My spy diary

Chapter 589 Fear of Suicide? (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
Did everyone watch the military parade live?

Remember history and cherish the memory of our martyrs!

After what happened to the old man, Dai Chunfeng was in a bad mood. He kept a gloomy face and didn't say a word. He even took off his military uniform and changed into civilian clothes. Whether he hadn't recovered from his emotions or was feeling apprehensive about returning home, when the convoy reached the outskirts of Jiangshan County, he stopped the car again, got out, and stared blankly at the distant mountains.

Mao Quan, observing the situation, changed the subject, pointing to the distant mountains and introducing them:
"Please look, everyone. That is Xianxia Road in our Jiangshan County. It has been a strategic location fought over by military strategists since ancient times. A great river also rushes down the mountain. In Feng Shui, mountains symbolize stability and longevity, while water represents wealth and wisdom. This layout is believed to be able to gather and retain auspicious energy. Our place is precisely the kind of place that Feng Shui masters advocate, where mountains embrace water."

When he started talking about feng shui, Dai Chunfeng snapped out of her reverie and began to listen attentively.

Mao Quan smiled smugly, quite pleased with the topic he had raised, and said with a sense of pride, "Do you all know that our country has produced two great figures in history?"

Everyone shook their heads.

Mao Quan became even more smug, glancing at Zhang Yi and the others: "Director Zhang? Director Gong? Deputy Jia?"

Deputy Jia shook his head.

Director Gong retorted irritably, "What are you keeping me in suspense for!"

Mao Quan, however, became even more excited, looking at Zhang Yi with a smile.

Zhang Yi had naturally heard of the so-called important figure, but sensing his smugness, he knew it was inappropriate to say more at this moment, so he smiled and shook his head.

Mao Quan was very satisfied and spoke eloquently: "Our Jiangxi County has produced two great figures. One is Mao Kai, the Minister of Justice during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. Mao Dahe was dismissed from his post because he was ostracized by the Grand Secretary Gao Gong. He died after returning to his hometown and was also stripped of his official position by Emperor Muzong."

The other was Chai Daji, the General of Taiwan and Governor of Fujian during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, a first-class Earl of Yiyong. He was impeached for offending the powerful minister Fukang'an and was escorted to the capital to be executed. "Alas, both of them were unlucky and were cursed by villains." He said, shaking his head, completely unaware that Dai Chunfeng's face had darkened even more, and Zhang Yi and the others subtly distanced themselves from him.

"Therefore, there's a saying in Jiangshan that the terrain of Jiangshan County is high in the west and low in the east, so rainwater flows down quickly and is difficult to retain. Thus, the barren mountains and dry waters cannot support a great dragon, leading to the untimely deaths of many prominent figures from this area."

What does it mean to be carried away by success? What does it mean to flatter someone who has backfired? Mao Quan is a prime example. Yet, he was completely oblivious until Dai Chunfeng gave a cold snort. Only then did he snap out of it, trembling all over, and say in a shaky voice, "Mr. Dai, that's not what I meant."

The atmosphere around them froze instantly; everyone looked at each other, speechless.

Zhang Yi shook his head. This Mao Quan was truly hopeless.

He had previously wondered why, while Boss Dai's relatives and brothers-in-law all held important positions with powerful connections, Mao Quan was just a nobody, and it turned out he was an incompetent fool.

Seeing the awkward atmosphere, he coughed lightly and said, "I cannot agree with this statement. As the saying goes, first is fate, second is luck, and third is feng shui. Fate refers to destiny, which means the innate talent and foundation a person is born with, including birth, family background, etc.; luck refers to the opportunities and fortune that come with it."

"Times create heroes. Mr. Dai's achievements today are undoubtedly the result of his proactive seizing of opportunities, keen insight into current affairs, and diligent efforts. As for feng shui, can a barren mountain and dry water nurture a great dragon? Then why not let the water flow abundantly? Therefore, it's clear that Mr. Dai had foresight. Not only did he change his name on a whim when applying to the Whampoa Military Academy, but after the establishment of the Special Service Department, he frequently used aliases containing the character for water. His influence was already established, his future was promising, and his prospects were bright. How could he easily believe those superstitious sayings and nonsense?"

Hearing Zhang Yi say this, everyone quickly echoed his sentiments.

"Yes, it's just feudal superstition, not reliable."

"That's right, Mr. Dai's achievements today are the result of risking his life."

Dai Chunfeng's expression softened slightly, and he stroked his chin thoughtfully. After Mao Quan's words, he couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine. As a native of Jiangshan, how could he not know Mao and Chai?

Not only did he know this, but he also considered himself the third great figure to emerge from Jiangshan after these two. In his youth, he suffered many misfortunes. A fortune teller said that he lacked the element of water in his destiny, so he changed his name to "Li" (笠). After the establishment of the Special Service Department, he used aliases that sounded like "watery," such as Wang Hanqing, Wang Tao, Tu Qingbo, Hai Taoyuan, Shen Peilin, etc., to compensate for his lack of water in his destiny.

In addition, he believed that as long as he did his job well and served the Chairman diligently, and as long as the Japanese were not defeated, the Chairman would not do something like "discarding the good bow after the birds are all gone" or "cooking the dog after the rabbit is dead." Otherwise, if people's hearts were chilled, who would dare to serve him sincerely?

Thinking this, Dai Chunfeng's expression gradually softened. He glanced at Zhang Yi and snorted, "You've learned to flatter too."

In the past, Zhang Yi detested flattery, especially when it was said to someone's face. He could tolerate flattery in general, but he couldn't stand it when it was actually said in someone's face. However, times have changed, and now he's learned to flatter people in their faces too.

Mao Quan, who had been sitting on pins and needles nearby, breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Dai Chunfeng's mood had improved, and quickly said:
"Director Dai, I... I misspoke. A golden carp is no ordinary fish; it transforms into a dragon when it encounters favorable winds and clouds."

Dai Chunfeng interrupted him coldly, finding his words incoherent:

"Enough! Didn't you say you were going home to visit your family? What are you still standing here for? Do you want me to carry you there in a sedan chair?"

Mao Quan blushed, stammered for a long time, not knowing how to respond. He bowed tremblingly, then slunk away with his wife.

Shortly after Mao Quan left, officials of all ranks in Jiangshan County rushed to the scene and lined up at the city gate to welcome him. In addition to officials, there were also some prominent figures such as dignitaries and gentry.

The county magistrate and other government officials were all dressed in Zhongshan suits, the garrison representatives were naturally in military uniforms, and the gentry and others wore all sorts of clothes, from silk vests and Western suits to Zhongshan suits. But coincidentally, the members of the Military Intelligence Bureau, including the director of the investigation office, Major General Yao Zechong of the Military Intelligence Bureau, the head of the Jiangshan County action group of the investigation office, Major Wei Zheqiu of the Military Intelligence Bureau, and others, were all dressed in military uniforms. This created a stark contrast with Dai Chunfeng and others who were dressed in civilian clothes, making them particularly conspicuous.

Putting aside the internal rules of the Military Intelligence Bureau, one should not underestimate this difference in dress. Those in the know understand that it is a misunderstanding because the local Military Intelligence Bureau did not coordinate with the higher-ups in a timely manner. Those who do not know may think that the Military Intelligence Bureau officials in Jiangshan are not in sync with the leaders of the Bureau Headquarters and are disloyal. At best, it is a work oversight; at worst, it is a political mistake.

Therefore, Dai Chunfeng gave the group a cold look. After exchanging simple greetings with the county magistrate and other prominent figures, he got into his car and headed straight for the police station, without even going to the Military Intelligence Bureau.

Upon arriving at the conference room, he met with Tong Xiang, the station chief of Zhejiang station, Zhao Longwen, the police chief, and Lian Ying, the inspector of the supervisory office, who had rushed to the scene, and then immediately convened a meeting.

The atmosphere in the meeting room was heavy.

Dai Chunfeng first asked Lian Ying, the inspector of the inspection office, "Have you found absolutely no clues?"

Lian Ying, feeling utterly helpless, said dejectedly, "I wanted to interrogate Liu Lianfang in person, but Director Yao made all sorts of excuses."

Dai Chunfeng snorted coldly and looked at Tong Xiang, the stationmaster of Zhejiang Station:
"What do you think about this?"

Tong Xiang was a graduate of the seventh class of the Whampoa Military Academy. He had served as the director of the communications department in Jinhua, responsible for the operation of military supplies. Later, he was transferred to Chongqing and only became the station chief at the beginning of this year. He paused for a moment, then said:
"These days, some troublemakers always like to file complaints, but the key is that if you're upright, you have nothing to fear. Knowing Director Yao as I do, he shouldn't be capable of such a thing, right?"

"It's hard to say. You can know a person's face but not their heart. I'm afraid some people are blinded by power and act recklessly. I was just chatting with some gentry, and they said that our country and its people have always been united in resisting Japan. How could there be a group of traitors and spies? I wholeheartedly agree. It's understandable for one or two spies to appear, but how could it involve seventy or eighty people, all of whom are women?"

"So you're saying Yao Zechong..."

“Of course, the investigation hasn’t even started yet. I hope he’s alright. I don’t want to see any of my colleagues get into trouble.” Dai Chunfeng said this with a furrowed brow.

Tong Xiang pondered these words carefully, then fell silent. Dai Chunfeng then looked at Police Chief Zhao Longwen:

"What do you think, Brother Longwen?"

Zhao Longwen was from Yiwu. He served as the police chief and principal of the Jiangsu-Zhejiang Police Academy from 34. He was a core member of the Fuxing Society and a veteran of the Military Intelligence Bureau.

He slowly pulled out a stack of letters from his pocket, placed them on the table, and said, "The people these days are not simple. These are all letters they wrote to me, pleading with me to exonerate Liu Lianfang and other innocent people. Regardless of whether these people are innocent or not, even if they are, things will not be easy to handle."

This case involves so many people, a thorough investigation? That's not a good idea, not a good idea at all!

If this matter were made public, it would damage the reputation of our Military Intelligence Bureau. Furthermore, half of Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces have already fallen, and the Japanese are eyeing us covetously; any action could have far-reaching consequences. If we were to investigate further, the repercussions would be considerable. If morale is low, how can we resist the Japanese? Therefore, I disagree with those who advocate investigating Director Yao. Hasn't he been doing a good job in the investigation office? If we investigate him, who will fight the Japanese? I think some people have ulterior motives. In these extraordinary times, such actions are unacceptable!

Dai Chunfeng frowned: "So, according to your opinion?"

"Make a big deal into a small deal, and a small deal into nothing. Just give the outside world an explanation!"

Sitting below, Zhang Yi watched coldly. Hearing him speak so casually, he felt a surge of disgust and indescribable aversion. Didn't the lives and reputations of those seventy or eighty female college students matter? Did they matter? Perhaps to a big shot like Zhao Longwen, they were nothing more than the lives of a few dozen ants, not worth mentioning.

Furthermore, judging from this man's words, Zhang Yi deduced that he might be fully aware of the truth and perhaps even involved. Both men served in the same place, and as the saying goes, those in the same boat understand each other's plight. Since neither of them had clean hands, to avoid being implicated, why not lend a helping hand to their brother? Zhao Longwen provided manpower and resources, and Yao Zechong landed safely, naturally reciprocating the favor. Officials protecting each other has always been a unique and attractive aspect of officialdom, not only a long-standing tradition but also particularly flourishing in recent years.

Dai Chunfeng glanced at him, remained noncommittal, pondered for a moment, then shook her head and said:
“Brother Longwen, you’ve oversimplified things. This matter has already alarmed the Chairman. The CC Clique and other forces are watching coldly, just waiting to seize on our Military Intelligence Bureau’s weakness to attack me. Therefore, we must take this seriously. We must not only open a case for investigation, but also investigate it thoroughly.”

Just as Zhao Longwen was about to say something, Dai Chunfeng waved his hand to interrupt him: "Alright, hesitation will only lead to more trouble. This matter must be resolved quickly. We cannot let the country be thrown into chaos because of a spy case."

As he spoke, he stood up and began to issue orders:
"Zhang Yi, take the guard company there immediately and arrest and detain Yao Zechong and all the other involved parties. Also, interrogate Liu Lianfang immediately."

"Yes." Zhang Yi stood up and saluted.

He had just stepped outside when he heard hurried footsteps and someone shouting, "Inspector Lian! Inspector Lian!"

Before he could finish speaking, the guards at the door rushed up and pinned him down.

"Inspector Lian—! Liu Lianfang is dead!" The man shouted recklessly, struggling to lunge towards the conference room. The guards pinned him to the ground, and the three of them tore at each other.

Dai Chunfeng glanced at Inspector Lian, his brows furrowing: "Your men?"

"Excuse me, Director!" Lian Ying quickly went out and gestured for the guards to release the person. "Liu Lianfang is dead? How did she die?"

"She jumped off a building; they say she was afraid of committing suicide!"

The faces of the people in the meeting room changed upon hearing this news. The case had only just begun to be investigated, and the main culprit was already dead, or had he committed suicide by jumping off a building?

Just as the group was frowning, another meeting was taking place discreetly in a luxurious hotel private room.

The two people in the private room were Li Jue, commander of the 25th Army Group, and Yao Zechong, the mastermind behind the Plum Blossom spy case.

Yao Zechong, in his thirties and a burly man, had been waiting in the private room for quite some time. As soon as Li Jue arrived, he immediately greeted him with a smile, serving tea and wine.

"Commander, this time you must consider our past relationship and save my life."

Li Jue frowned and stared at him for a long time: "Didn't you say that this case was a sure thing and the evidence was conclusive?"

"Commander, please listen to me. I was also deceived. The person in charge of the case is Wei Zheqiu, the leader of the action team. If he hadn't made such a solemn promise to me, how could things have developed to this point?"

Young people are eager to make a name for themselves, which is understandable, but you can't solve cases based on hearsay. I warned him before that investigations must be based on solid evidence, and he agreed. Who knew he'd be two-faced, hiding things from me and causing such a huge mess, putting me in a very difficult position now. Now that Boss Dai has come in person, he's finally panicked and confessed the truth. Sigh, how could I have believed that kid's lies!

"Oh, no wonder." Li Jue smacked his lips a couple of times, then suddenly raised an eyebrow. "Wait a minute, I heard that you slept with that Liu Lianfang girl?"

"Commander, I'm innocent! I get so angry just thinking about it, I regret it so much!" Yao Zechong protested indignantly. "That scoundrel Wei Zheqiu, lusting after a female student, tried to force himself on her when he failed. Later, fearing the affair would be exposed, he got me drunk and sent the student to my bed to drag me down with him. Now, I'm his accomplice." As he spoke, he placed a briefcase in front of Li Jue, opened it, revealing gold bars on the left and US dollars on the right. "Boss Dai was cold-faced and wouldn't even see me, not even giving me a chance to defend myself. He'll probably handle it strictly by the book. I do deserve it, but what will happen to my widowed wife and children if I go to jail? So, I beg you to put in a good word for me and give me a lighter sentence. I would be eternally grateful. Besides these, I'll also give you a generous reward after this is done."

Li Jue suppressed his joy, calmly closed the suitcase, placed it at his feet, pondered for a moment, and asked, "What about this Wei something-qiu?"

"He is willing to plead guilty and accept punishment."

Where is Liu Lianfang?

"died."

"died?"

"Don't laugh at me, but somehow she got pregnant. Although I don't know whose child it is, out of conscience, I agreed to take responsibility for her. But this woman went too far, threatening me with the child in her belly to marry her properly. How could I do that? I have a family. I can't abandon my wife who has shared my hardships. If I really did that, wouldn't I be a modern-day Chen Shimei? Alas, who would have thought that after I firmly refused her, she would be so distraught that she jumped off a building and committed suicide. I regret it so much. If I had known she was so resolute, I would have accepted the infamy."

"A pheasant trying to climb a tree and become a phoenix? That's just wishful thinking." Li Jue shook his head in disgust, then sighed, "The world is going to the dogs. It's not surprising anymore that people are threatening to kill themselves to get ahead."

“Who says otherwise?” Yao Zechong echoed, bowing respectfully to Li Jue. “Commander, then I’ll leave everything to you. The meal has been arranged, and it’s all to your liking. Please enjoy your meal. I’ll go find Boss Dai now to apologize.”

"Go ahead, I'll go see Dai Yunong in a bit." Li Jue waved his hand dismissively. As the commander of the army group stationed in Jiangshan County, Dai Chunfeng had to give him face no matter what.

As soon as Yao Zechong left, a rather attractive woman in a cheongsam gracefully walked in. She was Li Jue's wife, the restaurant's behind-the-scenes owner. She was the one who arranged this meal. She had been eavesdropping behind the screen and asked curiously:
"Was that female student really that strong-willed? Did she jump off a building and commit suicide?"

"Don't listen to his nonsense." Li Jue scoffed, toying with the gold bars in the box. "According to my information, this female student was strangled to death before she was thrown off the building. What do you think?"

The wife suddenly realized, patted her chest, and exclaimed, "These people are really ruthless."

Li Jue smiled and shook his head, closing the briefcase: "Same as always, deposit it in an American bank."

P.S.: It's definitely going to be completed. It ends with the victory in the War of Resistance against Japan, and the rest will be side stories. Any suggestions for the new book?

(End of this chapter)