Chapter 368: Counterattacking Mao Renfeng

Changjiang Road, inside a small residence.

Hong Zhiyou and Yu Zecheng stepped out of the car.

A fair number of people were lined up at the entrance.

These were all people who had come to seek medical treatment from Shopkeeper Qiu.

It had to be said that Qiu Ji still had some real skills.

Sitting at the consultation table in the courtyard, Qiu Ji spotted the two of them at a glance and hurriedly instructed his apprentice, Song Aobao:

"That's enough for today; turn everyone else away."

"Yes!"

Song Aobao walked to the entrance: "Everyone, Physician Qiu is tired. We are done for today. Those of you behind, please come back another day. Thank you."

Then, he closed the courtyard gate.

After seeing the people ahead one by one and writing out their prescriptions,

an hour and a half had already passed.

Finally, it was Yu Zecheng's turn.

Looking at his former superior, who was now glowing with health, Yu Zecheng suppressed a smile, stepped forward, and said:

"Shopkeeper Qiu, long time no see."

"Why is it you?

"I won't see you, I won't see you. Aobao, throw him out!" Qiu Ji's face darkened, and he shouted in a rage.

"I—I'm here to see a doctor. By what right do you chase me out?" Yu Zecheng argued with dissatisfaction.

"By what right? Why do you think I'm sitting in a wheelchair now? Wasn't it because you shot me?

"Get out of here. I won't treat your illness."

Qiu Ji slapped the table and cursed.

"Sir, please, I must ask you to leave." Song Aobao stepped forward to block Yu Zecheng.

"Shopkeeper Qiu.

"Let's talk this over. Back then, Director Yu was just doing his duty.

"A physician should have a benevolent heart. Besides, he doesn't work at the Jinhai Station anymore; he's just a patient desperate for medical help.

"Please, be the bigger person and let go of past grievances. I beg you, I beg you."

Hong Zhiyou hurriedly stepped forward to smooth things over.

"For the sake of Secretary Hong, I won't hold it against you.

"Aobao, go stand guard at the gate and don't let just anyone in."

Qiu Ji pointed toward the gate and said.

"Yes, Master." Song Aobao obediently went outside.

"Where are the guards?" Hong Zhiyou looked around and asked.

"They were withdrawn long ago.

"Mao Renfeng monitored me for years, but there were too many dignitaries coming and going. To vet them all, he would have had to arrest the entire Jiang administration.

"I suppose he got annoyed and pulled the secret agents out of here."

Qiu Ji laughed.

"Old leader!"

Hearing this, Yu Zecheng pursed his lips, stepped forward, and gripped Qiu Ji's hand tightly.

"Comrade Zecheng!

"I've heard a little about your affairs in Jinhai—getting rid of Ma Kui and battling Li Ya. You've suffered and worked hard." Seeing his old partner, Qiu Ji was also overjoyed, his eyes turning red.

"I'm nothing; it's you who have suffered." Looking at Qiu Ji's paralyzed legs, Yu Zecheng still felt unbearable guilt.

"Let's not talk about that.

"It just so happens that I've received a new mission from above, and we can't find suitable personnel here in Jingling. You two have come at the perfect time.

"The organization has received news that Li Zongren has great ambitions.

"On one hand, he is forcing Jiang to step down, and on the other, he is actively urging the Americans to intervene in the situation, hoping to divide and rule along the Yangtze River.

"Jiang has tacitly approved of this decision of his as well.

"Once the American army intervenes, the Soviet Union will inevitably intervene forcefully as well. The Americans will control a puppet government of the Nationalist Party, and the Soviet Union will interfere with our great cause of unifying the Chinese nation.

"Such sinister intentions are extremely dangerous!

"How can our vast China continue to live under the shadow of others and be carved up at will?

"Our leadership absolutely does not agree with this.

"Our five hundred million sons and daughters of China will never agree to it either.

"It is just that the Soviet Union cannot be offended.

"People have already gone to hold secret talks with Stalin, but we still need to apply strong medicine here in North America. The organization has already dispatched people, and patriotic democrats are also lobbying.

"But this is far from enough; we need to exert effort from multiple sides.

"Secretary Hong, you are a friend of our Party and have good personal relations with Ambassador Smith and Commander Kirk. I would like to ask you to step up.

"This concerns the fate of generations to come; I hope you will not refuse."

Shopkeeper Qiu lowered his voice, his hatred profound.

"I will do my best."

Hong Zhiyou did not refuse and agreed readily.

He knew that he could not play a major role in the tides of history.

He only wished to add fuel to the fire and contribute his meager strength.

"There is a small park to the left of the street. To the left of the second pavilion in the park, there is a crooked tree. I hid five gold bars underneath it when I went there to clear my head last time.

"That is the funding the organization provided for this mission.

"I know you are a businessman.

"Consider it the organization's payment for your hard work."

Shopkeeper Qiu said.

"Fine, then I will accept it.

"But it might not be enough; I need more." Hong Zhiyou thought for a moment and said.

Lobbying these foreign grandsons like Kirk requires real gold and silver.

Five gold bars wouldn't even be enough to fill the gaps in their teeth.

His assets had long been transferred to Xiangdao, and his banks had been liquidated; the liquid capital he had on hand was limited.

"How much do you need?" Shopkeeper Qiu asked.

"At least fifty thousand US dollars." Hong Zhiyou held up five fingers.

"Fine, I will find a way.

"As long as we can stop the Americans from entering, any amount of money is worth it.

"Go to the Meile Cafe tomorrow, and someone will give it to you then."

Shopkeeper Qiu thought for a moment and said.

"Good." Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"Shopkeeper Qiu, I would like to ask about Cuiping, and the comrades at the Jinhai transit station."

Yu Zecheng always strictly adhered to the organization's discipline and did not mention the name of Liao Sanmin.

"Comrade Zecheng, the organization hopes you will remain silent for a period of time.

"Not everyone can get close to Jianfeng.

"Your current role will be even more important in the future than it was in Jinhai; you will likely have to continue carrying out undercover missions.

"Therefore..."

Shopkeeper Qiu looked at him, his expression complex.

Being undercover is very dangerous.

With Jiang defeated so miserably, he will inevitably engage in white terror and vetting in the future. For comrades working underground, survival will become increasingly difficult.

Yu Zecheng already had quite a bit of gray hair at his temples.

He had endured too much pressure over these years.

Logically speaking, with the liberation of Jinhai, he had already successfully completed his organizational mission and, to ensure his safety, should have left underground work to join in the new construction.

But once the Jiangs retreat to Wandao, intelligence will remain the top priority.

Zecheng is still the first choice.

"Still undercover, then.

"Very well.

"Since I can't get away from Jingling anyway, if the organization needs me, I will continue to stay undercover.

"You—you tell me about Cuiping."

Yu Zecheng frowned slightly but still agreed.

"Well, because of the requirements of your work and the level of secrecy, in order to ensure your safety, and because of the improper arrangements made for Comrade Cuiping in the past, which caused many problems with confidentiality, this time it will certainly be handled more thoroughly.

"Comrade Cuiping will also likely need to remain silent.

"Her past aliases, real name, and files must all be changed, and even the places she has stayed, such as Jibei, Jinhai, or even nearby Ludong, certainly cannot be kept."

"As for where she will be assigned and what name she will be given, I fear no one knows except the chief of Line One."

"However, rest assured, once the timing allows, I will certainly do my utmost to inquire for you."

Shopkeeper Qiu said.

"No, it's already liberated, is it, is it still necessary to be so strict?" Yu Zecheng's voice trembled slightly.

"Of course."

"After liberation, there are still many enemy agents hiding among the masses; the more it is this time, the more we must be extremely careful."

"You are an old comrade, you should understand the rules within this."

Qiu Ji said.

"But I... we just got married, and haven't had time to report to the organization... Cuiping she..."

Yu Zecheng felt an inexplicable stabbing pain in his heart, his speech becoming somewhat incoherent.

He was not afraid of parting.

He was only worried about Cuiping.

Having followed him and suffered years of humiliation, if she were to be an idle pawn after liberation, where would her overflowing passion, blood, and fighting spirit be placed?

With her temperament as fierce as fire, how could she endure it!

How could she still serve as a township head or county magistrate to lead everyone in smelting steel and repairing irrigation canals?

Yu Zecheng felt endless regret in his heart; if he had been firm from the start and sent Cuiping away early, it would have been better.

She would not have been implicated by him.

Alas!

Hong Zhiyou watched silently from the side, feeling secret sympathy and sighing in his heart.

This is what it means to be undercover.

This is what underground warfare is.

Real and cruel.

Separation of husband and wife, a single glance lasting ten thousand years.

Only by holding faith in one's heart can one carry the burden and move forward!

"Comrade Zecheng, take care."

Qiu Ji did not know how to comfort him, having only this one sentence.

"Old Yu, it's time to go."

Hong Zhiyou reminded Yu Zecheng.

"I submit to the organization's arrangements." Yu Zecheng bit his lip hard, his eyes red as he spoke.

"Good."

Qiu Ji quickly wrote out the prescription.

Yu Zecheng put it into his pocket and turned to leave the courtyard.

He got into the car.

Yu Zecheng looked out the window, his mood difficult to calm for a long time.

"Old Yu, don't worry, I will do my best to find your senior sister in the future; there will be a day of reunion." Hong Zhiyou comforted him.

"Thank you."

"If I want to continue lurking here in Jianfeng, I fear it will still be difficult to pass the hurdle of Mao Renfeng." He took a deep breath, suppressed the heavy weight in his heart, and quickly entered a working state.

"Ma Kui and Li Ya must have collected quite a lot of incriminating evidence."

"He let me and the station chief go so readily."

"I fear it is just to keep this trump card, to catch me off guard and checkmate me in the future."

Yu Zecheng was no pushover, and he thought of this quite keenly.

He felt grateful to the station chief in his heart.

If the station chief had wanted to save trouble, he could have completely executed him in secret and ended it once and for all.

Now he had become a big problem again.

The difficulty of lurking had increased geometrically!

"Don't be anxious."

"Stay silent first, and slowly wait for the opportunity." Hong Zhiyou smiled.

Over the next few days.

Hong Zhiyou took the funds given by Shopkeeper Qiu, actively lobbied Anderson, and arranged a meeting with Seventh Fleet Commander Cooke.

Wu Jingzhong and Yu Zecheng were busy vetting the list given by Jianfeng, identifying those who could be won over.

January 20th, early morning.

Hong Gong Shrine, headquarters of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics.

Ring-ring.

The phone in Mao Renfeng's lounge rang.

He woke up in a fit of thirst, picked up the phone, and answered:

"It's me."

"Renchu, you, what you said is true?"

"Good."

"I will report to the Generalissimo immediately."

"Don't panic, I will arrange a plane for you now, wait for my news."

Mao Renfeng hung up the phone.

He quickly put on his clothes, gulped down a few mouthfuls of water, ran downstairs, and called his adjutant:

"Quick, quick, go to the Generalissimo's residence."

Half an hour later.

He arrived at the Presidential Palace and said to the guard on duty:

"I am Mao Renfeng, I have, I have an extremely urgent matter to report to the Generalissimo, report it quickly."

A moment later.

The guard walked back: "Director Mao, please."

Mao Renfeng walked quickly to the reception hall.

The Generalissimo was clearly not yet asleep and was drinking tea.

"Generalissimo, something has happened."

"Wang Puchen reports secretly that Fu Zuoyi is going to surrender, and the Red representative has already secretly entered Beiping, confirmed to sign a peace agreement tomorrow."

"Beiping is about to be lost."

Mao Renfeng said in great shock.

"Thump!"

The Generalissimo struck his cane heavily on the floor with both hands.

His whole body trembled slightly as he walked with his cane to the balcony, gazing at the starlight in the distance:

"Fu Zuoyi has failed me."

"I ordered him to move south, but he kept making excuses; I never thought he would actually grow a rebellious heart."

"This thief is shameful and hateful."

Mao Renfeng hurriedly said: "Generalissimo, once Beiping is lost, the five hundred thousand troops will all belong to the Reds, their military strength will be nearly four million, and the situation is extremely unfavorable for us."

"Your subordinate requests to eliminate the thief Fu."

"Forget it, if he wants to go, let him go; do not waste energy on a useless person!" The Generalissimo shook his head and said.

"Generalissimo, my men are already prepared, Li Zongren..." Mao Renfeng said again.

"Cancel it."

"Once the Reds take Beiping, they will inevitably march south."

"Isn't he highly regarded by the Americans?"

"Don't he and Bai Chongxi always refuse to be subordinate to others?"

"Let them show their skills; let them fight the Reds, battle them, and defend Jingling."

"I will step down tomorrow and go to Xikou."

"I want to see what kind of tricks he, Li Delin, can pull."

The Generalissimo said in a deep voice.

"Can, cancel?" Mao Renfeng could hardly believe it.

"Yes, cancel."

"Qiwu, Li Zongren has long coveted the position of president; once I leave, he will inevitably make things difficult for the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics."

"You must be prepared."

"Keep the organization intact; it doesn't matter what the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics is called, what matters is keeping the backbone and elites in your hands."

"Why have the Reds been able to develop?"

"It is because they value talent; you must be the same, you must keep the people."

"As long as the green hills remain, there is no need to worry about firewood."

The Chairman gave solemn instructions.

"Your subordinate understands."

"Chairman, you, you must take care of yourself."

Mao Renfeng bowed and retreated.

"Yisheng, oh Yisheng, how could you betray me!"

The Chairman looked toward the distant firmament; the landscape had lost its color, and a sense of desolation could not help but rise in his heart.

Inside a restaurant in an alley.

Hong Zhiyou was smoking a cigarette slowly, sitting opposite him was a middle-aged man wearing a long gown.

"Secretary Hong, long time no see," the man said with a smile.

His name was Fang Qing.

In the past, he was a trusted aide to Ma Hansan.

He had once followed Ma Hansan to Jingling to lobby for votes for Li Zongren.

After Ma Hansan died.

Fang Qing had originally also been imprisoned in the Beiping prison by Wang Puchen.

His wife found Liu Yuzhu to plead for mercy.

It was Hong Zhiyou who stepped in, finding Sun Wanjing, an adjutant to Fu Zuoyi, to get the person out.

Fang Qing did not dare to stay in Beiping any longer and came to Jingling.

Li Zongren felt he had wronged old Ma, so he kept Fang Qing by his side as a bodyguard.

"Old brother, your demeanor is even better than before," Hong Zhiyou said with a smile.

"Secretary Hong, that is all thanks to your great fortune."

"If it weren't for your all-out rescue back then, I would have died in Wang Puchen's interrogation room long ago; I wouldn't have had the chance to sit here and talk to you," Fang Qing said.

"You also know my relationship with old Ma; since we are not outsiders, I will speak directly."

"Mao Renfeng is going to send people to assassinate General Delin."

"There is a grocery store near Guanghua Gate; that is Mao Renfeng's surveillance point. Once General Delin boards a plane, they will activate fighter jets to shoot down the General's vehicle."

"There is also the General's residence at Fuhougang in Gulou; there is a book stall outside."

"The stall owner is named Wu Dehou, a veteran from the Linli Class, and he is responsible for surveillance."

"Once Mao Renfeng gives the order, Qin Jingchuan and Wang Hanwen will immediately carry out the assassination."

"Including the area near Officer Bai's residence, there are also secret agents."

"One must be on guard."

Hong Zhiyou said in a low voice.

"Qin Jingchuan?"

"I know these two; they are both famous, long-standing killers of the Juntong Bureau."

"Secretary Hong, is this information accurate?"

Fang Qing said in shock.

"Do you think I look like I'm joking?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Good, I will go back and report to General Delin immediately," Fang Qing said.

"It's just that I am very curious."

"You are currently working for Jianfeng, why would you leak this news to me?"

He asked, puzzled.

"It's very simple."

"General Delin is a famous anti-Japanese general; he should not suffer this calamity."

"Furthermore, if someone punches you, do you want to punch back?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"That depends on who it is."

"In any case, I wouldn't dare to hit Wang Puchen."

"But since you are Secretary Hong, I understand!"

Fang Qing made a joke, stood up, and shook hands to say goodbye.

Hong Zhiyou had two purposes for doing this.

Getting back at them was true.

Mao Renfeng had put him in a difficult position; it was not appropriate to confront him openly, but it was still possible to hand out knives in the dark.

Furthermore, it was to clear away the black files for old Yu.

It was also to remove this major hidden danger for old Wu and Jianfeng in the future.

Historically, Mao Renfeng burned down the Secret Service Bureau, destroying almost all the materials.

But with Li Zongren's current influence, Mao Renfeng had plenty of time to slowly transfer the important materials and files from Honggong Shrine.

Hong Zhiyou had to blow some wind for him.

Of course, the premise for him daring to do this was that neither the Chairman nor Jianfeng wanted Li Zongren to die right now, and they certainly did not want the Secret Service Bureau's materials and files to be left behind for Li Zongren to reap the benefits.

Office.

Li Zongren was smoking and reviewing documents.

Fang Qing walked in and immediately reported Hong Zhiyou's intelligence.

"I had long discovered that the book stall was a bit strange; sure enough, they are Mao Renfeng's lackeys."

"Immediately send people to arrest them."

Li Zongren was furious and gave the order immediately.

"Yes, Vice President."

Fang Qing accepted the order.

Two o'clock in the afternoon.

Shen Zui, dressed in a Zhongshan suit, arrived at Honggong Shrine.

"Station Chief Shen, I've been waiting for you for a long time, sit down quickly," Mao Renfeng greeted him to the sofa.

"Bureau Chief, is it time to execute the mission?" Shen Zui asked with a face full of excitement.

"Not so."

"The Chairman ordered last night to cancel the assassination plan," Mao Renfeng said.

"Why?"

"This is a heaven-sent opportunity; once missed, if Li Delin gains momentum, it will be even harder to get rid of him in Jingling."

Shen Zui frowned, puzzled.

"After all, it is an internal party struggle; the top priority is that the guns must be pointed outward to resist the Red tickets moving south."

"The Chairman's intention is to let Li Zongren toss about for a while."

"Have your people withdraw."

Mao Renfeng said righteously.

"Alright," Shen Zui said.

Just as they were talking, a guard walked in and whispered a few words into Mao Renfeng's ear.

"I know," Mao Renfeng's expression sank, and he frowned.

"Something happened?" Shen Zui saw that his expression was wrong and asked.

"To tell you the truth, Li Zongren just captured a group of our people."

"Among them, Wu Dehou was captured, and Qin Jingchuan and Wang Hanwen resisted arrest; one was shot dead, and the other committed suicide by taking poison."

Mao Renfeng said in a deep voice.

"Damn it!"

"Li Zongren is unfamiliar with the place, and with that group of stupid soldiers under him and Bai Chongxi, how did they know the intelligence?" Shen Zui said angrily.

"This matter is very strange."

"It is an eventful autumn!"

"You go back first and pretend you don't know anything."

"Li Zongren summoned me over; I reckon there will be no shortage of bickering."

Mao Renfeng said, rubbing his forehead with a headache.

"Bureau Chief, if you go to Li Zongren's residence, will there be danger?"

"You also know that he has always had a deep grudge against our Secret Service Bureau; if he suddenly attacks you, it will be hard to guard against."

Shen Zui frowned with concern.

"Not necessarily; the Chairman is still the President, and Li Zongren hasn't taken office yet; I reckon he wouldn't dare to touch me."

"Besides, Wu Dehou might not necessarily confess."

"Don't worry, I'll go meet Li Delin."

Mao Renfeng said with great confidence.

After seeing Shen Zui off, he got into a car and headed straight for the official residence of Li Zongren.

……

(End of chapter)