Chapter 1055
What right does he have to complain about me?!
Xikou.
Myoko Terrace.
After leaving Zheng Yaoquan and Mao Renfeng out in the cold for a full three hours, the chief attendant finally signaled to let the two into the reception room.
Clearly, "leaving them out" was his way of putting the two of them in a difficult position.
Mao Renfeng and Zheng Yaoquan understood this as well, so during the three hours they were left waiting, they didn't exchange a single word, sitting still and waiting without showing the slightest impatience.
For the two of them, the chief attendant's "exile" at this time was actually good news.
The fact that the chief attendant was willing to reprimand the two men indicates that he has no intention of replacing them.
However, treating them gently would only make them uneasy.
Finally, it's all "drying" now!
After the two followed the attendant into the reception room, they greeted the head attendant together and then apologized to each other.
"Now you all know you're guilty?"
Seeing this, the chief aide-de-camp didn't hold back and immediately lashed out: "Where were you all this time? At a time when the Party and the country are in peril, you, as the heads of the intelligence agency, are still clinging to your petty schemes. What kind of logic is that?"
The two men were filled with fear and trepidation, bowing their heads and remaining silent, letting the attendant rage on.
After a fierce and heated exchange, the chief attendant's anger completely subsided.
"Speak, what brings you two here together?"
Zheng Yaoquan's mouth twitched, but he had to give up his plan to speak first. They had agreed on the plane that when the two of them told the chief of staff about their "retirement at the height of their careers" plan, they would each take a part, but Mao Renfeng had to speak first.
He intended to break the rules and be the first to show his face, but in the end he chose to back down.
"Chief Attendant, this is what's going on—for the past few days, the Attendant's Office has been trying to infiltrate the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics and the Second Bureau..."
Mao Renfeng and Zheng Yaoquan recounted their story in a back-and-forth manner, and as they spoke, the chief attendant's eyes brightened considerably, and even his gaze towards the two men softened.
After the two had finished speaking, the chief attendant's first words were:
"You two are heartbroken this time, very good, very good!"
"Just do as you say, go for it!"
"Funding..."
After hesitating for a moment, the chief aide said, "We don't need to wait for the government to allocate the funds; I'll approve it for you!"
The chief attendant was truly ruthless. Although he was nominally out of office, he held onto financial, military, and core personnel power tightly.
He had previously planned to have the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, the Second Bureau, and the Party Affairs Bureau "dispute over pay" to put pressure on Li Dai, but now the actions of these two agencies are much to his liking, so the funds have been allocated directly!
Mao Renfeng and Zheng Yaoquan were overjoyed. The biggest challenge of their plan was funding—the two had originally planned to focus on raising money, but they never expected that the chief of staff would actually allocate funds.
Very good!
"By the way, since there was a covert evacuation, let's end the interrogation of the little guy here—" The chief attendant turned to Mao Renfeng and said:
“I’ve heard more or less about what happened in Beiping, so I can’t blame the little guy this time.”
As he spoke, his gaze lingered deliberately on Zheng Yaoquan for a moment, the meaning of which was quite clear:
I'm not blind or deaf; I know what you've done!
Mao Renfeng hesitated and did not immediately agree.
The head attendant frowned: "What, do you have a problem with that?"
"Your subordinate wouldn't dare!" Mao Renfeng quickly lowered his head: "It's just... I feel that Deputy Director Zhang has some grievances."
The chief attendant's gaze narrowed slightly:
"Complaints?!"
He firmly believes in one principle:
Thunder and rain, all are the Emperor's grace!
He was more tolerant of high-ranking military officials, but he demanded absolute loyalty from intelligence agencies.
He finds the word "complaint" the most unacceptable.
Thunder and rain are both acts of imperial favor—if you don't even understand this principle, what use are you?
Are you betraying me?
Mao Renfeng, however, was well aware of the art of "crooked words." Directly criticizing Zhang Anping would have been counterproductive, so when faced with the chief attendant's questions, he directly resorted to the "blame-shifting tactic":
"It is not appropriate for me to relay this matter, as it would be considered spreading rumors. You may inquire with Attendant Zhuang, Chief Attendant."
Zheng Yaoquan glanced at Mao Renfeng slightly. "You, Mao Renfeng, that was a brilliant move!"
Even if Attendant Zhuang really intended to protect Zhang Anping, with your words, he would definitely have to think twice.
The head attendant's gaze sharpened slightly, then he suddenly chuckled, "You are indeed cautious—that's a good habit!"
Mao Renfeng breathed a sigh of relief. He had weighed the pros and cons and considered the consequences of directly filing a complaint. In the end, he chose to force the attendant Zhuang to relay the message in this way.
Judging from the chief attendant's reaction, it was undoubtedly a great success.
The chief attendant stopped pursuing the matter and instead gave the two men "guidance" on their work, praising them in return – a typical "punishment followed by a reward" approach.
Just as he was about to dismiss the two men, a servant came in to report:
"Chief Attendant, Attendant Zhuang, along with Commander Li, Commander Shi, and a group of military commanders, are waiting outside—Deputy Director Zhang of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics is also among them."
As the attendant spoke, he glanced at Mao Renfeng with an extremely subtle movement.
There were indeed conflicts among the attendants, but since they were all so-called close ministers of the emperor, the intensity of the conflicts was extremely low, and they were also deliberately protecting the overall interests of this small circle of attendants.
Mao Renfeng and Zheng Yaoquan's attempt to evade the "surprise attack" by Zhuang's servants aroused extreme resentment among the servants.
While they telegraphed Attendant Zhuang, they also used various means to delay the time. In addition, the chief attendant deliberately left the two of them waiting for three hours, which allowed Attendant Zhuang to return.
That one look from him was a warning to Mao Renfeng!
You, a spy, want to mess with us servants?!
Think beautiful!
"They're all here?" The chief attendant, of course, was unaware of the intricacies involved. He had just finished "instructing" the two men and said, "Send them away—and have Wei Hong bring Li Zuobin and the others in while you're at it."
The attendant was about to lead Mao Renfeng and Zheng Yaoquan away, but the head attendant called out to him, "Wait!"
"Let the little one wait outside."
As soon as the term "little guy" was uttered, Mao Renfeng and Zheng Yaoquan couldn't help but exchange a furtive glance, both of them seeing a deep sense of apprehension in each other's eyes.
The current Zhang Anping has nothing to do with the word "little guy" anymore, but in this person's mouth, Zhang Anping is still "little guy".
This also means that Mao Renfeng's previous "crooked mouth" had no effect whatsoever.
Suppressing their despair and disappointment, the two followed the servants away, completely unaware that the chief servant's gaze had become unusually deep at that moment.
He knew perfectly well what Mao Renfeng and Zheng Yaoquan were wary of.
The simple term "little guy" is like a whip for driving donkeys, continuing to lash these two clumsy donkeys.
……
Mao Renfeng and Zheng Yaoquan were led away by their servants. After they went outside, they ran into Zhuang's servants and others who were waiting there.
The two men acted as if nothing was wrong, greeting Attendant Zhuang, Li, Shi, and a group of military commanders and division commanders. Attendant Zhuang nodded in response, but Li and Shi gave them cold looks.
Mao Renfeng and Zheng Yaoquan seemed oblivious to those cold stares, their smiles remaining unchanged—but the smiles froze in the next second!
Because they saw Zhang Anping.
A more haggard version of Zhang Anping!
Zhang Anping stared directly at the two men with eyes burning with anger.
Faced with Zhang Anping's furious, murderous gaze, Zheng Yaoquan's heart skipped a beat—not because of the gaze, but because he was shocked by Zhang Anping's state.
He looked at Mao Renfeng incredulously, his eyes asking inquiringly:
Is this how you vetted him? You...you're ruthless!
Mao Renfeng froze on the spot, his consciousness momentarily frozen.
He knew the chief attendant's temperament well; his taunts would definitely cause the chief attendant to harbor resentment—this time he might not say it outright, but the seed of resentment would certainly take root and sprout in his heart.
Can……
But Zhang Anping, don't go this far!
In just a few days, you've lost so much weight—in this state, what grudge does the chief attendant have?
He'll hate me to death!
At this moment, Mao Renfeng never considered another possibility:
A self-inflicted injury ruse!
He only felt that his subordinates were carrying out his orders in an exaggerated manner.
But he never intended to do this to Zhang Anping!
As the footsteps faded away, only the three secret service leaders remained. Faced with this strange standoff, Zheng Yaoquan broke the silence, speaking in a tone of questioning, surprise, and slight anger:
"Old Mao, you've gone too far!"
"A scholar can be killed but not humiliated—you've gone too far!"
Zheng Yaoquan almost laughed himself to death. Mao Renfeng, you're really ruthless! Ruthless in a clever and ingenious way!
Judging from how the chief attendant addressed the young man, it's clear he won't punish him this time. And in just a few days, Zhang Anping has been tormented to this state by Mao Renfeng. Who can tolerate this?
Anyone in that situation would have to fight their enemy to the death!
Wonderful!
Damn you, Mao Renfeng! You've been cutting flesh off my body like crazy, haven't you?
Next, I'll watch you secret service agents fight like dogs!
That glaring stab almost made Mao Renfeng vomit blood on the spot.
Mao Renfeng glared fiercely at Zheng Yaoquan, her heart filled with a thousand regrets—if only I hadn't rescued you!
He then looked at Zhang Anping, wanting to say that this was not the result he wanted, but faced with Zhang Anping's murderous gaze, he knew that no amount of explanation would be of any use.
After taking a deep breath, Mao Renfeng turned and left without lingering.
He needs to evacuate the headquarters as soon as possible!
Mao Renfeng fled in panic, but Zheng Yaoquan had no intention of ceasing hostilities so easily. Watching Mao Renfeng's retreating figure like a wild dog, Zheng Yaoquan murmured:
"Old Mao, he's even abandoned the last fig leaf!"
He shook his head, seemingly finding it very difficult to understand, and then, under Zhang Anping's fiery gaze, he walked away step by step.
Zhang Anping didn't say a word from beginning to end, only letting his eyes "blaze." Even after the two "ran away," the flames in his eyes didn't go out, but he couldn't help but laugh out loud in his heart.
Everyone here is a true loyal subject of the Party and the State; any one of them would be far more loyal than this fake.
However, no matter how much "loyalty" they have, they are essentially no different from Mao Renfeng and Zheng Yaoquan!
Li and Shi were loyal to me, but when they left Beiping, they abandoned all the non-direct subordinate generals!
As for Mao Renfeng and Zheng Yaoquan, needless to say, they were a pair of bickering lovers who were constantly fighting each other.
Looking down on their actions from God's perspective, one can only find them laughable and ridiculous!
……
Reception room.
Faced with these generals who had "withdrawn" from Beiping, the chief aide comforted them with kind words, repeatedly affirmed their loyalty, and presented several appointments on the spot.
Commander Li was appointed as the commander of the Fifth Army Corps, while Commander Shi was appointed as the commander of the Shanghai-Nanjing defense—and also served as the deputy commander-in-chief of the Nanjing-Shanghai-Hangzhou Garrison Headquarters.
As for the other army commanders and division commanders, they all received corresponding substantive positions.
This move brought tears to the eyes of the defeated generals, who all vowed to die for the Party and the country.
The current Nationalist government has lost more than four million troops, including a large number of veterans and elites accumulated during the War of Resistance against Japan. Although the Kuomintang still has two million troops, it is severely lacking in officers at all levels, with a huge shortage of senior officers at the division and army levels.
The chief attendant's actions were essentially a compromise, given his lack of troops and generals.
But for these defeated generals, this was indeed a heavy trust, so they were all as excited as if they had been injected with chicken blood.
After winning over the hearts of the people, the chief attendant arranged for the generals to go and rest, leaving only Attendant Zhuang behind.
When speaking with Zhuang's attendants, the head attendant appeared quite casual:
"Weihong, Mao Renfeng and Zheng Yaoquan reported something earlier—they plan to have the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics and the Second Department go underground and withdraw from Nanjing. What do you think?"
Attendant Zhuang exclaimed with delight:
"Director Mao and Deputy Minister Zheng's decision is brilliant!"
“I also think it’s wonderful—however, I can clearly sense Mao Renfeng’s resistance to the little one. I’m really having a hard time deciding what to do with the little one next.”
Attendant Zhuang's mind went on high alert. The chief attendant spoke very casually to them, but casualness did not mean that every word was without meaning. He did not believe that the chief attendant would really need to take his advice in such matters.
It's more likely that the chief attendant was testing him!
There's only one explanation for his probing!
Therefore, Attendant Zhuang did not follow the chief attendant's advice and offered suggestions, but instead reported first:
"Chief Attendant, there is something I need to report to you."
"Oh? What is it?"
“I met with Deputy Director Zhang once during the investigation, and I could sense his resentment in his words.”
Attendant Zhuang carefully considered his words:
He has grievances against you.
"He has a grudge against me?" The chief attendant seemed surprised. "This little fellow is ungrateful; he has a grudge against me?"
Attendant Zhuang did not argue, but instead affirmed, "Yes."
The head servant stood up angrily, paced back and forth, and cursed "Damn it!" three times before huffing and puffing:
"I've spoiled him too much!"
"Spring Breeze passed away too soon, and every time I think of it, my heart aches unbearably! If it weren't for Spring Breeze's kindness, how could I have indulged him time and time again?"
"I've been so indulgent and accommodating, yet he still complains about me?"
"absurd!"
The head servant slammed his hand on the table.
Attendant Zhuang bowed his head in "fright," but remained remarkably calm. Having served as an attendant for so long, he understood one principle very well:
The chief attendant sometimes gets angry, but he's not really angry; and sometimes he doesn't get angry, which actually means he's extremely angry.
Right now, I'm in a state of "not being angry".
At that moment, the chief aide pulled out a newspaper from somewhere and slammed it on the table: "Both of his apprentices, whom he personally trained, have defected to the Communists!"
"Many of the students he mentored defected to the Communists!"
"Even his trusted confidants are spies who want to kill him!"
"I haven't pursued any of these matters!"
"And yet he still harbors resentment towards me?"
"Weihong, do you think I've spoiled him too much?"
Zhuang Weihong remained silent, knowing that the chief attendant did not require any response from him at this moment.
As expected, after grumbling and cursing for a while, the head attendant, still looking furious, gave the order:
"Get him in here!"
"I'd like to see what complaints he has about me!"
"What right does Zhang Anping have to complain about me!"
Zhuang Weihong breathed a sigh of relief; he had made the right bet!
Attendant Zhuang knew that in the eyes of the chief attendant, there was a huge difference between people!
Thirteen years ago, the chief attendant first heard the name Zhang Anping in Xi'an—that young man, barely twenty years old, dared to lead his men into Xi'an, a city already ravaged by fire and danger, with only a pure heart.
Less than a year later, the chief attendant heard the name Zhang Anping again—this young man drove a car riddled with bullet holes from Shanghai to Nanjing, alerting the chief attendant overnight, saving his life and uncovering a deeply lurking mole.
During the War of Resistance against Japan, all the commanders felt that they did not have enough soldiers, but only Zhang Anping continuously sent batch after batch of soldiers, along with their weapons, back to the Kuomintang-controlled areas.
Even during the evacuation from Shanghai, at the cost of infamy and offending foreigners, he delivered two huge sums of money, one overt and one covert, to his chief attendant.
The reorganization of the Military Intelligence Bureau was carried out by the same young man, who wielded the scalpel to reorganize the bloated and massive organization.
In the ensuing public outcry, the young man never offered a word of explanation, but instead took the blame for the chief attendant through his actions.
Some people proved their loyalty with a single action—such as Li and Shi, who demonstrated their loyalty to the Party and the country by returning from Beiping.
But some people, through their actions, continuously prove their loyalty.
Even if such a person has grievances, would the chief attendant really kill him outright?
Attendant Zhuang was betting that the head attendant wouldn't do it.
And now it seems he made the right bet! (End of Chapter)