Chapter 507: The Wind Rises

The Caogang is a large gang.

It is a collective term for a large group of people. It is related to the former Caogun.

In the past, Beiping relied heavily on Caogun for the import of foreign goods. There were many practitioners. Millions of them.

Where there are people, there are rivers and lakes.

Where there are gangs, there are triads. The Caogang triad thus came into being.

In the late Qing Dynasty, the cao transport declined, and the number of cao transport practitioners gradually decreased. They were transformed into the Qing gang. Therefore, the Caogang and the Qing gang have a close relationship.

The Fuxing Society actually has very detailed information on the historical evolution of this area.

Unfortunately, Zhang Yong was too lazy to read it carefully.

When he reads information, he likes to read something new and interesting.

For example, the Lincheng train robbery.

It mentioned a very capable person, Sun Guizhi, who was the mastermind behind the train robbery.

His ability lay not in planning, but in escaping.

He was pursued for more than ten years, but was never caught. I have to say, this guy was really something.

If he were still alive today, he would also be a great guy.

On the contrary, the bandit leader who finally accepted the offer of amnesty was killed less than half a year after he had a good life. He was completely wiped out.

'Even the Cao gang has surrendered to you Japanese?'

'Do you find that strange? All the people in the know feel that the only way out is to surrender to the Empire of Japan.'

'That's true.'

Zhang Yong actually nodded.

Xia Lan's words were not completely arrogant.

In fact, the situation at the time was indeed very unfavorable for China. The Japanese invaders were indeed very powerful.

One was a purely backward agricultural country. There was almost no industry.

Even matches and nails had to be imported.

One successfully became a semi-industrial country through the Meiji Restoration. It can produce almost all industrial goods.

In terms of military industry, the Japanese invaders are still very developed.

You can despise the performance of the crooked handle. Despise the short stature of the Japanese invaders. However, others can continuously produce weapons and ammunition.

Other army soldiers can fire 200 bullets per month!

They can produce tanks on their own.

They can produce heavy artillery on their own.

They can produce aircraft on their own.

The Japanese navy was even able to design and build battleships with a displacement of over 70,000 tons!

Even decades later, not many countries in the world could build warships of this class. But the Yamato Hotel was commissioned in 1940.

There were also several aircraft carriers.

This was almost a blow from another dimension.

Even the bravest soldiers at the time could only confidently say that China would not perish. But no one was confident that we would ultimately win.

In the darkest days, no one knew where victory lay.

Even after the Japanese announced their unconditional surrender, many people still couldn't believe it. Because even on the day the Japanese formally surrendered, the Japanese army in front of them was still very powerful.

This was an objective fact.

No one could hide it.

In particular, those who had studied in Japan felt that the gap between the two sides was really too great.

Under the sweet talk of the Japanese, many people surrendered and became traitors.

'It's not too late for you to change your position.'

'No,'

Zhang Yong shook his head.

Xia Lan frowned.

This guy, he's still stubborn and refuses to see the light!

"You...'

'Have you heard of the saying, "like burning oil, a flash in the pan"?

'What do you mean?'

'You still have ten years.'

'You're being cryptic again.'

'I'm serious. The more crazy you are now, the more devastating your downfall will be in ten years.'

'Hmph!'

Xia Lan gave a dismissive snort.

Although her body had been forcibly taken by him.

However, her heart would never surrender. She was still trying to win him over.

As an excellent female spy. Her body and her beauty were also her weapons. As long as she could seduce Zhang Yong and serve the Empire of Japan, everything would be worth it!

Ten years later, defeat? Nonsense. Only an idiot would believe his nonsense.

'When are you going to do it?'

'After Wuqing Station.'

'Oh, there's still time.'

Zhang Yong let out a sigh of relief.

The Caogang were actually going to rob the train. This was big.

A gentleman doesn't stand under a dangerous wall, he decided to get off at Wuqing Station. And then just watch from the sidelines.

'What? You're getting off?'

'What else?'

'You...'

Xia Lan was suddenly speechless.

She had thought that Zhang Yong would just fight the Caogang.

Zhang Yong was accompanied by more than 30 men. They were all heavily armed. It didn't seem that difficult to take care of the Caogang.

At least there was a fighting chance.

But, unexpectedly, this guy actually wanted to run away early.

Damn...

Her intelligence just now was revealed for nothing.

'What?'

'Can't you be more assertive and just take out the robbers?'

'No,'

Zhang Yong said bluntly.

What's the point of taking out the robbers? There's no credit in it.

The Caogang have a lot of people, and if there is a real fight, there will definitely be casualties on our side. If you get hit by a stray bullet, that would be bad.

To put it in bigger terms, once there is a firefight, everyone on the train is in danger.

To put it in smaller terms, he, Zhang Yong, is in danger.

Since there is danger, why take risks?

Isn't it better to get off the train early at Wuqing Station?

Wait until the Caogang successfully hijack the train and make a big deal about it, and then come out and clean up the mess.

In the process, it would be interesting to see how everyone reacts.

It would be best if the commotion was so great that it would be heard around the world. It would be on the front pages of newspapers all over the world.

Heh heh. That would be a real achievement!

A good fighter doesn't seek fame. It would indeed be great. But there's no profit in it!

It's thankless work...

Stand up. Look up. Look around.

First, see how many foreigners there are. They are the real hostages.

In the previous train robbery in Lincheng, the target were foreigners. They were the only ones who were valuable. They could be used as bargaining chips.

If the hostages had been Chinese civilians, hehe. No one would have cared.

That was the reality of society at the time.

Five, ten, fifteen...

Zhang Yong silently counted. Within sight, there were a total of 27 foreigners. There were a few more cars out of sight, so there might be more.

That was quite a lot. After all, it was a train from Tianjin to Beiping. It was normal to have a few dozen foreigners.

There may even be some of higher status among them.

If they were to be hijacked by the Caogang, it would certainly cause a sensation. It would be best to quietly observe the developments.

'Lao Cao!'

'Yes!'

'Pack your things and get off the train at Wuqing Station immediately!'

'Yes!'

Cao Mengqi immediately went to make the arrangements.

He was now highly lazy. He would definitely not use his brain if he could avoid it.

He did whatever Zhang Yong told him to do. He also didn't ask why they were getting off the train.

'You get off the train too.'

Zhang Yong pointed at Yi Honghai and the other two Japanese invaders.

Yi Honghai and the other two looked at each other, at a loss. They had no choice but to agree.

Soon after, the train arrived safely at Wuqing Station.

The train had not even come to a complete stop.

'Go!'

'Go!'

Zhang Yong urged.

Everyone got off the train. Xia Lan included.

Once they set foot on the platform, Zhang Yong finally let out a sigh of relief. Good. They were safe.

He silently scanned the area. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Xia Lan was probably not trying to mislead him. She was not trying to scare him.

The Japanese army did not have the resources to send a large force to surround Wuqing Station. So, he could relax.

'You're such a coward.'

'I suddenly feel that you came here on purpose to remind me.'

'What?'

'In fact, you don't want me to stay on the train, which would affect the hijacking operation, do you?'

'Hmph. You're overthinking it.'

'Haha, I was right.'

Zhang Yong knew that her appearance was not for good reasons.

Her original plan should not have included herself. She didn't expect to be on the train.

Not only was she on the train, she was also bringing dozens of people with her.

Once the Cao gang took action, the two sides would fight each other, and the hijacking operation might fail. So she decided to warn herself. Hmm, that must be it.

'You...'

Xia Lan was speechless.

This guy is really smart.

She had no intention of warning him. She just didn't expect him to see through her disguise.

She told him about the train robbery in the hope of provoking a fight between him and the Caogang. If the two sides fought, he might get into trouble.

But...

He didn't even know where she was going with this.

What a self-righteous fool...

'Cao!'

'Yes!'

'Let's find a place to rest. After we've eaten and drunk our fill, we'll go back to Tianjinwei.'

'Good!'

Cao Mengqi went to make the arrangements.

Soon, they found a local landlord's mansion.

The host was quite welcoming. He welcomed them all in. The mansion was large enough for the robbers to eat, rest,

and spend the night.

They took Xia Lan with them.

Was the robbery already underway over there?

No idea.

Who cares!

As long as they weren't there, it was fine.

They had a good time that night.

Xia Lan was intent on turning him, so naturally, he catered to her every whim.

They woke up in the morning. The atmosphere was calm.

He looked for a phone and called back to the headquarters on Shihu Street to report that he was safe.

Why didn't you call last night? Haha. Wait until the robbery happens!

If you report it early, the butterfly's wings flapping will cause the train robbery to be cancelled. Wouldn't that be a waste of effort?

The person who answered the phone was Li Boqi.

Li Boqi came straight to the point, 'Do you know about the train robbery?'

'Train robbery? Really? When?' Zhang Yong also did not mince words, 'I knew in advance. What's the situation now?'

'The information is very confusing. I don't have any more news either.'

'I know that the Gang of Caos is going to rob the train. So, I got off the train in advance. To avoid a firefight. And to prevent mass casualties.'

'You don't know.'

'Yes. I don't know.'

Zhang Yong immediately corrected him.

The truth could be told to Li Boqi. But not to anyone else.

When he got back, Li Boqi could scold him all he wanted. But after that, he would help him cover up. So, he knew nothing.

What robbery?

What Gang of Caozhuang?

I've never heard of it...

Why did you get off the train early at Wuqing Station? Because I went on a mission!

What mission?

Sorry, this is a secret of our Fuxing Society, I can't tell you...

'It's windy, come back as soon as you can!'

'Yes.'

'The train is not running. Use other means of transport. Be safe on the way. Don't cause any trouble.'

'Yes!'

Zhang Yong answered with awe.

Li Boqi said, 'The wind is blowing.' It was blowing.

The train had been hijacked, and with so many foreigners on board, it was bound to cause a stir.

Even the President of the Republic would have to intervene, I'm afraid.

After all, this is a matter concerning a 'friendly nation'. We can't afford to be sloppy. Surrounding and attacking the Red Army is not as important as rescuing a 'friendly nation'. Hehe.

Try to find a way back to Tianjin.

Throw money around. Find a means of transport.

Returned to Tianjin without incident. It took more than a day to get there.

Back to No. 49 Shihu Street. Come to see Li Boqi. Sure enough, he was lectured. He was told that what he had done was too obvious. It was too obvious.

'You should have got off at Langfang Station.'

'But at that time, I didn't know that someone was going to hijack the train!'

'What about those three Japanese?'

'I suspect they were involved in the robbery of Generalissimo Cao's mansion in Beiping.'

'These Japanese are really lawless. How dare they go to Beiping and rob. The people there are incompetent too. The investigation ended in nothing.'

'I guess they were pressured by the Japanese. They dare not anger the Japanese.'

'They dare not. We dare. Lock them all up. Interrogate them properly. But not here.'

'I know. Lock them up in Baolin Temple.'

'That's a good place. Just lock them up there. Entertain them well.'

'Understood!'

Zhang Yong promised. This entertainment must be satisfactory.

Chili water, the tiger bench, and the iron are all old tricks. Boring. Think back and think of something new...

'Yang Lichu has safely returned to Jinling.'

'Oh.'

'All is well. The Director is very satisfied. He especially praised you.'

'That's good.'

'The Director has ordered that Yang Shanfang's men remain here for the time being to work together. The train was robbed, and this is a big deal. The Director may even come in person.'

'Huh?'

Zhang Yong was shocked. The Director is going to get involved personally?

Then he felt relieved. If this matter was ordered by Chiang, the Director really had to come. And he had to deal with it.

'Ring ring ring...'

'Ring ring ring...'

Suddenly, the phone rang.

Li Boqi picked up the receiver. He listened carefully. He didn't hang up the phone for a long time.

Zhang Yong was used to trying to get away. But Li Boqi waved him over and motioned for him to stay. There was nothing he could do. He had to stand there obediently. He listened on the sidelines. He understood that it was Boss Dai calling.

A while later, Li Boqi hung up the phone. 'Did you hear everything? The Director General takes this very seriously. He was worried that the telegram wouldn't be clear, so he specially borrowed the telephone line of the Ministry of Military and Political Affairs.'

'What did the Director General say?'

'The situation is still unclear. The ambassadors of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and other countries have all submitted notes requesting that the matter be handled properly, ensuring the safety of the hostages and severely punishing the murderer. Minister of Foreign Affairs Song has already replied that the matter will be handled properly to the satisfaction of all countries.'

'Isn't the murderer a Japanese?'

'Do you have evidence? Without evidence, the Japanese will also protest.'

'Didn't the Japanese protest this time?'

'Not yet.'

'Strange, what are they up to? This is like throwing wood on the fire.'

'You've forgotten. This incident happened on the territory of the 29th Army. There's a Political Council of the Cha-Chi region here. Even if it's an order from the Commander-in-Chief, it won't work.'

'They...'

Zhang Yong paused, then gave up. Forget it. No point in talking.

We all know what's going on here. An order from the Commander-in-Chief is actually pretty useless.

If they want to listen, they'll listen a little. If they don't, they'll just ignore you.

In the Pingjin area, there is no longer any garrison loyal to the Committee. Only the 29th Army. What weight does the Committee's word carry?

"The Committee was furious when he heard about it.'

'So...'

Zhang Yong paused, trying to find the right words.

Furious again? Does he like being angry that much?

Never mind. After all, he is the Committee. It's only normal for him to be angry. I had the advantage, but in the end, it's a bunch of losers...

In any case, Zhang Yong has achieved the effect he wanted.

I guess it will be on the front page of the newspaper tomorrow. And then it will be reprinted in newspapers all over the world.

Then...

the Pingjin area is going to be lively.