Chapter 281: Sheng Xiang Gets a Promotion

Evening.

Hong Zhiyou drove a car and pulled over in the suburbs.

Yu Zecheng and Liao Sanmin were waiting.

Seeing him get out of the car, Liao Sanmin flashed a flashlight at his face.

"Brother Min, it's been so long, and the first thing you want to do is blind me?" Hong Zhiyou got out of the car, lit a cigarette, and asked with a smile.

"Apologies."

"I just wanted to be sure."

Liao Sanmin smiled faintly.

"Check the goods."

Hong Zhiyou waved his hand.

Liao Sanmin got into the car to inspect them, then nodded and said, "No problem."

"Is your side reliable?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Yes."

"My transport line here is newly established."

"The guards on that side are our people; even if caught, that side will acknowledge it."

"Don't worry."

Liao Sanmin said.

"Fine."

"As long as it's not using Old Yu's line, I'm relieved."

"Li Ya has his eyes on him now."

"You need to be careful too."

"Recently, at the latest National Defense Conference, the Generalissimo ordered a pincer attack on two fronts; the war at the front is intensifying, and the secret lines in the rear must also step up the investigation of Red agents."

"Ye Xiufeng is currently reshuffling the interior of the Dangtong Bureau; there's no telling if your people might be rooted out."

"Mao Renfeng has also increased the intensity of internal supervision."

"It's possible that a new Chief of Intelligence will be sent down from above; the current situation is very grim."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Yes, a new warden has been assigned to our prison, and he's not easy to talk to."

"Everyone should be careful."

"I'm leaving."

Liao Sanmin jumped into the car and drove off in a flash.

Hong Zhiyou got directly into Yu Zecheng's car.

"A new Chief of Intelligence is being sent from above? How come I don't know about this?" Yu Zecheng said while driving.

"There's a lot you don't know."

"If I told you that your people completely annihilated a heavy division of Hu Zongnan's with six times the force at Qinghuabian, would you believe it?"

Hong Zhiyou said.

Historically, just three days after Hu Zongnan occupied Yancheng, he was surrounded by Red forces with six times his strength northeast of Yancheng and suffered heavy losses.

"Really?"

"That's great! We... we still have the strength to fight large-scale counterattacks; this shows that the organization's apparatus hasn't failed."

"I have to go back and have a drink tonight."

A long-absent smile appeared on Yu Zecheng's face.

"Let's talk business. Is headquarters really sending someone?" he asked while carefully choosing his route.

"Really."

"There was a routine meeting at the Ministry of National Defense today; Old Xie got the first-hand intelligence."

"The Station Chief might have already received the definite news; there should be a meeting tomorrow morning."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Who could it be?"

"Someone from Zheng Jiemin's side, or Mao Renfeng's?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"Most likely someone from Zheng Jiemin's."

"Mao Renfeng suffered a loss in Jinhai last time and owes the Station Chief a favor; no matter how thick-skinned he is, he wouldn't send someone at this time."

"The Generalissimo is currently intent on turning the blade inward, strengthening the interior, especially the reshuffling of the security lines."

"Whoever is sent down will definitely be looking to make moves."

"Going against the teacher is a thankless task; a clever fox like Mao Renfeng wouldn't fight for that."

Hong Zhiyou analyzed.

"The Cantonese Clique, then."

"These people are hard to deal with."

"However, I hope it's not the Iron and Blood Youth Corps; Li Ya alone is enough of a headache, and if another one comes, I won't be able to work."

Yu Zecheng said with a headache.

"It won't be."

"The Generalissimo and Jiang Jianfeng still have a decent impression of the Station Chief."

"Overall, our station's results over the past two years are significantly better than the other stations."

"Jiang Jianfeng hasn't reached the point where he must replace the Station Chief."

"Naturally, he won't send someone to embarrass the Station Chief openly."

Hong Zhiyou analyzed.

"Hmm, that's good."

"You say Mao Renfeng isn't eyeing Jinhai anymore, so why is Zheng Jiemin?"

"He and the Station Chief were once close, old partners; they're tighter than Jiang Jianfeng and the Station Chief."

"Logically speaking, it shouldn't be like this."

Yu Zecheng shook his head, expressing his confusion.

"What else could it be?"

"Money, that's what."

"Lu Qiaoshan stumbled so badly in Beiping, so why wasn't there even a disciplinary action? It's said he was even commended at an internal meeting of the Second Bureau."

"Isn't it because Ma Hansan coughed up the goods?"

"Ke Shufen is addicted to this now; he can't scrape anything more from Ma Hansan, so he's set his sights on the Station Chief."

"Think about it, the teacher's methods for making money were taught to him by Zheng Jiemin himself."

"How could he not know how much money the teacher has made?"

"This is an open grab."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"That's quite troublesome."

"If he wants to go after the teacher, that's easier to handle; it's nothing more than money."

"If he uses this matter to go after me, then it's trouble."

Yu Zecheng said.

"Hard to say; I can only say be extra careful." Hong Zhiyou lit a cigarette and exhaled out the window.

"How much for the medicine?"

"Mr. Yong recently repatriated a large sum of US dollars; I can settle it for you." Yu Zecheng asked.

"Eighteen thousand... US dollars." Hong Zhiyou said.

"Are you kidding?"

"Two boxes of medicine, and you want eighteen thousand US dollars? Have you gone crazy for money?" Yu Zecheng exclaimed exaggeratedly.

"Please watch your language."

"It's two large boxes."

"Large boxes."

"Large!"

Hong Zhiyou pointed out the key point.

When he does business, he can let friends make money, and he can make less himself, but he must never make nothing.

This is the foundation of the way of making wealth.

"Can it be less?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"No."

"One cent less, and I'll call Li Ya immediately and have him chase it down." Hong Zhiyou gave absolutely no room for negotiation.

He had given Yu Zecheng too many favors.

This guy had been spoiled; he wanted to get everything on the cheap.

This habit could not be indulged.

Otherwise, I would truly become a philanthropist.

"Can we really not negotiate?"

"No."

"Fine, it's a deal."

"The money is in the bag, take it yourself."

Yu Zecheng said.

Hong Zhiyou opened the bag; inside were two stacks of U. . banknotes, ten thousand dollars per stack.

Clearly, Yong Jianqiu understood the market rate.

"Look at the stature of Mr. Yong." Hong Zhiyou counted twenty bills to put back in the bag, and stuffed the rest into his pocket.

Returned to the courtyard.

Hong Zhiyou kicked Yu Zecheng out of the car and drove toward No. 1 Changde Road.

It was rare that Rui Rui had given him a day off yesterday to accompany Wanqiu.

One shouldn't go too far.

He still had to go home tonight to hold the baby.

The next day.

Hong Zhiyou woke up, and Rui Rui was still sleeping.

Because she had to breastfeed the baby herself.

The food at home was too rich, and Rui Rui often suffered from clogged ducts; now she couldn't be touched at all, or it would hurt terribly.

The two of them slept very far apart.

Hong Zhiyou knew how hard it was for her, so he got out of bed lightly and kissed her on the forehead.

"Why are you so hot?"

Hong Zhiyou felt something was wrong, reached out to touch her, and her forehead was indeed burning hot.

"Kiss me again."

Rui Rui opened her eyes, her smile pale and weak.

"You have a fever."

"Why didn't you call me? Let's go, hurry to the hospital."

Hong Zhiyou complained with a heart full of pain.

"You have so much to do, busy from morning till night, how could I hold you back?"

"Besides, it's not a big deal."

"It's just a blockage."

"I'll have Liu Ma come to massage it later, it'll be fine once it's cleared."

"You hurry to the station."

Wu Rui Rui was as strong as ever.

"Really don't need to?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"No need." Wu Rui Rui nodded.

"Alright, I'll come back early today. If the fever doesn't go down after it's cleared, you must listen to me and go to the hospital," Hong Zhiyou urged.

"Okay." Rui Rui nodded.

"Mom, Rui Rui seems to have a fever from a blockage again, please call Liu Ma to come over later."

"If she doesn't get better, take her to the hospital immediately."

"Also, have Chou'er boil some soup that's less greasy, keep the meals light. If this continues, the baby will get the nutrition, but Rui Rui will suffer terribly."

After washing up, Hong Zhiyou gave instructions to Mei Qiuju while eating breakfast.

"Sigh."

"Why is this child so delicate?"

"If she doesn't eat more, where will Lele get her milk?"

Mei Qiuju's heart was now entirely on her granddaughter, and she couldn't help but pout.

"But you can't just want the daughter and not... the baby will be fine eating a little less."

"I'm leaving."

Hong Zhiyou picked up a pastry, stuffed it into his mouth, chewed, and swallowed it with a few gulps of milk.

"Teacher, I'm heading to the station first."

He bowed slightly to Wu Jingzhong, who was eating a donkey meat sandwich, and walked out quickly.

"This son-in-law was worth finding, he knows how to care for people."

"Unlike you, back when I was at your house, I was burning up with a fever while taking care of Rui Rui, and the child cried for ages without anyone caring."

"Your mother acted like she couldn't hear a thing."

"Just waiting for the two of us to have a bad time."

Mei Qiuju turned her head to look at Wu Jingzhong, and inexplicably remembered the past again.

"Cough, cough."

"This donkey offal soup today wasn't boiled through, it has a fishy smell."

"Not eating it."

Wu Jingzhong put down his bowl and quickly grabbed his coat to slip away first.

Arrived at the station.

Wu Jingzhong summoned Li Ya, Yu Zecheng, and Hong Zhiyou to his office.

After tea was served.

Wu Jingzhong glanced at the three generals and said, "The three of you, headquarters has new personnel changes. Captain Li, you might have to set aside your concurrent role as Intelligence Section Chief."

"Teacher, wh, what do you mean?" Li Ya was a bit dazed.

"According to the opinions of the Second Department and headquarters, it has been decided to appoint a newcomer to serve as the Intelligence Section Chief at the Jinhai Station."

"You all know this person."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Who?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"The former File Section Chief, Sheng Xiang," Wu Jingzhong said.

"Didn't Sheng Xiang apply to transfer to the Second Department last month?"

"How come he's back?"

Li Ya was very surprised.

"Sheng Xiang went to the Sixth Division of the Second Department and became the executive captain of the Intelligence Branch. Following Lu Qiaoshan, he wiped out several important Red Party strongholds in Wannan and Yangzhou within a month."

"Zheng Jiemin personally promoted his rank to Major."

"Once promoted to a field officer, can't he return to Jinhai?"

"Also, there is another piece of news: Lu Qiaoshan is coming to Jinhai to recuperate. What do you all think?"

Wu Jingzhong crossed his arms, his gaze shifting across the three faces.

"Teacher, it's very obvious. Lu Qiaoshan hasn't given up on the Jinhai Station and has set up Sheng Xiang as a puppet to come and find trouble," Yu Zecheng analyzed.

"I see this as aimed at me."

"Heh heh, since he couldn't be an imperial envoy, he sent a substitute to fight me."

"Fine, I'll take it all on."

Li Ya bit the corner of his mouth and sneered.

"Regardless, we must be on guard."

"Sheng Xiang was sent down by the Second Department, which somewhat implies he is a special commissioner. On the surface, you should still go through the motions."

Wu Jingzhong instructed.

"Understood," Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"Zhiyou, you go to the airport to pick him up this afternoon, and while you're at it, invite him to a meal at the Lishun Hotel and hold a simple welcome ceremony," Wu Jingzhong added.

"Yes, Teacher." Hong Zhiyou stood up to accept the order.

"Teacher, I have something else to do, I'll head out first." Seeing there was nothing else, Li Ya left first.

Yu Zecheng and Hong Zhiyou remained.

"The two of you, I didn't want to speak clearly in front of Li Ya just now."

"Lu Qiaoshan and Sheng Xiang teaming up to launch a counterattack is Zheng Jiemin's intention, and it is aimed at me."

"According to news from Section Chief Xiao."

"Recently, unfamiliar faces have been appearing near the Hexi residence."

"That young master of Zhang Xun's owed a pile of gambling debts in Jingling and was caught by someone; he must have said something."

"Zheng Jiemin is jealous. He didn't get enough from Ma Hansan in Beiping, so now he's coming to dig up my foundation."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Hmm."

"If that's the case, we really must be on guard," Yu Zecheng said.

"That man Sheng Xiang is one who forgets righteousness for profit; he is not worth worrying about.

"Besides, I know all about his past dirty laundry; he won't be able to stir up any trouble.

"But we must be careful with Lu Qiao; this man just suffered a loss in Beiping, and he won't be reconciled to it.

"There's no telling what kind of devious schemes he might cook up again.

"It is best to remain cautious."

Wu Jingzhong nodded and said.

Just as they were speaking, "good news" came over the radio.

"General Hu Zongnan's army of 280, 00 continues to advance north and northeast of Yancheng, annihilating 100, 00 of the bandit forces..."

"Ahem.

"General Hu has won another battle. A few days ago it was an army of 230, 00, and in the blink of an eye, it's become 280, 00. The more they fight, the more men they have; it seems they've incorporated quite a few. In my view, total victory is not far off."

Yu Zecheng secretly glanced at Hong Zhiyou, squeezed out a hint of a smile, and said.

"What kind of victory is that? It's nonsense.

"My old friend at the Xi'an Pacification Commissioner's Office revealed that Yancheng was empty to begin with. There was no heavy damage at all; they just grabbed a few ordinary civilians and are bragging everywhere.

"Yesterday at Qinghuabian, it is said that the army corps Hu Zongnan was pursuing was counter-encircled by the Red bandits, losing at least one full-strength division.

"These news reports and broadcasts are all just blown out of proportion for the Generalissimo and the common people to hear.

"Seeking quick success and instant benefits, reporting false battle achievements.

"The standard performance of the National Army.

"You and I both need to have some sense of the reality; in my view, the future is truly uncertain.

"If you don't believe me, go look at their handiwork.

"The battles are fought like works of sculpture; every single one is the work of a master.

"Sigh.

"I am very worried about the Generalissimo's wisdom; I wonder if there is any chance of victory."

Wu Jingzhong sighed and said.

Upon hearing this, Yu Zecheng secretly let out a long breath.

It seems what Hong Zhiyou said was all true.

Hu Zongnan is merely bluffing, and the organization's apparatus remains completely intact.

"Alright, you two go get busy. Notify Captain Li to clear out the Intelligence Section office," Wu Jingzhong ordered.

He truly looked down on the likes of Sheng Xiang.

But who could help it when he came down with the backing of Zheng Jiemin?

One still had to give him some face.

Hong Zhiyou went to the Intelligence Section, where Li Ya was giving instructions and packing things up.

"In the entire station, aside from the Station Chief's office, the Intelligence Section's office is the brightest.

"It's a waste on that dog, Sheng Xiang."

Li Ya twitched his eyebrows at Hong Zhiyou, a look of displeasure and a cold sneer on his face.

"What kind of skills could Sheng Xiang possibly have?

"I think he will die at your hands sooner or later, Captain Li."

Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"Heh, then I'll take your kind words for it, brother.

"It's best if he doesn't provoke me; if he dares to go down the same dark path as Lu Qiao, then that is a dead end."

Li Ya's eyes turned sharp as he spoke.

"I have to go out on a job tonight.

"I won't be going to eat."

Li Ya gave instructions and headed toward the Station Chief's office.

He arrived at the Station Chief's office.

He closed the door and whispered:

"Teacher, those two boxes of penicillin I kept privately have been sold.

"I didn't sell many.

"This small token is for you, Teacher, please accept it."

As he spoke, he took two thousand US dollars out of his pocket, his heart aching, and placed them on the table.

Wu Jingzhong was simply speechless.

Two large boxes of penicillin were worth at least ten thousand US dollars.

Two thousand?

Was he trying to brush off a beggar?

Sigh.

A selfish person.

Given an opportunity, he's useless; he just can't be molded.

"Li Ya.

"I am very satisfied just knowing you have this intention.

"You haven't had it easy these past two years.

"Take it back; you're still young, and you have more places to spend money than I do."

Wu Jingzhong didn't even look at it and pushed it back.

"Thank you, Teacher.

"Then, then I won't be polite.

"To tell you the truth, I've been a bit tight on cash lately; I borrowed quite a bit from an underground bank to prepare for Yingxue's wedding."

Li Ya smiled and actually put the money back into his pocket.

Wu Jingzhong had never seen someone so tactless.

A gentle smile still hung on his face:

"Hu Zongnan's side called to urge us; if there's nothing else, you should get the goods loaded and on the road as soon as possible."

"Yes, Teacher."

Li Ya accepted the order gladly.

Three o'clock in the afternoon.

Li Ya and Adjutant Zhou arrived together at the escort convoy.

"Captain Li, how would you like to arrange the escort this time?" Adjutant Zhou asked.

"From Jinhai through Baxian, then into Baoding, then south into Handan, straight into the Yunan border to transfer to Xi'an.

"Along the way, we have to pass through the southern defense zones of Sun Lianzhong and Fu Zuoyi.

"There might also be some Red bandit teams in the mountains, bandits, and so on.

"How many men did you bring?"

Li Ya asked.

"Because the original plan was to take the train, I didn't bring many men, just over a hundred good hands," Adjutant Zhou said.

"That's very troublesome.

"I just called to ask; there are landslides in several places along the way, the railway line is interrupted, and it won't be repaired for half a month.

"If we rely solely on manpower.

"With this few, I'm afraid we can't even beat the bandits."

Li Ya said.

"What's there to fear? How many bandits can there be?

"You add fifty more men from your side, ensure the ammunition is sufficient, and one hundred and fifty men are enough to fight a defensive battle.

"As for the other army corps.

"I have General Hu's official order; I doubt they have the guts to intercept our goods."

Adjutant Zhou was still very confident.

"Alright then.

"Let's go."

Li Ya had always been very confident as well; when two confident people get together to make a decision, it's naturally very fast.

Mainly, he didn't have any good feelings toward Hu Zongnan anyway; if it really got intercepted by Fu Zuoyi or Sun Lianzhong, it had nothing to do with him.

Jinhai.

In a garden villa by the sea.

Lu Qiao was stirring his coffee.

Sheng Xiang sat to one side, crossing his legs and shaking his foot.

"Look at the state of you.

"Are you even fit to be an Intelligence Section Chief?

"Put your leg down, what are you shaking for? You deserve to never save any money, you have the life of a pauper."

He scolded him with annoyance.

"Yes, yes.

"Isn't this all thanks to you and Vice Director Zheng? Otherwise, how would it ever be my turn."

Sheng Xiang nodded and bowed as he put his leg down.

"Go attend to your business first, find a decent barbershop, wash your hair properly, and get that grease off your face.

"There's a welcome party for you tonight, don't embarrass me.

"Go on."

Lu Qiaoshan waved his hand to give the order.

After Sheng Xiang left.

He picked up the landline and dialed a number:

"The address is...

"Good, come over then, it just so happens I want to have a chat with you too."

He hung up the phone.

He took a sip of coffee and closed his eyes, savoring the aftertaste with great enjoyment.

It really is the coffee brewed with the water of Jinhai that is fragrant.

It seems I truly have a connection with this place.

A moment later, the doorbell rang.

Lu Qiaoshan waved his hand at Li Zhong: "Go, bring the person up."

Very quickly.

Hong Zhiyou stepped up the stairs and arrived at the second-floor balcony.

"Brother Shan, you've found a good spot.

"With mountains and water.

"With flowers and grass.

"To tell you the truth, I've been in Jinhai for so long and didn't even know there was such a fairyland on earth."

Hong Zhiyou started praising him the moment they met.

(End of chapter)