Chapter 194: Caught

Lu Qiao looked at Li Ya, who was sitting in the first seat on the opposite side, his heart filled with a complex mix of emotions.

In the past, this chair was occupied by Ma Kui and Hou Yunlai.

Of those two, one was as stupid as a pig or dog, and the other as timid as a mouse.

He could have handled them with just a little bit of effort.

But now, Li Ya was watching him with cold eyes, the corners of his mouth slightly raised in a smile that carried a hint of disdain and schadenfreude.

This made Lu Qiao feel extremely uncomfortable and tormented.

The two exchanged a few cold, piercing glares, and Lu Qiao's expression grew increasingly gloomy.

He knew that the card of Zheng Jiemin was no longer effective within the station.

First, he had fired his people from the Action Team.

Now, he was taking the Water and Land Inspection Office.

Every cut was striking at his arteries.

This was aimed directly at him; the open snatching of the deputy station chief position had begun.

"Qiao Shan, share your thoughts."

"Especially regarding the matter of the mole in the Water and Land Inspection Office reselling flour."

"Our work requires constant summary and self-reflection so that we can make fewer mistakes."

Wu Jingzhong spoke lightly, but his expression was very solemn.

"Station Chief, this is due to my lax supervision of personnel; I offer my self-criticism," Lu Qiao said as he stood up.

"I recognize your work ability."

"It's just that you have too much on your plate, leading to neglect in some areas."

"It just so happens that Section Chief Li is a capable and efficient official; with him sharing the burden of the Water and Land Inspection Office, your work will be much easier in the future."

Wu Jingzhong sat upright and smiled.

"Yes, then... then I will have to trouble Section Chief Li," Lu Qiao squeezed out a smile, stood up, and shook hands with Li Ya.

"You are too kind."

Li Ya stood up, one hand in his pocket, leaning forward slightly, and shook his hand with a dull tone.

"Personnel arrangements are not child's play."

"Director Mao has very strict requirements in this regard; the functions of each department must be implemented."

"Qiao Shan, you will hand over the equipment room, the General Affairs Section, the Inspection Office, including the cafeteria seals, and everything else."

Wu Jingzhong instructed.

"Very well, Station Chief, I will hand them over to them shortly," Lu Qiao said, feeling somewhat unwilling.

"No need for 'shortly,' do it now."

"You have been holding onto the General Affairs Office seal for a year; it is time to let it go."

Wu Jingzhong's tone sank, leaving no room for doubt.

"Yes!"

Lu Qiao bit his lip and walked out, feeling dejected.

A moment later, he brought back many items.

The keys to the equipment room.

The seals for the General Affairs Section, the cafeteria procurement office, the Water and Land Inspection Office, and so on.

Under Wu Jingzhong's cold gaze, he handed them over to the heads of each department one by one on the spot.

When it was Hong Zhiyou's turn, he made a slightly bitter joke:

"The seal."

"From now on, we should call you Section Chief Hong."

"As you wish."

"If you go by the Station Chief, call me Secretary Hong."

"If you go by the Jinhai Station, calling me Section Chief Hong is also fine."

Hong Zhiyou smiled and took the seal from Lu Qiao's hand.

His tone and attitude were not as respectful as in the past; they seemed very casual.

Lu Qiao's smile turned cold; he pursed his lips in displeasure and sat back in his chair.

The world is fickle, and human hearts are not what they used to be.

These snobbish bastards.

After the meeting adjourned, he returned to his office with a lonely expression.

Once, he was the number two figure in charge of two offices and seven sections; who wouldn't want to come here to mooch a cup of coffee?

Now...

The police system is undergoing reform.

Before long, the Secret Service Bureau will be kicked out.

By then, he will truly become just a Department Chief.

Conversely, Li Ya has occupied the lucrative post of the Water and Land Inspection Office, and the people surrounding him, like Hong Zhiyou, will only increase.

And the man has a solid background.

The position of deputy station chief is drifting further and further away.

After the others dispersed, Yu Zecheng remained seated in his chair.

"Zecheng, is something the matter?" Wu Jingzhong asked with a smile.

"Teacher, I have a request."

"The quality of the personnel in our station is uneven, especially the external staff; many lack proper training."

"Playing cards and gambling have become a trend."

"The warehouse on the west side is empty; I would like to build a library so they can be edified when they have nothing to do."

"Especially books on intelligence studies."

"For example, your own works, as well as 'Far East Intelligence Station,' which would also be beneficial for improving their professional standards."

As Yu Zecheng spoke, he handed the book list to Wu Jingzhong.

Wu Jingzhong took one look; the prices on the list were at least twice as high as those on the market.

A copy of the *Zhu Zi Family Maxims*, priced at two hundred and thirty yuan on the market, was marked at seven hundred by Yu Zecheng.

Wu Jingzhong understood immediately.

Yu Zecheng was short on money.

The Confidentiality Room he was in was far less lucrative than the Police Bureau or the Inspection Office, and he didn't even make as much as Sheng Xiang, the profiteer.

He could only scrape some money from these nooks and crannies.

It was shameful to say, but he had received quite a lot of gold and treasure recently, yet he had forgotten to give his two generals a share.

Originally, he had wanted to give the Inspection Office to Yu Zecheng as a reward.

But then Li Ya appeared out of nowhere and messed up his plans.

"Your proposal is very necessary and also very advanced."

"I think we can give it a try."

"Also, come to my house for dinner with Zhiyou tonight."

"It's been a long time since we gathered; we should have a chat."

Wu Jingzhong handed the book list back and smiled happily.

"Thank you, Teacher." Yu Zecheng stood at attention and bowed.

"Go ahead and do it." Wu Jingzhong nodded with satisfaction.

Walking out of the conference room.

Yu Zecheng let out a secret sigh of relief.

He had deliberately marked up the prices to create the appearance of needing money.

Sure enough, when it came to money, Old Wu's guard would drop significantly.

With this excuse, he could openly go to the bookstore to make contact.

Thinking of this, Yu Zecheng was in a great mood.

Returning to his office.

He was organizing the book list when Lu Qiao walked in:

"Old Yu, can we talk for a moment?"

"Of course, Department Chief Lu, please sit," Yu Zecheng said with a beaming smile.

"A book list?"

"Why, is the station building a library?"

"Tsk tsk, these prices are a bit too high."

Lu Qiao looked at him with great surprise.

"Old Lu, I won't hide it from you."

"I'm too strapped for cash; my office is a dead-end post with no perks, so I can only try to scrape a little from here."

"This is Jinhai City, after all.

"The salary I get isn't even enough to cover the mahjong losses of Cuiping, your wife, and the Station Master's wife.

"If I don't scrape together some extra, I won't even have money to eat out."

Yu Zecheng said with a harmonious air.

"Sigh, we are all brothers in misfortune.

"I heard the Generalissimo accepted Li Shizhen's proposal; the Police Department is about to be abolished.

"With Boss Dai dead, Bureau Chief Mao doesn't have much say anymore.

"The... Secret Service Bureau is getting worse by the day.

"Believe me, one day you'll wake up and find the Secret Service Bureau has been dissolved."

Lu Qiaoshan sighed with a dejected look.

"You are too pessimistic.

"If the Generalissimo didn't want to use this blade, would he have let Bureau Chief Mao take the position?

"However, losing the Water and Land Inspection Office is indeed quite disadvantageous for you.

"Just think about how many ships enter and leave Jinhai Port every day; if you find any excuse, they'll have to come begging to you.

"That is a gold mine."

Yu Zecheng said with great regret.

"Sigh!

"Times are bad; with the downsizing and restructuring, now this iron-blooded Li Ya has burst onto the scene.

"I've run into everything.

"Even Hong Zhiyou has followed suit; once the Police Bureau is abolished, the Intelligence Section, just like the Confidential Room, will be a dead-end office. My days won't be easy either."

Lu Qiaoshan lamented.

"Old Lu, just endure it.

"He has people above him; some things should be let go when they must.

"Just hold on for now.

"What doesn't happen in Jinhai? Who knows when Captain Li might trip up himself.

"Won't the tides of fortune turn back to you then?"

Yu Zecheng comforted him.

"By the way, I saw in the newspaper that the Gendarmerie Headquarters' Inspection Team recently destroyed quite a few underground Red-ticket strongholds and raided several traitor warehouses.

"Old Lu, your intelligence work needs to keep up.

"Don't let this bunch of guys steal our thunder."

After a pause, Yu Zecheng pointed to the news in the paper, deliberately changing the subject.

"If we don't steal their thunder, are we supposed to let Li Ya have all the glory?

"If he fires a few more shots, he'll be riding on our heads and defecating.

"Alright.

"I came here to tell you, especially regarding Hong Zhiyou, keep your eyes peeled; don't fail to distinguish between friend and foe, Li Ya is currently investigating him."

Lu Qiaoshan patted his shoulder and walked out.

Yu Zecheng shook his head, tidied his briefcase, went downstairs, and drove straight to Tongyuan Bookstore.

The clerk who came last time was indeed sent by the organization.

It was also because Mr. Dong vouched for him.

That was why he dared to come for the meeting.

As soon as he arrived at the bookstore.

He happened to see the clerk and the bald-fronted shopkeeper in a blue long gown tidying the bookshelves.

The bookstore had just opened, and both were busy.

"Shopkeeper." Luo Bing whispered a reminder, took a rag, and went to the door to keep watch.

"Oh, sir, are you here to buy books?" Shopkeeper Luo adjusted his glasses and greeted him with a smile.

Yu Zecheng stepped to the other side of the bookshelf and said in a low voice, using the code provided by Mr. Dong:

"Shopkeeper, do you have the Huiwen edition of the Zhu Family Maxims?"

"Yes, but it's not a standalone volume; it's bound together with the Expanded Wise Sayings," Shopkeeper Luo said.

"Is it the Republican edition or the Qing edition?" Yu Zecheng asked again.

"We have both; which one do you want?" Shopkeeper Luo said.

"Let me see," Yu Zecheng said.

"Please, come inside."

Shopkeeper Luo raised his hand and led him to the storage room in the back.

"Hello, Comrade Zecheng, my name is Luo Anping, sent personally by Ke Gong from the First Line," Luo Anping said with a smile, extending his hand.

"I've finally waited for you.

"Hello, Comrade Anping."

Yu Zecheng shook his hand warmly with both of his.

"Is it safe for you to come here?" Luo Anping asked.

"It's still safe for now.

"I applied for a book project at the station, and the Station Master approved it.

"From now on, I can come here openly."

Yu Zecheng said.

"That's great.

"We haven't been able to establish a liaison station, and the higher-ups are anxious to death.

"Let me introduce myself first.

"I previously worked at the Hankou water transport terminal.

"I was in direct one-on-one contact with Ke Gong.

"Currently, only Ke Gong knows my information in the Border Security and Social Security departments.

"So, even if I am exposed, the enemy won't be able to dig up anything.

"And for the sake of your safety, as well as to deal with the complex underground situation in Jinhai, this contact point will only be for you from now on.

"Comrade Zecheng, the organization values you highly."

Luo Anping shook hands with Yu Zecheng again and remarked.

"I can feel it.

"I can't stay here too long, let's talk business first.

"Jiang secretly ordered the Jinhai Station to purchase military supplies from the Americans and secretly send them to the Zhangyuan Pacification Office, to be handed over to Fu Zuoyi's 12th War Zone; it is highly likely they intend to attack the Jining and Zhangjiakou areas.

"A batch of important supplies is being shipped from Jinhai and Shanghai to Subei.

"The Dai Zhiqi Division might be planning to attack General Su.

"Jiang's intention is now very clear; he wants to fight.

"We must prepare quickly."

Yu Zecheng said.

Luo Anping didn't even take out a pen and said directly: "Your intelligence is very important; I will report it to the higher-ups in time.

"Additionally, there is a matter that requires your help to verify."

"Please go ahead."

Yu Zecheng immediately understood that the organization was already aware of what he had reported.

"Recently, underground organizations in many places like Xi'an, Luoyang, and Kaifeng have been destroyed, with dozens of people arrested.

"Among them was a major general-level undercover officer of our Party.

"The intelligence network across the Central Plains and the Northwest has been almost completely uprooted.

"The losses are extremely heavy.

"According to the investigation, the organization has locked onto several suspects, and there is someone here in Beiping who is highly suspicious."

Luo Anping said with a frown.

"Who?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"Yuan Peilin.

"This person once followed Wang Shijian to establish an intelligence network.

"Now he is a dual-leader in Beiping; I need you to use your means to verify this.

"Once you discover that this person has indeed defected, please report it immediately."

Luo Anping said with deep concern.

"You must have the comrades in Beiping evacuate as soon as possible," Yu Zecheng said.

"It is already being arranged," Luo Anping said.

"Alright, I understand," Yu Zecheng nodded.

After taking a batch of samples, he left the bookstore and returned to the station to show them to Wu Jingzhong for review.

Leaving the Station Master's office, Yu Zecheng glanced inside Hong Zhiyou's office as he passed, but seeing no one, he guessed he had gone to the naval warehouse again.

How should one screen Yuan Peilin?

Hong Zhiyou had wide connections.

He could even strike up conversations with the likes of Ma Han, Liu Yuzhu, and Wang Puchen.

If Yuan Peilin's defection was true.

Then the newly arrived Beiping Station Master, Qiao Jiacai, would certainly make a big issue out of this person.

That was Ma Han's territory.

After Dai Li died, although this man stepped down as Director of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics and was reassigned as Director of the Civil Affairs Bureau, the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics remained Ma's power base.

Qiao Jiacai was a subordinate of Li Zongren...

Perhaps something could be made of this.

Night fell.

Li Ya secretly assembled the key members of the action team at his residence.

"Team One: Da Fu, how is the tracking on your end?" Li Ya asked.

"Last night, Hong Zhiyou met with Kong Fang again.

"He gave the other party two gold bars.

"This afternoon, Hong Zhiyou secretly loaded a large quantity of military supplies and ordnance from Pier No. 2 of the naval warehouse; dozens of trucks were moved out in three batches.

"They took a road in the Baoding mountains.

"That area has long been occupied by the Red Ticket guerrillas and is one of the important transit lines for the Red Ticket to enter Yancheng.

"Furthermore, Hong Zhiyou secretly visited Yong Jianqiu last night.

"This person has always been an important friendly merchant to the Red Ticket.

"His daughter is one of the student union members arrested by Section Chief Xiao."

Qi Da Fu reported.

"That's right.

"In the past, Hong Zhiyou also transported goods along that mountain road with this Kong Fang.

"When Section Chief Liu was here, he personally tried to apprehend them.

"It was just that Hong Zhiyou burned everything with a fire, and no evidence was obtained.

"But that time, Section Chief Liu sent Hong Zhiyou to the electric chair; at the time, everyone thought Secretary Hong, the Red Ticket collaborator, was a goner.

"Who would have thought..."

Another subordinate followed up with a report.

"In other words, Hong Zhiyou indeed has ties to the Red Ticket.

"Or rather, he is doing business with the Red Ticket, transporting military supplies and firearms for them?"

Li Ya pondered.

He knew Liu Xiong's vision and methods very well.

To be targeted by Liu Xiong, caught in the act, and sent to the electric chair—Hong Zhiyou was highly likely to be Red Ticket.

"That is possible." Qi Da Fu nodded.

"Good for you, Hong Zhiyou; with so many businesses in Jinhai, you choose not to do them and must collude with the Red Ticket.

"You are simply tired of living."

Li Ya stroked his chin and ordered his subordinates:

"Mobilize the men, head secretly to the Baoding mountains, track the convoy, and catch him in the act."

"Captain.

"Last time Section Chief Liu failed, it was because the local garrison stepped in and restrained Section Chief Liu, which gave Hong Zhiyou the time to burn the evidence.

"If the garrison doesn't help, I'm afraid we won't be able to take him down."

Qi Da Fu reminded him.

"Don't worry, I will call Sun Lianzhong.

"With so many military supplies and ordnance, I think he will be happy to receive them." Li Ya sneered.

"Captain Li, shouldn't we report this to the Station Master first?" Song Fei reminded him.

"No need." Li Ya raised his hand to interrupt.

Last time they arrested Yu Zecheng, even though they kept it under wraps, the Station Master was still restless.

Who was Hong Zhiyou?

He was the Station Master's god of wealth, his "son-in-law."

If this were reported up, Wu Jingzhong would certainly tip him off in secret.

Better to seize him first.

Later, he would just treat it as a "surprise" for him.

West of the city.

Hong Zhiyou stood by a small shop, holding a phone:

"Mm.

"I understand."

Having said that, he hung up the phone.

"Secretary Hong, can the convoy move now?" An officer in plain clothes walked over and asked.

These vehicles.

Including the drivers and the guards, were all secretly dispatched to Jinhai by Fu Zuoyi himself.

There were nearly three hundred people in total.

Every one of them was dressed as a member of the Cao Gang to ensure the safety of the transport.

"Officer Mu, let's depart." Hong Zhiyou raised his hand and said.

The call he had just made was to Mi Zhiguo.

Li Ya was indeed an ungrateful white-eyed wolf.

He had actually dispatched dozens of men and even called Sun Lianzhong to intercept the goods.

Heh!

Intercept away.

Interception was impossible.

Just wait to be left in the dust.

He and Kong Fang got into the lead vehicle.

Under Kong Fang's guidance, the convoy left the city.

Two or three hours later, they entered a secluded secret path in the mountains.

"Captain Li, the convoy is here." Qi Da Fu crouched in the woods and whispered.

"Great.

"Have Sun Lianzhong's men arrived?" Li Ya asked.

"They are rushing this way; they should be here very soon." Qi Da Fu said.

"Go.

"Set up the roadblocks first to stall for time.

"The other side has quite a few people; try not to engage in a firefight if possible."

Li Ya ordered.

Immediately, the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics action team members went up to set up roadblocks.

Rolling stones.

Broken trees.

They blocked the mountain road completely.

"Screech!"

The lead car slammed on the brakes.

The entire convoy came to a halt.

Adjutant Mu jumped out of the car and shouted: "What's going on?"

"Someone has set up a roadblock." Hong Zhiyou got out of the car and said.

"Could it be mountain bandits robbing the road?

"Damn it, take out the gear."

Adjutant Mu waved his hand, and the soldiers guarding the vehicles jumped down, each drawing their sidearms from their waists to stand guard.

"There are quite a few Red Ticket people.

"Let's go, let's meet them."

Li Ya checked his watch, estimating that Sun Lianzhong's regular army would arrive soon, and seeing that the roadblock was about to be cleared, he stepped out from the side.

"Brother Hong, where are you going so late at night?"

Li Ya shone his flashlight, waving it at Hong Zhiyou.

"Oh, it's Brother Li.

"I, I'm heading west to deliver some things," Hong Zhiyou said with a warm smile.

"What things?" Li Ya asked.

"Just some wine, rice, flour, and such," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Is that so?

"You, go up and search it," Li Ya ordered with a wave of his hand.

"Captain Li, do me a favor," Hong Zhiyou said, grabbing him.

"Brother.

"I don't care what you sell in Jinmen.

"But selling things to the Red Tickets is absolutely forbidden.

"This is my bottom line."

Li Ya brushed his hand away and said in a tone that allowed no negotiation.

"It's a misunderstanding, how could I be doing business for the Red Tickets?" Hong Zhiyou explained.

"No?

"Then who is this person?

"Kong Fang, a former underground courier for the Red Tickets, and this road you're taking is also a transport route for the Red Tickets.

"Isn't it obvious?"

Li Ya narrowed his eyes and said with a cold laugh.

Kong Fang immediately put on a look of terror: "Secretary Hong, what do we do?"

"Brother.

"Business is business, I appreciate you for the business matters.

"But this matter is not up for negotiation.

"Search it for me."

Li Ya shouted again.

"Damn it, let's see who dares.

"With just these few broken guns of yours from the Secret Service Bureau, do you believe I'll send you to see the King of Hell right now?"

Adjutant Mu's men immediately blocked the way.

"Oh, are the Red Tickets always this arrogant?

"Is having guns such a big deal?"

Li Ya drew his gun and fired a few shots into the air.

Soon, cars drove over from the distance, and countless flashlight beams flashed in the woods.

"Quick, quick!"

Soldiers fully armed with live ammunition rushed over and surrounded everyone.

……

(End of chapter)