Spy wars start with lurking Secretary Hong

Chapter 562 The New Leader

Time flies.

Before we knew it, it was July 1943.

As Japan suffered repeated defeats in the Pacific theater, the Kwantung Army became increasingly frantic in its plundering of resources such as coal, soybeans, and steel.

To facilitate transportation, railways were extended and factories sprang up.

Despite massive industrial investment and infrastructure construction, the puppet state of Manchukuo presented a bizarre and false prosperity.

The Japanese even shamelessly touted this as a "miracle of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere".

However, beneath the surface of prosperity lies the ever-deepening suffering of the people.

At the same time, the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army and other anti-Japanese organizations were further weakened and scattered under the continuous high-pressure suppression, and turned to the more difficult underground struggle.

……

Ten o'clock in the morning.

On the streets of Serbia, foreign women in plaid skirts and fashionable wives and young ladies, showing off their long, slender, white legs, are a feast for the eyes.

Inside the car.

Hong Zhi would occasionally whistle at the women passing by.

As Zhou Yi drove, he said, "You seem to be in a good mood?"

"It's not exactly good."

"I just feel that the fairest thing God has ever done for us humans is time."

"No matter if you are rich or poor, a high-ranking official or a beggar, there are 24 hours in a day, not a minute more or a second less."

"Whether you're relaxed or depressed, it's still a day."

"So why not treat yourself better?"

He turned his head and pointed with his chin at Zhou Yi's brow.

"Look at you, that vertical line between your eyebrows, if it were any deeper it could be used as a third eye, why bother?"

Zhou Yi gave a wry smile: "Yes, the past few years have been too difficult."

His voice was a little deep.

"The Anti-Japanese Alliance suffered repeated heavy blows, and General Zhao also..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but both of them understood the weight of those unspoken words.

The two pillars of the Anti-Japanese United Army have passed away one after another.

The entire anti-Japanese force in Northeast China fell into an unprecedented low.

A moment of silence,

Zhou Yi continued:
Fortunately, the entire international anti-fascist battlefield is constantly achieving victories.

"Isoroku Yamamoto was killed by the Americans, Mussolini was arrested, and the Soviets won the Battle of Stalingrad."

"Everything is moving in a positive direction."

"If all goes well, perhaps it is as you say, that the Japanese should get out of China in four or five years."

"Yes."

Hong Zhi nodded, then changed the subject: "So I borrowed another two million from the Central Bank of Manchuria."

Zhou Yi was completely stunned. "The Japanese are treating you like royalty."

"The amount of money you owe them must be enough to fill one hand, right?"

Aren't they afraid you'll default on your debt and run away?

"Afraid? Of course I'm afraid."

Hong Zhi laughed and flicked his cigarette ash: "But the Manchukuo Yuan they printed themselves is essentially no different from waste paper in their eyes."

"Furthermore, I have Kojiyama Naoto as my guarantor."

"Moreover, I became sworn brothers with the head of the Manchukuo Bank, and bought him a house and a car in Tokyo, and also gave him a lot of US dollars."

"He helped me create a lot of false reports, and the loan was approved naturally."

Hong Zhi leaned back in his chair, looking like he was imparting knowledge and teaching skills.

"That's how it is when you deal with banks."

"It's all about connections. Even Puyi's cat could get him a loan. The more money you have, the more they'll lend you, they'll practically chase after you to lend you money."

"No money, no connections, calling them ancestors won't help, you won't get a single penny."

"The rich get richer, and the poor get poorer."

"An eternal truth."

Zhou Yi listened to his twisted logic, unable to refute it, and could only smile helplessly:
"You've done a thorough job of researching this."

"Have all the goods been shipped out?"

"Finished."

Hong Zhiyou answered decisively.

Zhou Yi's expression grew increasingly solemn:

Is it reliable?

"Don't spend your whole life hunting eagles only to have them peck your eyes out."

"No, it's very reliable."

Hong Zhiyou's eyes were resolute.

He didn't put all his gold bars in one basket at all.

The batteries are stored in more than a dozen locations, including Tianjin, the United States, and Hong Kong, so they are very safe.

Moreover, what he's reaping now is only a small amount.

What he really coveted was the gold in the vaults of the Central Bank of Manchuria.

Nearly thirty tons.

Why should those Russians benefit from that money and that industrial equipment?

When the time comes, he will definitely try to get his hands on it.

The conversation inside the car fell into a brief silence once again.

Zhou Yi lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and said:

“Wisdom exists.”

"Old Wei told me that the Manchurian Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China, unable to withstand the urging from North China, secretly ordered the Harbin Prefectural Committee of the Communist Party of China to make formal contact with Zhang Tao."

Hong Zhi frowned: "Have these guys lost their minds?"
"What did Lao Wei say?"

Zhou Yi said, "Old Wei is having a hard time now too."

Previously, the Harbin Transportation Station was independently responsible to the Provincial Working Committee.

"Now, in order to strengthen guidance and management of lower-level transportation stations, the provincial working committee has set up separate working committee groups in many places."

"The group leader in Harbin is named He Qinghua."

"Now all of Lao Wei's work must be reported to him and he must take orders from him."

"Fortunately, Lao Wei has been protecting me and has never revealed my identity to He Qinghua."

Zhou Yi's voice carried a deep sense of powerlessness as he continued:
"Previously, Zhang Tao raised funds through the student committee to carry out printing and publicity, and he did a good job."

"Among them, he also passed on several important pieces of intelligence to He Qinghua through the members of the academic committee."

"Now, He Qinghua feels that Zhang Tao has gained enough experience and has replaced Gong Qingshan as Liu Zhenwen's police assistant, a very important position."

"He decided to formally recruit Zhang Tao and even met with him in person."

"Cast a long line to catch a big fish," Hong Zhiyou sighed softly.

"Now, the fish have finally taken the bait."

"Liu Zhenwen promoted and guided Zhang Tao step by step, turning him from a good-for-nothing student into a key member of the academic committee, and repeatedly sending out so-called 'critical intelligence'."

"In addition, those clueless guys in North China were stirring things up behind the scenes."

"All of this finally allowed Zhang Tao to successfully attract the attention of the Manchurian Provincial Committee."

"Without a doubt, that intelligence was definitely fed to him by Liu Zhenwen on purpose."

"We all underestimated Liu Zhenwen."

"He is undoubtedly an extremely patient hunter."

Hong Zhi gave a very fair assessment.

Zhou Yi deeply agreed and sincerely exclaimed, "Yes, it's amazing that they've spent so much time polishing Zhang Tao, this chess piece, bit by bit."

"Take what everyone considers a useless or dead move and polish it into a powerful weapon."

"Director Liu is no ordinary person."

"Now, he is the director of the department, Section Chief Gao has been promoted to deputy director, and I have become the head of the special affairs section."

"It looks like we've all been promoted, but in reality, the police department still operates under the same rules, and its power is even greater than before."

"Moreover, when it comes to catching red tickets, Section Chief Gao is firmly on his side."

"Looking back now, Lao Liu is the real winner."

Zhou Yi sighed and continued.

"Of course, there is another very important reason why He Qinghua decided to recruit Zhang Tao."

"Under the current high-pressure policy, the entire anti-Japanese front has suffered major setbacks. Too many people have defected, and too few new blood are willing to join."

"For someone like Zhang Tao, in the eyes of He Qinghua and the work group comrades, that was no longer just a timely help."

"They delivered a villa with a fireplace directly to us."

“If I were He Qinghua, someone who has risen through the ranks of the student council, undergone rigorous tests, and repeatedly provided crucial intelligence, I would have no reason not to recruit him.”

Hong Zhi stubbed out his cigarette: "Can you try to stop him?"

"Disaster.

"If Lao Wei could persuade him, he would have done so long ago."

"As you know, since the Provincial Party Committee has decided to strengthen its leadership over local transportation stations, the people sent to such an important city as Harbin are definitely not ordinary people."

"Old Wei is a fairly easy person to get along with."

"But he gets angry whenever He Qinghua is mentioned; it's clear that He Qinghua is very stubborn."

“Then let’s cut ties with them and go our separate ways,” Hong Zhiyou said decisively.

"It's difficult."

Zhou Yi's voice was full of bitterness.

"As you know, we have very strict organizational procedures and discipline."

"Now that Lao Wei is under his direct leadership, even if I have any important intelligence, he has to pass it on to He Qinghua, who will then pass it on to his superiors."

"In other words, the transportation station is now only responsible for collecting intelligence, and has no authority to report it."

The carriage fell silent once again.

a long time.

Hong Zhiyou slowly spoke, breaking the silence:
"Not urgent.

"Let's think of another way."

"Tell Lao Wei to be ready to retreat at any time."

"If something happens to He Qinghua and the work team, the original staff of the transportation station will be preserved as much as possible."

Zhou Yi's tightly furrowed brows showed no sign of easing: "That's the only way."

Their current situation is indeed very awkward.

Failure to cooperate or consult with others can easily be seen as treason and a violation of organizational discipline.

These rules and regulations are not easy to come by.

Cooperate, or we might all be wiped out.

Often, the only reason we can persevere is because of our personal beliefs and passions.

……

Police Department, Commissioner's Office.

Zhang Tao, who had been promoted to fourth-class police officer, strode in carrying documents.

"Director, you wanted to see me?" Liu Zhenwen put down the documents in his hand, looked up at him, and smiled gently.

"sit."

He pointed to the sofa opposite him.

"Look at you, you've gained a lot of weight since you first arrived."

Liu Zhenwen's gaze lingered on him for a few seconds, as if admiring a work he had personally crafted.

"He's shed his scholarly air and now looks a bit like an official."

Zhang Tao was flattered and quickly replied respectfully, "It's all thanks to the Director's promotion and guidance."

Liu Zhenwen waved his hand and personally poured Zhang Tao a glass of water: "Have the Harbin work group contacted you?"

Zhang Tao nodded immediately, leaning forward slightly: "I've made contact."

"I have now completely gained the trust of the academic committee."

"Lin Xuan, the flag bearer of the class committee, now treats me like an older brother."

“He has contact with the work group, but as you instructed, I have been deliberately keeping my distance and have never taken the initiative to follow or inquire about him.”

Zhang Tao paused, then added, "Lin Xuan told me explicitly that the team leaders are already considering recruiting me, and there's a high probability that it's possible."

"It should happen in the next few days."

"very good.

"Those who achieve great things must be able to remain calm and composed."

He looked at Zhang Tao with encouraging eyes.

"If you can successfully infiltrate the Red Ticket organization this time, you will be able to expand this network and wipe out the Red Ticket organizations in the entire Binjiang Province, and even other provinces."

"By then, you will surely have performed countless extraordinary feats, young man."

Liu Zhenwen's words were like a flame, igniting the passion in Zhang Tao's heart.

He quickly stood up and bowed, saying, "It's all thanks to your command and guidance, Director."

He seemed to remember something and added, "Of course, there are also the funds generously donated by Miss Wenwen."

"Director, I...I'm a little worried. Will this implicate Wenwen?"

Liu Zhenwen took in his expression and understood.

He knew that Zhang Tao liked Wenwen, but he never openly objected to it, nor did he support it.

Not opposing it gives this piece the motivation and hope to move forward, making it easier to control.

The reason for not supporting him is that Zhang Tao is ultimately just a pawn.

Moreover, Wenwen already has someone in her heart.

Liu Zhenwen wore a warm smile, like a kind elder.

"Don't worry, how could I possibly give her a pass?"
"I reported this matter to the Police Commissioner's Office a long time ago, and they agreed."

"If we can really catch a big fish, Wenwen will have done her part for the Party and the country, and she will be a hero."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Tao felt completely relieved.

"I can rest assured that."

Liu Zhenwen stood up and gently patted his shoulder.

"Go for it."

I will fully support you.

"Good luck, young man."

Zhang Tao straightened his chest and bowed solemnly.

"Thank you, Director!"

……

three days later.

The phone on Zhang Tao's desk suddenly rang.

He quickly picked up the receiver.

"Hey."

"okay, I get it."

He hung up the phone, quickly changed into some inconspicuous casual clothes, and walked briskly downstairs.

……

Harbin Institute of Technology, in a quiet corner of the campus.

A slender young man with a crew cut was pacing anxiously back and forth, glancing at the intersection every now and then.

He is Lin Xuan, the person in charge of the Harbin Institute of Technology's Party Committee.

Upon seeing Zhang Tao, Lin Xuan's eyes lit up, and he immediately went to greet him.

"Brother Tao! Good news! The work group has officially decided to hire you!"

"In addition, Team Leader He plans to meet with you in person to give you instructions on your work."

Zhang Tao was overjoyed, but he forced himself to suppress it, putting on a calm and experienced demeanor that showed he was mindful of the big picture.

"With things so tense right now, wouldn't it be too dangerous for Team Leader He to meet with me in person?"

Lin Xuan was moved by his "consideration for the organization" and admired him even more: "Brother Tao, you don't need to worry about this, we have our own arrangements."

"Just wait for the call."

Zhang Tao nodded with relief: "Okay, I'll follow the organization's arrangements."

As he spoke, he took a small yellow croaker from his pocket and stuffed it into Lin Xuan's hand:

"Brother, this is some money I've recently saved up. Please hand it over to the organization for me."

"I can't stay outside for too long, so I'll go first."

Lin Xuan gripped the gold bar tightly and nodded emphatically.

"Okay, brother, be careful."

……

The next day.

Old Wei glanced around to make sure there were no tails following him, then quickly walked into the old building in front of him.

The person who opened the door was a man wearing a white shirt and black-rimmed glasses, dressed like a university professor.

It was He Qinghua.

He led Lao Wei through the living room and into a secret room.

As soon as he sat down, Lao Wei got straight to the point:
"Old He, you've still decided to recruit Zhang Tao?"

He Qinghua nodded, without the slightest hesitation on his face.

"Yes."

He casually took a gold bar from the drawer and placed it on the table.

"This is the organizational funding that Zhang Tao had someone transfer."

He looked at Lao Wei and asked in return, "Lao Wei, he is a comrade sent by the Beiping Working Committee to assist us. You said you would investigate him, and now you have been investigating for three years. Isn't that enough?"

Old Wei said in a deep voice, "Old He, the Harbin transportation line is one of the few lines that has a channel for transferring supplies and can provide a lot of funding to higher-level organizations."

“We have been operating and cooperating very well over the past few years.”

"Bringing in a newcomer with a complicated background at this time could result in an irreparable and enormous loss if something goes wrong!"

He Qinghua's face darkened.

"What do you mean?
"You mean, my arrival has disrupted your work?"

Old Wei frowned: "Comrade Qinghua, that's not what I meant."

"I'm just advising you to be very careful."

"Be cautious about what?"

He Qinghua slammed his hand on the table and stood up abruptly.

"Zhang Tao is now Liu Zhenwen's police assistant, and he has access to the police department's most confidential core intelligence!"

He pointed at Lao Wei, his tone becoming sharp.

"I know you also have a high-ranking informant lurking in the police department."

"If he's really that effective, why didn't he get those crucial intelligence that saved our comrades' lives? Didn't Zhang Tao get them all?"

Old Wei said in a deep voice, "Comrade Qinghua, this is the strangest part!"

He Qinghua sneered:
"Old Wei, I think you're worried that after Zhang Tao joins, your secret line will become useless and hinder your progress, right?"

Old Wei was dumbfounded: "Old He, you!"

He Qinghua sat down again, adopting the demeanor of a leader.

"According to the decision and organizational principles of the Provincial Working Committee, the Harbin underground transportation line is now under my direct leadership."

"This matter is settled."

Old Wei stared intently at He Qinghua, his disappointment almost overflowing.

After a long silence, he slowly opened his mouth, as if he had deflated like a punctured balloon.

"Okay, you're the leader, so I won't go into personnel matters."

"But for safety reasons, my transit station and I need to go into hibernation recently."

"Just take care of yourself."

After saying that, Lao Wei stood up, turned around and left.

"What's your attitude!"

He Qinghua chased after him, shouting, "Wei Shan! Who told you to lie low? Did I approve it?"

Old Wei ignored him and opened the door without turning his head.

"boom!"

A loud slam of the door sent dust flying from the walls.

He Qinghua was so angry that he trembled all over and slammed his hand on the table again.

"That's unreasonable!"

The door to the inner room opened, and a man with a small mustache and wearing a suit came out.

"Team leader, this Wei Shan seems to be very dissatisfied with the team leader."

"If all else fails, we can report to the Provincial Working Committee and have him transferred away."

"Look at how well they live, eating and drinking like madmen every day, with more money than they can spend."

"This isn't some underground work; it's clearly a place to enjoy life."

He Qinghua waved his hand:
Don't say that.

"The premise of underground work is to live safely. They have the means to do so, so there's no need for them to suffer unnecessarily."

"Furthermore, revolutionary work is not divided into noble and lowly. The fact that he lives a better life while the comrades in the mountains live a worse life is due to the limitations of their circumstances."

He sighed.

"Comrade Wei Shan is very capable. He has conveyed a lot of important intelligence to the organization in the past, which is not easy."

"He's just too conservative in his thinking, overly cautious, and a bit unambitious."

"It's not to the point of being transferred or punished."

The man in the suit asked again, "So... shall we meet again tonight?"

He Qinghua's gaze hardened once again.

"Of course I must see him!"
"Old Wei doesn't seek progress, but we must!"

"With the current tense situation in the War of Resistance against Japan, Zhang Tao is of vital importance to us."

The man in the suit nodded immediately.

"Okay, I'll make the arrangements now."

……

(End of this chapter)