Rebirth in 1972: Redemption in Changbai Mountain

"And this is Hou Yong, the director of the county public security bureau," Zhao Changshan continued, introducing another leader.

"Captain Zhao, thank you so much. Although the county issued a notice to make every effort to arrest spies and crack down on crime, I didn't expect you to execute it so effectively. You've achieved so much in just a few days."

"Not at all, it's all thanks to the hard work of everyone." Zhao Youzhi was so excited he couldn't speak. He had never seen such a high-ranking leader before.

"Shall we take a look at your results this time?" Vice Minister Lin said with a smile, showing none of his usual seriousness.

"Alright, this way, please. Everyone's locked up at the brigade headquarters."

Because a large number of people were arrested this time, not only did several police officers arrive, but also a considerable number of people from the armed forces. They were all fully armed and looked very imposing.

As the village chief led the police and soldiers to the brigade headquarters, the villagers followed in droves, all eager to get the firsthand news.

A group of people arrived outside the brigade headquarters, and Zhao Changshan gave orders to the two militiamen standing guard by the door.

"Open the door and bring out the people and the spoils."

"Yes."

The first six people brought out alive were almost all wounded. Only one was a coward who had stayed hidden since the start of the gunfight last night, which is why he escaped injury.

Then three more bodies were carried out. One was killed on the spot by Gu Dayong during the chase last night, and the other two died after being wounded and taken back to the village office for simple bandaging.

The villagers were shocked and horrified to witness such a bloody scene. Families with members in the militia were particularly shaken; the bullet holes in the bodies showed just how intense the battle had been the previous night.

Vice Minister Lin and Director Hou paid no attention to these scenes, and pretended not to see their subordinates' rough treatment of the prisoners. They had seen plenty of bad people; scum like these were better off dead than alive.

Immediately afterwards, a large number of guns and valuables were moved out. Double-barreled shotguns, homemade guns, Mauser C96 pistols, Type 38 rifles—a truly diverse array. There were also a small number of daggers and machetes.

Next, four bundles of fur and three burlap sacks were carried out, and Zhao Youzhi personally took out a bundle made of old clothes from the inner room.

"This is?"

"These are the things these people were carrying. And this package was confiscated from them by our militia; I wrapped it up in a piece of clothing." Zhao Youzhi said, handing the package to Director Hou Yong.

Hou Yong didn't open the clothes directly, but first glanced at the fur, and then opened a burlap sack to take a look.

"I understand, it's the same group of robbers from a month ago."

"What robbers? This is all so nonsensical. Lao Hou, explain yourself clearly." Deputy Minister Lin and Director Hou were very familiar with each other, and he spoke very directly.

"Guoqiang, do you remember a month ago when a truck from the county's medicinal herb company was hijacked on its way to the provincial capital? Both drivers were shot dead, and all the goods were lost."

"I know. These robbers are ruthless. They not only killed people, but also pushed the car into the river. You've been searching for more than half a month without any clues."

"I remember you even borrowed two classes of people from me to pull the car out of the river. You mean it was these guys who did it?" Lin Guoqiang quickly realized.

"It should be right, these should be the goods that were sent to the provincial capital." Then Hou Yong whispered in Lin Guoqiang's ear, "The sacks are full of old ginseng."

Lin Guoqiang nodded: "But this isn't enough. That batch of goods contains much more than this."

"They must have sold a batch of goods. This is probably what they got in return." Hou Yong shook the bundle Zhao Youzhi had just given him, and the sound of metal clanging could be heard from inside.

Then Hou Yong squatted down, put the bundle on the ground, and untied it layer by layer. Inside were a large amount of banknotes, as well as some silver dollars, gold, jade jewelry, and so on.

"It seems they changed this specifically to make it easier for them to escape." Although Lin Guoqiang was the deputy minister of the armed forces department and had never worked in criminal investigation, he understood these basic routines.

"Yes. But it seems there's a bunch of scoundrels in the county who specialize in selling stolen goods for these people, otherwise they wouldn't be able to get these. Once I bring these people back and interrogate them, you'll have to help me sweep through the county's shady dealings."

Hou Yong's tone was somewhat heavy. He had always turned a blind eye to shady dealings, as long as they weren't excessive, he wouldn't interfere. But helping criminals dispose of stolen goods crossed his line, especially since it was a major case reported by the province.

"Sure. We've been brothers for ages, so just let me know if you need anything. But once you solve this case and get credit for it, you'll have to buy me a drink."

"Please, definitely."

"Get all these criminals onto the truck, and move all the goods up there too," Hou Yong ordered sternly.

Then, with a big smile, she turned around, grabbed Zhao Youzhi's hand tightly, and shook it vigorously, much more enthusiastic than when she first arrived.

"Captain Zhao, you've really done our Public Security Bureau a huge favor this time. These people aren't spies, but they are wanted criminals in the province."

Our police officers have been searching day and night for a month but haven't found any clues. In the end, they've left it all with you.

Have all your patrol members arrived? I have a few words to say.

"Except for the patrol team from last night, everyone else is here," Zhao Youzhi thought smugly.

Although they didn't catch a spy, they were still wanted criminals in major cases, weren't they? Didn't you see the police chief say he couldn't find them, but they were caught by the strong young man from their village?

As soon as the notice was sent out, some quick-footed young people immediately went to call for help.

"Dayong, I knew you were involved in this. Not bad, it seems your skills haven't declined." Lin Guoqiang punched Gu Dayong as he strode over.

"Old Company Commander." Gu Dayong saluted Lin Guoqiang.

"How are you? You weren't hurt last night, were you?"

"How could that be? They're just a few petty thieves, how could they possibly hurt me? Jiacheng, come here and greet your Uncle Lin." Gu Dayong beckoned his son to come forward.

"Hello, Uncle Lin."

Lin Guoqiang looked at the young Gu Jiaping in front of him and couldn't help but pat him on the shoulder.

"Good lad, you were fighting bad guys with your dad last night too, weren't you? How did it go? How many did you hit?"

"How did Uncle Lin know I went there last night?" Gu Jiacheng's eyes widened. "Unfortunately, it was pitch black, so I don't know if I hit it or not."

"You little rascal, your Uncle Lin can tell just by smelling you." Gu Dayong gave Gu Jiacheng a light tap on the back of the head, though it wasn't very forceful.

"How about it? Let him train with me, and I'll give him a spot in next year's recruitment." Lin Guoqiang said to Gu Dayong with a smile.

"No, thank you. My eldest and second eldest have already gone, and I just want to keep this youngest one at home with us, the two of us old folks."

Once everyone had arrived, Zhou Rui finally dragged himself to the brigade headquarters. He had been pulled out of bed by Zhou Ping, and there was still sleep in the corner of his eye.