Chapter 219: Haruki-kun, The Gate Of Wealth And Honor Is Open
“Haruki-kun, please sit.” Kagesa ushered Haruki Keiin into the secret room, while Inukai Ken tactfully left.
The group sat down separately, and Kagesa smiled faintly: “Minister Kujo has already sent me a telegram mentioning your arrival in Shanghai.”
Haruki Keiin bowed slightly and said: “Your Excellency Kagesa, the homeland places great importance on the proposal you submitted for reorganizing the intelligence agencies.”
“Minister Kujo hopes not only that you can assist the New Government in stabilizing the southern situation, but also that you can help the Special Higher Police Affairs make up for deficiencies in internal monitoring.”
Kagesa seemed unwilling to mention this topic and raised his hand: “Haruki-kun, we’ll discuss this topic later.”
“Your Excellency Kujo has explained the purpose of your trip to me.”
“This is Section Chief Chen Yang. Whatever you need, just ask him for help.”
“The four major agencies will officially begin operations in March. First, familiarize yourself with the environment in Shanghai and the work processes.”
“We’ll discuss the rest of the matters in detail later.”
Chen Yang was slightly surprised in his heart. This Haruki Keiin seemed to be an official parachuted in from the homeland.
From just a few exchanges in their conversation, Chen Yang could already determine that this Haruki Keiin seemed to be carrying an extremely important mission.
Moreover, it was not to be known by others.
This could not help but make him a bit curious.
Kagesa took a document from his briefcase and pushed it in front of Chen Yang: “Mr. Chen. This is the proposal sent from Nanjing.”
“Military Statistics Bureau Nanjing Station Chief Wan Tianmu and Shanghai Station Chief Zhao Lijun launched a sudden attack ten days ago against Central Executive Committee members Huang Xiangu, Chen Mingchu, Zhao Huaishan, and others.”
“Under our careful planning, this action ended in failure.”
“Lieutenant Colonel Sonoda specially drafted this plan in order to quickly deal with these Military Statistics Bureau rats.”
“Tomorrow, Huang Xiangu and Chen Mingchu will arrive in Shanghai. You assist them in completing this plan.”
“Quickly find the Military Statistics Bureau’s special fund account in Shanghai.”
Chen Yang took the proposal but did not open it. Instead, he asked: “Do we need to arrange manpower to protect these two?”
Kagesa suddenly smiled: “No need for too many people.”
“These are two baits. If a bunch of sharks suddenly appear nearby, those rats won’t act easily.”
“This…” Chen Yang hesitated for a moment.
This was clearly telling them to go die.
Haruki Keiin smiled and said: “Mr. Chen, since they chose to serve the Imperial Army, when the Imperial Army needs them to make sacrifices, they cannot refuse.”
“People always have to pay the price for their choices, don’t they?”
Year 28 of the Republic of China, February 28.
Shanghai, International Settlement, HSBC Bank meeting room.
At one end of the thick redwood long table sat Central Executive Committee members Chen Mingchu and Huang Xiangu.
Both were not young. Chen Mingchu wore a well-tailored suit, trying to put on an official air, but deep in his eyes hid a trace of guilt and anxiety.
Huang Xiangu appeared more steady, but his face was equally grave.
They represented the New Government, which had just been established and relied on the Japanese, and this trip’s mission was not easy.
The task Lieutenant Colonel Sonoda gave them was to demand, in the name of the New Government, that HSBC Bank hand over the account information of the Military Statistics Bureau accounts opened in their bank.
At the other end were several bank executives, led by British General Manager Carlson and Chinese comprador Manager Zhang.
Carlson’s face bore the professional smile inherent to a colonial old-bank.
“Mr. Carlson, Manager Zhang,” Chen Mingchu cleared his throat and spoke first, his tone trying to sound official and tough.
“I represent the New Government Ministry of Finance and the Shanghai Special Municipal Government, formally requesting your bank. According to reliable intelligence we have, several accounts have close fund transactions with the anti-Japanese organization from Chongqing.”
“Mr. Carlson, you should be clear that these people seriously endanger the city’s public security and financial order.”
“Now, the New Government requires your bank to immediately cooperate, providing all transaction records and detailed account holder information for these accounts over the past six months, so that we can thoroughly investigate.”
As he spoke, he signaled his attendant behind him to push forward an official document stamped with the New Government’s red official seal.
The wording on the official document was similar, but with the official seal, it appeared more oppressive.
General Manager Carlson just glanced at the official document and did not touch it.
He leaned back slightly in his chair and replied in fluent but heavily accented Chinese: “Mr. Chen, Mr. Huang. First, thank you for your government’s attention to our bank’s work.”
“However, regrettably, we cannot comply with your request.”
“Why?” Chen Mingchu frowned tightly, raising his voice a bit. “This is an official document request from the New Government!”
“Combating terrorist activities and maintaining financial stability is the government’s duty! As a financial institution operating in Shanghai, your bank has an obligation to cooperate!”
The nearby comprador Manager Zhang, seeing this, quickly interjected with a smooth smile: “Commissioner Chen, Commissioner Huang, please calm down. It’s not that we won’t cooperate; it’s really that the bank has its rules.”
“You should know that client confidentiality is the foundation of our existence, and it is a basic principle recognized by the concession’s Industry Bureau and various consulates and protected by law.”
“Without a formal warrant from the concession court or explicit authorization from the account holder themselves, we truly have no right to disclose any client information. Please understand this point.”
Huang Xiangu interjected at this time, trying a different angle: “Manager Zhang, Mr. Carlson, we understand your bank’s difficulties.”
“But the situation is special. These accounts involve extremely dangerous anti-Japanese elements who use the concession’s conveniences and the financial system’s confidentiality for illegal activities, even plotting assassinations and sabotage!”
“If your bank insists on so-called ‘confidentiality,’ wouldn’t it become their accomplice? Once something happens, public opinion will be extremely unfavorable to your bank.”
Carlson shook his head, his attitude unwavering: “Gentlemen, the bank’s rules apply to all clients. I can tell you very clearly, regardless of who they are.”
“We cannot destroy our confidentiality promise to all clients because of unverified accusations. This is a matter of principle.”
“If your government has solid evidence proving certain accounts involve illegal activities, please go through formal diplomatic channels or apply to the concession police station for an investigation order. At that time, we will certainly cooperate in accordance with the law.”
“You…” Chen Mingchu slammed the table hard. “You are despising the New Government! Harboring criminals! You should know who calls the shots in Shanghai now!”
His threat clearly seemed a bit strong on the outside but weak inside.
After all, in this bank meeting room located in the core area of the concession, the New Government’s seal was far less deterrent than the Japanese Military Police’s bayonets, and there were no Japanese soldiers here at the moment.
Manager Carlson’s face also cooled: “Mr. Chen, please mind your words and where you are. This is the International Settlement. If you have no other requests that follow procedure, then this meeting can end.”
“End? Mr. Carlson, I can tell you very clearly, we won’t give up so easily.”
Huang Xiangu crossed his arms over his chest, looking at Carlson: “Our status may not amount to much in your eyes.”
“But I can tell you clearly, this matter was assigned by high-level Japanese Military Department officials.”
“I hope you consider clearly who really calls the shots in Shanghai.”
“If something unfortunate happens to your bank’s employees, or even to you yourself…”
“You dare threaten me?” Carlson’s face suddenly darkened.
“We noble British Empire citizens are not afraid of threats from any force.”
“Mr. Huang, Mr. Chen, if you have nothing else, I won’t see you out.”
“Hmph, Mr. Carlson, I hope you won’t regret today’s decision. Brother Sian, let’s go.” Huang Xiangu angrily left a harsh remark, and the meeting ended unpleasantly.
Chen Mingchu and Huang Xiangu left the bank quickly with iron-blue faces amid the silent and slightly contemptuous gazes of the bank staff.
Getting into the car, Chen Mingchu punched the seat hard: “These foreign devils! Giving them face but they don’t want it! They don’t take us seriously at all!”
Huang Xiangu sighed: “They recognize the concession’s laws and the Japanese guns. Our tiger skin can’t scare them.”
“Looks like we have to get serious.” Chen Mingchu said viciously. “We must ask the Japanese side to step in. I don’t believe they dare not give face to the Imperial Army!”
“Don’t rush to find the Japanese yet,” Huang Xiangu pondered. “When we came, Lieutenant Colonel Sonoda instructed that if we don’t succeed, we can ask Director Chen of the Special Affairs Office for help.”
“We can’t let him stay idle on the sidelines at a time like this.”
Chen Mingchu nodded and ordered: “Go to 625 Daxi Road, Nanjing Special Affairs Committee Shanghai Office.”
The car left the bank. Zhang Zhiyao, Carlson’s assistant, stood in the second-floor office, watching the departing car with a trace of worry in his eyes. After a moment, he respectfully said: “Mr. Carlson, these Chinese people are despicable and shameless; they are capable of any vile act.”
“Shouldn’t you report this matter to General Manager Anderson?”
“I’m afraid they might really do something like kidnapping or extortion.”
Carlson rubbed his brow and slowly said: “If these people really dare to act recklessly, this won’t be a simple criminal case, but a diplomatic incident.”
“I’d like to see if these Japanese also want to test the might of our great British Empire Royal Navy.”
Zhang Zhiyao quickly waved his hands: “Mr. Carlson, actually, no need for such a big fuss. Perhaps you should report to Mr. Anderson and let him make the decision.”
Carlson was slightly stunned and nodded repeatedly: “You have a point. I’ll go find Mr. Anderson and have him say hello to the consulate.”
Third floor, general manager’s office.
Carlson quickly reported to General Manager Anderson about Chen Mingchu and Huang Xiangu coming to demand a thorough investigation of the accounts.
“Carlson, no need for such trouble.” After hearing the whole story, Anderson’s face showed no trace of the expected fear or compromise.
He smiled faintly, his eyes behind the lenses becoming somewhat subtle, even with a hint of sarcasm.
Slowly opening the drawer, Anderson did not take out any documents, but instead took out several brand-new Japanese yen bills and gently placed them on the desk, pushing them in front of Carlson.
“Speaking of ‘consequences’,” Anderson’s tone was very calm, but each word carried full weight, “those Japanese should first take a look at this.”
Carlson puzzledly glanced at the several Japanese yen bills; at first glance, they seemed no different.
But as someone who often handled funds, upon closer inspection, his heart jolted. The paper feel was thicker than the Japanese yen he had handled before.
But the watermark, engravings, and even various details were flawless.
If not for someone like him who had worked in the bank for over ten years dealing with currency daily, it would be basically impossible to discern this subtle difference in feel.
“What does this mean?”
After pondering for a long time, Carlson gathered his courage and asked: “Mr. Anderson, is there a problem with this Japanese yen?”
“Correct answer.” Anderson leaned back in his chair. “Mr. Carlson, have Zhang Zhiyao deliver a few bills to the Japanese consulate.”
“If Iwai Koichi doesn’t understand, explain it until he does.”
“If the Japanese Military Police or your Special Affairs Committee dares, on trumped-up charges, to take any excessive or illegal ‘measures’ against our bank’s employees or business… then ‘Japanese yen’ like this will tomorrow cover the entire Shanghai Bund financial market like autumn leaves.”
“Our British Empire has many ‘friends’ very willing to help with this.”
“At that time, the collapse of market confidence in the Japanese yen, chaos in financial order, and the blame from Tokyo Ministry of Finance and the international community…” “I wonder if Colonel Kagesa Shinzhao, or even the Japanese General Staff Office, is willing to see and bear this ‘consequence’?”
Carlson’s face lit up with joy, and he quickly replied respectfully: “Mr. Anderson, I know what to do.”
Shanghai, 625 Daxi Road.
Chen Mingchu and Huang Xiangu got out of the car back seat, both taking a deep breath while looking at the Western-style building in front of them, then immediately putting on angry expressions.
Having been snubbed at HSBC Bank, the two went straight to Chen Yang, who had just finished other business.
“Director Chen! Those foreign devils are simply bullying us too much!” Chen Mingchu complained as soon as he entered, almost forgetting proper etiquette. “Huang Commissioner and I went personally with the New Government’s official document, but that Manager Carlson didn’t give any face at all, harping on concession laws and client confidentiality!”
Huang Xiangu added from the side, his tone more anxious: “Director Chen, these accounts are extremely crucial; they may relate to the funding lifeline of the Military Statistics Bureau’s recent series of activities in Shanghai.”
“If we can’t cut them off in time, the consequences will be endless. We exhausted all polite words, but they ignored us.”
Chen Yang frowned slightly. He was not surprised by this result; he had seen plenty of the arrogance of those foreign banks in the concession. The New Government’s brand really didn’t carry enough weight in their eyes.
“So,” Chen Mingchu leaned in closer, lowering his voice with an encouraging tone, “we still need you to step in. You are now the director of the Nanjing Special Affairs Committee, representing Your Excellency Kagesa and the Japanese Army Department’s will behind you.”
“If you go personally, bringing Gendarmerie people, see if they still dare use any damn laws to stall! I don’t believe they aren’t afraid of the Gendarmerie’s prison!”
Chen Yang pondered. Using the Special Affairs Committee and Japanese Military Police power to directly threaten concession bank executives was a more intense method with greater risk, but it was indeed currently the fastest way to possibly see results. He was about to nod and order his men to prepare the car.
“Wait a moment.” Just as Chen Yang was about to make the decision, a calm voice with a slight accent came from the doorway.
Everyone turned around to see Lieutenant Colonel Haruki Keiin standing there at some point.
“Lieutenant Colonel Haruki?” Chen Yang was somewhat surprised and immediately stood up. Chen Mingchu and Huang Xiangu also hurriedly bowed in salute, their attitudes becoming restrained.
Haruki Keiin slowly walked into the room, his gaze sweeping over the three, finally landing on Chen Yang: “Director Chen, I just heard that you plan to use strong-arm tactics to force the bank to hand over the Military Statistics Bureau’s account information?”
“Yes, Lieutenant Colonel Haruki.” Chen Yang explained, “These two accounts are crucial, but the bank refuses to cooperate. The New Government’s official document is ineffective; it seems we must apply more direct pressure.”
“Pressure?” Haruki Keiin shook his head lightly, a meaningful expression on his face. “Sometimes, the most direct pressure can instead detonate the bomb at our own feet.”
“Bomb? What do you mean?” Chen Yang was somewhat puzzled.
“Mr. Huang, Mr. Chen, you can leave first.” Haruki Keiin instructed calmly.
Huang Xiangu and Chen Mingchu exchanged a glance, then both cupped hands toward Chen Yang in farewell.
Chen Yang’s heart stirred slightly. What matter could not even be heard by these two Central Executive Committee members?
Haruki Keiin slowly said: “Do you know? In that bank, and in the vaults of several other major banks in the concession, there is stored a batch of very special ‘currency’.”
He turned around, his gaze becoming extremely serious: “A batch of counterfeit Japanese yen supported by American technology, with craftsmanship so exquisite it surpasses even the Empire’s printing bureau level. Their realism is such that even our best banknote inspectors can hardly distinguish them.”
Chen Yang instantly furrowed his brows tightly, realizing the severity of the issue.
“This batch of counterfeit notes,” Haruki Keiin continued, his voice low and deep, “is a ‘financial bomb’ prepared by the Chongqing side and their American friends to destroy our country’s financial system and cause economic chaos.”
“The reason they are still quietly lying in the vaults is that the other side is also waiting for the right moment or still seeking channels for large-scale market release.”
“If you now bring the Gendarmerie, using strong-arm or even illegal means to storm the bank and search the vault, guess what those bank managers would do to protect themselves or for revenge?”
Chen Yang subconsciously replied: “You mean, they… might immediately release this batch of counterfeit Japanese yen… or make the matter public, accusing us of openly disrupting financial order to find unconfirmed Military Statistics Bureau accounts, even printing counterfeit notes ourselves…”
“Exactly.” Haruki Keiin nodded coldly. “Once this batch of highly realistic counterfeit Japanese yen floods the market on a large scale, the Empire’s economic credibility will suffer a devastating blow, the Japanese yen exchange rate will plummet, and our procurement and material allocation across East Asia will be paralyzed!”
“This consequence is a hundred times more serious than the damage a few Military Statistics Bureau accounts could cause! Blowing up the whole ship for a few small fish is extremely foolish.”
Actually, this counterfeit currency matter really couldn’t be blamed on these British people.
To be precise, it was the Japanese who had moved a stone only to drop it on their own feet.
As early as the 26th year of the Republic of China, when the Japanese decided to implement the invasion plan against China, the General Staff Office Third Department.
That is, the Economic Strategy Section, had already designed a plan to use counterfeit currency to impact China’s financial system.
This was the historically notorious “Sugi Plan.”
The person in charge of this plan was Miyamoto Kenzo, who served as economic advisor to the New Government.
Even the New Government’s currency printing was overseen by him.
But this plan did not fully succeed; it could even be called a complete failure.
Because, just when the Japanese loudly used 30,000 Japanese yen to print 3 million legal tender, preparing to impact China’s financial system.
The Chongqing side got ahead, first driving down the price of legal tender.
Now in Shanghai, the legal tender price continues to decline.
And the legal tender in Japanese hands can’t be used at all.
However, to spite the Japanese, the Chongqing side teamed up with the Americans to print a batch of counterfeit Japanese yen.
Since the machines and printing processes used by the Americans were superior to Japan’s.
This resulted in the printed Japanese yen being of higher quality than those printed in the homeland.
This became a joke.
The world’s only counterfeit currency that couldn’t be used because its quality was better than the real one.
This batch of Japanese yen totaled 500 cases, 100,000 per case, a total of 50 million.
If used to impact the Japanese yen market, Japan’s economy would suffer a fatal blow.
This was also why, after receiving the “warning” from HSBC Bank’s comprador Zhang Zhiyao, Kagesa immediately told Chen Yang not to act rashly.
Haruki Keiin slowly said: “Mr. Chen, Your Excellency Kagesa’s meaning is that this matter can only be handled by the New Government stepping in; it must not implicate the Empire.”
“If the British really plan to break the jar, it would be killing a thousand enemies at the cost of eight hundred to ourselves.”
Chen Yang nodded: “I understand what to do.”
“Haruki-kun, do you have time tonight? I’ll treat you to a drink.”
Haruki Keiin smiled: “Mr. Chen, no need. I still have a lot of work.”
Chen Yang raised his hand: “Rest assured, Haruki-kun. The place I’m taking you to is very private.”
“Moreover, there you will meet many like-minded people.”
Haruki Keiin was slightly stunned, curiosity rising in his eyes.
“Seven o’clock tonight, I’ll arrange a car to pick you up.”
“Alright, alright.” Haruki Keiin hesitated for a moment but agreed.
Night, seven o’clock.
A black Buick sedan pulled into the backyard of Moonlight Sand.
A female waiter wearing a pink kimono was waiting early at the entrance. Seeing the car arrive, she hurried forward with small steps.
Respectfully opening the car door, the female waiter bowed slightly to Haruki Keiin in the back seat: “Your Excellency Haruki, hello. Mr. Chen has booked a private room for you. Please follow me.”
Haruki Keiin got out of the car and glanced around the surroundings.
The decorations here seemed no different from an ordinary courtyard, but this female waiter was quite good-looking.
The female waiter led the way from the rear stairs all the way to the third floor.
The female waiter brought Haruki Keiin to the private room in the center of the third floor. With a swish, the private room doors suddenly opened to both sides.
Chen Yang sat in the host seat of the private room, picked up the wine cup on the table, and raised it slightly toward Haruki Keiin: “Haruki-kun, the Gate of Wealth and Honor has already opened for you; just wait for you to step in.”
