Kingsman Agent in Film and Television

1947 3 Month 19 Day.

Nanjing, Bureau of Investigation and Statistics.

The huge conference room was packed with people, but it was completely silent.

On the platform, Mao Renfeng, sitting in the main seat, whispered to Zhang Anping at a slightly lower position, while Zhang Anping responded faintly from time to time. Although Mao Renfeng was sitting in the main seat, Zhang Anping's "reserved" behavior made it seem as if he were the main character.

No one found this scene strange.

There wasn't even a surprised look on their faces.

Firstly, people had become accustomed to Mao Renfeng's posture, and secondly, they were more concerned about something else:

Almost everyone's eyes were focused on the radio that had been specially brought over!
They are waiting for a telegram!
Everyone who had come to the conference room was waiting for this telegram.

Time: 10:15 AM.

Mao Renfeng and Zhang Anping, who had been talking quietly, both pretended to be asleep. However, Zhang Anping, who was known for remaining calm even when Mount Tai collapsed in front of him, was very "foolish" in his pretense of sleep this time.

Because he would occasionally raise his wrist to check the time.

As time passed, one could clearly see the anxiety on Zhang Anping's face...

This was completely unexpected, but everyone in the conference room thought it made perfect sense!

Time: 11:03 AM.

The telegraph operator, who had been standing in front of the telegraph machine, suddenly became very busy.

At this moment, even the sound of breathing stopped in the already silent conference room.

Two minutes later, the telegraph operator hurriedly grabbed the telegram, stood up, faced Zhang Anping directly, and loudly read the plaintext telegram aloud:
To Zhang Zuo and Mao Zuojun of the Nanjing Bureau of Secrecy:
The First Brigade of the First Reorganized Division successfully entered Yan'an at noon today. Order within the city is temporarily stable, and various units are taking over key locations according to plan.

The frontline command has confirmed the recapture of Yan'an; further details to follow.

—Hu's Frontline Staff Office, March 19, 1947, 10:35 AM.

(There is a half-hour time difference between Yan'an and Nanjing [Yan'an uses the Longshu time zone], so it is 10:30 in Yan'an at this time.)
After the telegraph operator finished reading, Zhang Anping stood up and laughed loudly:
"it is good!"

His "Good!" caused the entire conference room to erupt in cheers.

Everyone seemed to witness the beginning of a brand new era.

Neither Zhang Anping nor Mao Renfeng intervened in this "out-of-control" scene. Instead, they watched with smiles as their subordinates reveled unrestrainedly. Zhang Anping even said to Mao Renfeng:
"From this day forward, the Communist army... will no longer be a major threat to our Party and our country!"

"Chief, after get off work, how about we have a company-wide dinner to celebrate this momentous occasion?"

Mao Renfeng continued in his usual tone:

"Anping, you can handle this as you see fit—this is indeed something to celebrate!"

Zhang Anping smiled and nodded, saying, "Then I'll go and make the arrangements—by the way, I'll inform the various stations and teams later that headquarters will cover the cost, and this time everyone will get an extra three months' salary!"

Mao Renfeng nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, yes, it's definitely time to reward the brothers properly—what about the brothers who were in charge of keeping secrets this time?"

Zhang Anping paused for a moment, then said calmly, "Let's treat everyone the same."

"Yes, treat everyone equally." Mao Renfeng smiled knowingly.

The Nationalist government's attack plan against Yan'an had been brewing since the end of last year. Before the plan was launched, the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (BIS) oversaw all matters related to secrecy, and for this purpose, the BIS dispatched General Zheng Yaoxian to be in charge of the secrecy work.

Zhang Anping's statement about treating everyone equally is clearly an attempt to erase Zheng Yaoxian's contributions.

Mao Renfeng was not surprised by this.

Zhang Anping left the conference room with a smile. Before leaving, he took one last, smiling look at the expressions of the people in the conference room who were in the midst of a celebration, seemingly extremely satisfied.

After stepping outside, he paused and looked up at the azure sky, the smile on his face never fading.

But at that moment, he was thinking:

Those comrades hiding in the conference room, who are smiling at this moment, must be feeling extremely bitter inside!
As a top-tier player, he naturally knew that the Kuomintang army's so-called victory was pure nonsense. At this time, Yan'an was just an empty city—more importantly, the battle had only just begun!
In particular, the first reorganized division and brigade that entered Yan'an first were subsequently wiped out at Qinghuabian.

Looking back on this so-called victory in time, it will all be a complete joke!
But as the head of the No. 2 intelligence group, he knew the shock and confusion of most of his comrades at this moment.

Yan'an had been a sacred place in the eyes of the Communists since the beginning of the War of Resistance Against Japan. Now that this sacred place had changed hands, their shock and confusion were unimaginable.

Zhang Anping had anticipated this scene, which is why he told Mao Renfeng: "Everyone will have dinner together after get off work."

The reason he did this was because he needed a window of opportunity to convey a strategic idea to the Nanjing underground party and all members of the No. 2 intelligence group:

People who have lost their land, and people who have lost their land;
If you lose the land but the people, you lose both!
For these combatants on the hidden front, the change of Yan'an was like a fog shrouding the path of their faith—but these simple sixteen characters were an unstoppable beacon in the fog!
Of course, the benefits of the headquarters should also be extended to stations and teams across the country—and this extension creates a window of opportunity for comrades in various places.

……

Confucius Temple, Liuhua Spring Restaurant.

The convoy of cars attempting to enter the restaurant was stopped by police tape and soldiers on guard.

A secret agent dressed in a Zhongshan suit got out of the lead car, angrily pulled out his identification and handed it to the officer in charge.

"Who are you? I am from the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Zhongtong) – our commander is going to Liuhuachun to entertain distinguished guests."

The officer ignored the identification offered and said without any apology, "I'm sorry, Liu Huachun is booked today and cannot receive anyone else."

The Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS) agents were stunned: "They've taken it all? Who's so...arrogant?"

Liu Hua Chun is one of Nanjing's high-end Chinese restaurants, renowned for its Beijing-Suzhou cuisine (Beijing refers to Nanjing cuisine). It is a restaurant frequently visited by government officials and wealthy businessmen!

Someone actually booked six Huachun teahouses?

The officer smiled proudly:
"You Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS) are not qualified to inquire about this!"

Seeing the other party's arrogance, the agent dared not cause trouble. He gave the officer a threatening look, then jogged to the third car in the convoy.

"Director, Liu Huachun has been taken hostage, and he's being guarded by the Garrison Command."

The visitor was none other than Ye Xiufeng of the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS), who was preparing to establish the group as the Party's Information Bureau.

Ye Xiufeng was slightly taken aback, then asked, "Who booked it?"

"I've had someone investigate," the agent replied, then cautiously added, "How about we go to the Fuchang Hotel?"

At this moment, someone in the car said, "Brother Xiufeng, shall we go somewhere else?"

Ye Xiufeng waved his hand: "Brother Mosheng, please calm down."

This person was Ye Xiufeng's classmate during his time studying in the United States. Ye Xiufeng, as the host, invited him to a casual meal when he came to Nanjing. Unexpectedly, he was "frustrated" in front of the famous Liuhuachun Restaurant, which made Ye Xiufeng instinctively unhappy - the head of the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics was stopped by the people of the Garrison Command.

Inside the Liuhua Spring Restaurant, the atmosphere was lively and bustling with the clinking of glasses.

The secret service agents never expected that Zhang Anping would bring them to Liuhuachun today—a place where the powerful and wealthy often dined, a place they could only dream of visiting on ordinary days, but today they were able to come here as a group to "crack a dungeon".

With the strict restrictions lifted today and the supply of fine wine unlimited, the agents at the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics naturally started to let loose.

Zhang Anping sat with a group of high-ranking officials from the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics. Although Mao Renfeng was still seated at the head of the table, the focus of the group was Zhang Anping, who was sitting in front of Mao Renfeng.

By this time, Zhang Anping had drunk quite a bit and was clearly intoxicated. He suddenly said with a dazed expression:

"Gentlemen, today is a day of great joy for our party and country, but for the Communist Party, it is a day of great sorrow—although all four hundred people in this hall are wearing smiles, is it truly...a joy from the bottom of their hearts?"

Upon hearing this, the entire table fell silent, everyone pondering the meaning behind Zhang Anping's words.

Mao Renfeng then chimed in, "Anping, are you saying someone is pretending to be happy but actually grieving?"

"A facade of joy masking true sorrow? Well said!" Zhang Anping laughed loudly. "What is honey to me is poison to them; a facade of joy masking true sorrow—truly ingenious!" "Gentlemen," he continued, "after this battle, the Communist Party will inevitably be like grasshoppers in autumn; I think the Communists will be in a state of turmoil—"

"Two things!"

The drunkenness on Zhang Anping's face disappeared, and his sharp gaze returned to normal.

"First, purify the ranks—since the preparation of the heart-digging strategy began at the end of last year, there have been quite a few Communist moles spying on us, both openly and secretly. Fortunately, our Bureau of Investigation and Statistics was united and ultimately no secrets were leaked. However, the fact that there are Communist moles in our Bureau of Investigation and Statistics is as obvious as lice on a bald monk's head."

"Therefore, one of the key focuses of our Security Bureau going forward is to purify our ranks—Director, I will be in charge of this matter. What do you think?"

Zhang Anping's "What do you think?" is utterly absurd.

Normally, these words should have been said by Mao Renfeng!

But in reality, it was Zhang Anping who made the proposal, and even the simple request, "What do you think?", revealed a crude and perfunctory attitude.

But Mao Renfeng's expression remained unchanged:
“Anping, you’re right. You’re in charge of this!”

After receiving a clear answer from Mao Renfeng, Zhang Anping continued:

"Second, re-education of cadres!"

Zhang Anping simply stood up, ready to launch into a long speech, when Mingtai, who was in charge of security for the banquet, quickly approached and whispered in Zhang Anping's ear:
"Teacher, Ye Xiufeng's convoy has been stopped, but he hasn't left; he's been waiting outside."

Ye Xiufeng?
Zhang Anping paused for a moment, then, after a brief thought, smiled apologetically at the group of high-ranking officials from the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics at the dinner table:
"There's been a small problem down there, I'll go take care of it."

Mao Renfeng asked with concern, "What's wrong? Do you want us to come down together?"

"It's a minor problem, I'll take care of it."

"Okay, then go ahead—" Mao Renfeng acted as if he didn't care at all. After Zhang Anping left quickly, he started eating by himself. After a few bites, he seemed to realize something and said to the others at the table:

"Everyone, eat up! What are you all standing there for?"

Seeing this, the others picked up their chopsticks and pretended to pick up food, but their uneasy expressions were hard to hide.

Purifying the ranks is understandable, but... what does "re-education of cadres" mean?
Since ancient times, there has been a saying that one person should be assigned to one position. This re-education is probably just another round of purges.
But now everyone in the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics is following Zhang Anping's lead. Purge... purge whom?

Only Mao Renfeng, like a contented old man, ate his meal by himself from beginning to end.

But his heart was the most unsettled!

Just as I predicted! This day has finally come!

Outside Liuhua Spring.

"Director, we've found out. Liu Huachun's entire event was booked by the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics."

Ye Xiufeng looked utterly astonished again: "The Secret Service?!"

Why is it the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics?

The spy who had gathered the information whispered, "It's said that they're celebrating the capture of Yan'an today."

Ye Xiufeng frowned.

The plan to attack Yan'an was called the "Heart-Digging Strategy." The Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Zhongtong) originally wanted a share of the spoils, but the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (BIS) kicked it away—so the BIS was responsible for keeping the "Heart-Digging Strategy" secret throughout.

Now that the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics is celebrating its success here, it makes him very uncomfortable.

He wanted to say he was going to Fuchang, but the words just wouldn't come out. He had just told his old classmate to be patient. If he changed places immediately after hearing the words "Security Bureau," where would he put his face?

Ye Xiufeng is a man who has a sense of shame!

While he was struggling with his thoughts, he didn't notice that when his subordinates reported to the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics that they were "celebrating the capture of Yan'an today," his old classmate's fists clenched involuntarily.

Just then, someone came out of the restaurant, and the soldiers guarding the area made way for them.

Upon seeing this, a Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS) agent rushed to Ye Xiufeng's car and exclaimed, "Chief, Zhang Chang and Zhang Anping are here!"

Ye Xiufeng initially wanted to get out of the car, but after a moment's thought, he gave up the idea. Just as he was considering how to meet Zhang Anping, Zhang Anping had already arrived in front of his car. There were clearly seven or eight Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBI) agents standing like pines in front of him, but no one dared to stop Zhang Anping as he strode over.

What's most infuriating is that these scoundrels even bowed slightly to show their respect.

It almost made Ye Xiufeng furious.

His classmates' pupils constricted when they saw this.

Is this... the famous Zhang Shih-hao?

Zhang Anping walked to Ye Xiufeng's car, bent down and glanced inside, then smiled and said, "Director Ye, is this... a banquet for distinguished guests?"

Ye Xiufeng nodded slightly.

"I'm so sorry, Liu Huachun's people specifically told me that Director Ye was hosting a banquet for distinguished guests tonight, but I was so busy that I forgot to remind my subordinates—I'm really sorry!"

Ye Xiufeng certainly didn't make a reservation in advance, because he didn't think it was necessary for him to.

As the head of the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, he went to Liu Huachun to entertain his classmates. How dare you, Liu Huachun, not have a seat?
Now Zhang Anping is mocking himself as a "pig brain" and full of apologies, which greatly surprises Ye Xiufeng.

This guy is a plague god in the eyes of everyone in the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS) – he looked down on Ye Xiufeng even when he wasn’t a deputy director, but now that he’s the de facto head of the CBIS, he’s so humble. Why?

But since Zhang Anping was being so accommodating, Ye Xiufeng naturally had to oblige, so he got out of the car and said with a smile:

"Director Zhang, you flatter me. If I had known your bureau had booked the entire venue for your celebration today, I wouldn't have made this trip. How about this, let's go to Fuchang. Next time, Director Zhang, please remember to treat us!"

"That won't do! If Director Ye goes to Fuchang, it will be said that I'm bullying him. Besides, Liu Huachun has already prepared a private room and even the food for Director Ye. If he doesn't go, he'll be disrespecting their hospitality!"

Zhang Anping smiled broadly: "Director Ye, please give Liu Huachun this face!"

Ye Xiufeng gave Zhang Anping a deep look and smiled, "It's indeed inconvenient to change locations, so... I won't disturb your bureau's dinner, will I?"

"Haha, Director Ye is a distinguished guest, how could I possibly disturb you? Please come in, Director Ye, I'll apologize and offer you some wine later."

With things having come to this point, Ye Xiufeng naturally wouldn't change his mind. He calmly got back into the car, casually said goodbye to Zhang Anping, but inwardly he felt uneasy—what the hell is this plague god up to?
My heart is trembling so much!

Zhang Anping watched with a smile as Ye Xiufeng's convoy entered through the cleared cordon, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

They say a pillow is a godsend when you're sleepy, and the ancients were right!
……

Within the Six Springs.

Because Ye Xiufeng didn't leave the main hall, ordinary secret agents didn't know their mortal enemy had arrived, but this didn't escape the notice of Mao Renfeng's table.

Before Zhang Anping came up, the people at the table exchanged puzzled glances—what was Zhang Anping up to now?
Back when it was still the Special Service Department, it had a strained relationship with the Party Affairs Department at the time—no, to be precise, the Party Affairs Department, which was then the boss, caused the Special Service Department a lot of trouble.

During the War of Resistance against Japan, the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS) and the Military Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (MBIS) fought even more fiercely, and there were even instances of MBIS agents shooting and killing CBIS agents.

When the Military Intelligence Bureau reorganized the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Zhongtong) also played a significant role.

Why is Zhang Anping suddenly being so nice to Ye Xiufeng?

Mao Renfeng, still enjoying his meal, seemed unconcerned about the matter, but in reality, he had some thoughts in mind:
Could it be that Zhang Anping intends to use the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS) to eliminate dissidents?

In this strange atmosphere, Zhang Anping returned.

Seeing Zhang Anping return, Mao Renfeng put down her chopsticks and said, seemingly to show her support:

“Anping, you just mentioned that the second thing is the re-education of cadres—what are your specific thoughts on this? Everyone seems quite concerned about it.”

Upon hearing this, the group of high-ranking officials from the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, who had been pretending to be talking, immediately fell silent and all eyes turned to Zhang Anping.

(Actually, I wanted to change the chapter title to: Dancer on the Edge of a Knife.) (End of Chapter)