Chapter 231: Mei Yingxue's Revenge Plan

"Teacher, do you know Du Yuesheng?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"I'm not familiar with him.

"This man is of a very high seniority; the Generalissimo even met him back in the day, and even allowed him to wear a military uniform.

"You also know that the Old Man, in order to suppress the Reds, relied heavily on local gangs and factions in the Shanghai and Hankou areas.

"During the War of Resistance, he organized material donations in Xiangdao, which earned him some reputation.

"However, for him to be able to call Boss Dai his brother, he must be a master of human nature.

"Masters of human nature are often those who value personal favors.

"You might be able to find common ground with him.

"It's a pity that although I was a classmate of Wang Puchen at the Shanghai Station, our relationship isn't extraordinary, and Cheng Yiming has been transferred away; otherwise, I might have been able to give you a hand."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Hmm.

"Teacher, actually, I really want to meet this Shanghai overlord; I'll take this job." Hong Zhiyou said.

"What kind of overlord.

"Look at how Lu Xiaojia dealt with Huang Jinrong back then.

"If these bottom-feeders dare to act up, they are just seeking their own destruction; I could take him down in a minute.

"What's more, Boss Dai is already dead; that cheerleader Du Yuesheng is worth nothing!"

"You saved so many people from the 94th Army.

"When the liberation first happened, the 94th Army was the first to enter Shanghai; they only went to Jinmen to make a second fortune after they had finished scraping Shanghai clean.

"Yang Wenquan and his bunch are the Generalissimo's direct subordinates; their roots run very deep.

"They wear the same pair of pants as the current Shanghai garrison and the Garrison Command."

"You saved his life; can he not grant you this small favor?

"With the army backing you, Du Yuesheng is nothing!

"This is also why I took this job and specifically instructed you to handle it; don't you understand yet?"

Wu Jingzhong narrowed his eyes, pointed at him, and smiled shrewdly.

"Teacher, you truly calculate everything perfectly.

"If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have forgotten about Army Commander Yang; we haven't been in touch for a while."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"As for Yang Wenquan, I don't like him.

"But this man has great ability, deep roots, and is very close to the Whampoa clique.

"Boss Dai's faction didn't manage to kill him; just you wait, he is bound to be promoted again.

"It's quite possible that one day he'll become a full-ranking official in a war zone.

"You must pick up this connection.

"In the future, if you really don't work in the system anymore, doing business with them won't lead to losses."

Wu Jingzhong smiled and reminded him.

"Yes.

"I will go visit Army Commander Yang tonight." Hong Zhiyou nodded and said.

"Director Wang gave this amount."

Wu Jingzhong held up four fingers.

"Forty thousand US dollars?

"That is truly wealthy." Hong Zhiyou said.

"Can the Food Bureau be without money?

"Just wake up in the morning, open your eyes, and raise the grain price by a dollar, and this money is squeezed out." Wu Jingzhong laughed.

As they were talking, Yu Zecheng walked in.

"Teacher, I have already met with Lu Yuxi's wife.

"Fifty gold bars.

"I passed the money to your wife when I passed by your house."

Yu Zecheng reported respectfully.

"How did she take it?

"I just said that these small fry, if you squeeze them a little, can have a fat New Year."

Wu Jingzhong smiled with satisfaction.

"Yes, Teacher, then, may I go release the person?" Yu Zecheng said.

"Release him.

"It's no big deal; it was all about catching Red agents for the Party-State, and it was Lu Qiaoshan who sold the intelligence.

"Lu Yuxi is blameless.

"While you're at it, do Commander Fang a favor; just say you released him for his sake, so it will be convenient for us to ask them for help in the future."

Wu Jingzhong instructed.

"You go too!

"As for personal favors, it's always good to show your face more.

"Right now is a chaotic world, a time of great contention; you never know when this person might rise up to become a figure of note.

"Don't underestimate this brief encounter; having met once, you can talk later, sit down and chat, and in a few sentences, you can become brothers.

"If you don't, they might not even bother with you.

"What is called building good karma is that when you have kindness or favor toward others, you must let them know; providing help in a snowstorm or adding flowers to a brocade are both fine.

"Instead of being anonymous and just chanting 'Amitabha' after doing a good deed!

"In this current world and human heart, if you don't say it, people will directly think it's a matter of course, that it's their own good fortune.

"Who knows, outsiders might just take all the credit and the favor for themselves.

"Go."

He turned his head again and pointed at Hong Zhiyou.

"Thank you for the guidance, Teacher." Hong Zhiyou nodded solemnly.

Wu Jingzhong was truly treating him like a son-in-law, imparting the essence of life.

To be honest, Hong Zhiyou really hadn't thought about it in such detail.

No wonder Old Wu could get things done everywhere in the Ministry of National Defense.

It seems there are still many tricks to learn in the future.

The two arrived at the interrogation room.

Lu Yuxi was leaning against the chair, half-dead.

He was truly miserable.

Li Ya hated him to the core.

He had come over personally and swung at him several times, beating him until he was covered in wounds; it was a sight too horrible to look at.

"Pfft!"

Hong Zhiyou picked up a wooden ladle, scooped up some water, and splashed it on Lu Yuxi's face.

"Ugh!"

Lu Yuxi shuddered and shook his head, regaining consciousness.

"Captain Lu, you can go now." Yu Zecheng said from the side.

"I, I can go?"

Lu Yuxi thought he had misheard.

"These are the clothes your wife brought; change into them.

"Come with me."

Hong Zhiyou handed him a set of clean clothes.

Then, he had Lu Baoxing remove his handcuffs.

Lu Yuxi changed his clothes with trembling hands and followed the two out of the basement.

Just as they reached the door, Li Ya happened to walk toward them, frowning with displeasure:

"What is going on?"

"The Station Chief has ordered his release." Hong Zhiyou said.

"But..." Just as Li Ya was about to speak, Hong Zhiyou raised his hand to interrupt him, pulled him aside, and whispered:

"Captain Li, it is better to be forgiving when you can.

"Commander Fang has called.

"It was Lu Qiaoshan who was two-faced and leaked the intelligence.

"Lu Yuxi obtaining intelligence and making arrests as the Inspection Captain is beyond reproach.

"From the perspective of evidence and legal principles, your private detention and torture of him are already not in accordance with procedure.

"If you continue to pester him, Commander Fang will have to go to the Ministry of National Defense to file a lawsuit against you.

"Lu Qiaoshan has already been kicked out."

"You've already beaten him."

"You should let off some steam by now."

"Just do me a favor, brother, and I'll treat you to mutton hot pot another day."

Li Ya didn't make a sound; he tilted his head, his eyes flashing with a sharp glint as he pondered for a moment before saying:

"That works."

"The lamb chops you brought for Lu Qiaoshan last time we went to the interrogation room smelled quite fragrant."

"I think we should just go to the Fuyun Teahouse."

"No problem, and since Director Yu also wants to show his gratitude to you, the three of us will go together another day," Hong Zhiyou readily agreed.

"You dog, you're lucky to be alive, get lost," Li Ya said, turning around and kicking Lu Yuxi.

Yu and Hong drove Lu Yuxi to the entrance of the headquarters.

"Captain Lu, truth be told, our two families were in the same unit before, so you and I aren't outsiders."

"This time, our Station Chief Wu showed great mercy and managed to save you."

"From now on, stay away from Li Ya."

"In my opinion, he will find trouble for you sooner or later."

Hong Zhiyou got out of the car, handed Lu Yuxi a cigarette, and urged him.

Lu Yuxi took it, took a puff, and said:

"Thank you, Director Yu, Secretary Hong."

"I know that if it weren't for you two, I would have died in the interrogation room."

"I will keep this favor in my heart, brother."

"If there is ever anything you need from me, Lu Yuxi, just say the word."

"Alright, go home and recover well; your wife is a good woman, she put in a lot of effort this time, don't neglect her in the future!" Yu Zecheng reminded him.

"I know."

"I'm off!"

Lu Yuxi waved his hand and limped inside.

"Hearing him say that, I'm craving it too."

"Let's go, to the Fuyun Teahouse for lamb chops."

Hong Zhiyou got into the car and stepped on the gas, heading toward the teahouse.

"Isn't it a bit too early for lunch at this hour?" Yu Zecheng said, glancing at his watch.

"Eat early, digest early."

"I have to visit General Yang tonight."

"He is a man of taste, so the food will definitely be good; I'll just sponge a big meal off him then."

Hong Zhiyou laughed.

They ordered their food.

The two chatted while they ate.

"If you really go to Shanghu, the waters there are very deep."

"What I'm worried about is Mao Sen."

"He has operated in the Hu-Hang area for many years and has deep roots; there's no telling if he'll use this opportunity to strike at you."

"If he eliminates you, he will have avenged the Station Chief."

"There are quite a few people who want you dead right now, you must be careful."

Yu Zecheng said, eating a cold dish as he warned him.

"That's exactly what I'm worried about too."

"It is said that Mao Sen has a close personal friendship with Du, and the garrison has always been constrained by the Juntong Bureau and the Secret Service Bureau; with him obstructing things, I estimate that the connections Yang Wenquan has might not be of much use."

"I can only say I'll try and see if old Yang's face is thick enough."

"Of course, I still have a trump card to save my life."

Hong Zhiyou smiled and said.

"Let's hear it," Yu Zecheng said.

"I can't say; if I say it, it won't work."

"Otherwise, do you think the Station Chief is stupid enough to send me, his son-in-law, to Shanghu to die?"

Hong Zhiyou laughed.

Since he wouldn't say, Yu Zecheng didn't ask.

Knowing too much about some things isn't necessarily a good thing.

"My communication station here is built, but now that Hu Zongnan, Fu Zuoyi, and Sun Lianzhong are attacking from both the Shanbei and Huabei directions, the organization's organs are in great danger."

"Medicine, ammunition, and food are all in urgent need."

"Can you think of a way on your end?"

Yu Zecheng said.

Hong Zhiyou also knew that the current situation was difficult.

"Food is strictly controlled right now, and the newly appointed Director Zhang of the Civil Affairs Bureau is one of Jianfeng's men; it's very difficult to divert food from his hands, and if I'm reported, Jianfeng will have my head."

"I can only get it for you from the Americans; I'll get as much as I can."

"However, is that communication line of yours definitely reliable?"

Hong Zhiyou asked.

It wasn't that he looked down on the capabilities of the underground organization, but the underground organizations in Jinhai had been infiltrated and sabotaged too severely, and Hong Zhiyou didn't want to engage in a futile effort.

At the end of the day, he was a "businessman."

"How about we try with a small batch first?"

"If it works, then we can move larger quantities."

Yu Zecheng said.

"That works."

"But you must be careful of Li Ya."

"With Lu Qiaoshan gone, you are his only opponent now; he will definitely keep an eye on you and might even strike ruthlessly."

"That man can't sit still; he'll be miserable if he doesn't find some trouble."

Hong Zhiyou warned.

"Hmm, you go ahead and secure the food from the Americans first; we'll decide on the transport after you return."

"If you aren't here to sit in command, I don't feel confident about many things."

Yu Zecheng nodded and said.

"Sigh, there have been too many miscellaneous things lately."

"I won't hide it from you."

"I've been so busy lately that I don't even have the energy to look for women."

Hong Zhiyou joked with a laugh.

"Isn't that perfect? Once you go to Shanghu, Mrs. Ma will make sure you have plenty to eat and drink," Yu Zecheng squinted and laughed dryly.

"Ah."

"I had completely forgotten about A-Di until you mentioned it; my bad, my bad."

Hong Zhiyou slapped his forehead, shook his head, and said.

It wasn't that he was heartless.

Every day was full of schemes and dancing on the edge of a blade; he had no heart to care about these romantic matters.

He figured that with Hu Die looking after Zhou Gendi, she should have gained a firm foothold in the circle by now.

As the two were talking.

They saw a car stop in front of the hotel across the street.

A lady in a white dress stepped out of the car, wearing a Western-style dress, her curvaceous figure very eye-catching.

"What are you looking at?"

"You just forgot about Mrs. Ma, and now you've set your eyes on someone else," Yu Zecheng glanced over.

"I saw an acquaintance."

Hong Zhiyou stared without even blinking.

They saw a man walk out of the hotel, give the lady a light hug, and the two walked inside, chatting and laughing.

"Who?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"Mei Shao."

"The Station Chief's brother-in-law; this should be his daughter, Mei Yingxue, who studied abroad in England," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Hmm, that makes sense."

"The Master's wife has a birthday in a few days."

"They must have wanted to return to celebrate together before the Master's wife leaves for North America."

Yu Zecheng said.

Mei Shao had been forcibly brought to Jinhai from Yuezhou.

The Station Master and Rui Rui did not kill them all.

They even gave Mei Shao a sum of money to manage some business in Jinhai.

As for the specifics, Hong Zhiyou had no further interaction with him after returning and paid little attention to it.

However, his daughter, Mei Yingxue, was indeed a beauty in the making.

In the past, Rui Rui's mother even wanted to introduce her to him.

That is impossible now.

It is likely even hard to be friends, after all, there is the blood feud of killing her brother.

Hong Zhiyou grabbed a handful of peanuts and crunched on them.

He wiped his hands.

He stood up and put on his coat.

"No, you're going to run off just because you saw a beauty?" Yu Zecheng said.

"What are you thinking?

"Yin Zhuoran has arrived.

"I have to go find Anderson and Jack to play cards with him; the winery's business depends on this group of people.

"By the way, I'll help you inquire about the grain and medicine."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Thanks for your hard work, then I'll pack some for Cui Ping," Yu Zecheng shouted.

"Wait.

"Is Bank Manager Fang from Beiping holding a meeting in Jinhai recently?"

Hong Zhiyou walked to the door and turned back.

"Yes, the Old Man wants to carry out currency reform; the bank managers of both Beiping and Tianjin are busier than the mayors right now," Yu Zecheng said.

"Does he have an assistant manager surnamed Xie?

"I'm not clear about that.

"Except for the last time we cracked down on corruption, I've only dealt with the bank a few times; I'm basically unfamiliar with people in that system," Yu Zecheng shook his head.

"If it is Bank Manager Fang who came from Beiping, then that assistant manager surnamed Xie should exist.

"You go, and entrust Mr. Yong to find him."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Why would I look for him when I have nothing better to do?" Yu Zecheng was puzzled.

"Didn't you cry poor last time?

"The Americans aren't running a charity; I estimate they have the goods, but the price will definitely be outrageously high.

"You don't have money in your hands, so how can I get the goods for you?"

Hong Zhiyou said irritably.

"The banks are under very strict control now; can he lend it?

"Banks are interconnected; with Mr. Yong's connections, they should be willing to lend.

"Anyway, in a word, without money, I can't deliver the goods."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"I, I'll try," Yu Zecheng nodded.

He was not familiar with people from Beiping.

But since Hong Zhiyou mentioned this person, there must be a reason for it.

This guy often said things that seemed inexplicable.

But in the end, it usually turned out to be to his own advantage.

Yu Zecheng didn't eat anymore; Cui Ping had been complaining lately that the household money wasn't enough to spend, and they hadn't bought any substantial dishes in a long time.

It was a rare feast.

The first thing Yu Zecheng thought of was to rush it to Cui Ping.

He packed it up and went to the counter.

He directly showed his credentials: "Make a receipt for a working meal."

"Very well, Mr. Yu," the Shopkeeper replied hurriedly.

Yu Zecheng took the receipt, carried the food tray, and got into the car.

Since Hong Zhiyou became the Chief of General Affairs, the two of them would go out for "working meals" from time to time; at noon, they basically ate at good restaurants, and in any case, Hong Zhiyou could sign for it.

The Station Master didn't even care about this small amount of money.

The two men's standard of living was rising in a straight line.

At noon, Hong Zhiyou negotiated the medicine and grain that Yu Zecheng needed.

This day still had to continue at a non-stop pace.

In the evening, he carried gifts and arrived at the Yang residence.

Yang Wenquan previously lived in a large mansion on Changde Road.

However, after being set up by Dai Li, under the suggestion of Second Miss Yong, the house he lived in on Guilin Road now was much smaller.

But it had the advantage of being quiet and elegant.

When Hong Zhiyou arrived, he was telling jokes to Yong Manhua, and the couple was in high spirits.

He admired Old Yang for this.

He was truly good to his wife, completely devoid of the male chauvinism of military officers in this era.

"Officer Yang, Second Miss, long time no see."

Led by a servant, Hong Zhiyou arrived at the living room and greeted them with a laugh.

"Brother, you're being boring now.

"This isn't the military camp, call me brother."

Yang Wenquan was genuinely happy to see him and hurriedly came to welcome him.

Yong Manhua also bowed slightly in greeting.

After becoming a wife, the Second Miss had become increasingly plump and beautiful, which couldn't help but make Hong Zhiyou feel some sympathy for the still-barren Miss Manzhu.

"Sister-in-law," Hong Zhiyou smiled and nodded.

"You two chat."

Yong Manhua swayed her hips and gracefully went upstairs.

The Second Miss was a "red ticket" (a sure bet).

Her bet on Old Yang was definitely the right one.

Old Yang was about to return to a formal post.

And most importantly, he was a wife-pampering fanatic.

In the future, the continuous flow of strategic intelligence from the Nationalist Army to Yancheng would be what truly showed miraculous effects during wartime.

"Brother, you've become distant.

"Is it because you despise your brother for losing that uniform, and our friendship has faded?"

Yang Wenquan narrowed his eyes and poured tea, looking quite displeased.

"I was held up by Li Ya.

"Brother, I need to go to Shanghai to fish someone out of the hands of Big Boss Du; you were stationed in Shanghai before, can you find me someone at the headquarters to hold down the fort?"

Hong Zhiyou didn't stand on ceremony and got straight to the point.

"You handled Old Xu's matter very properly.

"Leave this matter to me."

Yang Wenquan stood up, walked to the telephone, and dialed a number:

"It's me, Yang Wenquan.

"Brother, I have a brother who is the secretary to Station Master Wu in Jinhai; he is coming to Jinhai tomorrow to see Du Yuesheng.

"You need to help hold down the fort.

"Good, come to Jinhai another day, and I'll treat you to drinks.

"Hanging up."

Snap!

He hung up the phone and walked back:

"Staff Officer Li of the Shanghai Garrison Headquarters used to be my subordinate.

"He is very influential over there.

"With him greeting you, that guy surnamed Du won't dare to play any tricks."

"That's great, thank you, Officer Yang," Hong Zhiyou hurriedly thanked him.

"There you go again.

"Brother, without you, my life would have been lost in Dai Li's hands long ago.

"Let's not be so formal between brothers.

"Have you eaten? I'll have your sister-in-law make you a bowl of egg noodles."

Yang Wenquan said.

"No, it's just egg noodles. I remember you used to eat eighteen bowls at a time. I was waiting to mooch a good meal off you; I haven't even had lunch yet," Hong Zhiyou joked.

"Things aren't like they used to be."

"Your sister-in-law keeps a tight rein on me. She won't let me smoke cigarettes or cigars, I can only have one glass of red wine, and I have to eat light at night."

"She says it's good for my health."

"Can't help it, I listen to her. I'm used to it anyway."

"Are you going to eat the noodles?"

Yang Wenquan waved his hand, his face beaming with a happy smile.

"Forget it."

"I'm a meat-lover, I'm off."

Hong Zhiyou stood up, preparing to leave.

"Wait, take your things with you. Don't be so formal," Yang Wenquan said, pointing at the gifts.

"Inside is the ginseng and deer antler powder that Director Xiong from the Northeast sent for Station Chief Wu. It's a potent tonic. Are you sure you want me to take it away?" Hong Zhiyou winked and smiled.

"Ahem."

"Then you just go; I'll keep these things," Yang Wenquan said with a dry laugh.

"Enjoy them slowly."

"See you another day."

Hong Zhiyou smiled and stood up to leave.

Falanxi Club.

Mei Yingxue wore a tight-fitting long dress, her black hair pinned up high, looking noble yet stunning.

She lightly raised her orchid-shaped fingers, elegantly stirring her coffee with a spoon.

"Yingxue, your brother died a miserable death."

"Right in front of me, his head was blown apart by a single shot, and his brains splattered all over my face."

"I've operated in Yuezhou for so many years."

"I never expected Hong Zhiyou to ruin everything in less than a month."

"Have you heard?"

"Your cousin is even carrying his seed, and she's due to give birth next month."

"Now that is what you call capable."

"He got both the person and the wealth. Your miserly uncle was shrewd his whole life, but in the end, he's just a worker for this kid."

Mei Shao mentioned his son, his eyes turning slightly red.

"Dad, I came back this time wanting to do something."

"Do you have any arrangements?"

Mei Yingxue asked, taking a light sip of her coffee.

"Wait a while."

"Hong Zhiyou is going to Shanghu."

"Wang Xinheng and Wu Jingzhong don't have deep ties, and Du Yuesheng and Mao Sen from Hangcheng are not simple characters."

"Mao Sen has an old grudge with your uncle; the Jinhai Station killed his butler back then. Mao Sen has always been known for his ruthlessness; he will certainly pay him back in kind to make an example of him."

"Whether this kid can come back is hard to say now."

"If he dies in Shanghu, it will be as you and I wish."

"If he comes back alive, we have plenty of ways to deal with him."

"Li Ya, the operations team leader of the Confidentiality Bureau, is a member of the Jianfeng Iron-Blooded Youth Corps. He has never gotten along with Hong Zhiyou."

"The key is that this man is still single."

"Do you understand what Dad means?"

Mei Shao looked at his beautiful, charming daughter and sneered.

"I understand." Mei Yingxue was a woman of the world; naturally, she understood immediately.

"This man loves money very much."

"He has always envied the high-society life, and he is arrogant and proud."

"He must be very jealous of Hong Zhiyou."

"It just so happens that Wu Jingzhong is his teacher, and Li Ya has always wanted to climb higher."

"Xue'er, when the time comes, you just stand before him."

"Whether it's the person or his future, he will surely drool with desire."

"Become one of the Wu family's own people too."

"Once Li Ya is used by you and me, the three of us dealing with Hong Zhiyou to avenge your brother will be much simpler."

Mei Shao smiled.

As he spoke, he took out a photo of Li Ya and handed it to Mei Yingxue.

Mei Yingxue took one look and frowned slightly.

In the photo, Li Ya had a stern face, his eyes looking forward, wearing a grey Zhongshan suit.

So tacky.

Her classmates in England were all dashing and elegant.

Those foreigners were even more fashionable and avant-garde.

"This man still has a very promising future," Mei Shao noticed his daughter's displeasure.

"Revenge is the priority."

"Dad, I know what's important."

Mei Yingxue handed the photo back.

She didn't tell her father.

When she was in England, she had long been recruited as a field agent by British intelligence. Returning to the country this time was to collect economic and military data so that they could provide a more accurate assessment of Jiang.

Playing a role is not difficult for a secret agent.

When necessary, she could even sacrifice her beauty to assassinate Hong Zhiyou.

Of course, she had not undergone military training.

However, it is much easier for a woman to kill a man than for a man to kill a woman.

Of course, assassination is the last resort.

Doing so would likely expose her identity, making it impossible to stay in Jinhai and affecting her mission.

Letting Li Ya deal with Hong Zhiyou is naturally the best choice.

"That's good, that's good," Mei Shao said, relieved.

"When will you arrange for me to meet Li Ya?" Mei Yingxue asked.

"Soon."

"On the day of your aunt's birthday."

"It should be about the time Hong Zhiyou returns from Shanghu."

"When you go to your aunt's house, once you two meet, I'll secretly play matchmaker, and it will be done."

"Rest assured, I believe no one can resist my daughter's natural beauty."

Mei Shao said with great confidence.

Mei Yingxue smiled slightly and looked out the window.

A white dove had just landed on a treetop, cooing.

"Brother, is that you?"

"Sister is back."

"I will make the one surnamed Hong and the Wu family pay in blood!"

(End of chapter)