Uncle Shazhu, a simple-minded man in a courtyard house, persuades people with reason.

From the moment he assumed command of the military, He Ping'an consciously cultivated small, elite units—the special forces that would later become well-known. Within a year, the results were beginning to show.

A single elite company of 120 soldiers, from the Corps Headquarters, the Legion Headquarters, and at the very least the Division Command Post, He Ping'an led them in one raid after another, decapitation strikes!

"Let's go!" Without any further words, He Ping'an waved his hand, grabbed the dagger that had been changed into civilian clothes, got into the car, and drove straight to Beiping.

The Battle of Zhangjiakou shattered the ambitions of the King of North China, and the Battle of Tianjin shattered his spirit. He Ping'an easily infiltrated Beiping with his elite detachment.

In the ruins of the southern city, He Ping'an summoned several squad and platoon leaders:

"You are already aware of this mission. What I want to say is... based on my previous profession, I believe there are probably other hidden circumstances surrounding this old gentleman's death. It cannot be ruled out that there is a traitor within the Party, or rather, a spy infiltrated into our Party who betrayed us."

He Ping'an waved his hand to signal the assailant to calm down and continued to explain:

"The squad leader and his men should disperse and take cover in the surrounding area. I'll go first to gather intelligence and find a place to stay. During this time, you must remain vigilant! If any unexpected situation arises, and if necessary… strike first!"

"yes!"

He Ping'an headed north and disappeared from everyone's sight in a few flashes.

At Jing'an Bookstore, an elderly man with a hunched back glanced at the seal on the door and disappeared at the street corner with a bundle of candied hawthorns that had already been mostly sold.

Luo Chengjun was betrayed again, and it's unknown whether Zheng Chaoyang helped him this time.

Having regained his appearance, He Ping'an stepped out of the street corner, shook his head, and slowly walked away. Since Luo Chengjun was now out of contact, he could only try his luck with Zheng Chaoyang!

These days, Zheng Chaoyang is the well-known "Master Zheng" and a wealthy tycoon in the Fifth District. He no longer wears that black leather suit to work; instead, he sports a sharp suit and a finely tailored wool overcoat!

In the deputy director's office, Zheng Chaoyang was checking the accounts for the month when a young man in dark skin rushed in to report.

"Reporting to Director Zheng, there's a businessman at the door who looks unfamiliar. He says he was introduced by your sister and wants to meet you!"

"Third Brother, I think you don't want this month's interest! Get out..."

Zheng Chaoyang can't stand the word "sister" anymore. Just hearing it makes him furious. Thinking back to the way everyone looked at him as a pervert last year, it's only now that he, Uncle Zheng, has made it big that no one makes fun of him anymore.

Zheng Chaoyang had a sudden inspiration and quickly called out to the departing Blackie: "Wait, since it was my sister who introduced them, bring them in! Never mind, I'm going out for a bit!"

Xiangyang Teahouse, rooftop private room —

He Ping'an ate a piece of pastry and drank a sip of tea, letting Zheng Chaoyang chatter on and on...

With the army besieging the city, everyone from Kuomintang bigwigs to shop owners was terrified. Those who were once prominent figures were all filled with fear. They scrambled to escape Beiping by hiding in tunnels and other means, all for fear that the army would enter the city and settle scores!

Zheng Chaoyang's business came to a major standstill as a result; warehouses and shops closed one after another, and the smuggling of contraband had long since ceased. Now, only these teahouses and restaurants are still struggling to stay afloat!

Of course, there are also some unscrupulous merchants who are not afraid of death, such as Wan Fulin, who raise prices on the spot and start hoarding goods for speculation again.

As for the spies in Beiping, they were at two extremes... The die-hards became increasingly ruthless and inhumane; the rest were just getting by and going through the motions.

Then there's Luo Chengjun. In the original series, due to the betrayal of his courier, he was the only one who escaped the entire transportation line under Zheng Chaoyang's cover. This time, because they received advance warning, dozens of underground party members on the traitor list all safely evacuated Beiping.

Zheng Chaoyang didn't reveal his identity... This unexpected move finally paid off!

"Alright, with your rosy complexion, you still have the nerve to complain to me? Don't you feel ashamed?" Seeing Zheng Chaoyang's endless complaints, He Ping'an glared at him.

"I'm calling you here today because I have something to ask you to do. First, find a woman named Tian Dan. She's a comrade of our Party. She was at the train station the day before yesterday... Second, find some secluded, vacant houses."

The boss assigned two tasks: one was to rescue people and escort the Communist Party member Tian Dan, the daughter of a democrat, out of the city; the other was to kill and take down the murderer to avenge the old man!

Every single one of these matters is directly related to Tian Dan. Once they find her, the mission will be more than half complete!

"Housing is easy to arrange. Several wealthy families who fled south entrusted me to look after their houses before they left. I also have two vacant warehouses. If we squeeze in, accommodating two or three hundred people shouldn't be a problem!"

Comrade Tian Dan? Her affair has caused quite a stir; I've heard about it. Finding her shouldn't be difficult. I'll give you a definite answer tonight, or at the latest tomorrow morning!

"I'll be here tomorrow morning at eight o'clock, waiting for your message!"

Following the address provided by Zhang Chaoyang, He Ping'an dispersed the elite troops into platoons and squads. He himself found a bathhouse and tidied himself up thoroughly. Having finally returned to Beiping, he wanted to go home and visit!

Evening in Beiping was filled with the aroma of cooking fires; even with the army besieging the city, the people still had enough to eat. More than a year after leaving home, the courtyard remained largely unchanged.

Perhaps it was his youth, but He Ping'an was at peace, without any particular sentimentality, strolling leisurely as if he had never left. He was as casual as the master and apprentice in front of him, simply going home from work.

Yi Zhonghai and Jia Dongxu, who were chatting idly, were both surprised to see He Ping'an.

More than a year had passed, and Jia Dongxu had become much more composed, his eyes displaying a greater sense of calm and confidence. However, when he looked at He Ping'an, dressed in a suit and tie, the light in his eyes dimmed considerably.

Somewhat reserved, they took the initiative to greet others.

"Uncle He, you...you're back!"

"Hmm!" He Ping'an nodded with a smile, his gaze sweeping over Yi Zhonghai and Jia Dongxu. It sounded like a playful jest.

"You two, master and apprentice, have such a good relationship! Even after get off work, you're still huddled together, inseparable!"

Perhaps because he'd been playing the good guy for so long, Yi Zhonghai did seem much more amiable than a year ago. However, his attitude was even more reserved than Jia Dongxu's, and even carried a hint of fear.

"Brother Ping An, you're back!"

"Okay! Lao Yi, you guys chat, I'll head back first..."

Seeing the open door, He Ping'an abandoned his plan to tease the beast. He quickly stepped past Jia Yi and his apprentice, expertly taking the little one from He Daqing's arms. He weighed her in his hands, then tenderly stroked Xiaoyushui's face.

"Why is our little Yushui so thin? Has she been missing meals? Has she been missing her uncle?"

"Uncle...?" The three-and-a-half-year-old blinked his big, questioning eyes, his pink, lotus-root-like little arms poking at He Ping'an's chest, distantly refusing to get close.

He Ping'an wasn't disappointed... It's normal for a two-year-old child to forget things after more than a year.