Chapter 83: Hidden Intentions
After Chen Yang sent off Zhang Zixian who had come to deliver the documents, he immediately took the appointment letter to the consulate to find Iwai Koichi.
He did not feel happy about being appointed as deputy director of the Nanjing Special Affairs Committee.
On the contrary, he suspected there might be some unspeakable purpose behind it.
Chen Yang had always believed that in this world, besides parents, no one would be good to you for no reason.
He was worried that Kagesa wanted to utilize him to make a fuss, and if that was really the case, he needed to prepare a contingency plan first.
He was not afraid of being utilized; in officialdom, only waste would not be utilized by others.
But utilizing him would not be a cheap matter; hmm, add money.
Shanghai, consulate.
Chen Yang walked into the familiar red building and easily found the consulate office.
Standing at the door, Chen Yang took a deep breath, then knocked on the door.
Iwai Koichi’s voice came from inside: “Come in.”
Chen Yang pushed open the door and smiled: “Senior Iwai.”
Iwai Koichi looked up, somewhat surprised to see Chen Yang: “Mr. Chen, why are you here at the Economic Department at this time instead of being there?”
Chen Yang unceremoniously sat down opposite Iwai Koichi and said somewhat hesitantly: “Senior Brother, there’s something I want to consult you about.”
“This is the appointment letter specially sent from Nanjing by Senior Kagesa’s order.”
“I don’t know if I should accept it.”
Iwai Koichi took the appointment letter and looked at it, then smiled: “This is good; the position of deputy director of a special affairs committee is worthy of your previous efforts.”
Chen Yang shook his head: “Senior Brother, this isn’t right. Previously, Senior Kagesa planned to nominate me as an advisor.”
“To provide him with opinions on administrative aspects and special affairs committee structure.”
“Now he suddenly appoints me as deputy director; I’m worried.”
“Your worries are somewhat unnecessary,” Iwai Koichi smiled: “Mr. Chen, you are a very cautious person.”
“More importantly, you are very talented, and moreover, Mr. Kagesa and Sonoda both trust you greatly.”
Chen Yang sighed slightly: “Senior Iwai, you know that’s not what I’m worried about.”
Iwai Koichi shook his head and suddenly changed the topic: “Mr. Chen, do you know how many intelligence agencies the Empire currently has operating in China?”
Chen Yang was stunned for a moment and thought for a while: “I really haven’t calculated that.”
Iwai Koichi said slowly: “The Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Navy, Army, each has its own directly affiliated intelligence agencies.”
“The Ministry of Home Affairs has Special Higher Police Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has China Affairs Section and our Iwai Agency, the Army has Information Section serving the war command division, Special Services Section, Southern China Association; the Navy also has its Naval Special Affairs Investigation Office. Besides that, South Manchuria Railway, Black Dragon Society, Osaka Chamber of Commerce.”
“These organizations also have their own intelligence departments; they serve their respective forces and also need to obey orders from the Military Department.”
Chen Yang said somewhat puzzled: “Senior Iwai, does all this have anything to do with the Nanjing Special Affairs Committee?”
Iwai Koichi nodded: “Of course it does.”
“To tell you the truth, the Nanjing Special Affairs Committee is actually an experiment of Kagesa’s.”
“Homeland’s intelligence work in China has never had very good performance.”
“Special Higher Police Affairs has tens of thousands of people up and down, consuming immeasurable funds, materials, manpower, and resources.”
“But the results achieved are not ideal.”
“As an expert in strategy for the China Affairs Section, Mr. Kagesa’s opinion is that Homeland’s intelligence agencies’ methods may not effectively target China’s intelligence agencies.”
“We need more targeted agencies.”
Chen Yang laughed in disbelief: “Just with the current Nanjing Special Affairs Committee to target China’s intelligence agencies?”
Iwai Koichi said seriously: “Of course not. Mr. Kagesa’s original suggestion was to reorganize the China Affairs Section.”
“But most of the General Staff Office believed the agency should still be retained, and Kagesa could establish a new agency to see its performance.”
“If it is indeed effective, then they will agree to reorganization.”
“Reorganizing the China Affairs Sections in Central China, Fujian-Zhejiang Region, North China, and other areas into more targeted intelligence agencies.”
Chen Yang’s heart suddenly shook when he heard this; wasn’t this the future “Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, Chrysanthemum” four major intelligence agencies?
China Affairs Section Shanghai headquarters reorganized into Ume Agency, headed by Kagesa Shinzhao.
Hankou information collection office reorganized into Take Agency, headed by Shibayama Kenshiro.
North China Information Section reorganized into Ran Agency, headed by Kazutomi Eiji.
Fujian-Zhejiang Region information office reorganized into Kiku Agency, headed by Nishiyama Saiichi.
So, Kagesa Shinzhao established this so-called Nanjing Special Affairs Committee to prepare for reorganizing the four major agencies.
But what does he want by promoting him?
“Mr. Chen, don’t question Kagesa’s attitude toward you.” Iwai Koichi smiled: “He believes your talent should not be limited to a small Economic Department.”
“Intelligence agencies are the best place to train people; he hopes to maximize your extraordinary abilities.”
“You may not even realize it yourself, but your observation skills, thinking ability, and arithmetic ability are all top-notch.”
“Moreover, you are calm in handling matters; from the racecourse VIP Hall incident, it’s clear that in such chaos, you could remember what happened at the scene and even pull Sonoda out at a critical moment.”
“These are the basic qualities required of professional intelligence officers in intelligence agencies.”
“Moreover, your starting point is higher than ordinary people because you have knowledge.”
“Knowledge and talent determine the upper limit of an intelligence officer.”
“Some people think they are very capable, but that’s just petty cleverness; their vision is limited to the gains and losses of one city, one place.”
“You are different; you are the student our teacher values most, and I believe your insight won’t be lacking.”
These words made Chen Yang somewhat blush.
Chen Yang couldn’t help but complain inwardly: I never thought I was this capable.
Iwai Koichi folded the appointment letter and put it in Chen Yang’s pocket: “Mr. Chen, opportunities are reserved for those who are prepared.”
“You have already gained more opportunities than others; now, as long as you seize the opportunity and strive to complete it, your future is limitless.”
Chen Yang’s mind sharpened, and he stood up to bow to Iwai Koichi: “Senior Iwai, thank you for your teachings; I know what to do now.”
“That’s good,” Iwai Koichi patted Chen Yang’s shoulder: “Go back and work well; if there’s any problem, come find me, and I will definitely help you.”
“Thank you, Senior Brother.”
Shanghai, Labor Union.
Secretary Pan of the Labor Union was bent over his desk writing quickly, planning the next stage of the workers’ movement.
Thud thud thud, a sound of footsteps approached from far away. Secretary Pan looked up upon hearing the sound and saw Secretary Zhao Jian holding a pile of envelopes as he walked in.
“Secretary Pan, these are letters sent from various trade unions; please take a look.”
