingzhong said.

"Let's talk about Buddha Niche." Zuo Lan sat down and said with a calm smile.

"Buddha Niche?"

"I don't know anything about fasting and praying." Wu Jingzhong sneered.

"Then let's talk about Feng Jian."

"Feng Jian, originally named Li Ya, was a student in the first class of the Qingpu Special Training Class, studied under you and Yu Lexing, and once participated in the Jinshanwei battle."

"Later, he was secretly sent from Jinhai to Yancheng, where he taught at the Border Region's Second Nursery School."

"I think Station Chief Wu should know this."

Zuo Lan smiled.

"Li Ya, I see." Wu Jingzhong realized.

Immediately, his expression darkened: "What do you want?"

"We want to exchange Li Ya for comrades Jiang Aimei and Huang Zhong; for specific details, Director Deng Ming would like to meet you at the Donghai Tea House." Zuo Lan said.

"Donghai Tea House?" Wu Jingzhong narrowed his eyes, his murderous intent chilling.

"Yes."

"Buddha Niche is an important secret operative for you and the Juntong Bureau."

"You wouldn't want this to become known throughout the city, would you?"

Zuo Lan was not intimidated in the slightest, her smile remaining serene.

"The tea at Donghai Tea House is quite good."

"Since Director Deng is doing me the honor, very well, let's have a taste together."

"When?"

Wu Jingzhong sneered and agreed.

"There is no time like the present, let's go now." Zuo Lan said.

"Then I won't disturb Station Chief Wu any further."

"Goodbye."

Zuo Lan stood up, bowed, and walked out the door.

With a look from Wu Jingzhong, Yu Zecheng hurriedly followed her out.

"Zhiyou, go and call Section Chief Lu over." Wu Jingzhong ordered.

"Teacher, is it appropriate to let Section Chief Lu know about this?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"It is appropriate."

"The secret is already out; it cannot be hidden."

"Letting him know means that later, when Zheng Jiemin comes up, we will be one family, which will save him from feeling slighted."

"Besides, he and Station Chief Hou in Xi'an have worked together before."

"In the event that a personnel exchange is needed, it will be more convenient for him to deal with that side than for you and Zecheng."

Wu Jingzhong said with seasoned wisdom.

"Understood."

"I'll go right now."

Hong Zhiyou walked quickly to the Intelligence Section.

Lu Qiaoshan was talking with Sheng Xiang.

Seeing Hong Zhiyou, he waved his hand and ordered: "Sheng Xiang, you go and get busy first."

"Alright, Section Chief Lu."

Sheng Xiang smiled and nodded at Hong Zhiyou, then retreated.

"Zhiyou, is there something?" Lu Qiao asked with a smile as he closed his file.

"The Station Chief has important matters to discuss with you.

"Brother Shan, the Station Chief thinks very highly of you now.

"Once Director Zheng takes office, I see the Deputy Station Chief position as yours for the taking."

Hong Zhiyou whispered to him as they walked.

"We'll see, we'll see," Lu Qiao laughed brightly.

Upon reaching the Station Chief's office, Wu Jingzhong brought up the matter of the Buddha niche.

"Oh, no!"

Lu Qiao was so frustrated he kept clapping his fist into his palm.

"Station Chief, planting a nail in Yancheng right now is harder than plucking stars from the sky. What a pity, how could they have been exposed?" he asked with a frown.

"I am also quite puzzled.

"Handling intelligence and surveillance is your specialty, so I will leave this matter to you."

Wu Jingzhong sighed and said.

"Rest assured, I will definitely ferret this person out," Lu Qiao said with a cold, sharp gaze.

"I must go negotiate the exchange now.

"The sooner we reach an agreement, the less suffering the Buddha niche will have to endure."

Wu Jingzhong sighed, clasped his hands behind his back, and walked out.

Operations Section office.

Ma Kui stood by the window, watching the cars of Zuo Lan and the Station Chief leave one after the other, his brow furrowing involuntarily:

"Strange.

"Why has this Red female representative come to the station?"

He quickly shouted outside: "Go to the Second Section and call Sun Xing here."

Soon, Sun Xing walked in: "Captain Ma, you were looking for me."

"Go and follow the Station Chief's car.

"Remember, do not drive a station vehicle; go to Cat Ear Alley.

"There is a car parked in that place.

"Here are the keys."

Ma Kui took a set of car keys and handed them to Sun Xing.

Once Sun Xing took the keys and left the station, he called Hong Zhiyou:

"Secretary Hong, Ma Kui told me to tail and monitor the Station Chief.

"Should I go or not?

"Alright, I understand."

After hanging up, Sun Xing went to Cat Ear Alley, drove out, and followed along the route.

Returning to the station.

Sun Xing reported immediately:

"Captain Ma, there is news.

"The Station Chief went to the East Sea Tea Garden to have tea with Military Mediation Director Deng Ming."

"Are you sure?" Ma Kui asked with a frown.

"Sure.

"I saw them leave the tea garden one after the other with my own eyes," Sun Xing said.

"I see.

"You may leave!"

Ma Kui waved his hand.

Then, he pulled open a drawer and took out a file.

It was Li Ping's previous investigation regarding Wu Jingzhong.

Wu Jingzhong had close dealings with Mu Liancheng.

And Mu Liancheng was a college classmate of Deng Ming.

The leak of the commercial bond club list was highly likely the work of Wu Jingzhong.

Even more bizarre was that he had clearly already destroyed the communication stations of Qiu Ji and Huang Zhong.

Top-secret intelligence from just after Boss Dai finished a meeting.

Was leaked by someone the very next day.

Coincidentally, Wu Jingzhong was one of the attendees.

It was highly probable that the old thief had leaked the intelligence as well.

It was a pity that Li Ping had gone missing after tailing Wu Jingzhong; he had lost a great helper and confidant!

"Sun Xing, find a way to find out exactly what Wu Jingzhong and Deng Ming discussed.

"Aren't you familiar with Sheng Xiang?

"See if you can pry any information out of him."

Regaining his focus, Ma Kui instructed.

"Understood, Captain Ma." Sun Xing gladly accepted the order.

Two days later.

Wu Jingzhong and Deng Ming finally finalized the preliminary plan for the personnel exchange.

They were just waiting to submit it to their superiors for approval.

"Captain Ma, there is news." Sun Xing walked in hurriedly.

"Speak quickly," Ma Kui asked with great delight.

"Sheng Xiang pried some information from Lu Qiao, saying that an important mole planted by headquarters in Yancheng had been exposed and captured.

"It is said they were secretly dispatched from Jinhai.

"What a pity, to have been lurking in Yancheng for so long, only to be exposed."

Sun Xing sighed and said.

"Secretly dispatched from Jinhai.

"Hmph!

"Anything that passes through the Jinhai Station has no secrets to speak of.

"This station, from top to bottom, inside and out, has long since rotted through, becoming a tool for certain people to scrape together wealth.

"Never mind a secret dispatch.

"I even suspect that the matter regarding Boss Dai is related to certain people as well."

Ma Kui said with a cold laugh.

"Captain Ma, you mustn't speak so recklessly," Sun Xing said hurriedly in a low voice.

"What is there to fear?

Ma Kui looked at him with cold eyes and said: "They are allowed to say I am Mount Emei, but I can't say a few words about them?"

"Yes, yes.

"As you wish."

Sun Xing hurriedly nodded with a forced smile.

He sighed inwardly; Ma Kui was so reckless he was likely not far from death.

He even dared to speak wildly about the matter of Dai Li.

That was a matter that even Mao Renfeng, Zheng Jiemin, and Li Zongren avoided at all costs.

"Captain Ma."

Just as they were chatting, Mi Zhiguo walked in, flustered and hesitant to speak.

"Sun Xing, you go down first," Ma Kui said.

"What are you panicking about? Did you see a ghost?" After Sun Xing left, he asked with annoyance.

"That female representative from the Eighth Route Army wants to see you.

"She said she has important matters to discuss with you."

Mi Zhiguo reported.

"Important matters?

"What important matters could she possibly have with me?" Ma Kui was puzzled.

"She said you would know once you went.

"She guarantees you won't be disappointed."

Mi Zhiguo said.

"When?"

Ma Kui felt this might be a trap.

But he had already been labeled as "Emei Peak" by Yu Zecheng and Wu Jingzhong, so it wouldn't matter if he were saddled with a little more.

If he could truly dig up explosive information from Zuo Lan.

Perhaps that would be the opportunity to topple Wu Jingzhong and Yu Zecheng.

He must go!

(End of chapter)