The Red Era: Living in Seclusion in a Siheyuan as a Boss

Chapter 737 The Counterattack on the Old City Begins!!!

According to the western front operation plan formulated by Zhang Jincheng, the "Sharp Sword Commando" was divided into two action groups.

Instructor Liu Xiaotao led the first group, which included assault team members Gao Shang, Lu Da, and Ye Peng, with Yan Kan as their guide.

Team leader Zhang Jincheng was in a group with Zhuang Yan, Wang Tao, Li Ming, Xiao Jiang and others, and A Gui and others were also there as guides.

Because of the needs of the operation, Kang Laoda also secretly sent several sets of government army uniforms to the commando team so that they could disguise themselves as government soldiers.

Kang Laoda's adjutant, Ayan, personally led two soldiers in an off-road vehicle to deliver the uniforms to the commando team's temporary base.

After the soldiers who came with him handed over their uniforms to the team members, Zhang Jincheng accompanied his adjutant Ayan into the command room.

Zhang Jincheng gestured for his adjutant, Ayan, to sit down and personally poured him a glass of water.

After sitting down, Ayan said to Zhang Jincheng, "Before coming here, Boss Kang suddenly remembered something and asked me to pass it on to Mr. Zhang. I don't know if it will be of any use."

"Oh, what is it?" Zhang Jin asked casually.

"Do you remember when you went to the old city to arrest Li Wencai not long ago? He was Boss Lang's chief of staff."

"Of course I remember, what's wrong?"

"This guy was afraid that Boss Kang would kill him, so he wanted to redeem himself by doing good deeds. At that time, he told Boss Kang some inside information about how Boss Lang bribed those high-ranking officials in the government and the military."

Because this was an open secret, everyone knew about it, so Boss Kang didn't ask any further questions.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jin seemed interested and immediately asked, "Was Li Wencai killed?"

"Oh, no, Boss Kang is kind-hearted after all. He remembered that Li Wencai had followed him for more than ten years, so in the end he didn't have the heart to get rid of him."

"Where is Li Wencai now?" Zhang Jin asked hurriedly.

"He was imprisoned in Mengla."

"Great!" Zhang Jincheng was very excited upon hearing this. He pondered for a moment, then said to Ayan, "Please go back and do two things for me. First, investigate the name of the government army commander who crossed the Sawen River. Second, bring Li Wencai here as soon as possible. I want to interrogate him personally."

“No problem, I’ll arrange for someone to handle these two matters as soon as I get back,” the adjutant, Ayan, readily agreed.

"The sooner the better, thank you Lieutenant Ayan!" Zhang Jincheng said sincerely.

"Hahaha... I should be the one saying thank you. Everything you've done is helping us, and it's just my duty." Adjutant Ayan said as he stood up to take his leave from Zhang Jincheng, saying, "Alright, enough with the formalities. I need to get back as soon as possible to arrange these two matters."

"Then I won't keep you any longer. We can have a proper chat after we recapture the old city," Zhang Jin said, seeing his adjutant, Ayan, outside.

After watching the SUV leave, Zhang Jincheng turned and walked into a wooden hut next to him, saying to Liu Xiaotao, "Instructor, could you please come here for a moment? I have something to discuss with you."

Liu Xiaotao was checking his equipment in the room, preparing to start the operation that night, when Zhang Jincheng suddenly shouted, making him wonder what had happened again.

However, he heard Zhang Jincheng's excited voice and it didn't seem like a bad thing, so he put down what he was holding, turned around, and walked out of the wooden house.

Liu Xiaotao strode up to Zhang Jincheng and, seeing the excited gleam in his eyes, couldn't help but ask curiously, "My dear Captain Zhang, what's making you so happy?"

“Instructor, I’d like to postpone tonight’s operation. Let’s talk in my room,” Zhang Jin said as he walked toward the cabin.

"Postponed the operation?" Liu Xiaotao followed him into the house with suspicion, and after sitting down, asked, "Has something happened?"

Zhang Jincheng lowered his voice and said, "Just now, Lieutenant Ayan brought some important news."

Remember Li Wencai? He was Boss Lang's chief of staff; he's currently imprisoned in Mengla.

"Of course, isn't he the one I caught in the old town last time?" Liu Xiaotao recalled. "He knows a lot of inside information?"

“That’s right!” Zhang Jincheng rubbed his hands excitedly. “I’ve already had Ayan bring him here, hoping to get more inside information from Li Wencai. I think there’s more to this story.”

"Do you have other ideas?" Liu Xiaotao asked hurriedly.

Zhang Jin shook his head and said, "I don't have it yet, I just have this intuition."

Think about it, the fact that the government troops that crossed the Sawen River stopped advancing means that the commander of this force must have a tacit understanding with Boss Lang.

If we could obtain evidence of their collusion, it would be extremely beneficial to us.

"Then will our western front plan still be implemented?"

"The overall direction remains unchanged. Our ultimate goal is to cut off the government forces' retreat and force them to fight against Boss Lang."

However, how to proceed will depend on how things develop.

Liu Xiaotao nodded thoughtfully, tapping his fingers lightly on the table: "I understand what you mean. But we need to be prepared for both possibilities—if the intelligence provided by Li Wencai is valuable, we will adjust our tactics; if the results are not significant, we will proceed as planned tonight."

Zhang Jin walked to the battle map on the wall and circled the Mengla location with a red pen: "I have already asked Lieutenant Ayan to go back and check the information of the commander of the crossing force."

According to previous intelligence, this unit has at least three regiments. If…

Hurried footsteps came from outside, and Zhuang Yan ran in breathlessly: "Two leaders! Lieutenant Ayan just sent word that Li Wencai is being prepared for transport and is expected to arrive tomorrow night."

That evening, Kang Laoda delivered information about the overall commander of the government's operation to Zhang Jincheng.

The commander of the government army in the war was a division commander named Aung San. His division was stationed west of the Sawen River and was always separated from the army in the old city.

Zhang Jincheng carefully reviewed the documents Kang Laoda had sent, his brow gradually relaxing: "This Commander Aung San... is indeed not simple." He pointed to a line of records in the documents, "Look, he secretly visited Laocheng last year. On the surface, it was for military exchanges, but in reality..."

Liu Xiaotao leaned closer and exclaimed in surprise, "It was Boss Lang who received him! This is interesting."

“That’s not all,” Zhang Jin said, turning to the next page. “According to intelligence, Aung San has three private villas in the border region, one of which is located on the outskirts of the old city.”

Zhuang Yan couldn't help but interject, "Isn't it obvious that something's fishy going on here?"

"Who says it isn't?"

at this time.

"Ring ring—" The satellite phone on the table suddenly rang.

Zhang Jin answered the phone, his expression gradually turning serious: "What? Li Wencai was attacked during transport? How is he? Okay, I understand."

After hanging up the phone, he said in a deep voice, "Li Wencai only suffered minor injuries, and all the attackers were killed. Boss Kang suspects that Boss Lang sent them to silence him."

Liu Xiaotao immediately stood up: "It seems that the intelligence Li Wencai possesses is more important than we thought. I suggest we immediately strengthen security and send a small team to meet the escorting team."

Zhang Jincheng nodded and quickly made arrangements: "Zhuang Yan, take a few men and two SUVs to pick them up."

"Yes!" Zhuang Yan turned and left without hesitation.

The following evening, with the help of Zhuang Yan and others, Li Wencai was safely escorted to the commando team's camp.

Zhang Jin said he decided to interrogate him overnight.

In the interrogation room, the dim light cast dappled shadows on Li Wencai's pale face. After being detained for several months, the once spirited Chief of Staff Li had changed. Gone was his former arrogance; now, with a scraggly beard and filthy clothes, he was nervously rubbing his handcuffed hands.

Li Wencai hung his head dejectedly, glancing up every now and then, his eyes revealing fear.

Zhang Jin pushed a cup of hot tea in front of him and said in a gentler tone, "Li Wencai, we're both sensible people. The fact that Boss Lang sent someone to silence you means that what you have can cost him his life."

Let's skip the pleasantries. I've heard you know the inside story about Boss Lang bribing certain people in the government and military. I hope you'll tell me honestly.

Li Wencai's Adam's apple bobbed a few times, then he suddenly lowered his voice: "Captain Zhang, if I tell you everything, can you guarantee the safety of my family? Boss Kang promised me."

"Don't worry about that." Zhang Jin handed over a document. "Your wife and daughter have been safely transferred to China for refuge this morning. Here are some photos from the scene."

Seeing his wife and daughter safe and sound in the photo, Li Wencai finally relaxed.

"Thank you," I said.

All I know is that he bribed some officers in the government army; those high-ranking officers were only under the direct control of Boss Lang.

"Do you know that Boss Lang bribed Aung San, the commander of the Chinese army?"

"I only know that Boss Lang gave Commander Aung San a lot of money, as well as villas and beautiful women. I don't know the details, because Lang Kan has always been in charge of liaison in Aung San's area."

The eldest brother, Lang, treated his nephew like a son, so he valued Lang Kan highly and entrusted him with everything. Most of the money given to high-ranking government and military officials came through Lang Kan's hands.

"Did Boss Nalang leave any evidence of bribing these government officers?" Zhang Jincheng asked immediately.

“Of course he does, otherwise why would those government and military officers listen to him? The evidence of his bribing those officers is in Lang Kan’s hands, which no one else can see,” Li Wencai said with certainty.

Zhang Jincheng and Liu Xiaotao exchanged a meaningful glance.

Liu Xiaotao bent over and quickly jotted down key information on the interrogation record, the pen tip making a scratching sound on the paper.

"Where in the old town is Langkan's home?" Zhang Jin asked, tapping his fingers lightly on the table.

Li Wencai licked his chapped lips and said cautiously, "His home is in the old city... but I think he should be with the army at the front right now. I haven't seen any changes since you brought me back..."

Zhang Jin asked this question and thought for a while. Obviously, he couldn't get any useful information from Li Wencai. He waved to his team members to take Li Wencai out first.

Liu Xiaotao had been sitting beside Zhang Jincheng, listening to his interrogation. After Li Wencai was taken away, Zhang Jincheng turned to Liu Xiaotao and said, "I have an idea. What do you think?" Then Zhang Jincheng explained his plan.

After listening, Liu Xiaotao nodded thoughtfully and said, "The plan is good and feasible, but it's too dangerous. If we can't get out of enemy territory, the consequences are unimaginable."

“As long as our plan is meticulous, we are quite confident of success. Your group’s mission can be postponed for now. You can meet us first, and then cut off the government army’s retreat after we come out. What do you think?” Zhang Jincheng said to Liu Xiaotao.

"I'll take the men, you can provide backup," Liu Xiaotao said eagerly.

Zhang Jincheng said with a smile, "Instructor, don't argue with me. Just listen to me when it comes to actions!"

"You little rascal, you're abusing your power, aren't you? Be careful, or I'll report you to the commander," Liu Xiaotao joked.

"Hahaha... You wouldn't do that."

Liu Xiaotao's smile faded, and he said seriously, "No more joking. Since you insist on leading the team deep behind enemy lines, we must be fully prepared." He walked to the battle map and pointed towards the old city: "According to intelligence, Langkan has been at the frontline command post recently. I suggest we send a reconnaissance team to find out the exact location of his headquarters."

Zhang Jin nodded in agreement: "Then I'll go and call the team members for a meeting to make arrangements."

Afterwards, all the team members arrived, and Zhang Jin explained the revised action plan to everyone.

After the meeting, the team members went to make preparations.

Zhang Jincheng stood alone by the window of the operations room, gazing at the distant mountains shrouded in night. Moonlight, like water, shone on his resolute profile.

He was well aware of the danger of this operation, but in order to obtain irrefutable evidence of Boss Lang's collusion with the government army and force the government army to start a war, this risk was worth taking.

Soon the commando team split into two groups, with Zhang Jincheng, Zhuang Yan, and A Gui setting off overnight in an off-road vehicle.

Their trip to the western region included a reconnaissance mission to a mountain stronghold called Mangshan Town.

The off-road vehicle bumped along the rugged mountain road, its headlights piercing the thick darkness of the night.

Zhuang Yan gripped the steering wheel tightly, his eyes occasionally scanning the flashing red dot on the GPS navigator—that was the approximate location of Mangshan Town as indicated by intelligence.

"Captain, the outpost set up by Langkan is three kilometers ahead." Agui lowered his voice and took out three sets of local clothing from his backpack. "According to the plan, we will disguise ourselves as herbal medicine merchants."

Mangshan Town is located 50 kilometers southwest of the old town. The village is inhabited by the Heba people, an ethnic group that still maintains a slash-and-burn lifestyle.

Mangshan Town is located in the mountains at an altitude of 1,000 meters. In the "Jin San area", ethnic minorities are divided according to their altitude. Different ethnic groups occupy different altitudes in the mountains and form their own settlements. The Heba people live in the mountains and make a living by hunting.

After Langkan's troops withdrew from Sawenjiang, his temporary command post was set up in Mangshan Town.

Langkan set up his command post here because the area is mountainous and densely forested, with a strategic location that makes it easy for troops to defend and difficult to attack.

In addition, Mangshan Town is located on a major transportation route. Caravans and merchants heading west had to pass through here, otherwise they would have to take a long detour.

To ensure their safety, Langkan stationed a reinforced company of troops at each of the mountain passes leading into and out of Mangshan Town.

Although he knew the government army wouldn't attack them, he still had to be on guard. The naturally suspicious Langkan didn't trust anyone.

Lang Kan is the son of Lang Lao Er, and he was more robust than other children from a young age.

On his rare birthday in Langkan, when Lang Laoda asked him what he wanted as a birthday present, he pointed to the pistol on Lang Laoda's waist and said, "I want this."

This was a German mirror case, but unfortunately Langkan couldn't lift it at the time, so Boss Lang had to give him a Browning as a gift. From then on, Langkan was never without a gun.

As a result, the eldest son of the Lang family grew increasingly fond of his nephew and devoted himself to cultivating him, hoping to make Lang Kan the successor of their Lang family.

Langkan was not only cunning but also full of tricks. He was also physically imposing, with broad shoulders and a thick waist, making him a natural-born soldier.

He has been following Boss Lang since he was a teenager, and now he is the de facto second-in-command of the old city army. Boss Lang asks Lang Kan to handle many things in the army.

Lang Laoda knew that as long as the government troops on the western front were appeased, their old city could rest easy. Therefore, he arranged for Langkan to be stationed on the western front, in charge of contacting the government troops.

The target of the "Sharp Sword Commando Team" operation was Mangshan Town.

Zhang Jin said that the second group did not leave the camp for four hours because they had to wait for the first group at the mountain pass west of Mangshan Town.

Zhang Jin said that before leaving, he and Liu Xiaotao agreed that they would first familiarize themselves with the terrain and defenses around Mangshan Town, and then take action based on the specific circumstances after meeting up.

This western front operation will involve several fierce battles, especially the task of eliminating Langkan from the heart of the enemy's territory. It will require breaking through the enemy's encirclement to escape, so the commando team has made careful preparations in terms of weapons and equipment.

The second group set off in three off-road vehicles, with Ye Peng and Gao Shang each driving an off-road vehicle.

These all-terrain vehicles played a crucial role in the last time they helped Zhang Jin and his team break out of the "Python Gully".

(End of this chapter)