Chapter 372: The Test from Jianfeng

Jiangzhe, Xikou.

The sun is bright, and all things are reviving.

Jianfeng stands by the window, looking at the new buds emerging in the flower garden, his heart filled with a complex mix of emotions.

His long-held view is: if you suspect a man, you must still use him; if you use a man, you must still suspect him.

However, the Three People's Principles Youth League produced a Li Ya.

He once had absolute faith in this man's loyalty and placed great hopes in him.

And the result?

Li Ya ruined things time and again.

He even let Lu Qiaoshan wipe out all the core new talents he had painstakingly cultivated for the political school, making it impossible for the Three People's Principles Youth League to establish any influence in Jinhai.

What annoyed Jianfeng even more was that this man had no patience and only cared for immediate fame and fortune.

While he was lying low, Li Ya actually violated the oath of the Three People's Principles Youth League, defected to Mao Renfeng, and even concocted a "Yellow Sparrow Plan" to help Mao Renfeng claim credit.

This once caused Jianfeng immense heartache, and he even received a severe scolding from his father because of it.

His father's advice was: if you use a man, you must suspect him; if you suspect a man, use him with caution.

Jianfeng values Hong Zhiyou.

But the National Army is retreating steadily in places like Shaanxi and Sichuan, and judging by the current situation, going to Wandao has become the inevitable trend.

He must conduct a final screening before leaving to determine his core team.

This man Yu Zecheng has many suspicious points.

Hong Zhiyou is very close to him and must know many inside stories.

In the materials from the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, Jianfeng specifically had Xu Zhidao clear out those related to Jinhai, mixing them with other data in a seemingly casual way; in reality, this was the test he had set.

If Hong Zhiyou takes the opportunity to destroy Yu Zecheng's files.

That would indicate two things.

Yu Zecheng truly has problems.

Hong and Yu are feeling guilty, which is why they would destroy the files.

It would also prove that Hong Zhiyou is only loyal on the surface, that his reach is long and dark, and that he may not be reliable at a critical moment.

"Zhiyou, you must not let me down."

He sighed softly.

"Comrade Jianfeng, Hong Zhiyou has returned." The Chief Attendant Wan An walked in and reported in a low voice.

Wan An is his trusted aide.

In the past, besides being responsible for the security of the No. 2 Residence, the guard team under his command also served as Jianfeng's eyes in various places.

"He didn't come here?" Jianfeng asked.

"No."

"His wife brought the child over from Xiangdao. After getting off the plane, Hong Zhiyou went back to the residence for a reunion first," Wan An replied.

"He brought his wife and child over?" Jianfeng frowned and let out an "Oh."

Given Hong Zhiyou's cautious and steady nature, sending his wife and child to Xikou at this critical juncture is truly baffling.

"What about that box Xu Zhidao prepared?" he asked.

"People at the airport saw him load a box into the car."

"He likely brought the intelligence back."

"It's just that, logically, he should report his work to you first upon returning."

"Shall I go summon him?"

Wan An said with a hint of dissatisfaction.

"No need!"

"Xu Zhidao rebuilding the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, secretly cooperating with Mao Renfeng on the arson and other matters—he has already reported everything to me over the phone."

"The young couple is reuniting; they should enjoy the joy of being together."

"Let him be."

Jianfeng couldn't quite figure it out for a moment, so he waved his hand.

"Yes." Wan An accepted the order.

"By the way, keep a close eye on the airport, especially Hong Zhiyou's family."

"Without my order, they, as well as Wu and Yu and the others, must not be allowed to leave Xikou by even half a step."

Jianfeng's expression turned stern as he gave the order.

"Subordinate obeys." Wan An hurried away.

Inside a simple and ancient Jiangnan courtyard.

Wu Jingzhong and Yu Zecheng are playing with Lele.

The little one is one year old.

Her little face is round and chubby like an apple, white with a rosy tint, and extremely cute.

"Jinfeng, come, Grandpa will teach you how to walk."

"If we walk, we walk the straight and narrow path."

"Step steadily, one, two, one."

While supporting his granddaughter as she learned to walk, Wu Jingzhong turned his head and scolded his daughter nearby: "Who told you to come back?"

"And bringing the child!"

"Dad."

"Isn't Zhiyou calling Mr. Zhou and Lin Tian back?"

"I thought the child hadn't seen you and her father for a long time, so I just followed along to see you," Wu Rui replied with a smile.

"Foolish!"

"Now is a time of danger; bringing the child here, isn't that like a sheep entering a tiger's den?" Wu Jingzhong frowned in dissatisfaction.

"This was also Zhiyou's idea."

"He told me to come; go ask him yourself," Wu Rui pouted and said.

"Teacher, Zhiyou must have his reasons for doing this; please set your mind at ease," Yu Zecheng said from the side, watching Lele babble, his eyes filled with indescribable fondness and envy.

He thought of his promise to Cuiping: to have a daughter, with a small mouth and big eyes...

Sigh.

I wonder where Cuiping is now and how she is doing.

"Reason my foot."

"I don't care what he's up to, but using Jinfeng as a pawn is not acceptable."

"It's simply unreasonable."

Wu Jingzhong picked up his little granddaughter and grumbled unhappily.

Hong Zhiyou drove back to the courtyard.

Zhou Yan and Lin Tian, who were squatting outside the courtyard wall smoking, hurried over.

"Old Zhou, Little Lin!"

Hong Zhiyou took several packs of cigarettes out of his briefcase and tossed them to the two:

"Red Cedar!"

"Special supply for the upper echelons of the Jingling garrison!"

"You keep them; I'm still used to smoking Old Knife," Zhou Yan smiled and handed them to Lin Tian.

"That works perfectly."

Lin Tian took them and couldn't wait to open one and light it up.

"Hmm, strong enough."

"Are you sure you don't want one?" he exhaled and asked with a wink and a smile.

Zhou Yan shook his head, fished an Old Knife from his pocket, and lit it: "I only smoke this; unlike you, who wants to smoke every cigarette in the world."

"You call that being old-fashioned."

"Old Knife burns the mouth; this one is more comfortable to smoke."

Lin Tian started bantering with him.

"There's a box in the car; help me carry it into the inner room later," Hong Zhiyou instructed, then hurried into the courtyard to hold his baby.

"Zhiyou, how did it go?"

"I heard the Hong Ancestral Hall was burned down by a big fire," Yu Zecheng asked in a low voice, his eyes gleaming with joy.

"It was burned, but there was a hitch; the data from Jinhai was kept by Xu Zhidao."

"It's right in that box."

Hong Zhiyou glanced at the large box Zhou Yan had carried in on his shoulder.

"You didn't dispose of it?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"Couldn't dispose of it; it was Jianfeng's intention," Hong Zhiyou shook his head.

Yu Zecheng felt as if he had been plunged into an ice cellar, his heart turning cold.

Jianfeng had intelligence on Yang Village, the Shaanxi Guild Hall, and Mr. Dong sitting on his desk.

Back then, he had even had Li Ya secretly investigate him.

It was only through the cooperation of the Station Chief and Hong Zhiyou that Li Ya did not succeed, and the matter was left unsettled.

But this did not mean Jianfeng considered him innocent.

If the old case were to be brought up again now, this box would be a powder keg.

Once a mistake was made, everyone in the courtyard would be left without even their bones remaining.

What was worse, he could not run, nor was there anywhere to run.

He could contact the underground transit station in Xikou through Shopkeeper Qiu.

But Jianfeng must have laid out a dragnet by now; fleeing would undoubtedly be a dead end, and it would also implicate the Station Chief and Hong Zhiyou.

In other words.

He could do nothing now but wait... for death.

"Old Yu, you go back first and wait for my news," Hong Zhiyou said, patting him on the shoulder with a smile.

"Alright."

Seeing his calm expression, Yu Zecheng felt a bit more at ease.

After exchanging greetings, he took his leave.

"You, come with me," Wu Jingzhong said with a gloomy face, walking toward the inner room first.

"Lele, come, go find Mommy."

Hong Zhiyou handed the child to Wu Rui.

"Zhiyou, Dad is getting on in years, speak gently and don't frighten the old man," Wu Rui whispered a reminder.

"I know, it's more likely he'll frighten me," Hong Zhiyou laughed.

They arrived in the inner room.

Once the door was closed, Wu Jingzhong turned around, pointed at him, and scolded with a glare:

"What kind of mess are you making?

"Since Jianfeng has become suspicious, why did you still have Wu Rui and the child come over? Are you afraid there won't be anyone to keep you company on the road to the Yellow Springs?"

"Teacher, please don't be angry, listen to me explain slowly," Hong Zhiyou said, pouring him tea in his usual soft-spoken manner.

"Li Ya, Lu Qiaoshan, and even Liu Xiong and Ma Kui—who knows how much black material they've compiled on Yu Zecheng.

"The Generalissimo and Jianfeng are losing their minds with desperation now; who knows if they'll stir up another White Terror storm.

"If these materials are submitted, have you thought about the consequences?

"Since they fell into your hands, why didn't you pull them out and destroy them right there in Jingling?"

Wu Jingzhong asked sternly.

"Teacher.

"I had thought about it when I first got the box, and I did handle the intelligence regarding Jinhai.

"But Xu Zhi had placed the Jinhai materials on top, and they were brought by a newly recruited clerk from the Three People's Principles Youth League.

"Do you think I could still move them?"

Hong Zhiyou shrugged helplessly.

"You mean Xu Zhi was hinting to you that this is a trap set by Jianfeng?" Wu Jingzhong was sharp and immediately understood the meaning within.

"It's possible.

"Regardless, I cannot afford to take that risk.

"Given the current war situation, a transfer to Wandao is inevitable.

"The Jiangs, father and son, have been utterly defeated on the intelligence front, especially with the defections of Ceng Zesheng and Fu Zuoyi, which dealt them a heavy blow.

"It is said that Fu Zuoyi's daughter is a Red!

"This is one of the reasons why the Generalissimo is supporting Jianfeng and trying so hard to rebuild the intelligence network.

"Since Jianfeng wants to use us, he will inevitably conduct strict, perhaps even repeated, screenings.

"I suspect this box of intelligence is a test for us.

"Once I touch it, the consequences will be unimaginable."

Hong Zhiyou lowered his voice.

"This is truly a dilemma.

"It's understandable for you and me to have some financial issues; after all, selling wine is honest money, and picking up a few antiques is reasonable.

"As long as they want to keep fleecing you for American aid, they won't touch you.

"But Zecheng is a big problem.

"Jianfeng still holds the secret files on Yang Village, and with that pile of black material, it is highly likely to explode and implicate you and me.

"Sigh.

"If he leaves now, we suffer.

"If he stays, we also suffer.

"At this juncture, we can't even touch him.

"Difficult, difficult, difficult!"

Wu Jingzhong paced with his hands behind his back, a cold, murderous glint flashing in his eyes.

"However!

"I don't care what medicine you're selling in your gourd, but as a man, putting your wife and child in danger is not the right thing to do," Wu Jingzhong said coldly.

"Teacher.

"Of course I wouldn't joke with the safety of my family, but this play couldn't be completed without Wu Rui.

"We decided on this after discussing it over the phone."

Hong Zhiyou answered earnestly.

Wu Jingzhong stared at him for several seconds, and seeing he had no intention of explaining further, he waved his hand and said:

"Fine.

"Do whatever you want. I am now an official with no position and a light heart; I can't manage you lot anymore."

Saying this, he put his hands behind his back and walked out quickly with a bit of sullenness.

They arrived in the courtyard.

Old Wu called out, picked up the child, and invited Zhou Yan and the others to go watch the play.

Inside the house, only Wu Rui and Hong Zhiyou were left.

"What did you say?

"I saw Dad leave all huffy.

"He's addicted to being an official, and now that he has nothing to do, he must be feeling stifled. Stop provoking him."

Wu Rui pulled Hong Zhiyou's hand and rolled her eyes at him.

"Sigh.

"I'm not sure about this, and I was afraid he'd worry if I told him.

"He's fine when he has nothing to do.

"I'm just afraid that if he feels he can't do anything, he'll really get sick from the frustration," Hong Zhiyou said softly, holding her.

"Hmm.

"Do you think Dad still has a chance to be an official?

"He can't go to Xiangdao now.

"Just circling around here watching plays and sunbathing every day isn't a way to live."

Wu Rui knew her father's hobbies well.

While he shouted every day about going to Xiangdao to raise the kids and retire, in reality, he was still attached to the officialdom and addicted to the struggle for power, unable to extricate himself.

"He will.

"After we go to Wandao next year, Jianfeng will definitely put him to good use.

"He has seniority and is an old classmate.

"With him and people like Zheng Jiemin, as long as they can survive this hurdle, it'll be hard not to get promoted and get rich," Hong Zhiyou comforted her with a smile.

"Next year?

"Will it be defeated that quickly? They haven't even crossed the river yet," Wu Rui said, disbelieving, while pushing away his wandering hand.

"A year is being generous.

"By the second half of the year, we'll probably have to transfer to Wandao.

"Let's not talk about this.

"Damn it, these days you weren't here, I've been living like a monk and was about to burst.

"It's rare that Dad has sent everyone away; come, let me satisfy my craving."

Hong Zhiyou scooped her up by the waist and headed toward the bathroom.

"I don't believe you, you liar," Wu Rui said, wrapping her arms around his neck with a coquettish huff.

"If you don't believe me, test it out.

"In a moment, you'll know who your big daddy is!"

Six o'clock in the afternoon.

Wu Jingzhong, holding the child who had already fallen fast asleep, led the others back to the courtyard.

Good grief.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, they heard the ghost-like shrieking and yelling inside.

Everyone looked embarrassed.

"The young people these days, they really have no sense of decorum.

"Just for this trivial matter, they're still dragging it out endlessly!"

Wu Jingzhong frowned and began to grumble.

"Station Chief Wu, I haven't had my fill of the opera today; why don't we go listen to another round? I just looked at the program, and *The Imperial Concubine Gets Drunk* is coming up," Lin Tian suggested cleverly.

"That's all we can do, then.

"Let's go, back to the opera!"

Wu Jingzhong rubbed his belly, which was rumbling loudly, feeling quite irritated.

Seven o'clock in the evening.

"Hong Zhiyou, hurry up, go wash up; we have to see Jiang Jianfeng later."

Hong Zhiyou, having exhausted his ammunition, lay on the bed like a dead fish, while Wu Rui, having finished her bath, was wearing a cheongsam and applying makeup and putting on earrings in front of the vanity mirror.

"So you do know we have to see the leader."

Hong Zhiyou quipped, lazily climbed up to take a shower, and changed into a shirt and suit.

"Show some spirit, Big Daddy!"

Wu Rui tied his tie for him and said with a coquettish smile.

The two of them left the bedroom.

"Dad, where's the child?" Wu Rui asked with a radiant smile.

"Asleep.

"A woman should be more reserved; are you afraid people won't hear you if you scream like a banshee?

"You don't care about your reputation, but I still do."

Wu Jingzhong glared at her and scolded.

Wu Rui blushed with shame: "Dad! What are you saying!"

"Master, Rui and I won't be eating at home tonight.

"We still have to go pay a visit to Jiang Jianfeng."

Hong Zhiyou said as he picked up Lele.

"The child is going too?" Wu Jingzhong asked with a wink.

"Yes.

"She has to go," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Alright, go early and come back early, and watch your safety," Wu Jingzhong urged.

"Understood.

"Dad, drink less alcohol and eat less greasy food tonight, or your blood pressure will go up again," Wu Rui said.

"Nag, nag, nag."

Wu Jingzhong turned his head away, too lazy to pay her any mind.

Wu Rui straightened her cheongsam and took the child.

Hong Zhiyou walked out the door carrying large and small bags.

Inside the residence.

Jiang Jianfeng was sitting on the sofa processing documents.

Wan An walked in: "Hong Zhiyou has arrived, along with his wife and child..."

"Oh?" Jiang Jianfeng made a sound, finding it increasingly interesting.

"Did he bring the box?"

He asked again.

"He did," Wan An said.

"Good, let them in," Jiang Jianfeng nodded.

Soon, Hong Zhiyou arrived at the door carrying the items with his family.

"Director, I have returned.

"This is my wife, Wu Rui, and my daughter, Hong Lele."

Hong Zhiyou introduced them respectfully yet familiarly, as if he were just visiting an elder's home.

"Hello!"

Wu Rui, holding the child, bowed gracefully to offer her greetings.

"Lele, hurry, salute the Leader."

As she spoke, she lifted Lele's little hand and gave Jiang Jianfeng a salute.

That word "Leader" truly touched Jiang Jianfeng's heart.

"How old is she? Is it a girl?"

Jiang Jianfeng was overjoyed and smiled as he pinched Lele's little cheek.

"Yes, a girl, just over a year old," Hong Zhiyou replied.

"Girls are good; they are thoughtful and endearing.

"Come to think of it, it's been quite a while since I last saw her after Xiaozhang went to Wandao.

"Sit down, please."

Jiang Jianfeng raised his hand and smiled.

"Originally, I didn't want Rui and the child to come to Xikou, but she insisted on coming to pay her respects to you.

"A woman doesn't know any better; I hope you don't mind the intrusion."

Hong Zhiyou explained with a smile.

"Superior.

"Zhiyou's success today is entirely due to your care, and my father's safety this time is also thanks to your protection.

"My father and Zhiyou often say that all those in our party must first remember to 'unite our will and defend the Leader.'

"I don't know how to thank you for your great kindness; I heard from Zhiyou that you work for the country, often working through the night and forgetting to eat or sleep.

"I specially brought some chocolates, biscuits, and other small snacks from Xiangdao so that you can have something to eat when you are hungry while working.

"In addition, these are three Zhongshan suits I had made for you by the famous tailor Zhang in Xiangdao, according to the measurements Zhiyou provided.

"It is a small, humble gift, and I hope you will accept it."

Wu Rui said in a graceful and generous manner.

"Good, good!

"To tell you the truth, I do like to eat some sweets.

"Zhiyou knows me; I never accept gifts, but since you are the daughter of my old classmate and also Zhiyou's wife.

"You are not an outsider.

"This gift... I will accept."

Jiang Jianfeng waved his hand with a smile.

"Thank you, Leader!" Wu Rui said, flattered and bowing again in thanks.

"In that case, I haven't had dinner yet.

"Wan An, go tell the cook to add two main dishes and prepare a child's meal.

"You all stay and dine with me tonight."

Jiang Jianfeng instructed Wan An, who was standing to the side.

"Yes."

Wan An took the order and left.

"Rui, you take the child to the flower garden for a walk first," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Yes."

After bowing to Jiang Jianfeng, Wu Rui tactfully left with the child.

"How was it? Was the trip to Jingling smooth?" Jiang Jianfeng sat down and asked.

"Smooth.

"Xu Zhidao followed the list and has already recruited those seventy-two Three People's Principles Youth League members into the Secret Service Bureau; they are currently undergoing deliberate training, and neither Li Zongren nor Mao Renfeng has any suspicions.

"Furthermore.

"With the pressure Li Zongren put on the arson case, Xu Shoumei was held responsible for negligence and has already resigned to go to the Shanghu office.

"Now, of the two nails Mao Renfeng left behind, Xu Shoumei is gone, and Huang Yigong has defected to Xu Zhidao.

"Coupled with the fact that Xu Zhidao used the Secret Service Bureau's official seal to intercept this period's funding, he has also seized financial power.

"It can be considered the foundation of a new stove.

"Once the personnel are expanded further, by using the name of orthodoxy to win over more old Secret Service members, we will be able to stand on equal footing with Mao Renfeng's old base."

Hong Zhiyou reported in detail.

"Very good.

"Well done, is there anything else?" Jiang Jianfeng smiled, staring at him with a piercing gaze.

"Oh, right.

"Before Mao Renfeng burned down the Hong Ancestral Hall, Xu Zhi secretly transferred a batch of documents and files; I have already brought them back and just handed them over to the Security Division."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Mm, thank you for your hard work.

"I still have some official business to attend to; while the meal isn't ready yet, you take Wu Rui for a walk first.

"This garden and old residence have been here for a hundred years; they are still worth a look."

"This old garden residence is over a hundred years old and is worth a look."

【310】 Jiang Jianfeng stood up and said.

"Yes!"

Hong Zhiyou withdrew.

Soon, Wan An led two guards in carrying a chest.

"Open it.

"Look and see if the Jinmen documents and files are still there."

His eyes turned stern as he gave the order.

(End of chapter)