Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 224 You're not talking about martial ethics, are you?
"Orion, thank you. I will consider your suggestion."

“He, I hope you will seriously consider my advice. You can’t fight them alone. The Huo family is the best example.”

"You have to be careful too."

"They wouldn't dare touch me as long as the person above me is still in power."

"Don't rely too much on your superior. In the end, you still have to rely on yourself. Like I said, he will go back, but it seems you can't go back."

"Okay, if it weren't for the credit you gave me, I would have reached my limit as a police superintendent, until I retire."

"Hehe, I didn't expect you to be such a power-hungry person."

"Once you're in this system, who wouldn't want to be in a high position?"

"Okay, I got it, bye."

"You need to be careful; they have more than just the methods they use on the surface."

"Understood, thank you!"

"By the way, I have some information about Jardine Matheson here. I think you'll be more cautious after you've seen it."

"it is good."

“I will have Madam bring it to you.”

"Thank you!"

"You are welcome!"

He Yuzhu put down the phone, Orian's last words of advice still echoing in his ears—"They have more than just the methods they use on the surface." He walked to the huge floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the bustling night view of Victoria Harbour, the neon lights flashing, but unable to illuminate the deep pool in his eyes at this moment.

The information about Jardine Matheson that Wang Cuiping sent was less of intelligence and more of a "criminal record" of a century of colonial plunder.

Starting with the black oyster trade in 1832, and eventually controlling Kowloon Wharf, a giant that held the key to Hong Kong's maritime trade, Jardine Matheson's roots have long been deeply embedded in every corner of this land, drawing the richest nourishment from it.

The depth of its foundation and the extent of its power were far beyond what he had previously estimated.

The fact that Keswick could directly pressure the Hong Kong government speaks volumes.

"Orion really gave me a big gift; otherwise, it would have taken me a long time to investigate on my own," He Yuzhu muttered to himself.

Orion was indirectly telling him that on the chessboard dominated by the British Hong Kong government, he was an "outsider," and no matter how rich or capable he was, he had to be cautious and yield when faced with such a devastating attack.

The Huo family serves as a cautionary tale.

"You have your hidden tricks, but I don't?" He Yuzhu's lips curled into a cold and resolute smile.

Where does Jardine Matheson's lifeline lie? The documents clearly state it—Wharf Holdings!

This vast complex of docks and warehouses is the hub of Jardine Matheson's global trading network and the main artery for the flow of its wealth!

It supports Jardine Matheson's supply of goods, sustains the operation of its shipping empire, and is a major source of its enormous cash flow.

"Since you want to mess with me, then I'll pull out your IV line first!"

After putting down the documents, He Yuzhu dialed the phone.

"Hello, this is Taishan Security Company!"

"Shi Bin, this is He Yuzhu."

"Boss, what are your orders?"

"Immediately implement the highest level of security plan! Targets: My family, A Lang, Gu Yuanheng, Xu Damao, and their core family members! You personally lead the team, armed with the latest equipment sent by A Feng. Tell them this is not a drill; the adversaries could be desperate criminals or professional assassins! Authorize the highest level of armed defense!"

"Understood! Don't worry, boss! Unless we're all wiped out!" Shi Bin's voice was resolute.

"Have Bai Yifeng come to me."

"Yes, boss."

An hour later, in He Yu's office,

"Old Bai, I need detailed intelligence on Jardine Matheson, Wharf Holdings, and shipping within 48 hours. Cargo ship schedules, cargo manifests, warehouse zoning, security arrangements, and the movements of key personnel—can you do that?"

"I guarantee the mission will be accomplished; I'll take care of it myself!"

"Especially keep confidential the berths, warehouse numbers, guarding status, and loading and unloading schedules of high-value goods (precision instruments, precious metals, scarce industrial raw materials, luxury goods, etc.) that are about to arrive in Hong Kong. Also, do not underestimate the enemy."

"Yes, boss, I will personally select the most reliable people."

"We shouldn't let the selection of personnel conflict with Shi Bin's side; their mission is more important."

"Understood, there won't be any conflict."

"Alright, take this money and go." He Yuzhu pointed to a briefcase on the table containing one million Hong Kong dollars.

"Yes."

After He Yuzhu issued the order, the security company's combat unit instantly began operating at maximum efficiency.

Everyone in the He family was summoned back to the villa. Shi Bin led the elite "Shadow" squad, carrying brand-new M1 rifles, shotguns, grenades, and gas protection equipment sent by A Feng, and quietly moved into the He family mansion and the various protected points designated by He Yuzhu.

Several silent and wary faces have appeared around A Lang, Gu Yuanheng, Xu Damao, and their families.

Bai Yifeng's security team broke up into smaller units, applying for jobs as security guards, crew members, and so on. They even bribed port dispatchers and other important positions to obtain information.

On the very night that security was in place, it was a dark and windy night.

Several unlicensed trucks suddenly stopped in front of the He family villa.

The car door opened, and dozens of men dressed in camouflage and carrying assault rifles and submachine guns quickly got out and rushed straight to the He family villa.

With a wave of his hand, the leader signaled to the group to rush towards the gate, attempting to break it down.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!" Several muffled gunshots ripped through the silence.

A flash of light came from several concealed firing ports on the second floor of the villa, followed by precise bursts of fire.

The three guys at the front were struck as if by a heavy hammer, collapsing to the ground without uttering a sound, blood blooming between their eyebrows or chests.

"Ambush! Spread out! Take cover!" the enemy leader shouted. Before he finished speaking, two "Shadow" team members suddenly stood up from the bushes on the flank, their shotguns roaring! "Boom! Boom!" Steel balls sprayed out in a fan shape, instantly turning the three who tried to flank them into sieves.

Inside the villa, the alarm blared mournfully.

Bai Yifeng's cold voice rang out over the internal communication system: "Group A, guard the main entrance! Group B, clear the flanks! Group C, monitor the rear window! Do not show yourselves unless absolutely necessary. Use crossfire, kill without mercy!"

The attackers were stunned. Their orders were to quickly create chaos and kidnap a core member of the He family, who was suspected of actually controlling Huanghe Industrial.

Unexpectedly, they ran into a brick wall! The other side had fierce firepower, excellent teamwork, and was far more well-trained than ordinary wealthy bodyguards!
After a brief period of chaos, the desperados' ferocity was unleashed, and they used the courtyard walls and trees as cover to launch a frenzied counterattack, with the roar of rifles and submachine guns mingling with the muffled thuds of rifles.

Inside the house, He Daqing and Chen Lanxiang led the elderly and several children to hide in a reinforced secret room.

Xiaoman comforted He Ningxue, who was crying from the gunshot, while He Yushui stood by the communicator, her fingers trembling slightly, but her eyes were equally firm.

With each gunshot outside, their hearts clenched tighter, but their trust in He Yuzhu kept them calm to the end.

He Yuzhu didn't make a move. He just stood in his study, quietly watching outside with a cold, icy gaze. These people were too audacious.

The battle lasted less than thirty minutes.

When the last thug who tried to escape by climbing over the wall was shot in the head by Shi Bin from fifty meters away, only corpses and the lingering smell of gunpowder remained around the villa.

Shi Bin's voice came through the communicator: "Boss, the threat has been eliminated. Thirty-six people were killed, and no one escaped. Two of our men were seriously injured, and five were slightly injured."

"Should we prioritize rescuing the wounded, clearing the scene, and leaving any survivors?"

"They're already treating them. There are no survivors. These guys seem to be mercenaries, not gangsters. They were very tough. The seriously wounded even tried to launch a suicide attack, but they were all killed. The serial numbers on their weapons have also been worn off."

"Understood, increase vigilance."

"Ring ring. Ring ring," the phone rang at Orion's house.

"Who is it in the middle of the night? If you don't give me a reason, I'll send you to guard the pond."

"Orion, it's me."

"What? What happened?"

"The team came to my doorstep to wash the floor."

"Clean up the floor? They've taken action?"

"Yes, a platoon of men, either mercenaries or professional assassins, all using automatic weapons and carrying grenades. I haven't received any reports from my other men yet, but it should be the same elsewhere."

"Fuck, are they crazy? This is Hong Kong, not a peninsula, not a monkey country!"

“But here, they’re in charge.”

"FK, are your family members alright?"

"It's alright, a few of my men were wounded, but we wiped out the enemy."

"Wow, is that still security? It's better than the police force. You didn't train like you did on the battlefield, did you?"

"I don't have time to train them; they train on their own."

"How wonderful it would be if they were my subordinates!"

"Alright, stop reminiscing. Quickly bring the men here; it might just be another great achievement."

"Okay, be careful over there." "I know."

After hanging up the phone, He Yuzhu made a few more calls to ask Xu Damao, A Lang, Gu Yuanheng and the others if they were alright. The reply was that they were all safe and sound, and He Yuzhu breathed a long sigh of relief.

They also asked He Yuzhu about it, and He Yuzhu only said that he had been harassed and told them not to worry.

After hanging up the last call, He Yuzhu thought to himself, "It seems that this time the target is my family. The opponent has found out who the real boss is."

"Wah wah wah!"

"Waaaaaah!"

Police cars and ambulances arrived at the He family villa one after another. After glancing at the dead bandits, Orion entered the villa with a gloomy expression.

After entering, he plopped down next to He Yuzhu, who was waiting in the living room.

"What?! They've come to wipe out the whole family!"

"Whatever it is, since they dared to attack me, that's what will happen outside."

"how do you want to do it?"

"Information on all senior executives of Jardine Matheson in Hong Kong."

"No, it's too obvious, it'll cause a huge mess."

"Then what do you suggest we do? Am I just going to let people come knocking on my door like this?"

"This"

"Protecting us taxpayers is your duty as police officers."

"You wait for my news."

"You'd better hurry, or I can't guarantee anything."

"I'll call right now and ask to use your study."

"please."

After Orian went upstairs, the He family came out of the secret room.

"Zhu Zi, who exactly did you offend? Is this a target of our family?" He Daqing asked.

"Dad, they're just some business rivals."

"What kind of enemy is so ruthless?"

"Foreigners."

"What kind of business is this? If it's not going to work out, why not just let them have it?"

"It's not a question of whether or not to give way now."

“Zhu Zi is right. They’ve already come knocking on our door; there’s no point in giving in,” said Old Master Chen.

"Zhu Zi, is our house still safe?" Chen Lanxiang asked.

"I'll move to a different place at home tomorrow."

"Why is there even more turmoil now that we've come to Hong Kong?"

"Mom, the environment here is different from that in China."

"I wish I hadn't come out."

"Alright, do you know what's going on now if you don't come out? With my family background and the fact that I used to work for others during the Qing Dynasty, Lanxiang, you should just shut up!" the old lady said.

“I know, old lady. I just feel uneasy. It was one thing when there was war, but now that the war is over, why is there still no peace anywhere?”

"Where there are people, there will be conflict; it would be strange if it were quiet."

"Isn't it good enough for our family to live a peaceful and stable life?"

"It's difficult. Although I don't know what Zhu Zi is doing, it's definitely for the sake of us Chinese. In the end, we'll still have to confront the foreigners!"

"Zhu Zi, can we quit?"

“Mom, this isn’t like you. You used to support Brother Zhuzi,” Xiaoman said.

"I was scared back then, otherwise how would I have had those three brats, Yuxin, Yuyao, and Yuyan? Now that I'm older, I'm even more afraid of things. Yaozu and the others are still young, what if..." Chen Lanxiang sighed.

"Mother, so you had us because you were afraid something would happen to my eldest brother. No wonder I felt like we were adopted," He Yuyao said aggrievedly.

"What nonsense are you spouting, you brat? I'll show you what to say, I'll show you what to say!" Chen Lanxiang slapped him hard across the neck, then grabbed a feather duster from the sofa cabinet and was about to hit him.

"Cough cough cough." The coughing from upstairs interrupted the noise downstairs.

"Orion, have you made a deal?"

"Hmm, let's talk in your study."

"it is good."

After He Yuzhu went upstairs, Chen Lanxiang asked He Yuxin and He Yuyan to help him grab He Yuyao and give him a few hard blows with a feather duster.

The room in He Yuzhu's study is now filled with the strong smell of smoke, it seems that Orian was under a lot of pressure and smoked a lot.

At this moment, he lit another cigarette and held up a pack of cigarettes, gesturing to He Yuzhu if he wanted one.

He Yuzhu shook his head and said, "Tell me, what conclusion did you come to?"

"The higher-ups said they can't do anything about it."

"and then?"

"We're all in the same boat now."

"Oh? You got dumped?"

"Why put it so harshly? It's just that we can't use that person's name anymore."

"Actually, it's a good thing. It'll be easier for you to do things later if you sever ties sooner."

"What on earth do you know?"

"How many years has that person been in office?"

"Six years."

"It's not short anymore."

“Yes, it’s not short anymore,” Orion said instinctively.

"You mean?"

"I didn't say anything."

"Where did you get the news?"

"I have no information. I just feel it's time for Hong Kong to change. Look at the mess it's in."

"That guy did his best, but because he did his best, it's still like this. And he was the one who came to clean up the mess, and that's how it turned out."

"Eh"

"Alright, let's not talk about that. I'll just ask you one question: are you still planning to go back to the other big island?"

Orion's smile vanished, replaced by a mixture of weariness, resolve, and a hint of helplessness at being seen through.

He took a deep breath, the smoke swirling between his fingers.

“He, you’re right.” His voice lowered, carrying an unprecedented frankness. “The family… can’t go back. That big island, for me, is just a name on a map and a blood tie. My father… might still remember me, but the others? My name, Orian Trench, is already a stain, a mark of shame, in the Trench family genealogy. If it weren’t for my mother… I wouldn’t even have the gifts sent back every year.”

He stubbed out his cigarette, his gaze fixed intently on Ho Yu-chu: "Therefore, Hong Kong is my battlefield, my destiny. A fool like William, sitting in the position of Chief Superintendent, will only suck the blood and flesh of Hong Kong, turning the police force into a tool for them to gain political capital and money! He is blocking not only my path, but also the path of many more capable police officers who want to do something practical for Hong Kong! It is also the path for this city to restore order and move towards a brighter future!"

He Yuzhu listened quietly, and he could feel the resentment and unwillingness that Orian had suppressed for many years in his words.

This "egg man" may appear to be a British gentleman, but inside he has been torn apart by the chaos in Hong Kong and his own awkward situation.

His alienation from "another big island," his hatred for the corrupt system represented by William, and his desperate gamble on his future in Hong Kong all became the cornerstone of cooperation.

"You want to bring down William?" He Yuzhu bluntly stated.

“It’s not just William!” A ruthless glint flashed in Orion’s eyes. “It’s about eradicating the deeply entrenched cancer behind him! Those parasites who live in the police force, maintaining their status and wealth by protecting gangsters, accepting bribes, and colluding with British tycoons! They are one of the root causes of chaos in Hong Kong! People like William are just puppets they put on the stage, money-sucking beasts!”

He stood up, walked to his desk, picked up a pen and paper, and quickly wrote down a few names and brief descriptions:

Chan Nin: A Legislative Council member, outwardly "approachable," but in reality a "front man" for several triad groups (especially the Number Gang's branch in Kowloon West). He uses his legislator position to provide political asylum for triad activities and has repeatedly obstructed police budgets and operational authorizations for anti-triad campaigns. He also has unclear financial dealings with a trading company under Jardine Matheson.

Liu Chang: The "money bag" of the police force, a key figure in the police force responsible for equipment procurement and logistics, has close ties with many British-funded suppliers, is suspected of major embezzlement, and has close ties with a certain uncle of the Hesheng Group.

Luo Hui: Nicknamed "Smiling Tiger," he is the "advisor" of the current leader (head) of the Heshenghe triad, responsible for the triad's "legalized" businesses (such as entertainment venues and micro-loans) and "communication" with the legitimate world. Ruthless and cunning, he is the true brains of the triad. Recently, he has been in frequent contact with a mid-level manager at Jardine Matheson Land Development.

Orion pushed the note in front of Ho Yu-chu: "These people are the most stubborn rocks blocking my way, blocking the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (Wang Cuiping), and blocking all police officers who really want to do things. Chen Nian is holding us by the throat in the Legislative Council, Liu Shih-chang is sucking our blood and dragging us down from within, and Luo Hui is constantly supplying William with dirty money and directing the triads to act as henchmen for Jardine Matheson, including... tonight's attack on your house, I highly suspect that He Sheng He is behind it, and it may even be that Luo Hui planned it!"

He looked at He Yuzhu, his eyes sharp: "He, I know your power. I don't need you to get your hands dirty yourself. Hong Kong is so chaotic; gang fights, revenge killings, even 'accidental' deaths... are all common. What I want is for them to 'disappear,' or be disgraced and imprisoned! To completely pull out these fangs! As a reward..."

Ollie paused, then emphasized, “I will use all my resources within the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau and the Internal Investigation Department to track down the mastermind behind tonight’s attack and relentlessly pursue Wo Shing Wo! I will ensure that Wang Cuiping’s actions receive the highest authorization to wipe out all of Wo Shing Wo’s establishments in West Kowloon and uncover irrefutable evidence of their collusion with Jardine Matheson! At the same time, within the limits permitted by the rules, I will clear all obstacles to the approval of your Kowloon Tong project! With William down, I will rise to power, and the landscape of West Kowloon will change!”

(End of this chapter)