Spy wars start with lurking Secretary Hong

Chapter 486 A Multi-pronged Approach, Leaving No Way Out

It's about nine o'clock in the evening.

When Ma Wendong returned to his official residence, Jia Huizi greeted him as always, virtuously taking off his coat and preparing exquisite food and wine for him.

At the dinner table, he took a sip of sake and casually asked, "Did you see Hong Zhi today?"

Jia Huizi remained calm and gracefully served him food, nodding, "I've met you before."

"After discussing the gold mine, he said you weren't honest enough, that you were trying to get Lao Qiu to mess with him while you were trying to get something for nothing."

"He said that if he handed over the gold mine now, he probably wouldn't even know how he died."

She paused, then added, "In addition, he revealed some information."

"Old Qiu once boasted to his wife that he planned to bypass you and secretly meet with Shiro Ishii to report the so-called truth about germ warfare."

He believed that only by completely involving Hong Ji-you in the vortex of the epidemic prevention and water supply unit could all external interference be eliminated and he be put to death once and for all.

Ma Wendong stopped picking up food with his chopsticks, his brows furrowed: "Did Hong Zhi really say that?"

"Based on my understanding of Qiu Daqiang, he's nothing more than a dog that wants to wag its tail and curry favor with me. He probably doesn't have the guts to actually alarm Shiro Ishii."

Jia Huizi put down her chopsticks and smiled softly:
“Ichiro, you are indeed exceptionally intelligent, but when someone gets too close to you, you often lose sight of them.”

"Qiu Daqiang is taking advantage of this mentality of yours to lull you into a false sense of security."

"Think about it, as long as you use the evidence he fabricated to deal with Hong Zhiyou, sooner or later someone will report this to Shiro Ishii."

"Don't forget, Vice Minister Yoshijiro Umezu of the Army recently commended Shiro Ishii."

"If you jump out now and say that his plan was a joke from beginning to end, what do you think the people in higher up will think?"
“They won’t care what Old Qiu said. They’ll only think that it’s you, your father, who’s trying to use this opportunity to reshuffle the Kwantung Army and the Army Ministry. They’re trying to cause trouble!”

Jia Huizi's words were not heavy, but every word was piercing to the heart.

She continued, "You should not forget that Lao Qiu was once a communist. He stayed in the mountains for three whole years. Who can guarantee that his heart was not turned to communism?"
"Who can guarantee that he isn't using this opportunity to infiltrate our ranks, waiting for this chance to sow discord between the National Police Agency and the Kwantung Army?"

"Ichiro, you mustn't let him use you as a pawn."

Ma Wendong's face darkened.

If all of this is true, then Old Qiu's malicious intentions are extraordinary.

However, Ma Wendong is a ruthless character who has fought his way up from the shrewd and capable people in the South Manchuria Railway Council.

Even the once all-powerful Naoto Kojima was framed and betrayed by him without batting an eye, and ultimately slunk back to Tokyo.

Because he had seen so many ghosts, he used every card in his hand with extreme caution.

He had been well-versed in Chinese classics since childhood and knew that such dramatic events as the deaths of Li Mu and Yuan Chonghuan were common in history. How could he easily believe words and lose his own arm?

He suddenly looked up, stared at Jia Huizi, and asked with a forced smile, "You rarely speak so much for someone like this."

The air solidified instantly.

Jia Huizi realized that she had gone a bit too far, but she showed no remorse on her face. Instead, her expression became solemn and dignified.

"I am only speaking from the perspective of the Ōmura family."

"I will never allow anyone or anything to harm the family's interests or our future."

She immediately revealed her identity.

Ma Wendong's heart skipped a beat, and his suspicions instantly vanished. He quickly put on a smiling face: "Madam's concerns are very valid. Rest assured, I will handle this matter carefully."

He put down his wine glass, glanced at the time, and said, "It's getting late. Madam, please go and fetch water. The important matter of passing on the family business is more important."

"Yes."

Jia Huizi acted as if nothing had happened, bowed respectfully, and took small, quick steps toward the inner room.

Ma Wendong watched her retreating figure and waved to the maid Xiangzi beside him.

Xiangzi walked over quickly.

Ma Wendong reached out and slapped her plump, round buttocks hard, a lewd smile on his face: "Xiangzi, how long has Mr. Hong been here today?"

Xiangzi trembled, her expression hesitant: "Replying to sir, it will take about... three hours."

"Three hours? That's a long time."

Ma Wendong's heart skipped a beat. "What did they talk about?"

Xiangzi lowered her head and answered respectfully, "At first, we were talking about the gold mine in the living room."

"Later...later we went into the music room, and Mr. Hong taught his wife the piano for nearly three hours before leaving."

"Practicing the piano for three hours?" Ma Wendong pressed, "Didn't you go in to check on them? Or listen to what was going on?"

Xiangzi quickly shook her head: "I went in and served tea."

"Mr. and Mrs. Hong were practicing the piano very seriously. Mr. Hong was very polite and a very courteous gentleman."

She is not stupid.

Despite her gentle and kind demeanor, she is the one who truly makes the decisions in this household.

The lady could decide her life or death with just a glance, so how could she dare to speak recklessly?

"I see."

After hearing this, Ma Wendong finally felt relieved.

After taking a shower, I went to bed.

Ma Wendong put his arm around Jia Huizi and said expectantly, "I got my hands on a new German drug that is said to have miraculous effects on men."

Jia Huizi's face lit up with surprise, and she cooperated very well.

Ma Wendong took a deep breath and flipped himself over.

Jia Huizi sighed softly to herself.

It seems Hong Zhi was right; this man is truly hopeless, a complete and utter waste.

She gently pulled Ma Wendong into her arms and softly comforted him, "We'll take it slowly, things will get better little by little."

Filled with remorse, Ma Wendong said in a hoarse voice, "I'm sorry, I've disappointed you again."

He turned his back to his wife and closed his eyes in anguish.

Soon, even breathing sounds began to ring out.

After confirming that he was fast asleep, Jia Huizi quietly got up and walked barefoot into the dressing room inside.

In the darkness, Ma Wendong was not asleep.

But the humiliation and pain of powerlessness gnawed at his heart like countless ants.

He suddenly had a ridiculous idea.

Maybe...maybe I could ask Hong Zhiyou for advice?

That guy is a well-known playboy in Harbin, a veteran of the pleasure quarters. Perhaps... he has some secret recipes that he doesn't share with outsiders?

……

At night, You Tong walked out of Yong Sheng Kui's back door and jumped into an inconspicuous car parked by the roadside.

He handed Li Hong a miniature recorder the size of a matchbox.

"Sister Hong, this is the latest gadget. The switch is here, the recording quality is great, just put it under the bed."

He briefly taught Li Hong how to use it, kissed her on the cheek, exchanged a few sweet words, and then quickly got out of the car and disappeared into the night.

When Li Hong returned home, she quietly placed the tape recorder in a bamboo basket under the bed, close to the headboard.

After hiding her things, she heard Lao Qiu's footsteps returning to his room and quickly reached out to press the record button.

As soon as Lao Qiu entered the door, Li Hong immediately adopted a fawning and ingratiating attitude, serving him tea, massaging his back, and helping him into bed, doing everything she could to please him.

After a night of passion, Old Qiu felt refreshed and relaxed, and most of his daytime arousal had subsided.

He pinched Li Hong's smooth chin and, unusually, spoke his mind: "Did I scare you today? I was too impulsive."

Li Hong nestled in his arms, her voice gentle: "We're an old married couple, what's there to be afraid of?"

"We survived those days of risking our lives alongside you in Fengtian, how could I possibly take a few angry words to heart?"

Old Qiu said apologetically, "These past years, I've been on the mountain, and it must have been really tough for you, a woman raising a child all by yourself. All those rumors and gossip are in the past; let them go."

"It's just gossip anyway," Li Hong said coquettishly.

“My man is now the head of the investigation department of the Security Bureau. He has money and power, and he can take good care of me. Would I be crazy to go out and cheat on him?”

Old Qiu was overjoyed by her praise and hugged her, saying with satisfaction, "It's best that you have this awareness."

Li Hong then asked, "I've noticed you haven't been in a good mood lately. Is it because Director Ma... isn't willing to take action against Hong Zhi?"

"It's nothing." Old Qiu smiled smugly. "My job is to get things done."

“I’ve found the evidence to bring down Hong Zhiyou. As for how he deals with Hong Zhiyou, that’s none of my business.”

Li Hong asked innocently, "I thought you would secretly report this to Shiro Ishii. I heard he's a very upright person and would definitely stand up for you."

"He's a damn honest man!" Old Qiu spat disdainfully. "He's a madman! Reporting to him is a dead end! Only by following someone like Director Ma, who has great talent and ambition, can you enjoy endless wealth and honor in the future."

As he said this, his voice lowered, tinged with lingering fear.

"To be honest, I'm a little worried now, afraid that Director Ma is really blind and will follow this line of investigation further."

"If we really find out something and alarm that madman Shiro Ishii, we'll be in deep trouble."

"Sigh, this time we've gone a bit too far."

Li Hong's heart tightened, and she asked again, "Then... what about that Fu Jun?"

Old Qiu said, "I've already handed the man over to Director Ma. Whether he lives or dies depends on the director's decision."

At this point, he became a little impatient and turned over.

"Alright, go to sleep. Women, why worry about these things!"
"Just run the teahouse business well and serve me well at night, and you'll be set for life!"

the next morning.

In Hong Zhiyou's office, Zhou Yi pushed open the door and entered, his expression calm: "There's been movement on the mountain."

Hong Zhiyou was sitting with his legs crossed, slowly peeling an apple with a small knife: "How did you manage to do that?" "Last night, a checkpoint at Eagle Ridge was raided, and they also managed to take over a small coal mine under the South Manchuria Railway. You provided the location; it's small, but it'll make the South Manchuria Railway and Ma Wendong suffer." Zhou Yi's voice was very low.

Hong Zhi paused in his apple-peeling motion, looked up, and a smile appeared on his face:
“Well done.

"This is both a dig at Ma Wendong and a message to us."

He popped a small piece of apple into his mouth and chewed it with a crunching sound: "If I'm not mistaken, Old Qiu should be meeting the King of Hell today."

He handed the peeled apple to Zhou Yi, then picked up another one for himself, saying, "You over here, get the people in place."

Zhou Yi took the apple but didn't eat it. He asked solemnly, "Is it in the name of eliminating traitors?"

Hong Zhi nodded. "Yes, we have to put this signboard up."

“Ma Wendong is a scoundrel. He will definitely make me do it. I can’t get involved. Getting killed by the anti-traitor squad is the best option!”

"Of course, in Ma Wendong's view, these anti-traitor teams must be people I arranged in private."

"Ha, it's a mix of truth and falsehood, enough to make him dizzy."

Zhou Yi frowned slightly: "Old Qiu is a slippery and unpredictable person. It might be difficult to catch him."

Hong Zhiyou took a slip of paper from the drawer and pushed it over: "He will be going to his wife Li Hong's place tonight. This is their secret residence in Nangang."

"It is only when he goes to that place that he usually does not bring guards."

He pointed to the address on the note with his finger: "If you see an open window on the second floor of the house at night, with a white cloth hanging there, have your men rush in and take action."

Zhou Yi put away the note and nodded emphatically: "Okay."

"This scourge can finally be eliminated."

……

Binjiang Provincial Police Headquarters, Director's Office.

As soon as Ma Wendong sat down, Chen Jingyu knocked on the door and came in.

"Director, Lao Qiu's wife, Li Hong, says she has something very important to discuss and would like to see you."

Old Qiu's wife?
A hint of curiosity flashed in Ma Wendong's eyes. This woman hadn't come earlier or later, but she had to choose this crucial moment.

"Let her in."

Li Hong walked in quickly, wearing a brocade coat, her face showing just the right amount of fear and haggardness.

Chen Jingyu tactfully withdrew and closed the door behind him.

Ma Wendong leaned back in his large leather chair, his fingers interlaced on the table, and looked her over with interest: "Mrs. Qiu, what brings you here?"

Li Hong seemed to have made a great decision before she spoke, "Director, I... I'm here to protect myself."

Her eyes reddened, and her voice trembled with tears: "Old Qiu has been acting like a madman lately. He's been cursing you at home every day, saying you're cowardly, hesitant, and that even when he has evidence against you, you don't dare to lay a hand on Hong Zhi."

Ma Wendong's expression remained unchanged as he listened quietly.

"He also said... he also said he would bypass you and secretly report to Dr. Shiro Ishii."

"He said that only a man of great talent and ambition like Lord Ishii could truly execute such a scourge as Hong Zhiyou!"

Ma Wendong's lips curled into a playful smile as he slowly asked, "He's your husband, why would you betray him?"

Tears instantly streamed down Li Hong's face as she covered her face and sobbed, "He's always suspicious, always suspecting that I'm having affairs with other men."

"Last night, he... he actually pulled out a gun and pointed it at my head, threatening to kill me!"

"Director, I'm really scared!"
"He's a madman now. If I don't find a way to survive, I'll die at his hands sooner or later!"

As she spoke, she shakily took the tape recorder out of her handbag and placed it on the desk.

"This is...this is the evidence that Director Chen asked me to record after I reported to him."

"It contains what Lao Qiu said last night. You'll understand everything once you hear it."

Ma Wendong picked up the small tape recorder and pressed the play button.

After a burst of static, Old Qiu's voice, a mix of smugness and lingering fear, came from inside:
"Shiro Ishii is an upright man. Only by following such a talented and ambitious person can one enjoy endless wealth and honor in the future."

"To be honest, I'm a little worried now. If Director Ma follows this lead and investigates further, we'll be in deep trouble."

"Sigh, this time we've gone a bit too far."

Ma Wendong's brows furrowed into a deep frown.

He could recognize the voice; it was indeed Old Qiu.

His wife testified, and there is also a recording as evidence.

It seems that Lao Qiu, that fool, is really determined to make a big deal out of this, and has even started plotting how to shift the blame onto himself.

If this matter reaches Ishii Shiro's ears and alarms the Ministry of the Army, he, as the newly appointed director, will likely face enormous trouble.

Just as his anger was rising, the red telephone on the table rang shrilly.

“It’s me.” He took it without hesitation, and his tone immediately became respectful.

"Father."

On the other end of the phone came his father-in-law, Takuichi Ōmura, roaring like thunder: "Ichiro! I just received a report that the South Manchuria Railway's coal mine at Eagle Ridge was attacked by the Anti-Japanese United Army last night! How did you become a high-ranking official and police chief?"

"When Saburo Shibuya was in charge, nothing like this ever happened in Harbin!"

"..."

A moment later, he put down the phone, a fine layer of cold sweat already seeping from his forehead.

He came to Harbin seeking wealth, not to suppress bandits.

Now look what's happened. The Anti-Japanese Alliance has suddenly made some unusual moves, most likely because Lao Qiu arrested people he shouldn't have.

This suggests that the man named Fu Jun is very likely a big shot among the red tickets.

This is a demonstration by the Anti-Japanese United Army; it's retaliation!

Ma Wendong could easily suppress the Anti-Japanese United Army, but these guys were like a stubborn ailment; if they wouldn't back down, it would be very troublesome.

He only wanted to get gold and didn't want any trouble.

Old Qiu, that good-for-nothing fool!

His gaze sharpened, and when he looked at Li Hong again, a gentle smile had returned to his face.

"Ms. Li, thank you for your integrity. This evidence is very important. If you have any security needs, you can contact Director Chen. He has a lot of influence."

He raised his hand, indicating that she could leave.

"Thank you, Director."

Li Hong quickly bowed and withdrew.

Ma Wendong quickly grabbed another phone and dialed the switchboard: "Connect me to the Economic Division of the Police Department and have Hong Zhiyou come to my office immediately!"

……

In the economics department office, Hong Zhi put down the phone, and Zhou Yi on the other end immediately cast an inquiring glance his way.

Hong Zhiyou shrugged, a playful smile on his face.

"The game of chess can't continue, Director Ma called me over."

"It seems some people are even more anxious than us and can't wait until tonight."

He stood up and straightened his collar: "Get ready to take action on your end and wait for my message."

Zhou Yi nodded, turned around, and quickly left.

Hong Zhi drove to the police station, walked into the office, and greeted them politely with a professional smile.

"Director, you wanted to see me."

Ma Wendong pointed to the document on his desk and got straight to the point: "I'll show you something."

Hong Zhi picked it up, glanced at it, chuckled, and casually tossed the document back onto the table.

"Fake records, fake interrogations, everything was fake from beginning to end."

"This kind of thing might fool laymen, but it's a joke in front of you and me."

Ma Wendong nodded, leaned back in his chair, and crossed his arms: "I also think it's fake."

His tone was calm: "The problem now is that, as you reminded Madam before, Lao Qiu intends to bypass me and report this 'evidence' directly to Shiro Ishii."

He sighed, a troubled look on his face: "As you know, I'm new here, and many things are difficult to handle."

"Moreover, Lao Qiu is one of my men. If I deal with him personally, it will discourage the people below and make them think that I, Ma Wendong, am crossing the river and burning the bridge, killing the millstone after using it."

He raised his eyes, staring intently at Hong Zhiyou, and said, word by word, "So, you'll have to deal with your own problems."

All I can say is that I will not help either side.

Hong Zhi understood.

The phrase "neither side helps the other" is the highest directive, and it's a license to kill.

His smile widened: "The director is right."

"Since Lao Qiu is a traitor to the Red Tickets, it is perfectly normal and reasonable for someone like him to die at the hands of the Red Tickets' anti-traitor squad."

"This matter has absolutely nothing to do with Director Ma or myself."

He casually absolved himself of responsibility as well.

Ma Wendong knew that Hong Zhi had this ability, and nodded in satisfaction.

The tense and oppressive atmosphere in the office instantly dissipated.

His smile relaxed, even becoming somewhat friendly.

"Let's not talk about this anymore, it's annoying."

He abruptly changed the subject, leaning forward slightly and looking at Hong Zhiyou with a knowing look in his eyes: "How about we talk about women?"

……

(End of this chapter)