Chapter 262: My Lady, You Wouldn't Want This, Would You?

"Chef Guo, go wait in the security room first; I need to go report to the Americans."

"You know, I don't call the shots here anymore."

Zhang Jing was as amiable as ever.

"Very well, thank you for your trouble, Attendant Zhang," Guo Danian said gratefully.

He walked straight to the security room.

Inside, Anderson was chewing on a cigar, reading *Water Margin*.

After becoming increasingly proficient in Chinese, he had become obsessed with novels.

He was so hooked on *Journey to the West*, *Water Margin*, and *Romance of the Three Kingdoms* that he rarely even played mahjong anymore.

"Officer, I'm a cook from Jingling, I need to go out to buy groceries."

Guo Danian nodded and bowed, making small talk.

Anderson acted as if he didn't understand and couldn't be bothered to pay him any mind.

He only listened to Hong Zhiyou.

As for anyone else, even if Chairman Jiang himself came, it would be useless.

Guo Danian sat on a chair to the side, feeling as if he were on pins and needles.

He only hoped the poison Mao Renfeng had given him was a slow-acting one.

Besides, Lin Tai had not yet drunk that cup of black coffee.

Once the incident was exposed, it would be too late for him to run.

At the same time, Guo Danian hated Hong Zhiyou to the core.

Originally, Mao Wanli had already found secret agents in the Secret Service Bureau; as soon as he administered the poison, he could have left immediately.

Now, it was a mess, with a bunch of foreign devils who didn't understand the language.

"No, if I keep waiting, I might lose my life," Guo Danian felt increasingly anxious.

After thinking it over, he walked over with a face full of smiles, took a handful of silver dollars from his pocket, and held them out with both hands:

"Officer.

"I'm going out to buy some groceries, please do me a favor."

"WHAT?" Anderson casually scooped up the money and put it into his pocket.

"Buy... buy groceries."

Guo Danian mimicked the foreigner's pronunciation and gestured as he spoke.

Anderson pursed his lips and shook his head to indicate he didn't understand.

"Officer, then, I'll be going now."

Guo Danian assumed he had agreed and turned to slip away.

"NO!"

Anderson drew the pistol from his waist and aimed it at him.

Then, he pointed at the stool.

"Officer, I..." Guo Danian was depressed to death.

Anderson smiled and holstered his gun.

Guo Danian could only sit back down, feeling dejected.

Inside the luxury suite.

The Song sisters had laid out breakfast.

Lady Jiang reached out habitually to take the coffee, but Cuiping stopped her:

"My Lady, Secretary Hong has ordered that you are not to consume any food or drink from the hotel, including water."

"Didn't you check them yesterday afternoon and evening?

"The food they made had no problems.

"Besides, these cooks have been with me for many years, like family. I have brought them with me on trips before, and there has never been an issue.

"Aren't you being too cautious?"

Lady Jiang frowned, dissatisfied.

She was used to being the one who gave orders, and with all these restrictions day in and day out, she couldn't help but have a bit of a temper.

"My Lady, protecting the two of you is our duty; please don't make it difficult for me."

As Cuiping spoke, Zhou Yan brought over a cage containing some small mice for testing poison.

"Little sister, it's not easy to do this job, you should listen to her," Lin Tai gently advised.

Zhou Yan used a small knife and fork to transfer the food onto plates one by one.

Then, he fed it to the white mice.

Lady Jiang said nothing more, watching coldly from the side with a dark expression.

The pastries and the like were all non-toxic.

Black coffee.

After injecting it with a syringe, the white mouse showed no signs of abnormality.

When Zhou Yan took the black coffee again and fed it to the white mouse.

The white mouse, which had been jumping around, immediately began to convulse, foaming at the mouth, and after kicking a few times, it died.

"This, this..." Lady Jiang's face turned pale, and she couldn't help but gasp.

Lin Tai also frowned.

"Don't be hasty."

Out of caution, Zhou Yan took another white mouse and fed it the same dosage.

Sure enough, the white mouse died immediately as well.

"It is very clear that this cup of coffee has been heavily poisoned," Zhou Yan said solemnly.

"Someone is plotting to poison the Master," Zhang Jing said coldly.

"Isn't this normal?

"Your cooks have been in Jingling for a long time; if Mao Renfeng finds an opportunity to infiltrate and threaten them, there is nothing they wouldn't do.

"If not for Secretary Hong's meticulous attention to detail, I fear a tragedy would have already occurred.

"My Lady, you are a person who has seen the world; you should know that human hearts are fickle and the world is unpredictable."

Zhou Yan said coldly.

"Thank you both for your trouble," Lin Tai remained calm and bowed slightly to the two of them to show his gratitude.

"Zhang Jing, immediately arrest everyone in the kitchen," Lady Jiang recovered and ordered.

"My Lady.

"Guo Danian from the kitchen just applied to go out and is currently in the security room.

"I suspect he is the one who did it and is trying to escape."

Zhang Jing said.

"Go quickly, do not let this thief run away," Lady Jiang ordered.

Zhang Jing immediately went outside, called for his attendants, and went to the security room.

Guo Danian was sitting on a chair, holding his head.

"Mr. Anderson, this person is suspected of attempting to assassinate the two ladies; I need to take him away," Zhang Jing said.

"Take him away?

"No.

"I promised Secretary Hong that I would take full responsibility for him."

Anderson said fluently.

Guo Danian looked up, stunned.

This damn foreign devil could actually speak Chinese.

Damn it, he was playing him for a fool.

"May I make a phone call?" Zhang Jing asked.

"Of course."

Anderson stepped aside.

Zhang Jing quickly dialed the number for Hong Zhiyou's office and reported the situation:

"Good.

"Good.

"I understand, thank you for your hard work."

Hanging up the phone, he frowned at Anderson and said, "Secretary Hong's meaning is for you to take the person to the Marine Corps first, have your people conduct the interrogation, and he will arrive shortly."

"OK."

Anderson made a gesture, and soldiers immediately stepped forward to seize Guo Danian.

"Attendant Zhang.

"I cannot go to the American military base.

"They will kill me."

"I beg you, for the sake of our friendship over these many years, let the Lady spare my life."

"Send me to Jingling, the Secret Service Inspection Office, the Second Bureau, or the military tribunal—any of them will do."

Guo Danian panicked and began to plead loudly.

He had dared to pull this job.

Aside from his family being threatened, there was also the temptation of profit.

Kill Lin Tai, and win a great merit.

Mao Wanli had painted a grand picture for him: as long as he completed the mission, the Chairman and Jiang Jianfeng would reward him, and he could even be transferred into the Secret Service.

Moreover, he had specifically emphasized one thing.

Once caught, he must absolutely deny everything.

As long as he returned to Jingling, headquarters would do everything in its power to protect him.

That was why Guo Danian had taken this action.

Now, things were ruined; the man had been taken to the Marine Corps, and let alone Mao Renfeng, even if the Chairman went himself, he might not be able to get the man out.

It was a dead end.

"How about this: I will first ask for the Lady's instructions, and we can make a decision once Secretary Hong arrives," Zhang Jing said in a deep voice.

As an attendant, he knew very well that this man was highly likely a secret agent sent by the Chairman.

If that were truly the case.

Interrogating him too much would lead to trouble.

"Please do as you wish," Anderson smiled.

Zhang Jing had just left.

Anderson gestured, and several soldiers pushed Guo Danian out, shoved him into a car, and headed straight for the Marine Corps.

He did not care what these people from the Nationalist Government thought.

He only knew that Hong Zhiyou had paid a high price to invite him.

Once money was taken, the job had to be done.

If anyone in the Nationalist Government had something to say, they could go find Commander Cole or Officer Fiersen.

"Lady, Guo Danian was trying to escape but was detained by the U. . military. Secretary Hong wants to hand the man over to the U. . military for interrogation. What are your instructions?" Zhang Jing walked in and said in a deep voice.

"Hand him over to the U. . military?" Lady Jiang began to ponder.

She was very angry about Guo Danian poisoning and attempting to harm her elder sister.

But she was even clearer that as an "old hand," Guo Danian had likely acted on secret instructions from above.

Once exposed, it would be extremely unfavorable for the Jiangs.

Protecting her elder sister was one thing, but she also had to consider the reputation of the Jiang father and son.

"No, in my view, the man should still be detained and handed over to Jingling for disposal," Lady Jiang said.

"Understood," Zhang Jing accepted the order.

Once outside, he saw that Guo Danian was already gone.

"Where is the man?" he asked Anderson.

"Taken away, to the Marine Corps," Anderson said, chewing on a cigar.

"You!"

Zhang Jing was nearly furious to death.

Just as he was about to erupt, Hong Zhiyou walked in.

"Guo Danian was taken away by the U. . military. The Lady wants you to send the man to Jingling immediately," Zhang Jing said.

"The man will certainly be sent to Jingling.

"Handing him to the U. . military is also to protect his safety, Attendant Zhang, rest assured."

Hong Zhiyou smiled lightly and nonchalantly.

They arrived at the suite.

Lady Jiang was very displeased to hear that the man had been taken away.

"Mr., may I ask to speak with the Lady alone for a moment?" Hong Zhiyou bowed and asked with a smile.

"Very well, you two talk."

Lin Tai turned and entered the inner room.

Zhang Jing, Cuiping, and the others tactfully retreated.

"You have a lot of nerve!" Lady Jiang scolded angrily.

"Lady.

"You have your considerations, and I have my difficulties.

"If this matter isn't thoroughly investigated now, someone will use it to make an issue of the Jinhai Station.

"I know what you are considering.

"The Chairman has always been magnanimous and upright; in my view, this is someone behind the scenes stirring up trouble."

As Hong Zhiyou spoke, he swapped the two cups of coffee on the table.

"Someone instigated Guo Danian to attempt to assassinate you, Lady."

He said in a deep voice.

Lady Jiang understood instantly.

Once the two cups were swapped, the nature of the incident changed completely.

Guo Danian was assassinating her.

This was something the Chairman and Jiang Jianfeng would absolutely not permit.

And no one would dare link the assassination attempt to the Chairman and Jiang Jianfeng again.

It could preserve the reputation of the Jiang father and son and leave no pretext for criticism.

At the same time, it could help her deter those rats who wanted to assassinate her elder sister.

"Lady, you do not like certain people.

"Neither do I.

"They want Mr. Lin Tai to die, and they also want Station Chief Wu and me to die.

"Your subordinate is not a meddlesome person.

"I am merely parrying blows to protect the two Ladies.

"Once this man returns to Jingling, he will certainly spout nonsense, framing Director Mao, Jiang Jianfeng, and even the Chairman.

"Mao Wanli is currently hiding in Jinhai.

"I believe this is his own selfish act, having nothing to do with the Jingling headquarters or superiors.

"Furthermore, Kang Ze has also returned from abroad.

"He is a mortal enemy of Jiang Jianfeng.

"It is entirely possible that he wants to frame Jiang Jianfeng for something."

As he spoke, Hong Zhiyou restored the coffee to its original positions.

"Lady, you are as wise as the sea.

"You must know that Station Chief Wu and your subordinate have absolutely no disloyal intentions toward you, only wishing for your elder sister and you to be safe and sound.

"But Station Chief Wu has his own difficulties.

"I hope you can be more understanding."

Hong Zhiyou kicked this dilemma of choosing one of two options back to Lady Jiang.

If she said it was sent by Kang Ze.

Then it was an assassination of Lin Tai to frame Jiang Jianfeng; in that case, the Jiang father and son would have to rescind the order for the assassination.

If it was Mao Wanli.

Then it was an assassination of the Lady, which could equally preserve the reputation of the Jiang father and son.

The scapegoat would be Mao Renfeng and his nephew for their incompetence.

But either way, it would allow Wu Jingzhong to escape successfully and avoid punishment.

"Cannot it be sent directly to headquarters and handled internally?" Lady Jiang asked after a moment of silence.

"It cannot.

"Because the assassin is still active.

"Lady, you would not want your elder sister to be subjected to endless assassination attempts, would you?

"Your subordinate dares to suggest that you can use this matter to prod those above.

"This man being locked up in the Marine Corps is your decision, and it has absolutely nothing to do with me.

"If you hold onto this man, in the future, when those rats in the Military Statistics Bureau want to move against your elder sister, you will be able to make them hurt!

"Likewise, I believe the Chairman and Jiang Jianfeng will clearly understand your stance, Lady.

"Forgive my bluntness.

"Over these past years, you have exhausted your efforts, always playing tai chi in the middle, so why have these assassination attempts never ceased?

"It is very simple: because those above feel you have no real power.

"Or rather, your determination to protect your elder sister is not obvious enough.

"Shen Zui dares to assassinate Lin Tai again and again precisely because those people feel you are weak, Lady, and even feel that your protection of your elder sister is merely verbal and that you will not take real action."

"Then this time is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate your strength and stance."

"You must unsheathe your bayonet; there must be blood, and you must thoroughly put a stop to this crooked and evil trend."

"Don't forget, the Nationalist Government cannot do without you."

"You are the honored guest of North America."

"It is perfectly reasonable for you to uphold the dignity of the Nationalist Government and the Generalissimo."

"But don't forget, you yourself are also the majesty of the nation, a pillar of the state."

"Behind you are Du Lumen and the money-printing machines of North America."

"Isn't it perfectly normal to mobilize the U. . military to shake up this mountain stronghold and seek this tiny bit of familial justice?"

"I believe the Generalissimo will understand your painstaking efforts."

"From now on, there will be no more petty villains!"

Hong Zhiyou waved his hand and advised righteously.

Lady Jiang looked at this young man and felt it was truly incredible.

She had harbored deep resentment in her heart because of this matter for a long time.

She had expressed her dissatisfaction with the Jiang father and son's assassination of her elder sister both openly and privately.

But she had never been able to stop this trend.

Now, Hong Zhiyou had pointed it out with a single, piercing remark.

In the final analysis, it was because her own stance was not firm enough, and she had not used her strength to engage in a dialogue with the Jiang father and son.

Jiang Song, Jiang and Song are inseparable.

Her elder sister was the widow of Mr. Sun; regardless of whether it was out of the grace of Mr. Sun's legacy or their own bond as husband and wife, Jiang should not have committed such a base and unrighteous act because of political prejudice.

This was also a fact recognized by the entire nation.

It had even, at one point, made the world laugh and feel bewildered.

This was Lin Tai, after all.

Anyone could assassinate her, but only he, Chang Kaishen, could not!

It was time to use her strength to make her stance clear.

"You are not old, yet you see things so clearly."

"No wonder Ziliang speaks of you with endless praise, and Yu Xuan, who is so proud and aloof, looks at you with special regard."

"Secretary Hong, then let it be as you say."

"Hand the person over to the Marine Corps for interrogation."

"Tell your Station Chief Wu that it was my decision, and it has nothing to do with your Jinhai Station."

"But the results of the interrogation must be handed to me."

Lady Jiang said.

"This subordinate understands." Hong Zhiyou accepted the order.

"You may go." Lady Jiang waved her hand, feeling somewhat weary.

Hong Zhiyou retreated.

Lin Tai walked out from inside.

Lady Jiang's eyes turned red, and she rushed forward a step, hugging her tightly:

"Sister, I'm sorry."

"Don't say that; you and Ziwen and the others have it hard too. Without you, I might not be alive today." She had heard all of Hong Zhiyou's words.

"No, it's that I didn't do well enough." Lady Jiang choked back a sob.

"Sigh!"

Lin Tai let out a soft sigh and gently patted her younger sister's back.

The family and the nation, the nation has its national situation, and the family has its private feelings.

For her younger sister to be caught between them, how difficult it must be.

Sisters of one heart, everything is understood without words.

……

Hong Zhiyou returned to Jinhai Station and reported to Wu Jingzhong at the first opportunity.

"That's great."

"With this matter in the Lady's hands, we are off the hook."

"The Generalissimo and Jianfeng are not fools."

"No matter how you phrase certain things, they will always be picked apart for loopholes."

Wu Jingzhong said happily.

"What I am worried about now is Mao Wanli."

"Guo D Nian was caught and taken away by the U. . military; if he can't get the person out, this matter will be exposed."

"If it were me, I would take a desperate risk and make a move."

"Take out Lin Tai and perform a great service for the Generalissimo."

"Even if I were punished by public opinion for the moment, I could completely go abroad for a tour like Kang Ze, and when I returned, I would surely be promoted and given a heavy responsibility after being gilded," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Hmm."

"This is also the Generalissimo's standard method for dealing with 'meritorious officials'—cold first, then hot; we must be on guard."

"Tonight is the gala."

"It is also the last chance for this bunch of jumping clowns."

"Li Ya and Sun Xing must be watched closely to ensure your plan can be implemented smoothly."

Wu Jingzhong instructed.

"Yes, Teacher. Now it all depends on whether Deputy Station Chief Yu can succeed this afternoon," Hong Zhiyou said.

After chatting for a while, Hong Zhiyou went straight to Yu Zecheng's office.

"Old Yu, are your people in place?" He asked, getting straight to the point.

"They are."

"That side is guarded by people from the Bureau of Confidentiality, and now it is certain that two people may have private contact with Mao Wanli."

"One is named Wang Ping."

"The other is named Niu Xingui."

Yu Zecheng said.

"Hmm, just let them guard it there."

"Once Mao Wanli's people arrive, have your men make their move."

"Remember to tell Sun Cheng to capture them alive."

"The more we capture, the more we can bite Mao Wanli; even if we don't kill him, we must bite him until he is severely wounded."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Rest assured."

"Sun Cheng and the others have already gone in."

"I will personally go there to stand guard today; once they succeed, I will immediately make the arrests."

Yu Zecheng said.

"Good."

"It's up to you." Hong Zhiyou patted him and said.

……

Inside the hotel.

Mao Wanli stood on the second floor with the window half-closed, observing the movement in the alley through a crack.

Seeing Qin Bin walking over in a hurry, he clenched his fists:

"Heaven bless me, it must be good news."

"Lin Tai is dead."

Taking a slight breath, he returned to the table and imitated Mao Sen, putting on a composed expression.

"Knock, knock." The door sounded.

"Come in." He poured a cup of tea.

"Is there news?" Mao Wanli asked.

Because the International Hotel was under martial law and full of Americans, without the inside information from the Jinhai Bureau of Confidentiality, he was completely in the dark about the situation inside.

"Director, Guo D Nian failed and was captured," Qin Bin said.

"What are you panicking about?"

"Director Mao will make a phone call to have Wu Jingzhong release the person for internal consumption."

"Don't forget, we are working for the Generalissimo."

Mao Wanli continued to feign indifference.

"No."

"The person was locked up by the Marine Corps."

"No need to guess, it must have been the Lady's order; she doesn't trust Wu Jingzhong and specifically had the U. . military interrogate him."

"If Guo Danian can't hold up and confesses about you and Director Mao..."

Qin Bin looked grave and dared not continue.

"Damn it!"

Mao Wanli could no longer keep up the act; he slammed his teacup down and flew into a rage.

This was no laughing matter.

The assassination of Lin Tai.

Once the party-state elders and the members of the Democratic League launched an attack.

The Chairman certainly could not admit to it.

Director Mao would not admit to it either.

This blame could only fall on his head; at best, he would be dismissed and sent abroad to travel, and at worst, he would be exiled to Qinghai to eat sand.

If things went poorly, he might even end up in a military court.

"I will report to Director Mao first," Mao Wanli said in a frantic rush.

He walked quickly to the telephone and dialed the number:

"Connect me to the headquarters line."

"Big Brother, it's me."

"Something has happened. This Wu Jingzhong set up an iron-clad trap, and the 94th Army killed several of our snipers."

"Now Guo Danian, that cook, was caught red-handed while poisoning them."

"It would have been better if Wu Jingzhong had caught him."

"The person was taken to the Navy Club; it must be the Lady's doing. This time, she is likely serious about using the Americans to go head-to-head with us old Juntong members."

"Yes."

"The Lady just helped the Chairman secure a massive loan, and dealing with Du Lumen to pull in military aid depends entirely on her; the Chairman doesn't dare offend her right now."

"The timing is unfavorable for us."

"You must quickly point me toward a clear path—whether to withdraw or leave."

"Alright, I understand."

"Yes, you must find a way to get Guo Danian out, otherwise I..."

Before he could finish his sentence, the other side had already hung up the phone.

Sigh.

Big Brother was always like this.

A non-stick pan.

Whenever something went wrong, he always wanted to retreat and protect his own interests.

"Director, what were the Director's instructions?" Qin Bin asked.

"Seven words."

"If you do not succeed, you must die for the cause!" Mao Wanli turned his head and said, word by word.

Qin Bin was stunned.

Isn't that six words?

Truly worthy of being Wanli.

(End of chapter)