Chapter 353

In the bathroom.

Hong Hong Zhiyou was deep in thought while taking a shower.

Unlike the history before the liberation, he had many reference films and materials from his previous life, and he could recite details about figures like Shen Zui, Dai Li, and Mao Mao Renfeng like the back of his hand.

But regarding Wandao, especially during the White Terror, Hong Hong Zhiyou had barely paid any attention and didn't have many sources of reference.

At this moment, he was also completely in the dark.

He only roughly knew that the Work Committee here was incompetent and was setting up armed bases.

The first person in charge of the Work Committee, Chai Qian, eventually defected, almost destroying the entire underground organization. The Secret Service arrested and killed as many as a thousand people, and the yellow earth at Machangding was stained red with blood.

Among those who sacrificed themselves was Deputy Minister Wu Wu Zhiqing.

Chai Qian should be "Old Zheng."

Chen Da was his deputy and had already been arrested; Chai Qian was very likely the next one.

To save the Work Committee, he had to strike first and eliminate this person.

The trouble was that Hong Hong Zhiyou had no idea where people like Chai Qian and Zhang Wencheng were active or where they lived.

It would probably be very difficult to find him in a short time.

Moreover, Chai Qian had participated in the Long March and served as the Minister of the Enemy Work Department during the War of Resistance, possessing a brilliant resume.

He was an old, experienced comrade with firm beliefs and rich struggle experience in the eyes of the Huadong Bureau, and even people like Yu Zecheng and Deputy Minister Wu.

If he acted too aggressively and made a move before Chai Qian was arrested,

Chai Qian would truly become a martyr and a hero.

And he himself would be labeled as an assassin of the Wandao Work Committee leader, a proper lackey and running dog of the Secret Service, and he wouldn't be able to clear his name even if he tried.

Not only that, Mao Mao Renfeng and Jiang Jianfeng's informants were everywhere; once they discovered he had eliminated the "prize" they dreamed of, wouldn't they kill him?

Sigh.

Sometimes knowing too much is also annoying.

It's hard to act either way.

For this kind of situation, Hong Hong Zhiyou usually did his best and left the rest to fate, never letting himself suffer or fall into danger.

First, find Chai Qian secretly.

When the timing is right, let Yu Zecheng tip off Deputy Minister Wu.

Having made up his mind, he completely put this matter aside.

Secret Service.

Mao Mao Wanli walked into the office and closed the door behind him:

"Big Brother, Hong Hong Zhiyou is back."

"Hmm, I know. The newspapers have been blowing it up for days. The old man is going to carry the sedan chair for this kid; he's the next Shen Zui," Mao Mao Renfeng said, rubbing his chin and sighing helplessly.

"This guy really has some tricks."

"Even the aid and grain that the Madame couldn't handle, he managed to pry out of MacArthur's hands with just his words," Mao Mao Wanli said.

"Indeed."

"Kong Kong Lingkan is also a waste. I tipped him off, but not only did he fail to handle Hong Hong Zhiyou, he even got Wu Wu Fangzhi and Ikeda Sugi involved."

"The Madame is very angry now, but there's nothing she can do about him."

"I used to think Hong Hong Zhiyou relied on Wu Wu Jingzhong, but now I can only say we all misjudged him."

"This kid is our true thorn in the side."

"With him now, Jiang Jianfeng has both money and prestige; the situation is very unfavorable for us," Mao Mao Renfeng said.

"According to feedback from our underground intelligence in Tokyo."

"Hong Hong Zhiyou once secretly met with Rong Bin of the Xiangdao Rong Group."

"The Rong family is pro-Red."

"And the Rong family also has shares in Hong Hong Zhiyou's shipyard. Isn't this all evidence of his collusion?"

Mao Mao Wanli frowned.

"What kind of evidence is that?"

"Businessmen pursue profit; his investment in the Rong family to build a shipyard is understandable."

"Do you think those old men don't know?"

"As long as he is still working for Jiang Jianfeng and can create value, no one will care even if he sells rice to Beiping."

"Our focus is still Yu Zecheng."

"As long as we can get him, and then drag Wu Wu Jingzhong into the water, once the media exposes it, even if Hong Hong Zhiyou doesn't die, it will be very hard for him to gain a foothold on Wandao."

Mao Mao Renfeng said coldly.

"Hmm, it's just that Chen Da has a very tough mouth and refuses to confess."

"He is the Deputy Director of the Wandao General Work Committee."

"It's impossible that he doesn't know Old Zheng. No matter what, we must make him talk."

Mao Mao Wanli said with a murderous look.

"Is Qin Qin Shuangcheng still here?" Mao Mao Renfeng suddenly thought.

"This dog traitor was protected by Zheng Zheng Jiemin after he identified Ma Kui in Jinhai, and was brought along during the retreat. He's currently staying in the prison," Mao Mao Wanli said.

"Release him and transfer him to the interrogation room."

"At all costs, make sure this guy talks."

Mao Mao Renfeng ordered.

"Yes!" Mao Mao Wanli accepted the order.

Shilin Official Residence.

The Generalissimo, dressed in a long gown and horse jacket, was walking in the back garden with Jiang Jianfeng.

"Father, I received news that Hong Hong Zhiyou is very close to the Rong family in Xiangdao..." Jiang Jianfeng said, walking half a step behind.

"It was Mao Mao Renfeng who tipped you off, right?"

"People are mostly jealous; they wish for you to have trouble at home so you'd cut off your own hands and feet."

"When Du Yuming was in the Northeast, Chen Cheng kept blowing wind in my ear, and with all the shifting around, the deployment was completely disrupted, eventually leading to a total defeat."

"Thinking about it now, if we hadn't listened to slander in the Northeast and Ludong and hadn't interfered excessively with Du Yuming, perhaps the battle wouldn't have turned out like this."

"Now that the US military is unwilling to support us, it's difficult to launch a counterattack in the short term with just the troops on the island."

"Focusing on the economy and maintaining stability is the top priority."

"Even if Hong Hong Zhiyou is a secret line for the Reds, there isn't much intelligence to leak to him on this small island; on the contrary, he has brought us unimaginable benefits."

"His merits far outweigh his faults."

"You can turn a blind eye and not listen to idle gossip."

"Besides, he is a businessman, and his family is all in Xiangdao, so he can't afford to offend the local powers. Some pretense is understandable."

"The Reds certainly need to be investigated, but we shouldn't be suspicious of every shadow."

"I've said it before, as long as the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, I allow, and even welcome, Hong Hong Zhiyou to take some advantage."

"People, after all, are profit-driven."

"Whether it's 10-90, 20-80, or even 30-70, we are ultimately the ones benefiting, which is far better than the Kong and Song families taking money from the Americans with their left hand and dumping it back into North American estates with their right."

The smile on the Generalissimo's face was clearly more frequent than in the past.

"Father is wise. You seem to be in a good mood today." Jiang Jianfeng hadn't seen his father smile in a long time.

"With money and grain, there is no panic in the heart."

"Furthermore, it's also seeing your gratifying growth."

The Generalissimo said, his eyes full of expectation.

"Generalissimo, Director, Hong Hong Zhiyou has arrived." Yu Yu Jishi walked in and respectfully reminded them.

"Jiang Jianfeng, go and welcome him."

"Be courteous to the virtuous!"

The Generalissimo ordered.

"Yes, Father." Jiang Jianfeng walked briskly to the entrance.

The car stopped steadily.

Security personnel stepped forward to conduct a thorough inspection.

Seeing that the search was about done, Jiang Jianfeng walked over and waved his hand, saying: "No need, Secretary Hong is not an outsider."

"Director, how could I dare to trouble you," Hong Hong Zhiyou said respectfully.

"You are a hero of the Party-State, and you are my man."

"This is nothing."

Jiang Jianfeng laughed heartily.

"When you see Father later, be cautious in your words and actions, especially regarding cross-strait matters." He reminded him in a low voice as they walked.

They arrived inside.

The Generalissimo was sitting on the sofa.

"Subordinate greets the Generalissimo." Hong Hong Zhiyou stepped forward and gave a military salute.

"Young and promising!"

"Take a seat."

The Generalissimo sat down at the dining table first.

The meal was a simple six dishes and one soup.

"Hong Zhiyou, the Generalissimo usually has three dishes and one soup; today, three meat dishes were added especially for your arrival," Jiang Jianfeng laughed.

Hong Hong Zhiyou, who had just sat down, hurriedly stood up again and said:

"What virtue or ability does this subordinate have to deserve such special honor?"

"You deserve it, you deserve it." The Generalissimo pressed his hand down, signaling him to sit.

After a brief commendation.

The Generalissimo signaled for the meal to begin.

Hong Hong Zhiyou didn't deliberately act reserved; he picked up his bowl and chopsticks and began to eat heartily.

After a few bites, he put down his bowl and chopsticks, looking slightly embarrassed, and apologized:

"Generalissimo, Director, this subordinate was poor since childhood and developed the rude habit of eating quickly."

"Furthermore, in Shanghu, I was favored by the Director, whom I regard as an elder brother and family, and the Director spoiled me, so my eating habits became even more undisciplined."

"Today, in the presence of the leader, it is truly reckless and lacks decorum."

"I ask the Generalissimo to punish me."

Jiang Jianfeng nodded and explained with a smile: "Father, he does indeed eat like this; he is quite similar to me."

"I was hungry in the Soviet Union in the past, and I also developed the habit of wolfing down my food."

"I still haven't changed it to this day."

This sincere scene was seen by the Generalissimo, who felt quite gratified.

Everyone who came here was usually overly respectful.

Hong Hong Zhiyou's rare display of his true self showed he was a genuine person.

"No matter, you are young people; you should take care of your health outside of work," the Generalissimo said in a very indifferent tone, showing no emotion.

Except for picking up his chopsticks at the start of the meal, he spent most of the time asking questions.

Such as MacArthur's attitude and stance.

Especially when he heard that MacArthur intended to reignite the war and get involved in the Northeast, the old man was very excited and even broke precedent by having Jiang Jianfeng pour him a glass of red wine.

"Hong Zhiyou, your mission to Tokyo this time was very fruitful."

"In your opinion, will MacArthur really fight?" The Generalissimo's tone became much more intimate.

"This person has great ambition; the possibility of the US military entering the peninsula is very high," Hong Hong Zhiyou answered truthfully.

"If the US military enters and the Reds are drawn into the war, the defense pressure on our Jinmen area will be greatly reduced, which is also an excellent opportunity for a counterattack."

"Father, Heaven is helping us."

Jiang Jianfeng said happily.

Hong Hong Zhiyou was speechless.

Are you all being too superstitious about the US military?

"Hmm, it is indeed a rare opportunity."

"Some time ago, Zhang Qun and I were discussing a question. Since it's a family dinner today, I'll test you both."

"A North American congressman is in secret talks with the Madame, wanting to persuade me to declare independence and build a nation, in order to obtain more aid."

"What do you think?"

The Generalissimo looked at the two of them, his eyes deep, making it hard to fathom his true attitude.

Jiang Jianfeng decided to play it safe, "Hong Zhiyou, you speak."

"Yes, Director."

"I believe this move harbors malicious intent."

"The two sides are brothers connected by blood and origin; the dispute over political views and the struggle between left and right is a family matter."

"Once independence is declared, that is creating a split."

"It will definitely be nailed to the pillar of historical shame."

Hong Hong Zhiyou put down his chopsticks and said righteously.

The Generalissimo's face immediately darkened.

Jiang Jianfeng remained silent.

Hong Hong Zhiyou continued generously: "Generalissimo, what I just said is known to everyone."

"But independence has three harms."

"First, most officers, soldiers, and their families came from the mainland; their roots and relatives are on the other side, and they think about returning every moment."

"If we declare independence, it undoubtedly severs their attachment to their homeland, which is not conducive to unity and would be very dangerous."

"Second, if we become independent."

"The two sides will be mortal enemies, the war situation will become more intense, and there will be no possibility of talks."

"After completely severing ties with the mainland, the future economy will lose a naturally close and huge market, becoming too dependent on US aid."

"In this way, the US side will completely control and hollow out the Party-State. By then, will this island listen to the Generalissimo, or to Truman? Or perhaps to the Kong and Song families?"

"Independence means the destruction of the Party and the people."

"It has no benefit to the people or ourselves."

"I hope the Generalissimo and the Director will be cautious."

After Hong Hong Zhiyou finished speaking, he looked at the two silent men.

The Generalissimo tapped his cane and stood up to leave without saying a word.

Jiang Jianfeng looked at Hong Hong Zhiyou with a very unpleasant expression.

With things said to this point, there was no need to continue the conversation.

Hong Hong Zhiyou and Jiang Jianfeng walked out of the residence.

"Hong Zhiyou, your words are also my meaning; the two sides are one family, that is the premise."

"It is also the capital we have to negotiate with the Americans."

Jiang Jianfeng walked down the steps with his hands behind his back, feeling relaxed.

"Director is wise, but the Generalissimo seems a bit unhappy. Did I say something wrong?" Hong Hong Zhiyou asked in a low voice.

"No."

"Father has aged a bit in recent years, but he isn't completely muddled."

"He is just angry at the Madame and sulking."

"Sigh, the Madame always favors outsiders, and the Kong and Song families are still not satisfied after taking so much money; it's truly excessive," Jiang Jianfeng sighed.

"By the way, Father has appointed me as the Director of the Data Group of the Presidential Office, directly managing intelligence systems like the Secret Service and the Security Command."

"Mao Mao Renfeng has achieved quite a few results in intelligence warfare recently."

"And I am busy preparing for the General Political Department."

"You need to keep an eye on this."

"I will appoint you as the Chief of the Action Division of the Data Group, coordinating with Mao Mao Renfeng to find that 'Old Zheng.' Remember, you must find this person before him and grasp first-hand intelligence."

"This will be a major case that shocks both sides of the strait."

"Whether the Data Group can make a name for itself depends on you."

Jiang Jianfeng instructed solemnly.

"I lack manpower," Hong Hong Zhiyou said.

"You can use your own people; if that's not enough, you can transfer people from the Security Department and the Wanbei Police Bureau," Jiang Jianfeng said.

"Subordinate will definitely not fail the mission," Hong Hong Zhiyou accepted the order.

He knew that from this moment on, he had officially stepped into the core layer of the intelligence system and had the right to go head-to-head with Mao Mao Renfeng.

Zhishanyan Secret Service Headquarters.

Qin Qin Shuangcheng, thin as a rail and with hair mostly gray, wearing an ill-fitting suit, arrived at Mao Mao Renfeng's office like a paper cutout: "Greeting Director Mao."

"Qin Shuangcheng."

"You are a veteran of the secret agent system. This time, I've transferred you to the Interrogation Section because I want to ask you to help me interrogate someone."

"This person is the Deputy Director of the Red Work Committee, named Chen Da."

"No matter what, you must pry open his mouth and find the general person in charge of the Work Committee, codenamed 'Old Zheng'."

Mao Mao Renfeng tapped the table and ordered.

"Director, rest assured."

"There is no mouth in this world that I cannot pry open," Qin Qin Shuangcheng said coldly.

"Very good."

"From now on, all personnel in the Interrogation Section will be under your command."

"If there is anything, you can report to the Investigation and Defense Group at any time... no, report to Director Mao of the Confidential Secretariat."

Mao Mao Renfeng thought for a moment; this matter was too important, his sixth brother was more reliable.

"Good."

"I'll go prepare first," Qin Qin Shuangcheng accepted the order efficiently and left.

"Big Brother, do you not trust even Section Chief Gu and Ye Ye Xiangzhi?" Mao Mao Wanli was somewhat puzzled.

"It's not that I don't trust them."

"It's just that this matter is too important."

"The Madame is lobbying the Generalissimo to establish a nation. Once the Generalissimo agrees, he will surely rely more on the Madame in the future, and there might even be a large number of US troops stationed on the island."

"I am now the sharp sword in the Madame's hand."

"As long as this shot is successful, I can gain more political chips in the future."

"Doesn't Jiang Jianfeng's bullshit Data Group like to point fingers?"

"They'll have their share of trouble then."

Mao Mao Renfeng said coldly.

He had finally managed to outlast Dai Li and send Zheng Zheng Jiemin away, sitting on the throne of the intelligence system.

Jiang Jianfeng hadn't achieved anything for years, and now he wanted to pick the ready-made peaches.

Not a chance.

"Gu Gu Zhengwen and Ye Ye Xiangzhi are certainly usable, but you need to personally sit in command throughout the whole process."

"Also, be on guard against Jiang Jianfeng's people."

Mao Mao Renfeng reminded him again.

"Big Brother, who will Jiang Jianfeng send?"

"Zheng Zheng Jiemin and Tang Zong, those two old foxes, certainly won't come to get involved in this muddy water. Besides them, who is qualified to go head-to-head with you, Big Brother?" Mao Mao Wanli asked, puzzled.

"Isn't there one ready-made?"

"Major General Hong Hong Zhiyou!"

"In the past, whoever could get a meal from Boss Dai was enough to walk sideways in the Military Statistics Bureau."

"Now the Generalissimo is hosting him personally."

"The man has achieved great merit, and even Chen Cheng is helping to carry his sedan chair; his prestige is very high."

"Plus, the Jinhai Station has always been at odds with us. Isn't this the most suitable candidate?"

Mao Mao Renfeng put his left hand behind his back, held up his index finger, and said with certainty.

"This kid is indeed very cunning and hard to deal with," Mao Mao Wanli frowned.

"I'm waiting for him."

"Hong Hong Zhiyou will be promoted tomorrow morning. As long as Qin Qin Shuangcheng can take down Chen Da before Hong Hong Zhiyou comes to the Secret Service station."

"We can lead him into the pit."

"Perhaps we can even fish out the big fish, Yu Zecheng."

Mao Mao Renfeng smiled and discussed the specific response strategy with Mao Mao Wanli.

"Great."

"Big Brother's move is simply brilliant. No matter how cunning that Hong fellow is, he won't escape Big Brother's calculations," Mao Mao Wanli praised him vigorously after hearing it.

"Alright, have Qin Qin Shuangcheng intensify the interrogation," Mao Mao Renfeng ordered.

The next day.

Bashengyuan Conference Hall.

Jiang Jianfeng personally conferred the rank of Major General upon Hong Hong Zhiyou.

Wu Wu Jingzhong sat below, clapping while feeling a hundred different emotions.

The little brat.

He kept saying he didn't want to be an official.

Thinking of Boss Dai and himself, they had struggled for a lifetime and were only Major Generals.

It had only been a few years, and 26-year-old Hong Hong Zhiyou was already a General.

Even more majestic than Shen Zui was back then.

What was even more depressing was that this kid had transformed into the Chief of the Action Division of the Data Group, supervising the Secret Service's anti-espionage operations—a proper imperial envoy.

Even he had to listen to his orders now.

Sigh.

Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west.

The future belonged to the young.

After the rank conferment, Hong Hong Zhiyou left Bashengyuan and got into his car.

"Mao Mao Renfeng has brought out that torturer, Qin Qin Shuangcheng," Wu Wu Jingzhong reminded him with his arms crossed.

"Teacher, when did this happen?" Hong Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Yesterday at noon, Mao Mao Wanli went to pick him up personally," Wu Wu Jingzhong said.

"It's been almost twenty-four hours."

"With Qin Qin Shuangcheng's methods, Chen Da probably couldn't withstand the interrogation and has already confessed," Yu Zecheng, who was driving, frowned.

"No rush."

"I'll go to the Secret Service to probe first."

Hong Hong Zhiyou said in a deep voice.

(End of chapter)