Chapter 290: Lu Qiao Takes Flight

"Is the experiment reliable?" Zheng Jiemin asked steadily.

"Reliable."

"I had someone conduct ten sets of experiments."

"Except for the anti-inflammatory effect being slightly slow, they all achieved the effect of controlling inflammation and infection."

"Old brother, I have been working under you for so many years."

"You know my character; in a matter like this that could cost one's head, how would I, Wu Jingzhong, dare to trifle?"

Wu Jingzhong said respectfully.

"Hmm."

"I am still at ease with you handling things."

"I will leave this matter to you. Furthermore, I have an important mission in Jinmen; once the business is finished, I will return to Jingling."

To ensure no mistakes were made, Zheng Jiemin decided to oversee things personally.

"That couldn't be better."

"Why not stay at my house? Qiu Ju and Rui Rui also miss you quite a bit," Wu Jingzhong said.

"I miss them too."

"I will find time to visit them and the children."

"In the blink of an eye, you are also a grandfather. Thinking back, we were also hot-blooded young men; no matter who the Emperor or the traitors and lackeys were, we would just draw our guns and fight."

"Now we are old."

"I have been suffering from insomnia lately; as soon as I close my eyes, I see the red flag planted on Zijin Mountain."

"Jingzhong."

"Judging from the battle reports from Hu Zongnan, Huadong, and the Northeast, I always have a bad premonition that the good days are numbered."

Saying this, Zheng Jiemin lowered his voice.

He worked at the Ministry of National Defense every day and was in charge of six divisions of the Second Department.

The intelligence agencies of the six divisions of the Second Department targeted the Soviet Union, the United States, and Britain.

With all this information aggregated, plus the "myth" of Hu Zongnan being shattered, he could clearly feel the chilling air of the Nationalist Army's powerlessness spreading across the country.

This was not a good thing.

"I think so too."

"Old brother, you sit firmly in the Ministry of National Defense, while I have Hong Zhiyou secretly set up businesses in Xiangdao and North America to build good relations with the Americans and the Zhigong Party."

"If we unify the country in the future, that would naturally be a cause for celebration."

"In case of any unforeseen circumstances, our children will have a livelihood and won't be left drifting without support."

Wu Jingzhong leaned in closer and said.

"Hmm."

"You are right; one shouldn't put all their eggs in one basket."

"He Zhiyuan has already left."

"It is indeed time to make some plans."

"It's just that with Shufen's temperament, you two don't get along, and she isn't the type for business..."

How shrewd was Zheng Jiemin? He wouldn't just listen to empty words.

"Hong Zhiyou!" Wu Jingzhong called out.

Hong Zhiyou walked over, clutching a briefcase.

"Hong Zhiyou, take the things out," Wu Jingzhong gestured.

Hong Zhiyou took out a contract and handed it to Zheng Jiemin.

"This is?" Zheng Jiemin took it.

Upon looking, it was a ten percent dividend of the annual net income of the Yuezhou Distillery.

"This is too valuable."

"Your distillery is very popular right now; even the Ministry of National Defense receptions and the North American Embassy drink the Axe brand."

"This ten percent dividend must be worth tens of thousands of silver dollars."

Zheng Jiemin intentionally tried to fish for more information.

"Old brother."

"Not silver dollars, but US dollars!" Wu Jingzhong said.

"Song Ziwen is also selling this liquor, and He Zhiyuan is also applying for the Xiangdao agency rights."

"Once it is fully rolled out."

"The annual dividends will only be higher, perhaps even an astronomical figure!"

"The key is that liquor is a necessity for many people, and its life cycle is very long."

"Perhaps three generations of our families can live off this profit."

"Moreover, Hong Zhiyou also plans to cooperate with the Americans to plant tobacco in some Southeast Asian countries and start a tobacco company."

"This is a national-type economy with small profits but quick turnover."

"Once it is implemented, there will certainly be a share for you, old brother."

While boasting, Wu Jingzhong secretly laid out his strength and trump cards, so that Zheng Jiemin wouldn't keep thinking of him as a soft persimmon that could be bitten whenever he felt like it.

Sure enough, the look in Zheng Jiemin's eyes toward Wu Jingzhong gained a bit more seriousness.

He understood a little now.

Why Mao Renfeng couldn't take down Jin Hai.

Even Boss Dai didn't get any advantage when he came.

This old subordinate of his was no longer just a Major General station chief of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics; with the Americans backing them, the father-in-law and son-in-law had become a behemoth in Jin Hai that was difficult to shake.

It seemed he would have to adjust his strategy toward them in the future.

He could no longer look down on them; it had to be a true partnership.

"Jingzhong, you are still you."

"Let's not say too much between brothers; you go ahead and run your company with peace of mind, I will handle things in Jingling."

Zheng Jiemin readily agreed.

"That's great."

"As the saying goes, charity begins at home."

"Actually, when your wife came to Jinmen this time, I wanted to present this generous gift."

"But your wife is too honest, and I was worried she would let it slip, so I held it back."

"When you see her later, please put in a good word; I, Wu Jingzhong, have never had a shred of disrespect toward her."

Wu Jingzhong struck while the iron was hot.

Regarding Ke Shufen's matter, with Zheng Jiemin's brain, it was impossible for him not to guess that it was a trap set by Wu Jingzhong.

But business is business.

Since the gift had been given, it was better to clear the air in person.

"You did the right thing."

"Shufen's temperament is indeed a bit rough."

"Jingzhong, I have another matter that is bothering me like a bone in my throat."

Zheng Jiemin smiled, waved his hand, and turned to the side.

"What is it? Please instruct me," Wu Jingzhong said hurriedly.

"That Li Ya at the Jin Hai station repeatedly opposes me; he is one of Jiang Jianfeng's men, so it is not appropriate for me to intervene personally."

"I want to keep Lu Qiao, what do you think?"

Zheng Jiemin asked.

"Old brother, I have no problem with that, but Lu Qiao was originally persecuted and driven away by Li Ya."

"This time, when he arrived in Jinmen, I mentioned this to him in person when I invited him for a casual meal."

"But he adamantly refused, saying he had no face to return, and furthermore, following you in Jingling offered a better prospect for promotion."

"Everyone has their own aspirations; one cannot force it."

Wu Jingzhong wasn't sure if he was probing, so he waved his hand and declined with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Jiemin felt relieved.

It seemed Lu Qiao really didn't have the intention of being a turncoat; this person was worth using.

"I will do the ideological work with Lu Qiao."

"As long as you are willing to accept him."

"How about this, isn't Li Ya conducting a self-investigation?"

"I will transfer Bai Shiwei to the police station to be the chief, and let Lu Qiao concurrently serve as the director of the Inspection Division of the Garrison Command; with two positions, I don't believe I can't deal with a brat like Li Ya."

Zheng Jiemin said with an angry face.

Wu Jingzhong knew he was faking it.

Both of them were people who wouldn't let go once they saw money.

Since they had set their sights on him and the fertile land of Jin Hai, they would definitely not let go of this piece of fat meat easily.

Dealing with Li Ya was just a pretext.

Letting Lu Qiao stay to monitor him in secret, find leverage, and make money is the real point.

Of course, these are all matters handled in the shadows.

With this share of the dividends on the table, Zheng Jiemin can be considered to be in the same boat as him.

Struggle for the sake of unity, after all.

This is a tactic; if it were him, he would do the same.

"Deputy Minister Zheng, won't this break the rules?"

"The Juntong Bureau previously had precedents for holding concurrent posts in regional war zones, garrison headquarters, security headquarters inspection offices, investigation rooms, and inspectorate offices, but since Boss Dai passed away, the current Confidentiality Bureau has already been kicked out of the police and security systems."

"The garrison headquarters and the group armies won't tolerate us either; the inspection offices and investigation rooms are all staffed by people from the First Department of the Ministry of National Defense, and are no longer managed by our intelligence system."

"If Qiao Shan holds a concurrent post, I'm afraid Tang Zong will start submitting notes and reports again."

"The Old Man won't agree to it."

Wu Jingzhong shook his head and said.

"He wouldn't agree to other places."

"But for Jinhai, he will."

"Don't forget, the commander of the Jinhai Garrison Headquarters is Chen Zhangjie, and he is a die-hard confidant of Fu Zuoyi."

"Such an important strategic location."

"To stabilize Fu Zuoyi, the Old Man let Chen Zhangjie hold a key position, but why would he place the 94th Army there?"

"Also, Tingfeng is about to take over from Mou Tingfang as commander of the 94th Army."

"When it comes down to it, it's still to guard against Chen."

"Think about it, Zhangyuan and Beiping are only a step away from Jinhai."

"Hu Zongnan won't be able to hold out for many more days; once he suffers a defeat and news of the Red ticket's counterattack spreads across the country..."

"If Fu Zuoyi takes advantage of the chaos to turn his guns and coordinate with Chen Zhangjie from the inside and out, Pingjin will completely lock down the Northeast, leaving it isolated north of the Great Wall."

"When that time comes, calling to heaven won't get a response and calling to earth won't get an answer; wouldn't that be perilous?"

"Therefore, the Garrison Headquarters Inspection Office must be our people."

"Qiao Shan has a good relationship with Tingfeng."

"With him and my younger brother acting as horns to pin down Chen Zhangjie, this is something the Old Man would be happy to see."

Zheng Jiemin pointed at the table and analyzed in a deep voice.

"Hmm."

"If you put it that way, it really is feasible."

"Right now, Jianfeng has set up a Three People's Principles Youth League branch in Jinhai, specifically to monitor student and worker movements and to purge the underground party; Ye Xiufeng is also making frequent moves over at the Dangtong Bureau."

"You have to admit, there are more and more people eating from this pot."

"Sometimes, I don't even know what I'm doing anymore."

Wu Jingzhong frowned and smiled.

"Indeed."

"That's why I want to let Qiao Shan come back to give you a helping hand."

"As for the vacancy at the Garrison Headquarters Inspection Office, at this current juncture, Bai Shiwei definitely won't be able to sit still."

"If you don't take it, Mao Renfeng, Jianfeng, Kang Ze, and Tang Zong will all find ways to occupy it."

"In my opinion, Qiao Shan's matter is settled."

Zheng Jiemin made the final decision on the spot.

"Yes."

"Jingzhong obeys." Wu Jingzhong nodded respectfully.

"By the way."

"I heard Li Zongren intends to resign as director of the Beiping Headquarters and head to Jingling for the vice-presidential election; is there any truth to this?"

Wu Jingzhong pondered for a moment and said.

"It's true."

"Everyone says General Delin is a famously honest man."

"This move of his is not honest at all; it's clearly because he sees the war is going poorly and doesn't want to clash with the Red ticket, so he wants to slip away to Jingling to avoid the trouble."

"It is said that Bai Chongxi was once so angry he cursed out loud."

"The Gui Clique is almost tearing itself apart from within."

"Just watch, once the Red ticket breaks out of Shanbei and wins a few more major battles in the Northeast, more and more people will reveal their true colors."

"Jingzhong, the retreat path you've paved is the right one."

"Prepare early."

Zheng Jiemin patted his shoulder and said.

The two chatted for an entire afternoon, and it wasn't until dusk approached that Wu Jingzhong stood up, took the 100, 00 US dollars, and left the small courtyard.

"Qiao Shan."

"I've told Station Chief Wu to transfer you back to the Jinhai Station as Chief of the Intelligence Division, concurrently serving as Chief of the Garrison Headquarters Inspection Office; are you willing to stay?"

Zheng Jiemin stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the clouds rolling and unfurling on the horizon.

Lu Qiao felt wild joy in his heart.

With these two most important intelligence departments combined in one person, his authority would effectively be above Wu Jingzhong's, making him the number one figure in the intelligence line.

"Deputy Minister, the water in Jinhai is too deep; I'm afraid I won't be able to handle it. Qiao Shan would still like to follow you back to Jingling," Lu Qiao said with a look of trepidation.

"You, you've just had your spirit crushed by Li Ya twice in a row."

"While you're still young, you should fight for it."

"Do you know what your mission is?"

Zheng Jiemin said.

"I know, to deal with Li Ya," Lu Qiao said, feigning ignorance.

"That grudge against Li Ya must be settled."

"What's important is to keep an eye on Wu Jingzhong and that man surnamed Hong, as well as those wealthy families in Jinhai."

"Qiao Shan, the good days won't last much longer; some things need to be seized quickly."

"Observe more, learn more."

"The man surnamed Hong has Wu Jingzhong behind him, and you have me behind you."

"He's a man with no background who started out by sleeping with women and managed to get this far."

"He can swallow it."

"You, a dignified lieutenant colonel and dual-post chief, can swallow even more."

"The people he can contact, you can contact too."

"Since he has already laid a ready-made foundation, you can also dig in and make some moves."

"If not for yourself, do it for Lu Ming."

"They are a father-in-law and son-in-law working together."

"We are brothers working together; don't forget, I am Lu Ming's godfather, and we are family too."

Zheng Jiemin hinted with deep, calculating intent.

This was a plan he had made long ago.

Especially after seeing Old Wu show off his power, this intention became even clearer.

In a word, it was about grabbing food, and grabbing what was already prepared.

Whatever Wu Jingzhong and Hong Zhiyou have, there's no reason he and Lu Qiao can't grab it by working together; even if they can't grab it all, picking up two or three tenths is enough to live on.

After all, he has his own reputation standing here.

"Understood, Deputy Minister Zheng."

"As soon as I return to the station, I will use the two intelligence offices to collect as many of Hong Zhiyou's resources as possible and strive to take over his share."

"To tell you the truth."

"In business matters, the path might be a bit slow."

"But with Hong Zhiyou pulling strings and Wu Jingzhong smoothing things over, they've earned quite a lot just from that."

"Pujie's wife and daughter were released by Wu Jingzhong through Xiong Shihui."

"It's said that Pujie gave everything he hid in Beiping to Old Wu; the vault in his Hexi residence is even more impressive than a museum."

"It's all treasure."

Lu Qiao said.

"Oh my!"

Zheng Jiemin slapped his thigh in pain and jealousy.

"Qiao Shan, in my opinion, this war will still drag on for eight or ten years; everything is still in time."

"You must hurry."

"Learn a thing or two about business; once the two posts are finalized, with your position, there is basically nothing you can't smooth over."

"This area must be seized ruthlessly."

In front of his own people, Zheng Jiemin stopped pretending and directly revealed his greedy face.

"Yes, Deputy Minister Zheng!"

Lu Qiao respectfully accepted the order.

"I said it, we are one family."

"There are no outsiders here, no need to be so polite, just call me Big Brother."

Zheng Jiemin smiled, pressed his hand down, and said.

"Yes, Big Brother." Lu Qiao said with a flattered, beaming smile.

He knew that from this moment on, he had truly become a trusted aide to Zheng, and his future was boundless.

……

Inside the car.

Wu Jingzhong was quite curious:

"Hong Zhiyou, are you sure this ten percent profit is worth giving away?"

"It's worth it. Zheng Jiemin is no ordinary man; in my view, he will keep rising." Hong Zhiyou smiled.

In a year or two, the Nationalist Army would be defeated.

But once Zheng reached Wandao, he would still be in a high position of power, deeply valued by the Jiang father and son.

Perhaps in the future, business could even be conducted over there.

This investment would not be a loss.

"Besides, as for how this ten percent profit is actually given, doesn't it all depend on our mood?"

"If we're in a good mood, we can give a bit more when it's needed."

"If we're in a bad mood, or it's no longer needed, we can just find some excuse to wipe out that ten percent."

"For a ten percent share like this, Teacher, you could sell as many as you want."

"Whether it's Zhang Qun, Sun Ke, or He Yingqin, as long as they are willing to board the ship, we can give it to them."

"If we really need to be precise, it's just a matter of cooking the books."

Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"Hmm, I don't understand business matters, you just handle it as you see fit."

"I get nervous with money flowing in and out."

"I still prefer those old antiques; each one is what it is, and looking at them makes me feel at ease."

Wu Jingzhong folded his arms and smiled with satisfaction.

"Teacher, if Lu Qiao returns to head the two sections, won't it be a bit too aggressive?" Driving the car, Hong Zhiyou asked with concern.

"That is certain."

"Zheng Jiemin will not give up on Jinhai."

"I know him; he wouldn't be this calculating over that little mess with Li Ya."

"Most likely, he is still coveting the oil and water here in Jinhai."

"It doesn't matter; power is nothing more than a game of Tai Chi, balancing hardness with softness."

"If Lu Qiao wants to be aggressive, we'll just boost Li Ya to the position of Deputy Station Chief."

"Let them bite each other."

"For now, Lu Qiao being a bit more formidable can help dampen Li Ya's arrogant spirit, which is advantageous for us."

"Right."

"The matter with Sheng Xiang needs to be tightened up; if he doesn't leave, Lu Qiao can't come back."

Wu Jingzhong instructed.

"Yes, he is dealing with a lieutenant officer in the U. . military logistics department."

"I have already notified General Philson to make arrests over there first."

"In a couple of days, the fire will burn to Sheng Xiang."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Hmm, Li Ya will definitely keep an eye on Sheng Xiang."

"Don't make a move yet; he has always looked down on Sheng Xiang, let him go and investigate."

"Besides, this person Sheng Xiang must be preserved."

"We must let him continue to 'steal'."

"Having raised him for so long, it would be a pity to just throw him away for nothing."

"With Lu Qiao's petty nature, I'm afraid he will still engage in intelligence trading; keeping Sheng Xiang around might be useful later, or even serve other purposes."

Wu Jingzhong said with deep, calculating wisdom.

"Understood." Hong Zhiyou said.

"Nothing happens without a third party."

"Now it's perfect; Lu, Li, and Yu are all gathered together again, and we can catch our breath and watch the show."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"It is all thanks to Teacher's proper planning." Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"You need to speed up the transport of things to Xiangdao; I'm truly afraid that one day those treasures will be confiscated by the likes of Mao Renfeng."

"Also, if there is work, take it."

"Money is something that doesn't last, and our family's expenses are so high."

"In case Rui Rui has a few more children in the future, let alone supporting three or four generations, this little bit won't be enough for them to split."

"Don't be satisfied with what's in front of you; you must look further ahead."

Wu Jingzhong instructed in detail.

"Yes, Teacher." Hong Zhiyou accepted the order.

"Right."

"Zheng Jiemin has another secret mission in coming to Jin this time."

"Okamura Yasuji is going south to Jingling to serve as a consultant at the Ministry of National Defense; He Yingqin is afraid of being criticized, so he pushed Zheng Jiemin out."

"A rank higher crushes a person; a Vice Minister is, after all, secondary."

"If he isn't boarding Cole's warship, he is receiving the devils."

"Zheng Jiemin doesn't have it easy either."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"No wonder this top-secret mission was leaked to you, Teacher; he's asking for your advice again, isn't he?" Hong Zhiyou said.

"Never mind him for now."

"We'll see when he gets here; anyway, I absolutely despise the devils."

Wu Jingzhong cursed.

"The Nationalist Government is truly insane; this is a Class-A war criminal, and they are defying the whole world for this." Hong Zhiyou shook his head and sighed.

"Indeed."

"But he is also the commander with the most experience fighting the Red faction in North China."

"The Generalissimo is red-eyed from losing now, and those Whampoa students like Hu Zongnan and Sun Lianzhong are disappointing, so he has no choice but to resort to these crooked paths."

Wu Jingzhong hated the devils and frowned with dissatisfaction.

"Sigh."

"Why does it feel like the Nationalist Government is like a terminally ill person, beyond saving?"

He muttered.

"Teacher, you've been reading too much 'On Protracted War' and have lost confidence, haven't you?" Hong Zhiyou was afraid of discouraging him and didn't dare to agree.

"Perhaps."

"I hope the Generalissimo's wisdom can protect the country's mountains and rivers, and my peaceful days!"

"If it continues to fight like this, there won't be many good days left."

Wu Jingzhong let out a long sigh.

……

(End of chapter)