Chapter 218: The Empire’s Future
The room fell silent. From the street outside came the muffled cries of a newsboy hawking papers.
“Team Leader Xiong, what should we do next?”
“If we don’t root out this internal spy, it’ll be hard to explain to headquarters.”
Xiong Jiandong sighed and said slowly, “Little Zheng, I’ve been thinking about this for days.”
“Station Chief Wan and Zhao Lijun both seem to have no reason to betray the Military Statistics Bureau.”
“Because it brings them no benefit.”
“On the contrary, this Director Li,”
Xiong Jiandong pulled a document from his pocket: “This is an account record obtained from the Nanjing bank.”
“Li Tao opened an account in his wife’s name at the bank, with a deposit of thirteen thousand US dollars.”
“At current prices, that’s fifty thousand silver dollars.”
“How could an intelligence director have so much money?”
Zheng Huan’s gaze sharpened: “Team Leader, do you think Director Li is the problem?”
Xiong Jiandong said gravely: “This money was deposited one week before the action, and the depositor left no name.”
“However, I think if Li Tao has a problem, the one who made the deposit must be one of Huang Xiangu, Chen Mingchu, or Zhao Huaishan.”
“Otherwise, they couldn’t know our action details so clearly.”
“Little Zheng, Huang Xiangu will hold a ball at Yihe Road the night after tomorrow. I want to check it out.”
Zheng Huan nodded: “Team Leader, I’ll follow your arrangements.”
“Good, then the night after tomorrow, we’ll act together.”
“Understood,” Zheng Huan replied respectfully, then limped out of the private room. Xiong Jiandong watched Zheng Huan’s departing figure, a ruthless glint in his eyes.
The seventh day of the first lunar month, Nanjing, inside a Western-style house on Yihe Road, Huang Xiangu was holding a party.
Most of the guests were puppet government officials and their Japanese “friends.” Amidst the clinking glasses, it was as if the city had never experienced the massacre, and none of these people had betrayed their country and nation.
“Waiter, another glass of champagne.” A drunken official stopped a young waiter in front of him.
The waiter was very handsome, though he walked with slight difficulty.
But at this time, no one paid attention to that.
“Sir, your champagne.” Zheng Huan bowed slightly, took a glass from the tray and handed it over, but his eyes never left the study on the second floor.
“Lieutenant Colonel Sonoda, sorry, I need to step out for a moment.” In the corner of the party, Huang Xiangu handed his empty wine cup to Xiong Jiandong, disguised as a waiter, then said apologetically to New Government advisor Sonoda Kumakichi.
“Mr. Huang, you’ve had a bit too much.” Sonoda pointed at Xiong Jiandong: “Help Mr. Huang, don’t let him have an accident.”
Xiong Jiandong bowed slightly and supported Huang Xiangu toward the second floor.
“I’m fine, I’m fine.” Huang Xiangu muttered as he staggered toward the study on the second floor.
At this moment, Zheng Huan quietly followed the two up to the second floor.
After Huang Xiangu entered the study, he didn’t close the door immediately. Zheng Huan seized the moment, slipped inside, and locked the door behind him.
“Who are you?” Huang Xiangu was a bit drunk but perfectly clear-headed. Sensing someone following, he turned immediately, his hand reaching for the drawer in the study.
Xiong Jiandong was faster, his pistol already pressed against Huang Xiangu’s forehead: “Don’t move, Mr. Huang.”
“You’re Military Statistics Bureau?” Huang Xiangu instantly realized their identities, his face paling, but he forced himself to stay calm: “Do you know where this is? The floor below is full of Japanese officers and guards!”
“That’s exactly why you should cooperate.” Xiong Jiandong smiled faintly. “Since we dared to come find you, we’re fully prepared. Anyway, death is certain, so taking you down with us isn’t bad.”
Cold sweat instantly beaded on Huang Xiangu’s forehead: “Don’t, don’t, don’t be impulsive. Whatever you want, I can try to satisfy you.”
“Money, or intelligence.”
“I just received a list. If you’re interested, you can take it and claim the credit.”
“List, what list?” Xiong Jiandong’s expression tightened suddenly.
“A list provided by our bought inside contact.” Huang Xiangu said shakily: “It’s in the safe.”
“Open it.” Xiong Jiandong said coldly: “But, Mr. Huang, don’t try any tricks, or the bullet won’t have eyes.”
“Understood, understood.” Huang Xiangu nodded repeatedly.
Xiong Jiandong pressed the gun to the back of Huang Xiangu’s head and slowly walked to the safe on one side of the study.
Huang Xiangu squatted down, skillfully turned the dial, inserted the key, and with a click, the safe opened.
Zheng Huan stepped forward to check immediately. Inside the safe were a stack of documents and quite a few gold, silver, and jewelry.
Under Huang Xiangu’s guidance, Zheng Huan quickly flipped through the stack of documents and finally found the list.
But when he examined it closely, his heart sank. Most of the names on the list were crossed out, with “handled” marked beside them.
“You move fast.” Zheng Huan’s tone was unkind.
Huang Xiangu said: “Your Military Statistics Bureau is like moles. No matter how good you are at burrowing, you can’t escape the hunter’s pursuit.”
Zheng Huan suppressed his anger and suddenly noticed a familiar name on the last line of the list—his own name, Zheng Huan, not yet crossed out.
“I didn’t expect to be on the list too.” Zheng Huan chuckled lightly, tucking the list inside his clothes, and looked at Huang Xiangu: “Last question: who gave you this list?”
Huang Xiangu pressed his lips tight, clearly unwilling to reveal the person’s name.
Zheng Huan raised his pistol, shifting the muzzle to aim at his thigh: “I won’t ask a second time.”
“I gave it.” At that moment, Xiong Jiandong’s voice rose slowly. Before Zheng Huan could react, Xiong Jiandong’s pistol was aimed at Zheng Huan’s head.
“You? Team Leader Xiong, what are you doing?” Zheng Huan held his breath: “Team Leader, this joke isn’t funny.”
“Is it? Do you think I’m joking with you?” Xiong Jiandong said indifferently: “I warned you long ago, no one can be trusted—not even yourself.”
“But you didn’t listen. You still trusted me too much.”
“Xiong Jiandong, why are you doing this? Why betray the Party and Country?” Zheng Huan’s voice was somewhat hysterical.
“Why? Because I see no future.”
Xiong Jiandong said slowly: “As I told you, eleven years ago I joined the Party and Country, thinking after the Northern Expedition we’d have good days.”
“But now? I’m already in my forties or fifties, not some young kid anymore.”
“All these years, what have I gotten for risking my life for the Party and Country? Some useless honors, or this action team leader position.”
“Zheng Huan, you’re different from me. You’re young, it’s right to have ideals.”
“But when you reach my age one day, and your family needs money, but you know nothing and can do nothing, you’ll realize that money is actually very important.”
“So that’s your reason for betraying?” Zheng Huan said angrily: “How much did they give you to make it worth it?”
“A lot, far more than you imagine.” Xiong Jiandong said slowly: “If I can help them catch Wan Tianmu and Zhao Lijun, the money will double.”
“You want to catch Station Chief Zhao and Station Chief Wan?” Zheng Huan’s face changed drastically: “But that day at Jiming Temple, why didn’t you act?”
Xiong Jiandong’s tone was somewhat helpless: “Because Zhao Lijun had something come up at the last minute and wasn’t there.”
“If we’d only caught Wan Tianmu then, Zhao Lijun would quickly realize I was the inside spy.”
“That Demon King of Killing takes pleasure in killing. He wouldn’t let me go.”
A look of realization flashed in Zheng Huan’s eyes. “So at the critical moment, you notified Huang Xiangu and Chen Mingchu, telling the driver of that car to turn around.”
“No wonder they suddenly turned back after clearly entering the ambush circle.”
“You notified them to terminate the plan at the last minute.”
“You wanted me to act with you to set up this trap and splash the dirty water on Director Li?”
“Only then would Station Chief Wan and Station Chief Zhao both appear, giving you the chance to catch them?”
In an instant, it seemed all the clues connected.
Xiong Jiandong didn’t deny it: “Zheng Huan, you’re very smart. Background, family—everything is top-notch.”
“Unfortunately, we serve different masters. Nothing to feel sorry about. In the next life, I’ll repay you.”
With those words, Xiong Jiandong fired a shot at Zheng Huan’s back.
The bullet pierced his chest, and Zheng Huan collapsed to the ground.
Immediately after, Xiong Jiandong left wounds on his arm, shoulder, and other places.
Huang Xiangu watched Xiong Jiandong finish all this quietly: “Team Leader Xiong, what next?”
“Mr. Huang, according to the plan, you and Committee Member Chen will head to Shanghai.” Xiong Jiandong said slowly: “Zhao Lijun is very cautious.”
“With the Nanjing Station inside spy not caught, he won’t risk coming to Nanjing.”
“We have to go to Shanghai for him to show up.”
“What about Wan Tianmu and Li Tao?” Huang Xiangu hesitated and asked.
Xiong Jiandong said confidently: “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure Wan Tianmu ‘conveniently’ discovers this body and ‘conveniently’ sees the list.”
“Solidifying the suspicion that Li Tao is the inside spy.”
“With few people left usable in the entire Nanjing Station, he’ll definitely come to me.”
“Then, catch them all in one net.”
“Team Leader Xiong is truly a rare talent.” Sonoda Kumakichi’s voice came from the door: “Mr. Kagesa just sent a telegram.”
“Homeland has decided to approve the 《Shanghai Agent Training Proposal》 submitted by Mr. Ding Cun, and has made annotations.”
“Team Leader Xiong has rich experience on the intelligence line. If you can join this plan, I believe it will be good for you and for the Empire.”
Xiong Jiandong bowed slightly to Sonoda Kumakichi: “Thank you for the recognition, Lieutenant Colonel Sonoda. I will do my utmost to serve the Empire of Japan.”
Sonoda nodded in satisfaction: “Team Leader Xiong, catching Wan Tianmu is up to you. If possible, I hope to persuade Wan Tianmu to serve the Empire.”
Xiong Jiandong was stunned for a moment, thought for a long time, then said slowly: “That’s not impossible. If Lieutenant Colonel Sonoda intends that, it seems we need to change the plan…”
“Oh.”
Shanghai
Japanese Consulate Shanghai Office
In a secret room inside the consulate, the air was thick with smoke, mingled with the scents of Japanese cigarettes and Chinese tea leaves.
Kagesa Shinzhao knelt at the head position, dressed in a neatly pressed military uniform, his gaze sharp and calm as he carefully read a top secret document just delivered by a special courier.
The front page of the document boldly read 《Aid Ding Cun Faction—Shanghai Agent Plan》.
Across from him sat the somewhat uneasy Head of Land Transportation Section Chen Yang.
Chen Yang was the director of the Nanjing Special Affairs Committee. Kagesa had called him here to discuss the feasibility of this plan and to meet its proposer, former Party Affairs Investigation Section Postal and Telegraph Director Ding Cun.
He knew the importance of this meeting and carefully maintained silence.
The paper door slid open soundlessly, and two men in Chinese long gowns, with shrewd expressions and faint fawning smiles, walked in.
Leading was Ding Cun, thin in build but with strikingly handsome features, one of the Four Great Handsome Men of the Republic, so his looks needed no description.
But though his expression was respectful, his eyes hid cunning and unease.
Half a step behind was former Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics agent Li Qun, who appeared more reserved but observant, quickly scanning the room upon entry.
Chen Yang also sized them up with scrutinizing eyes.
These two were notoriously infamous in the Republic, with strikingly similar resumes.
First joining the Communist Party, then betraying to join the Kuomintang camp, and finally betraying again to become Japanese running dogs.
By comparison, Ding Cun’s image was much better than Li Qun’s.
Ding Cun gave a refined and scholarly impression, while Li Qun was more ordinary.
However, Chen Yang was more interested in Li Qun, who hailed from Suichang County, Licheng, Zhejiang Province.
That place was right next to Chen Yang’s hometown of Xuanping County, Wuzhou Prefecture.
Though the local accents differed greatly, some words were still intelligible.
“Your Excellency Kagesa, Section Chief Chen, sorry to keep you waiting.” Ding Cun greeted respectfully in accented Japanese, then sat on the cushions with Li Qun.
“Mr. Ding, Mr. Li, no need for formalities.” Kagesa Shinzhao placed the document lightly on the low table, his piercing gaze sweeping over them.
“I’ve received the General Staff Office’s orders. The Empire is giving high attention and expectations to your ‘peace movement’.”
“Section Chief Chen, Mr. Ding and Mr. Li have long been committed to ‘peace’ and ‘order’ in Shanghai, deeply detesting Chongqing’s terrorist activities and urgently needing the Empire’s guidance and support.”
Li Shiqun bowed slightly: “Your Excellency Kagesa, Chongqing’s Military Statistics Bureau and Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics are rampant in Shanghai, suppressing us comrades who aim for Sino-Japanese cooperation to the utmost.”
“We want to fight back, but lack funds, equipment, especially… authority.”
Kagesa Shinzhao nodded, tapping the proposal: “The General Staff Office understands your situation and value. This 《Shanghai Agent Plan》’s core is the Empire providing comprehensive aid to your organization: funds, weapons, radio equipment, and necessary military advisors and technical personnel, all to arrive successively.”
Joy immediately appeared uncontrollably on Ding Cun’s face: “Wonderful! Thank you Empire, thank you for Your Excellency Kagesa’s trust! We will do our utmost to smash the anti-Japanese elements’ conspiracies, maintain Shanghai security, and promote Sino-Japanese friendship!”
“However,” Kagesa Shinzhao’s tone turned stern, “the Empire’s resources are not infinite. This investment requires clear returns.”
“The proposal clearly requires: first, in the shortest time, form an efficient, loyal agent team whose core must absolutely obey the Empire’s guidance.”
“Second, quickly map out Chongqing’s agent agencies and underground organizations in Shanghai and even Jiangsu-Zhejiang, and strike and destroy them ruthlessly.”
“Third, effectively control Shanghai’s public opinion, suppress anti-Japanese rhetoric, and promote Sino-Japanese cooperation and building the New East Asian Order.”
He paused, locking eyes on them: “In other words, you will become the Empire’s sharpest ‘dark blade’ against anti-Japanese forces in Shanghai and even Central China.”
“Your activities must strictly follow the Empire—specifically, my guidance. Can you do it?”
Ding Cun straightened immediately: “Absolute obedience to Your Excellency Kagesa’s orders! Where you point, we strike!”
Li Qun added: “Rest assured, Your Excellency. We know the importance of cooperating with the Empire and will unite sincerely without failing expectations.”
“It’s just… initial actions may touch the Public Works Department and concession authorities, on that front…”
A faint smile appeared at Kagesa’s mouth: “The concession issue, the Empire’s military will apply pressure through diplomatic channels to create space for your activities. Just go all out and prove your value with performance.”
“Submit specific action plans, personnel lists, and fund budgets as soon as possible.”
“Yes!” Ding Cun and Li Qun responded in unison, their voices mixing excitement and apprehension about the future.
“Section Chief Chen, anything else to add?” Kagesa turned the topic to Chen Yang.
Chen Yang nodded slightly and said to them: “Mr. Ding, Mr. Li, you may not be familiar with me.”
“Allow me to introduce myself. I am the director of the Nanjing Special Affairs Committee Shanghai Office.”
“Our Special Affairs Committee’s duty is to assist Your Excellency Kagesa in effectively and closely monitoring all Shanghai intelligence work.”
“Since I must handle both Special Affairs Committee work and Land Transport Section duties.”
“Your Excellency Kagesa saw my limited energy and thus hopes you two can assist me.”
“Section Chief Chen is too serious.” Ding Cun said fawningly: “I’ve been in Shanghai a long time and have long heard of your great name.”
“You are the Empire’s rising star; we are but homeless dogs.”
“Hey, Mr. Ding, how can you belittle yourself so.” Chen Yang said politely: “When Mr. Ding was Postal and Telegraph Director, I don’t know where I was. You’re the senior.”
“I heard that when Xu Enzeng fought Boss Dai, the First and Second Departments were at odds.”
“Only Mr. Ding’s Third Department repeatedly earned Chen Zutao’s favor. How can such skill be called a homeless dog.”
“Mr. Li, you’re no less impressive.”
“Back at the Tangshan Hot Spring Guesthouse, you got quite a bit of intelligence for the Second Department.”
Li Qun’s face filled with emotion upon hearing this: “Section Chief Chen overpraises.”
Chen Yang waved his hand: “With your two’s help, it’s truly adding wings to a tiger.”
“Your Excellency Kagesa’s meaning is to temporarily have you two join the Special Affairs Committee for a time.”
“I’ll successively procure suitable equipment and materials for you.”
“Thank you, Section Chief Chen.” Ding Cun and Li Qun exchanged a glance and quickly cupped hands in thanks.
The two had thought Kagesa valued them to help Chen Yang as subordinates, but now it seemed he was setting them up with a new department.
“You all are pillars of the Empire and will surely achieve great things.” Kagesa picked up the small sake pot and filled everyone’s cups: “Then, to our future cooperation, to smashing the anti-Japanese forces, to permanent peace in East Asia, cheers…”
“Cheers.”
Everyone raised their wine cups, clinked lightly, and drank them all down.
The rest of the stage was mostly given to Li Qun and Ding Cun.
Just as he had tested Chen Yang before, Kagesa also asked the two about their plans for intelligence work.
About conceptions for the new intelligence agency.
Chen Yang silently observed their statements from the side.
Ding Cun was more mature; he had far more time in officialdom than Li Qun.
He could be called someone truly experienced in the world.
Li Qun’s performance was relatively less outstanding but still earned a passing score from Kagesa.
They talked until noon, when Kagesa finally had Chen Yang see them off.
After seeing the two off, Chen Yang returned to the secret room.
“Mr. Chen, don’t misunderstand. I don’t intend to reduce your power.” Kagesa explained to Chen Yang: “Homeland believes these two are the best choices against Chinese intelligence agencies.”
“You’ve been in Land Transport Section long enough to know the Empire’s current awkward situation.”
“The Navy and Army are arguing fiercely at the Imperial Conference over their respective positions.”
Chen Yang nodded slightly: “Your Excellency Kagesa, I’ve heard Your Excellency Sato complain about it too.”
“Logistics materials are tight now. The Army Department hopes His Majesty will tilt resources to the Army, giving them enough to quickly resolve the China war.”
“But this proposal was quickly opposed by the Navy, who took most of the military budget to buy oil, planning to head south.”
Kagesa sighed: “Yes, the Army-Navy conflict is the Empire’s biggest worry.”
“The Army’s excessive consumption on the China battlefield has already caused Navy dissatisfaction.”
“If His Majesty insists on the Northern Advance Plan, the Navy forces will again become the Army’s transport tools.”
“They can’t accept that.”
“But to head south to Southeast Asia, that’s a very bold proposal. The Empire’s Navy would face the old sea hegemon British Empire’s Royal Navy Fleet almost simultaneously.”
“And the United States Pacific Fleet.”
“That’s too much pressure for the Navy.”
Chen Yang nodded slowly, and before he could speak, a rapid knocking sounded suddenly.
“What is it?” His conversation interrupted, Kagesa seemed displeased.
A voice from outside said respectfully: “Your Excellency Kagesa, a Mr. Haruki from homeland has come with a letter of recommendation to see you.”
Kagesa was slightly stunned and gestured for Chen Yang to open the secret room door.
At the door stood the consulate’s military attaché, also Deputy Head of Iwai Agency, Inukai Ken.
Behind him was a man in his thirties.
The man handed the letter of recommendation to Kagesa and said respectfully: “Your Excellency Kagesa, I am Counselor of the Third Department of the General Staff Office, Haruki Keiin.
