Deep Ailyo
The air was humid, and the smell of disinfectant kept wafting into his nose, but Zhang didn't care. He pushed aside the military doctor who was organizing his medical kit and arrogantly pulled over a stool to sit down.
He calmed down quickly, as if his recent breakdown was just a snowflake falling on his cheek, melting away in seconds. Gao Junxiao snorted in disgust, thinking that if he succeeded, the bullets that hit him would bounce back to the 19th Army.
President Chiang was subservient to the Japanese, but dealt a heavy blow to the petitioning student representatives, resulting in bloodshed at the Zhonghua Gate. This gave the Guangdong clique officials an excuse, and they joined forces with the Guangxi clique officials to impeach the president and force him to step down. However, there were still many centrists who could be won over, and the president was in dire need of a wave of sympathy votes.
Before Zhang Chong could even sit down properly, Gao Junxiao immediately spoke up: "Your political show has even spread to the military camp. Thanks to your painstaking efforts, Xu Qiao almost had to give out his year-end bonus as a death bonus."
After saying that, Zhang Chong forced open his swollen eyes and said, "Whether I'm putting on a show or not, as long as I achieve my goal, that's all that matters. But you, as a member of the Central Army, since you saw through it, why did you stop me? We should be of one mind."
"Thank you for your kind offer, but my wife and I are of one mind." Gao Junxiao retorted jokingly, "Even if you are willing to use your own flesh and blood as a fuse to shift the conflict to the Guangdong Army in order to strike at the Guangdong faction behind him, that gentleman has incurred public wrath, and it is only a matter of time before he steps down. You cannot change that."
"So you think that Sun family's eldest son, that good-for-nothing slacker, is more capable than Mr. Chiang?" Zhang Chong, whether intentionally or unintentionally, kept bringing up domestic affairs. In fact, his meaning was very clear: regardless of whether you like Principal Chiang or not, only he can take charge of the overall situation at the moment.
"This is none of my business. I'm just a rough man." Gao Junxiao suppressed the urge to roll his eyes and took the opportunity to distance himself from the matter. "How can I compare to your influence? Even Guo Lao is willing to put aside his pride to protect you. I bet you won't stay in CC for long. Sooner or later you'll be going to Nanjing to get promoted and have a bright future. Why do you have to risk your life?"
"Don't you understand?" Zhang Chong seemed to be asking, but he probably already had the answer in his heart. "Okay, even if you don't understand, I can tell you that our country is too big and needs a leader to stabilize the people's hearts and the army's morale. No matter how powerful the Nanjing government is, at least the surrounding warlords nominally obey Nanjing's arrangements."
You know he wasn't very good at his job, so your self-sacrifice is just a joke," Gao Junxiao silently mocked, but his face remained calm: "Don't be so absolute. What if the successors are more capable? Besides the Guangdong faction, there are also the Guangxi faction, the Shanxi faction, the Yunnan faction... Our country lacks many things, but it doesn't lack people."
“It’s not that I look down on them, but even if the leaders of all the factions take turns in power, it won’t change the current situation,” Zhang Chong said expressionlessly. “Nanjing won the Central Plains War, and the people finally have a chance to recuperate. So the most important thing right now is not to make changes every day, but to implement a stable set of policies so that we can plan for the long term of the country.”
The purpose of improving people's lives is to enable them to produce steadily, to ensure the government has stable tax revenue, and to transform that tax revenue into the people's welfare, to build bridges and roads, to construct schools, to create a better production environment, to expand the means of production, and to form a virtuous cycle.
But the people were starving, yet Nanjing's taxes were increasing instead of decreasing. Such exorbitant taxes meant not a single silver dollar was used for the people; the balance of wealth was tipping ever higher. In the end, the rich got richer and the poor got poorer—wasn't this forcing people to revolt?
If the overall strategic direction is wrong, continuing to execute it will only make things worse! Gao Junxiao snapped out of his thoughts: "This is a typical results-oriented approach. You first define a result, and then try to find reasons for that result."
“That’s because our ancestors have already tested the results for us. Do you know why the Ming Dynasty collapsed at the end of the Ming Dynasty?” Zhang Chong suddenly changed the subject.
Ha, does he think he's Zhang Juzheng? He's just a Wei Zhongxian at best. Gao Junxiao glanced sideways at Zhang Chong: "What, is the collapse of the Ming Dynasty necessarily related to your arrest of Li Sheng? Are you a Ming Dynasty person?"
The conversation died down, and Zhang Chong immediately fell silent. Who had time to listen to his long-winded speech? Gao Junxiao didn't give him time to think and pressed his advantage: "Section Chief Zhang, you're a smart man, but there are smart men in the 19th Army too. If you keep making a scene like this, it's hard for them not to retaliate."
Seeing that Zhang Chong remained unmoved, Gao Junxiao brought the topic back: "Besides, why did you have to choose Li Sheng? He's the head of the propaganda department. There's propaganda work to do today. If you rashly arrest someone in front of the bigwigs of the 19th Army, aren't you just slapping Commander Xiong in the face? You've been an intelligence officer for so long, don't you know that Commander Xiong is about to retire and enter politics? You'll be seeing each other all the time. You didn't even leave yourself a way out. Aren't you stupid?"
Zhang Chong was so angry that he stood up and confronted Gao Junxiao, telling him to change the subject. He confidently stated that he had solid evidence to back up his claim, but it would take some time.
Gao Junxiao shrugged: "That's right, wouldn't it be better to wait for the evidence before arresting people? Commander Xiong will definitely hand them over to you without saying a word then."
Zhang Chong snorted coldly, turned his head away without answering. Gao Junxiao watched his changing expression; it seemed his evidence wasn't so solid, or perhaps his methods of obtaining it had flaws.
Gao Junxiao vaguely felt that Li Sheng could still be saved, so he took a step back with a high-handed attitude and gave Zhang Chong another choice. However, Zhang Chong pursed his lips and remained silent, as if he was having an internal struggle.
The room was silent for a while. Gao Junxiao thought he was about to give in, but the next moment Zhang Chong suddenly looked up, his eyes full of contempt: "I hate you so-called centrists the most. You're clearly on the fence, but you still pretend to be noble and virtuous. You're hypocritical. I'll let go if you want, but you can take charge of this matter."
Gao Junxiao's heart skipped a beat: "Section Chief Zhang, our Military Law Department is under the jurisdiction of Director Yan. It is against the rules to overstep our bounds."
Zhang Chong pointed at Gao Junxiao with a cold face: "I want you!"
"I can't make that decision. You should ask Commander Xiong for your requests. The army is very disciplined, unlike your freedom." Gao Junxiao suppressed his anger and calmly passed the buck to his superior.
To everyone's surprise, Zhang Chong smiled sinisterly: "You've seen Commander Xiong's attitude; there's no room for negotiation. If you can't lead the investigation, I'll take matters into my own hands."
"Then you try." Gao Junxiao said each word with absolute certainty. Beside him, Huang Xiaoxian proudly raised her chin, looking like a fox borrowing the tiger's power.
The two sides stared at each other for a minute, neither willing to back down first.
Cough cough—
A cough interrupted the confrontation between the two. Director Luo walked in from the door of the clinic with his hands behind his back and turned to Gao Junxiao: "Counselor Gao, Commander Xiong and Army Commander Cai are waiting for you in the conference room on the first floor. Go quickly."
"Yes, Director Luo." Gao Junxiao stood up and saluted, no longer looking at Zhang Chong, while Huang Xiaoxian followed behind him eagerly.
"What are you doing going with Huang Xiaoxian now that she's back?" Director Luo scolded Huang Xiaoxian and pointed at Zhang Chong. "Find someone to keep an eye on him. Don't let him leave the infirmary without Commander Cai's order. Guo Lao also meant the same thing. Let him rest for a few days and recover from his injuries."
Director Luo has probably spoken to Guo Lao again. It's better to keep Zhang Chong under house arrest than for him to continue causing trouble. Gao Junxiao nodded to Huang Xiaoxian, indicating that he should rest assured.
Thunder rumbled in the distance. Gao Junxiao looked at the pattering rain outside the window, his mind in turmoil. He stood at the door of the conference room for a while before knocking.
In the conference room, Commander Cai was chatting with Commander Xiong on the sofa. When he saw Gao Junxiao come in, he invited him to sit down as well. Gao Junxiao sat awkwardly on a single sofa furthest away from the two of them.
"Junxiao, these are all our own people, so I'll be frank. We hope you can set up a special investigation team to thoroughly investigate whether there are any members of the Communist Party in our headquarters," Commander Xiong said bluntly.
What? Gao Junxiao's heart finally died. He searched his mind for Commander Xiong's intentions. When the leader personally talks to someone, it's either for promotion or to make someone take the blame. Could it be that Commander Xiong wants to sacrifice Li Sheng to CC and then make him the villain?
"Shouldn't you two reconsider? Junxiao is only good at leading troops into battle. This task of catching communists is too meticulous. I'm afraid I'll disappoint you. It would be more prudent to use Director Yan." Gao Junxiao politely declined.
"No, no, I believe you can handle it. Just ask for any help you need." Gao Junxiao dismissed Commander Xiong's empty promises as mere farts; anyone who believed them was a fool.
“Counselor Gao, Commander Xiong and I have discussed it, and looking at the entire headquarters, only you are capable of this task,” Commander Cai added, offering his advice.
Commander Xiong's anxiety is understandable, but why is an outsider like Commander Cai getting involved? Gao Junxiao smiled and said to Commander Cai sincerely, "Commander Cai, you've just arrived, so you may not know this, but our headquarters previously only had two people who could handle arresting Communist Party members: Li Sheng and Director Yan. Director Yan is not only good at interrogation, but he also frequently extradites prisoners between the concessions. Most importantly, he has a good relationship with Zhang Chong and Xu Qiao, so Zhang Chong won't make things difficult for him."
"What I'm afraid of is that he'll betray us," Commander Xiong said unhappily.
On the other hand, Commander Cai laughed: "Counselor Gao, I know what you're worried about. This kind of temporary investigation team won't affect your resume. In the future, you'll lead troops and get promoted when necessary. Actually, there are tricks to everything."
Commander Cai calmly told a story. When he was young, his family was poor and he often went to town to sell firewood. Every time he went, he would see the same troupe of itinerant performers. They were performing breaking stones on their chests. Later, when they got to know each other, he asked the troupe leader, "If you break the stones three or four times a day, won't the older brother who is supporting the stones get hurt? Why don't you change the stone supporter?"
The troupe leader replied, "Young man, someone else would have been injured."
The guy who used the stone as a stepping stone not only had superb martial arts skills, but also perfect teamwork with his teammate who wielded the hammer. As long as the hammer was swung fast enough and the force was released the instant it hit the stone, it was a perfect match.
This ensures that the stone breaks while preventing injury to people. So, what looks like a thrill to outsiders is actually all bark and no bite.
After going through all that trouble, Gao Junxiao finally understood what they meant: they wanted him to be the one swinging the hammer.
"You two superiors have seen Zhang Chong's bastard-like behavior. If you don't give him an explanation, he'll keep biting you for life," Gao Junxiao probed.
"Regardless of what they think, our main goal is to give an explanation to our superiors. We've done our best in some things; it's not that we didn't want to do them," Commander Xiong patiently explained.
Commander Cai agreed, saying, "An army is an army. We can't tolerate those spies running rampant. We absolutely cannot allow outsiders to interfere. To ensure a smooth handover ceremony, you can choose two people from my side to help you."
The two of them had actually formed an alliance. Gao Junxiao immediately accepted this reality and decided to give them face: "Since you two superiors value me so much, I can't refuse. However, I've never arrested any members of the Communist Party before, so where should I begin?"
“Start with Li Sheng. Didn’t Zhang Chong say there was some old nun who could testify? Go and find out more about her. As for the result…” Commander Xiong paused for a moment, “whether it’s true or not, write me a detailed report. I will give you the highest interrogation authority besides mine. Any other requirements?”
Gao Junxiao hesitated for a long time before finally speaking: "Since you asked, I'll be shameless and bring it up. Since this involves both business trips and gathering information, what's the proper way to reimburse the activity expenses?"
"What expense report? As long as you nod, I'll immediately approve a 50,000 silver dollar activity fund for you. If that's not enough, just ask me for more. You go and set up an investigation team first." Commander Xiong pulled out a checkbook and generously filled in a huge sum of money.
Wow, that's really generous! No wonder he's reluctant to part with Li Sheng! Gao Junxiao tried hard not to laugh out loud, but his eyes were fixed on the check: "Commander Xiong, don't rush. Before the investigation, Junxiao has two small suggestions."
"Go ahead and speak." Commander Xiong tore off the check and placed it on the coffee table.
"First, the investigation team that Junxiao has set up should not be made public yet, otherwise some people with ulterior motives will guard against me and create trouble for my work," Gao Junxiao said seriously.
“No problem. I’ll announce that you’re part of a military research group assisting with the handover of the 19th Army. That way, you’ll have a legitimate reason for your business trip. What about the other one?” Commander Xiong asked anxiously.
"Secondly, let Zhang Chong leave first thing tomorrow morning. His presence in the headquarters will put us in a very passive position. Anyway, we've already spoken to Guo Lao. We can just cancel his and the CC personnel's passes to enter and leave the headquarters." Gao Junxiao glanced at him out of the corner of his eye. Commander Xiong whispered something to Commander Cai and nodded in agreement.
Just as Gao Junxiao was about to touch the check, the conference room door was suddenly banged on. Startled, he quickly tucked the check into his pocket, thinking, "Why not take this hot check?"
"Enter."
A guard rushed in, his face full of panic: "Report! Section Chief Zhang and Section Chief Li are fighting again. Then Regiment Commander Li from the 19th Army went to break it up and got beaten up too. Deputy Officer Weng happened to be passing by and, outraged, beat Zhang Chong until he was barely breathing."
"What!" Commander Cai and Commander Xiong stood up at the same time and stormed out of the conference room.
Oh no, he got his way! That damn Zhang Chong is such a troublemaker, he never stops for a moment. Gao Junxiao didn't dare to breathe loudly and followed him. The infirmary was surrounded by soldiers, some from the original headquarters and some from the 19th Army. Everyone made way for the leader.
On the second-floor corridor, scattered medical equipment and splattered blood were everywhere. On the white sheets, Zhang Chong lay with his eyes closed, and two military doctors were performing CPR on him. Gao Junxiao's head was about to split open. If he really died, Xu Qiao would have an excuse to deal with the headquarters.
"Men, lock the headquarters gate and cut the telephone line! From now on, no one is allowed to enter or leave without my order. Anyone who disobeys will be executed on the spot!" Commander Xiong roared angrily, and the guards left first.
"And you guys, what did you just see?" Gao Junxiao walked up to the junior agents, his deep eyes revealing a chill.
"Yes, it was our Section Chief Zhang's fault for stirring up trouble. Really, it has nothing to do with us," a junior agent replied.
The other person immediately tugged at his colleague: "No, no, we were just smoking on the playground, we didn't see or hear anything. Section Chief Zhang's eyes are swollen, he probably didn't see where he was going and fell."
"That's good. Please move to the 'VIP room' and rest for a while until Section Chief Zhang wakes up." Gao Junxiao waved his hand, and the guards took the trembling agents away.
"Commander, this is bad! We used up our last two doses of adrenaline on the patient, but his blood pressure is very unstable. We need to get two more doses, otherwise the patient could very well die from shock," the medic said with a distressed expression.
"Then hurry up and get it. Can I conjure it up for you?" Commander Xiong's eyes were bloodshot, as if he wanted to devour the army doctor.
“But those are controlled drugs. You need to write a note or send the patient there to use them on the spot.” The military doctor looked at Commander Xiong with a wronged expression.
"Open, open, open..." Commander Xiong was also afraid that Zhang Chong would die on his own territory.
"We can't open it." Gao Junxiao grabbed the lightly injured Huang Xiaoxian and interjected, "Wrap him up well, we'll go get it ourselves. Where's the nearest clinic that can dispense medicine?"
“I remember there was one in the medical room of the Longhua Arsenal. I’ll call them first and tell them I need to transfer the patient,” the military doctor said as he dialed the number.
Commander Xiong casually wrote down a temporary pass: "You guys take my car right away, and keep it a secret on the way. CC has a lot of spies around us."
"I guarantee the mission will be completed." Gao Junxiao gave a standard salute.
Braving the fierce storm, the car sped away from the headquarters.
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