Spy wars start with lurking Secretary Hong

Chapter 460 Robbery
On the train from Xinjing to Harbin, the whistle blared, and the wheels rhythmically struck the rails, producing a monotonous and dull clatter.

Inside the carriage, a squad of heavily armed Japanese military police, working with the train attendants, were checking the passengers' identification documents one by one.

The somber atmosphere silenced the entire carriage, and the passengers all lowered their heads, not daring to meet the eyes of these menacing figures.

Hong Zhiyou leaned against the window, holding a copy of "Manchuria News" in his hand, but his eyes were fixed on the scenery rushing past outside the window.

A military policeman walked up to him, extended his hand, and said curtly, "Identity."

Hong Zhiyou took out his ID from the inside pocket of his suit and handed it over.

The military police took the identification, glanced at it only once, and said coldly:

"Your documents are invalid. Come with us to the crew workshop."

Hong Zhi raised his head, his face showing no surprise.

He closed the newspaper, stood up, straightened his tie, and gestured for the military police to proceed.

After passing through several swaying carriages, Hong Zhiyou was led to a well-decorated private carriage.

The military police pushed open the door and stood respectfully to one side.

Hong Zhiyou stepped inside, the carriage filled with the aroma of tea.

Two old acquaintances were sitting on the sofa, leisurely drinking tea.

Kato, commander of the Kwantung Army Military Police, and Yano Otosaburo, deputy chief of the General Staff.

"Advisor Hong, please have a seat."

"I didn't expect to see you again so soon."

Yano Otosaburo pointed to the empty seat opposite him and politely poured him some tea.

Hong Zhi sat down and took a sip of tea:
"Yes.

"With such a big entourage, I thought it was Shibuya Saburo's men, preparing to surprise me on the way."

Yano Otosaburo put down his teacup, his expression turning serious: "Advisor Hong, it seems you already know about the situation in Harbin. We just received the news ourselves."

"Shibuya Saburo has made his move in Harbin, arresting Peng Hu, the manager of your Yongshengkui Teahouse, and Jia Chong, the shop assistant of your Futai Leather Shop."

"The charge is a general ticket."

"Now we have both witnesses and physical evidence. Shibuya has obtained their confessions and is just waiting for you to return to Harbin to carry out the arrest."

Hong Zhi nodded, his expression as calm as if he were listening to something that had nothing to do with him.

He sneered: "Shibuya's methods are as unoriginal as ever. He failed to get rid of me last time, and now he's resorting to this desperate trick."

Yano Otosaburo continued, "Chief of Staff Isogai Rensuke's meaning is very clear: this time, Shibuya Saburo must be dealt with completely."

"To ensure your safety and to save face for the Kwantung Army, the Chief of Staff specially sent us here."

"This time, we will personally lead the team and make sure that Shibuya Saburo is brought to justice!"

His tone was firm and full of determination.

"Thank you for your kindness, Chief of Staff and everyone."

Hong Zhiyou placed the teacup on the table with a soft sound.

"However, I personally believe that everyone should keep a low profile on this trip."

His gaze swept over the several high-ranking officials present, his voice steady and powerful:
"Shibuya Saburo is no fool. He has been able to stay in Harbin for so long because his mind and methods are extraordinary."

"You made such a big fuss about coming to Harbin, he probably already got wind of it before you even got off the train."

"Once he becomes alert, he will inevitably make targeted deployments."

"Don't forget, he still has people in Tokyo. Although Ishihara Kanji has temporarily lost power, his influence remains."

"Never underestimate any enemy, especially a venomous snake like Saburo Shibuya lurking in the shadows."

Yano Otosaburo frowned: "Then, according to Advisor Hong, how should we proceed?"

Hong Zhi smiled.

"It's not that simple for Shibuya Saburo to convict me based on two tortured confessions."

"If he wants to arrest me, he'll first have to get past our police department. My uncle isn't someone to be trifled with; he'll definitely try to stop him."

"The police department wouldn't work, so he could only request the military police's assistance in making the arrest, but the military police captain, Murakami..."

He drawled out the word, his smile carrying a deeper meaning.

"It may not turn out as he wishes."

"Finally, his only option was to report it to the Security Bureau and request their intervention in the investigation," he continued.

Yano Otosaburo's worry was evident on his face: "The director of the Harbin Security Bureau was promoted by Ishihara Kanji. They have always followed Shibuya Saburo's lead. I'm afraid they will handle things strictly by the book, which will be extremely detrimental to you."

"Will not."

Hong Zhiyou's tone was so certain that it left no room for doubt.

"In Harbin, anyone with a brain, except for Shibuya, wouldn't dare to mess with me."

"To deal with someone like Shibuya, you have to be swift and decisive, killing him in one blow."

"Please refrain from showing yourselves for now and wait patiently for the right opportunity."

He has his own plan.

"The chief of staff repeatedly reminded us when he came."

"This operation is of great importance. It not only concerns the stability of the Kwantung Army in Manchuria, but also the diplomatic relations between the Empire and the Soviet Union. Everything must be carried out according to Advisor Hong's plan." Yano Otosaburo expressed his agreement.

“In that case!
"Then let's get off the bus now, switch to a car, and secretly head to Harbin."

"Hong Sang, be careful and take care."

Commander Kato said.

……

official residence.

Inside the Japanese-style room, the air was filled with the fragrance of incense.

Shibuya Saburo knelt before the tea table and gracefully poured a cup of tea for the guest opposite him.

"Murakami-kun, it's been about five years since we met, hasn't it?"

He pushed the teacup towards Murakami, the captain of the military police, his tone tinged with reminiscence.

"Yes, time flies so fast, the feeling of my hometown is almost fading away."

"I am able to be where I am today entirely thanks to Mr. Shibuya's guidance."

Murakami was flattered and bowed as he accepted the teacup, his face full of humble smiles.

Shibuya Saburo waved his hand and sighed, "We are all doing this for the Great Japanese Empire and for His Majesty the Emperor. There's no question of any favoritism involved."

"But nowadays, the atmosphere in the military is deteriorating. Some people, for the sake of money and personal gain, have long forgotten the honor and mission of soldiers, which is truly heartbreaking."

He said this meaningfully, his eyes fixed on Murakami.

Murakami's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly echoed, "What you say is true, sir! This evil trend should be severely punished!"

"I was just handling things officially last time, so please don't take it to heart, Mr. Shibuya."

Shibuya Saburo nodded in satisfaction.

He took two thick file folders from beside him and placed them on the tea table.

"These are the case files of the two red ticket thieves I arrested last night."

"With both witnesses and physical evidence, they have all confessed and identified Hong Zhiyou of the Harbin Police Department as their superior."

Murakami's eyelids twitched, but he remained respectful. He picked it up, quickly flipped through it, and offered no comment.

Shibuya Saburo continued, "Hong Zhiyou will arrive in Harbin by train at 3 p.m. today."

"I hope that Murakami-kun will personally lead the team, along with my deputy Tanaka, to the train station to arrest this person on the spot!"

Murakami's face immediately showed a troubled expression:

“Mr. Shibuya, this… I’m afraid it will be a bit difficult.”

"Oh?" Shibuya Saburo's eyes narrowed.

Murakami explained with a bitter face, "As you know, our military police have always been short-handed."

"Although Chief of Staff Hideki Tojo had previously expanded the staff once, most of them have been sent out recently due to heavy workloads."

"We simply don't have enough manpower to carry out the arrest mission."

He paused, then cautiously added, "Besides, Hong Zhiyou is, after all, a section chief in the police department. We can't just arrest him based on the confessions of two criminals alone."

"This is against the rules."

"In my opinion, even if we go, at most we'll ask him to return to the police headquarters to assist with the investigation."

Murakami politely declined, while also indicating his preference for Hong Zhiyou.

Shibuya Saburo's face darkened. He tapped the table, his voice not loud, but carrying immense pressure: "Murakami-kun, do you find this difficult, or do you simply not want to do it?"

Murakami bluntly stated: "Mr. Shibuya, it's neither something you want to do, nor something you can easily do."

“Hong Zhiyou is my friend, and he has the backing of a prince in Tokyo. If he arrests the wrong person, it will be embarrassing for all of us.”

Shibuya Saburo looked displeased, but being very shrewd, he did not lash out on the spot.

He said calmly, "You must already know that Hong Zhiyou was kicked out of Xinjing by Chief of Staff Isogai Rensuke. Now that Tojo Hideki has gone to the Ministry of Aviation, Isogai Rensuke and his ilk are like grasshoppers in autumn, they won't be able to jump around for many more days."

"Perhaps Vice Commander Ishihara will be back soon?"

This is a naked threat.

Murakami lowered his eyes and remained silent, as if weighing the pros and cons.

Seeing this, Shibuya Saburo pushed another file folder over.

"This contains intelligence about your private interactions with Commander Guan, Hong Zhiyou, and some people in the police department."

"I've been keeping it under wraps for you out of consideration for our past relationship."

His voice turned icy and chilling: "If Captain Murakami insists that the Chinese man is your friend, rather than an old friend of mine, a fellow member of the Yamato race, then I will send this material to the Kwantung Army Headquarters, or directly to the Army Headquarters."

"I hope Your Excellency will consider this carefully."

Murakami's body trembled violently, and his face was instantly filled with fear.

He quickly stood up and bowed deeply: "Sir, please calm down! I was confused!"
"I...I'll arrange for people to be deployed immediately! We'll definitely bring Hong Zhiyou to justice!"

He grew increasingly resentful of Shibuya Saburo.

What a despicable and shameless scoundrel!

It seems that cooperating with Hong Zhi was indeed the right thing to do; otherwise, this sword would have been hanging over my head forever, and I would never have peace!

……

: p.m.

Harbin Railway Station.

The plaza in front of the station was cordoned off early on. Police cars, military police trucks, and black sedans from the National Police Headquarters—more than a dozen vehicles surrounded the area, making it impossible to move.

The somber atmosphere caused passersby to avoid the area.

On the platform, Tanaka stood arrogantly, dressed in a crisp uniform and wearing white gloves.

Murakami, accompanied by a squad of military police, stood behind him, his expression unreadable.

Soon, Gao Bin, along with Zhou Yi, Liu Kui, and a dozen plainclothes officers from the Special Service Section, arrived at the platform.

Tanaka saw Gao Bin and snorted coldly, "Section Chief Gao, what are you doing here?"

Gao Bin, with his pipe dangling from his lips, slowly exhaled a smoke ring and replied with a forced smile, "Picking someone up."

"Who to pick up?"

“I need to pick up my good-for-nothing nephew, Hong Zhiyou.” Gao Bin dusted off his sleeves, his eyes sweeping over Tanaka and the people behind her. “Recently, there have been many strange winds and ghosts in Harbin. I’m afraid something might happen to my nephew on the way.”

Tanaka flew into a rage: "Gao Bin! How dare you!"

Gao Bin laughed, but his laughter carried a chilling undertone: "This is nothing."

“My Gao family only has this bloodline left. If he dies, my old bones will have no hope left. Harbin will surely drag a few of his people down with him.”

Gao Bin, who has always been afraid of the Japanese, was driven to desperation today and decided to go all out.

Tanaka was startled by the ruthlessness in his eyes, then sneered, "Then you're probably going to be disappointed today."

"Woo!"

With a long whistle, the train from Xinjing slowly pulled into the platform.

The car door opened, and Hong Zhi, dressed in a well-fitting suit, stepped out of the car unhurriedly, carrying a suitcase.

He spotted the two groups of people facing off on the platform at a glance, but his face showed no surprise; instead, it was as if he had seen something interesting.

Hong Zhi smiled slightly and stepped onto the platform.

Tanaka waved his hand and immediately led his men to surround them:
"Hong-san, I've been waiting for you for so long."

Hong Zhiyou looked at him calmly: "Assistant Tanaka, what's the matter with such a big entourage?"

Tanaka pulled out an arrest warrant stamped with the official seal of the National Police Agency from his pocket and waved it in front of him: "You are suspected of using a special ticket. We have both witnesses and physical evidence. Please come with us to the National Police Agency!"

Before he could finish speaking, Gao Bin had already stepped in front of Hong Zhiyou.

"Assistant Tanaka, could this arrest warrant be fake?" He leaned closer and examined the paper carefully.

"These days, everything can be fake."

"And what about those witnesses and physical evidence? Could they have been fabricated through torture to extract confessions?"

"I have serious doubts about this."

"After all, this kind of thing is one of our specialties."

Gao Bin sneered.

Tanaka's face turned ashen with rage: "Gao Bin! How dare you question Mr. Shibuya's orders!"

"I don't doubt Mr. Shibuya, I doubt you."

"Who knows if you're giving false orders?"
"I still remember how you tried to uproot our police department last time at the Shibuya official residence."

"Who knows what you're up to this time, trying to kidnap someone?"

Gao Bin expressed his doubts.

"You...you're just making excuses!"
"idiot!"

Unable to win the argument, Tanaka lost his temper and suddenly drew the pistol from his waist!

"Click!"

Almost simultaneously, Gao Bin, Zhou Yi, Liu Kui, and the dozen or so agents behind them all drew their guns.

The two dark gun barrels faced each other, and the atmosphere instantly became tense and frozen!

Tanaka was surprised that Gao Bin and his gang actually dared to draw their guns. He turned to Murakami behind him and yelled, "Captain Murakami! Execute the order! Arrest them!"

All eyes were on Murakami.

However, Murakami, who should have obeyed orders, stood still and did not move.

He looked at Tanaka expressionlessly and said in a very formulaic tone, "I'm sorry, Assistant Tanaka. I haven't received any orders from Commander Kato. I'm sorry, I can't arrest him."

Tanaka's eyes widened instantly; he could hardly believe his ears.

Murakami, however, seemed not to notice and continued unhurriedly, "Moreover, as far as I know, internal problems of the National Police Agency are always investigated by the Security Bureau."

"How about this, I can use the name of the military police to 'invite' Section Chief Hong back to cooperate with the investigation."

"But everything must follow strict and formal procedures, with the Security Bureau involved."

As Murakami spoke, he turned to look at Gao Bin: "Section Chief Gao, what do you think?"

Gao Bin frowned slightly.

Security Bureau?

What's the difference between that place and Shibuya Saburo's den of iniquity?
Director Miao Futian was promoted by Ishihara Kanji. If he goes there, the situation will be extremely unfavorable for Zhiyou.

Seeing that Murakami had defected, and that his own forces were outnumbered, Tanaka was already in a difficult situation.

Now, upon hearing the words "Security Bureau," he calmed down.

That's right. Miao Futian was promoted by Ishihara, Mr. Shibuya's former superior. Even if Murakami, that good-for-nothing, didn't help, once he got to the Security Bureau, it would still be his territory.

Thinking of this, he immediately agreed: "Okay!"

"Let's go to the Security Bureau!"

"I'd like to see who dares to protect ticket holders on the Security Bureau's turf!"

Murakami then turned his gaze to Hong Zhiyou: "Hong-san, what do you think?"

Hong Zhiyou shrugged, a relaxed smile on his face:
"Of course I have no problem."

"A person with a clear conscience has nothing to fear. It's a good opportunity for Director Miao to give me justice."

He picked up his suitcase, took two steps forward with a confident stride.

Seeing his confident and fearless demeanor, Gao Bin felt much relieved.

This guy has connections everywhere and never fights a battle unprepared.

Since he dared to go, it means he was confident he could escape unscathed.

"it is good!"

Gao Bin put away his gun and waved to his men.

"Then let's all go to the Security Bureau and support Director Miao!"

……

Harbin Security Bureau.

In the director's office, Miao Futian held the telephone receiver, his brows furrowed.

He was truly numb.

On one side is his immediate superior, Saburo Shibuya of the Hama Province Police Department.

On the other side is Gao Bin, the head of the Special Affairs Section of the Police Department.

These two powerful figures actually drew their guns and confronted each other at the train station over Hong Zhiyou, and now they want to bring the battlefield to his own little corner of the world.

What the hell is this?!

Immortals fight, mortals suffer.

As a mere security bureau chief, he couldn't afford to offend either side.

"Director, Director?" came the urgent call from the other end of the phone.

"understood!"

Miao Futian hung up the phone in frustration and paced back and forth in his office, his mind in turmoil.

When in doubt, consult the Crouching Dragon or the Young Phoenix.

He had two trusted confidants.

One of them was Zhang Chunyuan, the head of the First Section, which was the Investigation Section.

The other is Song Jingyu, the head of the Third Inspection Section.

Both of them were shrewd old foxes who knew the ways of the world.

"Somebody come!"

He shouted towards the door, "Bring Section Chief Zhang here!"

A moment later, Zhang Chunyuan, the head of the investigation department, pushed open the door and entered.

"Director, are you looking for me?"

Miao Futian pointed to the sofa and got straight to the point: "You've heard about what happened at the train station, haven't you?"

"heard."

Zhang Chunyuan sat down, his face filled with barely suppressed excitement.

He had long disliked Hong Zhi.

Last time, his son Zhang Feng was humiliated by Hong Zhiyou at Huizi's party, losing all face.

He had been holding back this anger.

Now the opportunity has finally come.

"Chief, this is a golden opportunity!"

Zhang Chunyuan leaned forward, his voice low, but his tone was unusually agitated.

"Think about it, who is Mr. Shibuya? He's one of Vice-Commander Ishihara Kanji's men!"

"Hideki Tojo has lost power and has been transferred to the Air Force. Rensuke Isogai and his gang won't be able to keep up for long. Vice Commander Ishihara could be back at any time!"
"At this time, we must spare no effort to support Mr. Shibuya!"
"What is Hong Zhiyou anyway? He's just a clown who got kicked out of the gate by Isogai Rensuke!"

"Let's grab him and torture him severely! Tiger bench, pepper spray, electric shocks—use whatever you can!"
I don't believe he can handle it!
"As long as his statement matches the testimonies of those two buddies, this case will be airtight!"

"At that point, even a god couldn't save him!"

Zhang Chunyuan said.

Miao Futian remained silent, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table, without immediately expressing his opinion.

"You can go now, let me think about it." He waved his hand.

After Zhang Chunyuan left, Miao Futian had someone call in Song Jingyu, the head of the Third Inspection Section.

……

(End of this chapter)