Chapter 364: The Sparrow List

Boom!

The sound of artillery grew closer.

Nine o'clock at night.

Yu Zecheng unscrewed his fountain pen and turned on the radio.

Familiar numbers came through the broadcast:

"3427, 4592, 63060, 78530... This call will be repeated in half an hour."

"Got it down."

Cuiping handed it to Yu Zecheng in a crisp, efficient manner.

Yu Zecheng took out his book and quickly began to translate:

"The siege is imminent; the organization wants us to begin evacuating."

"If we go, we go together." Cuiping's gaze was very firm.

"It's too late.

"Bao Donglin will definitely look for me again to discuss the Sparrow Plan in private.

"I must get the list before I leave.

"It will be safer if we leave in batches. Only after you have left can I stay and tangle with them with peace of mind."

Yu Zecheng held her hand and smiled gently.

He did not dare tell Cuiping that this was also Wu Jingzhong's intention.

Yu Zecheng understood politics.

He knew that if he was going to leave, it had to be now.

He had to take advantage of the fact that Wu Jingzhong had not yet placed him under house arrest, so he could leave via the transit station.

Furthermore, a portion of the American military was still at the base, and under Hong Zhiyou's arrangements, he could also leave that way.

But this was the final mission the organization had entrusted to him.

With it almost within his grasp, Yu Zecheng did not want to let the opportunity slip away in vain.

He had to take the risk and gamble; he would get the intelligence before leaving.

"Then I'll leave tomorrow night; tonight, I'll stay with you for one last night," Cuiping said.

"How about you go now instead?

"San Min and Xiaohui are also starting to evacuate; the sooner you all go, the better," Yu Zecheng said.

"I want a child.

"To pass on the lineage of the Old Yu family.

"One more night means one more chance."

Cuiping said this very seriously.

"Alright, alright then," Yu Zecheng nodded.

The topic of whether or not to have a child had already been discussed by the two of them on the night they were married.

Cuiping's attitude was very firm.

She had even prepared herself for the possibility of living the rest of her life without Yu Zecheng, raising the child on her own.

Yu Zecheng had failed to persuade her.

Then so be it.

"Again, do it again."

"Cuiping, I really can't take it anymore. You... you let me catch my breath."

"Catch your breath for what?

"A man isn't allowed to say he can't. I'm here to continue the incense for your Old Yu family."

"Fine, fine, I can, I can."

By the middle of the night.

Old Yu had finally delivered his last grain of harvest.

The two were just about to rest.

Boom!

A loud noise erupted from within the city.

Yu Zecheng jumped out of bed in shock.

"They haven't broken in, have they?" Cuiping asked.

"That shouldn't be. They are currently in talks with Chen Zhangjie; it might be a stray shell," Yu Zecheng said.

He walked quickly to the telephone:

"Police station? This is Yu Zecheng of the Confidentiality Bureau.

"What just happened in the north of the city?

"Alright, I understand."

Hanging up the phone, a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth: "It's nothing, go to sleep. Vice Prefect Qian's bank was blown up."

"Is that the dog traitor?" Cuiping asked.

"Yes.

"It didn't blow up early or late; this must be the Station Chief's handiwork.

"That vault of Qian's is full of treasures.

"The Station Chief wouldn't let him just run off like that," Yu Zecheng said.

"Old Yu, how much money do you think the Station Chief and Zhiyou actually have?

"I feel like they've emptied out most of the antiques and US dollars in Jinmen City."

Cuiping didn't have much of a concept of money, so she couldn't help but be very curious.

"Let's put it this way: if Hong Zhiyou were willing, his and the Station Chief's assets could buy two Yixians, perhaps even more," Yu Zecheng offered as a comparison.

"Tsk tsk.

"With so much money, all shipped off to Xiangdao, it feels like such a waste," Cuiping said.

"You can't say it like that.

"Building a nation also requires merchants—for things like grain, ports, and merchant ships. Our country has been fighting for so many years, from the Eight-Nation Alliance and the Japanese devils to the Jiang government, it has been scraped clean inside and out.

"Many fields have gone to waste.

"With so many mouths to feed, where would we get enough grain to supply them?

"Based on my estimation, even if we take power, the Americans and Jiang will definitely use their navy to choke us.

"So, someone like Zhiyou, who can navigate the international scene, is far better off staying outside than remaining here, because he can secure grain, clothing, and many other necessities for the people's livelihood.

"And... I believe that one day, he will return.

"Hurry up and sleep."

Having been a "partner" with Hong Zhiyou for so many years, Yu Zecheng knew deeply that Hong Zhiyou had feelings for this land.

Several days later.

Hong Zhiyou arrived at the station and brushed the falling snow off his body.

The station was becoming increasingly desolate.

The registration desk on the second floor had long since been empty.

The hallways no longer echoed with the heavy, powerful footsteps of the past.

He reached the Station Chief's office.

Wu Jingzhong had risen early and was standing by the window watching the snow fall.

"Chen Zhangjie has refused to surrender and has threatened to fight to the bitter end, until the last grain of rice and the last bullet are spent.

"Not only that, he has also ordered the Military Police Headquarters, the City Defense Bureau, and even the municipal agencies—anyone on the government payroll—to be organized and trained to be incorporated into the resistance army.

"Now, the people of Jinmen City are in a panic, and the wealthy are trying every way they can to escape.

"Just in these past few days, our station has already had thirteen people desert and vanish. Sigh, when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter; I suppose this is what that feels like."

Wu Jingzhong sighed with sorrow.

"Zhangjiakou has been lost.

"Tanggu has been surrounded.

"Chen Zhangjie is still making this fearless gesture of arming the entire population.

"War is ruthless; this is just seeking one's own destruction."

Hong Zhiyou nodded and said.

"It's not a fearless gesture; he is plotting his own future.

"Who can't see through Chen Zhangjie's little schemes?

"He feigns resistance, waiting for Fu Zuoyi to come and negotiate, so he can bargain and scrape together some political capital.

"The Nationalist Government...

"There isn't a single good person among them."

Wu Jingzhong had seen through the little tricks of these people.

"Teacher."

"Tomorrow night, Anderson's plane can leave," Hong Zhiyou said, leaning in closer and speaking in a low voice.

"Is the route arranged?"

Wu Jingzhong asked.

"It is arranged.

"First, take a plane to Qingdao, where there is a Seventh Fleet base; we can rest there for a while. I have already arranged for the company's ships, plus the double insurance of U. . military warships.

"This way, we can bypass Jingling and take a ship to Xiangdao."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Hmm.

"I am at ease when you handle things.

"However, now that Jianfeng has sunk, Mao Renfeng has always harbored ill intentions toward us, so we must still be careful," Wu Jingzhong instructed.

"Yes," Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"Sigh.

"If you can take one more look, then take one more look."

Wu Jingzhong suddenly opened the window, letting the cold wind, laden with snowflakes, blow against his face.

Hong Zhiyou walked out of the office.

Bao Donglin had been waiting for a while and pulled him into the reception room:

"Brother, look at this situation; it's about to start fighting, what should I do?"

"What else can you do? Naturally, respond to the orders of Officer Chen and share the fate of Jinhai," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Share the fate, my foot.

"My wife and children are still in Jingling.

"Brother, you are an expert on Jinhai and have always been resourceful; teach me a way to let me return to Jingling reasonably.

"No.

"As long as I don't eat a bullet, even if I go back there to be detained, it's fine."

Bao Donglin knew very well that if he didn't leave now, he might be dragged out by Chen Zhangjie to be cannon fodder.

"Not eating a bullet? That's simple," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Don't you have the list for the Sparrow Plan?

"If these people were forged by Li Ya to deal with Bureau Chief Mao, wouldn't that be enough?

"When you get to Jingling, insist that there is no such person at all.

"Push everything onto Li Ya.

"Even if Mao Renfeng sends someone else to lurk and investigate later, if they aren't there, they aren't there; it won't be judged against you.

"Besides, you didn't do well and were dragged into this drudgery by Bureau Chief Mao, but you have no grudges against him; he has no reason to put you to death.

"It's nothing more than him being anxious and locking you up for a while."

Hong Zhiyou said in a joking tone.

"Yes.

"Why didn't I think of this idea?

"Truly, listening to your words is like a sudden enlightenment."

Bao Donglin slapped his forehead and said with great joy.

After laughing a few times, his expression gradually turned gloomy again:

"Brother, the method is a good one, but the problem is I am completely unfamiliar with Jinhai. Even if I have the list and contact information, I can't find them, and I don't have the manpower.

"If I just clear them out one by one by myself,

"Before I finish clearing them out, Jinhai will have already been taken by the Red Ticket.

"How can I leave then?

"Brother, send the Buddha to the west; help me one more time."

"I have no way to help with that, but you can find Director Yu. He is currently concurrently managing the Intelligence Division, and his words carry weight with the Action Team. With his help, it will be much faster," Hong Zhiyou suggested.

"Understood, thank you, brother. I'll go find Director Yu right now," Bao Donglin happily patted his shoulder and walked away quickly.

"Knock, knock."

Bao Donglin knocked on the office door urgently.

"Come in," Yu Zecheng's low voice came from inside.

"Director Yu."

Bao Donglin clicked the lock shut and walked quickly to Yu Zecheng's side.

"Special Envoy, you, what is this?" Yu Zecheng was a bit confused.

"Old Yu.

"To tell you the truth, I am determined to return to Jingling.

"This bullshit Sparrow Plan, I'm not doing it anymore.

"I've thought about it; I'll kill all these people and leave no evidence.

"This is the list; take a look.

"Do a brother a favor and clean them up."

Bao Donglin said in a low voice.

"Brother, if Bureau Chief Mao finds out about this, it will cost us our heads," Yu Zecheng said.

"Don't worry about him.

"Just say the list was forged by Li Ya. Li Ya has already been reincarnated by now; who can testify?

"Besides, you be careful when you take action.

"Heaven knows, earth knows, you know, and I know."

As Bao Donglin spoke, he picked up his briefcase, took out two gold bars, and handed them over.

"I am at my wit's end, brother.

"Brother, just do a good deed and pull me out of this.

"Can you?"

He pressed his palms together, so anxious he was nearly ready to kneel before Yu Zecheng.

"Fine, fine then."

Yu Zecheng, looking at the "money," accepted the gold bars and said reluctantly.

"Give me the list to look at," he said.

Bao Donglin no longer hesitated, took out the Sparrow Plan list, unfolded it, and handed it to Yu Zecheng.

Yu Zecheng glanced at it and saw several familiar names.

For example, Xu Baofeng.

They were all guys with very strong survival skills.

Moreover, it was far more troublesome than Yu Zecheng had imagined; Li Ya hadn't found dozens, but a full one hundred and eight lurking agents.

Besides Xu Baofeng, there were also people from casinos, the black market, and the docks.

Yu Zecheng secretly exclaimed how dangerous it was.

If he hadn't gotten this list, with this destructive force, Jinhai City might never have known peace.

"Do you have a camera? Take a photo or copy it down.

"If the original of this thing gets out, the risk is too great,"

Bao Donglin reminded him.

"Easy," this was exactly what Yu Zecheng wanted.

It was too dangerous to keep a handwritten copy at this time, so he took out his camera and snapped photos of it.

"When will you execute it?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"The sooner the better!" Bao Donglin said.

"I understand. Once I develop the photos, I will take action. Don't worry, not a single one will be missing," Yu Zecheng said.

"Brother, thank you," Bao Donglin said, feeling immensely grateful.

After he walked out, Yu Zecheng let out a long sigh of relief.

He had been pondering how to get the list.

He didn't expect Bao Donglin to lose his nerve first; it was truly heaven helping him.

No.

He had to send this roll of film to Liao Sanmin as soon as possible, hand it over to the organization, and keep it for cleaning out these lurking "borers" later.

Thinking of this, Yu Zecheng hurriedly picked up the phone and dialed Liao Sanmin's number:

"Hello, Captain Liao.

"I have intelligence here about the 1510th Brigade and the 86th Army headquarters reselling supplies.

"Let's meet at the old place this afternoon."

Just as he hung up the phone, several soldiers wearing inspection armbands walked in, and the officer in the lead said:

"Director Yu Zecheng, right? Please come with us to the Garrison Headquarters."

"No, what do you mean by this?" Yu Zecheng didn't understand.

"This is the order from Chief Chen; we are merely executing it," the officer said solemnly.

"Then I must first request instructions from the Station Chief."

Yu Zecheng stood up and went to the Station Chief's office.

Inside, there were likewise several inspection officers surrounding Hong Zhiyou, and the one leading them was none other than Peng Chengtao from the Security Division.

Wu Jingzhong was currently flying into a rage:

"This is preposterous! Who gave you dogs the guts to come to my Confidentiality Bureau to make arrests?

"Trying to turn the world upside down, are you?

"Do you believe I won't shoot you all dead right now!"

Peng Chengtao explained with a look of frustration: "Station Chief Wu, even if you gave me a hundred guts, I wouldn't dare arrest your people. Am I not just following Chief Chen's orders?

"Besides, I'm not arresting, I'm inviting.

"Chief Chen's meaning is that all field officers must join the ranks to receive military proficiency training, and when necessary, they can organize militia and civilians to conduct essential combat.

"If you don't believe me, you can request instructions from Commander Chen."

Wu Jingzhong's expression darkened.

After Fu Zuoyi rejected the Generalissimo's plan to retreat south of the Yangtze River, Pingjin became Fu Zuoyi's domain; likewise, Chen Changjie, who held nearly 150, 00 troops, was the local emperor of Jinhai.

In the past, Wu Jingzhong could still challenge him.

But now?

He, Sun Chuanzhi, and Du Jianshi had all become fish on Chen Changjie's chopping block.

Never mind arresting people, even if he were to execute them, Wu Jingzhong wouldn't be able to say a single word.

Who told them to be the ones holding the guns?

"Since it is Chief Chen's intention, then let it be done," Wu Jingzhong knew that calling would be a waste of time, and he couldn't help but sigh.

"Teacher, don't worry, nothing will happen.

"The snow might stop tonight.

"Remember to dress warmly."

Hong Zhiyou looked at Wu Jingzhong and smiled slightly.

The latter understood.

The original plan to leave tomorrow night could only be moved up to tonight because of this sudden turn of events.

The two had long ago set a rule.

Once there was a change, whoever had the chance to leave first should do so; they must ensure at least one survived.

The assets in Xiangdao had to be secured for Lele.

Without a man to hold the fort, relying solely on a bunch of women like Ruirui, they would be swallowed whole sooner or later.

They arrived at the Garrison Headquarters.

Sure enough, there were quite a few officers inside.

There were people from the City Defense Bureau and the Military Police Headquarters.

Hong and Yu looked at each other, both secretly breathing a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, it wasn't targeted solely at them.

Since that was the case, their safety was at least guaranteed for the short term.

"I must have had eight lifetimes of bad luck; I just got the list, and now I can't send it out.

"I don't know how long we'll have to train in here.

"At this rate, if we're locked up for a few more days, the Red tickets will have already entered the city."

Yu Zecheng whispered, putting his head close to his.

"Don't be anxious.

"I'll find a way later."

Hong Zhiyou said.

……

Evening.

Cuiping made a big pot of fennel dumplings that Old Yu loved to eat.

She had to leave tonight.

This meal of dumplings would serve as their farewell.

The dumplings were placed on the table.

Cuiping waited for a while; logically, Old Yu should have been off work by now.

Ten minutes.

Twenty minutes.

By the time the dumplings had cooled through, Cuiping realized something was wrong and hurriedly called Yu Zecheng's office.

She called three times, but no one answered.

She called Hong Zhiyou's, but still, no one answered.

Could it be that the two of them went out on business?

That shouldn't be.

Given Old Yu's personality, even if he went out on business, he would have called her in advance.

After thinking for a moment, she dialed the number for the main gate guard station.

Still, no one answered.

This was strange.

Logically speaking, the Jinhai Station Security Division had people on duty twenty-four hours a day.

Just as she was pondering.

Liao Sanmin walked in hurriedly: "Sister-in-law, something has happened, come with me immediately."

"Sanmin, what's wrong? Old, Old Yu?" Cuiping felt a sharp pain in her chest as she picked up the coat hanging on the wall.

"Old Yu and Secretary Hong were taken away by people from the Garrison Headquarters.

"We don't know what medicine Chen Changjie is selling in his gourd right now; according to the plan, you should evacuate first."

Liao Sanmin said.

"Then, then what about Old Yu?" Cuiping asked anxiously.

"Don't worry, once you've left, I will come back to continue scouting for information.

"Rest assured, Secretary Hong is with him.

"Chen Changjie isn't investigating Red tickets; it's nothing more than that military training routine.

"Let's go."

Liao Sanmin urged her into the car.

Xiaohui was already waiting in the back seat, "Sister-in-law, listen to Sanmin. With my brother there, Chen Changjie is still counting on him to provide military provisions, so he definitely won't be in any trouble."

"Mm.

"Let's go."

Cuiping touched her stomach; perhaps the hope for Old Yu was inside there.

She didn't fight or struggle like she usually did; she got into the car very calmly, her eyes fixed on the courtyard that was still flickering with dim yellow lights.

It had been over three years.

She was finally leaving after all.

"I can't bear to leave," she whispered softly.

"Sister-in-law, what did you say?" Hong Xiaohui asked.

"I said, it's a pity about these dumplings."

……

Garrison Headquarters.

Hong and Yu waited for a while before Chen Changjie came personally to give a lecture.

Then, staff officers came over to conduct training classes.

They were tossed about until past eight in the evening before they were allowed to rest.

Hong Zhiyou glanced at his watch.

The plane was taking off at ten.

There was still over an hour left.

If he could leave the Garrison Headquarters now, he could still make it.

No matter what, he had to give it a try.

Thinking of this, he beckoned to Yu Zecheng, and the two headed straight for the Security Division.

Peng Chengtao was just preparing to go eat dinner.

Hong Zhiyou closed the door behind him: "Old Peng, do me a favor; Director Yu and I need to leave now."

As he spoke, he gave Yu Zecheng a look.

Yu Zecheng hurriedly handed over the two gold bars that Bao Donglin had given him.

"Secretary Hong, what kind of situation is this? Chief Chen has given a strict order; without his command, no one is allowed to leave," Peng Chengtao refused, looking troubled.

"Old Peng."

"Isn't your Quartermaster Department able to leave?"

"Go tell Commander Chen that the Americans are in a rush to evacuate, and there is a large batch of military supplies and weapons waiting for me to handle."

"You have to eat to fight wars, and you need weapons, right?"

Hong Zhiyou spoke without hesitation.

"This..." Peng Chengtao was still quite reluctant.

"Old Peng, don't put on an act for me; I know you can handle it."

"How about this, I'll write you an IOU."

"As long as you can let me and Director Yu out, I'll give you ten thousand US dollars."

Hong Zhiyou took a fountain pen out of his pocket and said.

Peng Chengtao still shook his head.

"Twelve thousand."

"Fifteen thousand."

"Damn it, twenty thousand US dollars!"

"You know my reputation, one word: are you letting them go or not!"

Hong Zhiyou was furious, pointing at his nose as he spoke.

(End of chapter)