Chapter 234: The Wang Clan’s Hidden Agenda
April 23rd, Thursday.
Around 4 PM, an ordinary domestic SUV stopped on the street outside a military compound.
After finishing a call, Wang Sheng put away his phone, rolled down the car window, lit a cigarette, and looked with a faint smile at the soldiers standing guard at the main gate of the compound.
A few minutes later, several tense-looking soldiers surrounded the SUV, led by a young female officer with the rank of major.
Wang Sheng appeared oblivious as he leisurely finished his last puff of the cigarette right in front of these Huaguo soldiers before unlocking the car door and gesturing with his thumb toward the back seat.
“Xiao Ga! Han Jie Li!”
Hurryingly stepping forward, the impatient Han Xiao opened the car door, revealing her cousin leaning against the back seat sound asleep, with a briefcase and a strange little wooden box next to him.
Just a few harmless substances; he’s about to wake up. I’ve delivered the person; I have no further instructions, so I’ll be leaving.
Wang Sheng glanced at the vigilant soldiers around and smiled faintly before raising the window and driving off.
“Xiao Ga, wake up, don’t sleep anymore!”
With the help of several intelligence officers, Han Xiao dragged Han Jie Li to the edge of a flower bed on the sidewalk, using a damp handkerchief to vigorously wipe his face and gently patting his cheeks.
Not far away, Han Guo Wei rushed over, accompanied by several officers.
Han Jie Li woke up, feeling dizzy, with blurry human figures and chaos in his ears.
“Ugh, my head hurts… Third Sister, where is this place? Ah, my things!”
As the vision cleared, the female officer’s face became recognizable, and Han Jie Li suddenly jolted awake, frantically searching around him with both hands.
“Okay, everything is here. By the way, what’s inside? Did they prepare you some local specialties?”
Han Guo Wei chuckled as he squatted down, picking up the locked wooden box and shaking it in front of Han Jie Li’s eyes.
“Third Uncle… Sister…”
Han Jie Li rubbed his forehead, took a minute to calm down, then looked up with a slightly awkward smile and retrieved a small key from his pocket:
“Third Uncle, I’ve read everything… This is something from the Wang family; only you, Chief of Staff Wu Zhong, or Director Ye are qualified to see it first.”
Han Guo Wei looked skeptical, took the key, rubbed it a couple of times, turned slightly, and opened the wooden box.
Just a few seconds later, Han Guo Wei snapped the box shut and displayed a serious expression to a waiting officer nearby: “Xiao Liu, immediately secure this for confidentiality and send it to the headquarters tomorrow!”
Forget waiting until tomorrow; notify the airport immediately. Also, call the headquarters secretariat; there might need to be an emergency meeting tonight!
Immediately after, Han Wei Guo turned back and pressed his hand on Han Jie Li’s shoulder, unsure how to express himself but joyfully shaking him: “Good, good, good, this is a huge surprise! You’ve done something great this time!”
“Dad, what exactly is it? Why are you so excited? What time is it? Do you still plan to fly to the capital?”
Han Xiao glanced at a few colleagues from the intelligence bureau on alert not far away, feeling a bit confused.
It was already arranged to go tomorrow; I just moved it forward half a day.”
Han Guo Wei looked at his watch, seeming pressed for time while also patting Han Jie Li’s back of the head: “You should come with me; tell me more about the situation on the way. You might stay longer at the headquarters; I’ll give Commander Wang a heads-up for you!”
“Another three-hour flight? Wait, Third Uncle, I’ve been through a whole day of chaos, and I haven’t eaten anything; I feel dizzy…”
Han Jie Li rubbed his shoulders and back as he slowly stood up, grimacing and showing a bitter smile towards Han Xiao.
Just grab something to eat on the way; do soldiers care about that? Han Xiao, you go with Han Jie Li to change into some clothes quickly; I’m going to gather some things at Old Wang’s place!”
Han Guo Wei adjusted his military cap, hurriedly left, even personally carrying the small wooden box, fearing any mishap.
“小笠, who did you see today? You were like you disappeared from communication.”
As most people had left, Han Xiao approached Han Jie Li’s side and nudged him with her shoulder.
“Ah, it’s nothing; just a few important figures… Hehe, it’s confidential!”
Han Jie Li smiled slightly, acting mysteriously, which made Han Xiao stomp her feet in frustration.
Across the street, diagonally from the military logistics compound, another SUV was parked roadside, window slightly open, revealing Wan Yue’s beautiful and curved eyes.
“Alright, everything’s fine. Meng Huai, first take them back to Jiang Yao’s place, then take me to Longquan Mountain’s home…”
The car’s window rolled up as Wan Yue glanced at Meng Huai, who remained silent in the driver’s seat, then turned to the back seat: “You two have three days off; take a good rest. Tomorrow afternoon I’ll have Su Xiaomeng come over to check Jiang Yao.”
Glancing at Meng Huai from the corner of her eye, Jiang Yan nestled close to the silent Jiang Yao, quietly nodding.
After 6 PM, in a high-end riverside community in District Q.
In the spacious and luxurious living room, Jiang Yao was curled up with a pillow, lost in thought on the sofa, completely unaware of what the massive 85-inch TV was playing in front of her.
In the kitchen, the busy figure of Jiang Yan filled the air with increasingly fragrant food. Jiang Yan glanced a couple of times, her body tilted, then fell onto the sofa, quickly entering a vacant state.
Before long, the sound of Jiang Yan setting the table in the semi-open dining area rang out.
Jiang Yao shuffled over in her slippers and slowly sat down at the table. Jiang Yan dished out rice while mumbling some reminders about life.
“Although your physical condition is different from ordinary people, it’s best to avoid certain things, especially drinks and junk food with unknown additives… By the way, I ordered folic acid and fish oil online; you need to remember to take them every day.”
“In a couple of days, contact a housekeeping website to find a couple of hourly workers to cook for you; we have to stop takeout, heavy oil and salt are nutritionally unbalanced…”
“I’ve heard many home appliances have radiation. Try not to play computer games; it’s best to avoid them… There’s a type of anti-radiation clothing designed for pregnant women… Additionally, it’s best to have checks with Miss Su every two weeks.”
“Tomorrow, you should rest at home; I’ll call Zhong Jing tonight…”
Chattering away, at least a dozen sentences, all concerning precautions for females in early pregnancy.
“Stop being so nagging!”
Jiang Yao’s chopsticks slammed onto the floor, staring hard at the table, her expression chillingly cold: “Why call him?! I don’t want to see him!”
Jiang Yan paused her movements, and after a few seconds silently placed her chopsticks in front of Jiang Yao.
“This is your own choice; you have to get through this. Keeping your body stable is more important than anything else.”
Jiang Yan didn’t pick up a new pair of chopsticks but looked solemnly at Jiang Yao, after a while softly saying.
Jiang Yao lifted her head, staring at the exquisite dishes on the table, bit her lips a few times, and finally wiped her eyes with the back of her hand: “I’m sorry, Sister… I know, I just…”
“After the child is born, the bloodline will no longer be in your body, but you will still be a special latent blood clan, just with some unstable risks removed. In the future, things will gradually improve; your life is still long.”
Jiang Yan regained her calm expression, picked up her chopsticks, and started piling food onto Jiang Yao’s bowl.
“Then, Sister, what will you do in the future?”
Jiang Yao slowly chewed on her rice, carefully glancing at Jiang Yan.
“You don’t have to worry about me. The Wang family’s ancestors and Wan Jie both said I’m far more stable than you. I have no reproductive capability, so the bloodline can’t fully develop within me.”
Jiang Yan smiled, as if everything was under her control, or she had immense trust in the Wang family’s ancestors and Wan Yue.
Is my sister comforting me, or is she lying… She’s right; it’s all my own choice, I can’t blame anyone… Jiang Yao thought silently while eating Jiang Yan’s cooking.
“Sister, how did you know all that you just mentioned? You seem to understand so well.”
Halfway through their meal, Jiang Yao inexplicably asked.
Jiang Yan shook her head, pointing to her pants pocket: “I didn’t know before; I checked online last night.”
“Oh…”
Jiang Yao just opened her mouth to continue eating, but after a good ten seconds, she set down her bowl, locking her gaze on Jiang Yan as she carefully said: “Sister, you have no reproductive capability; you really don’t care at all?”
Jiang Yan tilted her head, seeming to think, and after a few seconds, a faint smile appeared: “I don’t know why; I just don’t feel that affected by it. Maybe not being able to have children feels like a sort of luck, taking away the psychological burden instead.”
“Xiao Yao, actually if the roles were reversed, I might not be stronger than you; you’ve been really great!”
As she said this, Jiang Yan extended her hand, gently patting Jiang Yao’s small head.
Jiang Yao was taken aback, her expression turning slightly strange, and her voice lowered: “But, Sister, aren’t you already accustomed to being a woman…”
Jiang Yan didn’t answer, avoiding Jiang Yao’s gaze, her chewing visibly slowing down.
Could it be she feels neither male nor female now… blocking her face with her bowl, Jiang Yao suddenly came to a strange conclusion.
…
Right, Sister, I think you and Wan Jie should be careful around Meng Huai; I feel there’s something very odd about him!
A few minutes later, dinner concluded, Jiang Yao helped tidy up the dining table, seemingly recalling something, and called out toward the kitchen: “Feel?”
Jiang Yan was operating the dishwasher; hearing this, she turned her head, her expression somewhat strange: “I don’t know why, but I always feel like he has some purpose in becoming a blood clan! Or he just can’t accept his current identity and fantasizes he’s an assassin; it all feels incredibly awkward!”
After saying this, Jiang Yao anxiously grabbed Jiang Yan’s arm.
Everyone’s self-reconstruction ability varies; being blood-infected is already unfortunate, so don’t murmur behind someone’s back… We were once in a dire situation, too.
“Alright, go take a shower. You’ve been on the road for a few days; watch some TV and rest early.”
Hearing Jiang Yao’s words, Jiang Yan let out a sigh of relief.
Jiang Yao, after those long trips back and forth and the mental tension, or the fatigue from early pregnancy, quickly went to bed.
In the large living room, only Jiang Yan remained, slowly tidying up.
Sigh, did Meng Huai really join the blood clan to pursue my and Xiao Yao’s investigation? But he doesn’t even know what the truth is; even Wan Jie is encouraging me to accept him.
Meng Huai and Wan Jie are both quite stubborn, rather dogmatic… Looking at the night scene outside the balcony, Jiang Yan revealed a bitter smile.
…
Near midnight at 11 PM, in the capital, Dark Arrow Headquarters.
In the confidential meeting room, several high-ranking members of Dark Arrow, including the hurriedly returned Han Guo Wei and Ye Zhi Jun, gathered to hear Han Jie Li’s report.
…The identities of those two Wang family women cannot be discerned, but at least one of them is certainly one of the nine top leaders…
…That’s the situation. The Wang family, in principle, agrees to resume intelligence exchange but insists that I serve as the liaison officer, and besides that, will not accept any other form of contact with Dark Arrow.
Han Jie Li sat alone on one side of the conference table, facing several strange gazes, carefully closing his folder while revealing the first hint of guilt on his face.
Han Guo Wei was resting with his eyes closed, Chief of Staff Wu Zhong Xian lightly tapping his fingers on the table, while Intelligence Bureau Director Xu Zhi Jun held a thermos, glancing at Han Jie Li from time to time.
As for the other heavyweight leaders at headquarters, they either frowned deeply or wore cold, stern expressions.
I suggest we report this situation directly to the higher-ups. I’ll have a word with the old leader to hear his thoughts before deciding whether to send another representative for the second round of negotiations with the Wang family.
“Actually, my thoughts are similar to everyone’s; Comrade Xiao Han has only recently started working and is more suited for training on the front line of intelligence work.”
A few minutes later, Ye Zhi Jun was the first to speak.
Having Han Jie Li become the Wang family’s designated intelligence liaison officer felt like mocking Dark Arrow as if treating everyone like three-year-olds.
Wu Zhong Xian hesitated a little, and Han Guo Wei squinted at Ye Zhi Jun’s face, still withholding his position.
What does the Wang family mean by this? Is it deliberately trying to sow discord? Letting one person represent the entire Dark Arrow is no joking matter!
I don’t think so; otherwise, this valuable sample and the drug formula wouldn’t have been brought back by Comrade Xiao Han. I’ll pass it to Academician Zhang for verification tomorrow. If it’s real, it can save us a lot of trouble!
Comrade Xiao Han, are you sure the Wang family appointed you as the only liaison officer, and it cannot be changed?
The conversation opened up, and several high-ranking members of Dark Arrow, including the Minister of Political Affairs and the Minister of Training, began discussing, many directed suspicious gazes at Han Jie Li.
This, in effect, denies the entire intelligence organizational system from top to bottom in Dark Arrow, placing a crucial intelligence channel in the hands of someone who hasn’t even learned to grow their hair. If this person steps out of line, it equates the whole Dark Arrow to peril.
Most present couldn’t accept the Wang family’s attitude, especially since the claims were merely coming out of Han Jie Li’s mouth, unverifiable regarding their authenticity.
None of these comments were directly voiced by the high-ranking military leaders present.
Perhaps, the leaders should ask the Wang family again, to ensure my understanding isn’t erroneous…
Han Jie Li looked troubled, unable to address the leaders’ doubts, and, unable to withstand the pressure, turned to his Uncle Han Guo Wei.
Of all ages, learning how to pass the buck… Old Wu, why don’t you provide some opinions?
Han Guo Wei opened his eyes, first scolding Han Jie Li, then turning to Wu Zhong Xian with a deep voice.
Old Ye, let’s do as you say, find a time to visit the old leader, briefly explain the situation, and then we can discuss it in the party committee meeting.
Old Han, regarding the second operational action in the southern inspection zone, let’s take advantage of the momentum and finalize the overall plan soon. The comrades in the operations department should try to coordinate support plans from other inspection zones.
We aim to strike hard in this round, avoiding falling into a war of attrition! Without completely suppressing them, other directions are bound to face issues too.
As for Comrade Xiao Han, until the headquarters’ final decision is made, you should maintain communication with the Wang family, cooperate well with Zhou Chang, and quickly re-establish intelligence operations in the vicinity!
Wu Zhong Xian surveyed all present, finally concluding with a rather moderate decision. Keeping a long-term tacit understanding between Dark Arrow and the Wang family is always a highly sensitive topic, especially regarding the role of the Han family within it.
For instance, now, Han Guo Wei was clearly avoiding suspicion, just like when he opposed letting Han Jie Li meet the Wang family initially, while the Wang family’s unexpected feedback now put the Han family in a passive position.
No matter how intertwined the Han family is with the Wang family, it is still a member of Dark Arrow and not the sky over Dark Arrow! This tone has been one of the organizational principles of Dark Arrow since the first generation of old leaders began, starting with Zhu Hua.
Checking the time, it had already approached midnight, and the hastily called confidential meeting was concluded; everyone dispersed one by one.
Xiao Han, I absolutely trust you; don’t feel any psychological burden. This question will be resolved promptly by the headquarters!
Before leaving, Ye Zhi Jun approached Han Jie Li and heavily patted his shoulder, signifying that his previous suggestion was purely business.
When there were only two people left in the meeting room, Han Guo Wei stood up and directly closed the door.
Haha, the Wang family has formidable people; this isn’t sowing discord but a full-blown trap!
Han Guo Wei’s mental state had shifted drastically from before, his eyes now glimmering with mysterious light.
Well, I thought the same on the plane; perhaps no one expected the Wang family would respond this way.
Han Jie Li stroked his chin, his expression unusual: Uncle, I have a bold guess; the mole hidden within the headquarters must have clearly understood that Dark Arrow needed to restore relations with the Wang family and deliberately let the Han family step forward, selecting someone as inexperienced as me.
This means the mole knows the secret that the Han family and the Wang family are relatives! He may be certain Wang family will agree to resume the former intelligence collaboration for the sake of the Han family, allowing us to continue spying on the movements of the Wang family and Dark Arrow.
The Wang family also recognizes there’s a mole in Dark Arrow but assumes I’m trustworthy, intentionally throwing out such a façade to lock down an intelligence access point, sabotaging the mole’s計算, even treating me as bait to increase the probability of exposing the mole.
Uncle, since the relationship between our Han family and the Wang family is one of the top secrets of Dark Arrow, how many people know about it? Can you recall, in the previous Party committee meeting, who first proposed letting me represent Dark Arrow and who voted for and against it?
As Han Jie Li spoke faster and with growing excitement, it seemed he was gradually approaching the final truth.
Quietly observing his spirited nephew, Han Guo Wei felt a churn within.
“Uh, Uncle, what’s the matter? Would you like to take a break first?”
In high spirits, Han Jie Li saw Han Guo Wei lost in thought, glancing at the clock in the meeting room, couldn’t help but lightly tap his arm.
“Oh, it’s nothing; I’m just thinking about tomorrow’s operations department meeting… Let’s leave it at that for now; regardless, the Han family has stepped into the spotlight this time. Thankfully the result was successful, and the harvest is vast. Old Ye has already prepared to apply for a commendation for you; it might even be a third-class merit.”
Han Guo Wei adjusted his military cap, standing tall as if the earlier conversation had left him with some unspoken concerns.
“Uncle, regarding the communication with the Wang family and the mole issue, I suddenly have some insights. I will整理一下 and let you see.”
Han Jie Li hurriedly tidied his briefcase, standing behind Han Guo Wei, his expression very serious.
Han Guo Wei looked back, nodding slightly.
…
“Ah, Uncle probably has had doubts about someone all along… Just hasn’t been able to fully establish, or perhaps doesn’t dare to recognize? Haven’t I been the same?”
Standing at the entrance of the confidential meeting room, looking at the now vacant hallway, Han Jie Li suddenly felt a deep sense of guilt.
Because whether on the plane or in the earlier meeting, he had concealed numerous discussions between the Wang family and himself, including answers or suggestions about the grandmother, the queen, and the mole.
Xia Yan and Gu Yao were seeded by the former grandmother, not by blood invasion—according to the Wang family, ordinary people who are blood-infected by the grandmother are similar to ordinary people consuming Frankenstein’s potion; there’s no doubt they will die.
The Tang family girl blood clan who was a candidate for the queen was shot dead by Meng Huai, interrupting the seeding ceremony, followed by bloody chaos… However, what would happen to Xia Yan and Gu Yao, who were indiscriminately seeded by the dying grandmother?
Now, Han Jie Li was sure that both the Wang family and the Engel family, even the mole, knew the state of Xia Yan and Gu Yao, and they had started open and covert battles surrounding them.
This was the core of all current chaos and conspiracy; within the hints from the Wang family, he still had no qualifications to access this secret.
All the information above, whether complete, or however credible, pertains to the success or failure of the strategic mission regarding Hao Bo, hence from the perspective of a strawman, Han Jie Li must keep it confidential and only disclose it to Hao Bo personally.
Even such a high-level meeting was no exception; this is a principle of the special confidential operations group.
Sitting alone in the confidential meeting room, Han Jie Li continually recalled every word he had discussed with the Wang family members, including the details of the gifts they had sent him.
As he pondered, a sudden sense of fear crept into Han Jie Li’s heart—Meng Huai appearing in the Wang family’s territory and maintaining close ties with a mysterious girl with deep connections to the Wang family’s higher-ups.
Once the major of the Dark Arrow’s Xuan Jia Team, publicly a first-class meritorious martyr, now a valiant warrior on a strategic mission, seemed more and more strange to Han Jie Li, increasingly resembling a blood clan.
This might be a good thing or a bad thing, just like those seed individuals who had long since disappeared or even sacrificed.
