Chapter 251: Two Deputy Ministers, What Are They Up To?
“Please come in,” Ozaki Hidemitsu said slowly. With a creak, the sliding door was pulled open, and a man wearing a uniform, with a calm demeanor and a scholarly caution in his gaze, walked in.
Ozaki Hidemitsu smiled and stood up to introduce: “Mr. Nakamura, let me introduce you.”
“This is the Minister of Education of the Empire, Your Excellency Nishio Toshiteru.”
“Your Excellency Nishio, this is the talented member of the South Manchuria Railway Investigation Department whom I mentioned to you, the current Director of Shanghai South Branch, Mr. Nakamura Isao.”
This is the former Chief of Staff of the Kwantung Army, Nishio Toshiteru?
Nishio Toshiteru, Minister of Education of Japan, senior staff military attaché of the General Staff Department, in charge of leading the training of Imperial youth soldiers, namely: 【reserve preliminary review work】……
This man was born on October 31, 1881, in a samurai family in Tottori Prefecture, Japan.
His family was not purely from the samurai class, but had become wealthy through commerce and then bought samurai status with money.
He was the fourth son of vassal Nishio Shigeichi, but was adopted from childhood by his uncle Nishio Kotaro as a foster son.
His brother Kotaro was a pastor in the theology department at Doshisha University, and when he entered the Army Cadet School, he had warned him to “abstain from alcohol and women.”
Later, Nishio Shizō married Masako, the third daughter of Navy Major General Sakai Tadamasa, and they had three children: eldest son Shigeichi, eldest daughter Hisako, and second daughter Noriko.
In 1934, he was ordered to serve as Chief of Staff of the Kwantung Army, during which he strengthened Japan’s colonial rule over Manchukuo and brutally suppressed anti-Japanese forces in the Northeast.
On July 7, 1937, after the Marco Polo Bridge Incident broke out, he took over as Commander of the Second Army, was sent to China, and commanded the 2nd Army to advance southward along the Tianjin-Pukou Railway, successively occupying Cangzhou, Jinan, and other places.
Afterward, the troops he commanded participated in the Tai’erzhuang Campaign but suffered a setback, which was one of the reasons he was later transferred back home.
After returning home, he became the new Minister of Education and was in charge of reserve work, effectively already excluded from the core power position.
But no matter what, he was still one of the very few generals in the Army Department.
Nakamura Isao trembled all over, quickly stood up and bowed to him: “Your Excellency Nishio, hello.”
Nishio nodded slightly: “Mr. Nakamura, I have heard Mr. Ozaki mention you many times. I thought you would be arrogant like most Japanese.”
“Seeing you today, I am somewhat pleasantly surprised.”
Nakamura Isao bowed slightly, “Thank you for your appreciation, Your Excellency Nishio.”
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the three sat down again.
At this point, the content of their conversation was no longer limited to this specific matter, but gradually expanded to more macroscopic levels such as the economic structure of Manchuria, resource allocation, and long-term strategies toward China.
Nakamura Isao himself was a graduate of East Asia Common Culture University, with deep research on Chinese issues, and was also an outstanding graduate at the time. When he attended the East Asia Common Culture College, the dean of the college was Prime Minister Konoe.
Unlike those who spoke eloquently, Nakamura Isao spoke little, but every time he opened his mouth, he hit the nail on the head. His views often jumped out of purely military or economic perspectives, incorporating considerations of social culture and even popular sentiment, which made Nishio feel quite novel and vaguely think that this man was not simple.
Ozaki Hidemitsu appropriately guided the topic from the side, as if it was just an introduction for the first meeting of two talented individuals, but Nishio could feel that this meeting was by no means accidental.
Ozaki introducing Nakamura to him—was it hinting at something? Was it looking for new allies for the South Manchuria Railway? Or representing some force from Tokyo, trying to place a new chess piece on the South Manchuria Railway chessboard?
The conversation among the few inevitably returned to the handling of this South Manchuria Railway internal matter.
Nakamura Isao also timely asked the doubt in his heart: “Your Excellency Nishio, Mr. Ozaki, how did you think of using Chen Yang to divert attention?”
“According to the intelligence collected by the South Branch in Shanghai, this Chen Yang is not an ordinary technical officer. It can be said that he has unclear relations with the Logistics Department, the Ume Agency, and the Maritime Transport Section.”
“It seems simple, but it is very complex.”
Ozaki and Nishio Toshiteru exchanged a glance. Before Ozaki Hidemitsu could speak, Nishio slowly said: “This is the Military Department’s consideration.”
“Choosing him has several advantages.” Nishio analyzed, “First, he comes from the transportation system. His promotion can be seen by some in the South Manchuria Railway internals as ‘one of their own’ being reused, which is a form of appeasement.”
“Second, he is only a Section Chief of Land Transportation, with no military rank and not a high level. This exceptional promotion will not be seen by the Military Department as further expansion of the South Manchuria Railway core layer, making it easy to accept.”
“Third, and most importantly, this person appears to be from the neutral faction. Placing him in this key position, both the Cabinet and the Military Department believe it is more conducive to controlling the situation than arranging a clear ‘South Manchuria Railway faction’ or ‘Military Department faction’ member.”
“Moreover, he was personally recommended to the homeland by Major General Sato Buntai of the Logistics Department. His professional ability is beyond doubt. What we need now is someone who can accurately execute orders and has the ability to smooth out transportation links, not a flag-bearer for factional struggles.”
Nakamura Isao carefully savored these words.
It had to be said that under the current delicate balance, Chen Yang was indeed a step that all sides could take.
Letting him compete with the South Manchuria Railway for this newly baked transportation authority would show that the South Manchuria Railway gained real benefits, while also giving the Military Department the illusion that “at least it’s not an opponent participating.”
“I understand.” Nakamura Isao took a deep breath. This was perhaps the best result that could be obtained in the current situation!
Using the sacrifice of high-level figures to exchange for partial substantial transportation dominance, and using the promotion of a relatively neutral official to maintain surface balance and decency.
Nishio stood up, picked up the tea from the table, and personally poured a full cup for Nakamura Isao.
“Mr. Nakamura, I actually admire you very much. The Chinese say, one conversation with you is worth ten years of study.”
“I previously thought this was just a joke, but talking candidly with you today, I have indeed gained something.”
“I wonder if Mr. Nakamura is interested in serving as my private advisor?”
Nakamura Isao subconsciously froze for a moment, his gaze involuntarily turning to Ozaki Hidemitsu beside him.
Ozaki Hidemitsu, however, was like an old monk in meditation, eyes on nose and nose on heart, showing no concern at all.
Nakamura Isao said slowly: “Your Excellency Nishio, I am very willing to help you, but my workplace is in Shanghai, and you are stationed in the homeland, so it might be somewhat inconvenient.”
Ozaki Hidemitsu suddenly said: “Mr. Nakamura, you don’t need to worry about this. Your Excellency Nishio is temporarily coming to the Kwantung Army to provide military advice.”
“After the Imperial Army moves north, Your Excellency Nishio will soon return to Shanghai to formally take over the position of Commander Tada Shunroku.”
“Mr. Nakamura is Your Excellency Nishio’s top choice for advisor.”
Only then did Nakamura Isao suddenly realize why Ozaki Hidemitsu had suddenly recommended him to Nishio Toshiteru.
It turned out that Nishio was about to become the new commander of the Central China Expeditionary Army, that is, the big boss of the Military Department in southern China.
It had to be said that Nishio indeed needed a helper like Nakamura Isao to help him control the situation.
Whether in terms of strength or talent, Nakamura Isao was the best choice.
“I am willing to serve Commander Your Excellency loyally…” Nakamura Isao no longer refused and sincerely accepted the invitation.
Nishio was immediately overjoyed, stood up and bowed slightly: “Mr. Nakamura, you have made a very correct decision.
The secret meeting in Xinjing ended quietly without attracting any attention from the South Manchuria Railway side.
But the South Manchuria Railway not noticing did not mean no one else noticed.
Soon, the Ume Agency received news that Cabinet representative Ozaki Hidemitsu was about to personally go to Shanghai to convene a “discussion meeting” with the South Manchuria Railway, Military Department, and Ume Agency.
Shanghai, Army Logistics Department Commander Office.
In Major General Sato Buntai’s office, the atmosphere was heavy. He had just smashed a beloved ceramic tea cup, with fragments and cold tea stains splattered everywhere, scaring the adjutant into holding his breath and lowering his head, not daring to move.
“Discussion meeting? Hmph!” Sato Buntai’s face was ashen. He paced back and forth behind the desk covered with a huge military map, his leather boots tapping an anxious rhythm on the floor. “Omura, this old fox, is quite calculating!”
“Not wanting to step forward himself, he lets those civilian officials from Tokyo take the field. What can a bunch of wastes who only know to mouth ‘Empire’ and ‘people’ do? They just know how to muddle through!”
“They want to suppress the matter, want the Ume Agency and Logistics Department to swallow a silent loss!”
“It may not be that serious?” Colonel Onodera Ken, the Deputy Minister, bowed slightly and said: “I think it’s still the South Manchuria Railway internals not wanting to make a big fuss, needing a reason to spread the firepower for everyone to bear.”
“Mr. Onodera, you are quite open-minded.” Sato Buntai scolded angrily: “Do you think I am annoyed because I didn’t achieve the goal? Foolish.”
“What I am most worried about now is that Tokyo, for the sake of so-called ‘overall situation stability,’ forcibly demands the Military Department to make concessions and sacrifice the hard-won infiltration results within the South Manchuria Railway.”
“If Aoki Tomoshige’s confession is lightly resolved by Ozaki Hidemitsu under the name of ‘Cabinet coordination,’ or even turned into shackles restricting the Military Department, that will be a huge setback for us.”
“Knock knock knock,” a regular knock on the door interrupted their conversation.
Sato’s face tightened slightly, he sat back behind the desk, and faintly uttered a word from the corner of his mouth: “Enter.”
“Creak,” the office door opened, and a lieutenant officer walked in holding an urgent document.
“Your Excellency Sato, urgent document from the homeland for your review.”
Sato Buntai was stunned for a moment, quickly took the document, glanced at it lightly, and showed some doubt in his eyes.
“Go! Call Chen Yang to me immediately!”
“Hai,” the man bowed slightly and hurried out.
Onodera Ken asked puzzledly: “Your Excellency Sato, why suddenly call Mr. Chen?”
“Of course it’s good news.” Sato Buntai handed the document in his hand to the other: “Mr. Chen has finally gotten his wish. The Military Department has agreed to my recommendation for his promotion.”
:”However, on top of this, the South Manchuria Railway also needs to receive preferential treatment…”
Shanghai, Southern Transportation Department, Section Chief of Land Transportation Office.
“Mr. Ishiki, how do you have time to come to the Land Transport Section? If Your Excellency Sato has any instructions, just make a phone call. Why bother you to come over?” Seeing the unexpected guest at the office door, Chen Yang was obviously surprised.
“Section Chief Chen, no need to be polite with me. Your Excellency Sato has important business with you.”
“Come with me immediately now.”
So urgent? Chen Yang quickly stood up: “Give me two minutes to explain the work.”
Ishiki Rin bowed slightly, indicating agreement.
After quickly arranging everything, Chen Yang was soon brought by Ishiki Rin to Sato’s office.
“General Sato, you wanted to see me?”
“Mr. Chen, indeed an efficient talent, sit!” Sato Buntai waved away the attendants, pointed to the chair opposite, placed both hands on the desk, and stared at Chen Yang with piercing eyes. “You know about Ozaki Hidemitsu from the Cabinet coming to Shanghai for the ‘discussion meeting,’ right?”
“This subordinate has heard a little. Haruki-kun mentioned it to me,” Chen Yang said calmly. “It is said the meeting aims to coordinate all parties and optimize logistics transportation.”
“Optimize? Hmph!” Sato sneered, “Sounds better than it is!”
“Mr. Chen, you are a person valued by me and General Kagesa, and we strongly recommended you for this position. Now, it’s time for you to show your stance and work for the Military Department!”
Chen Yang leaned forward slightly, assuming a posture of obedience: “Please instruct clearly, General. This subordinate will do his best.”
Sato Buntai lowered his voice: “Ozaki Hidemitsu’s trip will surely force the South Manchuria Railway to carry out so-called ‘internal rectification.’ People like Takenaka and Suzuki will probably become sacrifices.”
“Although it’s a desperate measure, there will inevitably be resentment within the South Manchuria Railway!”
“You must use your new Deputy Minister of Southern Transportation identity to closely monitor the movements within the South Manchuria Railway, especially those powerful figures dissatisfied with the rectification and particularly resentful of Tokyo’s intervention! We need to know who can be pulled in, and who must be guarded against!”
“Second, and most important! Ozaki is likely to adjust the division of transportation authority under the name of ‘improving efficiency,’ and may even have you specifically responsible for certain key routes.”
“This is both an opportunity and a trap! The opportunity is that you can use this to gain more direct transportation control for our Military Department!”
“The trap is that Tokyo and the South Manchuria Railway may not sincerely relinquish power; they might just want to use you, this ‘neutral’ face, as a transition!”
“Your task is to firmly grasp the power about to come into your hands! In specific operations, prioritize ensuring transportation for materials specified by the Military Department, especially the Kwantung Army!”
“For those scheduling instructions that may not favor the Military Department, whether from South Manchuria Railway high command or hints from Tokyo, you must skillfully ‘digest’ them, or report to us in time! You must become our true ‘own person’ within the transportation system!”
Chen Yang showed an appropriately grave and loyal expression on his face: “General, rest assured. This subordinate knows well who gave him this opportunity. The position of Deputy Minister of Southern Transportation exists precisely to better serve the Imperial Holy War and cooperate with the Military Department’s needs.”
“This subordinate knows how to weigh the pros and cons to ensure the Military Department’s interests are given top priority.”
Only then did Sato Buntai nod in satisfaction: “Mr. Chen, I very much appreciate your attitude.”
With that, Sato handed the document previously delivered by Ishiki Rin to Chen Yang.
Chen Yang took the document with both hands, opened it, and found it contained two different official documents.
The first was an official appointment document stamped by the Military Department.
Appointing Chen Yang as Deputy Minister of Southern Transportation Department.
When Chen Yang’s gaze turned to the next document, his eyes instantly sharpened.
The second was an internal notice about adding a Deputy Minister of Transportation Department.
That is to say, in addition to Oshima and him as the principal and deputy ministers of the Transportation Department, another deputy minister was still to be added for the South Manchuria Railway.
Two deputy ministers? What game are they playing? It’s not like a gangster society with two bosses…
