Chapter 991
A Bolt from the Blue
After the outbreak of the civil war, Sister Qian secretly returned to Shanghai—essentially becoming a permanent resident there.
The main reason for doing this was to facilitate communication with Intelligence Group No. 2—the best solution would naturally be to go to Nanjing and have Chai Ying provide real-time support to Intelligence Group No. 2.
However, since Sister Qian had been exposed once in Chongqing, and Mao Renfeng was still in Nanjing, she decided to stay in Shanghai for safety reasons.
This time, Zhang Anping went to Beiping in person, which was naturally after communicating with Sister Qian. However, because the Nanjing underground party was trying to stop Zhang Anping, Sister Qian and Chai Ying believed that they could "stop" Zhang Anping in Nanjing for another ten days or so. Therefore, the preparations were slower. Unexpectedly, the Jiawang Uprising occurred, and Zhang Anping took the initiative to regain control, which led to his departure from Beijing at the same time as Mao Renfeng.
This caused her to be a little slower in following up.
According to the itinerary, she should arrive in Beiping three days after Zhang Anping.
However, halfway there, an order from her superiors forced Sister Qian to speed up her journey—the order was for the Beiping authorities to quickly ascertain whether Fu Huabei was going to withdraw or leave!
Based on the initial situation, Fu Huabei would certainly not easily give up the North China region that he had painstakingly built up, and even the Nationalist government would not give up so easily. They would definitely have to fight hard. And this fight would be our opportunity. We should take advantage of the enemy's desire to fight and annihilate this huge enemy force in North China.
But the situation on the battlefield changed far too quickly!
For us, things went so smoothly it was almost unbelievable.
On the Huaihai battlefield, our side truly did not expect to be able to easily block the 7th Army Corps—our initial idea was a "mini-Huaihai," that is:
The main battlefield will be east of Xuzhou, without penetrating deep into Xuzhou's territory, while incidentally eliminating one or two armies of the Seventh Army Corps.
In summary:
Smash Huang, seize Longhai, and isolate Xuzhou!
As it turned out, the Nationalist army itself was too reckless!
The 7th Army Corps waited longer for the 44th Army, and then the successful uprising at the Jiawang battlefield occurred. Under these circumstances, if the 7th Army Corps had broken out, it would have been possible for some of its troops to escape. However, the 7th Army Corps chose to hold Nianzhuang and wait for reinforcements, attempting to use Nianzhuang as the core to attract our forces and ultimately achieve our goal of fighting the Nationalist army in a decisive battle there.
Simply put, they wanted to replicate what had failed on the Northeast battlefield.
At this point, our side was full of confidence in swallowing the Seventh Army Corps, which led us to change our strategic deployment.
Their initial target was Xiaohuaihai, where they captured tens of thousands of soldiers from the Seventh Army Corps.
But now, if we annihilate the entire 7th Army Corps, we can reverse our numerical disadvantage and launch a decisive battle earlier, turning the enemy's planned Xuzhou-Bengbu Campaign into a major campaign to completely annihilate the enemy.
Note that from this point on, our strategic goal has changed!
The previous "Little Huaihai" strategy was actually to first inflict heavy damage on the enemy in Xuzhou, then use a large force to strategically contain them, and finally allow the Northeast Field Army to leave the pass and completely resolve the North China battlefield.
But now, there is a possibility of annihilating the enemy in the Huaihai region—as long as the 7th Army Corps is destroyed, our army can make up for its numerical disadvantage, and then there is a good chance that we can win a major battle in the Huaihai region!
Since that's the case, then let's just...
Huaihai and North China, let's fight together!
Previously, we were certain that Fu Huabei would not withdraw easily. But now that the Huaihai Campaign has begun, and the Seventh Army Corps may even be swallowed up by us, we must pay attention to Fu Huabei to prevent the Huaihai Campaign from acting too quickly and achieving too much, which might cause Fu Huabei, who was originally unwilling to withdraw easily, to change his mind.
Therefore, this order was issued—requiring Sister Qian to expedite her arrival in Beiping and utilize our intelligence network there to ascertain Fu Huabei's decision on whether to fight or withdraw.
If he doesn't withdraw, Dongye can rest for a while longer; if he wants to run away, then Dongye should enter the pass as soon as possible to prevent these 600,000 troops from escaping.
Upon receiving the order, Sister Qian could only speed up her journey day and night, arriving in Beiping two days ahead of schedule.
It was already late at night when they arrived in Beiping. Although she was exhausted, Sister Qian still secretly contacted Lao Zhao, a member of the underground Communist Party in Beiping, as soon as possible.
After exchanging the secret code, Sister Qian was led to meet Old Zhao, who was wearing a vest that resembled the head of the Workers' Movement Group 3 of the Beiping Station Field Affairs Team of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics.
Of course, Lao Zhao's cover identity was actually that of a wealthy businessman, and this disguise was purchased with money—it was a way for the Beiping Station to raise funds, and it was also the reason why Lao Zhao could meet with Gu Shenyan so often.
Old Zhao was very surprised when he saw Sister Qian: "Sister Qian, how come you got here so quickly!"
While drinking water, Sister Qian asked, "You're in a rush—have you arranged everything on your end?"
"Yes, it's all arranged long ago—by the way, I also got you a job in the Security Bureau. Here, you're the deputy head of the Household Registration Section of the Police Station's Investigation Department. I've prepared your credentials. Take a good rest today, and you can go to the Investigation Department tomorrow." Old Zhao couldn't help but laugh: "You've essentially joined the Security Bureau."
Sister Qian took the document, glanced at it casually, then smiled, shook her head, and put it down. She then said in a lecturing tone:
"You guys..."
"It's tied a little too deep!"
She was referring to the underground party's complete integration into the operations at Beiping Station.
In the past, Old Zhao would definitely have offered some explanations, but now, having learned his lesson, he stood up and immediately apologized:
“You’re right! You’ve pointed this out to me before, but I never took it to heart. I always thought that doing it this way was the safest. Now that I think about it, I was really careless.”
Upon hearing Lao Zhao's words, Sister Qian immediately realized the reason—"Big Spy" Zhang Shihou had arrived!
While secretly chuckling to herself, Sister Qian asked in a low voice, "Are you prepared for this?"
“It’s all set – I’ve discussed it with him, and we plan to prepare for both possibilities.”
Old Zhao said, "First, he has already prepared to destroy the archives room. Once the time is right, he will destroy the archives room of the Beiping Station—mainly destroying all the personnel files. Second, he plans to use himself as a pawn. Once Zhang Shihao notices this, he will enter the game by surrendering himself. At that time, he will implicate a bunch of Beiping Station members, forcing Zhang Shihao to carry out a purge of the upper echelons of the Beiping Station."
Old Zhao used "he" to refer to Gu Shenyan.
Zhang Anping's intolerant nature was well-known; once he discovered that the upper and middle levels of Beiping Station were completely rotten, he would definitely launch a major purge.
This, in turn, is a good thing for the comrades' ability to conceal their activities.
While Sister Qian found it amusing, she was also moved by Gu Shenyan's resolute spirit of sacrifice. Since the organization began on July 4th of that year, twenty-seven years have passed, and how many comrades have faced death with the same spirit of resolute sacrifice and without fear?
Now, victory is just around the corner. When the whole country is liberated, those brothers and sisters, they should be very... happy.
Having suppressed her inappropriate emotions, Sister Qian put on a stern face:
"And the second one?"
His voice was filled with anger.
Actually, it was just a warning—Old Zhao had mentioned it before, but it was indeed helpful for cover. In addition, a large number of spies were starting to flood into Beiping at that time, so Sister Qian thought it over and decided to approve it.
After all, there's someone to back you up!
Seeing the coldness on Sister Qian's face, Old Zhao's heart skipped a beat, and then he replied in a slightly lower voice:
"Assassination."
"He and I are plotting to assassinate him."
"Assassination?" Sister Qian was stunned for a moment, then glared at Old Zhao: "Assassinate a deputy director of the Security Bureau, you actually thought of that!"
“Before, he admitted to corruption, and since he was Zhang Shih-hao’s protégé, he might not have been killed. But if it were an assassination, and it actually succeeded, regardless of whether he could clear his name, didn’t you know he was doomed?”
"If you fail, given Zhang Shih-hao's personality, you won't get a second chance. He'll definitely expose what you didn't know, won't he?"
Old Zhao lowered his head and said softly, "He... plans to sacrifice himself to create the illusion that he was desperate and had no choice but to assassinate someone."
"Foolish! Foolish indeed!"
Sister Qian was very angry, partly because of Gu Shenyan, partly because of Zhang Anping, but also because of the remedial measures that Old Zhao had to take.
Fortunately, none of it was carried out.
She stated without any room for argument:
"The assassination attempt must cease immediately! We need to find another solution—assassination is not the way to solve problems!"
Seeing how angry Sister Qian was, Old Zhao had no choice but to say, "I'll go see her first thing tomorrow morning..."
Before he could finish speaking, there was a knock on the door.
Upon hearing the rhythm of the knocking, Old Zhao exclaimed with delight, "It's him!"
It was Gu Shenyan's signature knocking rhythm.
"Sister Qian, please wait a moment, I'll go open the door."
After saying that, he hurriedly went out to open the door.
As soon as Lao Zhao left, Sister Qian shook her head helplessly. Luckily, she had arrived early. If she had been a couple of days later, Lao Gu and Lao Zhao might have started their plan...
[Given Anping's personality, he probably already guessed that Lao Gu and Lao Zhao had no choice but to do this, right?]
Thinking of this, Sister Qian couldn't help but smile bitterly; Anping certainly wouldn't be angry.
But for those comrades who are undercover, this is ultimately quite painful.
Thinking of this, a worried look appeared on Sister Qian's face. Anping had gone too far in hiding—recently, our side was discussing the list of war criminals in the civil war, and many people supported including Zhang Anping on it.
The reason for this is that in recent years, a large number of infiltrators that our side has cracked down on have been found to be the work of Zhang Shih-hao, a major spy, after interrogation.
The secret service organization that was completely eradicated in the liberated city was, upon interrogation, revealed to be the work of the mastermind Zhang Shih-hao...
Despite being the deputy director of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, no one discussed whether the actual director, Mao Renfeng, should be on the list of war criminals—because he was not qualified. However, many people supported including Zhang Shih-hao in the list. So Sister Qian was worried. How should she introduce Anping when he returned?
A spy who is a member of our Party from beginning to end?
Or was he a high-ranking spy who defected...?
Just as she was worrying about this troublesome matter again, Old Zhao opened the door and saw Gu Shenyan with a hint of excitement on his face.
"Old Zhao—let's go inside and talk!"
Gu Shenyan, suppressing his excitement, slipped inside and said to Old Zhao, who was closing the door:
"Great news! Incredible good news!"
"In Xuzhou, the special armed force that the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics established last year, led by the notorious spy Zheng Yaoxian, has revolted!"
what?
Old Zhao was stunned, staring at Gu Shenyan in disbelief. Only after Gu Shenyan nodded to confirm again did he accept this incredible good news.
ecstasy!
Zhang Shih-hao, that master spy, personally built this armed force, which has always been a thorn in the side of our Party's underground workers—the purpose of this armed force is disgusting, with small groups infiltrating and sabotaging, which is absolutely disgusting to the soldiers and civilians in the liberated areas!
Unexpectedly, this armed force they cared so much about actually revolted.
Look at this!
Gu Shenyan handed the extra telegrams to Lao Zhao, who quickly read them:
East China Field Army Command Post...
"Come in quickly! Sister Qian is inside—let her have some fun too!"
Old Zhao took the telegram, turned around, and ran into the house. Gu Shenyan also showed a happy expression when he heard that Sister Qian had arrived.
It's good to see this former superior at this time.
"Sister Qian, great news! Fantastic news! See for yourself!"
Old Zhao handed the telegram to Sister Qian, clearly telling her to read it herself, but he still couldn't help gesturing excitedly as he said:
"You wouldn't believe it! The armed force that Zhang Shih-hao personally built has revolted! Haha! They've revolted!"
"Trying to steal a chicken only resulted in losing the rice instead!"
"Do you know how worried we were when we talked about this unit? We never expected that this armed force that we've been talking about for so long would actually revolt under the leadership of the notorious spy Zheng Yaoxian!"
"Hahaha, I really want to see Zhang Shih-hao's face right now!"
Sister Qian looked at the telegram with a smile. Although she showed enough surprise, she did not lose her composure like Old Zhao.
What's there to lose your composure about?
From the moment this unit was formed, she knew it was a force specially established by Zhang Anping for our Party to suppress bandits; now it was simply returning home!
go home……
Zheng Yaoxian is home!
Sister Qian's joy stemmed more from the surprise of Zheng Yaoxian's return home—soon, Anping will be able to return home soon too.
The leaders have said that it's a waste for this young comrade to be a spy; he should be involved in economic development.
Thinking of this, Sister Qian put away the telegram, her face darkening. She needed to put on an act.
But at this moment, Gu Shenyan answered what Lao Zhao had just said—he really wanted to see Zhang Shihao's expression right now.
He said:
"When I gave this information to Zhang Shih-hao, he fainted on the spot. After he came to his senses, he couldn't wait to go to the airport to fly to Xuzhou."
After saying this, Gu Shenyan paused:
"After receiving the telegram, I felt it was an opportunity. Before delivering it to Zhang Anping, I specifically sent Comrade Zhang Hao to the airport—"
"If nothing unexpected happens, the plane he's on should..."
"Crash."
Old Zhao's eyes widened; he hadn't expected Gu Shenyan to seize this opportunity.
Just as he was about to speak, a shrill, piercing voice rang out from the side:
"What did you say?!"
It was Sister Qian who made the sound, but Old Zhao had never heard her make such a sound before. He couldn't help but look over, only to see Sister Qian's face filled with fear and deathly pale. After a couple of seconds of stunned silence, Sister Qian grabbed Gu Shenyan with all her might:
"Stop! Stop immediately! Quickly!"
Her voice still carried that terrified, shrill tone, completely unlike Sister Qian's voice.
Old Zhao was stunned, and Gu Shenyan was also stunned.
Sister Qian was frantic:
"Stop it! Stop it immediately! Quickly! Hurry!"
She shook Gu Shenyan's arm frantically.
Gu Shenyan instinctively analyzed Sister Qian's current state.
Is it fear?
more than!
It was more like a loss of composure due to excessive concern, a complete loss of composure.
Old Zhao seemed to have a similar conclusion. His pupils contracted sharply, and disbelief appeared in his eyes. He then instinctively stepped back and subconsciously looked for a weapon.
Gu Shenyan's hand involuntarily reached for the pistol at his waist.
They both thought of the same possibility:
Qian Chongwen, her relationship with the notorious spy Zhang Shih-hao...
Sister Qian, being an experienced woman, finally realized her abruptness after discovering Gu Shenyan and Lao Zhao's actions. Suppressing her inner turmoil, she pressed her hand to her chest and quickly said:
"Comrade Gu Shenyan! Halt the operation immediately!"
"He can't die! He can't be hurt—do you understand? He can't be hurt!!"
"These are my words, the words of a 24-year veteran of the Party! This is an order! Do you understand?!"
Click!
It was like a thunderbolt, exploding in the minds of Gu Shenyan and Lao Zhao.
Gu Shenyan's hand, which had been reaching for his waist, fell back down, a profound sense of absurdity filling his mind.
Old Zhao, standing to the side, was in no better shape.
Because they considered another possibility;
Another possibility they didn't even consider at first glance—a possibility they would rather suspect was that Sister Qian had been corrupted by Zhang Shih-hao—was something they couldn't even imagine:
The notorious spy Zhang Shih-hao is my comrade!
This...how is this possible!
All the past events flashed through Gu Shenyan's mind;
The current state of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics flashed through Gu Shenyan's mind;
The "arrogance" of Beiping Station flashed through Gu Shenyan's mind.
No wonder...
But then, an overwhelming sense of fear filled his entire body.
He struggled to raise his wrist, glanced at his watch, and then became completely blank.
After taking in Gu Shenyan's performance, Sister Qian suddenly seemed to have lost all her strength, sitting upright on the sofa, completely lost in thought.
Old Zhao swallowed hard and asked with difficulty:
"Is it too late?"
Gu Shenyan said blankly:
"It takes 16 minutes to get from the hotel to the airport."
It took 27 minutes to get here from the restaurant.
In 11 minutes, given Zhang Anping's decisive nature, he would probably have already boarded the plane.
After saying that, he looked at Sister Qian with difficulty, his mouth moved slightly, but he couldn't say anything.
Old Zhao, who was standing to the side, also sat down weakly.
A bolt from the blue... (End of Chapter)