Chapter 338: The Struggle for Wanbei

"Thank you, Teacher."

Yu Zecheng's back hair stood on end, but a calm smile still hung on his face.

This was originally an equivalent exchange.

He had done dirty work and made money for Old Wu in the past, and now Old Wu was taking him "on the boat"; neither could leave the other.

If he jumped off the boat, Old Wu would sink too.

"Teacher, Wan Island is not a dragon's pool or a tiger's den, it's just a transit station for us to go to Xiangdao.

"Sooner or later, there will be a way to get out." Hong Zhiyou said.

He couldn't follow Jianfeng to the end of the road.

In fact, in another year or two, with the Generalissimo's promotion, Jianfeng would have real power, and once he paved the way, he could safely leave the island to do business.

And Old Wu could also leave in the name of the Xiangdao office.

As for Yu Zecheng.

Hong Zhiyou could only say that after going to the island, with traitors there, it would be difficult to make achievements again.

However, as long as he "watched" a bit.

Taking him away together shouldn't be a big problem.

"Zecheng, think about it carefully, answer after you've thought it through, there is still a chance to choose now."

Wu Jingzhong pointed at Yu Zecheng and turned to the inner room.

"Zhiyou, I think the Station Chief doesn't want me to go to Wan Island?" Yu Zecheng whispered.

As a special agent, he had a keen sense of smell.

The cold killing intent that the Station Chief had occasionally revealed toward him recently often made him shudder.

"The teacher is also for your own good.

"They check very strictly over there, and now American monitoring equipment is becoming more and more advanced, and with the vast ocean in between, the radio might not be easy to use.

"It is highly likely that we will still have to rely on traditional contact methods to transmit messages.

"Your contact people and so on are all blank.

"The past might not be able to play a role."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"According to Shopkeeper Qiu, the organization has already established a provincial working committee over there, and the team is quite solid, all veteran comrades who have been tested through fire.

"We were able to defeat them in the underground war on land, and fighting a dark war across the sea is not a problem either.

"Wan Island must be liberated, must be unified!

"Born at the right time, to serve for it, why regret death?"

Yu Zecheng still had revolutionary enthusiasm and optimism.

"Good.

"Good.

"Faith is priceless!

"I won't persuade you anymore, okay, let's go together."

Hong Zhiyou raised his hand to stop him.

"Thank you." Yu Zecheng bowed solemnly.

He knew very well that if Hong Zhiyou didn't nod, he would have an 80% chance of not being able to go to Wan Island.

Even if he went, without Hong covering for him, it would be difficult for him to achieve anything.

After all, Jianfeng's trust in him came from Hong Zhiyou's endorsement and guarantee.

In other words.

His going to Wan Island also carried a huge risk for Zhiyou.

He must be more and more careful in his actions in the future.

April 1949, a million-strong army crossed the Yangtze River, Tang Enbo and Bai Chongxi's legions collapsed, and Jingling was liberated.

May 3, Hangzhou was liberated.

May 27, Shanghai was liberated.

Hong Zhiyou and the three of them traveled south all the way to Fuzhou under Jianfeng's arrangement.

August 16, early morning.

The Red Party army had already arrived at the gates of Fuzhou.

Last night, the rumbling of artillery outside the city and the ear-piercing noise of frequent plane takeoffs and landings made Wu Jingzhong anxious all night.

At six in the morning, he was already pacing back and forth in the courtyard.

Seeing Hong Zhiyou walk out yawning, Wu Jingzhong asked impatiently:

"Zhiyou, have you asked the office? When are they arranging for us to leave?"

"You can already hear the artillery fire of the Red Party."

"I don't know what kind of game this Wu Zhiqing is playing, dragging his feet like this; if we wait any longer, we'll be surrounded like dumplings."

Yu Zecheng walked out from the side wing room with his coat draped over his shoulders and smiled to comfort him: "Fuzhou is the last stop on the southeast coast. I heard that the transport files and materials Director Wu has to process amount to several hundred crates."

"It's understandable that the evacuation is a bit late."

"That's true. Wu Zhiqing's wife and children are still in Fuzhou; if he isn't in a hurry, why should we be?" Hong Zhiyou said vaguely while brushing his teeth in the courtyard.

"You can't think like that."

"There are many people switching sides on the battlefield now. Fu Zuoyi and his people also did a very good job with their secrecy beforehand; if Wang Puchen had left a step later, he would have been handed over."

"Heaven knows if this Wu Zhiqing might also be Red Party."

"Don't let him surrender and get rewarded later, using us as his proof of loyalty."

Wu Jingzhong paced with his hands behind his back and hummed worriedly.

"Teacher, even if he doesn't arrange a plane, it doesn't matter."

"The British were shelled on the Yangtze and can't stay in the waters off Shanghai anymore; it just so happens that a fleet is passing through Fuzhou."

"I've already made contact, and we can leave on their ships."

Hong Zhiyou had planned this long ago.

Although he currently held no official position, it didn't mean he wasn't getting things done.

People like Sun Xing and Gu Youniu had already taken some reliable brothers from the old Cao Gang to transfer via Xiangdao to Wandao ahead of time to arrange business, real estate, and other matters.

Actually, it's still that old saying: money makes the mare go.

Once in Wandao, with Kong Lingwei as his "sworn brother," Hong Zhiyou could still get by very well.

"Hmm."

Wu Jingzhong knew his son-in-law's methods and didn't think about it any further.

Just as they were talking, several soldiers walked in quickly.

The leading officer showed his credentials:

"Director Wu of the Fuzhou Pacification Office, acting on the secret order of Comrade Jiang Jianfeng, requests that you proceed to the airport immediately to board the plane for the island."

"Good, thank you, Adjutant Nie!"

Wu Jingzhong was overjoyed.

The three of them packed simply and drove straight to the airport.

Arriving at the airport.

An officer wearing glasses with a friendly face had been waiting for a long time; it was none other than the Fuzhou Office Director, Wu Zhiqing.

"Brother Jingzhong."

"I've been busy with official duties and delayed until now; please forgive me." Wu Zhiqing reached out his hand and said with shame.

"Director Wu, not at all!"

"National affairs come first, and we should stand together against the enemy; how could Jingzhong have any complaints?"

"I heard that the Director will be serving as the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Ministry of National Defense after going to the island; I hope for your continued support in the future." Wu Jingzhong shook his hand and smiled.

"Alas, the Party and State are in difficult times; we must encourage and help each other."

Wu Zhiqing patted his hand and turned to walk toward Hong and Yu.

"Are these two the hero Yu Zecheng who assassinated the great traitor Li Haifeng, and Secretary Hong who fought the tigers in Shanghai and made the young master of the Kong family stomp his feet in anger?"

"Comrade Jiang Jianfeng has praised you both quite a bit; you truly are pillars of talent."

Wu Zhiqing looked at the two of them and praised them.

"Zecheng's contribution is but a drop in the bucket; I am ashamed, ashamed."

"In the days to come on the island, I will strive to win more glory for the Party and State." Yu Zecheng said.

"Deputy Chief Wu!"

Hong Zhiyou respectfully gave Wu Zhiqing a military salute.

The Director Wu before him, who was about to serve as Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Ministry of National Defense, was actually an important hero who had repeatedly performed miraculous feats for the Red Party underground.

Codename: Secret Envoy No. 1!

He was a legendary hero who truly walked on the edge of a blade.

Of course.

Old Yu and Wu Zhiqing might not necessarily know each other's true identities.

General Wu was dispatched by the East China Bureau and dealt with the secret lines of the East China Bureau, such as the Wandao Provincial Underground Working Committee.

While Yu Zecheng was dispatched by the No. 1 line.

If they went to Wandao, without a special call or a newspaper notice to find them.

Even if they went over, they would inevitably be silent, dormant, idle pieces.

"Everyone."

"This departure means mountains are high and roads are long, and it will be hard to return to our homeland; I only hope Heaven blesses our land of China!"

Wu Zhiqing turned toward the distance and bowed deeply.

Wu Jingzhong and the others also bowed.

Then, amidst the sorrow and heaviness, everyone boarded the plane.

Looking at the city and mountains gradually receding outside the window, and the boundless blue sea ahead, everyone felt a mix of complicated emotions.

"Alas, I don't know when we'll be able to return after this parting."

"I'm afraid I won't be able to eat the Gaba vegetable and Miancha of Jinmen anymore."

Wu Jingzhong crossed his arms and sighed leisurely.

"There will be opportunities."

"Blood is thicker than water; brothers may separate, but they don't leave the clan. There will always be a day of reunification." Wu Zhiqing smiled.

"Reunification is a matter of time; I'm just afraid we'll be drinking Mengpo's soup by then." Wu Jingzhong shook his head and smiled.

"Who's to say otherwise?"

"Once Fuzhou is captured, the Red Party's next target will inevitably be Jinmen and the Zhoushan Islands. Once these two places are broken, it's not impossible for them to flatten the blue waves and invade the island." Wu Zhiqing sighed.

"Deputy Chief, you are being too pessimistic."

"The U. S. Seventh Fleet is still here. I believe we are as stable as a golden soup, and there will surely be a day for a counterattack in the future." Under Wu Jingzhong's suggestive look, Yu Zecheng said smoothly.

"That's right, so we soldiers must be of one heart and mind, and struggle for the rest of our lives for the Chairman's great cause of counterattack." Wu Zhiqing said.

"Let us encourage each other, encourage each other."

Everyone said hurriedly.

Afternoon, Wanbei Airport.

Wu Jingzhong and his party got off the plane.

After saying goodbye to Wu Zhiqing, the three stood at the airport, looking at the unfamiliar environment and smelling the air mixed with the salty, fishy scent of the sea, feeling a sense of emptiness in their hearts for a moment.

"Teacher, the Confidentiality Bureau is at Zhishanyan in Shilin, and Jiang Jianfeng's Political Action Committee Supervision Office is at Caoshan Bashengyuan. Where do you think we should go to report first?" Yu Zecheng asked.

Wu Jingzhong was suddenly stumped.

After being bailed out by Jiang Jianfeng, his status was no longer that of a wartime fugitive, but an incumbent Major General Station Chief of the Jinmen Station reporting to Jingling, firmly belonging to the Confidentiality Bureau.

According to procedure, he had to report to the Confidentiality Bureau first.

"Let's go to Zhishanyan first."

"Mao Renfeng brought the entire old team from the Shanghai office over in May. That 'Confidentiality Bureau' of Xu Zhidao is now like a stray dog left over there. Under the iron fist of the Red Party, I don't think they'll amount to much."

"Jiang Jianfeng's abacus has been played in vain again."

Wu Jingzhong pondered for a moment and said with his hands behind his back.

"Yes."

"Since we're all crowded onto the island, it wouldn't be right not to say hello."

"Anyway, he won't use us, so let's just go through the motions."

Yu Zecheng nodded and said.

Zhishanyan, Confidentiality Bureau building.

Mao Renfeng was working in his office.

Mao Wanli walked in and reported in a low voice: "Big Brother, Wu Jingzhong and the others have arrived."

"Wu Jingzhong!"

"Heh, he's finally here. I've been waiting for him and Yu Zecheng for a long time."

A cold sneer appeared on the corner of Mao Renfeng's mouth.

"That's right."

"The Chairman established some bullshit Political Action Committee, led by Tang Zong. With Tang Zong's nature as a writing eunuch, isn't that just making a wedding dress for Jiang Jianfeng, rebuilding the intelligence system and kicking you out, Big Brother?"

"Wu Jingzhong is here."

"We can make an issue out of that Yu Zecheng under him."

"Now that people's hearts are unstable, if something goes wrong on Jiang Jianfeng's side, humph, then there will be a show to watch."

Mao Wanli echoed.

"Just say I'm in a meeting; let them wait for a while." Mao Renfeng said.

For several full hours, Wu Jingzhong and the three of them didn't even get a cup of tea in the lounge.

There was no help for it; when people are under the eaves, they have to bow their heads.

It wasn't until 4:30 in the afternoon.

Ye Xiangzhi finally walked in: "The three of you, Director Mao invites you in."

"Thank you, Division Chief Ye."

Wu Jingzhong and the three of them got up and went to the office.

"Director Mao, Wu Jingzhong of the Jinmen Station is here to report." Wu Jingzhong and the others saluted.

"Yo."

"Jingzhong, I'm really sorry. Recently, the Red Party has been very rampant on the island. Their organ newspaper, 'Guangming Daily', has even been sent to the Chairman's Shilin Official Residence."

"The Chairman is furious."

"I just finished a meeting; sorry to have kept you waiting."

Mao Renfeng was his usual smiling tiger self, saying with a face full of friendliness.

"Not at all, Director, you are busy with ten thousand things; you've worked hard." Wu Jingzhong said.

"Do you have a place to stay?"

"Most of the places here are still quite desolate; the area around Chongqing West Road is okay."

"Places like Caoshan are even more desolate; it's said that leopards and wild boars often appear and hurt people, so you must be careful."

Mao Renfeng pointed at him with a smile that wasn't quite a smile.

"Jingzhong thanks the Director for the reminder." Wu Jingzhong said.

"Jingzhong."

"According to the rules, I should have prepared a position for you long ago, but Jiang Jianfeng has other instructions, so I won't make any arrangements." Mao Renfeng said.

As he spoke, he turned to look at Hong and Yu: "You two should also go with Station Chief Wu."

"Yes, Director Mao." The three of them respectfully accepted the order.

Walking out of the Confidentiality Bureau building, the three of them were so hungry their chests were sticking to their backs.

"Station Chief Wu, the Confidentiality Bureau has arranged accommodation for you, but it's a unified collective housing for officers."

"However, my suggestion is that you can go to a hotel on Jin Shan South Road first, and then buy a good house."

"There are still many good houses on the streets south of the Shilin Official Residence."

Ye Xiangzhi walked out and said in a low voice as they walked.

"Division Chief Ye, thank you for the reminder." Wu Jingzhong said.

Just as they were talking, they saw several brand-new cars stop outside the main gate.

Miss Kong Er, wearing a suit, with her hair slicked back and smoking a cigar, got out of the lead car.

Ye Xiangzhi was just about to step forward to greet her.

When he saw Kong Lingwei laugh: "Big Brother, I've finally waited for you to come to Wandao."

As she spoke, she stepped forward and gave Hong Zhiyou a big hug.

"I heard you had been in Xiangdao all along, so I didn't want to bother you." Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"You're still being polite with me."

"I went to look at that island of yours; the scenery is nice, and the villa management and supporting designs are very avant-garde, a bit like a high-end community in North America."

"If you need investment later, you can pull me in."

Kong Lingwei said with high spirits.

"Forget it, you're doing big business; how could you look at my small-time business?" Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"You came at just the right time."

"Auntie came to Wanbei and finds everything an eyesore; either she complains the roads are broken and the houses are old, or she complains there are no grand hotels with style, far less prosperous than Shanghai."

"No wonder the Americans don't even want to send an ambassador."

"Auntie is raising funds to build a grand hotel, and she's chosen the area near Yuanshan. Is Big Brother interested in getting involved?"

Kong Lingwei asked with a smile.

Damn, she really is a good sworn sister; as soon as she arrives, she wants to pick his pocket.

"Of course, it's my honor." Hong Zhiyou said.

"Okay."

"Then I'll report it to Auntie."

"By the way, I've picked out a few places for you and Station Chief Wu."

"Hmm, see for yourself."

Kong Lingwei took a pre-written note out of her pocket and handed it to Hong Zhiyou.

Hong Zhiyou took a look.

No. 7, Lane 2, Tai'an Street.

No. 63, Section 2, Xinsheng South Road.

No. 903, Shida Road, Taipei.

"Gu Zhutong's family lives in Lane 2, Tai'an Street; you might even end up being neighbors."

"Chen Lifu and his people live on Shida Road."

"Xinsheng South Road and Chongqing South Road are also not bad, enough for the three of you to live in. When your families come later, I can clear out more houses for you."

"Don't worry, I've bought them all; feel free to live in them."

Kong Lingwei said, leaning into Hong Zhiyou's ear to whisper:

"I learned it from you, selling houses."

"I've made a lot of money flipping these here in Wanbei. There are many officials who retreated with silver in their pockets, and they are all eager to squeeze into these few streets to be closer to the Chairman."

"It's just too easy to pick their pockets."

"When it comes to making money, I'm afraid no one can compare to you, Second Miss." Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"Teacher, where do you say we should live?" He turned to look at Wu Jingzhong.

Wu Jingzhong had specifically found someone to get a map of Wanbei in Fuzhou and had been pondering this matter every day, so he said without thinking:

"The Military Statistics and Central Statistics have never had anything to do with each other, so let's not squeeze in with Chen Lifu."

"In my opinion, it's more appropriate to be neighbors with Chief Gu."

Gu Zhutong is still valued by the Old Man; moving around with him more will have its benefits.

"Good."

"Then let's go with Tai'an Street."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Station Chief Wu, please." Kong Lingwei gestured.

Wu Jingzhong and Yu Zecheng got into another car, while Hong Zhiyou rode with Kong Lingwei.

"Second Miss, you're getting so close to me, aren't you afraid of being reprimanded by your older brother?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"I've long found him an eyesore."

"Wherever he goes, he thinks he's the King of Heaven, and everyone has to give way to him."

"It's just as well; letting him suffer a bit is good too."

"In Shanghai, he openly played against my cousin, causing my cousin to be labeled a financial swindler. The Chairman and my father were very dissatisfied with him and sent him to be a counselor at the North American embassy."

"Don't worry."

"At this moment, the Chairman and my cousin are in a fit of rage, especially my cousin who would love to tear him apart. Even if you gave him ten guts, he wouldn't dare to come back."

Kong Lingwei thought Hong Zhiyou was worried about safety and explained hurriedly.

"Hmm, then I'm relieved."

Hong Zhiyou pretended to have lingering fears as he spoke.

After all, this is someone else's territory; selling himself short makes it easier for the other party to lower their guard.

"That's great."

"Big Brother and I join forces; you have connections with the U. S. military, and I have money. Let's take over all the business here."

"Doing things while making money."

"This is what people like us should be doing."

Kong Lingkan knew Hong Zhiyou's connections and business acumen well and had long been looking forward to joining forces.

"Hmm."

"Money is a good thing; who could refuse it?"

"It's settled then."

Hong Zhiyou smiled and shook hands with her.

After the welcoming banquet at the hotel, the motorcade arrived at the two-story villa at No. 7 Tai'an Road.

Kong Lingkan gave a brief introduction and then took his leave.

Clearly, Miss Kong Er was full of sincerity this time.

The entire villa was spotless, the furniture was all trendy European-style, and there were high walls built outside, even more imposing than Gu Zhutong's No. 2 villa.

"Zecheng, you live in the backyard."

"Also, tomorrow after you start work, get some equipment to check the phones and such, and see if there are any bugs in the house."

"Zhiyou, we aren't familiar with the people here."

"Have Xiao Guohua and the others come over as soon as possible, and remember to have them bring a few nannies and cleaners who can cook."

"By the way, no Cantonese chefs; it's best if they can cook Jinmen dishes."

"Sigh, finally I don't have to drink soup every day."

In the courtyard, Wu Jingzhong lay on a yellow bamboo rattan chair, gently shaking a cattail fan while giving instructions.

"Yes, Teacher." Yu and Hong accepted the order.

"Teacher, I'll go take a shower first." Yu Zecheng knew they had things to talk about and said very consciously.

"Go ahead." Wu Jingzhong waved his hand.

"Zhiyou, I'm afraid Miss Kong is like a weasel paying respects to a chicken; we shouldn't get too deeply involved." Wu Jingzhong drank some tea and said in a deep voice.

He didn't dare to drink the tea leaves Kong Lingkan had sent, drinking the Longjing Hong Zhiyou had brought instead.

"Understood."

"Wandao looks broken right now, but it's also an opportunity. As long as we give up enough profit, Miss Kong Er will be our best protective umbrella."

"After all, she has the Madam behind her."

"It just so happens that I can use her to repair the rift with the Madam in Shanghai."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Hmm, I don't understand business matters very well."

"Coming here to this godforsaken place, I don't dare to hope for much of a future. Later, when we've saved a few treasures we like and you've spread out the business, we'll slip away."

"Alas, being in a foreign land, I wonder how Lele and your Mistress are doing?"

From the first step Wu Jingzhong took onto the island, he felt a chilling murderous intent.

This place was a mix of local gangs, retreating military and civilians, Red Party, and remnants of the Japanese influence; with all kinds of messy forces mixed together, this palm-sized place was ultimately not a place to stay for long.

"Yes." Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"What I'm worried about now is..." Wu Jingzhong pointed to the back, hinting at Yu Zecheng.

"Teacher, Director Yu has his own sense of proportion; don't worry."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"With Mao Renfeng's vengeful nature, he won't let it go."

"As soon as we met, he deliberately brought up the 'Guangming Daily' case."

"I heard that this case has been investigated very deeply and many Red Party members have been arrested; this was deliberately leaked for Zecheng to hear."

"The black materials on Li Ya and Lu Qiaoshan have been burned."

"But who knows what moves Mao Renfeng will make next?"

"There's a regular meeting of the Political Action Committee tomorrow, and they'll probably discuss our employment. I have a bad premonition that the first knife aimed at us is about to come."

Wu Jingzhong frowned and said.

Having been in officialdom for so many years, his political sense was exceptionally keen.

Now Jiang Jianfeng and Mao Renfeng are secretly competing.

Jiang Jianfeng's Political Action Committee wants to achieve results.

Mao Renfeng is also claiming credit.

The point of contention between the two sides is the clearing of Red Party secret agents, and neither of them trusts Yu Zecheng, so they will inevitably make an issue out of it.

"It's a troublesome matter." Wu Jingzhong sighed.

"Compared to Jinmen, it's indeed harder to get by now."

"The U. S. military has now stopped its aid to the Chairman, and Commander Ke Ke also left his post not long ago. Wilson and Anderson have currently cut off contact."

"If we can't make contact, our 'U. S. Aid' will be cut off."

"If we can continue it, that would undoubtedly be a heaven-sent opportunity."

"Now that so many people have suddenly flooded onto the island, there is a severe shortage of supplies and prices are skyrocketing. If I can reach an agreement with the Americans, it's possible to get the comprador rights."

"By then, whoever wants to touch us will have to weigh the consequences."

"This might be another reason why Miss Kong Er came to find me."

Hong Zhiyou analyzed.

"Hmm."

"We must contact the Americans as soon as possible."

"If you can become the second Kong Xiangxi and take over Wandao, the Hong family can become a true wealthy and powerful clan, not just merchants."

"Jin Feng, and her unborn younger brother, can act as recklessly as Kong Lingkan, and their descendants for eight generations won't have to worry about food or clothing!"

Wu Jingzhong no longer had much hope for being an official or making money, so he could only pin his hopes on Hong Zhiyou.

"Good."

"Green water flows long; let's take it slow."

Seeing that Old Wu had regained his fighting spirit, Hong Zhiyou was also happy.

(End of chapter)