Chapter 174: Promotion by Three Ranks, Major Hong!

Hong Zhiyou hid at the mouth of the alley, a gun in his hand.

He couldn't stop thinking about Zhou Yan's invincible axe.

He didn't even dare to show his head, terrified of being taken out in a split second by the assassin.

He could only huddle in the corner and listen for movement.

A moment later, he heard the thunderous boom of a grenade.

"A martial artist, actually resorting to such low-down tactics," the assassin roared.

Bang! Bang!

Another series of grenade blasts followed.

The massive explosions quickly drew the patrolling police.

Toot! Toot!

The sound of whistles pierced the night sky.

Soon, he saw Wang Cuiping walk out, her face pale.

"Sister-in-law, are you hurt?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Yes."

"He was Ke Chengwu, the junior martial brother of the Martial Champion."

"I took a punch from him."

"But, I threw three grenades, so I finally blew him to death."

Wang Cuiping smiled with a grimace.

"I'll take you to the hospital," Hong Zhiyou said.

"It's useless."

"Those male doctors just grope around. I heard from Old Yu that Senior Du Xinwu gave you Thousand-Hammer Ointment and Thousand-Hammer Pills; do you have any left?"

Wang Cuiping asked in a weak voice.

"I do."

"Get in the car first, I'll have a word with the police."

Hong Zhiyou nodded and said.

"Who goes there?"

Several police officers walked over.

"Inspector Li, it's me," Hong Zhiyou shouted.

After Huang Zhong left, the successor inspector was Li Dong, who was not an outsider.

"Secretary Hong?"

"You are here..." Li Dong hurriedly stepped forward to offer a cigarette, nodding and bowing as he asked.

"I just encountered an assassin."

"The person has been taken down by me. You take the body back first and place it in the hospital morgue."

"I will handle it tomorrow."

Hong Zhiyou instructed.

"Yes!" Li Zhong saluted and said.

Hong Zhiyou got into the car and rushed home at top speed.

As soon as Wang Cuiping entered the room, her chest injury caused a blockage of Qi, and feeling stifled, she opened her mouth and spat out a mouthful of blood.

"Wang Cuiping, you, don't scare me."

Yu Zecheng was flustered and busy on the side.

"Senior Sister, take the medicine quickly." Hong Zhiyou retrieved the medicinal pill, dissolved it in water, and handed it to Wang Cuiping.

Wang Cuiping took the medicine.

Pressing on her Dantian acupoint for a long while, she let out a long, turbid breath.

She spat out some blood-flecked phlegm.

"Hoo!"

"Senior Du is truly a master; this Thousand-Hammer Pill is indeed miraculous."

"My chest finally doesn't feel so blocked."

A trace of color finally returned to Wang Cuiping's pale face.

"Old Yu, you apply this ointment to your wife later."

"I'm heading out first."

Hong Zhiyou gave his instructions and left quickly.

"Wang Cuiping, you're crazy."

"I told you not to risk your life with people, why won't you listen?"

Once Hong Zhiyou left, Yu Zecheng became anxious.

"I ran into an expert tonight."

"Besides, Zhiyou has helped us so many times."

"Saving Shopkeeper Chen, killing Liu Xiong, eliminating Ma Kui."

"Without him, you would have been exposed long ago."

"If you don't risk your life, who will appreciate you? This injury was worth it."

Wang Cuiping said with great bravado.

"But you can't risk your life like that."

"If something happened to you, how would I answer to the organization?"

Yu Zecheng still had lingering fears.

"I thought you were worried about me."

"Turns out, after all that, you were just afraid of the organization holding you accountable."

Wang Cuiping curled her lips in boredom, then handed the ointment to Yu Zecheng:

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

"Rest for ten days or half a month, wait for the blood and Qi to flow smoothly and it'll be fine. It didn't damage my internal organs, I won't die."

"Hurry up, apply the ointment for me."

"On my back."

As she spoke, she began to undo the buttons of her jacket.

"Your back? W-well, should I go call Sun Ma?" Yu Zecheng said.

"Sun Ma?"

"She's too cunning, forget it."

"Stop dawdling, it's just applying a patch of ointment for me, it won't kill you."

Wang Cuiping said with dissatisfaction.

"Alright, fine."

Yu Zecheng, with trembling hands, applied the ointment to Wang Cuiping's smooth back.

After they went to bed.

Yu Zecheng lay on the floor mat and whispered:

"Wang Cuiping, safety first. In the future, if you can avoid fighting, don't go."

"Am I that important to you?" Wang Cuiping felt warm inside and asked softly.

"Yes."

"Important."

"Very important."

Yu Zecheng nodded.

Having spent so much time together, he had long regarded Wang Cuiping as family, a comrade, and a fellow soldier.

Seeing her spit blood today.

Yu Zecheng's heart still felt constricted just thinking about it.

The next day.

Hong Zhiyou arrived at the station.

Seeing Yu Zecheng, he pulled him into the office:

"How is it? Is your wife feeling better?"

"Much better."

"What exactly is going on?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"I pulled out a very important nail of Zhao Chuncheng's."

"In a while, there should be news from the police station."

Hong Zhiyou said apologetically.

He knew that people like Ke Chengwu could not be guarded against forever.

Even last night, he had escaped a disaster.

Today, tomorrow, sooner or later he would fall into this guy's hands.

Fortunately, Wang Cuiping had eliminated this serious threat.

"You don't think I'm a jinx anymore, do you?" Yu Zecheng said faintly.

"You are a jinx."

"Sister-in-law isn't," Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"You, you're too cunning, too sly," Yu Zecheng pointed at him and said.

Just as they were chatting, the phone rang.

Hong Zhiyou picked it up:

"Okay, I understand."

"Thanks."

Hanging up the phone, Yu Zecheng saw the look of joy on his face and asked hurriedly:

"Good news?"

"Yes."

"It's been verified, this Ke Chengwu once helped the Qing court assassinate Mr. Sun and Mr. Huang."

"During the Japanese puppet era."

"He also assisted Puyi and the devils in assassinating the Generalissimo."

"If one says Wang Yaqiao did it for the nation."

"Then this person is an out-and-out running dog of the Manchu Qing poison."

"He was on the blacklist."

"I thought this person had died long ago, never expected he was actually hiding in Jinmen."

"Sister-in-law has performed a great service."

Hong Zhiyou said with great joy.

"I've heard of it."

"The Southern Wang and Northern Ke were both thorns in the side that kept the Generalissimo from sleeping or eating in peace."

"Dai Li assassinated Wang Yaqiao."

"You and Wang Cuiping killed Ke Chengwu."

"I reckon the Station Chief will know very soon."

"This time, Jiang Jianfeng will surely have to grant a seat in Jingling."

Yu Zecheng immediately understood that Wang Cuiping had stumbled into performing a great service.

"To be honest, I originally wanted to use Ke Chengwu to drag Zhang Mengchao into the water."

"Now it's killing two birds with one stone."

"Let's go, let's find the Station Chief."

Hong Zhiyou's eyes flashed, and he said happily.

They arrived at the Station Chief's office.

Wu Jingzhong was standing respectfully, his face beaming with joy as he spoke on the phone:

"Yes, yes."

"Secretary Hong used himself as bait to lure out this dog-thief who had been hiding for many years, and only then did we shoot him dead."

"I have already had several people verify his identity, and it is confirmed to be Ke Chengwu without a doubt."

"Yes."

"Yes."

"He was also the one who directed and planned the arrest of Kou Zhengguo, firing the first shot against corruption in Jinmen."

"Thank you, old classmate, thank you for the Generalissimo's cultivation."

"Jingzhong will certainly lead all colleagues at the Jinmen station to strive for new merits."

"Goodbye."

Hanging up the phone, Wu Jingzhong looked at Hong Zhiyou and said with great joy:

"Come, come!"

"Zhiyou, regarding Ke Chengwu's matter, I received a call from Li Hanyuan this morning and reported the good news to Jiang Jianfeng immediately."

"After the Generalissimo heard it, he said the word 'good' three times."

"Well killed, the Southern Wang and Northern Ke have both met the King of Hell now; the Old Man can finally sleep soundly."

"Jiang Jianfeng requested a merit for you on the spot."

"The Generalissimo personally ordered the Second Department to promote you to the rank of Major."

"The appointment letter is probably already on its way to Jinmen by now."

"Major?" Yu Zecheng was so shocked his mouth went round.

He counted on his fingers: "Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Captain, Major!"

"Teacher, Zhiyou has been promoted three ranks at once."

Wu Jingzhong also sighed with unexpected emotion and laughed: "Yes. Back then, Wei Guilong suffered so much under the Japanese puppets before he managed to survive until the restoration."

"The Generalissimo personally commended him, and it was only a Major."

"Nowadays, opportunities to perform meritorious service are rarer than beauties; I'm afraid one would have to wait until the war starts for officers in the war zones to have a chance at a three-rank promotion."

Hong Zhiyou was also stunned.

He truly had never thought about being promoted to a field officer.

Who knew that by stumbling into it, he would receive such immense fortune.

Major.

He was now on the same rank as Yu Zecheng.

As long as he performed one more merit and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, he would have the qualifications to be a Deputy Station Chief.

Money cannot be separated from power.

This was what Wu Jingzhong had emphasized.

Perhaps this was the key to opening another door for himself.

"Thank you, Teacher, for your cultivation."

"This student will strive to create new merits," Hong Zhiyou stood at attention and saluted.

"Cultivation by the Party and State, personal performance."

"From now on, you and Zecheng are of the same rank; you must both work hard, the future is bright."

The look in Wu Jingzhong's eyes as he watched him became increasingly satisfied.

He had always wanted to lift Hong Zhiyou up in the officialdom.

It was just that there was a lack of opportunity.

Now, if he operated a bit more, he could help him get promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.

Then he would be qualified to serve as a second-class station chief.

Being the Deputy Station Chief of the Jinmen station was not impossible either.

After grinding for eight or ten years, when he retired, with Zhiyou's ability, he would certainly be able to handle things on his own in the officialdom.

"Teacher, now that Ke Chengwu is dead, we can proceed on two fronts," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Hmm, go ahead."

Wu Jingzhong gestured for the two to sit on the sofa.

"Teacher, I still need to arrange the matter regarding Wu Taixun, I'll go get busy first," Yu Zecheng knew there were some things he shouldn't hear; after all, he was an outsider to this father-in-law and son-in-law relationship.

"Hmm, go."

"Give him a hard knock for me," Wu Jingzhong did not forget to instruct.

"Understood."

After Yu Zecheng left, Hong Zhiyou sat down and said:

"First, Ke Chengwu assassinated me, and Zhang Mengchao had made threats to kill me; everyone present last night is clear on that."

"I will insist that this person was sent by him."

"Using the name of an investigation to scare him, I'm not afraid he won't give up the residence in Hexi."

"Additionally."

"I suspect Ke Chengwu had been hiding in Zhang Cuiting's mansion all along."

"These remnants of the Manchu Qing are all birds of a feather."

"As long as we can find a lead, we can formally arrest Zhang Cuiting, and his nephew Zhao Chuncheng naturally won't be able to run."

"In this way, many troubles can be solved simultaneously."

"Hmm, very clever."

"It was originally a tangled mess of a thousand threads; I never expected one Ke Chengwu would solve it all."

Wu Jingzhong nodded in appreciation.

"A blind cat bumping into a dead mouse," Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"Luck itself is also a form of strength," Wu Jingzhong said.

……

Zhang Residence.

Zhang Cuiting rose early in the morning and brewed tea in the pavilion.

A moment later, Zhao Chuncheng walked over with hurried steps; the moment they met, he said gloomily:

"Uncle, it's bad, something major has happened."

"What happened?" Zhang Cuiting asked with a frown.

"Uncle Ke is dead," Zhao Chuncheng said.

"What did you say?" Zhang Cuiting could hardly believe his ears.

"Ke Chengwu is dead.

"Right in the alley behind the club.

"My friend at the police station said he was blown up by a hand grenade.

"His intestines were spilled everywhere, it was miserable."

Zhao Chuncheng said.

"Old Ke was once the sharpest blade in the Emperor's hand, so sharp he once made Jiang afraid to sleep at night.

"I never expected such a sharp blade to break in Jinhai.

"It was my carelessness."

Zhang Cuiting picked up his porcelain cup and poured a libation on the ground in a circle.

"Uncle, I'm afraid the Juntong Bureau will find out that Ke Chengwu is connected to us, we must make preparations," Zhao Chuncheng said.

"Once Zhang Mengchao sobers up, he certainly won't admit it.

"To be safe.

"Those in your residence who have seen Uncle Ke must be cleared out."

He paused, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

"Old Ke usually lived in the backyard, and his food, clothing, and daily expenses were handled solely by Steward Duan.

"No outsiders in the residence know of his existence."

Zhang Cuiting said in a deep voice.

"Then we should have Old Duan..." Zhao Chuncheng made a beheading gesture.

"Hmm.

"Go and arrange it.

"Remember, be clean and efficient."

Zhang Cuiting agreed after pondering for a few seconds.

If it were just about assassinating Hong Zhiyou, he might have reconsidered.

After all, Old Duan had served him for many years.

But Ke Chengwu was one of the people Jiang hated most; anyone who got involved with him now was just courting death.

"Understood, I will go handle it now," Zhao Chuncheng said.

"No rush.

"Steward Duan went out to shop this morning.

"Wait for him to return, then call him to the backyard alone before you strike."

Zhang Cuiting called him back.

"Fine."

Zhao Chuncheng nodded.

The Zhang Residence steward was named Duan Wang.

He had followed Zhang Cuiting since Manchuria and had taken care of him for many years.

Zhang Cuiting was particular.

What dishes he ate and how they were prepared were all handled by Duan Wang personally.

Duan Wang was currently picking out seafood.

Today he had bought a large bag of fresh, live prawns, intending to make the braised prawns the Master loved for lunch.

Just after paying and handing them to his subordinates, he was about to head home.

A servant from the Zhang Residence hurried over and intercepted him.

"Uncle Duan, a word, please." The servant pulled him to the side.

"What is it?"

Once they were aside, Duan Wang asked.

"While I was cleaning the courtyard this morning, I heard the Master and Assistant Manager Zhao talking.

"They said someone died last night.

"The two of them whispered for a long time.

"Assistant Manager Zhao even made a beheading gesture.

"I vaguely heard them mention your name, and I wondered if you had offended them somehow.

"So I hurried over to give you a heads-up."

The servant said in a low voice.

Duan Wang's eyelids twitched violently.

Someone died last night?

Who could it be?

Who could make Zhang Cuiting suspicious of him?

Just as he was confused, a newsboy nearby shouted:

"Extra, extra.

"A murder case occurred at Sanyan Alley last night..."

"Little brother, give me a newspaper." Duan Wang hurriedly called out to him, took out money, and bought a paper.

The portrait on it was none other than Ke Chengwu.

It's over!

Duan Wang's face changed.

He had met Ke Chengwu and knew the guy's background.

Clearly, Zhang Cuiting wanted to silence him to ensure he could distance himself from the matter.

You treacherous dog.

I have served you wholeheartedly for so many years.

And yet I'm treated worse than a dog.

If you are heartless, don't blame me for being unrighteous.

Duan Wang took a handful of silver dollars from his pocket and stuffed them into the servant's hand.

Then, he hailed a rickshaw directly.

He knew where he could save his life.

The enemy of an enemy is one's friend.

Zhang Cuiting and Zhao Chuncheng were plotting against Secretary Hong.

Then Secretary Hong was his friend and his protective umbrella at this moment.

Thinking of this, he headed straight for the Jinhai Station.

……

Hong Zhiyou sat in his office, writing and drawing on paper, pondering how to pin the blame for Ke Chengwu on Zhang Cuiting and his nephew.

He saw Mi Zhiguo walk in: "Secretary Hong, someone from the guard room wants to see you."

"Who?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"He claims to be the steward of the Zhang Residence, named Duan Wang.

"He says he has an urgent matter and must see you in person."

Mi Zhiguo said.

"The steward of the Zhang Residence.

"Quick, tell him to come in." Hong Zhiyou ordered immediately.

A moment later.

A middle-aged man with a rather refined appearance walked in quickly.

……

Dear station heads, according to everyone's feedback, Chapter 139 was completely rewritten yesterday. Unfortunately, I don't know what sensitive word it triggered, but it was blocked again; it probably won't be out until tomorrow morning. However, this does not affect the reading of today's latest chapter.

Just this one update tonight, goodnight.

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(End of chapter)