Chapter 168: Emei Peak, and you're still taking a solo photo?

"Don't talk while lifting the stone lock; it's easy to disrupt your Qi."

"If you injure your Qi, it won't be easy to recover."

Wang Cuiping was pointing this out strictly from the side.

After lifting it a few times, Hong Zhiyou lowered his arms, which were sore and numb: "Can I skip this? It's too hard, and I have no use for this kind of brute strength anyway."

"You think having a gun is enough?"

"In many situations, what do you do if people don't let you carry a gun?"

"You must train your strength."

"Only when your strength is sufficient can you unleash clever force."

"With clever force, a nail, a chopstick, or even a mahjong tile can kill."

As Wang Cuiping spoke, she casually snapped off a tree branch, took a slight breath, and swung it toward the jar used for pickling vegetables nearby.

Crack!

The jar shattered at the sound.

"This hand strength... it's a pity not to work in the interrogation room," Hong Zhiyou thought to himself.

"I'll train," Hong Zhiyou nodded readily.

With this special skill, carrying a few nails on his person later would be much more convenient than carrying a gun.

"I'm telling you two, sometimes it's 'Senior Sister,' sometimes it's 'Sister-in-law,' how exactly are you calling each other?" Yu Zecheng walked out, yawning.

"That's easy to solve."

"If you call her 'Sister-in-law,' the two of you are a family; if you call her 'Senior Sister,' the two of us are a family."

Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"I think the two of you look more like a family," Yu Zecheng laughed.

"Of course."

"Unlike you, cold as ice all day long, without a hint of human warmth."

"Don't pay attention to him, strap on the sandbags and start jumping."

Wang Cuiping gave Yu Zecheng a resentful glare and said crossly.

"Old Yu, can I borrow Sister-in-law to go to the club tonight?" Hong Zhiyou asked, panting after a set of fifty jumps.

"What for?" Yu Zecheng felt a sudden, inexplicable panic.

"What are you thinking?"

Hong Zhiyou curled his lip and brought up the real business:

"The general manager of the Longdong Company in Shanghai and the person in charge of the Hennessy Greater China region are coming to Jinhai. There's a cocktail party tonight, and I'm afraid someone might take the opportunity to cause trouble."

"You know, this land of Jinmen loves to fight and kill."

"In case someone deliberately tries to test me."

"Wouldn't I just be handing them a win?"

"Sister-in-law is a disciple of Master Sun; with her holding the fort, I'll feel at ease."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Won't there be guns involved?" Yu Zecheng was somewhat worried.

Wang Cuiping's martial arts skills had already been acknowledged by the Station Chief, so he wasn't afraid of anything being exposed.

He was purely afraid of his comrade having an accident.

"Guns definitely won't be allowed into that kind of venue," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Then why didn't you ask Zhou Yan?" Yu Zecheng asked cautiously.

"He went to Xiangdao with Long Er, otherwise I wouldn't be asking Sister-in-law to take this risk," Hong Zhiyou said.

He had originally intended to bring Lin Tian.

But that kid's specialty was light-body techniques, and his hand-to-hand combat was a bit lacking.

If a real brawl broke out in the lobby.

Against those experts, he would just be serving himself up on a platter.

Wang Cuiping's martial arts attainments should be very deep.

Hong Zhiyou even felt they were not inferior to Zhou Yan's, and being a woman made her easy to overlook, which often produced unexpected results.

Ma Kui was known as the best fighter in the Jinhai Station.

Didn't she take him down with one kick?

And that was just a skill she used while feeding chickens every day, which had gone rusty.

With the way she was training bitterly every day now, she would definitely send Ma Kui to see the King of Hell with one kick.

"Why so much nonsense? I'm not afraid even if they have guns."

"Junior Brother, with me here, you can rest easy."

"No one will be able to hurt a single hair on your head."

"I was just feeling bored; it's great that there's someone to fight."

Wang Cuiping patted her flat chest and laughed heroically.

"Thank you, Senior Sister."

Hong Zhiyou suddenly felt some appreciation for Wang Cuiping.

Straightforward, upright, and loyal.

Except for having a big mouth, being prone to leaking secrets, having a mediocre figure and appearance, and having terrible cooking skills.

As a woman, she didn't seem to have any other flaws...

Forget it.

"I'm going to wash up, you two chat."

Yu Zecheng knew the importance of Hong Zhiyou to the organization, so he said no more.

"Senior Sister, do you like Old Yu?" Hong Zhiyou looked around and whispered.

"Who likes him?"

"He acts like a big shot all day long, lecturing people with a face as cold as an ice sculpture." Wang Cuiping's pretty face flushed slightly, but she acted indifferent.

"I'm not unaware of the relationship between you two."

"Do you know why those women at the club are so successful at hooking men?"

"A man chasing a woman is separated by a mountain."

"A woman chasing a man is separated by a thin veil."

"You have to use your brain."

Hong Zhiyou only touched on it and didn't go into depth.

Zuo Lan was still alive.

Hong Zhiyou couldn't wish ill on anyone; these things depended on fate.

Wang Cuiping didn't like hearing it either.

"Me, chase him?"

"Who would want to?"

She threw down the stone lock and went into the house.

Morning.

Hong Zhiyou arrived at the Station Chief's office.

Just as he reached the door, Lu Qiaoshan called out to him: "Zhiyou, come in and have a cup of coffee."

"Brother Shan, why are you here so early today?"

"You're looking good."

Hong Zhiyou pointed at him and laughed.

Lu Qiaoshan pulled him inside, poured him a steaming cup of coffee, and smiled gently:

"Ma Kui is definitely done for this time."

"The evidence is ironclad."

"Isn't that worth a drink?"

"You should drink, I'll keep you company; my relationship with Ma Kui wasn't bad either," Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"Forget it."

"The rumors about you and his wife have spread all over the station."

"Touching her backside."

"If Ma Kui is gone, won't his beautiful wife be yours?"

"Last time we ate at the Station Chief's house, the way you looked at her... tsk tsk."

Lu Qiaoshan clicked his tongue.

"Pure rumors, my relationship with his wife is completely innocent; I haven't even touched a single hair of hers," Hong Zhiyou hurriedly denied it flatly.

"Whether you touched her or not, you know in your heart."

Lu Qiaoshan smiled and brought up the real business:

"My brother-in-law came to Jinhai to do a little business."

"It's that Tingyu Pavilion that just opened at the Drum Tower."

"Little brother, you are the assistant in the General Affairs Section of the station; feel free to come over for tea when you're free."

"Rest assured."

"From now on, the station's brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones will be supplied by Listening Rain Pavilion."

"However, you must guarantee the quality."

"The Station Master also uses brushes and ink often, you understand."

Hong Zhiyou understood immediately and readily agreed.

"Rest assured."

"I would never dare to provide fakes; I guarantee they will be top quality," Lu Qiaoshan promised.

"Fine, then it's settled," Hong Zhiyou finalized.

"The Station Master is arriving soon; I must go tidy up."

Hong Zhiyou set down his coffee cup, stood up, and walked out.

"Ah."

"Having a reliable little brother really saves me trouble," Lu Qiaoshan chuckled softly, talking to himself.

Arriving at the Station Master's office.

Hong Zhiyou was meticulously wiping the desk as he did every day.

A moment later, Wu Jingzhong walked in.

Hong Zhiyou stepped forward to take his coat.

"How is Ma Kui?" he asked.

"I just went to the interrogation room."

"Old Wu didn't dare to break him."

"I asked a few questions, but he refused to confess anything, shouting that he wants to see Director Mao."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Fool."

Wu Jingzhong sneered and ordered: "Call Qiaoshan and Yu Zecheng; let's go see how tough his bones really are."

The group arrived at the basement level.

"Qiaoshan, you go and interrogate him."

"You know how to ask, right?" Wu Jingzhong paused and said.

"I know."

"First, to confirm the matter of the Jingling mutiny, and second, to confirm the matter of the Buddha Statue's identity being leaked!" Lu Qiaoshan said efficiently.

"Good!"

"Go."

Wu Jingzhong nodded with satisfaction.

Lu Qiaoshan walked into the interrogation room; Ma Kui was wearing a trench coat and a round hat, his expression still arrogant and unyielding.

Seeing Lu Qiaoshan, a sneer curled at the corner of his mouth, clearly not taking him seriously.

"Ma Kui, you know the rules here better than I do."

"I hope you can cooperate."

Lu Qiaoshan put down the documents in his hand and said expressionlessly.

"Lu Qiaoshan, stop putting on an act here. Interrogate me?"

"I am a Special Commissioner from the Headquarters Inspection Office."

"Even if I am to be interrogated, it can only be by the Headquarters; what are you?"

Ma Kui said with a look of disdain.

"Being stubborn is useless; if you stay stubborn, Old Wu will pull out all your yellow teeth," Lu Qiaoshan said coldly.

"Lu Qiaoshan, isn't it just that you want to be Deputy Station Master?"

"No one is fighting you for it."

"I catch my traitors, you get your promotion."

"We have nothing to do with each other, don't go looking for trouble!"

Ma Kui remained in a haughty and arrogant state.

"The interests of the Party-State are above all else."

"I have no selfish desires."

Lu Qiaoshan smiled faintly.

"Stop giving me that; several times you've held me back, otherwise I would have already caught the traitor," Ma Kui said angrily and coldly.

"Let's talk about the Buddha Statue matter," Lu Qiaoshan asked.

"Buddha Statue?"

"What Buddha Statue? I don't practice Buddhism."

Ma Kui curled his lip and said disdainfully.

He was not stupid.

He was one of the few remaining people who could hide in Yancheng.

The Buddha Statue was such an important figure that even the slightest association would lead to endless trouble.

"Hmm, still good at pretending."

"If you don't want to talk, we'll take it one case at a time."

"How was the personnel planted in the Commercial Bond Association leaked?"

"The final list was given by the Station Master only to you."

"Don't tell me you don't know either."

Lu Qiaoshan smiled and asked unhurriedly.

"Don't ask me, go ask Mu Liancheng!" Ma Kui replied quite irritably.

"Mu Liancheng?"

"Ma Kui, you've made progress in the few days I haven't seen you."

"Before, you liked to pin things on dead people; now you've learned to pin them on missing people?"

"Mu Liancheng fled overseas long ago."

Lu Qiaoshan said with some annoyance.

"Watch your tone."

"We are of the same rank; I am a Special Commissioner from the Headquarters Inspection Office."

"You are not qualified to interrogate me."

"Call the Station Master; I have something to say to him."

Ma Kui tilted his head back, his tone still manic.

"Ma Kui, don't be ignorant of the situation."

"You are a prisoner now; the Station Master can't be bothered with you."

Lu Qiaoshan smiled, picked up a chair, and sat down next to Ma Kui:

"Stop putting on airs."

"Let's get to the point today."

"Tell me, what is your relationship with that Zuo Lan, how did you contact her, and how many times have you met?"

"Zuo Lan?"

"I haven't met her," Ma Kui said.

"Oh."

"Not admitting it."

Lu Qiaoshan sighed with a light smile, stood up, went back to the interrogation table, picked up the photos, and showed them to Ma Kui one by one:

"See clearly?"

"Last time you sent intelligence to Huang Zhong, half your face was captured, and you didn't admit it."

"This time it's crystal clear; you won't say this person is your twin brother, will you?"

Ma Kui's brows furrowed fiercely; knowing he couldn't argue his way out, he said:

"It's me."

"I met her to try and uncover the leak regarding the Commercial Bond Association and Boss Dai's secret mission to Jinmen."

"Didn't you say you hadn't met her?"

"I really want to tear your mouth apart."

Lu Qiaoshan shouted at Ma Kui with a ferocious expression.

"Ma Kui."

"Now, based on Huang Zhong's confession and the evidence found at the scene."

"We have every reason to believe that it was you who sold out the Buddha Statue's intelligence and leaked it to the Red Ticket female representative."

Lu Qiaoshan stood up and stepped back slightly.

"Lu Qiao, don't you go pinning your dirty laundry on me." Ma Kui grew agitated.

"The station knows about Buddha Niche.

"One station chief, one Section Chief Liu.

"Section Chief Liu is already dead; if it isn't you, then who is it?

"Or should I help you recall what you were doing in Secretary Hong's office on the night of the twenty-third last month?"

Lu Qiao sneered.

"I don't know what you're talking about.

"But I do know that some people are meeting privately with Red Ticket representative Deng Ming and colluding with Mu Liancheng.

"Only a very small number of people attended Boss Dai's secret meeting when he came to Jin.

"Less than half a day after the meeting ended, the intelligence was leaked.

"Isn't it clear who attended?

"The Jinhai Station is all in cahoots.

"There are no secrets to speak of at all!"

Ma Kui said with a tense face.

"Some people—who are these people?

"Speak more clearly.

"Why didn't you report such an important matter, apply for an investigation, or share the intelligence?"

Lu Qiao questioned him repeatedly.

"Report?

"I'm worried that if I report it today, someone will silence me tomorrow!" Ma Kui said.

"I want to see Bureau Chief Mao."

Having said this, he shouted out loud.

In the next room, Wu Jingzhong threw down his headphones and laughed:

"Everyone, meeting privately with Deng Ming—this is tracking and investigating me.

"Boss Dai's secret mission—I was one of the few attendees.

"This is also pointing at me."

After finishing, his expression turned cold, his chin lifted slightly, and a thick intent to kill shone through the slits of his eyes:

"What a mad dog, daring to bite even me.

"Zhiyou, go, raid Ma Kui's house!"

"Yes, Station Chief." Hong Zhiyou happily accepted the order.

Hong Zhiyou led the men from the action team and drove straight to Ma Kui's house.

"Adi, it's me, open the door."

Hong Zhiyou knocked on the door.

Zhou Gendi was overjoyed and walked quickly to open the door.

As soon as the door opened.

A crowd of people swarmed in.

"Take it easy, don't mess things up," Hong Zhiyou instructed.

"Secretary Hong, this—what on earth is going on?" Zhou Gendi panicked.

"Old Ma is suspected of communicating with the Reds.

"The station chief ordered a house raid," Hong Zhiyou said softly.

"A house raid?

"Old Ma has already taken all the living expenses from my house, what is there to raid?" Tears of fear welled up in Zhou Gendi's eyes.

"Let them raid it.

"After they're done, I'll take you to live in a big villa.

"Wanqiu's place is the most luxurious residence in Jinhai; it's lonely living there alone, so it's perfect for you to go over and keep her company.

"It will also be convenient for some things later."

Hong Zhiyou said softly, while stroking her shapely buttocks.

"Then, then what about my Old Ma?" Zhou Gendi was both happy and worried.

"I only found out yesterday.

"When Old Ma was in Jingling, he had someone crush his manhood.

"Furthermore, he told me that he would rather have you live as a widow for the rest of your life than let you have a moment of pleasure.

"He is not a man; he is a devil.

"Forget him."

Hong Zhiyou sighed lightly and said.

"No wonder he wouldn't touch me.

"But Old Ma..."

Zhou Gendi stopped mid-sentence.

"Little slut, don't pretend to be sentimental with me.

"I like you.

"You don't need to act like you're a person who values loyalty.

"Living is already tiring enough; pretending is just too much trouble.

"Some people can talk about loyalty, but for others, there's no need.

"Other than having the title of husband and wife, your relationship with Ma Kui has long been dead in all but name.

"He was just a coffin imprisoning you.

"Now the coffin is shattered, and you are completely free."

Hong Zhiyou reached out, wrapped his arm around her slender waist, and whispered in her ear.

"Mm."

Zhou Gendi nodded obediently.

What woman isn't mercenary, doesn't love wealth, and doesn't like men?

Coming to Jinhai with Ma Kui, she lived a life worse than death every day.

Now that she had a chance to live a second life.

And to be with Hong Zhiyou, she had no reason not to be happy.

"Ma Kui's things are all under the bed."

She took the initiative to help search for Ma Kui's letters.

"What about the paintings?" Hong Zhiyou looked around and asked.

"Paintings?

"Oh, I put them away."

Zhou Gendi searched for a while longer and found a pile of scrolls.

Hong Zhiyou opened them one by one to take a look.

One of them was exactly: "The snowy mountain is cold through the ages, shining alone on Emei Peak!"

This was the final straw that would crush Ma Kui.

"I'm leaving first.

"After a while, pack up and go directly to the Mu residence to find Wanqiu.

"I already called her last night.

"She will get you settled."

Hong Zhiyou gave a final instruction, waved his hand, and led the people away.

Returning to the station chief's office.

Wu Jingzhong was looking through the evidence Lu Qiao had gathered at the Delong Inn.

"This is all intelligence regarding the Jinhai Port and the Northeast Theater's coordinated combat preparations.

"I wasn't even aware of much of this.

"Ma Kui was actually transmitting intelligence to the Red Ticket right under our noses."

"Station Chief, there is a problem with this blank sheet of letter paper."

Yu Zecheng, who was holding an alcohol lamp to the paper on the side, suddenly said.

The group gathered around to look, and a line of faint handwriting appeared on it.

"Emei Peak.

"Your intelligence is extremely important; Buddha Niche has been caught; in exchange for our two comrades Huang and Jiang, you are hereby commended.

"Your mother at home is doing well, do not worry.

"Pebble."

"Station Chief, Pebble and Old Kite have always been very active in Jinhai. Huang Zhong and his wife are Old Kites; it seems this Pebble is very likely Ma Kui's contact."

"No wonder we could never catch anyone."

"To think they were hiding right beside us; it's dark right under the lamp."

Lu Qiaoshan leaned over to look and was struck with astonishment.

"Indeed."

"I blame myself for failing to judge people correctly!" Wu Jingzhong sighed with his hands behind his back.

He marveled at how these people setting the trap had done so with such ingenious craftsmanship.

These Red Agents are truly not simple!

No, it is hair-raising.

"Station Chief, this was found in Ma Kui's home." Hong Zhiyou walked in carrying some documents and scrolls.

"There were many things unfavorable to you, so I have already pulled them out and handed them to your wife."

Hong Zhiyou stepped closer and whispered in his ear.

Wu Jingzhong nodded.

Lu Qiaoshan opened the first scroll and read it aloud with a smile: "'The snow-capped mountains are cold for eternity, shining alone on Emei Peak!' It has quite a romantic temperament!"

"Station Chief."

"This is very obvious now."

Lu Qiaoshan handed it directly to Wu Jingzhong.

Wu Jingzhong took one look and sneered: "Emei Peak, and 'shining alone' at that, damn it."

"Let's go."

"To the interrogation room; I want to see how else he intends to 'shine'!"

The group followed him to the interrogation room.

Once seated.

Wu Jingzhong stared at Ma Kui and said: "Ma Kui, was it you who leaked the intelligence about the Shangquan Society?"

"It wasn't me, it was Mu Liancheng."

"He and Deng Ming are college classmates; the two of them had tea at the Donghai Teahouse," Ma Kui said.

"How did that dog traitor Mu Liancheng know about it?" Wu Jingzhong asked again.

"You'll have to ask certain people that," Ma Kui said, looking at him with cold eyes.

"You're trying to say it was me, aren't you?" Wu Jingzhong said, annoyed.

"Only the two of us knew the final personnel list. If it wasn't me, then it must be you," Ma Kui said.

"Not you?"

"You've cleared yourself quite cleanly."

"Ma Kui, setting aside Huang Zhong's testimony for now, let's talk about how you used the Delong Inn to transport intelligence for your comrades right under our noses."

Wu Jingzhong said coldly.

"I did not transport intelligence."

"I went to retrieve intelligence," Ma Kui said.

"Retrieve intelligence."

"That's right, you finally admitted it. To retrieve your commendation letter, right?"

"Bring it to him to see."

Wu Jingzhong waved his hand.

Lu Qiaoshan stepped forward and displayed the top-secret intelligence regarding the coordination between Jinhai Port and the Northeast Theater of Operations to Ma Kui one by one.

"That box was used for you to exchange intelligence, wasn't it?"

"Ever since the fur merchant and the Third Young Master were arrested, you have been responsible for controlling the Delong Inn."

"Who would have thought that this seemingly Juntong Bureau stronghold was actually an intelligence trading post?"

"Ma Kui, your strategy of 'openly repairing the plank road while secretly crossing the Chencang' is truly brilliant."

Lu Qiaoshan laughed.

"No, it's not like that."

"I went to retrieve intelligence regarding the leak of Boss Dai's trip to Jinhai."

"Someone is framing me."

Ma Kui shouted in a panic.

"Framing you?"

"Under everyone's watchful eyes, the inn was full of your people; who framed you?"

"Not going to admit it, are you?"

"Take a look at this."

Lu Qiaoshan brought an alcohol lamp, placed it in front of Ma Kui, and began to heat a piece of blank letter paper.

When the handwriting appeared, he handed it to Ma Kui to see.

"Emei Peak."

"Your intelligence is very important. Buddha Niche has been caught. In exchange for the two comrades Huang and Jiang, you are hereby commended."

"Your mother at home is doing well, do not worry."

"Pebble."

"Emei Peak, how intimate."

"Buddha Niche has been caught."

"See clearly now? British developing fluid; you all play quite a sophisticated game," Lu Qiaoshan sneered.

"Station Chief."

"This is a trap; that female Red Agent is deliberately framing me."

Ma Kui realized it in an instant.

This was not intelligence leaked by Wu Jingzhong at all.

From being photographed by Lu Qiaoshan when they met, to being caught in the act, this was a massive net cast specifically for him.

"The evidence is ironclad, yet you still dare to quibble!"

"Buddha Niche was a sharp sword for Jiang Jianfeng and Boss Dai, and it was destroyed by the hands of a despicable villain like you."

"Ma Kui, oh Ma Kui, even dying a hundred times would not be enough to atone for your crimes!"

Wu Jingzhong pointed at him and scolded him with immense heartache.

"I know that saying anything is useless now."

"Fine, as you wish."

"Say whatever you want. According to procedure, you have no right to interrogate me. Send me to the Headquarters Inspection Office to see Director Mao."

Ma Kui also understood that they all wanted him dead, so he simply laid his cards on the table.

"Seeing Director Mao is fine."

"The prerequisite is that you must be a member of the Juntong Bureau."

"Let's first talk about how you betrayed and massacred your own Juntong Bureau undercover comrades at the Political Security Bureau."

Wu Jingzhong sneered and played his trump card.

"You!"

Ma Kui's eyes widened, and his complexion instantly turned lifeless.

The betrayal at the Political Security Bureau had always been the scar and shackle in his heart.

Now that it was suddenly ripped open, Ma Kui was struck with unbearable pain.

He knew he was finished!

Reporting to all respected directors, today's two updates totaling eleven thousand words have been delivered, good night.

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(End of this chapter)