Chapter 740: Control your mouth

"Detective Wu.'

'Yes?'

'You heard the conversation just now.'

'I heard some of it.'

'The other person was arrogant.'

'Yes.'

'But the other person also had something to fear.'

'Yes.'

'The other person is willing to pay 50,000 taels of silver to buy my non-interference in this matter.'

'Yes.'

'So you think I'm quite valuable, don't you?'

'You...'

Wu Songling shut up.

He had a strange feeling. It was very strange.

It was Zhang Yong's crazy words, which seemed to be deliberately said to him.

Obviously, it wasn't directed at his identity as a policeman. It was something else. This Zhang Yong seemed to have seen through him as a member of the underground party?

Very strange. Very mysterious.

His reason told him that this was impossible.

His identity had no connections in Shanghai. His superior and he had a single line of communication. Moreover, they never met.

He didn't know the other person's cover identity. The other person didn't know his cover identity either.

How could Zhang Yong know?

Wu Songling's code name in the organisation was 'Creeper'.

His superior had told him that he was the real Creeper.

There was also a cover, a fake Creeper.

According to the arrangements of the higher-ups, there are other comrades who also use this code name. But the specific situation, Wu Songling definitely does not know.

How could Zhang Yong...

'Boom!'

Suddenly, a muffled sound came.

Zhang Yong's attention was immediately drawn to it. It turned out that Wei Fangquan and the others had dug up the stone slab.

Since there was a stone slab, there must be something underneath it.

They continued to work hard. They lifted the stone slab with a lot of effort. Sure enough, they found a cave underneath.

Underneath the stone slab was a cellar. Inside, there was a lot of straw. It had all rotted. Among the straw were many jars and pots. Big and small.

The biggest pot is heavy. It's obviously full of something. Open the lid. It's full of bullets. Looks like 7.63mm rifle cartridges. In the middle of the bullets, there are also several rifles. The quality is not bad.

But!

They're worthless!

Just a few broken rifles.

No matter how many bullets there are, they're worthless. There are only a few thousand rounds.

I don't know what He Yan was hiding these revolvers for at home. At least get some powerful weapons...

Fortunately, there are other pots and jars.

Take out the other clay pots. Open them.

Finally, I found the shiny silver dollars.

As expected, the Chinese have a tradition of hiding gold underground. Sending silver dollars to the bank always feels unsafe.

If something goes wrong and the bank makes things difficult, there's no way to get them back...

That would be the end.

Something like this is still very possible.

Therefore, after making money, part of it is deposited in the bank, and part is buried underground.

When in urgent need, it can be used directly by digging it up.

Although the He family is now prominent, who knows what the future holds?

One must always be prepared for the unexpected!

The remaining clay pots were also moved out. It was found that they were all filled with silver dollars.

Most of them were Eagle dollars. There were also some Yuan Datous. The quality was quite good. Since they were to be buried underground, they must have been chosen well.

Wu Songling couldn't help but look at Zhang Yong.

This guy has a really good nose! He can find it even in this kind of situation.

Zhang Yong had someone count the silver dollars. There were found to be more than 5,000. Not much. Just so-so.

'Come, come, come!'

'Twenty taels of silver for everyone! Twenty taels of silver for everyone! Twenty taels of silver for everyone!'

'Everyone gets a share!'

'Come up and get it yourself!'

Zhang Yong started handing out money again.

It was after all, He's money. It was perfect for buying people's hearts.

This is called 'borrowing flowers and offering them to the Buddha'.

The key is to silence everyone. See if anyone leaks the secret.

Twenty taels of silver per person. As long as they take it, they are all in the same boat. Anyone who goes and snitches is asking for trouble.

To take the money and then go and snitch. That's just stupid.

Of course, it's not impossible that there are really that kind of stupid people in the world.

However, Zhang Yong felt that there were no such people under his command. No one that stupid could have survived this long.

Therefore, after the money was distributed, no one would take the initiative to tell on anyone, no matter what the consequences.

Zhang Yong took a handful of silver dollars himself and handed them to Wu Songling, saying, 'Detective Wu, no exceptions, twenty silver dollars.'

'I...' Wu Songling frowned.

'Detective Wu, if you don't want it, do you want to turn around and snitch?'

'What are you talking about?'

Wu Pinfeng couldn't help but interrupt. He felt that Zhang Yong's words were too hurtful.

What snitching?

This is a very serious accusation, alright? Who can bear it?

Zhang Yong squinted at him.

'Everyone took some, except you. How could I not worry?'

'I'll take some.'

'That's right. Detective Wu, in the future, let's get rich together.'

'Team Leader Zhang, let's get down to business.'

'We are doing our job! You can see that our investigation is going deeper.'

'Why?'

'The cellar was not discovered by the robbers. This means that they were definitely not He Yan's trusted men. It is impossible that it was the He family themselves who staged the robbery. He Yan's husband probably didn't even know about the cellar. We have eliminated a lot of possibilities. Isn't that right?'

'Yes...'

Wu Songling was speechless.

This Zhang Yong. He really is stubborn.

Could it be that this guy's abilities are all in his mouth?

He's just making up excuses. And he's saying it all so convincingly.

The key point is that he doesn't have the slightest bit of shame.

I'm really impressed.

What talent...

'Continue!'

Zhang Yong circled a second location.

This location also had a weapon symbol. There should be a cellar there as well.

This He Yan is really careful. She has built so many cellars at home. I wonder if her husband knows? Is her husband really dead?

I suddenly remembered something.

'Have you investigated He Yan's husband?'

'I have arranged for the police to retrieve her husband's file.'

'Tell me briefly?'

'Her husband is Yang Haisen. He returned from studying abroad. The two have been married for three years. Look, this is the person.'

Wu Songling handed Zhang Yong a photo.

Zhang Yong took it. He noticed that it was a rather young man. Quite handsome.

Shit, it turns out that the old bull is eating the tender grass. He Yan is just so-so looking, short and fat, but she found such a handsome husband. Really...

'Where is the file?'

'The file only has a photo on it. There is also the most basic household registration information, nothing else.'

'Are all the files at your police station so simple?'

'No. Since he is He Yan's husband, He Yan came to inquire and personally watched us delete the details.'

'Why?'

'I don't think he wants anyone else to know.'

'Can this be done?'

'Your file, Captain Zhang, was not directly removed from our police station? There is no such person.'

'Er...'

Zhang Yong didn't ask again.

Wu Songling was angry. He had already retorted.

If the Secret Service can extract his information and say that there is no such person, then why can't He Yan step in and amend Yang Haisen's information?

The police department is just a pushover. As long as you have a big name, you can change the information as you like.

Frankly speaking, if someone were to choose between Minister He and Director Dai, who would have more power. I reckon 99% of people would choose Minister He. Even Boss Dai himself would choose Minister He. Even if the Secret Service were given a million tanks for guts, they wouldn't dare to sit on an equal footing with the Ministry of Military and Political Affairs.

How many people are there in the Secret Service? How many troops does the Ministry of Military and Political Affairs control?

Minister He was previously an instructor at Huangpu Military Academy. Apart from the warlord, he is the one with the highest position. Oh, no, there is also the Director of the Political Department...

This Minister He has long been in charge of the Ministry of Military Affairs, and he has a lot of trusted officers under his command.

Therefore, even if he and Chiang Kai-shek have some conflicts, Chiang Kai-shek has no way of replacing him. Otherwise, the National Army will fall apart. A disunited army.

Without this Minister He, the National Army can hardly function normally.

At the end of the year, when the incident happened, Chiang Kai-shek lost command authority, and most of the National Army listened to this Minister He. The situation at the time could be described as pretty bad. If it weren't for someone mediating strongly in the middle, Chiang Kai-shek's life would probably not have been spared. And after Chiang Kai-shek came out, there was no way he could blame this Minister He. He was worried about another mutiny.

With this background, even if He Yan wanted to take away all of Yang Haisen's files, the police station would most likely dare not say no.

'Boom!'

A muffled sound broke the awkwardness between the two.

Zhang Yong quickly ran over. He found that they had dug up another stone slab. Good. There really is a cellar below.

Wu Songling: ?

Found it again?

Incredible! How did Zhang Yong manage to do it?

How did this guy find out that there was a cellar in that location? I, Wu Songling, couldn't even see it.

I must admit, this guy's skills are very unique.

Digging into the cellar. It's still rotting straw. There are also jars and pots of various sizes.

There are also some shotguns and bullets. The rest is all ocean money.

Zhang Yong has lost all feeling.

Ocean money, just ocean money. Not even a banknote.

Alas, disappointment...

Suddenly, I saw Wu Pinfeng's eyes shining as he stared at the submachine guns.

I get it. Just like Zhou's subordinate Xiao Guo, they really want the guns. But they are not qualified to carry guns. Or they are not allowed to carry guns.

A bit of a bad idea. Picking up a submachine gun and two magazines, he handed them to Wu Pinfeng.

Wu Pinfeng's eyes immediately sparkled. He reached out subconsciously.

'Team Leader Zhang, what are you doing...' Wu Songling reached out to stop him, "What are you doing?'

'I think he really wants it. So I'm giving it to him," Zhang Yong said casually, "It's confiscated anyway. It's not useful.'

'This belongs to the He family," Wu Songling frowned.

Zhang Yong shook his head.

Wu Songling: ?

What do you mean?

Why are you shaking your head? Did I say something wrong?

"No.'

'Team Leader Zhang, please enlighten me.'

'Detective Wu, you are a professional. You have spent your entire life pursuing the truth. You are right. This is indeed the He family's property. We dug it out of the cellar of the He family's home. However, we cannot make this public. We need to cover this up.'

'Why?'

'Right now, foreign newspapers are slandering Minister He. They're saying bad things about him. Of course we can't let them have the evidence. Do you want the whole world to know that we dug up a lot of weapons and silver dollars in Minister He's family home? Wouldn't that be the end of him? Of course not. Even if we did announce it, Minister He would vehemently deny it. He's always presented himself as a clean man, so how could he have done such a thing?'

'So...'

'Right. We'll handle it internally. Then we'll announce to the public that these were seized from the robbers after we caught them. They belong to the robbers.'

'Team Leader Zhang, you're really good at calling a stag a horse and reversing right and wrong.'

'You're too kind. I've just been in the big dye vat. I've gradually grasped the essentials.'

'In that case, there's no need for me to stay. Can I go back?'

'Of course not.'

'Why?'

'Detective Wu, if you go back, you're asking for death.'

'Why?'

'This matter involves a lot. You're a detective in a police station, and you don't have the ability to protect yourself. You'll only be safe if you follow me.'

'You're exaggerating.'

'Detective Wu, you are already on the list of people under arrest. If you don't follow me, you will be arrested by Chen Tieying immediately. I'm afraid he won't be so polite to you. And this little brother Wu Pinfeng is immature, too impulsive, and prone to getting into trouble.'

'I...'

Wu Pinfeng suddenly became anxious.

What do you mean I'm immature? Too impulsive? And you're calling me little brother?

It's like I'm older than you.

What are you pretending to be so big...

'By the way...'

Zhang Yong suddenly changed the subject, 'the people from the secret police headquarters are here.'

'What?' Wu Pinfeng was stunned.

He subconsciously turned his head back. But he didn't see anything.

Where was anyone?

Where were the people from the secret police headquarters?

He suddenly realised that he had been tricked. He hurriedly turned back.

He noticed that Zhang Yong's expression was as usual. This slightly relieved him. But then he felt indignant.

This Zhang Yong was pretending to be mysterious and trying to trick him.

'It's Ye Wansheng,' Zhang Yong said to himself, "this guy is an expert at catching Red Party members. You guys better not do anything, or he'll catch you as Red Party members.'

'We're not Red Party members," Captain Wu said slowly, "what do they want with me?'

'Maybe they have a mission," Zhang Yong said meaningfully, 'you're not a Red Party member. Once you're in the interrogation room, you'll confess that you're a Red Party member yourself.'

'That's a false accusation,' Wu Pinfeng said angrily, 'Why would they falsely accuse someone?'

'Because they have a gun in their hands! Don't you understand?'

'Hmph...'

'Look,'

Zhang Yong nudged Wu Pinfeng's back.

Wu Pinfeng thought Zhang Yong was just messing with him again. He refused to turn around. But soon he realised that something was wrong.

He heard footsteps behind him. He turned around. Sure enough, he saw a group of secret agents in Zhongshan suits carrying submachine guns approaching. They were indeed the secret agents of the Special Branch. Now it seems to be called the Military Affairs Bureau? The name had changed, but the persecution of the Red Party was still brutal. He couldn't help but clench his fists. Suddenly, he felt someone tap him on the shoulder.

'What are you doing with clenched fists?' Zhang Yong's voice came, 'This action of yours is enough to make Ye Wansheng suspicious.'

'Wu Pinfeng!' Wu Songling also whispered, "Calm down. Stay calm.'

'Yes," Wu Pinfeng replied. He released his fist.

Zhang Yong no longer paid any attention to this rookie who had not yet officially joined the organisation. He went up to intercept Ye Wansheng.

The Party Affairs Investigation Department has also been actively expanding its business recently! It has even interfered in the He family's affairs.

'Captain Ye.'

'Team Leader Zhang.'

Ye Wansheng seemed to have the confidence to stand up to Zhang Yong.

Zhang Yong was secretly puzzled. Has this guy eaten some Wilgaon recently? How dare he speak to me face to face?

Looks like I haven't beaten him enough...

'Captain Ye, you haven't been to the hospital recently?'

'What would I be doing at the hospital?'

'Seeing a doctor!'

'What?'

'Ah...'

Ye Wansheng suddenly let out a scream.

But Zhang Yong struck with a brick. It smashed directly into his face.

Where did the brick come from? I picked it up off the ground. I dug it up when I was digging the cellar. Zhang Yong was ready as soon as he saw Ye Wansheng.

An attack at close range would not work. So he went long-range. A half-broken green brick was just right.

Why not a whole green brick? He was worried that it would kill him outright.

It didn't matter if it injured him. It would be bad if it killed him.

'Clatter!'

'Clang!'

Suddenly, there was chaos.

The men Ye Wansheng had brought with him raised their guns. Zhong Yang and Wu Liuqi on this side also raised their guns.

For a moment, there were only dark muzzles.

The tension was palpable. The situation was explosive. If anyone pulled the trigger, blood would immediately splash everywhere.

But...

It was quiet. No one fired.

They were all veterans. They all knew exactly what was going on. No one was stupid.

They all know that Ye Wansheng and Zhang Yong are having a personal grudge. They, the subordinates, just need to draw their guns and make a show of it. If anyone really wants to fight...

Well, there's no such fool. If there is, he would have been kicked out by others long ago.

It doesn't matter if you want to die yourself. But don't get me involved!

Wu Songling: ? !

Wu Pinfeng: !

Both of them are stunned.

Even Wu Songling is shocked.

He had never encountered such a scene before. Zhang Yong and Ye Wansheng, they just started fighting as soon as they met?

What a shock!

And they used bricks!

Hard, green bricks! They were meant to kill someone!

It wasn't...

Ye Wansheng had blood all over his face.

He touched it with his hand and found it to be wet and slimy...

No need to look, it was definitely open.

Suddenly, the world started spinning.

Everything went dark.

Then...

he pretended to faint.

In fact, he was not unconscious. But he had to pretend to be.

Otherwise, if he stood there rigidly and let himself bleed to death, would he really lose his life?

If you don't pretend to faint, how can others take you to the hospital?

Sure enough...

Ye Wansheng 'fainted', and the tense atmosphere immediately disappeared.

His men hurriedly helped him up and took him to the hospital. Zhang Yong's men also quickly put away their guns.

It's fine.

Business as usual. Just get used to it.

There can be no firefight. This is a public place.

Only two people fought with each other.

Right. They fought with each other.

It wasn't just Zhang Yong bullying Ye Wansheng.

They fought with each other.

They struggled with each other. They both got hurt.

So

there's no need to report it to the higher-ups.

If we do, we'll just get yelled at for being stupid.

So...

Wei Fangquan and Wang Yuchuan and the others looked at each other, feeling as if they had learned some strange knowledge...

'Ring ring ring...'

'Ring ring ring...'

Suddenly, the phone rang again. Everyone looked at Zhang Yong.

Zhang Yong then walked over to answer the phone.

The result was disappointing. It wasn't the person who had called before.

It was Mao Renfeng calling.

'Shaolong.'

'Secretary Mao, what are your instructions?'

'Have you investigated He Yan's residence?'

'I'm at the He residence.'

'Well, report the situation discreetly.'

'Discreetly?'

'Yes. Discreetly.'

'Yes. Secretary Mao, I just arrived at the He residence and found that the interior decorations and furnishings are very simple, and I didn't find anything of value. There are no weapons or ammunition either. It's just an ordinary family. The place isn't big either.'

'About He Yan...'

'It's just a very ordinary small business. It does some small business. Throughout the year, it may earn a few hundred dollars. It barely supports the family. It can't even afford a car.'

'Well, very good. You arrange for someone to write a report like this. The Chairman wants to read it personally.'

'Yes.'

Zhang Yong secretly shook his head.

Damn. What's going on? The Chairman wants to personally help Minister He clean up his mess?

Well, it's fine. After all, the two of them have a foundation of affection...

Ah, no. After all, the two of them have a common interest. The Chairman certainly doesn't want someone to attack Minister He at this time.

In terms of military affairs, Minister He has still given the Chairman a lot of help.

If Minister He steps down, the Chairman's military power may collapse by half.

Someone surnamed Wang will lay hands on the military power.

Minister He and President Wang have a deep personal grudge.

Although both are pro-Japanese, it seems that they absolutely cannot see eye to eye...

'You have a good line of thought. Continue investigating.'

'Yes, sir.'

'Good. Report back promptly if anything happens.'

'Yes.'

Zhang Yong's mouth curled up in a sneer.

A good line of thought? Haha. Just covering for Minister He. Got it.

The He family's affairs must never be revealed truthfully. Minister He must be given an image of integrity and frugality.

He put down the receiver. He turned his head and looked at Wu Songling. Perfect, give him some funding.

Isn't the underground party short of funding? Never mind. I'll find a way to supplement it for you.

You have to take it.

You have to take it even if you don't want it.

That's how overbearing he is.

'Detective Wu, did you hear that?'

'Yes.'

'Good. This is for you.'

'What?'

'A bag of silver dollars. Keep your mouth shut. And his mouth shut too.'

'I...'

'Detective Wu, if you don't take the money, it means you don't want to go along with us. You want to turn informant afterwards, right?'

'I'll take it...'

'That's right. If you don't need it yourself, you can give it to someone else! Someone else might be of great use!'

'Yes...'

Wu Songling once again felt that Zhang Yong's words carried a hidden meaning.

What did he mean by someone else? What did he mean by of great use? This guy, what on earth does he know?

Seeing Zhang Yong take out a cloth bag and fill it with a bag of silver dollars, perhaps two or three hundred in total. He hands it to Wu Pinfeng. Wu Pinfeng hesitates for a moment, then reaches out and takes it.

'Hold onto it. Don't lose it. If anyone asks, just say I gave it to you.'

Wu Songling is silent.

Wu Pinfeng is silent.

They want to say something. But they don't know what to say.

Zhang Yong doesn't give them the chance to speak. He waves his hand. He tells them to go for now. He needs to make a phone call.

What for?

Of course, he wants to find out some information.

He picks up the phone. He dials the telephone company.

'This is Zhang Yong from the Fuxing Society Secret Service. I'd like to speak to your supervisor. I need to check a phone number...'

Zhang Yong uses his authority to investigate the person who called before.

Where did the other person make the call from?

If it was from home, he can find out whose home it is.

If it was from a public phone, he can also find out.

A few minutes later, he gets a reply. The call was made from the concession. It was from the Hotel Mader in the concession.

'A Russian?'

'The Hotel Madera?'

Zhang Yong frowned. It seems that the other party is very cautious! It really was a public phone.

This Hotel Madera is also a very inconspicuous presence in the concession. Zhang Yong has carried out operations in the concession many times, but has never noticed it.

What should I do?

Cool...

Waved his hand. Gather the team.

'Go to the concession!'

'Go to the Hotel Madera!'