Chapter 199: Lu Qiao Makes a Move

On the west side of Nan Chizi Street.

Under Li Ya's instructions, as the sound of gunfire gradually thinned, Yuan Peilin and Guo Liang exchanged a glance.

"Go and confirm, is there anyone left in the courtyard?" Yuan Peilin asked vigilantly.

"No need. Once we withdraw, the people from the Secret Service Bureau will come over to finish them off," Guo Liang said in a low voice.

Following the established route, the two climbed over the perimeter wall from the wooden ladder on the west side.

They sprinted all the way and turned into an alley.

A Beetle car was already waiting inside.

Li Ya was leaning against the car, waiting.

"Disarm them," he said with a faint wave of his hand.

Subordinates immediately stepped up and disarmed Yuan and Guo.

"Come with me," Li Ya gestured with his head to get in the car.

"Who are you?" Yuan Peilin asked very cautiously.

"Li Ya, Captain of the Action Team of the Jinhai Station." Li Ya flashed his credentials.

"You are the 'Buddha Niche' who infiltrated Yancheng?" Yuan Peilin was slightly surprised.

"That is indeed me," Li Ya nodded proudly.

"Can you guarantee my safety?

"The Red ticket's traitor-elimination squad is far more formidable than you think," Yuan Peilin asked.

"Rest assured.

"We are also far more formidable than you think.

"Ma Hansan's people here in Beiping are too mixed; there is definitely no way to hide.

"Go to Jinhai, and I will hide you so well that even the Monkey King couldn't find you.

"Get in the car."

Li Ya ordered.

"Alright." Yuan Peilin was well aware of Buddha Niche's reputation.

It was too chaotic here in Beiping.

There was no telling if there were organization members among Ma Hansan's men or the police station.

Going to Jinhai was better; the underground organization there had been mostly destroyed, making it difficult to organize effective, comprehensive tracking and traitor-elimination plans, far safer than Beiping.

The next day.

Hong Zhiyou arrived at the station chief's office early, wiping the desk, boiling water, and getting everything ready.

Wu Jingzhong stepped into the office right on time.

"Ruirui's mother stewed pigeon soup last night, why didn't you come?" As soon as he entered, Wu Jingzhong asked.

"I went to play cards and collect debts from the American officers last night."

Hong Zhiyou finished tidying up, wiped his hands, and walked over.

"Did you win or lose?" Wu Jingzhong asked with a smile.

"Lost, about a thousand US dollars.

"However, the money and the accounts are settled.

"For the 160, 00 in goods, they opened a bill for 300, 00. Of the remaining 140, 00, 40, 00 went to the American officer Philson, and 90, 00 is yours.

"Another 10, 00 went to my old classmate and the little guys who handle the storage."

Hong Zhiyou sat down and said with a low laugh.

"90, 00, hmm, not bad," Wu Jingzhong nodded with satisfaction.

"Is it secure and reliable?

"This is money privately allocated by the Generalissimo. If it gets investigated and causes trouble, that's the crime of deceiving the Emperor, and it's a beheading offense," he asked in a low voice.

"Teacher, you don't need to be so nervous.

"Tang Enbo and Dai Zhiqi's American-equipped divisions play this game when procuring military supplies; the Americans are very clear on how this works.

"Besides, the Generalissimo can't check the Americans' accounts.

"Rest assured, they want to cooperate with you long-term and won't do anything detrimental to you.

"The money is all in 100-dollar bills. Along with the winery's revenue from last month, I've handed it all to Ruirui's mother."

Hong Zhiyou said while brewing tea for him.

"That's great.

"I was just worried Ruirui wouldn't have enough to spend in North America.

"With this expense covered, we can all breathe a sigh of relief."

Wu Jingzhong exhaled happily and smiled.

As the two were chatting, a slightly weary-looking Li Ya walked in and greeted them with a smile:

"Secretary Hong is here."

"Captain Li, you two talk, I still need to go to the confidential room to print the shift-change documents."

Hong Zhiyou knew he had business and tactfully withdrew.

"Station Chief, I heard you and Secretary Hong recommended me for Deputy Station Chief?" Li Ya asked with a smile.

"That's right.

"Most people in the station lean toward Lu Qiaoshan.

"After all, he is a veteran, and having been here for so long, if he hasn't achieved merit, he has at least put in the hard work.

"And you have stumbled repeatedly.

"Don't look at the halo of Jianfeng; everyone is still unconvinced in their hearts.

"However, Secretary Hong thinks highly of you.

"He said you are just new to Jinhai and unfamiliar with the place, but you are very capable and will be successful sooner or later.

"You have the seniority, the methods, and the backing.

"Right now, Zhangjiakou and Subei are about to break out in fighting; achieving merit is only a matter of time, so he strongly recommended that I nominate you as Deputy Station Chief.

"I am bearing the pressure and playing favorites to push you up."

Wu Jingzhong pointed at him, speaking with great regard.

"Thank you, Station Chief. Just wait, I will definitely fire that shot," Li Ya nodded and said.

"Why thank me? Thank Secretary Hong," Wu Jingzhong said.

"It's all the same, aren't you all one family?" Li Ya laughed.

"Has Yuan Peilin been fished back?" Wu Jingzhong brought up the real business.

"Yuan Peilin and his assistant Guo Liang have both been brought back.

"Teacher, I think this is an excellent opportunity to fish out the Red tickets and the traitor-elimination squad in Jinhai City."

Li Ya's eyes shifted, having a devious idea.

"Tell me about it," Wu Jingzhong said.

"I plan to hide them in two different places.

"One place to hide Yuan Peilin, one place to hide Guo Liang.

"Then spread the word and let the Red tickets come looking.

"As long as it's done realistically enough, it might even fish out the big fish inside the Jinhai Station.

"Haven't Headquarters and Jianfeng been saying there is a mole in the station?

"Let's use this opportunity to drag him out."

Li Ya proposed.

"Right now, Yuan Peilin is missing, and the Red tickets must be very anxious.

"Haste makes waste.

"We will wait at our ease, which is perfect for catching them in the act."

Li Ya raised his eyebrows and added.

"Hmm.

"Not bad.

"The Red tickets' traitor-elimination squad has always been elusive and persistent.

"It is time to establish some authority over them.

"You arrange the plan; you don't need to report the specific details to me. Station Chief Qiao in Beiping and I can cooperate at any time."

Wu Jingzhong said.

He knew Hong Zhiyou was a smart man and wouldn't get involved in this mess.

That was enough.

As for who else has a guilty conscience, or who is unlucky enough to bump into it,

that would be seeking their own death.

By not participating, if it leaks or the operation fails in the future, he can distance himself from it.

It saves Li Ya from being foolish like Ma Kui, accusing and suspecting him of colluding with the likes of Mu Liancheng or Deng Ming—that would be purely having one's brain caught in a door.

"Thank you, Station Chief," Li Ya said happily.

He had not expected Wu Jingzhong to be so cooperative.

That was fine; by hiding the person himself, he could ensure safety.

Li Ya had now basically ruled out the suspicion that Hong Zhiyou was a mole.

What remained were Yu Zecheng, Lu Qiaoshan, and the others.

Yuan Peilin was the best bait.

He did not believe that the fat fish hiding in the station would not take the hook.

"It seems you already have a plan. Tell me, how do you want me to cooperate?" Wu Jingzhong asked with a smile.

"I would like to ask you to have Station Chief Qiao come over for a visit.

"It needs to be done mysteriously, yet reveal just enough of a flaw for those hiding in the shadows to discover the situation.

"In a word, it must be natural."

Li Ya rolled his eyes upward, his cold and arrogant tone carrying the air of someone lecturing a child.

"Fine, I will follow your instructions," Wu Jingzhong said, staring at him for two seconds before responding in a weary tone.

"Don't say that.

"You are my mentor; wouldn't that shorten your student's life?" Li Ya hurriedly apologized with a smile.

Wu Jingzhong let out a cold laugh and picked up the phone:

"Connect to the bureau line, Beiping 701.

"Hello, old friend, it's me. Why don't you come over tomorrow?

"Yes, the person has already arrived in Jinhai, and Captain Li is in full charge.

"It's nothing major, just consider it a business trip.

"Bring your wife along.

"Eat some fried pancake rolls, play some mahjong, stroll around the Drum Tower, and enjoy yourselves.

"Good, I look forward to your arrival."

Hanging up the phone, Wu Jingzhong looked at Li Ya and said:

"Station Chief Qiao has agreed to come.

"He will arrive around twelve noon; go and make the arrangements."

"Understood, Station Chief. You should see who in the station is paying close attention to this matter; that person is very likely the mole hiding within our ranks," Li Ya said.

"Enough.

"Mole, mole, my ears are calloused from hearing you say that.

"Aren't you just trying to talk about Yu Zecheng?

"I will emphasize this one more time: I trust Yu Zecheng very much.

"You can arrest people, but you cannot guess; you must be certain!"

Wu Jingzhong pointed at him and said solemnly.

"Understood, Station Chief," Li Ya nodded.

Hong Zhiyou arrived at the confidential room.

Yu Zecheng was reading the newspaper.

"Old Yu, amusing yourself?" Hong Zhiyou walked in with his hands in his pockets and asked with a smile.

"Yes.

"With Wu Taixun having stepped down and the ransom for Yong Jianqiu paid, I don't have much work on my hands."

Yu Zecheng said.

"These are the documents to be distributed and reported; sign them and get it over with."

Hong Zhiyou handed him the documents in his hand and turned to leave.

"Don't be in such a rush to leave, sit for a moment.

"Can you help me inquire about news from Beiping?

"Dozens of people were lost in the Central Plains, and the underground intelligence network suffered heavy losses. The higher-ups suspect it might have been leaked by a double agent named Yuan Peilin here in Beiping.

"This person is still in charge of operations.

"For an old comrade like this, screening needs to be meticulous and cautious.

"This person knows a lot of news about Pingjin.

"If he has defected, the consequences would be unimaginable. You have wide connections, please help me inquire."

Yu Zecheng closed the door and said in a low, quick voice.

Hong Zhiyou looked at him straight in the eye: "Do you think I have nothing to do?

"There is no wall that doesn't leak.

"If I go to inquire about news, the Station Chief will know sooner or later.

"I advise you not to inquire either.

"At least don't inquire within the station. Li Ya is watching you in the dark at all times; your every move will be magnified.

"The Station Chief still values this person highly.

"In my opinion, transferring Li Ya here also means he is getting serious.

"Keep a low profile.

"If you really want to inquire, you can ask Old Xie."

"Understood," Yu Zecheng nodded.

Hong Zhiyou whispered a few more words of caution before leaving.

In the original drama, Yu Zecheng asked around and, through a matchbox, deduced that Yuan Peilin was hiding in the Xiuchun Tower.

But this seemingly clever approach was very inappropriate at the moment, and even stupid.

Once Yuan Peilin was actually killed,

Li Ya could easily follow the clues and discover that Yu Zecheng had a problem.

Moreover, Jiang Jianfeng was watching.

The Station Chief only cared about making money; if Yu Zecheng were a mole, Wu Jingzhong would likely be unable to protect him, and would not dare to.

Returning to the Station Chief's office.

Wu Jingzhong was busy processing documents and had not called for him all morning.

Hong Zhiyou sat honestly at the reception desk by the door, boredly reading the newspaper.

Approaching eleven o'clock.

He stood up and entered the Station Chief's office: "Master, Rui Rui's mother asks, should she send food over at noon, or will you be coming home to eat?"

"No need, Station Chief Qiao from Beiping is coming over at noon.

"I am going to host a banquet for him.

"By the way, you go and take his wife to my home for the meal later.

"Also, Station Chief Qiao's wife likes to play mahjong.

"Ma Kui's wife is no longer here.

"It wouldn't be convenient for Lady Lu and Lady Yu to go, so you go to the Military Families Association and find two women who are tactful to come and join them for a game."

Wu Jingzhong instructed.

"Understood," Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"Remember, don't find anyone too pretty; Rui Rui's mother can't stand those kinds of women," Wu Jingzhong said, looking at him with a meaningful frown.

"Yes," Hong Zhiyou nodded respectfully.

"Lady Tian from the Security Brigade, and the wife of Chief of Staff Shen; they are average in appearance and have clean backgrounds.

"They are both wives of high-ranking officers and are familiar with the black market and such; they will have plenty to talk about.

"Do you think that will work?"

He said.

"That's fine.

"Go and make the arrangements now," Wu Jingzhong ordered.

Hong Zhiyou returned to his office and made the call.

Eleven-forty.

Qiao Jiacai's car arrived.

"Zhiyou, Qiao Jiacai and I have a good relationship; we worked together for a time when we were in Beiping.

"He is not an outsider, so there is no need to be restrained when you meet him.

"But remember, if the conversation touches upon Boss Dai or Ma Hansan, absolutely do not take the bait."

Wu Jingzhong called for Hong Zhiyou and whispered as they walked.

"Understood, Master," Hong Zhiyou respectfully acknowledged the order.

Arriving downstairs, Wu Jingzhong went up to greet them.

The old friends exchanged simple pleasantries.

He led the couple into the Station Chief's office.

After closing the door, Wu Jingzhong introduced:

"Station Chief Qiao, let me introduce you to Hong Zhiyou, a major and secretary."

"Greetings, Station Chief Qiao."

"Greetings, Mrs. Qiao."

Hong Zhiyou smiled and bowed slightly in greeting.

"During the Japanese occupation, General Qiao's fame in Beiping was far-reaching, making the enemy invaders tremble with fear; you are truly a role model for our generation."

"When you and the Station Chief's wife were arrested back then, you endured brutal torture without ever yielding."

"Such integrity and resolve prove that women are no less than men."

"I hold you in high esteem, truly!"

After saying this, Hong Zhiyou bowed to show his respect.

He was not deliberately fawning.

Qiao Jiacai was a renowned iron-blooded general on the wartime Juntong line.

The matter regarding his wife was no secret either; it had been commended and officially archived by headquarters.

However, later on, old Qiao was schemed against and framed by Mao Renfeng and Wang Puchen, and he was held under house arrest on Wandao for many years.

"Your name is also like thunder to the ears."

"Eliminating Ke Chengwu, resolving a major concern for the Chairman, promoted three ranks overnight—a rising star of the Secret Service Bureau."

"Your courage is commendable, and your future is boundless."

Qiao Jiacai patted Hong Zhiyou on the shoulder and said with a friendly smile.

"Thank you, Station Chief Qiao."

"It was just my duty; I dare not claim credit for courage," Hong Zhiyou said modestly.

"Look at that, how well he speaks."

"By the way, Secretary Hong is very familiar with the local area; after the meal, let him take your wife out for a stroll."

Wu Jingzhong smiled.

"Zhiyou, you drive Mrs. Qiao to my house first," he instructed.

"Yes, Station Chief."

"Madam, please."

Hong Zhiyou politely stepped aside and gestured with his hand.

Once Hong Zhiyou left, Wu Jingzhong and Qiao Jiacai sat down.

"Old Wu, is the person hidden safely?"

"This person is very important; it concerns whether our brothers can fire the first shot. I have staked my entire future on you, my old friend," Qiao Jiacai said.

"Li Ya is a top student of Yu Lexing and Liu Xiong; there is no problem with his skills."

"Moreover, he is one of Jianfeng's men."

"Right now, the Red Tickets are infiltrating all parts of the country heavily; you can't be sure there aren't their eyes around you."

"Protecting a person is far harder than killing one."

"In my opinion, the fact that Yuan Peilin has defected cannot be hidden; the Red Tickets will soon move against him."

"We will only cooperate, not participate."

"If we can earn merit, that is naturally good."

"If we can't earn merit and the one surnamed Yuan is lost, that is also Jianfeng's business."

Wu Jingzhong leaned toward his ear and said in a low voice.

"Old Wu, you are still the one who thinks things through," Qiao Jiacai immediately understood and sighed with emotion.

"Sigh."

"I am also at my wit's end."

"Bureau Chief Mao attaches great importance to this Yuan Peilin and specifically named me to cooperate with you."

"And you are my old comrade-in-arms."

"We share the same glory and the same disgrace."

Wu Jingzhong said quite helplessly.

"My friend, you are a good hand at killing Japanese and handling intelligence, but you still need to be cautious regarding personnel matters; leaving Beiping early is the right path."

"Right now, the Chairman and the Gui Clique are reaching the point of being unable to coexist."

"With the Americans and the Soviets meddling in the middle, it is even more chaotic."

"If you don't extricate yourself early, it will be very troublesome in the future."

Having reached this point in the conversation, Wu Jingzhong advised him.

"Sigh."

"I am also being roasted on a fire; I can't get down even if I want to."

"Delin won't let me leave."

"And the Secret Service Bureau can't find a suitable replacement."

"I'll just take it one step at a time."

Qiao Jiacai shook his head helplessly.

After dropping off Mrs. Qiao, Hong Zhiyou rushed back to the Secret Service Bureau immediately.

The Station Chief and Qiao Jiacai were still in a private meeting.

Hong Zhiyou returned to his office.

Once inside.

He stood by the window, lit a cigarette, and looked at the pigeons on the roof opposite, lost in thought.

Qiao Jiacai had come.

That meant Yuan Peilin had very likely already hidden in Jinhai.

As the Chief of the Internal Affairs Section, he checked the vehicle dispatch records from yesterday.

There were no records of vehicles going out at night.

Strangely, the Action Team had taken down a Jinhai Red Ticket underground printing plant last night.

It was quite large.

He had asked Mi Zhiguo, and Li Ya hadn't gone.

It was Qi Physician who was in charge.

When he saw Li Ya in the office today, his complexion was very haggard; could it be that he went to Beiping to pick someone up last night?

Raiding the Red Tickets was merely a cover for Yuan Peilin entering Jinhai.

Hmm.

This was very likely.

After a moment of contemplation, Hong Zhiyou set out the tea tray.

According to Mei Qiuju's daily routine, she was highly likely playing mahjong with Cuiping, Mrs. Lu, and another person in the morning.

When he dropped off Mrs. Qiao earlier, he hadn't seen those two.

But in the morning, he had seen with his own eyes that Cuiping had gone out to the lady's house.

That meant they should have been playing mahjong together in the morning.

It was a temporary decision to have Li Guifen and Cuiping leave.

Given the years of tacit understanding between Li Guifen and Lu Qiaoshan as a couple, she would definitely notify Lu Qiaoshan.

Brew the tea, receive the guest!

Knock, knock!

The door sounded.

"Come in," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Secretary Hong, you're not busy, are you?" Lu Qiaoshan asked with a smile.

"Not busy, Old Lu, sit down."

The two sat on the sofa, and Hong Zhiyou brewed the tea.

"Station Chief Qiao is here; what do you think, my friend?" Lu Qiaoshan asked in a low voice.

"It seems his wife has a chronic illness and came to Jinhai to seek medical treatment," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Bullshit."

"My friend in Beiping told me that there was gunfire on Nanchizi Street last night, and an important Red Ticket stronghold was taken down."

"It is said that a double-collar was captured."

"The Red Tickets are now searching the whole world for someone."

Lu Qiaoshan squeezed his eyes and whispered.

"You, you mean they ran to our Jinhai?" Hong Zhiyou asked in surprise.

"It's very possible."

"The Red Tickets' Central Plains intelligence network has been destroyed, and many clues point to this Yuan Peilin."

"Once confirmed, they will want to eliminate him."

"Based on intelligence and my experience, I feel that last night's incident at Nanchizi in Beiping is highly likely to be a 'cicada shedding its skin' ruse by Yuan Peilin."

"He must have hidden himself in Jinhai."

Lu Qiao's eyes turned sharp, and he said with a very certain tone.

As he spoke, he glanced around:

"Haven't you noticed that someone is missing from the station?"

"Who?" Hong Zhiyou asked, knowing the answer.

"Li Ya.

"Isn't he nominated for deputy station chief?

"Logically speaking, with a general-level officer like Qiao Jiacai arriving, he would definitely go to show his face.

"My men saw with their own eyes that Li Ya went to Beiping last night.

"Yuan Peilin is in his hands."

Lu Qiao held up his index finger and tapped the table decisively.

"So what if he is.

"He can earn his merit, and I'll earn my money; neither of us will get in the other's way," Hong Zhiyou said, pretending to be uninterested.

"Brother, you still don't understand.

"Have you forgotten how he investigated you?

"If he becomes deputy station chief, never mind making money, he'll watch you so closely you won't even have northwest wind to drink.

"He is not a lamp that saves oil."

Lu Qiao straightened his face and said displeasedly.

"That's true.

"What does brother mean?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"The key to whether Li Ya can become deputy station chief lies in this Yuan Peilin.

"We have to think of a way."

Lu Qiao said.

"No, no, it can't be 'we', it has to be you.

"If Li Ya becomes deputy station chief, I'll just make a little less; I won't have to worry about food and drink.

"Besides, with the station chief covering for me, he can't do anything to me.

"However, Brother Shan, from the bottom of my heart, I am inclined toward you.

"If something were to happen to Li Ya, I would be happy to see it."

Hong Zhiyou patted his shoulder, stating his position.

"With those words from you, I can rest easy.

"You are busy with the story, so let me manage the General Affairs Section for a few days.

"Also..."

Speaking of this, Lu Qiao chuckled and did not continue.

Even if he didn't say it, Hong Zhiyou understood.

Old Lu wanted to sabotage Li Ya and secretly track down Yuan Peilin.

This was a good thing.

In the original story, these tasks were all done by Yu Zecheng.

As a veteran from the Nanchang Investigation Section period, Lu Qiao would only be more meticulous and more sinister than Yu Zecheng.

Having him look for Yuan Peilin could not be more appropriate.

(End of chapter)