Chapter 231: 230, Bait And Interrogation, Tianjin Operation, Air Combat Imminent
The Revival Society men who fled from the north excitedly recounted their experiences.
The Revival Society’s operational location was Tianjin.
The four members of the action team took a train to Tianjin and contacted their local contact person.
The North China Plain was not under Japanese control at the time. Although there were more Japanese in Tianjin, they were mostly in the Japanese Concession.
This was precisely what the Revival Society members thought, so they were not overly cautious of the contact person, who was ostensibly the Bureau Chief of the local security department.
However, the contact person subsequently led the four teams into an ambush. After a gunfight, the four action teams were scattered.
Yue Jinping, who was shot in the right arm, escaped and hid in a residential house with the man.
Later, Yue Jinping gave him a photograph and asked him to go to Shanghai to seek help from Fang Wen.
After listening to the man’s words, Fang Wen remained noncommittal. He left the room, deep in thought.
The man’s story seemed reasonable, yet it was full of flaws.
Yue Jinping never told anyone about the nature of her relationship with him.
Even in an emergency, if she absolutely had to ask Fang Wen for help, she would use written messages or encrypted telegrams.
The last time Yue Jinping sent someone to inform Fang Wen to leave the country and lie low, it was done in this manner.
This was an agreement between the two of them.
Even with a gunshot wound to her arm, there was no reason for Yue Jinping not to write a letter.
With this in mind, Fang Wen turned back into the room, “Did Yue Jinping give you any letters or anything?”
The man was stunned for a moment, then reached into his pocket, “Yes, I almost forgot.”
He handed over a letter.
Fang Wen took the letter and examined it carefully.
Internally, a tempest raged.
The letter was fake. None of the written codes that he and Yue Jinping had agreed upon appeared in the letter.
It seemed this person was problematic.
The person who sent him was likely part of a plan, and this letter was prepared on the spot, just to appease his questions.
Had something happened to Yue Jinping?
And who was behind the person trying to trick him into going to Tianjin?
Fang Wen smiled, “You should rest and recover from your injuries. I need to prepare before I can head north.”
After leaving the room, Fang Wen’s expression turned grim. He spoke in a low voice to his wife, “This person is problematic. You shouldn’t come over. Have the security team guard him.”
“Then what should we do next?” Kuang Mingzhu asked.
“We need to find a way to make him speak the truth,” Fang Wen replied.
After speaking, Fang Wen quickly walked back to his office and made a phone call.
The first call was to the Special Action Team, asking them to gather at the office.
The second call was to Gang Leader Wang.
After being connected through a secure line, Gang Leader Wang’s hearty voice came through the microphone.
“General Manager Fang, speak directly. You don’t call unless there’s something important.”
“Gang Leader Wang, I have a tricky situation here. Someone is trying to set me up. I’ve got the person they sent under control, but I don’t have anyone to interrogate them.”
“Then you’ve come to the right person. I’ll bring my men over.”
“Thank you.”
“No need, my men should be thanking you.”
Fang Wen hung up the phone with a hint of confusion.
Half an hour later, six members of the action team arrived. Except for Zhang Yunfei, who was guarding the blueprint room of the aircraft manufacturing plant in Yangon, all other members of the action team were present.
Seeing that half of the action team members were missing, Fang Wen sighed inwardly. He would need to recruit more people again, but where could he find trustworthy and capable individuals next time?
He told the action team members to wait at the company and continued to await Gang Leader Wang.
Another hour passed, and Gang Leader Wang arrived with two people.
They were Zhao Wanping’s parents.
Fang Wen was taken aback, “I need people for interrogation, not doctors.”
Gang Leader Wang chuckled, “These two are our Axe Gang’s best interrogation experts.”
The couple also smiled and explained themselves.
“General Manager, rest assured, we are experts in both poisons and antidotes. We can save lives and we can control people.”
“Our skills are rarely shown to outsiders. How about, General Manager, you take a look?”
Fang Wen agreed.
Subsequently, after nightfall, the man from the north, with his head covered by a sack by the security team, was taken to a secret room belonging to Taishan Airlines on Airport Road.
Inside the secret room, the sack was removed, and the man, his mouth gagged with cloth, cried out in terror.
The lights came on.
Fang Wen and Gang Leader Wang sat outside the fence.
The couple, with smiles on their faces, opened the iron bars and walked in. They cheerfully prepared concoctions and conversed with the man.
“First, I’ll prepare a gagging agent for you. Don’t be afraid, it won’t damage your vocal cords, it will just prevent you from shouting for a while, so as not to disturb the neighbors.”
“My husband prepares the comfort medicine, and I prepare the pain medicine. There are nine types of pain: soreness, numbness, itching, swelling, heat, cold, tightness, stinging, and splitting. Which one do you want?”
The two spoke in the most placid tones, yet their words sent shivers down one’s spine.
The man shook his head in fear, unwilling to take the medicine.
Nevertheless, he was successively given the gagging agent and the pain medicine.
His body contorted, but he didn’t know which type of pain it was.
It was Fang Wen’s first time witnessing an execution, especially such a peculiar method of interrogation, and he felt somewhat unsettled.
Gang Leader Wang spoke, “General Manager, don’t look over there. Let’s chat about other things. These two have good interrogation results, but it takes a bit of time.”
Fang Wen nodded and turned to converse with Gang Leader Wang.
“I heard that during the Fujian Incident two years ago, the Gang Leader also participated?”
“Yes. I’ve always liked to go against the grain. It’s a shame the 19th Route Army had internal strife and couldn’t achieve anything.”
Gang Leader Wang paused here, lowering his voice.
“This year, I’m going to do something big. General Manager, just wait for my good news.”
If the big thing he was planning succeeded, a Kuomintang big shot or a Japanese official would surely be in trouble. Fang Wen understood the rules; he couldn’t ask about such matters before they were accomplished.
“Then I’ll toast you with tea. Congratulations in advance on your success, Gang Leader.”
Fang Wen smiled and poured Gang Leader Wang a cup of tea. They clinked cups and drank.
The conversation then turned back to the person being interrogated.
After Fang Wen explained the situation.
Gang Leader Wang analyzed, “Most likely it’s the Japanese, but your confidante is also in grave danger.”
This made Fang Wen’s expression darken. Although he hadn’t seen Yue Jinping in a long time, he still cared about her. If something had indeed happened, he would have to find a way to save her.
The man, having ingested the temporary gagging agent, broke free from his restraints, but writhed on the ground like an earthworm.
It seemed the pain medication he had taken had caused unbearable composite pain damage.
Yet, the couple hadn’t pressed him for any information, driving the man to the brink of collapse.
It wasn’t until half an hour later that the man was given the antidote for the gagging agent.
He cried, “I confess. Ask whatever you want, as long as you don’t give me any more medicine.”
The couple approached the fence, “General Manager, it’s done. You can ask freely.”
Fang Wen stood up and walked over, asking, “Who sent you?”
The man was about to lie when he saw the poison doctor couple and swallowed his lie back down.
“My name is Harry Oil. I used to be a ruffian at the old Grand Canal dock in Zhigu. Later, I joined a secret auxiliary unit formed in the Concession. This time, I was ordered by the Japanese. Your excellency, spare my life, I was just trying to make a living.”
“To make a living, you become a running dog for the Japanese?” Gang Leader Wang kicked the man over and scolded him.
Fang Wen stepped closer and continued to question him.
“What is Yue Jinping’s situation now?”
“Your excellency, I haven’t seen Yue Jinping. I’ve only said what the Japanese told me to say.”
Fang Wen stepped back, and the poison doctor couple stepped forward to continue.
After a while, the couple stopped. “General Manager, he’s likely not lying.”
Fang Wen stepped forward again, looking at the limp man, “Then who were Yue Jinping and the others targeting?”
The man looked at the poison doctor couple fearfully and struggled to reply, “I only overheard someone say something. It seemed to be the presidents of the Guoquan Daily and the Zhenbao Daily.”
Fang Wen stood up and spoke to Gang Leader Wang, “Gang Leader, do you know the presidents of the Guoquan Daily and the Zhenbao Daily?”
“Yes, I know them. They are newspapers supported by the Japanese, located in the Concession. They regularly publish articles praising Japan. I heard that local gangs in Tianjin wanted to deal with these two, but they couldn’t act because those two always stayed in the Japanese Concession.”
“Gang Leader, our Taishan Airlines doesn’t have a prison. Please do us a favor and deal with this individual.”
“No problem. The fish in the Huangpu River are hungry. General Manager, you want to go to Tianjin? I advise you to think twice. It’s too dangerous there.”
Fang Wen nodded, “I understand.”
Watching the man being put into a sack and carried away, Fang Wen pondered.
Tianjin not only had the Japanese Concession and many Japanese, but also the Japanese army.
It was a ridiculous situation. After the Tanggu Agreement, the National Army was not allowed to be stationed in North China, yet the Japanese army was gradually occupying areas in North China.
Because of the Japanese army’s presence, the area had become very dangerous.
Not to mention, the Japanese had specifically set a trap for Fang Wen this time.
Fang Wen understood that he couldn’t go there and take the risk.
But Yue Jinping also needed to be rescued.
He now needed to know the real situation over there.
Therefore, the six action team members were fully equipped and ready to depart.
Jiaxing Seaplane Airport.
The Yunhe was docked by the shore. Inside a house on the shore, Fang Wen explained the situation to the six action team members: Chen Suoxin, Qian Yinxing, Zhou Pomen, Liu Yu Bao, and Liu Yin Feng.
“The target this time is Tianjin. You need to find a person named Yue Jinping.”
“For this mission, because it will take place in Tianjin, which is densely populated and garrisoned by the Japanese army, airborne deployment is not suitable. We will travel by the Yunhe.”
“I will pilot the Yunhe to land on the Hai River channel within the city. You will need to swim ashore. Any problems?”
“No problem,” replied the six members of the Taishan Special Action Team in unison.
“Alright, let’s board.”
Fang Wen led the way out, followed by the six action team members.
A moment later, the Yunhe aircraft took off, flying directly along the coastline to the sea area near Tianjin.
In the darkness, Fang Wen looked down using his mechanical perception ability.
The Tianjin below was prosperous, with houses and courtyards everywhere, and many ships docked on the river.
It seemed the areas within Tianjin City were densely populated, making it unsuitable due to the many eyes and ears.
He adjusted the fuselage and flew back, discovering a patch of barren land by the sea.
It was a vast expanse of tidal flats and salt-alkali land stretching for miles. Except for a few families collecting seafood, few people came there on a regular basis.
That was the place.
Fang Wen announced, “Prepare to disembark.”
He landed the aircraft on the sea surface.
Subsequently, the rear hatch opened. The six action team members loaded their supplies into a wooden boat, pushed the boat out of the hatch onto the sea, and then all six jumped into the sea.
“Everyone, act carefully and cautiously, and maintain communication at all times,” Fang Wen called out his farewell to the action team members at the rear hatch, then closed the hatch, and the aircraft took off and departed.
Watching the aircraft leave, the six-person action team pushed the wooden boat loaded with supplies ashore together.
They soon reached the tidal flats. They pulled the boat ashore, changed their clothes, slung their bundles over their shoulders, and headed north.
After crossing the tidal flats, they could see the city walls of Tianjin in the distance.
It was three o’clock in the morning, and yet people were still heading towards Tianjin City.
Upon closer inspection, they realized they were farmers carrying baskets to sell vegetables in the city.
The six moved in sync with the group, heading towards Tianjin City.
Upon reaching the city gate, as it was not yet open, everyone sat by the city wall.
At this time, residents from nearby actually came with lanterns, bargaining with the farmers to purchase these inexpensive and practical fruits and vegetables.
Around 6 AM, as dawn was breaking.
A weary-looking guard opened the city gate, allowing the farmers to enter. The six-member team, mixed in with the crowd, was allowed through without any inspection.
After entering the city, the farmers set up stalls on the roadside of the nearby market street with their carrying poles, not calling out to buyers, but waiting for city dwellers to make their purchases.
The six also squatted by the roadside, discussing their plan.
“What’s the plan this time?”
“The General Manager said that the four Revival Society action teams were likely attacked by the Japanese. It’s only been three days, so the locals must know something. We’ll split up to gather information, then reconvene here. I’ll be the captain and contact person, so I’ll stay here and wait for you.”
This plan was a continuation of the one used in the Harbin operation, and everyone agreed.
Liu Yu Bao became the captain, and he presented his plan.
He exchanged his telegraph machine bundle with the other team members and said,
“The General Manager said that the four Revival Society action teams were likely attacked by the Japanese. It’s only been three days, so the locals must know something. We’ll split up to gather information, then reconvene here. I’ll be the captain and contact person, so I’ll stay here and wait for you.”
This plan was a continuation of the one used in the Harbin operation, and everyone agreed.
“What’s the plan this time?”
“The General Manager said that the four Revival Society action teams were likely attacked by the Japanese. It’s only been three days, so the locals must know something. We’ll split up to gather information, then reconvene here. I’ll be the captain and contact person, so I’ll stay here and wait for you.”
This plan was a continuation of the one used in the Harbin operation, and everyone agreed.
“What’s the plan this time?”
“What’s the plan this time?”
“The General Manager said that the four Revival Society action teams were likely attacked by the Japanese. It’s only been three days, so the locals must know something. We’ll split up to gather information, then reconvene here. I’ll be the captain and contact person, so I’ll stay here and wait for you.”
Immediately, the five people split up. Liu Yu Bao bought a basket of Shawan radishes from a farmer and sat on the street side, disguised as a seller of agricultural products.
Time passed little by little. The Shawan radishes sold fewer and fewer, but no one returned.
By noon, the patrol officers came to drive them away, and the farmers carried their unsold agricultural products out of the city.
It was impossible for Liu Yu Bao to leave the city.
He picked up his carrying pole, entered a nearby alley, and found a dilapidated inn inside.
Facing the shop owner, Liu Yu Bao, who often dug tunnels with his father’s generation, showed a simple and honest smile like a farmer’s: “Boss, I want to rent a room, the cheapest kind.”
The innkeeper looked up and replied.
“There’s still one spot in the large dormitory for 10 people, will you stay?”
How could a large dormitory work? Liu Yu Bao replied, “Boss, I have sores on my body, and I don’t know if they are contagious. If the dormitory harms others, I won’t be able to live with myself, and you will also have trouble.”
The boss frowned. He originally wanted to drive Liu Yu Bao away, but seeing the copper coins in his hand, he changed his mind.
“You don’t mind living in an underground room, do you?”
“I don’t mind, I don’t mind.”
Immediately, Liu Yu Bao followed the boss down the stairs to a damp basement. The space was not large, with only a small slanted window for ventilation, much like a prison.
Liu Yu Bao had no objections and settled in with a simple smile.
After the innkeeper left, he immediately adjusted the telegraph machine. Only when he found that the telegraph machine was communicating smoothly did he feel relieved.
The next day, the action team members gradually ascertained the situation, and Liu Yu Bao compiled the information and sent a telegram to Shanghai.
Outside Shanghai Airport, at 8:30 PM.
At the scheduled telegram time, Fang Wen held the earpiece in his bedroom and listened.
Radio waves transmitted from a specific frequency.
He wrote it down and translated it into plain text.
【 Three days ago, a gunfight occurred on Jinzhou Road in the French Concession of Tianjin. According to locals, many people were killed or injured that night. Because they were heavily encircled, the combat lasted all night, and in the end, everyone was captured. 】
【 Later, the Consul of the French Concession and the National Government intervened, but to no avail. 】
【 The Consul of the Japanese Concession publicly announced that these prisoners would be transported to the Northeast by airplane for interrogation, but the specific time was not yet determined. 】
After reading the telegram, Fang Wen was basically certain that Yue Jinping had fallen into the hands of the Japanese.
If they were transported back to the Northeast, there would be no chance of survival.
He immediately sent a reply: 【 Continue to investigate and be sure to find out the time of the airplane’s takeoff. 】
After sending the telegram, Fang Wen fell into thought.
The Japanese set a trap to lure him in, and perhaps transporting Yue Jinping and the others by air was also a bait.
After all, the Japanese were aware of his flying technique.
Did they think he would pilot an airplane to rescue them?
Fang Wen showed a cold smile.
If that was what the Japanese thought, he didn’t mind playing along and showing the Japanese how strong the modified Shrike Hao was.
This would be Fang Wen’s first air combat in two years, and his fighting spirit was soaring.
Two years had passed, and both the airplane and his abilities were vastly different from before. He hoped the other side wouldn’t be too surprised.
