Chapter 336: Gold Yuan Bond

Li Ya knew there was something fishy between Hong Zhiyou and Yu Zecheng.

But to think Hong Zhiyou was a Red agent would be an insult to the wisdom of the Generalissimo and Jianfeng.

Given that most of eastern Shandong and the Northeast were currently occupied by the Red agents, having a few connections to them was actually beneficial for business, which was something the Generalissimo tacitly allowed.

However, Li Ya could not see that far, nor was he interested.

He only knew that over the past six months, countless vital secrets—especially military defense intelligence and supply information—had been leaking out of the Jinhai Station.

This was something Li Ya would never allow.

Hong Zhiyou could not be touched.

Yu Zecheng must die!

Hong Zhiyou could not easily defend Yu Zecheng, and he certainly could not accept Li Ya's "well-intentioned" reminder, as that would be tantamount to betraying old Yu.

They were both shrewd men; how could he not see through this little trick of Li Ya's?

"Hmm-hm."

He hummed a sound that was neither an answer nor a refusal.

"I'm off." Seeing that he couldn't get anything out of him and being in a rush to make an arrest, Li Ya grabbed his gun and ammunition and strode away.

Hong Zhiyou washed his face and, gathering his spirits, headed to the Station Chief's office.

Wu Jingzhong was reading a book on economics.

Xiao Guohua was brewing tea on the side.

"Teacher, Section Chief Xiao."

Hong Zhiyou walked in and greeted them very politely.

"Ah." Xiao Guohua nodded hurriedly in response.

"Is Teacher also interested in economics?" Hong Zhiyou sat down.

Just as he was about to drink tea, he saw Xiao Guohua standing to the side like a nanny, so he put down his teacup and stood up as well.

By rank,

Xiao Guohua was a Major, the same as him.

And the man was the head of a department.

There was no way he could sit there drinking tea while someone else served him.

He didn't want to feel superior just because he had helped treat Duoduo's eyes.

It was just that since old Wu hadn't spoken, he couldn't easily say anything, lest he appear ignorant of the rules and overshadow his superior.

How could Xiao Guohua not understand Hong Zhiyou's intentions? A flash of shame and gratitude crossed his eyes.

He truly regarded Hong Zhiyou as his benefactor and "Young Master," accustomed to the role of a bodyguard.

He hadn't expected Hong Zhiyou to treat him this way, and for a moment, his heart felt incredibly warm.

"Sit, sit.

"We aren't outsiders, everyone sit."

Wu Jingzhong smiled slightly, raised his hand, and said.

"Last time your mistress came back, she said that people like He Yingqin and Chen Cheng were all reading this book, so she told me to pay some attention to it.

"The situation is dire. Two days ago, when I went to the General Headquarters in Beiping for a meeting, Professor He Qicang from Yenching University and Bank Governor Fang Buting from the Central Bank were there, along with a bunch of American-educated financial experts. They said the Generalissimo is going to implement a new currency called the Gold Yuan Bond.

"They want the professors and experts in Beiping to come up with a plan as soon as possible.

"The initial face value is set at three million yuan.

"Jinhai must also cooperate fully. The municipal government and intelligence lines must ensure price stability, and the military must urgently win a victory to calm the public and provide a safeguard for the Gold Yuan Bond.

"Zhiyou, Guohua, do you think these experts can pull the people's livelihood and the economy back from the brink?"

Wu Jingzhong closed the book, crossed his arms, and looked at the two of them.

"I think the Legal Tender is doomed.

"Now, on the market, the common people have already started bartering; they only recognize gold, silver dollars, and US dollars. Those who have gold or silver jewelry at home are still okay.

"Those who don't can only trade clothes and quilts for food.

"My wife often goes to the market to buy things; this is the current reality.

"And this is still Jinhai, where supplies are relatively sufficient.

"In other provinces, cities, and counties, the common people eating chaff and wild vegetables is already a daily routine.

"However, if the Generalissimo can recover the Northeast and eastern Shandong, and replenish supplies, the Gold Yuan Bond could sweep away the chaos and reset the board, which would certainly restore national prestige," Xiao Guohua analyzed solemnly.

"Section Chief Xiao has made a lot of progress lately," Hong Zhiyou praised with a smile.

"To tell you the truth, Ruirui went to my house during the New Year and told me to be prepared to go to Xiangdao at any time to continue guarding the Station Chief.

"I figured I couldn't afford to lose face, so I've been cramming knowledge of current politics every night.

"By the way, our whole family is currently struggling to learn Cantonese.

"For example, 'Daga hou, ngo hai...'"

Xiao Guohua's face turned slightly red as he honestly reported this.

Hong Zhiyou held his forehead, suppressing his laughter: "Old Xiao, you're practicing well. You finish mastering it first, then you can teach me."

"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare," Xiao Guohua said hurriedly.

"Guohua is still young; it's good that he has this ambition," Wu Jingzhong praised, then turned back to the main topic:

"Zhiyou, what do you think?"

"Let's talk about the Legal Tender first," Hong Zhiyou deliberated, then continued:

"The Legal Tender initially had some credibility, but the military-political system dictated a principle of prioritizing the military for supplies. To supply the army, the central government could only crazily print money to extract resources from the common people.

"But the corruption in the army drained the blood of the people, and coupled with the asset transfers of the great families like the Kongs and Chens, once the battlefield collapsed, the Legal Tender naturally breathed its last.

"Our Minister of Finance, Kong Xiangxi, once had a famous saying:

"'Inflation? Where is there inflation? The National Government has no inflation at all. If someone is willing to spend twenty thousand dollars to buy a fountain pen, that is their own choice; it has nothing to do with inflation.'

"See that? Our Minister shifted the blame onto the common people.

"Therefore, I believe the Gold Yuan Bond is just old wine in a new bottle. Ultimately, the family foundation has been hollowed out by parasites. When you talk about currency apart from physical goods, no matter what currency you issue, it is essentially just a piece of waste paper.

"The North American Observation Group published an editorial two months ago: now, the soldiers of the National Army can only eat rice mixed with chili oil, while the Red agents' soldiers eat steaming hot steamed buns, noodles, sorghum, and cornmeal cakes.

"The Red agents don't take a single needle or thread from the people, yet they get rice flour and sorghum. This has nothing to do with what currency is issued.

"I am not optimistic about the Gold Yuan Bond."

Hong Zhiyou said in a clear voice.

Wu Jingzhong and Xiao Guohua, who had still been full of expectations for the Generalissimo's reform, were silenced by this bucket of cold water.

"Teacher, Old Xiao.

"The National Government might be using the financial bonds to harvest one last wave. Holding onto gold, silver, US dollars, and antiques is very important," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Sigh.

"Jianfeng called me last night. Next month, he is going to Shanghu to set up an Economic Control Supervisory Group to coordinate with the Gold Yuan Bond, and he asked me to pick you to go with him.

"I was thinking that if you went over there and achieved results working under him, even if the Red agents occupied Jinhai later, my application for a transfer to Shanghu would have a better chance.

"Now it seems you don't necessarily want to go."

Wu Jingzhong shook his head and sighed.

Hong Zhiyou knew that a north-south division was Wu Jingzhong's last hope.

"Teacher, although the Three People's Principles Youth League is gone, I am still considered a 'protégé' of Jianfeng. Since he has requested me, I will accompany him on this trip next month," Hong Zhiyou thought for a moment and agreed.

It's only going to be a year or so anyway; whether old Wu gives up hope or not doesn't matter. Just play along.

Witnessing the curtain fall on a "dynasty" is, in itself, an interesting thing.

"Good, I will call Jianfeng back right now," Wu Jingzhong was overjoyed.

"By the way.

"The winds of the Beiping 'July 5th Incident' have already blown to Jinhai. Not only are large numbers of students protesting, but Fu Zuoyi, afraid of getting into trouble, drove all the students who had fled from the Northeast into the pass to Jinhai.

"He, on the other hand, is acting righteous, claiming he wants to protect the students, letting the Northeast students enroll and taking care of their lives.

"Nankai and Beiyang have suffered for it.

"Bedding and food arrangements are all major problems.

"Once these students start making trouble, it will be very troublesome.

"Don't forget, it was because Chen Jicheng's Youth Army shot and killed students that public opinion was stirred up, allowing Fu Zuoyi to take the opportunity to squeeze him out of Beiping.

"These students are like flies now; wherever they go, it stinks, and they are very annoying.

"If they blow up in Jinhai, there's no telling if Zhang Tinge, Chen Zhangjie, and I might all be in trouble.

"Chief Chen just held a meeting this morning, emphasizing not to provoke these ancestors.

"Isn't your sister at Nankai?

"Also, arrange more of our student undercover agents to keep a close watch on them. If there is any movement, report it to me immediately."

Wu Jingzhong instructed solemnly.

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

"By the way, Captain Li just picked up his gun. I don't know where he went," he asked.

"Station Chief, you two talk."

Xiao Guohua tactfully got up and left.

"Sigh.

"If this Li Ya doesn't find some trouble every day, he feels uncomfortable being idle."

"He doesn't care about the student's affairs; he spends all day staring at Yu Zecheng."

"He is just like Lu Qiaoshan, both of them have wolfish ambitions and are anxious to climb to the top."

"If he ruins Yu Zecheng, he'll drag me down with him."

"That way, he can take over the position of Station Chief."

"It's simply wishful thinking!"

Wu Jingzhong snorted coldly.

"Indeed, the position of Jinhai Station Chief is not so easy to sit in."

"If it were them fighting against those old foxes at headquarters, they would only end up as stepping stones or puppets."

Hong Zhiyou said with deep feeling.

In a prime location like Jinhai, Mao Renfeng and Zheng Jiemin are both eyeing it; even if old Wu were to step down, it wouldn't be Li Ya's turn to sit there.

Even if Jiang Jianfeng wanted to get his hands on it, it likely wouldn't be Li Ya.

It would be someone else sent over.

After all, since the training school students were suppressed and killed by Lu Qiaoshan last time, Jiang Jianfeng has already been cold toward Li Ya.

Otherwise, he wouldn't be so calculating in his attempt to catch Yu Zecheng.

Ultimately, he just wants to perform a meritorious service and be reused by Jiang Jianfeng again.

Tongyuan Bookstore.

Luo Anping was drying books in the backyard; it had rained heavily every day last month, and many books in the warehouse were almost moldy from the dampness.

Luo Bing walked in with a slightly nervous expression:

"Shopkeeper, people from the Secret Service Bureau are here. Li Ya is leading the team personally, and they are armed."

"Both the front and back doors are blocked."

"What are you panicking about? Follow the plan. Do you still not trust old Yu?" Luo Anping glared at him and said.

"Understood." Luo Bing instantly calmed down.

"Go, go, the Secret Service Bureau is conducting business, all unrelated personnel leave immediately."

Li Ya led his men into the bookstore, flashed his credentials, and shouted.

The customers in the shop scattered in all directions.

"They're in the backyard, hurry, don't let them run!" Li Ya took a look and shouted loudly.

A group of men immediately rushed into the warehouse.

Luo Anping and Luo Bing, like startled birds, huddled in a corner, trembling.

"Seize them, search for the radio," Li Ya holstered his gun and ordered with a toss of his head.

The action team officers searched everywhere.

A moment later, Gao Yuan walked over: "Captain Li, we didn't find a radio."

"No radio?"

"Impossible, keep looking. Even if you have to dig three feet into the ground, you must dig it out for me."

Li Ya frowned, refusing to believe it.

He led the people straight to the front bookstore, drinking tea while watching Luo Anping and his nephew:

"Where is the radio?"

"What radio? Officer, I don't understand what you're talking about," Luo Anping said with a trembling voice.

"Still playing dumb?"

"The people from your Langfang group have all confessed. You are an important person in charge of the Red Ticket's communication line in Pingjin."

"Your contact is codenamed Deep Sea."

"You are in a single-line contact."

"And, I also know who Deep Sea is."

Li Ya glanced at him and said unhurriedly.

"What Langfang group? Officer, you can't just say things like that. Red Ticket business is a capital offense," Luo Anping said with a look of panic.

"Still daring to quibble? I'll take your head right now." Li Ya drew his gun and slammed it onto the tea table.

"Officer, I, I really don't know," Luo Anping said, sweating profusely from anxiety.

"Great acting!"

Li Ya laughed.

The way Luo Anping was sweating reminded him of Gu Youniu.

Damn it, treating them with good food and drink.

And at the critical moment, they backstab and start acting.

A specialty of the Red Ticket.

"Did you find it?" Li Ya shouted at Gao Yuan.

"No." Gao Yuan shook his head dejectedly.

"Very good at hiding."

"Take them back to the station first. Once they're in the interrogation room, I don't believe they won't tell the truth."

Li Ya looked coldly at the uncle and nephew, and walked out unhurriedly.

Arriving at the interrogation room.

He instructed Lu Baoxing: "Interrogate these two separately. I'll handle the younger one myself. The older one isn't being honest, so start with the torture."

"Captain Li, do you have instructions from the Station Chief?"

"Should I make a call to ask first?"

Lu Baoxing said, following official procedure.

"Ask then," Li Ya frowned in displeasure.

Damn it, nowadays there are a bunch of red tape for everything, it's simply infuriating.

If Lao Wu were still here, he would have started beating them already.

"Station Chief, Captain Li brought two people back, said they're from some bookstore. Should I use torture?" He walked to the corner and picked up the phone to ask.

"Alright, I understand."

"Okay, Station Chief."

Hanging up the phone, Lu Baoxing said respectfully: "Captain Li, you may proceed with the torture."

"No."

"What are you people trying to do? Officers, I am a law-abiding citizen, I'm just a bookseller."

"Please, have mercy, I have money."

"I can give you money."

Luo Anping begged like a mercenary commoner.

"Act, keep acting."

"Look at the guys here; even a tough guy with nerves of steel couldn't last a night."

"Confess the location of the radio now."

"Identifying Deep Sea is still possible."

Li Ya rolled up his sleeves and leaned against the interrogation table with his arms crossed.

"Officer, I really don't know about any radio or Deep Sea," Luo Anping said with a bitter face.

"You refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit."

"Baoxing, beat him to death."

Li Ya stopped talking and walked to the next interrogation room.

"Brother, living in this world, one is often forced to do things against one's will. My apologies."

Lu Baoxing glanced at Luo Anping, picked up the whip, and struck.

As soon as Li Ya mentioned the radio and Deep Sea.

Lu Baoxing knew, well, it's internal strife again, and it's targeting Director Yu again.

Not to mention anything else, even Mrs. Yu has been to this place two or three times.

The interrogation room is the department that offends the most people.

It causes much harm and knows many secrets; few people can end well.

Lao Wu was Wu Jingzhong's staunch confidant, and in the end, didn't he still die an unnatural death?

Lu Baoxing didn't want to follow in Lao Wu's footsteps.

So he secretly chose to embrace Hong Zhiyou's leg, just hoping that if he had nowhere else to go in the future, he could follow him and make a living.

Since Luo Anping was involved with Yu Zecheng, Lu Baoxing couldn't hit too hard.

Beating people requires methods and techniques.

Just like the beatings in the past, hit, hit hard, hit to kill.

Every word from above determines the intensity of the beating the prisoner receives.

Lu Baoxing's whip landed on Luo Anping.

It looked like a hard hit.

But the force was controlled perfectly, injuring only the skin and flesh, not the tendons or bones.

It looked bloody and messy, but in reality, it was not too serious.

……

Next door, Luo Bing sat on the electric chair, his whole body tense and convulsing, to the point that every breath he took made a harsh, grating sound.

Ah!

A shrill, miserable scream came from Luo Anping next door.

"You heard that, right?

"You are still young; you must give yourself a chance.

"I know your bones are hard and you can endure, but no matter how hard they are, can they be harder than a branding iron, a saw, or an axe?

"You went to buy a coffin.

"You participated in the Qian Siming swap incident.

"Based on this alone, I could execute you by firing squad right now.

"As long as you confess, this will be yours. I can recruit you into the action team; if you have no interest, you can also go to another region or return to your hometown."

Li Ya raised his hand to take a small wooden tray from Gao Yuan's hands and lifted the red cloth on top.

Underneath were two gold bars and two envelopes of silver dollars.

Money could be given.

As for whether Luo Bing would have the life to spend it after confessing, that was another matter.

"I, I don't know anything.

"I don't know about any coffin, I, I really don't know."

Luo Bing answered while trembling all over.

"I gave you a chance, and you didn't want it, so don't blame me."

Li Ya took a branding iron from the stove and walked toward Luo Bing, shaking his head.

"Tell me, should I burn your left eye first, or your right eye?

"Under high temperatures, will an eyeball explode?

"Hmm, let's go with the left eye."

He gestured left and right, then aimed to burn Luo Bing's left eye.

"Ah!"

As Luo Bing instinctively dodged backward, he screamed:

"Captain Li, don't, don't burn it, I'll confess, I'll confess everything!"

"I did indeed go to the coffin shop..."

"No rush, go over there and say it in front of your Proprietor." Li Ya smiled and walked out triumphantly.

Arriving at Room One.

Li Ya raised his hand: "Genbao, no need to hit him anymore."

"Proprietor Luo, your clerk has already confessed." He walked up to the blood-covered Luo Anping and said.

"Proprietor.

"I, I was really too scared, let's, let's just confess."

Luo Bing said with a fearful face.

"You!"

Luo Anping glared with wide eyes, then shook his head and sighed:

"Fine, I confess."

"You two are smart.

"Baoxing, go invite the Station Chief, Section Chief Yu, and Secretary Hong over to listen together." Li Ya said.

"Understood, Captain Li."

Lu Baoxing accepted the order and walked out quickly.

Arriving at the Station Chief's office.

Wu Jingzhong was discussing student matters with Yu Zecheng.

"Come in." A deep, resonant voice came from inside from Wu Jingzhong.

"Station Chief, Captain Li caught a bookstore proprietor and a clerk. Those two want to confess, and Captain Li invites you, Section Chief Yu, and Secretary Hong to go over and listen." Lu Baoxing reported respectfully.

"Zecheng, shall we go listen?" Wu Jingzhong looked at him with a complex expression.

He was truly afraid that Yu Zecheng would fall and affect his own official career.

Right now, this precious student was a hot potato.

Throw him away, and he couldn't bear to, as it involved interests on all sides.

Don't throw him away, and he might be a disaster that implicates him.

It was a headache.

"Since Captain Li has come to invite us, let's go." Yu Zecheng smiled.

"Fine.

"You go notify Zhiyou, then we'll all go listen together."

Seeing that Yu Zecheng showed no fear, Wu Jingzhong generally felt reassured; he slapped his thigh and stood up.

……

(End of chapter)