Chapter 256: Meeting Shopkeeper Qiu

"Man proposes, God disposes. Master, I know what to do."

"In a few days, I want to go to Jingling to see Shopkeeper Qiu and get some medicine for Rui Rui to replenish her blood and Qi. She really damaged her vitality with that long journey while pregnant."

"Her complexion still hasn't recovered."

"While I'm there, I'll also pay a visit to Lu Qiao."

Hong Zhiyou pondered for a moment and said.

Wu Jingzhong looked at him, stunned for several seconds, then frowned and said:

"Lu Qiao is now highly valued by Zheng Jiemin. Zheng Jiemin even introduced the daughter of a deputy department head from the Second Bureau to his son. With this in-law relationship, this man will continue to rise."

"After the New Year, just you wait. Once Zheng Jiemin takes office as Vice Minister of the Ministry of National Defense, that man surnamed Lu will soar to the heavens."

"I know what you're thinking."

"It's just that I was the one who sent him away back then, so I'm afraid we've crossed paths in a bad way."

Hong Zhiyou smiled and said, "Master, you're overthinking it."

"You have always been lenient and caring toward him. Besides, it was Li Ya who set the trap to drive him away; you were just handling official business and didn't even touch a single hair on his head."

"Even if he hates, he can't hate you."

"If there is anyone in this world who hates Li Ya the most, it must be Lu Qiao."

Hong Zhiyou poured him some tea.

"Hmm, this man is indeed a capable hand at dealing with Li Ya, but he is a wolf in sheep's clothing and not a good sort either."

"Let's first see how Li Ya performs. If he tries to ride on my head by relying on Jianfeng's power, we'll consider it then."

"However, you are right to go to Jingling to see him."

"Li Ya has performed a meritorious service this time, and Lu Qiao must be extremely annoyed."

"I know him; if he catches an opportunity, he will definitely seek revenge."

Wu Jingzhong nodded and said.

"Is it appropriate for you to go see the one surnamed Qiu?" he asked, turning his head.

"Shopkeeper Qiu is now the 'imperial physician' for high-ranking officials of the Nationalist Government, and the powerful in Jingling are all scrambling to have him treat their illnesses."

"By now, no one cares whether he is red or black."

"I'll go see him to ask for some medicine; if I offer more money, it shouldn't be a problem."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Fine, then don't wait a few days."

"I can't do without you here."

"Lin Tai's matter must be handled properly. Furthermore, Rui Rui's health cannot be delayed for a single second. It just so happens that Chen Zhangjie is going to the Ministry of National Defense this afternoon for a regular meeting."

"You might as well take the plane with Commander Chen."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"By the way, when are you going to Beiping?" He paused, then beckoned to stop Hong Zhiyou, who was just about to leave.

"They have already started transporting the first batch of assets to Xiangdao."

"I plan to go once the business in Jinhai is finished."

"When you return, take the flight to Beiping and go directly there."

"Last time I went to Jingling, He Zhiyuan happened to be back from Xiangdao. He also wanted to sell our Axe Brand liquor, so I chatted with him for a bit."

"You make the call on business matters."

"However, he has a niece studying at Huaqing University who just graduated this year. She studied economics and wants to enter the Beiping branch of the Central Bank."

"What was the name of the Beiping bank president again?"

Wu Jingzhong asked.

"Fang Buting," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Right. I'm not familiar with him; we're not in the same system, so we don't cross paths. See if you can use Ma Hansan's connections to arrange for his niece to work at the bank."

"You know, this man is stubborn. If I put in a word for the Jinhai branch, his niece could get in."

"He insists on getting into some Beiping branch."

"With the Gui Clique over there, plus troublemakers like Ma Hansan and Wang Puchen, it's so chaotic and noisy."

Wu Jingzhong hummed with dissatisfaction.

"Master, Jinhai has the comfort of Jinhai, and Beiping has the flavor of Beiping."

"Maybe that's just where she likes."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"What flavor? The smell of copper!"

"Now Jianfeng wants to carry out economic reforms to establish his authority within the party; on one side he's fighting corruption, and on the other, he wants to launch some financial bonds."

"With the mess the Nationalist Government is in, unless you can get ten billion US dollars to provide food for the common people and open factories to give them work."

"Otherwise, it would be a miracle to pull it back."

"Look at the streets; there are clearly more beggars. This financial chill is going to freeze people to death."

Wu Jingzhong didn't understand economics, but he could see through to the simplest essence.

Ten billion?

With the way Jiang Song, Kong, Chen, and the Nationalist Government officials are greedy, even if you let Truman move the entire wealth of North America over, it would be hollowed out; it would be a miracle if any reached the common people.

"Then I'll go call Captain Li."

Hong Zhiyou smiled, stood up, and walked out.

When he arrived at the office, Li Ya was pacing anxiously.

The Jinhai spy case had come to an end.

But there was no news from above.

They neither mentioned commendations nor punishments.

It made him very restless, and he couldn't even sleep well.

"Captain Li, busy?" Hong Zhiyou knocked on the door.

"Brother, you're here. Is the Station Master back?" Li Ya asked urgently.

"He's back. He seems to be in a good mood; there might be good news for you," Hong Zhiyou said.

"That's great."

"If I can get through this, I'll treat you to a meal."

Li Ya patted his hand gratefully.

"Then this meal is on you."

"Let's be clear: when you become rich and powerful, don't forget your brother's contribution of deer antler powder."

Hong Zhiyou blinked and gave a dry laugh.

"How could I?"

"If I can earn merit, you, brother, deserve the top credit."

Li Ya was about to leave, but turned back and grabbed a gift bag.

Knock, knock!

Arriving at the Station Master's office, he knocked on the door.

"Come in," Wu Jingzhong's resonant voice came from inside.

"Master, I heard you returned from Jingling."

"You've been traveling back and forth these days and must be very tired. I know you don't lack anything, so I specifically went to an old shop to buy a few boxes of calming tea."

"It's not expensive, but it's very good for your sleep."

Li Ya presented the gift with a smile.

"A small gift, but a deep sentiment."

"I understand you. Like your master, you don't have so many worldly pretenses in your bones. I am already very satisfied to have this kind thought from you."

Wu Jingzhong accepted it gladly.

As he spoke, he walked to the window, looking at the snow-filled sky with sorrow and emotion:

"In the blink of an eye, your master has been gone for over a year."

"Whenever I see snow now, I think of the days I spent hiding with your master in the Northeast. Back then, we were short on manpower and funds; I did reconnaissance, and your master handled the explosives."

"We finally drove the devils away, and it wasn't easy to live a few good days."

"He went down a dead end, was used by the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics and Ma Kui, and died with hatred on the streets."

"People..."

He turned his head, his eyes already red and moist.

"Master, the dead cannot return to life; please restrain your grief."

"I will definitely inherit Section Chief Liu's will and serve the Party and State with all my loyalty and strength."

Li Ya offered a word of comfort.

As he spoke, he quickly changed the subject: "Master, regarding the spy case in Jingling..."

"As it happens, I also have something for you."

Wu Jingzhong smiled and took the promotion order and commendation order out of the drawer.

"Li Ya, listen to the order." His expression turned solemn.

Li Ya was overjoyed; he hurriedly suppressed the corners of his mouth from curling upward and stood respectfully.

"For the breaking of the international spy case... Li Ya is hereby promoted to Colonel and awarded one Third-Class Cloud Banner Medal!" Wu Jingzhong conveyed the commendation instructions from headquarters.

"Th... thank you, Chairman!"

Tears welled up in Li Ya's eyes instantly, and he gave a respectful military salute toward the Chairman's photograph.

He was devoted heart and soul to the Party and the State.

He had fought repeatedly despite setbacks, and had even once lost the trust of Jiang Jianfeng.

Now, he had finally parted the clouds to see the blue sky; he was truly moved, having been able to perform another miraculous feat!

"Thank you, Station Chief.

"If not for your strategic planning, Li Ya would not, would not have had this opportunity."

Li Ya bowed to Wu Jingzhong from the bottom of his heart.

It was true.

Without Wu Jingzhong arranging for him to take over, along with various secret guidance.

Forget about performing meritorious service, he would have long since been sent to the guillotine by Mei Yingxue.

"Call me Teacher.

"I have said that you are my student, and someone valued by Section Chief Liu.

"It is only that Yingxue is shameless.

"Otherwise, we would have long been one family.

"Now that you are promoted to Colonel, you are qualified to be a station chief of a Type B station; do you have any plans to move?

"You are still young; if you grind away in the provinces for a few years, this chair of mine will sooner or later be for you young people."

Wu Jingzhong pulled him down to sit.

Hearing these words, Li Ya felt extremely ashamed in his heart, wishing he could slap himself in the face right then and there.

Old Wu treated him with the utmost sincerity.

Yet he himself had been investigating him behind his back; what difference was there between such behavior and pigs and dogs like Ma Kui?

"Teacher, in this student's heart, you are my kin.

"To tell the truth, when I was down on my luck before, I did indeed have thoughts of going elsewhere, but I had botched too many tasks, and people didn't think much of me.

"It was only by the grace of Teacher not abandoning me that I was able to perform new service and wash away past shame.

"How could this student be ungrateful and leave at a time like this?

"Jinhai is the material transport base for the Northeast and North China, and the heart of the National Army; with the war currently raging, Li Ya only wishes to stay here to share the burden for Teacher."

Li Ya answered without the slightest hesitation.

"You don't want to leave because of the food and pretty girls in Jinhai, right?" Wu Jingzhong asked with a smile.

"Once bitten by a snake, one fears a well rope for ten years; I dare not even think about girls anymore.

"But I truly haven't had enough of the food."

Li Ya scratched his head and gave an awkward laugh.

"Mm, a fall into the pit, a gain in your wit; very good.

"I have already notified Deputy Station Chief Yu to book a private room at the hotel; tonight, the whole station will host a celebration for your merit."

Wu Jingzhong smiled gently.

"Thank you, Teacher.

"Then, my salary and the punishment for the shooting incident with Secretary Hong reported to headquarters..." Li Ya did not forget this matter.

"Headquarters has already revoked it, including the previous punishment order from Baoding.

"Starting from this month, you can draw your salary and performance bonuses according to your Colonel rank."

Wu Jingzhong announced with a beaming smile.

"That's wonderful!

"Teacher, you, you are truly too good to this student."

Li Ya stood up excitedly to bow again.

"Alright, alright.

"I know your ability; in the past, when you botched tasks, it was mostly due to an eagerness for internal competition.

"I will say it again: keep your gun pointed outward as much as possible.

"This time, Zhiyou took on the reputation of harming his sister-in-law for your sake; even now, Ruirui is still sulking and hasn't let him see the child.

"He still has such a large scar on his head.

"Shouldn't half of this medal of yours belong to him?

"This is the power of brothers working with one heart.

"Get along well in the future; if you pull in the same direction, are you afraid you won't have merit to earn?"

Wu Jingzhong did not forget to put in a good word for his own son-in-law.

"Yes!

"Teacher's instruction is correct; this time, without Zhiyou, I definitely would not have been able to pull this off.

"I will treat him to a meal later."

Li Ya said.

"By the way, Jiang Jianfeng and headquarters have a special bonus for you, it should be seven or eight thousand US dollars; if you are short on money, just go to the Internal Affairs Section and get an advance from Zecheng at the top rate."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Thank you, Teacher," Li Ya said with great joy.

"By the way, I remember you said last time you were going to Deputy Station Chief Yu's house; did you go?" Wu Jingzhong seemed to have remembered something.

"I, I forgot," Li Ya said, stroking his hair.

"You must go.

"After all, he is your superior; the more it is a time like this, the more you must take the initiative to get close, so as to avoid any estrangement in people's hearts," Wu Jingzhong hinted to him with a wink.

His words were also a way to divert Li Ya's attention toward Yu Zecheng.

After all, Yu Zecheng had already been pushed out.

If he should be used, he must be used.

Make the best use of everything and everyone, after all.

"Yes," Li Ya nodded.

"Go ahead," Wu Jingzhong smiled and nodded.

Li Ya bowed to him again; this time, he did not stuff his hands in his pockets or turn his head, but backed out slowly.

Once he left, the smile on Wu Jingzhong's face gradually turned cold.

Hopefully, this fellow can be honest for a while longer.

General Affairs Section.

Hong Zhiyou was in the middle of handing over the official seals to Yu Zecheng.

Last time, he had a fight with Li Ya and was stripped of his position as Chief of the General Affairs Section.

He had always found that pile of work troublesome anyway.

Now it was fine; it was just right to hand it all over to Yu Zecheng to hold concurrently.

"I am going to Jingling to see Shopkeeper Qiu; do you have any words to bring?" Hong Zhiyou asked softly.

"See Shopkeeper Qiu." Yu Zecheng's eyes lit up with joy.

He had a special emotion for both Qiu Ji and Jiang Aimei.

Qiu Ji was his first comrade and leader after coming to Jinhai.

Yu Zecheng had not received orthodox red indoctrination; he had joined midway because of Zuo Lan, and his initial faith was also Zuo Lan, not revolutionary ideals.

Coupled with the appearance of Liu Wensheng, it had once made him feel frustrated and uneasy about an organization that was already unfamiliar to him.

It was Qiu and Jiang who used their blood and wisdom to solidify his convictions and pass on the power of faith to him.

Qiu Ji had gone to Jingling; due to their relationship, it was inconvenient for him to inquire, let alone visit.

But in his heart, he had not forgotten this big brother and old comrade for a single moment.

"Let me think, let me think."

Yu Zecheng paced back and forth, his palms anxiously tapping his fists.

"I, I wish him good health and to take care," he said after holding back for a while, raising his head.

"Just that?" Hong Zhiyou raised an eyebrow and asked.

"Mm, mm.

"From the bottom of my heart," Yu Zecheng hammered his chest and said very sincerely.

"Alright."

Hong Zhiyou nodded.

As the two were talking, Li Ya walked in with his hands in his pockets: "Secretary Hong is here too."

Yu Zecheng stepped forward, greeting him with a beaming smile:

"Congratulations to my old classmate on your promotion to Colonel."

"Not at all."

"Doesn't the Colonel have to listen to the orders of you, Deputy Station Chief Yu?" Li Ya slowly extended a hand and gave a brief handshake.

"Look at you, saying that."

"If I was able to get promoted, wasn't it because you helped me up?"

"If you hadn't cornered Lu Qiao, how would any of this have happened to me?"

"Your seniority is older than mine, and now you've been promoted to Colonel; won't I have to return this position to you sooner or later?"

Yu Zecheng held his hands with both of his, offering a flattering smile full of worldly wisdom.

"We'll see."

Li Ya smiled, raised his eyebrows, and added: "Give me eight thousand US dollars; it's a reward from headquarters."

"That much!"

"That's enough to buy a large mansion. Captain Li, don't forget to treat us."

"I'll write the slip now; it just so happens Accountant Sun hasn't finished work yet."

Yu Zecheng dared not delay, smiling as he wrote the slip, signed it, and stamped it.

"Easy enough." Li Ya nodded.

Immediately after, he gave another instruction:

"Oh, right."

"Go to logistics and assign someone for me; find a decent picture frame, otherwise there's nowhere to hang the commendation order."

Li Ya patted the commendation document in his hand and said.

"Certainly, certainly." Yu Zecheng was all smiles.

"I'll go sit at your place tonight; I'm leaving first." Li Ya smiled and turned to walk out.

Once he left, Yu Zecheng shrugged and pursed his lips at Hong Zhiyou.

"Just endure it."

"Jianfeng will definitely make great use of him."

"He is secretly investigating the Liu Xiong matter, and there are some things the Station Chief finds inconvenient to do, so you have to grit your teeth and carry it for now."

Hong Zhiyou gave a word of caution.

"I know."

"As a deputy, isn't that just being a scapegoat, bearing the brunt of the wind and rain?" Yu Zecheng smiled bitterly.

"I'm leaving first."

"Keep an eye on Xiaohui; the current situation is very chaotic, so have that Guo Youliang take her out to the streets less often."

Hong Zhiyou gave his instructions and turned to leave.

……

Jingling.

Hong Zhiyou got off the plane, followed the address to an elegant small garden residence, and knocked on the door.

Soon, a steward wearing a long gown with a capable look poked his head out and asked: "Who are you looking for?"

"I am Hong Zhiyou, secretary of the Jinhai Station, here to visit Mr. Qiu Ji; please announce me," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Secretary of the Jinhai Station?"

"Wait."

The man frowned and turned to go inside.

Hong Zhiyou didn't need to look; he could smell it—this was a secret agent monitoring Shopkeeper Qiu.

Inside, Qiu Ji was taking the pulse of an officer.

The steward walked quickly inside:

"Sir, there is someone outside claiming to be a secretary from the Jinhai Station; will you see him?"

Qiu Ji smiled: "Let him in. I once treated the wife of Wu Jingzhong, so he is likely here seeking medical advice."

The man returned to the door and let Hong Zhiyou inside.

"Shopkeeper Qiu." Hong Zhiyou walked in and greeted him with a smile.

"Come, let me introduce you."

Qiu Ji sat in a wheelchair, raising his hand to gesture toward an officer wearing a trench coat and sunglasses beside him:

"This is General Liu Fei of the Ministry of National Defense."

"General Liu, this is Hong Zhiyou, secretary to Wu Jingzhong of the Jinhai Station. I had dealings with him in the past when I was treating Mrs. Wu in Jinhai."

"Greetings, Officer Liu." Hong Zhiyou raised his hand in a military salute.

"Secretary Hong, I know of you. You eliminated Ke Chengwu and were promoted three ranks in a row; your reputation precedes you," Liu Fei smiled.

"Officer Liu is too kind."

"This junior was just lucky," Hong Zhiyou said hurriedly.

"You two chat. Old Qiu, if my rhinitis isn't cured, I'll be back to smash your sign." Liu Fei smiled, tucked away the prescription, and walked out laughing.

"Secretary Hong, are you asking for a prescription for yourself or for someone else?" Qiu Ji asked with a smile.

Hong Zhiyou sized him up for a few moments.

Qiu Ji was thinner than before, but his eyes were bright and spirited; clearly, his mental state was excellent.

That Liu Fei could come here.

It meant he might still be engaged in underground work.

"One is for Mrs. Wu's old ailment."

"You didn't leave a prescription, and she saw many doctors in Jinhai, but none were as effective as you."

"Furthermore, my wife lost vitality after giving birth and hasn't been able to recover it."

"So I thought of you and came specifically to visit."

Hong Zhiyou said.

One cherishes one's own woman; he had indeed come specifically for Rui Rui.

"Easy enough."

Qiu Ji changed a prescription pad, picked up a pen, and quickly wrote out two prescriptions, then wrote down some instructions for decocting and taking the medicine.

"How are you... how is Station Chief Wu?"

"If it hadn't been for his kindness back then, I fear I would have died in Jinhai long ago."

Qiu Ji asked with a smile.

Hong Zhiyou knew he was asking about Yu Zecheng, and some things were inconvenient to say.

"He is very well."

"He asked me to wish you good health and to take care."

Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"Good."

"Madam Song San and Miss Kong will be here in a moment, so I won't keep you." Qiu Ji tapped the prescription lightly and handed it to him.

"Take care, sir, until we meet again."

Hong Zhiyou understood, stopped lingering, bowed, and left.

Leaving Qiu Ji's house.

Hong Zhiyou glanced at his watch; it was already five in the afternoon.

Lu Qiao is now serving as the Section Chief of the Intelligence Section of the Second Department.

The Sixth Section is responsible for domestic strategy and intelligence information collection.

An absolutely powerful figure.

It shows the trust Zheng Jiemin has in this fellow townsman.

It was already past work hours at this time.

Hong Zhiyou had originally arranged to meet at an outside shop.

But Lu Qiao set the location at his office.

It was unclear whether this was out of caution or to show off.

Arriving at the main gate of the Second Department, after being checked and announced, Hong Zhiyou was led to the Intelligence Section.

Hong Zhiyou took a slight breath, adjusted his expression, and knocked on the door.

"Come in." Lu Qiao's low voice came from inside.

……

(End of chapter)