Chapter 1049
Using a Borrowed Knife to Kill
How much credibility do the politicians of the Nationalist government have?
Zhang Anping recognized their lack of credibility from the very beginning—this group of people wouldn't even be able to scan a power bank in later generations!
At this moment, Emperor Tang Zong once again proved Zhang Anping's opinion of them through his actions.
Previously, Tang Zong came to Zhang Anping and said:
I, Tang, will never go against you again!
Then, he proved with his actions what it means to be true and to let one's word go.
"Director Mao, if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold!"
Tang Zong, acting as the middleman, said to Mao Renfeng with great sorrow:
"If you drag Zheng Yaoquan into this to deal with Zhang Anping, who will stand with you against Zhang in the future?"
Mao Renfeng sneered: "During our previous cooperation, I was completely open and honest with Zheng Yaoquan! And what happened? Zheng Yaoquan is two-faced! He not only tried to scheme against Zhang Anping, but also against me!"
"If his scheme succeeds, I, Mao, will never be able to shake off this enormous blame!"
Mao Renfeng still harbors a deep grudge against Zheng Yaoquan for scheming against her.
Mao Renfeng, the esteemed director of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, once easily squeezed out the idiot Zheng Yaoquan from the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Zhang Anping: Huh?). In order to fight against Zhang together, he humbled himself before Zheng Yaoquan and bowed his head at every turn.
As a result, that bastard Zheng Yaoquan actually betrayed us!
They have absolutely no political credibility!
Emperor Tang empathized and said:
"This matter was indeed Vice Minister Zheng's fault, but right now the most important thing is to join hands and work together to deal with Zhang Anping."
"Director Mao, even if you temporarily suppressed Zhang Anping by dragging Vice Minister Zheng down with you, do you think Zhang Anping can be completely defeated given his position in the Chief of Staff's eyes?"
"If he makes a comeback in the future, how should Director Mao deal with it?"
Upon hearing this, Mao Renfeng's expression turned serious, as if he had been persuaded by Emperor Tang.
Was he really persuaded by Emperor Tang?
Do not!
In fact, after Zheng Yaoquan called, Mao Renfeng decided to join forces with Zheng Yaoquan and take this opportunity to strike Zhang Anping hard.
But he was in a dilemma – he had been outmaneuvered by Zheng Yaoquan before, and if he let bygones be bygones, he would not only fail to win over the public, but would also be looked down upon by Zheng Yaoquan.
Therefore, a middleman is needed to act as a bridge.
With the help of a middleman, Mao Renfeng was able to take the opportunity to squeeze some money out of Zheng Yao.
So when Tang Zong invited him, he pretended not to know anything and accepted the invitation!
As a cunning old fox, how could Tang Zong not know what Mao Renfeng was thinking?
So he took the opportunity to give Mao Renfeng this way out.
Logically speaking, he could have stayed out of it and there was absolutely no need for him to get involved.
But Emperor Tang realized the danger!
According to his understanding, Zhang Anping's trip to Beiping was highly praised by commanders such as Li and Shi. These two commanders repeatedly praised Zhang Anping for prioritizing the overall situation and having very little personal bias.
In the past, when the army was defeated, the generals in charge often blamed the intelligence system. But this time, Emperor Tang believed that Li and Shi would definitely not blame Zhang Anping.
Since Li and Shi will not shift the blame to Zhang Anping, it means that Zhang Anping will definitely not be implicated in the Beiping incident and will not be ruined from then on.
In contrast, what did Zheng Yaoquan and Mao Renfeng do?
It is widely known that Zheng Yaoquan deserted his post, and it is also obvious that the two of them colluded and plotted against Zhang Anping. If Zhang Anping is not held accountable, the two of them may not be so lucky.
Right now, the chief attendant is holed up in Xikou licking his wounds and certainly won't directly pursue Zheng Yaoquan and Mao Renfeng, but trust has definitely diminished. If the opportunity arises in the future, the two will definitely be dealt with.
Zhang Anping is too young!
Youth means greater possibilities, but once the constraints are lost...
This had always been a concern for Emperor Tang, so this time, he "resolutely" became the middleman.
Seeing that the time was ripe, Tang Zong stood up and said, "Director Mao, please have a seat. I'll be right back!"
He never came back after that trip—as the middleman, he had done his job of connecting the dots, and he wouldn't get involved in the rest. Fighting Zhang Anping was their business, and he wasn't going to get involved!
He didn't come in again; instead, Zheng Yaoquan did.
"Director Mao, how have you been?"
Mao Renfeng gave Zheng Yaoquan a cold look as he entered and greeted her:
"Director Zheng, I admire you! I truly admire you!"
Holy crap!
Zheng Yaoquan gritted his teeth inwardly. When he was currying favor with me, he kept calling me Vice Minister Zheng. Now that he has the upper hand, he's starting to call me Director Zheng.
"It's a misunderstanding, it's all a misunderstanding!" Zheng Yaoquan sat down with a wry smile: "I was also tricked - who would have thought that Yan Wu would be a Communist Party spy!"
"Zheng spent his days playing with hawks, but he never expected to suffer such a great loss in front of Yan Wu!"
Although Director Yan's identity was not explicitly stated, his actions of "betraying" and betraying Zheng Yaoquan had already revealed his true identity and stance.
Of course, there are conspiracy theories that suggest Director Yan might be one of Zhang Anping's men—but neither Zheng Yaoquan nor Mao Renfeng agree with this view.
Zhang Anping was ultimately a gentleman!
Mao Renfeng sneered. Luckily, Yan Wu was an underground party member. If he hadn't, Mao would have suffered a great loss this time!
"Director Zheng, there are some things we shouldn't pretend to be ignorant about—I don't trust you anymore!"
Zheng Yaoquan's lips twitched.
Mao Renfeng said he couldn't be trusted, but in reality, he was asking for an exorbitant amount!
Sincerity!
This bastard is clearly demanding "sincerity," and sincerity is nothing more than benefits.
What's most disgusting is that Mao Renfeng deliberately didn't speak.
They're practically begging to be handed over!
But at this point, Zheng Yaoquan had almost no room to resist—if he didn't back down, he would just wait for Mao Renfeng to drag him down with him!
Moreover, what Zheng Yaoquan fears most is:
Mao Renfeng used a strategy of retreat as a means of advancement!
After dragging himself down, he would then join forces with Zhang Anping to bring down Zhang, the director of the Second Department. Mao Renfeng would then flee to the Second Department. Theoretically, this shouldn't happen, but what if it does?
If this happens, who can he turn to for justice?
Zheng Yaoquan, having no other choice but to submit to the situation, began to express his sincerity.
Mao Renfeng sat firmly in the central command tent. When Zheng Yaoquan made a gesture of goodwill, Mao Renfeng responded with a nonchalant "Hmm." When Zheng Yaoquan made another gesture of goodwill, Mao Renfeng responded with another "Hmm."
The constant "hmm"s almost drove Zheng Yaoquan to the brink of collapse—are you trying to devour the entire Second Hall?
Faced with Mao Renfeng's insatiable appetite, Zheng Yaoquan finally couldn't take it anymore and angrily stood up:
"Mao Renfeng, don't be so ungrateful!"
"If you keep asking for exorbitant prices, believe me, I'll go find Zhang Anping right now—as for his hatred for you and me, do you think you, Mao Renfeng, are any less than me? While he was away, you stole his stronghold!"
While Zhang Anping was busy in Beiping, Mao Renfeng used Gu Shenyan's affair to obtain the "Imperial Sword" from the chief attendant. After wiping out Zhang Anping's loyal followers in Nanjing, they were basically all purged. Now they are all imprisoned in the No. 3 stronghold, and their positions have been taken by others.
Even if these people eventually pass the review, they will have to wait in line for the positions that have been taken.
That's why Zheng Yaoquan said you stole his lair.
Unexpectedly, Mao Renfeng was not angry at this moment, but instead smiled and said:
"Deputy Minister Zheng, don't worry, don't worry!"
"We are both pitiful people in the same boat, why are we so eager to harm each other!"
Zheng Yaoquan nearly exploded. "Damn it, you were just going on and on like a glutton or a mythical beast, and now you've remembered we're in the same boat?"
But Mao Renfeng's statement also means that he has accepted the price, and next, it's time to talk about cooperation!
The anger on Zheng Yaoquan's face subsided. He slowly sat down and said in an approving tone:
"Yes, we are all from the same root, why are we so eager to harm each other?"
The two old foxes felt as if a smile could resolve a thousand grudges.
But both of them knew that the other would love to kill them with a knife.
“Vice Minister Zheng, in your opinion, how should we deal with him this time? As of now, no useful information has come from Beiping. Given Zhang Anping’s personality, I am certain that he did not desert in the face of battle. There must be some reason that you and I do not know.”
Zheng Yaoquan's lips twitched involuntarily. He suspected that Mao Renfeng was implying that he had deserted in the face of battle...
Suppressing his anger, Zheng Yaoquan said quietly:
"I think we can approach this from multiple angles, firstly..."
"Tianjin!"
Tianjin?
Mao Renfeng adopted a humble posture: "Please enlighten me, Vice Minister Zheng!"
"Wu Jingzhong left Tianjin before the battle, with Zhang Anping's permission—and as soon as Wu Jingzhong left, during the fall of Tianjin, the acting station chief Yu Zecheng immediately defected, which is no small matter!"
Mao Renfeng pondered upon hearing this.
He had actually forgotten about this matter—in fact, he hadn't forgotten, but Wu Jingzhong not only "apologized" to him after returning to Nanjing, but also deliberately belittled himself.
After all, he was doing a service for money, and having accepted Wu Jingzhong's "apology," he instinctively forgot about that matter. Feasible!
"And the second one?"
Zheng Yaoquan smiled wryly:
"Someone has to take responsibility for the upheaval in Beiping—Zhang Anping has returned, but Commanders Li and Shi, as well as several other military commanders, have not yet returned. This matter could be used to make a fuss! What does Director Mao think?"
"That works! Anything else?"
Mao Renfeng thought it was feasible, but he didn't think it could defeat Zhang Anping.
"third……"
Zheng Yaoquan's expression turned deep and cold:
"Everyone knows that Zhang Anping is the chief attendant's most loyal lackey. How could the acting chief attendant Li not know this? Isn't this a perfect opportunity?"
Mao Renfeng gave a thumbs up: "Director Zheng is very insightful! I admire him! How about we leave this matter to Director Zheng to plan?"
How could Mao Renfeng not know this?
In fact, he had already considered the feasibility of this matter!
Absolutely feasible!
He almost did it—but he didn't in the end because he always believed that Xikou and Nanjing were 80/20, and if he did it, he would definitely be held accountable in the future!
Now that Zheng Yaoquan has foolishly brought it up, of course he has to let Zheng Yaoquan do it!
Shifting blame—anyone can do that.
Zheng Yaoquan's gaze turned fierce as he stared intently at Mao Renfeng, who responded with a smile, but ultimately succumbed to his aggression.
In this alliance, the initiative lay with Mao Renfeng, and he... had no choice but to suffer losses.
"I'll do it!"
Zheng Yaoquan admitted defeat, and then said:
"However, we still need a trigger—this matter requires our joint efforts."
"Vice Minister Zheng, please speak!"
"public opinion--"
Zheng Yaoquan said quietly:
"Right now, only Zhang Anping can escape. Let's seize this opportunity and work together to nail Zhang Anping to the pillar of shame. What do you think?"
Mao Renfeng gave Zheng Yaoquan a deep look, a look of admiration on her face, and then said:
"Director Zheng, you are truly a master strategist!"
He genuinely admired him.
Mao Renfeng had considered using Li Dai, the chief attendant, to deal with Zhang Anping, but doing so would raise a core issue:
Stand in line!
Once he did this, it meant that he had sided with Li Dai, the chief attendant.
Mao Renfeng almost took sides, but he stopped himself in the end—because he really didn't think highly of Li Daishichang.
Therefore, after Zheng Yaoquan proposed using someone else to commit murder, he decisively shifted the blame and let Zheng Yaoquan carry it out.
All of Zheng Yaoquan's current methods, when put together, are essentially for one purpose:
Make Zhang Anping a scapegoat!
He didn't need to actively approach Li Daishichang at all; instead, he fabricated charges, created public opinion, and put Zhang Anping's head directly under Li Daishichang's knife!
If the Chief Attendant of the Imperial Household Department wanted to establish himself permanently in the Imperial Household Department, it was inevitable that he would have to eliminate the Chief Attendant's close associates.
Zheng Yaoquan's method was to "deliver Zhang Anping to his doorstep," at which point Li Dai, the chief attendant, would simply raise his knife, and Zhang Anping would be finished.
By doing so, Zheng Yaoquan can remain uninvolved.
Mao Renfeng was therefore deeply impressed.
Zheng Yaoquan laughed heartily:
"Director Mao is too kind. I was just going with the flow."
……
After ending his collusion with Zheng Yaoquan, Mao Renfeng went back and secretly began making arrangements. During his arrangements, a telegram he had personally drafted was placed on the table as a finished product.
[Your Excellency, Chairman]
A sudden and dramatic change has occurred in Beiping, and Fu Huabei's whereabouts are unknown. Further details are pending verification.
However, Zhang Anping, the deputy director of the Ministry of State Security's Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, who was in charge of the North China intelligence system, returned to Nanjing at this time, which was highly suspicious.
To prevent the situation from escalating, the department has already detained Zhang Anping temporarily and is keeping him under proper supervision, not daring to act on its own.
However, the department was well aware that the infighting within the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics was a pain for the party and the country, and the department was unwilling to give others a reason to criticize it, let alone be accused of seeking personal revenge.
This matter is of great importance, affecting the overall situation in North China. As a lowly official, I have little influence and am not qualified to make a decision on my own.
We earnestly request that the Chairman send someone to Beijing immediately to personally question Zhang Anping, investigate the matter thoroughly, and set the record straight.
The department will fully cooperate and will not interfere.
Mao Renfeng respectfully presents
January 21, 1949
Upon reading the telegram, Mao Renfeng revealed a meaningful expression.
Zheng Yaoquan, Zheng Yaoquan, do you think you're the only one who can backstab people?
Mr. Mao, too!
……
Xikou.
The chief attendant stared at the telegram sent by Mao Renfeng for a long time without moving.
Suddenly, he angrily crumpled the telegram into a ball and roared:
"Zhang Anping, I trusted you so much! When the upheaval occurred in Beiping, not only did you do nothing, but you were the first to leave! How hateful! How hateful!"
The head attendant was furious.
Having just stepped down from his post and arrived in Xikou, Fu Huabei from Beiping delivered an astonishing "gift".
The information has not yet been fully verified, and the situation in Beiping is still unclear. However, Zhang Anping, as the head of the Beiping intelligence agency, has returned to Nanjing!
Outrageous!
Outrageous!
The attendant Zhuang, who had personally delivered the telegram, cautiously addressed the enraged head attendant:
"Chief Attendant, there may be a misunderstanding."
"Misunderstand?"
The head servant looked at Attendant Zhuang with a puzzled expression, his gaze deep.
Attendant Zhuang shuddered, and forced himself to speak:
"Some time ago, Fu Huabei used the pretext that Deputy Director Zhang intended to assassinate a general of the Sui Army, and placed Deputy Director Zhang under house arrest!"
Upon hearing this, the chief attendant immediately realized what was going on.
Yes, because of those two idiots, the little guy suffered an undeserved misfortune and was placed under house arrest by Fu Huabei!
How could he obtain intelligence in a timely manner while under house arrest?
But why did he return to Nanjing when the upheaval occurred in Beiping?
There must be something fishy about this!
"Go to Nanjing!"
The head servant had a stern face:
"This matter must be thoroughly investigated and brought to the bottom of!"
……
January 22, 1949, morning.
Zhuang, who had hurriedly returned to Nanjing from Xikou, went straight to the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics after getting off the plane.
He wanted to meet Zhang Anping in person.
But just as the convoy was traveling to the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, the newsboys' cries made Zhuang's attendant's eyes widen in surprise.
(Do any of you gentlemen still have monthly passes? They'll expire in three hours...) (End of Chapter)