Chapter 343: Do You Want to Rebel?

Lin Dingli rushed to the casino.

Looking at his old brother Lin Zaigun lying in a pool of blood, his face sank, and his eyes were fierce and murderous as he asked:

"Old Luo, who did this?"

Luo Youzhang told him exactly what happened with Sun Xing and his group.

"Dingli, who do you think did this?"

Luo Youzhang asked.

"It's not."

"It's someone from the Confidentiality Bureau or Jiang Jianfeng."

"Now that the US military has stopped military aid, there aren't many people left who can get so many American-style hand grenades."

"I'll talk to Officer Peng about this later."

Lin Dingli frowned slightly, having guessed who it was.

"Damn it, Third Brother didn't offend anyone; this happened just after we stabilized the grain. Could it be that our own people did it?" Luo Youzhang said.

"Where is Wang Kun?" Lin Dingli asked.

"I've already called him," Luo Youzhang said.

As they were talking, Wang Kun and Gu Youniu burst into the casino, reeking of alcohol.

"Brother Zai."

"Brother Zai!"

Gu Youniu didn't act as exaggeratedly as if his own father had died; he just clenched his fists tightly, and tears fell silently.

Everyone present felt the same suppressed hatred.

"Old Luo, you handle Third Brother's funeral; I'm leaving first."

"Wang Kun, come with me."

Lin Dingli had a rough idea of who did it.

The person who came could get American-style hand grenades.

And they all had mainland accents.

It was highly likely to be Hong Zhiyou's people.

"Wang Kun, who do you think did this?" In the car, Lin Dingli asked.

"Hong Zhiyou, probably."

"He is investigating us. The key is that this guy is a businessman. Now that we have hoarded so much grain, Jiang Jianfeng wants to get his hands on everything as soon as he lands on the island."

"He is highly likely acting on Jiang Jianfeng's instructions to take action against us."

Wang Kun analyzed.

This reasoning was also what Gu Youniu had told him.

"Mm, tomorrow I will discuss with Officer Peng how to finish this kid off; otherwise, it will be very hard for us to mix in Wanbei," Lin Dingli said.

"Brother Li, I actually think... there is a more urgent matter to do right now," Wang Kun looked at him, somewhat hesitantly.

"What matter?" Lin Dingli asked.

"Now the Jiang father and son want to take a bite out of whoever they catch. People like us old locals are their eyesores."

"Brother Li."

"The grain that you and Brother Zai worked so hard to collect from various cities and counties should be sold as soon as possible."

"In case Jiang Jianfeng discovers it and wipes it all out, we'll follow in the footsteps of the Kong family in Shanghai."

"At that time, don't talk about making money; I'm afraid we'll lose even our underwear."

"It's better to take advantage of the fact that Gu Youniu has a way now and let him exchange it, or dump it on the market and make a big profit first," Wang Kun suggested.

Gu Youniu had taught him all of this.

Lin Dingli and his group used their relationships as gang members and Wanbei Station Chiefs to collect a lot of private grain from grain stations all over Taiwan. Although it couldn't compare to the Kong family of the past, it was still worth as much as 100,000 US dollars.

It's just that no one knew where this grain was stored, except for core members like Lin Dingli and Lin Zaigun.

Jiang Jianfeng and Mao Renfeng had probed the bottom several times before, almost turning every suspicious place upside down, but they had found nothing.

For this reason, Mao Renfeng had even arrested several gang leaders.

These people would rather die than confess.

And so the matter was stuck there.

"This matter still needs to be discussed with Officer Peng; we can't be in a hurry," Lin Dingli said.

Wang Kun was cursing internally.

His family was almost out of grain.

If he didn't ship the goods, how could he do his little business?

Annoying.

The next day.

Hong Zhiyou appeared at Bashengyuan on time.

Wiping tables, making tea.

Just like in the past in Shanghai.

Jiang Jianfeng walked in with a briefcase, and seeing him busy, asked with a smile:

"You're not in the Wanbei Station Chief's office; why did you run over here?"

"Aren't I the leader of the investigation group under the Director now? Station Chief Wu said you are busy with ten thousand things, so he let me be on duty here, as long as the Director doesn't find me an eyesore," Hong Zhiyou laughed.

"How could that be?"

"You and I are a golden pair. If we had succeeded in Shanghai back then, we might be drinking tea in the official residence in Nanjing right now," Jiang Jianfeng said.

"Director, I eliminated Lin Zaigun last night," Hong Zhiyou said.

"That leader of the Dazhu Gang?" Jiang Jianfeng narrowed his eyes.

"Yes."

"My people investigated, and he and Lin Dingli used their relationships with the gangs, the Confidentiality Bureau, and the Security Command to privately purchase grain and flour from grain stations and hoard them for speculation."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"I know this. Before you were on the job, Chen Cheng had already sent people to investigate."

"It's a pity this group of people is more cunning than foxes; we haven't found their grain warehouse yet," Jiang Jianfeng sat down and drank a cup of tea.

As the tea fragrance entered his throat, a smile spread across his face again.

It was his favorite Longjing tea.

"That's why your subordinate killed Lin Zaigun," Hong Zhiyou said.

Jiang Jianfeng looked at him for a while and understood:

"You want to make Lin Dingli fall into panic and reveal his true form?"

Then he shook his head:

"That's not the key."

"I haven't put a few gang members in my eyes yet."

"I once thought about directly arresting Lin Dingli and making him hand over the grain warehouse."

"But this person is a sworn brother of Peng Mengji."

"The Security Command has 100,000 troops, guarding Wanbei; they are the Imperial Guard."

"Peng Mengji arrived on the island early and is considered a local force."

"My father just arrived on the island not long ago and hasn't restored the government yet. He can only rely on Chen Cheng and Sun Liren. It's hard to say what these two are thinking. If we move Lin Dingli at this time, it might cause trouble."

"At the current stage, we should focus on unity and stability."

"Director, I think we can try to win over Officer Peng; let me talk to him," Hong Zhiyou actively volunteered.

Jiang Jianfeng did know his methods, so he laughed: "Let's agree first: I will give you a budget of 5,000 US dollars at most. Whether you can talk him over depends on your ability."

"5,000 is enough; if it's not enough, I'll add some more," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Drink tea."

Jiang Jianfeng pointed to the teapot, his smile becoming even brighter.

Having a capable subordinate is just worry-free.

3:00 PM.

Hong Zhiyou drove Kong Lingwei's Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith to the Security Command.

No notification needed.

There weren't many of these cars in Wanbei, and especially with such an overbearing license plate, it could only be the Second Miss of the Kong family.

Hong Zhiyou reached out to show his identity, and the guards let him through immediately.

Office.

Peng Mengji was holding a cigarette in one hand and approving documents with the other.

"Officer, Wanbei Station's Hong Zhiyou requests an audience," the adjutant walked in.

"Him?"

"We aren't on the same path, not seeing him."

"Just say I went out for a meeting."

Peng Mengji frowned and said.

Lin Zaigun was beaten to death on the spot last night.

Who in all of Taiwan didn't know he had a close relationship with Lin Zaigun?

If it was really as Lin Dingli analyzed, it was Hong Zhiyou's doing.

This kid was slapping his own face.

It was good enough that he hadn't found trouble with him, so why see him?

"He said he knows you are here, and he is acting on the order of Director Jiang Jianfeng to discuss an important matter," the adjutant said.

"Important matter?"

"What important matter can't Jiang Jianfeng call about, or have me go over for a face-to-face talk, instead of needing a messenger?" Peng Mengji sneered.

"Fine."

"I'll send him away," the adjutant said.

"Forget it."

"Let's see him once; after all, he is Jiang Jianfeng's person. If he insists on not leaving, it won't sound good if it gets out," Peng Mengji said.

"Officer Peng."

"Forgive the presumptuous visit, I hope I'm not disturbing you!"

Hong Zhiyou walked in, friendly and respectful.

"Secretary Hong, sit." Peng Mengji waved his hand to signal the adjutant to withdraw.

"Officer Peng."

"I've long heard of your great name."

"The Battle of Songhu, the Battle of Changsha, you disregarded life and death, repeatedly leading troops to fight on the front lines; you can be called a hero of the country."

"Later, recovering Taiwan."

"It was also you who led the troops across the sea to receive it, expelling the Japanese invaders, and raising the prestige of the Party and State."

"I have admired you for a long time and have long wanted to visit you, but I was hindered by the sea; today I have finally fulfilled my wish," Hong Zhiyou bowed slightly to show respect.

Peng Mengji originally didn't intend to give this kid a good face, but he never expected Hong Zhiyou to blow smoke right into his heart, and that bad breath in his heart couldn't be vented for a moment.

As the saying goes, don't hit a smiling person.

"Overpraised, overpraised, it's all old history."

"Secretary Hong, you came to me, is there something?"

Peng Mengji laughed, led him to sit on the sofa, and poured tea for Hong Zhiyou himself.

"I came for two things."

"It's a private matter, but it can also be said to be a public matter," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Oh, how so?" Peng Mengji raised his eyebrows and asked.

"I found clues that Lin Dingli and Lin Zaigun are suspected of hoarding people's livelihood materials, and the intelligence has basically been confirmed..."

Before Hong Zhiyou finished speaking, Peng Mengji interrupted with a sneer:

"Since you have the intelligence, you should go arrest people; why come to me?"

"Officer Peng is truly a soldier, a straightforward temper," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Good."

"Then I'll get straight to the point."

"Jiang Jianfeng has long known about Lin Dingli reselling materials."

"But do you know why Lin Dingli hasn't been arrested?"

Hong Zhiyou asked.

"I only know how to march and fight; I don't understand catching corruption or adultery," Peng Mengji said with a straight face.

"Because you have a share too."

"But Director Jiang Jianfeng and I would rather believe that Lin Dingli is using your name, Commander, to do some conscience-less things."

"The Director knows you have made great military achievements and are a Whampoa student deeply trusted by the Generalissimo, and he does not want the General's reputation to be tarnished."

"Therefore, he specifically ordered me to come and make friends with the General."

"It will be too late to talk about some things at Bashengyuan."

"It is more appropriate to talk openly as friends; what do you think?"

Hong Zhiyou stared at him, leaned back slowly, and lit a cigarette with a snap.

"Sorry, I don't understand, and I don't feel anything," Peng Mengji looked at him, a trace of cold sweat seeping from his forehead, but he still didn't loosen his mouth.

"There's nothing you don't understand."

"Don't you just like money?"

"Who doesn't like money? I like money too, and the Director knows that you and I like money."

"This is not shameful!"

Hong Zhiyou said directly.

"The goods that Lin Dingli and Lin Zaigun are holding won't be more than what Kong Lingkan had in the past."

"In my opinion, it's at most around 100,000 US dollars."

"Divided among you, you probably have about 20,000 or 30,000 US dollars?"

He said, picked up the box, slapped it on the table, spun it elegantly, and pushed it in front of Peng Mengji.

"Bang!"

Hong Zhiyou opened the lid.

Inside was a stack of cigars, plus a stack of 100-dollar US banknotes.

"This is 10,000 US dollars."

"5,000 was allocated by the Director from the Political Affairs Committee."

"The other 5,000 is a small gift from me because I admire the General."

"As long as the General agrees to help me eliminate the pests that are destroying the people's livelihood in Wanbei, when the time comes to raid the house, the General can appoint someone to work with me."

"In short, the General won't lose a single cent of what he deserves."

Hong Zhiyou pushed the box in front of him.

Peng Mengji drank several cups of tea in a row, his eyes flickering with unease.

Lin Dingli was an old brother.

Making him betray his brother, this matter was not righteous.

"Of course, the General can also refuse, or even tip off Lin Dingli."

"But you know the consequences."

"Machangding has gunshots every day now; you can try to see if you want to follow the Principal, or lead the Security Command to rebel," Hong Zhiyou tapped the table and smiled playfully.

Peng Mengji was drenched in sweat, slapped the table, glared at Hong Zhiyou and said: "Are you threatening me?"

"Threatening you?"

"If it weren't for the fact that you are a Whampoa Military Academy student and the Generalissimo greeted us, would the Director still need me to come and give you money?"

"Who the hell do you think you are!"

"Isn't it just making money?"

"Whose money isn't it?"

"Lin Zaigun is dead; will Lin Dingli be sad?"

"No, he will only be happy, because he can share less money."

"I've seen too many things in the vanity fair."

"I have many good friends, like Ke Ke, Yu Jishi, Song Ziliang."

"They are willing to do things for me, not because of any bullshit brotherhood."

"I am a major born in the countryside; what qualifications do I have to make them look at me differently?"

"It's MONEY, it's US dollars, gold bars."

"So, put away your bullshit brotherhood; don't always think about taking the Party and State's money while digging the Party and State's grave."

"The General had better think clearly."

"I'll wait here for your answer!"

Hong Zhiyou extinguished his cigarette butt somewhat irritably, crossed his arms over his chest, and looked at him coldly.

Peng Mengji glared at him fiercely, stood up, walked to the window with his hands on his hips, and paced back and forth.

Since he had been sitting in Taiwan for several years, who didn't have to be respectful when they saw him?

He never expected to be threatened by a yellow-haired kid.

It's just that Hong Zhiyou represents Jiang Jianfeng.

Jiang Jianfeng is now eager to seize power.

As one of the most powerful local figures, he either has to fight to the end or obediently surrender power and pledge allegiance.

Peng Mengji is unwilling.

But Hong Zhiyou made his point very clear.

If he doesn't comply, it's refusing a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit. Jiang Jianfeng will tear off the mask and arrest Lin Dingli. It's hard to say what will be interrogated when the time comes.

At best, he will sit in a dark cell like Qiao Jiacai; at worst, he will be secretly executed at Machangding.

Unless, as Hong Zhiyou said, he leads troops to rebel and completely turns against the Principal.

No.

As a Whampoa student, that would be the shame of his life.

"Good."

"For the sake of the Principal's cultivation, I agree."

"What do you want me to do?"

Peng Mengji gritted his teeth, turned his head, and said.

"Where is their warehouse?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"I don't know."

"I never personally participate in these things," Peng Mengji shook his head.

"Good."

"I estimate Lin Dingli will soon discuss shipping the goods with you."

"You must persuade him to ship the goods."

"During this period, you must find a way to trap him and wait for my call to take action."

"This person is very cunning; once he runs, it will be hard to catch him," Hong Zhiyou instructed very professionally.

"Mm," Peng Mengji nodded.

"Officer Peng, from now on we are friends; happy cooperation," Hong Zhiyou finished his instructions and reached out.

Peng Mengji shook it and said coldly: "Since we are friends, I accept your money."

"Director Jiang Jianfeng's money, not a single cent can be accepted."

"Sharing the worries for the Party and State, for the Director, is Peng's duty."

"You should take it back."

"Good, I will definitely convey your original words to the Director," Hong Zhiyou got up and walked out.

"Phew!"

Peng Mengji slumped on the sofa, rubbing his eyebrows painfully.

He really didn't expect that Hong Zhiyou, young as he was, had a mouth sharper than a knife, making it impossible for people to parry.

No way.

For the sake of his own future and his loyalty to the Principal, he could only sacrifice his old brother.

6:00 PM.

Lin Dingli indeed came to Peng Mengji's office:

"Old Peng, Lin Zaigun is dead; I suspect Hong Zhiyou did it."

"No need to suspect, he did it. There aren't many people who can get so many American-style hand grenades these days," Peng Mengji nodded.

"What now?"

"He is backed by Jiang Jianfeng, and the situation is very bad now. My, Old Luo's, and Wang Kun's meaning is to finish this kid off; what is your intention?" Lin Dingli said with a fierce look in his eyes.

"Finish him off?"

"What are you thinking? The matter between you and Wu Jingzhong is known to the whole city now."

"Hong Zhiyou is working for the Madam and Jiang Jianfeng. It's highly likely that if we ask the US military to protect the island, he will be sent as a special envoy."

"If you move him at this time, the consequences will be more serious than assassinating the Generalissimo."

"If you want to die, don't drag me into it," Peng Mengji scolded unhappily.

"By the way, what are your plans for that batch of goods?" After a pause, he asked.

"Wang Kun advised me to sell it, or hand it over to a subordinate to transport it to another place and distribute it in pieces. Do you have any instructions?" Lin Dingli said.

"Sigh, we should hold it for a while longer; maybe the price will rise a bit more."

"Wang Kun is right."

"We should sell it early. Now Jiang Jianfeng and Mao Renfeng are investigating this batch of materials. If they find it, it will be troublesome. Losing money is small; I'm afraid we'll lose our heads," Peng Mengji frowned, pretending to be very troubled.

"Can't even you cover it?" Lin Dingli asked.

"Jiang Jianfeng ordered it; unless I rebel, what else can I do?" Peng Mengji shrugged and smiled bitterly.

"Fine."

"Then tonight, to avoid long nights and many dreams," Lin Dingli didn't doubt him and sighed.

"Keep the movement small and be concealed," Peng Mengji said.

"Understood."

"I'm leaving first," Lin Dingli said.

"Wait, just call Old Luo to handle it; don't go yourself. In case something goes wrong, if you are here with me, I can testify for you," Peng Mengji said with great concern.

"That's fine."

"I'll make a call to order a meal, and we'll have a good drink tonight."

"Hehe."

"Old Lin is dead; his share must be 20,000 or 30,000 US dollars, which just happens to be cheap for us," Lin Dingli laughed dryly.

Peng Mengji's heart went cold.

Hong Zhiyou was right; bullshit brotherhood, Lin Zaigun had saved Lin Dingli's life back then.

If he could say such things, how could he be any better to himself?

It was only because he had guns in his hands and was the Security Commander.

Otherwise, he would have been kicked out long ago.

Damn it.

Since Lin Dingli is unrighteous, don't blame him for being unrighteous.

Sell it!

"That's right, US dollars are hard to earn now, and we can be considered to have benefited from Hong Zhiyou's shot."

"I'll go get some good wine, and we won't stop until we're drunk tonight."

"You call Old Luo now and have him get it done," Peng Mengji also laughed with a worldly look.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 344 =====

Sold!

"That's right, US dollars are hard to come by these days; we can consider ourselves to have benefited from that shot fired by Hong Zhiyou."

"I'll go get a few bottles of good liquor; tonight we won't stop until we're drunk."

"You call Old Luo now and have him get it done."

Peng Mengji also smiled with a look of mercenary greed.

……

(End of chapter)