Chapter 47: Mao Sen in Hangcheng

"Station Chief, I, I have failed in my duty." Yu Zecheng looked terrified, bowing his head to admit his fault.

"Incompetent, you fool!

"Take your head out of your heels and think carefully about how you'd like to die to make it a bit easier."

Wu Jingzhong berated him, his voice lashing out.

Hong Zhiyou stood to the side, stunned.

Wu Jingzhong rarely scolded people.

Even when he did, it was at most a couple of "stupid pig" or "incompetent" remarks.

Especially toward himself and old Yu, he rarely used foul language.

Harsh words like these were absolutely rare.

Old Yu was in big trouble!

Hong Zhiyou looked at Yu Zecheng; his face was pale, and his eyes held a rare panic.

"Station Chief, what exactly is going on?"

Hong Zhiyou knew that Wu Jingzhong had asked him here certainly not to watch a show.

"That Mr. Zhuang from Xiangdao, do you know who he is?" Wu Jingzhong said.

"Who?

"To make you this angry, it couldn't be one of the Generalissimo's men, could it?" Hong Zhiyou smiled, trying to ease the tense atmosphere.

"If he were the Generalissimo's man, I wouldn't be afraid.

"He is Mao Sen's man!

"He came to Jinmen specifically to smuggle goods, and now, he's dead in our Jinmen.

"You tell me, how am I supposed to answer to Mao Sen?"

Wu Jingzhong slapped the table, his face full of distress.

Mao Sen!

Station Chief of the Juntong Bureau in Hangcheng.

Known for being fierce and ruthless, a notorious demon.

This man was also a clansman and confidant of Mao Renfeng, and the personal enforcer and favorite of Boss Dai.

It was indeed a massive headache.

"Director Yu, weren't you arresting people and seizing goods?

"How did you end up beating him to death?"

Hong Zhiyou asked, holding his forehead.

"During the arrest, he opened fire.

"In the crossfire, he was shot dead."

Yu Zecheng explained gloomily.

Opened fire?

Hong Zhiyou understood.

With the recent restoration, Juntong station officers at all levels, like Ma Hansan, were frantically looting and extorting national assets, and Boss Dai intended to deal with a batch of them to rectify the family reputation.

Mao Sen had made a fortune in Shanghu.

Dai Li was already dissatisfied with him.

Wu Jingzhong was Boss Dai's confidant, not one of Mao Renfeng's men.

If Mr. Zhuang had fallen into his hands, it would be extremely disadvantageous for the two Maos.

That was why Mr. Zhuang had fought to the death.

"Station Chief, what does Director Mao mean by this?" Hong Zhiyou asked.

"What can Mao Renfeng do to me?"

Wu Jingzhong slapped the table in anger, then braced his hands on the desk and said in a low voice:

"Boss Dai is currently obsessed with becoming the Navy Commander.

"If the Juntong Bureau changes leadership, Mao Renfeng is highly likely to become the head.

"With a man dead in my hands, it's trouble."

Yu Zecheng lowered his head and whispered: "It's all my fault for not checking the man's background beforehand."

"What's the use of saying that? You two need to come up with a solution.

"I just received news that Mao Sen's special envoy is on a military plane heading to Jinmen and will arrive in an hour. Speak up, you two." Wu Jingzhong frowned and said.

He only wanted to make money peacefully in Jinmen.

He truly did not want to offend all the various monsters and demons.

Yu Zecheng remained silent.

"Station Chief, why not return the goods to Mao Sen?" Hong Zhiyou suggested.

"Sigh, I've looked at them.

"That Mr. Zhuang collected only the best things.

"You tell me, people like Mao Sen and Mao Renfeng, those rough brutes who only know how to kill, what do they know about collecting art?

"If these things go to waste in their hands, it would be a crime against heaven!"

Wu Jingzhong curled his lip and clapped his hands in agony.

Hong Zhiyou understood.

Wu Jingzhong had his eye on this batch of treasures.

If he didn't release them, it would be hard to answer to the two Maos.

If he did release them, it would undoubtedly be like cutting out a piece of his own heart, more painful than death.

The damn old miser.

"Did Mr. Zhuang report to Mao Sen?" Hong Zhiyou, having received the master's salary, had to share the master's worries.

"Only heaven knows that." Wu Jingzhong sighed with his hands behind his back.

"Station Chief.

"Anyone who can come out to handle errands is an old fox.

"They mostly have thoughts of keeping things for themselves. My analysis is that Mr. Zhuang likely did not report it.

"Instead, he planned to present them in person after arriving in Hangcheng.

"Firstly, to claim credit; secondly, to hide some for himself in the process.

"If it wasn't reported, there is a lot we can do with this."

Yu Zecheng raised his head and analyzed.

Hong Zhiyou awkwardly turned his head away.

Damn it, why does it feel like old Yu is pointing at me?

"Director Yu's words make sense.

"Master, you can pick out the things you like and painfully part with a few lesser items to compensate Station Chief Mao.

"He condoned his subordinates trading with traitors, which has already given us leverage; even if Mao Renfeng comes, he won't be able to find fault.

"On the contrary, Zhuang Cheng was shot dead on the spot.

"He might even have to thank you, Master."

Hong Zhiyou nodded quickly, helping old Yu carry the sedan chair.

Wu Jingzhong's eyes lit up with joy, and he pointed at Hong Zhiyou: "Well said, it's you.

"You go and talk to the special envoy!"

"Station Chief, I'm afraid I'll mess up the negotiation." Hong Zhiyou gave a worldly smile.

"If I remember correctly, you were in the Southeast Special Training Class, and Mao Sen once served as the Southeast Commander of the Sino-American Cooperation Organization.

"The graduation certificates for your class were even issued by him personally, right?

"You were an honor student.

"Don't tell me you haven't met Mao Sen."

Wu Jingzhong pointed his finger and laughed.

"Station Chief Mao did encourage me a few times.

"I'm afraid he long ago forgot who I am." Hong Zhiyou gave a bitter smile.

"According to the rules, Mao Sen is your teacher.

"As for human relations, you can handle this well. The special envoy will be here soon; you talk to him first.

"Zecheng, there are quite a few things on the Dahe Maru.

"Go pick out a few valuable ones to keep in reserve."

Wu Jingzhong's mood relaxed quite a bit.

"Zhiyou, remember to bluff him. If it wasn't reported, act accordingly.

"If it was reported, return it all."

After a pause, he gave cautious instructions.

"Understood, Station Chief." Hong Zhiyou nodded.

He walked out of the office.

The two walked side by side in the corridor, and Yu Zecheng wiped away cold sweat:

"Secretary Hong, I've botched this job; I might just lose my head over it."

"It won't come to that. You are a Major, and Boss Dai has even invited you to a casual meal. Mao Renfeng and Mao Sen wouldn't dare touch you," Hong Zhiyou said.

"Brother, if this batch of goods were Mao Sen's private property, that would be one thing.

"But what if they were meant for Boss Dai?"

Yu Zecheng's expression turned serious, then he said in a panic:

"You know what kind of person Boss Dai is, don't you?

"The Emperor's wrath is unfathomable; he flips his face faster than turning a page. He kills with a mere flick of his finger.

"Station Chief Ma Han in Beiping has even more seniority than our Station Chief; he is a big shot who went through life and death with Dai Li.

"There is talk outside that Boss Dai wants to go after Station Chief Ma.

"I am a mere sesame seed of a person; wouldn't he just kill me if he wanted to?

"Special Commissioner, you must handle this accurately."

Looking at Old Yu's eyes, Hong Zhiyou knew he was truly afraid.

Old Yu had always been suspicious and cautious.

He might not fear dying a heroic death.

But he carried the high expectations of Ke Gong; no one would be willing to die pointlessly over such a trivial matter.

"Old Yu, I understand.

"We are friends.

"Rest assured, once I verify if it was reported or meant for Boss Dai, I will immediately have the Station Chief return the full amount.

"Once the goods are handed over, if a small underling has to die, at most you'll be demoted one rank."

Hong Zhiyou knew what he was worried about.

"Mm, my life is entirely in your hands.

"Thank you, Zhiyou. If I can survive this ordeal, I will certainly repay you in the future."

Yu Zecheng gripped Hong Zhiyou's hands, feeling immensely grateful.

"Old Yu.

"Look at you saying that, just like the traitors who beg me for favors outside; it's meaningless.

"The two of us are the Station Chief's right-hand men; it's comfortable working with you.

"Your business is my business."

Hong Zhiyou patted him and said with a low laugh.

"Yes, yes!

"I'm counting on you."

Yu Zecheng nodded, not saying much more.

"Alright, you go to the warehouse to pick out the items first; I'll go prepare."

Hong Zhiyou comforted him with a smile and headed toward the conference room.

The conference room.

An old acquaintance was already waiting there.

Jinhai City Mayor Zhang Tinge.

Old Wu is truly as steady as a tortoise.

Zhang Tinge is an old hand in municipal affairs and knows many key officials in the Jingling government; he can certainly put in a word.

This is because he fears a fallout and has brought someone to hold the fort.

One o'clock in the morning.

The Special Commissioner, escorted by several secret agents, arrived at the Jinhai Station in a rage.

"Secretary Hong, Mayor Zhou from Hangcheng has arrived."

Someone immediately reported over the phone.

"I know, I'll go welcome him immediately." Hong Zhiyou hung up the phone.

It was actually Zhou Xiangxian who had come.

This is getting interesting.

……

(End of chapter)