Era: Starting from the local police station

The night was deep.

Jiang Zhenghua, who was fast asleep in bed, was suddenly awakened. A mechanical voice echoed in his mind, and a panel appeared in front of his eyes.

[Congratulations, host, on successfully completing today's work.]

[System Assessment: The host has worked diligently and completed the mission excellently. The host utilized knowledge to advance the case, far surpassing peers and contributing to China's development. However, faced with the "satellite field," the host knowingly chose to remain inactive despite the consequences, which aligns with the general trend but violates organizational principles, constituting self-preservation.]

Today's rating: Grade A

Jiang Zhenghua looked to the upper right, score: 14

Looking at the four characters "wise self-preservation," Jiang Zhenghua murmured, "Since ancient times, these four characters have been incredibly profound in officialdom. Some people achieve great success by wisely preserving themselves, while others live a mediocre life because of these four characters."

He closed the interface, turned over, and fell into a deep sleep again.

The next morning, Jiang Zhenghua was washing up after his run.

"Ring ring—ring ring—"

The shrill ring of the telephone came from the director's office.

As Qiao Fuping dried his wet hair, he hurried towards his office, muttering, "Who is this? Calling so early in the morning?"

Soon, he came out with a grim expression.

Upon seeing this, Zhang Chongguang asked, "Chief, what happened?"

Qiao Fuping's face was grim. He said in a deep voice, "It was Section Chief Cheng from the machinery factory who just called. He said that the truck driver, Gu Youliang, is dead."

Upon hearing this, everyone paused in their actions.

Geng Jianwu, who was squatting under the eaves, suddenly stood up, unaware that the half-smoked cigarette in his hand had fallen to the ground.

Chen Shan, who was washing his hair, had soap suds all over his head, his arms were bent and suspended in mid-air, water was pouring down his neck and into his collar, and his eyes were fixed on Qiao Fuping.

Having just passed through the hanging flower gate, Liu Baojia, carrying an oil paper package, stopped in his tracks, his face filled with disbelief.

Jiang Zhenghua, who was putting on his shirt, paused while pulling it down, then continued to pull it down.

As Instructor Zhang Chongguang emerged from his office carrying an enamel mug, his hand trembled, splashing scalding hot water onto his hand. He exclaimed in surprise, "Ouch, that's hot..."

This exclamation was like a trigger button, waking everyone in the courtyard.

"Chief, did Section Chief Cheng say where the accident happened?"

"On the way to Shijingshan, around Shimen Road, he is gathering the team and will go there to protect the scene."

Jiang Zhenghua nodded and said loudly, "Everyone pack your things and set off immediately to check the scene."

"I contacted the police station and asked them to come over by tricycle. At the same time, I contacted the precinct and asked for forensic medical assistance."

After finishing his sentence, Qiao Fuping quickly turned and walked towards his office.

Chen Shan quickly grabbed a slightly yellowed towel and started drying his hair as he hurried towards his dormitory.

Liu Baojia held up the breakfast in his hand: "Breakfast?"

"Take it with you and eat it on the way."

Jiang Zhenghua quickly took off his old military uniform and grabbed the uniform from the head of the bed to put on.

Zhang Chongguang walked in, taking off his clothes as he asked, "Is this to silence me?"

"Anyway, at this critical juncture, I don't believe in accidents."

"It seems some people are getting restless."

Jiang Zhenghua grabbed his belt: "No matter what's in that bag, even if it's just scrap metal, if we catch him, we'll make him pay. How can we not be afraid? Besides, we initially suspected that Hou Laicai's murder was likely an attempt to silence him."

After getting dressed, he grabbed three military water bottles from the side and strode outside.

Geng Jianwu came out from the side carrying several water bottles and held out his hand, saying, "Deputy Director Jiang, let me do it."

Jiang Zhenghua waved his hand: "Let's go together, you're too slow by yourself."

The two went into the kitchen.

Geng Jianwu picked up the thermos and poured water into the ladle while asking, "Deputy Director Jiang, is everyone going to the site?"

Jiang Zhenghua paused in his hand as he twisted the cap, then glanced at Geng Jianwu: "You're right, we were indeed a bit hasty just now. We can't let ourselves be led by the nose."

He placed the kettle on the cutting board: "You refill the water, I need to talk to the director and instructor."

With that, he strode outside.

He walked out of the kitchen and said to Zhang Chongguang, who had just come out, "Let's go to the director's office."

Zhang Chongguang immediately followed.

As the two entered the director's office, they saw Qiao Fuping, who had just hung up the phone, look up and say, "I was just about to call you. Deputy Director Jin just reminded me not to be led by the nose by the enemy."

"As expected of a senior, he thought of it instantly. If Old Geng hadn't reminded me, I would have taken everyone to the scene."

"As expected of the deputy director, I never expected this."

"It's normal that you didn't expect it; all things considered, you've only been on the job for two days. Lao Zhang and I both overlooked it."

Qiao Fuping looked at Jiang Zhenghua: "How should we arrange the manpower now?"

Jiang Zhenghua did not answer immediately, but instead asked, "Who in our station has the strongest on-site investigation capabilities?"

Qiao Fuping and Zhang Chongguang exchanged a glance.

"Old Geng is definitely fine. His ancestors worked in the government, and he has always been in this line of work."

"Wei Jun and Lao Chen are both retired soldiers. As for Liu Baojia, he hasn't been to the scene many times."

Jiang Zhenghua nodded: "I understand. Cao Hui has good interpersonal skills and is meticulous. He should be just as good on the spot."

Qiao Fuping nodded: "As for the people at Yu'er Police Station, I don't know much about them."

Jiang Zhenghua stroked his chin and pondered, "Section Chief Cheng's men are maintaining order over there, so we can send fewer people. Finding out where Hou Laicai used to live is very important, so let Chen Shan and Instructor Lin go."

"Wei Jun definitely can't go; he still has to patrol with Qi Ronggen."

"Leave Meng Yuan and Jiang Lirong behind to assist Chief Yu in handling Hu Tianshun's case. I'll stay here; the station can't be empty, to prevent any unexpected incidents, and also to take a look at Wang Jiansheng's case file."

"It's settled then, let's set off now."

"Deputy Director Jin will be waiting at Fuchengmen with a forensic doctor."

The three of them went into the courtyard.

Jiang Zhenghua loudly ordered, "Wei Jun, Lao Chen's mission remains unchanged; Lao Geng, Cao Hui, and Bao Jia, come to the scene with him."

Everyone immediately agreed.

Cao Hui took the large canvas bag from Qin Weijun and quickly followed.

The group walked to the front yard.

When everything was ready, the sound of a motorcycle came from outside the courtyard, and then Meng Yuan and the others ran in.

Jiang Zhenghua loudly ordered, "Junsheng's mission remains unchanged. Continue to go to the tenement, carefully question the neighbors, and investigate the information about Diao Cuihua and Hou Laicai."

Chen Junsheng stood at attention and said, "Yes, sir."

"Meng Yuan and Jiang Lirong, stay behind to assist Director Yu in his operation."

Meng Yuan and Jiang Lirong responded, "Yes."

"The rest of you, depart immediately."

Two sidecar motorcycles sped out of the alley.

People who were out for a morning stroll saw a group of people rushing by and immediately stopped at the base of the wall, whispering and watching curiously.

Sitting in the sidecar on the main road in the city, Zhang Chongguang said, "I thought you were going to leave Liu Baojia here."

Seeing that the road was getting crowded, Jiang Zhenghua patted Cao Hui, who was driving in front, on the shoulder: "Don't go too fast, safety first."

Cao Hui nodded and eased off the accelerator a little.

Jiang Zhenghua turned to Zhang Chongguang and said, "He doesn't know how now, but he will have to in the future. He's at the age where he needs to learn, so we must bring him out to broaden his horizons. When our two offices merge, someone will have to handle criminal cases."

As we approached Fuchengmen, the sun rose higher, the fog dissipated, and the light was bright but not dazzling. The coal dust was clearly visible in the sunlight, like golden particles dancing in the air.

On the west side of the street, there are rice and noodle shops, oil and salt shops, and small restaurants everywhere, with old-fashioned plaques hanging on the doors and signs outside, and the aroma of food wafting through the air.

On the east side of the street, various stationery stores, watch shops, and tailor shops have their glass windows gleaming, displaying the latest trendy products.

The streets were bustling with GAZ-51 and Jiefang CA10 trucks, their cargo beds laden with coal, their bodies covered in coal dust, and their brakes often screeching.

There were also coachmen wearing felt hats and short jackets, driving horse-drawn or donkey carts, carrying coal along the streets, with the names of coal depots written on the sides of the carts.

Jiang Zhenghua exclaimed, "Wow, it's really lively here."

Zhang Chongguang said with a smile, "Since its establishment in the Yuan Dynasty, this place has been a gathering place for coal merchants. The coal of the entire city of Beijing basically comes and goes through here. How could it not be bustling? However, the security here is also very difficult to manage. There are all sorts of people, from formal workers to temporary workers and shady characters."

After passing through the inner street, the group arrived near Fuchengmen. Looking into the distance, the barbican and arrow tower were missing, leaving only the old city gate tower with a double-eaved hip roof. Although the city gate tower was still there, it had lost its complete and imposing appearance. The walls were mottled, with gray and white traces showing between the blue bricks, and the paint on some of the wooden structure had peeled off, revealing the original color of the wood.

The city gate is about 6 meters high and 5 meters wide. The plum blossom stone strips on the north side of the flat wall are clearly visible. These are the homophonic symbols of the word "coal" donated by coal merchants. Locals call it "Fucheng plum blossoms herald the warm spring".

There is a large gap between the two city walls, and the road built through the gap is constantly filled with traffic.

Jiang Zhenghua said to Cao Hui, "Deputy Director Jin and the others are on the right. Drive over there."

The three men approached the Willys Jeep and GAZ truck parked on the side of the road and saw Fang Ya sitting in the passenger seat from afar. She nodded at them.

Jin Hong leaned out: "Deputy Director Jiang, Instructor Zhang, get in my car; the rest of you, continue forward."

Jiang Zhenghua said to Cao Hui, "Head towards Shijingshan, take Shimen Road."

Cao Hui replied, "Understood."

After Jiang Zhenghua and Zhang Chongguang got into the car, two sidecars led the way, a jeep sandwiched in the middle, and a GAZ truck followed at the back, and they started up and drove away in a grand procession.

Sitting in the passenger seat, Zhang Chongguang said, "Deputy Director Jin, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

Jin Hong waved his hand: "We just arrived too. Do you know the specifics of the situation?"

Jiang Zhenghua replied, "I don't know. I just received a call from Section Chief Cheng of the machinery factory, saying that someone had an accident on the way to Shijingshan."

Jin Hong said with a serious expression, "He should be going to the steel factory. But there are several routes from Beijing to Shijingshan. Why didn't he take the western route of Chang'an Avenue? Why did he choose this treacherous slope of Shimen Road instead of the main road? It's really strange."

Zhang Chongguang speculated, "Could someone have kidnapped him?"

Jiang Zhenghua took out a cigarette case, pulled out four cigarettes, and handed them to Jin Hong first: "It's possible, but the probability is very small. These truck drivers are all carrying guns. I think someone deliberately made him take this route, but the method is still unclear."

Jin Hong took the top one and nodded: "I think that's right. At this time, the possibility of someone dying by accident is too small. By the way, wasn't Section Chief Cheng keeping an eye on this person? Why didn't he say so beforehand?"

Zhang Chongguang and the other man shook their heads.

Seeing that Zhang Chongguang only had one cigarette, Jiang Zhenghua gestured with his lip towards Xiao Li, who was driving.

The latter understood and immediately took another one.

Jiang Zhenghua leaned back and said, "I reckon Gu Youliang isn't even at the factory, or maybe the person Section Chief Cheng arranged for is dozing off."

Zhang Chongguang put two cigarettes in his mouth, lit them with a famous match, took one out and handed it to Xiao Li: "Don't mind it."

Xiao Li said with a smile, "I'm too busy thanking Instructor Zhang, how could I possibly complain?"

As he spoke, he turned his head and put the cigarette in his mouth.