Chapter 374: The Struggle for Wandao

"Thank you, Master."

The hair on the back of Yu Zecheng's neck stood up, yet a calm smile remained on his face.

This was, after all, an exchange of equal value.

In the past, he did dirty work for Wu Jingzhong to earn money; now, Wu Jingzhong was bringing him "on board," and neither could do without the other.

If he were to jump ship, Wu Jingzhong would have to sink.

"Master, Wandao is not a den of tigers and wolves; it is merely a transit point for us to go to Xiangdao.

"Sooner or later, there will be a way to get away," Hong Zhiyou said.

It was impossible for him to follow Jiang Jianfeng down a dead-end road.

In fact, in another year or two, with the promotion of the Leader, Jiang Jianfeng would have real power in his hands; by then, once he had paved the way, he could safely leave the island to do business.

And Wu Jingzhong could also leave under the name of the Xiangdao Office.

As for Yu Zecheng.

Hong Zhiyou could only say that once on the island, and with traitors present, it would be very difficult to achieve anything further.

However, as long as he "kept an eye" on things.

Taking him along shouldn't be much of a problem.

"Zecheng, think about it carefully. Answer me only when you have made up your mind. You still have a chance to choose now."

Wu Jingzhong pointed at Yu Zecheng, then turned and went into the inner room.

"Zhiyou, I feel the Station Chief doesn't seem to want me to go to Wandao?" Yu Zecheng whispered.

As a secret agent, he possessed a keen sense of smell.

The chilling murderous intent that the Station Chief had occasionally revealed toward him recently often made his hair stand on end.

"Master is also doing this for your own good.

"They are checking very strictly over there, and now American-style monitoring equipment is becoming increasingly advanced; with the vast ocean in between, radio stations may not necessarily be reliable.

"It is highly likely that we will still have to rely on traditional methods of contact to pass information.

"Your current contacts and the like are all a blank slate.

"The past may not necessarily be of any use,"

Hong Zhiyou said.

"According to Shopkeeper Qiu, the organization has already established a Provincial Working Committee over there, and the team is quite solid; they are all old comrades who have stood the test of time.

"We were able to defeat them in the underground war on the mainland, and fighting a shadow war after crossing the sea to the island will be no problem either.

"Wandao must be liberated, it must be unified!

"We were born at the right time; if we give our lives for this, what is there to regret?"

Yu Zecheng still possessed revolutionary passion and optimism.

"Good.

"Good.

"Faith is priceless!

"I won't try to persuade you anymore, alright? We'll go together."

Hong Zhiyou raised his hand to stop him.

"Thank you," Yu Zecheng bowed solemnly.

He knew very well that if Hong Zhiyou did not nod, he would likely not be able to go to Wandao.

Even if he went, without Hong Zhiyou providing cover, it would be difficult for him to accomplish anything.

After all, Jiang Jianfeng's trust in him stemmed from Hong Zhiyou's endorsement and guarantee.

In other words.

By going to Wandao, Hong Zhiyou was also taking a huge risk.

He would have to be even more careful in his actions in the future.

……

In April 1949, a million brave troops crossed the great river; the armies of Tang Enbo and Bai Chongxi were routed, and Jingling was liberated.

On May 3, Hangcheng was liberated.

On May 27, Shanghu was liberated.

Under the arrangements of Jiang Jianfeng, the three of them traveled south all the way to Fuzhou.

On the morning of August 16.

The Red Ticket army had already arrived at the gates of Fuzhou.

Last night, the rumbling of artillery outside the city and the ear-piercing noise of planes frequently taking off and landing had kept Wu Jingzhong anxious all night.

At six in the morning, he was already pacing back and forth in the courtyard.

Seeing Hong Zhiyou walk out yawning, Wu Jingzhong asked impatiently:

"Zhiyou, have you asked the Public Office? When will they arrange for us to leave?

"You can already hear the Red Ticket artillery.

"I don't know what this Wu Zhiqing is up to, dragging his feet; if we are any later, we'll be surrounded like dumplings."

Yu Zecheng walked out from the other side of the wing room with his coat draped over his shoulders, smiling and offering comfort: "Fuzhou is the last stop on the southeast coast. I heard that the transport files and materials that Director Wu has to process amount to hundreds of crates.

"It is understandable that the evacuation is a bit late."

"Indeed, Wu Zhiqing's wife and children are still in Fuzhou; if he isn't in a hurry, why should we be?" Hong Zhiyou stood in the courtyard, brushing his teeth while speaking vaguely.

"You can't think like that.

"There are many people defecting on the spot now; Fu Zuoyi and the others also did a very good job of keeping secrets beforehand. If Wang Puchen had left a step later, he would have been handed over.

"Who knows if this Wu Zhiqing might also be a Red Ticket.

"Don't let him turn around, send a telegram of surrender, get rewarded, and use us as his offering."

Wu Jingzhong sighed with his hands behind his back, full of worry.

"Master, even if he doesn't arrange a plane, it doesn't matter.

"The British were shelled on the Yangtze River and can no longer stay in the waters off Shanghu; there just happens to be a fleet passing through Fuzhou.

"I have already made contact, and we can take their ship to leave."

Hong Zhiyou had planned this long ago.

Although he held no official position now, that did not mean he wasn't getting things done.

People like Sun Xing and Gu Youniu had long since taken some reliable brothers from the old Boatmen's Guild to go ahead from Xiangdao to Wandao to arrange business, real estate, and other matters.

Actually, it's the same old saying: money makes the mare go.

Once in Wandao, with his "sworn brother" Kong Lingwei there, Hong Zhiyou would still be able to get by very well.

"Hmm."

Wu Jingzhong knew his son-in-law's methods and didn't think much more about it.

Just as they were talking, several soldiers walked in quickly.

The leading officer showed his credentials:

"Director Wu of the Fuzhou Pacification Office, acting on the secret order of Comrade Jiang Jianfeng, requests that you all proceed to the airport immediately to board the plane for the island."

"Good, thank you, Adjutant Nie!"

Wu Jingzhong was overjoyed.

The three of them packed up simply and drove straight to the airport.

Upon arriving at the airport.

An officer wearing glasses with a friendly face had been waiting for a long time; it was none other than the Director of the Fuzhou Office, Wu Zhiqing.

"Brother Jingzhong.

"I have been busy with official duties and delayed until now; please forgive me," Wu Zhiqing extended his hand, looking ashamed.

"Director Wu, not at all!

"National affairs are paramount; we should stand together against the enemy. How could Jingzhong have any complaints?

"I heard that the Director will be appointed as the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Ministry of National Defense after arriving on the island. Please look after us in the future," Wu Jingzhong said with a smile as they shook hands.

"Alas, the Party and State are in difficult times; let us encourage and help each other."

Wu Zhiqing patted his hand, then turned and walked toward Hong Zhiyou and Yu Zecheng.

"Are these the two heroes—Yu Zecheng, who assassinated the great traitor Li Haifeng, and Secretary Hong, who fought the tigers in Shanghu and made the young master of the Kong family jump with rage?

"Comrade Jiang Jianfeng has praised you both quite a bit; you are truly pillars of talent."

Wu Zhiqing looked at the two of them and praised them.

"Zecheng's contribution is but a drop in the bucket; I am ashamed, truly ashamed.

"In the days to come on the island, I will strive to win more glory for the Party and State," Yu Zecheng said.

"Deputy Chief Wu!"

Hong Zhiyou gave a respectful military salute to Wu Zhiqing.

The Director Wu before him, who was about to serve as the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Ministry of National Defense, was an important hero who had repeatedly performed miraculous feats for the Red Ticket underground.

Codename: Secret Envoy Number One!

He was a legendary hero who truly walked on the blade's edge.

Of course.

Yu Zecheng and Wu Zhiqing might not necessarily know each other's true background.

General Wu was specially dispatched by the Huadong Bureau, and his contacts were also the Huadong Bureau's underground lines, such as the underground working committee of Wandao Province.

And Yu Zecheng was specially dispatched by the No. 1 Line.

If one went to Wandao, there would be no special calls or newspaper notices to look for them.

Even if one went over, they would inevitably be a silent, dormant, idle piece on the board.

"Everyone.

"This departure means mountains are high and roads are long, and it will be hard to see our homeland again; I only pray that Heaven protects our Huaxia land!"

Wu Zhiqing turned around, faced the distance, and bowed deeply.

Wu Jingzhong and the other two also bowed.

Then, amidst the sorrow and heaviness, the group boarded the plane.

Looking at the cities and mountains gradually receding outside the window, with the vast blue sea ahead, everyone felt a complicated mix of emotions in their hearts.

"Sigh, I don't know when we will be able to return after this parting.

"I'm afraid we won't be able to eat this Jinhai gabacai or noodle tea anymore."

Wu Jingzhong crossed his arms and sighed leisurely.

"There will be opportunities.

"Blood is thicker than water; brothers may divide the household but not the lineage, and there will surely be a day of reunification," Wu Zhiqing said with a smile.

"Reunification is a matter of time, I just fear that what we are drinking is Meng Po's soup," Wu Jingzhong shook his head and smiled.

"Who can say it isn't?

"Once Fuzhou is captured, the next target of the Red Tickets will inevitably be Jinmen and the Zhoushanqundao; once these two places are broken through, trampling the blue waves to strike onto the island is not impossible," Wu Zhiqing sighed.

"Deputy Chief, you are being too pessimistic.

"The U. . Seventh Fleet is still here; I believe we are surely as secure as a golden fortress, and there will definitely be a time for a counterattack in the future," under Wu Jingzhong's eye signal, Yu Zecheng said smoothly.

"Indeed, so our soldiers must be of one heart and mind, and struggle for a lifetime for the great cause of the counterattack led by the Chief," Wu Zhiqing said.

"Let us strive together, let us strive together."

The group said hurriedly.

In the afternoon, Wanbei Airport.

Wu Jingzhong and his party got off the plane.

After bidding farewell to Wu Zhiqing, the three stood at the airport, looking at the unfamiliar environment and smelling the air mixed with the salty, fishy scent of the sea; for a moment, they couldn't help but feel a sense of emptiness in their hearts.

"Teacher, the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics is at Zhishanyan, and Jianfeng's Political Action Committee Inspection Office is at Caoshan Basheng Garden; where do you think we should go to report first?" Yu Zecheng asked.

Wu Jingzhong was suddenly stumped.

After being bailed out by Jianfeng, his status was no longer that of a wartime deserter, but that of an incumbent Major General Station Chief of the Jinhai Station reporting to Jinling, firmly belonging to the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics.

According to procedure, one must report to the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics first.

"Let's go to Zhishanyan first.

"Mao Renfeng brought the entire old staff from the Shanghu office over in May; that 'Bureau of Investigation and Statistics' of Xu Zhidao is now left over there like a stray dog, and under the iron fist of the Red Tickets, I don't think it will amount to much.

"This scheme of Jianfeng's has been wasted again."

Wu Jingzhong pondered for a moment and said with his hands behind his back.

"Yes.

"Since everyone has crowded onto the island, it wouldn't be right not to say hello.

"Anyway, he won't use us, so let's just go through the motions."

Yu Zecheng nodded and said.

Zhishanyan, Bureau of Investigation and Statistics building.

Mao Renfeng was working.

Mao Wanli walked in and reported in a low voice: "Big Brother, Wu Jingzhong and the others have arrived."

"Wu Jingzhong!

"Heh, he has finally arrived; I have been waiting for him and Yu Zecheng for a long time."

A cold sneer appeared on the corner of Mao Renfeng's mouth.

"Indeed.

"The Chief established some bullshit Political Action Committee, led by Tang Zong; with Tang Zong's nature as a sycophantic eunuch, isn't that just making a wedding dress for Jianfeng, rebuilding the intelligence system to kick you out, Big Brother?

"Wu Jingzhong is here.

"We can make an issue out of that Yu Zecheng under his command.

"Now that morale is unstable, if something goes wrong on Jianfeng's side, hmph, then there will be a show to watch."

Mao Wanli echoed.

"Just say I am in a meeting, and let them cool their heels for a while," Mao Renfeng said.

For several full hours, Wu Jingzhong and the three of them didn't even get a cup of tea in the lounge.

There was no help for it; when one is under someone else's roof, one must bow their head.

It was not until 4: 0 in the afternoon.

Ye Xiangzhi finally walked in: "The three of you, Bureau Chief Mao invites you in."

"Thank you, Division Chief Ye."

Wu Jingzhong and the three stood up and went to the office.

"Bureau Chief Mao, Jinhai Station's Wu Jingzhong has come to report," Wu Jingzhong and the others saluted.

"Yo.

"Jingzhong, I am truly sorry; recently the Red Tickets have been very rampant on the island, and their official newspaper, the 'Guangming Daily', has even been delivered to the Chief's Shilin Official Residence.

"The Chief is absolutely furious.

"I just finished a meeting, sorry to have kept you waiting."

Mao Renfeng, the smiling tiger as always, said with a face full of amiability.

"Not at all, the Bureau Chief is busy with a thousand tasks, thank you for your hard work," Wu Jingzhong said.

"Do you have a place to stay?

"Most places here are still very desolate, but the area around Chongqing West Road is alright.

"Places like Caoshan are even more desolate; it is said that leopards and wild boars often appear and hurt people, so you must be careful."

Mao Renfeng pointed at him with a half-smile.

"Jingzhong thanks the Bureau Chief for the reminder," Wu Jingzhong said.

"Jingzhong.

"According to the rules, I should have prepared a position for you long ago, but Jianfeng has other instructions, so I will not make any arrangements," Mao Renfeng said.

As he spoke, he turned to look at the two, Hong and Yu: "You two should also go along with Station Chief Wu."

"Yes, Bureau Chief Mao," the three respectfully accepted the order.

Walking out of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics building, the three were already so hungry they were back-to-back.

"Station Chief Wu, the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics has arranged a place for you to stay, but it is a unified collective housing for officers.

"However, my suggestion is that you can first go to Jinshan South Road to stay in a hotel, and then buy a good house.

"There are still many good houses on the streets south of the Shilin Official Residence."

Ye Xiangzhi walked out and said in a low voice as he walked.

"Division Chief Ye, thank you for the reminder," Wu Jingzhong said.

Just as they were speaking, they saw several brand-new cars stop outside the main gate.

Miss Kong Er, wearing a Western suit, with her hair combed back, and chewing a cigar, stepped out of the lead car.

Ye Xiangzhi was just about to step forward to greet her.

When he saw Kong Lingwei laugh: "Big Brother, I have finally waited for you to come to Wandao."

As she spoke, she stepped forward and gave Hong Zhiyou a big hug.

"I heard you had been in Xiangdao all along, so I didn't want to bother you," Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"You are still being polite with me.

"I went to look at that island of yours; the scenery is nice, and the villa management and supporting designs are very avant-garde, with a bit of a North American high-end community feel.

"If you need investment later, you can pull me in."

Kong Lingwei said with great excitement.

"Forget it, you are doing big business; how could you look at my small-time business," Hong Zhiyou smiled.

"You came just in time.

"Auntie came to Wanbei and finds everything an eyesore; either she complains the roads are broken and the houses are old, or she complains there are no grand hotels, far from the prosperity of Shanghu.

"No wonder the Americans don't even want to send an ambassador.

"Auntie is raising funds to build a grand hotel, and she has chosen the area near Yuanshan; is Big Brother interested in getting involved?"

Kong Lingwei asked with a smile.

Damn it, she really is a good sister-in-law; as soon as she arrives, she wants to pick my pockets.

"Of course, this is my honor," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Fine."

"Then I will report to my aunt."

"By the way, I have picked out a few residences for you and Station Chief Wu."

"Here, take a look yourself."

Kong Lingwei took a prepared note from her pocket and handed it to Hong Zhiyou.

Hong Zhiyou took a look.

No. 7, Lane 2, Tai'an Street.

No. 63, Section 2, Xinsheng South Road.

No. 903, Shida Road, Taipei.

"Gu Zhutong's family lives in Lane 2 of Tai'an Street; you might even end up being neighbors."

"Chen Lifu and the others live on Shida Road."

"Xinsheng South Road and Chongqing South Road are also quite good, enough for the three of you to live in. When your families arrive later, I can clear out more properties for you."

"Don't worry, I've already bought them all, feel free to live in any of them."

As Kong Lingwei spoke, she leaned into Hong Zhiyou's ear and whispered:

"I learned this from you: selling houses."

"I've been flipping these here in Wanbei and have made quite a bit of money. There are so many officials who retreated here with silver in their pockets, all desperate to squeeze into these few streets to be closer to the Chairman."

"It's just too easy to make money off them."

"When it comes to making money, I'm afraid no one can compare to you, Second Miss," Hong Zhiyou said with a smile.

"Master, where do you say we should live?" He turned to look at Wu Jingzhong.

Wu Jingzhong had specifically found someone in Fuzhou to get a map of Wanbei and had been pondering this matter every day. Without a second thought, he said:

"The Juntong and Zhongtong bureaus are like oil and water; let's not squeeze in with Chen Lifu."

"In my opinion, it's more appropriate to be neighbors with Officer Gu."

Gu Zhutong was still highly regarded by the Old Man; keeping in touch with him would also be beneficial.

"Good."

"Then let's go with Tai'an Street."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Station Chief Wu, please." Kong Lingwei gestured with her hand.

Wu Jingzhong and Yu Zecheng got into another car, while Hong Zhiyou rode with Kong Lingwei.

"Second Miss, you are getting so close to me, aren't you afraid of your brother's reprimand?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"I've long found him an eyesore."

"Wherever he goes, he acts like he's the supreme authority, and everyone has to yield to him."

"It's just as well; letting him suffer a bit is a good thing."

"In Shanghai, he openly played a rival game against my cousin, causing my cousin to be labeled a financial swindler. The Chairman and my father were very dissatisfied with him and sent him to be a counselor at the North American embassy."

"Don't worry."

"At this moment, the Chairman and my cousin are in a fit of rage, especially my cousin, who wishes he could tear him apart. Even if you gave him ten times the courage, he wouldn't dare come back."

Kong Lingwei thought Hong Zhiyou was worried about safety and hurriedly explained.

"Hmm, then I can rest easy."

Hong Zhiyou feigned a look of lingering fear as he spoke.

After all, this was someone else's territory; selling oneself short was a good way to make the other party lower their guard.

"That's great."

"With my eldest brother and me joining forces, you have connections with the U. . military, and I have money; we can corner all the business here."

"Handling affairs on one hand, making money on the other."

"This is what people of our standing should be doing."

Kong Lingkan knew well Hong Zhiyou's connections and business acumen, and had long been looking forward to joining forces.

"Hmm."

"Money is a good thing; who could refuse it?"

"It's settled then."

Hong Zhiyou smiled and shook her hand.

After the welcome banquet at the hotel, the motorcade arrived at the two-story villa at No. 7 Tai'an Road.

After Kong Lingkan gave a brief introduction, he took his leave.

Clearly, Second Miss Kong was full of sincerity this time.

The entire villa was spotless, the furniture was all trendy European-style, and it was surrounded by high walls, looking even more imposing than Gu Zhutong's No. 2 villa.

"Zecheng, you stay in the backyard."

"Also, tomorrow after we start our jobs, get some equipment to check the phones and see if there are any wiretaps in the house."

"Zhiyou, we aren't familiar with the people here."

"Have Xiao Guohua and the others come over as soon as possible, and remember to have them bring a few nannies and cleaners who can cook."

"By the way, no Cantonese cooks; it's best if they can make Jinhai-style dishes."

"Ah, finally I don't have to drink soup every day."

In the courtyard, Wu Jingzhong lay on a yellow bamboo rattan chair, gently waving a cattail fan while giving instructions.

"Yes, Master." Yu and Hong both accepted the order.

"Master, I'm going to take a shower first." Yu Zecheng knew they had things to discuss and said so very consciously.

"Go ahead." Wu Jingzhong waved his hand.

"Zhiyou, I'm afraid the Kong family miss is like a weasel paying respects to a chicken; we must not get too deeply involved," Wu Jingzhong said in a low voice, taking a sip of tea.

He didn't dare drink the tea leaves Kong Lingkan had sent, drinking the Longjing that Hong Zhiyou had brought instead.

"I understand."

"Wan Island looks dilapidated right now, but it is also an opportunity. As long as we concede enough profit, Second Miss Kong will be our best umbrella."

"After all, she has the Lady behind her."

"It just so happens that I can use her to mend the rift with the Lady from back in Shanghai."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"Hmm, I don't know much about business."

"Coming here to this godforsaken place, I don't expect much to come of it. Once I've saved up a few treasures I like and you've expanded the business, we'll slip away."

"Sigh, being in a foreign land, I wonder how Lele and your Mistress are doing?"

From the moment he stepped onto the island, Wu Jingzhong felt a chilling murderous intent.

This place was a mix of local gangs, retreating military and civilians, Red agents, and the lingering influence of the Japanese; with all these messy factions mixed together, this tiny patch of land was ultimately not a place to stay for long.

"Yes," Hong Zhiyou nodded.

"What I'm worried about now is..." Wu Jingzhong pointed to the back, hinting at Yu Zecheng.

"Master, Director Yu has his own sense of propriety, you can rest assured."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"With Mao Renfeng's vengeful nature, he won't let this go easily."

"The moment we met, he deliberately brought up the 'Guangming Daily' case."

"I heard this case has been investigated very deeply and many Red agents have been caught; this was deliberately leaked for Zecheng to hear."

"The incriminating materials on Li Ya and Lu Qiaoshan were burned."

"But who knows what moves Mao Renfeng will make next?"

"There is a regular meeting of the Political Action Committee tomorrow, and they will likely discuss our employment. I have a bad premonition that the first blow against us is coming."

Wu Jingzhong frowned.

Having spent so many years in officialdom, his political instincts were exceptionally sharp.

Right now, Jiang Jianfeng and Mao Renfeng were secretly competing.

Jiang Jianfeng's Political Action Committee wanted to achieve results.

Mao Renfeng was also looking to claim credit.

The point of contention between the two sides was the clearing out of Red secret agents, and since neither of them trusted Yu Zecheng, they would inevitably make an issue of it.

"It's a troublesome matter," Wu Jingzhong sighed.

"Compared to Jinhai, it's indeed harder to get by now."

"The U. . military has now stopped aid to the Chairman, Commander Cooke has also left his post not long ago, and Wilson and Anderson have currently cut off contact."

"If we can't reconnect, our 'U. . aid' will be cut off."

"If we can renew it, that would undoubtedly be a heaven-sent opportunity."

"With so many people suddenly flooding onto the island, there is a severe shortage of supplies and prices are skyrocketing. If I can reach an agreement with the Americans, it's possible to obtain comprador rights."

"By then, whoever wants to move against us will have to think twice."

"This might be another reason why Second Miss Kong came to find me."

Hong Zhiyou analyzed.

"Hmm."

"We must contact the Americans as soon as possible."

"If you can become the second Kong Xiang, monopolizing Wandao, the Hong family can become a true noble clan, and not just mere merchants."

"Jin Feng, and her unborn younger brother, could then act as recklessly as Kong Lingkan, and our descendants for eight generations would never have to worry about food or clothing!"

Wu Jingzhong no longer had much hope for holding office or making money, so he could only pin his hopes on Hong Zhiyou.

"Good."

"The green water flows long; we shall take our time."

Seeing that Wu Jingzhong had regained his fighting spirit, Hong Zhiyou was also pleased.

(End of chapter)