Chapter 313: Jianfeng is also doing better

"What Jinhai expert? Just some stinking bumpkin from out of town.

"I don't care where he's an expert; in this one-acre-three-fen plot of Shanghai, I have the final say. If he's a dragon, he has to coil; if he's a tiger, he has to lie down.

"If he dares to challenge me, that's a death sentence."

Kong Lingkan leaned back, his dominance leaking out.

"Exactly. Jianfeng wants to investigate corruption, he wants to protect the Gold Yuan notes—fine. As long as he doesn't mess with us, he can toss and turn however he wants.

"As for that so-called Secretary Hong, just kill him.

"Your Green Gang has plenty of killers. As long as he dares to step out the door, just find a car and run him over.

"A traffic accident—even the Chairman and Jianfeng won't be able to find fault with that.

"Besides, family doesn't fight family.

"It's not certain that Jianfeng would make a move against Big Brother."

Another man with shoulder-length hair and sunglasses wearing a floral shirt said.

His name was Wang Lie.

His father, Wang Chunzhi, was a famous wealthy merchant in Zhejiang and Shanghai, and secretly the "white glove" for Executive Yuan President Sun Ke, also a big shot at the height of his power.

"Make a move?

"He can move others, but move me? *Heh*, not a chance."

Kong Lingkan puffed on his cigar, his expression extremely dismissive.

Du Weiping looked at him and said nothing more.

Kong Lingkan was famous in Shanghai for his rampant bullying; he didn't even put his own uncle, the Song Ziwen brothers, in his eyes. Back then, in order to snatch pig bristles and opium, he would beat the Song family's purchasing agents to death.

Not only that, behind his back, he called Jianfeng "Little Soviet" every other breath, not putting him in his eyes at all.

Of course, he had his reasons for being crazy.

The Kong and Song families were at odds. Nowadays, people like Kong Xiangxi and Song Ziwen were gradually being marginalized in politics. Madam Jiang had no offspring, and the Song family was not flourishing.

Seeing the Jiang family brothers, Jianfeng and Weiguo, rising faster and faster, for the sake of the family's long-term plans, Madam Jiang could only cast her gaze toward the Kong family.

As the eldest son of the Kong family, Kong Lingkan was deeply loved and valued by the Madam, naturally becoming the vanguard against Jianfeng.

The Empress and the Crown Prince were fighting.

Who would win and who would lose was really hard to say.

Du Weiping decided to wait and see.

Thinking of this, he raised his wine glass and said: "Then let's do as Brother Lingkan and Brother Wang Lie intend. First, kill Hong Zhiyou, then wait and see Jianfeng's next move."

"The killers will be provided by your Green Gang," Kong Lingkan said.

"Fine."

Du Weiping agreed, biting the bullet.

The next day.

Huanghe Road, Shanghai.

Hong Zhiyou accompanied Jianfeng in a car, passing through the streets.

Along the way.

The streets were filled with commoners holding bags, their eyes glowing green with hunger, standing in long lines.

However, department stores, grain markets, and shops were all closed. The few storefronts that were open had "out of stock" signs displayed.

The once-prosperous Shanghai Bund seemed to be shrouded in a layer of deathly gloom.

"Zhiyou, is Jinhai like this too?" Jianfeng sighed slightly through the car window.

"Flour and rice in Jinhai are expensive, but Station Chief Wu has always taken a heavy-handed, high-pressure approach against corrupt officials and hoarding merchants, barely managing to protect the common people's rice bowls.

"The rich buy fine rice and flour, the poor buy brown rice and broken rice. In the end, the Gold Yuan notes in the commoners' hands can still be spent to get a meal.

"I didn't expect that in Shanghai, money is hard to exchange for food and supplies are this scarce.

"The situation is far worse than in Jinhai."

While analyzing, Hong Zhiyou didn't forget to blow some smoke for Wu Jingzhong.

"It's not that supplies are scarce.

"According to the Chairman's original plan, at the beginning of the Gold Yuan note issuance, Shanghai was a pilot site, and the supply allocation was sufficient to stabilize the lives of the people.

"Unfortunately, people like Chen Cheng and Wang Yaowu were ineffective in their offensives.

"The loss of the Beining line in the Northeast, and the tight battle lines in Jinzhou, Changchun, and Shenyang, made it impossible to protect the Gold Yuan notes in terms of public opinion and confidence.

"Certain people took the opportunity to wildly talk down the National Government, inciting panic among the common people, and then hoarded supplies to make a fortune from the national disaster.

"They did the same thing before the Japanese invaders attacked back then.

"Shanghai is the economic lifeline of the National Government.

"If Shanghai collapses, the people's livelihood collapses.

"The Chairman is extremely angry and pained by this matter. Zhiyou, saving the national crisis and sharing the worries for the leader depends on you and me."

Jianfeng said with a firm gaze.

"Comrade Jianfeng, rest assured, your subordinate will definitely go all out, sparing nothing," Hong Zhiyou hurriedly shouted the slogan.

"Good. With this ambition, why worry that the ills of Shanghai cannot be eradicated?" Jianfeng nodded with satisfaction.

He liked talents who did practical work.

Serving as the Director of the Shanghai Economic Management Committee this time was also one of the few real-power projects he had participated in since returning to the country to enter politics.

In fact, he had picked many people for this trip, including Wu Jingzhong, but most had refused.

Clearly, none of them were optimistic that his two fists could defeat a group of tigers.

Only Hong Zhiyou followed him through life and death.

National disaster reveals the good minister.

Chaotic times reveal loyalty and righteousness.

Arriving at the Central Bank building.

Bank President Zhang Xun and Long Tao, Captain of the Garrison Command Inspection Brigade, were already waiting at the entrance.

"Good day, Director."

"Long Tao is here by Director Mao's order to respectfully await the Director's arrival."

The two greeted Jianfeng.

"Where is Director Xuan?" Jianfeng asked.

"Director Xuan fell ill last night. He... he said he was bedridden and truly unable to come," Long Tao's voice weakened a bit.

Jianfeng's cheeks tightened as he walked toward the third-floor office:

"Captain Long, Director Mao has briefed you, right?"

"Yes. From today on, the Inspection Brigade will be renamed the Economic Inspection Brigade, under your full command," Long Tao answered righteously.

"Good. Notify the heads and members of all major Shanghai chambers of commerce immediately to hold a meeting in the conference hall at eight o'clock tonight.

"Also, tell Xuan Tiewu he doesn't need to come; he can rest at home and recover from his illness."

Jianfeng waved his hand and ordered coldly.

"Subordinate obeys," Long Tao said.

Once there were no outsiders, Jianfeng raised his hand and instructed Hong Zhiyou: "Sit."

Hong Zhiyou very skillfully made tea, cut fruit, and tidied things up before sitting respectfully in the subordinate position.

This was the future big boss of Wandao.

In the future, when making money and doing business, he would be indispensable, so naturally, he had to be treated with sincerity.

"You saw it too.

"Xuan Tiewu, the Songhu Garrison Commander, also holds the post of Police Chief. Before I came, the Chairman asked him to investigate economic issues, and he submitted resignation reports every day.

"The Chairman wouldn't let him resign, and now he's starting to fake illness with me.

"This kind of lazy governance and dereliction of duty is simply more detestable than corrupt people,"

Jianfeng cursed angrily.

"Director, how many people do we have at our disposal right now?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"None. Just you," Jianfeng said.

"Just... just me?"

Hong Zhiyou was stunned.

"That's right. Originally, the biggest help was Xuan Tiewu, but now that he's dropped the ball, only the Inspection Brigade is left.

"The Inspection Brigade was transferred over by Mao Renfeng.

"You also know that Mao Renfeng is very close to the Madam now. The tigers of Shanghai are nothing more than Kong and Song; how could his people sincerely help me?

"So, my plan is to transfer the garrison into the city.

"Shanghai has many gangs and various forces intertwined. Without the garrison, I'm afraid it will be very difficult to execute forcefully,"

Jianfeng thought for a moment and said.

His policy was very simple: cut the Gordian knot with a sharp knife.

Once the army arrives, arrest who needs arresting, kill who needs killing. He didn't believe he couldn't suppress the crooked winds and evil spirits of Shanghai.

"The 37th, 52nd, and 75th Armies are under the command of the Quzhou Pacification Office. Director Tang might not agree," Hong Zhiyou worried.

"In my name, immediately telegraph Tang Enbo to quickly send a brigade of soldiers into Shanghai to assist with economic inspections,"

Jianfeng ordered.

"Good." Hong Zhiyou immediately went to the liaison room on the fifth floor to notify the secretariat to send the telegram.

Soon, the Quzhou Pacification Office replied.

"Director, Tang Enbo has gone to inspect Eastern Zhejiang," Hong Zhiyou answered with the telegram in hand.

"Then telegraph Tang Enbo again, tell him to reply immediately once he returns,"

Jianfeng said again.

Watching the leader's confident appearance, Hong Zhiyou felt inexplicably anxious.

Who was Tang Enbo?

A naturally insulated holy body.

Back in the Battle of Taierzhuang, Li Zongren sent seven telegrams to Tang Enbo, and he didn't react.

Even the Chairman's telegrams required at least two attempts before this guy would respond.

For Jianfeng, who had always lacked real power, to want to order Tang Enbo to mobilize troops—it was likely as difficult as ascending to heaven.

"I'll go work on Long Tao. He's a local from Shanghai and has served here for many years. If he can help us, clearing out warehouses and such will be much more convenient.

"Also, I think we need to prepare two hands."

Hong Zhiyou suggested.

"Two hands?" Jianfeng asked.

"One is to beat the tigers, the other is to fight an economic war to force the Kong family to show their true colors," Hong Zhiyou said.

"However, the economic war is the backup plan. Everything will be according to the Director's instructions. Let's hit them with one stick first; what if it has miraculous effects?"

He knew Jianfeng was very confident, so he didn't spell it out.

"Mm. If you don't hit, don't hit. If you do hit, you have to hit hard. I don't believe they won't spit out the commoners' rations," Jianfeng nodded in appreciation.

He was confident and bold but never arrogant; otherwise, he wouldn't have been so full of energy digging coal in the Soviet Union back then.

In terms of economy and dealing with merchants, since Hong Zhiyou could eat in all four directions, he naturally had his own unique skills.

Jianfeng wasn't afraid of Hong Zhiyou offering opinions; he was afraid of him having none.

Now it seemed that picking him was undoubtedly a wise move.

Green Gang headquarters.

Du Weiping hurried into the main hall.

"Father, Jianfeng is here," he said anxiously.

"I know," Du Yuesheng slid his teacup and said steadily.

"I heard the Chairman is very dissatisfied with Xuan Tiewu and wants to put great effort into Shanghai. The supplies I hoarded in the Puxi warehouse might be in trouble," Du Weiping said.

"What's the rush?

"You just need to remember one thing: if you're in trouble, Kong Lingkan won't have it easy either.

"If we die, we die together; no one gets to have it good.

"Jiang Jianfeng wants to clear the board in Shanghai? How could it be that simple? In my opinion, this Crown Prince is just like the special envoys of the past—loud thunder, small raindrops, and in the end, just going through the motions."

Du Yuesheng took a sip of tea and said lightly.

"Hong Zhiyou also came along," Du Weiping said.

"Him?

Du Yuesheng's eyes narrowed, and his gaze flickered uncertainly.

"Jianfeng is also doing better, actually finding Hong Zhiyou to be his advisor.

"This matter is not good."

He put down his teacup and stood up.

"Father, is Hong Zhiyou that scary?" Du Weiping asked, feeling more unconvinced than confused.

"Of course.

"Jianfeng has never held real power, only spinning around in the party and youth departments. He finally managed to start the Three People's Principles Youth League, but didn't make anything of it.

"This kind of person only knows how to rely on the brute force and coercion of political means. These grand, sweeping moves might work against ordinary people, but it's very hard to cut the roots of Kong and Song.

"But Hong Zhiyou is different. He is a businessman.

"Whether it's our Jianghu ways or the ways of Kong and Song, he understands them clearly.

"I've dealt with him.

"Although this person is young, his vision is exceptional, his mind is sharp, and he has always looked ten steps ahead for every one step he takes.

"Since he dared to come, he must have certainty."

"Last time he came to Shanghai, Mao Sen and I joined forces and couldn't do anything to him, only able to watch him leave. Mao Sen even made a special trip to Jinhai to apologize.

"Lin Tai went to Jinhai, Mao Renfeng sent Mao Wanli to take action personally, and in the end, Hong Zhiyou firmly protected Lin Tai and Wu Jingzhong's rice bowls. To this day, Mao Renfeng doesn't dare touch Jinhai at all.

"Such methods are already beyond the reach of ordinary people.

"With him helping Jianfeng, the situation is hard to say."

Du Yuesheng paced with his hands behind his back, frowning.

"Father.

"You're overestimating him.

"This time his opponent is Kong Lingkan, the Grand Duke.

"And I've already promised Kong Lingkan to send someone to assassinate Hong Zhiyou."

Du Weiping sneered.

Since Dai Li died, he clearly felt his father had become depressed, doing things with fear and hesitation.

"Foolish.

"To kill the chicken to scare the monkey—it's not your turn to kill.

"If Hong Zhiyou dies, that's slapping the faces of the Jiang father and son.

"Old Jiang has suffered defeats, but he hasn't lost the country yet. If he really gets angry, ten Green Gangs wouldn't be enough to wipe out."

Du Yuesheng was furious.

"I've already promised," Du Weiping said.

Just as they were speaking.

A subordinate reported: "Boss, Hong Zhiyou is here."

"How many people?" Du Yuesheng still felt a chill in his heart whenever he thought of Zhou Yan's gleaming axe.

"Just him alone," the subordinate said.

"Bold. Tell him to come in," Du Yuesheng said.

Soon, Hong Zhiyou walked in quickly, empty-handed: "Brother Du, long time no see. I've missed you dearly."

*Brother? *

*Do you have any manners? *

Du Weiping, standing to the side, looked at the pretty boy in front of him, his face turning black as he almost cursed.

"Brother Hong, still as dashing as ever.

"I heard you disbanded the Cao Gang and opened a liquor license in cooperation with Miss Kong Lingwei's Jialing Company."

Du Yuesheng laughed loudly, his hands tucked into his sleeves.

"Brother, you're very well-informed," Hong Zhiyou stared at him with eyes like torches, not taking the initiative to reach out.

"Can't help it. I have many subordinates, and there are many messy voices.

"Miss Kong Er is no ordinary person. For you to go to Jinhai personally to issue a challenge and for you, brother, to be able to tie—this method is indeed remarkable."

Du Yuesheng said this for Weiping to hear, to let him know how formidable Hong Zhiyou was.

"Making friends is what I'm best at.

"Brother, wouldn't you agree?"

Hong Zhiyou said.

"In Shanghai, there are more ghosts than people, and humans and ghosts walk different paths. Brother, you might not be able to handle it," Du Yuesheng's smile turned cold, and he warned.

"If we aren't friends, then we're enemies.

"There's a saying in my hometown: People fear ghosts three parts, ghosts fear people seven parts. If you can't win with seven parts of the odds, you might as well pack your bags and go home to hold your kids," Hong Zhiyou said humorously.

"Brother, you're very confident. Please, take a seat." Du Yuesheng then slowly extended his hand from his sleeves.

Hong Zhiyou smiled slightly, raised his elbow high, then exerted force downward, clasping his hand and shaking it vigorously, showing the demeanor of a master.

After taking his seat.

Du Yuesheng pointed at Du Weiping and smiled without warmth: "This is my dog of a son. Kong Lingkan just gave him a strict order to kill you."

"Mm, expected," Hong Zhiyou said, drinking tea as if he were listening to someone else's business.

"Are you not afraid of death?" Du Weiping's voice came through his teeth, icy cold.

There was a kind of person who was born radiant.

From the moment Hong Zhiyou entered, Du Weiping felt he was being suppressed everywhere by his damn aura.

Unlike Kong Lingkan.

That was the oppression brought by power and status.

Hong Zhiyou's temperament in every gesture made people feel ashamed of themselves.

Du Weiping's self-esteem didn't allow him to bow to a Jinhai person from a bumpkin background.

Therefore, he didn't like Hong Zhiyou at all.

"Afraid.

"I am afraid.

"You're afraid, and Kong Lingkan will be afraid too."

Hong Zhiyou had no interest in this question and turned to look at him:

"How much cargo have you hoarded in the warehouse?"

"I..." Du Weiping was just about to refuse to answer.

Du Yuesheng spoke up: "About 150,000 US dollars."

"It's not too late to hand it over to me now. I can purchase it at the normal market price. When the time comes, your son can go in and squat for a few days, and this matter can be considered resolved.

"Coming empty-handed today is precisely to offer this gift."

Hong Zhiyou laughed.

Du Yuesheng fell silent.

150,000 US dollars worth of goods—a single flip of the hand would be a sky-high price.

Calculated at the previous market price, he would lose at least half.

This bloodletting was too painful.

"Stop putting on an act here. You'd better hope you can survive tonight first," Du Weiping slapped the table and roared at Hong Zhiyou.

"You don't want it?

"Very well, then let the bullets fly for a while."

Hong Zhiyou turned to leave.

"Men!" Du Weiping roared.

*Swish, swish. *

A dozen disciples holding knives and axes rushed in.

Hong Zhiyou stopped and said nothing.

"Presumptuous!

"Secretary Hong, please."

Du Yuesheng glared fiercely at his son and personally stepped forward to see Hong Zhiyou out of the main hall.

"Secretary Hong.

"You're right. Let the bullets fly for a while. This matter is of great importance; allow me to think about it again," Du Yuesheng said sincerely.

"Good.

"But this gift will be discounted when the time comes."

Hong Zhiyou shook his hand again and drove away.

"Junior brother, if you hadn't come out, I would have wanted to kill my way in," Cuiping, who was waiting in the passenger seat, breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thanks.

"Let's go, I'll take you back to the hotel," Hong Zhiyou said.

"No, didn't you say you were going to see Mrs. Ma? I haven't seen her in a long time, I really miss her," Cuiping said happily.

"It's precisely because I'm going to see her that it's not very appropriate for you to follow.

"Another day,"

Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"Not... appropriate?" Cuiping was stunned.

Immediately, she understood and spat, "Shameless, having an affair. Ruirui and Wanqiu are really losing out!"

Hong Zhiyou drove and sent her back to the hotel.

Cuiping couldn't go to the Economic Management Committee office building.

Firstly, Jianfeng didn't trust Yu Zecheng's identity.

Secondly, Hong Zhiyou was afraid Cuiping would lose her temper, turn around, and slap Jianfeng on the head, leading to mutual destruction.

Cuiping was capable of that.

After settling Cuiping, he hurried back to the car and rushed to Zhou Gendi's house for their date.

Zhou Gendi still lived in the old house in the alley.

After acting for so long, she was considered to have entered the industry. After all, she was a supporting actress, just mixing above the rouge and subsistence line; great wealth was impossible.

Long time no see.

Zhou Gendi was still charming, especially her graceful and hot figure, which looked even more plump with the passage of time.

She must have just bathed, her face glowing like a lotus flower.

"Sister-in-law," Hong Zhiyou blinked and called out mischievously.

"Hateful, you did that on purpose." Zhou Gendi threw herself into his arms, hammered him a few times, and the bitter tears of longing flowed instantly.

"Call me 'Ah Di' and I'm yours.

"Call me 'Sister-in-law' and I'm someone else's.

"Wild flowers are far more fragrant than home flowers; stolen ones are always sweeter.

"Ah Di, did you miss me?"

Hong Zhiyou kissed her lightly, whispering and flirting.

"You're just bad.

"How could I not miss you? Day and night, every minute and every second, there wasn't a moment I didn't miss you," Zhou Gendi said coquettishly.

"Your line delivery is very solid.

"Where did you miss me?"

"I missed you everywhere."

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 314 =====