Chapter 1045
Taking Down Zhang Anping!
Mo Die Lin Hotel.
Duan Yun, the deputy director of the Operations Division of the Beiping Station of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, and known as the "Flying Thief," was standing nervously in the corridor, waiting for Zhang Anping to summon him.
Duan Yun studied under the legendary thief Yanzi Li San. After joining the Military Intelligence Bureau, he shone brightly in operations and was eventually introduced to Mao Renfeng's command.
Not long after joining Mao Renfeng's ranks, Dai Chunfeng died in Daishan, which propelled Mao Renfeng's status to new heights, eventually making him the (acting) director of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics.
Logically speaking, with such a powerful backer, Duan Yun should have been extremely arrogant.
But he was born at the wrong time. First, he encountered the "ruthless ghost" Xu Tian—Xu Tian, who was used to being calm, smoothed out all his thorns.
Later, Xu Tian was transferred to Gu Shenyan's position. Facing the "good guy" Gu Shenyan, Duan Yun's thorns grew back. As a result, after a few months, his thorns and thorn sacs were completely removed by the "good guy" Gu Shenyan.
Looking at the Nanjing Bureau headquarters where the flags changed hands every few days, Duan Yunsui even gave up any idea of turning the tables. From then on, he obediently accepted the "allowance" that Gu Shenyan had earned for the Beiping Station, just going through the motions.
It wasn't until a telegram from Mao Renfeng jolted him out of his "dazed and confused" state.
"Go to hell!"
Upon receiving Mao Renfeng's telegram, Duan Yun immediately launched into a tirade of profanities.
Are you kidding me? Letting me do something under Commander Zhang's nose?
Zheng Yaoquan, the director of the Second Bureau, also held the title of deputy minister of the GFB, but in the end, he had to run away in disgrace in Beiping. What others saw was that Commander Zhang was being suppressed and humiliated by Zheng Yaoquan, but as the deputy director of the Beiping Station's Action Department, he knew all too well what kind of puppet Zheng Yaoquan was, having heard Zhang Anping say that he had to "obey" Zheng Yaoquan's orders.
Zheng Yaoquan, the director of the Beiping branch of the Party's Communications Bureau and one of the first high-ranking officials to pledge allegiance after his "comeback," encountered Zhang Anping at least four or five times in his office!
The so-called illusion that Deputy Minister Zheng was suppressing Commander Zhang—only laymen could come up with such a claim. Insiders in the intelligence system know that Zheng Yaoquan was completely being kept by Commander Zhang!
Faced with such a ruthless and extraordinary person who could manipulate a high-ranking official like Zheng Yaoquan without making a sound, how could he allow himself to do things right under the nose of such a person?
"Do you really think I'm tired of living?!"
So he immediately placed the telegram respectfully on Zhang Anping's desk.
Now, Zhang Anping summoned him again—Duan Yun's intuition told him that this summons was most likely something extraordinary, like a divine fart.
After waiting for about twenty minutes, and watching Director Qi of the Beiping Party Headquarters and Commander Zhang of the Military Police Corps leave one after the other, Secretary Zheng Yi called him:
"District Chief, please come in."
He quickly and respectfully followed Zheng Yi's footsteps and entered Zhang Anping's office once again.
He had been to Mo Dielin's office twice before, and this was the third time—the layout was exactly the same as the one at the Yandu Hotel. He had heard people say that this was Zhang Anping's so-called obsession, but Duan Yun knew very well that what nonsense about obsession was, it was just a way to fool Zheng Yaoquan!
It was clearly I who waited at the airport and told Zhang Anping the information that Zheng Yaoquan had taken over the place, but Zhang Anping deliberately staged a scene of "when the tree falls, the monkeys scatter", and made a wasted trip to Yandu Hotel.
It's ridiculous that Zheng Yaoquan thinks he got the better deal!
"sit!"
A single word instantly dispelled Duan Yun's wild thoughts. With utmost caution, he carefully placed half of his bottom on the sofa, looking expectantly at Zhang Anping, awaiting his instructions.
The so-called reputation of the thief was completely useless in the face of Commander Zhang.
Zhang Anping glanced at the cautious Duan Yun and said casually, "Take a look at the file on the coffee table—it's the action plan I finalized."
"Take a look first."
After saying that, Zhang Anping continued with his work. Duan Yun carefully took the file folder and opened it as quietly as possible, afraid of making a sound that might disturb Zhang Anping.
Upon opening the file, an action plan, including an action map, was unfolded. Duan Yun carefully studied it, and the more he researched it, the more admiring he became.
A person's reputation is well-deserved!
As expected of Commander Zhang, who is known for his action-oriented approach and keeps the Japanese up at night, the entire operation plan was designed ingeniously. Duan Yun considers himself an expert in action, but compared to the operation designed by Zhang Anping, his mediocre skills are really nothing to brag about!
Huh?
Why are the Party's intelligence bureau personnel the main force of the operation?
Zhang Anping, who was flipping through the documents, spoke without looking up: "Any questions?"
Duan Yun was startled, then stood up and carefully answered:
"Director, why is it the Party Affairs Bureau?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Anping closed the document, rubbed his temples, and then said:
"What do you think will happen to the Sui Army after Dong Zhenshan is killed?"
Duan Yun hesitated for a moment: "It must be a thunderous rage."
"Yes, it will surely be a furious outburst." Zhang Anping sighed softly, "Since you have sincerely pledged your allegiance to me, I naturally cannot treat you unfairly—"
"If the Party Affairs Bureau were to handle this matter, even if the Sui Army was dissatisfied, there would still be room for maneuver."
"But if we step in, how will we handle the situation? Will we shift the blame onto you?"
Duan Yun looked completely taken aback, and then mentally launched into a tirade against Mao Renfeng, whom he had met several times.
You damned Mao Renfeng!
You didn't consider your grandfather's safety at all from beginning to end!
Zhang Anping continued to sigh:
"To be honest, I don't agree with assassinating Dong Zhenshan as a way to intimidate others—"
"But this is ultimately an order from the director and the chief of staff. Although Mao Renfeng and Zheng Yaoquan bypassed me and directly appointed you to carry it out, it is still an order from above. Even if I am unwilling, I have no choice but to obey."
Duan Yun sensed a deep sense of helplessness in Zhang Anping's sigh, but due to his limited education, after thinking for a long time, he could only manage to utter one sentence:
"Director, your righteousness is admirable!"
Zhang Anping waved his hand: "Don't try to flatter others like everyone else—go and meet with Qi Qingbao later to discuss the details of the operation."
"You must complete the assassination within three days. After the mission is completed, I will arrange for you to go into hiding. When the time is right, I will send someone to escort you away to avoid being pursued by the Sui Army."
Duan Yun stood at attention solemnly:
"Please rest assured, Director, even if Duan Yun faces a hundred deaths, he is determined to complete the mission!"
At this moment, Duan Yun was deeply moved.
Spies often do dirty work, and those who do dirty work are often treated like chamber pots—treated with utmost care when needed, but discarded when not in use…
I absolutely hate it!
The practice of scapegoating is rampant.
He had sought refuge with Mao Renfeng and had been very filial to him during holidays, but Mao Renfeng still treated him like a chamber pot.
But look at Commander Zhang. To avoid being used as a pawn, he would rather give the credit to the Party Affairs Bureau.
The difference in quality is immediately apparent!
It's a pity I sought refuge too late; if only I had done it sooner...
"The current situation is different from that during the War of Resistance against Japan; there's no need to risk your life—remember this, and go!"
Duan Yun was even more moved.
No wonder the core members of Zhang's faction were loyal to Commander Zhang to the death!
For this act of loyalty, I, Duan Yun, will be absolutely loyal to Commander Zhang from this day forward and will never betray him!
……
Second Division of the Suppression Headquarters.
Ever since he sent out the intelligence, Director Yan has been constantly restless.
Zheng Yaoquan's plan was too vicious!
How will the higher-ups break this yin-yang dilemma?
If you were in a superior position, how would you handle this situation?
Should they directly side with Zhang Shih-hao, the master spy?
Given this person's shrewdness, his sudden defection would likely only arouse suspicion!
After a day of worry, Director Yan finally received a reply from his superiors—when he translated the digital code broadcast on the radio, he almost jumped for joy.
The superior's instructions are:
Should we directly confess our identities to Fu Huabei and report the contents of the two telegrams?
He wasn't excited by the instruction itself, but by the information behind it!
The progress of the peace talks is exceeding expectations!
Only when the peace talks progress to an unexpected degree will his superiors allow him to go to Fu Huabei to confess and report. If the progress is not going well, given his sensitive position, he certainly cannot go directly to confess.
After all, he was the director of the Second Division of the General Headquarters for the Suppression of Bandits, a true intelligence officer in the General Headquarters.
Now that he had received instructions from his superiors, Director Yan naturally did not hesitate any longer. He directly called Fu Huabei's office to make an appointment, saying that he had something important to report.
After consulting with the relevant authorities, the office informed Director Yan that he could now contact Commander Fu. Upon receiving this response, Director Yan took the two telegrams and headed straight to Fu Huabei's office.
In the office, Fu Huabei looked at the two telegrams presented by Director Yan with a cryptic expression.
After a long while, he looked at the respectful Director Yan with a complicated expression:
"I never expected... that you were one of them."
Director Yan calmly met Fu Huabei's inexplicable gaze:
"I have long since lost hope in this government."
Already in despair?
Fu Huabei's pale lips twitched. His daughter had long since given up on the government, and the intelligence chief of the entire North China Suppression Headquarters had also long since given up on it. Only he himself had always held onto illusions.
Looking back now, it's really laughable!
He was, after all, a hero who had risen to power step by step amidst the chaos of war. He quickly suppressed his complex emotions, pondered for a moment, and asked:
What do you think of Zheng Yaoquan's scheme involving yin and yang?
Director Yan had reviewed the telegram dozens of times and already knew the answer in his mind:
"He's killing multiple birds with one stone. Besides the so-called 'warning shot,' I think his bigger goal is Zhang Anping—his core objective is actually to take this opportunity to eliminate his political enemies."
Fu Huabei smiled, a smile full of sarcasm.
This is the Nationalist government!
Even at this critical juncture, a deputy minister like Zheng Yaoquan still considers eliminating political enemies as his top priority.
After shaking his head, Fu Huabei said:
"In that case, I'll grant his wish!"
"Yan Wu, if I authorize you, can you take down Duan Yun?"
Director Yan's answer was concise and to the point:
"can!"
Fu Huabei made no attempt to hide his intentions, saying, "Alright, then let's take him down! This whole thing was a conspiracy between Zhang Anping and Zheng Yaoquan!"
Fu Huabei had never actually considered dealing with Zhang Anping.
Loyal ministers are always admirable—without a doubt, in Fu Huabei's eyes, Zhang Anping was a rare and most loyal minister in the Kuomintang.
Therefore, he never considered taking down Zhang Anping.
But Zheng Yaoquan has now taught him a lesson:
Spies are spies after all; if you're not careful, you'll be outmaneuvered by them!
If Yan Wu hadn't been a member of the CCP, Zheng Yaoquan would definitely have plotted against He Jingzhai, a key figure in facilitating the peace talks. Zhang Anping's methods might not be any less ruthless than Zheng Yaoquan's; if he were to turn against them in the end, who knows who would suffer? Since that's the case, let's seize this opportunity to take down Zhang Anping!
Fu Huabei spoke so bluntly, how could Director Yan not understand?
Moreover, he actually approves of it.
Zhang Anping is a far greater threat than Zheng Yaoquan!
……
Duan Yun genuinely wanted to work.
After meeting with Qi Qingbao of the Party Communications Bureau, he immediately mobilized the bureau's personnel to make arrangements according to Zhang Anping's plan.
What he didn't know was that the moment he finalized the details with Qi Qingbao, the underground party comrades had all the details, down to the last word.
This was a plan doomed to fail, even if it was devised by an action genius like Zhang Anping!
Ironically, this doomed plan was attacked before it could even be set up!
night.
Duan Yun secretly met with Director Yan—he was just going through the motions; for this operation, he intended to bypass the Second Division and cooperate with the Party Affairs Bureau.
At the dinner table, amidst the clinking of glasses, Duan Yun was pretending to discuss the operation with Director Yan. Just as they finalized the detailed plan to begin in three days, the waiter delivering the food suddenly pulled out a gun and pointed the dark muzzle at him.
Duan Yun looked at Director Yan with an unchanged expression, wondering if the Party's communications bureau had leaked the information. At that moment, several burly men rushed in and tied him up.
At this moment, Duan Yun realized something was wrong, and he questioned Yan Wu sternly, "Yan Wu, what are you trying to do?"
"By order of Commander Fu, apprehend the rioters!"
Director Yan's words caused Duan Yun to be greatly shocked.
From Duan Yun's perspective, Director Yan is Zheng Yaoquan's man and a member of the Second Department.
But at this moment, Director Yan's words clearly revealed another startling fact:
I am Fu Huabei's man!
Seeing Duan Yun's visibly shocked expression, Director Yan squatted down to meet his gaze.
"Director Duan, you're from the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, so you should know the methods we use in this line of work—if you don't want to suffer, I suggest you be sensible."
"otherwise……"
Duan Yun's expression was uncertain, but he finally gritted his teeth:
"Speak, what do you want to know!"
Director Yan gave his subordinate a wink, then asked:
"Are you trying to assassinate Deputy Commander Dong?"
"Yes."
Director Yan immediately pressed further: "Zhang Anping instructed you, didn't he?"
Duan Yun shook his head without hesitation:
"No! It was Director Mao's order—it was a decision made jointly by the chief aide and the section chief. Director Mao was worried that Zhang Anping would disagree, so he kept this from Zhang Anping from the beginning."
Director Yan frowned: "Director Duan, are you covering for him?"
"What are you trying to cover up? I have Director Mao's secret telegram! You must have known about this too, right? Section Chief Yan—wait, are you trying to get me to implicate Zhang Anping?"
Duan Yun then revealed a strange smile:
"Since you want me to bite you, that's fine with me! But..."
"Nonsense!" Director Yan said sternly, "Why are you trying to implicate him? Tell me the truth as you know it!"
Not a single word was missed!
A barely perceptible sneer flashed across Duan Yun's lips. He was a disciple of Yanzi Li San, and his hearing was extraordinary. He had already heard the other noises outside. In addition, Director Yan was clearly asking him to implicate Zhang Anping, so he deliberately answered in this way.
Sure enough, Director Yan started to pretend to be "upright".
He then recounted the story in detail—the version that Director Yan was familiar with, without revealing that he had already informed Zhang Anping about the matter, nor did he betray that Zhang Anping had already planned to assassinate Dong Zhenshan.
But Duan Yun took it for granted!
Because after he finished speaking, an unexpected person appeared.
Qi Qingbao, Director of the Beiping Branch of the Party Communications Bureau!
The moment Duan Yun saw Qi Qingbao, his expression changed drastically.
"you?"
Qi Qingbao glanced at Duan Yun expressionlessly, then took out a document and placed it on the table:
“Zhang Anping was aware of this matter. Not only was he aware of it, but he also personally wrote this action plan. Duan Yun and I have already been arranging the assassination. Here are the relevant documents. Please take a look, Director Yan.”
Duan Yun's eyes widened in fury: "Qi Qingbao, how dare you betray Commander Zhang!"
Qi Qingbao glanced calmly at Duan Yun:
"Deputy Director Duan and Mr. Qi were ultimately acting in the best interests of the whole."
This made Duan Yun burst into laughter.
In the past, Zhang Anping often used this phrase, but now, ironically, someone is using it against him.
That's really... ridiculous!
"Commander Zhang is against it!"
He shouted, "Commander Zhang believes that assassinating Dong Zhenshan will only escalate the conflict!"
"But these are orders from the section chief and the chief aide. Although Zheng Yaoquan and Mao Renfeng bypassed Commander Zhang, Commander Zhang had no choice but to obey! So after I secretly reported this matter, Commander Zhang had no choice but to carry out the order!"
Duan Yun wasn't shouting for Director Yan to hear; he was shouting for everyone outside to hear!
Director Yan's swordplay was aimed at Liu Bang, and Duan Yun was well aware of this, so he shifted the blame to Mao Renfeng and Zheng Yaoquan.
But Qi Qingbao's appearance shattered his efforts.
Duan Yun guessed that the Sui Army wanted to take this opportunity to deal with Zhang Anping, so he simply shouted out the truth—compared to Mao Renfeng, who treated him like a chamber pot, he genuinely wanted to protect Zhang Anping!
Director Yan looked at Duan Yun with considerable surprise.
Duan Yun's shout clearly revealed his purpose in protecting Zhang Anping. However, as far as he knew, Duan Yun had always been Mao Renfeng's man. Zhang Anping had only been in Beiping for a short time, and had even imprisoned all the key members of the Beiping station of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics. Yet, despite such actions, Duan Yun, a member of the Mao faction, was still devoted to him.
That's truly remarkable!
After giving Duan Yun a deep look, Director Yan waved his hand and said, "Take him away!"
As Duan Yun was helped out of the private room, he saw the crowd of "listeners" outside:
The two leaders of the Central Army, Li and Shi, along with several army commanders, and a number of key figures from the Sui Army!
Clearly, the real purpose of this "interrogation" was to let those outside hear the truth.
After Duan Yun recognized the audience, he immediately shouted, "Commander Li, Commander Shi, Commander Zhang was acting under orders. He cares most about the overall situation. Assassinating Deputy Commander Dong was definitely not Commander Zhang's intention!"
No one responded to him; his voice grew fainter and fainter until it disappeared completely as he was being put into the car.
Outside the private room, the group of Central Army generals who had been "invited" remained silent.
They were invited to "eat" by their colleagues in the Sui Army, but this meal turned into a trap.
At this moment, Dong Zhenshan, the person who was intended to be assassinated, spoke leisurely:
"Commander Li, Commander Shi, what are your thoughts on this matter?"
Commander Li remained silent, while Commander Shi, after a moment of silence, asked in return:
"What do you want?"
"Director Zhang's actions have truly surprised us!" Dong Zhenshan said slowly and deliberately.
"Duan Yun, that spy, is a complete liar! How could someone of his status as chief of staff and section chief do such a despicable thing?"
"It must be Director Zhang pretending to be the section chief and the chief attendant's intention—how about leaving this matter to Nanjing for a decision?"
Commander Shi gave Dong Zhenshan a deep look:
"Brother Zhenshan, what about before that?"
"To avoid any misunderstanding, we'd like to temporarily protect Director Zhang. What's your opinion, Commander Shi?"
Commander Shi nodded slowly:
"it is good!"
Seeing that Commander Shi had agreed, Dong Zhenshan breathed a sigh of relief. The Central Army had finally gained the upper hand in Beiping. The attitude of the Central Army was very important in order to take down Zhang Anping. Otherwise, why would they have bothered to put on this show?
Taking down Duan Yun would be incredibly easy!
Fortunately, Zhang Anping's involvement was too deep, so even though the Central Army was unhappy, they had no choice but to accept it.
……
After leaving the restaurant, Li and Shi rode in the same car.
After a long silence, Commander Li finally spoke:
"Fu Huabei has probably already made contact with them."
Commander Shi nodded slowly. If that weren't the case, why would he be in such a hurry to detain Zhang Anping?
Commander Li looked at Commander Shi in surprise—he wasn't angry about this at all.
Commander Shi sensed Commander Li's surprise and spoke quietly:
"Tianjin has fallen, what can Fu Huabei do now?"
Commander Li remained silent. Yes, the seemingly impregnable fortress of Tianjin fell in just over twenty hours. Anyone in Fu Huabei's shoes would be disheartened.
"Our unit is currently demoralized, and the Communists are stirring up trouble, but... but we can't seem to get anywhere with the investigation!" Commander Shi said bitterly.
"At such a critical juncture, the chief aide still thought of making an example of the enemy and assassinating key generals of the Sui Army!"
"In addition, internal sabotage is even more difficult to guard against! Anping has always been focused on the big picture, but in the end he could not disobey orders and ended up like this."
"What can we do right now?"
Commander Li unconsciously tightened his cloak, gazed wistfully out the window, and after a long while, slowly uttered a sentence:
"This winter is so cold?"
……
Mo Die Lin Hotel.
Zhang Anping's office.
Seeing that Zhang Anping was about to pour him tea, Zheng Yi hurriedly stood up:
"District Chief, I'll take care of it."
Zhang Anping said without hesitation, "I'll do it!"
Zheng Yi had no choice but to let Zhang Anping pour him tea.
Setting down the kettle, Zhang Anping walked to the window and gazed out:
"This year is a mild winter."
Zheng Yi looked puzzled. Winters in Beiping are anything but warm!
Seeing Zheng Yi's confusion, Zhang Anping smiled and said, "Look, they're here—"
Then, he said to Zheng Yi meaningfully:
"Don't panic, everything is under control!" (End of Chapter)