Chapter 221: Drinking And Scolding
In the evening, Gu Yansheng returned home.
Shen Shuyun heard the sound of the car and came down from the second floor.
The silk robe fit her quite well; it was a gift from someone during Gu Yansheng’s housewarming last time, and it was just right to give it to her to wear, saving some money on buying clothes.
“Not asleep yet?” Gu Yansheng greeted.
Shen Shuyun hummed, “Why so late today?”
Aunt Liu came out too, “Mr., there’s ginseng soup warming in the pot; shall I serve you a bowl?”
“Aunt Liu, no need, I’ll handle it.” Shen Shuyun took over the task.
Aunt Liu had some tact, said “ai ai” twice, and left.
Shen Shuyun served a bowl of soup for Gu Yansheng and placed it on the dining table.
“I thought you wouldn’t come tonight.”
Gu Yansheng sneered, “Went to visit brothels with Chen Gongbo.”
“Visit brothels?” Ordinary women couldn’t stand that word, but Shen Shuyun, as an agent, had good tolerance; she just showed disdain, “These people from Chongqing all like visiting brothels? They’re big shots, yet act like they’ve never seen women.”
Gu Yansheng smiled and continued to butter her up.
“People are all the same; these from Chongqing are like this, but those staying in Chongqing aren’t? Chongqing tabloids even say that since people from Nanjing came to Chongqing, the two most booming businesses are restaurants and brothels.”
Shen Shuyun pursed her lips, then turned to Gu Yansheng with a teasing smile, “So how many women did you sleep with tonight?”
“I didn’t sleep with any.” Gu Yansheng scoffed, “Japanese women have so much makeup on their faces; late at night, I thought I’d seen a ghost.”
“Haha.” Shen Shuyun chuckled lightly as she looked at Gu Yansheng, propping her chin and asking, “What about Chinese women?”
“You, I might consider.” Gu Yansheng met her eyes, his expression serious.
Shen Shuyun smiled, “What kind of person is this Chen Gongbo?”
“High official.” Gu Yansheng told her about Chen Gongbo’s background; though Chen Gongbo was a high official, Chongqing had plenty like him, and in these war times, high officials were far less famous than warlords with troops.
Shen Shuyun nodded, thought of something, glanced at the nanny’s closed door, and whispered very softly, “This kind of person likes visiting brothels; doesn’t that make him assassinate-able?”
Gu Yansheng nodded toward the radio; Shen Shuyun understood, got up, and turned on the radio, immediately filling the room with an indignant female broadcaster’s voice.
“. Traitor Wang’s speech in Shanghai is thoroughly treasonous behavior!
Twisting Mr. Sun’s Three Principles of the People, promoting defeatist rhetoric of inevitable defeat in the war and Sino-Japanese friendship, inciting the people under the guise of preserving the nation’s vitality to accept so-called saving the nation through detours as a legitimate cover for his betrayal, utterly shameless!
The public is furious at Traitor Wang’s actions!
Farmers have composed folk rhymes mocking Traitor Wang: ‘Wang Jingwei, shameless, recognizes the enemy as father and becomes a traitor; ghost soldiers, eat his mother, sooner or later dragged off to feed the wolves!’
Among scholars, Tsinghua professor Zhu Ziqing sternly rebuked, ‘Hearing Traitor Wang’s broadcast, full of distortions of Sun’s doctrines, it makes one want to vomit!’
Statements represented by Zhu Ziqing reflect the literary world’s general attitude toward Traitor Wang’s defection to the Japanese!
“
Gu Yansheng listened to the broadcast with great interest.
Traitor Wang’s remarks spread through various channels; though he gained some followers, the scolding increased noticeably.
Red Party scolds, Kuomintang scolds, the public scolds; this radio station scolds all day—as long as someone turns on the radio, they hear voices cursing Traitor Wang.
Gu Yansheng said while drinking soup, “You’re right, he can be assassinated, but do you think the returns on assassination are high?”
“To intimidate traitors?” The Military Statistics Bureau does that; Shen Shuyun naturally thought of their mission in Shanghai.
Gu Yansheng nodded in approval, “It can intimidate, and it must; for example, the Military Statistics Bureau’s recent killing spree in Shanghai definitely deterred traitors.
But killing isn’t necessary for everyone right away.
No. 76 and Japanese intelligence aren’t blind; the more you kill, the higher your chance of capture.
Killing, like the Military Statistics Bureau’s recent style, is for deterrence; but killing a heavily guarded Chen Gongbo—what’s the purpose?
Killing him versus killing a director in the puppet government—which has better deterrence? And which is easier?”
Without waiting for her to speak, Gu Yansheng continued, “The new government hasn’t been established yet; Chen Gongbo has no position now. Killing him is like killing a nobody. Yes, Chen Gongbo personally may be capable, but there are plenty capable; kill Chen Gongbo, and a Chen Jibo comes.
What then? Keep killing? When does it end? Worth getting spotted by No. 76?
Li Shiqun was just a minor Central Statistics Bureau director left lurking after Nanjing fell—unremarkable, right? Now he’s director of No. 76. Capable people are never lacking; many just lack a stage.
So assassinating Chen Gongbo may not yield as much as you imagine.
Killing depends on the returns you can get.
Take Traitor Zhou; he definitely has ability and is rotten to the core.
If I tried to kill him, I’d face Traitor Wang and his wife Chen Biqun.
Chen Biqun doesn’t like me and wants to promote her confidant Li Shengwu.
From my perspective, should I kill Traitor Zhou?”
Shen Shuyun nodded, “No, otherwise work would be troublesome later.”
Gu Yansheng gave her an approving look, “Different heights mean different perspectives; Military Statistics Bureau agents think of merit from killing traitors—killing Chen Gongbo is major merit.
With Traitor Wang’s rampant propaganda now, Boss Dai can’t tolerate it; fighting No. 76 and killing traitors earns merit for the Military Statistics Bureau.
But our mission is to lurk; killing isn’t our job.
Other teams can kill if they want; we adapt strategy after. But initiating kills? No need.
Unless it’s someone we must kill, like if they know our identities, right?”
“Mm, understood.”
“Hey, you who types, why think assassination? High score? Itchy hands?”
“No, just thought of it.”
“If itchy hands, go hunting in the suburbs; Loyal and Righteous National Salvation Army makes it easy to fire some shots.”
“No need, I can find other ways.” Shen Shuyun smiled, “Done eating? Tired? Want a massage?”
“Sure, massage away.”
The next day, Gu Yansheng went to see Fu Xiao’an.
Chen Gongbo wanted him to handle a search team of four to five hundred; drawing from city government was the best solution.
Mainly, these city government people were deadweights, useless at spotting fake Kuomintang, convenient for the upcoming replacement plan.
“Mayor Fu.” Gu Yansheng had arranged to meet Fu Xiao’an at city government.
After some pleasantries, Gu Yansheng got to the point and stated Chen Gongbo’s request.
He thought Fu Xiao’an would haggle, but Fu Xiao’an agreed readily; clearly wanted to flatter the new government too.
“Five hundred is impossible; that would cripple city government. Four hundred: draw 150 scattered from departments, then have Lu Ying provide 250 more, with police along; if trouble on the road, they can act as thugs.”
Four hundred was about right; Gu Yansheng thought and nodded, “Good, four hundred then. You arrange the staff; once done, I’ll invite Mr. Chen for dinner. Mayor Fu, your effort—I won’t steal the merit.”
Fu Xiao’an beamed, “Fine, I’ll arrange now. By the way, what cuisine does Mr. Chen like? I’ll book the restaurant.”
Gu Yansheng could answer instantly, “Of course Japanese cuisine.”
At noon, Gu Yansheng went to the airport to see off Wang Faction personnel flying to Japan.
Now Traitor Wang traveled as if already president, full pomp.
And Chen Biqun was solidly First Lady.
Now going to Japan, officially a visit.
China Daily and Japanese media took photos for the record, full ceremony, seeing them off on the plane.
After sending them off, back to the city.
Mr. Hase was there too; good chance to report Wang Faction matters. He’s consulate staff; should report—anyway, just advancing Wang Puppet Government establishment, nothing secretive.
Mentioned Chen Gongbo’s second task: Kuomintang bigwigs list.
Gu Yansheng casually asked, “Mr. Hase, has Japanese Army intelligence investigated this group?”
“Surely they have; specifics I need to ask. Come with me to the consulate.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dedicated intelligence departments; Shanghai’s is Iwai Residence.
Mr. Hase returned to consulate, made a call, said a few words, then told Gu Yansheng, “Later the person arrives: Vice Consul Iwai; he’s clearer on this intelligence.”
“Okay.” Gu Yansheng nodded.
Mr. Hase said, “Advance notice: once new government forms, I may transfer to Nanjing; then Vice Consul Iwai becomes Shanghai’s chief consul.”
“Promoted to ambassador?” Gu Yansheng smiled, “Congratulations! Truly deserved; in Shanghai, whose ability surpasses yours?”
Mr. Hase smiled, raised his tea cup, “So, do well on new government establishment; no problems.”
Gu Yansheng nodded, “Rest assured; in helping, I truly act as their subordinate—full effort on anything I can help with.”
As they spoke, Iwai Eiichi arrived, a man around 40.
Mr. Hase explained the situation, asked, “Iwai, Director Gu wants this intelligence; does your Iwai Residence have it?”
Iwai Eiichi nodded, “We have some, but not detailed, and outdated.
Kageza’s Special Agents Committee and Dohihara’s Headquarters investigated this most; to recruit more, better consult them for latest intelligence.”
“Kageza just returned to Japan.” Just their luck; Mr. Hase frowned, “Dohihara’s Headquarters now managed by Haruki Keiichi, right? Ask him if Shanghai has it.”
“Better wait for Kageza in Japan, send a telegram.” Iwai Eiichi grumbled, “Asking Dohihara’s Headquarters means owing a favor later; Kageza will surely provide— he can’t not help advancing Wang regime government.”
Made sense; Mr. Hase told Gu Yansheng, “Wait one day then; I’ll telegram home, notify Kageza on arrival, have him reply, then we proceed.”
“Okay. I’ll take my leave then.”
Gu Yansheng nodded farewell to them and returned to West Shanghai.
Haruki Keiichi’s side could be reached via Li Shiqun anyway—he’d help—but since Kageza has it, Gu Yansheng was too lazy to bother.
Meanwhile, Traitor Wang’s group arrived at the Japan airport.
