Chapter 377: Meeting Zuo Lan Again

"Director!" Hong Zhiyou walked in.

"Zhiyou, you don't look so well."

"It seems the Grand Hotel at Yuanshan is not easy to build," Jianfeng said with a hearty laugh.

"I won't hide it from you, Director."

"It really isn't easy. I'm raising funds and seeking sponsorships with Miss Kong every day, but it's going reasonably well; we've already raised over 500, 00 US dollars," Hong Zhiyou reported.

"Mm, the Grand Hotel at Yuanshan concerns our diplomatic face. You must work hard alongside the Second Young Lady."

"There are no outsiders here today."

"Just like in Shanghu, let's speak our minds."

"Right now, besides catching spies on the island, there is still one matter of life and death that urgently needs to be resolved, and I hope you can help me," Jianfeng said.

"Please speak, Director," Hong Zhiyou said respectfully.

"Yu Hanmou's million-man army is currently deploying defenses around Shaoguan, but I fear it will be very difficult to hold back the Red bandits."

"There are now many defeated soldiers and civilians fleeing to the island."

"Once Yuedong falls, I fear there will be even more in the future."

"At present, American aid is insufficient. Although the land-to-the-tiller movement that Chen Cheng initiated earlier was carried out well, it is not yet thorough or deep enough, and grain production is far from being self-sufficient."

"The supply of grain for the military and civilians is becoming increasingly strained."

"In order to maintain the New Taiwan Dollar, my father allowed the Taiwan dollar to be convertible into gold."

"In just these few months alone, the amount of gold lost and flowing overseas has reached as much as 700, 00 taels."

"The key is that there is a shortage of grain in the market and prices are skyrocketing. Some lawless elements are taking the opportunity to harvest Taiwan dollars in exchange for gold. If things continue this way, the new currency will become the second Gold Yuan Coupon."

"After the failure in Shanghu, Wanbei must never be allowed to fail again."

"I want you to advise me on this."

Jianfeng said, filled with worry.

"Director."

"The core of economic stability lies in the performance of materials and currency."

"The urgent priorities are: first, to crack down on hoarding and speculative behavior in the market."

"Second, to rapidly deepen land reform so that those who till the land have their own land."

"Third, to secure American aid and use it to trade for grain from all over the world. We must make the high-quality deep-water ports in places like Keelung play their part."

"Of course, apart from what is specifically for foreign trade, we must strictly control the outflow of gold to Europe and America."

"Even when buying grain, try to use US dollars as much as possible."

"Because if US dollars are gone, they can be earned or borrowed again, but once gold flows into the underground vaults in New York, it is almost impossible to make them spit it back out."

"After all, US banknotes can be printed at any time, but gold is not so easy to dig up."

"If we keep the gold, the currency will have confidence, and the common people will feel at ease holding the money."

Hong Zhiyou said.

He was truly worried about gold flowing to Europe and America; after all, this was wealth that the Jiang father and son had scraped together from the mainland, and every gram was the blood and sweat of the common people.

"I will suggest to my father that we stop the measure of converting the new currency into gold."

"In addition, I am ordering you to establish a market supervision team. You can ask Ye Xiufeng for personnel; I have already spoken to the Internal Investigation Bureau."

"Once discovered, whoever dares to participate in black market hoarding or price manipulation, arrest them all," Jianfeng said.

"However, even if we force all the grain out of these local merchants, it still won't be enough."

"We still need a stable and smooth supply of foreign grain entering the island."

"Don't you have a shipping fleet in Xiangdao?"

"See if it can be merged into the Shipping Bureau to get the shipping industry going?"

He suggested with a half-smile.

Damn it, this isn't just picking pockets, this is taking my life.

"Director, I would like to."

"It's just that relocating the shipyard requires the approval of the shareholders."

"The key is that the ships over there fly the British flag, which provides certain conveniences regarding customs clearance, procurement, and even dealing with pirates along the way."

"Moreover, Xiangdao is inherently a center for the circulation of goods."

"By procuring supplies there, they can be shipped directly to the island, and some unnecessary taxes and fees can be avoided."

Hong Zhiyou patiently explained to this whimsical "Crown Prince."

"As long as I can obtain the procurement rights for the grain, I can act as the transporter and go directly to the North American mainland to purchase and load it, instead of always looking at the faces of American ships."

He continued.

"Mm, that makes sense."

"How about this, I will consider this matter further. You go and prepare for the investigation team first, and try to contact your old friends in the American military."

"Let's solve the grain aid problem first."

Jianfeng frowned slightly and said.

"Yes."

"Director, I have a small request, and I hope you will approve it," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Speak," Jianfeng's tone turned a bit colder.

"Station Chief Qiao Jiacai is being detained in prison by Mao Renfeng. His family still does not know if he is alive or dead. They have entrusted me to visit him, so I ask for your approval," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Since he is being detained by Mao Renfeng, you should go find him," Jianfeng said without even raising his head.

"Yes."

Hong Zhiyou bowed slightly and walked out.

Perhaps feeling that he had been too heartless, Jianfeng called out again:

"It's fine to go take a look. I will call Director Mao."

"Thank you, Director."

Hong Zhiyou turned around to thank him and walked away quickly.

Once he was out the door, he was already drenched in sweat.

Truly, accompanying a ruler is like accompanying a tiger.

No matter how much of a "loyal subject" one paved the way to be in Shanghu, if one thing doesn't go his way, you're going to be sidelined.

It's fortunate that I still have utility value and the capital to bargain with him.

Otherwise, I would be abandoned and killed in a heartbeat.

I cannot stay in this place any longer.

I must find a way to run away as soon as possible.

Hong Zhiyou arrived at the military prison on Zhongxiao East Road.

"Secretary Hong?"

Just as he reached the entrance, he happened to run into an acquaintance.

"Department Chief Long." Hong Zhiyou stepped forward to shake his hand, quite delighted.

The person who arrived was none other than the former Chief of the Shanghu Inspection Department, Long Tao.

"You were transferred here?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Yes."

"Thanks to the promotion by Comrade Jianfeng, I am now the prison warden."

"Why, are you here to find someone?"

Long Tao still appreciated this old friend with whom he had fought side by side, and he had some affection for him.

"I want to see Station Chief Qiao from Beiping," Hong Zhiyou said.

"That might be a bit difficult."

"Director Mao has issued a strict order that no one from the outside is allowed to contact Station Chief Qiao. He is being held in a dark cell."

Long Tao said in a low voice, then he smiled:

"But who says we aren't friends?"

"I will take you to see him, but you must be quick."

"Good, thank you," Hong Zhiyou said.

Once inside the prison, he saw the long-lost Station Chief Qiao.

Hong Zhiyou conveyed a few simple words and, without too much small talk, he left.

"Station Chief Qiao wants some paper and pens to pass the time. Also, try to change the lights in the corridor to something brighter," Hong Zhiyou instructed when he reached the door.

"These are all small matters, no problem," Long Tao readily agreed.

"Where do you live?"

"There is a batch of rice at the station that hasn't been distributed yet. I'll have some sent to your home later," Hong Zhiyou said.

"How could I be so embarrassed, I didn't even help with anything," Long Tao laughed.

"Old Long, let's not be so formal between us."

After getting the address, Hong Zhiyou drove away.

Arrived at the station.

Hong Zhiyou went to the Intelligence Division to take a look; Old Yu was not there.

"Teacher, I took a look, Station Chief Qiao is still alive," Hong Zhiyou reported.

"Mm."

"Yu Zecheng has been transferred by Mao Renfeng to the headquarters interrogation room to participate in the questioning of Zhong Yun.

"It's fine now, but every day is spent suffering under their noses.

"This life of walking on eggshells is no way for a human to live."

Wu Jingzhong frowned, displeased.

"Teacher, the island is in urgent need of food now. I have already entrusted someone to contact General Ke Ke. Although he has retired, he still has great influence in North America and the military.

"Nowadays, military aid is almost completely cut off; Du Lumen has publicly stated that he will not give Jiang a single gun or bullet.

"Ke Ke has expressed willingness to serve as an envoy to come to the island and mediate relations.

"As for the specific itinerary, it may have to wait until next year.

"As long as I can get him to persuade the Chairman to let me act as a food broker and transport partner, we will have a chance to return to Xiangdao," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Mm, do it as soon as possible," Wu Jingzhong said.

The next few days.

Were simply torture for Yu Zecheng.

He was called over by Gu Zhengwen every day to participate in the interrogation of Zhong Yun.

For three days and three nights in a row.

Zhong Yun was tortured by the secret agents until he was on the verge of death, yet he remained steadfast and unyielding, refusing to utter a single word.

Inside the interrogation room.

Gu Zhengwen looked at the blood-soaked Zhong Yun, threw down his whip, and returned to his seat.

"Old Yu, you go and interrogate him," Gu Zhengwen said.

"Team Leader Gu, let's skip me. I studied intelligence and telecommunications; I'm really not good at interrogation.

"Besides, even an old master like you can't handle him.

"What could I possibly do?"

Yu Zecheng said with a humble smile.

"That's hard to say. What if you happen to click with him?" Gu Zhengwen said.

"If we click, it will still be a life-or-death struggle," Yu Zecheng said.

"Someone, bring those students who were distributing newspapers here.

"I think he's about ready."

Seeing Zhong Yun's pupils dilate and his consciousness blur, Gu Zhengwen decided to change tactics.

Soon, his subordinates brought the students.

Gu Zhengwen took a look, pointed at one of them, and ordered: "Take him to change into clean clothes before bringing him in."

Soon, the student named Zhang Shun walked in.

"You, talk to him like you usually do," Gu Zhengwen ordered.

Zhang Shun obeyed, walked up to Zhong Yun, and whispered: "Principal Zhong, are, are you alright? It's me, Zhang Shun."

"Is, is it Zhang Shun?"

Zhong Yun's vision was blurry, but this voice was very familiar.

His consciousness was somewhat chaotic at this moment, and he couldn't even tell where he was. In a moment of concern, he blurted out:

"Is, is Old Zheng alright?"

"Old Zheng?"

Gu Zhengwen shouted.

"Ask him, who is Old Zheng, and where does he live?" he ordered.

The student asked several times.

But Zhong Yun had fainted; when he was splashed awake by the secret agents, he kept his mouth shut.

"Division Chief Yu, remember this Old Zheng.

"I think this person's identity is definitely not simple.

"Keep this person under watch for now and wear him down slowly. I think the interrogation regarding him should stop here for now.

"Thank you for your hard work."

Having obtained useful information, Gu Zhengwen stood up and shook hands with Yu Zecheng.

"Indeed.

"Someone who can make the head of the Keelung Working Committee so preoccupied must be a big figure. If Team Leader Gu can find this Old Zheng, it will surely be a great achievement.

"Congratulations, congratulations."

Yu Zecheng congratulated him.

"Don't worry, brother.

"No matter who he is, as long as he's a Red, he won't be able to escape my grasp," Gu Zhengwen stared at him and chuckled dryly.

"That's true, that's true."

Yu Zecheng gave a perfunctory reply and left the Confidentiality Bureau building.

Back at the courtyard.

Hong Zhiyou had prepared some barbecue and lamb chops, and two bottles of good wine were already waiting.

"Old Yu, hurry.

"Come eat something, I've been waiting for you for a long time."

He greeted him enthusiastically.

"Where is Teacher?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"Asleep.

"Come, eat quickly. Don't let your wife think I mistreated you when you reunite with her," Hong Zhiyou laughed.

Under this high-pressure environment, Yu Zecheng was visibly haggard and thin.

Especially the white hair at his temples, which was thicker than Old Wu's.

"Gu Zhengwen is very skilled. In his delirium, Zhong Yun revealed the code name of a comrade from the General Working Committee, called Old Zheng.

"His status might be very high."

Yu Zecheng said, full of worry.

"There's nothing to be done about that.

"They are killing people every day at Machangding. Whether they are or aren't, they are all executed by firing squad.

"The Chairman has gone bloodthirsty now.

"Just think, they were able to distribute newspapers all the way to the Shilin Official Residence. I heard from the Station Chief that this group is still setting up armed bases.

"Conceal and keep capable, lie in ambush for a long time, accumulate strength, and wait for the opportunity.

"This Working Committee is pulling together squads everywhere; is this still underground work?

"Thinking about it now, the Jinhai Regional Committee was a hundred times better than them.

"Anyway, I can't understand the behavior of this bunch.

"I advise you not to get involved and get yourself dragged into it."

Hong Zhiyou took a sip of red wine and cursed in a low voice.

As soon as he looked up, he saw Yu Zecheng looking at him in disbelief, his eyes shining:

"No, no, how do you know the sixteen-character policy?"

Hong Zhiyou realized he had slipped up and said with a straight face: "Tang Simao confessed it, and Ma Kui used to keep it on his lips from time to time; I have a deep impression of it."

"Oh," Yu Zecheng nodded, feeling quite disappointed.

"Alright.

"You should take care of yourself first," Hong Zhiyou said.

"That Team Leader Gu has been testing me, and I don't know how many more tricks he has up his sleeve.

"I am completely in the dark right now, and I don't even have a transit station.

"Apart from watching my own comrades' hopes every day, I have no idea what I can do."

Yu Zecheng grabbed the wine bottle directly and poured a few mouthfuls down his throat.

"Doing nothing is the best form of lurking.

"Jianfeng wants to swallow my shipyard.

"Things aren't easy for me either,"

Hong Zhiyou sighed lightly.

After finishing the late-night snack, Yu Zecheng returned to the backyard, turned on the radio, and tuned it to the familiar frequency.

"Mount Taixing calling Windmill."

From the radio, a long-lost voice suddenly came through.

Yu Zecheng instantly became clear-headed, took out paper and pen in a composed manner, and began to record rapidly.

"Mount Taixing calling Windmill."

"2267, 315, 1218..."

"This broadcast will repeat in one hour, please tune in."

He turned off the radio.

He took out the Family Instructions of Zhu Zi and quickly began to look things up.

"Deep Sea, tomorrow at the vegetable market entrance on the street corner, at the Seven Auntie Steamed Bun Shop, a Type 3 code will follow a Type 1 code."

After finishing the translation, Yu Zecheng quickly burned it, then clutched the book, gritting his teeth in excitement, and closed his eyes to take a deep breath.

He had finally waited for the call from the organization.

He could finally be of use.

Early the next morning.

Yu Zecheng went to the entrance of the nearby vegetable market.

He passed by the Seven Auntie Steamed Bun Shop every day on his way to and from work.

But he had never paid any attention to it.

A Type 3 code following a Type 1 code was of top-secret level.

Type 3 represented a symbol.

Every important sleeper agent had their own unique symbol, such as an animal, a plant, or a number.

When Yu Zecheng was in training in Yancheng, his Type 3 code was the number 7.

It was just that he had never used it.

Yu Zecheng took a piece of chalk from his pocket and, in a corner wall nearby that reeked of urine, quietly wrote down a 7, then quickly left.

During the day, he endured the time with an uneasy and anxious heart.

By the afternoon, he passed by while sitting in a car and quietly took a look with binoculars.

That number 7 had a stroke added to the bottom, making it look like the character "again."

That was it.

The code matched.

It must be someone from the organization.

He looked around, got out of the car, and cautiously walked toward the steamed bun shop.

There was an old woman at the steamed bun shop.

There was also a woman with her head and face wrapped in a blue cloth, revealing only her eyes.

"Boss, how do you sell these steamed buns?" Yu Zecheng asked.

"What kind of filling do you want to eat?" The woman looked at him; her voice was very hoarse, but her eyes shone with joy.

That familiar voice struck Yu Zecheng's soul like a thunderbolt in an instant.

His whole body trembled, and he looked at the woman in disbelief.

Although her face was wrapped in cloth and her voice was hoarse and unpleasant, Yu Zecheng would never forget those beautiful, moving eyes in his entire life.

It was Zuo Lan.

(End of chapter)