Chapter 366: Jianfeng's Rescue Mission

"Divert to Jingling?"

"What is going on! Zhiyou, you better ask properly."

Wu Jingzhong was so shocked he stood straight up.

Hong Zhiyou and Yu Zecheng were also wearing expressions of utter bewilderment.

They were serving officials; with a major battle imminent, abandoning their posts without authorization would certainly result in severe punishment.

Diverting to land in Jingling was simply inviting the disaster of imprisonment.

"Anderson, must we land in Jingling?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a frown.

"No choice."

"The Qingdao control tower suddenly shut down and lost contact; without tower guidance, we cannot land."

"If we attempt a blind landing, the probability of the plane crashing and us dying is high."

"The nearby towers we can contact will not provide diversion clearance."

"The only one we can reach is the Jingling tower."

"Furthermore, the plane's fuel is limited; it won't allow us much consideration. Once we delay..."

Anderson said with a helpless expression.

"I understand."

Hong Zhiyou knew that at this point, money could no longer solve the problem.

It was very clear that someone was pulling strings behind the scenes.

Either die.

Or go to Jingling.

There were simply no other options.

"Master, it must be Mao Renfeng's idea." Hong Zhiyou returned to his seat and said in a low voice.

"Indeed."

"After fighting for so many years, they have finally caught us in a trap."

"This fellow is now clinging to Lady Jiang's thigh, so his courage is immense."

"It is said that even Jianfeng is being monitored by him."

"The current Bureau of Investigation and Statistics truly belongs to the Mao family now."

Wu Jingzhong sighed in a deep voice.

"Of course, now is not the time to discuss this. While we still have some time, we must think of a countermeasure."

"Zecheng, what do you think?"

He paused, then looked at Yu Zecheng with a stern gaze.

"Master, both Ma Kui and Li Ya have previously defected to Mao Renfeng; he must have plenty of incriminating material on me."

"However, please rest assured, even if they take action against me."

"This student will not say a single word regarding you, Master."

Yu Zecheng replied calmly.

"Mm, as long as you are aware of the situation." Wu Jingzhong nodded.

"Zhiyou, you have a good relationship with the people at the embassy."

"You must think of a way."

He said to Hong Zhiyou again.

"Master, there is still a turning point."

"The Generalissimo's core armies have suffered heavy losses on the Northeast and Ludong battlefields. Now Truman wants to support Li Zongren's rise to power; it is said the Generalissimo is already considering stepping down."

"Li Zongren and Bai Chongxi are pressing very hard; I estimate it will be very soon."

"At that time, perhaps we can make something happen."

"Besides, look at those 'long-legged generals' like Sun Lianzhong, Li Mi, and Hu Lian—didn't the Generalissimo refrain from punishing them?"

"At most, Mao Renfeng will just slap us with a 'desertion before battle' label. We just need to weather this storm."

Hong Zhiyou said with great confidence.

For high-ranking officials like Wu Jingzhong, without a major crime or direct instructions from Jiang, it was almost impossible to have them silenced or sentenced to death.

Mao Renfeng had not yet reached the point where he could kill whomever he pleased.

Furthermore, he knew that once Jiang stepped down, Mao Renfeng, fearing liquidation by Li Zongren, would burn down the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics building, destroying the files and intelligence inside.

Therefore, once Shen Zui came to Jingling, he would provide an assist.

By then, those incriminating materials on Yu Zecheng would inevitably be reduced to ashes.

Plus, next year Jianfeng would officially enter the intelligence system on Wandao; at worst, they would only have to endure for a year or so.

"Mm, I hope so." Wu Jingzhong nodded.

Jingling Bureau of Investigation and Statistics.

Mao Wanli walked quickly into the office:

"Big Brother, good news."

"Wu Jingzhong's plane has already landed at the Jingling airport."

"Hmph, Wu Jingzhong has been clever his whole life, but he never dreamed he would still fall into my hands." Mao Renfeng sneered.

"Should we let Ye Zhixiang take action to eliminate him?" Mao Wanli asked.

"Foolish."

"Wu Jingzhong is not so easily killed."

"Wanli, we must look further ahead. The Generalissimo is going to Xikou."

"In my view, the current situation is scattered like loose sand, and the Americans do not trust the Generalissimo. The Generalissimo has already secretly increased deployments toward Wandao."

"The gold and U. . dollars collected from the Gold Yuan notes last year, as well as most of the cultural relics from the Forbidden City and other places, have already been transported to Wandao."

"In my view, this so-called Chen Cheng going to Wandao to recuperate is nothing more than acting as a vanguard for the Generalissimo."

"Once the 'Red Bandits' cross the river and Jingling and Shanghu are lost, we will very likely have to go to Wandao."

"Right now, Li Zongren wants to take action against the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, reducing its establishment, and with the 'Red' purges, the elite forces of the Bureau are already in shambles."

"When we eventually retreat to Wandao, the intelligence system will inevitably be reorganized."

"Wu Jingzhong is a classmate of Jianfeng, the Jinhai Station has been repeatedly praised by the Generalissimo, and his son-in-law has a 'tiger-hunting' friendship with Jianfeng. Once reorganized, the father-in-law and son-in-law are very likely to be heavily utilized."

"Therefore, my move is not about killing, but about planning for the future."

Mao Renfeng looked at Mao Wanli and smiled with his hands behind his back.

"Big Brother means that as long as Wu Jingzhong carries the crime of 'desertion during wartime,' it will be very difficult for him to be entrusted with important tasks again?" Mao Wanli grasped the meaning.

"Correct."

"For someone like Wu Jingzhong, not letting him hold office is more painful than killing him."

"With this detention, his official career is effectively over."

Mao Renfeng nodded.

"But those treasures and the massive family fortune in his hands... you don't know, it's rumored in Jinhai that the old thief Wu's private collection rivals the items in the Forbidden City."

"Big Brother, are we just going to watch with our mouths watering?"

Mao Wanli asked with a greedy expression.

"The deck is about to be reshuffled; let's secure our positions first."

"As long as he is under our noses, once we establish a firm footing on Wandao, we won't have to worry about squeezing out the oil and water." Mao Renfeng said.

"Alright."

"By the way, Qin Jingchuan and Wang Hanwen have already prepared for the assassination of Li Delin and can act at any time."

"We are just waiting for the Generalissimo's and your instructions."

Mao Wanli said in a low voice.

"No rush. Let's not make a decision on this; wait until Shen Zui arrives."

"The assassination was planned jointly by him and me; if it fails or leaks, I must share the responsibility with him."

"Also, the Generalissimo has been busy preparing for his trip to Xikou."

"Let's wait a bit longer."

Mao Renfeng smiled with old, cunning craftiness.

"Go, tell Ye Zhixiang to detain them." He turned his head and ordered.

Jingling Airport.

The plane landed steadily.

"Hong, I am sorry, I messed up."

"I will go see Ambassador Smith immediately; wait for my news."

After getting off the plane, looking at the dozens of murderous-looking soldiers, Anderson apologized helplessly in English.

"Thank you for your hard work." Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"Sigh, this place, Jingling, does not agree with my horoscope."

"Every time I come here, I feel a sense of unease."

"Let's go."

Wu Jing led the way forward.

"Station Chief Wu," the leading officer with a sinister look stepped forward and said.

He was none other than Ye Xiang, one of the ace assassins of the Bureau of Confidentiality.

A die-hard confidant of Mao Renfeng and the current Chief of the Sixth Division of the Bureau of Confidentiality.

"Division Chief Ye, what is this?" Wu Jing asked with a calm smile.

"Station Chief Wu, the battle on the Jinhai front is raging. As one of the main persons in charge of city defense and security, coming to Jingling at this time is rather inappropriate, isn't it?"

"Don't tell me you have urgent official business to report to the Generalissimo or Bureau Chief Mao?"

Ye Xiang said coldly.

"You actually guessed right. I do want to report to Bureau Chief Mao; I suspect there are Reds in the Garrison Headquarters," Wu Jing said.

"Without seeking instructions, without approval, you abandoned your post on the battlefield without authorization."

"Even if you have a heaven-sent reason, you cannot escape legal punishment."

"By order of Bureau Chief Mao, Wu Jing deserted during wartime; arrest him first."

Ye Xiang waved his hand, and the soldiers stepped forward to restrain Wu Jing and the other two, pushing them into a vehicle and heading straight for Jingling Prison.

"Get in!"

Under the soldiers' shouting, the three were locked into a single cell.

"Damn it."

"I've spent a lifetime in the revolution, spent a lifetime locking people up, and now I've actually ended up in jail myself."

"Fine, let's experience it."

Wu Jing patted the iron bunk bed against the wall and laughed at himself.

"Me too."

"Master, it seems we will have to experience this for a while," Yu Zecheng also laughed.

"It won't be long."

"I will go out and find Jiang Jianfeng to vouch for us; I don't believe Mao Renfeng won't release us," Hong Zhiyou said calmly.

"That's right."

"Mao Renfeng succeeded with this little trick, and he can still sell a favor; he wins either way."

"Isn't it just because he's afraid I'm blocking his path?"

"I don't even care for it!"

Wu Jing had long seen through Mao Renfeng's petty thoughts and smiled disdainfully.

A reshuffle of the Bureau of Confidentiality was only a matter of time.

The most qualified person, Zheng Jiemin, had already proven after his last stint as acting head of the Bureau of Confidentiality that old-timers like Zheng and Tang Zong were feared by the Generalissimo, who worried they might become a second Dai Li.

Therefore, it was impossible for him to succeed as head of the Bureau of Confidentiality.

With the upper echelon out of the running, the middle layer was nothing more than himself, Shen Zui, and others.

If the Generalissimo wanted to support Jiang Jianfeng, given the relationship between himself and Jiang Jianfeng, as well as Hong Zhiyou's performance in Shanghu, based on seniority, it could only be him.

Mao Renfeng had put him in check and sold Jiang Jianfeng a personal favor at the same time.

It could be considered a complete severance of his official career.

But compared to his career, Wu Jing felt that escaping Jinhai to save his life was still worth it.

"Zhiyou, after you get out, you must first find Zheng Jiemin," Wu Jing added.

"Deputy Chief Zheng?"

"I don't have much money on me. Besides, Zheng Jiemin has always been one to protect his own interests; he might not be willing to wade into these muddy waters," Hong Zhiyou said.

"I know he won't."

"If you look for him and he doesn't help, given our relationship, he will owe me a favor."

"As long as I am still in this circle, still have connections and resources, and still have money in my pocket, if it doesn't work this time, it will be much easier to ask him for favors next time."

Wu Jing clenched his fist and smiled.

"Master's move is truly brilliant."

"It seems like a wasted move now, but it will have infinite uses in the future," Yu Zecheng flattered.

"I have learned much."

Hong Zhiyou also nodded.

The next morning.

Ye Xiang arrived at the prison.

"Hong Zhiyou, you can go."

He opened the cell door and shouted to Hong Zhiyou.

"Master, Director Yu, wait for my news."

Hong Zhiyou straightened his clothes, stood up, and walked out.

At the entrance, Smith was already waiting, leaning on his cane:

"Hong, my friend, are you alright?"

"Thank you, Ambassador," Hong Zhiyou said.

"You are a friend of America. I have already prepared a room for you at the embassy. For your safety, I suggest you go there first, okay?" Smith said.

"As you wish, thank you," Hong Zhiyou said.

Saying this, he turned to look at Ye Xiang: "Division Chief Ye, may I go now?"

Ye Xiang had long heard that this Secretary Hong had extensive connections and was a "God of Wealth" loved by everyone.

Now that he saw the high-and-mighty Ambassador was so close with Hong Zhiyou, how could he dare to underestimate him?

"Of course, of course."

"Secretary Hong, I was just performing my official duties; please forgive me if there was any offense," he bowed slightly, a smile appearing on his gloomy face.

"Understood."

"Brother Ye, I'll treat you to a meal another day. Thanks."

Hong Zhiyou shook his hand as if bathed in a spring breeze and climbed into the car.

He hadn't slept well all night.

Hong Zhiyou caught up on some sleep at the embassy.

By seven in the evening.

He drove the embassy car to a coffee shop.

Once inside, Xie Ruo was drinking coffee.

"Hong, Brother Hong, you finally came out. I was scared to death."

"If something had happened to you, my million dollars would have... gone down the drain."

Upon meeting, Xie Ruo said with lingering fear.

Just a while ago, he had already pre-sold four sets; just by using his connections and wagging his tongue, a bonus of forty thousand dollars had landed in his pocket.

Xie Ruo was full of confidence about selling a hundred sets.

"Don't worry, is everything going smoothly on your end?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Why else would I say you are a genius, Brother?"

"I have inside information that the Dangtong Bureau is going to change its name and lay off staff again; they say it's going to be called the Internal Investigation Bureau."

"Dangtong becoming Internal Investigation, it sounds so low-class."

"Li Zongren wants to cut the establishment of the Bureau of Confidentiality; it's being slashed again and again. They say Class A stations will be cut to 72 people."

"With the Dangtong Bureau changing its name like this."

"In my opinion, they will all be merged in the future."

"Just that day after you finished speaking, I resigned. It's thanks to leaving quickly that I left Jinhai early before the establishment was gone."

"Sun Chuanzhi just couldn't bear to part with his little assets, and now he's still being held at the Garrison Headquarters for special training."

"Following you, Brother, really helped me escape a... a disaster."

Xie Ruo admired him to the point of prostration.

"How are Station Chief Wu and Old Yu?" he asked.

"Still locked up," Hong Zhiyou said.

"It's worth it to be locked up. Chen Zhangjie refuses to surrender, and Fu Zuoyi told him to hold Jinhai. I heard the outskirts are already fighting, and the Reds might launch a general offensive in these two days."

"Artillery shells have no eyes."

"Being locked up is better than being mowed down," Xie Ruo said.

"Did you bring the things?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"They are in the car," Xie Ruo nodded.

"I'm afraid I won't be able to leave for a while. In case Jiang Jianfeng doesn't release them, I'll have to go to Wandao first."

"However, I handle foreign affairs and supplies, so if I go to Wandao, I'll have more freedom to move around."

"The Station Chief and Old Yu will most likely have to stay in Wandao for a while."

"The Station Chief and Yu Zecheng will most likely have to stay on Wandao for a while."

"Jingling is not safe; you should return to Xiangdao first.

"Assist Ruirui and Ji Qing in getting the liquor and real estate affairs in order. If anything comes up, you can look for the Rong family or Mr. Ji at the shipping company. I have already handled the relationships with the Governor and the Chief Inspector.

"While I am away, please look after things."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Understood. Mao Renfeng is too cunning; you be careful and watch your safety," Xie Ruo nodded and said.

After finishing his instructions, Hong Zhiyou stood up and walked out.

He retrieved several gift boxes from the back seat of Xie Ruo's car, carried them to his own vehicle, and drove straight to the residence of Zheng Jiemin.

"Please announce me; Hong Zhiyou from Jinhai requests an audience with Chief Zheng and his Lady."

Upon arriving at the Zheng residence, Hong Zhiyou said to the guard at the gate.

Inside the main hall.

Zheng Jiemin was eating.

"Chief, Hong Zhiyou from Jinhai requests an audience," the guard said.

"Out so soon? He has quite the capability," Zheng Jiemin signaled for the guard to step back first and gave Ke Shufen a wink.

Ke Shufen walked to the window and took a peek outside:

"He's driving Smith's car.

"This guy's relationship with the Americans is even deeper than we imagined."

"Did Wu Jingzhong come?" Zheng Jiemin asked.

"No," Ke Shufen said while watching.

"He's likely here to plead for Wu Jingzhong.

"Mao Renfeng has always wanted to deal with Wu Jingzhong and has finally seized the opportunity.

"Furthermore, he now has the backing of Lady Jiang; he might not necessarily give me this face.

"It is better not to court bad luck."

Zheng Jiemin frowned and shook his head.

"Wu Jingzhong is your old classmate, after all.

"His son-in-law is wealthy and well-connected in Xiangdao. Given the current situation, if the Red Party were to strike, we might eventually have to beg him for help.

"Why don't you try it?"

Ke Shufen had been rebuffed in Jinhai, but she still had a decent impression of Hong Zhiyou.

"I won't try.

"I am determined to follow the Chairman.

"Even if I go, it will be to Wandao. Why go to Xiangdao? Nonsense!

"Go tell him I've gone to Shanghu and am not at home."

Zheng Jiemin glared at her and ordered.

He knew very well Mao Renfeng's petty and vengeful nature; pleading for mercy would undoubtedly be self-humiliating.

"Fine.

"Then I'll go out and greet him."

Ke Shufen knew Hong Zhiyou never came empty-handed, so she hurried out.

"Little Hong, why have you come?"

She swayed her hips to the entrance and asked with a loud laugh.

"Lady, it has been a long time.

"Zhiyou has prepared some modest gifts for this visit to Jingling; I hope you will kindly accept them," Hong Zhiyou said respectfully with a smile.

"Oh my, you've come all this way, why bring gifts?

"The Deputy Chief is not at home.

"Why don't you come back another day?

"Or... come inside and sit for a while."

Ke Shufen said this, but she took the gifts without any intention of returning them.

"No need.

"I came specifically to pay my respects to you and the Deputy Chief.

"Since I have seen you, I won't go in and disturb you further, Lady."

Hong Zhiyou said politely, bowed slightly, and drove away.

Ke Shufen carried the items back into the living room.

Good heavens.

Two antiques.

Ten gold bars.

He really deals in solid, hard currency.

"What did he say?" Zheng Jiemin glanced at them and asked.

"He didn't even mention asking you for any favors.

"As soon as he heard you weren't home, he dropped the gifts and left."

Ke Shufen complained quite a bit.

"What do you know?

"Lu Qiaoshan fell in Jinhai; he is here to repair our relationship.

"He actually understands social graces."

Zheng Jiemin sneered and laughed.

Giving gifts is something that must be done.

Zheng Jiemin's official career had always been quite smooth.

When Jiang Jianfeng arrived on the island to take charge of the intelligence system, Zheng Jiemin had contributed significantly.

Giving gifts, besides the personal favor Wu Jingzhong mentioned,

was also largely to eliminate the rift left by Lu Qiaoshan.

Enemies should be reconciled, not antagonized, after all.

Checking his watch, Hong Zhiyou arrived at the No. 2 Official Residence right at mealtime.

"Please announce me; Hong Zhiyou from Jinhai requests an audience with Comrade Jianfeng."

Soon, a guard walked out and gestured for him to enter.

Once inside.

Jianfeng had just washed his hands and was at the dining table.

Upon seeing Hong Zhiyou, he quickly greeted him: "Quick, quick, better to come at the right time than early; come over and join me for a meal."

"Yes, Director."

Hong Zhiyou was overjoyed; guided by the butler, he washed his hands and came to the dining table.

"You all step out first," Jianfeng ordered those around him.

"This..."

The guard on the side was a bit uneasy.

"Zhiyou is not an outsider; go ahead," Jianfeng waved his hand and dismissed his trusted guards.

His relationship with Hong Zhiyou, having lived and died together in Shanghu, had long since been tested and was naturally trustworthy.

"Director, you have lost weight," Hong Zhiyou's eyes turned red, and tears welled up in them.

The title "Director" left Jianfeng feeling deeply moved.

"Indeed.

"The trip to Shanghu was a total failure, and I ended up with the reputation of a swindler.

"Now, within the Party, rumors say I am an incompetent fool; there are many who watch me for a laugh."

Jianfeng was used to being intimate with him, and rarely encountering someone he could vent to, he spoke quite freely.

"A true dragon hibernates, only to soar to the nine heavens in the future.

"Director, there is no need to concern yourself with those treacherous people; restoring your health is the urgent priority so that you may shoulder heavier missions in the future.

"Your meals are still so frugal, Zhiyou..."

Hong Zhiyou narrowed his eyes and turned his head away.

"I am used to it.

"And I have no appetite.

"The Lady has ordered Mao Renfeng to monitor me in secret.

"Father, for the sake of the big picture, does not want to lose the relationship with the Songs, the Kongs, and the Americans, so he can only play deaf and dumb.

"The situation is unfavorable for me now."

Jianfeng felt a warmth in his heart and said with a smile.

"Director, whenever there is any way Zhiyou can be of use, your subordinate will surely stand with you to the death," Hong Zhiyou recited the slogan.

He knew Jianfeng liked this.

In Shanghai, he also proved with his actions that he didn't just shout slogans, he actually got things done.

Mao Renfeng won't last many more years; the one who will hold power in Wandao in the future is Jiang Jianfeng.

Shouting a few more slogans is always beneficial.

"I have heard about Wu Jingzhong's escape; you have come for his sake, haven't you?" Jiang Jianfeng asked.

"Director."

"The Station Chief has cultivated me for many years and treated me like a son; Hong Zhiyou cannot stand by and watch him die."

"I originally did not want to cause trouble for you, Director, but since Deputy Minister Zheng refuses to see me, I have no other choice but to beg for your help."

Hong Zhiyou said with a look of sincerity.

"In this day and age, people's hearts are not what they used to be. It is truly rare for you to have such intentions."

"How about this: I will risk my old reputation to vouch for him to my old classmate. As for whether Mao Renfeng will grant me this favor, that is hard to say."

Jiang Jianfeng smiled and agreed quite readily.

He stood up and, in front of Hong Zhiyou, dialed Mao Renfeng's number:

"Director Mao, it's me."

"Yes, it was I who ordered Wu Jingzhong and Yu Zecheng to come to Jingling to report on the front-line combat situation in Jinmen. I will explain this to Father and General Chen, so I ask that Director Mao be accommodating."

"Let them out first."

"As for any further punishment, we can discuss that later."

"Good, thank you!"

(End of chapter)