Chapter 379: Do You Want to Rebel?

Lin Dingli arrived at the casino.

Looking at his old brother Lin Zigun lying in a pool of blood, his face darkened, and he asked with a sinister, fierce look in his eyes:

"Old Luo, who did this?"

Luo Youzhang told him everything about Sun Xing and his group exactly as it happened.

"Dingli, who do you think did this?"

Luo Youzhang asked.

"It wasn't them."

"It was the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics or Jianfeng's people."

"Now that the U. . military has stopped military aid, there aren't many people left who can get their hands on so many American-style grenades."

"I'll go talk to Commander Peng about this later."

Lin Dingli frowned slightly, having roughly guessed who it was.

"Damn it, Third Brother didn't offend anyone; trouble starts just as we've stabilized the grain, could it be our own people?" Luo Youzhang said.

"Where is Wang Kun?" Lin Dingli asked.

"I've already called him," Luo Youzhang said.

Just as they were speaking, Wang Kun and Gu Youniu burst into the casino, reeking of alcohol.

"Brother Zai."

"Brother Zai!"

Gu Youniu did not act as exaggeratedly as if his own father had died; he only clenched his fists tightly, tears falling silently.

The suppressed hatred was something everyone present felt deeply.

"Old Luo, you handle Third Brother's funeral arrangements, I'm leaving first."

"Wang Kun, come with me."

Lin Dingli had a rough idea of who did it in his heart.

The person who came could get American-style grenades.

And they all had mainland accents.

It was highly likely to be Hong Zhiyou's people.

"Wang Kun, who do you think did this?" Once in the car, Lin Dingli asked.

"Hong Zhiyou, probably."

"He's investigating us, and the key is that this guy is a businessman. Now that we've hoarded so much grain, Jianfeng wants to get his hands on everything as soon as he lands on the island."

"It's highly likely he acted on Jianfeng's instructions to strike at us."

Wang Kun analyzed.

This reasoning was also what Gu Youniu had told him.

"Hmm, tomorrow I'll go discuss it with Commander Peng. We have to take this kid out one way or another, otherwise, it'll be hard for us to survive in Wanbei," Lin Dingli said.

"Brother Li, I actually think... there's a more pressing matter to attend to right now." Wang Kun looked at him, somewhat hesitant.

"What matter?" Lin Dingli asked.

"Now the Jiang father and son want to take a bite out of everyone they catch; those of us who are old locals are thorns in their side."

"Brother Li."

"The grain you and Brother Zai worked so hard to collect from various cities and counties should be sold as soon as possible."

"In case Jianfeng discovers it and wipes us out in one go, we'll follow in the footsteps of the Kong family in Shanghai."

"By then, forget about making money; I'm afraid we'll lose everything down to our underwear."

"It's better to take advantage of the fact that this kid Gu Youniu has connections, let him exchange it, or dump it on the market, and make a killing first."

Wang Kun suggested.

These were all things Gu Youniu had taught him.

Lin Dingli's group used their gang and Wanbei station connections to collect a lot of private grain from grain stations across the entire island; although it couldn't compare to the former Kong family, it was still worth as much as one hundred thousand U. . dollars.

But where this grain was stored, besides Lin Dingli, Lin Zigun, and a few other core members, no one knew.

Jianfeng and Mao Renfeng had probed several times before, almost turning every suspicious place upside down, but they had also come up empty-handed.

For this reason, Mao Renfeng had even arrested several gang leaders.

These people would rather die than talk.

And so the matter remained at a standstill.

"This matter still needs to be discussed with Commander Peng; it can't be rushed," Lin Dingli said.

Wang Kun was cursing internally.

His family was almost out of food.

If they didn't sell the goods soon, could he even continue his little business?

It was infuriating.

The next day.

Hong Zhiyou appeared at Bashengyuan on time.

Wiping tables, brewing tea.

Just as he used to back in Shanghai.

Jianfeng walked in clutching his briefcase, and seeing him busy, he asked with a smile:

"You're not at the Wanbei station chief's office, why did you run over here?"

"Aren't I the head of the investigation team under the Director now? Station Chief Wu said you are busy with a thousand tasks, so he let me be on duty here, as long as the Director doesn't find me an eyesore," Hong Zhiyou said with a smile.

"How could I?"

"You and I are a golden duo. If we had succeeded back in Shanghai, we might be sitting in a residence in Jinling drinking tea right now," Jianfeng said.

"Director, I eliminated Lin Zigun last night," Hong Zhiyou said.

"That leader of the Dazhu Gang?" Jianfeng narrowed his eyes and said.

"Yes."

"My people investigated, and he and Lin Dingli used their connections with the gangs, the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, and the Security Command to privately purchase grain and flour from grain stations and hoard them for profit."

Hong Zhiyou said.

"I know about this; before you were assigned, Chen Cheng had already sent people to investigate."

"It's a pity this group is more cunning than foxes; we still haven't found their grain warehouse," Jianfeng sat down and took a sip of tea.

As the tea's fragrance hit his throat, a smile spread across his face again.

It was his favorite Longjing tea.

"That is why your subordinate killed Lin Zigun," Hong Zhiyou said.

Jianfeng looked at him for a moment and then understood:

"You want to make Lin Dingli fall into a panic and reveal his true colors?"

Immediately, he shook his head:

"That's not the point."

"I don't even take a few mere gang members seriously."

"I once thought about arresting Lin Dingli directly to make him hand over the grain warehouse."

"But this man is a sworn brother of Peng Mengji."

"The Security Command has a force of one hundred thousand, guarding Wanbei; they are the Imperial Guards."

"Peng Mengji arrived on the island early and counts as a local force."

"Father has only just arrived on the island and hasn't resumed his administration yet; he can only rely on Chen Cheng and Sun Liren, and it's hard to say what their intentions are. If we move against Lin Dingli now, we might run into trouble."

"At this stage, unity and stability are the priority."

"Director, I think we can try to win over Commander Peng; let me talk to him," Hong Zhiyou volunteered.

Jianfeng certainly knew his methods and smiled: "Let's agree on this first: I'll give you a budget of five thousand U. . dollars at most. Whether you can win him over depends on your ability."

"Five thousand is enough; if it's not, I'll supplement it myself," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Drink your tea."

Only then did Jianfeng point to the teapot, his smile becoming even brighter.

Having a capable subordinate is truly worry-free.

Three o'clock in the afternoon.

Hong Zhiyou drove Kong Lingwei's Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith to the Security Command.

No need to report.

There weren't many of these cars in Wanbei, and especially with such an imposing license plate, it could only belong to the Kong family's second young lady.

Hong Zhiyou reached out to show his identity, and the guards let him through immediately.

Office.

Peng Mengji had a cigarette in one hand and was signing documents with the other.

"Commander, Hong Zhiyou from the Wanbei station requests an audience," the adjutant walked in.

"Him?"

"We are not of the same path, so we cannot pee in the same pot. I won't see him."

"Just say I went out for a meeting."

Peng Mengji frowned and said.

Last night, Lin Zai-Gun was beaten to death on the spot.

Who in all of Wandao doesn't know that he and Lin Zai-Gun have a very close relationship?

If it is truly as Lin Dingli analyzed, it is Hong Zhiyou's doing.

This brat is simply slapping his own face.

It's already good enough that I haven't looked for trouble with him, why would I see him?

"He said he knows you are here, and that he is under orders from Director Jiang to discuss an important matter," the adjutant said.

"An important matter?"

"What important matter could Jianfeng not call about, but instead make me come over for a face-to-face talk, and even need a messenger?" Peng Mengji sneered.

"Fine."

"Then I will send him away," the adjutant said.

"Forget it."

"I'll see him after all. He is, after all, Jianfeng's man. If he insists on not leaving, it won't sound good if it gets out," Peng Mengji said.

"General Peng."

"Forgive my presumptuous visit, I hope I'm not disturbing you!"

Hong Zhiyou walked in, his manner amiable yet respectful.

"Secretary Hong, sit." Peng Mengji waved his hand to signal the adjutant to withdraw.

"General Peng."

"I have long heard of your great name."

"In the Battle of Songhu and the Battle of Changsha, you disregarded life and death, repeatedly leading troops to fight on the front lines; you are truly a hero of the nation."

"Later, you recovered Wandao."

"It was again you who led the troops across the sea to take control, expelling the Japanese invaders and upholding the prestige of the Party and State."

"This junior has admired you for a long time and has long wanted to pay a visit, but was hindered by the distance across the sea. Today, I have finally fulfilled my wish."

Hong Zhiyou bowed slightly to show respect.

Peng Mengji originally did not intend to give this brat a good look, but he never expected Hong Zhiyou to hit the nail on the head the moment he started, and that pent-up anger in his heart could not be vented for the moment.

As the saying goes, one does not strike a smiling face.

"You flatter me, you flatter me; those are all old stories from years ago."

"Secretary Hong, you came to see me, is there something the matter?"

Peng Mengji smiled, led him to sit on the sofa, and personally poured tea for Hong Zhiyou.

"I have come for two things."

"They are private matters, but they could also be called official business," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Oh, how so?" Peng Mengji raised his eyebrows and asked.

"I have found clues that Lin Dingli and Lin Zai-Gun are suspected of hoarding civilian supplies; the intelligence has basically been verified..."

Before Hong Zhiyou could finish speaking, Peng Mengji sneered and interrupted:

"Since you have obtained the intelligence, you should go and arrest the people. Why come to me?"

"General Peng is truly a soldier, with a straightforward temper," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Fine."

"Then I will get straight to the point."

"Jianfeng has long known about Lin Dingli reselling supplies."

"But do you know why Lin Dingli has never been arrested?"

Hong Zhiyou asked.

"I only know how to march and fight; I don't understand matters of corruption or adultery," Peng Mengji said with a straight face.

"Because you also have a share."

"But Director Jianfeng and I would rather believe that Lin Dingli is using your name, Commander, to do these unconscionable things."

"The Director knows you have distinguished military achievements and are a Whampoa student deeply valued by the Leader; he does not wish for the General's reputation to be tarnished."

"Therefore, he specifically ordered me to come and make friends with the General."

"Some things will be too late to talk about once you go to Bashun Garden."

"It is more appropriate to talk openly as friends, don't you think?"

Hong Zhiyou stared at him, leaned back slowly, and clicked a cigarette to life.

"Sorry, I don't understand, and I don't feel anything," Peng Mengji looked him in the eye, a bead of cold sweat seeping from his forehead, yet he still did not give in.

"There is nothing to not understand."

"Don't you just like money?"

"Who doesn't like money? I like money too, and the Director knows that you and I like money."

"There is no shame in this!"

Hong Zhiyou stated it directly.

"The goods that Lin Dingli and Lin Zai-Gun are holding, they surely don't amount to more than what Kong Lingkan had in the past."

"In my estimation, at most about 100, 00 US dollars."

"Divided into your hands, it would probably be about 20, 00 to 30, 00 US dollars?"

As he spoke, he picked up the case, slapped it on the table, gave it a stylish spin, and pushed it in front of Peng Mengji.

"Clap!"

Hong Zhiyou opened the lid.

Inside was a stack of cigars, plus a stack of 100-dollar US bills.

"This is 10, 00 US dollars."

"5, 00 was allocated by the Director from the Political Action Committee."

"The other 5, 00 is a small meeting gift from me, as I admire the General."

"As long as the General agrees to help me eradicate the thieves destroying the livelihood of Wanbei, when the time comes to confiscate their property, the General can appoint people to join me."

"In short, the General will not lose a single cent of what is due to him."

Hong Zhiyou pushed the case in front of him.

Peng Mengji drank several gulps of tea, his eyes flickering with unease.

Lin Dingli is an old brother.

To make him betray a brother, this is not honorable.

"Of course, the General can also refuse, or even tip off Lin Dingli."

"But you know the consequences."

"The sound of gunfire is constant every day at Machangting now; you can try to see whether you want to follow the Principal or lead the Security Command in rebellion," Hong Zhiyou tapped the table and gave a playful smile.

Peng Mengji was sweating profusely; he slapped the table and glared at Hong Zhiyou, saying: "Are you threatening me?"

"Threatening you?"

"If it weren't for the fact that you are a Whampoa Military Academy student and the Leader has given his word, would the Director need to send me to give you money?"

"Who the hell do you think you are!"

"Isn't it just about making money?"

"Whose money isn't money?"

"If Lin Zai-Gun dies, will Lin Dingli be sad?"

"No, he will only be happy, because he can split one less share of the money."

"I have seen plenty of things in the vanity fair."

"I have many good friends, such as Ke Ke, Yu Jishi, and Song Ziliang."

"They are willing to do things for me, not because of any bullshit brotherhood."

"As a major born in the countryside, what qualifications do I have to make them look at me differently?"

"It is MONEY, it is US dollars, gold bars."

"So, put away your bullshit brotherhood; don't always think about taking the Party and State's money while also wanting to dig the Party and State's grave."

"The General had better think clearly."

"I will wait right here for your answer!"

Hong Zhiyou irritably stubbed out his cigarette, crossed his arms over his chest, and looked at him coldly.

Peng Mengji glared at him fiercely, stood up, put his hands on his hips, walked to the window, and paced back and forth.

Since he took charge of Wandao several years ago, who hasn't been respectful when seeing him?

He never expected to be threatened by a yellow-haired brat.

It's just that Hong Zhiyou represents Jianfeng.

Jianfeng is now eager to seize power.

As one of the most powerful figures locally, he must either fight to the end or obediently hand over power and pledge allegiance.

Peng Mengji is unwilling to accept this.

But Hong Zhiyou had made his words very clear.

If he did not comply, it would be a case of refusing a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit; the Jianfeng Society would tear off the mask and arrest Lin Dingli, and once the interrogation dug up the truth, the consequences would be unpredictable.

At best, he would end up in a dark prison like Qiao Jiacai; at worst, he would be taken directly to the Machangting execution ground for a secret execution.

Unless, as Hong Zhiyou had said, he led his troops in rebellion and completely turned against the Principal.

No.

As a Whampoa student, that would be the shame of a lifetime.

"Fine."

"Out of respect for the Principal's grace in cultivating me, I agree to your terms."

"What do you want me to do?"

Peng Mengji gritted his teeth, turned his head, and said.

"Where is their warehouse?" Hong Zhiyou asked with a smile.

"I don't know."

"I never personally participate in these matters," Peng Mengji shook his head.

"Good."

"I estimate that Lin Dingli will soon discuss the shipment of goods with you."

"You must persuade him to ship the goods."

"During this period, you must find a way to trap him and wait for my call to take action."

"This person is very cunning; once he runs, it will be difficult to catch him."

Hong Zhiyou instructed in a very capable manner.

"Understood," Peng Mengji nodded.

"Officer Peng, from now on we are friends; happy cooperation," Hong Zhiyou said after finishing his instructions, extending his hand.

Peng Mengji shook it and said coldly, "Since we are friends, I will accept your money."

"But I cannot accept a single cent of Director Jiang's money."

"Serving the Party and State and sharing the Director's worries is my duty as Peng."

"You should take it back."

"Fine, I will certainly convey your exact words to the Director," Hong Zhiyou stood up and walked out.

"Phew!"

Peng Mengji slumped onto the sofa, painfully rubbing his brow.

He truly had not expected that, despite Hong Zhiyou's young age, his tongue was sharper than a knife, making him completely unable to parry.

There was no other way.

For the sake of his own future and his loyalty to the Principal, he could only sacrifice his old brother.

Six o'clock in the afternoon.

Lin Dingli arrived at Peng Mengji's office as expected:

"Old Peng, Lin Zai is dead; I suspect Hong Zhiyou did it."

"No need to suspect; it was him. There aren't many people these days who can get their hands on so many American-style grenades," Peng Mengji nodded and said.

"What do we do now?"

"He has the backing of Jianfeng, and the situation is very bad. My, Old Luo's, and Wang Kun's idea is to finish off this brat. What is your opinion?" Lin Dingli said with a fierce look in his eyes.

"Finish him off?"

"What are you thinking? The business between you and Wu Jingzhong is known all over the city now."

"Hong Zhiyou is currently working for the Lady and Jianfeng; if things go wrong, he might even be sent as a special envoy to invite the U. . military to protect the island."

"If you move against him now, the consequences will be more severe than assassinating the Chairman."

"If you want to die, don't drag me into it."

Peng Mengji scolded him irritably.

"By the way, what are your plans for that batch of goods?" He paused and asked.

"Wang Kun advised me to sell it, or have a subordinate transport it elsewhere to break it up and sell it in smaller quantities. Do you have any instructions?" Lin Dingli said.

"Sigh, if you hold onto it for a while longer, the price might rise a bit more."

"Wang Kun is right."

"It's better to sell it early. Jianfeng and Mao Renfeng are both investigating these supplies; if they find them, it will be trouble. Losing money is a small matter, but you might even lose your head."

Peng Mengji frowned, pretending to be very troubled.

"Can even you not cover for me?" Lin Dingli asked.

"It's Jianfeng's directive; unless I rebel, what else can I do?" Peng Mengji shrugged and gave a bitter smile.

"Alright."

"Then tonight it is, to avoid any complications," Lin Dingli did not suspect anything and sighed.

"Keep it low-key and be discreet," Peng Mengji said.

"Understood."

"I'm leaving first," Lin Dingli said.

"Wait, just call Old Luo to handle it; you don't need to go. In case anything goes wrong, you can say you were here with me and I can testify for you," Peng Mengji said with great concern.

"That works too."

"I'll make a call to order some food, and we'll have a good drink tonight."

"Hehe."

"Old Lin is dead, and his share must be worth twenty or thirty thousand US dollars; it just so happens to be our gain."

Lin Dingli laughed dryly.

Peng Mengji felt a chill in his heart.

Hong Zhiyou was right; so much for brotherly loyalty—Lin Zai had once saved Lin Dingli's life.

If he could say such things, how could he treat him any better?

It was only because he held the guns and was the Security Commander.

Otherwise, he would likely have been kicked out of the game long ago.

Damn it.

Since Lin Dingli was heartless, he shouldn't blame him for being unrighteous.

Sell it!

"That's right, US dollars are hard to earn now, and we can consider ourselves lucky thanks to that gunshot from Hong Zhiyou."

"I'll go get some good wine, and we won't stop until we're drunk tonight."

"You call Old Luo now and have him get it done."

Peng Mengji also smiled with a mercenary look on his face.

(End of chapter)