Chapter 239: Eavesdropping Water Passes The Torch, New Officials Don’t Settle Old Scores
Shanghai, Japanese residential area, Jinjiafang
This is a Western-style building located in the Hongkou Japanese-occupied area, unremarkable on the outside but heavily guarded inside.
This is the base of the core intelligence agency under the South Manchuria Railway Co., Ltd. in Shanghai, the South Manchuria Railway Investigation Bureau.
South Manchuria Railway Co., Ltd., full name: South Manchuria Railway Co., Ltd.
This organization is known as a national policy company, a colonial invasion agency established by the Japanese government in the Northeast in 1906, with its headquarters originally in Tokyo and later moved to Dalian.
This organization nominally operates railways but is actually the core tool for Japan to implement the “new policy,” known in academic circles as the “invasion army without military uniforms” and the “Japanese version of the East India Company.”
The reason it possesses strength comparable to higher intelligence agencies is, first, its backing comes from government internal affairs. Second, its funding supporters mostly come from the Mitsui Zaibatsu.
The South Manchuria Railway Investigation Bureau is nominally for economic geography research but is actually one of Japan’s most important intelligence gathering and strategic planning agencies in China, with tentacles spreading across various industries and investigation scope covering the entire China, the Soviet Union, Southeast Asia, and other places.
It is listed alongside the United States Central Intelligence Agency and the Soviet Union KGB as the “world’s three major intelligence centers.”
The intelligence it collects directly serves Japan’s invasion decisions, such as the military deployment before the Mukden Incident.
Yasuda Nobuo’s sedan quietly stopped behind the building. He got out with a gloomy expression and, under the guidance of the staff, went straight to Director Aoki Tomoshige’s office.
“Yasuda, coming in such a hurry, it seems things are not going well at the Southern Transportation Department?” Aoki’s voice was mild, but his eyes carried a sharp edge.
He stood up, led Yasuda Nobuo to the sofa nearby, gestured for him to sit, and then called the secretary at the door to bring in two cups of tea.
Yasuda did not touch the tea cup. He took a deep breath, suppressing his inner frustration and anger: “Your Excellency Aoki, our plan has encountered an unexpected obstacle.”
“Oh?” Aoki raised an eyebrow and sat down slowly, “Minister Oshima refuses to yield? He should be very clear that without the full cooperation of the South Manchuria Railway, the Southern Transportation Department cannot complete the mission at all.”
“It’s not Oshima.” Yasuda shook his head, his tone carrying a hint of hatred, “It’s a Chinese person, Head of Land Transport Section, Chen Yang.”
“Chen Yang?” Aoki quickly searched his mind for the name, “I’ve heard of him, an official who knows how to maneuver well.”
“The homeland has a very good impression of him. What’s he done?”
“It’s him who sabotaged our plan to take advantage of this materials crisis, causing us to miss the perfect opportunity to seize control of Southern Transportation dominance!” Yasuda gritted his teeth and detailed everything that happened at the meeting, especially how Chen Yang proposed “digging potential internally in the South,” listed detailed sources, and finally convinced Oshima.
“…Now, Oshima has authorized him to be fully responsible for raising materials. If he really pulls it off in five days, it will not only solve the urgent needs for the northward advance but also greatly boost his prestige within the Southern Expeditionary Army. It will be even harder for us at the South Manchuria Railway to intervene!” Yasuda’s tone was full of reluctance.
If Chen Yang and Oshima were here right now, they would suddenly understand.
This Yasuda Nobuo truly came with ill intentions.
His goal is not just simple assistance for the Southern Transportation Department’s northward transportation mission.
Rather, it is to use the materials crisis to pressure the Transportation Department. If the transportation mission cannot be completed, then the South Manchuria Railway will take over the entire China’s transportation plan.
This is exactly what Chen Yang guessed: the crabs are cooked, the meat is shelled, and the South Manchuria Railway wants to eat it.
Unfortunately, in Shanghai, it’s Chen’s territory.
There is no matter here that Chen Yang cannot solve.
Aoki Tomoshige listened quietly, his fingers lightly tapping the sofa armrest. The scholarly mildness on his face gradually faded, replaced by an icy calculation.
“Chen Yang… it seems we all underestimated this man.”
Aoki spoke slowly, “He not only knows the Southern materials network well but also knows how to seize opportunities at key moments to demonstrate his value.”
“A person like this, if he cannot be used by us, must be eliminated as soon as possible, or he will become a major threat.”
A trace of displeasure appeared on Yasuda Nobuo’s face: “Director Aoki, you want to buy him off?”
“I think it’s inappropriate. He is now our biggest obstacle. Even if he can be used by us, as long as he solves this matter, the Army Department high-level will still have great hopes for the Southern Transportation Department.”
“Our plan to fully control the routes will become empty talk.”
“Moreover, he is the main person in charge of the materials fundraising plan. If something goes wrong or he fails to cope, the military will hold him accountable, which will also affect his future.”
“What price can you offer to make him give up his future or even his life?”
Aoki frowned.
“Your Excellency Aoki,” Yasuda emphasized his tone, “At this point, we have no other choice. In short, we absolutely cannot watch him succeed and consolidate his position?”
“Of course.” Aoki Tomoshige revealed a sinister smile, “Since he issued the military order, this is our opportunity. Five days seems tight, but there is still a lot of room to maneuver.”
He stood up and walked to the huge map of the East China region hanging on the wall, his gaze sharp: “Yasuda, tell me, if something ‘unexpected’ happens to Chen Yang during the materials fundraising process, what would happen?”
“Unexpected?” Yasuda’s eyes sharpened.
“For example,” Aoki’s finger traced the map, “the gasoline he transports from Wuhu suffers heavy losses midway due to a ‘guerrilla team attack’.”
“The materials he procures from Mitsui, due to ‘procedural issues’ or ‘sudden price hikes,’ cannot be delivered on time; even the channels he uses to acquire medicine on the black market are suddenly ‘accidentally’ taken out by the Special Higher Police Affairs or our people…”
Yasuda immediately understood Aoki’s meaning: “Make his plan fail everywhere, unable to complete on time!”
“This way, the military order he issued will become his death warrant! Even Minister Oshima cannot protect him!”
“Exactly.” Aoki Tomoshige nodded, his tone turning cold, “At that time, Oshima Kenjiro will have no choice but to turn back and humbly beg us at the South Manchuria Railway to step in and coordinate a solution.”
“And the Imperial Army high-level will clearly see that the Southern Expeditionary Army cannot move an inch without us at the South Manchuria Railway! Control over the entire China’s transportation lifeline will naturally fall into our hands.”
“But,” Yasuda hesitated at this point, “doing this, won’t it affect the supply of northward materials? After all, the Kwantung Army side…”
Clearly, he very much wanted to deal with Chen Yang but did not want problems with the materials.
Aoki Tomoshige interrupted him, his tone carrying a cold decisiveness: “Yasuda, those who achieve great things do not quibble over trifles.”
“Temporary setbacks are to exchange for long-term, absolute control.”
“Moreover, as soon as Chen Yang falls, we at the South Manchuria Railway can immediately mobilize our network and resources to replenish the materials with higher efficiency. At that time, the merit will still be ours, and the predicament will only prove Chen Yang and the Southern Transportation Department’s incompetence.”
He walked back to Yasuda’s side and patted his shoulder: “Rest assured, I will arrange manpower to do it cleanly without leaving any handles.”
“What you need to do is, within the Southern Transportation Department, closely monitor Chen Yang’s movements and timely create some internal obstacles for him, such as stalling on approval processes or spreading some rumors unfavorable to him… Attack from both inside and outside to put him in a dilemma!”
“I will let him know what happens to those who obstruct our South Manchuria Railway’s plans!”
A flash of excitement passed through Yasuda’s eyes: “Understood, I’ll go back right now.”
“Wait,” Aoki suddenly said, “Before that, Yasuda, I have one thing to ask of you.”
“Chen Yang is not just a transportation officer; he also has No. 76 and the Ume Agency as backing.”
“So, we also need to find other helpers.”
Yasuda was slightly stunned: “What do you mean, Aoki?”
Aoki said slowly: “You go find Nantian of Special Affairs Section One, and I’ll contact Director Nakamura of the Southern China Association.”
“I don’t believe that even joining forces we can’t take him down.”
Shanghai, Japanese residential area, a high-end apartment
This is Nantian Yangzi’s residence.
Unlike her cold and cruel image in the Special Higher Police Affairs interrogation room, this apartment is decorated with utmost luxury and elegance.
Soft lights, an expensive gramophone playing a Japanese folk song《Spring in the North Country》, with the air filled with the scent of expensive perfume.
Nantian Yangzi wore a silk robe, lazily leaning on the sofa, holding a glass of red wine, her eyes dazedly gazing at the twinkling lights of Shanghai outside the window.
Since being reprimanded by General Doihara last time, Nantian has kept a low profile.
After exchanging Suzuki Kawataro back from the Communist Party, she has stayed in Special Affairs Section One and rarely gone to tangle with that Chen Yang she dislikes.
Actually, she has no major personal grudge against Chen Yang; it’s purely jealousy that a Chinese person could rise to such a high position in a short time.
As the legendary “Flower of the Empire,” an honorary major personally conferred by His Majesty the Emperor, she paid with her body for years of merit, yet was constantly suppressed by a Chinese person.
Moreover, General Doihara’s words were full of praise for Chen Yang, which made her very uncomfortable.
Simply put, her own failure is dreadful, but others’ success is even more heartbreaking, especially a pretty boy who is inferior to her in every way…
Ding dong, the doorbell rang softly.
Nantian Yangzi slowly got up, walked to the door, looked through the peephole, her expression somewhat surprised. The next moment, a friendly smile curved at the corner of her mouth, and she opened the door.
Standing outside was Yasuda Nobuo, who had taken off his military uniform and changed into a Western suit.
“Miss Nantian, disturbing you late at night, my apologies.” Yasuda slightly bowed, his tone polite, but his eyes sharp.
“Your Excellency Yasuda graces my humble abode, what an honor.” Nantian Yangzi stepped aside to let him in, her voice soft and charming, yet carrying a trace of imperceptible vigilance.
She knew very well that senior officials like Yasuda from the South Manchuria Railway system do not visit without reason.
Yasuda entered the living room, his gaze quickly scanning the room’s furnishings, finally settling on Nantian Yangzi. “Miss Nantian’s place is truly a pure land in these chaotic times.”
“Your Excellency Yasuda overpraises.” Nantian Yangzi poured him a glass of wine and sat on the sofa opposite him, her long legs crossed.
“Yasuda, it’s been three or four years since we last met. What brings you here late at night?”
Yasuda shook his head, gently swirling the wine glass, staring straight at Nantian Yangzi: “Miss Nantian is right, time flies like a white steed, over three years in a blink. I’ve aged, but Miss Nantian is even more radiant and charming.”
“Yasuda, no need to be so polite with me.” Nantian’s corner of the mouth slightly lifted, but she did not lower her guard.
Yasuda put away his smile and said: “Alright, let’s get to business. I’m here representing myself, and… some friends of mine in Xinjing（Changchun）, to discuss a deal with Miss Nantian.”
“A deal?” Nantian Yangzi raised an eyebrow, showing an interested expression, “What deal can a weak woman like me make with you?”
“Miss Nantian is too modest.” Yasuda leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice, “Who doesn’t know you are General Doihara’s right-hand woman and his most valued student? You hold the life and death and secrets of countless people.”
“What we need is precisely your ability and… position.”
He paused, observing Nantian Yangzi’s reaction. Seeing her just slowly sipping her wine, he continued: “The target is Chen Yang of the Land Transport Section.”
Nantian Yangzi’s hand holding the wine glass paused almost imperceptibly, then returned to normal. She chuckled lightly: “Chen Yang? That section chief in the spotlight? He’s a favorite in front of Your Excellency Kagesa and Minister Oshima. Moving him won’t be easy, right?”
“Precisely because it’s not easy, we need Miss Nantian to act.” Yasuda’s tone became serious, “This man must be eliminated, or he will become the biggest obstacle to our South Manchuria Railway, even the Empire, in integrating Southern resources!”
“This time he even obstructed us from seizing the transportation lines using the materials crisis. He must disappear.”
“Oh?” Nantian Yangzi set down her wine glass, picked up a slender cigarette, and Yasuda immediately lit it for her. She took a puff, exhaling a faint smoke ring, “Yasuda, what benefit does eliminating a Chen Yang bring to your South Manchuria Railway? From what I know, he gets things done efficiently.”
“Benefit?” Yasuda sneered, “The benefit is letting these arrogant guys in the South know that without our South Manchuria Railway’s support, they cannot move an inch!”
“Eliminate him, and we crush the Southern Expeditionary Army’s attempt to escape our control!”
“At that time, the entire China’s transportation lifeline will truly be controlled by our South Manchuria Railway! Miss Nantian should be able to imagine the interests involved.”
“After success, the Xinjing side will never treat Miss Nantian shabbily.”
“Besides generous gold bars, we can also leverage our connections in the Kwantung Army and the cabinet to pave a brighter path for you.”
“Special Affairs Section One is ultimately too small a pattern for you. With your talent and means, you should have broader horizons, such as… head of the Ume Agency, or even taking a more important position in Manchukuo.”
Nantian Yangzi silently smoked, her face somewhat blurred in the swirling smoke.
The conditions Yasuda proposed were indeed tempting. Head of the Ume Agency—could a woman like her do it?
Nantian pondered continuously in her heart. Completely impossible for others, but for her, there was still a chance.
Because she had honors—an honorary major conferred by the Emperor, connections—her teacher General Doihara, and the ability to lead a section independently.
If she could also connect with the South Manchuria Railway and Kwantung Army line, it would undoubtedly provide a more solid ladder for her promotion.
“Chen Yang is not simple, with a complex background. Southern logistics officials at all levels have unclear ties with him.”
Nantian Yangzi spoke slowly, as if analyzing or bargaining, “Moving him carries great risk. If it fails or leaves traces, he will be the first not to let me go.”
Yasuda smiled slightly, knowing Nantian was moved, and struck while the iron was hot: “We don’t need you to act personally. You just need to use your position as head of Special Affairs Section One to do two things.”
“First, use the Special Higher Police Affairs intelligence network to closely monitor Chen Yang’s every move, especially the detailed progress and channels he uses for this materials fundraising, and provide us with intelligence in a timely manner.”
“Second, timely and casually spread some remarks unfavorable to Chen Yang, such as him embezzling for personal gain, too close contact with suspicious persons, or that his materials fundraising channels ‘may’ have issues, thereby guiding the Army Department to suspect him.”
“We will arrange specific actions based on the intelligence you provide, ensuring it’s clean without implicating you.”
Nantian Yangzi pressed the cigarette butt into the crystal ashtray, stood up, walked to the window, and turned her back to Yasuda.
She needed to weigh whether to stay in Special Affairs Section One or take a gamble and align with the more powerful South Manchuria Railway.
“Yangzi, you are a woman.” General Doihara’s words were like a needle stuck in Nantian’s heart.
“Teacher, don’t underestimate women. Women can do things men cannot.”
Moments later, she turned around, her face restored to that charming and calm smile. She extended her slender hand to Yasuda: “Your Excellency Yasuda, happy cooperation. I hope you and your friends in Xinjing remember today’s promise.”
Yasuda Nobuo shook her hand: “Of course! Miss Nantian is a smart person; cooperating with us is your wisest choice.”
Shanghai, Southern Transportation Department. Minister Oshima Kenjiro’s office.
“This… how much funding does this require? And how to guarantee reliability?” Colonel Onodera, deputy minister of the Expeditionary Army Logistics Department in charge of finances, couldn’t help asking, “Mr. Chen, the materials collection plan you provided differs greatly from what we expected.”
“The quotation you gave for this batch of materials reaches 1.6 million Japanese yen. You know our total budget for executing the northward plan is only…”
“Colonel Onodera, hear me out first.” Chen Yang was already prepared with his rhetoric: “Yes, the funding amount for this materials fundraising is indeed huge, possibly several times the market price.”
“But think about it: if Nomonhan loses due to insufficient supplies, who here can bear the responsibility when it’s investigated? As for reliability and accounting…”
He glanced at Oshima and Onodera, saying meaningfully, “We can set up a ‘special procurement fund’ directly controlled by Your Excellency Sato, with Minister Oshima responsible for specific liaison operations.”
“All expenditures listed under names like ‘special channel procurement commissions,’ ’emergency expedited fees,’ ‘information confidentiality fees,’ etc. For receipts… naturally, ‘cooperative’ chambers of commerce can provide compliant vouchers.”
“As long as we three parties… keep our stories straight, the whereabouts of this money will be known only to heaven, earth, you, and me.”
This was as clear as it could be.
But Oshima Kenjiro hesitated: on one hand, he indeed needed materials to cope with the Kwantung Army’s pressure.
On the other hand, Chen Yang’s plan meant they could extract a huge “guarantee fund” under the name of procurement, most of which could be pocketed.
They only needed to use a small portion to actually buy some materials, or use means like passing off inferior goods or falsifying quantities to get by.
In the face of huge personal interests and a seemingly feasible solution, professional ethics and loyalty to the Empire became fragile.
Onodera Ken said slowly: “Your Excellency Minister, what Section Chief Chen says, though risky, may be the only way out now. For the frontline soldiers, for the Imperial Holy War, it’s worth us taking some personal risks!”
Oshima was silent for a long time, finally nodding heavily: “Alright… this matter, proceed as Mr. Chen says. Be… extremely careful. Materials must pass inspections, accounts must be… impeccable.”
“Hai! Please rest assured, Your Excellency Minister!” Chen Yang bowed to accept the order, a faint cold smile passing at the corner of his mouth.
Shanghai, Japanese residential area, Moonlight Sand Club
Tonight, the breeze outside the “Listening to Rain Pavilion” remained the same, but the atmosphere inside the private room among several people was completely different from past discussions of “official business.”
The air was no longer filled with tension and scheming, but a strange aura mixing greed, excitement, and a hint of unease.
On the rosewood desk, the exquisite Suzhou-style dishes were almost untouched, replaced by several seemingly ordinary hard-shell briefcases.
The cases were now open, containing not documents, but neatly stacked gold bars and large-denomination Japanese yen cash emanating the fresh scent of ink.
Flickering lights illuminated the gold brilliantly, making the patterns on the bills seem to come alive.
This was part of the huge guarantee fund extracted from the Imperial treasury under the name of “northward emergency procurement.”
Major General Sato had taken off his military uniform symbolizing his status and was wearing a dark kimono.
Beside him was Southern Transportation Department Minister Oshima Kenjiro. Though his expression remained serious, his stiff posture and occasional nervous glances at the door still betrayed his inner turmoil.
Looking at the gold and silver before him, Oshima’s breathing grew heavy, with both the ecstasy of huge sums in hand and the fear of sinking into the quagmire.
Oshima tremblingly picked up the small porcelain cup and downed the warm sake in one gulp, trying to suppress his churning emotions.
“Mr. Chen… Mr. Chen,” Oshima’s voice was slightly hoarse from excitement and alcohol, “This… all this is ours now?”
A proud smile appeared on Chen Yang’s face, as if only here was his true home turf.
“Of course, this is just part. After All materials procurement is complete, we have a large sum more.”
Oshima Kenjiro swallowed, so much money could buy his life.
“This, if Yasuda notices…”
Chen Yang waved his hand: “Minister Oshima, those under the eaves must bow to the rain. New officials don’t pursue old accounts. You will hand over duties in the future anyway.”
