Chapter 216: Lifting a Rock Only to Drop It on One's Own Feet

"Yong Jianqiu, this person has very close ties to the Red Ticket; is this Yu Zecheng showing his fox tail again?" Li Ya muttered to himself.

"Perhaps he feels you have lost your power and no one in Jinhai is watching him, so he is acting rashly," Gao Yuan said.

"It is possible.

"Under the high pressure of the previous period, the Red Ticket has been very passive.

"They must have accumulated a lot of work.

"It is time for them to make a move.

"It is just that I haven't left yet; wouldn't it be too impatient?"

Li Ya sneered.

"Captain Li, shall we arrest them?" Gao Yuan said.

"Let's go.

"Let's go take a look."

Li Ya grabbed his service pistol and called out.

Ma Wang Town.

Yu Zecheng was sitting in the car, whispering to Kong Fang.

The car reached a fork in the road, and after driving less than a mile, several of Li Ya's Beetle cars blocked the way ahead.

The group got out, immediately opened their gun bolts, and lined up in formation.

"Officer, is, is there a problem?" Kong Fang jumped out of the car, nodding and bowing respectfully as he asked.

"Oh, it's Captain Li."

He looked closely and recognized that it was Li Ya.

"It's you again, Red Ticket courier.

"Last time you were transporting military supplies for Fu Zuoyi; who are you transporting things for this time?"

Once Li Ya saw it was him, he became even more convinced that there was a problem with this shipment.

"Captain Li, I can't say, you understand," Kong Fang whispered in a low voice.

"I understand.

"Yong Jianqiu had you transport this to the bandit area, right?

"Red Ticket supplies!

"Open it up and let's see."

Li Ya waved his hand to order.

Gao Yuan and two other subordinates climbed onto the truck, used knives to cut open several sacks, and took a look:

"Boss, inside are cotton clothes, rice, and salt."

"Right now, the people in Jinhai City can't even get enough to eat, yet you dare to smuggle civilian supplies. Hmm, the American's goods, the cotton is quite soft, all good stuff."

Li Ya casually sliced one open to inspect it.

"Take both the people and the vehicles to the station!" He couldn't be bothered with small talk and gave the order.

"Wait.

"Captain Li, I have an acquaintance of yours here, please show some leniency."

Kong Fang took out a stack of silver dollars and handed them over.

"An acquaintance?

"Who?" Li Ya raised an eyebrow and asked.

"Captain Li, it's me." Only then did Yu Zecheng get out of the car, trotting over two steps with a fawning smile.

"Director Yu.

"Actually, I guessed it; at this time, the only one who would dare to transport things to the bandit area is you.

"Before, when I said you were Red Ticket, you argued in every possible way.

"Now that you've been caught red-handed with the stolen goods, what else do you have to say?"

Li Ya glanced at Kong Fang, then at the supplies, and finally stared straight at Yu Zecheng to interrogate him.

"Captain Li.

"Look at what you're saying; you also know that everyone in the Bureau of Confidentiality has a few private deals.

"This shipment of mine is urgent; why don't you let it pass first, and allow me to explain to you slowly.

"Take it away."

Yu Zecheng said while giving the order.

"Let's see who dares!"

Seeing the driver about to get into the car, Li Ya fired a shot into the air.

"Captain Li, we all eat from the same pot; do me a favor, give an old classmate some face, and let the convoy go." While smiling, Yu Zecheng's eyes turned cold.

"Old classmate?

"This time with the Yuan Peilin affair, you didn't do little in colluding with Lu Qiaoshan behind my back.

"Did you ever consider our school friendship?

"Now I haven't even left yet, and you're already so impatient.

"Fine, I will stand the last watch for the Jinhai Station.

"I'll strip off your skin first before anything else."

Li Ya stared at Yu Zecheng with a grim smile, turned his head, and ordered:

"Today, not even the King of Heaven can save this shipment.

"Take it all back."

"Li Ya, this shipment..." Yu Zecheng still wanted to explain.

"You'll have your time to talk later!"

Li Ya poked Yu Zecheng in the chest, sneered, and turned to return to his car.

Yu Zecheng had no choice.

Transporting civilian supplies required the signature of the Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau.

On the surface, he had indeed overstepped his bounds.

Of course, letting Li Ya catch him was part of the plan.

Back at the Bureau of Confidentiality.

Li Ya took Yu Zecheng directly to his office.

"Interrogating a field officer requires the station chief's approval.

"We were classmates once, so I won't make things difficult for you.

"Sleep in the office tonight, and we'll deal with you when the station chief returns tomorrow morning.

"You two watch him for me.

"No phone calls allowed, no bail."

Li Ya ordered Gao Yuan and the other two subordinates, and after finishing, he went back to get a good night's sleep.

"Two brothers, sit on the sofa for a while.

"If you're thirsty or sleepy, make your own tea."

Yu Zecheng pointed to the thermos, casually took a coat from the wall to drape over himself, lay down on the sofa, and fell asleep.

The next day.

Hong Zhiyou arrived at the station.

Mi Zhiguo walked quickly and whispered: "Secretary Hong, Director Yu was detained by Li Ya last night."

"I know." Hong Zhiyou nodded.

He walked straight to Lu Qiaoshan's office: "Acting Station Chief Lu, have you heard?"

"Heard what?" Lu Qiaoshan played dumb.

"Old Yu was detained by Li Ya last night," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Oh, I heard; they say he was caught red-handed by Li Ya while reselling civilian supplies," Lu Qiaoshan replied indifferently.

"You are the acting station chief, and Li Ya has already been suspended.

"He does not have the authority to take action.

"Even if he were to arrest someone, he should have reported it to you, right?"

Hong Zhiyou asked in a deep voice.

"Brother, this is a case of being caught red-handed with the goods.

"I just went to look.

"Guess what?

"Underneath, it was all white sugar; this is a strategic and civilian dual-use material more precious than gold, at least two or three tons.

"How much money would that be worth after one flip?

"Tell me about this Director Yu; he usually looks quiet and unassuming, but his guts are too big, and his methods are too ruthless.

"Oh, when there's fat meat, he doesn't say a word.

"Now that something has happened, he wants to fish people out and thinks of me; am I that cheap?"

Lu Qiaoshan curled his lip, sounding both sour and jealous.

"Old Lu, Old Yu is one of our own; who doesn't have a little side business? Let's give him a hand first," Hong Zhiyou advised with a smile.

"If you say he wants to tip me off, I have people in the City Defense Bureau's Dispatch Office; it's just a matter of a single word to get him out of the city easily."

"Eating alone?"

"Wanting to stuff every benefit into your own pockets—is there really such a good deal?"

"Heaven is watching."

Lu Qiaoshan shook his head, pointed at the ceiling, and snorted coldly.

These days, the most profitable things are smuggling white sugar and arms.

Among them, white sugar is even rarer than arms.

Black marketeers, garrison troops, and municipal profiteers are all racking their brains to find ways to smuggle white sugar.

Lu Qiaoshan has spent no small amount of effort, but he has no connections.

Seeing two trucks this morning loaded with nothing but white, powdery sugar underneath, he felt so depressed he couldn't even taste his coffee.

"Old Lu, you this..."

Hong Zhiyou wanted to say a few more words, but Lu Qiaoshan waved his hand impatiently:

"Little Hong, don't you worry about this matter."

"I have a meeting at the Gendarmerie Headquarters, so I won't keep you company."

"The Station Chief returns at nine; we'll see how he handles it then."

After speaking, he patted his file folder, stood up, and walked out.

Hong Zhiyou followed him out.

Watching Lu Qiaoshan go down the stairs, he sighed slightly in his heart.

He had thought that after experiencing the Li Ya incident, everyone would share a common hatred and their relationship would have warmed up.

Now it seems he overestimated Lu Qiaoshan.

This person is too narrow-minded.

He has methods, but no vision.

Whenever benefits are involved, he haggles over every ounce and only takes, never gives.

He cannot be led; he is impossible to cultivate.

He arrived at the Confidentiality Room.

Yu Zecheng was leisurely reading a newspaper and drinking tea.

"Secretary Hong," Gao Yuan greeted him.

"Look at those dark circles from staying up; you two didn't really watch him all night, did you?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"Captain Li gave the order; we didn't dare to be negligent," Gao Yuan said expressionlessly.

"Fine, keep watching."

"Old Yu, your breakfast; my wife asked me to bring it," Hong Zhiyou placed the breakfast on the table and turned to walk out.

Yu Zecheng did not stand on ceremony and began to eat as if no one else were there.

Gao Yuan gave his men a look and returned to the Action Team.

Li Ya was drinking tea.

"Is there anything unusual about Yu?" he asked.

"He seems very nervous."

"Although he looks calm, his hands were shaking the whole time he was eating noodles," Gao Yuan said.

"Being nervous is exactly right."

"This batch of goods must be for the Red tickets."

"That Kong Fang was a courier for the Red tickets before, but don't use torture yet; this person has transported arms for Fu Zuoyi, so wait for the Station Chief to return before making a decision."

Having suffered losses a few times, Li Ya had learned his lesson.

Arrest when necessary, interrogate when necessary.

But the methods must be gentle; they must never be excessive.

Nine o'clock.

Wu Jingzhong returned, beaming with joy.

As soon as he entered the office, he called out to Hong Zhiyou: "Zhiyou, go call them all to the conference room; I have something to announce."

Hong Zhiyou took the order and called everyone to the conference room.

Wu Jingzhong sat at the head of the table and looked around: "Where is Section Chief Yu?"

"Station Chief, Section Chief Yu was detained by Captain Li; he's currently in the office under confinement."

Lu Qiaoshan, who had rushed back in time, said with a smile.

"What's going on?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

"Section Chief Yu is suspected of reselling civilian supplies and was caught red-handed by my men."

"Don't worry, since you weren't here, we didn't interrogate or use torture; he's completely unharmed."

Li Ya glanced at Lu Qiaoshan and said calmly.

"Captain Li, shouldn't you be resting at home? Why are you managing civilian supplies and city defense inspections again?" Wu Jingzhong said.

"I discovered it, so I went over to take a look," Li Ya said flatly.

"It's good that you came."

"Zhiyou, put the matter of reselling civilian supplies aside for now; call Zecheng over for the meeting."

Wu Jingzhong ordered.

After Yu Zecheng took his seat, Wu Jingzhong looked around at everyone and said:

"According to the opinions of Headquarters and Jianfeng, I announce the following personnel adjustments for the Jinhai Confidentiality Bureau."

Everyone quickly sat up straight.

Lu Qiaoshan, in particular, was all smiles, his heart pounding wildly with excitement.

If his guess was correct, Li Ya's punishment had arrived.

Under the gaze of everyone, Wu Jingzhong said slowly:

"Regarding Captain Li's accidental mistake leading to the death of Dong Cheng."

"And the fact that Yuan Peilin went out without authorization while Captain Li failed to guard him strictly, bearing major responsibility for negligence, Headquarters' handling of Li Ya is as follows:"

"One: Recommend the cancellation of the application for Li Ya's position as Deputy Station Chief, and simultaneously issue a major demerit."

"Two: Retain his position while under observation, suspend his salary for half a year, and cancel all performance reviews and bonuses for three years; he shall not be promoted or commended."

Having said this, he took a sip of tea, taking in the expressions of everyone present.

Lu Qiaoshan's expression turned ugly.

He had thought Headquarters would immediately escort Li Ya to the Inspection Office to receive punishment, or even face a military tribunal and a firing squad.

He hadn't expected it to be just a mere major demerit.

Deducting half a year's salary—these were painless, superficial punishments.

"Station Chief, please continue," he suppressed his dissatisfaction and asked with a forced smile.

"Ahem."

"Three: Upon study by Headquarters and the suggestion of Jianfeng, Li Ya is to remain in Jin for observation, continue to serve as Action Team Captain, and atone for his crimes through meritorious service."

Wu Jingzhong stated the final point unhurriedly.

Hong Zhiyou breathed a secret sigh of relief.

Fortunately, Li Ya wasn't leaving.

If Mao Renfeng had sent someone else, the Jinhai Station would have been in real trouble.

"Remain in Jin for observation?"

"Station Chief, is that what Director Zheng... meant as well?"

Lu Qiaoshan felt as if struck by a thunderbolt and stood up.

"Yes!"

"This is the intention of both Directors," Wu Jingzhong nodded.

"This..." Lu Qiaoshan stood frozen in place, looking at Li Ya in disbelief.

Li Ya smiled and nodded at him very politely:

"Section Chief Lu, we are still colleagues in the future; I hope for your continued guidance."

Guidance my ass.

Lu Qiaoshan pulled a long face and sat back down in his chair.

"Next is the internal adjustment of our station."

"Captain Li has been overworked recently; he will no longer concurrently hold the Equipment Room and Dispatch Office, which will be transferred to Zecheng."

"The cold storage warehouse and Delong Inn are returned to Qiaoshan for management."

"The Waterway Inspection Office will be concurrently held by Hou Yun of the Telecommunications Office."

"Does anyone have any objections?"

Wu Jingzhong looked at everyone and said.

"Thank you, Station Chief," Yu Zecheng was the first to stand up and express his gratitude.

Although Lu Qiaoshan was extremely unhappy, once he thought about the two little money bags returning to him, he quickly followed suit and accepted the order after a brief moment of shock.

Li Ya sat on the chair, his face full of resentment and frustration.

Now it was a mess.

He hadn't managed to expose anyone, but he had exposed his own backside.

The Deputy Station Chief position had gone down the drain, and his salary was suspended.

Even his side income was being cut off; this was no different from being fleeced to the bone.

Fortunately, he had a truckload of white sugar.

Once he flipped it, earning enough for a house was no problem, enough to cover his living expenses for over half a year.

"Does anyone else have any questions?"

"If there are no questions, let's adjourn."

Wu Jingzhong said with a stern, faint smile.

"Station Chief, please investigate the matter of Section Chief Yu privately smuggling civilian supplies," Li Ya said, perking up.

"Smuggling civilian supplies? What is this about?" Wu Jingzhong asked, feigning solemnity.

"Station Chief, this... can I say it?" Yu Zecheng asked, looking troubled.

"It is like this.

"Isn't the Soviet Comrade Stalin's birthday coming up soon?

"General Xiong from the Northeast, as the head of the delegation, was thinking of sending them some gifts, and the list included two thousand tons of white sugar.

"General Xiong couldn't collect it in time, so he entrusted people everywhere to gather white sugar.

"So I just..."

Yu Zecheng said with a helpless expression.

"White sugar?

"Wasn't it cotton clothes and rice?" Li Ya's heart skipped a beat.

"On the surface, it was cotton clothes, rice, and such, but what was packed underneath was all processed white sugar.

"A total of two tons."

Yu Zecheng replied.

"Since these are supplies requested by General Xiong, why not ship them by sea instead of going through all the trouble of packing them and going by land? Isn't this redundant?

"And this Kong Fang is a Red agent.

"These are all ironclad facts.

"Section Chief Yu, don't you think your excuse is too clumsy?"

Li Ya sneered.

"I also received notice about General Xiong collecting white sugar.

"But Li Ya is right, why not go by sea?"

Wu Jingzhong tapped the table and asked.

"At present, white sugar is not only a civilian supply but also a strategic material.

"General Xiong was afraid that if he went by sea, General Du over at Huludao would skin him for a layer, and he wouldn't be able to complete the mission assigned by his superiors.

"Furthermore, the Generalissimo is currently applying for military aid from the Americans, and it is feared that exposing secret dealings with the Soviets at this time would be detrimental to the situation.

"Therefore, the white sugar collected from various places is all entering the Northeast via Shanhai Pass."

Yu Zecheng explained.

"Then this Kong Fang..." Li Ya asked, rolling his eyes upward.

"Kong Fang is an informant I developed; I already explained this to Captain Li last time in Baoding," Hong Zhiyou interjected.

"So that's how it is."

Li Ya did not act rashly or argue; he pursed his lips and said:

"Then why not trouble the Station Chief to make a call to General Xiong to confirm?

"If the situation is true, then release the person."

"Fine, how could I dare disobey your orders?" Wu Jingzhong said, standing up lazily.

"Station Chief, I am currently a man under a cloud; that I could stay this time is all thanks to your strategic planning. You saying this shortens my life.

"Your subordinate was merely following routine procedure, wanting to clear Section Chief Yu's name."

Li Ya hurriedly bowed and said.

Wu Jingzhong led the group back to his office and, in front of Li Ya, dialed the number for Xiong Shihui:

"Hello, is this General Xiong? This is Wu Jingzhong.

"It's like this, did you have someone entrust our Jinhai Station's Section Chief Yu to transport two tons of white sugar across Shanhai Pass?

"Good, I understand.

"Sorry to bother you."

Hanging up the phone, Wu Jingzhong looked at Li Ya and said, "General Xiong confirms this is the case. Captain Li, release him."

"Yes, Station Chief!

"Section Chief Yu, I apologize, it was just routine procedure."

Li Ya said with an apologetic face.

"It's fine, as long as Captain Li is happy," Yu Zecheng said with a forced smile.

"Li Ya, next time, before you have figured things out, watch your tone and choice of words. Stop spouting nonsense like 'ironclad facts' in front of people.

"I have said that the Jinhai Station is a team, a family; only when everyone pulls together can we exert strength.

"Do you remember?"

Wu Jingzhong criticized Li Ya mercilessly in front of the three of them.

A dog in the water must be beaten, otherwise, it won't know pain.

"Yes, Station Chief." Li Ya had completely lost his spirit and hung his head.

"Go," Wu Jingzhong waved his hand wearily.

"Master, how should this batch of supplies be handled?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"What else can be done?

"Send it through the pass, transport it to General Xiong."

Wu Jingzhong ordered.

"Understood, Station Chief," Hong Zhiyou said.

After leaving the Station Chief's office, Li Ya walked quickly: "Secretary Hong, a word."

Once they reached a quiet spot, Li Ya asked anxiously:

"Secretary Hong, has that batch of white sugar of mine been sold?"

"It could have been sold, but now it's ruined," Hong Zhiyou said with displeasure.

"What do you mean?

"How is it ruined? That is my entire life savings." Li Ya panicked.

"So you do know.

"Do you know who was buying this batch of white sugar?

"The old master of the Wang family in the Northeast; he offered double the price just to buy it and sell a favor to Xiong Shihui.

"My connections in the Northeast are not familiar.

"It was hard enough to entrust Section Chief Yu to find a path through Yong Jianqiu.

"Section Chief Yu, out of respect for me, originally wanted to personally escort the goods through the pass.

"But you, you went and ruined the deal.

"For this trip, I spent manpower and money to pack it with great difficulty; I spent a fortune on cotton and rice alone, not to mention the bribes for all the demons and monsters along the route.

"Now it's great, nobody gets to earn anything.

"It's all over.

"When Boss Wang and Xiong Shihui ask later, you go and explain it to them.

"Anyway, you have Jiang Jianfeng, right?"

Hong Zhiyou sneered and walked away.

"You, you mean this batch of goods was mine!"

Li Ya was stunned, stood blankly for several seconds, and then hurriedly chased after him:

"Oh, Secretary Hong, why didn't you tell me in advance?"

"You didn't ask.

"Besides, do I need to report to you when I do business?

"If you hadn't been meddling like a dog catching a mouse, the goods would have passed the checkpoint by now, and the money would be in hand."

Hong Zhiyou said angrily.

"Then what do I do now?

"Brother, my entire life savings are tied up in this. If these goods can't get through the pass, they'll be stuck in my hands." Li Ya frowned.

"Isn't that perfect?

"You can eat the white sugar as a meal," Hong Zhiyou sneered.

"Brother."

"I won't say angry words; this time it was my fault."

"Think of a way, let's get this batch of goods out of the pass again and get the money in hand."

Li Ya's tone was extremely pleading.

Gritting his teeth, he went all out and said, "I'll give you another twenty percent of the profit, how about that?"

"Is this a matter of money?"

"Right now, no one is willing to transport goods; both inside and outside the pass are filled with bandits and outlaws. Without your connections to the Yong family, this cargo would be robbed halfway."

"Why did you need Director Yu to go? He has a good relationship with the Yong family."

"And my informant, who used to be a Communist and also worked as a bandit, is well-connected everywhere, yet you insisted on calling him a Communist and locking him up."

"Anyway, I can't handle this matter."

"You have great ability, so go find whoever you want."

Hong Zhiyou had the air of a hands-off proprietor, walking faster and faster.

"Brother."

"Let's talk this over properly. Without this truckload of white sugar, I'll be left with nothing to eat."

"You have to point me toward a clear path."

Li Ya chased after him and said.

"The solution is very simple."

"Go beg old Yu."

"Ask him to help you continue to escort it through the pass; that's the only way, you decide for yourself."

After Hong Zhiyou finished speaking, he ignored him and walked away quickly.

"Find Yu Zecheng?"

Li Ya was so embarrassed he nearly ground his teeth to pieces.

He was the one who had arrested the person.

Now he had to go and beg him.

Even Li Ya himself felt this was something no human would do.

Sigh.

To avoid starving, he would just have to bite the bullet and beg.

He took a deep breath, straightened his posture, and headed toward the confidential office.

……

(End of chapter)