Among the people who died outside the villa, there were only three corpses with slightly more important identities. Two were monks, one from a local and one from another place. They were all invited by Zhang Guangtian, and they were all taken away by the local temple. There was no doubt about it.
The remaining corpse was that of a scholar named Cao Guangjiu. According to the county government officials, this person was a member of the Shougang Party. He was good at litigating, lending usury, and getting involved in all kinds of bad things. He was a famous bachelor in the suburbs.
Comparing the kill records on the Ghost Festival day, it can be determined that Cao Guangjiu was the leader of the crowd killed by snipers that night.
Using his connections within the yamen, Stickman Department conducted a comprehensive inspection of Cao Guangjiu's body in advance. All personal belongings of interest to them were seized.
Cao Guangjiu didn't have many belongings. Apart from his money, he only had a sachet commonly used in summer, a folding fan and a personal seal - these were all common things that scholars in those days carried with them.
"... Mainly the fan, the inscription on it is 'Nong Shi Sou...'"
Zhao Yingong's eyelids twitched: "You mean, this fan was given by 'Shi Weng'?"
"Probably."
Zhao Yingong mused that the successful kill on the night of the Ghost Festival was, to some extent, the killing of a key witness for the enemy. However, with this fan and knowing Cao Guangjiu's identity, they are one step closer to finding the mastermind behind the scenes.
"There are also three people who died in Hao Yuan's stronghold." Zhao Tong said.
Although these three people were found naked when they were found, the members of the former escort agency at the stick could still judge from the calluses on their hands and feet, and the scars on their bodies, which had a series of characteristics. These three people are all martial arts practitioners and are probably employees of the escort agency.
"The cause of death was poisoning..."
"Poison?" Zhao Yingong was startled.
"Yes, it seems that he was silenced." Zhao Tong said. "They should not be in the same group as Hao Yuan. They may be the people sent by the stone man..."
Reminiscent of the several attempts by Sticky Post to track Hao Yuan without success, and were all intercepted by the escort personnel. It is very likely that these three people were the escorts who intercepted Sticky Post and secretly protected Hao Yuan's whereabouts.
The attack was ruthless enough. Zhao Yingong thought to himself that Hao Yuan's move directly cut off all contact with "Shi Weng", even if Shi Weng could be found. There was no information about Hao Yuan's whereabouts.
Since all three of them were "unclaimed," Niangan Office obtained the three corpses on the grounds that Cihuitang had "buried ownerless corpses" and conducted a detailed inspection.
Significant clues were found in their clothing. The boots worn by these three people were all made by a famous shoe shop in the capital.
"How did you recognize it?"
"This kind of boots can only be made in the shoe store in the capital. They are famous among martial arts practitioners, especially those in the capital escort agency."
"So he's from the Capital Escort Bureau."
"Yes, we have taken photos of three people, and the Intelligence Bureau has approved asking people from the Jingshi Station to help us investigate the specific identities of the three people and their social relationships."
"Very good." Zhao Yingong nodded in approval. "Use all your strength to find Hao Yuan for me. I must also step up my investigation of the fan's clues."
Zhao Manxiong cautiously. Slowly pushing the file containing the documents away from his eyes, he slowly stood up from the desk and walked around the office. He stood in front of the window and watched the sparrows in the yard. Although the ecological environment of Lingao is being destroyed at a rapid rate, the natural environment is still much better than it was in the 21st century. There are many birds.
These sparrows are not afraid of people and come to the streets and yards of Bairen City to look for food every day. After three years of arduous march, the living standards of the senators have greatly improved, and living objects are no longer just walking and flying meat. The living environment of the sparrows has naturally been greatly improved.
Watch the sparrows looking for food in a leisurely manner. It’s easy to create a sense of emptiness and ennui. He took a puff of his cigar silently and turned around. He looked at Wu Mu, then returned to the table, nodded at the file, and asked, "What do you think about this matter?"
"This is something unusual, so I had to verify its authenticity in multiple ways."
"Who did you verify this news with? Is it reliable?"
"Completely reliable. I verified this through the members of the Ten-man Regiment stationed at Hangzhou Station. In addition, before this matter was officially raised, the Hangzhou Station Security Department and members of the Ten-Man Regiment also had relevant reports, but they were relatively fragmented. .”
"Thank you so much."
He pulled the report in front of him - it was labeled "Top Secret, Only One Copy, Only for Seniors" - and browsed it again. The report was written by Zhao Yingong. The writing is very complicated and the thread is messy, but the general meaning is still very clear: a suspected time traveler was discovered at Hangzhou Station. His behavior and remarks seemed to indicate that he came from the same time and space as the elders. Zhao Yingong asked the Senate to conduct a special investigation and take effective measures to avoid future troubles.
This report was delivered by a special person. After being opened by the General Office, it was circulated to the Executive Committee and then sent directly to the Political Security Bureau.
Obviously this report has not yet been mentioned to the Senate Standing Committee, but it won't be long. Once the report reaches the Senate Standing Committee, the whole matter will definitely cause an uproar in the Senate.
Naturally, Zhao Yingong's calculation was nothing more than using this to cover up a bunch of bad things at Hangzhou Station - it would be easy to say anything if the water was muddied.
However, in terms of seriousness, this matter is indeed the number one national security incident at the moment.
Zhao Manxiong was silent and walked around the office for a long time, then stood in front of Wu Mu and asked: "In your opinion," he nodded to the table, "is this incident related to the 'A incident'? "
"It's hard to say, it's hard to say, Comrade Zhao Manxiong."
"Why?"
"We have now fully investigated the American shipwreck on Dongsha Island. However, according to the information provided by Lando, all the people on the ship do not match Hao Yuan's image."
The people on board, the Germans, were dead and their bodies were found. Lando is now a veteran, and the only missing persons are Hale and two Southeast Asian sailors. Hale and the others have a simulation provided by Lando: a middle-aged strong man. Not a young man like Hao Yuan, and Hao Yuan does not have Southeast Asian looks.
This shows that Hao Yuan was not a person on the sunken American ship, unless Lando concealed the fact that there were other people on the ship.
"Do you think Lando could have deceived us?"
"No, I think it's impossible." Wu Mu shook his head, "Besides, I think it's inappropriate for us to doubt an elder..."
"Whether it's suitable or not, it's better to let the rest of the family discuss it. So you think Lando was honest until he left Lingao for Manila. Is that so, Comrade Wumu?" Zhao Manxiong moved his strong body and leaned against On the desk. He looked at Wu Mu's face carefully, as if he wanted to embrace him with his own eyes.
"Yes, I think so." Wu Mu moved uneasily. His cowhide armor belt creaked.
"Okay. We think the elders are all reliable. So where did this Hao Yuan come from?"
"Perhaps there are other time-travelers similar to us in this world..."
"What you said is very interesting. This is indeed one of the reasonable explanations." Zhao Manxiong touched his chin.
"We now have someone who has been in contact with him. Xihua mentioned in the report is already on her way to Lingao. I think we can confirm whether Hao Yuan is a time traveler by interrogating her. Once she comes, everything will be over The truth is out."
"No, I don't think it's that simple. Unless we can catch Hao Yuan himself. Otherwise, a person who has only had little contact with him will not be able to provide us with too crucial testimony. Don't forget. Except for the time traveler himself. .Hao Yuan may also be related to the time traveler."
Indeed, this would connect Hao Yuan and Hale. But Wu Mu felt it was a bit reluctant. Why couldn't Hao Yuan be an independent time traveler?
"Why can't he be an independent time traveler?"
"Intuition." Zhao Manxiong said with a smile.
What a reason! Pretending to be mysterious. Wu Mu secretly cursed, knowing that his expression would betray him, so he did not hide it: "Isn't this a bit far-fetched..."
"No, it's not far-fetched at all. Because this is the most likely explanation at present." Zhao Manxiong said, "Although we don't have first-hand information about Hao Yuan, judging from the intelligence we have so far. His method of doing things, His work style and so on all show that he is an ambitious and capable person. He has not been in Hangzhou for a long time, but he has already had a considerable situation. This shows that he has considerable resources."
"You are right, Comrade Zhao Manxiong."
"Okay, let's go back to your argument: a single wearer." Zhao Manxiong put out the cigar that was about to burn his fingers in the ashtray, "We already know: a single wearer, as long as he has real ability and luck, Good enough, it is possible to survive in this time and space, or even live well - Mr. Lando is an example. However, it is very, very difficult to create a situation with bare hands. Since Zhao Yingong said, Hao Yuan He does not run any industry in Hangzhou and lives an almost ascetic life, but he has a lot of resources at his disposal, which shows that he has considerable power behind him to support him."
"Are you saying that Hao Yuan may be related to Hare in Manila, and that Hao Yuan is a chess piece sent by Hare?"
Zhao Manxiong nodded, "Comrade Wumu, we must get used to looking at the various black threads that emerge, so that we can figure out the enemy's conspiracy as soon as possible. You only need to recall the recent cases we have handled, and you will know that black threads are Your hand has reached to China. You can think of it this way: Hao Yuan is another Zheng Zhilong."
"Use him to contain us?"
"Exactly. Only if we are dragged off the coast of China will it not disturb his career in the Philippines - if he really has to be there."
"Then it depends on what intelligence Mr. Lando can collect in Manila."
"Mr. Lando is under the control of the Foreign Intelligence Service. We have nothing to do with his affairs for the time being." Zhao Manxiong said slowly, "Let's first put the breakthrough at Hangzhou Station."
He straightened up and resumed his slow pace: "Did you know? The Executive Committee held a secret enlarged meeting yesterday, and I won't list the people who participated in it. But the people who attended the meeting I can tell you a resolution." He turned and looked at Wu Mu with a smile on his face:
"No, no, you don't need to be upset. What I'm telling you is what you should know within your authority."
"Yes. Comrade Regional Deputy Commander-in-Chief."
"I'll make a long story short. The Executive Committee has made a decision at this meeting to send inspection teams to all overseas stations and bases. I won't list the long list of place names one by one." He looked at his toes. "Of course, the inspection team does not target any specific location or individual."
Wu Mu understood: "I understand, Comrade Zhao Manxiong."
"Yes, as long as you understand. I think many of our comrades will understand." Zhao Manxiong said, "The opinion of the Executive Committee is that this inspection will focus on Cheka personnel, and the focus will be on auditing project expenditures. Especially at each station The problem of over-budget infrastructure construction and project investment. Of course, other departments must also send personnel to participate.”
"Do you want me to join the inspection team?"
"No, you don't want to go this time. Your identity is too important. If you go, it will cause trouble to the comrades. You can arrange for another veteran comrade to go. He must be a not-so-famous person. It is best if few people know about him. .Of course...you know how to choose."
"Yes, Comrade Regional Deputy Commander-in-Chief."
"Okay, go to work. Give me this comrade's materials tonight." Zhao Manxiong took out a handkerchief from his trouser pocket and wiped the sweat on his forehead, "What a damn weather!"
Zhao Manxiong opened the office door himself and sent Wu Mu away. Although he did not participate, he knew that the debate at the secret enlarged meeting of the Executive Committee yesterday was very fierce. Regarding the positioning of foreign stations and the authority of elders, all parties had their own positions.
Whether it is Jeju Island or Hangzhou, they have their own spokespersons within the Senate. Issues involving such expat sites and veterans are always highly controversial.
In the end, all parties reluctantly reached a consensus that the "runaway" trend of each overseas station needs to be curbed to a certain extent. The purpose of sending the inspection team is nothing more than to shock the mountain and sway the tiger - but also to take a realistic look at the actual situation of each overseas station. Simply looking at the report for discussion is obviously not enough.
Zhao Manxiong is not interested in the "walking alone" of expatriate veterans. In his opinion, it is not important. Under the current system, no veteran can truly "walk alone". It is nothing more than a political struggle reflected in the competition among various parties within the Senate for limited resources.
On this issue, more than once, some senators tried to win over him, hoping to get a "blockbuster" from him that would be unfavorable to the expatriate senators. He rejected all these attempts. He did not intend to involve himself with the Political Security Bureau. (To be continued...)
