Chapter 279: Jiang Jianfeng's Twelve Characters

Li Ya currently has a thorn in his heart that is scratching at him every single moment.

How should he put it?

He feels that by stalling Lu Qiao, protecting Ma Hansan, and stabilizing Beiping, he deserves the primary credit.

At the same time, he pushed for the execution of the corrupt military supply official under Hu Zongnan.

This is exactly what Jiang Jianfeng, who has always advocated for anti-corruption, would be happy to see.

In both of these incidents, he rushed to the front and made himself visible; logically, it is impossible for Jiang Jianfeng not to know.

Yet, as the most important nail of the Iron-Blooded Youth Corps in Jinhai,

he has yet to receive any commendation or instructions from Jiang Jianfeng.

It feels very wrong.

Li Ya is currently like a child who picked up a penny and handed it to his parents, desperately needing attention and praise.

He feels it is necessary to go and sound out the Station Chief.

Otherwise, he will surely suffocate.

Not receiving a call from Jiang Jianfeng for a single day is a feeling even more agonizing than waiting indefinitely for a letter from a distant lover.

He knocked on the door: "Station Chief."

"Come in."

Wu Jingzhong's deep, resonant voice came from inside.

Once inside, Yu Zecheng and Hong Zhiyou were both there.

"Li Ya, quick, sit down.

"The old chief of the Shanghai Police Bureau, Zhang Shi, sent me two crates of pineapples grown on the Wandao farm, just air-freighted over. Come, have a taste."

Wu Jingzhong was overjoyed to see Li Ya.

"Zhiyou, wash some up," he instructed.

Hong Zhiyou smiled and got up to wash the fruit.

Just as Li Ya was about to sit, Wu Jingzhong gave him a meaningful look.

Only then did he react, smiling and greeting Yu Zecheng, who was to the side: "Deputy Station Chief Yu."

"Captain Li.

"You see, the Master is still biased.

"Zhiyou and I don't get this treatment; the moment you arrive, the Master brings out all the good fruit."

Yu Zecheng laughed.

"Where? If anyone is truly biased, isn't it you?

"Otherwise, why are you the Deputy Station Chief and I the errand boy?"

Li Ya gave a dry laugh and said.

*Sigh, this kid really doesn't know how to chat... Wu Jingzhong thought to himself, speechless.

"My becoming Deputy Station Chief isn't that partly thanks to you, my old classmate?

"What errand boy?

"We are all colleagues, comrades-in-arms, sharing joys and sorrows!"

Yu Zecheng took over the conversation, answering without a single flaw.

"Master.

"The first battle of Hu Zongnan's grand army has blossomed in all areas; they are fighting very well.

"At this rate, the annihilation of the Red bandits is just around the corner."

Once Hong Zhiyou brought the fruit over, Li Ya was the first to bring up the topic.

"That might also have a share of Captain Li's credit.

"Purging corruption and reorganizing the military for Officer Hu, rectifying the atmosphere.

"When the spirit is upright, the power is mighty.

"Wherever the blade points, it is naturally invincible."

Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"You are the only one who understands me, brother." Li Ya accepted the praise happily.

His gratitude toward Hong Zhiyou came from the bottom of his heart.

If not for Hong's strategizing, Lu Qiao might have already stormed into Jinhai by now.

Zhang Zhiping was executed by firing squad.

Even Ma Hansan had been severely beaten.

If Lu Qiao had issued a random order to summon him, he would have been beaten to death for sure.

The group ate some melon and chatted about the war.

Li Ya wiped his mouth and cast a glance at the two of them with his slanted eyes.

"Master, there are still some matters in the General Affairs Section that haven't been handled; I'll go get busy first," Yu Zecheng said as he stood up.

Hong Zhiyou also left the Station Chief's office.

"Zhiyou.

"Did your move end up elevating Li Ya?

"Look at that little look in his eyes.

"He's crossing his legs higher than the Station Chief; he looks exactly like a victor of Beiping."

Yu Zecheng whispered worriedly as they walked.

"What are you thinking?

"Hu Zongnan's report has already reached the Generalissimo.

"He even dragged Zheng Jiemin into the mess along the way.

"I find it strange that Li Ya didn't go to the Headquarters Inspection Office to be interrogated."

Hong Zhiyou also shook his head in confusion.

"Sigh.

"What's so strange about it? It can only be said that Jiang Jianfeng favors him.

"This is no longer just ordinary favoritism; if it were you or me, our heads would have been chopped off a dozen times already."

Yu Zecheng joked with a smile.

When Boss Dai was alive, he might have had such treatment.

But now that the boss has passed away, the Military Statistics Bureau has departed from this world, and no one in the Confidential Bureau looks up to him anymore.

The Station Chief is quite good to him.

It's just that he is getting on in years, and between making money and doting on his grandson, he has long lost the ambition to fight others.

Sometimes, when facing pressure from the upper echelons and general-level officers, he mostly retreats; if a real disaster were to happen, it would be hard for him to stand up for him again.

"Why don't you go and defect to Jiang Jianfeng?" Hong Zhiyou said.

"Forget it.

"Do you think the Iron-Blooded Youth Corps is something you can just join if you want?

"The materials regarding my meeting with Dong Cheng and Boss Tie in Yang Village are still sitting in Jiang Jianfeng's drawer.

"It's a miracle he hasn't investigated me yet.

"Furthermore, I would have to apply to the higher-ups, a whole heap of trouble; better to just forget it."

Yu Zecheng waved his hand and said.

Station Chief's office.

Li Ya turned to the side and asked: "Master, do you think I was right or wrong to stall Lu Qiao and protect Ma Hansan this time?"

"Right!

"Of course you were right.

"Ma Hansan is the cornerstone for stabilizing Fu Zuoyi, Li Zongren, and the people of Beiping.

"Don't look at how the common people hate him.

"If someone else were to take his place, facing all those military men with their mouths demanding grain, without some backbone, how could the grain be kept? The people of Beiping would have run out of food long ago.

"Many people don't understand the logic behind this.

"Cats have their ways, and dogs have their ways.

"Ma Hansan is no simple man.

"Besides, what was Zheng Jiemin's inspection team there for?

"Ke Shufen went to Beiping early on to stake out the place.

"Wasn't it just to extort money under the guise of inspection?

"The Generalissimo and Jiang Jianfeng know this clearly; you are a meritorious official beyond reproach.

"Otherwise, how could you still be safe and sound right now?"

Wu Jingzhong knew his little thoughts and smoothed things over for him.

"Thank you, Master.

"With those words from you, I can finally set my heart at ease."

"It's just that ever since the last assassination of Lin Tai, I was dragged into the water by Mao Wanli, and Jianfeng seems very dissatisfied with me.

"Having made such a big scene in Beiping this time, logically speaking, he should have given some instructions."

Li Ya frowned, puzzled.

Wu Jingzhong understood that this kid was anxious to claim credit in front of Jianfeng.

What a fool.

Jianfeng's silence was the best protection for him.

If he were truly to be rewarded, where would Zheng Jiemin and Hu Zongnan put their faces? Wouldn't they explode?

"Hmm.

"What you say is very true.

"How about I ask for you?" Wu Jingzhong said, pretending to be very serious.

"That would be great.

"I'll trouble you, Master."

Li Ya said.

Wu Jingzhong stood up, walked to the desk, picked up the phone, and dialed:

"Jinhai Station, Wu Jingzhong. Connect me to the Number Two Official Residence."

A moment later.

The call went through.

Wu Jingzhong put on a fawning smile:

"Old classmate, it's me, Jingzhong.

"Yes.

"Regarding Li Ya's matter, I swear before the portrait of the Chairman, I absolutely did not have the slightest bit of involvement. The entire process was investigated and handled by him alone."

As Wu Jingzhong reported and distanced himself, he didn't forget to wink at Li Ya.

Master is truly not greedy for credit.

Li Ya, standing to the side, nodded in gratitude.

"Yes.

"Please listen to my explanation.

"Captain Li went to Beiping purely to challenge Lu Qiaoshan and compare skills.

"Yes, yes.

"Li Ya's heart is still loyal; his starting point was good.

"Fighting corruption—that has always been your policy. I reckon he also lost face in front of you during the last assassination of Lin Tai, and he was holding a grudge, wanting to win it back.

"That subordinate of Hu Zongnan who was reselling supplies—there was massive evidence for that.

"Regardless of military morale or not, Li Ya pushed for the execution of Ye Tianhua; wasn't that also your will?

"Just because he, Hu Zongnan, is the 'King of the Northwest' doesn't mean he can do whatever he wants.

"You can't touch a tiger's backside!

"Li Ya's actions were a case of 'knowing there are tigers in the mountain, yet heading toward the mountain of tigers'."

Wu Jingzhong continued.

Li Ya listened from the side, feeling that the tone was all wrong, but he didn't dare ask.

"Good.

"I understand. I will definitely convey your exact words, without missing a single character.

"Goodbye."

Soon, Wu Jingzhong hung up the phone.

"Master, how is it? Does Jianfeng have, have any instructions?" Li Ya asked impatiently.

Wu Jingzhong sighed and looked at Li Ya sternly:

"Jianfeng told me to convey twelve characters to you!"

"Which twelve characters?" Li Ya's eyes lit up, and he became excited.

"Incapable of success!

"More than enough to ruin things!

"Not worth using!"

Wu Jingzhong said it word for word, relaying the original message.

"Me!"

Li Ya felt as if he had been struck by lightning; his face turned as pale as paper, his whole body trembled like a sieve, and his spirit seemed to be drained in an instant.

"Li Ya.

"The superiors have their own considerations; don't think too much about it. Just do your job well in Jinhai."

Wu Jingzhong advised with a sympathetic face.

"I, I just don't know where I went wrong.

"The superiors are unclear.

"I am not reconciled to this."

Li Ya's eyes were filled with disappointment and pain.

As he spoke, he looked like he had lost his soul, muttering incessantly:

"Where did I go wrong?

"Where did I go wrong?"

Wu Jingzhong watched coldly as Li Ya walked out.

This person was too simple.

He only saw the execution of Hu Zongnan's confidant, Ye Tianhua.

Yet he didn't know that to protect him, Jianfeng had said plenty of good words to Hu Zongnan.

In the final analysis, Li Ya still didn't understand politics.

Big figures look at results, not the process.

Small figures must focus on the process; the result is often secondary.

Li Ya was looking at things from the standpoint of a big figure.

Hu Zongnan punished corruption and sent troops to Yancheng.

Ma Hansan escaped safely and continued to serve as the director of the Beiping Civil Affairs Bureau.

It seemed that everything he did was correct and had achieved results.

Yet he didn't know he had nearly caused a great disaster.

This is called shortsightedness and stupidity.

If this had been Yu Zecheng, he certainly wouldn't have touched Hu Zongnan's people.

Of course, one can only say that the scheme set by Hong Zhiyou was very successful.

It not only perfectly resolved Lu Qiaoshan but also pinned Li Ya to the bench; it would be hard for him to jump around now.

This son-in-law of his already had the air of someone who surpasses his master.

For the next period of time, the whole country focused on the deadlocked war.

Early morning.

Hong Zhiyou woke up in Wanqiu's arms.

"It's still early, sleep a bit more?" Wanqiu looked at him with her big, watery eyes, never able to get enough of him.

"Not sleeping anymore.

"I have to get up and practice.

"Do you know why I was so fierce last night?

"It's because of the practice.

"Now, for a little enchantress like you, I can handle three in one night."

Hong Zhiyou flicked her little nose and smiled wickedly.

"You're hateful.

"How can you be like that, like you're trying to kill someone, as if I have some deep grudge against you."

Wanqiu blushed and flirted with him.

"It is a grudge.

"A day without seeing you is like three autumns; we haven't seen each other for months, you calculate how many autumns that is.

"I have to get it back from you."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"It's cold outside, wear more.

"If you can avoid coming, try not to. It's quite nice for me to write poetry and paint at home alone."

Wanqiu knew he was a man with a child now, so she had to be sensible.

"Last time the Lady came to Jin, it made you prepare for nothing, and it didn't come in handy—don't blame me for that."

Hong Zhiyou said while putting on his clothes.

"I don't blame you."

"Ever since I witnessed all sorts of people blackmailing my uncle, I saw through this corrupt party-state long ago."

"I wanted to go before because I wanted to climb higher, so I could help you in the future."

"But now."

"Honestly, I'm a bit lost."

"On one side is a world I don't like, yet that world happens to have you in it."

Wanqiu spoke with her usual poetic flair.

"Wanqiu."

"Actually, I don't like it either."

"But I still want to say one thing: to hell with ideals."

"The ideals of this era have to be paid for with one's life."

"Whether you love it or not."

"Whether you like it or not."

"It's always there."

"Eating well, dressing well, and living well are more important than anything else."

Hong Zhiyou said with a smile.

"You speak even more beautifully than poetry."

"I know."

Wanqiu shook her head lightly and said sweetly.

"Damn it all."

"It's just that this new era is blocking the way; if I could get past it, I'd marry both the big and the small, one for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and the other for Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday—wouldn't that be wonderful?"

"Why would I need to spend the night with you like a thief?"

Hong Zhiyou sighed.

"I'm satisfied just knowing you have that heart."

"Go practice your skills now."

"It's... it's still quite useful."

Wanqiu gave a shy smile, wiggled her hips, and went downstairs to make him breakfast.

"Little vixen, I didn't realize you were so good at chatting."

Hong Zhiyou smiled, got up, and went downstairs to practice his skills.

After finishing his practice.

And eating breakfast, he arrived at the station.

Yu Zecheng happened to arrive as well, and the two bumped into each other in the hallway.

"Deputy Station Chief Yu, Secretary Hong."

"The station chief wants you both to come to his office."

Xiao Guohua walked over and said.

"How is Duoduo doing lately?" Hong Zhiyou asked as they walked.

"Thanks to you."

"Her eyes are completely healed; my wife is just about ready to set up a memorial tablet for you," Xiao Guohua said gratefully.

"Don't."

"Wouldn't that be a burden on me?"

"If you're free tonight, bring Duoduo over to play; come to think of it, you spend more time at the station chief's house than your own, and you're not an outsider, so why not just let your wife and Duoduo move into Villa Number One."

"It's not like we're short on food or a place to stay."

"Besides, it's closer to a good school here, so you won't have to trouble your wife to rush around early in the morning."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"No, Secretary Hong, you have already been a great benefactor to our family; how could I possibly do that?" Xiao Guohua hurriedly waved his hands to refuse.

"Why be so polite?"

"This is also the station chief's intention."

"It's settled."

Hong Zhiyou said.

Villa Number One had a separate bungalow for guards to rest in.

Not to mention anything else, the two-story villa he shared with Rurui had a vacant first floor, so there was absolutely no problem with the three members of Xiao Guohua's family moving in.

They arrived at the station chief's office.

Li Ya was already there.

A large radio against the wall was playing the news.

"Officer Hu Zongnan led an army of 230, 00 to capture Jinpenwan, Niuwu, and other places, and officially occupied Yancheng at three o'clock this morning."

"The bandits threw away their helmets and armor..."

The impassioned voice of a female announcer came from the radio.

"Three months."

"The Generalissimo has given his word: within three months at most, we will completely wipe out the bandits fleeing north and unify the country."

Wu Jingzhong held up his finger and said excitedly.

"That's great!"

"They should have been dealt with long ago."

"Now that their nest has been destroyed, wiping them out is just around the corner."

Li Ya bit his lip, delighted.

Yu Zecheng stood to the side, completely stunned.

Recently, the war reports had not been going well, and the National Army had been carpet-bombing Yancheng.

He hadn't slept all night.

He never expected to wake up to such a nightmare.

Yu Zecheng, already worried and sleep-deprived, felt a wave of dizziness.

"Deputy Station Chief Yu, are you alright?"

"You don't seem very happy."

Li Ya had a sharp eye and noticed something wrong with Yu Zecheng immediately.

"Captain Li, what are you saying? How could I not be happy?"

"Officer Hu's decisive victory is a heaven-shaking achievement."

"In my opinion, we will soon be able to live in peace, with clothes for every family and schools for the children; isn't that exactly what we all wish for?"

Yu Zecheng regained his composure and said with a smile.

"Indeed."

"Today is a day for the whole world to celebrate; I think it's worth having a drink."

"Master, it just so happens that Commander Anderson gave me a bottle of fine wine last time; why don't I go get it now, and we can have a drink to celebrate first."

Hong Zhiyou glanced at Yu Zecheng and chimed in.

"Good."

"Using the Americans' guns to suppress the bandits and the Americans' wine to celebrate the victory."

"Excellent!"

Wu Jingzhong made the decision on the spot.

"Master, I... I think I'll pass on the drink."

Yu Zecheng understood immediately and said with a look of difficulty.

"What's wrong?" Wu Jingzhong asked.

"Haven't I had a bit of a cold and headache lately?"

"I've been taking aspirin."

"The physician said I shouldn't drink alcohol while on medication."

Yu Zecheng replied.

"No wonder you look so listless; since you're sick, don't work, go home and rest," Wu Jingzhong said.

"Thank you, Station Chief."

Yu Zecheng bowed and retreated.

"Heh."

"Deputy Station Chief Yu doesn't get sick early or late, but happens to get sick at a time like this; he has no luck with good things," Li Ya said with a sarcastic smile.

"Captain Li."

"People aren't made of steel; don't you have times when you soil your own pants?"

Wu Jingzhong teased him with a pointed remark.

Yu Zecheng was, after all, the Deputy Station Chief.

Criticizing a superior to his face was a behavior he found very repulsive.

"Ahem."

Li Ya rubbed his nose, gave an awkward smile, and said nothing more.

……

Yu Zecheng returned to his office.

He sat in his chair, his head spinning, feeling an indescribable sorrow.

It was as if all the strength in his body had been drained away by the bad news.

Yancheng had fallen.

He wondered how those who were planning the strategies were doing.

Whether they were still alright.

Whether the headquarters remained intact under the bombardment of countless tons of explosives.

Right, there was also Zuo Lan.

He wondered how she was doing at this moment.

For a time, his mind was in turmoil.

Yu Zecheng very much wanted to go to the bookstore to see Old Luo, but just as he reached the entrance, he saw two cleaners wiping the portrait of Mr. Sun in the hallway.

The portrait was wiped once a week.

Today, only three days had passed.

Clearly, they were sent by Li Ya to monitor him.

This guy was too cunning.

Just because he had been a half-beat slow in his reaction, and his lack of focus caused by worry, Li Ya had seized on the loophole in the details and started suspecting him again.

Truly like a lingering ghost.

He could not lower his guard for even a moment.

No.

Going to see Shopkeeper Luo at this time would undoubtedly increase the risk to the bookstore.

Moreover, there was no suitable excuse.

He would have to be extremely cautious when going to the bookstore in the future.

To be precise, he could not go anywhere right now, including seeing Mr. Yong.

Perhaps Li Ya just wanted to use the fall of Yancheng to bait him.

Just as he was hesitating and feeling uneasy, urgently needing news from headquarters, Hong Zhiyou swayed in.

……

(End of chapter)