Section 5, Joint Defense

"Brother Zhao, rest assured, as long as you can hold your ground, I, Hu, have nothing to say. Over at Daguankou, I can still speak a few words." Hu Minggui tucked the cigarette behind his ear, reluctant to smoke, while earnestly declaring this.

Oh? But I heard from Qiu that both villages seem to be quite noisy, and the village government has some opinions on the matter

Having borrowed Hu Minggui's bicycle, Zhao Guodong leaped onto the bike and headed straight for the textile factory. The 28-inch Phoenix heavy-duty bicycle whirled beneath Zhao Guodong's feet, and the rushing wind brought him boundless joy

The ancient Taoist resided in a dilapidated temple located one mile outside the west gate of the factory. Even the local residents could not clearly state when he began living there; however, he had already been residing there since the construction of the Andu No. 1 Cotton Spinning Factory commenced. The Zhao brothers also began to associate with the somewhat eccentric ancient Taoist during their elementary school years.

In addition to martial arts and combat skills, knowledge of the identification and appreciation of antiques, including old furniture, was also acquired from ancient scholars during that time

Daguan Kou Township is the southernmost township in Jiangkou County, with Pingchuan County's territory lying further south. It is also the second largest township in Jiangmiao District, second only to Jiangmiao Town, with a population of over 20,000. There is also a market town that holds markets on the 25th, 8th, and 2nd of each month. It is said that during market days, the crowds are overwhelming, rivaling those at the markets on Jiangmiao Street.

Well, I will go on Monday morning. I told Qiu that since it's the first day, I still need to put on a show, so I will ride the tricycle. Zhao Guodong nodded, estimating that it would take just over ten minutes to cover the more than ten miles.

Another pack of Ashima was thrown over, and Zhao Guodong felt a pang of pain; a single cigarette costs nearly three cents, and he could see that there were only a few cigarettes left in the box.

The textile factory has long been a typical example of the decline of male dominance and the rise of female influence. Zhao Guodong squinted his eyes as he wandered through the flow of people. At this moment, it was the peak time for the day shift to end, with a large number of female workers hurriedly exiting the factory gates to return to their dormitories, only to take their change of clothes and head to the public bathhouse. The main road, which divides the production area from the living area, was bustling with crowds.

Beneath the water tower lies a vast expanse of buildings of varying heights; however, in comparison to Jiangmiao Town, the complex of textile factories is evidently of a higher standard.

Seeing Hu Minggui disappear at the door, Zhao Guodong sat in the rattan chair pondering. These fellows seem to be two-faced, with a hint of amusement in their demeanor.

Upon returning to his office, Zhao Guodong realized that it had already been thoroughly cleaned. This was the office left behind by the police officer who had been transferred.

Zhao Guodong's eyes lit up as he stepped forward to examine the antique wooden cabinet, which appeared to be made of Huanghuali. This item, as seen on https://www.hetushu.com, seemed to resemble goods from the Ming Dynasty. By observing the wear on the cabinet's feet and the surrounding edges, it was evident that this piece was quite old, though it was still difficult to accurately determine its age at that moment

As soon as Zhao Guodong entered the factory area, he could sense a distinctly different atmosphere compared to Jiangmiao Town. If Jiangmiao Town offered him the rustic charm of a countryside maiden, then the living quarters of the textile factory resembled a slightly bashful young lady of refined elegance, possessing a touch of softness yet lacking some wildness

These joint defense members are seasoned veterans who are well-acquainted with the workings of the police station. Before Zhao Guodong arrived at the station, Team Leader Liu had already advised him not to place too much trust in those joint defense members, emphasizing that he should make his own decisions and not be led by the nose by them

An old-fashioned office desk, though somewhat antiquated, is sturdy and spacious. Beside it stands a wooden cabinet adorned with carvings, clearly an antique. However, on its side, a red-painted five-pointed star and some indistinct characters indicating the Jiangmiao Town Revolutionary Committee can still be faintly seen. It is evident that this is a relic preserved from the Cultural Revolution; otherwise, it would have long been destroyed during the campaign to eliminate the Four Olds.

Minggui, Qiu has already decided to assign me to Daguankou and Tuling. You and Tan Kai will need to accompany me in these two townships. As you know, the work in these two townships has not been effectively initiated over the past two years, and the township government has expressed some concerns, often murmuring and complaining at the district work committee. Qiu is also under pressure to get the work moving. I have just arrived and am still in the dark; I will rely on you and Tan Kai to help me get things started.

Brother Zhao, Qiu mentioned that I should go with you to Daguan Kou to have a look on Monday

Five or six li were left behind in just a few minutes. As he pedaled up the hemp cloth bridge, a large expanse of buildings became vaguely visible, with the most prominent features being two large water towers, standing tall at the highest points, one to the south and one to the north. These were the iconic structures of the northern and southern living areas of the textile factory. However, in Zhao Guodong's eyes at that moment, they appeared somewhat weathered, lacking the grandeur they had during his middle school days.

"Hehe, for more than two years, Director Liao has been overseeing Daguan Township and Tuling Township. Director Liao is a leader, but he is getting older and his health is not very good, so he doesn't spend much time in these two townships. He only goes there when there is something to attend to; otherwise, he might not visit even once a month. Anyway, both townships have security offices, so nothing major is likely to happen." Hu Minggui replied while puffing smoke and smacking his lips.

"Well, that's good. Now tell me, what unrest has been occurring around Daguankou?" Zhao Guodong asked intently.

The robust man who walked in was dressed in a khaki summer police uniform, but without any other insignia. His face was sharp and angular, and he appeared to be around thirty years old. He walked with a briskness that stirred up a breeze. He was Hu Minggui, a member of the joint defense team at the station, and would also be Zhao Guodong's assistant

The vegetable market also welcomed the final wave of excitement for the day, and the aroma wafting from the stalls of marinated and cold dishes made Zhao Guodong realize that his stomach seemed to be a bit empty

It seems that both Daguan and Tuling Towns still have some issues. No wonder Qiu Yuanfeng values himself so highly; it appears he wants to test himself. Zhao Guodong pondered how to broach this topic. It seems that Hu Minggui should be a relatively straightforward person. By carefully engaging him, they could build a closer relationship and gain more insights.

Hehe, Brother Zhao, you come from the criminal police team, so of course you are not afraid of anyone. However, these guys are locals. As the saying goes, even a strong dragon cannot suppress a local snake. Usually, you don't encounter these guys, but they pop up at critical moments.

"Minggui, do you mean that there are still some tough characters at Daguan Pass and Tuling?" Zhao Guodong feigned disbelief.

Zhao Ge! The voice from outside interrupted Zhao Guodong's intention to examine the wooden cabinet closely. Zhao Guodong turned his head and nodded in greeting to a sturdy man who walked in. "Minggui, come, have a seat. I was just about to mention going to your office."

The period of elementary and middle school was a crucial time for Zhao Guodong. Although the teaching standards at the affiliated school prevented him from advancing academically, on the other hand, it was precisely because he was at the Andu No. 1 Cotton Spinning Factory that he encountered the ancient Daoist through books, a peculiar figure who changed his life.

There are no major issues, but of course, there are plenty of minor ones. The people in the security office can handle the usual troublemakers, but when it comes to real troublemakers and those with a wide reach, they are at a loss. It has been like this for two or three years; can the village have no objections? Hu Minggui did not conceal anything.

Oh? How do you say it? Zhao Guodong immediately sensed something, but he did not show any expression.

In the past six months, Zhao Guodong has been so busy in the criminal police team that he feels overwhelmed, having hardly any time to return home. Over the course of nearly a year, he has only managed to visit home hurriedly four or five times, and each time it has been in the evening, leaving early the next morning to catch the first bus to Jiangmiao to return to the county. He has barely kept in touch with his classmates, and now it seems that he finally has some time to relax.

"Well, riding a motorcycle is about the same; riding a bicycle takes roughly half an hour." Hu Minggui took the Ashima that Zhao Guodong tossed over, examined it carefully, lit it up, took a satisfying puff, and then said: "Brother Zhao is stationed at Daguan Pass and Tuling; it seems that Qiu Suo holds Brother Zhao in high regard."

"Sigh, Brother Zhao, it's hard to explain this in a moment; it's better if we go together a few more times, and you'll understand. " Hu Minggui stood up and shook his head, "By the way, let's call Tan Kai on Monday morning as well. The three of us will go together, since both Tan Kai and I will be following you, Brother Zhao, in the future."