Chapter 259: Kang Ze Takes the Blame

"Just as the Station Chief expected, Lin Tai is not coming at a good time," Hong Zhiyou said with a frown.

"The Station Chief called to request an assassination, that was to block Mao Renfeng's mouth, to save Mao from claiming credit.

"But Mao Renfeng is anxious to perform in front of the Chairman, so he really will take action.

"The trouble now is.

"Whether the Station Chief succeeds or not, it will be very troublesome.

"If he succeeds, your people, as well as the party-state's elders, will all rise up to attack him.

"If he doesn't succeed, Jianfeng and the Chairman will be dissatisfied.

"Old Yu, can you think of a way to keep Lin Tai from coming to Jinhai?

"Try to persuade her."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Zhiyou.

"Lin Tai is a person of sentiment.

"She is not someone we can easily sway.

"I can only report this situation to the higher-ups, but you had best not hold out too much hope; finding a way to cope is the right path."

Yu Zecheng also helplessly rubbed his forehead and said.

"Now it is Mao Renfeng who has sent assassins, and even Li Ya is truly moving to act.

"We, on the other hand, are in the open.

"On one hand, we have to put on a show of assassinating Lin Tai, and on the other, we have to find a way to protect her.

"It is inevitable that there will be oversights.

"You have always had great insight into defensive work; why not come up with a plan so we can compare notes?"

Hong Zhiyou pondered.

"Not very likely.

"The organization has its discipline; even if there were a plan, it might not allow me to compare it with yours.

"If something goes wrong, or if it leaks, who would be held responsible?"

Yu Zecheng also said with a headache.

"Report it first, I can only say report it first." He put his hands on his hips and paced two steps.

"However, I think there is someone who might be useful," Yu Zecheng said.

"Who?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Sun Xing," Yu Zecheng said.

"Sun Xing?"

Hong Zhiyou stroked his chin.

This person originally served at headquarters and later followed Ma Kui to Jinhai.

After Ma Kui died.

As soon as Li Ya took office, he purged the original action team.

As a "diehard" of Ma Kui, Sun Xing was naturally on the list.

He now serves as an accountant under the General Affairs Section, taking over Zhou Yafu's job.

It is very possible that Mao Renfeng activated a dormant piece at this time.

"Who do you think Mao Renfeng will send to Jinhai to oversee this operation?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"My intuition tells me it will be Mao Wanli.

"He was already transferred out, but he still hasn't gone to report for duty and is lingering at the Jingling headquarters; this in itself is very unusual.

"In other words, Mao Renfeng may have known about Lin Tai's trip to Jinhai long ago.

"They are all waiting for this opportunity.

"Once Mao Wanli secretly assassinates Lin Tai, the Station Chief will be besieged by all sides, and the lightest outcome would be resignation to take the blame.

"And the Jinhai Station Chief position that Mao Wanli has long coveted, because he performed a great service, the Chairman will certainly grant it.

"This is the reason Mao Wanli is lingering at headquarters.

"The intelligence Shopkeeper Qiu gave me only had two characters: Mao, Jin.

"I initially thought it referred to Mao Renfeng.

"Now it seems he was specifically pointing to Mao Wanli; he has a higher-level, deeper-level organization member at headquarters passing information.

"Yes, it must be like this."

Yu Zecheng put on his coat, shoved his hands in his pockets, and walked a few steps.

Hong Zhiyou still trusts Yu very much.

This person is very steady, has an exceptionally keen sense of smell, and has strong logical thinking ability.

"Hmm.

"Mao Wanli is Mao Renfeng's nephew.

"He wouldn't feel at ease handing such a top-secret matter to an outsider; he is indeed a suitable candidate.

"Very troublesome.

"The three Maos are all not to be trifled with, and Mao Wanli is quite skilled at carrying out assassinations.

"However, as long as Sun Xing can contact them, I have the confidence to protect Lin Tai, with a new type of security law."

Hong Zhiyou had a flash of inspiration and smiled.

"A new type of security law?" Yu Zecheng said.

"That's right.

"Why do assassination incidents happen? In the final analysis, it is because it is not thorough enough.

"As long as you achieve absolute thoroughness, assassination is very difficult.

"Not only that, I want to take this opportunity to ensure Mao Wanli can never turn his life around."

Hong Zhiyou's eyes sharpened as he spoke.

He knows deeply that once Wu Jingzhong falls, many things will not be able to function.

This time, no matter how much money it costs.

No matter how high the price, he must protect Old Wu's official position.

"Good, whatever you need me to do, speak up as soon as possible.

"I have changed my plan now.

"You don't need to deliberately ask your superiors for instructions here; it is best to let your people remain silent and not truly participate in any action."

Hong Zhiyou thought for a moment and said.

"Alright.

"How should I put it, I trust you far more than I trust myself," Yu Zecheng smiled.

"That's good," Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"About the supplies..." Just as he was about to leave, Yu Zecheng pulled him back.

"Ma Hansan has already agreed to the supplies.

"The first batch can set out tonight; remember to file a report. Not a single cent of the money can be missing. I can earn less, but I absolutely cannot earn nothing. This is my bottom line; there is no room for negotiation."

Hong Zhiyou rolled his eyes at him and said solemnly.

"Rest assured, it will definitely be given, given in full and enough," Yu Zecheng guaranteed.

Hong Zhiyou returned to the Station Chief's office.

Wu Jingzhong heard his plan and slammed the table in anger: "The three Maos' desire to destroy me never dies, hateful!"

"Can your plan work? Dragging Chen Zhangjie and the garrison in, there are many soldier-ruffians in there; this bunch of people has no bottom line." He paused and asked sternly.

"Teacher, they just like money.

"But this group of people crawled out of piles of dead bodies, experienced life and death, and are very loyal to their own people.

"As long as Commander Chen nods.

"I will invite Yang Wenquan to come out of retirement to lead them in standing this guard.

"If the money is sufficient, plus the favor I have for their former regimental commander Xu Zhiwu, it shouldn't be much of a problem.

"Moreover, using Lin Tai to fish Mao Wanli out.

"You know, Lady Jiang is very disgusted with the people from the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, and she has deep sisterly affection for Lin Tai. When the time comes, if she gets angry, no one will be able to protect Mao Wanli.

"Likewise, to protect the Lady and Lin Tai, she will also highly praise you.

"The Lady has more than just pillow talk.

"She is even more the link between the Jiang father and son and North America, and has a pivotal status.

"Even if the Chairman and Jianfeng are unhappy, at least on the surface, they will not be able to move against you again."

Hong Zhiyou analyzed.

"Although this is a pretty good result after a compromise.

"But is there any way to keep Jianfeng and me from developing a rift?

"I cannot afford to offend any of these people."

Wu Jingzhong frowned and said.

"That's simple."

"When we catch Mao Renfeng's assassin, we'll grab one more while we're at it, and have them confess they were acting under Jianfeng's secret orders."

"You go to Jingling and present the report to Jianfeng in person."

"Just say that among the assassins were veterans of Kang Ze's Fuxingshe Mobile Corps. Didn't Kang Ze just return from an inspection abroad? He's seen the world and wants to make a big move within the Party."

"Don't forget, the two of them are mortal enemies."

"The Chairman once trusted Kang Ze deeply; it was only because of Jianfeng that he fell from grace."

"Taking such a risky move, pinning it on Jianfeng."

"Only with a background like Lin Tai's can there be enough public opinion to pull Jianfeng down, so that even if Jiang wants to protect him, he won't be able to."

"Doesn't that make everything fit perfectly?"

Hong Zhiyou said.

"This way, not only will Jianfeng not blame you, he'll have to be grateful to you for protecting Lin Tai."

"Otherwise, let alone ascending to the top, he wouldn't even be able to sit securely on the Crown Prince's throne."

Taking a sip of tea, Hong Zhiyou continued.

After listening, Wu Jingzhong's brow relaxed and he laughed: "You're young, but you know quite a few secrets of the Nationalist government."

"That's right, I had almost forgotten about Kang Ze until you mentioned him."

"The two lords, Dai and Kang."

"Founders of the Fuxingshe back in the day, leaders of the Mobile Corps, the Chairman's most prized sharp swords."

"Their influence once overshadowed Boss Dai; the Mobile Corps and the Nanchang Investigation Section had the Red Army and the common folk howling in agony back in the Soviet areas."

"At his peak, Kang Ze was hailed as the 'Commander of the Imperial Guard,' able to meet the Chairman directly without going through the Aide-de-Camp's Office, with a status even higher than Boss Dai."

"If not for his ambition being too great, failing to see the situation clearly and wanting to suppress Jianfeng."

"How would it ever be Zheng Jiemin and Mao Renfeng's turn to be Director of the Secret Service Bureau?"

"It's a pity, the two of them, Dai and Kang, were cut from the same cloth."

"Boss Dai went to see the King of Hell."

"Kang Ze, forced by public pressure, went abroad for an inspection."

"As long as this blame is pinned on Kang Ze, Jianfeng will have to believe it even if he doesn't, and he'll be willing to believe it, just to take the opportunity to step on Kang Ze again."

"This is something he would be very happy to see."

"Good lad, a dead game of chess, and you've actually brought it back to life."

"Brilliant, brilliant!"

Wu Jingzhong praised him repeatedly.

"It was also thanks to the timing and the people involved; Kang Ze returned at just the right moment," Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"Zhiyou."

"You already have the ability to handle things on your own; following me is a bit of a waste of your talents," Wu Jingzhong said with emotion.

With Hong Zhiyou's ability, once he climbed the ranks, he would be a hundred times better than the Shanghai Station Chief; even going head-to-head with old-timers like Mao Sen and Mao Renfeng, he wouldn't be at a disadvantage.

"Teacher."

"I don't care about my career when it comes to you; you are my elder, my family, and that is more important than anything else."

"So whether it's spending money or going through fire and water, I will not shirk my duty."

Hong Zhiyou poured out his heart.

"Yes."

"We are family."

"I entrust this matter entirely to you, go and handle it," Wu Jingzhong patted his shoulder, encouraging him.

Watching his "son-in-law" leave, his heartstrings inexplicably loosened.

This mission was almost a dead end.

No matter how one acted, it was wrong; no matter how one acted, it was difficult.

Wu Jingzhong had already prepared himself to pack up, go home to hold his granddaughter, or even be hunted down by the Red Army.

He had even considered having Zhiyou take Rui Rui to Xiangdao to avoid the trouble.

He had expected that the usually shrewd and worldly Zhiyou would be the one to suggest avoiding the trouble.

He didn't expect that this lad would not only refuse to leave but would take the burden upon himself.

In the past, it was he who protected these youngsters.

He didn't expect that one day he would be the one being looked after by them.

While lamenting that he was getting old.

He felt more relief than anything else.

Zhiyou, this "son-in-law" was worth teaching and worth loving.

……

Afternoon.

94th Army Headquarters drill ground.

Over a thousand soldiers stood in formation.

Having not appeared for a long time, Yang Wenquan, in his military uniform, walked over with their old friend Hong Zhiyou.

The officer accompanying him was Li Tongshan.

A subordinate of Colonel Xu, and also a die-hard brother.

"Army Commander!"

Over a thousand soldiers shouted like thunder in unison.

"Brothers, I am no longer your Army Commander."

"Thanks to you brothers for not abandoning me, old Yang is going to do one last big job with everyone today."

"Bring them up."

Yang Wenquan gestured.

Soldiers immediately brought over two baskets.

The two baskets were piled high with silver dollars.

"Secretary Hong, I don't need to introduce him; he's our old friend."

"On the orders of Commander Chen, our 94th Army is taking over the security of Jinhai to ensure the safety of Madam Jiang and Ms. Lin Tai and their party."

"These silver dollars are a little bit of hard-earned money from Secretary Hong for everyone; you can use your hands to scoop or grab them."

"Everyone take one turn."

"If it's not enough, there's more in the back."

"Come on."

Yang Wenquan twirled his newly grown, delicate little mustache and ordered with a smile.

"Attention everyone, take the money in order."

"No shouting."

"No pushing."

"No looting."

Li Tongshan ordered sternly.

The soldiers followed their officers and took the money one by one.

Although they were very excited, not a single person pushed or took extra; they all took as much as they could in one big handful and retreated in an orderly fashion.

This scene left Hong Zhiyou quite puzzled.

The 94th Army was very greedy for money, and reselling military supplies was rampant.

But when they were serious, their military discipline, individual soldier demeanor, and strength were actually quite decent.

Their equipment was also excellent.

Reasonably speaking, such an army, even if not particularly capable of fighting, shouldn't have shattered at the first touch like they did later on.

He couldn't understand it!

Hong Zhiyou was not a military enthusiast.

Since he couldn't understand it, he didn't bother thinking about it.

Having settled the 94th Army.

The next day.

The Secret Service Bureau began entering the hotel to arrange security.

Hong Zhiyou's plan was very simple.

Strict.

Adopting modern security methods for protecting VIPs.

Why was security difficult to defend in this era?

Because metal detectors were not widely used, and with a little bit of influence, one could easily bring in guns and the like.

But this thing had actually been invented in 1924.

The American Marines had long been using it for reconnaissance and so on.

Hong Zhiyou not only went to the Marines to borrow a dozen sets.

Fearing that Mao Wanli would find someone to pull strings, he had the American soldiers sent by Fiersun guard the main corridors, front and back passages, and so on directly.

These people are all die-hard loyalists.

Furthermore, they do not understand Chinese.

With the language barrier, plus military orders and a large sum of reward money, even if Mao Wanli wanted to smash his way in, he wouldn't find a way; it is very difficult to infiltrate an assassin.

Then there is the kitchen.

The kitchen staff were all arranged personally by Lady Jiang, and they arrived in Jinmen several days ago.

This is a point that gives Hong Zhiyou a headache.

They came from Jingling.

It is highly probable that Mao Renfeng has long since bribed someone among them.

This belongs to the category of uncontrollable factors.

It does not stop there.

What remains is controlling the outer perimeter and the reporters.

Hong Zhiyou's idea is very simple: build an iron barrel, and when Mao Wanli has nowhere left to turn, he will naturally fall into the pit he specifically dug.

By then, it will be a time to achieve two goals at once.

……

Jinmen Station.

"Zhiyou, the Generalissimo flies to Shenyang tomorrow. It has been confirmed that the Lady and Lin Tai will disembark midway and stay at the International Hotel.

"Mao Renfeng called early this morning, ordering me to ensure security, otherwise he wants my head on a platter.

"He is putting a noose around my neck before the task has even begun; his heart is truly punishable."

Wu Jingzhong sighed with his hands behind his back.

"Master, what arrangements have been made from above?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"According to past practice, representatives from industry and commerce, progressive women, youth students, and primary and secondary school students will go to the airport or the road in front of the hotel to welcome them in proportion.

"Zhang Tinge has already arranged the flowers along the route.

"The hotel's red carpet has also been laid.

"You know, this bunch loves to show off; they wish everyone loved them, as that is the only way to have public opinion.

"But since Mao Wanli is making a move this time.

"This person has always been unscrupulous, and he values efficiency and speed; he won't waste so much effort, and if he can fire a black shot, he definitely will.

"I am afraid his people are hidden among these representatives.

"It is impossible to guard against.

"The route is so long, with so many people; if the two ladies poke their heads out to wave or something, it will all be for nothing."

Wu Jingzhong said with a headache.

"Simple.

"He does his thing, we do ours; let's set off an explosion first.

"At the very least, don't let them be so flashy and give Mao Wanli a chance to fire his gun."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Hmm, then let's blow it up.

"Find someone clumsy, someone not too bright, to handle it." Wu Jingzhong said.

"How about Mi Zhiguo?

"His family is in financial straits, and he is close to you; just say he did it for the money, and if Li Ya asks later, it can be explained clearly." He paused and said.

"Master, better not.

"Mi Zhiguo and I have a good personal relationship; once this explosion goes off, we have made our stance clear.

"If someone takes it seriously and pins it on him, he might lose his head.

"Better to let people from the outside do it.

"If Jiang Jianfeng asks, we say it was us.

"If Jiang Jianfeng doesn't ask, whoever set it off, we won't say a word and let them guess.

"To save someone from making an issue out of it and turning the tables on us."

Hong Zhiyou said.

Wu Jingzhong knew he was being sentimental and did not force him: "Then you handle it; this blast must be loud enough to make the Generalissimo and Jiang Jianfeng tremble with fear."

……

Hong Zhiyou returned to the office.

Pretending to be in the corridor, he saw Gao Yuan come out and feigned a sudden stomach ache:

"Ouch."

"Secretary Hong, what's wrong?" Gao Yuan hurried over to support him.

"I might have eaten something bad for lunch.

"Gao Yuan, there is a package in the equipment room; please get it for me.

"I'm going to the restroom first."

As he spoke, he whispered quickly: "If Li Ya asks, you can tell the truth."

"Understood, Secretary Hong, you go ahead, I will fetch the package for you."

Gao Yuan took the order and left quickly.

Soon, he brought back a package and handed it to Hong Zhiyou, who was coming out of the restroom.

"Secretary Hong, your package." Gao Yuan said.

"Alright, thank you.

"Take this, buy some wine." Hong Zhiyou stuffed a few silver dollars into his pocket.

Then, he carried the bundle away.

Gao Yuan returned to the office, where Li Ya was on the phone ordering a restaurant.

Having learned his lesson from Mei Yingxue.

He now had no interest in marriage or having children.

If he wanted a woman, he would go to the Yingchun Pavilion.

Most of the time, he focused his interests on fine food; no matter how busy or tired he was, he had to eat out for lunch and dinner every day.

"Did you run into Hong Zhiyou in the hallway just now?" Li Ya asked.

"I did.

"His stomach hurt, so he asked me to get a package for him from the equipment room."

Gao Yuan answered truthfully.

"You went to the equipment room to get a package?

"What is it?"

Li Ya frowned and said.

He had received a secret telegram from Jiang Jianfeng last night to assassinate Lin Tai.

Jiang Jianfeng's meaning was very clear: he had no confidence in Wu Jingzhong's old tricks and wanted Li Ya to seize the opportunity to act and strike a fatal blow.

Could it be that Wu Jingzhong was going to use his "three axes"?

Li Ya frowned and went to the equipment room:

"Old Cao, what did Secretary Hong just take?"

"Captain Li, how would I know?

"He is a leader; even if I knew, I couldn't say."

The equipment room administrator, Old Cao, said with a bitter smile.

"The equipment room isn't under my jurisdiction, but the interrogation room is now; don't think I don't know what you've been doing—you've stolen quite a few batteries and flashlights.

"I haven't investigated you because I see you're getting on in years.

"Don't be ungrateful."

Li Ya drew his gun and disengaged the safety.

"Captain Li, don't, don't.

"I'll tell you, Secretary Hong took a bundle of dynamite." Old Cao said in a panic.

"Dynamite?"

Li Ya frowned and fell into deep thought.

Sure enough, the Master was still using these same old tricks.

Hong Zhiyou was going to set off dynamite.

That works too.

If he really blew Lin Tai up, he wouldn't have to take this risk himself.

Li Ya was not stupid.

He had earned merit in the spy case, but it had also scared half his soul away.

Lin Tai was not someone to be trifled with.

This merit, well, he had to bite the bullet and earn it.

But it would be better not to earn it at all.

It would be best if Hong Zhiyou could blow her to death.

He won't be able to blow her up.

Collect the evidence yourself, and later you can use it against Hong Zhiyou and Wu Jingzhong.

Forget about blowing up Lin Tai.

Just say that Hong Zhiyou conspired with the Reds to assassinate Jiang Song.

Besides, the equipment room is under the management of Yu Zecheng.

This man has a record of being suspected of ties to the Reds with Jiang Jianfeng, and he is close to Hong Zhiyou.

Colluding with the Reds to assassinate Jiang Song—this blame can be pinned on them firmly.

Killing two birds with one stone.

Hmm.

Let's wait and see for now.

(End of chapter)