Spy wars start with lurking Secretary Hong

Chapter 504 The Storm is Coming
in the office.

When Ma Wendong saw Shiro Ishii, he immediately stood up and came over to greet him with a bow.

Although Shiro Ishii did not hold a high military rank, he was a prized asset of the Army Ministry, even being given higher priority than Kenkichi Ueda, the commander of the Kwantung Army.

After all, commanders and chiefs of staff can be replaced at any time.

But there are very few people in the world who would dare to defy the world and use live subjects for experiments to create bacterial weapons.

Shiro Ishii possesses almost irreplaceable qualities.

This is a ruthless person whom neither Ishihara Kanji nor Isogai Rensuke dared to offend easily.

“Dr. Ishii,” Ma Wendong said respectfully.

Shiro Ishii simply nodded slightly, gesturing for him to take a seat.

"Director Ma, is there anything I can help you with?"

Compared to Ma Wendong, Shiro Ishii admired Shibuya Saburo more, a soldier with great wisdom and the courage to take action.

In his eyes, Ma Wendong was nothing more than a businessman who rose to power through his father-in-law.

Especially after Ma Wendong came to Harbin, he made few achievements, which made Shiro Ishii quite disdainful.

Ma Wendong sat up straight and said in a deep voice, "I know that when Mr. Shibuya was in office, he carried out a bacteriological warfare plan against the Anti-Japanese United Army with your department."

Shiro Ishii glanced at him and frowned: "That's true."

Ma Wendong took a report out of his briefcase and gently placed it on the table: "According to the report at the time, the plan was very successful, killing dozens of members of the Anti-Japanese United Army and causing a large-scale infection, to the point that the main force of the Anti-Japanese United Army disappeared for a time."

“That’s right.” Shiro Ishii’s tone was arrogant and unquestionable. “We injected cholera and plague strains into the medicine, making it highly contagious.”

"To prevent the virus from spreading into the city, we even blocked all the downhill passages from Laotuo Mountain at one point."

"Is there a problem?" he asked in return.

Ma Wendong looked directly at Shiro Ishii and slowly said, "There's a big problem."

"Based on my previous informant, Qiu Daqiang, who has already been exposed, and the two operations of the Yamamoto Special Forces, the main force of the Fourth Battalion of the Anti-Japanese United Army has not suffered any losses."

"Those rumors about bacterial infection and near extinction are completely untrue."

He spoke each word clearly and coldly.

In other words, your plan has completely failed.

"what?"

Shiro Ishii slammed his fist on the table, his eyes wide with rage: "Impossible!"

"That was an operation meticulously planned by Mr. Shibuya himself. Every step was repeatedly rehearsed, so it was impossible for anything to go wrong!"

With the fighting at Nomonhan front at present and the Kwantung Army suffering defeat after defeat, his biological weapons are ready to show their power.

At this moment, someone came up to him and told him that his proud work was a failure, which was tantamount to a resounding slap in the face.

Ma Wendong remained expressionless and pushed a stack of photos over: "This is evidence."

“I have witnesses. If it is convenient for you, Dr. Ishii, I would like to meet them in person.”

Shiro Ishii's chest heaved violently as he stared intently at Ma Wendong, his eyes seeming to want to devour him alive.

After a long silence, he finally managed to squeeze out two words through gritted teeth.

"Bring it in!"

Soon, Captain Yamamoto walked in with three bound members of the Anti-Japanese Alliance.

Yamamoto stood at attention and saluted Ishii Shiro: "Lord Ishii, my unit was ordered to launch a surprise attack on the Anti-Japanese Alliance camp. More than ten people were killed on the spot, and these three were captured alive."

"Based on our unit's survey of the mountainous region, the number of members of the Anti-Japanese Allied Forces is estimated to be between one and two hundred. There is no indication of a significant reduction in personnel due to bacterial infection as recorded in the archives."

"In fact, they can also prove that my and Director Ma's judgments are true and valid."

Ma Wendong interjected, "Dr. Ishii, do you now believe that I wasn't just making things up?"

Shiro Ishii stared coldly at Yamamoto: "You are a soldier of the Empire, and you should be responsible for your words and actions!"

Yamamoto straightened his chest and said in a loud voice, "I swear to His Majesty the Emperor with the honor of a samurai that every word I have said is true!"

Shiro Ishii turned his gaze to the three prisoners and commanded grimly, "Speak."

The man in the lead raised his head. His name was Meng Deyi, a squad leader of the Anti-Japanese United Army, and one of the core figures on the mountain.

"Mr. Ishii, Captain Yamamoto is telling the truth."

"At that time, Hong Zhi and two others did indeed transport a batch of medicine up."

"But strangely enough, our Political Commissar Zhou did not use that batch of medicine at all."

Meng Deyi recalled the scene at that time.

"In order to facilitate your plan, Lao Qiu even urged Political Commissar Zhou to take the medicine as soon as possible."

"But Political Commissar Zhou had seen through everything long ago. He set a trap, and Lao Qiu's identity was completely exposed because of this. In the end, he had no choice but to follow that policeman named Hong Zhiyou down the mountain to escape for his life."

"Afterwards, Political Commissar Zhou ordered that all the poison be burned."

"In order to mislead you, he led his men to wipe out a group of bandits in the mountains overnight, creating the illusion that our anti-Japanese guerrillas were infected and reduced in number, and were forced to go into hiding."

"It is obvious that Political Commissar Zhou not only knew about your plan in advance, but also cooperated with the person who passed on the intelligence to put on this show, so much so that even a shrewd person like Mr. Shibuya failed to notice it."

"Snapped!"

Shiro Ishii grabbed the teacup on the table and smashed it on the ground, shards flying everywhere.

His face was contorted with rage.

"How did the Anti-Japanese Alliance get the news?!" he roared.

Meng Deyi said, "We couldn't understand it before, but after Lao Qiu's traitorous identity was revealed, it became very clear."

"At the time, besides Lao Qiu, only Hong Zhiyou knew about this plan."

"After Hong Zhiyou came up the mountain, Political Commissar Zhou had a long talk with him alone."

"Later, when we were chasing Lao Qiu and Hong Zhiyou, Political Commissar Zhou also ordered us not to kill them."

"Clearly, the intelligence that Political Commissar Zhou obtained most likely came from Hong Zhiyou."

"He is deliberately covering it up."

Ma Wendong immediately chimed in: "That's right! Qiu Daqiang also discussed this issue with me when he was alive."

"At the time, he believed that Hung Chi was very likely a mole within the police department who was a red ticket agent!"

"Not only that, he is also suspected of secretly passing intelligence to Fu Jun, a high-ranking member of the Red Ticket faction, which ultimately led to Fu Jun's successful escape!"

"By the way, he also colluded with Hao Guifang, the battalion commander of the Third Battalion of the National Revolutionary Army, to secretly provide medicine and firearms to the Anti-Japanese Allied Army in the mountains. There are people in the National Revolutionary Army who can testify to these things!"

Ma Wendong had known about these things for a long time but had kept quiet about them.

If it weren't for the dispute over the leather goods business, letting Fu Jun go could be considered a "reciprocal gesture" to Hong Zhiyou.

But now, this is a deadly weapon aimed at Hong Zhiyou's heart.

No matter how you look at it, he's the one who profits.

"Baka!" Shiro Ishii turned to Ma Wendong in a fit of rage. "With so much evidence against him, why don't you, as the Commissioner of Police, arrest him immediately?"

Ma Wendong's face showed an expression of utter helplessness and indignation.

"Dr. Ishii, you know better than I, a newcomer, how Mr. Shibuya and Assistant Tanaka died."

"When I first arrived in Harbin, although I nominally held military and political power, I was ultimately powerless against the local bullies."

His voice was heavy with sorrow.

"My assistant, Zhang Ling, was blown to pieces in the street right in front of the restaurant yesterday because he was ordered to investigate the leak of the germ warfare plan!"

"Dr. Ishii, you have been stationed in Harbin for a long time and are the pillar of the Army. You are highly respected and everyone honors you."

"Wen Dong earnestly requests your assistance in apprehending Hong Zhiyou, this parasite of the empire, to set the record straight!"

Shiro Ishii fell silent.

Of course he knew Hong Zhiyou.

Catching red tickets was not his job.

But this guy dared to ruin his painstakingly crafted grand plan, which was the ultimate challenge to his authority and wisdom.

The arrogant and conceited Shiro Ishii could not tolerate such humiliation.

He slammed his hand on the table and made a decision:

"Alright! I can help you take down Hong Ji-you!"
"What do you need me to do?"

A look of wild joy flashed in Ma Wendong's eyes. He straightened up and lowered his voice, saying, "When dealing with Hong Zhiyou, we can't follow the rules. Following the rules will cause a lot of trouble."

"Arrests have to go through the military police, but the military police captain Murakami is on very good terms with him, so it's easy for word to leak out. The people at the military police headquarters can't be relied on either."

"However, I have already made arrangements, so you don't need to worry."

"I will capture this thief soon."

Shiro Ishii sneered, "Fine, I'll leave it to you how to capture him. Once he's here, even a god descending to earth can't save him!"

Ma Wendong bowed deeply to him once again.

"Thank you, Your Excellency!"

……

In the car.

Captain Yamamoto finally couldn't help but speak up, asking in bewilderment, "Director Ma, I have the Empire's most elite special forces under my command, why don't you let me lead men to arrest Hong Zhiyou directly?"

Ma Wendong leaned back in his seat, his face regaining that confident, calculating smile:
"Yamamoto-kun, you are my last trump card. I will not let you play it unless absolutely necessary."

He explained slowly and deliberately: "Hong Zhiyou has deep roots in Harbin. He not only has local gang influence, but also a group of ruthless thugs under his command."

"Furthermore, his people are everywhere in the police department and the military police. Even if we have evidence to arrest him, it could easily trigger a large-scale armed conflict."

"The current situation at the Nomonhan front is unfavorable, and further infighting in the rear would be detrimental to the overall situation."

"Furthermore, even if we catch him, a lot of people will jump out to plead for him or demand that we go through legal procedures and verify the evidence."

"If we keep dragging this out, we might not be able to kill him in the end."

Ma Wendong's eyes turned sinister.

"Therefore, the best way is to take him down quietly."

"Then, hand it over directly to Dr. Ishii, let him turn it into a bunch of experimental data, and let it completely vanish from the world."

What Ma Wendong didn't say was that he didn't want to take any responsibility for the open killing of Hong Zhiyou.

After all, he was a prince's man.

Hong Zhiyou's overt security capabilities in Harbin are indeed very strong.

But catching him is actually quite simple.

Doesn't he like messing around with that bitch Jia Huizi?

He could leave under the pretext of attending a meeting in Xinjing.

Once that woman, who can't stand being alone, learns that I'm leaving Harbin, she'll definitely be eager to have a date with Hongzhi.

Based on Lu Ming's observations from some time ago, Hong Zhi usually doesn't bring his subordinates when he goes to meet Jia Huizi in private.

Then, I can quietly tie him up and hand him over to Shiro Ishii.

Only in this way can the hatred in one's heart be dispelled.

The thought of Hong Zhiyou lying on Shiro Ishii's operating table like a specimen, at the mercy of those cold instruments, filled Ma Wendong with an uncontrollable excitement, and his body trembled slightly as a result.

Then, show those bloody photos to Jia Huizi.

She must be in a lot of pain.

Haha, that's funny, really funny.

……

1939 8 Month 1 Day.

Early in the morning. As usual, Hong Zhi arrived at the section chief's office very early.

He skillfully boiled water, brewed tea, and then wiped Gao Bin's desk until it was spotless.

A moment later, Gao Bin leisurely walked in carrying a thermos.

"Drink soup, drink soup."

Gao Bin placed the thermos on the table and greeted them with a smile, "Your aunt got up early this morning to make this for Master Xu, so we're just basking in the benefits."

Hong Zhi leaned over and sniffed, then said with a smile, "Uncle, you look so much better lately."

"Yes." Gao Bin poured himself a bowl and drank it slowly, a rare look of contentment on his face.

"You know, ever since I started in this line of work, my mind has never been truly at peace. I haven't had a full night's sleep in years."

"Your aunt has seen all kinds of doctors, both Chinese and Western, for this problem of mine, but it's all been to no avail."

"And guess what happened?"

"Now, every day when I get home, as soon as I see Xu Dangjia, hey, all my illnesses disappear, I have a good appetite, and I can fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow."

Even your aunt joked that Master Xu is more miraculous than any elixir.

Hong Zhi poured soup for his uncle and said, "Is it a child?"

Gao Bin waved his hand: "It's all the same. I don't reject bandits, I reject Japanese women and red tickets."

Hong Zhi joked, "Uncle, aren't you afraid that after all that effort from Master Xu, she'll end up giving birth to a girl?"

Gao Bin wasn't angry at all; instead, he was amused.

"Girls are good too."

His gaze suddenly drifted to the window, tinged with a hint of reminiscence.

There's something I've never told you before.

"Your aunt and I actually had a child before, a girl."

"Unfortunately, I contracted whooping cough."

"Back then, medical conditions were poor, and our Gao family was dirt poor. We were so poor we could barely afford to cook, let alone afford to pay for our child's medical treatment."

"He died of illness before he was even a year old."

Gao Bin's voice lowered.

"After that incident, your aunt and I completely gave up on the idea of ​​having any more children."

"In this world, children are born to suffer."

"And then, after your parents entrusted you to me, I had even less interest in that kind of thing."

He turned his head and looked at Hong Zhiyou, his eyes softening with affection: "Tell me, how could I not like that girl?"

Hong Zhi was startled; he had indeed never heard his uncle mention this past event before.

"Uncle, how come I never knew about this..."

Gao Bin smiled and regained his usual demeanor: "Why bother telling a kid like you all this? It'll only make you feel bad for nothing."

He changed the subject, his tone shifting back to one of calculation.

"Besides, didn't Gu Qiuyan bring one with her?"

"It's a choice between two options. We have to get a son for the Gao family, I'm not worried."

Hong Zhiyou was amused by him and was completely relieved.

"I'm relieved that my uncle has this mindset."

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore." Gao Bin finished the last sip of soup, wiped his mouth, and his eyes suddenly sharpened.

"Zhang Ling, did you do this?"
"Why couldn't you just endure it a little longer?"

Hong Zhiyou frankly admitted: "I can't stand it. Ma Wendong is trying to steal my fur trade."

“Taking someone's money is like killing their parents. I must fight back.”

Gao Bin nodded, seemingly agreeing with the statement: "Yes, a counterattack is necessary."

He lit his pipe and took a deep drag:
"But you have to be careful, Ma Wendong is from the South Manchuria Railway Company."

"All those people think about all day is how to fight amongst themselves and how to scheme against others."

"You should be worried that he might use dirty tricks on you."

Hong Zhi nodded solemnly: "Thank you for the reminder, Uncle. I will be careful."

After finishing his soup, he neatly cleaned the thermos and put it away before turning around and returning to his office.

I had just lit a cigar and poured myself half a glass of red wine, intending to enjoy myself, when there was a knock on the office door.

Zhou Yi walked in.

He sat down on the sofa and lit a cigarette.

Then he took the glass of red wine that Hong Zhiyou handed him, took a sip, and said, "I have two pieces of good news."

Hong Zhi leaned back on the sofa, puffing on his cigarette, gesturing for him to continue.

"First, Zhukov continued his victories at Nomonhan. Thanks to your timely and accurate intelligence, Zoding's germ warfare plan at the Khalkha River was completely thwarted."

"Shiro Ishii has really shot himself in the foot this time."

"According to reliable sources, more than a thousand Japanese soldiers have been infected with typhoid fever, dysentery and cholera."

"More than forty military doctors and so-called suicide squad members of the Kwantung Army died from infections caused by bacteria developed by their own people."

"The bacteriological warfare that the Japanese had placed so much hope in has turned out like this, and the myth of that beast Shiro Ishii has been completely shattered."

"I heard that the follow-up epidemic prevention and control work has not been completed yet, and there is still chaos."

"The Japanese soldiers on the front lines have been so demoralized by the Soviet army that many of them have even chosen to commit suicide when they heard that they were to be sent to Nomonhan."

Zhou Yi continued, "Currently, the Japanese army is divided into two voices. One advocates transferring troops from within the Great Wall to continue the northward advance and fight Zhukov to the death. The other advocates negotiating peace."

"No matter which option they choose, it will be a huge boost to our nation's confidence in resisting Japan."

Hong Zhi smiled faintly and flicked the cigar ash into the ashtray.

All of this was within his expectations.

"What about the second one?"

Looking at his nonchalant demeanor, Zhou Yi couldn't help but laugh and said, "I'm starting to believe your prediction of victory in four or five years. The Japanese don't seem so scary after all."

He stopped smiling, and his voice became gentle.

"The second thing is that your sister-in-law is about to give birth."

“I’ve already made arrangements. I’ve sent her to Jiamusi, where there are reliable people to take care of her.”

Hong Zhi frowned: "Actually, it could be done in Harbin."

"The medical standards here are generally better."

"Anyway, our reputations are already ruined, so everything should be done with your sister-in-law's health in mind."

Zhou Yi shook his head: "It is precisely because her reputation has spread that I have to move her away."

"Tell the outside world that your sister-in-law insisted on going back to her mother's hometown. Her mother used to be from Jiamusi and has relatives there."

"That would make things seem more reasonable. Otherwise, if I remain indifferent, my attitude would seem too fake and would easily arouse suspicion."

Hong Zhi nodded, agreeing with this statement.

Zhou Yi stubbed out his cigarette, his expression turning serious:

How are things going on your end?

“Ma Wendong has been quiet lately, which doesn’t seem like his style.”

Hong Zhiyou downed the glass of red wine in one gulp and sneered:

"If the enemy doesn't move, I won't move."

"If the enemy makes a move, I will strike like thunder."

……

in the afternoon.

Office of the Commissioner of Police.

Adjutant Ogasawara strode in and reported with a grave expression:

"Director, the situation in Nomonhan is very bad."

"Dr. Ishii's germ warfare plan has completely failed. Now the Kwantung Army Headquarters and the Army Headquarters are in a complete mess. Dr. Ishii is probably having a hard time."

Ma Wendong smiled with triumph: "This is my perfect opportunity."

He said slowly and deliberately, "Don't forget, Hong Zhiyou also has the identity of an advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Kwantung Army."

What is Shiro Ishii most afraid of right now?
"I'm just afraid that Hong Zhi might be spreading rumors at the General Staff Headquarters."

"If we also bring up the fact that our germ warfare against the Anti-Japanese United Army failed, and he is punished for both crimes, Shiro Ishii will be in big trouble."

“If we put Hong Zhiyou right in front of his mouth at this moment, he will swallow it whole without even spitting out the bones.”

At this point, he let out a cold laugh.

"Go and call Lu Ming here."

"Yes!"

Soon, Lu Ming walked in quickly, head down.

"Director, you wanted to see me."

Ma Wendong tapped his fingers on the table, staring at him with icy eyes:
"From now on, have your men keep a 24-hour watch on Hong Zhiyou."

"Call me immediately if there's any sign of trouble."

Lu Ming forced a dry smile: "Director, are you... about to take action?"

Ma Wendong merely glanced at him coldly and remained silent.

Lu Ming shuddered and quickly bowed, saying, "I understand, I understand! I'll take care of it right away!"

Watching Lu Ming's hasty departure, Ma Wendong instructed his adjutant, Xiao Li, "Announce to the public that I am going to Xinjing for an emergency meeting, and all official business in the next few days should be postponed."

Lieutenant Ogasawara understood immediately.

"clear."

Ma Wendong gestured for Xiaoli to leave as well, then picked up the phone on his desk and dialed a familiar number.

The moment the call connected, his voice softened instantly.

"Madam, it's me."

"I might have to make a trip to Xinjing (Changchun) unexpectedly, and I estimate I'll be staying for a few days."

Jia Huizi's gentle voice came from the other end of the phone.

Ma Wendong continued softly, "Okay, things haven't been peaceful lately, so please be careful at home."

I will miss you.

"Goodbye."

After hanging up the phone, the warmth on Ma Wendong's face vanished instantly, replaced by an icy chill.

He picked up his briefcase and, escorted by a group of police officers, pretended to strut away in the direction of Xinjing.

The wheels rolled and the dust flew.

He knew the fish was about to take the bait.

Hong Zhiyou is doomed!
……

(End of this chapter)