Anti-Japanese War: From Becoming Chu Yunfei to Rising

Mountain city, Huangshan official residence, Yunxiu Tower.

A black Ford sedan without any license plates silently rolled across the slippery cobblestone road and stopped at the side gate of the mansion.

The car door opened, and a black umbrella was quickly unfurled.

Dai Yunong, the director of the Military Intelligence Bureau, wearing a dark black Zhongshan suit and with a leather briefcase tucked tightly under his arm, strode into the corridor.

His leather shoes made almost no extra sound as they stepped on the terrazzo floor.

Zhu Peiji, the head of the attendant's office, was waiting at the door early.

Without exchanging any pleasantries, Zhu Peiji simply nodded very slightly, turned around, and pushed open the heavy oak door leading to the core secret chamber.

Commander-in-Chief Chang Ruiyuan, wearing a black cloak, stood with his back to the door, gazing at the huge national military map on the wall.

However, he was not wearing a military uniform today, but rather a Zhongshan suit.

"Chairman."

Dai Yunong stepped forward two steps, stood at attention, and saluted.

Chang Ruiyuan did not turn around.

"Yu Nong, you came up the mountain in such heavy rain, have you confirmed it?"

Dai Yunong strode to the large desk and deftly took out a thick stack of documents, several tattered account books, and a dozen black and white photos from his briefcase.

"Reporting to the Chairman, the Inspectorate has investigated thoroughly and the evidence is irrefutable."

Dai Yunong neatly arranged these items directly below Chang Ruiyuan's line of sight.

"These investigation materials, handed over by Luo Weiguo, the head of the Southwest Inspectorate, were evidence that they had already been collecting."

"After receiving the tip, I immediately dispatched my most elite special operations team to follow the clues and conduct surprise raids on several hidden checkpoints along the Burma Road."

"This confirms that the 'obstacles' mentioned by Director Luo do indeed exist."

Chang Ruiyuan slowly turned around, leaning on his silver-inlaid cane, and walked to the desk to sit down.

His gaze swept over those few photos only once, and the muscles at the corner of his eye twitched involuntarily.

Truckloads of penicillin, American military rubber tires, and even military communications radio parts that are strictly prohibited from circulation on the black market were piled up.

"explain."

Chang Ruiyuan's tone was frighteningly calm.

Dai Yunong bowed slightly, his voice like a sharp scalpel, and began to precisely dissect this enormous, corrupt corpse.

"The mastermind behind this smuggling case that shocked the entire Southwest rear area and involved the rampant resale of strategic materials was none other than Xu Enzeng's ex-wife, Wang."

"She took advantage of Xu Enzeng's current position as Vice Minister of Transportation."

Dai Yunong tapped his fingertips on the photocopies of the special passes bearing the official seal of the Ministry of Transport.

"Unauthorized forgery of the highest-level military vehicle passage exemption document."

"She carved out a smuggling route solely for her personal profit from the lifeline of our hundreds of thousands of expeditionary soldiers!"

Upon hearing the name "Xu Enzeng," Chang Ruiyuan frowned deeply.

Xu Enzeng was the de facto head of the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics.

It was also the most obedient and most aggressive dog in the hands of the two Chens of the CC Clique.

Dai Yunong didn't finish speaking; he opened another worn-out ledger.

"It's not just smuggling."

"Xu's ex-wife, Wang, also used the huge amount of foreign exchange obtained from the resale of American aid to engage in usury in Chengdu and Chongqing."

"She colluded with local gangs and secret societies to collect debts using violence."

Dai Yunong lowered his voice, but every word was piercing: "In just the past six months, there have been as many as seventeen cases of families being ruined and even the families of soldiers on the front lines being implicated by his usurious loans."

They interfered in border trade smuggling, resold American aid supplies, and engaged in usury with exorbitant interest rates.

Each and every one of these is a blatant violation of Chang Ruiyuan's bottom line and an absolute red line of the current command!
"Enzeng, oh Enzeng"

Chang Ruiyuan closed his eyes and squeezed out a sigh filled with sorrow and tyranny from deep in his throat.

He actually knew better than anyone else what kind of person this head of the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS) was.

Since Xu Enzeng took on the lucrative position of Vice Minister of Transportation, he has become less attentive to his duties as a secret agent.

All he could think about was how to use the power of the Ministry of Transport to enrich himself.

"Back then, he abandoned his first wife and insisted on marrying a new wife named Fei Xia."

Chang Ruiyuan gripped his cane tightly, his knuckles turning white from the excessive force.

“I personally called him over and gave him a stern warning: ‘Cultivate oneself, regulate one’s family, govern the state, and bring peace to the world.’ If you can’t even manage your own family, how can you manage the intelligence situation?”

"The results of it?"

He ignored what I said!

"What's the point of keeping a worm that only crawls on the arteries of the Party-state sucking blood?"

Was Xu Enzeng loyal to Chang Ruiyuan?

Actually, this is a question that everyone knows the answer to.

He truly lived up to his talent, leading the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Zhongtong) for a long time, arresting and killing communists, and making great contributions to Chang Ruiyuan and his rule.

Even Chang Ruiyuan was extremely satisfied with the extent of his loyalty.

But nowadays...

Chang Ruiyuan wanted more than just loyalty and ability.

Since the establishment of the Inspectorate and the subsequent leftward shift in policy, the existence of the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS) has become rather awkward.

Now is the time to use the corruption case to complete the internal purge and take action against the two Chens.

Dai Yunong keenly sensed the chilling murderous intent in Chang Ruiyuan's words, and his heart was filled with elation.

As the head of the Military Intelligence Bureau, he had been waiting for this day for far too long.

The Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Zhongtong) and the Military Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Juntong) have been locked in a struggle for many years.

Now, the Supreme Judge has finally issued the decree of destruction.

"Chairman, Xu Enzeng's indulgence of his family members in wreaking havoc on the foundation of the nation is an unforgivable crime."

Dai Yunong straightened his back and immediately handed over the prepared arrest plan.

"This humble servant humbly requests that the warrant be issued immediately."

"The Military Intelligence Bureau's action team has set up sentries outside Xu's residence and several strongholds in Chengdu."

"With just one word from you, all those involved will be apprehended within half an hour, without missing a single one!"

Chang Ruiyuan did not immediately express his opinion.

"They arrested Xu Enzeng's ex-wife and even executed Xu Enzeng himself."

Chang Ruiyuan had his back to Dai Yunong, his voice as cold as iron.

"That's just a stopgap measure."

He turned around, his deep gaze fixed on Dai Yunong.

"The Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS) is rotten to the core, inside and out."

"Now that this major border trade case has brought the truth to light, let's just cut it off completely."

Chang Ruiyuan slammed his walking stick heavily on the ground.

Dai Yunong was somewhat dumbfounded.

What does that mean?
"Yu Nong."

"Your subordinate is here!"

"With my handwritten order, you are not only to arrest people, but also to completely seize all classified files and financial accounts of the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS) headquarters!"

Every word Chang Ruiyuan uttered represented a massive earthquake in the political landscape of Chongqing.

"I will find a way to abolish the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, but not now."

"However, its agents, communication networks, and intelligence stations at home and abroad are subject to double screening and acceptance by your Military Intelligence Joint Inspectorate."

Dai Yunong's breath caught in his throat for a moment. The immense power that had been slammed into him made his mouth go dry.

"This humble servant swears to serve Chairman Mao to the death and will never fail in his mission!"

He saluted sharply with his foot, his voice trembling with excitement.

however.

Dai Yunong knew exactly what was going on.

The downfall of the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS) and the demise of Xu Enzeng were just the beginning.

Xu Enzeng was just a vicious dog.

They were actually walking the dog on a leash.

They were the two brothers, Chen Guofu and Chen Lifu, who had long controlled party affairs and whose influence extended to every corner of the Nationalist government.

If these two true gods do not fall.

Even if the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS) is shut down today, it can simply change its name and be resurrected tomorrow.

Dai Yunong mustered his courage and slightly raised his head: "Chairman."

He carefully chose his words, then tentatively asked, "The Xu Enzeng case involves a wide range of issues, with the flow of funds between the transportation system and the Party system being extremely complex."

"If we investigate further, it will inevitably involve President Chen himself."

Dai Yunong lowered his eyes and held his breath: "How far should this net go, this humble servant?"

The air inside the sealed room instantly froze to its limit.

Dai Yunong used a little trick.

Although there's only a one-word difference between Vice President Chen and President Chen, it's definitely tickling Chang Ruiyuan's sensitive nerve.

It should be noted that during the Fifth National Congress of the Kuomintang before the war, Chen Guofu received four more votes than Chang Ruiyuan!
Since then, Chang Ruiyuan has been very distant and indifferent towards the two Chens.

Chang Ruiyuan looked at Dai Yunong quietly; he knew perfectly well what Dai Yunong was thinking.

Since we've decided to take action, we must go all out.

We must seize this excellent opportunity to completely sever the roots of the CC system.

Otherwise, hesitation will only lead to chaos.

Chang Ruiyuan walked to the window, opened it a crack, and let the cold winter rain and wind hit his cheeks.

The current domestic public opinion environment is basically under control.

There are strong calls across the country for severe punishment of corrupt officials.

If these corrupt officials are not removed, how can he explain himself to the people?

How can we give the hundreds of thousands of soldiers who have shed their blood on the front lines a so-called "fair" treatment?
"It seems like Goff's health has been getting worse lately?"

Chang Ruiyuan suddenly spoke up, posing a question that seemed to have nothing to do with the smuggling case.

Dai Yunong was taken aback, but his brain worked at lightning speed, and he immediately caught up with the leader's train of thought.

"Reporting to the Chairman, President Chen's tuberculosis has recently worsened drastically."

Dai Yunong respectfully replied, "According to the report from the Military Intelligence Bureau's medical department, he has been coughing up large amounts of blood this month and has great difficulty even standing up."

"After consultation with several renowned doctors in the mountain city, it was determined that lung removal surgery was necessary."

"It's just that his constitution is too weak, so even if he goes to the operating table, the success rate is extremely low."

Chang Ruiyuan, with his back to Dai Yunong, looked out the window at the mountains swallowed by thick fog: "He has followed me for many years, and has made great contributions, but he has indeed devoted himself to the cause and has become ill from overwork."

Chang Ruiyuan's voice carried a sorrowful and compassionate tone, but the command that followed was chillingly ruthless.

"Don't bring this shocking scandal of the smuggling case to his bedside and upset him."

"His body can't withstand such a bolt from the blue."

Chang Ruiyuan turned around, his gaze as unfathomable as a bottomless abyss.

"Yu Nong, please put in a good word with the hospital for me."

"We must use the 'best' special medicine and arrange for the 'top' surgical experts to perform the surgery on Guofu."

"What if Guofu's life is already over, and something unfortunate happens during this life-threatening surgery?"

Chang Ruiyuan's eyes remained completely calm.

"That can only be considered a medical tragedy that is beyond human control, something no one wants to see."

Dai Yunong's hair stood on end.

A medical tragedy.

What a tragic medical tragedy where fate is beyond our control!

Chen Guofu was a consumptive man, like a candle flickering in the wind.

He has even begun to gradually withdraw from politics.

To put it bluntly, its influence is gradually diminishing.

Chang Ruiyuan went to such lengths to eliminate the potential turmoil and subsequent impact of the CC Clique.

Given his age and physical condition.

On the operating table, even the slightest deviation in the anesthetic dosage or the slightest delay in the use of antibiotics can cause serious injury.

He would die in a very natural and logical way.

Even if a forensic doctor intervenes afterward, they will never find a trace of deliberate murder.

What's even more remarkable is that even if Chen Guofu died on the operating table, no one would dare to step forward and challenge Chang Ruiyuan, the supreme commander, to a fight.

"I understand."

Dai Yunong lowered his head, concealing the terrifying glint in his eyes: "This subordinate will immediately arrange for the Military Intelligence Bureau's medical action team to take over the hospital's core defenses, ensuring that Minister Chen is not 'disturbed' in any way during the surgery."

The most stubborn Chen Guofu was dealt with.

The CC Group's edifice has collapsed halfway.

Dai Yunong's breathing quickened slightly as he eagerly threw out the last and most difficult target: "What about Director Chen?"

Dai Yunong asked, "Xu Enzeng is Minister Lifu's number one confidant. Minister Lifu will definitely not sit idly by in this major purge of the intelligence system."

"He cannot die."

Chang Ruiyuan walked to the desk, picked up a snow-white silk handkerchief, and slowly wiped his hands.

"Guofu may die of illness, but if Lifu follows in Xu Enzeng's footsteps, he will be imprisoned or executed by firing squad."

Chang Ruiyuan threw the handkerchief on the table.

"Then what do you think I, Chang, am in the eyes of all the scholars, writers, and various forces in the world?"

"Crossing the river and then dismantling the bridge, killing the hunting dog after the cunning rabbit is caught, being mean and ungrateful?"

Politics is never simply about fighting and killing.

If pushed too hard, the remaining party hacks of the CC Clique, driven by desperation, will retaliate and completely overturn this carefully laid-back strategy.

It should be noted that the relationship between the Three People's Principles Youth League, which was personally controlled by Chang Ruiyuan, and the KMT was by no means harmonious; in fact, the struggle between them was quite intense.

Logically speaking...

The Three People's Principles Youth Corps and the Kuomintang should maintain a harmonious relationship.

In reality, the political struggle between the two sides is extremely serious and is even escalating.

It wasn't until 40 years later, under Zhang Zhizhong's leadership, that the political struggle between the two sides was finally brought to an end after the reorganization of the Youth League.

Of course, it only stopped on the surface.

The Three People's Principles Youth Corps was controlled by the Fuxing Society, which was in the hands of Chang Jui-yuan, while the Kuomintang party affairs were actually still managed by the two Chens.

Chen Lifu has served as Minister of Education for several years and has achieved remarkable results.

Since taking office, he has been diligent and conscientious in his work.

He presided over the drafting of the "Wartime Education Outline" and its implementation guidelines, which served as the outline for the work of each department within the ministry, with each department responsible for its own tasks.

At that time, a large number of young students went to the anti-Japanese base areas. In order to win over these young people, Chen Lifu took a series of measures.

He organized Ministry of Education personnel to send exiled teachers and students who were willing to join the army to fight against Japan to military academies or military training classes, and to enroll young students and those who wished to continue their studies and provide them with living expenses.

Encourage universities to resume operations individually or jointly in the rear, so that students can return to their original schools.

A number of national secondary schools and teachers' service corps were established in the rear towns, and a loan system was set up to provide for food, clothing and accommodation, so as to ensure that more than 100,000 teachers and students could continue their studies and that education would not be interrupted due to the war.

To promote the formalization of education, Chen invited education experts to draft nationally unified university curriculum standards and proposed a system of holding unified university entrance examinations in different regions across the country, in order to change the past situation where the curriculum settings of various colleges and universities were inconsistent and the students' levels were uneven.

Next, he organized experts and scholars to make unified revisions and regulations on the teaching subjects, hours, and curriculum standards for secondary school courses.

He also promoted the establishment of a national education system and increased the number of national secondary schools and central national schools in various regions.

It can be said that the two Chens not only have a certain influence in China, but also have a certain political reputation overseas.

Chang Ruiyuan knew that such a person could not be killed, but he also absolutely could not be "kept."

His top-notch political mind was working at lightning speed.

In a very short time, the most perfect way to end things for these two brothers who "wielded immense power" had been arranged.

Chang Ruiyuan sat down in the large leather chair, his hands folded over his shoulders.

"Wait until Xu Enzeng's case becomes airtight, and until Guo Fu 'dies peacefully in his sickbed'."

"I will personally invite Li Fu to Yunxiulou for a cup of tea."

Chang Ruiyuan's lips curled into a cold smile, as if he had everything under control: "In recent years, he has been exhausted for the cause of the War of Resistance and the cause of national education. In order to protect him from the public opinion of the smuggling case and prevent him from ruining his reputation in his later years, I have my own arrangements."

"As his superior for many years, I will naturally allow him to leave this place of trouble."

leave?

Could it be that he requested to be transferred to a post away from the central government?

But will there still be a place for him there?
Dai Yunong was taken aback, his eyes darting around, and he feigned ignorance: "Where to?"

"The newly established Siam by the Zhennan Army not only has a pleasant climate, but also plays a very important role in diplomatic negotiations."

Chang Ruiyuan's eyes gleamed with an all-knowing glint: "The position of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Siam has been vacant for a long time."

"For the sake of long-term friendly relations with Siam, this position is not suitable for a party and state elder with such deep seniority as Philif."

Dai Yunong gasped instantly.

Go to Siam?!

Once Chen Lifu resigns, his solo journey to the country where the Zhennan Army is stationed signifies the loss of all power he holds.

What kind of ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary is he? He's not even a decent fig leaf to cover his tracks!

"But Chairman, the National School Act is about to be promulgated, Minister Chen..."

Chang Ruiyuan waved his hand dismissively, as if he had swept away an annoying fly.

"Don't worry too much, just go and do it."

"Be quick and ruthless."

"This disorganized mess needs to be thoroughly cleaned up."

"Yes!"

"This humble servant takes his leave!"

Dai Yunong locked the top-secret documents back into his leather briefcase, turned, and strode out of Chang Ruiyuan's office. (End of Chapter)