"Elder Wang, I understand everything you've said. The Chinese military's influence is not to be underestimated, and the government would gain nothing by confronting them directly. As long as you support me from behind, I can leverage military power to kill Sun Kai. To be honest, Elder Wang, I have some connections within the Chinese military."
Chen Feng replied with a calm expression.
"Since that's the case, there's no time to delay," Wang Jianshan said with anticipation.
Killing Sun Kai was a perfect opportunity to test Chen Feng's capabilities. If successful, it would not only eliminate a significant competitor for the Wang family in the capital but also demonstrate Chen Feng's exceptional competence. With proven abilities, his marriage to Wang Ziwei would not be hindered. The next generation of the Wang family was already considered a failure, and to maintain the Wang family's glory in the capital, they needed external assistance. A capable Chen Feng was precisely that external force.
Chen Feng didn't hesitate and immediately sought out a prominent figure in the Chinese military, Commander Hong. Commander Hong was the commander of the Northern Theater Command of China, holding immense power. Chen Feng's acquaintance with Commander Hong stemmed from their shared interest in China's integrated reconnaissance and strike drones.
"Chen Feng, why are you in the capital?" Commander Hong was taken aback.
"Commander Hong, I want to kill someone," Chen Feng stated directly.
"What? You want to kill someone? Chen Feng, you're not a soldier, why are you so aggressive, resorting to killing at the drop of a hat?" Commander Hong asked, puzzled.
Chen Feng dispensed with pleasantries and explained Sun Kai's profiteering during the national crisis to Commander Hong in detail.
"Chen Feng, honestly, if you hadn't told me this, I wouldn't have known the Sun family had degenerated to such an extent. It's truly outrageous," Commander Hong lamented.
"Commander Hong, the evidence is conclusive. Can we proceed with eliminating Sun Kai? Such a person, frankly, is a grave threat to China while alive," Chen Feng replied without preamble.
"Logically, he should be killed, but..." Commander Hong hesitated.
"Commander Hong, are you perhaps concerned because Sun Kai's father was China's former nuclear commander?" Chen Feng probed directly.
"Yes, Sun Kai's father was indeed China's former nuclear commander. Although he has retired, his influence within the Chinese military remains significant. If Sun Kai were to be suddenly killed, I fear it might trigger unrest within the Chinese military." Commander Hong spoke truthfully.
"Commander Hong, if I may be so bold, what would be the consequence if the Chinese military were to become unstable?" Chen Feng calmly countered.
"Military instability in China would be a tremendous blow to the Chinese populace. If the military is in chaos, the Chinese government will inevitably follow," Commander Hong explained seriously.
"Commander Hong, have you considered this: if Sun Kai isn't killed, profiteering like that in Mingshan City could spread throughout China. At that point, China's political arena would be in disarray, and the people would suffer immensely. Wouldn't your concerns be rendered moot?" Chen Feng continued calmly.
"Chen Feng, your perspective is enlightening. From this angle, Sun Kai indeed could be eliminated, but the Sun family..." Commander Hong still harbored reservations. After all, Sun Zhangxing had been China's nuclear commander, highly regarded by the nation's leadership. In such a context, the repercussions of killing Sun Kai were unimaginable.
"Commander Hong, in politics, a ruthless approach is sometimes necessary. For the sake of the Chinese people, I have a suggestion, perhaps not a mere suggestion..." Chen Feng stated with utmost seriousness.
"Go on," Commander Hong asked with curiosity.
"We can arrange for Sun Zhangxing to die of a sudden illness," Chen Feng elaborated, word by word.
"What? Arrange for Sun Zhangxing to die of a sudden illness? But everyone knows Sun Zhangxing is in excellent health and could easily live past ninety. How could he suddenly fall ill and die?" Commander Hong asked, bewildered.
"Commander Hong, you are a veteran of the military. There are certain things you should be aware of. For hard-line elements, for those who are obstinate, they can be made to die of a sudden illness," Chen Feng patiently explained.
Commander Hong then grasped the implication.
"Chen Feng, you mean to kill Sun Zhangxing as well?" Commander Hong asked, feeling faint.
"Is there any reason why not?" Chen Feng calmly retorted.
"It's definitely not possible. Sun Zhangxing was China's former nuclear commander. His sudden death from illness would cause widespread unrest," Commander Hong quickly explained.
"Commander Hong, you are being overly cautious. In fact, Commander Hong's sudden death from illness would not trigger the kind of unrest you envision. This isn't just my speculation; there are real precedents," Chen Feng replied with composure.
"Are there such high-ranking officials who died suddenly of illness?" Commander Hong asked doubtfully.
"Of course, Commander Hong. Think about it carefully. Last year, Wang Zhen, a high-level strategist in China's political arena, was fine the night before. The next day, the Chinese leadership announced that Wang Zhen had died of a sudden illness. In reality, those privy to the inside story knew that Wang Zhen's wife was a major corrupt official and had been discovered. The Chinese leadership gave Wang Zhen a choice: either commit suicide quietly, and the matter would be resolved, preserving the Wang family's honor. Or, if Wang Zhen refused to go with dignity, the leadership would ensure his 'dignified' exit. Wang Zhen, relying on his position within the leadership, tried to resist. Little did he know, he was killed that very night. To avoid unnecessary panic, the Chinese leadership did not announce that Wang Zhen was murdered but solemnly stated he died of a sudden illness. In reality, 'death from a sudden illness' is the most dignified way for China's political arena to eliminate dissent. It's a subtle method that doesn't cause unrest."
Chen Feng's explanation thoroughly convinced Commander Hong. He was impressed by the young man's mastery of the subtle and ruthless tactics employed within China's political sphere.
"Very well, proceed as you've suggested. However, until the Sun family is completely dismantled, you cannot leave the Chinese military," Commander Hong stated sternly.
There were two reasons for keeping Chen Feng with the Chinese military. Firstly, if any unforeseen situations arose, Chen Feng could provide strategic advice. Secondly, if the Sun family proved too formidable to handle, Chen Feng could be presented as a scapegoat, allowing the Chinese military to withdraw unscathed. Chen Feng was no fool and understood Commander Hong's underlying intentions. However, he didn't expose them. He recognized that Commander Hong's willingness to act against the Sun family under pressure was commendable, and his subtle inclination towards self-preservation was understandable. Thus, Chen Feng remained with the Chinese military for a week.
The subsequent developments far exceeded Commander Hong's expectations. He had anticipated significant obstacles in moving against the Sun family, but the operation proved surprisingly smooth. Commander Hong then realized the Sun family had fallen into such disrepute that public sentiment was overwhelmingly against them, leading to a domino effect of downfall.
"Commander Hong, the Sun family has completely collapsed. May I return to Mingshan City now?" Chen Feng inquired tentatively.
"Chen Feng, since you are in the capital, do not rush back. Your capable subordinates are overseeing Mingshan City, so there are no major issues there. However, the Chinese military is currently facing a minor predicament..." Commander Hong said with a furrowed brow.
"Commander Hong, allow me to guess the minor predicament. If I'm not mistaken, does it have something to do with the recent large consumption of weapons by a certain country? Another country, with support from Europe and the United States, is continuously supplying weapons. However, that country has few allies and is subjected to high-intensity, high-density strikes daily, leading to significant weapon depletion. Without external support, that country's weaponry might be running low." Chen Feng stated calmly and composedly.