[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-spy-survival-guide":3,"chapter-spy-survival-guide-spy-survival-guide-chapter-367":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Spy Survival Guide",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2366683,4634,"Chapter 367: The Sorrow of Wu Jingzhong","spy-survival-guide-chapter-367",367,"\u003Cp>Hanging up the phone, Jiang Jianfeng sat down and said indifferently:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mao Renfeng has agreed; you may go and collect your people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is wonderful, thank you, Director.\" Hong Zhiyou stood up and bowed in salute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he turned to leave, Jiang Jianfeng raised a hand to stop him and asked with a smile: \"What is the rush? Can you not even spare the time to share a meal with me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My subordinate was anxious to save someone; I hope the Director will forgive my lack of decorum.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou remained as he always was; under Jiang Jianfeng's gaze, he habitually scooped up some porridge first and used the communal chopsticks to pick up some side dishes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he was about to eat, he saw the smile on Jiang Jianfeng's face and could not help but feel embarrassed, saying:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My apologies, this is the official residence; I was overthinking.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sit, sit.\" Jiang Jianfeng waved his hand with a gentle look in his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Over these years, I have cultivated many people; some are opportunists who trim their sails to the wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Some appear loyal but are actually speculators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Some are very loyal but are foolish and clumsy, unable to accomplish great things, such as Li Ya and others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are a capable official and a daring general; you have both courage and ability.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jianfeng took a sip of porridge and pointed at Hong Zhiyou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou stood up abruptly: \"This subordinate is ashamed; I only wish to weather the difficult times with the Director and set sail for ten thousand miles!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Treat this as your office in Shanghu; there is no need to be so restrained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am no longer any 'Director' either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Call me Comrade.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jianfeng laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Comrade Jiang Jianfeng.\" Hong Zhiyou sat down to drink his porridge and eat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At the end of last year, Father already sent Chen Cheng to Wandao to manage affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now, the Central Army is nearly depleted, and the Gui Clique of Bai Chongxi and Li Zongren is entrenched in Jingling; the situation is extremely unfavorable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With the momentum of the million-strong Red Army, once the peace talks fail, relying solely on these local armies with ulterior motives, the future trend will likely be irreversible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If we retreat to defend Wandao, the struggle for control of the intelligence system will inevitably be a life-and-death battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After this great defeat, I am the only one Father can truly trust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For the reorganization of the intelligence system, I need the assistance of you and Wu Jingzhong; if you have any thoughts, feel free to speak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jianfeng asked for his opinion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"May this subordinate... speak frankly?\" Hong Zhiyou appeared slightly hesitant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Speak your mind,\" said Jiang Jianfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to return to Xiangdao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have earned some assets by selling liquor, doing business, and integrating the Cao Gang; you should have already known about this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This subordinate wants to expand the shipping company in Xiangdao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the future, whenever you give the order, this subordinate can contribute a modest effort in terms of supplies and shipping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know that whether it is war or politics, it ultimately comes down to having enough to eat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The common people need to eat, and the soldiers need to eat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Kongs and Songs made us suffer great losses in Shanghu, so this subordinate wants to set up this operation so we are no longer held by the throat and at the mercy of others.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou set down his bowl, his expression as firm as iron.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The trip to Shanghu had struck a nerve with Jiang Jianfeng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kong Lingkan's arrogance had once made him doubt whose world this actually was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Hong Zhiyou mention it now, Jiang Jianfeng's face could not help but darken, his eyes flashing with sharpness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I agree with your idea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, none of this is urgent for the moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The current trouble is that Father lacks true support, and people like Li Zongren are pressing too hard. To be honest, Li Zongren is making an issue of the defense of Jingling, and in a few days, Father will officially step down and head to Xikou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you want to replace the businesses of the Kongs and Songs, I must first stand firm; otherwise, everything is just empty talk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How about this: you stay by my side for now, and once I have the authority over foreign affairs and trade, you can take Wu Jingzhong back to Xiangdao to conduct your business.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After all, you are still active-duty officers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How about that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jianfeng tapped the table and asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou had also thought about this issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jianfeng and the Americans were the two trump cards in his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Jiang Jianfeng could not rise, many things would be in vain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, the four words \"active-duty officers\" were actually a warning to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving one's post to go to Xiangdao while still on active duty was desertion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the plane had not been intercepted in Jingling, Jiang Jianfeng would have been too busy to care and likely would have turned a blind eye out of sentiment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that he had spent a favor to get people out, he would certainly not let him leave for nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was politics.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like a balance scale, if you add weight to one side, you have to help carry the sedan chair on the other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interests come first, personal feelings come later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only with interests can there be feelings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything else is nonsense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did Zheng Jiemin not step forward? Was it not because there were only feelings but no interests, or rather, it did not align with his interests?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jianfeng put in the effort because he wanted people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the truth behind why he was so forthcoming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, a \"nice guy\" cannot secure a seat of power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is the way of officialdom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When someone throws something, you have to catch it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If you don't catch it, then nobody gets to play.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This subordinate understands; I will follow your instructions,\" Hong Zhiyou nodded and said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have a list of personnel from the Confidentiality Bureau here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wu Jingzhong is a veteran; once he is out, you two should vet the list and see who can be won over, and you can tentatively test them first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"For example, if you can win over a few of Mao Renfeng's confidants like Ye Zhixiang, it will surely have miraculous effects.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiang Jianfeng stood up and handed him a folded piece of thick stationery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I will not disturb you further; please rest early.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou finished his porridge in a few gulps and stood up to take his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Office of the Director of the Confidentiality Bureau.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mao Renfeng had rarely gone home recently, spending most of his time in the lounge of his office.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cough, cough!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While coughing, he poured himself some tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Big Brother, are you alright?\" Mao Wanli, sitting opposite him, asked with concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's just that I've been feeling some chest tightness and sharp pain lately; it's nothing major.\" Mao Renfeng waved his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why don't you go to the hospital for a full check-up?\" Mao Wanli said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Illness is the kind of thing that stays as it is if you don't look into it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sometimes, if you check, it becomes troublesome instead. Besides, I don't trust those Western doctors; I'll just pick up some herbal medicine to take later,\" Mao Renfeng laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jiang Jianfeng has already called.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Release them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said after taking a sip of tea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sigh, what a pity, the old thief has escaped disaster once again,\" Mao Wanli said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Take it slow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Looking at Jiang Jianfeng's intentions, he wants to keep this father-in-law and son-in-law duo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't forget, there is a ticking time bomb hidden beside Wu Jingzhong, and the detonator for this bomb is in our hands; making him die is just a matter of minutes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mao Renfeng glanced at him and chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You mean... Yu Zecheng?\" Mao Wanli raised his eyebrows in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Judging by the intelligence left behind by Ma Kui and Li Ya, this person is most likely a Red Ticket,\" Mao Renfeng said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Big Brother, then what are we waiting for? Let's start the interrogation directly. Following Li Ya's old plan to take down Yu Zecheng, can Wu Jingzhong still escape?\" Mao Wanli said with great joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mao Renfeng shook his finger: \"This time bomb, it would be a pity to just blow up Wu Jingzhong alone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You mean... Jianfeng?\" Mao Wanli said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jianfeng still dares to come out and fish people out at a time like this; it is obvious he wants to win over hearts and minds and employ Wu Jingzhong and his son-in-law.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After this incident, Wu Jingzhong's reputation is already foul, and it will be hard to use him openly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He poses a limited threat to us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And this chess piece, Yu Zecheng, will sooner or later become a thousand-pound boulder that smashes Jiang Jianfeng's foot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now Yu Zecheng is in the open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We are in the shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No matter where he is, he will eventually contact the Red Ticket. As long as we monitor him secretly and detonate this bomb at the right time, we can plunge Jianfeng into a state of eternal damnation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After all, the Party-State is no longer in the era where the Director-General has the final say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Du Lumen and the Democratic Party do not favor the Director-General either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once Jianfeng's reputation is ruined, and with the domestic and foreign media hyping it up, plus the reputation of the 'Tiger-Beating Fraud' in Shanghu, it will be difficult for him to take over the Old Man's position.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mao Renfeng sneered coldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Big Brother, this move is simply brilliant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Without Jianfeng, the intelligence system will remain under our control. No matter who holds power in the future, they won't be able to touch our foundation,\" Mao Wanli said, slapping the table in admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By the way, the materials on Yu Zecheng are still there, right? Those are all good 'explosives',\" he asked again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, they are all kept in the data room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go, release the person.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mao Renfeng instructed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jingling Prison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Zhixiang came to the prison cell in person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a matter did not require a department head like him to handle it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he came as if possessed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even he himself did not quite understand it; it was as if his soul had been hooked by a ghost, and he just wanted to meet Hong Zhiyou a few more times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dressed in a suit and leather shoes, with polished shoes and gold-chained glasses, Hong Zhiyou got out of the car and arrived at the prison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dashing and handsome temperament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coupled with a thick scent of money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, the prison guards could not take their eyes off him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you looking at?\" A chubby prison guard poked his stunned colleague beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This guy is really damn impressive,\" the prison guard whispered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it, if you had a net worth of ten million US dollars and owned several wineries, you would be impressive too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haven't you noticed that Department Head Ye has also started running here trip after trip?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When have you ever seen him come here before?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fat prison guard said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's true, that's true.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Hong Zhiyou approached, the two hurriedly stood at attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Hong, Bureau Chief Mao has already given the instructions. I have been waiting here specifically for you for a long time,\" Ye Zhixiang walked up quickly and laughed loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you for your trouble, Department Head Ye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou raised his hand and smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arriving at the office, Ye Zhixiang took out a document: \"Just sign it and you can take the person.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Department Head Ye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A small token of respect, please accept it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou took a bulging envelope from his pocket and handed it over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no surveillance in this day and age.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Giving gifts was quite convenient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, no.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is part of my duty, I absolutely dare not accept it. Brother Hong, please don't be so formal,\" Ye Zhixiang hurriedly declined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Department Head Ye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since you think highly of me, Hong Zhiyou, and call me brother, we are brothers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since we are brothers, it is a family matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Continuing to decline will only hurt our relationship.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou used great force and pushed it back firmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As one of the four great assassins of the Juntong Bureau, Ye Zhixiang's skills were naturally superior to Hong Zhiyou's. He had originally feigned refusal, but seeing Hong Zhiyou's great strength, he found this full \"affection\" truly impossible to refuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, he withdrew his strength and pretended to be helpless, letting the envelope rest against his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, you, you this...\" He put on a helpless, smiling face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother Ye, just accept it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What time is it now? It's not like the time of the Restoration, when gold was everywhere and you didn't have to worry about begging for food with your hands out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now the big families have all run away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Every shop is closed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am only able to get foreign exchange because I have some businesses in Xiangdao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it were anyone else, they wouldn't even be able to produce the goods to befriend you, brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Accept it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou winked and whispered with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright, alright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then I will respectfully obey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Brother, a local official is better than a distant one. In Jingling, I dare not say how powerful I am, but I can still make decisions on messy matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you have any trouble, just let me know.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Zhixiang accepted the envelope and patted his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good, Zhiyou will rely on you from now on, brother,\" Hong Zhiyou said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait at the door for a moment, I'll go release the person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Station Chief Wu has been locked up for so long, he'll start cursing if I don't go now,\" Ye Zhixiang laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once out of the office door, Ye Zhixiang returned to his cold state.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arriving at the prison gate, he puffed on a cigarette and lazily opened the cell door:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Station Chief Wu, someone has vouched for you, you can go now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Department Head Ye, thank you,\" Wu Jingzhong shook his clothes and fastened his collar button.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's my duty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Zhixiang could not hide the arrogance in his bones, raised his hand, and sneered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not even put Li Zongren in his eyes, so naturally, he would not be deliberately polite to Wu Jingzhong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this day and age, officials are not as good as money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Hong Zhiyou were not a wealthy tycoon, he would never have come to this ghost place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Wu Jingzhong left, he returned to his office and impatiently took out the envelope, whispering hurriedly:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"US dollars.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"US dollars.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He impatiently took out the contents, his eyes unable to help but shine with wild joy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It really was US dollars.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All hundred-dollar bills.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And they were new bills!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Counting them carefully back and forth, it was exactly five thousand, not a cent more or less.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whew!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn, he really is a God of Wealth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This friendship was worth it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Zhixiang smiled, nimbly packed it up, and stuffed it back into his pocket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong and Yu Zecheng arrived at the prison entrance, where Hong Zhiyou was already waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher, Director Yu, I have kept you waiting for a long time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have already booked a suite at the Yihe Yangtze Hotel; you can stay there first. Miss Hu Die has a private residence in Jingling; it is said that Boss Dai often stayed there while he was alive. It is very secluded and quite secure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She has already entrusted someone to hand it over to me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Once I have someone tidy it up, Teacher and Director Yu can move over there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After getting into the car, Hong Zhiyou reported on every detail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You just arrange it as you see fit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I never thought there would come a day when I would become a Jingling local. I hear the roast duck and vermicelli soup here are quite good.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the past, every visit was hurried, coming and going in a rush. It is just as well that this time I can properly enjoy the imperial aura of this ancient capital of six dynasties.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong looked at the buildings flashing past the window, his mood greatly improved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Indeed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I hear the Yihe Yangtze Hotel is specifically for hosting distinguished guests. If it were me, I certainly wouldn't be willing to stay there. This time, I am counting on the favor of Zhiyou and Teacher.\" Yu Zecheng also joked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They arrived at the hotel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had dinner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong and Yu Zecheng retired to bed early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, in the morning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou arrived at the hotel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong and Yu Zecheng were playing chess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher, Tianjin has fallen,\" Hong Zhiyou said in a low voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\" Wu Jingzhong put down his chess piece, his face turning pale with shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Yu Zecheng wore an expression of disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wasn't it said the day before yesterday that negotiations were still ongoing? How, how did it fall so quickly? Did Chen Zhangjie surrender?\" Wu Jingzhong asked hurriedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Red troops took Tianjin City in just twenty-nine hours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chen Zhangjie was captured on the spot!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This morning, the Generalissimo was still flying into a rage at the Ministry of National Defense.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The American public opinion is overwhelming, and they are very dissatisfied with the Generalissimo.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The battles in the Northeast, Huaihai, and Pingjin have been a total defeat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now, only Fu Zuoyi remains, resisting in isolation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Chen Zhangjie had an army of 170,000, and he spent over half a year just building defensive fortifications. To be defeated and captured in twenty-nine hours—how, exactly, is this war being fought?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This must be... heavenly soldiers and generals!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong stood there with his mouth agape, simply unable to believe it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What on earth have those idiots under Chen Zhangjie been doing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Back when we were fighting the Japanese, we didn't even have American equipment, and yet, we were still able to put up a fight. It wasn't this kind of mess!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wei Lihuang ran away, Huang Wei and Du Yuming were captured a few days ago, and Huang Baitao and Qiu Qingquan died in battle.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now Chen Zhangjie has been captured in twenty-nine hours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What kind of war is this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Incredible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"North China is finished.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Party, the Party-State has no hope left.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His lips trembled, and he muttered as if he had lost his soul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou and Yu Zecheng looked at each other in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a long time, the Nationalist government had many high-ranking officials like Wu Jingzhong who always thought the loss of the Northeast and Eastern Shandong was as unreal as a dream, and they still held great fantasies about the Nationalist Army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the capture of Du Yuming—who was known for his ability to fight and was hailed as the pillar of the Nationalist Army—had dealt these people a heavy blow,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>then the fact that Tianjin, which was touted as a fortress, was conquered in a mere twenty-nine hours had completely shattered their defenses and pierced their beautiful illusions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bloody reality was:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Party-State is about to perish!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Generalissimo's wisdom has completely failed!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those \"straw-sandal soldiers\" whom they had once looked down upon from on high—who had suffered in desperate straits, climbing snowy mountains and wading through marshes—had, by virtue of their infinite perseverance and wise leadership, become an unstoppable red torrent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ahem.\" Yu Zecheng felt wild joy in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was usually steady and not the type to rub salt in a wound, but he truly did not know how to comfort Wu Jingzhong, so he could only frantically signal to Hong Zhiyou with his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher, Fu Zuoyi still has an army of 500,000.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Here in Jingling, Li Zongren's hundreds of thousands of troops are holding the natural barriers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everything is still fine, it's not that bad. You must not make yourself sick with anger.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou helped him sit down and consoled him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alas!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh, my!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong slapped his thighs with both hands and sighed in pain several times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Hong Zhiyou was preparing to comfort him a bit more, Wu Jingzhong shook his index finger and squeezed his eyes, saying:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Zhiyou, Zecheng, you, you tell me—if I hadn't been so damn muddled and followed Boss Dai back then, I would at least be a staff officer or political commissar for a North China or Northeast Field Army brigade by now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>???\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou and Yu Zecheng were completely stunned; so this was what the old man was regretting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Given Teacher's status within the Party at the time, a brigade level would be too low; at the very least, you would be a staff officer or political commissar at the level of a North China Second or Third Army Group.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Zecheng said hurriedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was not flattery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People like Wu Jingzhong and Cheng Yiming were highly regarded when the organization was still in its infancy and were sent to the Sun Yat-sen University in Moscow for advanced studies. If they had been able to maintain their resolve and fight to the end, they would certainly have been the pillars of the old guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they had stuck it out until now, their rank certainly would not be low.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Forget it, there is no regret medicine in this world.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You two chat; I'm going to call Rui Rui. I miss my little Jin Feng.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wu Jingzhong stood up and walked away slowly with his hands behind his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Teacher has been truly frightened.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Old Xie called me this morning and said that Sun Chuanzhi wanted to escape during the chaos, but he was kidnapped by his own subordinates, his belongings were looted, and he was shot to death.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"His wife is probably sitting in that 100,000-dollar luxury mansion they just bought in Xiangdao, crying right now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Serves him right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If these secret agents had survived, who knows what kind of trouble they would have caused in the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's a pity I couldn't see the moment the army entered the city with my own eyes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Zecheng clenched his fist and said happily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I suspect you won't be able to see it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jianfeng had conditions for securing your release; you may still have to follow the Jiangs, father and son, and continue to go to Sichuan or Wandao to remain undercover.\" Hong Zhiyou speculated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jingling City was full of spies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jianfeng might not deliberately monitor them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Mao Renfeng had gone to great lengths to set up this scheme; he would never let the three of them escape from under his nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is Shopkeeper Qiu still here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I want to see him,\" Yu Zecheng said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go see him together.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After all, he is a divine physician and an old acquaintance; there is no harm in going to see him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hong Zhiyou laughed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xie Ruo had arrived in Jingling a step before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already briefly investigated the situation here, such as the status of Shopkeeper Qiu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This had saved Hong Zhiyou a lot of trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One has to say, having a capable general really saves a lot of mental effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wonder how Cuiping and Sanmin are doing now?\" After getting into the car, Yu Zecheng said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sanmin should be fine; he is in direct contact with the organization.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As for Cuiping, it's hard to say.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3972,"2026-06-25T10:22:50.793Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","a295d008af2317bd997d18367eb6ba57b584f161cc0652ce63b4a621489d1274","spy-survival-guide-chapter-368","spy-survival-guide-chapter-366",395,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fspy-survival-guide-cover.jpg"]