cicada

Chapter 1535 Old Dai's Last Day (Happy New Year)

One day later, in the auditorium of the Military Intelligence Bureau's Tianjin Station.

Dai Chunfeng stood on the platform, looking down at the dense crowd below. He put his left hand on his waist, waved his right hand, and said something profound.

"Last year, the leader asked me to be a member of the Central Committee, but I firmly declined, because those who fight for power and profit are not worthy of being a leader."

Zuo Zhong's face fell. Who was Lao Dai referring to? It was clearly someone who insisted on becoming someone's retainer and had repeatedly refused to join the Guo Party. Otherwise, how could he have become a member of the Central Committee?

Old Dai on the stage didn't notice his disciples' expressions. He paused for a moment, observing Wu Jingzhong and the others' reactions, and continued speaking.

"But the situation recently has really exceeded my expectations. It seems that the evaluation of our Military Intelligence Bureau is mixed."

“Some people are calling for us to be overthrown. I don’t know what it means to overthrow or abolish. I’m just afraid that our comrades will not progress and will become bureaucratic and corrupt like the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics.”

“If that’s the case, the Military Intelligence Bureau will collapse on its own even if others don’t attack. Therefore, I always think about how to be worthy of the martyrs and how to maintain our glorious history. I never thought about how others would try to bring us down.”

"As for myself, I have never had any political views. I only follow the leader's instructions and work hard. Only in this way can the country have a way out and individuals have a future."

Wu Jingzhong and the others at Jinmen Station were sweating profusely as they listened, especially those who were hearing about it for the first time; they wished they could cover their ears with their hands.

Even a fool could tell that someone was dissatisfied with the Military Intelligence Bureau and even wanted to abolish it. In that case, those agents would definitely not have a good ending.

At this moment, Lao Dai suddenly raised his voice, clenched his right fist and raised it high, shouting loudly, his words full of resentment.

“Those who truly transcend life will not care about power or position. Even without military intelligence or official rank, we will still transcend life and not abandon our responsibilities.”

"Splash splash splash splash~~~~"

A round of applause erupted from the audience. Wu Jingzhong clapped until his hands were red, already thinking of a way to escape. He couldn't stay in the Military Intelligence Bureau any longer; if he did, his life would surely be in danger.

At this moment, he wished he could slap his past self from six months ago. If he had gone to FIRC, he wouldn't have this kind of trouble.

Dai Chunfeng, however, seemed somewhat disheartened. After finishing his speech, he walked over to Zuo Zhong and whispered, "Shen Zhong, let's go."

"Yes, teacher," Zuo Chong replied obediently.

With the farewell of senior officials at Tianjin Station, Dai Chunfeng, Zuo Zhong, and Gui Youguang boarded a train to leave Tianjin for Beiping. Zheng Tingbing, who was working in the Beiping Military Mediation Group, personally went to the station to welcome them.

On the way back to his temporary residence, Lao Dai explained some of the Kuomintang's assets and the follow-up work. He also expressed his readiness to retire and hoped that Zuo Zhong and Zheng Tingbing could cooperate sincerely in the future and avoid infighting.

Upon hearing this statement, which sounded somewhat like a "last will and testament," Zuo Zhong and Zheng Tingbing naturally nodded repeatedly and offered words of comfort. The three of them chatted like this all the way.

That afternoon, Dai Chunfeng secretly visited Commander Du, who was receiving treatment at an American church hospital, to discuss the cooperation between the Military Intelligence Bureau and the Guo Army in Northeast China. Zuo Zhong accompanied him.

During the conversation, Commander Du did not directly deny the high-level strategy, but believed that the war could be fought, but it would not happen too quickly.

The reason is that the Northeast region is vast, transportation lines are extremely unstable, the Kuomintang army is too dispersed, and the supply lines are too long.

In addition, the soldiers are severely exhausted from long-term combat. Local governments and public opinion are also weak, so if war breaks out, it is likely to develop into a protracted war.

As Dai Chunfeng listened, he nodded and also indicated that the Northeast issue was not simply a military matter, but a long-term war of attrition involving politics, organization, and intelligence.

In closing, he clearly expressed his concerns about a hasty war and the deployment of troops to Northeast China, something that would never have happened in the past.

Everyone knows that Lao Dai is someone's yes-man, treating the other party's words as gospel. Now, however, he is openly contradicting someone, and the deeper meaning behind this is intriguing.

Zuo Zhong listened attentively, recording the entire conversation on his phone without interrupting.

That evening, Dai Chunfeng declined the banquet invitation from the Beiping high-ranking officials and returned to his residence early to rest, while Zuo Zhong met with Wu Chunyang, who was investigating the Beiping station chief.

"Chunyang, have you found out anything about Ma Hansan?" Zuo Zhong asked, rubbing his temples.

Wu Chunyang bowed and replied, "Reporting to the deputy commander, we have basically found out that Ma Hansan secretly surrendered to the Japanese during the War of Resistance Against Japan. The Japanese also gave away the Longquan sword that the director had entrusted to him for safekeeping."

"After the victory of the War of Resistance against Japan, Ma Hansan used his power to embezzle a large amount of assets belonging to traitors. When he learned that we were coming to Beiping, this scoundrel plotted more than once to flee abroad and seek refuge with the Americans."

Zuo Zhong suddenly realized that the Longquan sword had a special history; it was said to be a valuable artifact unearthed from the imperial tombs of a previous dynasty by the "Juezong" (a group of people who excavate tombs).

At the time, "Jue Zong" was preparing to give the sword to someone, but Lao Dai secretly kept it. Lao Dai was worried that the person would find out, so he gave the sword to Ma Hansan for safekeeping.

However, Zuo Zhong was too lazy to deal with such old and trivial matters, and Lao Dai had to decide how to deal with Ma Hansan.

After Wu Chunyang finished his report, he asked Gui Youguang, "How is the situation at the Northeast Headquarters' Inspection Office? Have Lao Yu and Lao Chen arranged everything?" "They've arranged everything," Gui Youguang said, glancing furtively at Wu Chunyang. "The two of them have arrived in Tokyo and are preparing to take over command of the Japanese intelligence network from Fu Ling. The director of the Inspection Office will be Lao Li, an instructor from the Qingpu training class."

Upon hearing Fu Ling's name, Wu Chunyang coughed twice, seemingly a little embarrassed.

A mischievous smile appeared on Zuo Zhong's face. He never expected that two important cadres of the Military Intelligence Bureau would hook up with him right under his nose. But their cause needs successors, so this is a good thing.

Fu Ling is currently recuperating in New Zealand, and it seems she will need to find an opportunity to send Wu Chunyang there.

The next morning, Zuo Zhong reported the results of the investigation into Ma Hansan to Dai Chunfeng. After much deliberation, Dai Chunfeng decided not to deal with the man for the time being, but he did retrieve the sword.

At around 9 a.m. that day, two C47 transport planes carrying Zuo Zhong and Dai Chunfeng took off from Beiping Airport, their destination being Qingdao, Shandong Province.

Zuo Zhong hesitated for a long time but still didn't dare to sit on the same plane as his cheap teacher. Although Laoshan is not Daishan, he was better off not taking the risk.

Before takeoff, he specifically asked Gui Youguang to carefully check the plane for any problems to prevent any "accidents".

It is well known that KMT cadres are easily absorbed into vehicles.

Mr. Lin, the nominal head of the Nationalist government, died in a car accident a few years ago. In the future, someone else will also die from the aftereffects of a car accident. Old Dai will also soon use his life to test whether an airplane or a mountain is harder. We must be wary of this.

Upon arriving in Qingdao, Dai Chunfeng immediately made a list and gave it to his accompanying English secretary, asking the secretary to invite the U.S. Navy friends on the list to the breakfast meeting the next day.

The next morning at 6 a.m., Lao Dai got up on time as usual and then kept reviewing important documents. At 8 a.m., his attendant came in to report that the American guests were waiting in the restaurant.

Dai Chunfeng put down his pen and walked into the restaurant. Several senior U.S. military officers and Zuo Zhong, who were sitting, stood up. Upon seeing this, Old Dai greeted them in broken English, appearing very happy.

At the breakfast meeting, the US military officer briefed the attendees on the transfer of supplies and troop deployment. Dai Chunfeng handled the situation with ease, while Zuo Zhong silently took notes.

After the breakfast meeting ended, the Americans said their goodbyes one by one. Old Dai asked his entourage to contact the airport to inquire about the weather in Shanghai and to inform the crew to prepare for takeoff.

Soon news came back from the airport that it would be cloudy in Shanghai in the morning and there was a possibility of rain in the afternoon.

Despite the bad weather, considering that there was nothing important to do in the city, Dai Chunfeng thought for a moment and said to Zuo Zhong, "Shenzhong, come with me for a walk on the beach. We're taking off at 11 a.m.

Zuo Zhong sighed, smiled and nodded on the surface. The two of them then took a car to Huiquan Bay Beach. Military intelligence agents from headquarters and the island city station patrolled the area to protect the two bureau chiefs.

Facing the sea, Dai Chunfeng fell into a long silence. Zuo Zhong moved his lips and finally said something.

Wu Chunyang and Gui Youguang, who were not far away, did not hear the conversation between the two, but they saw that Dai Chunfeng was agitated, his face was flushed, and he was shaking his head, as if he was arguing with the deputy director.

The argument lasted a long time. Around 10 a.m., the two parted on bad terms and headed to the airport, leaving their luggage to be handled by the staff.

During the journey, Dai Chunfeng instructed his entourage to send two telegrams, one to the headquarters in Shancheng, to report his itinerary to someone. This was a travel regulation for high-ranking officials, so that Shancheng could contact him at any time.

Another telegram was sent to the Shanghai office of the Military Intelligence Bureau, instructing staff to meet Dai Li at Longhua Airport at 2 p.m.

At 10:40 a.m., Dai Chunfeng and Zuo Zhong arrived at the terminal building. At this time, some local officials from Qingdao had already gathered inside, but there were more cadres from Qingdao Station.

The stationmaster of Qingdao Station glanced at the weather outside and advised, "Chief, Vice Chief, the weather is bad today. Should we postpone the trip?"

Old Dai smiled confidently and said, "Don't worry, the security of my private jet is top-notch in the world. There will be absolutely no accident."

When Zuo Zhong heard the cheap teacher start setting a flag, he hesitated again. Some people in the farewell crowd tried to persuade him to stay, but Lao Dai's attitude was firm.

"Alright, everyone, there's no need to persuade me anymore. This isn't the last time we'll meet. I've already reported to the leader through headquarters that I'll definitely be back in Chongqing tomorrow, so I have to get to Shanghai today."

These abrupt and incoherent words sent chills down Zuo Zhong's spine. What did he mean by "the last time"? This was incredibly ominous.

Suddenly, a Kuomintang agent ran in and delivered the latest secret telegram from the mountain city. Someone ordered Zuo Zhong to rush to Nanjing immediately to be in charge of the security work for the "return to the capital" ceremony.

Five minutes later, Dai Chunfeng walked toward the private jet. Just as he was about to step onto the gangway, a baggage cart stopped in front of the gangway, blocking his view. A few seconds later, the crowd watching Dai Chunfeng's back disappear into the cabin was gone.

Immediately afterwards, the junior agent unloaded several heavy wooden crates from the baggage cart and carried them into Dai Chunfeng's private plane. Inside were local specialties sent by officials from various places, including the Longquan sword.

Zuo Zhong waited a moment and boarded another plane. Wu Chunyang and Gui Youguang also carried a large suitcase onto the plane. Thieves don't leave empty-handed, after all.

At 11 a.m., two planes took off from the runway one after the other and flew south, while the people of the island city waved goodbye on the ground.

Meanwhile, dark clouds gathered over Shanghai and Nanjing, accompanied by lightning and thunder, seemingly foreshadowing something.