Chapter 296: Jianfeng's Instructions

Lu Qiao was seething inside.

Not only had he been sabotaged by Li Ya twice in a row, but while he was away, Li Ya had used his connections to crack a bullshit international spy case and get promoted to Colonel.

Every time he thought about this mess, he was so frustrated he couldn't sleep at night.

Now that he had finally secured a direct appointment for both departments, he had to save face in front of Li Ya.

And incidentally, see if the kid knew how to behave.

If he dared to act cocky again, he would tear his mouth apart.

Soon, Li Ya walked over with his hands in his pockets, not even giving Lu Qiao a proper look, treating him like air.

Then, he tightened his collar and walked inside as arrogantly as ever.

Lu Qiao's expression darkened instantly.

He had originally thought Li Ya would concede a little and offer some compliments, but he hadn't expected this bastard to still be so wild.

Lu Qiao took a few quick steps and walked in side-by-side with Li Ya.

They arrived at the conference room.

Wu Jingzhong sat upright at the head of the table.

The first seat on the left was for Deputy Station Chief Yu Zecheng.

The first seat on the right was empty.

Don't underestimate this small chair.

It represented the status and face of the third-ranking person in the station.

Whoever sat in it could hold the upper hand over the other.

Lu Qiao and Li Ya quickened their pace, and almost simultaneously, both reached out and grabbed the chair.

Creak!

The chair let out a harsh screech as they tugged at it.

"Section Chief Lu, I've been sitting in this chair for a long time; it's not very polite for you to snatch my seat the moment you arrive," Li Ya sneered.

"It's just a chair, isn't it the same whoever sits in it?"

"Besides, in terms of seniority and age, I'm the older brother here; shouldn't you yield?"

Lu Qiao exerted force and pulled the chair toward himself.

"I don't know anything about seniority or age."

"I only know that in terms of military rank, I am a Colonel."

Li Ya sneered and pulled the chair back.

"When I was killing Reds in Ganxi with Kang Ze, you didn't even know where you were, probably still wearing split-crotch pants and playing in the mud," Lu Qiao snapped.

"I am a Colonel."

Li Ya held onto the chair, not yielding an inch.

"Don't be ungrateful."

"Who in the entire intelligence system doesn't know how you got that Colonel rank?"

"Wasn't it by having your fiancée sell her body to the foreigners? Once you've used her up, you discard her like a worn-out tool; do you really think you're capable?"

"Do you have the face to bark at me here?"

Lu Qiao was getting fired up; he leaned into Li Ya's ear and whispered a mocking laugh.

Li Ya's cheek twitched violently, but he still only said one thing: "I am a Colonel."

"I am a dual-department head!" Lu Qiao's face turned livid.

He knew Li Ya would definitely be difficult.

But he hadn't expected this guy to be so disrespectful, wanting to draw blood right from the start.

"I am a Colonel!" Li Ya's lips curled slightly as he sneered.

No matter what Lu Qiao said.

He only had this one line.

According to the old rules of the Juntong Bureau, rank is everything; just like at a banquet in the countryside, regardless of age, the one with the higher status must sit at the head.

As long as Lu Qiao wasn't a Special Commissioner or a Deputy Station Chief, he would have to sit behind him and eat his dust for being of the same rank.

"You!"

"Station Chief." Lu Qiao had no choice but to look at Wu Jingzhong.

"Alright, alright!"

"It's just a chair."

"Neither of you should argue anymore."

"Zhiyou, change the chair, get a long bench, and let Section Chief Lu and Team Leader Li sit together, wouldn't that solve it?" Wu Jingzhong, having seen enough of the show, smiled and ordered.

"Yes, Station Chief."

Hong Zhiyou stood up properly.

"Forget it, forget it!"

"Station Chief, I am, after all, the senior brother from the Nanchang Investigation Section; I'm not going to stoop to fighting Li Ya for this chair."

"I'll let him have it."

Seeing that Li Ya was being unreasonable, Lu Qiao couldn't be bothered to argue anymore and let go of the chair.

"Heh."

Li Ya gave a dry laugh, pulled out the chair, and sat down triumphantly.

"Section Chief Lu, why don't you sit in my spot?" Yu Zecheng stood up when he saw the situation.

"No, that's not appropriate; you are the Deputy Station Chief, we can't break the rules," Lu Qiao waved his hand, though he walked toward Yu Zecheng.

"There's nothing inappropriate about it."

"You are the senior brother; back when I first came to the station, I always sat in the position below you, I'm used to it."

"Besides, this chair was meant to be yours."

"I was just sitting in it temporarily."

"Now that you're back, it's just right."

Yu Zecheng said politely.

Anyway, his relationship with Li Ya was beyond repair, so he didn't mind disgusting him in public.

Lu Qiao looked at Wu Jingzhong.

The latter had a calm smile, showing no displeasure or objection.

So he didn't stand on ceremony: "Deputy Station Chief Yu, then I will accept your offer."

"Look at you."

"We're old colleagues, no need to be so polite with me."

Yu Zecheng smiled and pulled the chair out for him.

Lu Qiao straightened his collar, sat down, and looked at Li Ya opposite him with a smile.

Little brat, try fighting me.

The left side is the seat of honor.

I'm still holding the upper hand over you!

Li Ya glared at Yu Zecheng from the corner of his eye, disdaining to look at Lu Qiao, and turned his head the other way.

"Deputy Station Chief Yu, you sit here."

Hong Zhiyou gave up his seat to Yu Zecheng and went to stand beside Wu Jingzhong.

"Everyone is here, let's start the meeting."

"Today is mainly about one thing: the new personnel appointments."

Wu Jingzhong glanced at everyone, took the document handed to him by Hong Zhiyou, and announced to the room:

"According to the arrangements and instructions from headquarters, Lieutenant Colonel Lu Qiao will serve as the Section Chief of the Intelligence Section at the Jinhai Station."

"Oh, and Section Chief Lu will also concurrently serve as the Section Chief of the Inspection Section at the Garrison Command."

"We're all old acquaintances, let's give him a round of applause."

Clatter, clatter!

Amidst the applause, Lu Qiao stood up and bowed to everyone with a smile.

"Qiao, have your home and office been arranged properly?"

"The relocation allowance and office supplies will all be covered by the station; don't skimp on what needs to be added."

Wu Jingzhong asked with a gentle smile.

"Everything is ready."

"I also want to thank Team Leader Li for running around these past few days; you've worked hard!"

Lu Qiao looked at Li Ya and said with a mocking smile.

Even though he wasn't in Jinhai, he knew exactly what had happened.

Li Ya had personally captured Sheng Xiang, clearly wanting to continue serving as the Intelligence Section Chief, and had even started setting up the office.

He just hadn't expected him to drop out of the sky.

Just thinking about how Li Ya had wasted all that effort made Lu Qiao feel great.

"You're welcome."

"Moving, clearing out offices, and the like are what I'm best at."

"Perhaps Department Chief Lu will have use for me in the future?"

"Oh, by the way, the station just received a batch of tape recorders; Department Chief Lu, don't forget to sign for them."

Who doesn't know how to be repulsive? Li Ya said with a raised eyebrow.

At the mention of tape recorders, Lu Qiaoshan's heart bled.

"I will, thanks for the reminder." He pursed his lips and nodded firmly.

"Let's continue with business."

"With the civil war currently intertwined, the Jinhai Station, as a material transshipment base for the Northeast and North China theaters, has a rear area where security is extremely important, and intelligence work is the most critical of all."

"Now that Qiaoshan is here, the Intelligence Department must shoulder the banner."

"I suggest that the station's cold storage warehouse, the Delong Inn, and the equipment room remain under the control of the Intelligence Department, as per the old custom, to facilitate the mobilization of personnel and materials."

"What is your opinion, Deputy Station Chief Yu?"

Wu Jingzhong opened his mouth and "slashed" Li Ya, then turned his head to look at Yu Zecheng.

"You make the call on station affairs; this student has no objections." Yu Zecheng nodded respectfully.

"Good, then it's settled."

"Captain Li, you go and hand things over to Department Chief Lu later." Wu Jingzhong ordered.

He knew Li Ya was stingy and not well-off himself.

Taking away the Delong Inn and the cold storage warehouse was undoubtedly cutting Li Ya's flesh; it would surely be a bloody pain.

Only in this way could the hatred between the two be maximized.

"Station Chief, I can give up the cold storage warehouse."

"It's just that I've arranged quite a few informants at the Delong Inn; transferring it now would be a waste of resources."

Li Ya said with dissatisfaction.

"Not at all, not at all."

"I was the one managing it before anyway; I'll just send the old crew over."

"Three days, three days at most, and I'll have it all integrated."

Lu Qiaoshan said, not finding it troublesome in the slightest.

"Hmm, then let's settle it that way." Wu Jingzhong nodded.

"Alright."

"Qiaoshan is no outsider to any of you; everyone should just continue working and cooperating as before, just as you always have."

"Meeting adjourned."

"Qiaoshan, come to my office for a moment."

Wu Jingzhong was never long-winded in meetings; he turned and left as soon as he finished speaking.

Once in the office.

He personally poured tea for Lu Qiaoshan and asked with a friendly smile:

"Qiaoshan."

"Has Guifen arrived? Your sister-in-law was asking about it last night."

"Thank you and my sister-in-law for your concern."

"She arrived yesterday, but due to the exhaustion of travel and the fact that we haven't finished settling in at home, I haven't had the chance to pay a visit to you and my sister-in-law yet." Lu Qiaoshan answered with a smile.

"No rush, finish your business first."

"With her here, plus Mrs. Yu and Ruirui, that mahjong table can be set up again."

Wu Jingzhong laughed.

"That's true, that's true." Lu Qiaoshan also beamed.

"The chill from the defeat in the Siping Campaign is still spreading rapidly southward; you've seen it since arriving in Jinhai—the military and political organs are all permeated with an air of lethargy and decay."

"The propaganda work of the Red Faction is also intensifying."

"Student protests are happening, with democratic figures led by Lin Tai waving flags and shouting."

"The Generalissimo is very dissatisfied with this status quo."

"Furthermore, he is very uneasy about Chen Zhangjie; you must keep a close watch at the Garrison Headquarters."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Indeed."

"After the fig leaf of Hu Zongnan was torn off, the Red Faction has been blossoming everywhere in the Northeast, Shanbei, and Huadong; there are more and more people who are bearish on the National Government now."

"The Generalissimo personally instructed the Ministry of National Defense to shift from comprehensive offensives to key-point offensives."

"This is a sign of offensive weakness."

Lu Qiaoshan said.

"Key-point offensives."

"Offensives are fine, but the day we have to resort to key-point defense and comprehensive defense, we'll really have to pack our bags and go home to hold our grandchildren." Wu Jingzhong gestured as he spoke.

"It won't come to that."

"We have the Americans backing us; if things really get desperate, it's not impossible to drop a couple of atomic bombs on the Red-occupied areas." Lu Qiaoshan said casually.

"Indeed." Wu Jingzhong nodded, but a flash of coldness crossed his eyes.

Atomic bombs—those are things that destroy nations and exterminate races.

No matter how the Red Faction fights, they are still brothers of the same blood, and this is a matter of state as well as a family affair.

To drop an atomic bomb on a Red area—no human being could say such a thing.

This goes to show just how ruthless this man is.

"Qiaoshan."

"Now that Jiang Jianfeng has set up the Three People's Principles Youth League in Jinhai, plus the Dangtong Bureau and Tang Zong's police system, there are more and more people wanting to fish for meat in this pot."

"I insisted on having you transferred from Officer Zheng."

"You must open for business quickly and achieve some eye-catching results."

"Holding two department chief positions, if you don't win any battles, it won't be justifiable."

"There are people next door who are also anxious to earn merit."

Wu Jingzhong pointed at him and said.

"Understood." Lu Qiaoshan said.

Just as they were talking, Xiao Guohua walked in with a red-headed document:

"Station Chief, Department Chief Lu..."

He glanced at Lu Qiaoshan, stopping mid-sentence.

Lu Qiaoshan noticed that this was a top-secret document.

Detecting the shift in his gaze, Wu Jingzhong vigilantly picked up the newspaper on the table and covered the document.

"Qiaoshan, go get busy." He ordered with a smile.

"Yes, Station Chief." He withdrew his gaze, bowed, and backed out.

"Guohua, call Li Ya over."

Wu Jingzhong deliberately raised his voice a little.

Outside the door, Lu Qiaoshan's footsteps paused slightly, and his eyes flickered.

A top-secret document.

And having Li Ya handle it—what could it be?

Currently, he and Li Ya are competing; if Li Ya gets a big job, wouldn't that mean he'd be pressed down again?

No, I have to probe.

Just as he walked out, he saw Li Ya walking toward him.

Both of them looked straight ahead, ignoring each other as they passed through the corridor.

Li Ya walked quickly to the Station Chief's office:

"Station Chief, you were looking for me."

"Li Ya, sit down." Wu Jingzhong said.

"You seem a bit unhappy today?" After Li Ya sat down, he crossed his arms and asked with a smile.

"A little."

"I have no objection to him returning as Intelligence Department Chief, but I am not reconciled to handing over the cold storage warehouse and the Delong Inn."

Li Ya said bluntly.

"Just endure it."

"He was personally appointed by Zheng Jiemin and also holds the position of Inspection Department Chief; his prestige has even overshadowed mine."

"If you don't give the man some sweetness, he will find fault with you."

"However, you need to restrain your temperament."

"Lu Qiaoshan's ability is still very strong; you two are purely caught in internal friction."

"This colleague relationship isn't something that can be moved or shifted for the time being; appropriately offer some small favors—work comes first!"

Wu Jingzhong advised with a helpless expression.

"I offer favors?"

"Sorry, I can't do that."

"He holds a concurrent position in the Inspection Division, which is nothing more than adding a few more good-for-nothings, and besides, the 94th Army is currently under the command of Zheng Tingfeng, so what could he possibly investigate?" Li Ya said arrogantly.

"Oh, you two."

"Fine, I won't try to persuade you anymore."

"I asked you here because there is an important matter I need you to handle."

"This is a top-secret telegram sent by Director Mao this morning; take a look."

Wu Jingzhong picked up the document and handed it over.

"This isn't according to protocol, is it?" Li Ya asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Take it." Wu Jingzhong shoved it toward him.

Li Ya took it and read it, his brows knitting together:

"Okamura Yasuji is secretly traveling to Xuzhou, stopping at the Jinhai station for half an hour after two o'clock. Chief of Staff Gu Anxiu will oversee security and accompany him throughout the journey. All key personnel at stations along the route are ordered to board the train to pay their respects and listen to his experience in suppressing the rebels."

"What does this mean?" Li Ya asked.

"What does it mean?

"Listen!

"It means we are to go and learn. Accompanying Okamura is also Noda, the head of the Manchukuo Special Higher Police.

"They want us to go and pay homage just to carry the sedan chair for the Japanese devils."

Wu Jingzhong sneered.

"To treat a defeated general of the Japanese devils as an honored guest—it is a national disgrace, a personal disgrace!

"Station Chief, must I go?"

Li Ya asked indignantly.

"Of course.

"This is an instruction from headquarters; if you don't go, they will hold us accountable," Wu Jingzhong said.

"Why not send Deputy Station Chief Yu or Lu Qiaoshan?" Li Ya suggested.

"Lu Qiaoshan certainly won't do.

"He is not clean regarding Sheng Xiang, and Okamura's trip south is a top-level military secret. If it were to leak, the station could not bear the responsibility," Wu Jingzhong said.

"Deputy Station Chief Yu still has to go to Baoding for a meeting; he certainly doesn't have the time.

"Hong Zhiyou is only a major, which does not meet headquarters' protocol.

"You have a tight lip and are a colonel, so you are just right."

Wu Jingzhong pointed at Li Ya and said.

"This is also the wish of Jiang Jianfeng.

"He doesn't trust anyone else.

"Once this matter spreads, public opinion will be very unfavorable to the Nationalist Government, so it must not be taken lightly."

Seeing Li Ya's reluctant expression, he had no choice but to bring out his "trump card."

"Isn't Jiang Jianfeng most..." Li Ya frowned and said.

"The phone is right here; you can ask for instructions right now," Wu Jingzhong said with a dissatisfied pout, cutting him off and pointing at the desk phone.

"Then I will... ask for instructions?" Li Ya said, glancing at him sideways.

Having read too many case files recently, and thinking that his teacher's death might be a conspiracy, he couldn't help but be more vigilant toward Wu Jingzhong.

Furthermore, Jiang Jianfeng had always been very displeased with the Japanese devils.

Would he send him to meet the Japanese devils?

How could that sound even remotely reliable?

"Call!" Wu Jingzhong was very certain.

The Jiang father and son were now like a sick man clutching at any doctor; no matter how Jiang Jianfeng felt, he had to prioritize the grand strategy of the Generalissimo.

Therefore, to ensure reliability and safety, he would certainly agree to Li Ya boarding the train.

Li Ya picked up the desk phone and dialed the number:

"Colonel Li Ya of the Jinhai Station, connect me to the No. 2 Residence."

The call went through quickly, and Jiang Jianfeng's voice, mixed with a Jiang-Zhe accent, came from the other end.

"Yes, yes.

"Alright, I understand.

"Yes, absolute secrecy throughout, it must not be leaked!

"Comrade Jiang Jianfeng, please take care, goodbye."

Li Ya hung up the phone respectfully and turned to look at Wu Jingzhong: "Teacher, Jiang Jianfeng has given instructions for me to board the train and pay a visit to Okamura Yasuji and Noda."

"Go then, find a decent Japanese restaurant and buy some fruit and gifts.

"Remember to exercise strict security control over the fruit and such.

"Do a good job with the confidentiality; don't bring any attendants. Remember, this is a secret boarding to seek advice!"

Wu Jingzhong instructed again.

"Don't worry," Li Ya nodded.

"It's getting late, prepare to go," Wu Jingzhong said.

After Li Ya left, he stood by the window staring downstairs, and seeing Li Ya drive away, he shouted to the reception desk outside:

"Xiao Gan, come in."

Soon, Xiao Gan, the nephew of Xiao Guohua, walked in efficiently:

"Station Chief, at your command."

"Go, give this to Secretary Hong and have him seal it in Cabinet No. 1," Wu Jingzhong said, picking up the top-secret document and handing it to Xiao Gan.

"Yes," Xiao Gan acknowledged the order.

……

Hong Zhiyou was currently drinking coffee in Lu Qiaoshan's office.

"Ah!

"Brother Shan, it has to be your skill; only in this place does it taste right.

"Fragrant!"

Hong Zhiyou sipped the coffee and praised it with intoxication.

"You know how to talk," Lu Qiaoshan loved hearing that, pointing at him and shaking his finger with a smile.

"Brother Shan, the Station Chief asked me to persuade you a bit.

"It is better to resolve grievances than to settle them; he will work on Li Ya, and he also hopes you can take a step back."

Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"Reconcile with Li Ya?

"Not a chance. Look at that dead attitude of his; he always looks at me with his nose in the air.

"Heh, fighting with me?

"Just wait, don't let me catch an opportunity.

"Sooner or later, I'll tear him to shreds."

Lu Qiaoshan said with a cold sneer.

"Sigh.

"You two... forget it, I won't try to persuade you anymore.

"Old Yu and I are on your side anyway; if anything comes up, just give us a shout, and we'll cooperate fully."

Hong Zhiyou put down his finished coffee cup and said.

"With those words from you, I can rest easy.

"Tonight, I'll find a decent restaurant and host you two; it's been a long time since we gathered, and we three brothers should have a good drink," Lu Qiaoshan smiled.

"I couldn't ask for more; I've been waiting for this meal," Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"Where is Old Yu?" Lu Qiaoshan was still very grateful for Yu Zecheng's favor of giving up his seat this morning.

A dignified Deputy Station Chief giving up his seat for him and publicly taking a stand against Li Ya.

This was definitely giving him plenty of face.

Old Yu was a friend worth keeping.

"Hasn't the Confidentiality Room been having a lot of cockroaches lately?

"He's spraying pesticide."

Hong Zhiyou said.

Just as they were speaking, Xiao Gan walked in:

"Secretary Hong, the Station Chief wants you to send this to the Confidentiality Room for filing immediately, Cabinet No. 1!"

……

(End of chapter)