Chapter 354: Killing the Heart by Murdering the Reputation: The Jiang Clan is Poisonous!

"President Sun?"

"Which President Sun?"

Hong Zhiyou had been waiting for exactly these words; he turned around and asked with a smile.

"Of course, President Sun Ke!"

"Selling at a thirty percent discount—are you trying to eat into President Sun's money too?" Wang Lie said.

Hong Zhiyou knew he had to leave an escape route for Sun Ke.

He looked at Wang Chunzhe: "Boss Wang, is that how it is?"

"Fool!"

"Shut your mouth."

Wang Chunzhe, however, knew he had caused a massive disaster; after scolding Wang Lie with a deathly pale face, he turned to Hong Zhiyou:

"Secretary Hong, my foolish son has had too much to drink and is spouting nonsense; please, you must not take it seriously.

"This batch of goods was hoarded by me, Wang.

"It has absolutely nothing to do with President Sun."

He hurriedly took the matter upon himself.

"Father!

"What are you afraid of? We handle business and make money for others, and now that an outsider has come knocking, must we still hide like shrinking turtles?" Wang Lie's hot temper flared up, and he roared.

"Hong Zhiyou, this batch of goods belongs to President Sun.

"At market price, are you buying or not?"

He pointed at Hong Zhiyou and said.

"Boss Wang, who should I listen to?" Hong Zhiyou looked at Wang Chunzhe.

"No.

"Absolutely not, it was hoarded by me, Wang.

"How about this, a thirty percent discount it is.

"I can sign the contract right now."

Wang Chunzhe panicked and said hurriedly.

"Don't.

"If it belongs to President Sun, I wouldn't dare accept it.

"I will go back and ask the Director for instructions before making a final decision."

Hong Zhiyou raised a hand to stop him.

"The photo was taken well."

He patted Wang Lie on the shoulder and walked away with a cold laugh.

"Bastard!"

Wang Lie was so angry his lungs felt like they were about to explode.

Before he could react, Wang Chunzhe slapped him across the face, sending him stumbling:

"You idiot.

"Who told you to sell out President Sun?" he roared, his face deathly pale.

"It's his own goods; he couldn't negotiate with Jianfeng, so he asked us to cover the cost—what kind of ability is that?" Wang Lie said, unconvinced.

"Sigh."

Wang Chunzhe slumped into his chair, looking at his pampered, hot-tempered, and stupid son, and couldn't help but let out a deep sigh.

"Hurry up and eat." He picked up his chopsticks.

"You still have the heart to eat? I have no appetite," Wang Lie said unhappily.

"Eat.

"After this meal, who knows if there will be a next one."

Wang Chunzhe picked up a piece of fish and began to eat while holding his bowl.

"You, you've spent too much time with Kong Lingkan, you can't handle the slightest setback, and you can't see many things clearly.

"The problem is, Kong Lingkan has Lady Jiang behind him.

"His goods might very well have a share belonging to Lady Jiang.

"And you? Who do you have?

"Sun Ke!

"But don't forget, it was the Generalissimo who sent Jianfeng to Shanghai this time.

"Nominally, it's to let Jianfeng save the market, but look at how the Central Bank is using sheets of cheap colored paper to scrape up the gold and silver of the common people, frantically shipping it to Wandao—can you still not see it clearly?

"What 'fighting tigers to save the market'?

"The Generalissimo is just finding ways to scrape up money to secure his own escape route.

"Right now, John Leighton Stuart and Albert Wedemeyer are bombarding the incompetence and corruption of the Jiang government in newspapers and Congress every day; Truman is becoming increasingly dissatisfied with Jiang, and his patience is about to run out.

"Li Zongren is also pressing step by step in his capacity as Vice President.

"In my opinion, it's hard to say how much longer our President Jiang can sit in that chair.

"He can no longer scrape anything from the common people, so he has placed the butcher's knife directly against our necks, using tricks to swindle the little gold and silver left in the people's pockets.

"Using our resources to exchange for his pile of waste paper to turn into gold and silver.

"From Weng Wenhao and Wang Yunwu at the top, down to Jianfeng, they are all being used as his guns.

"Brilliant."

Wang Chunzhe laughed sarcastically, then raised his wine glass and drained it in one gulp.

"Father, Sun... President Sun is the Generalissimo's confidant; he owns the majority of this batch of goods, he won't just ignore it, right?" Wang Lie said.

"Hard to say.

"You shouldn't have exposed President Sun today.

"Some things, once spoken aloud, will get people killed."

Wang Chunzhe said, frowning.

"Father, I think you're making a mountain out of a molehill.

"You already agreed to sell at a thirty percent discount, which is giving Jianfeng immense face; he should be grateful and indebted, how could he possibly move against us?" Wang Lie waved his hand, refusing to believe such nonsense.

"I hope so.

"But you had better be careful; you offended Hong Zhiyou today.

"Since he was able to make his way through Jinmen, I imagine he has some methods."

Wang Chunzhe nodded, then reminded him again.

"Father, don't forget this is Shanghai.

"With dozens of lives on the line, it's already generous of me not to settle scores with him.

"If he really wanted to cause trouble, he wouldn't have left after hearing the name Sun Ke; clearly, he was intimidated."

Wang Lie said dismissively.

"Sigh."

Wang Chunzhe let out a long sigh.

He always had an ominous premonition in his heart; he feared this hurdle would not be easy to cross.

Office.

Hong Zhiyou walked in.

"Are you alright?" Jianfeng looked him over with concern.

"Thank you for your concern, Director.

"I am fine," Hong Zhiyou said hurriedly.

"Long Tao just came to report that Wang Lie and his father really did make a move against Miss Zhou.

"Outrageous!

"Anyone who dares to threaten my people must be dealt with."

Jianfeng slapped the table and said angrily.

A hint of warmth appeared in Hong Zhiyou's eyes, and he hurriedly took a miniature tape recorder out of his briefcase:

"Director, I have already obtained the evidence."

As he spoke, he pressed the play button.

Jianfeng's expression changed drastically after listening; he pointed at the ceiling and said irritably:

"These dog thieves hoard goods to drive up prices and undermine the foundation of our Party and State, and they even dare to slander the Father; if I don't kill them, it will be hard to quell the hatred in my heart."

It wasn't slander; it was the truth.

The Generalissimo's move was ruthless, and the common people were truly easy to fool.

By using the Gold Yuan notes as this final wave of resuscitation, he had almost wiped out the last bit of the nation's foundation, to the point where it couldn't recover for many years to come.

"Director, please calm your anger," Hong Zhiyou hurriedly offered him tea.

"The evidence is conclusive.

"And the face to be saved for President Sun has also been preserved."

"In my opinion, to prevent any complications, you should immediately lead Long Tao and arrest them."

"Confiscate their assets, hold a public trial, and execute them by firing squad."

A cold glint of murderous intent flashed in Jiang Jianfeng's eyes as he made a decisive judgment.

"Yes!" Hong Zhiyou accepted the order.

The Wang residence.

Wang Chunzhe had just fallen asleep.

He heard knocking at the door outside: "Master, Master, something has happened."

Dazed, Wang Chunzhe threw on his clothes, got out of bed, and opened the door:

"What happened?"

"Our warehouse has been raided by the Inspection Brigade," the butler said, his face full of anxiety.

"What!"

Wang Chunzhe was so angry he nearly spat out a mouthful of blood.

He had thought Hong Zhiyou would give Sun Ke some face and that there would be room for further negotiation; he hadn't expected the move to be so swift.

"Quick."

Wang Chunzhe rushed back into the room, wanting to make a phone call.

Only to find that the line had been cut; he couldn't contact Sun Ke at all.

"Where is Wang Lie?" he shouted.

"It seems he went to the Great World to drink with Kong Shao," the butler said.

"With Kong Shao..." Wang Chunzhe felt slightly more at ease.

"Prepare the car immediately; we are going to Jingling to find President Sun."

He made his decision at once.

Before he could even pack, noisy footsteps echoed in the courtyard.

Long Tao led a team of men, looking murderous, and blocked the courtyard.

"Boss Wang, come with me."

Long Tao waved his hand.

Bang!

The suitcase in Wang Chunzhe's hand dropped to the ground.

The Great World.

The saxophone played melodiously.

Enchanting dancers twisted their bodies wildly, and the place was filled with the stench of money and debauchery.

Kong Lingkan and Wang Lie drank red wine, enjoying this moment of luxury and prosperity.

Clang.

The main door was pushed open heavily.

Hong Zhiyou led dozens of guards inside.

The cold glint of the soldiers' firearms and the intense killing aura quickly caused a commotion in the hall.

"Who are you? Do you know where this is?"

The lobby manager walked over, his arrogance flaring.

The era of Lu Xiaojia was long gone; nowadays, the Shanghai Bund was run by Young Master Kong.

Even if Tang Enbo came, he wouldn't dare to smash up the place so casually.

"Get lost."

Hong Zhiyou showed his credentials directly.

Once the manager saw the Management Committee's seal, he instantly went mute and retreated honestly to the side.

Nowadays, Jiang Jianfeng's prestige was at its peak; even the son of the Great World's boss, Du, had been thrown into prison. Who would dare provoke these gods of death?

"Kong Shao, Hong Zhiyou is here," Wang Lie said in a low voice.

"Let him come. Do you think I'm afraid of him?"

Kong Lingkan remained as steady as Mount Tai, holding a cigar between his fingers and pointing at the people on the stage:

"What are you panicking about? Keep playing the music, keep singing."

"Kong Shao has refined tastes," Hong Zhiyou said as he walked over, smiling.

"Of course."

"The sky isn't falling, so naturally, one should eat and drink as usual."

"It's better than some people who run around the Shanghai Bund like mad dogs, barking all day. Why bother?"

"Would you like a drink?"

Kong Lingkan swirled his wine glass and sneered.

Hong Zhiyou had no interest in a war of words with him; he smiled slightly, looked at Wang Lie, and produced the warrant signed by Jiang Jianfeng:

"Wang Lie, you are suspected of hoarding and reselling controlled materials. Come with us."

Wang Lie trembled all over, his previous arrogance gone.

It was with this very warrant that Du Weiping had been taken away from the hands of over a thousand Green Gang members.

Jiang Jianfeng's iron fist was no joke.

"He—they are framing me, this is a setup."

"Kong Shao, you have to help me."

The wine glass in Wang Lie's hand shook violently as he looked at Kong Lingkan with pleading eyes.

"Hong Zhiyou."

"Give me some face. I'll talk to my cousin about this later; let Wang Lie go for now."

Kong Lingkan sat with his legs crossed, speaking arrogantly.

"Sorry, I don't know you, and you have no face here," Hong Zhiyou said, not indulging him at all.

He hooked a finger: "Take him away."

Soldiers immediately stepped forward to forcibly take Wang Lie away.

"I'd like to see how you plan to take him away."

Kong Lingkan's anger flared, and he smashed his wine glass hard onto the floor.

Instantly.

Seven or eight of his burly bodyguards drew their pistols and aimed them at Hong Zhiyou in unison.

"How do I plan to take him?"

Hong Zhiyou smiled, stepped forward, and grabbed Wang Lie by the collar.

"Kong Shao, save, save me!" Wang Lie screamed.

"Damn it, today I..."

Just as Kong Lingkan was about to explode, he heard a crisp "horse whistle" from the corner.

He saw Luo Si smiling and raising a glass to him.

Kong Lingkan, who had wanted to act recklessly like his second sister and take the opportunity to shoot Hong Zhiyou, trembled and instantly sobered up.

"Kong Shao."

"The Shanghai Bund hasn't been peaceful lately; get some rest early."

Hong Zhiyou winked at him with a smile, and under Kong Lingkan's murderous gaze, he dragged Wang Lie out by his tie like a dog.

Damn it!

Kong Lingkan watched helplessly as Hong Zhiyou and his party walked out the door.

Bang!

He violently flipped the table and glared fiercely at Luo Si: "Let's go."

Luo Si shrugged and downed the rest of his drink.

Then, he followed closely behind.

Jiang Jianfeng's blade was swift.

Wang Chunzhe and his son were publicly tried the next day and executed by firing squad on the spot.

In the Shanghai Bund, who didn't know that the Wang father and son were closely connected to Sun Ke?

First, it was the Green Gang young master Du Weiping.

Now, it was the Wang father and son.

The wealthy merchants finally saw the determination and methods of the Jiang family's crown prince.

Everyone stopped worrying about losses and scrambled to sell their grain at a thirty percent discount at the registration office; the situation of skyrocketing prices in the Shanghai Bund was brought under stable and effective control for the time being.

Jingling.

Executive Yuan office.

The secretary walked in quickly: "Dean, the news from Shanghu is confirmed; Jiang Jianfeng has executed Wang Chunzhe and his son, and confiscated all of the Wang family's assets and hoarded supplies."

"What!"

"This Jiang Jianfeng, has he gone mad?"

"He doesn't dare bite the Song family, Chen Cheng, or Mao Renfeng, yet he actually chooses to operate on me."

"Does he really think I am made of clay?"

Sun Ke, who was working at his desk, slammed the table and stood up upon hearing this.

He had known about the news of Wang Chunzhe's arrest long ago, and had even deliberately made a phone call to hint that Jiang Jianfeng should be careful with his investigation.

He had not expected this brat to actually carry out an immediate execution.

This was completely giving him no face at all.

"Secretary Liu, prepare yourself; I am flying to Shanghu," Sun Ke said coldly.

As for the people, Jiang Jianfeng had already killed them, and they could not be brought back to life.

But as for the seized property, more than half of it was what Wang Chunzhe had accumulated on his behalf; how could it be turned over to the national treasury?

Just as he stood up, his guard walked in again:

"Dean Sun, Jiang Jianfeng has sent you a letter from Shanghu; please check it."

"A letter?" Sun Ke frowned as he took it.

What could there be that couldn't be said over a telegram or phone call, that it had to be written in a letter?

He opened it, and inside was a cassette tape and a sheet of letter paper.

"You all go out first."

Sun Ke instructed.

Once there were no outsiders left, he walked to the corner, put the tape into the recorder, and pressed play.

From within came the conversation between Wang Chunzhe, his son, and Hong Zhiyou.

After listening.

He was so angry that he slapped the table repeatedly, and his vision began to darken.

"These two idiots, they deserved to die," Sun Ke cursed.

In their conversation with Hong Zhiyou, the two not only pointed fingers at and slandered the Chairman, but also publicly claimed that the batch of supplies was hoarded by themselves.

This was simply a catastrophic disaster.

Fighting tigers and investigating hoarding were the Chairman's personal directives.

For him, as the Dean of the Executive Yuan, to take the lead in hoarding supplies and acting as a backer—if this were to fall into the hands of Li Zongren, it would be a political disaster that would implicate the Chairman.

Immediately after, he opened the letter again:

"The Wang father and son slandered you; Jiang Jianfeng knows deeply that you are a pillar of the nation, possessing the legacy of Mr. Sun, and would never have such acts that harm the country and the people."

"Behind them, there must be someone with malicious intent instigating this, wanting to use the situation to frame you, destroy the unity of the party and state, and sow discord between your friendship and mine."

"Therefore, the only way is to cut the Gordian knot quickly to set the record straight."

"I hope you understand."

"Jiang Jianfeng!"

After reading the letter, Sun Ke slumped into his leather chair like a defeated rooster, cold sweat seeping from his forehead.

With this tape, let alone asking for his things back, he didn't even have the face to see Jiang Jianfeng.

Who told him to be the son of Mr. Sun?

Jiang Jianfeng had pinched his Achilles' heel, and the Jiang father and son had so righteously swallowed up his hundreds of thousands of dollars in assets.

Killing people, robbing money, and still wanting to destroy his spirit.

The Jiang father and son, how poisonous!

(End of chapter)