Chapter 283: Attack
“What’s the difference?” Chen Mo thought about it but couldn’t figure it out, frowned and asked, “Reporting it to anyone would resolve the crisis, right?”
Gu Yansheng shook his head, “The difference here is not small. From your perspective, you think Wang Ni and the Japanese are in cahoots, but actually they are not.
Let me give an example. Someone from No. 76 discovered a clue from the Military Statistics Bureau. This person was originally Li Shiqun’s man, but he reported the clue to Ding Mocun, and in the end, they busted some people.
From the Japanese perspective, it’s all the same, all busted by No. 76.
But from Li Shiqun’s perspective, can it be the same?”
Chen Mo opened his mouth, then nodded. He understood now.
Eyebrows raised, “The person from No. 76 who reported it is equivalent to Fu Xiao’an?”
Gu Yansheng nodded with a smile, “Fu Xiao’an is showing goodwill to Wang Ni.”
Chen Mo, “So what do we do?”
“Splash dirty water.” Gu Yansheng smiled, “Leak the information to the newspaper company, reveal the ins and outs of the Kuomintang major general being arrested by No. 76, with emphasis on how Mayor Fu Xiao’an cares about the Wang Puppet Regime and immediately leaked the information to Mr. Wang upon learning it.
Don’t make it malicious; this is a good thing.
Praise Fu Xiao’an to build up his image of loving the Wang Government, so that even Japanese newspapers and China Daily can publish this content.
Fu Xiao’an will be happy to see it.
Then let the news ferment. You find two newspaper companies friendly to Chongqing or people who like writing critical articles, and naturally target this published content, talking about how Fu Xiao’an has gone from relying on the Japanese to relying on Wang Ni, actually changing allegiance.
From how he became mayor, the Japanese assigning him guards, to why he told Wang Ni first instead of the Japanese now—analyze it for him, help the Japanese sort out the logic here.
If successful, the Japanese will definitely have reservations about Fu Xiao’an. Whether they withdraw the guards or not, this knot is planted.
If unsuccessful, we have no loss. It’s worth a try to see how much the Japanese really trust Fu Xiao’an.”
Chen Mo laughed, “This try might just blow Fu Xiao’an’s mind.”
Gu Yansheng also laughed, “That’s none of our business then.”
“Good, I’ll handle it.”
“Writing short essays can involve spending money, but don’t show your face. If not, send a telegram to Chongqing and let them do it. They definitely have newspaper companies and literati they control.”
“Don’t worry.”
The news hit the papers quickly, with no review troubles. As the Wang Faction’s main mouthpiece, China Daily accepted this article and greatly praised Mayor Fu’s decisiveness.
Headline: President Wang’s keen insight thwarts Chongqing’s assassination plot; Mayor Fu’s unwavering loyalty safeguards the National Government’s pillar in midstream.
The article was written like this.
This paper reports:
Recently, Chongqing’s Chiang gang spy agency attempted to sabotage our great cause of peaceful nation building with despicable assassination methods.
Fortunately, heaven blesses China; the traitors’ conspiracy was crushed before it could be implemented!
It is reported that the Chiang gang spy agency dispatched desperate thugs to infiltrate Shanghai, intending to harm National Government leader President Wang.
SH Mayor Fu Xiao’an, loyal and devoted to the nation, upon detecting the plot, immediately sent an urgent secret telegram to President Wang, forcefully describing the dire situation in Shanghai, tearfully pleading for the President to postpone his visit and avoid falling into the enemy trap.
President Wang, with heavenly wisdom and insight, saw through the villains’ schemes.
Upon reading it, he immediately ordered a special plane to divert to the Nanjing headquarters and personally oversaw the anti-traitor operations.
Our agents, following the President’s wise instructions, cast a thunderous net to capture the culprits, arresting all the Chongqing spies sent within less than ten days.
These jumping clowns ultimately cannot escape the majestic heavenly might!
This case suffices to show: The Chiang gang fears our new government like a tiger, and in their desperation, they resort to street thug tactics—punishable hearts and contemptible actions!
In contrast, Mayor Fu remained calm in crisis, displaying both wisdom and courage, protecting the leader at the critical moment—he is truly a pillar minister of the Party and State.
[Omitted 1000 words.]
Front-page headline, the entire front page of the newspaper dedicated to this content.
Gu Yansheng read it through and was full of admiration.
These were all people he recruited; how could he not know there were so many sycophants among them.
Their flattery skills were masterful.
Just reading the article, he knew this group he recruited should satisfy Mr. Wang.
Gu Yansheng immediately called Fu Xiao’an and praised him thoroughly.
This kind of official media praise was indeed a great honor.
Fu Xiao’an answered the phone chuckling, clearly having taken many calls that morning.
Saying he wouldn’t disturb him, Gu Yansheng hung up.
The next day, major newspapers dug deep into the matter and reported on it, with China Daily focusing on how wise Mr. Wang was and how loyal and devoted Mayor Fu was.
While the major newspapers focused on how the Military Statistics Bureau assassination failed, the identity of the major general in the assassination, and so on.
This was all normal.
Among them, three or four newspapers analyzed the matter and commented on the central figure, Fu Xiao’an.
Everyone knew the title of Indestructible.
Mayor Fu was rich, wealthy enough to rival a country—everyone knew that.
How he became mayor, what agreement he reached with the Japanese, why Fu Xiao’an could become mayor, what happened during his tenure as mayor, how much money he made, why the Japanese assigned him guards—it was because the Japanese wanted to use Fu Xiao’an to extract money from the Chinese.
After a shallow dig, they dug deeper.
Since the Songhu War, Shanghai’s several forced requisitions all happened after Fu Xiao’an became mayor. Fu Xiao’an’s own business suffered no losses; instead, it grew bigger.
Even the British and Americans were stranded in Chinese territory, but Mayor Fu’s Indestructible title was truly well-deserved.
Shanghai’s forced requisitions went so smoothly thanks to this dog traitor Fu Xiao’an.
Being a dog for the Japanese—Fu Xiao’an was professional at it.
Don’t say President Wang is for peaceful nation building; just look at the people he uses to know what kind of trash President Wang really is.
Not to mention the distant past, take the ongoing rice and grain forced requisition that started before the new government and still hasn’t ended. If the Wang Government is really for peaceful nation building, why impose forced requisitions on the common people?
Is all this requisitioned rice and grain entirely for the Japanese? Does the Wang Government have any right to speak in front of the Japanese?
After this group finished cursing, another group followed.
Another newspaper company dissected Fu Xiao’an’s tip-off behavior this time.
It straight up said Fu Xiao’an had completely sided with the Wang Puppet Regime, ignoring the Japanese.
The evidence was that between the Japanese and the Wang Government, it could only be called a cooperative relationship, absolutely not a complete superior-subordinate or a department with the same will.
Fu Xiao’an previously relied on the Japanese, so he had over a dozen gendarmes as guards.
Normally, if Fu Xiao’an hadn’t changed heart, he should have told the Military Statistics Bureau assassination news to the Japanese, and let the Japanese pass it to President Wang.
That way, President Wang would have to thank the Japanese for saving his life.
As the saying goes, no great favor exceeds the grace of saving a life.
From Fu Xiao’an choosing to show goodwill directly to President Wang, it can be seen that Fu Xiao’an doesn’t value the Japanese as much now; in his eyes, the Wang Government is more important.
Of course, this isn’t strange; after all, it’s now the Nanjing Government era.
But one point is actually quite puzzling.
The newspaper raised a question.
“Fu Xiao’an reported that Chongqing would assassinate President Wang, so I can’t help but wonder: why was Fu Xiao’an the one who knew about the assassination in advance, not No. 76?
Did No. 76 know but not say? Dissatisfied with President Wang and wanting him dead?
Or did No. 76 not know, only Fu Xiao’an did?
But if Fu Xiao’an knew, there’s another problem: No. 76 didn’t know Chongqing sent killers to Shanghai—how did Fu Xiao’an know?”
Killing the heart as well as the body—killing the heart as well as the body.
In the tea house, Gu Yansheng looked at the newspaper and couldn’t help admiring it. It was written so well; these pen-pushers might not have other skills, but their ability to stir trouble was top-notch.
Later, send 200 silver dollars as writing fee to each.
Now it’s folded—not only will Fu Xiao’an’s head hurt, No. 76’s head will hurt, even Wang Ni himself will have a headache.
Hahahaha.
Zhou Mansion.
Minister Zhou was the first to receive the news.
Although due to the Gao Zhongwu and Tao Xisheng incidents, the Tao Xisheng he arranged as propaganda minister ran off, resulting in the propaganda minister position being taken by people from Wang Mansion.
But the editor-in-chief of China Daily was still his man.
The editor-in-chief notified him immediately upon receiving this news.
He thought about it; for the lower-level matters, he wouldn’t intervene. Since propaganda was now under Wang Mansion’s people and the newspapers targeted President Wang himself, let President Wang handle it.
But this matter gave him an idea, and he instructed the editor-in-chief.
“In the future, publicize less of President Wang’s personal excellence; otherwise, personal reputation will have too much influence on the new government, leading to public distrust. For the good aspects, emphasize more that it’s the government’s collective will.”
Nanjing.
Wang Ni especially focused on monitoring public opinion. His secretary screened today’s useful news and immediately reported this unfavorable message to him.
The new government had just been established not long ago, and someone was already stirring friction between Wang and Japan.
First, the matter of Fu Xiao’an.
Wang Ni instructed, “Nothing serious. Mayor Fu relying on the new government—what’s strange about that? As for the identity being Military Statistics Bureau—ridiculous. If he were Military Statistics Bureau, would he still come notify me? Utter nonsense.
Tell our media to clarify the facts. For such matters, firmly believe in our comrades.”
“Yes.”
The secretary then reported on the forced grain requisition, with overwhelming public opinion.
Wang Ni’s brows furrowed at once.
“Stop publishing for now; have someone handle this.”
“Yes.”
Nanjing Headquarters.
A phone call went to the Shanghai intelligence agency.
City Government.
Fu Xiao’an looked at the newspaper, flung his hand, and smashed the porcelain cup on the ground, shattering it.
“Wu Maiding! Wu Maiding!”
“Yes, yes.” Secretary Wu Maiding rushed in immediately, face stern; he had seen the newspapers and knew what was up.
Fu Xiao’an tapped the table with his finger, saying sternly: “Shanghai actually has newspapers daring to maliciously speculate about the government—what are you doing? Arrest them! Arrest them all!”
Wu Maiding lowered his head: “Yes, I’ll check immediately, but these newspapers are mainly in the concession; we have no authority.”
“No. 76 is about to dig up the concession! If they can do it, what can’t you?” Fu Xiao’an roared, interrupting, “Send Lu Ying! Rush in and arrest for me; arrest and interrogate to see who made them write this!”
“Wouldn’t it be better to let No. 76 handle this? After all, No. 76 plays bad cop, we play good cop. If we also clash with the concession, it’ll be hard to ease things later.” Wu Maiding considered carefully.
Fu Xiao’an realized for the first time how stupid this subordinate was, staring with dead-fish eyes, saying coldly: “Do you think No. 76’s Li Shiqun will help me arrest people now? Have you had it too good for too long, brain rusted?”
“Yes!”
“Have Lu Ying’s men change into police uniforms and act as No. 76 people; don’t make me teach you how to do things again!”
“Understood!”
“Idiot.”
Fu Xiao’an glared as his subordinate left.
His eyes were bloodshot!
The previous smears he could bear, but the most fatal was how he knew the killers had come to Shanghai.
Telling President Wang, who didn’t think much and could be easily fooled, even thanking him.
But the Japanese intelligence department wasn’t stupid!
Not so easy to fool!
If messed up, it could be big trouble.
Dohihara’s Headquarters.
In a Japanese-style decorated room, several newspapers identical to those on Fu Xiao’an’s desk lay before Haruki Keiichi.
So many newspapers in Shanghai a day, but only these two were thought-provoking.
Li Shiqun stood opposite, summoned.
Li Shiqun reported: “I received President Wang’s message at the time, then went to arrest the people. I didn’t dare ask President Wang for specifics. After catching them, I questioned them.
Their story was that his mission was to contact Fu Xiao’an, plot to have Fu Xiao’an persuade an intermediary to act as introducer between him and President Wang.
Then at the agreed meeting spot, a killer he trained would carry a leather suitcase full of high-explosive bombs, approach during President Wang’s handshake after getting out of the car, and detonate for a suicide attack.
I asked why go to such lengths—couldn’t Fu Xiao’an introduce directly?
He said it was for Fu Xiao’an’s sake; otherwise Fu Xiao’an might not agree.
The explanation seemed reasonable, so I didn’t probe further at the time.”
Haruki Keiichi disagreed, “Your explanation has issues. Once Mr. Wang is attacked, whether it’s your No. 76 leading or Japan’s intelligence department, there will definitely be a detailed investigation.
An explosion can’t kill all informed parties, especially Mr. Wang’s travel would have multiple people in the know.
Thus, Fu Xiao’an would certainly be implicated.
So this doesn’t count as considering Fu Xiao’an.”
Li Shiqun frowned and nodded in agreement: “I’ve considered this issue. First, assume Fu Xiao’an is Military Statistics Bureau; then him executing the plan himself, given his identity, would be much easier to succeed than others.
Unless he doesn’t want to die, doesn’t want to trade his life for Mr. Wang’s.
But if he’s Military Statistics Bureau, per their style, if Boss Dai orders him to die heroically, he shouldn’t have room to refuse.
For Chongqing, trading one of his for Mr. Wang is too profitable.”
“This doesn’t rule out doubts about Fu Xiao’an’s own identity. What if Fu Xiao’an just doesn’t want to die?” Haruki Keiichi raised an eyebrow and pressed.
Li Shiqun paused, then answered, “That only he himself can answer. I can’t investigate Fu Xiao’an’s identity.”
Haruki Keiichi said no more, sipping tea, lost in thought.
Li Shiqun watched his expression, waited, then added: “There’s something I’ve always found quite strange.”
“What?”
“It’s like this; I’ve actually investigated Fu Xiao’an before.”
Li Shiqun recounted some past suspicions, like reselling guns to the New Fourth Army, helping Military Statistics Bureau redeem people, etc.
After finishing, Li Shiqun added: “Things are like this, but afterward I could always find reasons he’s not Military Statistics Bureau or Communist Party, and since I couldn’t investigate him, I just shelved it.”
Haruki Keiichi hadn’t expected Fu Xiao’an to have so many issues.
Hearing Li Shiqun’s after-the-fact reasons, it seemed Fu Xiao’an really wasn’t, yet shrouded in mist.
He looked at Li Shiqun, “If someone always arouses baseless suspicion, even without evidence, that person definitely has issues.”
Leaving Dohihara’s Headquarters, Li Shiqun stood on the steps and exhaled. Long-waiting Wu Sibao trotted over immediately.
Hopefully asking, “What did the Japanese say?”
Li Shiqun smiled, “Investigate! He’ll have Nanjing withdraw the guards around Fu Xiao’an to give us convenience, but one thing: investigate secretly. Fu Xiao’an’s backers were transferred away, but Nanjing still has people eating his rice—don’t stir trouble.”
“Awesome!” Wu Sibao punched the air, thrilled. How long had he waited for this? He was almost broke crazy.
If not for too many Japanese gendarmes around Fu Xiao’an, he’d have kidnapped him long ago.
Today, seeing the newspapers, he felt it was an opportunity.
It came indeed!
Heaven doesn’t shortchange me, Wu Sibao!
Scatter a fortune and it returns!
Wu Sibao whispered: “Do the Japanese think he’s Military Statistics Bureau?”
Li Shiqun chuckled, glancing sideways, “At this point, does it matter? Say he is, and from today, even if not, he must be.”
“Got it.” Wu Sibao bowed joyfully, gesturing to the car, “After you.”
Li Shiqun disdained him—dog-faced; when there’s money to be made, his face is prettier than flowers.
Get in, go.
Over a dozen cars filed out.
Since investigating Fu Xiao’an and finding his defenses unbreakable even by him, No. 76’s director.
It was practically a template.
So on Fu Xiao’an’s defense template, strengthen further.
Cars are bulletproof; each outing has at least forty guards, armed and ready.
As long as the Kuomintang doesn’t fight back to Shanghai, even the entire Shanghai District Military Statistics Bureau couldn’t take him down in Shanghai.
