Chapter 265: Jianfeng Visits in Person

Thump, thump!

The heavy, rhythmic sound of military boots echoed through the corridor.

A group of American soldiers gestured to one another, kicked open the door, and rushed in, crouching low, a dozen submachine guns aimed at Mao Wanli.

"What are you doing?" Mao Wanli demanded, putting on his official airs.

The lead American soldier made a gesture.

Two men immediately stepped forward to search him and disarm him of his pistol.

"I am Mao Wanli, a director at the Confidential Bureau headquarters. Here is my identification," Mao Wanli said.

Anderson glanced at the ID and tossed it onto the floor with contempt.

"Director Mao," the foreigner in the lead spoke up.

"What is the meaning of this, gentlemen?" Mao Wanli asked.

"It doesn't mean anything."

"We just want to invite you to the Marine Corps for a cup of tea."

Having stayed in the Nationalist government for a long time, Anderson was well-versed in the essence of its culture.

"Take him away," he waved his hand.

Several soldiers immediately stepped forward to seize him.

"Wait!"

"I once handled matters for Boss Dai in Qingdao, and I am an old friend of your Navy Commander Cole. I ask that you gentlemen show some leniency."

Mao Wanli knew these fellows were not open to reason.

He pulled a stack of US banknotes from his pocket and handed them over.

Anderson never turned down money; he took it, stuffed it into his pocket, and wore a bright smile:

"Director Mao, you will see Commander Cole."

Having said that, he waved his hand.

Several soldiers stepped forward, twisted his arms behind his back, and handcuffed him.

"In the territory of the Nationalist government, you have no right to take action without the approval of the Generalissimo."

"I want to see your commanding officer!"

"I want to see Commander Cole!"

"..."

Mao Wanli began to shout.

Anderson, however, couldn't be bothered to pay him any mind and headed straight downstairs.

Someone immediately took Mao Wanli away.

Anderson arrived at that small fish restaurant where Hong Zhiyou was already waiting; the steaming hot pot gave off a rich aroma of fish.

"The party is starting soon."

"The pot just started boiling, have some."

Hong Zhiyou invited him.

As he spoke, he tossed a cigarette to Anderson and used serving chopsticks to pick out several pieces of boneless fish belly from the pot and placed them in Anderson's bowl.

"Hong, thanks."

"You still remember." Anderson sat down, set his cigar aside, and switched to the cigarette.

"Of course, you don't eat fish with bones," Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"You haven't changed a bit."

"Attentive, loyal, and righteous—you are my... Brother Gongming."

Anderson said while eating, quoting the exciting *Water Margin* he had recently been reading.

"Don't, I am certainly not Brother Gongming," Hong Zhiyou hurriedly waved his hand.

"Song Jiang is a very good friend."

"He has many brothers and is very good to people, and you are too."

"And you also like to give people money."

"You are my 'Timely Rain' brother."

Anderson said.

"Once you finish reading it, you won't say that anymore."

"I am not worthy of being called 'Timely Rain'."

"As for money, I can certainly give you that."

Hong Zhiyou said, taking five thousand US dollars from his pocket and handing it over.

"What's this?"

Anderson glanced at it but didn't take it.

"I know you might not necessarily listen to the Lady, and since the brothers can give me face, I can't let you, the leader, do favors for nothing."

"Favors are the kind of thing that, once used too much, stop being effective."

"Gold and US dollars are more practical."

"Everyone is happy."

"Take it and distribute it to the brothers who did the work."

Hong Zhiyou raised his hand and smiled.

"Alright."

"Next time there's an easy job like this, come find me again."

"This time, the military aid faction was able to land safely, and the group of arms dealers in North America, as well as the Speaker of the House, are all very grateful to you."

"Commander Cole should have told you already."

Anderson didn't stand on ceremony, took the money, and tucked it into his pocket.

"Mm, he mentioned it during our small gathering in Jinling," Hong Zhiyou nodded nonchalantly.

"The military aid went smoothly, and Commander Cole has decided to recall Brigadier General Butler to the country, with Deputy Commander Felson officially taking over the Marine Corps."

"The General said that from now on, the Marine Corps is your home."

"He will treat you with the best steaks and the purest American wine."

"Furthermore, from now on, there will be an additional ten percent discount on everything sold to you."

"Your priority level has been adjusted to the highest."

"As long as you can handle it, we can give you as much weaponry and supplies as you want."

"In a word, since you're making money for someone anyway, we are willing to let you have it."

Anderson looked at his old classmate and relayed his superior's words faithfully.

"Thanks."

Hong Zhiyou added a few more pieces of fish to his bowl.

"Hong, I... I won't end up like your Captain Li after eating this, will I?" Anderson shrugged and winked, also claiming credit for himself.

"Haha."

"If we're talking about setting people up, you Americans really have the knack for it."

Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"No."

"I only provide the goods; the one setting people up is you."

"Fortunately, you are my brother."

Anderson said.

"Eat up."

"Once we're done, I still have to go back and stand guard for the two ladies."

With the small talk finished, Hong Zhiyou also began to eat heartily.

"By the way, how should we deal with Mao Wanli?" Anderson asked.

"This person cannot be touched."

"He is one of Director Mao's men; using torture would be equivalent to slapping Director Mao in the face."

"Just scaring him a bit will suffice."

Hong Zhiyou instructed.

This was the Station Chief's intention.

In life, one should always leave a way out for others.

They were all in the same system; killing or injuring him would only intensify the hatred, and it wasn't yet time for both sides to stab each other in the heart.

Politically, this was a checkmate against the three Maos.

As long as they no longer had designs on the Jinhai Station, the goal was achieved.

If things were taken too far, Mao Renfeng was, after all, the top superior.

No one would end up with any good results.

This is what is called stopping at the right moment, leaving the sky wide and the sea vast.

The International Hotel.

After passing strict security checks, guests, reporters, and representatives from all sides entered one after another.

The students and reporters had all been strictly screened by Wu Jingzhong.

For example, the reporter Gao Rong, the progressive woman Mei Qiuju, and others.

They arrived at the main hall.

Lady Jiang delivered a speech, naturally calling on everyone to unite as one to support Jiang, and spoke of the favorable international situation, the military achievements of Hu Zongnan's army, and so on.

It must be said that the elegant and noble lady's speech was very inflammatory.

Many military and political representatives present applauded one after another.

Yu Zecheng stood in the crowd holding a camera, his gaze focusing on Mr. Lin Tai from time to time.

Not everyone had the opportunity to see her.

Wu Jingzhong sat in a sofa in the corner, his narrowed eyes revealing a sharp glint; soon, his expression became somewhat complex as he withdrew his gaze from Yu Zecheng, and he asked in a low voice with furrowed brows:

"Zhiyou, has Mao Wanli been caught?"

Hong Zhiyou nodded: "Caught."

"The person has been taken to the Marine Corps, and as you instructed, I told the U. . military not to use torture."

"Hmm, and what about that Sun Xing?" Wu Jingzhong asked again, crossing his arms.

"He should be preparing for the operation right now."

"He will make his move in a moment," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Have you talked him into it? If this link fails, we won't be able to kill Mao Wanli," Wu Jingzhong asked in a deep voice.

"Don't worry, Station Chief."

"If Sun Xing refuses, I will make him disappear forever."

"Besides, there are people who have passed through several hands, and I have also arranged a hitman."

"This person is a death row inmate and suffers from a serious illness; after the deed is done, I will give him a settlement fee, and he is very willing."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Hmm."

"Sun Xing is best."

"If not, this is all we can do."

Wu Jingzhong was satisfied with this arrangement.

After Lady Jiang finished her speech, the municipal government arranged several recitations, singing, and traditional Peking Opera programs in between.

A moment later.

Lin Tai took the stage.

She stood in front of the microphone in the center of the venue, and with her powerful aura, the whole hall immediately fell silent.

Without needing a speech script, Lin Tai began her speech.

She did not speak with that kind of impassioned fervor; she was very calm, yet very penetrating.

"Gentlemen, for the past hundred years in our great China, first there was the looting by the Eight-Nation Alliance, then the desire of the Japanese invaders to destroy us, and the land and mountains are scarred and devastated..."

"Yet the Jiang government repeatedly sabotages the joint government, unilaterally tears up peace talks, ignores the people in dire straits, and aims to start a war..."

The reporters at the scene were stunned.

Lady Jiang sat to one side, silent.

This was not the first time her elder sister had given a speech in a public setting.

Sometimes, even in front of Jiang, she was like this.

Home is home, and the country is the country.

Even if she were not allowed to speak here, she would speak elsewhere.

"What kind of nonsense is this? Go and cut the microphone," Wu Jingzhong ordered with dissatisfaction.

Hong Zhiyou secretly made a gesture, and agents immediately went over to tamper with it; the microphone soon had no sound.

Lin Tai remained calm and composed, left the standing microphone, and continued her speech in a clear voice, completely unaffected.

Yu Zecheng's heart was surging with hot blood, and he frantically snapped photos.

"Tell every newspaper office, whoever dares to publish this, I will have their heads," Wu Jingzhong said with an annoyed frown.

"Teacher."

"I'm afraid that's difficult."

"Among these people are many patriots, and perhaps there are even Red ticket representatives among them."

"The Red tickets also have their own newspapers."

"There are also some commercial newspapers and civil newspapers that have foreign capital, and if all else fails, aren't there those tabloid newspapers?"

"This matter cannot be blocked."

"Besides, even the Chairman let her get on the plane; for things his old self cannot manage, you shouldn't worry yourself too much," Hong Zhiyou said with a smile, trying to persuade him.

"Sigh."

"Public sentiment cannot be fooled by anyone's mouth; like a river that is hard to calm, if the sky wants to rain, or a mother wants to remarry, let it be," Wu Jingzhong sighed with some exhaustion after drinking a few sips of tea.

"The hearts of the people cannot be swindled by anyone's glib tongue; just like the Sichuan disaster that cannot be quelled, or the sky wanting to rain, or a mother wanting to remarry—let it be." Wu Jingzhong took a few sips of tea and sighed with some exhaustion.

"If Sun Xing doesn't appear, have that person you found come out to scare her."

"If Sun Xing does not appear, have that person you found come out to scare her a little."

"No need, he's here," Hong Zhiyou glanced over.

Sun Xing was still quite professional.

Before coming out of the tunnel, he had specifically changed into clean clothes and a hat, disguising himself as a restaurant waiter.

Because the exit had been cleared of U. . military security by Hong Zhiyou in advance.

He arrived at the main hall very smoothly.

Just as the lady was giving her speech, he reached for his waist, drew his gun, and pointed it at Lin Tai:

Just as Mrs. Kang was in the middle of her speech, he reached toward his waist, drew his gun, and pointed it at Lin Tai:

"You had better go and preach to Mr. Sun."

Sun Xing shouted and was about to pull the trigger.

Yu Zecheng, who had been prepared for a long time, lunged out from the side.

Having long been prepared, Yu Zecheng lunged out from the side.

The bullet left the chamber.

The shot went wide and hit a waiter nearby.

Screams immediately erupted from the crowd.

For a moment, the scene was extremely chaotic.

"There's an assassin!"

The U. . military and Zhang Jing and others hurriedly protected the two ladies and retreated inward.

Sun Xing was quickly captured.

Several soldiers punched and kicked him, shattering his teeth.

Hong Zhiyou watched from the side, his heart jumping.

There was no help for it.

He could not intervene in such an overt matter.

If Sun Xing did not take a beating, this hurdle could not be cleared.

If Sun Cheng does not endure a sound beating, this hurdle will not be cleared.

The assassination attempt quickly made the headlines of all major newspapers.

Upon hearing the news in Shenyang, the Chairman was furious and ordered Jiang Jianfeng and Mao Renfeng to go to Jinhai in person to coordinate with Chen Zhangjie to jointly try the case and give an explanation to the lady and Lin Tai.

The next day, at eleven o'clock in the morning.

Wu Jingzhong hurriedly summoned Hong Zhiyou and Yu Zecheng into his office.

"How is Mao Wanli doing with the U. . military?" he asked.

"Apart from not being able to eat or sleep, he is otherwise fine," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Jiang Jianfeng is very dissatisfied with this incident."

"Fortunately, we kept a Qin Bin, who can use Kang Ze to buffer the situation."

"His and the Chairman's intention is to use the lady's shock as an excuse to send her away immediately and turn a big matter into a small one."

"If we do that, all our hard work will have been in vain."

"I don't know what Lady Jiang's attitude is now."

"You go see the lady today and see if you can persuade her to stay and participate in the joint trial."

Wu Jingzhong instructed.

"Teacher, I think we don't need to say anything; the lady will stay."

"Why is the Chairman in such a hurry?"

"It must be that the lady has expressed her attitude."

"She has long been unable to tolerate the repeated assassination attempts on Lin Tai; there is no reason for her to let go of such a heaven-sent opportunity."

She had long since reached the limit of her patience regarding the repeated assassination attempts on Lin Tai; there was no reason for her to let such a heaven-sent opportunity slip by.

"However, I still have to go and persuade him on the surface.

"Zhang Jing definitely won't be able to withstand the interrogation if he turns back.

"If I don't go and speak, it will be very difficult to extricate myself from this matter."

Hong Zhiyou pondered.

"Good.

"Be careful with your technique when speaking.

"Also, can that Sun Xing be made to keep his mouth shut? If he exposes you, no one can protect you."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"He will keep his mouth shut.

"If he keeps his mouth shut, he might have a way to survive; if he doesn't, Mao Renfeng will deal with him according to family law anyway."

Hong Zhiyou answered very firmly.

There is no one who does not fear death.

For that tiny sliver of a chance to live, Sun Xing will definitely fight with all his might.

"Good.

"Jiang Jianfeng and Bureau Chief Mao are arriving soon. Zecheng, have the reception room, hygiene, and everything else been taken care of properly?"

Wu Jingzhong turned his head to look at Yu Zecheng.

"Everyone didn't sleep all night yesterday, and the entire station is now as clean as a mirror.

"I have dismissed everyone who worked the night shift.

"The spirit and energy of those on duty this morning are absolutely fine."

Yu Zecheng reported.

"Good, let's go."

Wu Jingzhong tidied his attire, rinsed the fire out of his mouth with tea, smoothed his hair until it was neat and tidy, and led his "civil and military officials" to the station entrance.

Soon, the lead security motorcade arrived.

Compared to the lineup of Dai Li, Jiang Jianfeng and Mao Renfeng were much simpler.

There were a dozen or so elite attendants, and no flashy operations like umbrella formations or snipers occupying high ground.

Jiang Jianfeng had a well-proportioned face, wore a crisp Zhongshan suit, and had a badge pinned to his chest, looking very approachable.

Mao Renfeng, on the other hand, was slightly plump, with a round, ruddy face, and wore a friendly smile at all times, looking just like an old neighbor from next door.

It was only that pair of squinting eyes, from which cold glints occasionally erupted, that made one's blood run cold.

"Jiang Jianfeng, Bureau Chief Mao."

Wu Jingzhong stepped forward to greet them one by one.

"Jingzhong, let's talk inside." Jiang Jianfeng did not care for empty formalities and walked straight toward the building.

They entered the VIP room.

He dismissed those around him, leaving only Mao Renfeng and Wu Jingzhong behind.

"What is going on?

"Is this your so-called upholding of Dai Li's legacy, the must-kill Lin Tai?"

Jiang Jianfeng pointed at Wu Jingzhong and demanded sternly.

Cold sweat seeped from Wu Jingzhong's forehead, and he explained righteously:

"Reporting to my superior, the subordinate did indeed take action; I planted explosives under Wanan Bridge.

"According to the security plan, the two ladies would not be in the same car.

"But when the motorcade set off, I received top-secret intelligence and changed my mind at the last minute.

"That is why the bomb only destroyed the decoy motorcade."

"Top-secret intelligence? What top-secret intelligence?" Jiang Jianfeng asked.

"Kang Ze secretly dispatched elite veterans of the special task force to Jinhai.

"It is very clear that he wanted to use Lin Tai's hand to frame you.

"Once Lin Tai met with disaster, Kang Ze would inevitably seize the opportunity to launch an attack to avenge the grudges of the past."

Wu Jingzhong said.

As he spoke, he handed over Qin Bin's confession and testimony.

Jiang Jianfeng frowned, flipped through it quickly, and handed it to Mao Renfeng: "What do you think?"

When Mao Renfeng saw the photo of the person who had confessed, he went numb.

This was an ace under Mao Wanli.

Clearly, Wu Jingzhong dragging this matter onto Kang Ze was to preserve his own face and that of Mao Wanli.

"Is the situation true?" Mao Renfeng asked, feigning surprise after looking through it.

"It is true.

"The person is right in the interrogation room; if the two of you do not trust me, you can interrogate him yourselves," Wu Jingzhong said.

"Superior, regardless of whether this matter is true or false, it truly cannot be underestimated.

"Kang Ze has always considered himself the shadow of the Chairman.

"After traveling abroad, he has become very close to the British and Americans.

"According to reports, he often visits Downing Street and frequently drinks with the Minister of Defense. The first thing he did upon returning this time was to boast about what he saw and heard in the Central Daily News, promoting that Western way of doing things.

"If Lin Tai were to meet with disaster in Jinhai, the public opinion of the entire nation would likely be directed not just at you, but at the Chairman.

"Would Li Zongren, Kang Ze, and Bai Chongxi jump out to stir up trouble?

"Judging from this matter alone, assassinating Lin Tai no longer has any meaning."

Mao Renfeng knew well that if Wu Jingzhong were to bite him, even if Qin Bin couldn't bite him to death, it would still draw blood.

If the other party takes a step back, he must also take a step back.

Otherwise, it would be a case of mutual destruction.

"That's right.

"Old classmate, let me say a word from the heart, Jingzhong.

"Lin Tai has no guns and no cannons; what can she accomplish just by relying on a mouth?

"Oh, our Party-State's millions of troops don't eat or get paid, and we rely on her mouth to feed them?

"Therefore, she cannot hurt the muscles or move the bones; let her talk.

"Right now the civil war is in full swing, and the Americans are barking every day about wanting to engage in democratic constitutionalism. Creating this kind of undemocratic incident at this time is unfavorable for the Chairman's stability.

"If you are truly not satisfied.

"After we wipe out the Red tickets, I, Jingzhong, will arrange an assassination every day; I don't believe she can have an indestructible body."

Wu Jingzhong said earnestly, bowing his waist.

"Hmm.

"What you are concerned about is indeed reasonable; Kang Ze returning to promote constitutionalism is indeed a thorny issue.

"Father also intends to transfer him away from the administrative organs and send him directly to the Huadong front line to take up a post."

Jiang Jianfeng was not someone who did not understand the current situation.

The reason he was serious was that he wanted an attitude from Wu Jingzhong.

Clearly, Wu Jingzhong had done everything he should have done.

And he had also done what he shouldn't have done.

Overall, he had done quite well.

"Jingzhong, sit down and answer," he said, raising his hand.

Only then did Wu Jingzhong wipe away his cold sweat and sit down in fear and trepidation.

"I ask you, why did you arrange for the Americans and the garrison to set up defenses? Who gave you the authority and the nerve?" Jiang Jianfeng took a sip of tea and asked in a stern tone.

Mobilizing the American military—how much power must that take?

The Jinhai station is trying to turn the world upside down.

The current world situation is clear at a glance; whoever can get the help of the Americans and the Soviets can win the world and pacify the world.

If Wu Jingzhong can mobilize the American military today, will he be attacking Jingling tomorrow?

"The superior has misunderstood.

"Inviting the American military was the Lady's idea.

"Originally, the security was jointly managed by me and Commander Chen.

"But you know, the Lady does not trust the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics at all.

"Inviting the American military was also her idea.

"Otherwise, as for me, I don't even know which way the door to their commander's office opens; where would I go to invite these people?"

Wu Jingzhong explained with a helpless look.

(End of this chapter)