Chapter 224: Kagesa’s Open Scheme
“What is this?” Chen Yang took the documents and looked at the header, suddenly stunned for no reason.
The two large characters “Toho” were prominently written at the top of the document.
Toho Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd…
This pharmaceutical company was founded in 1843 and has nearly a century of history.
The name of this pharmaceutical company may not be known to many people in China, but its backing is certainly clear to some.
That is the Yasuda Zaibatsu, one of Japan’s four major zaibatsu in the homeland.
The founder of the Yasuda Zaibatsu is Yasuda Zenjiro, and this zaibatsu is Japan’s first one based on finance.
It owns two hundred and ten banks across Japan.
Of course, that was in the past; things are different now. After Yasuda Zenjiro was assassinated in 1921, the Yasuda Zaibatsu hired Yui Tsunetaro as director.
Their goals shifted from finance to venture capital. Toho, this pharmaceutical company, was on the verge of bankruptcy a few years ago.
Yui Tsunetaro injected funds and introduced Toho director Matsuura Tomohiro to Japanese biology PhD Koyama Kōjirō.
Koyama Kōjirō serves as advisor to Toho’s research and development department.
But Koyama Kōjirō’s greatest capital is not his academics, but his student.
Kwantung Army Epidemic Prevention and Water Purification Unit commander, Colonel Ishii Shirō.
That is, the infamous commander of Unit 731.
Toho Pharmaceuticals developed targeted medicines using various human data provided by Ishii Shirō.
But what they researched the most was not medicines.
It was bacteria.
Suzuhara Shingo put down his tea cup, his smile still on his face.
“Mr. Chen,” he said mildly, but his tone carried an undeniable weight, “the world economy is full of twists and turns, and the pharmaceutical industry concerns the lives of countless people.”
“I hear that the Huafu Fund holds a key technology that could change the course of the war and humanitarian conditions: the patent for penicillin?”
When Chen Yang saw the name Toho, he had already guessed Suzuhara’s purpose in finding him.
His expression calm, he picked up the tea cup in front of him and took a light sip: “Minister, your intelligence is very well-informed.”
“The Huafu Fund is indeed deeply involved in the portfolio investment management of related pharmaceutical patents under Princess Aisha.”
“Princess Aisha has an extremely high assessment of the long-term value of this project.”
“I very much agree with Princess Aisha’s view,” Suzuhara Shingo leaned forward slightly, his voice low: “Mr. Chen, let’s talk business. The issue we need to solve now is whether Toho can obtain authorization for this patent.”
“In your position in the Land Transport Section, you must know better than I do the Empire’s demand for medicines on the East Asia battlefield, and the shocking number of soldiers and civilians who suffer or lose their lives due to infections.”
“Penicillin is the dawn of salvation.”
“The document you see now is a cooperation proposal drafted jointly by Toho’s investment department and several of its strategic partners.”
“We can promise extremely favorable exclusive patent purchase or licensing fees, as well as exclusive sales channel resources support in the East Asia and even global markets.”
“This will bring unimaginable, stable, massive returns to Princess Aisha and the Huafu Fund.”
He lightly patted the document bag, his tone full of sincerity: “This pharmaceutical company represents Japan’s top biopharmaceutical level, with massive production facilities, a first-class research and development team, and a complete sales network covering the entire Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere.”
“They have the ability to deliver penicillin to those who need it most at the fastest speed and largest scale. This is not only commercial cooperation, but also great charity.”
“Minister Suzuhara,” Chen Yang spoke, his voice mild but firm, “I very much appreciate the sincerity shown by you and the ‘Toho Pharmaceuticals’ you represent.”
“The Huafu Fund, including Princess Aisha, is committed to making valuable pharmaceutical resources benefit the public.”
He changed the subject, “However, regarding the ‘cooperation’ you mentioned, I fear that Toho’s current conditions are some distance from Princess Aisha’s and the fund board of directors’ strategic expectations.”
“Oh? Mr. Chen means…” Suzuhara Shingo’s eyes sharpened instantly, but his face maintained a merchant-like inquiring smile, “Is it the quotation, or does the cooperation model need further discussion? We have the utmost flexibility.”
“It’s not a matter of quotation, Minister Suzuhara.” Chen Yang shook his head slightly, looking straight into Suzuhara Shingo’s eyes with frankness and professional detachment, “Frankly speaking, the Huafu Fund has extremely strict and forward-looking standards for selecting partners.”
“What Princess Aisha values is not only current financial strength and sales channels.”
“Penicillin represents the direction of future pharmaceutical development.”
“The value of its patent lies in the matching long-term sustainable development capability, the potential to lead technological innovation, and crucially, its absolute transparency and independence under global compliance frameworks.”
“To be honest, ‘Toho Pharmaceuticals’ Co., Ltd. and its associated…’strategic partners’, while having ready facilities and networks, face challenges in operational model, transparency under geopolitical background, and insufficient flexibility possibly constrained by specific policy orientations.”
“This clearly falls short of the standards required by the foundation for truly dominating the future market pattern with global leadership.”
He picked up the document bag, symbolically glanced at it, and gently pushed it back toward Suzuhara Shingo, the action polite but carrying an undeniable sense of rejection: “Minister, simply put, I believe the consortium strength represented by ‘Toho Pharmaceuticals’ does not meet the comprehensive strength and ‘potential expectations’ required by the Huafu Fund for future global leading pharmaceutical enterprises.”
“Sorry, cooperation at this stage will be difficult to advance.”
The air in the private room seemed to freeze instantly. The tea aroma lingered, but could not dispel the icy confrontation.
The smile on Suzuhara Shingo’s face disappeared completely for the first time.
He stared at Chen Yang like he was examining a strategic map, full of assessment and a hint of offensive chill.
He hadn’t expected Chen Yang to refuse so bluntly, with reasons so “noble” and irrefutable.
A top Japanese pharmaceutical company was “not qualified enough” in his eyes.
“Not… strong enough?” Suzuhara Shingo’s voice became low and deep, “Mr. Chen, are you sure such an assessment… is accurate?”
“In this ‘Asia’ region, the resources we can mobilize far exceed your imagination.”
Chen Yang showed a professional and slightly distant apologetic smile: “Minister Suzuhara, I fully understand the power of the side you represent.”
“But this concerns the Huafu Fund’s ‘strategic decision’ for global layout.”
“As Princess Aisha’s private advisor, my responsibility is to convey the foundation’s assessment standards truthfully!”
“Princess Aisha and the fund board of directors have always had very…’lofty’ and ‘cautious’ requirements for partners.”
“Minister, I believe that perhaps at some future juncture, when conditions on all sides are more mature, we will review it again.”
Suzuhara Shingo’s hand on his knee twitched slightly. A habitual, somewhat stiff smile reappeared on his face.
“Heh,” he chuckled lightly, trying to ease the atmosphere, “Mr. Chen truly has a long-term vision.”
“It seems Toho… was inconsiderate. No matter, no deal but friendship remains.”
“My responsibility is to connect and promote cooperation between the Huafu Fund and Toho; if negotiations fail, it’s not my fault.”
Chen Yang smiled: “Minister Suzuhara truly understands the big picture.”
“However, Mr. Chen, I want to hear the truth.” Suzuhara changed his tone: “I need legitimate reasons, not empty talk like partners or global foresight.”
“Mr. Chen, behind Toho is the Yasuda Zaibatsu; we have the Empire’s largest financial institutions.”:
“Our pharmaceutical technology and strength are no less than any top global pharmaceutical company.”
“You’re just brushing me off with ‘not strong enough’; it’s hard to convince me.”
Chen Yang frowned and sighed: “Minister, actually, the biggest problem with your proposal is not Toho.”
“When I was studying at Kyushu University, I researched pharmaceutical companies like Toho. Frankly, they can upgrade their technology and equipment at any time; that’s not an issue.”
“The biggest problem is still the subsequent sales network and its political stance in the Empire.”
Hearing Chen Yang’s words, Suzuhara’s gaze tightened sharply: “Mr. Chen means? Relations between the Army and Navy?”
Chen Yang nodded without concealment: “Minister, the Huafu Fund has no intention of meddling in the Empire’s internal games.”
“But as Your Highness’s private advisor, when serving Her Highness, I have to consider this aspect.”
“Behind Toho is the Army; if we choose to cooperate with Toho, the medicines produced by Toho will inevitably prioritize supplying the Army.”
“Such a result is likely to make the Navy dissatisfied with our decision.”
“The Huafu Fund’s future pharmaceutical sales plan in China will mostly rely on maritime transportation.”
“If we offend the Imperial Navy because of this, it will be extremely detrimental to our development and layout in China.”
“Moreover, Toho currently only has strong manufacturing capabilities. As for sales, Minister, though you described it well in the proposal.”
“No one knows better than I do the situation of the Empire’s sales network deployed in China.”
“Toho’s plan has no sign of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce or Mitsui Zaibatsu, so their sales network is destined not to reach what you described.”
“This is the key to the problem.”
Suzuhara’s hand holding the tea cup trembled suddenly; Chen Yang’s meaning was already very clear.
Toho’s technology and equipment upgrades need to rely on the Empire’s largest mechanical manufacturing enterprise, Mitsubishi Zaibatsu.
Sales require the networks of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Mitsui Zaibatsu.
Moreover, they need a neutral enterprise that does not favor either the Army or Navy.
In this case, almost no Japanese company can meet their expectations.
But the profits from medicines are so huge; just give up so easily?
Suzuhara silently took a sip of tea and glanced at Chen Yang’s expression with his peripheral vision.
Though Chen Yang appeared calm, Suzuhara vaguely felt that Chen Yang had not completely ruled out the possibility of cooperation.
Doesn’t want to cooperate but doesn’t want to refuse; Suzuhara instantly thought of a possibility.
“Mr. Chen, if a new pharmaceutical company could now meet all your requirements, would the Huafu Fund consider cooperating with us?”
Not too stupid; he finally got it. Chen Yang feigned surprise: “What do you mean, Minister?”
Suzuhara Shingo said slowly: “I can, per Mr. Chen’s requirements, form a new pharmaceutical company with Toho as the main body, jointly with South Manchuria Railway and Osaka Chamber of Commerce.”
“Yasuda Zaibatsu provides funding support, Huafu Fund provides the drug patent, and everyone makes the pie bigger together.”
“What do you think of this proposal?”
On track. Chen Yang had circled around all evening with geopolitics and sales networks, waiting for this proposal from Suzuhara.
Japan is now the most developed country in Asia’s industrial system; how could Chen Yang easily give up the Japanese market.
But he doesn’t want anyone to use penicillin as political capital.
He knows well the terrifying profits of this medicine; if the Navy learns that the Army has priority supply rights to penicillin, he, as a participant, might provoke their dissatisfaction.
So, Suzuhara’s proposal is the optimal solution he has been waiting for.
“If that’s the case, I think it can be tried, though I don’t know if the board of directors will consider it.” Chen Yang didn’t overpromise, but this already gave Suzuhara great confidence.
“Then let’s leave it at that for now. I’ll report your suggestion to Your Excellency Abe and strive for their support.”
Chen Yang’s heart jolted hard; now he finally knew who was behind Suzuhara.
Army General Abe Nobuyuki..
No wonder the logistics minister of the Shanghai Gendarmerie Headquarters was mobilized for a medicine cooperation deal.
Thought Toho had such a powerful background; turns out they also serve the Army Department.
Suzuhara put the documents into his briefcase, bowed slightly to Chen Yang. Chen Yang quickly stood up: “Minister Suzuhara, do you need me to arrange for Miss Michiko to come over for a drink with you?”
Suzuhara waved his hand slightly: “No need, we’ll talk later.”
With that, Suzuhara Shingo hurriedly left the private room with his briefcase.
Nanjing, Laohuqiao Central Prison..
The gloomy prison area was filled with an atmosphere of despair; wails and the clashing of iron chains occasionally tore through the dead silence.
In a “special cell” in the highest security area, the scene was completely different.
Wan Tianmu sat on a wooden board bed covered with clean bedding, his cotton robe neat and even carrying a faint soap fragrance.
On the small wooden table in front of him was a plate of steaming white steamed buns, a plate of sauced meat, a bowl of clear egg drop soup, and a cup of fragrant Longjing tea.
No bloodstained torture instruments, no ferocious interrogators; only two silent but sharp-eyed Japanese guards standing straight outside the door.
This was the center of “purgatory,” yet it seemed like a temporary “sanatorium.”
The door was pushed open, and Ume Agency head Kagesa Shinzhao entered with that seemingly mild but bone-chillingly cold smile.
“Mr. Wan, have you rested well these past few days?” Kagesa pulled over the only stool and sat down, his tone casual as if chatting with an old friend…
Wan Tianmu didn’t even lift his eyelids, his gaze calmly sweeping over the food on the table, finally landing on the moldy water stain in the corner of the wall.
From the moment he was captured, he understood that death was the relatively easier choice.
The Japanese had gone to such great lengths to capture him alive; it was certainly not just to let him eat and drink well.
Kagesa didn’t mind his silence and continued on his own: “These days, the newspapers in Shanghai have been lively. About you, Mr. Wan. 《Huayang Daily》 ran front-page stories for two consecutive days on ‘Military Statistics Bureau bandit Wan Tianmu captured,’ especially emphasizing your ‘desperate resistance, wounding several Imperial Army warriors.'”
“Yesterday, there was another sensational one, ‘revealing’ how you ‘endured inhuman torture’ in Laohuqiao Prison, ‘unyielding with iron bones, tight-lipped,’ ‘shouting anti-Japanese slogans’…… tsk tsk, quite vividly depicted.”
Wan Tianmu’s heart sank sharply.
Using the “enemy’s” newspaper to publicize his own “loyalty”? This was no praise, but the sharpest knife aimed at his back!
“Section Chief Kagesa, clever tactics.” Wan Tianmu finally spoke, his voice hoarse from days of silence, “Dressing me as a ‘martyr’—is it to make Boss Dai think I couldn’t withstand the torture and have revealed secrets, or… that I’ve become your man?”
“No no no, Mr. Wan is overthinking..” Kagesa chuckled and clapped, but his gaze behind the lenses was sharp as a awl, “Mr. Wan, I’ve never thought of doing those things to you. On the contrary, your loyal image here, your so-called ‘unyielding to death,’ will soon be on Director Dai’s desk!”
Kagesa leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice, “Stabbing Chen Lu was a great achievement, but then you were caught; the intelligence network risks exposure at any time.”
“The Shanghai Military Statistics Bureau Station chief captured is, in a sense, handing the entire Shanghai Station to the enemy!”
“He will be afraid, afraid of you, Wan Tianmu, this ‘tough guy’ who holds Shanghai’s core secrets, knows all action methods and undercover points, choosing a smarter way to live.”
Wan Tianmu’s face became extremely ugly. “What does Section Chief Kagesa want from me?”
Kagesa shook his head and said faintly: “What we want is not important; what’s important is what Mr. Wan wants to say?”
Kagesa looked down at Wan Tianmu condescendingly, “Mr. Wan, you have two days. At noon two days from now, we will release you on time.”
“If you cooperate, you will receive the best protection.”
“If you insist on not talking, that’s fine too. I know you studied at Imperial Political and Legal University and have some understanding of the Empire.”
“You are a great talent; I hope to make great use of you.”
Wan Tianmu’s mind jolted hard; he had completely understood Kagesa’s scheme.
This was a tailor-made wedge-driving plot for Boss Dai.
Wan Tianmu and Boss Dai were sworn brothers, and even in-laws.
He knew Boss Dai’s weaknesses well: heavy suspicion, harsh and ungrateful, rarely absolutely trusting anyone—not even him, his sworn brother.
If people from Nanjing Station saw Wan Tianmu, who had “endured torture” in the newspapers, appearing unscathed in public view.
Boss Dai would definitely suspect if Wan Tianmu had reached some deal with the Japanese.
No matter how he explained then, the other side wouldn’t easily believe; letting him retire to Chongqing would be a great mercy.
The greatest likelihood was still executing family law.
“How about it? Mr. Wan, this deal is very fair.” Kagesa put on his smile again, like a butcher skinning a cat admiring his knife work: “You give us what we want, and I guarantee your safety.”
“Of course, if you cooperate, you’ll get more than being a station chief in the Military Statistics Bureau.”
“We are preparing a new intelligence agency; I’ve specially reserved a senior advisor position for you.”
“Just nod, and gold, silver, jewels, luxury cars, beauties, wealth and honor—anything can be easily obtained.”
“……I have nothing to say.” Wan Tianmu opened his eyes, his gaze returning to dead-water calm, “This plan was proposed by Xiong Jiandong, right?”
“This traitor really knows Boss Dai’s weaknesses; I underestimated him.”
Kagesa was not surprised by Wan Tianmu’s choice, even nodding in some admiration: “Impressive. In a dead end, still holding onto a soldier’s final loyalty and… stubbornness? Good, very good.”
He stood up, straightened his impeccable military uniform, “If you won’t talk, no matter. Soon, you can leave Laohuqiao Prison and regain ‘freedom.’ Remember, the outside air is fresh, but it might also… be fatal.”
In another corner of Nanjing city, Military Statistics Bureau Nanjing Station secret outpost.
The room was filled with smoke, the oppressive atmosphere almost suffocating.
New station chief Wu Gengshu clutched an encrypted telegram from Chongqing, his fingers trembling slightly. The telegram content was concise:
“Reportedly, Shanghai Station chief Wan Tianmu captured, sent to Nanjing Laohuqiao Prison days ago to resist. Reports say he refused surrender, subjected to continuous torture.”
“Verified via prison internal channels, Wan recently received preferential treatment; torture marks questionable. Laohuqiao is Japanese heavy ground; such ‘preferential treatment’ unreasonable.”
“Wan’s situation and loyalty highly questionable; immediately self-investigate and evacuate. If necessary, use all means to ascertain truth. Secretariat, Qi Wu.”
The telegram was from Military Statistics Bureau Secretariat deputy director Mao Qi Wu. Though not stating it was Boss Dai’s order, it was already very clear.
Instructing Nanjing Station to verify if Wan Tianmu betrayed party and country..
This telegram was like ice water poured over, instantly freezing the room’s air. Everyone understood the implication: headquarters suspects Wan Tianmu has likely defected!
What is Laohuqiao Prison? A true dragon’s den and tiger’s lair.
A Military Statistics Bureau Shanghai Station chief, in such an environment, not only suffered no torture but received preferential treatment from the Japanese.
Such behavior is highly unreasonable, and the only logical explanation for the Japanese is a deal.
Wan Tianmu has likely already reached some deal with the Japanese in private.
Wu Gengshu looked at the telegram content and couldn’t help but have a headache.
Wu Gengshu has long seniority in the Military Statistics Bureau; before coming to Nanjing Station, he was a major general director of the Military Statistics Bureau Secretariat, and he has ties with Wan Tianmu.
Though headquarters suspects Wan Tianmu of betrayal, subconsciously he still thinks it’s unlikely.
Knock knock knock, a sudden knock interrupted his thoughts.
“Come in.”
The door was pushed open, and a figure slipped in.
“Station chief, telegram from Vietnam: Chen Gongshu’s assassination of Wang Jixin failed; headquarters orders Nanjing Station to send someone to Shanghai for pickup.”
