Chapter 211: The Death of Dong Cheng

The interrogation room.

Wu Jingzhong sat at the head of the table, with Hong Zhiyou, Yu Zecheng, and the others lined up on either side, while Li Ya leaned against the doorway, looking deeply worried.

Lu Qiaoshan took it all in, his heart filled with wild joy.

Li Ya panicked.

It seems I didn't catch the wrong person; Heaven is helping me.

"Director Lu, tell us about it." Wu Jingzhong looked toward Lu Qiaoshan.

"It's like this: while we were monitoring the residence of Xu Yuanshan, we discovered this person.

"We suspect he may very well have had contact with Dong Cheng.

"Upon investigation, we found him hiding in an opera troupe at the Drum Tower.

"The troupe leader of the neighboring troupe also confessed truthfully.

"It can be said that we caught them red-handed."

Lu Qiaoshan was full of pride and satisfaction, his voice two notches higher than usual.

"Captain Li, aren't you currently looking for someone to verify Dong Cheng's identity?

"Qiaoshan has done you a huge favor."

Wu Jingzhong pointed at Li Ya and smiled.

"Director Lu, thank you." Li Ya said, expressionless.

"That's the spirit.

"The organization is a family, and comrades are like siblings.

"We must watch over and help one another; only then can we achieve twice the result with half the effort."

Wu Jingzhong nodded with a smile.

"Yes, shall we see who he is?" Lu Qiaoshan said with a beaming smile.

"Mm." Wu Jingzhong waved his hand.

The interrogator standing to the side walked up to the prisoner.

Everyone's heart tightened.

The interrogator ripped off the man's hood, revealing a young, panicked face.

"This..."

Lu Qiaoshan pointed, stunned.

Yu Zecheng and Hong Zhiyou also felt their hearts go cold.

They couldn't even fathom what medicine Li Ya was selling in his gourd.

"Qiaoshan, interrogate him."

Wu Jingzhong suppressed his inner disappointment, his smile remaining calm.

"Speak.

"Are you a Red agent, and what was your mission in Jinmen?"

Lu Qiaoshan grabbed the man by the collar, gritting his teeth, wishing he could devour him alive.

"Brother Li, save me!" The man was scared out of his wits, trembling like a sieve, his eyes darting around as if he had seen a pack of ghosts.

"Brother Li?

"That's quite an intimate way to address him.

"Captain Li, what exactly is going on here?"

Lu Qiaoshan looked coldly at Li Ya.

"Director Lu, I don't know where your intelligence came from.

"This man is named Zhang Wenshun.

"He is the older brother of a friend of mine. Some time ago, I was entrusted by this friend to bring him to the opera troupe to make a living. Is there a problem with that?" Li Ya said.

"Make a living.

"Then why hide sneakily in a dilapidated woodshed?" Lu Qiaoshan demanded.

"How should I put it?

"This person previously suffered from hysteria, or, in the words of Western physicians, a mental illness.

"He is afraid of contact with people.

"Whenever he sees someone, he gets nervous, and sometimes he even has seizures and foams at the mouth.

"You know, in our hometown, someone who can't work the fields like this can't support themselves."

"So, I specifically asked the troupe leader to take him in and give him a bite to eat.

"Usually, he stays in the woodshed and doesn't see many people.

"Is there a problem?"

Li Ya curled his lips and asked coldly.

"No problem at all.

"Perhaps the intelligence on my end was flawed.

"However, I wonder who this friend Captain Li mentioned is?

"You haven't been in Jinmen for many days, yet you're already helping people find work; this person must be very close to you."

Lu Qiaoshan clicked his tongue and stopped arguing.

"That is my private business; there is no need to tell you.

"But if you want to know, I can say.

"As the Station Master said, the organization is a family; you are the senior brother, so there is no need to hide it from you."

Li Ya walked up to Lu Qiaoshan, stared into his eyes, and gave a sarcastic smile:

"This person is called Xiao Yunxian.

"She is a girlfriend I met in the opera troupe. Are you satisfied with that answer?"

"So it's a brother-in-law, then there's no problem." Lu Qiaoshan adjusted his glasses and said.

"However, I am very curious.

"The Intelligence Division is not the Cao Gang; we don't collect protection money, do we?

"Director Lu first sent police to the opera troupe to investigate, and now you've gone and arrested my friend.

"It wouldn't be aimed at me, would it?

"Or are you looking for someone? You've been running back and forth so much, look at how anxious you are—you've aged quite a bit.

"Director Lu, don't overwork yourself; once you're of a certain age, you should meddle less in other people's business."

Li Ya's words had a double meaning, taking a jab at the Station Master as well.

"I said, I went there to investigate Red agents." Lu Qiaoshan's face darkened, and he said coldly.

"Alright, alright!"

Wu Jingzhong quickly raised his hand to smooth things over.

"Since it's a misunderstanding, unrelated to Dong Cheng, and he is Captain Li's future brother-in-law.

"Then let them both go."

He ordered.

"Yes, Station Master." Lu Qiaoshan nodded.

With a wave of his hand, someone immediately released the troupe leader and Zhang Wenshun.

"Alright, go back to your work."

With a look from Wu Jingzhong, everyone retreated, leaving only Li Ya behind.

"This Dong Cheng case must be accelerated.

"After Xu Yuanshan returned, he went to Jingling overnight to lobby at the Ministry of National Defense. If you don't identify him quickly, what if some high-ranking official at the Ministry of National Defense gives in?

"You won't be able to keep this man."

He whispered, advising Li Ya.

"Station Master, I just don't understand.

"The testimonies from Yang Village and the investigation report from the former Wang-puppet regime's Political Security Bureau are all in black and white, with official seals—why does no one acknowledge them?" Li Ya shook his head, very puzzled.

"Because the person you are identifying is Yu Zecheng.

"In terms of relationship, you are alumni and classmates.

"In terms of status, he is a hero who assassinated Li Haifeng alone, personally received commendations from Boss Dai, and has even eaten meals with Boss Dai.

"You take evidence that even Jianfeng wouldn't dare believe and shout it from the rooftops.

"Just based on these few scraps of paper of unknown origin, a dignified Major officer becomes a Red agent?

"Li Ya, how do you expect your superiors and the Party-State to handle this?

"It's only because Boss Dai is no longer here; otherwise, you would certainly be severely punished."

Wu Jingzhong said with a displeased expression.

"Sigh!

"This Wan Lilang died at the wrong time." Li Ya said.

"What do you want to do about this Dong Cheng?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

"I have brought an eyewitness from Yang Village."

"He has seen Yu and Dong Cheng before."

Li Ya said.

"Forget it.

"It happened a few years ago, and that village was struck by a plague again.

"The person you brought back doesn't count.

"If they bite back and accuse you of framing them, how will you defend yourself?"

Seeing that he was holding onto Yuan Peilin and wouldn't let go, Wu Jingzhong couldn't be bothered to waste any more energy.

"That's true.

"Then send this Dong Cheng to Jingling.

"Hand him over to the people there to deal with."

Seeing the old man stop acting, Li Ya had no choice but to give up.

"You handle it as you see fit.

"My opinion is that internal screening is very necessary; when you have time, interrogate this Dong Cheng alone again.

"Offer him better terms.

"Sometimes a person's will collapses in an instant.

"If you manage to persuade him, wouldn't this credit fall right into your own hands?

"With both Yuan and Dong as achievements, you might just get promoted to Colonel."

Wu Jingzhong said with a smile.

"Yes, we can't let him off so easily.

"Thank you for your guidance, Master."

Li Ya said gratefully.

Returning to the office.

Wu Jingzhong picked up the folder on the table and slammed it down hard:

"Useless!

"Losing the trail again and again—what kind of 'senior brother' of the Nanchang Investigation Section is he? I'm embarrassed for him."

The mere thought of Yuan Peilin still being out there, free and happy, made him furious.

"Master.

"I can only say that everyone underestimated Li Ya.

"A chain of schemes, a plot within a plot!

"He truly deserves to be someone who has read the Thirty-Six Stratagems; this whole sequence left not just Department Chief Lu, but even me, completely dizzy.

"Please calm your anger.

"There will always be opportunities; he can't hide the one surnamed Yuan forever."

Hong Zhiyou hurriedly poured him tea.

"He is currently using Jianfeng as a pretext.

"Did you hear him? He was pointing at me in the interrogation room, implying I'm old and meddlesome.

"That little brat, his wings have really hardened."

Wu Jingzhong said angrily.

"Sigh.

"Zheng Jiemin called me; he has already signed the commendation and the promotion order.

"He will use the excuse of an official assignment to go to Xi'an for two days, buying us some final time.

"If we still can't find Yuan Peilin.

"Li Ya's position as Deputy Station Chief will be set in stone."

He paused, then continued.

Hong Zhiyou's expression grew solemn.

Li Ya was indeed difficult to deal with.

Assassination!

Having just captured an important person, if Li Ya were to die in Jinhai.

Jianfeng would definitely make many heads roll.

He could not be killed.

In terms of playing games, Li Ya had single-handedly run the entire station in circles.

He hadn't even sat in the Deputy Station Chief's chair yet, and he was already daring to challenge the Station Chief.

If he really did sit in it.

Hong Zhiyou felt that he would turn the Jinhai Station upside down.

If things went poorly, he might even have to pay back that heavy slap to the face.

This wouldn't do.

No matter what, Yuan Peilin had to be found.

"Master, I'm going to sit with Department Chief Lu for a while," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Go ahead.

"You three cobblers should put your heads together and think of a way."

Wu Jingzhong said.

Also?

Hong Zhiyou seemed to hear a hidden meaning in that.

But thinking about it, Wu Jingzhong was so shrewd; how could he just let it go?

He must have a hidden move.

It was just that what this hidden move was, remained unknown.

Once he left.

Wu Jingzhong called Xiao Guohua in.

"Guohua, how are things prepared on Old Five's end?" he asked in a low voice.

"Station Chief.

"It has already been arranged, and the items have been given to Old Five.

"As long as Captain Li dares to interrogate him alone.

"I believe Dong Cheng will make his choice."

Xiao Guohua said.

"Hmm.

"I observe that this man has a clear and upright brow; after enduring so many rounds of torture, he is still able to talk and laugh—he is truly a tough character worthy of respect.

"Sending him off in this way can be considered giving him a final bit of dignity."

Wu Jingzhong nodded and said.

"Additionally, this person Old Five cannot be kept.

"He was the one who handled Liu Xiong.

"Now it is also him with Dong Cheng.

"If Li Ya investigates closely later, there is no guarantee this person won't spill the beans.

"Don't forget, he is a guy who is into every vice—drinking, gambling, and whoring.

"A person full of flaws is absolutely unreliable."

After taking a sip of tea, a cold glint flashed in Wu Jingzhong's eyes as he gave the order.

"Understood.

"I will make Old Five shut his mouth forever tonight," Xiao Guohua said respectfully, accepting the order.

"Go."

Wu Jingzhong nodded in agreement.

Regarding Li Ya, his mind was clear.

When competing with others, it is nothing more than parrying each move.

This move regarding Yuan Peilin could not be parried for the time being.

Then he would parry the other move: Dong Cheng.

The importance of this person was no less than that of Yuan Peilin.

If Dong Cheng were to die at Li Ya's hands.

What kind of situation would that create?

Not to mention breaking the deadlock, at the very least, it would provide Zheng Jiemin with another good excuse to delay the promotion order for a few more days.

It was just a pity about Old Five.

A decent executioner, proficient in torture, whom he had used for so many years.

Interrogation room.

"Little Li, go, buy a pack of cigarettes for your brother."

Lao Wu pulled a large stack of bills from his pocket and stuffed them into the hand of another interrogator.

"Yes, Brother Wu." Little Li accepted the order happily and left.

Lao Wu walked quickly to the door, looked left and right, and after confirming no one was around, he hurried back into the interrogation room and walked up to Dong Cheng.

"Mr. Dong." Lao Wu called out to the semi-conscious Dong Cheng.

Dong Cheng opened his eyes and looked at him.

"Captain Li is going to send you to Jingling.

"But you know, even if someone could save you, after holding out for so many days and being put on the electric chair.

"At your age of nearly sixty, living is just suffering.

"So, someone wants to give you a quick end.

"You understand what I mean."

Lao Wu said.

"Thanks." Dong Cheng smiled faintly.

His first reaction was Yu Zecheng.

Release is often the best form of rescue.

"This pill is wrapped in wax; later, Captain Li will come to interrogate you personally, and you should take the opportunity to bite through the wax, and the pill will take effect immediately.

"This medicine will cause blood to accelerate, leading to intensified internal bleeding.

"At that time, you can act a bit more emotionally intense.

"It would be best to force him to lay a hand on you.

"You understand what I mean.

"This can be considered your last chance to take revenge on Li Ya."

Lao Wu said in a low voice.

"I understand." Mr. Dong opened his mouth to take the pill, held it under his tongue, and nodded.

After finishing his instructions, Lao Wu walked out.

"Binzi, A-Li, let's go, let's go to the cafeteria to eat.

"I heard there's braised pork for dinner today.

"Damn it, it's finally not Lu Qiaoshan in charge of the General Affairs Section; the brothers can finally eat good food and drink good wine now.

"You, stay here and keep an eye on things for me.

"I'll swap with you later."

Lao Wu shouted out and called the interrogators on his left and right to leave together.

The interrogator who stayed behind was secretly in league with Li Ya.

Sure enough, as soon as Lao Wu left, that person went to the Action Team.

"Captain Li, Lao Wu and the others have gone to the cafeteria." The man reported.

"I know.

"Go and take a look."

Li Ya stood up and took a stack of documents from his drawer.

These were things he had carefully prepared.

Evidence identifying Yu Zecheng as Emei Peak.

He wanted to interrogate him secretly and alone.

Regardless of whether Dong Cheng admitted it or not.

Li Ya was going to force him to sign these papers.

There was no other reason.

He had secretly investigated Tang Bin of the Gendarmerie Headquarters.

Tang Bin usually had no connections with the Zhongtong.

Wu Jingzhong's judgment that his teacher and Ma Kui had connections with Tang Bin and the Zhongtong was based on nothing more than a photograph.

The person in the photo was a notorious plant within the Zhongtong.

The Bureau of Investigation and Statistics also had such plants.

For example, Sheng Xiang.

In other words, there were many suspicious points regarding the death of Liu Xiong.

And the most fundamental one was that he had been constantly biting at Yu Zecheng, even arresting Secretary Hong and Yu's wife.

Hong Zhiyou might not be a Red Agent.

But Li Ya was certain that this person was at least doing business with Red Agents.

If Yu Zecheng was a Red Agent.

Then wouldn't everything fall into place?

Otherwise, how could their relationship be so intimate?

Therefore, Li Ya boldly speculated that Ma Kui and Liu Xiong lost their lives while investigating Yu Zecheng and losing their touch.

It was definitely not because of collusion with the Zhongtong or the Communists.

He had checked Ma Kui's personal effects on this point, as well as past records of Red Agent investigations.

This person could be said to be almost fanatical about catching Red Agents.

He was the same type of person as his mentor, Liu Xiong.

Collusion with the Communists was absolutely impossible.

There was only one conclusion: Yu Zecheng was the real Emei Peak.

Hong Zhiyou was an accomplice.

The Station Chief was highly likely blinded by these two because he was out to make money.

He had to properly clean up the Jinmen Station.

Taking the materials, Li Ya walked quickly to the interrogation room.

Outsiders could not be present for this.

"You watch outside, and notify me immediately if anyone comes."

Li Ya gave an instruction to the interrogator at the door and walked in, clutching the folder.

"Thirsty?

"Drink some water."

He carried the warm tea and walked up to Dong Cheng.

"Thanks, I'm not thirsty." Dong Cheng said weakly.

"Mr. Dong, I have stayed in Yancheng, I have heard of your reputation, and I have always admired you.

"You should know that your organization has more important missions waiting for you to do.

"To die in Jinmen like this, you wouldn't be reconciled, would you?"

Li Ya's tone was gentle, and his attitude was very respectful.

"I am dead.

"The organization will naturally have more suitable candidates to do what I should do." Dong Cheng's smile remained.

"Don't try that with me.

"As long as you sign these materials, I can arrange for you to leave.

"I've even thought of the reason for you.

"A Red Agent gave me ten bars of gold, and I was greedy for money and let you go.

"Of course, you can also choose not to cooperate with me.

"I will beat you up, and then grab your hand to sign this."

Li Ya patted the document in his hand and said.

"In other words, I have to sign even if I don't want to." Dong Cheng said.

"Smart, that's exactly what I mean.

"I've checked your file; your wife and daughter both work in the organization's offices.

"Live.

"I don't need to tell you about your situation; someone should have already reported it to your organization.

"According to your organization's discipline, you've held out for so many days without confessing a single word; you're already qualified enough, and going back just means doing a little less work.

"At least you can be reunited with your family and hold your grandson, right?"

Li Ya smiled.

"You are very knowledgeable about... our organization's discipline; you truly deserve to have stayed in Yancheng." Dong Cheng said as he picked up the teacup and took a few sips.

This action gave Li Ya hope.

He smiled even more brightly: "I am ashamed; I hadn't yet performed any meritorious service before I was dug out by your people.

"When I was in Yancheng, only Jinmen had contacted me.

"And it was related to the investigation of Yu Zecheng."

"If I haven't guessed wrong, he is the 'Emei Peak' who replaced the code name of Lu Zongfang, right?"

Dong Cheng smiled and said nothing.

"Sign it, you are free." Li Ya handed the document over.

"Fine."

"But your reason for taking gold bars to release someone is not very mature."

"I am someone named by your high-level officials, and you are an active anti-communist, counting on me to earn merit and a promotion; how could you ruin your own future over a few gold bars?"

"This reason wouldn't even fool a three-year-old child."

Dong Cheng reminded him.

"You are right, then let's say it's an order issued by the Ministry of National Defense, that there are people above who want to rescue you."

"I know, there are quite a few of your people in the Second Bureau and even around the President."

"That is possible."

"Isn't that how General Chen was forcibly ransomed back by you people?"

Li Ya thought for a moment and said.

"This reason is acceptable." Dong Cheng nodded.

"Then sign it."

"After you sign, I will personally see you off," Li Ya said.

Dong Cheng picked up the document.

Just when Li Ya thought he was going to sign, Dong Cheng suddenly grabbed the document and tore it into pieces.

Rip.

Rip.

The sound of paper tearing was like slaps landing hard on Li Ya's face.

He had always been competitive and arrogant.

Since coming to Jinmen, he had lost his touch repeatedly, not to mention taking a big slap from Hong Zhiyou.

Now, a dying Dong Cheng dared to play him for a fool.

It was hateful.

"You ignorant dog!" Li Ya was furious, grabbed him by the collar, and landed several heavy punches.

"Ugh!"

Dong Cheng was beaten until his eye socket burst and his face was covered in blood.

But he was still smiling.

A gentle, calm smile.

This irony was like a sharp knife, grinding Li Ya's self-esteem into dust.

He beat Dong Cheng like a madman.

That spring-breeze-like smiling face had its cheekbones and jaw shattered, blooming with blood.

There was no cursing.

There were no slogans of loyalty to a faith.

Nor were there any final words to bid farewell to this world.

There was only a smile that made every executioner feel incomparably terrified and afraid.

Dong Cheng knew the opportunity had come.

He took the chance to bite through the wax pill, swallowing the liquid along with his blood into his throat, making the final choice of his life.

"I'll let you smile."

"Let you smile."

"..."

Li Ya threw punch after punch.

After landing over a dozen punches, he noticed Dong Cheng's gaze seemed to fix, gradually losing its light.

He let go, and Dong Cheng's head tilted to the side as he slumped in the chair.

"Not good!"

Li Ya shouted in alarm.

He reached out to check the breath, but there was none left.

(End of chapter)