Chapter 389: There Is No Mouth in This World I Cannot Pry Open

Inside the bathroom.

Hong Zhiyou pondered deeply while showering.

Unlike the history before the liberation, he had many reference films, dramas, and materials from his previous life, so he could recite details about figures like Shen Zui, Dai Li, and Mao Renfeng as if they were his own family treasures.

But regarding the situation on the island, especially during the White Terror, Hong Zhiyou had never paid much attention, and there were not many reference sources.

At this moment, he was completely in the dark.

He only roughly knew that the Work Committee here was incompetent and was setting up armed bases.

The first person in charge of the Work Committee, Chai Qian, eventually defected, almost destroying the entire underground organization; the Confidential Bureau arrested as many as a thousand people, and the yellow soil at Machangding was stained red with blood.

Among those who sacrificed themselves was Deputy Chief Wu Zhiqing.

Chai Qian should be "Old Zheng."

Chen Da was his deputy and had already been arrested; it was highly likely that Chai Qian would be next.

To save the Work Committee, one must strike first and eliminate this person.

The trouble was that Hong Zhiyou had no idea where people like Chai Qian and Zhang Wencheng were active or where they lived.

It would likely be very difficult to find him in a short time.

Moreover, Chai Qian had participated in the Long March and served as the Minister of the Enemy Work Department during the War of Resistance, possessing a brilliant resume.

He was an old, experienced comrade with firm beliefs in the eyes of the East China Bureau, and even people like Yu Zecheng and Deputy Chief Wu.

If he acted too aggressively and struck before Chai Qian was arrested,

Chai Qian would truly become a martyr and a hero.

And he himself would be labeled as an assassin of the island's Work Committee leader, a proper lackey and running dog of the Confidential Bureau, and he would never be able to clear his name.

Not only that, but the eyes and ears of Mao Renfeng and Jianfeng were everywhere; once they discovered he had eliminated the "prize" they dreamed of, wouldn't they kill him?

Sigh.

Sometimes knowing too much is also annoying.

It is difficult to act either way.

Regarding this situation, Hong Zhiyou usually did his best and left the rest to fate, never allowing himself to suffer losses or fall into danger.

First, find Chai Qian in secret.

When the timing is right, let Yu Zecheng tip off Deputy Chief Wu.

Having made up his mind, he completely put the matter aside.

Confidential Bureau.

Mao Wanli walked into the office and closed the door behind him:

"Big Brother, Hong Zhiyou is back."

"Hmm, I know. The newspapers have been blowing it up for days. The Old Man is going to carry the sedan chair for this kid; he's the next Shen Zui," Mao Renfeng said, shaking his chin and sighing helplessly.

"This guy really has some methods.

"Even the Lady couldn't handle the American aid and grain, yet he managed to pry it from MacArthur's hands with just his words," Mao Wanli said.

"Indeed.

"Kong Lingkan is also a waste. I tipped him off, but not only did he fail to handle Hong Zhiyou, he even got Wu Fangzhi and Ikeda Sugi involved.

"The Lady is very angry now, but she can't do anything to him.

"I used to think Hong Zhiyou relied on Wu Jingzhong, but now I can only say we all misjudged him.

"This kid is our true thorn in the side.

"With him now, Jianfeng has both money and prestige; the situation is very unfavorable for us," Mao Renfeng said.

"According to feedback from our underground intelligence in the Tokyo Station,

"Hong Zhiyou once secretly met with Rong Bin of the Rong Group in Xiangdao.

"The Rong family is pro-Red.

"And the Rong family also has shares in Hong Zhiyou's shipyard. Isn't this all evidence of his collusion?"

Mao Wanli frowned.

"What kind of evidence is that?

"Merchants pursue profit; his investment in the Rong family to build a shipyard is understandable.

"Do you think those old men don't know?

"As long as he is still working for Jianfeng and can create value, no one will care even if he sells rice to Beiping.

"Our focus is still Yu Zecheng.

"As long as we can get him and drag Wu Jingzhong into the water, once the media exposes it, even if Hong Zhiyou doesn't die, it will be hard for him to stand his ground on the island,"

Mao Renfeng said coldly.

"Hmm, but Chen Da has a very hard mouth and refuses to confess.

"He is the Deputy Director of the island's General Work Committee.

"It's impossible that he doesn't know Old Zheng. In any case, we must make him talk."

Mao Wanli said with a murderous look in his eyes.

"Is Qin Shuangcheng still here?" Mao Renfeng suddenly thought.

"That dog traitor was protected by Zheng Jiemin after identifying Ma Kui in Jinhai; he was brought along during the retreat and is currently staying in the prison," Mao Wanli said.

"Release him and transfer him to the interrogation room.

"At all costs, make sure this guy talks."

Mao Renfeng ordered.

"Yes!" Mao Wanli acknowledged.

Shilin Official Residence.

The Generalissimo, dressed in a long gown and mandarin jacket, was taking a walk in the back garden with Jianfeng.

"Father, I received news that Hong Zhiyou is very close to the Rong family in Xiangdao..." Jianfeng said, walking half a step behind.

"Mao Renfeng tipped you off, right?

"People are mostly jealous; they wish for you to have trouble at home so you would cut off your own limbs.

"Back when Du Yuming was in the Northeast, Chen Cheng kept whispering in my ear, and with all the shifting around, the deployment was completely disrupted, eventually leading to a total defeat.

"Thinking about it now, if we hadn't listened to slander in the Northeast and Ludong and hadn't interfered excessively with Du Yuming, perhaps the war wouldn't have turned out like this.

"Now that the U. . military is unwilling to support us, it will be difficult to counterattack in the short term with only the troops on the island.

"Managing the economy and maintaining stability are the top priorities.

"Even if Hong Zhiyou is a secret line for the Reds, there isn't much intelligence to leak on this small patch of land; on the contrary, he has brought us unimaginable benefits.

"His merits far outweigh his faults.

"You can turn a blind eye and not listen to idle gossip.

"Furthermore, he is a businessman, and his family is in Xiangdao, so he cannot afford to offend the local powers; some pretense is understandable.

"The Reds must be investigated, but one should not be overly suspicious.

"I have said that as long as the benefits outweigh the disadvantages, I allow, and am even happy for, Hong Zhiyou to take some advantage.

"People, after all, are driven by profit.

"Whether it's one-nine, two-eight, or even three-seven, we are ultimately the ones benefiting, which is far better than the Kongs and Songs taking money from the Americans with one hand and funneling it back to their North American estates with the other."

The smile on the Generalissimo's face was noticeably more frequent than in the past.

"Father is wise; you seem to be in a good mood today." Jianfeng hadn't seen his father smile in a long time.

"With money and grain, one doesn't panic.

"Furthermore, it is also seeing your gratifying growth."

The Generalissimo said, his eyes full of expectation.

"Generalissimo, Director, Hong Zhiyou has arrived." Yu Jishi walked in and respectfully reminded them.

"Jianfeng, go and welcome him.

"You must be humble to the worthy!"

The Generalissimo ordered.

"Yes, Father." Jianfeng walked to the entrance with a light step.

The car stopped steadily.

Security personnel stepped forward to conduct a thorough inspection.

Seeing that the search was about done, Jianfeng walked over and waved his hand, saying: "No need, Secretary Hong is not an outsider."

"Director, how could I trouble you," Hong Zhiyou said respectfully.

"You are a hero of the Party and State, and you are my man.

"This is nothing."

Jianfeng laughed loudly.

"When you see Father later, be cautious in your words and actions, especially regarding cross-strait matters," he whispered while walking.

They arrived inside.

The Generalissimo was sitting on the sofa.

"Subordinate greets the Generalissimo." Hong Zhiyou stepped forward and gave a military salute.

"Young and promising!"

"Take a seat."

The Chairman sat down at the dining table first.

The meal was a simple six dishes and one soup.

"Zhiyou, the Chairman usually has three dishes and one soup; today, three meat dishes were added specifically because you came," Jianfeng said with a smile.

Hong Zhiyou, who had just sat down, hurriedly stood up again and said:

"What virtue or ability do I possess to deserve such an honor?"

"You deserve it, you deserve it." The Chairman pressed his hand downward, signaling him to sit.

After a few brief words of commendation.

The Chairman gestured to begin the meal.

Hong Zhiyou did not deliberately act reserved and picked up his bowl and chopsticks to eat heartily.

After a few bites, he put down his bowl and chopsticks with slight embarrassment and said apologetically:

"Chairman, Director, my family was poor since I was young, and I developed the crude habit of eating quickly.

"Furthermore, in Shanghai, I received the favor of the Director, and Zhiyou views him as an elder brother and family. The Director has always indulged me, so my table manners have become increasingly lax.

"Today, in the presence of the Leader, this is truly reckless and lacking in decorum.

"I ask the Chairman to punish me."

Jianfeng nodded and explained with a smile: "Father, he does indeed eat this way; he is quite similar to me in that regard.

"I developed the habit of wolfing down my food when I was starving in the Soviet Union in the past.

"I still haven't managed to change it to this day."

This sincere scene, in the eyes of the Chairman, was actually quite gratifying.

Everyone who comes here is usually overly respectful.

Hong Zhiyou's rare display of his true self shows he is a down-to-earth person.

"It doesn't matter. You are young people; you must take care of your health outside of work," the Chairman said in a very indifferent tone, showing little emotion.

Aside from picking up his chopsticks when the meal began, he spent most of the time asking questions.

For example, about MacArthur's attitude and stance.

Especially when he heard that MacArthur intended to reignite the war and get involved in the Northeast, the old man was very invigorated and even broke precedent by having Jianfeng pour him a glass of red wine.

"Zhiyou, your mission to Tokyo this time was truly fruitful.

"In your opinion, will MacArthur really fight?" The Chairman's tone was much more cordial.

"This man has great ambition; the possibility of him sending American troops into the peninsula is very high," Hong Zhiyou answered truthfully.

"If American troops enter the fray, once the Reds are drawn into the flames of war, the pressure on our defense around Jinmen will be greatly reduced, and it will also be an excellent opportunity for a counterattack.

"Father, Heaven is helping us."

Jianfeng said happily.

Hong Zhiyou was speechless.

Are you two not being too superstitious about the American military?

"Hmm, it is indeed a rare opportunity.

"Some time ago, I was discussing a problem with Zhang Qun. Since this is a family dinner today, I will test you both.

"A North American congressman is in secret talks with the Lady, wanting to persuade me to declare independence and establish a nation in order to obtain more aid.

"What do you think?"

The Chairman looked at the two of them, his eyes deep and unfathomable, making it hard to guess his true stance.

Jianfeng decided to play it safe, "Zhiyou, you speak."

"Yes, Director.

"I think this move hides malicious intent.

"The two sides are brothers connected by blood and origin; political disputes and internal strife are our own family matters.

"Once independence is declared, that is creating a split.

"It will surely be nailed to the pillar of shame in history."

Hong Zhiyou put down his chopsticks and said righteously.

The Chairman's face immediately darkened.

Jianfeng remained silent.

Hong Zhiyou continued passionately: "Chairman, what I just said is known to everyone.

"But independence has three harms.

"First, most officers, soldiers, and their families came from the mainland; their roots and relatives are on the other side, and they think of returning every moment.

"If we establish a nation, it will undoubtedly sever their ties to their homeland, which is not conducive to unity and would be very dangerous.

"Second, if we become independent.

"The two sides will become mortal enemies; the war will intensify, and there will be no possibility of talks.

"After completely severing ties with the mainland, we will lose a naturally close and massive market in the future and become too dependent on American aid.

"In this way, the American side will completely control and hollow out the Party-State. By then, will this island listen to the Chairman, or to Du Lumen? Or perhaps to the Kong and Song families?

"Independence will destroy the Party and the people.

"It brings no benefit to the people or ourselves.

"I hope the Chairman and the Director will consider this carefully."

After Hong Zhiyou finished speaking, he looked at the two silent men.

The Chairman struck his cane and stood up to leave without a word.

Jianfeng looked at Hong Zhiyou with a very unpleasant expression.

Once things had reached this point, there was no need to continue the conversation.

Hong Zhiyou and Jianfeng walked out of the official residence.

"Zhiyou, your words are also my meaning; that the two sides are one family is the premise.

"It is also the capital we have to negotiate with the Americans."

Jianfeng walked down the steps with his hands behind his back, looking relaxed.

"The Director is wise, but the Chairman seemed a bit unhappy; did I say the wrong thing?" Hong Zhiyou asked in a low voice.

"No.

"Father has aged in recent years, but he is not completely senile.

"He is just angry at the Lady and sulking.

"Sigh, the Lady always favors outsiders, and the Kong and Song families are still not satisfied after taking so much money; it is truly excessive," Jianfeng sighed.

"By the way, Father has already appointed me as the Director of the Data Division of the Presidential Office, directly overseeing intelligence systems like the Secret Service Bureau and the Security Command.

"Recently, Mao Renfeng has achieved quite a few results in the intelligence war.

"I am busy preparing for the General Political Department.

"You need to keep an eye on this matter.

"I will appoint you as the Chief of the Operations Section of the Data Division to coordinate with Mao Renfeng to find that 'Lao Zheng.' Remember, you must find this person before him and grasp the first-hand intelligence.

"This will be a major case that will shock both sides.

"Whether the Data Division can make a name for itself depends on you."

Jianfeng instructed solemnly.

"I lack manpower," Hong Zhiyou said.

"You can use your own people; if that is not enough, you can draw personnel from the Security Department and the Wanbei Police Bureau," Jianfeng said.

"I will certainly not fail the mission," Hong Zhiyou accepted the order.

He knew that from this moment on, he had officially stepped into the core layer of the intelligence system and had the right to go head-to-head with Mao Renfeng.

Zishanyan Secret Service Bureau Headquarters.

Qin Shuangcheng, thin as a rail with hair mostly gray, wore an ill-fitting suit and arrived at Mao Renfeng's office like a paper cutout: "Reporting to Director Mao."

"Shuangcheng.

"You are a veteran of the secret service system. This time, I am transferring you to the Interrogation Section because I want to ask you to help me interrogate someone.

"This person is the Deputy Director of the Red Ticket Workers' Committee, named Chen Da.

"No matter what, you must pry his mouth open and find the overall person in charge of the Workers' Committee, codenamed 'Lao Zheng'."

Mao Renfeng tapped the table lightly and ordered.

"Don't worry, Director.

"There is no mouth in this world that I cannot pry open," Qin Shuangcheng said coldly.

"Very good.

"From now on, the people in the Interrogation Section are all under your command.

"If there is anything, you can report to the Investigation and Defense Group at any time... no, report to Director Mao of the Confidential Secretariat."

Mao Renfeng thought for a moment; this matter was too important, and his sixth brother was more reliable.

"Good.

"I will go and prepare first," Qin Shuangcheng said efficiently and left.

"Big Brother, do you not even trust Section Chief Gu and Ye Xiangzhi?" Mao Wanli asked, somewhat puzzled.

"It is not a matter of trust.

"It is simply that this matter is too important.

"The Lady is currently lobbying the Chairman to establish the state; once the Chairman agrees, he will surely rely on the Lady even more in the future, and there may even be a large number of American troops stationed on the island.

"I am currently the sharp sword in the Lady's hand.

"As long as this shot hits the mark, I can secure more political leverage in the future.

"Doesn't that bullshit Data Section of Jiang Jianfeng like to point fingers?

"When the time comes, he will get what's coming to him."

Mao Renfeng said coldly.

He had finally managed to outlast Dai Li and send Zheng Jiemin away, ascending to the throne of the intelligence system.

Jiang Jianfeng had achieved nothing for years, and now he wanted to pick the ready-made peaches.

Not a chance.

"Gu Zhengwen and Ye Xiangzhi are certainly usable, but you must personally oversee the command throughout the entire process.

"And you must be on guard against Jiang Jianfeng's people."

Mao Renfeng added a reminder.

"Big Brother, who will Jiang Jianfeng send?

"Those two old foxes, Zheng Jiemin and Tang Zong, certainly won't come to stir up this muddy water. Besides them, who is qualified to wrestle with you, Big Brother?" Mao Wanli asked, puzzled.

"Isn't there a ready-made one right here?

"Major General Hong Zhiyou!

"In the past, whoever could snag a casual meal from Boss Dai was enough to walk sideways in the Juntong Bureau.

"Now, the Chairman is hosting a guest personally.

"He has also performed a great service, and even Chen Cheng is helping to carry his sedan chair; his prestige is very high.

"Plus, the Jinhai Station has always been at odds with us; isn't he the most suitable candidate?"

Mao Renfeng put his left hand behind his back, held up his index finger, and said with certainty.

"This kid is indeed very cunning and hard to deal with," Mao Wanli said, frowning.

"I am waiting for him.

"Hong Zhiyou will be commissioned tomorrow morning. As long as Qin Shuangcheng can take down Chen Dakai before Hong Zhiyou arrives at the Secret Service Bureau's station.

"We can lead him into the pit.

"Perhaps we can even fish out that big catch, Yu Zecheng."

Mao Renfeng smiled and discussed the specific countermeasures with Mao Wanli.

"Excellent.

"Big Brother's move is simply brilliant. No matter how cunning that Hong fellow is, he cannot escape Big Brother's schemes." After listening, Mao Wanli praised him vigorously.

"Alright, have Qin Shuangcheng intensify the interrogation," Mao Renfeng ordered.

The next day.

The conference hall of Basheng Garden.

Jiang Jianfeng personally conferred the rank of Major General upon Hong Zhiyou.

As Wu Jingzhong sat below applauding, he felt a mix of complicated emotions in his heart.

The little brat.

He kept saying he didn't want to be an official.

Thinking of how Boss Dai and he himself had struggled for a lifetime, only to reach the rank of Major General.

It had only been a few years, and twenty-six-year-old Hong Zhiyou was already a general.

He was even more impressive than Shen Zui was back in the day.

What was even more depressing was that this kid had suddenly transformed into the Director of the Operations Division of the Data Section, supervising the Secret Service Bureau's anti-espionage operations—a proper imperial envoy.

Even he himself had to listen to his orders.

Sigh.

Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river.

The future belonged to the young.

After the commissioning ceremony, Hong Zhiyou left Basheng Garden and got into a car.

"Mao Renfeng has brought out that cruel official, Qin Shuangcheng," Wu Jingzhong reminded him, crossing his arms.

"Teacher, when did this happen?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"Yesterday at noon, Mao Wanli went to pick him up personally," Wu Jingzhong said.

"It has been almost twenty-four hours.

"With Qin Shuangcheng's methods, I'm afraid Chen Dakai couldn't withstand the interrogation and has already confessed by now," Yu Zecheng, who was driving, said with a frown.

"No rush.

"I will go to the Secret Service Bureau to probe first."

Hong Zhiyou said in a deep voice.

(End of chapter)