Chapter 361: Qian Bin Is Hard to Handle

Station Chief's office.

Wu Jingzhong raised his eyebrows slightly, and Hong Zhiyou immediately closed the door.

"Section Chief Xiao just called; Li Ya's death has been confirmed.

"This stubborn thorn in our side has finally been removed.

"Has Li Ya's home been searched?"

He asked with his hands behind his back.

"I already sent people to secretly search his home while Li Ya was on his way to the Xinxin Cafe.

"This guy collected quite a bit of intelligence unfavorable to you and Section Chief Yu.

"I have brought it all back.

"As for the office, Section Chief Yu has also finished copying the files there.

"It is all here.

"In his home and office, there are now only some investigation and wiretap records regarding the garrison, as well as a small portion of evidence that poses no threat to Section Chief Yu.

"I expect Bai Shiwei will soon send people to seal and archive them."

Hong Zhiyou pulled a thick stack of materials from his bag.

"Hmm.

"Leaving a small portion behind is the right move. In these chaotic times, if we dare to strike ruthlessly, Mao Renfeng is just as capable of striking ruthlessly against you and me.

"We must still handle matters on the surface cleanly so no one can find any leverage."

Wu Jingzhong nodded and said.

As he spoke, he took them and began to flip through them one by one.

"Why didn't you handle this privately? That would have been safer," Wu Jingzhong asked while flipping through the pages.

"A student like me would never dare to make such a decision on his own," Hong Zhiyou said with trepidation.

Wu Jingzhong's old trick of sending Li Ya to heaven had truly shocked him.

Especially when he saw that cold, sinister smile on old Wu's face in the rearview mirror at the time, it made Hong Zhiyou's hair stand on end.

Old Wu's specialty was making moves without a sound.

Being his opponent—

Thinking ten steps ahead is not necessarily enough; one must look a hundred or a thousand steps ahead.

Otherwise, you might end up dead without ever knowing who did it.

Keeping these documents privately or disposing of them rashly would carry the suspicion of trying to manipulate Wu Jingzhong, which could easily become a disaster.

If old Wu ever grew suspicious, this incident would become a catalyst for his distrust.

Hong Zhiyou had to nip such things in the bud.

After all, he still had several women to take to Xiangdao, so he had to be cautious.

Therefore, the closer it got to the time of departure for the island,

the more Hong Zhiyou needed to show respect, caution, and loyalty, giving old Wu a sufficient sense of security and control.

Rather than relying on his connections with the Americans and the Rong family to marginalize this father-in-law who still had an unquenched thirst for power.

Of course, there was another way: eliminate old Wu and completely remove the hidden danger.

But Hong Zhiyou felt there was no need for that.

First, there were Lele and Ruirui; the emotional ties and relationships were already there.

Second, old Wu's wisdom and connections would still be very beneficial in the future.

Moreover, everyone was a smart person; Hong Zhiyou believed that once such thoughts arose, the wily Wu Jingzhong would very likely notice and might even strike first to gain the advantage.

It is normal for a perfectly good family to have some suspicion.

But to reach the point of life-and-death confrontation, they were far from that stage.

"Hmm!

"What about that car?" Wu Jingzhong asked with a satisfied smile.

"The car belongs to the Pacification Headquarters; it was just imported from the Americans not long ago.

"It is enough to point the clues in that direction.

"If Bai Shiwei investigates all the way to Fu Zuoyi, Fu Zuoyi won't be willing to take the blame and will surely fly into a rage; then Bai Shiwei and Tang Zong will be asking for trouble.

"Whoever investigates this case will be the one to suffer," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Then let Bai Shiwei continue his investigation; he can investigate as long as he wants. By the time he finishes bickering with Fu Zuoyi, Jinhai City will likely have already been occupied," Wu Jingzhong said.

"What do you plan to do about that Gao Yuan and Li Guifen?" He sat down and continued to ask.

"Gao Yuan did well this time.

"The intelligence was exchanged in a timely manner.

"He didn't reveal any flaws; I think we should let him stay in the Action Team.

"Station business is heavy right now, and we need people to do the work."

Hong Zhiyou suggested.

"Good, then let him act as the head of the Action Team, and send those big shots under Mao Renfeng back to headquarters," Wu Jingzhong said.

"Understood," Hong Zhiyou accepted the order.

Police Bureau.

Detective Li Dong walked quickly into Bai Shiwei's office:

"Bureau Chief, that car has been traced."

"Speak," Bai Shiwei said.

"It is a car from the Beiping Pacification Headquarters; it is said to have been a gift from the Americans to Fu Zuoyi.

"The car went missing some time ago.

"We have also found the shell casings from the shooting; they look like those used by military rifles.

"Following this lead, it is highly likely that the military did it.

"We also found intelligence in Li Ya's home and office regarding his secret investigation into garrison corruption and smuggling.

"According to the Secret Service Bureau, Li Ya went to see Li Guifen precisely to obtain evidence of military corruption that Lu Qiaoshan had once possessed.

"Therefore, your subordinate deduces that Li Ya most likely died in retaliation from the upper echelons of the military."

Li Dong analyzed rigorously.

"What does Wu Jingzhong say?" Bai Shiwei asked.

"Wu Jingzhong says Li Ya reported directly to Mao Renfeng, so he is not privy to the inside story and it is inconvenient for him to conduct a thorough investigation, so he has left everything to us," Li Dong said.

"That old fox, he is afraid of Fu Zuoyi causing trouble, so he kicked the ball to us."

Bai Shiwei cursed loudly.

"Indeed.

"Even the Chairman has to defer to Fu Zuoyi now; the Red troops have pressed their heavy forces to the railway lines, and this is the critical moment of the war. To investigate Fu Zuoyi at this time is undoubtedly seeking one's own death.

"Bureau Chief, please be cautious."

Li Dong advised with an uneasy expression.

"Then drag it out," Bai Shiwei said.

"For how long?" Li Dong asked.

"As long as we can.

"Isn't he just a field officer? If he's dead, he's dead.

"This Li Ya had a terrible reputation and character; he offended the black market smugglers.

"If we are ever pushed into a corner, we'll just say the black market people did it.

"We'll just arrest a few people then to close the case."

Bai Shiwei waved his hand, dismissing the matter simply.

"The Bureau Chief is wise," Li Dong said, feeling as if a thousand-pound boulder had been lifted from his heart, and offered his flattery.

Jingling.

Secret Service Bureau Headquarters.

Mao Wanli walked into the office in a hurry.

"Sixth brother, why are you here?" Mao Renfeng, who had been resting with his eyes closed, opened them and said.

"Big brother, I heard Li Ya is dead?

"This is a good opportunity for us to strike at Jinhai," Mao Wanli said happily.

"You are overthinking it.

"I just received a call from Wu Jingzhong; the perpetrator was riding in a car from the Pacification Headquarters, and it was even a new imported North American Jeep," Mao Renfeng said.

"Even if the people from the Pacification Headquarters wanted to kill Li Ya, they wouldn't go so far as to drive a car with such high visibility, would they?

"It is obvious there is a trick here.

"Someone is deliberately framing the Pacification Headquarters; we must investigate even more,"

Mao Wanli said.

"Fool."

"Whether this is a grand scheme or a hidden plot by Wu Jingzhong, we cannot afford to provoke him."

"It would be fine if you didn't investigate."

"But you insist on investigating."

"Even if he isn't a man of the Garrison Headquarters, he will become one if you take action."

"Do not underestimate Wu Jingzhong."

"The old fox has connections reaching the heavens and is deeply entrenched in the Pingjin region."

"Ma Hansan, Qiao Jiecai, and even Jiang Jianfeng have all fallen, yet he alone remains unshaken; even Tang Zong, that shameless wretch who loves to tattle, speaks well of him."

"When I last met with the Generalissimo, I intentionally hinted that there might be problems at Wu Jingzhong's station."

"The Generalissimo replied directly: 'Which station doesn't have problems, and which station performs better than the Jinhai Station?'"

"That one sentence left me speechless."

"Therefore, Li Ya died in vain; let this matter end here."

Mao Renfeng sighed with great helplessness.

"But I just can't stand the sight of Wu Jingzhong."

"He has occupied Jinhai for so many years, and we have suffered defeat after defeat; I truly cannot swallow this bitterness," Mao Wanli said, frowning in indignation.

"Don't be impatient."

"If Jinhai City isn't lost, consider Wu Jingzhong lucky."

"If Jinhai City is lost, given the Generalissimo's temperament, he will certainly demand accountability; none of the three in charge—Chen Zhangjie, Wu Jingzhong, and Du Jianshi—will be able to escape."

"They will definitely be arrested and held accountable."

Mao Renfeng knew the old man's style like the back of his hand.

"But Wu Jingzhong has that loyal dog Hong Zhiyou, and they have connections with the U. . military; they will surely run away when the time comes," Mao Wanli said.

"Then we shall see whether he, Hong Zhiyou, is tougher, or if the Generalissimo's fist is tougher."

Mao Renfeng sneered.

"Very well, Big Brother must do everything in his power to intercept Wu Jingzhong when the time comes," Mao Wanli said.

"Rest assured."

"The Monkey King cannot escape the Five Finger Mountain of the Buddha!"

Time flew by.

November, 1948.

Hong Zhiyou, wearing a trench coat and carrying a lunch box, walked quickly into the office building.

Wu Jingzhong and Yu Zecheng were listening to the radio.

"The Northeast Field Army has completely annihilated the Liao Yaoxiang Corps, Wei Lihuang has fled in a panic, and the entire Northeast is officially liberated."

"The Northeast Field Army and the North China Field Army are gathering along the Pingjin railway line and will surely liberate Pingjin in one go... In 'Major Changes in China's Military Situation,' it is pointed out: 'It seems that from now on, in about a year's time, it is possible to fundamentally overthrow the Jiang government.'"

"..."

Snap!

Wu Jingzhong turned off the radio.

"Bragging, one year?"

"Even if the million soldiers of the National Army were a million clay figures, it would take them three to five years to chop them all up."

"And what about the U. . military, and the atomic bomb?"

"If they really push us to the edge, I don't believe the U. . military won't intervene."

Wu Jingzhong pointed at Yu Zecheng in annoyance.

Yu Zecheng gave an awkward but polite smile and did not answer.

Hong Zhiyou also remained silent.

Regardless of how many years it takes.

Since Ceng Zesheng led his troops to surrender, the Liao Yaoxiang Corps was annihilated, and Zheng Tingfeng's surprise attack failed, Hu Zongnan has been retreating steadily in the Northwest.

Everyone knew the National Army had no power to stop them.

The loss of Pingjin was only a matter of time.

"Teacher, Gu Zhutong suffered a crushing defeat in Ludong, and the Generalissimo has repeatedly ordered Fu Zuoyi to withdraw to the south of the Yangtze River; this is a clear intention to abandon everything north of the Yangtze."

"The Marine Corps in Jinhai is also preparing to evacuate."

"Furthermore, the Soviet Union has recently been expanding and infiltrating toward West Germany; Truman's main energy is tied up by the Soviet Union, and he is very cold toward the Asia-Pacific region."

"Counting on the U. . military to intervene in force seems unlikely."

"The situation is not optimistic."

Hong Zhiyou spoke up, breaking the heavy atmosphere.

In fact, the reason the Red side launched the War of Liberation in such a hurry was to take advantage of this rare opportunity to strike while the enemy was weak.

If they really dragged it out for a few years and North America recovered, they would fight again.

They wouldn't even need to fight at the 38th Parallel; an international battlefield could open up right here in the country.

One can only say that the U. . side had too high expectations for the Generalissimo's wisdom, or they severely underestimated the Red side.

"Zecheng."

"The Generalissimo and Headquarters have strict orders; to prevent another Ceng Zesheng-like figure from appearing among the high-ranking garrison, the Jinhai garrison and the City Defense Bureau must establish a strict monitoring system, including the telephones in officers' residences."

"The Headquarters technical team and inspection team will arrive at noon."

"You are responsible for hosting them and leading the Military Police to strictly enforce this."

Wu Jingzhong instructed.

"Yes, Teacher." Yu Zecheng accepted the order and left.

"Zhiyou, have the house and other matters been handled?" With no outsiders left, Wu Jingzhong asked in a low voice.

"Handled."

"Including the banks and casinos."

"By the way, Xie Laosan from Tanggu used to follow the old boss of the Cao Gang, and he intends to revive the Cao Gang."

"It just so happens that I bundled up the entire wharf company and sold it all to him."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"How much money?" Wu Jingzhong asked happily.

"230, 00 U. . dollars; oh, Xie Laosan didn't have that much cash, so he used gold and antiques as collateral. I asked Lin Chaofeng to take a look, and they are all good items."

"Teacher will surely like them when you see them."

"I already had Rui Rui and Wanqiu escort them out last night, heading for Xiangdao."

Hong Zhiyou said.

He deliberately mentioned Wanqiu while Wu Jingzhong was in a good mood, to avoid it sounding too abrupt later.

"Good, good."

Wu Jingzhong's joy indeed remained undiminished.

"Sigh, this Xie Laosan is truly foolish to the extreme."

"He still harbors the delusion that after Jinhai turns red, it will still tolerate gangs like the National Government did."

"I fear he will end up even more miserably than the landlords during land reform."

He did not forget to make a few sarcastic remarks.

"Teacher, once the grain is processed, we should also withdraw," Hong Zhiyou reminded him.

"Hmm."

"You make the arrangements."

"Huludao and Yingkou have been occupied, and the Red side may cross the sea at any time; it is best to go by plane."

Wu Jingzhong said.

"Understood!" Hong Zhiyou nodded.

Inside the small courtyard.

Liao Sanmin's jeep was parked outside.

"Xiaohui, get out of the car."

He held Hong Xiaohui's hand and stepped into the courtyard.

After experiencing the deaths of Xu Zhao and Guo Youliang, and witnessing the true working methods of the underground party, Xiaohui had visibly grown a lot.

She was no longer as obsessed with shouting as she had been in the past.

Instead, she cooperated with these fighters on the covert line to do her duty.

"Brother, Brother Yu." Hong Xiaohui stepped forward and greeted them cheerfully.

"Go, go, go aside; don't you see we're playing chess?"

"Whatever the matter is, wait until we finish this game."

Hong Zhiyou glanced over; Xiaohui was still holding hands with Sanmin.

It seemed these two had turned their fake act into reality.

Liao Sanmin smiled and did not urge them, waiting patiently on the side.

Ten-odd minutes later.

Anxious to discuss business, Yu Zecheng deliberately left a flaw, allowing Hong Zhiyou to checkmate him with a double-cannon move.

"Officer Liao, are you getting used to the Security Division of the Garrison Headquarters?" Yu Zecheng asked with a smile.

Liao Sanmin's pursuit of Xiaohui was merely a front to curry favor with Hong Zhiyou and climb the ladder.

As for Hong Zhiyou, he was naturally happy to go along with the flow.

After some maneuvering, Liao Sanmin had now gone to the Security Division to work as an assistant to Peng Chengtao.

"It's alright.

"Section Chief Peng takes good care of me and has put me in charge of logistics supervision; it's a lucrative post," Liao Sanmin laughed.

"Cuiping.

"Sanmin and Xiaohui are back, make two good dishes, and add plenty of meat."

Yu Zecheng shouted toward the inside.

"Xiaohui, let's go, I have a few things to ask you."

Hong Zhiyou knew they had important matters to discuss, so he gave a wink and led Xiaohui back to the room first.

"The Northeast has been completely liberated, and now two major field armies are deployed outside; attacking Jinhai City is imminent.

"The headquarters commanders have ordered us to obtain the Jinhai city defense map as soon as possible to facilitate troop deployment and minimize casualties," Liao Sanmin whispered.

"Sigh.

"Wu Jingzhong is very indifferent to the war now and basically doesn't get involved in city defense matters.

"Furthermore, Chen Zhangjie is extremely guarded.

"Relying solely on wiretapping here at the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, it is very difficult to obtain useful intelligence."

Yu Zecheng said with a headache.

"What about your side?" He looked up at Liao Sanmin.

"My side isn't optimistic either.

"Chen Zhangjie frequently shifts the specific deployments of the 86th Army and the 62nd Army, and to prevent defections, he has swapped the commanders of many units.

"It is said that apart from a few key staff officers, no one knows the specific troop deployments and fortification layouts of the 86th and 62nd Armies.

"I can only say I will try my best to investigate further.

"However, according to protocol, Chen Zhangjie must report to Fu Zuoyi and the Generalissimo.

"I think we can start from Beiping or Jingling and have the comrades there find a way."

Liao Sanmin said.

"That is also a method.

"But we must still try our best to obtain this intelligence.

"This is one of the few remaining tasks we have on the hidden front.

"Let's do our best to hold the final post."

Yu Zecheng nodded and said.

"Old Yu, take care.

"Although Li Ya is gone from Jinhai, no one knows if Mao Renfeng has planted other nails.

"Caution is paramount."

Liao Sanmin urged.

"Finish your meal here before you go," Yu Zecheng said.

"Forget it.

"I still have to take Xiaohui back to school; it's not appropriate to stay too long.

"There are quite a few people arranged by Li Ya and other agencies in the Student Union; Xiaohui must investigate them secretly. Otherwise, once Jinhai is liberated, letting these enemy agents participate in the reconstruction will pose a great hidden danger."

Liao Sanmin smiled, stood up, and went to the Hong residence.

"Xiaohui, it's time to go," Liao Sanmin said.

"Xiaohui.

"You are now Sanmin's girlfriend; your primary duty is to cooperate with Sanmin. Do not get involved in too many things, as that will be detrimental to Sanmin," Hong Zhiyou reminded her.

He took the opportunity to pull a handful of US dollars from his pocket and gave them to her: "Take this to spend; nowadays, the outside world only recognizes this and gold bars."

"Understood, thank you, Brother." Hong Xiaohui nodded obediently and happily accepted them.

"Secretary Hong, we are leaving then."

Liao Sanmin greeted him and turned to leave.

Hong Xiaohui walked to the door and suddenly turned around: "Brother, are you going to Xiangdao?"

"Yes.

"Very soon," Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"Actually... you could stay; Brother Yu, Sanmin, and Sister-in-law would all help you." Hong Xiaohui's eyes were slightly red, her tone somewhat sorrowful.

She knew that once the war broke out, her eldest brother would withdraw at any time.

Perhaps this was the last time the siblings would see each other.

"Xiaohui, even if Brother leaves, I will return in the future; there will always be a day for us to reunite," Hong Zhiyou smiled gently.

"Brother."

Hong Xiaohui turned back and threw herself into her eldest brother's arms.

"Brother, I'm sorry.

"I was ignorant before and made you worry.

"With Mom and Dad in Xiangdao, only you can fulfill the duty of filial piety."

She hugged Hong Zhiyou tightly, sobbing softly.

"Rest assured.

"You focus on your work; Mom and Dad have me and your sister-in-law," Hong Zhiyou patted her shoulder lightly.

"Keep your wits about you in everything.

"What you should strive for, you must strive for; climb higher, become a high official, and it will be convenient for Brother when I return in the future—who knows, I might even be able to bask in your glory.

"Go now."

Hong Zhiyou pinched her cheek and said.

"Eldest Brother, take care."

Xiaohui wiped away her tears, turned around, and walked out with Liao Sanmin.

Hong Zhiyou, however, let out a sigh.

He hoped his identity would not bring great trouble to his younger sister and the others in the future.

They got into the car.

Hong Xiaohui was silent for a long time before suddenly asking: "Sanmin, is my brother one of us?"

Liao Sanmin thought solemnly and cautiously for a moment:

"Xiaohui, one doesn't necessarily have to be a Party member to be our comrade.

"Patriotic businessmen, democratic figures—as long as we share the same ideals and they have contributed to the revolution, they are all our comrades.

"Your brother may not be one of our own.

"But he is definitely our 'comrade'."

"Mm, I understand," Hong Xiaohui nodded.

December.

The cold wind howled.

Hong Zhiyou tightened his scarf and arrived at the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics building.

Scattered battles on the outskirts of Pingjin had already begun.

The streets were noticeably desolate.

The faces of the once arrogant Bureau of Investigation and Statistics clerks were, like the dark clouds hanging in the sky, filled with a lifelessness of future confusion, melancholy, and fear.

Hong Zhiyou's mood, however, was exceptionally cheerful.

He had long since grown tired of the Blue Sky and White Sun flag.

Once the red flag was planted on the city walls, he could fly far away and live a new life.

"Secretary Hong."

People greeted him constantly, and he responded to each with a smile and a nod.

He arrived at the Station Chief's office.

Wu Jingzhong was frowning, staring blankly at the portraits of the Generalissimo and Mr. Sun.

He had been doing this often lately.

Hong Zhiyou understood; Old Wu had eaten this official's rice for so many years, and he was still reluctant to let go.

"Teacher, you still can't let go, can you?" Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"Sigh.

"I just can't understand it.

"You tell me, how did the dignified National Army with millions of troops end up like this?" Wu Jingzhong sighed and said.

"People have already started starving to death in Jinhai."

"I have already followed your instructions and sent the remaining grain to the Relief Bureau at twenty percent of the market price."

"Twenty thousand tons of grain."

"Once it reached the hands of the Relief Bureau and the Committee for the Management and Allocation of Livelihood Supplies, only four thousand tons were left after a single night."

"Thinking about it now, Ma Hansan is practically a living Bodhisattva."

Hong Zhiyou said with a mocking laugh.

A few days ago, for Lele's second birthday, Old Wu had shown great mercy by letting Hong Zhiyou distribute grain to accumulate some virtue for his granddaughter; Hong Zhiyou had happily agreed, but who would have known that those bastards were already so greedy—forget about having any shame, they didn't even want their own heads anymore.

They skimmed sixty percent just by passing it through their hands.

It was simply unimaginable and made one's scalp tingle.

"Indeed."

"If some of the key officials of the Nationalist Government were truly like Ma Hansan, Pingjin would not have ended up in this state," Wu Jingzhong said.

"Should we investigate?" asked Yu Zecheng, who was standing to the side.

"No need to investigate."

"Whoever wants to be greedy, let them be greedy."

"You can already hear the sound of gunfire within Jinhai City now; let them be greedy, let them eat their fill."

Wu Jingzhong waved his hand powerlessly.

"Zhiyou, Zecheng, you two go find which of the better restaurants in Jinhai haven't closed down yet."

"We'll go have a meal there at noon."

"We should eat while we still can."

Wu Jingzhong sighed with emotion.

Leaving the Station Master's office.

With a look from Yu Zecheng, Hong Zhiyou followed him into his office.

"Zhiyou, the situation is becoming increasingly urgent."

"The Northeast Field Army is about to attack Jinhai."

"The organization's secret negotiations with Chen Zhangjie have failed."

"Chen Zhangjie is determined to defend Jinhai to the death."

"The city defense map and troop deployment are now the responsibility of a staff officer named Qian Bin; guess what this guy does—he doesn't leave any written records, he keeps it all in his own head."

"According to our monitoring, Chen Zhangjie has already completed the latest round of defensive layout and fortification deployment; it should be finalized."

"The organization has now issued an urgent order to find every possible way to obtain the city defense map."

"This Qian Bin has a very high security clearance, making him difficult to approach, and it's hard to fathom his intentions, so it's not easy to take action."

"Sanmin and I are in a bit of a bind."

Yu Zecheng said in a low, rapid voice.

"Qian Bin doesn't want to fight," Hong Zhiyou said.

(End of chapter)