Chapter 145: Useful Dead Or Alive
In Shanghai, on the third-floor office of the Japanese Consulate in Shanghai.
The afternoon sun cast long, slender shadows on the dark brown floor through the half-closed blinds.
Iwai Koichi stood with his hands behind his back, gazing out at the bustling Shanghai Bund.
The door was gently knocked upon, then pushed open.
“Senior Kagesa,” Chen Yang bowed slightly, his voice respectful yet restrained.
Kagesa turned around, a faint smile appearing on his face, “Mr. Chen, please sit.”
Chen Yang sat down, his gaze subtly sweeping over the documents on the table, which were a report on Tang Shaoyi’s recent activities.
“How has the work of the Special Affairs Committee been progressing recently?” Kagesa picked up a teacup, his tone casual but with an undeniable scrutiny.
“Everything is proceeding smoothly,” Chen Yang replied respectfully. “Director Zuo is very responsible in his work. The Special Affairs Office has strengthened surveillance of suspicious individuals within the concession and has successfully recruited several informants from Chongqing.”
“Very good,” Kagesa nodded with satisfaction. “However, there is a more important mission that requires your personal attention.”
Chen Yang’s gaze shifted slightly, “Please enlighten me, Senior Kagesa.”
Kagesa Shinzhao put down his teacup and tapped his fingertips lightly on the desktop. “Tang Shaoyi, this former Prime Minister of the Republic of China, is currently living in seclusion in the French Concession with an ambiguous attitude. The Empire hopes he will publicly support the New Government to stabilize the situation.”
Chen Yang feigned deliberation, “Tang Shaoyi still has influence in political circles. If we can win him over, it will indeed be twice the result with half the effort. However, he is cautious by nature and may not be easy to persuade.”
“Precisely. I have already met with him, but his attitude is vague and he refuses to state his position, putting us in a very passive situation.”
“Mr. Chen, the Nanjing Restoration Government has been established for less than half a year, but its various drawbacks are already apparent.”
Kagesa Shinzhao sighed, “Putting Mr. Liang in charge was indeed a foolish move.”
“It now appears that the New Government is not achieving the expected results in terms of efficiency or stability.”
“This is precisely why I suggested that Elder Tang take over.”
“I contacted Elder Tang last time, and he didn’t directly commit, but I believe his attitude can still be won over.”
“Therefore, this time we plan to have Elder Wen Zongyao extend the invitation, and your Special Affairs Office will be responsible for external protection.”
“If the Chongqing side learns that Elder Tang has a favorable impression of the Empire, I fear they might take some action.”
“Please rest assured about this, Senior Kagesa. The Special Affairs Office is capable of protecting Elder Tang’s safety,” Chen Yang replied with full confidence.
“However,” Chen Yang changed the subject, “Elder Tang has always been cautious and holds great prestige in the South. Persuading him to join will not be an easy matter.”
Kagesa Shinzhao nodded slightly, “Let’s wait until Wen Zongyao has met with him before deciding anything. Elder Wen will arrive in Shanghai by special car tomorrow afternoon, and your Special Affairs Office will need to send people to follow his journey.”
Chen Yang stood up, “No problem. I will call Director Zuo at the Special Affairs Office immediately to discuss security issues.”
In Shanghai, in the French Concession, in the study room of the Tang Mansion on Fukaisen Road.
The night was drawing in, and the lights in the mansion were dim.
Tang Shaoyi leaned back in a rosewood Grand Tutor’s Chair, holding a collection edition of Zizhi Tongjian, but had not turned more than a few pages. The occasional sound of a tram passing outside made the interior seem even quieter.
The butler, Tang De, gently knocked on the door, “Master, Elder Mr. Wen Zongyao has arrived.”
Tang Shaoyi raised his eyelids slightly and said faintly, “Please let him in.”
Wen Zongyao entered the study room wearing a dark long gown, a smile on his face. He cupped his hands and said, “Elder Tang, it has been a while. I hope you are well?”
Tang Shaoyi gestured for him to sit down, his tone calm. “Younger Brother Shaocuan, visiting so late must mean you have something important to discuss?”
Wen Zongyao accepted the tea handed to him by a servant, blew gently on the foam, and smiled, “Elder Tang is still so straightforward. Indeed, I have come today to discuss the current situation with you.”
Tang Shaoyi’s gaze shifted slightly, but he did not rush to reply, slowly closing the scroll in his hand.
Seeing this, Wen Zongyao lowered his voice, “The Japanese intend to use the Nanjing New Government to end the war and stabilize the situation in the South. They hope you will come forward to preside over the overall situation.”
Tang Shaoyi chuckled lightly, his eyes deep, “The Japanese do indeed think highly of this old bone of mine.”
“Is the New Government not managed by Mr. Liang? If I were to join, how would Mr. Liang find himself?”
“Besides, I have long since retired from worldly affairs. I am now merely a carefree wanderer. How could I possibly have such abilities?”
“Elder Tang, please do not underestimate yourself.” Wen Zongyao leaned forward slightly, his tone earnest. “Elder Tang, the National Government has now relocated west, and Shanghai, Anhui, Nanjing, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Jiangxi are all under Japanese control. If someone can mediate and reduce the fighting, it would not be without merit.”
Tang Shaoyi picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, and then said, “Younger Brother Shaocuan, you and I have known each other for many years. Do you truly believe the Japanese will relinquish control and allow the Chinese people to govern themselves?”
Wen Zongyao hesitated slightly, then smiled, “It depends on human effort. As long as we hold real power within the New Government, we may yet be able to bring some welfare to our compatriots.”
Tang Shaoyi put down his teacup, his gaze suddenly sharp, “I fear that by then, you and I will merely be puppets, to be manipulated at will.”
Wen Zongyao’s expression changed slightly, but he still forced a smile, “Elder Tang worries too much. Mr. Kagesa has clearly stated that the New Government will implement a ‘China for China’ policy, and the Japanese will absolutely not interfere in internal affairs.”
Tang Shaoyi snorted coldly, “In those days, the Japanese said the same thing about Puyi in the Northeast.”
Wen Zongyao was momentarily speechless, and a brief silence fell in the study.
After a moment, Tang Shaoyi sighed deeply, his tone softening. “Younger Brother Shaocuan, I am old and do not wish to be involved in such troubles anymore. If you are sincere, perhaps you should seek someone else with greater ability.”
A flicker of disappointment crossed Wen Zongyao’s eyes, but he was still not giving up. “Elder Tang, such is the current situation. Remaining aloof may not…”
Tang Shaoyi raised his hand to interrupt him, “My mind is made up. There is no need to persuade me further.”
Seeing this, Wen Zongyao knew further discussion would be futile and rose to leave. “Since that is the case, Zongyao will not disturb you further.”
“Elder Tang, please rest. We have plenty of time in the future…”
Tang Shaoyi nodded slightly and tapped the table. “Tang De, please escort Elder Wen out.”
Wen Zongyao repeatedly waved his hands. “No need for such formalities, Butler Tang, please stay.”
With that, he winked at Tang De, pushed open the study door, and left directly.
Since Wen Zongyao’s back was to Tang Shaoyi at this moment, Tang Shaoyi did not notice anything unusual.
After Wen Zongyao left, Tang Shaoyi stood alone by the window, gazing at the dark night, murmuring to himself, “In this chaotic world, how easy is it to remain pure and untainted…”
The butler, Tang De, stood respectfully nearby and said, “Master, Mr. Kagesa came once, and Elder Wen came again.”
“If you refuse them repeatedly, it might arouse the displeasure of the Japanese.”
Tang Shaoyi frowned. “Are you, a mere servant, qualified to criticize people and discuss current affairs?”
Tang De’s face changed drastically, and he quickly said, “That is not what I meant. Whether it is the Japanese or Elder Wen, their starting point is to stabilize the situation in the South and avoid further bloodshed.”
“Your prestige is here, Master. If you raise your voice, you will naturally receive cooperation from all quarters.”
“Even if we are subordinate to Japanese rule, at least we can preserve the lives of the populace. This can also be considered a meritorious deed.”
“If the South remains unstable and the Japanese are prone to violence, and another incident like the one in Nanjing occurs, you would not bear to see the blood of your own countrymen staining the land, would you?”
Hearing this, Tang Shaoyi let out a long sigh. After a moment of silence, he sighed leisurely, “We shall see.”
In Shanghai, at the Consulate, in the underground meeting room of the Iwai Agency headquarters, Wen Zongyao’s forehead was pressed against the cold tatami, sweat dripping from his nose.
“Baka!” Kagesa’s military saber suddenly slashed down onto the low table in front of Wen Zongyao, shattering the tea set. “Mr. Wen, is this the foolproof guarantee you promised?”
Wen Zongyao trembled, “Your Excellency Kagesa, please calm your anger! Tang Shaoyi is advanced in age and inevitably has some concerns in his actions. Perhaps we could try again…”
“Foolish!” Kagesa kicked over the low table, and the broken ceramic shards scraped across Wen Zongyao’s cheek. “Do you think we are looking for Tang Shaoyi for what reason…”
“I tell you clearly, Tang Shaoyi’s influence in European and American diplomatic circles is equivalent to three divisions!” Kagesa said as he unbuttoned the collar of his military uniform, then suddenly turned towards the shadows. “Mr. Iwai, what do you think?”
Iwai Koichi emerged from the darkness, his gold-rimmed glasses reflecting a cold light. “Mr. Kagesa, I think you seem a little impatient.”
“Hmm, what does Mr. Iwai mean?” Kagesa Shinzhao frowned.
Iwai Koichi slowly said, “A person like Elder Tang cannot be forced, only outsmarted.”
“He is a scholar. Scholars value integrity, are not swayed by wealth or power, and do not yield to hardship.”
“If you continuously pressure him with your authority, it will only stir up his dissatisfaction and alienate him further from the Empire.”
“However, this stubborn old man is completely unappreciative of our goodwill,” Kagesa said, placing his samurai sword on its stand, his voice grave. “We have shown him the utmost sincerity.”
“He has shown no respect at all. While three invitations and three refusals are common, he is dragging his feet and refusing to state his position.”
“I don’t think he has any intention of serving the Empire at all.”
Iwai Koichi said in a gentle tone, “Mr. Kagesa, I believe this is our opportunity.”
“These Chinese people love to play these ambiguous games the most – not actively, not refusing, not taking responsibility.”
“If he doesn’t say it, let others speak for him…”
Kagesa Shinzhao frowned, then his eyes lit up. “Mr. Iwai means to use public opinion to force his hand.”
Iwai Koichi nodded. “Starting tomorrow, arrange for people from the Nanjing Special Affairs Committee to provide close protection.”
“Elder Wen, I’ll trouble you to make several more trips to the Tang Mansion these few days.”
“It would be best if you could bring a few reporters along to take pictures of you discussing current affairs.”
“I will also arrange for the newspapers to spread the news that Tang Shaoyi is about to join the Nanjing Government.”
“With our combined efforts, we shall see if he doesn’t comply.”
Wen Zongyao’s brow furrowed. “What if Elder Tang resolutely refuses to cooperate?”
Iwai Koichi said calmly, “Then let the Military Statistics Bureau know about Tang Shaoyi joining the Nanjing Government.”
“Given the old man’s personality, he will absolutely not stand by and do nothing…”
“If the living cannot be used, a dead Tang Shaoyi can still be useful…”
