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

Chapter 760 Boss Lang's backup plan for the replacement planting program!!
Zhang Jin reported the latest intelligence about Boss Lang, which he had obtained from Kang Jiasheng, to the command center immediately.

This crucial intelligence drew the attention of Commander-in-Chief Liu Wu.

After careful consideration, Liu Wu decisively adjusted the combat deployment, ordering the assault team to immediately suspend its reconnaissance mission against the SK Group's new factory and instead concentrate its efforts on developing a comprehensive plan to wipe out Langzhai.

Upon receiving the latest instructions from the command center, Zhang Jincheng and Liu Xiaotao quickly convened an emergency meeting with all team members.

Attendees included Zhuang Yan, Wang Ming, Jiang Tao, Lu Da, Ye Peng, Yang Xiaoxue, Xiao Jiang, and three others: A Gui, Yan Kan, and Balai.

The atmosphere in the meeting room was heavy. Zhang Jin told everyone about the meeting's contents and said in a deep voice, "According to the latest intelligence provided by Boss Kang, Boss Lang is unwilling to accept the success of our alternative planting plan. He is secretly training his subordinates to launch large-scale attacks on our planting sites."

Liu Xiaotao added, "What's even more troublesome is that Boss Lang is still hoping to make a comeback. He has acquired a large number of weapons from the arms market and is recruiting soldiers. In addition, according to information from Boss Lang's inside sources, Boss Lang also wants to seek refuge with the SK Group in the south to gain their support for a final gamble..."

As soon as Zhang Jin finished speaking, a murmur of discussion broke out in the conference room.

Zhuang Yan slammed his fist on the table and stood up abruptly: "That old fox, he really hasn't given up his wicked intentions!"

In my opinion, we should immediately contact Boss Kang to coordinate his troops' attack on Langzhai and eliminate this major threat.

"Monkey is right, we can't let Langzhai stay. It's right under our noses."

"We must send troops as soon as possible, otherwise once Boss Lang's troops recover, he will pose a huge threat to our alternative planting plan." After Zhuang Yan finished speaking, Wang Ming immediately echoed his words.

Jiang Tao frowned and interjected, "But sending troops rashly is too risky. Langzhai is strategically located, easy to defend and difficult to attack, and they have now acquired new weapons. We need to find out their deployment first."

Lu Da stroked his chin and pondered for a moment, then his eyes suddenly lit up: "I have an idea. Aren't Yan Kan and Balai familiar with the terrain around Langzhai?"
"We can have them lead the way, and we'll send a reconnaissance team in first to get a feel for the situation."

Zhang Jincheng nodded and looked at Bale and Yankan.

Bale appeared unusually excited, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

He was passionate about this groundbreaking Anglo-Soviet program to switch to cash crops, and now he finally had the chance to show his skills.

So Balai couldn't wait to volunteer: "This task is perfect for me! I know that area like the back of my hand. Back then, I was often assigned by Boss Lang to escort supplies, and I've traveled almost every mountain road."

He added confidently, "I know the terrain there like the back of my hand, so I'm the best choice to be your guide." As he spoke, he gestured unconsciously with his hands, as if he could already see the familiar road unfolding before him.

Yan Kan also stood up, his dark face full of determination: "I used to hunt with my father near Langzhai when I was a child, and I know a few hidden paths that even the eldest brother of the Lang family doesn't know. We can go around from the back of Langzhai, where there are no sentries."

“Okay!” Zhang Jincheng decided. “Then Balai and Yan Kan will lead the team as guides, and Zhuang Yan and Ye Peng, you will form a four-person reconnaissance team.”

Remember, this operation is primarily reconnaissance; avoid alerting the enemy.

"Yes!" Zhuang Yan, Ye Peng, Balai, and Yan Kan stood up together to accept the order, with an excited smile on Balai's face.

Zhang Jincheng surveyed the group, his eyes sharp: "The reconnaissance team will depart tonight and must send back detailed intelligence as soon as possible. The rest of you, immediately begin preparing combat supplies, especially equipment for mountain warfare."

Zhang Jincheng turned slightly to the side, turning his gaze to Liu Xiaotao beside him, and asked sincerely, "Old Liu, do you have any suggestions to add regarding this operation?"

Liu Xiaotao pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded and said, "In my opinion, if we want to completely eradicate Boss Lang's power, we must make thorough preparations. Although Boss Lang was defeated and retreated to Lang Village, his remaining forces should not be underestimated."

He paused for a moment, then continued his analysis: "More importantly, Boss Lang has worked hard in Langzhai for the past three years, not only strengthening the fortifications but also stockpiling a large amount of grain and fodder."

Langzhai is now situated in a strategically important location, easy to defend and difficult to attack; it's a tough nut to crack.

Liu Xiaotao added with a solemn expression: "A rash attack is too risky; a slight misstep could result in heavy losses."

Furthermore, Boss Kang has just taken over the old city. On the surface, he is stronger than Boss Lang, but in reality, his foundation is not yet stable.

"If we suffer setbacks in Langzhai, or suffer heavy casualties, the safety of the old town will be in jeopardy."

At this point, he looked around at everyone meaningfully: "Don't forget, those covetous forces around us are all waiting to take advantage of our weakness."

Liu Xiaotao's words plunged the meeting room into a brief silence.

Yang Xiaoxue gently tapped the table, breaking the heavy atmosphere: "I suggest that while carrying out military operations, we should also strengthen the propaganda offensive."

I believe many villagers in Langzhai were not there voluntarily, but were forced to join. We can use methods such as broadcasting and distributing leaflets to undermine their morale.

“That’s a good idea,” Jiang Tao agreed. “Especially for those young people who were forcibly conscripted into the army, most of their families are still in our planting areas.”

If we can win them over, we can weaken Boss Lang's power from within.

Zhang Jin frowned and nodded upon hearing this. What Liu Xiaotao said was not an exaggeration; on the contrary, it was the truth.

The task force's primary mission is to successfully implement the alternative cropping plan in the "Jin San area," with the aim of getting the local residents to abandon the cultivation of naan bread and switch to cash crops, thus escaping the poison of "flour" and living a normal life.

It can be said that as long as the cultivation of English and Soviet flour in the "Golden Three Regions" is canceled, the subsequent ban on "flour" will be much more effective.

The cultivation of Anglo-Sudanese flour is the origin of "Kim Sam-guk flour," but completely eliminating Anglo-Sudanese flour, which has a history of cultivation for over a century, is by no means an easy task.

The biggest difficulty in banning "flour" now comes from the harassment and sabotage by those DX (pro-democracy activists).

There are thousands of DX (Democratic Association) of all sizes in the "Jin San area" (a specific region in China), scattered throughout the central and southern regions.

They all made their fortunes by selling and manufacturing "flour," and it was "Number Four" that made them the richest people in the world.

Banning flour is meant to cut off their source of income, so these people will do everything in their power to prevent the ban on flour.

In the two or three months since the establishment of the "Bilateral Trade Company" in the old town, the commando team has transported a batch of crop seeds and grains from the country in the name of the company.

These were intended to be given away for free to the mountain people who had stopped planting Yingsu. The commando team and Kang Jiasheng selected several villages around the old town that were willing to cooperate to set up demonstration sites.

However, to Zhang Jin's surprise, the convoy transporting seeds and grain was attacked by armed bandits after entering the "Jin San area".

Upon receiving the report, Zhang Jin immediately led his team to the scene.

When everyone arrived at the scene, they were all shocked by the horrific scene.

The transport convoy was ambushed in a ravine. All eight transport vehicles were destroyed, and the escorts and the convoy crew were all killed.

No one was left alive at the scene; the bodies of the victims were all thrown into the car and burned by the bandits, making the whole scene horrific.

Zhang Jin stood in front of the charred wreckage of the convoy, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked.

The mountain wind, carrying the smell of burning, rushed towards him. He squinted at the skull and crossbones symbol painted in blood on the rock face—a scare tactic deliberately left by the bandits.

"These beasts!" Ye Peng kicked away half of a charred tire, his voice echoing through the valley. "They didn't even spare the unarmed agricultural technicians!" He pointed to a curled-up male body not far away, the agricultural technician whom the commando team had managed to recruit with great difficulty.

Liu Xiaotao squatted down and picked up half a piece of the unburnt document from the ashes.

Upon seeing the words "Hybrid Rice Cultivation Manual" on it, the usually calm instructor suddenly slammed the document to the ground: "These seeds are the life-saving food for the children of Qingshui Village! I won't let those bastards get away with this!"

Zhang Jin could no longer contain his grief and anger. He picked up his assault rifle and fired a whole magazine of bullets.

At this moment, Zhang Jincheng was feeling the most distressed, not only with grief and indignation but also with self-blame. He was blaming himself for his carelessness.

Such cruelty had never occurred in the "Golden Three Regions" before, especially against merchants. At most, they would rob their property, but rarely would they be driven to extermination.

Everyone knows that this was no accident, but rather a targeted act.

This is because those DXs are obstructing the campaign to ban "fans".

The spies in the "Kim Jong-un region" are practically everywhere; they must have known the purpose of this shipment and chose to sabotage it. Zhang Jin took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down.

He crouched down and gently ran his fingers over the charred pages of the planting manual on the ground, feeling the rough texture of the paper against his fingertips.

A few crows cawed in the distance, sounding particularly desolate in the valley.

“Captain,” Zhuang Yan said in a low voice, “we found these on the eastern hillside.” He handed over several rifle shell casings.

Zhang Jin took the shell casing and examined it carefully in the sunlight.

This is a 7.62mm rifle cartridge case with obvious wear marks on the edge. "This is not an ordinary civilian weapon," he said in a deep voice, "this is standard military equipment."

"It seems that these murderers must have been sent by those DX warlords?"

After collecting the bodies of the victims, the commando team found no further clues and had to return to the old town.

The SUV had only traveled halfway and hadn't even reached the old town when the radio crackled to life the call from the trading company.

"Calling, 'Phoenix,' please respond!"

“I am the ‘Phoenix,’ please speak!” Zhang Jincheng said in a deep voice as he picked up the microphone.

"Emergency! Yuanquan Village has been attacked by armed bandits. Requesting immediate assistance! Repeat, requesting immediate assistance!..."

"Roger! Proceed to provide support immediately, over!" Zhang Jin grabbed the microphone, his voice urgent and firm. He turned sharply and gave the order to the entire vehicle: "Attention all personnel, change course immediately and proceed at full speed to Yuanquan Village!"

"Understood!" Driver Jiang Tao quickly turned the steering wheel, and the off-road vehicle drew a sharp arc on the muddy mountain road, the tires kicking up clouds of dust as it sped towards its new destination.

Liu Xiaotao, in the "Warrior" off-road vehicle behind, keenly noticed the unusual movement of the vehicle in front and immediately pressed the communication button on the miniature microphone: "Team Leader Zhang, what's going on? Why did you suddenly change your route?"

Zhang Jincheng's slightly breathless voice came through the microphone: "Old Liu, I just received an emergency call from the company's remaining staff! A group of heavily armed bandits is attacking Yuanquan Village. The situation is critical, and we must go to their aid immediately!"

Yuanquan Village was one of the first villages where the commando team conducted experimental planting. They abandoned the planting of Yingsu and began to grow alternative crops such as sugarcane and bananas.

They were attacked at this time as well.

There was no communication equipment in the mountain stronghold. It was Yan Kan, who was responsible for contacting Yuanquan, who risked his life to break out and escape to the old town to seek help.

Xiao Jiang, who stayed behind at the Old Town Trading Company, was shocked when he heard the news. He immediately contacted Zhang Jincheng and others by radio.

Zhang Jin led his commando team and rushed there. On the way, he was constantly worried about the safety of the mountain people and agricultural technicians there.

With the help of agricultural technicians invited from within the country, the villagers of Yuanquan Village have abandoned the cultivation of ginseng and have successfully organized themselves into a farm.

It can be said that the success of this experiment boosted everyone's confidence in the second part of Operation Sword Assault.

The off-road vehicle bumped along the rugged mountain road. Zhang Jincheng gripped the roof handle tightly, his eyes fixed intently on the road ahead.

The faint sound of sporadic gunfire in the distance made him even more tense.

"Faster!" he urged in a low voice.

Jiang Tao gritted his teeth and floored the accelerator. The car almost leaped into the air over a ditch, crashing heavily to the ground with a dull thud.

The team members inside the vehicle held tightly to the fixed objects around them, and no one complained.

After turning the last bend in the mountain valley, the scenery of Yuanquan Village finally came into view.

Thick smoke billowed out, and several wooden houses were engulfed in flames.

In the open space in the center of the village, panicked villagers were fleeing into the forest, while dozens of bandits armed with automatic weapons were engaged in a fierce firefight with the village's security.

"Prepare for battle!" Zhang Jin shouted sternly, while quickly checking the magazines.

The two off-road vehicles came to a stop almost simultaneously, and the team members rushed out of the vehicles like arrows, quickly seeking cover.

Zhang Jin rolled behind a large tree and raised his Colt assault rifle to take aim.

"Free fire!" he decisively ordered.

A burst of gunfire suddenly erupted, and the assault team's precise bursts of fire instantly suppressed the bandits' firepower.

The bandits were clearly not prepared for the reinforcements to arrive so quickly, and their formation immediately fell into disarray.

Liu Xiaotao led a squad to flank the bandits and quickly cut off their retreat.

Ye Peng led another group to cover the villagers' evacuation to safety.

Zhang Jin noticed a man who looked like a gang leader trying to organize a counterattack. He calmly adjusted his breathing and pulled the trigger.

The bullet struck the leader precisely in the shoulder, and he fell to the ground with a scream.

The battle ended after twenty minutes.

Most of the attacking bandits were killed on the spot, and a few wounded were brought under control.

Zhang Jincheng strode towards the neck of one of the captured bandits and ripped off his hood.

"Speak! Who sent you?" he demanded sharply.

The bandit leader's eyes darted around, his lips trembling: "Yes, Boss Lang said he wanted to make an example of someone."

Zhang Jincheng's pupils suddenly contracted. Sure enough, it was that bastard again, pulling strings behind the scenes.

He turned to look at the burned farmland and the terrified mountain people, and a stronger anger ignited in his heart.

"Captain!" Zhuang Yan rushed over. "We found our agricultural technician Li Min behind the village. He's seriously injured!"

Zhang Jin felt a pang of anxiety and immediately ran after Zhuang Yan.

Under a collapsed thatched shed, technician Li Min lay covered in blood, but his eyes lit up when he saw Zhang Jincheng.

"Captain Zhang," Li Min said with difficulty, raising her hand and pointing to the back of the village. "They burned down the experimental field, but I hid the seeds."

Zhang Jincheng held Yan Kan's hand tightly: "Don't speak, we'll take you to the hospital in the old town right away. Don't worry, we will definitely rebuild this place!"

He stood up and looked around.

This attack is not only a threat to the mountain people, but also a blatant provocation against the "powder" banning campaign of Operation Sharp Sword.

But Zhang Jin said he knew that it was precisely at times like these that he needed to be even more steadfast in his beliefs.

"Listen up, everyone!" he shouted. "Today, we're not only here to save lives, but also to show everyone that the cause of justice will never be intimidated by violence! We will make the experimental fields of Yuanquan Village green again!"

No sooner had Zhang Jincheng finished speaking than the roar of an engine suddenly came from the dusty mountain road in the distance.

He quickly raised his binoculars and saw three modified pickup trucks speeding along the ridgeline, with armed men waving weapons and shouting arrogantly.

(End of this chapter)