Chapter 224: This explosion was earth-shattering

Li Ya returned to his office.

After a moment of contemplation, he picked up the phone and dialed a number:

"Connect me to Comrade Jianfeng at the Number Two Official Residence."

Soon, Comrade Jianfeng's dignified, low voice came from the other end.

"Comrade Jianfeng, Wu Jingzhong had his secretary collect explosives from the Equipment Division."

"Yes, the method is rather clumsy."

"Should I stop him?"

"Alright, I understand."

"Goodbye, please take care of your health."

Hanging up the phone, Li Ya bit his lip.

It was clear that Jianfeng was somewhat dissatisfied, but he hadn't ordered him to stop it, only to focus on his own duties.

Teacher.

You really might be getting old.

The times have changed; can your old three-trick routine still work?

Jingling.

Jianfeng walked quickly to the Number One Official Residence by the river.

The Chairman was standing before a map, observing it.

"Come here."

"Currently, Hu Zongnan's main force is besieging Northern Shaanxi; a great battle is imminent."

"I have a premonition that the Red Bandits in the Northeast might launch a desperate counterattack toward the Southwest, coordinating with the Red Tickets to open up a main route, link up with their main force from the directions of Northern Hebei and Eastern Inner Mongolia, and flee toward the Northeast."

The Chairman pointed at the map with his cane as he analyzed.

"Yes."

"The Northeast has dense forests and is rich in resources."

"There are also several arsenals left behind by Zhang Zuolin there."

"Pan Shuoduan of the 184th Division took the lead in defecting in June, dealing a heavy blow to Du Yuming's morale."

"Although we have currently brought the situation under control, the Red Bandits' most capable Lin unit has been constantly maneuvering back and forth in the Northeast, which is very headache-inducing."

"I believe annihilating them is only a matter of time."

"But we absolutely must not let the Red Bandits' headquarters and organizations enter the Northeast."

"We can starve them out by besieging Northern Shaanxi, but we can't starve them out in the Northeast."

"Moreover, they could still flee north into Soviet territory."

"At that point, trying to wipe them out in one fell swoop would be difficult."

Jianfeng nodded respectfully while expressing his own views.

"Your concerns are very valid."

"This is also why I am in a hurry to fly to Shenyang; our troops lack resilience. They are fine when winning battles, but once they lose, they lose their spirit."

"Although the Red Bandits lack weapons and food, their will is very stubborn."

"Those who wear shoes are always afraid of getting them dirty; if this stubborn ideological ailment isn't resolved, they won't be able to compete with that bunch of barefoot men."

The Chairman sighed.

"This is what happens after living the good life for too long."

"During the Northern Expedition and the war against the Japanese, our millions of soldiers buried their bones in the mountains and rivers; when were they ever afraid?"

"It's only been less than two years, and military morale has disintegrated to this extent."

"In my opinion, it is corruption that has corrupted people's hearts. Everyone only sees money in their eyes, not the Party-State or the leader. If this continues, it will surely become a major disaster."

"We must use strong medicine to treat it."

Jianfeng frowned, annoyed.

"It is good that you can see this."

"You can start with local politics and commerce; put anti-corruption in the military aside for now."

"The time is not yet right."

The Chairman nodded.

"By the way."

"Father, Wu Jingzhong is about to make a move."

"He had someone collect explosives, and the yield is not small."

Jianfeng reported.

"Stupid!"

"How could the Madam not know that someone is out to harm Lin Tai?"

"Based on past experience, she will inevitably risk her life to stay by Lin Tai's side day and night."

"If by any chance..."

The Chairman furrowed his brows.

"Indeed."

"Military aid and loans all require the Madam to mediate; there must be no mishaps."

"I will send a telegram now to reprimand Wu Jingzhong and order him to cancel the plan immediately."

Jianfeng said.

"No need."

"Nowadays, there are many in the Party-State who seek only to protect themselves, and few who work with sincerity."

"His methods are indeed stupid, but his heart is sincere."

"Jinhai is a strategic location; this fortress needs such old-school people to guard it."

"Winning people's hearts is not easy; let him be."

"When the time comes, just have the Madam cancel the original route."

The Chairman waved his hand.

"Yes, Father," Jianfeng said.

"If I remember correctly, he was your classmate at the Moscow Sun Yat-sen University?"

The Chairman asked.

"Yes, Father."

"We have always had a good personal relationship. When I was sick in the Soviet Union back then, he and Zheng Jiemin took care of me," Jianfeng replied.

"Then let him blow it up."

"He has made great contributions in the recent events in Jinhai."

"Loyalty is hard to come by."

"Once it goes off, such a person will be useful to you in the future."

The Chairman said.

"Yes, Father," Jianfeng respectfully accepted the order.

Bureau of Investigation and Statistics Headquarters Office.

"Big Brother, you were looking for me?" Mao Wanli walked in quickly.

"Old Six, have you contacted the person?" Mao Renfeng asked.

"Contacted."

"Among the chefs employed by the Madam, one has already been bought off by me."

"When the time comes, he will put poison in Lin Tai's coffee or food."

"I guarantee I'll send her to see the King of Hell."

Mao Wanli said.

"Is this person reliable?" Mao Renfeng asked.

"Reliable."

"This person's older sister used to be Zhou Fuhai's mistress."

"Later, she was killed by the Red Ticket's elimination squad."

"Therefore, he harbors extreme hatred for the Red Tickets."

"In addition, the first batch of assassins has already entered Jinhai and begun secret reconnaissance and intelligence gathering."

"They are all carefully selected experts."

"Lin Tai has absolutely no way to survive this time."

Mao Wanli said quite proudly.

"Sixth Brother, the Chairman and Jianfeng attach great importance to this operation."

"This is a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity."

"I intend for you to secretly go to Jinhai yourself to take command."

"If Lin Tai is killed, neither the Red Tickets, the Democratic Alliance, nor the Party-State elders will let Wu Jingzhong off."

"Once public opinion rises, the students alone will tear his house apart."

"Not to mention the Red Ticket's elimination squad."

"At that time, I will request the credit for killing Lin from the Chairman and Jianfeng on your behalf. With your seniority, wouldn't the position of Jinhai Station Chief be within your grasp?" Mao Renfeng laughed with cunning.

"Big Brother is right."

"Killing Lin Tai has a hundred benefits and no harm for me. As long as she dies, Wu Jingzhong will definitely be buried with her!"

Mao Wanli also gritted his teeth and praised.

"Go."

"When you return, I will host a banquet to celebrate your success."

"I wish you immediate success."

Mao Renfeng patted his shoulder and said.

"Yes, Bureau Chief," Mao Wanli gave an excited military salute and walked away quickly.

"Wu Jingzhong, oh Wu Jingzhong, let's see how you die this time!"

Mao Renfeng looked at the rolling Yangtze River, a cold smile appearing at the corner of his mouth.

January 3rd.

After a night of northern winds, the temperature plummeted.

The Chairman, draped in a thick black cloak, held Madam Jiang's hand and waved goodbye to the government officials who had come to see them off.

"Wenbai, call the Madam over."

After entering the cabin, he instructed Zhang Zhizhong, who was beside him.

Behind them, the two Song sisters were chatting happily.

"Madam, the Chairman would like you to come over," Zhang Wenbai bowed slightly to the two of them and said respectfully.

"Sister, I'll go over first."

Madam Jiang stood up and went to the Chairman's side.

"Regarding this trip to Jinhai, I think it's better not to meet with representatives of the business and student circles. Jinhai has just had a spy case and a leprosy outbreak; I'm afraid it's not safe," the Chairman said.

"I've met them in the past."

"Since we're going, if we don't meet them, it feels like we're missing some public sentiment."

"This trip to Jinhai is mainly to lobby for constitutional government."

"Foreign media describe you as a military dictator."

"Truman says this is bad for international influence and undemocratic; it's easy for the opposition party in Congress to seize upon this as a pretext for attacks, which is unfavorable for military aid."

"Constitutional government must be implemented quickly."

"I'm afraid certain people in the Party-State will take the opportunity to stir up trouble."

"Public sentiment and the hearts of the people must still be won over," Madam Jiang said gently.

"That is secondary."

"As long as Hu Zongnan and Du Yuming can win battles, no one will dare to have crooked thoughts."

"The key is your safety."

"If it were just you, I wouldn't be worried."

"But with Madam Sun also there, there are many things even I cannot control."

"More people means more danger; let's cancel the meeting."

The Chairman said a few more words with great patience.

Seeing that he was insistent, the Madam could only nod in agreement.

"Sister, the meeting with the business and student circles in Jinhai has been cancelled. Zhongzheng's idea is to change it to the hotel, and hold a reception for all walks of life at that time." Returning to her seat, she held her eldest sister's hand and said softly.

"I understand," Lin Tai smiled.

She knew her younger sister was also in a difficult position.

She had always sympathized with the Red Tickets and was extremely dissatisfied with the Chairman's bloody dictatorship.

Especially now that the economy was collapsing, corruption was rampant from top to bottom, and the common people were living in dire straits, while the Chairman was single-mindedly focused on civil war.

Lin Tai became increasingly determined to travel everywhere, fighting for people's livelihoods and the future of the nation.

She naturally knew she was a thorn in the Chairman's side.

As for her sister, she had to protect the Chairman's interests while also ensuring her own safety; neither could convince the other, and being caught in the middle, she was inevitably torn.

Sigh!

If the Master knew that the Three Principles of the People had become the corruption and dictatorship of today's Chairman's government, I wonder what his spirit in heaven would think.

Lin Tai looked out the window and sighed slightly in her heart.

Jinhai Station.

7:30 AM.

Wu Jingzhong arrived at the office early, which was rare.

"Zhiyou, how have the arrangements been made?" he asked.

"The bomb has been placed on the original route."

"It will blow up the decoy motorcade when the time comes."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Hmm, blowing it up is fine; this is also what the Chairman and Jianfeng want to see."

"But the premise is that Lin Tai and the others must change their route."

"Are you confident?"

Wu Jingzhong asked.

"Teacher, Li Ya already knows I collected the explosives; he will definitely report it to Jianfeng in secret."

"In my opinion, in order to protect Madam Jiang, the Chairman and Jianfeng have likely already formulated a plan to change the route."

"When the time comes, I will persuade them again, and we can distance our Jinhai Station from it."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Good."

"Also, be careful to guard against Li Ya and Mao Renfeng."

"I received news from headquarters that Mao Renfeng sent people to Jinhai to stake out the place several days ago, and Mao Wanli entered Jinhai last night; there's no telling where he might be hiding."

"Your plan is good, but you still need to be careful."

"I'm worried that if he fails to kill Lin Tai, he might turn around and shoot you first."

Wu Jingzhong warned.

"Yes, Teacher," Hong Zhiyou said.

"In addition, regarding security, bring along Bai Shiwei's Garrison Command Inspection Division as well."

"If something goes wrong, we can push the blame onto him and Chen Zhangjie."

Wu Jingzhong advised with seasoned cunning.

"Yes."

"Teacher, what about Captain Li?" Hong Zhiyou was more worried about Li Ya.

"Don't let Li Ya participate in the operation."

"Let Gao Yuan keep a close eye on him!"

"If necessary, you can use some small tricks to trip him up."

"Has he been seeing any young ladies lately?"

Wu Jingzhong asked with a smile.

"No, the incident with Mei Yingxue hit Li Ya quite hard; he hasn't been seeing anyone, and he rarely even speaks to women," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Wine, lust, wealth, and temper; eating, drinking, whoring, and gambling."

"Everyone has to have one vice; you should think about it carefully."

Wu Jingzhong said.

Hong Zhiyou raised his eyebrows, met his gaze, and laughed: "The student understands."

"Time is almost up, go make the arrangements."

Wu Jingzhong instructed.

Jinhai, Airport.

11:20 AM.

The Chairman's private plane landed steadily.

After a brief stop, the plane refueled and continued flying toward Shenyang.

The airport was under strict lockdown.

"Two Madams!"

"I have already arranged accommodation at the International Hotel; please move there."

Zhang Tinge and Du Jianshi came to welcome them.

"Has everything been checked?" Madam Jiang's aide-de-camp asked.

"Security work is being handled by Wu Jingzhong of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics in coordination with Bai Shiwei, Chief of the Garrison Command Inspection Division. Madam, this is Hong Zhiyou, secretary of the Jinhai Station," Zhang Tinge introduced.

"Madam, Mr. Lin Tai."

"The cars have already been arranged."

Hong Zhiyou greeted them neither humbly nor arrogantly, pointing toward the luxury cars on the side.

"Zhang Jing!"

Madam Jiang called out to the aide-de-camp.

The aide-de-camp immediately went to check with several capable attendants.

"Deputy Aide Zhang."

"May I have a word with you?" Hong Zhiyou said to Zhang Jing.

"You guys, check carefully."

"If there is even half a mistake, I'll have your heads."

Zhang Jing gave an order and walked to the side with Hong Zhiyou.

"Recently, our station has detected that multiple batches of secret agents have arrived in Jinhai from Beiping, most likely sent by the Guangxi Clique."

"Currently, the Madam has just secured a one-billion-dollar loan in North America; Li Zongren must be extremely dissatisfied, and I am worried they might take action."

"Station Chief Wu is thorough in every way."

"But the Beiping Headquarters has always controlled Beiping and Tianjin, so there are many things he cannot make explicit."

"Out of safety considerations, I ask the two Madams to cancel the welcome ceremony and change the original route."

Hong Zhiyou didn't mention the Red Tickets at all, only Li Zongren.

In the Beiping-Tianjin area, Li Zongren's threat to the Jiang family was a hundred times greater than that of the Red Tickets.

Madam Jiang was the Nationalist government's purse.

It was entirely possible that Li Zongren's Guangxi Clique would want to grow stronger and take action against her out of jealousy.

Furthermore, with Lin Tai present, mentioning the Red Tickets was inappropriate.

Sure enough, Zhang Jing's expression changed slightly: "Wait a moment, I will ask the Madam for instructions."

He walked to the car window and whispered a few words to Madam Jiang.

"Hmm, the Chairman's intention is the same."

"Cancel the welcome ceremony and change the route to the hotel."

Madam Jiang glanced at Hong Zhiyou and nodded.

"Toot! Toot!"

Hong Zhiyou blew a metal whistle.

Soon, a motorcade of cars with identical license plates and models drove slowly from the other side of the airport.

The car windows were all covered with curtains.

Following Hong Zhiyou's wave, they drove out first.

"This person is quite cautious," Madam Jiang couldn't help but look at Hong Zhiyou a few more times through the car window; she had a deep impression of this cautious young man.

After the motorcade drove out of the airport, they reached a fork in the road.

The "decoy motorcade" continued to drive along the original route.

Meanwhile, Madam Jiang's motorcade took a side road, following Hong Zhiyou's car toward the hotel.

Bang!

They hadn't driven far.

A thunderous roar was heard.

In the direction of that motorcade, balls of fire and black smoke could be seen rising into the sky.

"Quick, go check what happened."

Zhang Jing gave an order and continued to command the motorcade to accelerate.

Upon arriving at the hotel.

Soldiers were stationed every thirty steps.

Except for a few isolated students and business representatives holding flowers.

The nearby common people were nowhere to be seen.

The shops and residential houses along the way were all closed.

Looking around, the area was cold and desolate.

The two Madams got out of the car.

Under the cover of the 94th Army soldiers, they quickly entered the hotel.

"Zhang Jing, what happened just now?"

Madam Jiang asked while walking.

"The decoy motorcade passed Qingshui Bridge; someone had buried explosives in advance, and the lead driver died on the spot," Zhang Jing reported.

"How dangerous."

"I don't know if it was aimed at me or my sister."

"Thanks to that secretary, otherwise..."

Madam Jiang frowned, her heart still racing with fear.

Madam Jiang knitted her willow-leaf eyebrows, a lingering fear in her heart.

"Madam."

"Jinhai is indeed not peaceful right now. For the sake of safety, I think it would be best for us to return to Jingling as soon as possible," Zhang Jing suggested.

"Foolish."

"The Chairman is currently in a difficult situation. Since I have already come, there is no reason for me to leave."

"Besides, which trip of ours has ever been without such incidents?"

"Tell Wu Jingzhong to strengthen security."

"However, the originally planned three days can be shortened to two."

"Tonight, hold a joint reception for the military, political, and business circles. Especially those party elders and prominent democratic figures—those in Pingjin must be invited as much as possible."

Madam Jiang instructed.

"Yes, I will go and arrange it immediately," Zhang Jing accepted the order.

Arriving at the lobby.

Hong Zhiyou was arranging the hotel's security matters, conversing in fluent English with Anderson and the captain leading the troops.

Soon, fully armed soldiers stood guard at every key passage of the hotel.

Even the rooftop had soldiers patrolling and standing guard twenty-four hours a day.

"Why are there American soldiers?" Zhang Jing asked.

"You are also in security; you should know that our culture is one of human relationships."

"As long as there is any connection, you can slip in by stuffing some money."

"They won't."

"The language barrier."

"Moreover, their superior has already given enough reward money, so there are no human relationships involved."

"Just treat them as a group of heartless gatekeeping... machines."

Hong Zhiyou glanced at the Chinese-speaking Anderson beside him, swallowing the word 'dogs' that had reached his lips.

"But this does not match the security plan I submitted to Madam," Zhang Jing frowned and said.

"Plans cannot keep up with changes."

"Take me to see Madam immediately."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Please follow me."

As a personal guard, Zhang Jing naturally knew some things about Hong Zhiyou.

The Chairman had secretly ordered this person to transport arms to Fu Zuoyi.

Currently, he also bore the heavy burden of raising funds with Yu Xuan.

Everyone knew Hong Zhiyou had connections with the Americans.

He had even been invited by Ambassador Smith and Commander Ke Ke in Jingling.

However, seeing it today, Zhang Jing realized the rumors were not false.

Hong Zhiyou could command the arrogant American military at will, and the key was that the American soldiers seemed very happy to serve, obeying his every word, respectful as if he were their own commander.

It was simply unbelievable.

Arriving at the inner chamber.

The two ladies were sitting, drinking tea and chatting.

"Madam, Secretary Hong requests an audience," Zhang Jing stepped forward to report.

"Let him in," Madam Jiang said.

She did not know Hong Zhiyou.

But Yu Xuan was extremely close to him, as if he were her own son.

Yu Xuan had praised Hong Zhiyou many times.

Coupled with today's change of route, Madam Jiang had a very good impression of Hong Zhiyou.

"Madam."

"May I speak with the two of you privately?" Hong Zhiyou said.

"Fine."

"You all go down," Madam Jiang said.

"Madam, the situation in Jinhai is very unfavorable."

"Many people from Li Zongren's Beiping Headquarters have arrived in Jinhai; this is aimed at you."

"I am even more worried that it is aimed at the gentleman."

He turned his head and bowed to Lin Tai.

"Tell us," Lin Tai smiled faintly.

"The old troops of the Kang Ze Mobile Corps have secretly entered Jinhai."

"I suspect they want to assassinate the gentleman and frame Jiang Jianfeng."

"There is even more unfavorable news. According to reliable sources, Mao Wanli has arrived in Jinhai with many elite subordinates, and their specific movements have not been reported to the Jinhai side."

"I currently cannot figure out his movements."

"But... it is possible they are here to secretly protect the two ladies."

Hong Zhiyou said vaguely.

There were some things everyone knew clearly.

Madam Jiang knew better than anyone what Mao Wanli was here for.

But it could never be said openly, as that would be a slap in the face to the Chairman and Jiang Jianfeng, and also to Madam herself.

Sure enough, Madam Jiang's willow-leaf eyebrows furrowed tightly, and she became angry:

"These rats raised by Dai Li, what exactly do they want to do?"

"Having one Shen Zui is not enough."

"Now another Mao Renfeng has come!"

"Find a way to locate them. My sister and I do not need their protection; tell them to get as far away as possible."

"Yes," Hong Zhiyou accepted the order.

He knew that with just this one sentence, no matter what wishful thinking Mao Renfeng had, he would never have a good outcome in front of Madam from now on.

Deflecting a thousand pounds with four ounces—nothing more than this!

"However, they are elites of the old Military Statistics Bureau, and Jinhai is a large city; trying to find them is undoubtedly like looking for a needle in a haystack."

"For the sake of safety."

"From now on, the security of this building will be taken over by the U. S. Marine Corps."

"At the same time, outside, there will be a guard every twenty paces on the neighboring streets, all taken over by the 94th Army."

"In addition, the Confidentiality Bureau, the Police Bureau, the Dangtong Bureau, and the Inspection Office will only provide nominal protection and will not participate in any specific security operations."

"The purpose is to prevent people with ulterior motives from colluding or bribing."

"For the sake of safety, I would like to request an order from the two ladies: from now on, all security will be my responsibility, including your attendant Adjutant Zhang, the chefs, waiters, and so on."

"They must accept strict monitoring."

"My people will be fully responsible for your safety, including diet, etc."

"I ask for the approval of you both."

After a pause, Hong Zhiyou said solemnly.

"This..." Without Zhang Jing, Madam Jiang always felt uneasy in her heart.

"Can Zhang Jing stay?" she asked.

"Yes."

"But only him alone," Hong Zhiyou relaxed slightly.

"Sister, what do you think?" Madam Jiang looked at Lin Tai.

"I think it's fine," Lin Tai looked at Hong Zhiyou, smiling and nodding.

She knew Hong Zhiyou.

When Mr. Situ raised funds to purchase supplies, it was through this person that they were transported to Yancheng.

The elders of the party had a very high opinion of this young man.

Including Mr. Rong and his son.

She had spent years traveling outside, raising supplies for health and children.

Although she was not in Jinhai, she was very clear about the friendly reputation of this "Jinhai Expert."

"Then let it be as my sister says; all security work will be your responsibility," Madam Jiang, who was always gentle and respectful in front of her steady sister, thought for a moment and agreed.

"Thank you, Madam and Mr."

Hong Zhiyou bowed slightly and then clapped his hands.

Soon, two people wearing martial arts uniforms walked in.

"Madam, Mr."

"Let me introduce them to you. This is my senior sister Chen Cuiping, who is also the wife of Deputy Station Chief Yu of our Jinhai Station; she is a disciple of Master Sun Lutang."

"This is Mr. Zhou Yan, a subordinate of the former Axe Gang leader Wang Yaqiao."

"They are both top-tier experts."

"From now on, they will personally protect your safety."

Hong Zhiyou introduced.

Zhou Yan and Cuiping nodded slightly to the two at the same time, standing capably on the left and right.

"Wang Yaqiao's people." Zhang Jing, standing to the side, felt his heart pounding and directly drew his sidearm.

Madam Jiang also had three parts of anger in her eyes.

Who didn't know that Wang Yaqiao and Jiang were irreconcilable enemies, plotting to assassinate Jiang all year round.

Madam Jiang couldn't avoid such people fast enough, yet Hong Zhiyou had actually arranged for them to be her bodyguards.

"She is acting under the orders of the Jinhai Station, but I came here out of admiration and respect for Mr. Lin Tai, which is why I accepted Secretary Hong's invitation."

"Furthermore, my Axe Gang never harms women and children."

"Madam need not worry."

Zhou Yan said solemnly.

He had never thought about protecting Madam Jiang at all.

But Mr. Lin Tai was the widow of Mr. Sun, so he was naturally duty-bound.

"Truly a righteous person."

"Little sister, I think we should arrange it this way."

Lin Tai praised and turned to ask for her opinion.

(End of chapter)