Chapter 248: Conditions
Return to the hotel first.
Now Gu Yansheng could directly communicate with the Japanese, but Gao Zhongwu and Mei Siping had been busy for so long. Although it was a fruitless effort, when there was progress to report, they still had to be brought along. Merit would be shared, and fault would be punished together.
It’s a team, so their feelings need to be taken care of.
Moreover, Suzuki Takuo was just a Lieutenant Colonel; Gu Yansheng didn’t need to curry favor with him.
Wait for them to return.
Gu Yansheng asked, “Any progress?”
“Don’t even mention it.” Mei Siping had truly lost his spirit. He slumped onto the sofa with a dead fish expression and cursed, “Damn it, I even want to run to Chongqing and find Old Jiang myself.”
Finding people is getting harder and harder. It can be said that everyone who could be found has been found, but two problems remain unresolved.
Either the people found are not of high enough rank to dialogue with Chongqing, or they are of high enough rank but value their lives.
When interacting with traitors like them, no matter what the matter is, if it gets leaked to Chongqing, it’s a huge risk. One day it could explode and shatter them to pieces, leaving no explanation.
It’s difficult.
“I went to see Song Ziliang today, and he has agreed to relay a message.”
“Really?” Mei Siping was so happy he could jump. He stood up, his eyes wide with surprise.
When they went to see him, Song Ziliang didn’t even want to talk about it.
“Minister Gu, you still had to make a personal appearance. Your methods are too effective. How did he agree? I’ve asked people to intervene several times, and he still didn’t want to talk.”
If this issue is truly resolved, then his work in Hong Kong would be largely complete, and he would be free.
Gu Yansheng hummed, “Song Ziliang has a condition: for the next three days, the Japanese Army cannot bomb the Burma Road at all. This is a non-negotiable condition; it must be fulfilled.”
“The Burma Road?” Mei Siping frowned in confusion and walked closer, “What does this have to do with Song Ziliang?”
“Song Ziliang is the Chairman of the Southwest Transportation Company. For the Southwest Transportation Company’s goods to enter the mainland from Hong Kong, the only way now is through Myanmar.
Myanmar is a British colony. Goods are shipped from Hong Kong on British ships to ports in Myanmar, and then transported along the Burma Road into Yunnan.
It can be said that the Song family’s wealth is closely tied to this Burma Road.
The Japanese are also aware that this road is used to transport anti-Japanese supplies, so they bomb the Burma Road day and night without stopping.
So, I researched Song Ziliang these past few days and found this road.
To force Song Ziliang to comply, there are two methods: either threaten him that we will completely bomb the Burma Road, or give him a way out, a safe way to transport supplies.
Using both methods together will be more effective.”
Mei Siping then understood. He pondered, “So that’s why Song Ziliang wouldn’t agree no matter how we negotiated. Minister Gu, as soon as you went, Song Ziliang listened. It turns out you hit his weak spot. Minister Gu, you really have many methods; you found the Song family’s vital point.”
Gu Yansheng smiled, “It’s not a vital point, but this road is indeed very important. The Japanese negotiations with Chongqing have nothing to do with the Song family, so it’s normal for him not to pay attention to us.
But who doesn’t like money?
Now that I’ve secured the deal for you, Minister Mei, it’s up to your silver tongue to get the Japanese to agree to this.”
Mei Siping pondered for a moment and nodded, “Alright, leave it to me. I’ll go to the Consulate now.”
In the evening, Mei Siping returned, and the matter was resolved.
Persuading the Japanese was not difficult. Suzuki Takuo was assigned as a military attaché in Hong Kong, and his main task was to advance the negotiations. After half a month with no progress, this was also a problem for him.
Now there was a way forward, and it wouldn’t cost much. It only required stopping the planes for one day; the price was very cheap.
Gu Yansheng delayed for so long precisely to exhaust Suzuki Takuo’s patience.
When everyone is anxious, things become easier to handle.
If this method had been proposed on the first day, the Japanese might not have agreed.
Four days later.
Gu Yansheng called Song Ziliang.
He smiled and said, “Mr. Song, aren’t the days without bombing particularly comfortable?”
Song Ziliang sneered, “I have experienced Mr. Gu’s abilities. You can even make the Japanese planes stop. Then I think it’s not impossible for us to do business.”
Gu Yansheng chuckled, “There’s no rush for business matters. I’ve completed my part of the agreement; isn’t it time for Mr. Song to keep his promise?”
“A wager is a wager.” Song Ziliang smiled lightly, “I’ll come to see you tonight, and we can sit down and talk.”
“Good, I will await your arrival.”
In the evening, Gu Yansheng, together with the Japanese, received him.
Suzuki Takuo smiled, “Japan has the intention of peace talks. Building a peaceful East Asia benefits both China and Japan. We hope Mr. Song can relay the relevant information to President Jiang in Chongqing as soon as possible.”
“It’s too late to relay it now. In fact, two days ago, I already sent a telegram to Chongqing and received instructions from the high command.” Song Ziliang said with a faint smile, “Chongqing replied that negotiations are possible. Without this order, do you think I would be here?”
“Really? That’s great. Mr. Song’s speed amazes me, and Chongqing’s attitude gives me hope for peace.” Suzuki Takuo was genuinely happy; the matter had finally entered the right track.
He gestured, “Mr. Song, please sit. We can talk while we eat.”
Song Ziliang was not polite and sat down directly, saying, “However, let me say something unpleasant first. Negotiations are a private matter, and this must be kept absolutely confidential. I think you understand why: resisting Japan is the current policy. Anyone who wavers will be overthrown. If this matter is exposed prematurely, you will have no room for negotiation; the only path left will be to fight.”
“Understood.” Suzuki Takuo bowed his head. “We will ensure secrecy for President Jiang.”
“Then let’s not waste words. Everyone is busy. Let’s get straight to the conditions.” Song Ziliang started eating.
“Certainly.” Suzuki Takuo said seriously, “Our Empire of Japan can cease the war in China, with the precondition that, one, China needs to recognize the legality of Manchukuo.
Two, China must immediately abandon its anti-Communist policy and resolutely strike against the Communist Party.
Three, China and Japan shall sign an anti-Communist agreement, allowing Japan to station troops in North China and Mengjiang to combat the Communist Party.
Four, upon the establishment of a ceasefire agreement, the National Government and the Wang Government shall form a united government and cooperate to develop the East Asian economy.
Five.”
Suzuki Takuo laid out eight articles for the agreement.
Song Ziliang continued to eat and drink.
When Suzuki Takuo finished and asked Mr. Song what he thought.
Song Ziliang said, “Are you finished? I have no opinion. It’s your business to make demands; I can relay them. I, on my part, will relay Chongqing’s opinion, which is just one sentence: the situation between Japan and China should return entirely to what it was before the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. If this can be achieved, the two sides will sign a ceasefire agreement.”
Suzuki Takuo felt offended, his expression turning cold. “I see no sincerity from Chongqing!”
Song Ziliang chuckled, “Why are you getting angry with me? I said I would relay what you said, and I will also relay what Chongqing said. Isn’t that enough? Getting angry with me is useless; the demands weren’t made by me. Besides, do you feel your demands are sincere?”
Suzuki Takuo had to suppress his anger. “Mr. Song, please relay our demands back as soon as possible. We need to know Chongqing’s attitude.”
“Certainly, eat your food.” Song Ziliang was very relaxed. “Mr. Suzuki, if you have any further demands, you can make them all at once. It’s inconvenient for me to travel back to Chongqing, so I can take them all back with me.”
Suzuki Takuo nodded and thought for a moment. “Then please, Mr. Song, relay another message to President Jiang of Chongqing. Our Japanese intelligence department is well aware of the mood of Chongqing officials; everyone is trembling with fear, and people are defecting daily. We are coming to negotiate with sincerity, but such an opportunity won’t always be available. We hope President Jiang will show sincerity.”
“Don’t present yourselves as so powerful.” Song Ziliang wiped his mouth with a handkerchief and smiled. “Chongqing’s intelligence department is just as aware of Japan’s current situation.
With your character, if you could win, would you choose to negotiate? Who are you trying to fool?
Yes, continuing the war would be difficult for both sides, but Chongqing is absolutely not without the strength to fight.
Therefore, we are evenly matched. There’s no need for threats. However, rest assured, I will definitely convey your words.
It’s just that, I suggest, Mr. Suzuki, you could offer a reasonable negotiation condition. Otherwise, if I make this trip for ten days to half a month and bring back only two words, ‘no,’ what do you expect to happen next?”
Seeing the faint smile on Song Ziliang’s face, Suzuki Takuo’s expression turned grim.
Suzuki Takuo frowned. “Can’t Mr. Song communicate via telegram? If you don’t have a radio, we can provide one.”
Song Ziliang asked curiously, “How can such matters be discussed over the radio? If this detailed communication process is deciphered by the British or Americans, the negotiations would be impossible. What would happen then? So, I can only explain it in person.”
“I see, I understand.” Suzuki Takuo nodded with a smile, resigned to it.
If he was just a messenger, then there was no point in talking; the meal could only be just a meal.
After the meal.
Suzuki Takuo frowned as he watched Song Ziliang’s car drive away. He asked with great puzzlement, “Do you think there’s a possibility that he’s just deceiving us and hasn’t contacted Chongqing at all?”
Conventionally speaking, Chongqing would cherish any opportunity for peace talks, and even if they couldn’t be finalized, at least the initial attitude shouldn’t be like this.
“Deceive us for a chance to transport goods from the Burma Road?”
To be honest, Mei Siping found this angle of thinking very interesting. It was very similar. Chongqing indeed shouldn’t be so tough.
However, he didn’t want to find more people.
“Mr. Suzuki, I don’t think so. A matter as big as peace talks concerns the survival of a nation.
If one day, the news of our peace talks reaches Old Jiang’s ears, and Old Jiang says he knew nothing about it, that it was Song Ziliang who unilaterally refused, then the Song family couldn’t bear that burden, could they?
Minister Gu, don’t you think that’s the case?”
Gu Yansheng hummed and nodded. “Connecting this matter to Old Jiang directly might raise suspicions of personal motives, but the Song family has no loyalty issues, so I don’t think Song Ziliang needs to lie to me.
To put it another way, perhaps he indeed hasn’t contacted Chongqing today, so he doesn’t want to say too much.
But after today, he will definitely contact them once to ask for Chongqing’s opinion. It doesn’t hurt.”
That made sense. Suzuki Takuo frowned. “Then let’s wait and see. Mr. Gu, please maintain contact with him going forward. If there’s any news, please notify me immediately.”
“This matter should be followed up by Minister Mei. I have a lot of official business to handle in Shanghai. I’ve been out for long enough and need to return.”
Gu Yansheng had already accomplished his mission in Hong Kong and had no desire to waste time with these people. Just looking at the conditions the Japanese proposed today, it was a miracle if these negotiations could succeed.
“You’re going back?” Mei Siping was unaware of this.
Gu Yansheng nodded. “Song Ziliang is going to Chongqing, and the round trip will take at least half a month. I’m tied up with matters in Shanghai. Economic development is at a critical juncture, and any problems would be troublesome. I’ll come back if there’s progress. Anyway, flights from Shanghai to Hong Kong are fast.
Mr. Suzuki, please consider this an early farewell for today.”
Suzuki didn’t care who was in Hong Kong, as long as someone followed up. “Mr. Gu’s busy schedule is understandable. Thank you for your help during this period.”
“You’re welcome.”
Gu Yansheng booked his ticket and returned to Shanghai.
Two days later, Gu Yansheng arrived in Shanghai.
As soon as he arrived in Shanghai, he went to report the progress of his trip to Hong Kong to Minister Zhou.
“I know Song Ziliang. He’s a playboy. With his family background, it’s normal for him to act erratically. I also find it impossible to believe that he wouldn’t report to President Jiang and act on his own. It’s probably that
In President Jiang’s character, he wouldn’t initially give reasonable conditions. He would habitually say he’d first listen to what the other side has to say, after all, the incident was initiated by the Japanese.
The side that initiated it inherently has a desire to show weakness, so it’s normal for him to want to play hardball.”
Minister Zhou pondered after speaking and smiled, “From our perspective, Chongqing’s approach is actually good.”
“I think it could be even better.” Gu Yansheng added, “The Military Department will definitely have patience for this plan, but patience can be exhausted. Song Ziliang’s current reaction clearly indicates he’s stalling for time.
If you or Mr. Wang can express more dissatisfaction to the Japanese, I believe the Military Department will have to consider lowering their expectations for peace talks and revert to the pace of quickly establishing the Wang Government.”
“That makes sense.” Minister Zhou understood immediately. “However, we can still wait. When Song Ziliang returns next time, as long as he brings bad news, the damage to the Japanese will reach its peak, and then we will achieve twice the result with half the effort.”
“As the Minister says.”
After the discussion, Gu Yansheng returned to the Tea House to rest. He also needed to find out what had happened in Shanghai during his absence.
As his car drove towards the Tea House, before arriving, Gu Yansheng saw members of the 76th organization working on the house behind his Tea House.
“What’s wrong?” Gu Yansheng did not want the 76th organization to interfere with his own territory.
“Mr. Gu.” The person from the 76th organization bowed and reported, “We’ve captured an agent from the Military Statistics Bureau. He was too audacious; he actually tried to blow up our 76th organization.”
“Blow up the 76th organization?” Gu Yansheng felt a surge of respect. “Who is it? Are they crazy? What does this have to do with this house?”
“It has a great deal to do with it.” The person from the 76th organization said with great seriousness, “I dare to bet that you absolutely wouldn’t guess how he planned to blow it up.”
“How?”
“Heh heh, this person is formidable. He wanted to dig a tunnel underground to the basement of the 76th organization’s prison, completely destroying the entire 76th organization’s office compound. He had already dug almost directly beneath Director Li’s office.”
“Ah?” Gu Yansheng looked at the straight-line distance from the residential building behind the Tea House to the 76th organization’s office. That distance alone was not short.
This workload indicated that the planning had taken a considerable amount of time.
“Where is the person?”
“In the prison.”
“Mm, thank you for your hard work. Conduct a thorough investigation of the surrounding area. I want you to check around here more carefully.”
“It’s no trouble at all. Protecting Mr. Gu’s safety is our honor!”
“Good.” Gu Yansheng casually asked, “Are there any other recent news from the 76th organization?”
“It’s about capturing agents from the Military Statistics Bureau.” The team member pondered and said, “A few days ago, we captured a captain from the Military Statistics Bureau, named Wan Lilang. There are rumors that he was the one who commanded this bombing.”
Because of this, he was brutally beaten in the interrogation room. Everyone in the 76th organization, everyone who had been there, had whipped him.
The name “Wan Lilang” sounded familiar. Gu Yansheng nodded. “Alright, I’ll communicate with Director Ding later. Conduct a thorough inspection. Thank you for your hard work.”
“It’s not hard work; it’s what we should do.”
“Okay, come to my place later to collect some money. I’ll be going now.”
“Thank you, Mr. Gu.”
Gu Yansheng drove to the Agent Headquarters to find Li Shiqun.
