Chapter 575: Death of a Traitor

It is impossible not to take the fat meat that is right in front of your mouth.

Since it is Kawashima Yoshiko's lair, there must be a lot of wealth inside.

The information provided by the British should be accurate. Now is the beginning of the cooperation stage. They don't want to mess things up either.

The problem is that Zhang Yong can't leave now!

Wanshengwei is actually a small fortress, a little far from Tianjin.

Even if you ride a horse, it will take you an hour to get there. It might be faster if you drive.

In other words, it will take at least four hours to get there and back.

Plus the time spent fighting in between, it could take six hours. This is quite risky. He can't be gone for that long.

What should he do?

He's so anxious.

But he can't think of a better way. He has to wait patiently.

January 7th...

Boring...

January 8th...

Boredom + 1...

January 9th...

Boredom + 1...

Zhang Yong counted the days with difficulty.

Alas, he had just survived three more days. This damn time was so hard to bear.

Three days followed by three days...

Three days was a long time...

He used to think that catching spies day after day was boring. Now he realised that it was even more boring without any spies to catch. It so happened that there were no spies within the 400-metre surveillance range.

Every now and then one or two show up, either Takeo Kishida or a Japanese gunman who comes to die.

It's weird, almost every day one or two Japanese gunmen come looking for death. In fact, they're not a threat.

It's as if they're just looking for death. Report for duty. Come to die.

Then they hand over a Type 44 rifle and 15 bullets. Usually there's also 50 silver dollars.

That's it.

The days pass by in a daze.

Every day is just eating, drinking, shitting and sleeping.

There was no other news either.

It was as if they were cut off from the outside world.

It seemed as if everyone had disappeared except for him and Dai Yice's team. Zhang Yong had no idea what they had been up to.

He hadn't seen Cao Mengqi for a long time either.

He envied the days when they could move around freely. They could do whatever they wanted.

Next time, if he had to be in charge of security again, he would refuse no matter what. Although there would be no mistakes, it was really torturous!

A waste of time.

A waste of skills.

If he were free to move around, he would catch at least one Japanese soldier every day.

No. Three. At least three every day.

17th January...

Anxious...

18th January...

Anxiety + 1...

19th January...

Anxiety + 1...

Half a month had passed.

His daily task was still to monitor the area around Elisabeth Hospital.

No Japanese soldiers appeared.

It seemed that all the Japanese soldiers knew he was here, so they avoided him.

So anxious...

What if...

What if the goods in Wanshengwei have been removed?

Finally...

Dai Yize appeared.

'Shaolong, the Director wants to see you.'

'Yes!'

Zhang Yong finally let out a sigh of relief.

Good boy, after more than ten days, the Director can finally see someone?

Good!

It doesn't matter if the Director has recovered or not. The key is that he can move freely.

Now, the first thing he needs to do is to obtain the right to move freely. Leave Elizabeth Hospital. Run far away.

Don't ever come back if you're fine.

Oh yes. Never mention the radio again.

I used to think it was a good thing to have a radio. Now I realise it's a nuisance.

Look at Li Yunlong. Before he had a radio, he could climb walls, jump from rooftop to rooftop, and was the boss of the brigade. He was the second in command, second only to the brigade commander. But once he got a radio, he was like a monkey in a straitjacket, unable to move.

So...

Radio is a good thing for other people. But for Zhang Yong, it is completely unnecessary.

Come and see the Director.

After passing through multiple security checks, he finally enters the ward.

He sees the Director.

Suddenly, he feels something is not right.

The Director looks very well!

He doesn't look like he has just recovered from an injury at all.

This...

'Report!'

Attention. Salute. Raise the tone of your voice deliberately.

Murmur to yourself. Brain racing. Could it be that the Director wasn't injured at all?

Oh...

The word 'act' came to mind.

Could it be that this was all just an act?

The Director was faking his injury?

I suddenly remembered what Li Boqi had said. I asked myself if I had noticed anything.

At the time, I hadn't understood anything at all. Now I realise that Li Boqi probably had already noticed it. So he deliberately tested his judgment. Unfortunately, he didn't notice anything.

But it is strange, isn't it? The Director has been faking his injury for a long time, hasn't he? More than half a month?

Has he been lying in bed every day? Trapped in this ward every day? Can he really be that bored?

"Oh, Shaolong, come here!'

The Director is beaming. It's as if he's a different person.

The old Director was also never happy. The whole place was gloomy. It set a similar tone throughout the entire Restoration Society.

Today, he's actually smiling?

That's good.

'Yes!'

Zhang Yong strides over.

The Director looks him up and down. He nods in satisfaction.

'Very good. You look very energetic.'

'Serve the Party and the country.'

'Oh? Serve the Party and the country? Did you invent that phrase?'

'Well, yes...'

Zhang Yong muttered to himself.

What's going on? Did I just coin a new phrase?

No. 'Serve the Party and the country' is a line from all those movies and TV dramas, isn't it?

Has it not appeared yet?

Then...

'Serve the Party and the country!'

He repeated it emphatically. He shamelessly plagiarised the phrase.

I am loyal to the Party and the country. Hurry up and reward me.

Just so you know, I don't want fiat money.

'Very good!'

The department head nodded again in satisfaction.

Then he changed the subject.

'I'm sure you're itching to get started. So let's get moving!'

'Yes!'

Zhang Yong replied in a standing position.

But inside, he was secretly puzzled. Get moving. What action?

Does he want me to go to Weiyuan Fort myself?

'Department head...'

'Free activity.'

'Yes,'

Zhang Yong replied.

He walked out. Turning his head, he saw Li Boqi.

Li Boqi was alone, looking at some documents. Nothing had changed.

Seeing Li Boqi's deadpan face, Zhang Yong knew that nothing was unusual.

'Team leader,'

'Yes?'

'Why did the director pretend to be injured?'

'To let the cat out of the bag.'

'What do you mean?'

'To trick Cao Jianzheng out of Wei Yuanbao.'

'It's that simple?'

'It also gives the other Japanese spies some room to manoeuvre.'

'I don't understand.'

'You've been too successful recently, and the Japanese spies have gone into hiding. How can you catch them?'

'Isn't it good to go into hiding?'

'There are some things you have to figure out for yourself. I'm not going to tell you.'

'I can't figure it out.'

'The Japanese spies aren't active anymore. So what's the Chief doing here?'

'Well...'

'Figure it out for yourself! Now, go catch Cao Jian Zhang.'

'Cao Jian Zhang?'

'Yes. He revealed himself. Now, all the foreign ministers know that he is the mastermind behind this. They have jointly demanded that Cao Jian Zhang be severely punished.'

'What about the hostages?'

'There have been some casualties. Including some foreigners.'

'Really?'

Zhang Yong nodded thoughtfully.

Li Boqi had spoken in a light tone. But the truth must not be so simple.

He had been trapped in Elisabeth Hospital for more than half a month and knew almost nothing about what was going on outside. Nor did he know who had taken action and how.

Could it be that they had attacked Weiyuan Fort with violence? Had there been an exchange of fire, resulting in casualties among the hostages?

That would not be surprising.

Once there was an exchange of fire, the consequences would be uncontrollable.

'Where is Cao Jianzheng?'

'He has escaped from Weiyuan Fort and returned to Tianjin. But we don't know exactly where he is. The Japanese are covering for him. He is also intricately involved with all kinds of local triads. We don't have any reliable information yet.'

'Capture him alive?'

'You decide.'

'Yes.'

Zhang Yong's heart leaped for joy.

That was what he wanted to hear. He didn't want to capture him alive. Just kill him.

'The train robbery is solved?'

'Sort of!'

'That's good...'

Zhang Yong hesitated.

He still felt that there seemed to be something wrong with this.

It was strange that he hadn't been fully involved in this matter. He had been completely cut out of it.

Why was that?

Was it because he wasn't trustworthy?

Or had someone spread malicious gossip, causing the head of the department to start distancing himself from him?

It didn't seem like it.

'Just say it.'

'Why didn't you tell me anything from beginning to end?'

'What do you want to know?'

'The train robbery!'

'What do you want to know?'

'The train robbery...'

'I'm asking you, what do you want to know about the train robbery?'

'The culprit...'

'I already told you. It was Cao Jianzheng.'

'Then...'

Zhang Yong suddenly ran out of things to say.

This... For a moment, he didn't know where to start.

'It's no use telling you.'

'Why?'

'It was all negotiated at a high level. Even the head of the department wasn't qualified to get involved. Do you think you're capable of intervening?'

'So, what was the final decision?'

'Release the person. No pursuit.'

'Then why arrest Cao Jianzheng?'

'The bigwigs above said no pursuit, but that doesn't mean we won't pursue.'

'So...'

'Kill him in another capacity.'

'Yes.'

Zhang Yong understood.

The bigwigs above could talk a good game.

Everyone was full of fine words. They were all full of talk about benevolence and righteousness. But behind the scenes, it was still these people doing the dirty work.

Cao Jian Zhang...

Haha, he only has to die.

Since they didn't know where Cao Jian Zhang was. Then they would go to Wanshengwei first.

It had been a long time since they had had a large sum of money. They were very anxious.

'Zhong Yang!'

'Yes!'

'Gather everyone together!'

'Yes!'

Zhang Yong's first move was to call on the veterans of the 29th Army.

Only these veterans could withstand a head-on confrontation.

All weapons were brought along, including two 60-mm mortars and more than 30 rounds of ammunition.

'Liuqi!'

'Yes!'

'Send someone to notify Tiger Ba!'

'Yes!'

Wu Liuqi made the arrangements.

Soon after, Tiger Ba arrived.

He was accompanied by two Japanese spies.

Zhang Yong said to him, 'Wait for me outside the concession. We have a big operation.'

'Okay,' Tiger Ba got ready.

But he didn't know that Zhang Yong had actually said this to the two Japanese spies.

Attracting the attention of the Japanese spies outside the concession. Then they could move against Wanshengwei. A preliminary judgment was that it might take a few hours of fierce fighting.

Get ready.

Set off.

Use night marches to surround the destination before dawn.

Fortunately, this fort is not very strong. The walls are only about 4 metres high. They can be climbed using ladders.

Monitor the situation silently.

How many people are inside? About 100. Almost all of them have weapon markings.

There are quite a lot of troops.

There are also four small red dots. This indicates that there are four Japanese people.

I don't know if Kawashima Yoshiko is aware that there are Japanese people hiding under her command. I guess she knows. This is probably standard operating procedure.

Over 100 people is a bit of a tough nut to crack.

But!

It doesn't matter.

The mortar was brought here to fight a pitched battle.

'Attack!'

The battle quickly began.

The mortar fired first, indiscriminately shelling the fort.

It didn't matter where the shells landed. As long as they landed inside the fort, that was fine. The fort was such a small place, it could be bombed all over again.

'Good!'

Zhang Yong, of course, was watching the fun from behind. He was responsible for monitoring the entire battlefield.

He watched as the flames burst out in a ball of fire. The depression and boredom in his heart were finally released. He had been holding it in for more than half a month, and now he could finally let it out.

'Boom...'

As the shells exploded violently, the number of defenders inside continued to decrease.

The four Japanese were soon all killed. I guess they were the toughest. They didn't care about their lives. They didn't find a place to hide in time. Then they were blown up.

Serves you right!

Serves you right for being so brave!

If you want to survive, you'd better behave like a coward!

'Pop!'

The sound of gunfire was chaotic.

Under cover of the artillery fire, a group of veterans launched a strong assault.

The defenders inside the fort had obviously suffered a heavy blow and were no longer able to resist. Soon, the fort gate was blown open by an explosive charge.

'Rumble...'

With the sound of fierce explosions, several more holes were blown in the fort wall.

Yu Lexing is a very professional demolition expert. As long as there is dynamite, they can do anything. Blowing open the fortress wall is nothing out of the ordinary.

It's great!

It's exciting!

'Go!'

The rest of the battle is no suspense.

The remaining enemies either raise their hands and surrender. Or they scatter and flee.

'Bang!'

The sound of gunfire came.

It was the sound of the American Springfield M1903 rifles. It was the three sniper rifles.

They shot every enemy who tried to escape.

No one could escape.

This was Zhang Yong's order. No one inside Wanshengwei could escape.

'Cao Jianzhang!'

Suddenly someone screamed.

Zhang Yong was stunned.

What? Cao Jian Zhang? Here?

He quickly raised his binoculars. Sure enough, he saw someone running away in a flustered manner. He was quickly caught and subdued.

Judging by the way he was running, he was clearly not a good runner. And after being caught, he was unable to put up any resistance. It was easy to control.

It seems that this is Cao Jian Zhang.

He was once the head of the Tianjinwei Police Department.

His eyes narrowed.

After a moment, Cao Jian Zhang was escorted before Zhang Yong.

'Director Cao,' Zhang Yong said, rubbing his slightly cold hands together and smiling, "this is the first time we've met!'

'You are Zhang Yong?" Cao Zhanzhang was quite perceptive.

'That's right. I am Zhang Yong.'

'It really is you.'

'You're mistaken. I didn't know you were here beforehand.'

'What are you doing here?'

'I heard that this was one of Kawashima Yoshiko's dens, so I came to take a look.'

'You...'

Cao Jian Zhang paused, then became extremely dejected.

He hung his head, like a defeated rooster. There was no more energy in him.

It was a surprise.

He hadn't expected to be caught here.

He had planned to sail away. As long as he sailed away, he would be safe. Unfortunately, the plan failed. He had to hide in Wanshengwei for the time being.

He thought Wanshengwei was very safe. Very secretive. Who knew that Zhang Yong would come.

'Director Cao, do you have any last words to say?'

'What?'

'Reasonable last words. I can still help you convey them.'

'What are you going to do?'

Cao Jianzhang became anxious.

What last words?

I've been caught. But I don't want to die yet!

You're not qualified to kill me...

At most, you can just take me in for questioning...

'Director Cao, you're a sensible person. Don't you understand what I'm going to do?'

'No. Who do you think you are to kill me?'

'Traitor, traitor to the country, everyone deserves to die! Do you think I have the right?'

'Wait...'

'Someone!'

Zhang Yong waved his hand.

Stop talking. I need to prepare the execution team.

He was already very familiar with the process after arranging for the execution team to execute Yang Junjian last time.

Killing him with one shot is not enough.

The execution team must be arranged. After it is done, at least three people need to sign to confirm.

The execution team needs to be made up of at least ten people.

Zhong Yang came over.

'Captain!'

'Arrange the execution team.'

'Yes!'

Zhong Yang promised and left.

Soon, an execution team made up of a full 20 veterans of the 29th Army was formed.

'Why are there so many people?'

'Captain, all of them wanted to be on the execution team. All of them want to shoot the traitor.'

'Okay...'

Zhang Yong nodded.

This Cao Jianzhang really angered the people!

I guess he didn't do anything good in Tianjin. That's why those veterans hate him so much.

Ten places are simply not enough. Twenty aren't enough either.

But twenty is the limit. More than that would be outrageous.

The sight of twenty rifles firing together is already very shocking. If there were thirty people, the target would probably be shattered.

'You, you...' Cao Jianzhang suddenly foamed at the mouth and collapsed to the ground.

He realised that Zhang Yong wasn't bluffing.

He was serious.

Those veterans of the 29th Army would never let him go.

He was going to die.

He was about to pay with his life for his actions.

'Have a good trip!'

Zhang Yong's face was expressionless.

These big traitors were all intricately connected.

If he didn't deal with them quickly, they might really find a way to escape the severe punishment.

What would be the consequences of executing him without asking for permission?

Of course there would be consequences.

There must be other bigwigs behind Cao Jian Zhang.

But Zhang Yong didn't care.

He wasn't looking for a promotion anyway. And he didn't want to curry favour with anyone.

Whether it was the head of the department or his wife, if he couldn't get along with them, he would just find a new boss. He didn't need to look to anyone for approval.

'Spare me, spare me...'

'Zhang Yong, Zhang Yong, spare me, spare me, I'll give you all my money...'

Cao Jianzhang suddenly came to his senses and desperately begged for mercy.

Zhang Yong shook his head.

Sorry. Money can't buy your life.

Besides, if I kill you, won't your money still be mine? How naive!

He waved his hand.

A few old soldiers dragged Cao Jianzhang away. Then they tied him in front of an adobe wall.

At this moment, Cao Jianzhang was completely unable to stand. He was incontinent. His crotch was wet and soggy. He had no strength at all. Even breathing was difficult. Only the strength of the ropes barely kept him in human form.

'Raise the gun!'

'Ready!'

'Fire!'

Zhang Yong raised his hand.

Then he pressed down.

'Pop, pop, pop...'

A burst of gunfire.

The traitor was dead.

His body was riddled with bullets. He couldn't have died any more painfully.

There was no need to examine him. He couldn't have been saved even if the great Luo Jinxian appeared.

Take a photo.

Sign it.

Done.

Continue searching for Kawashima Yoshiko's belongings.

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