My spy diary

Chapter 280 Major General (asking for monthly ticket)

Xuan Gong Hotel was built in 1928 and officially opened in 1931.

Designed by the British Jingming Company, it has a strong European and American style.

The hotel has a total area of ​​about 8000 square meters, with 5 floors above ground and one floor underground, and 94 rooms. It is equipped with imported Simmons mattresses, Mitsubishi window air conditioners (air conditioning was invented by American engineer Willis Carrier in 1902), Sanyo TV (television was invented by British engineer John Logie Baird in 1925), and other top configurations at the time.

A grand celebration banquet is being held here tonight.

Zhang Yi got out of the car and saw the hotel gate was magnificent. Well-dressed gentlemen and soldiers were chatting and laughing, pot-bellied officials were flirting with modern girls, and waiters were walking around with red wine and champagne. Flowers, fine wine, and fragrance were everywhere. It seemed like a different world compared to Wuhan, which was full of refugees during the day.

At this time, a middle-aged man in a long gown and glasses passed by. Looking at the banquet hall, he shook his head and said to himself:
"Alas, the country is in crisis, but generals and high officials are still serving beauties at state banquets. I'm afraid the world is doomed."

Just as he finished speaking, a car stopped beside him. He Zhiyuan's secretary jumped out of the car and slapped the middle-aged man several times, causing him to run away in panic.

He Zhiyuan then got off the car, adjusted his major general uniform, shook his head, and said with emotion:

"Scholars and students have always been ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth. If I wasn't happy today, I would have arrested this old guy."

His secretary stood respectfully by the side and said:
"What the Director said is true. I think we haven't suppressed them enough. These poor scholars think they have mastered the truth just because they have read a few books. They are so happy all day long. They really don't know what they are doing."

Zhang Yi said: "It seems that the Central Bureau of Investigation has not done its job well!"

"A bunch of good-for-nothings, and you still want to count on them?" He Zhiyuan smiled disdainfully, then looked at Zhang Yi and said meaningfully:

"I am able to attend today's banquet thanks to Deputy Director Zhang. You are a hero to the Party and the country."

"Director He is joking."

Zhang Yi said modestly: "The achievements of the Operations Department are of course inseparable from Director He's command and planning. After all, you are the head of the Operations Department."

He Zhiyuan finally showed a satisfied expression and said, "Go in quickly."

In the magnificent banquet hall on the first floor, the dazzling crystal chandeliers emit a soft and luxurious light, making the entire space look like a dream.

The floor is covered with thick and gorgeous carpets, and every step you take feels like sinking into soft clouds.

At the entrance of the banquet hall, there was a red banner with the words "Happy National Day". Two rows of ceremonial soldiers stood tall and in neat military uniforms, giving a solemn military salute to every guest who entered.

Inside the hall, two rows of buffet tables were already filled with exquisite delicacies, champagne and red wine.

A group of Kuomintang officers dressed in military uniforms with epaulettes and medals shining brightly looked heroic, their faces brimming with confidence and pride, and they were all chatting and laughing, as if they were all heroines who had returned triumphantly from the front lines.

On the stage, the band played exciting music, and on the dance floor, officials danced with their female companions. The sounds of clinking wine glasses, cheerful conversations and melodious music intertwined together, creating a joyful and peaceful atmosphere.

After Zhang Yi and He Zhiyuan walked for a while, they saw Yang Rong and Du Chengyou from the Intelligence Department hiding in a dark corner, drinking champagne and talking about something.

Noticing Zhang Yi and the other man, Yang Rong raised his glass to signal them, walked over with a smile, and said:
"The great victory at Wanjialing happened to coincide with the Double Tenth National Day (the Communist Party's National Day is October 10), which really made us proud. The intelligence was discovered by our Military Control Commission, so it is no exaggeration to say that we have made a great contribution."

The sudden victory at Wanjialing swept away the Nationalist government's previous depression and made it proud for once, which led to tonight's grand banquet.

He Zhiyuan said with pride: "To put it bluntly, our intelligence work is to serve the armed struggle. Sometimes a piece of intelligence is better than thousands of troops. The Operations Department has lived up to expectations this time!"

Yang Rong attributed the credit to the Military Control Commission, but He Zhiyuan directly pointed out that it was the Operations Department that made the contribution. The meaning is self-evident.

Yang Rong looked disgusted and was about to find an excuse to leave when He Zhiyuan smiled and looked at Du Chengyou behind him and said teasingly:
"Chief Du, what have you been busy with recently in the Intelligence Division? The Operations Division can't wait for your intelligence, so they have to go out and look for intelligence themselves. Hey, tell me, it seems that it's safer to rely on yourself than on others."

Du Chengyou looked embarrassed. After the first fire died down, he was planning the second fire. Before it started, he heard that Zhang Yi had caught a Japanese spy while shopping. He didn't think much of it at first, but who would have thought that the information provided by the spy would alarm Boss Dai, and eventually lead to the Wanjialing Victory.

As a major, he was not qualified to attend today's banquet, but Yang Rong insisted on having him come, saying that it wouldn't hurt to make a few more friends. But this was not making friends at all, it was clearly seeking humiliation.

Although he was extremely angry, he had to put on a smile and humbly complimented:
"Congratulations, Deputy Director Zhang. You are an experienced leader in the spy unit. You can easily solve major spy cases. I hope you can give me more guidance on my work in the future."

"It's not about guidance, we are just learning from each other." Zhang Yi said perfunctorily,
"There are still two Japanese spies hiding in the city. Chief Du must work harder to find them."

"It's my duty, and I have no choice but to do it." Du Chengyou said angrily, and suddenly he saw a general who was the center of attention in the banquet hall walk in. He suddenly smiled with gloating, as if he had thought of something, and looked at Zhang Yi and said with concern:

"Deputy Director Zhang, General Zhang is here. You'd better stay away."

Zhang Yi pretended to be stupid and asked, "What do you mean?"

"You haven't forgotten that you shot three soldiers from the 74th Division in the street, have you? They were General Zhang's men."

"Huh? There is such a thing?" He Zhiyuan couldn't help but frown.

Yang Rong paused as he was leaving and looked at Zhang Yi with a half-smile.

This General Zhang was none other than the famous Zhang Zhongling (Lingpu), a graduate of the fourth term of Whampoa Military Academy.

During the Central Plains War, this man was a fierce general under Hu Zongbei and served as the regiment commander.

However, because he blatantly killed his wife, public opinion was in an uproar, and Principal Chang was so angry that he sent his favorite student to a military court.

There are many different opinions about Zhang killing his wife. Some say his wife had an affair, while others say his wife was a member of the Red Party.

But no matter what, Zhang Zhongling just went to prison as a formality. After the "July 7 Incident" broke out, when people were needed, he was pardoned and released from prison, retaining his original military rank.

He once again made great contributions in the victory of Wanjialing.

"I heard that although the Japanese 106th Division was surrounded by more than 106 of our troops, these Japanese soldiers were trapped in the siege, but they did not forget their so-called Bushido spirit and fought to the end. The Japanese officers led the way and fought desperately. Both sides suffered heavy casualties." Yang Rong didn't know where he got the detailed battle report, and continued to talk about it: "Seeing that he couldn't break out, Matsuura Rokuro didn't pretend anymore and immediately asked Okamura Yasuji for help. The Japanese really spent a lot of money to rescue the th Division. First, they sent two divisions of reinforcements and also dropped poison gas bombs on the Chinese army's positions. But so what? Our army continued to fight them to the end."

"When the Japanese saw that the junior officers had suffered heavy losses, the commander of the Central China Expeditionary Force personally organized the airdrop of more than 200 Japanese officers below the rank of regiment commander (equivalent to the commander of a reinforced regiment of the National Army) to form a death squad and organize the Japanese to charge. At this time, Zhang Zhongling was unwilling to be left behind and also organized a death squad."

Zhang Zhongling led the death squad to climb up the cliffs behind the Japanese army, went straight behind the enemy, and quickly seized the commanding heights of Wanjialing, completely blocking the Japanese army's retreat. More than 4,000 Japanese bodies were left here, which won the initiative for victory in the Battle of Wanjialing. In this battle, the Japanese casualties reached more than 16,000, and in the end only more than 1,000 people managed to break through with Matsuura Rokuro.

"Yes, General Zhang is truly a role model for our army, a god of war."

Du Chengyou and Rong Youyan looked at Zhang Yi and said, "Deputy Director Zhang, when General Zhong Ling was under Chief Hu, he had a relationship with me. How about I go and mediate between them?"

Du Chengyou looked at Zhang Yi with anticipation, eager to see him panic, fear, and anger, and finally ask him for help. However, Zhang Yi just smiled disapprovingly, shrugged his shoulders, and did not take it seriously at all.

Zhang Yi smiled and said, "I appreciate Chief Du's kindness.

One of our duties is to understand the troops' combat situation against Japan, the actual number of casualties and the changes in positions. At the same time, we must monitor the troops to prevent them from surrendering or the leaders from debauching and neglecting their duties. Although I am not a battlefield inspector, as the person in charge of the anti-enemy bombing operation, during the patrol of the city, no matter which army the soldiers are from, as long as they dare to break the law and discipline, don't blame me for being ruthless. I will execute the orders of Boss Dai without hesitation, even if it means going through fire and water."

"well said!"

Dai Chunfeng came over with a red face and a glass of red wine. He patted Zhang Yi on the shoulder affectionately and said:

"A piece of information is worth more than a thousand troops. The chairman highly appreciates the work of our Military Intelligence Bureau, which has greatly enhanced the prestige of our Military Intelligence Bureau."

As he spoke, his face turned serious and he said:

"The chairman attaches great importance to our work. He pointed out that this is the most arduous period of the war of resistance, and our military responsibilities are even more important.

As soldiers, we must first have extremely noble morals and revolutionize our hearts. We must start with ourselves and develop a pure character so that we can perform our duties and be respected by society.

Secondly, one should have an extremely brave spirit. Wherever ordered, one should go forward courageously, even if it means going through fire and water. One should consider it an honor to sacrifice oneself for the country. This is enough to accomplish one's mission and make great achievements.

In short, one's heart must be extremely bright, one's actions must be secretive, and one must possess the four virtues of wisdom, benevolence, courage, and righteousness. If one can master these four virtues, one can achieve success for oneself and others, and serve the world and the country. This is what the principal said. I hope everyone will encourage each other."

After Dai Chunfeng finished speaking, he put down the wine glass in his hand, and his face suddenly became serious: "Zhang Yi."

"The humble position is here."

"The principal has approved your immediate promotion to the rank of major general."

"Thank you for your cultivation, Chief." Zhang Yi was stunned for a moment, then immediately stood up and saluted.

This is naturally a positional military rank. After the outbreak of the Anti-Japanese War in 37, the awarding of military ranks stopped and they existed in name only because they were no longer applicable.

People jokingly say that the military ranks of the National Army are "Colonels are worse than dogs, and major generals are everywhere." Although military ranks are cheap, aren't they too easy to come by?
In order to prevent military ranks from appearing cheap, the Kuomintang specially established the Military Commission's Personnel Bureau.

Therefore, military ranks are divided into appointment (formal) and position (temporary).

The military rank is issued by the Chairman of the Government. The qualifications are strictly reviewed and there are quota restrictions. It is a letter of commission that only indicates the naval, army and air force branch and rank level, without the unit number and position.

Military positions and ranks are issued by the Chairman of the Military Commission based on combat needs. They are appointment orders that indicate the unit number, position, and rank.

For example, Dai Chunfeng is now serving as deputy director with the rank of major general because the deputy director is a major general, but Dai's military rank is only army colonel.

It is indeed cheap. Boss Dai’s younger brother Dai Chunbang used to be the county magistrate in Jingtai, Gansu. After the Anti-Japanese War broke out, especially after the establishment of the Loyal and Patriotic Army, he was immediately given the rank of major general and received a salary.

Boss Dai's son dropped out of college and ran back to his hometown in Jiangshan. He also followed his father's example and formed a team, holding the rank of major general.

But these are Boss Dai’s younger brother and son.

Even his most valued "godson" Shen Xisan is only at the rank of lieutenant colonel now. His promotion to major general at this moment is tantamount to stealing the limelight. As the saying goes, "A tree that stands out in the forest will be blown down by the wind" and "The first bird to stick its head out will be shot." No matter from the perspective of social psychology or human nature, people will have negative emotions such as jealousy and rejection towards individuals who are too outstanding and different from others. Those who stand out first in the competition will definitely become the target of everyone.

To put it in today's terms, it means that you are afraid that your brothers will have a hard life and you are also afraid that your brothers will drive a Land Rover.

As terrible as one's own failure is, one's brother's success is even more worrisome.

After the ceremony, Zhang Yi said with a look of panic:

"Director, is this appropriate? I was just promoted to colonel not long ago. Besides, arresting spies is my duty and I dare not take credit for it. Moreover, this matter is thanks to Director He's command and the Director's planning."

“Those who are capable of doing things should naturally be rewarded.”

Dai Chunfeng smiled and said, "Just now at the chairman's place, someone objected, saying that the young major general was not suitable, but the chairman was very impressed with you, so he made the final decision, and the matter was settled."

Boss Dai said it lightly, but Yang Rong, He Zhiyuan and Du Chengyou beside him immediately realized that the importance of Major General Zhang Yi was particularly special.

"Then I'll listen to you, Chief." Zhang Yi said humbly. Seeing that Boss Dai was in a good mood, he seized the opportunity and said:
"Hou and Qian also performed well in this spy capture."

"Please write a report."

It was just the promotion of two lieutenants. Boss Dai didn't care at all. He was silent for a while and said:

"We have won a great victory at Wanjialing. The goal of relocating the government and factories inland during the Wuhan Defense War has been achieved. The Military Commission has discussed and decided to learn from the lessons of the defeat in the Songhu battlefield and take the initiative to withdraw from Wuhan in advance to preserve the manpower. The time is set on October 10."

"Once the troops have withdrawn, you will immediately carry out the blasting mission that night."

Zhang Yi's mind sank, he stood at attention and saluted, "Yes, Commander, I promise to complete the task."

"I'll wait for you to come to Changsha to celebrate together." Dai Chunfeng raised the red wine in his hand with a smile!
(End of this chapter)