Chapter 217: A Traitor Has Emerged Among Us
“Comrade Qingyao, hello.” Zhang Jianliang raised his hand to invite Shen Qingyao to sit down, then pushed a telegram just decoded from his pocket in front of Shen Qingyao.
The telegram was simple: “Plan approved, authorize Qing Hu to establish ‘Wan You Trading Company’, coordinate materials affairs. Jin Yu sets off immediately, responsible for Shanghai-Hong Kong liaison. Primary ensure safety, secondary seek efficiency. Southern Bureau.”
“Comrade Qingyao,” he turned to Shen Qingyao quietly sitting beside, “orders have come down. Superior approved Xue Li’s plan, after organizational meeting and study, decided you serve as liaison between him and Chen Yang.”
Shen Qingyao nodded, her eyes revealing steadiness and determination not matching her age: “Comrade Special Commissioner, in principle I cannot question organizational decisions, but I still want to clearly know why me?”
“I can explain this question.” Zhang Jianliang said seriously, “Your father Shen Xing Shan has repeatedly stated in public that Chen Yang’s uncle Lin Zonghan greatly admires you.”
“Even rumors spread that you would become his fiancée.”
“Organization considered your relationship with him, letting you handle liaison with him won’t arouse others’ suspicion.”
“Shanghai this place has various intelligence agencies everywhere, a strange woman approaching Land Transport Section’s section chief will arouse their alertness anytime. You happen to have sufficient reason to approach him.”
Shen Qingyao was silent for a moment, then slowly said: “I understand, then what do I need to do?”
“Your core task is to establish a safe liaison channel with Manager Lin of ‘Wan You Trading Company’ on Hong Kong Island, mainly responsible for passing information, coordinating goods in and out, and negotiations with Chen Yang.”
“Qing Hu has reached cooperation agreement with Chen Yang, so he will provide necessary convenience and protection, but Chen Yang this person is profit-driven, you must be prepared in your heart, his words cannot be fully trusted, stay vigilant at all times.”
Shen Qingyao listened seriously: “Understood, I will grasp the measure well.”
A complex emotion flashed in Zhang Jianliang’s eyes, with appreciation and a trace of reluctance.
The girl before him originally could have a peaceful campus life, but now must enter the tiger’s den, maneuvering among the most dangerous enemies.
“Hard on you, Comrade Qingyao. This road will be very difficult and very dangerous.”
“For victory, worth it.” Shen Qingyao smiled slightly, her smile clean and pure, forming a subtle contrast with the role she was about to play.
Hong Kong Island, Wan You Trading Company office.
Lin Xueli stood in the bright and clean office, gazing at the busy ships in Victoria Harbour below.
The sign here read “Wan You Trading Co., Ltd.”, he was the public-facing general manager Lin William.
Lin Xueli had just received a secret letter from Shanghai, written in the commercial code agreed with Zhang Jianliang, looking like an ordinary order form. The decoded content invigorated him: Southern Bureau approved the plan, Shen Qingyao would serve as his liaison.
After receiving the secret letter, Lin Xueli immediately began assembling the team.
Southern Bureau dispatched several capable comrades via overseas relations section, some understand finance, some familiar with shipping, some skilled in social intercourse.
They would lurk on Hong Kong Island with identities as company employees, sales personnel, accountants, shipping representatives, etc.
These people’s direct leader was Hong Kong Island side’s person in charge Mr. Liao Chengzhi.
In addition, Taylor sent by Chen Yang would also help Lin Xueli contact Hong Kong Island upper society as representative of Huafu Fund.
Solidify his identity as international businessman.
Lin Xueli extinguished the cigarette in his hand, spread out a huge East Asia map, with several transport routes outlined in red pen.
This was the transportation route map Chen Yang had Taylor give him.
Wan You Trading as foreign company identity, procure medicine, hardware, communication equipment, gasoline and other scarce materials from Hong Kong Island, via foreign merchant ships registered under Huafu Fund or transport ships from Japanese Navy Department related to Chen Yang, transport materials to Shanghai.
Then utilize Chen Yang’s relations in customs and special affairs committee to smooth joints, after entering Shanghai, part supply underground organization, another part sold for cash via Chen Yang’s channels, exchange for more funds and intelligence.
In addition, materials captured by various base areas, tungsten ore from Gannan region will be transported to Shanghai via Nanxun Line.
Petroleum from Gansu side will also arrive at Lianyungang via Longhai Line, then delivered to Shanghai Huishan Wharf by Navy transport ships.
There is a dedicated oil pipeline there, which can directly transport crude oil to East China Oil Company’s oil depot.
East China Royal Refinery cooperating with Aisha and Shell will supply refined fuel to Naval Marine Command at price 30% above market price,
While Chen Yang actually receives only 80% of market price.
That is, for one million worth of petroleum, Navy Logistics Department needs to pay 1.3 million, then Chen Yang only collects 800,000.
The remaining 500,000 transferred to UK via financial company under Huafu Fund, then returns to China under name of investment from British Royal Medical Association.
Round trip, export re-import, just circled at sea, this money becomes legitimate investment.
After receiving funds, Aisha will deposit this money into shareholder accounts opened by Navy Department officials at various levels in Huafu Fund under name of dividends.
The petroleum purchase payment thus imperceptibly becomes these officers’ legitimate income.
This entire process, no matter which department investigates, cannot find oversight.
This embezzlement plan quickly gained support from Naval Marine Command chief of staff Hirata Kichisaburo.
Can find petroleum for Navy, and bring everyone considerable revenue, why not.
Most crucially, even native Navy minister of military affairs Toyota Masashiro supports this plan, only dissatisfied are Navy’s behind-the-scenes fund providers.
Mitsui Zaibatsu and Osaka Chamber of Commerce.
Originally Navy’s annual military expenses were 60 million Japanese yen per year, but this year just over one and a half months, Navy Department spent a quarter’s 15 million Japanese yen budget.
And Shanghai Naval Marine Command took 3 million yen, this one department’s expenditure occupies one fifth of all funds.
This inevitably recalls a phrase, the late emperor’s entrepreneurship not half done, midway spent budget…
Of course, when Hirata Kichisaburo slapped the petroleum procurement contract on face of Mitsui Zaibatsu Asian Affairs Director Director Ogassara Gorō.
He also couldn’t find reason to refute Navy’s petroleum procurement plan, could only think of ways to apply to headquarters for additional military expense budget for Navy.
In the end, isn’t it blaming that group of Army fools…
You know, now Japanese reputation internationally poor, Americans already stopped providing scrap steel and petroleum, British unwilling to do business with them.
And Japanese Army Department holding large crude oil resolutely refuses to share petroleum in hand with Navy, even threatens to dump into Pacific rather than give Navy a drop of oil.
In this situation, Chen Yang’s petroleum price though a bit expensive, but supply ample, not only has procurement contract with France’s TotalEnergies, but also their own refinery, combined one month’s share equals previous quarter’s.
Navy not short of money, short of petroleum to move Navy, as long as have petroleum, all problems can be discussed.
Precisely so, Chen Yang dares to unrestrainedly raise stakes.
Everything in Shanghai seems developing in direction Chen Yang predicted.
Lunar 25th, five days to Spring Festival.
Chongqing, Luojiawan No.19, Military Statistics Bureau cipher office.
Zheng Yaoquan rushed into Boss Dai’s office in a hurry.
“Director, trouble, Sakura sent urgent telegram, Special Higher Police Affairs joint with South Manchuria Railway and Nanjing Special Affairs Committee will launch purge plan against intelligence agencies in Shanghai and Nanjing cities around Spring Festival.”
“Aim to destroy Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics and Military Statistics Bureau intelligence stations established in two places.”
“Ho, they want to swallow us whole? Not afraid to break their big teeth.” Boss Dai very disdainful.
Zheng Yaoquan reminded: “Director, Nakamura Isao and Dohihara are both intelligence experts, them joining hands to deal with Military Statistics Bureau stations in Shanghai and Nanjing, I think cannot be taken lightly.”
“Moreover, their plan finds Chen Mingchu them to use Nanjing’s name retrieve materials from concession banks.”
“I see they aiming at our Military Statistics Bureau action special funds.”
Zheng Yaoquan spoke very euphemistically, action funds.
Actually more precisely, this is Boss Dai and Boss Du’s black money from selling materials with Green Gang.
Don’t think he kills Japanese devils makes him good person, Boss Dai cooperates with Boss Du, utilizes Green Gang resources resell opium, various military supplies, this fundamentally not secret.
Moreover, not only Boss Dai does this, in Chongqing, whoever has connections does this.
“Then strike first, take these few heads to sacrifice flag.” Boss Dai’s face hardened, grinned ferociously: “Dohihara wants purge, we do counter-purge.”
“Let Wan Tianmu and Zhao Lijun act, kill these few Central Executive Committee members, incidentally lure out Nanjing Special Affairs Committee people.”
“Then, send big gift to them.”
Big gift? This prepares to deal with Nanjing Special Affairs Committee together.
Zheng Yaoquan hesitated: “Director, doing this won’t be too much?”
Boss Dai smiled sinisterly: “Yaoquan, violence cannot solve all problems, but can solve many problems.”
“I want them to know, want to move us, he better think clear consequences.”
“He thinks we are Communist Party, so easy to deal with.”
“Understood.” Zheng Yaoquan said no more, he also knew Boss Dai’s temper, Boss Dai is a harsh, ungrateful and arbitrary person.
As subordinate, no need to know process, just give him satisfactory answer.
February 17, 1939, lunar 28th, Nanjing city.
Cold wind like knife, blowing over this ravaged city.
On streets, Japanese soldiers’ leather boots and puppet government police shouts interweave, forming daily symphony of occupied Nanjing.
Approaching New Year, people flow near Jiming Temple clearly increased, this ancient city experienced war ravage, after one year rest and recuperation, gradually recovering a bit of human smoke.
In a dark alley near Jiming Temple, two figures hid in shadows.
“Confirmed?” a low and deep voice asked.
“Confirmed. Chen Mingchu, Huang Xiangu, Zhao Huai Shan, three in same car, pass here in ten minutes.” another slightly younger voice rose, exhaling clear white breaths in cold weather.
The older man took out a pocket watch from overcoat inner pocket, glanced: “Station Chief Wan side prepared?”
“Station Chief Wan personally leading people ambush on east side of Jiming Temple, we responsible for west side, Station Chief Zhao’s people control both ends road mouths.”
Older man seriously: “Good. Remember, action fast, success or failure, must evacuate within three minutes.”
Young man nodded, subconsciously touched pistol at waist. This his first time participating such important action, targets are three high-level puppet government Central Executive Committee officials, this action named “Iron Blood Traitor Elimination”.
“Nervous?” older man seemed to sense his mood.
“A bit.” young man honestly answered.
He transferred from Hunan less than one month ago, though shot and killed in secret agent training class,
But assassination targets are big figures like Chen Mingchu, Huang Xiangu.
Older man chuckled: “First time I executed mission, vomited at scene.”
This unexpected share relaxed young man a bit. “Team Leader Xiong, how many years ago was that?”
“Eleven years ago, Northern Expedition period.” Team Leader Xiong’s voice suddenly distant, “Back then we still very naive, thought beat warlords, we would become strong.”
Speaking here, Xiong Jiandong let out long sigh.
Youthful hot blood, young anger, blood splatter five steps..
Now, middle-aged, lost that passion, even killing people feels so numb.
Car engine sound from distance, both tensed up.
“Prepare.”
Distance, a black sedan driving toward them.
Per plan, Station Chief Wan’s first group launches attack first, their group responsible for cutting off targets’ retreat.
However, accident happened.
Sedan suddenly slowed hundred meters from preset ambush point, then sharply turned around!
“What’s going on? They discovered?” young man exclaimed.
Xiong Jiandong’s face sank: “Impossible! Action!”
Two gunshots broke air, from Jiming Temple direction.
But since sedan already turning, bullets only hit car tail.
“Stop it!” Xiong Jiandong unhesitatingly rushed out first, Mauser pistol in hand continuous fire.
Young man followed closely, but his attention drawn by another car suddenly appearing from side.
That car emerged from nowhere, charging straight at them!
“Watch out!” young man shoved Xiong Jiandong away, but he was one step late, hit flying by side-coming car, heavily fell to ground.
Gunfire erupted, entire Jiming Temple area fell into chaos.
Xiong Jiandong pushed aside by young man, with agile moves rolled on ground, quickly stood up.
Next moment, he saw black sedan already accelerating escape, while suddenly appeared second car blocked road center, several armed men shooting at them.
“Little Zheng!” Xiong Jiandong rushed to young man side, found he still breathing, but leg clearly fractured, blood flowing from forehead.
Bang bang bang.
Gunfire everywhere, Xiong Jiandong fired aimlessly, just to temporarily suppress enemy fire, dragged young man behind cover.
“Nanjing Special Affairs Committee people.” Xiong Jiandong quickly identified those secret agents.
“Team Leader Xiong, you go, I’ll cover.” young man struggled to sit up.
“Hold on, Station Chief Wan nearby, hear gunfire will come support, we just persist two minutes.” Xiong Jiandong hid behind cover, occasionally firing at opposite side.
However, opposite at least five or six people, Xiong Jiandong soon suppressed unable to lift head.
At this moment, burst of dense gunfire rang out.
Da da da, submachine gun sound from distance, Station Chief Wan brought people from east side, quickly killed those suddenly appeared secret agents, but by then, main targets Huang Xiangu, Chen Mingchu etc. already escaped.
“What happened? Where those people from?” Wan Tianmu’s face ashen, born 1891, now nearly fifty, very experienced in agent line struggles, such accidents rare in his career.
Xiong Jiandong shook head: “Don’t know, like prepared in advance.”
Station Chief Wan squatted to check Little Zheng’s injuries, face grave: “Plan leaked. We have internal spy among us.”
Military Statistics Bureau Nanjing Station secret outpost, agent Zheng Huan slowly woke.
Intense pain in leg instantly sobered him.
Looking around, he found himself on hospital bed, right leg casted and suspended, forehead bandaged.
“You awake.” a voice from corner.
Zheng Huan turned head, saw Xiong Jiandong sitting there, playing with that Mauser pistol.
“Team Leader Xiong, targets?”
“Escaped. Huang Xiangu lightly injured, other two fine.” Xiong Jiandong walked to bedside, “Doctor says your leg needs at least three months to recover.”
Zheng Huan struggled to sit up, smiled bitterly: “Sorry.”
Xiong Jiandong shook head: “Not your fault, that car was Nanjing Special Affairs Committee people.”
“Arrived so coincidently, position just at our ambush point.”
“Little Zheng, you really think world has so many coincidences?”
Zheng Huan’s face changed drastically: “Team Leader Xiong, you mean our action plan leaked long ago?”
Ward door pushed open, Station Chief Wan Tianmu walked in.
His face more gloomy than last night, holding a document.
“Headquarters telegram, questions why Iron Blood Traitor Elimination action failed?” He threw document on bedside table, “We lost four people, yet didn’t eliminate even one target.”
Xiong Jiandong frowned upon hearing: “Station Chief Wan, now not time for accountability.”
“This action such accident obviously because action plan known in advance by Nanjing Special Affairs Committee people, they arranged against our action, I suspect our Nanjing Station has internal spy, if not find this internal spy, all our actions may be exposed.”
Wan Tianmu took deep breath: “I know. But headquarters doesn’t believe internal spy, they think our plan incomplete, action hasty.”
Xiong Jiandong furious: “Nonsense, Nanjing Special Affairs Committee people clearly prepared in advance!”
“Not only location pinpoint accurate, even timing grasped perfectly, launched attack just as target vehicle about to enter ambush circle.”
“Station Chief Wan, you and I in this line so many years, when seen such coincidence?”
“I know!” Station Chief Wan suddenly raised voice, then forced down, “I know have internal spy but I need evidence, not guesswork.”
Room fell silent, after long, Wan Tianmu spoke again: “Zheng Huan, rest well.”
Finished, Wan Tianmu patted Zheng Huan’s shoulder, turned and left room.
Xiong Jiandong walked to door, confirmed Station Chief Wan gone far, closed door, returned to bedside.
“Team Leader Xiong, I think yesterday’s action only five people knew full plan: you, me, Station Chief Wan, Station Chief Zhao Lijun and Director Li of intelligence department.”
“What you want to say?” Xiong Jiandong’s tone somewhat stiff.
“I mean, if problem, then certainly one of us five.” Zheng Huan hesitated to say.
Among these five, four officials, only Zheng Huan is intelligence liaison officer.
But his identity very special, personally arranged by Boss Dai to Nanjing Station, Wan Tianmu etc. all know person behind him not simple.
Chongqing Control Yuan vice dean Zheng Tingzhi is his uncle, this is nominal training, in modern terms grassroots gilding.
After achievements, to be transferred back to Chongqing headquarters for important post.
Otherwise, a small intelligence liaison officer how have right to access secrets, Xiong Jiandong wouldn’t risk life pull him back then, Wan Tianmu wouldn’t specially visit ward…
In the end, all shrewd people, how do meaningless things…
“Now I trust no one.” After long silence, Xiong Jiandong expressionless looked at Zheng Huan, “Including you.”
Several days later, Nanjing Lüxiang Village Restaurant…
Nanjing city streets more desolate than usual, Japanese military police and Nanjing intelligence agencies’ secret agents clearly increased, guard posts everywhere.
Zheng Huan carefully avoided main streets, circled several alleys, confirmed no tailing, then entered restaurant.
Second floor, private room, Xiong Jiandong already waiting inside early.
“How’s your leg?”
“Not bad, just walking a bit laborious.” Zheng Huan limped in, frowned involuntarily from pain when sitting.
Xiong Jiandong pushed over cup of tea: “Headquarters new instruction.”
“They believe Nanjing Station infiltrated, require us suspend all actions, prioritize find internal spy.”
Zheng Huan said gravely: “How to find?”
Xiong Jiandong took out document from bosom: “This is full action proposal that night, only five copies.”
“You, me, Station Chief Wan, Station Chief Zhao and Director Li each one copy.”
“Theoretically, only us five know full plan.”
This proposal Zheng Huan not unfamiliar, detailed marked ambush positions, personnel distribution and time arrangements, anyone getting this document could arrange countermeasures in advance.
Xiong Jiandong stood walked to window, carefully lifted curtain corner to observe outside: “Wan Tianmu joined Military Statistics Bureau same time as me, 15 years friendship.”
“Moreover, he and Boss Dai are brothers, two still relatives by marriage.”
“As for Zhao Lijun, he is Boss Dai’s confidant, young and promising but eager for merit.”
“This person very fame and fortune obsessed, greedy for money and lust, many flaws.”
“Remaining is Director Li, this person I still can’t see through till now.”
“So…” Zheng Huan frowned: “You suspect…”
“I have no qualification to suspect anyone, just stating facts, correctly speaking, before finding ironclad evidence, everyone suspect,” paused, Xiong Jiandong said gravely: “Of course, including me
