Chapter 176: Yan and His Friends

"Secretary Hong, I am Duan Wang, the steward of the Zhang residence," Duan Wang said with a respectful bow.

"Steward Duan, quickly, please sit."

"Don't be nervous."

"Tea or coffee?"

Hong Zhiyou closed the door and asked, raising his hand.

"Tea... tea."

Duan Wang sat down tremblingly, placing his hands on his knees, acting extremely deferential for fear of angering a key official in this "den of demons."

Hong Zhiyou poured him some tea and handed him a cigarette.

He did not rush to ask questions.

After making some small talk and seeing Duan Wang's expression gradually relax, he said, "Steward Duan, you came to see me for a reason, right?"

"Yes, yes."

"I read the newspaper this morning; Ke Chengwu is dead," Duan Wang said.

"I know."

"He failed in his assassination attempt on me last night and became a ghost," Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"You all know Ke Chengwu's background."

"This man used to trade for the Qing royal family and had a very close personal friendship with Zhang Cuiting."

"After Ke Chengwu was defeated and severely wounded by Sun Lutang, he had been hiding in Zhang's residence."

"I was personally responsible for all his daily needs."

"Now, in order to distance himself, Zhang Cuiting has conspired with Zhao Chuncheng to kill me to silence me."

"Secretary Hong, you must show mercy and pull me out of this."

"I beg you."

Duan Wang's eyes turned red, and he stood up, ready to kneel to Hong Zhiyou.

"Don't do that."

"Brother Duan, I am not a Prince or royalty; I can't afford to take such a gesture."

"Don't worry, I will take you to see the Station Chief now."

Hong Zhiyou held his shoulders and said.

They arrived at the Station Chief's office.

Duan Wang confessed everything in detail and revealed many explosive facts about Zhang Cuiting.

For example, manipulating connections to help Japanese officers evade military tribunal trials.

Expressing sentiments unfavorable to the Party and State with remnants of the royal family.

Especially when he was with Ke Chengwu; the two shared a mutual admiration and repeatedly boasted about taking the head of the Generalissimo.

"Good."

"I was just worrying about not finding anyone to target for purging traitors."

"Adding Ke Chengwu to the mix, it's all tied together."

"This Zhang Cuiting is the one!"

Wu Jingzhong was overjoyed.

Since returning from Jingling, he had been thinking about how to perform a meritorious service to gain the trust of Jiang Jianfeng.

He had finally played the Ke Chengwu card and even gained recognition in front of the Generalissimo.

He had to dig deeper.

"Call Lu Qiao over," Wu Jingzhong ordered.

Soon, Lu Qiao walked in: "Station Chief, did you call for me?"

"Qiao, the Action Team needs a field officer in charge."

"Someone has to do the work Ma Kui left behind."

"You are capable and hardworking; take on this role concurrently for now."

Wu Jingzhong instructed.

"Thank you, Station Chief. Qiao will certainly not fail your trust," Lu Qiao said, his heart wild with joy as he straightened his posture respectfully.

"Qiao."

"You've heard about the Ke Chengwu affair, right?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

"That is a notorious anti-people element."

"The Juntong Bureau's number one wanted criminal."

"He died last night... the whole world should celebrate."

Lu Qiao smiled.

"Ke Chengwu had been hiding in Zhang Cuiting's residence."

"This Mr. Duan is Zhang's steward."

"He can testify."

"Now that the witness and evidence are solid, take your men immediately and arrest this Zhang Cuiting and his nephew for me."

Wu Jingzhong ordered coldly with his hands behind his back.

"Yes, Station Chief!"

"But Ma Kui... he wants to see his wife right now."

"Otherwise, he would rather die than go to Jingling."

Lu Qiao said, looking troubled.

"Like a stone in a latrine, smelly and hard."

"He still harbors fantasies about Director Mao."

Wu Jingzhong's eyes sharpened, and he tilted his head slightly, sneering.

"Zhiyou, you have a good relationship with him; go talk to him."

"Qiao, you go arrest the people immediately."

He waved his hand and ordered.

"Yes!"

The two accepted the orders simultaneously and walked out of the Station Chief's office.

"Brother Qiao, you are incredible."

"You're carrying both the Intelligence Section and the Action Team on your shoulders."

"Tsk tsk, even if you look at all the A and B stations in the country, this is unique."

"Isn't this job better than those deputy station chief positions?"

Hong Zhiyou said as they walked.

Lu Qiao tried hard to suppress his joy, pursing his lips and smiling: "Brother, it's not that exaggerated; it's just a life of toil."

"Brother Qiao, you're not being sincere."

"You're still being modest with me."

"Isn't it obvious that the Station Chief is grooming you to be the deputy station chief?"

Hong Zhiyou said with a smile.

He knew Li Ya might come, so he raised Lu Qiao up now.

The future infighting would be even more intense.

Since getting his major rank, Hong Zhiyou also wanted to advance.

The station was full of old foxes.

Nothing could be achieved overnight, so laying the groundwork was always good.

"I... I suppose so."

"Enough talk, I have to go make the arrests; this first shot cannot misfire," Lu Qiao patted him and headed to the Action Team, full of energy.

As soon as he entered the Action Team, Song Fei, Qi Physician, and others were smoking and chatting.

Wu Jingzhong had always been lenient with his subordinates.

As long as it didn't affect his money-making, he turned a blind eye to his subordinates smoking, drinking tea, and reading newspapers in the office most of the time.

"What are you all doing?"

"Are you all so idle that you have nothing to do?"

"You still dare to smoke; are the station's discipline and rules just for show?"

As soon as Lu Qiao entered, he put on a stern face and threw his weight around.

"Section Chief Lu, Captain Ma is under investigation."

"We are leaderless, and we have no work on our hands, right?"

Qi Physician, who had a short beard and a slightly chubby build, tilted his head and retorted unhappily.

"Who told you that you are leaderless?"

"The Station Chief has ordered that from today on, I will concurrently lead the Action Team."

"I am not like Ma Kui."

"You all better straighten up; whoever doesn't want to work can pack their bags and go home to hold their babies right now."

Lu Qiao pointed at the crowd in a circle and scolded them.

Upon hearing that Lu Qiao was concurrently holding the position of the Action Team leader, everyone felt it was unbelievable.

The Intelligence Section was already a unique entity on its own.

If he took on the Action Team as well, wouldn't the Jinhai Station become Lu Qiao's personal property?

"Still smoking."

"Smoke, smoke."

"I'll tear your mouth to shreds."

Lu Qiao raised his hand and gave Qi Physician a heavy slap across the face.

The corner of Qi Physician's mouth twisted, his cigarette fell to the ground, and he was stunned by the blow.

"Do it, or don't you?" Lu Qiao pointed at him and asked.

"I'll do it, I'll do it."

Qi Physician nodded repeatedly.

The establishment and benefits of the Juntong Bureau were among the best of all units.

Once the credentials were shown, who would dare to complain about extortion or bribery?

Lu Qiao had always been overbearing; while he might not necessarily fire someone, he was an expert at making things difficult for others.

Who in the station dared to offend him?

"Let's go."

"Follow me to the Zhang residence to make an arrest," Lu Qiao said, waving his hand.

Hong Zhiyou arrived at the underground interrogation room.

Ma Kui was shirtless and covered in blood, but his gaze remained arrogant and sharp.

"Old Wu, you go out; I want to have a private chat with him," Hong Zhiyou instructed.

"Secretary Hong, stay a little further away from him."

Old Wu gave a reminder, then waved his hand and led the others out.

Hong Zhiyou pulled up a stool and sat down opposite Ma Kui.

"Snap!"

He lit a cigarette and handed it to Ma Kui.

Ma Kui bit down on it, closed his eyes, and took a deep drag: "I want to see Adi."

"Adi has returned to Shanghu," Hong Zhiyou said indifferently.

"We were husband and wife; won't she even come to see me once?" A trace of bitterness flashed in the depths of Ma Kui's eyes.

"There was no affection; your marriage certificate was just a piece of paper.

"Why should she come to see you?

"To be imprisoned, to live as a widow? It's already benevolent of her not to be celebrating your downfall."

Hong Zhiyou curled his lips and sneered.

"Hoo!"

Ma Kui exhaled a puff of smoke, tightened his jaw, shook his head from side to side, and stared straight at Hong Zhiyou:

"Brother, how have I treated you?"

"It's alright, I suppose.

"I've mooched a few meals of pig head meat and drank a few cups of cheap bulk liquor.

"There doesn't seem to be anything else worth mentioning."

Hong Zhiyou thought about it very seriously before saying this.

"Is that all?

"I have always known about the dirty business you did for the Station Master, but I never investigated you.

"Because I knew you weren't a Red agent.

"Just as you should know, I am not Emeifeng either."

Before Ma Kui could finish, he was interrupted by Hong Zhiyou: "Does Captain Ma mean that I should thank you for your grace in not investigating me?"

"I, I didn't mean that."

Ma Kui felt an inexplicable chill in his heart.

Within the station, the only person he felt still had a human touch was Hong Zhiyou.

Now, it seemed he had lost that touch as well.

"Do me a favor and call Director Mao.

"Report the situation here truthfully.

"I served as his bodyguard, risked my life for him in Jingling, and recovered gold; he has to pull me out of this."

Ma Kui was getting anxious.

"The Station Master has already called.

"After all, you are Director Mao's man; no one dares to dispose of you privately.

"Go back to Jingling.

"Perhaps that is your last glimmer of hope."

Hong Zhiyou advised.

"Fine then.

"I'll go!

"Anyway, the person I want to see, I might not be able to see her anymore."

Ma Kui licked his torn lips, slowly closed his eyes, and let the cigarette smoke drift away.

For some reason, these past few days, he had been missing Adi especially.

He missed the first time he carried out a mission in Shanghu, seeing her for the first time and being completely captivated.

He missed their wedding night, their intimate entanglement.

He missed Adi's warm, soft body and her moving voice.

And the faint fragrance on her body.

He had even thought, if only he were an ordinary person, without all the killing and fighting, just the two of them together.

However, Adi was gone now.

He truly had nothing left.

"Go to Captain Ma's office and bring back all his clothes, hat, and leather shoes.

"Then take him to the dormitory to take a bath.

"Let Captain Ma leave with dignity."

Hong Zhiyou walked to the door and slipped a few silver dollars into Old Wu's hand.

"Yes, Secretary Hong," Old Wu accepted them gladly.

"Brother, thank you.

"You are still a kind-hearted man."

Ma Kui, wearing handcuffs, looked at Hong Zhiyou and said gratefully.

"Old Wu.

"Have someone go to the street and buy Captain Ma a bowl of honey water, and some cat-ear fried cakes or something," Hong Zhiyou said with a light laugh as he walked away.

Just as he returned to his office.

Hong Zhiyou leaned back on the sofa and began to doze off.

He saw Xiao Guohua walk in with a worried look on his face.

"Is there something you need, Section Chief Xiao?" Hong Zhiyou perked up and asked with a smile.

"Secretary Hong, I, I..." Xiao Guohua hesitated, stopping mid-sentence.

"Old Xiao, we aren't outsiders.

"Whether you need to draw your salary, borrow money, or have some other difficulty, just speak plainly."

Hong Zhiyou poured him a cup of tea.

"My, my daughter's left eye has developed a problem.

"Director Ding of the Army Hospital said that the medical conditions in Jinhai are insufficient and she needs to be transferred to see a foreign doctor in Shanghu.

"Or go to Germany, North America, or Xiangdao to seek treatment.

"The child is only a few years old, she, she cannot go blind."

At the thought of his daughter's illness, Xiao Guohua's eyes turned red, and he was on the verge of tears.

"The Station Master said that you know more people in this regard than he does.

"He told me to come and beg you..."

Hong Zhiyou waved his hand and said: "What is there to beg for? Let me think."

"I don't have any acquaintances in Shanghu.

"Let's go to Xiangdao; the facilities and medical standards at the hospitals run by the British there are decent.

"If it really can't be cured there, I will find a way to send her to North America."

"That's wonderful, thank you, Secretary Hong, I, I..." Xiao Guohua was so moved he didn't know what to do.

"You, I, and the Station Chief are all one family."

"Your daughter is my daughter."

"Right now, the safety of the entire station rests on your shoulders; I'm still counting on you to keep me safe."

Hong Zhiyou knew he was a decent man who didn't want to deliberately show off his kindness or appear superior, so he used a simple, joking remark to bring their relationship back to an equal footing.

"Don't worry, sir."

"As long as I, old Xiao, am alive, this life belongs to you and the Station Chief."

Xiao Guohua patted his chest and declared with tears in his eyes.

"Get the medical treatment as soon as possible."

"But the child will have to suffer a bit, changing planes a few times."

"I'll ask the garrison if anyone is heading to Jingling for a meeting."

Hong Zhiyou was efficient; he stood up and made a phone call:

"Hello, Staff Officer Shen, this is Hong Zhiyou."

"Is there any official aircraft heading to Jingling today?"

"Tomorrow morning, is it?"

"Alright, please reserve two seats for me."

"Thank you, I'll invite you to play tennis another day."

Hanging up the phone, he turned to look at Xiao Guohua.

"There's a military flight to Jingling at seven tomorrow morning; if you trust me, I'll have the Cao Gang send an experienced hand to take the child to Jingling."

"There are more flights from Jingling to Yuezhou."

"Once there, they'll transfer to Yuezhou, where friends from Xiangdao will meet the child at the airport."

"As for which hospital to go to, they will have full authority to arrange it."

"Do you think that will work?"

Hong Zhiyou held his teacup and cleared his throat.

"I trust you, I trust you."

"Secretary Hong, you are my Duoduo's second..."

Xiao Guohua knew this secretary had great influence and immediately nodded like a chicken pecking at rice.

"Don't be so formal, go back and get busy."

Hong Zhiyou said.

Zhang Residence.

Zhang Cuiting was playing chess with Zhao Chuncheng.

"Uncle, the company has decided to send Mr. Yin to Jinhai to hold the fort for me; he should arrive by noon today."

"Actually, I don't quite understand."

"With the Big Boss's power, one word could take down these petty people like Wu Jingzhong."

"Why go through all the trouble of fighting a price war?"

Zhao Chuncheng shook his head and placed a piece on the board.

"That's where you don't understand."

"Wu Jingzhong is a classmate of Jiang Jianfeng."

"Jiang Jianfeng is very protective of his own, and right now he wants to use Wu Jingzhong to fight corruption in Jinhai."

"If too many things are brought out into the open and it gets too big, it won't look good."

Zhang Cuiting smiled and said.

"But President Yin is the Big Boss's cousin; him coming to hold the fort should be more than enough."

"I imagine Wu Jingzhong wouldn't dare to challenge him," Zhao Chuncheng said.

The real proprietor behind Longdong Company was Jinshan Trading Company.

The company's largest shareholder was Song Ziliang.

The younger brother of Lady Jiang, Lin Tai, and Song Ziwen.

The brother-in-law of the Generalissimo.

How else could Longdong Company dominate the foreign liquor industry in the country?

It was just that very few people knew about this connection.

"Hmm, I suppose he can't stir up any trouble," Zhang Cuiting said.

This was already a connection that reached the heavens.

A mere Major General trying to arm-wrestle with Longdong was simply not qualified.

Just as they were chatting.

A servant ran over in a panic:

"Master, Section Chief Lu from the Jinhai Station has brought people here, saying he wants to invite you to the Jinhai Station for questioning."

"Steward Duan is also with them."

"You and Master Zhao should go take a look."

"Duan Wang? Damn him, he must have sold us out!" Zhang Cuiting exclaimed, fiercely smashing his teacup.

"Uncle, what are you waiting for? Let's run!" Zhao Chuncheng took off running.

Zhang Cuiting knew that if the matter of Ke Chengwu were exposed, it would be very troublesome.

He ran first.

He would secretly find someone to pull strings and return once the storm had passed.

"You go stop them first and tell them I'll be there immediately," he ordered the servant.

Once the servant left, Zhang Cuiting hurried toward the backyard.

A ladder was propped up in the backyard.

The two of them had just reached the base of the wall.

Lu Qiaoshan, guided by Duan Wang, had already chased after them.

"Chuncheng, a mother's brother is like a father; let me go first," Zhang Cuiting shoved Zhao Chuncheng aside.

"No."

"Uncle, you have no descendants, and I am the only bloodline left in the family; if I die, who will carry on the glory of the Aisin Gioro?"

"Don't worry, if anything happens, I'll find President Yin to rescue you."

"You are well-connected and have great prestige; they won't do anything to you."

Zhao Chuncheng didn't care about all that and started struggling with Zhang Cuiting.

"You little beast, I must have been blind to raise you, you ungrateful wretch."

"Get out of the way and let me go."

Both were desperate to save their lives; how could Zhang Cuiting be willing to yield?

He knew that the Military Statistics station was a den of demons.

No matter how strong your connections were, you'd be skinned alive once you went in.

He was old; could he endure such suffering?

"Damn it, you think you're something special, don't you?"

"Old man, why can't you understand plain speech?"

Zhao Chuncheng was furious; seeing Lu Qiaoshan's men closing in, he kicked Zhang Cuiting over and climbed up the wall using the ladder.

To delay the pursuers.

He casually flipped the ladder over with a violent shove.

To hell with a mother's brother being like a father!

Heaven and earth are vast, but I am the most important.

Ouch!

Zhang Cuiting was halfway up; how could he withstand this?

He fell to the ground along with the ladder and let out a miserable "Ouch."

"Heh."

"Trying to run?" Lu Qiaoshan sneered and ordered them to be taken into custody.

"Song Fei, Mi Zhiguo, go outside and chase the one who got away," he ordered.

"Yes."

Song Fei and the others hurried outside to give chase.

"Take him away!" Lu Qiaoshan said, raising his hand.

"Little Hong, is the Station Chief in?"

Returning to the station, Lu Qiaoshan asked with a face full of joy.

"He is."

Hong Zhiyou stood up and led him inside.

"Lu Qiao, was the person caught?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

"Caught.

"When I arrived, the old thief was just climbing over the wall to escape, and I dragged him down on the spot.

"He is in the interrogation room.

"His mouth is both foul and stubborn; I cannot keep him in check.

"Station Chief, why don't you go interrogate him yourself?"

Lu Qiao rubbed his forehead and said with some helplessness.

"There is still someone who dares to act wildly in the Juntong Bureau station?

"How preposterous!

"Let's go, come with me to meet him."

Wu Jingzhong slapped the table and stood up, annoyed.

In the corridor, they happened to run into Yu Zecheng returning from finishing his business.

"Zecheng, you come along too." Wu Jingzhong called out to him.

He cultivated his subordinates with very clear objectives.

Lu Qiao was for utilization.

Yu Zecheng and Hong Zhiyou were money-bringing boys.

The difference was that Yu Zecheng was positioned as a martial boy.

Extortion, blackmail, and interrogation—he was a sharp and clean blade.

Hong Zhiyou was a literary god of wealth.

Playing cards, building connections, and drumming up business.

For a ruthless task like interrogation, one naturally could not do without Yu Zecheng.

They arrived at the interrogation room.

Zhang Cuiting had his eyes closed, humming Peking opera under his breath, his head swaying rhythmically.

Hearing footsteps, he did not open his eyes, maintaining his arrogant posture.

"Zhang Cuiting, the Station Chief is here; you had better behave yourself."

Lu Qiao shouted with a straight face.

"Yo, Station Chief Wu.

"Is this not the wrong place for you to invite me for tea?

"Ever since the days of old Beijing city, I have never had tea in a place like this.

"I say, shall we change locations?"

Zhang Cuiting drawled, putting on an act.

"Lao Wu, the soft approach." Wu Jingzhong watched him with a smile.

Lao Wu stepped forward and, facing Zhang Cuiting, slapped him left and right.

Slap! Slap!

A dozen slaps in a row left Zhang Cuiting dizzy and his mouth full of blood.

"I don't know about old Beijing affairs.

"In this place, there is no tea, only wine.

"If you refuse a toast, you will be forced to drink a forfeit!"

Wu Jingzhong sat down and said with a cold, sinister laugh.

"You, you dare hit me.

"I am of the Aisin Gioro lineage, royalty; if you go back a few decades, when the Empress Dowager was alive, I could have had your entire family executed."

Zhang Cuiting paused for a breath, but his mouth remained very stubborn.

"Is that so?

"Don't be in a hurry; there will be a time for you to pay your respects to Empress Dowager Cixi.

"Try the hard approach."

Wu Jingzhong lifted his chin with an expressionless face.

Lao Wu, well-versed in the routine, found the pliers in the wooden box.

He gripped Zhang Cuiting's chin, locked onto a large molar, and pulled it out with a burst of force.

"Ah!"

Zhang Cuiting screamed in agony.

A large puddle of blood and saliva mixed together spilled from his mouth.

"Wu Jingzhong, I curse your ancestors for eighteen generations.

"I, I am a close friend of Mr. Chen Bulei.

"I want to call him.

"I am going to report you."

Zhang Cuiting was still shouting with a savage, unyielding face.

"Mr. Chen Bulei has quite a few friends, doesn't he?" Wu Jingzhong looked at those around him with a smile.

"Quite a few.

"Scholars, you know, they flatter each other.

"With confidants everywhere, it is normal to have many friends."

Lu Qiao chuckled and nodded, teasing.

"If Mr. Chen Bulei knew he was acquainted with a thing as stupid as a wild donkey like you, he would likely break into a cold sweat right now.

"I now suspect you of colluding with Ke Chengwu to plot the assassination of high-ranking officials of the party-state and my own secretary.

"The testimonies of Duan Wang and Secretary Hong are sufficient to prove this point.

"If you don't behave, I will send you to see the Empress Dowager right now!"

Wu Jingzhong's smile vanished, and he pointed at Zhang Cuiting, shouting.

"I, I didn't."

Zhang Cuiting was suppressed by Wu Jingzhong's imposing manner, and his tone began to soften:

"Station Chief Wu, this is a misunderstanding, a false accusation."

"A false accusation?"

Wu Jingzhong smiled, stood up, and said to Lu Qiao:

"Qiao, you have worked hard; continue the pursuit of Zhao Chuncheng.

"Leave the work in the interrogation room to Zecheng."

"Yes, Station Chief." Lu Qiao, who was already finding the place foul-smelling, agreed immediately.

How much better it was to pursue on the outside.

Travel, food, and fuel expenses—all of these could be reimbursed at the maximum rate.

Previously, these perks all belonged to Ma Kui.

Now it was his turn.

"Zecheng, interrogate well, ask well.

"For a treacherous person like this, if you don't use methods, there are many things he will not confess."

Wu Jingzhong squinted and hinted to Yu Zecheng.

"Understood, Station Chief." Yu Zecheng nodded.

Returning to the Station Chief's office.

Wu Jingzhong paced with his hands behind his back, in a pleasant mood.

Zhang Cuiting, Wu Taixun, Zhang Mengchao.

These were all remnants of the previous dynasty and the Beiyang period; what this group lacked least were old treasures.

It was another day of a bountiful harvest.

"Teacher, have some fruit.

"With Director Yu's methods, the old fellow will surely spit everything out.

"When the time comes to raid his home.

"The items on the surface will be turned in, but the treasures and such—won't they all be yours?"

Hong Zhiyou cut the fruit platter and brought it up.

"Sigh.

"Many old friends have gone into business.

"Do you know why I still insist on holding my ground here?

"Honestly, the matter with Dai Li last time was very dangerous.

"Politics is a gladiator arena; the slightest carelessness, and one must pay with their life."

Wu Jingzhong said faintly.

"Because Jiang Jianfeng has risen," Hong Zhiyou said after some thought.

"Correct.

"This is the only trump card I have left to play.

"The day Jiang Jianfeng no longer values me will be the day I lay down my armor and return to the fields."

Wu Jingzhong looked quite pleased between his brows.

As he was speaking, Yu Zecheng walked in with a gloomy expression:

"Teacher, the interrogation has run into trouble."

(End of chapter)