Li Sheng's trial

He originally wanted to get some solid evidence, but he didn't expect it to be so solid that even a diamond drill would break it. Gao Junxiao immediately asked whether Li Sheng had helped him deal with the land in Northeast China.

Commander Zeng shook his head, saying that he didn't know Li Sheng when he sold the land. Since the land was a gift from the Young Marshal, he didn't dare to sell it openly. He only entrusted a friend to sell it on his behalf, but he was ripped off by his so-called "friend".

After receiving a negative answer, Gao Junxiao breathed a sigh of relief. If it was Li Sheng who handled it, even if he wasn't executed as a member of the Communist Party, he would still be executed as a traitor.

“Old Zeng, you’re not stupid. You should know that Korea was destroyed in the second year of Xuantong’s reign. Do you want me to tell you who the real buyer of those plots of land is?” Gao Junxiao lowered his voice.

Commander Zeng hugged Gao Junxiao tightly and cried even louder: "I really didn't mean to. I even went to the Northeast specifically to try to get the land back and not sell it anymore. But they have a lot of power. The people in the county government are all on the side of the North Koreans. They had two armed security guards kick me out. I'm an outsider, and I don't know anyone here. What can I do?"

Why are you old men crying? Regret is useless; everyone in the world should be lining up to buy a pill for regret. Gao Junxiao sighed, "You... sigh, I really didn't want to get involved in this mess! Wouldn't it have been better to sell the land properly and keep it to collect rent?"

“You make it sound so easy. It takes two or three months to go outside the Great Wall to collect rent. It’s time-consuming and laborious. My wife is too soft-hearted and can’t stand the farmers’ pleas. Sometimes we can’t collect the rent and we have to give up. I’ve thought about finding someone to collect it for us, but my wife is afraid that the agent will bully the farmers, so she won’t let me find an agent.” Commander Zeng choked up. “Being a landlord isn’t something just anyone can do. I don’t have that kind of luck, so I’ll just have to pay it in cash.”

“Alright, I believe you’re not a member of the CCP.” Gao Junxiao changed the subject. “If you’re not a member of the CCP, why is Shen Jian targeting you? At least explain things clearly.”

Commander Zeng let go of her hand, hesitated for a long time, and then began to tell the story starting with the radio he had traded with Li Sheng...

After understanding the general situation, Gao Junxiao bluntly stated that he roughly knew why Shen Jian was keeping an eye on him. Shen Jian wanted to steal CC's credit. Nanjing was, after all, Ji'e Lane's territory; if they acted there, the timing, location, and people would all be in their favor, and no one would suspect anything. The good news was that Shen Jian was trying to steal the credit; if it worked out, great, if not, so be it.

"I see, Councilor Gao, how do you plan to get me out of here?" Commander Zeng's eyes were full of anticipation.

"Have you heard the saying 'respond to all changes with constancy'? I just learned that they are in a hurry to return to Nanjing to report back. After they have eaten and drunk their fill, they will set off. I will go to their private room to offer them a toast later. Take off your coat and take this opportunity to go upstairs and rest. Buy your train ticket home around noon tomorrow." Gao Junxiao said, taking out a room key from his pocket. He had already booked a room for Commander Zeng.

"Thank you, but there's another problem. If I change my mind, how will I explain it to CC? Will they do something to me?" Commander Zeng lightly slit his throat.

"Oh, now that you mention it, it's not impossible." Gao Junxiao stroked his chin. "Do you know anyone at CC? Have them vouch for you."

“Yes, yes, Zhang Chong, Section Chief Zhang. He’s from my hometown of Qingtian, and he and my wife were classmates in middle school. But this time, it was he who called to persuade me to expose Li Sheng.” Commander Zeng’s eyes, which had just lit up, dimmed again.

Gao Junxiao said in surprise, "So you knew Zhang Chong a long time ago. That Zhang Chong is really unethical. Whether you expose Li Sheng or not, you will be punished. On the contrary, he has a 50% chance of being commended by his superiors. This is obviously a case of harming others for personal gain. Have you offended him?"

“How could that be? I saved his life!” Commander Zeng sniffed aggrievedly. “Back then, he opposed the old marshal and was arrested for organizing a rally and demonstration in Harbin. So his wife came to me for help. Because we were from the same hometown, I pulled some strings and managed to get him out of death row. I even paid for his trip back to his hometown.”

Wife? Zhang Chong really did have a wife. He hid it so well. Gao Junxiao clicked his tongue and said, "Tsk tsk tsk, I didn't expect Zhang Chong to be this kind of person."

"I have a clear conscience regarding Zhang Chong. Not only did I provide him with travel expenses, but I also gave him a letter of recommendation. I wrote him a letter of recommendation specifically to recommend him to Guo Lao..." Commander Zeng suddenly paused, as if he had remembered something important.

"Ugh!" Commander Zeng cried out without warning, pointing out the window and cursing as he sobbed, "You damned bastard, you can't blame me for your divorce! It's not like I forced you to get a divorce."

Fearing that Commander Zeng's crying would arouse suspicion, Gao Junxiao hurriedly patted his back to comfort him: "Alright, alright, you'll bring the spies here soon. Actually, the key to your question is whether there's a radio in the box. As long as you insist that there's something else in the box, they can't do anything to you."

"Yes, yes, my box is full of books." Commander Zeng nodded vigorously, and Gao Junxiao continued to instruct him on how to deal with the secret agents' questioning.

After Commander Zeng understood what to do, Gao Junxiao coaxed, "I helped you, so you should help me too. I really don't want to get involved in your mess. As for tonight's events, don't mention me unless someone asks. If you absolutely have to talk about it, just tell others that you were drunk and blacked out, and you can't remember the specific details, only that you woke up in a hotel. Of course, I will also keep your secret."

"Okay, okay." Commander Zeng nodded hurriedly, wiped away his snot and tears, and the two left the private room one after the other according to the plan.

As night faded through the gaps in the leaves, the outline of the Bund gradually became clear in the dawn light.

Clang! The gavel struck the table, and the hall fell silent instantly. Commander Cai whispered a few words to Commander Xiong in the courtroom, and then Director Yan of the Military Law Department presided over the trial.

"Defendant Li Sheng, you are accused of repeatedly reselling military supplies, and on April 21st of this year, you resold a military radio transmitter. Do you plead guilty?"

In the dock, Li Sheng changed back into his yellow-green military uniform, the rank insignia on the collar removed, leaving only a blank space.

He glanced at the leaders in the interrogation table, down to Gao Junxiao at the very end, and answered firmly, "I plead not guilty!"

Bang—

A loud bang echoed as the door opened, drawing everyone's attention to the entrance. Zhang Chong stormed in, his face pale and weak: "You won't plead guilty? You've committed more than just reselling supplies; you've also been accused of treason."

"Duo-duo!" Director Yan sternly reprimanded, banging his gavel. "No noise is allowed in the courtroom. All attendees, please take your seats immediately."

However, Zhang Chong ignored the warning and walked straight to the two commanders, saying with a forced smile, "Greetings, Commanders. I apologize for being late. Could you please have the guards bring me a stool? Just place it next to Councilor Gao. I need to summon witnesses later."

The two judges exchanged glances, then simultaneously turned their gazes to Director Yan, who nodded knowingly: "Get Section Chief Zhang a chair."

Zhang Chong sat down, staring coldly at Li Sheng. Li Sheng remained fearless, meeting his gaze without flinching. Gao Junxiao clearly sensed a thick tension in the air and silently shifted his posture.

Zhang Chong turned his head abruptly, giving him a disdainful look: "Counselor Gao, you've been quite busy these past few days."

“That’s how it is in the military; you have to handle things assigned by your superiors as quickly as possible.” Gao Junxiao didn’t answer directly. His gaze lingered on Zhang Chong’s sleeve, where a section of his blue and white hospital gown was visible. He pretended not to notice and his gaze naturally shifted to the defendant’s dock, secretly amused that Zhang Chong was still lying there peacefully.

"Efficiency is a good thing, but you're meddling in too many things. Aren't you afraid of getting sick from overwork? Don't let it delay your wedding." Zhang Chong sneered, the sarcasm in his eyes growing stronger.

Gao Junxiao smirked and continued looking down at the documents: "Born to be a workaholic, just like you, I won't die so easily."

"Heh, you know me pretty well." Zhang Chong's tone was sarcastic.

Gao Junxiao shrugged helplessly: "If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have imagined that someone could be more tenacious than weeds. But I've heard that Section Chief Zhang never gives up until he gets what he wants. It would be best to sign a body donation agreement with the medical school in advance. Who knows, he might make a contribution to human scientific research someday."

Choked by the remark, Zhang Chong's face turned even paler, but he didn't say anything more. However, the white plaque with the words "Unity and Sincerity" behind him was particularly glaring.

After listening to the testimonies of several witnesses, which were all refuted by Li Sheng, the two commanders on the bench whispered to each other and wrote something in their notebooks from time to time.

The rigid questioning was really boring. Gao Junxiao yawned. It was time for the "main course".

"Now, please welcome our witness, Head of Delegation Zeng Yi."

After waiting for a long time, no one came out. Director Yan called twice more, but still no one appeared: "Given the absence of the witness, this session of the trial is cancelled..."

"Wait a minute!" Zhang Chong stood up and turned to the commanders. "I'm very sorry, Commander Zeng had a minor accident on his way here. I've already sent people to handle it. We can summon another witness first."

Director Yan stared at the document, flipping through it back and forth: "That's it, right? Commander Zeng is the last witness."

"This is the newly found witness. Commanders, please allow me to summon the new witness." Zhang Chong's tone was tactful, seemingly asking a question, but in reality, with everyone watching, how could the commanders dare to openly protect him?

Gao Junxiao put down his pen, watching helplessly as Commander Xiong granted permission to summon him, unable to do anything about it. He glanced angrily to the left, just in time to meet Zhang Chong's cold eyes. The provocative sneer on his lips seemed to say, "I will definitely take down Li Sheng today."

Gao Junxiao's heart sank. He pondered whether he had overlooked some crucial information. Besides Commander Zeng, who was directly involved, who else could directly prove that Li Sheng had resold the radio station?

"Please welcome Ms. Shen Meizhen to the witness stand." With Zhang Chong's invitation, the entire hall fell silent, everyone holding their breath as they awaited the entrance of the mysterious woman.

The crisp sound of high heels approached from afar, and a graceful young woman entered the hall. She greeted the leaders on the judges' bench with poise and elegance. It turned out that she was the wife of Commander Zeng.

"Ms. Shen, I would like to ask you, do you remember when was the last time we did a thorough cleaning in April?" Zhang Chong asked in a low voice, deliberately slowing down his pace.

"Of course, it was before the Lunar New Year. My husband and I moved all the clothes and decorations we didn't usually use to the attic," Mrs. Zeng replied earnestly. "Oh, and we also sold some expired magazines and old books."

"What kinds of books were they? Do you remember them?" Zhang Chong stepped down from the judge's bench and continued to press for answers.

"Some expired magazines, like 'Film Pictorial,' 'The Young Companion,' 'Beautiful Prose Society,' 'Time Magazine,' and so on—too many to remember. In addition, there are several stacks of novels, essays, and mostly leisure reading that I've read," Mrs. Zeng replied casually.

Zhang Chong continued, "Most of them are leisure books, so what about the remaining small portion?"

Mrs. Zeng frowned as she recalled, "The rest... a few children's picture books, children's books, the rest belong to my husband, all old reference books, the technology of which is long outdated."

Everyone was confused, but Gao Junxiao understood the implications. Mrs. Zeng didn't need to prove whether Li Sheng had sold the radio station or not; she didn't even need to know Li Sheng. She only needed to prove that there were no books in her husband's suitcase.

Something was not right. Gao Junxiao glanced to his right and saw that both of his superiors looked impatient but were trying to be patient. A plan immediately came to mind. He wrote quickly and, taking advantage of Zhang Chong's inattention, secretly slipped a note under the table to Director Yan.

"Oh, did you flip through the books before selling them? What if there's money mixed in? Wouldn't you lose money if you sold them?" Zhang Chong asked casually.

"No, my husband is very meticulous," Mrs. Zeng quickly waved her hand.

With a series of thuds, Director Yan struck the gavel, adopting an official demeanor: "Section Chief Zhang, don't keep asking questions that are irrelevant to this case. We are a military court, not a police station resolving neighborhood disputes."

"Shen Meizhen, ignore him and tell me quickly." Zhang Chong's impatience startled Shen Meizhen, making her eyes widen.

"What's there to ask? These are all trivial matters. We're investigating a major case. What do you expect a housewife to confess? Is the person selling eggs in the morning a member of the Communist Party?" Director Yan mocked.

The two exchanged sharp words, and Zhang Chong, in a fit of anger, pointed at Director Yan and shouted, "The truth of this case is hidden in these details. You'll find out if you let Shen Meizhen continue talking, or if you're intentionally covering it up."

“Zhang Chong, you have nothing to fear if you are upright. Our interrogation process is completely in accordance with regulations, and there is a notary from the Ministry of Justice present to supervise. It is you who have been making a scene and disrupting the trial. If you keep making noise, I will have the guards take you out. Remember, this is the Songhu Command Headquarters, not your CC Clique’s office,” Director Yan retorted domineeringly.

Zhang Chong was furious and was about to retort.

Gao Junxiao, who was watching from the sidelines, hurriedly advised, "Everyone, calm down and put your tempers down. Director Yan is also considering the overall situation of the Party and the country. Of course, since Section Chief Zhang is certain that Mrs. Zeng has important clues, we should not overlook any details. However, I suggest that it is best to ask questions that are relevant to this case, otherwise it will be difficult for the notary to record them."

“That’s right, we should consider the bigger picture. Advisor Gao, why don’t you do the questioning?” Commander Xiong spoke up, receiving unanimous approval from the interrogation panel.

Since the leader had spoken, Gao Junxiao naturally obeyed respectfully: "Mrs. Zeng, do you know the defendant?"

"Hmm~ I don't know her." Mrs. Zeng shook her head without hesitation in denying it.

"His name is Li Sheng. He is the head of the propaganda section of the Songhu Command and has some personal connections with your husband," Gao Junxiao introduced generously.

“Ah, it’s Li Sheng. I know he’s from Zhejiang. My husband has spoken to him on the phone, but we’ve never met in person.” Mrs. Zeng nodded gently.

"They seem to have a good relationship. Do you know what they usually talk about?" Gao Junxiao asked.

Mrs. Zeng replied with a smile, "Nothing special, just some gossip, stock information, and little hobbies like playing chess and drinking tea."

"But as far as I know, their interests overlap not only, but also financially. Li Sheng has signed large checks for Commander Zeng more than once. I wonder who controls the finances in your family?" Gao Junxiao's tone was aggressive.

Shen Meizhen looked at Gao Junxiao with a nervous expression, and after a long pause, she replied: "The majority of the money should be in my hands, but I won't scrutinize the source of every penny he makes."

"Alright, as if you were unaware, today's trial is for Li Sheng's arms trafficking case. One of the sellers is your husband, Zeng Yi. He abused his position to falsify headcount, embezzle salaries, and seek personal gain."

“Impossible. My husband is an honest and upright official. He is very timid and would never do such a thing,” Shen Meizhen hurriedly defended herself.

“Mrs. Zeng, your villa is three stories high, located in a bustling area and is quite valuable. You have seven servants and maids. How can Commander Zeng afford it with his military salary?” Gao Junxiao narrowed his eyes and questioned, “I find it strange. I originally thought you wanted to put justice before family and expose your husband’s affair with Li Sheng, but judging from your attitude, you don’t seem to be here to expose him.”

Ms. Shen looked bewildered: "Of course I'm not here to expose anything. Besides military pay, my husband is very good at investing. He invests in real estate and stocks. Basically, whichever stock he buys goes up. Even Mr. Chiang would consult my husband before buying any stocks."

"Alright, alright, don't use Mr. Jiang as an example so casually. You don't know the defendant, and you're unaware of Commander Zeng's arms dealing, so what kind of witness are you here to be today?" Gao Junxiao questioned sternly.

"Zhang Chong asked me for a favor. I answered whatever he asked. I don't even know what I'm supposed to do today." Shen Meizhen spoke slowly, each word precisely aimed at Zhang Chong's face.

Gao Junxiao's voice suddenly rose three octaves: "Oh~ inducement! Inducement is a taboo in court, it's unfair."

A commotion erupted in the hall. Zhang Chong closed his eyes, his disappointment almost overflowing.

The gavel struck again, this time the notary public spoke: "Given that the witness was unable to participate fairly and effectively in the trial, after much discussion, his witness status has been revoked. Furthermore, if Mr. Zeng Yi is unable to arrive at the scene within five minutes, this court will proceed with the final proceedings..."

“I have another question,” Zhang Chong interrupted the notary. “Li Sheng, after Commander Zeng came to Shanghai in April, you gave him 120 silver dollars in one go. Why did you give him so much money?”

Li Sheng curled his lips: "April or not, I can't remember. I only know that Lao Zeng and I jointly bought a few acres of fertile land last year to collect rent, which was his bonus. If you want evidence, I have prepared the sales contract from that time, which is in my wife's hands. However, Lao Zeng is unwilling to report more private property, so his name is not on the contract."

The guard took the leather file bag from Mrs. Li, and Commander Xiong took the contract first, then passed it to Commander Cai and the notary for review.

Zhang Chong, sitting below the hall, suddenly sneered: "You want to buy land? That's just empty talk. Why should he give you the capital? What if you embezzle it?"

"Well, that's my reputation. Even though Lao Zeng's name isn't on the contract, I won't skimp on his bonuses," Li Sheng said proudly.

“I told you my husband wouldn’t embezzle. We used to own several plots of land, but we couldn’t collect the rent. He’d wanted to have someone else collect it for him, but I wouldn’t allow it. So we had to sell them early to get cash. I guess my husband couldn’t bear to part with the rent, so he secretly bought them back and had someone collect it for him.” Shen Meizhen happily chimed in, then stabbed Zhang Chong in the back before leaving the stage.

Zhang Chong glared at Shen Meizhen, then quickly looked away: "Commander Zeng has always insisted that what he gave you that day were all reference books. What books did you receive?"

“Since it’s a book, does the type of book have anything to do with this case? He can’t just send me banned books; even if he dares to send them, I wouldn’t dare accept them,” Li Sheng replied sharply.

"Li Sheng, you're really good at making excuses!" Zhang Chong had barely finished speaking when...

The notary, holding the document, stood up: "Section Chief Zhang, there's no need to ask any more questions. Five minutes have passed, and this court will now deliver its final verdict. Li Sheng is found not guilty and released due to insufficient evidence in the case of reselling arms and military radios. Execution immediately."

Doo!

With the final decision made, Li Sheng removed his handcuffs, unable to hide his smile, and bowed slightly to the judges and commanders.

Commander Xiong strode down from the judge's bench and gripped Li Sheng's hand tightly: "I knew you weren't a member of the Communist Party. How can a member of the Communist Party be a landlord? Some people are doing things against their conscience just to gain credit. They are a disgrace to the Party and the country."

These words were probably not meant for Zhang Chong, who was standing nearby. Zhang Chong's face turned from white to green, his lips trembled, but he couldn't utter a single word. In the end, he was forcibly dragged away by his subordinates.

Withered yellow leaves drifted onto the cobblestone path, and chrysanthemums bloomed in profusion on both sides of the path. As Gao Junxiao stepped into the study of Baihu Hall, he heard Jiang Yun's joyful greeting with clasped hands.

"Mr. Jiang, congratulations! Let's have a drink at the White Tiger Hall today." Gao Junxiao's heart, which had been in suspense for many days, could finally be put at ease.

“That’s exactly what I was thinking. Before you came, you asked Lady Xia for a pot of good Fenjiu. Last time, we didn’t communicate well internally and almost caused a big mess. Let me toast you first to express my apologies. Cheers.” Jiang Yun raised her glass in a toast.

Gao Junxiao also tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp: "Your people really need proper training. It's such a simple thing. Luckily, it wasn't Dai Yunong who came that day, otherwise your store would have been ruined."

"Well, how should I put it? Many of our underground workers are just ordinary people. They are very enthusiastic, but their skill levels vary quite a bit," Jiang Yun said with a helpless smile.

“Revolutionary work is indeed dangerous. We should avoid using those ordinary people if possible. In the end, will you save them or will they save you?” Gao Junxiao said frankly.

“Mr. Gao, this is the difference between us and you. The fisherwoman rowing the boat, the villager pushing the wheelbarrow, the old woman sewing shoe soles—you may think they are ordinary, but we believe that everyone is a potential revolutionary worker. The fisherwoman can help our soldiers cross the river, the villager can help us transport ammunition and food, and the old woman's warm needlework can become the soldiers' cloth shoes. We should not ignore their great contribution to the whole because of their small size.”

"When dealing with the masses, you shouldn't act like a feudal patriarch, using the pretext of 'I'm doing this for your own good' to dictate what they should and shouldn't do. Instead, you should develop everyone's potential, treat them as comrades, partners who offer advice, and allies who fight to solve problems. You should stand among the people, not above them."

“I’m sorry, I was arrogant. I heard from Qingcheng that in your Soviet area, everyone from eighty years old to eight years old is an intelligence agent, and outsiders can’t get in at all. Can you tell me about the Soviet area?” Gao Junxiao asked earnestly.

Just as Jiang Yun nodded in agreement, a male servant from the White Tiger Hall knocked on the door and entered. Madam Xia told the two of them not to go out for the time being, because Zhang Chong had arrived and said he wanted to pay his respects to Mr. Xia.

The two exchanged a glance, a renewed sense of unease washing over them. Gao Junxiao knew Zhang Chong had lost the case and would definitely continue to cause trouble, but he hadn't expected him to find the White Tiger Hall so easily. What did he know?