Spy wars start with lurking Secretary Hong

Chapter 557 Release them, release them!

Zhou Yi smiled and gently closed the document in his hand.

"If Dai Li could fly to the sky, that would be a true cause for universal celebration."

He paused, looked at Hong Zhiyou, and his expression became more serious.

"However, the telegram will take at least two days to reach the mountain city."

“I’m afraid these three won’t be able to handle it and might say something detrimental. You need to be prepared.”

Hong Zhi chuckled and nonchalantly fiddled with the lighter in his hand: "No."

He snapped the lighter shut.

"It concerns Dai Li's private slush fund. Those few people know what they should say and what they shouldn't say."

"Besides, even if I did say it, without evidence, who can do anything to me?"
"I moved the gold away a long time ago, even if the Heavenly King himself came, he wouldn't be able to find it."

Zhou Yi nodded; he had always trusted Hong Zhiyou's methods.

“Oh, right,” Zhou Yi said, as if remembering something, “Harbin Institute of Technology is putting on a new play recently, and your sister-in-law wants to see it. Let’s go together when you’re free.”

"She's just making a fuss!" Hong Zhi frowned and said irritably, "What kind of show is this at a time like this!"

Zhou Yi helplessly shrugged.

"Yes, I don't really agree either."

"But she said that, according to the official relationship, she is, after all, a young lady from a wealthy family, and it would be unreal if she didn't have a bit of bourgeois sentimentality."

“I think that makes sense. Anyway, she has a lot of money, so she can buy whatever she wants and play whatever she wants, as long as it doesn’t interfere with sending telegrams.”

Hong Zhiyou curled his lip:
"Damn it, Zhang Pingru really hit the jackpot."

Zhou Yi's smile faded, and his gaze became distant.
"When you mention this, it reminds me of Jia Qiao again."

His voice lowered.

"Yesterday, Lao Wei told me that Jia Qiao is very withdrawn. He is not tall to begin with, and the teacher always arranges for him to sit in the last row."

“His classmates bullied him because they disliked his accent from Fengtian.”

"The teachers also favored the local children."

"Especially the son of Qian Bai, the deputy director of Daowai Police Station. That kid was a leader at school. He often asked Jia Qiao for money for cigarettes, and if he didn't give it to him, he would beat him up."

"Old Wei was furious and wanted to tie up that kid to teach him a lesson, but I stopped him."

"These are turbulent times, so we should just bear with this little thing that's happening to the child."

At this point, a bitter smile tugged at the corner of his mouth:
“Every day, other people’s children call me ‘Dad.’ I give Sasha the best clothes and the warmest hugs.”

“But my own child is suffering outside. I’m so sorry to Yuejian and her child.”

Hong Zhiyou's carefree and nonchalant expression vanished instantly.

He stood up, walked over to Zhou Yi, and patted him heavily on the shoulder.

Don't think like that.

“I’ll go to the school and teach this brat and his father, who’s a deputy director, a lesson.”

Zhou Yi raised his head, a flicker of emotion flashing in his eyes.

"Thank you."

Hong Zhi grinned and said, "You're such a show-off. If you want my help, just say so. Why do you have to beat around the bush and go on for so long?"

Zhou Yi smiled, a hint of relief in his expression.

"You understand me best."

"Who told you to be the king of Harbin's underworld? In both the legitimate and criminal worlds, everyone recognizes your face, Section Chief Hong."

"Furthermore, I trust you to handle things."

“I hope this matter can be resolved, but I also don’t want Jiaqiao to be deliberately targeted.”

Hong Zhi raised his chin smugly.

"Okay, that's easy. I'll take a trip to the school when I have some free time."

……

Three days later.

Mountain City, Military Intelligence Bureau Office.

Dai Li was leaning back in his large leather chair, looking at several photos and a copy of a telegram with great interest.

The photo shows mountains of gold bars, shimmering with dazzling colors under dim lighting.

In his letter, Zhou Xi stated that the gold bars had been loaded onto the special train two nights ago, and according to the schedule, they should have already passed through Shanhaiguan and entered the Beijing-Tianjin area.

Nine thousand taels of gold.

How many US dollars would that be?

Looking at that golden expanse, even Dai Li, who was used to seeing wealth, felt his cold heart pounding.

He calculated the time; Qiao Jiacai should be calling to confirm by now.

As Dai Li was pondering this, there was a knock on the office door, and Mao Renfeng hurriedly walked in.

"Director, this is a secret telegram from Station Chief Qiao."

Dai Li was greatly encouraged and quickly took it personally, eagerly unfolding it.

However, after reading only a few lines, the joy on his face quickly faded, and his heart sank.

The telegram was forwarded by the Beiping station at Wu Jingzhong's request.

The content is simple: because Ma Kui, the member of the action team, had a conflict with someone, these idiots not only failed to transport the gold, but were also all detained by the Manchukuo police!

"boom!"

Dai Li slammed his hand hard on the table.

"That Ma Kui! He's good for nothing but ruining things!"

He suddenly stood up, pointed at Mao Renfeng's nose, and angrily shouted, "How do you manage your subordinates?"

Mao Renfeng immediately lowered his head, not daring to breathe.

"Director, it's because your subordinates haven't been strict enough in disciplining you."

"Director, please calm down."

"The most important thing right now is to get them out of there."

Dai Li paced back and forth in anger, his chest heaving violently.

"How can we salvage it? That's Manchukuo! It's Puyi's territory!"

Mao Renfeng cautiously raised his head and tentatively said, "Doesn't Puyi also have to consider Yoshijiro Umezu's feelings?"
"Ye Ziming has a personal relationship with Okamura Neiji, so... how about we ask Mr. Ye to ask Okamura Neiji to intervene?"

Dai Li paused, closed his eyes, and remained silent.

He really wished those idiots would just die in Northeast China.

But then he thought, those nine thousand taels of gold... if these people died, it would all be for nothing.

More importantly, it's Zhou Xi.

Zhou Xi knows too many secrets. If he can't handle it and says something reckless in Manchukuo, it won't benefit anyone.

After all, he was my right-hand man who had been with me for many years.

The punishment can be dealt with later, but the person must be brought back.

Dai Li opened his eyes again, his gaze now cold as ever.

He waved his hand wearily.

"I know, you go down first."

Mao Renfeng felt as if he had been granted a pardon and respectfully replied, "Yes."

As Dai Li watched Mao Renfeng's retreating figure, his gaze grew increasingly deep.

He valued Mao Renfeng, his old fellow townsman, but he also had to be wary of him.

Some things, especially those involving Japanese people, are better known to as few people as possible.

After all, the mainstream of the Nationalist government was still resisting Japan. If word got out that he was secretly fraternizing with the Japanese, it would definitely not be a good thing.

They're all hoping he steps down; too many people have died.

……

Kwantung Army Headquarters.

The second machine in Yoshijiro Umezu's office started ringing.

This is a dedicated line, originating from within the Great Wall.

He picked up the receiver and said in a deep voice, "It's me."

A slightly anxious voice came from the other end of the phone.

“Brother Okamura,” Yoshijiro Umezu spoke first, his tone leaving no room for negotiation, “Let’s make this clear first, if you want tanks and soldiers, I can’t give them to you. You know, our enemies in the north are just as powerful.”

"Oh?"

As Yoshijiro Umezu listened to the explanation over the phone, his brow gradually relaxed. "Okay, I understand." He pondered for a moment, "If Dai Li really did send a special envoy to Harbin to investigate the friendship between Manchuria and Japan, as a cornerstone for Sino-Japanese peace and the prosperity of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Zone, this would be an absolutely wonderful thing."

"In this way, we can concentrate our forces to attack the Soviet Union."

“Okay, I will personally discuss this with Yoshioka Yasunao and have him order the National Police Agency to handle this matter.”

After hanging up the phone, Yoshijiro Umezu's brows furrowed tightly again.

Damn.

Why are there so many idiots in Harbin?

First, Cheng Bin and his companion were killed, and now Dai Li's special envoy has been detained.

Thinking of this, he rang the doorbell on the table and called his adjutant in.

"Summon Yoshioka to come to me."

The adjutant accepted the order and left.

……

Harbin Police Department.

Lu Ming walked into the stinking interrogation room and couldn't help but frown.

Old Tu was standing at the door, pinching his nose, while several of his men were carrying water ladles, splashing water onto the ground one ladle at a time, trying to wash away the nauseating, sour smell.

Lu Ming asked, "Where are they?"

Old Tu pointed upstairs and replied in a muffled voice, "It was sent to the reception room to be washed. He's been soiling himself for days. If he hadn't been washed, no one could even go in here."

Lu Ming nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

Inside the reception room.

Zhou Xi showered for two whole hours in the bathroom, feeling like she had scrubbed off a layer of skin, before finally emerging exhausted, wearing a thick bathrobe.

Hong Zhiyou was already waiting outside. He cut a cigar and handed it to him.

Zhou Xi took the cigarette and inhaled deeply; the smoke he exhaled carried the scent of someone who had survived a disaster.

"Brother, I've completely lost face in Harbin." He said with a bitter face, "For three days in a row, I had to poop in my pocket for three whole days."

"Didn't you say they wouldn't touch me?"
"If this keeps up, I'll either get beaten to death or I'll die from diarrhea."

Hong Zhi handed him a glass of red wine and said nonchalantly, "I didn't hit you."

"Don't worry, nobody knows. These bumpkins will live to die and still not be able to get out of the pass."

"No matter how bad the news is, it will only rot in Harbin and won't reach the mountain city."

Zhou Xi's expression softened slightly: "Then I'm relieved. But you'd better think of something quickly, little brother, I really can't take it anymore."

He lowered his voice, looking nervous.

"And then there's Ma Kui, who gets beaten up next door every day, screaming and yelling like a ghost."

"That kid surnamed Lu is pretty ruthless. He not only uses dirty tricks, but I heard from those interrogators that he also wants to kill Ma Kui's offspring."

"If Ma Kui can't hold out and reveals the truth about the gold, don't blame me."

Just as Hong Zhiyou was about to speak, the phone in the room suddenly rang.

It was transferred from his office.

He picked up the receiver and spoke fluent Japanese: "Hello?"

"Okay, I understand. Thank you, Mr. Suzuki. I'll treat you to drinks another day."

After hanging up the phone, he looked at Zhou Xi and smiled, "Congratulations, you can leave soon. My friend at the General Staff Headquarters said that Commander Umezu has already spoken with Yoshioka Yasunao."

"The police department should release you soon."

Zhou Xi frowned: "Brother, you're not really going to send me to Xinjing for a day trip with the emperor, are you?"

Hong Zhi laughed: "Just kidding, is Boss Dai that stupid?"
"If you really take a day trip with Puyi, the whole country will soon know that Dai Li secretly sent people to Harbin."

"Under the guise of peace talks, the domestic people and public opinion can drown him out."

"Furthermore, does the Chairman not know whether the talks are genuine or not?"
“His sending a special envoy here will only arouse the old man’s suspicion.”

"Therefore, the boss is unlikely to escalate this matter."

Zhou Xi finally felt completely relieved and let out a long sigh of relief: "Then I'm at ease."

Hong Zhiyou had a smile on his face, but he sighed softly in his heart.

Given Dai Li's methods, Zhou Xi wouldn't be able to bring back the gold, and he'd be covered in filth. Once he got back, he would definitely be secretly punished.

Of course, Hong Zhiyou was only using Zhou Xi, so whether Zhou Xi lived or died was no longer important to him.

Oh, and when we get back, we need to have someone bring back the gold that was given to Zhou Xi.

Damn, that's several hundred taels of silver! Such immense wealth shouldn't be wasted on a dying man.

As for what Dai Li will think when he looks back, Hong Zhi doesn't care.

Anyway, as long as it's within the small territory of Northeast China, no matter how far Dai Li's influence extends, he can't do anything to him.

Thinking it over, he beckoned to Ren Changchun, who was following behind him.

"Changchun, you stay here and keep watch."

"From now on, Mr. Zhou shall rest here and no one shall disturb him."

"If Lu Ming comes to take someone away, just say it's my idea."

After saying that, Hong Zhi waved his hand under Zhou Xi's grateful gaze and strode out.

Sure enough, not long after, Lu Ming came with his men to take the person away.

Ren Changchun stood at the door and repeated Hong Zhiyou's words. Lu Ming was rebuffed and went straight to Liu Zhenwen's office on the second floor with a grim face.

As soon as he pushed the door open, he saw Liu Zhenwen hanging up the phone with a big smile on his face.

Upon seeing Lu Ming, Liu Zhenwen's smile faded slightly: "So, did you confess?"

Lu Ming shook his head, looking dejected: "No."

"These guys are too stubborn; they won't listen to either hard or soft arguments."

"What's even more infuriating is that Hong Zhi has been keeping Zhou Xi under surveillance so I can't interrogate him, and I'm still..."

Before he could finish speaking, Liu Zhenwen raised his hand to interrupt him.

"Fine, let them go."

Lu Ming was taken aback: "Then what's their secret..."

"It just shows your skills aren't up to par." Liu Zhenwen's tone was clearly disappointed. "Three whole days, and you couldn't get a single thing out of them. Now look what's happened, someone's come out to bail them out."

Lu Ming's heart skipped a beat, and he asked, "Who is it?"

"Yoshioka Yasunao and Lord Zhang Jinghui," Liu Zhenwen said slowly, "Just tell me, which one of us can afford to offend? Alas, it's all for naught."

Upon hearing such a powerful figure, Lu Ming panicked instantly, his voice trembling slightly: "Then...then we won't be in trouble, will we?"

Liu Zhenwen glanced at him and said slowly, "As the sole person in charge of this case, what crime have you committed by upholding the law and conducting the interrogation in accordance with the Police Department's regulations?"
"Do not worry.

"Since it's a misunderstanding, just release them and escort them out of the country politely."

When Lu Ming heard the words "sole person in charge," he almost died on the spot from fright.

Liu Zhenwen patted him on the shoulder: "Go ahead, and while you're at it, say hello to Section Chief Hong and try to smooth things over."

Lu Ming nodded stiffly and left to carry out the order.

Damn it, none of these officials are any good!
When they got downstairs, Lu Ming stood in front of Hong Zhiyou's office for a moment, took a deep breath, put on a warm smile, and then knocked on the door.

"Enter."

Lu Ming pushed open the door and went straight to Hong Zhiyou's desk.

"Zhiyou, I have good news for you."

Hong Zhi looked up at him: "What news?"

Lu Ming pulled out a chair and sat down, leaning forward. He said mysteriously, "After my meticulous and thorough investigation, I believe that Mr. Zhou has nothing to do with the shooting at Jubinlou."

"Ma Kui and Yu Bo were also forced to retaliate under duress."

He had a "I'm thinking of you" look on his face.

"Furthermore, both the Japanese and His Majesty the Emperor currently hope for Sino-Japanese friendship, and Mr. Zhou and his entourage should be treated with special consideration during their visit to Harbin."

"Therefore, I persuaded Director Liu to release Zhou Xi and the other two."

He patted his chest and boasted, "How about that? Pretty good, right?"

Hong Zhi nodded, revealing a meaningful smile: "That's kind of you. Perfect timing, there's something I'd like to ask you for help with."

Upon hearing this, Lu Ming was overjoyed and sat up even straighter.

"What help do you need? Just say the word, and I'll serve you faithfully, even at the cost of my life!"
"Speak, what is it? If you can do it, brother, I'll take care of it for you right away."

Hong Zhi waved his hand and stood up:
"No rush, it's lunchtime, let's go eat first."

"Let's talk while we eat."

……

(End of this chapter)