Chapter 185: Meeting the Moves with Counter-Moves

Facing the stern gazes of the two bigwigs, Lu Qiao sucked his teeth and said:

"Very well.

"Thanks to the kind regard of Dean Sun and the Station Chief, I, Qiao, shall attend to it immediately."

"Good!

"Let's go downstairs for a drink."

Sun Ke was overjoyed.

To be honest, the effect of winning over hearts and minds here in Pingjin had been quite mediocre.

He had been fretting over how to report back to the Generalissimo.

Now that he could cause some trouble for Li Delin,

Sun Ke believed this was surely something the Generalissimo would be pleased to see.

Downstairs.

Hong Zhiyou and Yu Zecheng happened to walk in.

The bloodstains in the lobby had long since been wiped clean.

The smell of blood had also long been masked by the scent of cake, alcohol, and the perfume of the women.

Everything was once again a scene of song and dance.

"Dean Sun, let me introduce you.

"This is Yu Zecheng, Chief of the Confidential Room at the Jinhai Station, the hero who assassinated Li Haifeng."

Wu Jingzhong hurriedly called the two over to get them familiarized.

"Venturing alone into the tiger's den, killing the enemy single-handedly.

"Zecheng, you are the sharp blade of the Party-State!"

Sun Ke was in a good mood and immediately praised him highly.

"Thank you for your undeserved praise, Dean. This subordinate is merely fulfilling his duty." Yu Zecheng smiled, bowed slightly, and saluted.

"This is my secretary, Hong Zhiyou. He is the one who captured and executed Ke Chengwu." Wu Jingzhong patted Hong Zhiyou on the shoulder and introduced him solemnly.

"A man of talent, a young hero."

Sun Ke raised his hand to look Hong Zhiyou up and down, then laughed heartily:

"Executing Ke Chengwu has resolved a major burden on the Generalissimo's mind. For this, the Generalissimo has personally commended you with a triple promotion. Among the young officers in the Party-State, you are the first.

"Young man, you must continue to work hard."

"Thank you, Dean. This student will strive to achieve new merits." Hong Zhiyou said respectfully.

"Jingzhong.

"Your subordinates are all young and promising; the future of the Jinhai Station is bright.

"By the way.

"My visit this time..."

Sun Ke smiled and did not continue.

Wu Jingzhong understood and followed him closely into a side parlor nearby.

"Jingzhong.

"The Shancheng negotiations are now just a scrap of paper.

"The Generalissimo has already issued secret orders to Fu Zuoyi in Zhangyuan and Sun Lianzhong in Baoding to prepare for an offensive on Zhangjiakou."

"The key now is that one mountain cannot hold two tigers.

"These two fierce tigers in North China both have their own little schemes.

"Fu Zuoyi and Sun Lianzhong are both scrambling for food and ordnance. General Sun goes without saying, he has the Generalissimo's support.

"Fu Zuoyi can't get enough to eat in the back, so he is unwilling to move."

Sun Ke stood by the window, hands behind his back, looking troubled.

"That's simple enough, just have the Generalissimo allocate more." Wu Jingzhong said.

"It's not that simple.

"The Americans have been applying pressure due to constitutional government; supplies and flour are being throttled.

"Hu Zongnan's massive army alone consumes a quarter of the food and firearms.

"The Northeast, North China, and South China are all waiting for their share.

"There isn't even enough for the elite central armies, let alone for Fu Zuoyi and the others."

Sun Ke shook his head and said.

"You mean..." Wu Jingzhong roughly understood.

"Jinhai has the American Marine Corps and is close to Baoding. You should find a way to divert some supplies and secretly distribute them to the Zhangyuan Pacification Office.

"Remember, don't let Sun Lianzhong intercept them.

"Otherwise, Fu Zuoyi will refuse to work."

Sun Ke signaled.

"And the funding?"

"Purchasing military supplies is not something a mere Juntong Class-A station can shoulder."

Wu Jingzhong feared these people's penchant for fleecing him most of all.

A phrase like "cover it for now."

An IOU.

As for money, it would never be seen.

The Jinhai Station would be dragged to death by them.

"I have already brought the funding for you, 300, 00 US dollars. That should be enough, right?" Sun Ke said.

"Enough.

"It's enough."

Wu Jingzhong nodded repeatedly.

"Very well, go and handle it.

"Remember not to let word leak out, otherwise Sun Lianzhong and Chen Zhangjie will surely make a scene.

"The Generalissimo is busy with a thousand tasks; we must not add to his troubles."

Sun Ke gave a few solemn instructions.

"I will do my best to ensure this batch of supplies reaches Fu Zuoyi."

Wu Jingzhong accepted the order with a serious expression.

Leaving the Hengshan Clubhouse.

Regarding the purchase of arms and supplies, and Ma Kui's arrest, Wu Jingzhong put them aside for the moment and went home to play with his antiques.

"Zhiyou, thanks for today."

Back in the courtyard, Yu Zecheng said with lingering fear.

"What are you thanking me for?

"Hurry up and go make the arrests.

"Six-Fingers has detained Guan Jun's wife and children.

"This is your internal affair; you decide how to handle it."

Hong Zhiyou had no interest in interfering too much.

Yu Zecheng patted his forehead in a dilemma: "That beggar's den of Six-Fingers is not easy to deal with.

"The police are in league with them.

"I can't mobilize the garrison troops.

"With just these few guns at the Jinhai Station, we can't get in at all."

Hong Zhiyou rubbed his nose and pondered for a moment:

"Taking down Six-Fingers is actually not difficult.

"You can find Ding Defeng and have him conduct a leprosy sweep.

"The municipal government has documents on leprosy; if there's a suspicion, they take them away.

"Those beggars are most afraid of that.

"They will naturally scatter in a swarm.

"Coincidentally, Zhou Yan of the Cao Gang is looking to settle scores with Six-Fingers. With a few dozen more people rushing in, are you still afraid you can't handle these beggars?"

"See, my junior brother still has the best methods.

"His little brain turns so fast, it's damn useful." Cuiping laughed and patted Hong Zhiyou on the back of the head.

Hong Zhiyou's vision went dark, and he nearly stumbled.

"Cuiping, take it easy.

"If you beat him silly, who's going to handle things?" Yu Zecheng hurriedly steadied Hong Zhiyou and glared at her.

"That's because he hasn't practiced enough!" Cuiping reached out and ruffled Hong Zhiyou's hair.

Hong Zhiyou collected himself and said: "Senior Sister, with a slap like yours, I don't think anyone could withstand it except for Old Yu's thick face."

Yu Zecheng touched his face and only then felt a burning pain; it was swollen quite high.

Take a slap to save your own life and that of Zuo Lan.

It was worth it.

"Hong Zhiyou, Sun Ke took the Station Chief away alone tonight. Do you think something might be up?" Yu Zecheng asked while rubbing his face.

Hong Zhiyou didn't even spare him a glance and turned to leave.

What makes Yu Zecheng the most cunning is his way with words.

He can always extract useful information without one realizing it; Lu Qiao has been tricked by him more than once.

Sun Ke must have come with a secret mission from the Chairman.

Dai Li's mission was leaked.

Sun Ke's will likely be leaked as well.

But Hong Zhiyou didn't really want to get involved.

He wasn't like Xie Ruo, who made a living selling intelligence; he preferred to avoid irrelevant matters whenever possible.

He entered the house.

He Yinfeng was knitting under the lamp.

"Mom, we aren't short on money. If you want to wear something, just buy it. Why go through all this trouble?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"You don't understand.

"Hand-knitted sweaters are thick and warm.

"The ones you buy are just pretty, but very thin. This place isn't like Hangcheng; the winter is bitterly cold.

"You and Xiao Hui are always running around outside; how can you manage without a solid layer underneath?

"I know you have high standards, so I'll just knit it a bit nicer for you."

He Yinfeng smiled gently.

"Alright, get some rest early." Hong Zhiyou didn't try to persuade her further.

He turned his head and saw his little sister reading some red books again.

"Sigh!"

He sighed slightly; it seemed it was time to let her go to the interrogation room and try out the electric chair.

He arrived at the Mu residence.

Wanqiu was still recovering, so Hong Zhiyou didn't dare to tease her.

They played the zither and chatted about life.

He held her, and they slept soundly through the night.

The next morning.

Hong Zhiyou came downstairs, and Wanqiu had already prepared breakfast.

Sandwiches, milk, and eggs.

Simple, but the presentation was exquisite and cozy.

"Zhiyou, why didn't you sleep a little longer?" Wanqiu asked with a gentle smile.

"You look great today." Hong Zhiyou pulled her over to sit down.

"When a woman is cherished by her man, her mood is good, and her complexion naturally improves.

"Zhiyou, last night was the happiest and most blissful night of my life."

Wanqiu leaned on his shoulder, her smile incomparably sweet.

"You use the word 'most' a bit too often.

"The night you first called me 'Daddy,' you said the same thing." Hong Zhiyou pinched her soft, round cheeks.

"You're annoying.

"That night was happy too.

"But last night was even happier." Wanqiu said, her pretty face slightly flushed.

"Why were you happy last night?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"Because last night we didn't do anything... and you still love me so much." Wanqiu said softly and shyly.

"That kind of thing is just a condiment for love.

"It can make things fresher and sweeter.

"But it isn't everything."

After finishing breakfast, Hong Zhiyou arrived at the station.

Just as he walked into the hallway, Lu Qiao poked his head out of his office and pulled him into the room:

"Brother, come, have a cup of coffee first thing in the morning; it'll keep you energized all day."

Lu Qiao smiled and personally poured a cup of coffee for Hong Zhiyou.

Hong Zhiyou stared at Lu Qiao with a smile.

"Why are you looking at me?" Lu Qiao asked.

"You look haggard.

"Didn't sleep well last night? Something wrong?" Hong Zhiyou took the hot coffee and took a sip.

"Sigh.

"You truly are a student of theology.

"Nothing can be hidden from you, brother. I'm in trouble."

Lu Qiao sat down and said with a worried expression.

He told Hong Zhiyou about what happened last night.

"Zhiyou, tell me, who is the fool now?

"Sun Ke hasn't even left yet.

"Li Zongren's adjutant already called, telling me to look out for myself and be careful when walking at night.

"It's very clear that there are their people around Sun Ke.

"This kind of thing simply cannot be hidden.

"If I really make a move, they might take my head tomorrow.

"Zhiyou, if we sit at the table for a high-stakes game, we're just an appetizer for others.

"I haven't slept all night and I'm truly out of options; I can only ask you, brother, to give me some advice."

Lu Qiao looked miserable, his tone filled with desperation.

"Don't worry, let me ask for the Station Chief's opinion first," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Ask the Station Chief?

"He's the one who sold me out; what's the point of going to him?" Lu Qiao said.

"Brother Shan, don't forget, I'm just a small fry too.

"Doesn't everything depend on reading the room?

"Don't be anxious. Things handled slowly will turn out better. I know what to say."

Hong Zhiyou persuaded him, then got up and went to the Station Chief's office.

Wu Jingzhong was sitting at his desk, arms crossed, lost in thought.

"Teacher, are you troubled?" Hong Zhiyou brewed some tea and brought it over with a smile.

"I'm very annoyed.

"This Sun Ke has given me a whole pile of difficult problems.

"He wants Lu Qiao to forge a letter from Li Zongren.

"Li is now the Director of the Field Headquarters with heavy troops in his hands, and Ma Hansan has a group of desperate thugs under him. Tell me, how should this be handled?

"It's difficult on both sides."

Wu Jingzhong asked, looking troubled.

"Has Director Sun left?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"He left, on this morning's flight," Wu Jingzhong said.

"Teacher, didn't Section Chief Lu take on this job?" Hong Zhiyou wanted to probe his thoughts.

"That was a move of desperation.

"Qiao Shan is, after all, a fellow townsman of Zheng Jiemin. You know, the Yuedong clique has always been united, and Director Zheng takes good care of his little fellow townsman.

"He's become useful to have around now, so it wouldn't be appropriate to use him as a scapegoat.

"My old classmate was cornered by Mao Renfeng and is having a hard time with everything.

"If I sell out Qiao Shan at this time, it would make him misunderstand that I'm kicking him while he's down, showing no respect and ruining our classmate friendship.

"Don't forget, he's always hovering around the Chairman and still holds a position in the Second Department.

"Yesterday, I had no choice because of Director Sun.

"Now that he's gone, help me think of a way. I need to neither offend Li Zongren nor let Sun Ke find fault, while still being able to protect him."

Wu Jingzhong pointed at him with a troubled look, his face full of expectation.

"Teacher, actually, this problem is not unsolvable," Hong Zhiyou said calmly.

"Oh, tell me about it quickly," Wu Jingzhong said, overjoyed.

"There is only one solution: Mr. Yanji has many friends," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Chen Bulei?"

"Tell me quickly." Wu Jingzhong seemed to have caught a glimmer of inspiration.

"I heard that the calligraphy master in Jinhai, Liu Yunchen, is an old friend of Chen Bulei, and the two have exchanged poems and essays before.

"This Liu Yunchen appears to be a gentleman on the surface.

"But in private, he is addicted to whoring, gambling, and opium.

"His expenses are very high.

"If we ask him to come forward and imitate Li Zongren's handwriting, leaving some flaws on purpose, Chen Bulei will definitely be able to tell.

"At that time, these tokens will be invalid.

"We can also give an account to Dean Sun.

"Moreover, I suspect that framing Li Zongren is a personal act by Sun.

"With the great wisdom of the Chairman, I feel he may not necessarily agree to such petty tricks."

"As long as this letter is a forgery.

"The Chairman will act as if nothing happened."

Hong Zhiyou analyzed.

"Hmm, that makes sense." Wu Jingzhong pondered for a moment, then raised his head and smiled.

"In this way, we get the job done without truly offending Li Zongren or Sun Ke.

"After all, he was the one who specifically requested the imitation.

"It is quite normal for some deviations to occur when imitating handwriting."

He stood up, paced with his hands behind his back, and said.

"Yes, Master.

"He has his strategies, and I have my countermeasures; we will just handle each move as it comes," Hong Zhiyou said with a smile.

"To have such vision at your young age is extraordinary.

"Director Mao personally promised that whoever captures the Juntong Bureau traitor Ma Kui will be credited with a merit.

"I intend to submit your name.

"To promote you further."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Master, it is better to submit it for Director Yu.

"Think about it, if all the good things fall to me, Mao Renfeng and Jiang Jianfeng will think you are showing favoritism.

"I was promoted three ranks last time; if I am promoted again, others will be dissatisfied.

"Master, your good fortune is flourishing.

"You can still work for at least another ten years or so.

"I will just follow you and grind slowly; won't I get promoted eventually every three years?"

Hong Zhiyou said tactfully yet respectfully.

Wu Jingzhong was stunned; he had not expected Hong Zhiyou to say such things.

Upon reflection, he looked at Hong Zhiyou with soft eyes:

"Alas, it is all because of my eldest grandson causing trouble.

"I was too impatient.

"You are right; hot tofu must be eaten one bite at a time; being too hasty will burn your mouth.

"Is the matter with Zhang Mengchao settled?"

"Settled. Long Er gave him 1, 00 silver dollars and bought that residence.

"Mu Liancheng's goods will arrive at the station tonight.

"Do you want the Security Section to transport them, or the people from the Cao Gang?"

Hong Zhiyou asked.

Wu Jingzhong thought for a moment and said, "Let it be the Cao Gang.

"Sometimes, people on the inside have more schemes than those on the outside.

"Just tell Long Er not to make a scene."

"Understood." Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"Zhiyou, there are some things you must keep in mind.

"I only have one daughter, Wu Rui.

"And only one grandson.

"These things are not for others; you must be more attentive to family matters."

Wu Jingzhong turned to look at him and instructed him earnestly.

"Understood, fa... her," Hong Zhiyou said in a low voice.

Wu Jingzhong smiled knowingly and pulled him down to sit:

"Pujie's Japanese wife and child have already arrived in Jinhai.

"You must hurry with the transport from Beiping.

"I have already prepared the materials; later, have her sign them, claiming she has performed meritorious service in reporting traitors, and have Pujie's adjutant send her directly back to her hometown.

"Also, pick a few treasures to give to Officer Xiong."

"Understood, Master," Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"There is one more important matter at hand.

"Sun Ke has conveyed the Chairman's instructions for us to allocate some military supplies and ordnance to Fu Zuoyi from Jinhai.

"You are familiar with the 94th Army and the Americans.

"Buy them from their hands through your private connections.

"Sun Ke has already transferred the money to the station; keep the cost between 150, 00 and 200, 00 US dollars, and ensure the quality of the goods is as good as possible.

"Although Fu Zuoyi commands a miscellaneous army, it will be very troublesome if he starts a fuss."

Wu Jingzhong instructed.

"Understood, Master," Hong Zhiyou nodded and said.

"Station Chief, Ma Kui has woken up; how should we handle him?" Lu Qiaoshan had been waiting for news; seeing that Hong Zhiyou had not come out for a long time, he found an excuse to walk in.

He is awake already?

Didn't the Senior Sister say he would be unconscious for three to five days?

His blood is indeed thick enough.

Hong Zhiyou muttered to himself.

"This person is very dangerous.

"Director Mao's intention is for him to disappear immediately.

"Qiaoshan, you handle it.

"When reporting the merit, I will include you as well," Wu Jingzhong ordered.

"Yes, Station Chief.

"Is it mainly about the matter of imitating Li Zongren's handwriting?"

He glanced at Hong Zhiyou without leaving a trace and asked in a low voice.

"Secretary Hong has found someone for you.

"His name is Liu Yunchen.

"This person has dealings with Chen Bulei and is currently short on cash; give him some money and let him reveal a few flaws.

"If he doesn't recognize Li Zongren's handwriting, that is best.

"If he does, give him a bit more.

"Once a gambler or an opium addict's craving kicks in, as long as his head is still on his shoulders tonight, he won't be thinking about tomorrow."

Wu Jingzhong instructed.

Lu Qiaoshan was overjoyed upon hearing this: "Thank you, Station Chief. Then... shall I go handle it now?"

"Go ahead," Wu Jingzhong smiled and nodded.

"Master, for the purchase of military supplies, should I have Director Yu handle it with me?

"I have to go to Beiping to transport goods and cannot spare the time."

Hong Zhiyou proposed.

"Don't.

"Sharp-eyed people will see through it.

"Zecheng is currently full of trouble, so it is inconvenient for him to be involved in arms deals.

"Let him go to Beiping to transport the treasures, and leave this matter to you.

"Remember, trust must have its limits.

"Jiang Jianfeng is already dissatisfied with the leaks in Jinhai; you must be cautious and careful!"

Wu Jingzhong pointed his finger downward and reminded him in a deep voice.

Hong Zhiyou understood.

Wu Jingzhong had never truly trusted Yu Zecheng.

Clinging to Wu Rui's coattails back then was undoubtedly a brilliant move.

Otherwise, Wu Jingzhong would likely have been suspicious of him just over the matter of Long Er's shell company reselling arms.

Now, it was fine.

The money all belonged to the little brat in Wu Rui's arms.

So there was no such thing as selfish motives.

As expected, it is always easier to get things done when you are family.

"By the way, Hong Zhiyou.

"There is something you need to prepare yourself for.

"Jiang Jianfeng called me; he wants to send Li Ya—oh, that is, Buddha Niche—to Jinmen to take over Ma Kui's position.

"This man was once my student.

"With the civil war imminent, we must strictly crack down on the Red tickets here in Jinmen; we need talent like Li Ya.

"But at the same time, he is also a pair of eyes for Jiang Jianfeng.

"You must be cleaner in your work from now on.

"Do you understand?"

Wu Jingzhong added a reminder.

Li Ya was coming!

Hmm, the show was about to begin.

It seemed there would be another tough nut to crack.

(End of chapter)