Chapter 253: Secretly Crossing the Chen Cang
May 23, Saturday, City B, Province XG.
As the westernmost and largest city in Province XG, City B has largely been an obscure presence in the historical map of China, until a red worker-peasant uprising more than ninety years ago left a significant mark on China’s history.
Although the B city uprising is less well-known than other major uprisings of the same era that overthrew the old order, it has special significance for the front-line troops of the organization known as “Dark Arrow.” The first batch of commanders and fighters of the Dark Arrow came from the ranks following the B city uprising; one could say that the B city uprising was the cradle of Dark Arrow’s emergence. After the establishment of the New China, B city also became one of the secret training centers for Dark Arrow, nurturing generations of outstanding commanders and fighters.
Now, B city has become the base and forward command location for the largest military operation by Dark Arrow since the founding of the country. Over the past week, a large number of Dark Arrow officers, soldiers, and supplies have secretly arrived daily.
Coinciding with the weekend, the B City Worker-Peasant Uprising Memorial Museum has seen an increase in visitors compared to ordinary days, mostly consisting of middle and primary school students and tourists from other regions. Reflecting on the memory of the red era and commemorating the martyrs is the unchanging theme here.
In casual attire, Han Jieqian sits alone in a corner of the museum’s lounge, flipping through some materials in his hand.
Tao Qiaoer, born in 1996, was secretly conscripted into Dark Arrow in 2006. After a year of training, she was assigned to the Assault Detachment of the Xuanjia Brigade in the Western Monitoring Area and, in 2020, succeeded Meng Huai to become the new captain of the Xuanjia Brigade after two years of service.
Such a rapid promotion is not entirely unheard of in Dark Arrow’s history, but there have been some objections to her moving from the Western Monitoring Area to the Dark Arrow headquarters.
However, in the eyes of others, this is perhaps a necessary mode of generational replacement for front-line commanders that Dark Arrow has had to accept along its journey—no one knows the subordinates better than the previous captain, who has been through life and death and is about to retire with accomplishments.
Unlike Meng Huai, who is inherently suited to being a soldier, Tao Qiaoer does not come from a formal military academy background and is not one of those naturally talented in warfare. Before being secretly conscripted into Dark Arrow, she was merely a kindergarten teacher in a small city.
If not for a fluke, Tao Qiaoer might have quietly left like most front-line action team members when her physical condition approached the second stage, leaving with more or less physical ailments and enjoying the generous retirement benefits.
“The Xuanjia Brigade is deployed on the inner side of the border closest to the Blood Dragon Brigade’s operational site, undertaking mobile combat tasks… it should also be something that Uncle San has carefully considered. I hope he hasn’t overlooked anything this time…”
Han Jieqian stroked his chin, deep in thought. He even wondered if Han Guowei had already anticipated his needs, which is why he assigned the Xuanjia Brigade he was most familiar with to this direction.
“Xiao Ge!”
A familiar voice rang out from the other end of the museum. Han Jieqian raised his head to see two girls in casual clothes waving at him.
“How is it that you didn’t recognize Tao today when she’s dressed like this?”
Han Xiao, wearing a floral dress and high heels, exuding a vibe of an urban beauty, stood smiling in front of Han Jieqian, holding Tao Qiaoer’s hand.
“Han staff officer.”
Tao Qiaoer glanced around at the ordinary citizens passing by and shyly nodded at Han Jieqian.
Having been away from ordinary life for too long, the now dressed-up Tao Qiaoer felt somewhat out of place, her face slightly reddening.
“Sis Tao, Sis Xiao, let’s find a quieter place to talk.”
Han Jieqian packed up his backpack and led the way out of the museum.
Not far from the museum, in a secluded recreational area.
So, how does it feel to be back in B city?
Han Xiao, holding a cup of milk tea, giggled as she pointed to a certain direction. The direction she pointed to was where the Dark Arrow Southwestern Training Center is located.
Well, I was caught by uncle back then. I spent two years in the military academy and only received three months of short training at the B city training center. I can’t compare to you proper Dark Arrow trainees. I still can’t even qualify on the static target tests.
“Han staff officer, did you call me out this time because of… some instructions from the higher-ups?”
Listening to the banter between Han Xiao and Han Jieqian, Tao Qiaoer quickly got into the mood and couldn’t help but ask in a low voice.
Having spent so much time with Han Xiao, or rather, since becoming the captain of the Dark Arrow action team, Tao Qiaoer had access to much more information than before, leading her to a deeper understanding of the Han family.
Han Xiao had suddenly left the Embroidery Brigade a month ago to join the headquarters, reminding Tao Qiaoer of what Meng had once said—that there’s no one in the Han family who is ordinary.
She had long concluded that Han Jieqian is definitely not a typical intelligence officer. Even if he is only a lieutenant, his real identity and confidentiality level are definitely several levels above her own.
This time, as the Xuanming Brigade secretly gathered in B city awaiting further instructions, Tao Qiaoer, as the captain, theoretically should not be leaving the gathering place during a level one alert.
However, the sudden appearance of Han Xiao, already reassigned to the headquarters, allowed her unexpected permission to go out, which made her feel that this encounter was undoubtedly significant.
“He is now in a high position and has the power to command anyone below Director Ye, including me. Now he is playing the mysterious card, and it’s all in a set.”
Han Xiao interjected, throwing a meaningful glance at Tao Qiaoer: “Most likely, it was my father’s idea, and he made me call you out in the name of the Intelligence Bureau.”
“Captain Tao, you should know that my sister is serving as the liaison officer from the Intelligence Bureau to the Xuanming Brigade, right? This was actually my request.”
Han Jieqian did not respond to Han Xiao’s teasing but instead looked back and forth between her and Tao Qiaoer with a serious expression.
Hearing Han Jieqian’s words, both Han Xiao and Tao Qiaoer exchanged glances, instinctively straightened their postures, their expressions also turning serious, and they almost simultaneously nodded in acknowledgment.
Han Jieqian took a deep breath and lowered his voice: “This matter has nothing to do with the higher-ups; it’s my private contact to bring you out.”
“We’re currently in a silent period. What’s going on at this juncture? I thought my father and Director Ye had some special arrangement…”
Han Xiao’s brow furrowed as she scanned her cousin’s face, while Tao Qiaoer clenched her fists, growing increasingly uneasy.
“There are some things I cannot say right now, but I can only entrust everything to you… Captain Tao, can I trust you both?”
Han Jieqian still did not answer Han Xiao’s query. Instead, he took out a map from his backpack and laid it face down in front of the three of them.
Han Xiao and Tao Qiaoer exchanged glances again; the former appeared contemplative, while the latter remained silent. After about a minute, the two nodded lightly.
Seemingly making a crucial decision, Han Jieqian pulled out a photo from his pocket and, with a serious expression, placed it in Tao Qiaoer’s hands.
As Tao Qiaoer slowly raised the photo to her eyes, her pupils suddenly constricted, and her hand holding the photo began to shake. Tears streamed down her cheeks.
With her other hand desperately trying to wipe her face, no amount of rubbing could stop the flow of tears.
In the photo, a tall young man is seen gazing off into the distance, his familiar yet strange cold features looking incredibly friendly still.
“Meng… it’s Meng…”
Tao Qiaoer voiced out with a hoarse voice, finally dropping the photo, covering her face with her hands, her shoulders shaking as she stifled sobs.
That dark night from several months ago remains etched in her memory.
Han Xiao snatched the photo, cast a glance, her eyes turning red, biting her lip fiercely, remaining silent, her shoulders also trembling.
“If this combat operation follows the predetermined plan and nothing goes wrong, Dark Arrow will end in a disastrous defeat. Therefore, besides what Meng and I need to do, we also require assistance from Captain Tao and my sister!”
“I’ll ask again, Captain Tao, my sister, can I trust you both?”
One of Han Jieqian’s hands pressed down on the map, yet his expression remained neutral.
“Ha, I knew it wouldn’t be simple when it comes to Meng Huai… So, what do you want Tao Qiaoer and me to do?”
After several deep breaths, Han Xiao crumpled the photo into a ball and stuffed it back into Han Jieqian’s pocket—being a member of the Han family, she was well aware of the weight of such secrets and how outsiders could not know unless absolutely crucial.
Han Jieqian flipped the map to the correct side and pointed at a pre-marked coordinate with his finger, his voice low: “The Xuanjia Brigade’s deployment position is less than a kilometer from the border. At that time, my sister will receive my communication and will move the main force of the Xuanjia Brigade to this location secretly.”
“During the entire process, both my sister and Captain Tao must cut off all contact with the forward command and only accept my orders!”
“I am aware of Uncle San’s battle plan and understand the operational guidelines of the action teams. Once combat begins, the captain has absolute command authority!”
Both Han Xiao and Tao Qiaoer lowered their heads, looking at Han Jieqian’s finger location. After just a second, their expressions both changed dramatically.
“This coordinate… Han Jieqian, this goes beyond the operational plan and will ruin the entire blockade deployment. At that time, Captain Tao, you, and I will all end up before the military tribunal!”
Han Xiao slammed her hand on the map, fixating her gaze on Han Jieqian’s eyes, as if trying to extract the truth from them.
Meng did not betray Dark Arrow… Everything is for victory, right?
Tao Qiaoer stared at the map, her tone unusually calm, as if she did not care about Han Xiao’s earlier reminder at all.
“Could it be… that it was my father who instructed you to do this?”
Han Xiao stood up, looking in disbelief at a certain direction.
The term “insider” was too difficult for Han Xiao to utter in Tao Qiaoer’s presence, but judging by Han Jieqian’s current actions, it was clear that the insider hidden within the headquarters had already forced everyone, including her father, into a corner.
Han Xiao’s sharpness and attention to detail rivaled that of Han Jieqian, and she had quickly understood the purpose behind her cousin’s actions—this was already a battle of wits against Dark Arrow insiders, taken to a brutal stage.
Every issued operational plan, true or false, actually only had half in her father Han Guowei’s hands, while the other half was buried deep in Han Jieqian’s mind; even Chief of Staff Wu Wanzhong might not be in the know.
The two relatives had long since grown distrustful of the vast majority of people.
“He does not know and it is best that he does not know… That place has another brother unit lurking within, the highest classified unit of Dark Arrow, and it is the actual target the enemy wants to go after, not the Lu family.”
“Meng will also secretly join the operation and help us in his own way.”
Han Jieqian put away the map, took out the photo that had long been crumpled by Han Xiao, ignited it with a lighter, and reduced it to ashes.
“Tao Qiaoer… you need to think this through!”
Han Xiao no longer looked at Han Jieqian, instead reaching for Tao Qiaoer’s arm, appearing anxious.
After all, Tao Qiaoer is just a mid-level officer; encountering this situation, even with Han Xiao backing her from the Han family, she would face risks that are hard to bear.
Alright… Tao Qiaoer lifted her head, her tone eerily calm, but her eyes sparkled with resolve. “I trust Meng, I trust the staff officer Han!”
With that, Tao Qiaoer stood up, adjusted her skirt, and slightly bowed her head. “There are still many matters in the brigade; I’ll head back first. Thank you, staff officer Han, for telling me the truth…”
As Tao Qiaoer walked away, both Han Jieqian and Han Xiao fell silent, the latter having gradually regained her composure from a series of shocks.
“You are using Meng’s influence on Tao Qiaoer for psychological tactics, aren’t you… I thought I inherited my father’s teachings of boldness, but it seems you… are even more so…”
“Hey, Xiao Ge, this time, no matter the outcome, I fear neither you nor father will have a good result,” Han Jieqian sat down, gazing at the horizon with a hint of sadness. “The Han family has been involved with the bloodline world for too long, and the accumulating hatred and temptation are also increasing…”
“The Han family’s faith does not need to be maintained by the Han family itself; in fact, since the establishment of Dark Arrow, the mission and legacy of the Han family have already been handed over, merging with Dark Arrow.”
“That’s just your viewpoint, grandpa wouldn’t think that way… Xiao Kong, when I set off, grandpa had another episode. I heard from my aunt that his condition has worsened. The last time he was seriously ill, neither my father nor I were present, and now we’re not by his side again.”
“If we commit a major error this time, I wonder if grandpa can hold on…”
Perhaps influenced by Han Jieqian’s words, Han Xiao rubbed her eyes, feeling quite low.
“Ha, it’s always easier for the upright to break; since ancient times, it’s difficult to achieve both loyalty and filial piety…”
Han Jieqian chuckled and, quite rarely, pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, took one out and lit it. After a puff, he immediately erupted into a fierce cough.
At some point, Han Xiao had also left, leaving Han Jieqian still lost in thought in the greenery.
“It’s time to set off, Staff Officer Han.”
A figure quietly appeared at the edge of the greenery, speaking to the dazed Han Jieqian from behind.
Han Jieqian turned his head to see a sanitation worker dressed in a work outfit, wearing a faint smile standing not far away.
“Ha, you’re quite anxious.”
Han Jieqian lowered his cigarette butt, not turning back, but reached into his pocket, pulling out a folded note and holding it to the back of his head: “Here, you wanted the list of personnel from the Wang family infiltrating the Blood Dragon Brigade. But I must remind you, the names of these people should already differ from those on the list… Have you figured out what to do?”
Han Jieqian’s voice was somewhat cold, tinged with weariness.
Even if the Blood Dragon Brigade manages to escape this disaster, or even turn the tables, severe internal turmoil cannot be avoided; many years of work would have to be redone, which could be considered a victory tantamount to a defeat.
The expression of the sanitation worker turned serious as he took the folded note and held it tight in his hand, but did not open it right away: “Is this from that senior figure you mentioned in the Wang family? How do you ensure its authenticity?”
Han Jieqian bitterly smiled and shook his head lightly: “Right now, I even suspect whether that senior is really from the Wang family at all, or whether the Wang family is not as united as it seems. At least, the fact that this list can reach us means someone is planning to lighten their load…”
The sanitation worker hesitated for a few seconds, lowering his voice: “The intel can’t be wrong, can it? Does the Wang family actually have undercover agents within the enemy?”
“Let’s gamble; just like my Uncle San said, the insiders are about to surface. Is there a better choice for us now than to trust the Wang family? Perhaps there’s only this single opportunity. This situation might have been planned for decades not only by the opponent but also by the Wang family waiting for decades.”
Ha ha, the Wang family supplying the Blood Dragon Brigade with sand is intentionally attracting certain people, waiting for this day, isn’t it? These scheming old tortoises truly know how to maintain their temper…
Regarding the sanitation worker’s worries, Han Jieqian did not provide a direct response. Instead, he tilted over his body, lying down on the bench in the greenery, and closed his eyes.
The sanitation worker stopped speaking, turned around, and looked in the southwest direction, also lost in thought.
Longquan Mountain, Wan Yue’s private villa.
After yet another simulated combat special training, all the Hyacinth knights, along with the three from Guogang led by Xiao Hai, were gathered in the house after lunch by Wan Yue.
When everyone settled in the living room, Wan Yue was still changing clothes in her second-floor bedroom, while Zhao Peng, along with Jiang Yan and Jiang Yao, prepared drinks and snacks for everyone in the eastern water area like housekeepers.
Being “served” by three people whose realms far surpassed their own, the elders such as Xiao Wen had already guessed Wan Yue’s intentions.
Over nearly half a month, the Hyacinth knights had undergone multiple outdoor tactical exercises, with contents increasingly resembling actual combat, and subjects becoming more complex, with higher intensity. Even the Wang family’s twelfth brother participated; even for those with rather simple thinking, it became evident that the Hyacinth would undertake significant actions shortly.
The knights gathered, three men and eight women, yet the atmosphere was relatively oppressive. Aside from occasional whispering, even the usually loud Xiao Ling and Xiao Miao had become somewhat restless.
“Brother Zhao, that Wang family’s twelfth brother really follows me wherever I go… If I leave with Sister Wan this time, will they follow too?”
In the tea area, Jiang Yao was busy washing dishes, while Zhao Peng was uncharacteristically distracted, preparing coffee at the side.
Zhao Peng turned and glanced at Jiang Yao, then at Jiang Yan, who was chopping fruit. He lightly hmm’d his nose and continued his work.
Stay focused. Don’t break anything. Xiao Yao, give me another plate…
Having sensed Zhao Peng’s current discontent, Jiang Yan reached out, quickly patted Jiang Yao’s back, and snuck a thumbs-up when the latter turned around.
Looking around, Jiang Yao smiled, knowing she had messed up again.
……
In the bedroom, Wan Yue had changed into a camouflaged combat uniform in dark brown and deep green tones, characterized by a uniquely styled long tactical coat for women and a fitting bulletproof vest, accentuating her already graceful and sexy figure, presenting an imposing and heroic demeanor.
This was the gear used by the Wang family for special operations. Aside from the tactical helmet resembling a panda, which was placed at the head of the bed, all combat gear was now worn by Wan Yue.
From the material of the combat suit to the small accessories, it’s clear that these high-end gear specially allocated for elite members of the Wang family were pricey. By comparison, the previously considered eye-catching Hyacinth standard gear suddenly seemed scrappy and low-end.
Everything ready, yet Wan Yue did not hurry to leave; instead, she took out a cigarette, leaned against the windowsill, and quietly gazed at the distant mountain and forest scenery.
“Sis Wan, Master Jin has also arrived.”
A half-closed bedroom door was knocked upon, seemingly reminding her that ten seconds later, Zhao Peng, dressed in a suit, pushed the door in.
“I thought all these years of self-restraint would have taught you to remain calm in crises. But looking at your current expression, it’s clear you’re not pleased.”
The extinguished cigarette butt drew a parabolic line as it accurately landed in the garbage can at the corner of the bed. Wan Yue smiled, pointing again at Zhao Peng’s face.
“Sis, since Wang family’s twelfth brother’s people are going, I believe I would be better suited to accompany you…”
Zhao Peng was still undeterred, fists clenched, taking several steps forward.
“What about those kids? Someone has to protect them, otherwise, why did we adopt them into Hyacinth? Plus, it’s been less than three months since you were promoted to baron; it’s too forced.”
Having seemingly lost interest in lingering on this topic, Wan Yue’s expression gradually turned indifferent. She picked up the specialized rifle propped at the end of the bed and walked toward the door.
Zhao Peng sighed, revealing a trace of a bitter smile, and could only silently follow behind.
Wan Yue’s words hit Zhao Peng right at his vulnerable spot. Despite having advanced ahead of many lower-tier barons with the help of the secret bloodline, the lack of time for polishing left him still unfamiliar with the control of the baronry realm.
The most direct issue was the release of the blood explosion skill; previously proud of his boiling blood intensity control, he now felt that he had regressed, resulting in him only barely managing to use the blood explosion twice in actual combat, and its power fluctuating wildly, unpredictable, and extremely unstable.
Such issues had been exposed in several outdoor simulated exercises recently. Even if Xiao Ai and the others couldn’t figure it out, Zhao Peng was well aware.
Thus, with his awkward period, Zhao Peng, aside from maintaining a presence for Hyacinth, might not perform as steadily as the more experienced knights, like Liang Tai, if he were to enter actual combat.
