Kingsman Agent in Film and Television

Zhang Anping gave an awkward smile. What kind of expression is that, Sister Qian?

I was just trying to liven things up a bit.

“The Americans have been advising us to withdraw the Nationalist troops from Northeast China,” Zhang Anping explained. “Especially after the liberation of Yingkou—the aide-de-camp once angrily said that the Americans were giving him orders.”

Seeing Zhang Anping pause, Sister Qian gestured for him to continue—her trust in Zhang Anping was unparalleled, and she naturally wouldn't question him because of his mention of "ten divisions." She was more interested in knowing what Zhang Anping was really thinking.

"I just told you about the divisions within the Kuomintang—I'm not sure which option the enemy will make, but I personally believe that, strategically speaking, it would be very advantageous for us to keep the Kuomintang troops in the Northeast confined there."

Sister Qian couldn't help but ask in confusion, "What does this have to do with ten mechanical engineers?"

"Strengthen the enemy's resolve to hold the Northeast—" Zhang Anping said slowly:

“I can use my personal connections to negotiate with the Americans and get them to provide at least ten divisions of American-equipped Nationalist troops in Northeast China.”

"In fact, the US delegation had made a relevant proposal on this matter, but their idea was to arm the Nationalist army after it withdrew along the land and sea routes."

"I want to use all sorts of connections to get them to give up the proposal to persuade the Nationalist army in Northeast China to withdraw, and then arm at least ten American-equipped divisions in Northeast China."

Sister Qian understood Zhang Anping's meaning—Zhang Anping was worried that the Nationalist army in Northeast China would withdraw, so he wanted to use this method to strengthen the Nationalist army's determination to continue fighting to the death in Northeast China.

“But that’s at least ten American-equipped divisions!” she said, frowning. “From what I understand, we’re currently at a complete loss with the Nationalist troops in our three strongholds in the Northeast. If there are at least ten more American-equipped divisions, we’ll have even less chance of taking down these three strongholds!”

The Northeast Field Army now outnumbers the Kuomintang army in Northeast China and has trapped them in three strongholds. The liberation of Yingkou has cut off the land supply route to Shenyang and Changchun. However, despite such an advantage, our generals still have doubts about whether they can take these three strongholds directly.

Sun Tzu's Art of War states: "If ten times the enemy's strength, surround them; if five times, attack them; if twice, divide them."

Modern warfare has changed this notion to some extent, but what kind of casualties would result from attacking a hard-won enemy stronghold?
Although our army has experience in urban assault, urban assault is essentially a painful and protracted battle!
This is a tough nut to crack, and if we add at least ten more American-equipped divisions, how will we fight this war?
Zhang Anping chuckled and said, "Comrade Chongwen, you overestimate the Americans!"

"What do you mean?"

"If we promise ten divisions, will the Americans really deliver the supplies immediately?" Zhang Anping was still smiling, but there was a hint of disdain in his smile.

"After the Americans emerged from the state of war, the efficiency of the entire nation decreased significantly. Moreover, some of them are busy with 'counter-offensive and retribution'!"

Roosevelt's death was like having a noose removed from the neck of American capital. As the saying goes, "once bitten, twice shy," American capitalists are now trying every possible way to avoid the emergence of a new Roosevelt—what Zhang Anping calls "counter-attack and retribution." Moreover, for most of the United States, the end of the war means putting away weapons and letting horses graze freely; the previous efficiency is out of the question!
"The heavy equipment I acquired from the Americans this time, even with the help of that Japanese guy, has almost completely drained the US's resources available for short-term deployment within Asia—"

"Even if they agree, it's absolutely impossible for them to find the goods in the short term—if they want to ship them from Europe or the United States, there are a lot of procedures involved, and this is a losing business in itself. Some of them are enthusiastic, but others will only drag their feet as long as possible!"

"My conservative estimate is that even if the Americans agree to provide this equipment, they won't be able to get it back to the country for at least ten months!"

Zhang Anping spoke with absolute certainty.

His affirmation was not unfounded.

The American equipment that the Nationalist government had previously received was all surplus equipment from the downsizing of American troops in Asia. However, after more than two years of buying and selling, coupled with the behind-the-scenes resale by Commissioners Smith and others, and the large amount of equipment that I had amassed for the Traffic Police Corps this time, even if the Americans sent all the equipment of their Asian garrisons, it wouldn't be enough for ten divisions.

Moreover, how could they possibly turn their troops stationed in Asia into unarmed sheep?
After listening to Zhang Anping's detailed analysis, Sister Qian was moved. Regardless of the difficulties in encircling and annihilating the Nationalist troops in the three strongholds in Northeast China, one thing was clear:
We neither want nor can we allow the Nationalist troops in Northeast China to retreat into the interior!
Zhang Anping's idea could indeed strengthen the National Revolutionary Army's determination to defend Northeast China.

After pondering for a long time, Sister Qian asked again before making a decision: "Are you sure that even if the Americans agree, they can't possibly send the equipment for ten divisions in the short term?"

"I am sure!"

Seeing Zhang Anping's certainty, Sister Qian no longer hesitated and agreed immediately:

"Okay! Then we'll do it your way!"

There was no need to say anything more to Zhang Anping—she trusted Zhang Anping's loyalty to the Party.

……

As a member of the negotiating team with the United States, Zhang Anping naturally devoted all his energy to the military aid negotiations with the United States during this period.

Although many people knew that Zhang Anping had a good relationship with Americans, and even because of the public opinion last year, Americans regarded Zhang Anping as a hero and idol, the people of the Nationalist government did not expect that Zhang Anping's relationship with Americans would be this good!
The Americans kept saying they had almost no equipment to draw upon in Asia, but they did everything they could to ensure the heavy equipment of the traffic police force—the first batch of heavy equipment, enough to arm a division, arrived in China before the negotiations here had even ended.

The Americans even guaranteed that the subsequent equipment would arrive within a month!
Compared to the dragging negotiations here, the speed at which the Americans met Zhang Anping's needs was simply enviable.

The traffic police headquarters here also began reorganization, transforming from the previous headquarters structure to a regular structure, and at the same time, it couldn't wait to start receiving heavy equipment.

During the period from the victory of the War of Resistance against Japan to the outbreak of the Civil War, the National Revolutionary Army acquired a large amount of American equipment. They should have been living a "wealthy" life, but since the outbreak of the Civil War, they have lost far too much equipment. Seeing that military aid was arriving, even though those generals usually praised Zhang Anping highly, they showed no mercy at this time and tried every means to intercept the equipment from the traffic police headquarters.

Unfortunately, they miscalculated two things:

First, they didn't expect there to be a saying about "wearing a hat".

The American deliveryman stated that the equipment could only be received by Mr. Zhang Anping in person.

The military leaders were forced to begin using various channels to try and put pressure on Zhang Anping; in their words:

We are the true elite force of the Central Army, the main force. Your traffic police brigade is just a security regiment that fights guerrilla warfare. Do you even know how to use heavy equipment?
Unfortunately, before Zhang Anping could step forward, another big shot jumped out!

And this is precisely the second point:
Section Chief!

This is where the benefits of Zhang Anping's early "introduction" of the section chief to "invest" become apparent. Once the section chief steps forward, the traffic police brigade is no longer just a "security team," but a legitimate imperial guard—what's going on, everyone wants to steal the imperial guard's thunder?
Now, those military leaders who were sharpening their knives had no choice but to fall silent, each thinking to themselves that they had seen fools before, but never anyone this foolish.

Within the Nationalist government, everyone else was eager to turn their army into their own private armed forces—just like the rising North China King;
As a result, some people were so foolish as to actively encourage the department head to "invest" in the company!
They thought this was the end of it, but unexpectedly, a piece of news that made them widen their eyes came out from the negotiating team with the United States.

The negotiating team to the United States had not yet reached an agreement on the main issue of US loans and military aid, but Zhang Anping, who joined the delegation halfway through, managed to break the deadlock!
He not only persuaded the Americans to stop insisting that the Nationalist government withdraw its large army from Northeast China, but also successfully convinced them to provide large-scale support to the Nationalist army in Northeast China.

Ten divisions!
Indeed, even before the Nationalist government's main demands had been met, Zhang Anping had successfully persuaded the Americans to equip ten divisions of the Nationalist army in Northeast China with American weaponry—this was not a private verbal promise, but a formally signed document! The news caused an uproar within the Nationalist army.

Holy crap, Zhang Shih-hao, this spy chief, is actually such a hidden gem?!

The military leaders who had previously pressured Zhang Anping through various means suddenly transformed into Liu Bei, a man of great courtesy and respect, and one by one they condescended to visit the Zhang family. Some of them were about the same age as Zhang Guanfu, or even a few years older, but after meeting Zhang Guanfu, they addressed him as "Uncle" repeatedly...

There's a saying: "When one person attains enlightenment, even their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven."

The Zhang family only received superficial respect, while the traffic police brigade received the real benefits.

After the Traffic Police Corps received the first batch of heavy equipment, it wanted to find some technical personnel from various friendly forces for guidance and training. However, the friendly forces made excuses and acted sarcastically. But at this time, the friendly forces were more and more noble. In a short period of time, they borrowed people and sent people to the Corps. The Traffic Police Corps, which originally had more than 50,000 people, actually exceeded 60,000 in just over ten days!

The key point is that the extra people are all technical personnel such as artillerymen, air defense soldiers, drivers, or tank crewmen!
After the Traffic Police Corps' organizational structure was reported, GFB was dumbfounded. Holy crap, with the Traffic Police Corps' current organizational structure and equipment, this is definitely an elite force!
If Zhang Anping hadn't been so popular at the time, many people would probably have coveted Xu Baichuan's position as the head of the traffic police brigade. Fortunately, Xu Baichuan was quick-witted and left the reorganization site at this time, making a special trip to Nanjing to drag Zhang Anping to pay a visit to the director, which finally dispelled the thoughts of some restless people.

Of course, the people most grateful to Zhang Anping were none other than the army trapped in Northeast China.

The "slots" of ten American-equipped divisions were an unimaginable incentive for the Nationalist army in Northeast China. More importantly, they saw hope—the Americans would definitely deliver supplies to their doorstep. They could then take advantage of this opportunity to conduct a massive resupply. Once the ten American-equipped divisions were fully equipped, the tide of the war in Northeast China would immediately turn.

The Great Counterattack!
We must launch a major counterattack when the time comes!
So, while they were caught up in the euphoria of their own daydreams, they also tried their best to express their gratitude to Zhang Anping in various ways.

If Zhang Anping, who secured $30 million worth of heavy equipment at a 20% discount, was a rising star, then Zhang Anping, who negotiated the equipment for ten American-equipped divisions for the Nationalist Army in Northeast China, was the Party-State's greatest treasure—any slight breeze would bring a bunch of people rushing to condemn it.

Many people lose themselves in this situation.

But at this time, Zhang Anping did not become arrogant and domineering because of his great reputation. Instead, he became even more low-key. Even in the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, Zhang's faction began to lie low. In the past, Zhang's faction would choose to endure and back down on things that would cause factional conflicts.

Mao Renfeng, as his opponent, was completely dumbfounded at this moment.

If Zhang Anping were more arrogant now, he might still have a chance to survive. But Zhang Anping is keeping such a low profile now, so his position as bureau chief... is probably really in danger.

Moreover, because of Zhang Anping's rise to prominence, even those four families are no longer willing to support him, which makes Mao Renfeng unable to sleep peacefully for nights on end—who would want to return to a state of powerlessness when they are at the pinnacle of power?
In this state of mind, Mao Renfeng had no interest in managing the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics. He was constantly pulling strings, trying to keep his position.

This actually benefited Zheng Yaoxian—Zhang Anping was in the negotiation team, the Zhang faction was lying low, and Mao Renfeng was only thinking about currying favor with the powerful to protect his own position. As the director in charge of troops, he rightfully took over the administrative power of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics and kept promoting his own confidants.

So much so that Zheng Yaoxian once suggested to Zhang Anping:
Maybe I shouldn't go home.

Zhang Anping could only laugh. If you don't go home, what excuse do I have to start the purge?

……

"The little guy has really matured. This time he secured equipment for ten divisions. I thought he would get cocky, but he knew to keep a low profile. He's matured."

The chief attendant's praise easily reached Zhang Anping's ears. Faced with such high praise, Zhang Anping was naturally very humble, but in reality...

It looks like all the lost trust has been won back!

Zhang Anping naturally scoffed at the claim that the chief attendant was mature—he had previously guessed that the chief attendant wouldn't immediately change his position, and now the verbal praise clearly confirmed his guess.

This is a compliment, but also an explanation for the previous suppression—only if he maintains his current "mature" performance in the future will a job adjustment occur.

But this meant nothing to Zhang Anping.

However, he still acted like a bull willing to eat a pie in the sky, desperately trying to impress the delegation.

Perhaps because Zhang Anping worked so hard, the negotiation results came out in April.

A few days later, the United States passed the Aid Act of 1948, which specifically listed the China Aid Act in Chapter 4—the Americans provided a huge amount of aid totaling nearly $500 million.

Of this, $3.38 million was used for economic aid, including food, cotton, supplies, oil, and factory equipment. The Americans even requested that no more than one-tenth of this aid be used for rural revitalization—this amount consisted of interest-bearing loans plus material assistance.

In addition, there was a special grant of $1.25 million, which was an unconditional aid that the Nationalist government could use at its own discretion—doesn't that sound incredibly noble to the Americans?
In fact, this money was a legitimate "hidden" sum, the purpose of which had already been agreed upon in private: it could only be used to purchase weapons. To put it bluntly, this was a direct means for the Americans to intervene in the Chinese civil war.

This round of US aid was driven by pro-Chiang Kai-shek factions within the US. How could these people possibly be genuinely trying to help the Kuomintang?
To put it bluntly, they're just after weapons!
Ironically, perhaps intimidated by the level of corruption within the Nationalist government, the Americans, while seemingly generous in their aid, were actually very cautious. They established a dedicated accounting team to oversee the use of funds, ensuring that all aid, whether economic or special grants, was subject to audit by the accounting department.

So much so that after the news spread, many people brought up Zhang Anping's name and started cursing him—how much of an obstacle did this create for their embezzlement of US aid?

I could have eaten it in one bite, but now I have to bring a tablecloth and prepare a knife and fork...

That's like putting on pants and farting!

……

In fact, this negotiation was one where there would be a result whether Zhang Anping was involved or not.

However, because Zhang Anping had previously secured a $7 million military purchase and equipment for ten divisions, many people, including the chief of staff and the department head, believed that Zhang Anping had made great contributions in this negotiation. The chief of staff rarely considered promoting Zhang Anping to a higher position, but as soon as he let the idea slip, it attracted countless objections.

There's only one reason:
Zhang Anping is still too young. He showed maturity this time, but can such a performance last?

But the real reason was that they discovered the Americans added accounting oversight to the aid program because of Zhang Anping's "crooked mouth".

Some have even pointed out that the funds originally allocated for military purchases should have been more, but were reduced to $1.25 million because of the US commitment to provide ten divisions.

Whether it's true or false is unimportant; what matters is that the chief attendant acknowledged their opposing views...

A loyal minister who had been "extremely concerned" for the Party and the country quietly curled his lip after receiving this result... (End of this chapter)