Chapter 334: The Generalissimo

Cuiping was incredibly excited at this moment.

From today on, she could resume her original name, Chen Taohua.

She could also see her old leader, Political Commissar Yuan, and the comrades she had fought alongside once again.

The mountains and rivers were beautiful.

She also wondered what new work the organization would arrange for her.

She walked into the office with a radiant expression, stepped forward, and gave a standard military salute:

"Chen Taohua reporting to the Chief."

"Comrade Taohua, sit." Director Chen poured her a cup of clear tea.

"Regarding Comrade Zecheng's situation, due to clearance issues, I don't know too much.

"You transferred from the front lines to the underground.

"Transferring from the countryside to the city, from the open to the shadows, your work has not been easy. You've worked hard."

He smiled and offered a word of encouragement.

"Chief, this is a Party member's duty; there is nothing hard about it.

"You and the brothers on the front lines are the ones who have it hard.

"Chief, Sanmin has become a public security officer and has to stay behind to catch spies; I can do that too.

"I am familiar with every street and alley in Jinhai; it would be convenient for you to use me.

"So, I, I would like to apply to stay and catch spies."

Cuiping grinned broadly, saying whatever was on her mind.

"Comrade Chen Taohua, regarding your request, I can only express my regret.

"You also know that Comrade Zecheng's security clearance is very high. Now that he is being used by Jianfeng in Jingling, he will continue to carry out undercover missions for a long time to come.

"There are many people in Jinhai who knew you in the past, and you have a history of being suspected and investigated by the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics multiple times; we have to be cautious."

Director Chen said.

"Old Yu has to continue his undercover work, I know that.

"But what does 'cautious' mean?"

Cuiping's smile faded, and she became uneasy.

"For the sake of Comrade Zecheng's safety and the requirements of discipline, we need to erase all your files and your name, transfer you to another place, and you cannot engage in any substantive work.

"This is your new identity.

"I called you here not to discuss it, but to notify you."

Director Chen opened a drawer and took out a file for Cuiping.

By this time, Cuiping could read most of the characters. After a glance, she trembled all over and said:

"Go to the Northeast?"

"That's right.

"No one knows you there.

"Of course, the organization will also cut off contact with you, so you must be mentally prepared."

Director Chen looked at her and said.

"I, how long do I have to stay?" Cuiping's eyes turned red as she asked.

"Until Comrade Zecheng's identity can be made public.

"Maybe a long time.

"Maybe... very soon.

"I know both answers are cruel to you.

"But this is the struggle.

"Our battle is far from over, and there is still a long way to go before complete victory. For the sake of Comrade Zecheng's safety, I hope you can cooperate with the organization's arrangements."

Director Chen said in a deep voice.

Cuiping understood.

If Old Yu were safe and sound, continuing to work undercover within the Nationalist Party, she might have to spend the rest of her life alone in a strange place under this name, "Zhang Yunxiu."

That would be a long time.

If Old Yu were unfortunately exposed, his identity would be made public very quickly.

She would then be able to resume her work and identity.

That would be very soon!

No matter which choice, it indicated that she might never see Old Yu again in this lifetime.

In an instant.

Cuiping's tears fell like rain.

She knew that her life had already come to an end.

Galloping on horseback, fighting the Japanese, destroying pillboxes, catching spies—everything was no longer related to her.

For the rest of her life, she would only have the coldest snow, the fiercest wind, and the bitterest loneliness of the Northeast.

Cuiping felt regret in her heart but had no regrets.

She had never regretted stepping into Jinhai and becoming a wife to Old Yu.

Because she knew even more clearly that Old Yu had it harder and more difficult than her, a hundred or a thousand times over.

For the sake of her man and her comrade, she could sacrifice everything.

"I, I accept the organization's arrangement." Cuiping wiped away her tears and stood up straight.

"Very good.

"In one hour, there is a train heading to the Northeast.

"Remember not to reveal your new identity to anyone!

"Including Liao Sanmin.

"This is discipline!"

Director Chen instructed.

"Yes, Chief." Cuiping accepted the order.

"Go, prepare the supplies you need for the road." Director Chen nodded and said.

Cuiping turned and walked out.

"Sigh!"

Director Chen sighed slightly.

He was from the intelligence line himself, so he naturally knew how cruel and unbearable the covert front was.

It was a pity.

He could not give Cuiping any special care, and he couldn't even make a phone call to the Northeast to ask someone to look after her a little bit.

Liberation had come now.

The common people and prisoners of war were a mixed group, and no one knew if there were spies hidden among them.

The more traces left behind, the more unfavorable it would be for Yu Zecheng's undercover work.

This was ironclad discipline.

At the same time, he also believed that Cuiping was a steel-like warrior who could withstand any wind and rain.

Liao Sanmin stood with his hands in his pockets, watching the pigeons flying past outside.

Soon, Cuiping walked out.

Looking at her reddened eyes, Liao Sanmin sighed silently in his heart.

"Sister-in-law..." He wanted to greet her, but language was so pale and powerless at this moment.

"Take care."

Cuiping smiled slightly and left without looking back.

Liao Sanmin stood where he was, watching her back disappear into the distance.

He knew that after this parting, the next meeting was indefinitely far away.

Not until Cuiping had completely disappeared did he lower his head to rub his sore nose bridge, take a deep breath, and walk quickly to the car.

Three days later.

The car was moving slowly through the ice and snow of the Northeast.

"Wah!"

Cuiping, wearing a headscarf, sat in the car gnawing on a flatbread, but after just two bites, she felt a wave of nausea for no reason.

This situation had been going on for several days.

Cuiping patted her chest and muttered to herself: "Could it be that I'm sick?"

"What's wrong, sister?

"Where are you uncomfortable?

"Uncle, come over and take a look." A girl on the car shouted.

Soon, a middle-aged man sitting inside squeezed over: "Sister, I am a physician and know a little about traditional Chinese medicine. Sit still, and I will take your pulse."

He tried taking Cuiping's pulse and was suddenly overjoyed: "Congratulations, congratulations."

"What do you mean?" Cuiping was a bit confused.

"Sister, you are pregnant." The middle-aged man cupped his hands and said.

"Congratulations, congratulations."

The people on the car who were going to reclaim wasteland offered their congratulations one after another.

After a brief moment of confusion, Cuiping also covered her mouth and laughed, though her heart was filled with mixed feelings.

She thought about how she used to complain to Sister Mei that Yu Zecheng was no good in bed.

She didn't expect that after just those few times, she would actually be pregnant.

Old Yu was clearly very capable indeed.

"You really are a nemesis, not coming early or late."

As Cuiping murmured in a low voice, she looked at the vast mountains in the distance, her eyes gradually becoming bright and firm.

This was the seed of the Old Yu family.

No matter what, she had to give birth to it and continue the family line for Old Yu.

"Yilan is just ahead."

She heard someone shouting loudly.

Xikou.

Mao Renfeng walked quickly into the old residence.

The Generalissimo was feeding fish with his wife by the railing, enjoying a long-lost tranquility.

"Generalissimo, Madam." Mao Renfeng stepped forward and greeted them respectfully.

"Qi Wu, is something the matter?" Returning to his seat, the Generalissimo asked in a deep voice.

"Generalissimo, my subordinates report that Hong Zhiyou, introduced by Ke Ke and Smith, once secretly met with Leighton Stuart and Wilson in the embassy.

"It was shortly after this meeting that the plan for North-South division, which had been discussed smoothly with Li Zongren, completely collapsed.

"According to our intelligence.

"Hong Zhiyou once made a big issue out of the Red Party, touting the combat power of the Red Party while repeatedly belittling the National Army.

"It is said that the content of the speech Leighton Stuart gave upon returning to North America contained many of Hong Zhiyou's original words.

"It is very clear that this Hong Zhiyou is a secret agent for the Red Party.

"It was he who single-handedly destroyed the division plan.

"Keeping such a person by Jianfeng's side will be a great hidden danger. I hope the Generalissimo will investigate clearly."

Mao Renfeng reported truthfully.

He had been waiting for this opportunity for a long time.

Wu Jingzhong was now a dead dog, relying entirely on Hong Zhiyou's connections.

As long as Hong Zhiyou was removed.

Dealing with Wu Jingzhong would be simple.

Just when Mao Renfeng thought the Generalissimo would fly into a rage and curse "Niang Xipi," the Generalissimo just said faintly:

"I know."

Mao Renfeng thought he had more to say, but after waiting for a while and seeing him remain silent, he couldn't help but feel a bit confused:

"Generalissimo, then, how should we deal with him?"

"You don't need to worry about this matter; tell me about your own affairs instead." The Generalissimo frowned and said.

"Those people you arranged handled things poorly; Li Zongren openly published in the newspaper, almost naming you and me directly.

"Now that he is acting as President, he is bound to take action against the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics.

"It is highly likely that it will be disbanded or reorganized.

"You wouldn't just pick a few people to transfer to Shanghai and abandon the foundation of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, would you?"

He tapped his cane and questioned in a deep voice.

"Generalissimo, the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics must never be disbanded.

"Currently, we still have our secret agents in many areas such as Lüdong and the Northeast.

"Even if it is to be disbanded or reorganized, it must be by your order, Generalissimo.

"Otherwise, these people will truly be lost."

Mao Renfeng hurriedly expressed his position.

"It's good that you have this awareness. What are your thoughts?" The Generalissimo asked.

"I..."

Mao Renfeng hesitated and looked at his wife.

His wife remained silent.

"This subordinate is dull-witted; I ask for your instructions, Generalissimo." Mao Renfeng bowed and said.

"Isn't Xu Zhidao a 'good guy' who has good personal relations with Guangxi clique generals like Li Zongren and Bai Chongxi?

"In my opinion, you could resign and give the position of Director to him.

"I understand Li Zongren; he likes to talk about personal feelings.

"With Xu Zhidao shielding you, the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics can be preserved."

The Generalissimo pointed out lightly.

"But in Honggong Shrine..." Mao Renfeng still wanted to say.

"Hmm?"

The Generalissimo raised an eyebrow, slightly dissatisfied.

"This subordinate knows what to do. Li Zongren won't get a single piece of paper from Honggong Shrine." Mao Renfeng said hurriedly in fear.

The Generalissimo waved his hand.

Mao Renfeng bowed and retreated.

"Darling, about this Hong Zhiyou matter..." his wife said.

"I know everything he said.

"Overall, Hong Zhiyou has made contributions.

"Back when the Double Eleventh was trying to establish a coalition government, I was opposed to it.

"Attempting North-South division was even more impossible; the mountains and rivers must be unified. Anyone who attempts to split them will be nailed to the pillar of historical shame.

"The key is that it really succeeded.

"With a large number of US troops stationed here, Li Zongren would have a steady stream of aid and enough time, manpower, and money to build a new government of his own.

"But now, although he has the help of the Americans and the Guangxi clique, the south of the Yangtze River is still under my remote control.

"Sun Ke and Zheng Yanfen have already moved the Executive Yuan and the Party Headquarters south to Yuezhou.

"He Yingqin has replaced Bai Chongxi as Minister of National Defense.

"With the US troops leaving and no strong support, Li Zongren won't be able to play his game.

"The South is still the world of my Jiang Mouren."

The Generalissimo laughed.

"The Truman administration has repeatedly slandered you internationally and is stubbornly betting on Li Zongren.

"According to that, Hong Zhiyou's lobbying is indeed beneficial to you."

After a moment of contemplation, his wife nodded and said.

She was very unhappy that Hong Zhiyou had helped Jianfeng deduct hundreds of thousands of US dollars in supplies from the Kong family in Shanghai.

But out of consideration for the trip to Jinhai and the interests of the Jiang-Song union, she could only suppress her dissatisfaction for the time being.

"Since Mr. Sun's time, the Guangxi clique has never been the 'orthodox' of the Party and State; it has been like a thorn in my throat, always making me unhappy.

"This time, I am advancing by retreating.

"As Hong Zhiyou said, the Red Party will never accept division. When the time comes, their great army will cross the river to the south.

"If Li Zongren wants to hold onto that position in Jingling, he will have to bet the Guangxi clique on it.

"If he holds it, he will inevitably suffer great losses.

"If he can't hold it, he and Bai Chongxi's New Guangxi Clique will be completely annihilated."

"Even if they still have the strength to gasp for breath, it will be easy for me to deal with them with my rested and recharged forces."

"No matter what, it is beneficial to me.

"In a word, Jingling can be lost, the presidency can be yielded, but Li Zongren must fall."

The Generalissimo's gaze darkened as he said coldly.

Inside the old residence.

Wu Jingzhong was lying on a rattan chair covered with a thick blanket, listening to the radio and eating small fried fish from time to time; his life was as comfortable as could be.

"Teacher, drink some tea." Hong Zhiyou had brewed the tea and brought it over.

"This move of yours was too risky; you almost led Zecheng into a ditch.

"Don't forget.

"You also have a family to support.

"You are not Mr. Zhongfu; it's not your turn to shout slogans about national affairs."

Wu Jingzhong closed his eyes and rocked his chair gently.

"Teacher, I wasn't just acting on hot-headed impulse.

"When I was in Shanghai, in Jianfeng's eyes, I was someone who would plead for the people and not hesitate to die for it.

"So, this time I had no choice but to shout."

Hong Zhiyou explained with a smile.

"Sigh, it's only Jianfeng; he loves that kind of thing.

"I heard Mao Renfeng went to complain about you, but was rebuffed by the Generalissimo. The old man is really competing with Li Zongren now, willing to burn everything to the ground and let the Red Party cross the river.

"You can consider yourself to have bet correctly.

"But next time, you must never participate in such matters involving national policy.

"I estimate that the people of the Guangxi clique now wish they could peel your skin and pull your tendons.

"Be careful recently."

Wu Jingzhong reminded him.

"Yes, Section Chief Xiao has already arrived in Xikou.

"I have also transferred Zhou Yan and Lin Tian from Xiangdao; I will pay attention to safety." Hong Zhiyou nodded.

Just as they were talking, the phone rang.

Hong Zhiyou answered: "Yes, okay, I'll be right over."

Hanging up the phone, he said: "Teacher, Jianfeng wants me to go over.

"Eat less fried fish; it's easy to get inflamed."

Hong Zhiyou gave a smiling instruction and turned to walk out.

After he left, Wu Jingzhong sat up, grabbed a few fish and stuffed them into his mouth, cursing while eating:

"Little brat, now even you are lecturing me.

"I'll eat, I'll eat, what can you do about it!"

Saying this, he chewed hard, the sound crisp and crunchy.

Then he washed it down with some top-grade West Lake Longjing tea.

The fragrance of the fish and the tea merged into his lungs.

Wonderful.

Hong Zhiyou arrived at the Jiang Family Shrine.

Jianfeng was standing in the courtyard, looking up at the sky.

"Comrade Jianfeng." Hong Zhiyou greeted him.

"Li Zongren wants to take action against the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, and Father recommended Xu Zhidao to Mao Renfeng; he used to be the Director of the Sixth Division.

"This is the list Mao Renfeng drafted.

"Take a look."

Jianfeng pointed to the document on the table next to him.

Hong Zhiyou opened it and took a glance: "Xu Shoumei as Chief Secretary, Huang Yigong as Director of the General Affairs Division?

"Good tactics.

"The pressure is on Xu Zhidao, and with these two key positions blocking him, not only are big and small affairs still under Director Mao's surveillance, but he can also conveniently get funding from Li Zongren's hands.

"Killing two birds with one stone, the Generalissimo's move is truly extremely brilliant."

He spared no effort in his flattery.

"No, it's three birds.

"Father has already sensed that the overall situation is not good, and has recently been vigorously operating in Wan Island.

"Mao Renfeng controls the intelligence system very deeply, and it will probably not be easy to remove him in the future.

"This Xu Zhidao has extensive friendships.

"Mao Renfeng played this move, and he will inevitably be very annoyed. See if you can find a way to win Xu Zhidao over, and it would be best to help him block Mao Renfeng's financial power for my use.

"You know that what I lack most right now is financial power."

Jianfeng planned.

Hong Zhiyou understood.

The Generalissimo wanted to preserve the talent of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics for Jianfeng, and also wanted to take the opportunity to transfer the financial power of the Bureau to Jianfeng through Xu Zhidao.

This was also a helpless move.

The Generalissimo was indeed skilled in power politics.

But whether it was Dai Li, Mao Renfeng, or later Chen Cheng and other Party and State elders, being able to climb to this position meant they couldn't be removed or killed just because he said so.

Because there were too many people and interests involved, he could only resort to roundabout tactics to achieve his goal.

This was also why Mao Renfeng dared to be tactless and challenge Jianfeng.

"I will fly to Jingling tomorrow to talk to Xu Zhidao secretly.

"After all, he has been working in the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics for a long time, so it should be easy to talk to him." Hong Zhiyou said.

"Hmm.

"Try to be careful.

"In addition, Father has already given Mao Renfeng a strict order never to let the files of Honggong Shrine fall into Li Zongren's hands.

"Although I don't know what method Mao Renfeng will think of.

"But if you can win Xu Zhidao over, you must make him find a way to bring out some important top-secret materials from inside; that might be the foundation for reorganizing the intelligence system."

Jianfeng added.

"This subordinate accepts the order." Hong Zhiyou said.

After speaking, he walked outside.

Just as he reached the door and hadn't stepped over the high threshold, he heard Jianfeng say from behind:

"Your speech at the embassy was very good!"

Hong Zhiyou trembled all over, didn't dare to look at him, turned and bowed, and walked away quickly.

Returning to the hotel.

Yu Zecheng happened to return, and seeing him, he asked hurriedly:

"Zhiyou, how is the progress?"

"Luck is not bad. Under the dual pressure of Li Zongren and the Generalissimo, Mao Renfeng will return to Jingling in a few days, and I guess he will destroy the materials himself.

"Let's not talk anymore.

"I still have to go see Station Chief Shen, and I might fly to Jingling with him today.

"Help me tell the teacher.

"Remember to let him pay attention to his diet; Ruirui specifically called me to tell me about this."

Hong Zhiyou gave instructions one by one.

"Okay, don't worry, I will take good care of the teacher." Yu Zecheng nodded.

Arriving at the airport.

After boarding the plane, he walked straight toward Shen Zui.

"Station Chief Shen." Hong Zhiyou sat down next to him.

"Big nephew, why did you come to see me off yourself? There's no need, no need." Shen Zui waved his hand and said.

"I'm going to Jingling too." Hong Zhiyou said.

"Director Mao asked me to go to Jingling to rendezvous; who knows what secret instructions there might be.

"To be honest, I really don't want to deal with him.

"It's easy to be sold out."

Shen Zui whispered.

"I know a little bit." Hong Zhiyou said.

"Tell me quickly." Shen Zui knew his brain was sharp, so he asked hurriedly.

"The Generalissimo is afraid that Li Zongren will get hold of the materials and files left over from the Military Statistics period in Honggong Shrine.

"Director Mao summoned you back to find a way to deal with this matter."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"That's not easy to handle.

"Honggong Shrine is guarded very tightly, and there are so many materials that it would take several trucks to load them; even if a celestial being descended to earth, you couldn't move them away." Shen Zui said in difficulty.

"It's simple to say. The Generalissimo's word is 'deal with,' not 'transfer' or 'preserve.'

"Since you can't take them away, then destroy them.

"A fire, wouldn't that solve everything?"

Hong Zhiyou blinked and smiled.

"That's true.

"Setting a fire is much simpler than moving them away. Okay, let's do it according to your method."

Shen Zui nodded and smiled happily.

"Remember, you only offer suggestions, don't participate in the action.

"In the current situation, Jingling is a place of right and wrong.

"During the last assassination incident, Li Zongren wanted to get you; if you get caught on the scene again, even a god couldn't save you.

"After offering the suggestion, return to the Yunnan station immediately."

Hong Zhiyou advised.

"Understood." Shen Zui patted him gratefully.

Jingling Presidential Palace.

Mao Renfeng knocked on the door of Li Zongren's office.

After walking in, Li Zongren was approving official documents:

"It's Qi Wu, is something the matter?"

"President, Mao has been feeling chest tightness and weakness all over recently, and I feel I am unable to shoulder the position of Director of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, so I am specifically resigning to you; I ask for your approval." Mao Renfeng said.

"Qi Wu, right now Sun Ke and Zheng Yanfen have moved the Executive Yuan and the Party Headquarters south to Yuezhou, and my Presidential Palace is incomplete; this is the time when people are needed. Are you also going to abandon me?"

Li Zongren was polite in his speech, but his hands took the resignation letter and threw it on the table very casually.

"It is truly because of poor health that I am unable to shoulder the heavy responsibility.

"I would like to recommend Director Xu Zhidao to succeed as Director. Director Xu is familiar with Jingling, has always been deeply popular, and is in the prime of his life; he is the most suitable person to replace Mao."

Mao Renfeng clutched his chest and coughed a few times.

"Fine.

"A forced melon is not sweet; approved."

Li Zongren picked up his fountain pen and signed it with a flourish.

"Thank you, President."

Mao Renfeng said goodbye and left.

Returning to Honggong Shrine.

He called Xu Zhidao to his office on the phone:

"Director Xu, you should have received the President's call, right? From today on, you are the Director of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, and I can finally retire and enjoy some peace."

"Director, this... Zhidao is terrified; in terms of seniority, Director Huang is older than me and far more suitable." Xu Zhidao pretended to be humble, but the joy in his eyes could not be concealed.

"This is the President's meaning, so don't decline.

"You can get the personnel list from Secretary Xu later.

"Little brother, I wish you a bright future, and I will take my leave first."

Mao Renfeng shook hands with him briefly, turned, and walked out with big strides.

As soon as he left.

Xu Zhidao immediately took three steps in two and sat on Mao Renfeng's black leather chair, closing his eyes to enjoy it beautifully.

Soon, he picked up the phone:

"Shoumei, come to the Director's office, and bring the list of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics with you.

"Yes, immediately."

Soon, Xu Shoumei arrived at the office.

Seeing Xu Zhidao sitting on Mao Renfeng's throne smoking, he hurriedly smiled flatteringly:

"Congratulations, Director Xu."

"You and I are of the same family, no need to be polite; I hope we can support each other and share joys and sorrows in the future." Xu Zhidao laughed.

"Certainly, certainly." Xu Shoumei said.

"Where is the list?" Xu Zhidao opened the drawer and saw that the seal was still there, and couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief.

Xu Shoumei handed it over.

Xu Zhidao was stunned when he saw it.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 335 =====