After two sleepless days of communication, the provincial military district convoy of the second-generation Golden Wheat entered the territory of the capital military district. However, since they had contacted the capital military district beforehand, they arrived in the capital smoothly under the guidance of a detachment of the capital military district's escort team.
The unit responsible for receiving this batch of goods was a true internal security force. Although slightly smaller, it was more purely "internal security" than the military region's "internal security" units. This unit was nominally under the Central Security Bureau and was responsible for the security of the central leaders. Meanwhile, the logistics department of the Central Security Bureau was responsible for the inspection and receipt of these goods.
At this point, Tong Dahai's escort work was largely completed. All that was needed was for the other party to sign the goods manifest, and the final procedure would be finished.
"The first generation of golden wheat was an extremely important resource; it could no longer be called food. This food could only be enjoyed by a very small number of people and could no longer represent the meaning and universality of 'food.' It would be more appropriate to call it a luxury."
In reality, although Tong Dahai was extremely curious about this shipment, and the provincial party secretary and governor had previously discussed it with him and the three of them personally arranged the escort mission, he had never actually seen the grain in person. It was a bit of a pity!
The head of the logistics department of the Central Security Bureau was a colonel surnamed Jiang. After a series of inspections by the logistics personnel to confirm that there was no safety risk to the goods, Colonel Jiang signed the cargo escort list, and the handover procedures were completed. By this time, Tong Dahai had already been delayed for two days.
"Sir, our bureau chief would like to host a luncheon for you, but he said he is unable to visit you. So please understand, sir, we would like to invite you to lunch. We hope you will do us the honor of attending!" Colonel Jiang said after saluting.
Tong Dahai was somewhat surprised. The director of the Central Security Bureau was also a major general, but this major general had much more power and was much more influential than an ordinary major general.
Of course, as the head of the guard force for the central leadership, the director of the Central Security Bureau was indeed very busy. Initially, Tong Dahai was somewhat displeased that he hadn't received an invitation from the director during the two days he was waiting to receive the goods. They were both major generals; even if the major general director was busy, couldn't he at least send a representative? But even the deputy director hadn't shown up; it was only Colonel Jiang who had been in contact with him the whole way.
However, Tong Dahai also knew that it was in accordance with regulations for the bureau chief not to see him.
Especially for military leaders of different jurisdictions and powers, while working communication is acceptable, personal relationships become somewhat sensitive. Moreover, the communication involves the Central Guard, the most confidential internal security force, making it even more sensitive.
This place is very close to the core leadership of the Chinese regime!
Slightly surprised, Tong Dahai nodded and said, "Please thank your director for me. I will definitely be there at noon."
"Yes, sir. I will arrange a car to pick you up then." Colonel Jiang saluted again, then turned and left. Throughout, he maintained a completely businesslike demeanor, without a hint of a smile.
Tong Dahai didn't mind these things. In fact, as a provincial military commander, he was nothing special here.
A major general commander's primary responsibility is to protect the safety of a province. However, in normal times, the provincial military region wouldn't encounter any major upheavals. At most, they would send out a small team to help the provincial party committee and government quell social unrest.
This is quite different from the scope of responsibilities and leadership authority of the major military regions.
If he were a major general in a major military region, he would likely be a commander of an army group or a deputy chief of staff of a major military region. That would mean he wields far more power.
Around noon, Colonel Jiang's chauffeur-driven car took Tong Dahai to a hotel under the jurisdiction of the Central Security Bureau. This area was also within the Central Security Bureau's jurisdiction and a martial law zone. Only the Central Security Bureau used this hotel to entertain guests.
This was Tong Dahai's first time dining at the heart of China's highest power, and even though he was being hosted by the head of the Central Security Bureau, he felt quite satisfied. Meeting a national leader? Forget it!
Yang Wenhe, the director of the Central Security Bureau, was a slightly plump middle-aged man who rarely smiled. He wore a military uniform with a bright gold star on his head.
When Tong Dahai and Colonel Jiang got out of the car, Director Yang was already waiting outside. This was quite a show of courtesy.
Tong Dahai quickened his pace, not wanting to be impolite, and the two saluted each other before shaking hands: "I'm so sorry to have troubled Director Yang to personally greet me. Haha!"
Director Yang then smiled and said, "I've long heard of Commander Tong's reputation, and I'm finally fortunate enough to meet him. Commander Tong, please!"
"Please join me, please join me."
Tong Dahai and Director Yang went in together. But they only chatted about trivial matters, never mentioning their work, which was their usual practice.
As they were walking, Director Yang said in a low voice, "Commander Tong, not only am I going to host a banquet for you this time, but a high-ranking official from the Central Committee also wants to see you."
Tong Dahai was immediately startled. A Central Commissioner? Not a military commissioner, but a Central Commissioner!
"Director Yang, may I ask who this director is?"
"Receiving Vice Chairman Dong!"
Zhen Weidong, Vice President of the People's Republic of China, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, and Vice Chairman of the State Military Commission, is 54 years old. He is undoubtedly the successor to the next President of the People's Republic of China, Chairman of the State Military Commission, Chairman of the Central Military Commission, and General Secretary. Once this new central leadership completes its term, he will become the new number one figure in the central government.
This is the second term of the current General Secretary. At that time, the 58-year-old Zhen Weidong will become the number one leader in the Central Committee. But he's still quite young!
Tong Dahai couldn't understand why the town's vice chairman would meet with him. But despite his confusion, he felt a surge of excitement. This was the town vice chairman privately receiving him, the commander of the provincial military region—it meant he'd officially become known to the town vice chairman!
"Thank you, Director Yang. I will remember this favor!" Tong Dahai said in a low voice.
"Commander Tong, you're too kind!" Director Yang's smile deepened, and he said politely but vaguely. Being able to know a major general, the head of a provincial military region, was a good thing, and a legitimate one at that. Tong Dahai wasn't old, and still had the advantage of being promoted at an appropriate age.
Huang Xing, the office director of the deputy chairman of the town, accompanied the trip this time. However, he was only assigned to the office of the deputy chairman of the town. He was a ministerial-level official, and his position was related to the central government.
Once they're released, they're usually given the position of provincial party secretary.
However, it's impossible for Director Huang to be sent out for further training; he was promoted from the position of provincial governor. He'll be transferred to the vice-chairman's office. Once the vice-chairman is promoted, he'll become the director of the General Office of the Central Committee and a member of the Politburo, so further transfers would be meaningless.
It has become the norm for the Director of the General Office of the Central Committee to be a member of the Politburo.
Sure enough, in a large VIP room, sat a vice chairman of the Central Committee who frequently appeared on television. His chief steward, Director Huang, was chatting with him.
When Tong Dahai and Director Yang entered, Director Huang stood up. Whether it was out of respect for Yang Wenhe or because he valued Tong Dahai, having a Central Committee member and future Politburo member stand up to greet them was already a great show of courtesy.
"Hello, Director Huang! Tong Dahai and Yang Wenhe greet you with their respects."
"No need for formalities here. Come on, all three of you, please sit down!" the town's vice-chairman said with a kind smile. His imposing presence was barely concealed, but his demeanor was very calm. "Commander Tong, don't be so formal. This is just a private chat, not work-related!"
Tong Dahai's face flushed slightly. He was indeed a little nervous. Hearing this, he was very grateful and said, "Sir, seeing you on TV and seeing you in person are very different. It's impossible not to be nervous. Hehe."
"Haha, you, Tong Dahai!" The town's vice chairman burst into laughter. Director Huang and Bureau Chief Yang also smiled obsequiously. "Sir, Commander Tong has really done a great service this time. If you don't explain what happened today, he'll probably still be feeling uneasy," Director Huang said with a smile.
"Yes, it was my oversight, haha, Commander Tong. Actually, today I'm representing the First Commander and several other commanders to express our gratitude to you, Comrade Ying Chenggong, and Wang Yunyi. We are very grateful that you care about our health. However, this shipment is not simple; it's not just about what we eat. The significance it represents is also very important. Therefore, on behalf of the Party and the country, I express my gratitude to you!" The town's vice chairman laughed and then said.
"Chief, this is what we should do! I only did something insignificant, but it's my duty," Tong Dahai said excitedly.
It turned out that the town vice-chairman hadn't met with him privately, but rather on behalf of the nine leaders to express their gratitude. Tong Dahai understood this now. It was practically impossible for the town vice-chairman to meet with him privately. The current leader was only in his second term; the town vice-chairman wouldn't be in such a hurry to privately meet with local officials and begin deploying his own faction—that would be a very serious political issue.
The town's vice chairman waved his hand and said, "You did a great job this time. Only three people know about it. But don't be too happy yet. This gratitude can only be expressed privately and cannot be made public."
"Long. I understand."
"Good that you understand! When you get back, be sure to keep this a secret. This matter is a top state secret. Those of you present here, as well as Comrade Ying Chenggong and Comrade Wang Yunyi who personally handled it, must all be careful to keep it a secret! I've already emphasized this to them, but I'll just reiterate it here."
Tong Dahai was startled. Top secret! He opened his mouth to say something.
The town's vice chairman interrupted, saying, "Just keep it to yourself. Trust everyone's Party spirit and the principle of confidentiality! Also, on behalf of the other leaders, I have a few questions for you. Please answer them truthfully, Comrade Tong Dahai!"
At that moment, everyone's expression turned serious.
"Yes, may I ask, sir?" Tong Dahai straightened his back.
"How much do you know about Comrade Zhang Guodong, who is also a director and the largest private shareholder of Shennong Holdings?" the town's vice chairman asked.
Zhang Guodong? Tong Dahai pictured the young man standing next to Secretary Ying and Governor Wang.
Tong Dahai thought for a moment and said, "Sir, I didn't know Zhang Guodong before. I only met him once during the transport when Secretary Ying and Governor Wang mentioned this matter. He's quite young, around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, very mature and steady. However, my initial impression is that this young man is quite extraordinary. He stood side by side with Secretary Ying and Governor Wang without any nervousness, displaying remarkable composure. I could tell that this young man is very arrogant!"
"There have been some news reports about Zhang Guodong before, related to the desert contracting and transformation project in Ningyun County. He's a very resourceful man. More information comes from what I learned from Secretary Ying and Governor Wang; they both mentioned him. Zhang Guodong is very important to the country! But they didn't elaborate."
The town's vice chairman nodded slightly, deep in thought. Director Huang, however, remained completely calm, as if he had known about this all along?
Director Yang, however, looked surprised. Zhang Guodong? Who is this guy? In Beijing's social circles, is he some kind of young master from a powerful family?
"Let's end our conversation here. Remember, this must not be divulged! Director Huang, you and Director Yang, please entertain Commander Tong on my behalf," the town's vice-chairman said.
After seeing off the town's vice chairman, Huang Guiren sat down with Tong Dahai and Yang Wenhe, and the atmosphere was much more relaxed than before.
The First Chief's Office.
The town's vice chairman and the number one leader, who had rushed over, were having a detailed conversation. On the table was a document about two inches in size, with the three large characters "Zhang Guodong" on it, indicating that the document was about Zhang Guodong.
In fact, it does contain information about Zhang Guodong. And it's quite detailed. It includes details about Zhang Guodong's trip to Sichuan, the "Duyu Zha Incident," his relationship with Li Daolin, some events in Xiqin, the Ningyun Desert incident, and so on, all listed in great detail and very clearly.
This was even more detailed than what Ying Chenggong and Wang Yunyi reported via the red telephone.
"The things Comrade Ying Chenggong and Comrade Wang Yunyi reported are probably true. There really are beings beyond humankind in this world. Most of what Ying Chenggong knows is probably speculation, mainly focusing on 'Golden Wheat.' This grain is said to be only slightly inferior to the previously rumored 'Crystal Rice,' but regular consumption can prolong life. This is no ordinary crop! Comrade Wang Yunyi knows more, and his words are basically certain. Cultivators, what kind of thing is this? Is it really as Comrade Wang Yunyi said, capable of flying over eaves and walls, and turning things upside down? Wouldn't everyone become immortals?" The leader's mood was heavy, filled with shock and worry.
Not to mention the shock he felt when he first saw the document, even the town's vice chairman was almost speechless with astonishment when he glanced at it.
If the issues mentioned above are minor, then this matter is truly serious. But would a provincial party secretary or governor dare to speak so recklessly?
Considering the reports sent by some secret departments from two years ago to the present regarding the situation of the five major political families, the things reported in this document are likely to be confirmed.
"Chairman, this matter is probably true. However, we need to confirm it in person first! Comrade Wang Yunyi stated above that he wants to give Zhang Guodong a definite political identity in order to bind him and make him identify with our secular regime. His intentions are good, but this matter can only be carried out after it is confirmed." Vice Chairman Zhen Weidong pondered for a moment and then said.
"What if this is true?" the leader asked.
Zhen Weidong was taken aback, but seeing that the chairman was not joking, he immediately said, "Then we must do everything we can to make these powerful cultivators serve the country!"
"Yes, have Comrade Wen Yuan and Comrade Huang Xing from the General Office come over. We need to discuss the specifics of how to conduct the investigation. It's said that these cultivators are very powerful; ordinary people probably won't even be able to get close to them before they're discovered," said the number one leader.
"Then what about Secretary Zheng and the others?" Zhen Weidong nodded, but hesitated for a moment before saying, "The Secretary Zheng you're referring to is the Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and also a member of the Politburo Standing Committee. The only people who can be ranked alongside him are the other six members of the Politburo Standing Committee."
"It's not time for them to know yet. The fewer people who know, the better. Even if we investigate, we must maintain secrecy and choose the right people to go!" the number one leader said. "Tong Dahai, the commander of the Xiqin Provincial Military Region, is one of the insiders. After the investigation, we could consider giving Yang Wenhe, the director of the Central Security Bureau, a promotion.
Zhang Guodong, far away in Xiqin Province, had no idea that this batch of the first generation of Golden Wheat had caused so much trouble. He also didn't know that Ying Chenggong and Wang Yunyi, those two old foxes, had actually reported his affairs to the top leader of the Central Committee and the future top leader.
No one would have expected that this would lead to the discovery of a special investigation team. This special investigation team had only five members, but none of them were ordinary people; they were either top-level martial artists or possessed extraordinary skills.
After receiving the order, they headed straight for Xiqin Province.
Zhang Guodong, however, was not at home. Instead, he had traveled to Fangzhou in the southwest. He had originally planned to spend the Lunar New Year with his family, enjoying a harmonious and joyous reunion. Even his elder brother and sister-in-law, nephew, and the parents of the famous courtesan, all had come to the Zhang family villa in Shaanxi Province. His third brother and his girlfriend had closed their factory early, giving the workers an early holiday, and also rushed back.
It's safe to say that the Zhang family had a very lively year.
But five days after sending off the "first generation of Golden Wheat," Xuan Qingwei suddenly sent her a message: something big had happened in the cultivation world outside!
Someone has finally discovered the ruins of an ancient cultivation sect in the outside world; it may have been a former sect headquarters!
The news spread quickly.
In fact, Zhang Guodong also received a message from Liu Meigui, which concerned the same matter.
Xuan Qingban decided to leave the mountain to participate in the excavation of the ancient cultivator's ruins. Liu Meigui also invited him, which piqued Zhang Guodong's interest. He bid farewell to his family, saying he would definitely return home before the New Year, and then waited for Xuan Qingying. The two then used a teleportation array to arrive at the fifth floor of the "Wanxian Restaurant" in the southwest city!
They arrived at the Southwest City in no time, which greatly surprised Xuan Qingban. There was even a teleportation array set up by Zhang Guodong inside this restaurant!
This was the third teleportation array she knew of! Did Zhang Guodong really have so much spatial jade? Where did he get it? Xuan Qingwei didn't believe the Grand Elder would give Zhang Guodong so much spatial jade. He shouldn't have given him a single piece.
Given the immense importance of the spatial jade, and considering Zhang Guodong's extremely low cultivation level at the time, how could the Grand Elder possibly have given him something so crucial?
Could it be that Zhang Guodong discovered an ancient cultivator's ruins? Is this the place where Qingzhu is currently located?
Xuan Qingwei was almost certain that Zhang Guodong had taken the spatial jade from "there." She was filled with envy and marveled at Zhang Guodong's good fortune.
At this moment, Xuan Qingwei, wearing a magical mask, was on the main street of the Southwest Imitation City, inquiring with Zhang Guodong about the ruins of an ancient cultivation sect. Many cultivators were discussing the matter, but the news was also heavy-hearted. It had indeed been discovered and announced, but it had attracted a large number of powerful experts.
With such powerful experts standing there, what can anyone else possibly gain? They might even be murdered and robbed! "It seems this is true. The cultivator who discovered the ruins was quite lucky, but since he discovered them, he actually let everyone know. What kind of logic is that?" Zhang Guodong transmitted his voice. "Many cultivators are now heading to the South China Sea. The sect's ruins are on the seabed. Qingban, when do you plan to go? It would be a shame not to witness it."
“When you go, I’ll go!” Xuan Qingqi said.
"Haha, alright, but I have another friend joining us. More people can't hurt. Let's head out after dinner at sunset. Now, let's go back to the restaurant!" Zhang Guodong said, slightly surprised.
Xuan Qing frowned slightly, seemingly reluctant to have a third person join. But in the end, he only gave a slight hum and didn't refuse outright.
Is she starting to act more and more like a woman who's going to follow her husband after marriage? Zhang Guodong was secretly pleased.
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