Chapter 231: Biting Li Ya to the End

When it came to struggles, Wu Jingzhong had always been clear-cut.

He didn't believe a word of Mao Renfeng's nonsense.

Shedding tears in front of others while stabbing them in the back was the standard tactic of a smiling tiger.

Shen Zui had believed that nonsense and ended up regretting it so much his guts turned green.

To completely dispel the "Three Maos'" covetousness toward Jinhai, he had to nail Mao Wanli down so hard that he would never dare to have even half a thought about this land again.

Soon, Sun Xing was brought up under guard.

"Jiang Jianfeng, you ask," Madam Jiang said coldly.

"Sun Xing, is your mind clear? Can you speak?" Jiang Jianfeng asked.

"I can." Sun Xing nodded, looking slightly pained.

"Speak, who instigated you to sneak into the hall and assassinate the two ladies?" Jiang Jianfeng asked.

"No, no one."

Sun Xing's eyes darted toward Mao Renfeng.

Mao Renfeng felt the hairs on his body stand up. His expression shifted slightly as he interjected:

"Sun Xing, think clearly before you speak in front of Madam and Jiang Jianfeng."

His cold voice was filled with threats.

"Director Mao, I didn't ask you to interrogate him, did I?" Madam frowned in displeasure.

"Yes."

Mao Renfeng glared coldly at Sun Xing and lowered his head.

"Raise your head. You only need to tell the truth. With me here, no one can threaten you," Madam said.

"It was, it was Mao Wanli, Director Mao," Sun Xing said.

A flash of shock crossed Mao Renfeng's eyes; his heart dropped straight into an ice cellar.

"Is there any evidence?" Jianfeng asked.

"Yes."

"Niu Xingui from the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics found me and gave me a note from Director Mao."

"It has Director Mao's handwriting on it; you can have someone verify it."

"There is also his commonly used symbol, a five-petaled plum blossom."

"Because I hadn't done a job for the headquarters in a long time, and this matter was of great importance, I specifically had Niu Xingui call Director Mao."

"Director Mao confirmed the assassination details with me over the phone."

Although Sun Xing's tone was weak, the desire to survive in his eyes was strong.

"Wu Jingzhong, can the phone records be retrieved?" Jiang Jianfeng turned to look at Wu Jingzhong.

"Yes."

"Following Director Mao's instructions, my station has unified internal monitoring for all departments. Because the finance office is of great importance, it is equipped with listening devices."

"You can have the people in the monitoring room pull the recording."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Call someone to pull it immediately," Jiang Jianfeng ordered.

Soon, someone delivered the phone recording.

"Have it verified." Jiang Jianfeng had always been a man of principle; even when acting, he followed the rules.

Someone was immediately assigned to verify the recording.

"Madam, Jiang Jianfeng, judging from the preliminary verification of the recording, it is a call between Director Mao and Sun Xing. The telephone exchange also has exact records; the call was indeed made from Director Mao's residence at 38 Hulu Lane."

"However, for more in-depth verification, we must go to the Jingling headquarters and use more advanced technical equipment."

The person who came to verify reported truthfully.

"How did you know about the secret underground passage in the hotel?" Jiang Jianfeng continued to press.

"Director Mao told me."

"As for the specific source, I don't know. He said to sneak in through the secret passage and, while Lin Tai was giving his speech..."

Sun Xing said every word without omission.

Mao Renfeng was breaking out in a cold sweat.

Wanli was a fool.

Even if he had no other options, he shouldn't have called the Jinhai Station directly. Wasn't this walking right into a trap?

Sigh!

"Wu Jingzhong, did you record this?" Jiang Jianfeng asked.

"Everything has been recorded," Wu Jingzhong said efficiently.

"Then take him away," Jiang Jianfeng said.

"Wait."

"Besides Mao Wanli, has anyone else given you instructions?"

"Don't be afraid. No matter who it is, you can say it."

"I can guarantee your safety."

Madam stopped Jiang Jianfeng and interjected.

Both Jiang Jianfeng and Mao Renfeng's hearts thumped.

Madam had the public opinion and strength of the American side.

Once this blew up, the Chairman wouldn't be able to cover it up, and with Lin Tai's influence, it would be very difficult for him to clean up the mess.

Right now, he had finally accumulated some prestige and had the air of a successor.

If he fell out with Madam over this matter and cut off American aid, that would be troublesome.

"Speak," Madam's tone grew heavier.

"No."

"I originally followed the headquarters special agent Ma Kui to Jinhai. After Captain Ma was exposed as a Red agent from Mount Emei, although I wasn't punished, I had always been a neglected piece."

"Director Mao contacted me suddenly on a private line."

Sun Xing said truthfully.

"Take him away."

"Call Guo Danian up," Madam ordered.

Jiang Jianfeng and Mao Renfeng looked at each other, both letting out a secret sigh of relief.

Guo Danian was brought in quickly.

He confessed even faster. Madam played the emotional card, and he told everything from beginning to end.

After the two witnesses were taken away, the group began to discuss.

"Commander Chen, what is your opinion?" Jiang Jianfeng looked at Chen Zhangjie.

"I will listen to Madam and you," Chen Zhangjie stated his position.

"Director Mao, the situation is basically clear now. Mao Wanli is suspected of assassinating Lin Tai, and there is both human and material evidence. You are relatives and his direct superior; what do you think?" Jiang Jianfeng said.

"Madam, Comrade Jiang Jianfeng, I was completely unaware of this matter."

"I only found out Wanli had come to Jinhai after the incident happened."

"He, he was just influenced by Dai Li's old ways, which is why he did such a stupid thing," Mao Renfeng explained.

"Then did he come to assassinate Lin Tai, or me?"

Madam looked coldly at him and Jiang Jianfeng, then stood up and left.

This sentence was like a thunderbolt, leaving everyone present stunned.

Targeting Lin Tai could be explained away by different political stances.

If they were plotting to assassinate Madam, no one could shoulder that responsibility.

Not to mention anything else, they wouldn't even be able to get past the Chairman.

It was very clear that Madam was playing for real this time.

Jinhai Station.

Wu Jingzhong shook his sore wrists: "I haven't written so much in many years."

"Where is Niu Xingui?"

"He has already been dealt with. At a time like this, it's better to have one less thing to worry about."

"If the interrogation went too far and really dragged Jiang Jianfeng into it, I'm afraid it would cause trouble for the Teacher."

Hong Zhiyou replied.

"Hmm, women easily lose their reason once they become impulsive; it's good to cool things down appropriately," Wu Jingzhong nodded and said.

"Also, you need to give Li Ya a warning."

"The opportunity is rare."

"At the very least, you have to make him lose some of his luster in front of Jiang Jianfeng."

"Go to the hospital and see him."

"Jiang Jianfeng might meet with him tomorrow."

After a pause, Wu Jingzhong reminded him.

"I'll go right now," Hong Zhiyou said.

"By the way, you need to find the media and report well on Zecheng's brave capture of the assassin to protect Madam."

"Right now, Madam is in a mood, and to appease her, Jiang Jianfeng will certainly have to give some benefits."

"One promoted, one demoted."

"Li Ya's little colonel halo is about enough."

Wu Jingzhong nodded and gave another order.

"Teacher considers the overall situation; it is foolproof," Hong Zhiyou flattered.

"Go."

"Keep an eye on him first, and wait for Jiang Jianfeng's summons."

Wu Jingzhong said.

Hong Zhiyou bought a fruit basket and went to the Army Hospital.

Li Ya, who had his stomach pumped and had been on a saline drip all night, had a terrifyingly pale complexion. He was like a frost-bitten eggplant, his eyes listless and blurry.

"Captain Li."

"I'm sorry, the Station Chief, Section Chief Yu, and I knew you were hospitalized and wanted to rush over immediately, but who would have thought such a big event would happen."

"Jiang Jianfeng and Director Mao both came over."

"We just finished hosting them, and only now did I find the time to come see you. Don't take offense."

Hong Zhiyou put down the fruit basket and said with a forced smile.

"Jiang Jianfeng came?" Li Ya, who had been dazed, was shocked and sat straight up.

"Yes."

"You say, Jiang Jianfeng needs you most right now, how did you end up falling ill?" Hong Zhiyou said.

"Sigh."

"Don't mention it. I'm just having a run of bad luck, running into a real villain."

Li Ya's teeth itched with hatred.

He was convinced that Mao Wanli was afraid he would go back on his word and went to assassinate Lin Tai himself to claim the credit, which was why he had poisoned the pot.

This kind of poison acted very quickly.

There were other diners in the shop at the time.

Many pots were scraped clean, and no one else got a stomachache.

Only he had such a violent reaction, almost losing his life.

The hospital examination results also proved it was poisoning.

Besides the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, Li Ya couldn't think of anyone else but a despicable person like Mao Wanli.

"Have you read the newspaper?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Don't mention it."

"I don't even have the strength to hold the paper."

"I've only just recovered a bit of my senses, and everything I look at is blurry."

Li Ya wasn't stupid; he didn't dare say he had met with Mao Wanli.

"Jiang Jianfeng and Director Mao came."

"No, it couldn't be that Lin Tai has already..." Li Ya said, both shocked and happy.

"No."

"The assassin was caught."

"Guess who it is?"

Hong Zhiyou smiled and habitually reached into his pocket for a cigarette, but put it back as soon as he touched it.

"Who?" Li Ya asked nervously.

"Our Bureau of Investigation and Statistics accountant Sun Xing, the one who used to run errands for Ma Kui," Hong Zhiyou said.

"He hid well."

"Then, then did he implicate Director Mao?" Li Ya forced a smile and asked uneasily.

"He confessed."

"There's also Madam's cook, Guo Danian. All the evidence points to Mao Wanli."

"Jiang Jianfeng is currently investigating this matter."

"This case is very important."

"To summarize it in ten words: Madam is very angry, and the consequences are very serious."

Hong Zhiyou started by scaring him.

"Mao, Mao Wanli?" Li Ya was indeed panicked.

"He was caught."

"I estimate Jiang Jianfeng and Director Mao will interrogate him today."

"People involved with him will be in big trouble."

"I came to see you today to ask if you have had any private contact with Mao Wanli."

"If you have, it will be very troublesome."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"I haven't," Li Ya answered without thinking.

"Alright."

"Then the Station Chief and I can rest easy."

"Now no one dares to protect Mao Wanli, for fear that he will jump over the wall like a dog and bite everyone."

Hong Zhiyou stood up, left Li Ya, and walked away.

Li Ya sat on the bed, shocked and burning with anxiety.

He had indeed met with Mao Wanli.

He had even given Mao Wanli the map of the secret passage.

If he were implicated, the matter would directly involve Jiang Jianfeng.

The little bit of favor he had finally accumulated with Jiang Jianfeng would all be washed away!

Damn it!

A bucket of slop that couldn't accomplish anything but could ruin everything!

International Hotel.

Mao Renfeng was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, his usually steady pace becoming light and unsteady.

Having rolled and crawled in Jingling for so many years.

Mao Renfeng knew very well that when superiors' interests were damaged, they would kick away their running dogs and hounds without hesitation.

How did Boss Dai die?

Others might not know, but could he not guess?

With Dai Li's caution, it was very difficult for outsiders to tamper with the plane.

Only the Qingdao Air Traffic Control Center.

The person in charge there was from the Iron-Blooded Youth Corps.

Boss Dai.

The person the Chairman trusted most, who was once even closer than Madam, was abandoned without a shred of sentiment.

What was a mere Mao Wanli worth?

Once Madam insisted on investigating to the end.

Wanli wouldn't just be punished; he might even lose his life.

After all, assassinating Lin Tai and assassinating Madam were two major events of completely different natures.

The former was tacitly approved by the Chairman.

The latter was cutting off the life of the Jiang father and son.

Thinking of this, he stood up and walked toward the room on the third floor, where guards were stationed at the door.

"I want to question him." Mao Renfeng took a look and understood.

Jiang Jianfeng persuaded Madam to send the Americans away.

This was creating an opportunity and room for him to maneuver.

In case it couldn't be covered up.

He might even have to turn the blade inward and send Mao Wanli on his way.

"Sixth brother, how could you be so rash and foolish?"

"Why did you call the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics directly?"

"And that cook, Sun Xing, they are both biting you now. Why didn't you handle the aftermath before doing the deed?"

"Madam has a deep prejudice against you now."

"If this matter isn't handled well, you will be in big trouble."

Mao Renfeng closed the door and scolded him severely.

"Big brother, I had no choice."

"Who knew the security was handled by Americans? My plan was completely disrupted."

"It was also those seven words of yours. Besides, if it weren't for your 'If you don't succeed, you must become a martyr,' I wouldn't have gone to find Sun Xing and Li Ya," Mao Wanli said helplessly.

"What seven words? It was six words."

"No wonder Boss Dai always hoped you would go to America for advanced studies."

"Rash and impulsive, and you still want to be the Jinhai Station Chief."

Mao Renfeng said angrily.

As he spoke, his short eyebrows sank: "Wait, you just said you looked for Li Ya?"

"Yes."

"The secret passage into the International Hotel was told to me by him."

Mao Wanli said.

As they spoke, the two looked at each other, and their eyes suddenly shone with joy.

"Li Ya is Jiang Jianfeng's man."

"If you bite Li Ya to the end, you will drag Jiang Jianfeng into it," Mao Renfeng laughed.

"That's right."

"If Madam still doesn't know the big picture, and Jiang Jianfeng wants to execute me in secret, I can drag Li Ya along; at least I won't be so lonely on the road to the Yellow Springs."

"If Madam wants to consider Jiang Jianfeng and the influence, and lets go, both Li Ya and I will have a way to live."

Mao Wanli also laughed along.

"Tonight, during the interrogation, you must bite Li Ya to the end in front of Madam, just like Sun Xing bit you."

"Little brother, whether you can live depends on fate. May our Mao family ancestors bless you."

Mao Renfeng patted his shoulder, stood up, and walked out.

Jinhai Station.

Hong Zhiyou was answering the phone:

"Alright, I know."

"Thank you."

Hanging up the phone, he came to Wu Jingzhong's office.

"Teacher, Zhang Jing just called me. Mao Renfeng went to see Mao Wanli. As for the security on the American side, I privately cleared it with Madam, and she agreed to withdraw them," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Hmm, he has to see him."

"If he doesn't, it will become a dead knot."

"Mao Wanli will definitely implicate Li Ya."

"To protect his sixth brother, Mao Renfeng will definitely take a gamble and drag Li Ya into the water," Wu Jingzhong laughed.

"Yes."

"If Li Ya is dragged into the water, Jiang Jianfeng will inevitably get dirty."

"Mao Renfeng is really taking a risk," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Yes."

"Jiang Jianfeng isn't stupid."

"As long as Mao Wanli dares to bite Li Ya, that is slapping Jiang Jianfeng in the face."

"Even if Mao Wanli and Li Ya are protected in the end, Mao Renfeng has offended Jiang Jianfeng to death in this round."

"It will be difficult for Mao Wanli to climb up."

"Not to mention Li Ya; Jiang Jianfeng will definitely punish him."

"When the time comes, I will propose stripping him of his colonel rank."

"Without this title to hook him, he won't be able to make trouble, and Jinhai Station can truly be peaceful."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Teacher is wise. No matter the result this time, Jinhai Station will make a big profit," Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"Therefore, people act, and Heaven watches."

"Don't always think about taking advantage of others; in the end, disaster might fall on your own head," Wu Jingzhong said, squinting his eyes.

"Teacher, Director Mao is here," Yu Zecheng walked in to report.

"Zecheng."

"Go to the warehouse and pick a few good things."

"I estimate this matter will be resolved soon. Prepare some for the two Maos when they leave."

"If you hit someone and don't give them a date, it will be hard to clean up later," Wu Jingzhong ordered.

"Yes."

Yu Zecheng took the order and walked out.

"Let's go, accompany me to see Director Mao," Wu Jingzhong ordered.

Arriving at the reception room.

Mao Renfeng was drinking tea. Seeing Wu Jingzhong, he took the initiative to stand up and welcome him:

"Jingzhong, I have just received a major piece of intelligence that I must discuss with you."

"Director Mao, please speak, your subordinate is listening respectfully," Wu Jingzhong said respectfully.

"I just saw Wanli."

"He revealed a shocking piece of news: the secret passage into the hotel was provided by your station's action team captain, Li Ya, and Li Ya himself had the idea of executing the plan."

"Station Chief Wu, if this matter is investigated, it will be unfavorable to you."

Mao Renfeng didn't mention Jiang Jianfeng at all, trying to drag Wu Jingzhong into it indirectly.

"Director Mao, you are overthinking."

"Li Ya is Jiang Jianfeng's Iron-Blooded Youth Corps man. The last spy case was handled by him personally; I was just following his orders."

"The station's important matters are all recorded in the files."

"Whether I instigated Li Ya or he did it himself, it is clear at a glance."

Wu Jingzhong laughed and didn't take the bait at all.

"The problem is difficult precisely here. You say he implicated Li Ya, making Jiang Jianfeng lose face," Mao Renfeng said, troubled.

Wu Jingzhong knew he wanted the words to come out of his own mouth so that if there were any flaws later, he could blame them on him.

He had long since experienced these pitfalls.

"Director Mao, Mao Wanli is your sixth brother; it's not appropriate for an outsider like me to intervene."

"Besides."

"You and Jiang Jianfeng are the chief interrogators for this matter; what does it count for me to be here chattering?"

"You should talk to Jiang Jianfeng directly."

Wu Jingzhong refused with a face full of smiles.

Old turtle... Mao Renfeng cursed secretly and didn't ask any more questions.

After Wu Jingzhong left, he frowned and began to ponder.

He wanted to report directly to Jiang Jianfeng.

Jiang Jianfeng was very likely to get rid of Li Ya before Mao Wanli could confess.

Then there would be no proof.

Mao Renfeng didn't dare to gamble with his sixth brother's life on the mercy of a superior.

Instead, he would suddenly reveal it.

With Madam there, Jiang Jianfeng wouldn't be able to deny it even if he wanted to.

Hmm, this can only be the way.

8:00 PM.

The interrogation team arrived at the hotel conference room again.

Mao Wanli was brought in.

Jiang Jianfeng took a look at this "old veteran" of the Military Statistics Bureau and said in a deep voice:

"Show him the things."

Mao Wanli took the materials handed over by Wu Jingzhong, frowned, and said: "Most of it is true."

"Who sent you to assassinate me and my sister?" Madam asked coldly.

"No one."

"I am a follower of Boss Dai and wanted to take this opportunity to fulfill the Boss's last wish, that is all."

"Moreover, I have no intention of targeting Madam, nor do I dare to have any such thoughts."

"I can swear this to the Chairman."

Mao Wanli swore to the photo frame on the wall.

"Sun Xing said the secret passage was told to him by you."

"How did you know?"

"You shouldn't be familiar with Jinhai, are there any accomplices?"

Madam asked again.

"There is... Li Ya from Jinhai Station!" Mao Wanli said.

"Nonsense!"

Jiang Jianfeng slapped the table and stood up.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 232 =====

(End of chapter)