Spy wars start with lurking Secretary Hong

Chapter 529 Everything Depends on Fate
The situation was urgent. Hong Zhi got out of the car, stepped on the gas, the wheels slipped on the snow, and he sped into the snow-covered street.

He must inform Zhou Yi immediately.

While driving, Hong Zhi was rapidly making calculations.

He wasn't sure if his uncle or the newly appointed Captain Takeda from Shirokura had set up sentries near Zhou Yi.

That old guy Chengcang is very cunning.

It's always best to be careful in everything you do.

It would be too abrupt to show up so late; I need a foolproof excuse.

His gaze fell on the passenger seat, where a roll of blanket he had just grabbed from the store was placed—a fine rabbit fur blanket, soft and warm.

Have it.

They said it was to deliver blankets to Gu Qiuyan and her child.

This reason was flawless; it was both reasonable and explained why he had braved the wind and snow to visit so late at night.

Soon, Zhou Yi's familiar two-story house came into view.

Hong Zhiyou parked the car in the shade at the street corner, turned off the engine, and got out of the car carrying a blanket.

He walked to the gate and, without hesitation, quickly pressed the doorbell button four times with his gloved fingers.

The doorbell rang briefly.

……

inside the room.

Under the warm light, Zhou Yi was pacing back and forth, holding Sasha in his arms.

The little guy is incredibly energetic. He sleeps soundly during the day but becomes restless at night, and nothing you do can soothe him.

Gu Qiuyan sat to the side, her face filled with helplessness and exhaustion, with faint dark circles under her eyes.

"This child is driving me crazy."

Zhou Yi smiled and said, "You're lucky, you can catch up on sleep with her during the day, but I have to go to work during the day."

“Starting tomorrow, you can sleep in the office for a while. Once I've sorted out Sasha's sleeping habits, you can come back to sleep there.”

"Otherwise, if this continues, I'll wear you down."

"With so many eyes watching you, you'll lose focus and make mistakes."

Gu Qiuyan is becoming more and more like a qualified "wife".

Zhou Yi was about to speak.

Ding ding ding ding.

The four tones are short and forceful.

Zhou Yi suddenly stopped in his tracks.

He instinctively tightened his arms around the child, and his gentle gaze instantly turned sharp.

It is a secret code of Zhiyou.

It's so late, and it's a high-pressure period right now, something serious must have happened if Zhiyou comes to visit.

"Hold him for a bit, I'll go open the door."

Zhou Yi handed Sasha, who was still whimpering, to Gu Qiuyan in a very low voice.

Gu Qiuyan took the child, her fatigue vanishing instantly, replaced by a professional alertness and unease.

Zhou Yi did not go downstairs directly.

He turned and went into the study, took a pistol from the drawer, skillfully ejected the magazine, checked the brass bullets inside, then pushed it back in and crisply pulled the safety off.

The cold, metallic touch quickly calmed his chaotic thoughts.

He tucked the gun into his lower back and covered it with the hem of his coat before quickly walking down the stairs and opening the courtyard gate.

The wind and snow rushed in instantly, and a familiar figure stood outside the door, covered in snowflakes.

"it's me."

Hong Zhi lowered his voice.

Only after Zhou Yi confirmed it was him did his tense body relax slightly.

He stepped aside to let Hong Zhiyou in, closed the door, and subtly gave him a wink.

Hong Zhi understood perfectly.

He stamped the snow off his feet, and once inside, he deliberately raised his voice, shouting with great force:

"Sister-in-law! I got the rabbit fur blanket you mentioned you wanted, and I've brought it to you!"

He was saying it to Aunt Liu.

If, like last time when Lu Ming questioned her, Liu Ma couldn't answer, what should happen?

Gu Qiuyan appeared by the second-floor railing, holding the child, her face showing just the right amount of surprise.

"Oh, it's so late, and it's snowing so heavily. I'm really sorry to trouble you."

"Come on up and have a cup of hot tea to warm yourself up."

Hong Zhiyou carried the blanket upstairs.

Gu Qiuyan knew that his late arrival was not just for bringing a blanket; it must be something extremely important.

She didn't ask any more questions, but simply stood casually at the top of the stairs with her child in her arms, keeping watch for them.

Zhou Yi led Hong Zhiyou into the study inside.

"I'll go boil some water," Zhou Yi said, preparing to make tea.

"no."

Hong Zhi waved his hand, casually tossed the blanket onto the sofa, and got straight to the point.

"I just received some information."

His voice was extremely low, and his expression was more solemn than ever before.

"There is a traitor among General Yang's men."

"This person is highly valued by the general, making him virtually impossible to guard against."

Zhou Yi's face twitched, and he said in a deep voice, "Do you know who the traitor is?"

Hong Zhi closed his eyes briefly, the cold records in the history books flashing through his mind.

He thought for a moment, then said in an unequivocal tone:

Zhang Xiufeng.

"General Yang's adopted son was also his guard platoon leader."

Zhou Yi's face was slightly pale. "Is the news...reliable?"

"reliable."

Hong Zhiyou gave an affirmative answer.

In fact, Wu Jingzhong did not tell him who the traitor was, but only mentioned that there was an inside source.

But Hong Zhi knew better than anyone else in the world.

Historically, it was Zhang Xiufeng, the adopted son whom Yang Jingyu regarded as his own son, who ultimately drove General Yang Jingyu into a desperate situation and directly led to his sacrifice.

Ashamed to say it.

He knew all about these things, but because of all the trivial matters that had been happening in Harbin recently, he had almost completely forgotten about them.

If it weren't for Wu Jingzhong's reminder today, he probably wouldn't have remembered until the bad news arrived.

He remembered clearly that Zhang Xiufeng defected to the enemy on February 1, 1940, carrying confidential documents and weapons.

This person also drew up a detailed "pocket map" to guide the Japanese and puppet troops in encircling General Yang's hiding place.

There are only a few days left before Zhang Xiufeng escapes.

If we can find General Yang and eliminate this traitor within this timeframe, perhaps... perhaps there is still a glimmer of hope.

This is no longer a matter of life and death.

This is a close call, a matter of life and death.

Zhou Yi was clearly aware of the seriousness of the problem.

Hong Zhiyou is not one to speak without reason; if he said it, it must be true.

Zhou Yi frowned deeply, his brows furrowing into a deep frown, and said with a troubled expression:
"This is troublesome."

"During the recent counter-offensive, in order to preserve their strength, General Yang and General Wei Zhengmin adopted a strategy of dispersed guerrilla warfare, breaking up the main force into smaller units."

"The general has very few men around him now."

“Zhang Xiufeng is also his guard platoon leader, responsible for all his safety and communications... This man has even met my brother. If he were to betray us, the consequences would be unimaginable.”

Hong Zhi sighed softly, unsure of what to say.

Even if he had given a six-month warning, it would probably have been difficult to truly affect the overall situation.

After taking office, Yoshijiro Umezu launched a brutal and ruthless crackdown on the anti-government forces.

That madman, Shirokura, went around offering huge sums of money to recruit spies, and even had planes drop leaflets in the deep mountains and forests to persuade them to surrender.

Coupled with the tight encirclement and blockade of the mountains, the living conditions of the anti-Japanese guerrilla fighters had become unimaginably harsh.

The area around Laotuoshan near Harbin is in a better condition.

The southeastern part of Manchuria, the area where General Yang and his men were located, was practically hell.

Hong Zhiyou questioned whether he had the courage and ability to go into the mountains alone to change anything.

After all, Zhang Xiufeng was General Yang's most trusted adopted son, whom he had raised himself.

Who am I? An information broker of dubious origin?

Even if I went myself, would people believe me?

This is completely different from being by General Wu Zhiqing's side in my previous life.

That was a covert battle on the intelligence front. He and General Wu had an absolute foundation of trust, a tacit understanding, and countless opportunities to communicate and verify.

And the Anti-Japanese Alliance...

That's all Hong Zhi could do.

The intelligence has been provided, and there's still a chance; the rest is up to fate and their destiny.

Zhou Yi was silent for a moment. He habitually thought of lighting a cigarette, but just as he took it out, he thought of the child and could only put it back reluctantly: "Zhiyou, your information is too important. I have to discuss countermeasures with Lao Wei immediately tomorrow."

"Thank you."

As he spoke, he stood up to get the money.

This is an unwritten rule among them.

"no need."

Hong Zhi called out to him.

"This intelligence is free."

He stood up, patted Zhou Yi on the shoulder, and said, "It's getting late, I have to go."

Zhou Yi did not insist further, but simply nodded heavily.

The two walked out of the study.

Gu Qiuyan was still holding the child at the top of the stairs. When she saw them come out, she cast an inquiring glance at them.

Zhou Yi shook his head slightly at her, indicating that she shouldn't ask any more questions.

Hong Zhi stopped in his tracks, looked at Sasha who was staring at him with her big, bright eyes, and couldn't help but reach out and gently pinch her rosy cheeks:
"Now that she's over 100 days old, this little girl is getting prettier and prettier."

"By the way, sister-in-law, you and Lao Zhou should discuss it. When you have time, take the kids to visit my uncle's house as a small token of appreciation."

"The elderly couple has been talking about it a lot lately."

Gu Qiuyan nodded:
"Understood. You and Zhou Yi can set a time later. I'm available anytime."

"Thank you."

After Hong Zhi finished speaking, he turned around and quickly went downstairs.

The two walked to the door and watched Hong Zhiyou leave the courtyard before returning upstairs.

“Zhiyou…”

Just as Gu Qiuyan was about to speak, Sasha in her arms pouted and burst into tears again.

Gu Qiuyan was somewhat annoyed:
"This kid really knows how to pick his timing."

Zhou Yi walked over and said softly, "Could she be hungry? I'll go to the study, and you can feed her something."

"Need not."

Gu Qiuyan shook her head, her expression serious. "Business is more important. I'll just cover it up with my clothes."

Zhou Yi tactfully turned around, facing away from her, and sat down on the other side of the bed.

Only Sasha's urgent sobs and the rustling of clothes remained in the room.

Soon, the crying stopped.

"Okay."

Gu Qiuyan quickly covered herself with her clothes and asked, "Zhiyou, is something wrong that you're here so late?"

Zhou Yi turned around, his face as solemn as water.

"Yes.

"There is a traitor among General Yang's men."

"The traitor has already made secret contact with the puppet troops and the Japanese, and the situation is very unfavorable for General Yang."

Gu Qiuyan paused in her breastfeeding, her heart sinking. "Who is the traitor?"

"Zhang Xiufeng".

Upon hearing this name, Gu Qiuyan's eyebrows furrowed tightly, her eyes filled with indignation and disbelief.

"I know him!"

There was a tremor in her voice.

Pingru once mentioned this person to me.

"He was General Yang's adopted son. He handled many of the general's secret communications, intelligence gatherings, and even the funding for the Anti-Japanese United Army."

"He had contact with Pingru's Second Team and our Laotuoshan Fourth Team... He knew almost all of the Anti-Japanese United Army's core secrets!"

"If someone like that were to betray us... it would be a disaster!"

"General Yang is in danger."

Zhou Yi nodded heavily: "Yes."

His voice was low and suppressed.

"In the past, General Yang and his men would run the Japanese and puppet troops in the mountains and forests so badly that the enemy would not dare to camp overnight in the mountains."

"No matter how hard the soldiers of the Anti-Japanese United Army suffered, at least they could get a good night's sleep."

"But ever since Cheng Bin of the First Division betrayed them and formed the 'Advance Team,' destroying one by one the secret camps that the general and his men had painstakingly built, the situation has taken a sharp turn for the worse."

“Cheng Bin and his traitors led the puppet troops in a relentless search day and night, which made the supply of food and ammunition for the Anti-Japanese Allied Army soldiers a major problem, and the number of soldiers in the army was decreasing more and more seriously.”

Zhou Yi paused, a hint of pain flashing in his eyes.

"With morale in turmoil, the number of defectors will only increase. If this continues, the Anti-Japanese United Army's situation is extremely dire."

Gu Qiuyan's voice trembled slightly, her gaze fixed on Zhou Yi with an almost pleading urgency:

"It's urgent, why don't you call Lao Wei right now?"

Zhou Yi glanced at her.

His eyes were calm, yet carried a chilling coldness.

"Comrade Gu Qiuyan, the military police may not have installed bugs on the phones, but they will check the phone records."

"Think about it, Zhiyou came to visit late at night in the snow, and as soon as he left, I made a phone call to an unknown number."

"What will that old dog Shirakawa think?"

He walked to the window and pointed to the dark two-story building across the street.

"I can even tell you that the police or military police might be hiding in that building across the street."

"They will note down the time Zhiyou came, and then compare it with the telephone exchange's records. If they find anything unusual, they will follow the clues and find Lao Wei's number."

"It is precisely at times like these that we must remain calm."

Gu Qiuyan's lips moved, her eyes reddening: "I'm worried..."

Zhou Yi interrupted her, "Are you worried about Zhang Pingru?"

His voice suddenly turned stern.

"Zhang Pingru's life is a life, but Lao Wei's life isn't?"

"Isn't Zhang Pingjun's lesson enough?"

Gu Qiuyan's body trembled violently, as if she had been stabbed by something, and she unconsciously tightened her grip on Sasha's arm.

"Yes, I was wrong."

Her voice lowered, tinged with a sob: "I'm just... a little panicked."

The coldness on Zhou Yi's face faded, and he walked to her side, his voice softening.

"Go to sleep first."

"It just so happens that tomorrow is the weekend, and I made plans with Lao Wei to go fishing by the river."

"I'll talk to him about this later."

……

The next day.

In Harbin, the morning wind is as cold as a knife.

The Songhua River was already frozen solid. When Zhou Yi arrived, Lao Wei was already there.

He was wearing a thick, long black trench coat and a mink hat, and he was squatting beside a newly opened ice hole, patiently fiddling with the fishing line.

Zhou Yi sat down next to him, took out a cigarette case from his pocket, and handed him one.

Old Wei accepted the cigarette, and the two of them lit it together.

"Something serious has happened."

Zhou Yi took a drag of his cigarette, his voice sounding somewhat low in the wind.

"Zhang Xiufeng has betrayed us."

"He has already made contact with Cheng Bin's team in secret."

Old Wei's movements as he fiddled with the fishing line suddenly stopped, his face filled with shock.

"Who are you talking about? Zhang Xiufeng?"
"impossible!

“He was trained by General Yang himself, and is closer to him than a biological son. How could he possibly betray us?”

“Your brother met him at the Anti-Japanese Allied Forces meeting last October.”

Zhou Yi exhaled a smoke ring, his gaze fixed on the frozen river surface, his eyes devoid of any emotion.

"Cheng Bin was still the general's favorite student, but he still betrayed us."

"Old Wei, you know better than I how brutal the current struggle is; anyone could betray us."

Do you remember Zhang Hua with four fingers?

“The key figures of the Manchurian Provincial Committee were persuaded to surrender by Li Hong with just a few words, almost burying our entire transportation station.”

Old Wei fell silent, his eyes slowly turning solemn and gloomy.

He took a deep drag on his cigarette. "Testifying against Zhang Xiufeng is no small matter."

"Old Zhou, may I ask where this intelligence came from?"

Zhou Yi thought for a moment and said, "You know that."

Old Wei nodded slowly.

He threw the cigarette butt onto the ice and stomped it out. "If it's what he revealed, it's probably reliable."

Zhou Yi said, "You must keep your mouth shut. If anyone asks again, you must never reveal their name, even if it means death."

Old Wei said, "Don't I understand this basic discipline? I've guaranteed that no one will ever hear his name from my mouth."

As he spoke, he stood up and shook his fishing rod:

"In that case, go back and have Qiuyan immediately send a telegram to the direction of Xinjing."

"Have them do everything they can to contact comrades in Jilin and send them into the mountains to meet General Yang."

"No matter what, we have to get that bastard Zhang Xiufeng under control first, and we must ensure the general's safety!"

Zhou Yi nodded and stood up.

"I understand."

He didn't say another word and turned to leave.

As Lao Wei watched his departing figure, a heavy gloom settled on his face.

He spat fiercely at the icy river surface.

"These damned traitors and collaborators!"

……

in the afternoon.

Zhou Yi took Gu Qiuyan and the child, along with some snacks and fruit, to Gao Bin's house.

Ostensibly, it was to express gratitude to Director Gao for naming the child.

The "granddaughter" is going home.

Gao Bin and his wife Liao Chunxiang were naturally overjoyed.

Liao Chunxiang took Sasha from Gu Qiuyan's arms and cherished her like a precious treasure.

Xu, the head of the household, was confined upstairs.

The elderly couple, Gao Bin and his wife, were superstitious and feared that she would be tainted by a daughter's spirit, and that the child in her womb would also turn into a girl.

Once Gu Qiuyan leaves, even the sofa cushions she used will have to be thrown away and replaced.

Of course, one thing is one thing, but the two granddaughters still love each other very much.

Gao Bin then took out the red envelopes, clothes, an exquisite longevity lock, and a pair of small silver bracelets that he had prepared beforehand, nothing was missing.

"Oh my, look at those eyebrows, those eyes, that nose, so exquisite."

Liao Chunxiang held the child, unable to get enough of looking at him.

Gao Bin stood to the side, a satisfied smile on his face, increasingly convinced that this child was truly a descendant of the Gao family.

Hong Zhiyou and Zhou Yi were smoking in the courtyard outside.

"Tonight, Qiuyan and I plan to send out a telegram."

Zhou Yi's voice was very low, "This matter can't wait any longer."

Hong Zhi flicked his cigarette ash, his brows furrowing slightly:
"Be careful."

"Let me make this clear first, sending a telegram from my place is out of the question."

"Now Commander Shirokura has taken over all the radio wave monitoring vehicles to the military police."

"The military police now dare to forcibly search even Wei Huanzhang's house, unlike before when our police department was responsible for the searches and we could turn a blind eye."

"The newly appointed Captain Takeda used to have some connections with me, but at this critical juncture, he might not dare to accept anything from me."

"So, you can only hope for the best."

Zhou Yi nodded: "I understand."

Hong Zhiyou then asked, "Have you chosen a location yet?"

“There’s a cluster of old, collapsed houses over in Daowai. It’s a quiet place with hardly anyone around.”

“The car can be hidden too. I plan to take Qiuyan there tonight to distribute it,” Zhou Yi said.

Hong Zhi thought for a moment and said, "Okay, but don't drive the police department's car."

"I have a car that I'll have someone take care of later. It's parked in that abandoned factory next to Jihong Bridge."

"You and your sister-in-law can drive that car. Even if there's an emergency, the car won't be a burden on your status."

Zhou Yi looked at him, a hint of gratitude in his eyes.

"You've thought of everything."

"Brother, times are tough, but thankfully you're here."

Hong Zhi smiled and patted him on the shoulder:

"Just keep going."

"Things will get better once this period is over."

Zhou Yi nodded heavily.

"Thank you."

……

It's 9 PM.

All was quiet except for the sound of wind and snow outside the window.

Gu Qiuyan quietly opened the piano lid, took out the telegraph machine, and skillfully put it into a suitcase.

Downstairs in the living room, Zhou Yi glanced at the wall clock and gestured to Gu Qiuyan.

Gu Qiuyan understood and went downstairs first. After confirming that the nanny, Liu Ma, was in the room, she turned back and gave Zhou Yi upstairs a safe signal.

Zhou Yi carried the suitcase and walked quickly and lightly down the stairs towards the courtyard.

At the exact same moment, Gu Qiuyan knocked on Liu Ma's door.

"Madam, what's wrong?" Aunt Liu asked as she opened the door.

Gu Qiuyan's face showed a hint of apology:
"Aunt Liu, a friend of ours has suddenly fallen ill, and my husband and I have to go out for a while."

"Sasha just finished drinking her milk and fell asleep. If she wakes up, you can comfort her."

"Also, I brought my house key with me. Don't answer the doorbell tonight, just pretend no one is home."

Aunt Liu nodded repeatedly: "I know, Madam, Sir, please be careful on the slippery road."

Gu Qiuyan put on a thick mink coat and a thick felt hat, then pushed open the door and stepped into the wind and snow.

The two got into the car, but instead of driving directly to their destination, they drove to Serbian Street and hid in a secluded, deserted alley.

As soon as the car came to a stop, footsteps could be heard at the entrance of the alley.

Soon, a rickshaw puller emerged from the snowstorm, pulling a rickshaw.

"Captain Zhou, sister-in-law, get in the car."

It's Peng Hu.

Gu Qiuyan's heart tightened when she saw him.

Zhou Yi squeezed her hand and said in a low voice, "This is Brother Peng Hu, one of our own, someone we can rely on."

Peng Hu was Hong Zhiyou's staunch confidant and had been tortured by Zhang Chunyuan, proving his ability to withstand the test.

Gu Qiuyan then put her suitcase away and got into the car with Zhou Yi.

Without saying a word, Peng Hu pulled the rickshaw up, strained with his legs, and the rickshaw smoothly rushed into the snow-covered street, heading towards the abandoned factory.

When they arrived at the factory, Peng Hu stopped the car, panting heavily.

He turned to look at Zhou Yi, his dark face solemn:

"Captain Zhou, I know you and Master Hong are both men who do great things, so be careful."

Zhou Yi said thank you.

Peng Hu then pulled out a dark, heavy pistol from his pocket and handed it to Zhou Yi.

"This gun is a modified dead gun, its origin cannot be traced. It will be used if there is any change."

After saying that, he didn't say anything more and quickly disappeared into the night with the empty cart.

In the huge factory, Zhou Yi quickly found the car that Hong Zhi had mentioned.

The license plate was removed, and the car looked quite old; it would be difficult to trace the history of this kind of vehicle.

Zhou Yi sighed inwardly, thinking that Zhiyou was too meticulous, always anticipating everything.

Half an hour later, the car drove out of the city and arrived at the ruins of the collapsed old house outside the city.

Zhou Yi parked the car and got out, carrying his suitcase.

Gu Qiuyan quickly found a sheltered, flat corner. She turned on the telegraph machine, quickly set up the antenna, and tested the signal first.

She made a gesture to Zhou Yi.

"Okay."

Zhou Yi nodded.

"Okay, send it as quickly as possible, I'll turn the car around."

Gu Qiuyan replied, "Okay."

Zhou Yi drove the car to a gentle slope with the front facing outwards, so that he could leave as soon as possible.

Moreover, this location is perfect for monitoring the surrounding area.

He squatted on the ground, covering the lit cigarette with his palm.

After smoking three cigarettes, judging by the length of the telegram, Gu Qiuyan should be ready by now.

Zhou Yi was about to get up to pick up Gu Qiuyan.

Sudden.

Across from the ruins, a bright, dazzling beam of light pierced the darkness.

A three-wheeled motorcycle sped up with a piercing engine roar and stopped right next to the ruins.

Two Japanese military police officers wearing armbands got out of the car.

not good.

Zhou Yi cursed his bad luck, quickly stubbed out his cigarette, and returned to his car.

……

(End of this chapter)