Chapter 268: Ran Agency
“Enough,” Tada Shunroku sternly interrupted: “Mr. Nakamura, Mr. Chen, you two—one is the Chief of Staff of the First Army, the other is the Vice Minister of Transportation.”
“Both are pillars of the Empire, yet now you’re acting like vegetable sellers haggling in the vegetable market.”
“Where have you put the dignity of Imperial officers?”
“Next, are you going to have a samurai duel? Should I fetch two swords now and give you the office!”
“Once you decide a winner, I’ll come back to collect the bodies!”
“Want to or not…”
As expected of the Commander, Tada Shunroku’s roar made everyone in the room jump!
Chen Yang hurriedly said: “Commander Your Excellency, calm down. That’s not what I meant!”
Nakamura Masao slightly bowed: “Commander Your Excellency, Vice Minister Chen is bullying people too much. I was merely discussing the matter at hand; it was he who spoke rudely first!”
“Mr. Nakamura!” Tada Shunroku said impatiently: “I already understand the whole story of this matter.”
“It’s nothing more than you, Mr. Nakamura, obtaining some unverified intelligence and using it to force the Transportation Department to explain itself!”
“To be frank, Mr. Nakamura, the Transportation Department has accomplished a material supply plan that was almost impossible during this period.”
“Colonel Yoshida and Vice Minister Chen, under immense transportation pressure, completed the material northbound plan. With transport capacity overloaded, some losses en route were inevitable!”
“Even Kwantung Army Headquarters hasn’t said anything, yet you’re judging Yoshida based on some unverifiable evidence?”
“This is far too frivolous. Frankly, doing so will greatly affect the Transportation Department’s work enthusiasm.”
“Moreover, as far as I know, Yoshida coordinated Transportation Office work continuously for a month before the jade shatter!”
“He and his team worked day and night without respite!”
“In such circumstances, how could he possibly have time to plan some ridiculous smuggling scheme?”
Nakamura Masao persisted: “But even so, it doesn’t explain how the Communist Party suddenly acquired so many weapons and equipment!”
Chen Yang angrily rebuked: “Enough, Mr. Nakamura. Why don’t you just tell Commander Your Excellency directly that I’m smuggling, that all the materials were sent by me, that I’m the biggest parasite in the Transportation Department.”
“Everything has nothing to do with Mr. Yoshida or the Transportation Department. Satisfied now?”
Before Nakamura could speak, Nakajima, who had been silently sitting to the side, suddenly stood up!
He first bowed to Tada Shunroku, then slightly bowed to Chen Yang, and slowly said: “Mr. Chen, I am deeply grateful for your defense of Colonel Yoshida and the South Manchuria Railway transportation system.”
“I think at this point, you don’t need to say such angry words. Headquarters has likely already reached a conclusion on Mr. Yoshida’s matter.”
“This is the internal notice I received!”
Nakajima took a document from his briefcase, walked to Tada Shunroku, and presented it with both hands.
Tada Shunroku examined it carefully, then looked at Nakamura Masao: “Mr. Nakamura, take a look at this first.”
With that, he placed the document on the tea table and slowly pushed it over!
It was an internal notice document from the South Manchuria Railway Co., Ltd.（ Investigation Department, accompanied by a photocopy of a commendation order issued by Tokyo General Headquarters.
The commendation order prominently featured Colonel Yoshida’s name, praising his selfless dedication in the Transportation Department and heroic command, ultimately “dying loyally for His Majesty the Emperor,” and specially awarding him the Third Class Order of the Golden Kite and the title of “Heroic” warrior.
The South Manchuria Railway document was worded rigorously, but conveyed an unquestionable tone between the lines, emphasizing Yoshida’s “loyalty and bravery” and contributions to the Imperial cause, and expressing “high concern” over any attempts to tarnish the reputation of “jade shatter” officers.
“Mr. Nakamura…” Tada Shunroku finally spoke, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable pressure: “I appreciate your diligence. But some matters cannot be spoken lightly. I hope the evidence you submit next time isn’t based on analysis or speculation…”
He stood up, paced to the window, and gazed at the seemingly orderly street outside.
“Yoshida has jade shattered; he is a hero of the Empire. This is decreed by General Headquarters to inspire frontline troops’ morale. Investigating his possible stains now is tantamount to denying this ‘heroism’ and providing ammunition for enemy propaganda. Do you understand?”
Nakamura Masao’s jaw tightened: “But, General, if corruption truly exists and involves incumbent senior officials, it will severely impact material support for ‘public security rectification,’ harming Imperial interests…”
“So you’re still sticking to your view.”
Tada Shunroku turned abruptly, staring fixedly at Nakamura Masao: “Make this clear: you have no concrete evidence, only suspicions of possible corruption. If you had evidence, you wouldn’t settle for just demanding an explanation!”
“Mr. Nakamura, I must remind you that the Transportation Department is the guarantee of smooth Imperial warfare. Vice Minister Chen is a leader in the field; he knows how to efficiently mobilize local resources to ensure our materials reach where needed.”
“At this stage, stability and efficiency are more important than pursuing possibly unprovable old accounts. The South Manchuria Railway side also highly recognizes his ability.”
“If you continue targeting the Transportation Department without cause, I reserve the right to complain to the General Staff Office. I hope you won’t make things difficult for me again.”
“My patience is limited!”
Damn, actually using the Expeditionary Army Commander’s authority to threaten—this must mean how much he’s been paid off to stand up for the Transportation Department so wholeheartedly.
This isn’t just favoritism; it’s outright unreasonable bias toward the Transportation Department! Hell, Minister Chen couldn’t be your illegitimate son, could he?
Of course, this was just Nakamura Masao venting inwardly; he wouldn’t dare say it aloud. Who knows if he’d even make it back to North China after that!
“I won’t let this drop so easily.” Nakamura Masao had guts, grandly dropping a tough line before turning and leaving the office.
Tada Shunroku rubbed his brow and waved everyone off, signaling them to leave.
The group wisely saluted one by one and left the office!
Shanghai, Special Higher Police Affairs Headquarters.
Returning to the Section Chief’s office of the First Section under Special Higher Police Affairs, Nantian Yangzi felt an unprecedented pressure.
Outside the window was the gray city sky, mirroring her current mood.
“Knock knock knock,” the office door was knocked on. Without waiting for her response, Fujita Go pushed the door open and entered.
This time, he wasn’t wearing a kimono but a neat colonel’s uniform, his face stern, eyes sharp.
“Major Nantian.” Fujita’s voice held no warmth, skipping pleasantries: “I heard you met with the First Army’s Chief of Staff, Mr. Nakamura.”
Nantian Yangzi’s heart tightened, knowing she couldn’t hide it, and stood up: “Yes! I believe…”
“What you believe is irrelevant!” Fujita cut her off sharply, his voice not loud but carrying immense pressure: “I want to know why you leaked the investigation results to Nakamura!”
“What exactly are you trying to do?”
“Colonel Fujita, I hope you will hear my explanation. I believe Mr. Nakamura stepping in is more suitable than us!” Nantian hurriedly explained!
“You think everything should go as you believe? Did you ask my opinion!”
“Or do you think my opinion doesn’t matter at all?”
“Nantian, I must remind you to drop your self-righteousness!” Fujita’s tone was icy: “Know your place!”
“Special Higher Police Affairs is the Empire’s eyes and dagger, but the dagger’s direction must be decided by the one holding the knife! Right now, the knife is held by Expeditionary Army Headquarters! Not your laughable ‘intuition’ or ‘persistence’!”
“I now order you to cease your investigation and seal all information!”
Nantian Yangzi looked up sharply, a flash of disbelief and humiliation in her eyes.
She trusted her intelligence network and judgment; the clues pointing to the Transportation Department were no baseless fabrication.
Behind it might be a cover-up of dereliction or even graver crimes—smuggling materials!
Moreover, the Transportation Department was likely a key link in this interest chain, using their positions to maintain some unspeakable ties with mountain resistance forces…
Fujita’s gaze was icy, containing not just calculated interests but a warning against Nantian’s overreach.
Special Higher Police Affairs’ power was great, but it had to operate within the Army’s overall strategic framework.
“I don’t understand why Colonel Fujita would issue such an order. If you can’t give me a valid reason, I can refuse to execute your command.”
The Army truly has insubordination carved into its bones—even a woman like Nantian has mastered it perfectly.
Fujita slowly put on his polished glasses, his vision clearing, then took out a document and gently pushed it toward Nantian.
“South Manchuria Railway Investigation Department’s notice document, and a photocopy of a commendation order from Tokyo General Headquarters.” Fujita said slowly: “This is the reason to stop you.”
“Yoshida has been recognized as heroically martyred. The cabinet specially awarded a medal to placate the South Manchuria Railway!”
“In other words, he has received honors from Headquarters! Questioning his loyalty questions the authority behind this medal and the purity of all warriors sacrificed in this holy war! Understand?”
“As for Chen Yang…” Fujita’s tone softened slightly: “He is a key link in maintaining the ‘new order’ and ensuring material flow for the North China ‘public security rectification’ plan.”
“The Empire’s transportation efforts in China need such collaborators. Without ironclad, irrefutable evidence, moving him would cause unnecessary turmoil and affect the overall situation.”
“The South Manchuria Railway side has already stated their position.”
“They recognize Yoshida’s merits and indirectly recognize Chen Yang’s ability, and are willing to maintain the current transportation system stability.”
“So, stop the investigation. This is not a suggestion—it’s an order.”
“Focus you and your subordinates’ energy on dealing with active anti-Japanese elements. That is Special Higher Police Affairs’ proper duty.”
“I’ve said all there is to say, Section Chief Nantian. Consider it carefully!” With that, Fujita said no more, turned, and left the office, leaving Nantian Yangzi alone facing the two starkly contrasting yet equally weighty documents on the table.
“Morning orders changed by evening, outward compliance with inward defiance, compromising for peace,” Nantian murmured looking at the documents: “Can’t they see so many materials vanishing without cause, being sold cheaply, and our enemies growing stronger?”
“You’re willing to be blind, but I’m not!”
After a long silence, Nantian seemed to steel her resolve, took out the safe key, and retrieved a thick stack of information from inside!
Holding the information, Nantian hurriedly left the office. She had few chips left now; no one in Shanghai would support her, and the South Manchuria Railway was in bed with the Transportation Department.
Yoshida got honors, Chen Yang got power, and some unknown backstage manipulators got profits!
They clinked glasses at the table in harmony, making dirty deals, while Nantian wanted to flip the table!
No one would want to see this outcome. Now, it seemed only Nakamura could still help!
Two days later, Shanghai, Kazafuu Inn!
Deep in the Kazafuu Inn, a secluded tearoom.
Bamboo curtain lowered, incense wafting.
Nantian Yangzi had changed into simple casual clothes and arrived early, quietly kneeling on the tatami. Her heart was far less calm than her appearance.
This was a gamble. If Nakamura Masao reported her leaking top secret information from the Special Higher Police Affairs audit team and their private meeting to Fujita Go or intelligence agencies, her fate could be tragic.
Still, Nantian believed her judgment wouldn’t fail her that badly.
Last time, Nantian had already made a deal with Nakamura, who had shown great appreciation for her stance.
This was why Nantian still chose to approach Nakamura—her chips were running low.
After some time, the door was gently slid open. A middle-aged man in a dark kimono, lean build, eagle-sharp eyes, entered.
It was Nakamura Masao. He came alone, no entourage, and closed the door behind him.
“Major Nantian.” Nakamura’s gaze swept substantively over her: “Last time, you weren’t thorough enough, leaving me very passive in front of Commander Tada Shunroku.”
“But I know the information you provided has high credibility, just lacking some evidential support.”
“So, I’m willing to give you another chance. This time, I hope it’s worth my risk.”
Nantian skipped pleasantries and directly pushed a carefully prepared report copy with both hands onto the tea table before Nakamura Masao.
“Chief of Staff Nakamura, these are some materials I compiled during the investigation of the Transportation Department’s abnormal material losses!”
“Due to certain reasons, the formal investigation has been terminated, but I believe the risks involved could directly impact frontline troops’ material support efficiency, especially the First Army.”
Nakamura Masao didn’t look at the document immediately but stared at Nantian: “Oh? Terminated by whom? Colonel Fujita?”
“So you’re meeting me this time to get my support? But I don’t have that much power yet. And General Doihara won’t give me face!”
Nantian took a breath: “I am of low rank and influence, unable to pursue further.”
“But thinking of frontline warriors possibly lacking ammunition and fuel due to rear parasites fills me with sorrow!”
“Mr. Nakamura, perhaps we can try a different approach. You may not be convenient to intervene, but someone from the North China side can.”
“Oh,” Nakamura Masao was slightly taken aback: “Section Chief Nantian, what are you saying?”
Nantian said word by word: “Former North China Information Section senior commander, current Head of Ran Agency, Colonel Wachi Eiji!”
