Kingsman Agent in Film and Television

Everyone could see that Mao Renfeng was desperately trying to suppress the upward curve of her lips, but she couldn't suppress it at all.

Generally speaking, politicians are all incredibly cunning. In other words, even if they were to stab their opponent in the heart, a politician like Mao Renfeng could feign concern and worry, then stab them even deeper—and afterward, he would add a few more stabs while still looking worried.

So to say that Mao Renfeng was naive—no one would believe it.

Why did Mao Renfeng lose her composure? She almost broke down completely?
There was no other reason than that he had been suppressed by Zhang Anping for too long, suppressed too harshly, beaten too badly, and "bullied" to the point of despair.

At this moment, if he can keep from laughing when presented with an unsolvable problem, he is already extremely professional.

Faced with Mao Renfeng's forced smile and the barely concealed mockery and laughter of the Mao faction members, Zhang Anping took a deep breath and said:
"We'll talk about Chen Ming's matter later."

Huh?
Not taking the challenge?
Pretending to be an ostrich?
Mao Renfeng raised an eyebrow, and before he could even give a signal, someone was already trying to force him to resign, but Zhang Anping slammed a document on the table first:

"Gentlemen, the situation... has changed!"

He clapped his hands: "Bring me the map I prepared!"

What is this for?
Mao Renfeng was extremely curious, wondering if Zhang Anping was going to beat around the bush. But what good would it do to avoid it or not respond?
As he pondered, staff brought in a blackboard with two maps hanging on it. Upon seeing the two maps on the blackboard, everyone in the conference room tensed up.

The first map shows the areas controlled by the Kuomintang and the Communist Party before the outbreak of the civil war last year; the other map shows the areas controlled by both sides up to this month.

If you ignore the northeast region, the changes in the controlled areas of both sides appear quite significant in the two maps.

But the areas under CCP control have changed the most.

The Central Plains Liberated Area disappeared, most of the Central China Liberated Area was occupied, and a large number of central cities in the various liberated areas of North China changed hands. In northern Shaanxi, hundreds of thousands of troops were stationed.

Looking at other regions without considering the Northeast gives one the illusion that the CCP is on its last legs.

Zhang Anping stood up and stood in front of the map:

"Gentlemen, if we disregard the Northeast region, do you think our army is sweeping all before it can stop?"

No one said a word.

Although they were not professional commanders, as core members of the intelligence system, how could they not know the reality?
"But the fact is—to date, we have not achieved any stage victory in any of the East China battlefield, the Shanxi-Hebei-Shandong-Henan battlefield, the Shaanxi-North battlefield, the Shanxi-Chahar-Hebei battlefield, or the Northeast battlefield!"

What's even more shocking is that our army lost over a million soldiers in less than a year!

"This is not a hastily assembled army of one million conscripts! The vast majority of this million-strong force consists of elite troops who have been tempered by eight years of war!"

Zhang Anping spoke with great distress, and as he recounted his story, the atmosphere in the conference room became heavy—when all the data was compiled, it truly suffocated those of them who were caught up in the situation.

Zhang Anping was panting heavily. After taking a few deep breaths to calm the turmoil in his heart, he said in a deep voice:
"The enemy in the Northeast has now shifted to a strategic offensive—after launching a large-scale offensive in early May, they began to seize small and medium-sized cities!"

"What about the enemy forces on other battlefields?"

"A strategic counter-offensive is imminent!"

"If we launch a counterattack, can our side, which has suffered over a million casualties, easily stop us?"

No!

This so-called favorable situation will be torn apart in an instant—

"The situation in Northeast China is very likely to be repeated on other battlefields!"

This statement is once again suffocating!
Did Zhang Anping exaggerate?

Of course not.

It is precisely because it is absent that it is suffocating.

So, did he intend to use the phrase "This is truly a critical moment of life and death" to counter this unfavorable situation?

After someone realized this, they immediately stood up:
“Deputy Director Zhang, the overall strategic situation is a matter for the GFB to consider, and for the General Staff Office to consider. Our Bureau of Investigation and Statistics only needs to serve the overall situation—what we are talking about now is…”

Snapped

Zhang Anping slammed his hand angrily on the movable blackboard, then his face darkened as he roared:

"Shut up!"

After a sharp shout silenced the elders who had stood up, Zhang Anping said in a deep voice:
"An army marches on its stomach; we are the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, a special agency integrating intelligence gathering and anti-communist operations—"

"With such a major change imminent, how can we not prepare in advance?"

"Gentlemen, when the War of Resistance broke out, why did the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Zhongtong) lose its ability to fight against the Japanese for a long period of time? Why did our Military Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Juntong) achieve one brilliant victory after another in the War of Resistance?!"

"That's because our power has never been made public!"

"Therefore, our Bureau of Secrecy must learn from past experiences and prepare early!"

Mao Renfeng seemed to be deep in thought, then made a gesture to stop the elders from attacking Zhang Anping, and said thoughtfully:

"Anping, what do you mean?"

"First, expand the force!" Zhang Anping looked directly at Mao Renfeng:
"Develop covert forces, infiltrate occupied cities, and prepare for future liberation!"

Mao Renfeng nodded slightly, acknowledging Zhang Anping's "first place".

"Second, establish a special armed force!"

Upon hearing this, Mao Renfeng raised an eyebrow, and a fiery glint flashed in his eyes.

Zhang Anping pointed to the map:

"Gentlemen, let's take the Shanghai area as an example—Shanghai is under our control. To be precise, there are no regular CCP troops south of the Yangtze River."

"But is there no CCP power south of the Yangtze River?"

Yes! And there are a lot of them!

"Here, here, here, here..." With each area Zhang Anping pointed to, his expression grew increasingly grim.
"The CCP's guerrilla forces are present in all of them!"

“It is clearly our rear area, but once we leave the cities, the CCP’s so-called grassroots governments are spread throughout the countryside. As for the cities we control, their so-called county and city committees are even more so.”

"These seemingly insignificant entities are seriously shaking the foundations of our rule!"

After saying this, Zhang Anping suddenly clenched his fist and made a slamming motion:

"Establishing special armed forces can not only deal with guerrilla forces in our controlled areas, but also infiltrate so-called 'liberated areas' to tie down more CCP troops!"

"Of course, this is not guerrilla warfare—we don't have the conditions to replicate the guerrilla warfare that the CCP excels at. However, it shouldn't be difficult for an elite team of several dozen to a hundred people to infiltrate CCP territory for hundreds of miles with radios, operate there for more than a month, and then withdraw, right?"

"The supplies they need can be obtained entirely through airdrops!"

"Therefore, I suggest forming a special armed force of more than 10,000 people. This force can not only eliminate guerrilla forces in our controlled areas, but also use infiltration to contain the Communist army and support our military operations on the main battlefield!"

"They could even... coordinate with infiltrator groups within occupied cities to seize cities with very few Communist troops!"

To put it bluntly, Zhang Anping's suggestion was a copy of the Zhongjiu Army's.

During the War of Resistance against Japan, the Loyal Salvation Army, like the CCP's guerrilla forces, was active in the occupied areas, and its achievements were evident to all.

Someone questioned, "Deputy Director Zhang, why must we withdraw after infiltrating? Can't we just let them continue operating in the Communist-controlled areas like we did during the War of Resistance?"

Zhang Anping glanced at the other person as if they were an idiot and did not reply.

Someone kindly "reminded" us: "The Communist Party's infiltration into the countryside is very strong. We can't do what we did during the War of Resistance Against Japan. If I remember correctly, we issued a related report before. Haven't you seen it?"

The questioners immediately fell silent, and the others realized that this was probably not a whim of Zhang Anping, but rather something he had been planning for a long time and had been secretly investigating.

However, this is not hard to understand.

During the War of Resistance against Japan, the Military Intelligence Bureau (MIB) controlled more than just one or two armed forces. In addition to the Loyal Salvation Army and the Action Army, it also incorporated a variety of bandit and landlord armed forces.

However, after the Military Intelligence Bureau was reorganized into the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, the rule of not being able to control armed forces became an ironclad rule. The Loyal Salvation Army was reorganized into the Traffic Police Corps, and a large number of the Bureau's operational forces either benefited the police stations or were incorporated into the Second Bureau. The once glorious Military Intelligence Bureau became the "dying" Bureau of Investigation and Statistics.

Therefore, Zhang Anping's elaborate scheme to acquire armed forces for the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics is very, very... reasonable.

So why did Zhang Anping bring this up at this time?
The people in the conference room couldn't help but ponder—were they perhaps trying to protect Chen Ming through a trade of benefits?
No, no, it's Director Mao who needs to protect Chen Ming now!
What's the secret behind this?

Mao Renfeng seemed to ponder this. He suppressed his burning desire and subtly gave one of the elders a wink. The elder understood and immediately stood up.
“Deputy Director Zhang, I think you’re overthinking it—the GFB would never agree to something like this, and the Executive Office would be even less likely to agree.”

Actually, even before Dai Chunfeng died, the calls for reorganizing the Military Intelligence Bureau were already incredibly strong, and Dai Chunfeng was almost at his breaking point. To put it simply, the Military Intelligence Bureau at the time controlled a large amount of armed forces, and for a secret service agency to control too much armed force was a serious risk of spiraling out of control, thus attracting widespread suppression.

Given the lessons learned from the past, how could they possibly allow the Security Service to regain control of their armed forces now?
Zhang Anping's answer to this question was only one sentence:
"Times have changed!"

This statement drew everyone's attention back to the map on the blackboard—if the situation really unfolded as Zhang Anping predicted, with large swathes of controlled territory being lost, then the higher-ups might not necessarily stop the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics.

Heart-beating!

Not only was Mao Renfeng tempted, but everyone in the conference room was tempted.

There were many wolves but little meat, so they had to fight tooth and nail for a bite to eat.

But what if the cake is made bigger?

How many vacancies will arise from the formation of a special armed force of at least 10,000 people?

Moreover, once this model proves feasible, this force will naturally expand, with more people, a larger scale, and more positions available.

In addition, there are infiltrating forces—with both combined, the Security Bureau's manpower must now be at least doubled!
Besides political disagreements, there is another core factor in factional struggles and infighting between different factions:
Benefit!

Why did Mao Renfeng's previous role as a "dog" cause the massive Mao faction to disintegrate and nearly be wiped out?
Is it because people from Mao's faction feel ashamed to associate with their boss, who is a sycophant?
wrong!
It's because of profit!
They chose Mao Renfeng because following him would bring them job advantages, promotion opportunities, and more power. However, since Mao Renfeng himself became a sycophant, how much benefit could he bring to the Mao faction?

The profits were insufficient, leading to its disintegration!

Similarly, while these elders enjoyed the power of their faction by "gathering the masses," they also had to seek benefits for their subordinates and make them realize that following them would bring them benefits—this is the fundamental reason why they turned against Zhang Anping and had to "submit" to Mao Renfeng.

Now that Zhang Anping is going to expand the pie, the ensuing profits will be enormous. How could they not be tempted!
Then someone asked the question that everyone was concerned about:
"Deputy Director Zhang, are you confident you can persuade the GFB and the Executive Office?"

Zhang Anping countered with a question:
"Didn't the Han court realize the consequences of delegating power to suppress the Yellow Turban Rebellion, which occurred much further back in history?"

"Didn't the Qing court realize the consequences of delegating power, especially with the Taiping Rebellion?"

Right here is the Military Intelligence Bureau—the General Staff Office. Didn't they realize the harm of allowing a secret service agency to control armed forces back then?

But sometimes, you can only consider the present.

Drinking poison to quench thirst—it's not that I didn't know I would be poisoned, but death from thirst was imminent, so drinking the poisoned wine would at least prolong my life!
Mao Renfeng silently digested what Zhang Anping hadn't said, convinced that Zhang Anping's plan would succeed—when the battle situation was in dire straits, was it necessary for the higher-ups to reject another possible solution?
He was certain that Zhang Anping had been planning this for a long time, and even the previous purge of the elders was very likely related to this idea—after purging and cleansing the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, wouldn't the expanded armed forces be completely obedient to Zhang Anping's orders?

So, what is the meaning behind him bringing up this idea at this moment?

Mao Renfeng's eyes flickered:
"Anping, the document you just put on the table, is it about this matter? Can I take a look?"

Zhang Anping slammed it onto the table, not placed it there!

Zhang Anping pushed the file bag to Mao Renfeng.

Mao Renfeng took it out and examined it carefully, gradually becoming fascinated—this document, in terms of its maturity, could be handed over directly to the Attendant's Office!

Mao Renfeng was carefully flipping through the documents, while the others were itching to read on, but could only wait idly. Many exchanged glances, their unspoken agreement signaling their support for Zhang Anping in Chen Ming's case.

This is also why Mao Renfeng insisted on promoting the exchange of the second and third batches of cadres. These veterans, relying on their own factions, would follow whoever offered them benefits!
After finishing reading, Mao Renfeng did not stop "reading". Instead, she secretly observed the reactions of the crowd out of the corner of her eye, and her heart gradually calmed down.

A bunch of bastards who'll follow whoever feeds them!
He keenly realized the change in these bastards, but he didn't feel caught off guard—no matter how many people supported Zhang Anping, protecting Chen Ming would be destroying his own image.

unless……

Mao Renfeng suddenly paused, feeling as if she had grasped Zhang Anping's thoughts:
He's not trying to protect Chen Ming; he wants to punish him severely!

hiss--

Mao Renfeng gasped. This guy, for the sake of his image, he went to... such a ruthless place!

But are you sure you can control me like this?

Slowly putting the document down, Mao Renfeng raised a question:
“Anping, there’s a high chance the higher-ups will approve this report, but…”

"You know the state of the national finances. The treasury is empty, and the investment in your plan is extremely large. The higher-ups... probably don't have that much money!"

Zhang Anping responded with a single sentence:

"As long as we are given the authority to raise our own funds, that's fine."

As everyone knows, Zhang Anping is as incorruptible as water...

But as everyone knows, Zhang Anping... can be called a god of wealth!

The Shanghai district initially raised its own funds, and the money raised by the Shanghai district alone was no less than that raised by the entire Military Intelligence Bureau.

After the Military Intelligence Bureau was reorganized into the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, it lost its military and financial power. Zhang Anping did not struggle, nor did he set up a slush fund. As a result, many people forgot that Zhang Anping's ability to make money was no less than his ability to carry out operations!

But these words awakened memories hidden in the corners of their minds.

Anping, you've got me figured out!

Mao Renfeng's expression changed; this was Zhang Anping's true source of confidence!
A true reliance!
The confidence and reliance on not worrying about being renege on or being abandoned after the fact.

If Zhang Anping doesn't make money after creating this mess, then... it will become a joke!
But this would inevitably increase Zhang Anping's power.

He was frantically weighing the pros and cons—but no matter how he weighed them, his heart kept telling him:

Stop pretending and just agree!

With military and financial power in hand, the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics will be a reincarnation of the Military Intelligence Bureau!
Controlling the Military Intelligence Bureau under Dai Chunfeng is a hundred thousand times more comfortable than controlling the unpleasant Security Bureau—even with Zhang Anping as a check and balance.

Mao Renfeng cleared his throat:

“Anping…”

He wanted to make a statement—the elders who were "united" around him all held their breath, waiting for Mao Renfeng's approval.

Once a resolution is passed, the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics will devote all its resources to promoting the implementation of this report—who wouldn't want the Military Intelligence Bureau to reappear?
But at this very moment, precisely at this moment, Zhang Anping, the instigator of it all, suddenly interrupted Mao Renfeng:

"Director, I know this matter is of great importance, and the report still needs to be further improved—"

In short, he nearly choked all the veterans who were eagerly waiting to die, and almost choked Mao Renfeng to death as well.

Just as Mao Renfeng was about to defend herself, Zhang Anping continued:
"I will resubmit the revised version to the meeting. Please feel free to point out any problems then. Shall we continue our discussion on Chen Ming's matter in the Northeast Headquarters' Inspection Office?"

With veterans seamlessly taking over:
"Director Zhang is right—let's continue discussing Chen Ming's matter. I wonder what you'd like to say, Director Zhang?"

Before Zhang Anping's outburst, someone hypocritically said:
"The Director is right. Director Ming's accusations are indeed a bit harsh—Deputy Director Zhang, what do you think?"

Coincidentally, these two sentences came from the same person!
Zhang Anping nodded slightly to him, and the elder immediately returned an innocent smile. Zhang Anping nodded again before saying:
"I think Chen Ming should be escorted to Nanjing immediately!"

"Yu Xiuning, as Chen Ming's wife, bears an unshirkable responsibility for Chen Ming's embezzlement—send her back to Nanjing to report on her duties!"

The conference room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Zhang Anping is truly ruthless. Chen Ming is clearly going to be severely punished, and Yu Xiuning's performance review is likely to be a one-way trip!
This left the veterans who had decided to support Zhang Anping completely bewildered. "We've all decided to endorse you, so why are you taking such a drastic step?"
Someone said cautiously:
"Director Zhang, isn't this... a bit too harsh?"

Zhang Anping's answer was only one simple and clear sentence:

"A thousand-mile dike can be destroyed by an ant hole!"

Alright, since you, Zhang Anping, are so determined, then I'll listen to you.

"Wait a minute—I suggest that during Yu Xiuning's return to Beijing for her work report, Qu Yuanmu be transferred to the Northeast to temporarily serve as the deputy director of the Northeast Supervision Office. What do you all think?"

Faced with Zhang Anping's question, no one would argue—Zhang Anping had already brought out such a big cake, so now it was time for everyone to sit down and share the spoils. They had to give him that much face.

Mao Renfeng's lips twitched almost imperceptibly.

This game... has fallen apart again?

However, considering that Zhang Anping had to reveal his long-planned scheme to everyone, it wasn't entirely unacceptable—if Chen Ming hadn't investigated, who knows how Zhang Anping would have "made things difficult" for people!

Damn it, so what if you can make money?

At this moment, Zhang Anping "respectfully" asked Mao Renfeng for instructions:
"Chief, what do you think?"

Mao Renfeng's lips twitched:

"Agreed!" (End of Chapter)