A day later, at 10 o'clock in the morning, at the military airport in Longcheng.
Zhang Xunchen, accompanied by several senior generals, dressed in neat and capable military uniforms, were waiting next to the helipad.
One of the generals had a puzzled look on his face and couldn't help but ask softly, "General Staff, where did this Lu Zhen come from? Why have we never heard of him before?"
Zhang Xunchen turned his head to look at him and reminded him, "Since he is sent by the higher-ups, he must be someone extraordinary. When we meet later, be polite and don't talk nonsense."
"I know that." The general lowered his voice: "I'm just curious... Do you think he can convince Commander Tan?"
Zhang Xunchen frowned: "I don't know either, but..."
"Buzz..."
Just as they were talking, the sound of helicopter propellers breaking through the air was heard in the sky.
Everyone looked up and saw a military helicopter with the District 1 logo printed on it, slowly landing. Zhang Xunchen and the others looked at each other and immediately moved closer.
Soon, the helicopter landed steadily on the tarmac. Lu Zhen walked down from the plane with six or seven accompanying personnel.
With a warm smile on his face, Lu Zhen quickly stepped forward, shook Zhang Xunchen's hand vigorously, and said politely: "Chief of Staff Zhang, I am really flattered that you came to pick me up in person."
"It's my pleasure. Secretary Lu, welcome to Longcheng." Zhang Xunchen extended his hand while secretly sizing up Lu Zhen.
Although the other party was young, Zhang Xunchen did not mean to look down on him. Being able to sit in the position of secretary of the commander-in-chief at this age and being entrusted with an important task in this incident and sent to Longcheng was enough to show his ability.
While Zhang Xunchen was talking to Lu Zhen, he introduced several generals he had brought with him. Everyone was very polite and simply greeted him.
After everyone got to know each other, Zhang Xunchen asked, "Secretary Lu, you've just arrived in Longcheng and you must be tired from the journey. Do you want to take a rest first?"
Lu Zhen smiled and said, "Haha, forget about taking a rest. This time, we are here for business. Let's go directly to the headquarters, shall we?"
"Okay." Zhang Xunchen nodded: "This way, please."
The group got into the military vehicle parked nearby and quickly left the airport and headed towards the headquarters building.
…
At the same time, in the small garden of the Anxi military headquarters.
An Zecheng was holding a kettle and watering the flowers in the garden.
“Pah, pah, pah!”
Suddenly, he heard a burst of hurried footsteps. An Zecheng turned his head and saw his adjutant walking across the flowerbed. He quickly approached and said, "Commander, there are indeed people coming from District 1."
An Zecheng put down the kettle, wiped his hands and asked, "Who's here?"
"Lü Zhen," the adjutant reported, "He is about 30 years old. I heard he is the secretary of the commander-in-chief of the Chinese Legion."
"Oh?" An Zecheng recalled: "From the Corps, why haven't I heard of it?"
The adjutant also shook his head slightly: "I haven't heard of him either. I don't remember anyone like him."
An Zecheng thought for a moment and said, "Well, go check and see who this person is."
"Yes!" The adjutant saluted and hurried away.
An Zecheng picked up the kettle again and continued to take care of these delicate flowers.
…
Half an hour later, a row of military vehicles arrived at the Longcheng garrison headquarters.
Led by Zhang Xunchen, Lu Zhen walked into the headquarters building and met Tan Hengqiang in a spacious conference room.
At this time, Tan Hengqiang was wearing a general's uniform, with his hair combed meticulously, and looked very well groomed.
"Commander, this is Lu Zhen from District 1, Secretary Lu." After Zhang Xunchen brought the person in, he introduced him to Tan Hengqiang.
"Hello." Tan Hengqiang stood up gently and extended his hand to Lu Zhen.
"Commander Tan!" Lu Zhen walked over enthusiastically and grabbed Tan Hengqiang's hand: "I have heard of your name for a long time. Today I finally meet you! It is just as I thought, you are extraordinary!"
Tan Hengqiang had a calm expression and was not moved by the nice words. He just said politely, "You have come a long way, thank you for your hard work. Please sit down."
Lu Zhen did not rush to sit down, but clapped his hands gently. An attendant behind him immediately stepped forward and handed him a beautifully packaged gift box.
"Commander Tan, I came here in a hurry and didn't prepare any good gifts." Lu Zhen put the gift on the table with a smile: "I heard that you like to smoke, so I asked someone to get you a pipe, a sea willow pipe, as a token of my appreciation."
As the saying goes, don't hit a smiling person, not to mention that Lu Zhen is quite sensible. Especially in this day and age, a sea willow pipe is indeed rare.
Tan Hengqiang smiled a little and nodded, "You are so polite. Please take a seat."
"You're welcome, I'm here to be the bad guy." Lu Zhen sat down and said with emotion: "Commander Tan, to be honest, I really didn't want to come. But who made me young, I can only do these things that offend people."
Tan Hengqiang chuckled, then sat there looking at him without saying a word.
Zhang Xunchen and the others also sat aside, keeping silent and not interrupting their conversation.
"I'm here for one thing, and to prepare for the subsequent negotiations." Lu Zhen sat up straight and said frankly, "Uncle Tan, I respect you, and you are my idol. You have been stationed in Longcheng for such a long time, and it has remained stable without any incidents. This achievement alone makes me admire you! I am a junior, and to show my sincerity, I will not use those official words and clichés with you. I will just tell you the truth..."
Lu Zhen paused for a moment and said, "Jiang Yuanzhen... must be released!"
Hearing this, Tan Hengqiang didn't seem surprised. He remained calm and silent.
Lu Zhen looked at his expression and continued, "Why do we have to release him? There are two reasons: First, Jiang Yuanzhen has made it clear to District 1 that he will support the stability of Longcheng and stand firmly on the position of the Yidang faction. Second, if District 1 is unable to manage the people who support District 1 every time something happens, who will work for them in the future? Therefore, handing over Jiang Yuanzhen is a bottom line issue and a face issue. Let's put it this way, he can't die, and he can't even be tried here."
Tan Hengqiang smiled and said, "You are indeed very honest."
Lu Zhen sighed and said, "Alas, my little bit of strategy is not good enough in front of you, I might as well speak freely."
Tan Hengqiang did not respond directly, but said calmly: "You have come from a long distance and must be tired. Stay and have a meal first. Lao Zhang, have you arranged everything?"
"It's arranged." Zhang Xunchen stood up and nodded.
"Then take Secretary Lu to eat something and take a rest."
"OK."
Seeing this, Lu Zhen did not refuse and followed Zhang Xunchen with a smile.
…
After a while, Tan Hengqiang left the reception room and walked towards the office alone. The smile on his face had long since disappeared.
At this time, there were more than a dozen officers standing in the corridor, waiting anxiously.
"Commander Tan is here!"
After seeing Tan Hengqiang, these people turned their heads and looked at him.
One of the veteran generals who had followed Tan Hengqiang for more than 20 years stepped forward and pleaded, "Commander Tan, please release Lao Jiang and spare his life..."