Siheyuan (courtyard house): My father, Li Yunlong!

Li Zhenhua did not pursue them.

His arm holding the gun was as steady as a rock. He moved the muzzle slightly as he warily scanned the doorway and windows to make sure there were no fifth or sixth ambushers.

He withdrew his gaze and gave a cold glance at Zhang Laosi, who was groaning in pain and bleeding profusely on the ground.

This person no longer poses a threat.

His mind was filled with doubts.

With a clear objective and decisive actions (at least the escape was decisive), this was definitely not as simple as a regular theft.

Who is it that, at this point in time, would send such a desperate person to kill him?

Xu Damao? He has the guts, but not the power.

The remnants of Li Huaide?

Or... at a higher level, an enemy he hasn't even touched yet is already unable to hold back?

He walked over to Zhang Laosi, kicked away the place where he might be hiding a weapon, then squatted down, ignoring the man's screams, and deftly tore off the hem of his clothes, forcefully tying the artery in the man's groin to temporarily stop the gushing blood.

It's not about compassion, it's about needing someone to live.

A living person who can speak is far more valuable than a cold corpse.

After performing basic hemostasis, Li Zhenhua stood up and listened to the faint commotion coming from outside the courtyard.

That gunshot just now was enough to alert half of the courtyard.

The echoes of the gunshots seemed to still reverberate among the beams and pillars of the courtyard, like a boulder thrown into a stagnant pool, instantly stirring up ripples.

The first to be alarmed was Yan Bugui in the side room.

He was calculating his meager household expenses for the month by the dim light of a kerosene lamp, figuring out how to make the most of it, when the gunshot rang out. His hand trembled, and his pen drew a long ink mark on the paper.

"Gun...gunshot?"

He was so frightened that he jumped up from the stool, his heart pounding, and his first instinct was to crawl under the table.

Yi Zhonghai, a resident of the Intermediate People's Court, was already a restless sleeper. Being old, he was a light sleeper, and the clear bang almost made him roll off the kang (a heated brick bed).

An older woman was so frightened that she woke up and asked in a tearful voice.

"Old Yi, what's that noise? Was it...was there a gunshot?"

Yi Zhonghai's face turned ashen. He held his breath and listened intently. He seemed to hear faint cries and groans coming from the backyard.

His heart tightened; an ominous premonition gripped him.

At Liu Haizhong's house, his second uncle was snoring when his second aunt forcefully woke him up.

"Honey! Wake up! Something's happened in the backyard...it sounds like gunshots!"

Liu Haizhong sat up groggily, his fat jiggling. Upon hearing the words "gunshot," he was wide awake and broke out in a cold sweat.

"A gun? Who...who fired the shot? From the direction of Li Zhenhua's house?"

Sha Zhu was fast asleep, but he was startled awake. He muttered a curse and grabbed the doorpost from behind the door, rushing out.

Qin Huairu tightly hugged Xiaodang and Huaihua, who had been frightened awake, her body trembling like a leaf in the wind. An inexplicable fear made her afraid to go out.

Soon, the lights in each house came on one after another, and the brave men encouraged each other and cautiously gathered in the backyard.

The women peered out through the cracks in the doors and windows, looking out in terror.

When everyone saw Li Zhenhua standing at the door with a gun, and a stranger lying at their feet, groaning and rolling around like a blood-soaked gourd, they all stopped in their tracks in shock and gasped!

"Zhen...Zhenhua, what...what happened?"

Yan Bu mustered his courage and asked in a trembling voice, his calves cramping.

Li Zhenhua appeared calm, even showing a hint of fatigue from the battle (which he was faking, of course). He put away his gun (with unhurried movements) and spoke briefly.

"There were four thugs who broke in at night. I've already subdued one, and the other three escaped."

His gaze swept over the street patrol team members who had rushed over after hearing the news, as well as Wang, the street office staff member who had hurriedly arrived after receiving the message.

"Please, everyone, call the police. This person is injured, needs medical treatment, and also needs to be questioned."

Upon realizing it was a shooting incident involving factory cadres, the patrol captain dared not delay. He immediately sent someone to report the case to the district public security bureau, while simultaneously directing people to protect the scene and finding a barefoot doctor or someone knowledgeable in bandaging in the yard to provide emergency hemostasis to the injured.

Before long, the captain of the district public security bureau's criminal investigation team personally led a team, and the scene was immediately sealed off.

As the person involved, Li Zhenhua cooperated with the investigation, presented a gun license left by his father, Li Yunlong, which was registered with the relevant department, emphasized that it was purely for self-defense, and described the process of four armed men breaking in and him being forced to fire his gun. His explanation was reasonable and watertight.

However, regarding the assailant's motive, he only said "I don't know, it needs to be investigated," placing himself in the position of victim and defender.

After being given a simple bandage, the injured Zhang Laosi was in excruciating pain. When interrogated by the police, in order to save his life and reduce his punishment, he answered almost every question, tearfully confessing that Xu Damao had led the way and that they had been motivated to commit evil by falsely accusing Li Zhenhua of hiding gold and silver treasures.

Police acted immediately and found Xu Damao, who was tightly bound, with a rag stuffed in his mouth, and almost fainting from fright, in a broken basket piled with miscellaneous items in the corner of the courtyard.

It turns out that when the Zhang brothers fled, none of them paid attention to this "guide".

When Xu Damao saw the police, he was like seeing his own mother, collapsing like a limp rag and confessing everything. He explained in detail how he was coerced by the Zhang brothers and how he was bewitched into leading them the way, while trying his best to portray himself as having no other choice.

The news spread like wildfire throughout the courtyard, causing an uproar!

Xu Damao actually colluded with foreign traitors to murder the section chief!

This is absolutely catastrophic!

Yi Zhonghai secretly rejoiced that he hadn't dared to make any moves during this period.

Liu Haizhong was filled with lingering fear and became even more wary of Li Zhenhua.

Qin Huairu's feelings were complicated; her awe of Li Zhenhua was now mixed with an indescribable dependence on him.

Ordinary residents were abuzz with discussion, their gazes towards Li Zhenhua filled with awe.

The aftershocks of the gunshots, like a boulder thrown into a stagnant pool, created unprecedented ripples in the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill and the courtyard houses in Nanluoguxiang.

The news that Li Zhenhua had been robbed at gunpoint late at night, and that he had decisively fired his gun in self-defense and captured one of the robbers alive, swept through the entire factory area and streets like a whirlwind, even alarming the district and municipal police departments.

Xu Damao's confession was full of sophistry, excuses, and pitiful sobs.

He tried his best to portray himself as a coerced and innocent victim, claiming that he was kidnapped by the Zhang brothers on his way back from the countryside and was forced to lead the way. He even described being tied up and thrown into a corner as proof of his failed resistance.

However, his explanation was full of loopholes and could not explain how he could so accurately state Li Zhenhua's home address, job information, or even "hint" that the Li family had hidden treasure.

More importantly, the Zhang brothers' testimonies corroborated his own statement, confirming that he had actively led the way and provided crucial information.

With witnesses and physical evidence present, Xu Damao's charge of "colluding with foreign thieves to commit burglary" was quickly established.

This is no longer an ordinary neighborhood dispute or work conflict, but a criminal offense of an extremely serious nature, especially given the current emphasis on social order, it has run into the line of fire.

The case was reported to the district and attracted great attention.

Li Zhenhua, a young section chief at a key state-owned factory and a promising cadre who had attracted the attention of his superiors, was violently attacked in his own yard by factory employees in collusion with unemployed individuals. The incident had an extremely negative impact.

The district instructed that this matter must be dealt with strictly and swiftly to serve as a warning to others!

Inside the steel rolling mill, it was as if an earthquake had struck.

Upon hearing the news, Factory Director Yang flew into a rage and slammed his fist on the table at an emergency factory committee meeting.

"Outrageous! Utterly outrageous! Xu Damao, that scoundrel, has actually committed such a disloyal and treacherous act of murdering his comrades! This is a provocation against all the workers of our steel rolling mill! He must be dealt with severely and expelled from the ranks of the working class!"

The factory committee quickly reached a resolution.

Xu Damao was dismissed from public office and handed over to judicial authorities for severe punishment according to law.

At the same time, a factory-wide notice was issued in the name of the factory administration, exposing Xu Damao's crimes to the public and requiring all employees to take this as a warning. It also highly praised Comrade Li Zhenhua's courageous and self-defenseful behavior in the face of danger and called on everyone to learn from his heroic spirit in safeguarding national and personal property.

During this period, Li Zhenhua behaved with unusual calmness and restraint.

He cooperated with the public security department to complete all investigation procedures and presented a legal gun possession certificate. The legitimacy of his self-defense was beyond reproach.

When receiving condolences from factory leaders and visits from colleagues, he did not show excessive anger or lingering fear. Instead, he calmly and objectively recounted the events and steered the conversation toward how to strengthen safety management in the factory area and residential area, demonstrating the responsibility and commitment of a cadre.

However, beneath his calm exterior, Li Zhenhua's heart was already ablaze with rage.

Xu Damao's actions had crossed his bottom line. This was not merely simple revenge, but a vicious attack with a clear intent to kill him.

If he hadn't been so vigilant and prepared, the consequences would have been unimaginable.

When Wang Dali, the head of the factory's security department, came to report on the progress of the case and ask for instructions, Li Zhenhua's attitude underwent a subtle but resolute change.

At this time, his appointment as the head of the logistics department had been officially issued, and he was now the rightful Director Li.

In the office, Li Zhenhua sat behind a large desk, his eyes sharp as a hawk's, staring at Wang Dali.

"Section Chief Wang, Xu Damao's arrest is well-deserved. But this matter is not over yet."

Wang Dali felt a chill run down his spine and straightened up.

"Director Li, what do you mean?"

"Those three escaped bandits, Zhang Laoda, Zhang Laoer, and Zhang Laosan!"

Li Zhenhua's fingers slammed heavily on the table, making a dull thud.

"They were armed and broke into a private residence at night—their actions were heinous! In broad daylight, under the clear sky, how can such criminals be allowed to go unpunished? This is not only a threat to me personally, but also a huge hidden danger to the lives and property of all factory workers and their families!"

Wang Dali immediately expressed his opinion.

"Yes, Director Li! Don't worry, our security department will fully cooperate with the public security authorities to apprehend the criminals as soon as possible!"

"Cooperate?"

Li Zhenhua shook his head slightly, his tone becoming more serious.

"We can't just passively cooperate! Section Chief Wang, our steel mill's security department isn't just sitting around doing nothing! We have a responsibility and an obligation to take the initiative and maintain peace in this area! Those three thugs are notorious local bullies, familiar with the surrounding terrain, and have complex social connections. Relying solely on the police to investigate will take time. But we're different. Our factory workers are spread throughout the suburbs, and we're well-informed. We must leverage our advantages!"

He stood up, walked to the map of Beijing hanging on the wall, and pointed to an area in the south of the city.

"According to the investigation, the Zhang brothers usually operate in the Nancheng area, frequently frequenting gambling dens and black markets. Section Chief Wang, immediately assemble a crack team to form a special task force for their capture! You will personally lead the team! Utilize our connections in various streets and factories, especially our liaison points in Nancheng, and cast a wide net! A reward is offered! Anyone who provides accurate clues leading to the arrest of one person will be rewarded with 100 jin of national grain coupons! Anyone who directly apprehends and brings them to justice will be rewarded with 300 jin!"

One hundred jin, three hundred jin of national grain coupons!

In those famine-stricken years, this was undoubtedly an astronomical figure, enough to drive anyone mad!

Wang Dali gasped, deeply impressed by Director Li's skill and determination.

This goes far beyond the level of investigation required for ordinary public security cases. It is clear that no effort is being spared in order to eliminate hidden dangers in the shortest possible time and to establish authority!

"Director Li, isn't this reward a bit too high?"

Wang Dali asked subconsciously.

"high?"

Li Zhenhua turned his head, his gaze icy.

"Is my life, Li Zhenhua's life, and the safety of over ten thousand employees and their families at our steel rolling mill, worth less than a few grain coupons? Do as I say! The funds will come from the department's slush fund; I'll approve the approval! Remember, I want results! I want to see them alive or dead! I must see these three bastards caught within a week!"

Li Zhenhua's tone was resolute and unwavering.

Wang Dali instantly understood that this was not a discussion, but an order.

Director Li is going to use all available resources to eradicate this potential threat with overwhelming force, and at the same time, he is declaring to everyone that anyone who dares to challenge his authority will pay a heavy price!

"Yes, sir! Mission accomplished!"

Wang Dali straightened his back, saluted, turned around and strode away, full of energy.

He knew this was the best opportunity to demonstrate his abilities to the new director.

Soon, a large-scale manhunt, led by the steel mill's security department and fully mobilized by the high reward offered to civilians, quietly and swiftly unfolded in the southern part of Beijing and its surrounding areas.

The security officers disguised themselves in various identities and infiltrated places where all sorts of people gathered, such as casinos, black markets, teahouses, and car dealerships.

Meanwhile, news of the bounty spread rapidly through clandestine channels, and countless eyes began to search for the whereabouts of the three Zhang brothers, intentionally or unintentionally.

With a generous reward, brave men will surely emerge, and the entire underground information network was mobilized efficiently.

While the manhunt was in full swing, Xu Damao's trial was also quickly put on the agenda.

Because the facts of the case were clear, the evidence was conclusive, and the social impact was severe, the court quickly held a public hearing.

On the day of the trial, the gallery, which could accommodate more than 100 people, was packed to capacity, with representatives from the steel mill and the neighborhood committee attending.

Standing in the dock, Xu Damao was pale and his eyes were unfocused; he had long lost his former slickness and arrogance.