Chapter 328: The Oriole List

Boom— Boom—!

The sound of artillery grew closer.

Nine o'clock at night.

Yu Zecheng unscrewed his fountain pen and turned on the radio.

Familiar numbers came through the broadcast:

"3427, 4592, 63060, 78530... This call will be repeated in half an hour."

"Got it down."

Wang Cuiping handed the paper to Yu Zecheng with crisp efficiency.

Yu Zecheng took out his codebook and quickly translated it:

"The siege is imminent; the organization wants us to begin our withdrawal."

"If we go, we go together." Wang Cuiping's gaze was resolute.

"There's no time.

"Bao Donglin will definitely look for me again to discuss the Oriole Plan in private.

"I must get that list before I leave.

"It will be safer if we leave in separate batches. Only after you've left can I stay behind and tangle with them with peace of mind."

Yu Zecheng held her hand and smiled gently.

He didn't dare tell Wang Cuiping that this was also Wu Jingzhong's intent.

Yu Zecheng understood politics.

He knew that if he was going to leave, it had to be now.

He could take advantage of the fact that Wu Jingzhong hadn't placed him under house arrest yet and leave via the transit station.

Furthermore, a portion of the American military was still at the base, and with Hong Zhiyou's arrangements, he could also leave that way.

But this was the last mission the organization had given him.

With it almost within his grasp, Yu Zecheng didn't want to let the opportunity slip away for nothing.

He had to take the risk and gamble; he would get the intelligence before leaving.

"Then I'll leave tomorrow night. Tonight, I'll stay with you for one last night," Wang Cuiping said.

"How about we do it now?

"Liao Sanmin and Hong Xiaohui are also beginning their withdrawal; the faster you all go, the better," Yu Zecheng said.

"I want a child.

"To carry on the Yu family line.

"One more night means one more chance."

Wang Cuiping said this with great seriousness.

"Alright, alright then." Yu Zecheng nodded.

The topic of whether or not to have a child was something the two had already discussed on the night of their wedding.

Wang Cuiping's attitude was very firm.

She had even prepared herself for the rest of her life without Yu Zecheng, ready to raise a child on her own.

Yu Zecheng hadn't been able to persuade her otherwise.

Then so be it.

"Again, do it again."

"Wang Cuiping, I really can't take it anymore. You, you have to let me catch my breath."

"Catch your breath for what?

"A man is not allowed to say he can't. I'm doing this to continue the incense for your Yu family."

"Fine, fine, I can, I can."

By midnight.

Old Yu had finally delivered his last grain of harvest.

The two were just about to rest.

Boom!

A massive explosion echoed from within the city.

Yu Zecheng jumped out of bed in shock.

"They haven't broken in, have they?" Wang Cuiping asked.

"That shouldn't be. They're still negotiating with Chen Zhangjie; it might be a stray shell," Yu Zecheng said.

He walked quickly to the telephone:

"Police Bureau? This is Yu Zecheng of the Confidentiality Bureau.

"What just happened in the north of the city?

"Alright, I understand."

Hanging up the phone, a trace of a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth: "It's nothing, go to sleep. Vice Prefect Qian Cai's bank has been blown up."

"Is that the traitorous dog?" Wang Cuiping asked.

"Yes.

"It didn't blow up sooner or later; it must be the Station Chief's handiwork.

"That vault of Qian Cai's is full of treasures.

"The Station Chief wouldn't let him just run off like that," Yu Zecheng said.

"Old Yu, how much money do you think the Station Chief and Hong Zhiyou actually have?

"I feel like they've cleaned out most of the antiques and US dollars in the entire city of Jinhai."

Wang Cuiping didn't have much of a concept of money, and she couldn't help but be extremely curious.

"Let's put it this way: if Hong Zhiyou were willing, he and the Station Chief could buy two Yixian counties with their wealth, perhaps even more," Yu Zecheng said, offering a comparison.

"Tsk, tsk.

"With so much money, shipping it all to Xiangdao feels like a huge loss," Wang Cuiping said.

"You can't say it like that.

"Building a nation requires merchants—for grain, ports, and merchant ships. Our country has been fighting for so many years, from the Eight-Nation Alliance and the Japanese to the Jiang government, we've been scraped clean inside and out.

"The fields are mostly barren.

"With so many mouths to feed, where would we get enough grain to supply them?

"My guess is that even if we take power, the Americans and Jiang will definitely use their navy to choke us.

"That's why someone like Hong Zhiyou, who can navigate the international scene, is far better off staying outside than remaining here, because he can secure grain, clothing, and many other necessities for the people.

"And... I believe that one day, he will return.

"Hurry and sleep."

Having been "partners" with Hong Zhiyou for so many years, Yu Zecheng knew deep down that Hong Zhiyou had feelings for this land.

Several days later.

Hong Zhiyou arrived at the station and brushed the falling snow off his body.

The station was becoming increasingly desolate.

The registration desk on the second floor was already empty.

The hallways no longer echoed with the heavy, powerful footsteps of the past.

He reached the Station Chief's office.

Wu Jingzhong had risen early and was standing by the window watching the snow fall.

"Chen Zhangjie has refused to surrender and has vowed to fight to the bitter end, until the last grain of rice and the last bullet are gone.

"Not only that, he has ordered the Gendarmerie Headquarters, the City Defense Bureau, and even the municipal offices—anyone eating the emperor's grain—to undergo unified organization and training, to be incorporated into the resistance army.

"Now, the people of Jinhai are in a panic, and the wealthy are trying every way they can to flee.

"Just in these past few days, thirteen people from our station have deserted and vanished. Sigh, when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter; I suppose this is what that feels like."

Wu Jingzhong sighed with melancholy.

"Zhangjiakou has been lost.

"Tanggu has been surrounded.

"And Chen Zhangjie is still making this fearless gesture of arming the entire populace.

"War is ruthless; this is just seeking one's own destruction."

Hong Zhiyou nodded and said.

"It's not a fearless gesture; he's plotting his own future.

"Who can't see through Chen Zhangjie's little schemes?

"He's feigning resistance, waiting for Fu Zuoyi to come and negotiate, so he can bargain and scrape together some political capital.

"The Nationalist government...

"There isn't a single good person among them."

Wu Jingzhong had truly seen through the little tricks of these people.

"Teacher.

"Tomorrow night, Anderson's plane can leave," Hong Zhiyou said, leaning in closer and whispering.

"Is the route arranged?"

Wu Jingzhong asked.

"It's arranged.

"First, we take the plane to Qingdao, where there is a Seventh Fleet base. We can rest there briefly; I've already arranged for company ships, and with the American warships, it's a double insurance.

"This way, we can bypass Jingling and take a ship to Xiangdao."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Mm.

"I trust you with matters of business.

"However, with Jiang Jianfeng currently sunk, Mao Renfeng has always harbored ill intentions toward us, so we must still be careful," Wu Jingzhong cautioned.

"Yes," Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"Sigh.

"If we can take one more look, let's take one more look."

Wu Jingzhong suddenly opened the window, letting the cold wind and snow blow across his face.

Hong Zhiyou walked out of the office.

Bao Donglin was already waiting and pulled him into the reception room:

"Brother, look at this situation; it's about to start fighting. What should I do?"

"What else can you do? Of course, respond to Commander Chen's orders and live or die with Jinhai," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Live or die, my ass.

"My wife and children are still in Jingling.

"Brother, you're an expert on Jinhai and always resourceful. Teach me a way to reasonably return to Jingling.

"No.

"As long as I don't get a bullet, even if I go back there to be detained, that's fine."

Bao Donglin knew very well that if he didn't leave now, there was no telling when Chen Zhangjie would drag him out to be cannon fodder.

"Not getting a bullet? That's simple," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Don't you have the Oriole Plan list?

"If you claim these people were fabricated by Li Ya to deal with Bureau Chief Mao, wouldn't that work?

"When you get to Jingling, insist that these people don't exist.

"Push everything onto Li Ya.

"Even if Mao Renfeng sends someone else back to lurk and investigate later, if it isn't there, it isn't there; he won't be able to pin it on you."

"Besides, you're just someone who didn't do well and was dragged into doing dirty work by Bureau Chief Mao, but you have no grudges against him, so he has no reason to put you to death.

"At most, he'll be angry and lock you up for a while."

Hong Zhiyou said this in a joking tone.

"That's right.

"How did I not think of that idea?

"Truly, one conversation with you is worth more than ten years of study."

Bao Donglin slapped his forehead in delight.

After laughing a few times, his expression gradually darkened again:

"Brother, the method is a good one, but the problem is I'm completely unfamiliar with Jinhai. Even with the list and contact information, I can't find them, and I don't have the manpower.

"If I have to clear them out one by one by myself...

"Before I finish, Jinhai will have already been taken by the Reds.

"How can I leave then?

"Brother, send the Buddha to the west; please help me one more time."

"I'm out of ideas on that, but you can find Director Yu. He currently oversees the Intelligence Division, and his words carry weight with the Action Team. With his help, it could go much faster," Hong Zhiyou suggested.

"Understood, thank you, brother. I'll go find Director Yu right now." Bao Donglin happily patted his shoulder and hurried away.

"Knock, knock."

Bao Donglin knocked urgently on the office door.

"Come in." Yu Zecheng's low voice came from inside.

"Director Yu."

Bao Donglin clicked the lock shut and walked quickly to Yu Zecheng's side.

"Special Envoy, you, what is this?" Yu Zecheng was a bit confused.

"Old Yu.

"To tell you the truth, I've made up my mind to return to Jingling.

"This bullshit Oriole Plan, I'm not doing it anymore.

"I've thought about it: kill all these people and leave no evidence.

"This is the list. Take a look.

"Do a brother a favor and clear them out."

Bao Donglin whispered.

"Brother, if Bureau Chief Mao finds out about this, it'll cost us our heads," Yu Zecheng said.

"Don't worry about him.

"Just say the list was fabricated by Li Ya. Li Ya has already been reincarnated; who can testify against us?

"Besides, be careful when you act.

"Heaven knows, earth knows, you know, and I know."

As Bao Donglin spoke, he picked up his briefcase and took out two gold bars, handing them over.

"I'm at my wit's end, brother.

"Brother, just do me a kindness and pull me out of this.

"Can you?"

He pressed his palms together, so anxious he was nearly ready to kneel before Yu Zecheng.

"Fine, fine then."

Yu Zecheng looked at the "money" and accepted the gold bars, saying reluctantly.

"Let me see the list," he said.

Bao Donglin didn't hesitate anymore, took out the Oriole Plan list, unfolded it, and handed it to Yu Zecheng.

Yu Zecheng glanced at it and saw several familiar names.

For example, Xu Baofeng.

They were all fellows with great survival instincts.

Moreover, it was far more troublesome than Yu Zecheng had imagined; Li Ya hadn't found dozens, but a full one hundred and eight lurking agents.

Besides Xu Baofeng, there were people from casinos, the black market, and the docks.

Yu Zecheng secretly exclaimed how dangerous this was.

If he hadn't gotten this list, with this destructive force, Jinhai City would likely never know peace.

"Do you have a camera? Take a photo, or copy it down.

"If the original of this thing gets out, the risk is too great," Bao Donglin reminded him.

"Easy." This was exactly what Yu Zecheng wanted.

Copying it by hand now would be too dangerous; he took out his camera and snapped photos of it.

"When will you execute it?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"The sooner the better!" Bao Donglin said.

"I understand. Once I develop the photos, I'll take action. Rest assured, not a single one will be missing," Yu Zecheng said.

"Brother, thanks." Bao Donglin was filled with gratitude.

After he walked out, Yu Zecheng let out a long sigh of relief.

He had been pondering how to get the list.

He hadn't expected Bao Donglin to lose his nerve first; truly, Heaven was helping him.

No.

He had to get this roll of film to Liao Sanmin as soon as possible, to hand it over to the organization, to be kept for cleaning out these lurking "borers" later.

Thinking of this, Yu Zecheng hurriedly picked up the phone and dialed Liao Sanmin's number:

"Hello, Captain Liao.

"I have intelligence here about the 1510th Brigade and the 86th Army Headquarters reselling supplies.

"Let's meet at the usual place this afternoon."

Just as he hung up the phone, several soldiers wearing inspection armbands walked in, and the officer in the lead said:

"Director Yu Zecheng, right? Please come with us to the Garrison Headquarters."

"No, what do you mean by this?" Yu Zecheng didn't understand.

"This is Commander Chen's order; we are merely executing it," the officer said sternly.

"Then I must first request instructions from the Station Chief."

Yu Zecheng rose and went to the Station Chief's office.

Inside, there were also several inspection officers surrounding Hong Zhiyou, and the one in the lead was none other than Peng Chengtao of the Security Division.

Wu Jingzhong was in a towering rage:

"This is preposterous! Who gave you the dog-guts to dare come to my Confidentiality Bureau to arrest people?

"Rebelling against Heaven, are you?

"Do you believe I'll shoot you all dead right now!"

Peng Chengtao explained with a look of frustration: "Station Chief Wu, even if you gave me a hundred guts, I wouldn't dare arrest your people. Isn't this on Commander Chen's orders?

"Besides, I'm not arresting, I'm inviting.

"Commander Chen's meaning is that all field-grade officers must join the ranks to receive military literacy training, and when necessary, organize the militia and the populace to conduct essential combat.

"If you don't believe me, you can request instructions from Commander Chen."

Wu Jingzhong's expression darkened.

After Fu Zuoyi rejected the plan to retreat south of the Yangtze, Pingjin became Fu Zuoyi's world, and likewise, Chen Zhangjie, holding nearly 150,000 troops, became the local emperor of Jinhai.

In the past, Wu Jingzhong could still challenge him.

But now?

He, Sun Chuanzhi, and Du Jianshi had all become fish on Chen Zhangjie's chopping block.

Even if they arrested people, or even executed them, he couldn't say a single word.

Who told them to be the ones holding the guns?

"Since it is Commander Chen's order, then let it be done." Wu Jingzhong knew that making a phone call would be useless, and he couldn't help but sigh.

"Teacher, don't worry, nothing will happen.

"The snow might stop tonight.

"Remember to dress warmly."

Hong Zhiyou looked at Wu Jingzhong and smiled slightly.

The latter understood.

The plan originally set for tomorrow night had to be moved up to tonight because of this sudden turn of events.

The two had long ago set a rule.

Once there was a change, whoever had the chance would leave first, ensuring at least one of them survived.

The assets in Xiangdao had to be secured for Lele.

Without a man to hold the fort, relying solely on a bunch of women like Wu Rui, they would be swallowed whole sooner or later.

They arrived at the Garrison Headquarters.

Sure enough, there were many officers inside.

There were people from the City Defense Bureau and the Gendarmerie Headquarters.

Hong and Yu looked at each other, both secretly letting out a sigh of relief.

Thank goodness, it wasn't targeting them alone.

Since that was the case, their safety was at least guaranteed for the short term.

"I really have the worst luck in eight lifetimes. I just got the list, and now I can't send it out.

"I don't know how long we have to train in here.

"At this rate, if we're locked up for a few more days, the Reds will have already taken the city."

Yu Zecheng whispered, putting his head close to Hong Zhiyou's.

"Don't be anxious.

"I'll think of a way later," Hong Zhiyou said.

Night.

Wang Cuiping made a large pot of fennel dumplings, Old Yu's favorite.

She had to leave tonight.

This meal of dumplings would serve as their farewell.

The dumplings were on the table.

Wang Cuiping waited for a while; logically, Old Yu should have been off work by now.

Ten minutes.

Twenty minutes.

When the dumplings had gone cold, Wang Cuiping realized something was wrong and hurriedly called Yu Zecheng's office.

She called three times, and no one answered.

She called Hong Zhiyou's, and still, no one answered.

Could the two of them have gone out on business?

That shouldn't be.

Given Old Yu's personality, even if he went out on business, he would have called her in advance.

After thinking for a moment, she dialed the number for the main gate guard station.

Still, no one answered.

This was strange.

Logically, the Jinhai Station Security Division was manned twenty-four hours a day.

Just as she was pondering this.

Liao Sanmin walked in hurriedly: "Sister-in-law, something has happened. Come with me immediately."

"Sanmin, what's wrong? Old, Old Yu?" Wang Cuiping felt a sharp pain in her chest as she picked up the coat hanging on the wall.

"Old Yu and Secretary Hong have been taken away by people from the Garrison Headquarters.

"We don't know what Chen Zhangjie is up to, but according to the plan, you must withdraw first," Liao Sanmin said.

"Then, then what about Old Yu?" Wang Cuiping asked anxiously.

"Don't be anxious. Once you've left, I'll come back to continue investigating the news.

"Rest assured, Secretary Hong is with him.

"Chen Zhangjie isn't investigating Reds; it's nothing more than that military training routine.

"Let's go."

Liao Sanmin urged her into the car.

Hong Xiaohui was already waiting in the back seat. "Sister-in-law, listen to Sanmin. With my brother there, Chen Zhangjie is still counting on him to provide military grain; he definitely won't be in any danger."

"Mm.

"Let's go."

Wang Cuiping touched her belly; perhaps the hope of Old Yu was inside there.

She didn't fight to the death like she usually did; she got into the car very calmly, her eyes fixed on the courtyard that still flickered with dim yellow lights.

It had been over three years.

Finally, she was leaving.

"I can't bear to leave," she whispered softly.

"Sister-in-law, what did you say?" Hong Xiaohui asked.

"I said, what a pity about these dumplings."

Garrison Headquarters.

Hong and Yu waited for a moment, and Chen Zhangjie came personally to give a lecture.

Then, staff officers came over to give training lessons.

They were tossed about until past eight in the evening before being allowed to rest.

Hong Zhiyou glanced at his watch.

The plane was taking off at ten.

There was still over an hour.

If he could leave the Garrison Headquarters now, he could still make it.

No matter what, he had to gamble.

Thinking of this, he beckoned to Yu Zecheng, and the two headed straight for the Security Division.

Peng Chengtao was just preparing to go eat dinner.

Hong Zhiyou closed the door behind him: "Old Peng, do me a favor. Director Yu and I need to leave now."

As he spoke, he gave Yu Zecheng a look.

Yu Zecheng hurriedly handed over the two gold bars Bao Donglin had given him.

"Secretary Hong, what kind of time is this? Commander Chen has given a death order; without his command, no one is allowed to leave," Peng Chengtao refused, feeling conflicted.

"Old Peng.

"Can't your Logistics Division leave?

"Secretary Hong, what kind of situation is this? Commander Chen has issued a strict order: without his command, no one is allowed to leave." Peng Chengtao refused, looking troubled.

"Old Peng."

"Can't your Logistics Department leave?"

"Go tell Commander Chen that the Americans are in a rush to evacuate, and there's a large batch of military supplies and weapons waiting for me to process."

"You all need to eat and need weapons to fight, right?"

Hong Zhiyou said it right off the cuff.

"This..." Peng Chengtao was still reluctant.

"Old Peng, don't put on an act for me; I know you can handle it."

"How about this, I'll write you an IOU."

"As long as you can let Director Yu and me out, I'll give you ten thousand US dollars."

Hong Zhiyou took a fountain pen out of his pocket and said.

Peng Chengtao still shook his head.

"Twelve thousand."

"Fifteen thousand."

"Damn it, twenty thousand US dollars!"

"You know my reputation; one word—are you letting us go or not!"

Hong Zhiyou was getting angry and pointed at his nose.

(End of chapter)