Chapter 260: This Explosion, Earth-Shattering

Li Ya returned to his office.

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

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

Soon, the dignified and low voice of Comrade Jianfeng came from the other end.

"Comrade Jianfeng, Wu Jingzhong had his secretary collect explosives from the equipment department."

"Yes, the method is rather clumsy."

"Should I stop him?"

"Alright, I understand."

"Goodbye, take care of your health."

Hanging up the phone, Li Ya bit his lip.

He could tell that Jianfeng was somewhat dissatisfied, but he had not been told to stop him, only to do his own job well.

Teacher.

You might truly be getting old.

The times have changed; can your old tricks still work?

Jingling.

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

The Generalissimo was standing before a map, observing it.

"Come here."

"Right now, the large army of Hu Zongnan is besieging Shanbei, and a great battle is imminent."

"I have a premonition that the Red bandits in the northeast direction might launch a desperate counterattack toward the southwest, coordinating with the Red tickets to open up key routes and link up with their main force from the east of Jibei and Inner Mongolia, then flee toward the northeast."

The Generalissimo 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 to the enemy in June, and the morale of Du Yuming's troops has been severely frustrated."

"Although we have currently brought the situation under control, the most capable Lin unit of the Red tickets has been weaving back and forth in the northeast, which is very troublesome."

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

"But we must absolutely not let the Red bandit headquarters and their organizations enter the northeast."

"We can starve them out by besieging them in Shanbei, but you cannot starve people in the northeast."

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

"At that point, it would be difficult to round them all up."

Jianfeng nodded respectfully while expressing his own views.

"Your concerns are very valid."

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

"Although the Red bandits are short on weapons and food, their will is very stubborn."

"Those who wear shoes are always afraid of getting them dirty; if this stubborn ideological ailment is not resolved, they cannot compete with that bunch of barefoot men."

The Generalissimo sighed.

"This is because we have lived a good life for too long."

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

"It has been less than two years, and the military morale has scattered to this extent."

"In my opinion, it is still 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 great disaster."

"We must use strong medicine to treat it severely."

Jianfeng frowned and said angrily.

"It is very good that you can see this point."

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

"The time is not yet right."

The Generalissimo nodded and said.

"By the way."

"Father, Wu Jingzhong is about to take action."

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

Jianfeng reported.

"Stupid!"

"How could the Lady not know that someone intends to harm Lin Tai?"

"According to past experience, she will inevitably risk her life to stay with Lin Tai day and night."

"If by any chance..."

The Generalissimo furrowed his brows.

"Yes."

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

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

Jianfeng said.

"No need."

"Nowadays, there are many in the Party-State who prioritize self-preservation, and few who work with sincerity."

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

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

"It is not easy to win people's hearts; let him be."

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

The Generalissimo waved his hand and said.

"Yes, Father," Jianfeng said.

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

The Generalissimo asked.

"Yes, Father."

"Our personal friendship has always been good. When I fell ill in the Soviet Union back then, he and Zheng Jiemin were kind enough to take care of me," Jianfeng replied.

"Then let him blow it up."

"He has rendered great service 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 Generalissimo said.

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

Secret Service Bureau headquarters office.

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

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

"Contacted them."

"Among the chefs specifically for the Lady, one has already been bought by me."

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

"I guarantee it will send her to see the King of Hell."

Mao Wanli said.

"Is this person reliable?" Mao Renfeng said.

"Reliable."

"This man's older sister was once a lover of Zhou Fuhai."

"Later, she was killed by the Red ticket assassination 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 Generalissimo and Jianfeng attach great importance to this operation."

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

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

"If Lin Tai is killed, neither the Red Ticket, the Democratic League, nor the party-state elders will let Wu Jingzhong off the hook.

"Once public opinion stirs, the students alone will storm his house.

"Not to mention the Red Ticket's purge squads.

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

"Big Brother is right.

"Killing Lin Tai brings me a hundred benefits and no harm; as long as she dies, Wu Jingzhong will surely be buried with her!"

Mao Wanli also gritted his teeth in praise.

"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 gazed at the rolling Yangtze River, a cold sneer appearing at the corner of his mouth.

January 3rd.

After a night of north wind, the temperature plummeted.

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

"Wenbai, call the Lady over."

After entering the cabin, he instructed Zhang Zhizhong, who was to the side.

Behind them, the two Song sisters were chatting happily.

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

"Sister, I'll go over first."

Jiang Song stood up and walked to the Chairman's side.

"Regarding this trip to Jinhai, I think it's better not to meet with the industrial, commercial, and student representatives. 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 are going, if I don't see them, it will feel like there is a lack of public sentiment.

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

"Foreign media describe you as a military dictator.

"Du Lumen says this has a bad international impact and is undemocratic; it's easy for the opposition party in Congress to seize upon this as a pretext for attack, which is unfavorable for military aid.

"Constitutional government must be implemented quickly.

"I am afraid that 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."

Jiang Song said gently.

"That is secondary.

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

"The key is your safety.

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

"But with Sun Song present, there are many things even I cannot control.

"An extra person means extra danger; let's cancel the meetings."

The Chairman said a few more words with great patience.

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

"Sister, the meetings with the industrial, commercial, and student sectors in Jinhai have been canceled. Zhongzheng's idea is to move them to the hotel and hold a reception for all sectors instead." Returning to her seat, she held her elder sister's hand and said softly.

"I understand." Lin Tai smiled.

She knew her sister was in a difficult position too.

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

Especially now that the economy was collapsing and corruption was rampant from top to bottom, the people were suffering in deep water and scorching fire, yet the Chairman was focused solely on civil war.

Lin Tai became increasingly determined to travel everywhere, fighting for the people's livelihood 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 was inevitably a dilemma.

Sigh!

If Mr. knew that the Three Principles of the People had become the corruption and dictatorship of today's government, one wonders what his spirit in heaven would think.

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

Jinhai Station.

Seven-thirty in the morning.

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

"Hong Zhiyou, how are the arrangements?" 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 Jiang Jianfeng want to see.

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

"Are you confident?"

Wu Jingzhong said.

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

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

"I will persuade them a bit more when the time comes, and we can distance our Jinhai Station from it."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Good.

"You must also be careful and guard against Li Ya and Mao Renfeng.

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

"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 cautioned.

"Yes, Teacher." Hong Zhiyou said.

"Additionally, for security, bring in Bai Shiwei's Garrison Command Inspection Division as well.

"In case 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.

"Have that Gao Yuan keep a close watch on him!

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

"Has he been seeing any young women lately?"

Wu Jingzhong asked with a smile.

"No, the matter with Mei Yingxue was a huge blow to Li Ya; he hasn't dated anyone since, and he rarely even speaks to women." Hong Zhiyou said.

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

"If you're a person, you have to indulge in one of these; 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.

Eleven-twenty in the morning.

The Chairman's private plane landed steadily.

After a brief stop, the plane refueled and continued on to Shenyang.

The airport was under strict lockdown.

"The two Ladies!"

"I have already arranged accommodations at the International Hotel; please, this way."

Zhang Tinge and Du Jian came forward to welcome them.

"Has everything been checked?" the aide-de-camp to Madame Jiang asked.

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

"Madame, Mr. Lin Tai."

"The cars are already arranged."

Hong Zhiyou greeted them with neither servility nor arrogance, raising his hand to point toward the luxury cars to the side.

"Zhang Jing!"

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

The aide-de-camp immediately went with several capable attendants to conduct an inspection.

"Adjutant Zhang."

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

"You lot, check everything carefully."

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

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

"Recently, our station has detected several batches of undercover agents arriving in Jin from Beiping; it is highly likely they were sent by the New Guangxi Clique."

"Now that Madame has just secured a one-billion-dollar loan in North America, Li Zongren must be greatly dissatisfied, and I fear they may take action."

"Even if Station Chief Wu is thorough in every way."

"The Beiping Headquarters has always held authority over Beiping and Tianjin, so there are many things he cannot speak of plainly."

"Out of concern for safety, I ask that the two Madames cancel the welcome ceremony and change the original route."

Hong Zhiyou did not mention the Communists at all, speaking only of Li Zongren.

In the Beiping-Tianjin region, the threat Li Zongren posed to the Jiang family was a hundred times greater than that of the Communists.

Madame Jiang was the money bag of the National Army.

It was entirely possible that the New Guangxi Clique under Li Zongren would harbor jealousy and take action against her to expand their own power.

Furthermore, with Lin Tai present, it was inappropriate to mention the Communists.

Sure enough, Zhang Jing's expression shifted slightly: "Wait here, I will go ask Madame for instructions."

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

"Hmm, the Generalissimo is of the same mind."

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

Madame Jiang glanced at Hong Zhiyou and nodded.

"Beep-beep!"

Hong Zhiyou blew his iron whistle.

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

The curtains on all the car windows were drawn.

Following a wave of Hong Zhiyou's hand, they drove off first.

"This man is indeed cautious." Through the car window, Madame Jiang could not help but look at Hong Zhiyou a few more times, leaving a deep impression of this prudent young man.

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

The "decoy convoy" continued along the original route.

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

Bang!

They had not driven far.

A thunderous explosion was heard.

In the direction of that other convoy, fireballs and black smoke could be seen rising into the sky.

"Quick, go check what happened."

Zhang Jing gave the order and continued to command the convoy to speed forward.

They arrived at the hotel.

Soldiers were stationed every thirty paces.

Except for a small number of students and business representatives who were kept at a distance holding flowers.

The local populace was nowhere to be seen.

The shops and houses along the way were all shuttered.

Looking around, the area was desolate.

The two Madames stepped out of the car.

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

"Zhang Jing, what happened just now?"

Madame Jiang asked as she walked.

"The decoy convoy passed by Qingshui Bridge, where someone had planted explosives in advance; the driver of the lead car 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..."

Madame Jiang knitted her brows, still shaken.

"Madame."

"Jinhai is indeed not peaceful right now; for the sake of safety, I suggest we return to Jingling as soon as possible," Zhang Jing advised.

"Don't be foolish."

"The Generalissimo is currently in a difficult position; since I have come, there is no reason for me to leave."

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

"Tell Wu Jingzhong to strengthen security."

"However, the original three-day schedule can be shortened to two."

"Hold a joint reception for the military, political, and business circles tonight; especially those party elders and prominent democratic figures in Beiping and Tianjin, make sure to invite them."

Madame Jiang ordered.

"Yes, I will go arrange it," Zhang Jing acknowledged.

They reached the lobby.

Hong Zhiyou was arranging security matters for the hotel, speaking fluent English with Anderson and the captain leading the troops.

Soon, heavily armed soldiers were guarding every key point of the hotel.

Including the rooftop, which was patrolled by soldiers 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 personal connections."

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

"They won't."

"There is a language barrier."

"Moreover, their officers have already been given enough reward money, so there are no personal connections."

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

Hong Zhiyou glanced at the Chinese-speaking Anderson nearby, swallowing the word "dogs" just as it reached his lips.

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

"Plans cannot keep up with changes."

"Take me to see Madame immediately."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Please follow me."

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

The Generalissimo had secretly ordered this man to transport arms to Fu Zuoyi.

And now he 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 Cole in Jingling.

Yet 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 Americans seemed very happy to serve, obeying his every word and acting as respectful as if he were their own commander.

It was simply unbelievable.

They reached the inner chamber.

The two Madames were sitting there drinking tea and chatting.

"Madame, Secretary Hong requests an audience," Zhang Jing reported.

"Let him in," Madame Jiang said.

She did not recognize Hong Zhiyou.

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

Yu Xuan had praised Hong Zhiyou highly many times.

Coupled with the matter of changing the route today, Lady Jiang had a very good impression of Hong Zhiyou.

"My Lady."

"May I have a word with the two of you alone?" Hong Zhiyou said.

"Very well."

"You may all withdraw," Lady Jiang said.

"My Lady, the situation in Jinhai is very unfavorable.

"Many people from Li Zongren's Beiping Headquarters have arrived in Jinhai; they are targeting you.

"I am even more worried that they are targeting the Master."

He turned his head and bowed to Lin Tai.

"Tell us," Lin Tai said with a faint smile.

"The former members of the Kang Ze Special Task Force have secretly entered Jinhai.

"I suspect they intend to assassinate the Master and frame Jiang Jianfeng for it.

"There is even more unfavorable news; according to reliable sources, Mao Wanli has arrived in Jinhai with many elite subordinates, and he has not reported his specific movements to the Jinhai side.

"I cannot currently gauge his intentions.

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

Hong Zhiyou said vaguely.

There were some things everyone knew clearly in their hearts.

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

But it could never be stated explicitly, as that would be a slap in the face to the Generalissimo, Jiang Jianfeng, and the Lady herself.

Sure enough, Lady Jiang's willow-leaf brows furrowed tightly, and she flared with anger:

"What exactly do these rats raised by Dai Li 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 have no need for their protection. Tell them to get as far away as possible."

"Understood," Hong Zhiyou acknowledged the order.

He knew that with this one sentence, no matter what schemes Mao Renfeng had planned, he would never have a good outcome in the Lady's eyes from now on.

To deflect a thousand pounds with four ounces—it was nothing more than this!

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

"For safety considerations.

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

"At the same time, outside, there will be a sentry every twenty paces along the street, all to be taken over by the 94th Army.

"Furthermore, the Bureau of Confidentiality, the Police Bureau, the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, and the Inspection Office will only provide nominal protection and will not participate in any specific security operations.

"The purpose is to prevent those 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 under my responsibility, including your aide Adjutant Zhang, the chefs, the waiters, and so on."

"They must accept strict monitoring.

"My people will be fully responsible for the safety of the two of you, including your meals and so on.

"I ask for the approval of you both."

After a pause, Hong Zhiyou said righteously.

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

"Can Zhang Jing stay?" she asked.

"Yes.

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

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

"I think it is acceptable," Lin Tai looked at Hong Zhiyou, smiling and nodding.

She knew of Hong Zhiyou.

It was through this person that Mr. Situ raised funds and purchased supplies to be shipped to Yancheng.

The elders of the Republic held this young man in very high regard.

Including Mr. Rong and his son.

She had spent years traveling abroad to raise supplies for health, children, and the border regions.

Although she was not in Jinhai, she was well aware of the friendly reputation of this "Jinhai Insider."

"Then let it be as my sister says; the security work will be fully entrusted to you," Lady Jiang, who was always gentle and respectful in front of her steady sister, thought for a moment and agreed.

"Thank you, my Lady and Master."

After Hong Zhiyou bowed slightly, he clapped his hands.

Soon, two people wearing martial arts uniforms walked in.

"My Lady, Master.

"Let me introduce them to you both: this is my senior fellow apprentice Chen Cuiping, who is also the wife of our Jinhai Station Deputy Station Chief Yu; she is a disciple of the great master Sun Lutang.

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

"They are both top-tier experts.

"From now on, they will provide close protection for your safety."

Hong Zhiyou introduced them.

Zhou Yan and Chen Cuiping nodded slightly to the two of them at the same time, standing guard to the left and right with professional efficiency.

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

Lady Jiang also had a look of three parts anger in her eyes.

Who didn't know that Wang Yaqiao was a sworn enemy of Jiang and had spent his whole life plotting to assassinate him?

Lady Jiang would have avoided such a person at all costs, yet Hong Zhiyou had actually arranged for him to be her bodyguard.

"She is here under the orders of the Jinhai Station, but I have come 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 or children.

"The Lady need not worry."

Zhou Yan said righteously.

He had never intended to protect Lady Jiang at all.

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

"Truly a righteous man.

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

Lin Tai praised him and turned to ask for her opinion.

……

(End of chapter)