Chapter 243: Rumor Breaks Out Everywhere
In Shanghai, the Southern Transportation Department, office of the Section Chief of Land Transportation.
Chen Yang’s gaze settled on the dispatch order that had just arrived from the material warehouse.
To be honest, with Yasuda, that troublemaker, no longer dragging them down, the transportation efficiency of the Land Transportation Section had improved significantly.
At least they didn’t have to guard against being sabotaged by their own people when materials were coming in or going out.
Taking out a special piece of draft paper, Chen Yang compiled a summary of the materials allocated by the Logistics Department recently and the details of material transportation provided during this period.
Then he tucked the note into a compartment of his wallet; this intelligence was of great use to the Red Faction.
Comrades in the Northeast could use this intelligence to exchange for the supplies they needed with the Soviets.
As for how the subsequent transactions would be arranged after receiving the intelligence, that was beyond Chen Yang’s control.
*Knock, knock, knock.* The door was knocked, and Chen Yang quickly put away his wallet, looked up, and said, “Come in.”
“Mr. Chen, very busy with work?” Upon seeing Onodera’s face, which was showing a fawning smile, a hint of surprise flickered in Chen Yang’s eyes, and he immediately stood up, showing due respect.
“Mr. Onodera! Why have you come personally? Please, sit down.”
Onodera nodded slightly, walked into the office, and his sharp gaze swept across the room filled with documents and transportation receipts, finally settling on Chen Yang.
“Mr. Chen, General Sato is very interested in the work you are currently responsible for.”
Onodera got straight to the point, “However, he is currently troubled. Rumors are rampant outside, severely damaging the trust between the Empire’s agencies and interfering with the material allocation for Operation ‘Zero.’ His Excellency the General is very displeased about this.”
Chen Yang lowered his head with a grave expression, “Yes, I understand. I am doing my best to investigate, but the rumors are like flowing water, their source hidden, and progress is slow. I have truly failed to meet the General’s expectations.”
Onodera waved his hand, interrupting his “self-reproach,” “His Excellency the General knows your difficulties.”
“But precisely because it is difficult, it requires someone with ability and decisiveness to break the deadlock.”
He changed the subject, lowering his voice, with an almost tempting tone, “Mr. Chen, General Sato asked me to tell you that he greatly admires your ability and loyalty.”
“As long as you can find the clear source of the rumors within a short period and take effective measures to quell this disturbance, proving your value to the Empire…”
“His Excellency the General is willing to personally recommend you for the position of Deputy Minister of Transportation, which Yasuda Nobuo vacated.”
The office fell silent for a moment, with only the faint sound of city noise from outside.
Deputy Minister of Transportation!
This was not just a promotion in position and salary, but it also meant he would truly enter the core management of the transportation system, gain access to higher-level secrets, and be able to establish a more extensive resource network, which was self-evidently valuable for his undercover work.
This was a huge bait, emitting an alluring glow.
Chen Yang’s heart constricted violently in his chest, but his face quickly showed excitement, disbelief, and an exhilaration born of immense trust.
“This… His Excellency the General’s favor is so great, I… I am overwhelmed!” His voice trembled slightly, and his breathing was somewhat rapid.
“I will certainly do my best to live up to His Excellency the General’s expectations! Within a week, I will ascertain the truth and purge the poison!”
Onodera seemed satisfied with Chen Yang’s reaction, “Very good. Mr. Chen, the opportunity is right before you, seize it. His Excellency the General never fails to reward truly useful talent.”
“I look forward to your good news.”
With that, Onodera did not linger and turned to leave with large strides.
The office door closed again, and the excited and euphoric expression on Chen Yang’s face rapidly receded like a tide, returning to his usual calm, even more stern than usual.
He slowly sat back in his chair, his fingers tapping the tabletop unconsciously.
The occasional sound of trams dinging from outside made Chen Yang’s gaze suddenly sharpen, “Secretary Li, prepare the car, I’m going to Seventy-Six.”
Shanghai, No. 76 Jessfield Road.
This Western-style building exuded a chilling, ghostly aura even in broad daylight.
In the director’s office, heavy curtains blocked out most of the sunlight.
A desk lamp cast a faint halo on the large rosewood tabletop, illuminating Li Shiqun’s face, which appeared particularly sinister due to anger.
“Trash! A bunch of trash!”
He slammed a stack of reports in his hand onto the desk, scattering the papers.
Wu Sibao, standing before the desk with his bulky physique, trembled slightly, a look of fear appearing on his plump face.
“Director, please calm your anger, it is our incompetence…” Wu Sibao’s voice was hoarse and cautious, as usual.
“Incompetent? More than incompetent!” Li Qun stood up, walked around the desk, and stared at Wu Sibao, “Operation ‘Imperial Plan’! What a grand name! Using fat meat bound for Nanjing as bait, and what was the result?”
“We didn’t even see a shadow of a fish! That batch of goods arrived in Nanjing safely, and our men guarded for days like fools! That internal spy was right under our noses, watching us act!”
“Captain Wu, do you think he is laughing at us in his heart, hmm? Laughing at me, Li Qun, for being an idiot?!”
His voice was not loud, but every word carried an irrepressible ferocity.
Cold sweat beaded on Wu Sibao’s forehead; he dared not reply.
He knew Li Shiqun was furious at the moment, and any defense could backfire.
Here, Li Qun was the emperor, an emperor prone to unpredictable moods.
This was a true villain, extremely bloodthirsty.
He dealt with the Military Statistics Bureau and the Communist Party using the simplest method: killing.
Kill one, kill them all, until they were afraid, until they dared not make a move.
“We’ve checked everyone who might have had access to the transportation plan, monitored all suspicious phone calls, and even searched several people’s residences…” Wu Sibao’s voice grew quieter.
“Was it useful?” Li Qun interrupted him with a wave of his hand, his finger poking the tabletop fiercely, making a *dudududu* sound.
“They didn’t even move! What does this mean? It means either he is of higher rank and doesn’t care about these ‘small fries’! Or he is as cunning as a fox and smelled the trap!”
“But no matter which one it is, he’s a damn menace!”
He paced irritably to the window, irritably pulled open the curtain. This traitor was as slippery as an eel, leaving him no way to act.
“Director,” Wu Sibao licked his dry lips and said tentatively, “Conventional methods don’t seem to work, this ghost is too cunning. How about… we use a heavier bait?”
Hearing this, Li Qun turned around sharply and stared at Wu Sibao, “Heavier bait? What heavier bait? Do we have anything heavier than that ‘important material’ right now?”
Wu Sibao stepped closer, his voice carrying a hint of desperation, “I heard… Mr. Wang…”
He had barely uttered a few words when the office door was gently knocked.
Li Shiqun and Wu Sibao fell silent simultaneously, looking at the door warily.
Li Qun took a deep breath, smoothed his expression, and said in a deep voice, “Come in.”
The door opened, and Ding Cun, another director of Seventy-Six, entered.
Strictly speaking, Ding Cun was the actual director of Seventy-Six; Li Qun was merely a deputy director.
Of course, Li Qun didn’t see it that way. In terms of ability, Li Qun was responsible for almost everything in the establishment of Seventy-Six, from organization to carrying out work, almost all of it was done by Li Qun personally.
But the Japanese thought Ding Cun’s identity and background were more suitable as a figurehead, and Ding Cun also knew how to please superiors better than Li Qun.
After all, he had been the head of the third section of the Party Affairs Investigation Section.
“*Dududu.*” Ding Cun slowly entered the office, leaning on his cane. He wore a well-fitting Zhongshan suit and gold-rimmed glasses, appearing more scholarly than Li Qun, but the eyes behind the lenses were equally sharp and deep.
“Director Li, I heard that ‘Operation Imperial Plan’ is not going smoothly?” Ding Cun said with a smile that was hard to read, and sat down on the sofa by himself.
Li Qun’s face darkened, extremely displeased with Ding Cun’s seemingly concerned but actually gloating attitude, “Director Ding has quick access to information. It’s just a minor setback, no need to worry.”
Ding Cun chuckled lightly, sat on the sofa as he pleased, and stroked his cane, “Director Li doesn’t need to get angry. As the saying goes, it’s hard to guard against a thief from within your own household.”
“I can empathize with this. Fishing for an extraordinary fish with ordinary bait is indeed difficult.”
Wu Sibao wisely retreated to the side and stood with his hands clasped.
Li Qun walked over and sat opposite Ding, lit a cigarette, and looked at him through the smoke, “Then, according to Director Ding’s opinion, what should we do?”
Ding Cun did not answer directly but said slowly, “I have just received news that Mr. Wang’s secretary, Qian Shizhao, will arrive in Shanghai on the ‘Yashan Maru’ at night three days from now and will be staying at Chongguangtang in Hongkou.”
“This trip is to pave the way for Mr. Wang’s subsequent arrival and to handle some secret documents.”
Li Qun’s eyes narrowed.
In March, Mr. Wang’s secretary, Zeng Zhongming, was assassinated by Chen Gongshu, and Mr. Wang was extremely fearful and restless.
The Japanese arranged for a ship to take him out of Vietnam, originally intending to send him to Shanghai and then directly to Nanjing.
But he used various excuses to decline. After the ship entered Hong Kong Island, he used the excuse of seasickness and needing temporary rest to stay in a villa in the Mid-Levels of Hong Kong Island.
Afterwards, no matter how much the Japanese persuaded him, he refused to go to Shanghai, citing frequent Military Statistics Bureau activities and fear of another ambush.
The Japanese had no choice but to put pressure on Kagesa Shinzhao, ordering him to resolve the issue of the Shanghai Military Statistics Bureau as soon as possible.
Immediately after, Wan Tianmu betrayed them and led people to clear out more than a dozen Military Statistics Bureau strongholds, almost wiping out all the stations in Shanghai.
And just as Mr. Wang was preparing to depart, Liu Geqing was rescued.
This proved that the Shanghai Military Statistics Bureau had not been completely purged, so Mr. Wang, having received the news, once again canceled his trip and refused to board the ship.
The Japanese colonels Imai Takeo and Shirakawa Yoshinori put aside their work and went to the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong to have a long talk with Mr. Wang.
Finally, Mr. Wang agreed to let Qian Shizhao go to Shanghai to pave the way, and then he would depart after everything was arranged.
Imai Takeo also knew this was Mr. Wang’s bottom line, so he immediately summoned Kagesa Shinzhao and ordered him to make arrangements.
Ding Cun was the nominal director of Seventy-Six, and his information was faster than Li Qun’s.
Ding Cun continued, “Secretary Qian’s identity is important enough, but his importance is far less than that of Mr. Wang himself.”
“Using him as bait would make the internal spy feel it’s worth taking a risk. Even if the news were to… leak, the consequences would still be within controllable limits and would not shake the foundation. The risk is much smaller than using Mr. Wang’s information directly.”
Li Qun instantly understood Ding Cun’s intention.
Qian Shizhao was an absolute confidant of Mr. Wang, and his whereabouts were itself highly classified, making him far more important than ordinary supplies.
It could be said that his status was enough to arouse great interest from an undercover agent.
If the plan failed and the news leaked, leading to Qian Shizhao’s misfortune, compared to Mr. Wang being in direct danger, the responsibility they would bear and the wrath of the Japanese would be much smaller.
Furthermore, Ding Cun’s act of releasing this news at this moment was itself a calculation.
If the plan succeeded, he, Ding Cun, would have provided crucial intelligence and would be indispensable.
If it failed, Li Qun would be the main executor, and he could absolve himself of most of the responsibility.
Li Qun sneered inwardly but had to admit that Ding Cun’s suggestion was indeed more brilliant than the rash idea and the old-fashioned “Imperial Plan,” and it better suited his current cautious yet eager-to-succeed mindset.
After a moment of contemplation, he slowly exhaled a smoke ring, “Director Ding’s news is indeed timely. Secretary Qian’s whereabouts… is indeed a good entry point.”
Ding Cun smiled slightly, “The specific arrangements still require Director Li’s effort.”
“The action force of Seventy-Six will naturally be most effectively deployed by Director Li.”
The two exchanged a knowing glance and simultaneously put on smiles that conveyed mutual understanding.
“Captain Wu,” Li Qun turned to Wu Sibao, his tone returning to its usual grim and decisive manner, “Did you hear? The target has changed.”
“Find a way to leak Qian Shizhao’s arrival time and location in Shanghai as ‘top secret’ information to the few individuals we’ve identified as primary suspects. Double the surveillance and monitoring! I want to know who will be particularly interested in this information!”
“Yes! Director! Your subordinate understands!” Wu Sibao responded loudly, his spirits lifted.
Ding Cun stood up and adjusted his collar, “Then I will await Director Li’s good news. I hope Director Li can achieve victory and capture that internal spy.”
Li Qun gave a slight smile, but it felt forced, like a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
“*Knock, knock, knock.*” A knock sounded at the door. Li Qun said in a deep voice, “Come in.”
The office door opened, and Lin Zhijiang, the leader of the action team, stood at the entrance and saluted, “Director Ding, Director Li, Minister Chen has arrived.”
“Hmm?” Ding Cun and Li Qun exchanged glances.
Both were a little surprised. Chen Yang rarely interfered with the affairs of Seventy-Six; why had he suddenly come at this time?
However, they didn’t ponder it for too long. Chen Yang was nominally their superior.
“Director Li, it’s fortunate that Minister Chen has arrived. You can report this plan to him now.”
“If Minister Chen can help you brainstorm, perhaps your mission can be completed more easily.”
Li Qun smiled noncommittally, and the two of them walked out of the office together to greet Chen Yang.
In the lobby of Seventy-Six, Chen Yang slowly walked in, led by a few junior agents.
Li Qun and Ding Cun both stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said, “Minister, you’ve worked hard.”
Chen Yang glanced at them, his tone calm but with an undeniable authority, “Director Ding, Director Li, you are both here.”
“Recently, have you heard about the various rumors circulating in the Shanghai market?”
A hint of confusion appeared in their eyes.
Chen Yang continued, “I am here on orders from my superiors. The Kwantung Army Headquarters and the South Manchuria Railway Headquarters have lodged a complaint with the Southern Expeditionary Army Headquarters.”
“There have been rumors circulating recently in Xinjing, Shanghai, and other places about ‘the Land Transportation Section colluding with military logistics officers to embezzle Imperial materials.'”
“The Kwantung Army’s Information Section has investigated and confirmed that the rumors originated in Shanghai.”
“This matter has caused considerable discord between the military and the South Manchuria Railway, with extremely adverse effects. Our superiors are very displeased.”
“Seventy-Six has well-informed sources. In recent cases investigated, have there been any clues that might be related to the source of these rumors?”
Li Qun and Ding Cun’s hearts sank simultaneously.
They hadn’t expected Chen Yang to come about this matter, and he had directly invoked the Kwantung Army Headquarters.
They had naturally heard the rumors but had never considered investigating them deeply, as the water was too murky.
Transportation Department, Logistics Department, Kwantung Army, South Manchuria Railway…
Seventy-Six could not afford to offend any of these departments.
Moreover, a single rumor had brought several behemoths together.
If Seventy-Six were to stick its neck out for this, it would be like an old man with a birthday wish to hang himself, looking for death.
Each of these departments, individually, could crush Seventy-Six.
Ding Cun pushed his glasses up and said respectfully, “Minister Chen, we have also occasionally heard such rumors, but they are merely the slanderous words of petty individuals against Imperial elites, difficult to discern their truth.”
“Seventy-Six’s current focus is mainly on eradicating Military Statistics Bureau elements and Communist Party undercover personnel. We have not invested much resources in such rumors.”
Chen Yang nodded, his gaze sweeping over Li Qun, “Director Li, rumors often are not without cause. Sometimes they are used to cover up a larger conspiracy or to divert attention.”
“For example, if someone deliberately spread such rumors, their purpose might be to incite discord between the South Manchuria Railway and the military, disrupt logistical stability, and thus create an opportunity for certain forces.”
“This is fundamentally no different from sabotaging the transportation lines; it is a stab in the back to the Holy War.”
His words, though seemingly calm, were like a needle gently pricking Li Qun and Ding Cun.
They had just been using “Qian Shizhao” as bait to lure the internal spy, and Chen Yang’s words seemed to imply that they themselves might be being used by some “rumor” or “misdirection.”
Li Qun hurriedly bowed and said, “Minister, your insight is remarkable! You have reminded us. Sibao!”
“Did you hear Minister Chen? Immediately dispatch personnel to follow up and see if any recent intelligence has clues that might be related to these rumors, especially any movements aimed at sowing discord and undermining the unity of the Empire’s agencies. Report to the Minister promptly.”
“Yes! Director! Your subordinate understands!” Wu Sibao quickly replied.
Chen Yang then nodded slowly.
Li Qun quickly said, “Minister, it’s fortunate you came today. I have some work that I need to report to you.”
“Could you spare me some of your time?”
Chen Yang waved his hand, “Director Li, Director Ding, first communicate with the Ume Agency regarding the work of Seventy-Six.”
“If there is anything that requires my intervention, Head of Agency Haruki will contact me.”
“You two just do your jobs. I still have material matters to attend to.”
Li Qun and Ding Cun were stunned simultaneously.
Chen Yang’s words meant that Haruki, the Deputy Head of the Ume Agency, was his subordinate, and they two were not qualified to report directly.
If Li Qun and Ding Cun had issues, they should first report to Haruki, who would then relay it to him.
“Congratulations, Minister, congratulations!” Ding Cun immediately reacted and said obsequiously, “Minister, it seems you are about to be promoted.”
Chen Yang waved his hand, “These words are just for us to say; don’t spread them outside.”
“Alright, I have to go now. Hurry up with investigating the source of the rumors.”
Li Qun quickly patted his chest and guaranteed, “Please rest assured, Minister, we will definitely work quickly to ascertain the source of the rumors.”
Chen Yang said no more and turned to leave the lobby.
Ding Cun and Li Qun maintained a half-bowed posture until Chen Yang’s figure disappeared. Ding Cun slowly said, “Director Li, why are the Kwantung Army and the South Manchuria Railway suddenly so concerned about rumors?”
“Since they are rumors, they will eventually dissipate on their own.”
“But the Minister’s words gave me a strange feeling, like a reminder, and also like… a warning.”
Li Qun’s eyes flickered, “Regardless, Minister Chen has given us a reminder.”
“The plan to lure the internal spy will proceed as usual, but we must be more careful.”
“Also, Captain Wu, issue an order: have our men pay attention to the sources of those rumors. Even if we can’t find specific information, we must at least appear to be doing something for the higher-ups.”
Shanghai, Mai Gen Road Material Warehouse, Yasuda was checking the quantities of materials against the material dispatch orders, layer by layer.
From Deputy Minister of Transportation to a mere dispatcher.
He harbored no resentment about this. Instead, he was uncharacteristically diligent, lacking his former arrogance.
Even Miyajima Masanobu, who was in charge of the warehouse, thought Yasuda Nobuo was a good comrade.
The sun was setting, and the sound of shift change echoed in the material warehouse.
Kitaoka, from the warehouse material management department, changed into civilian clothes. As he walked out of the office, he called out to Yasuda, “Mr. Yasuda, it’s time to get off work. Let’s go for a drink together.”
Yasuda smiled upon hearing this, “No need, Mr. Kitaoka. I still have a few things left to finish. I’ll leave after I’m done.”
“Mr. Yasuda, you’ve worked hard,” Kitaoka bowed slightly, “Then I won’t bother you any further.”
“Actually, Mr. Yasuda, one day’s work is never finished. We also need to pay attention to balancing work and rest.”
“I’ll be going then.”
Yasuda smiled and bowed slightly, “Mr. Kitaoka, take care.”
As the sky gradually darkened, Yasuda organized the checked materials into a report and placed it neatly on the desk of Miyajima Masanobu, the warehouse supervisor. Only then did he change into civilian clothes and head towards his dormitory building.
The dormitory building for the material warehouse was located near Mai Gen Road, converted from several civilian houses.
Yasuda was in middle management and had his own room.
As he approached his private room, Yasuda opened the door, and his eyes immediately widened.
A graceful figure was sitting in the room, its identity unknown.
The woman had a faint smile on her face, looking at him.
