Spy game? Stop guessing, I really am an undercover agent!

Chapter 251 Two vice ministers, what's going on?
"Please come in," Hotsumi Ozaki said softly. With a creak, the sliding door opened, and a man in uniform, with a calm demeanor and a scholarly air in his eyes, walked in.

Hotsumi Ozaki smiled and stood up to introduce him: "Nakamura-kun, let me introduce you."

"This is His Excellency Hisashi Nishio, the Minister of Education of the Empire."

"Mr. Nishio, this is Mr. Nakamura Isao, the capable man from the South Manchuria Railway Bureau's Research Department whom I mentioned to you, and the current director of the Shanghai South Branch."

This is Hisashi Nishio, the former Chief of Staff of the Kwantung Army.

Hisashi Nishio, Minister of Education of Japan, Senior Advisor and Military Attaché of the General Staff, in charge of leading the training of young soldiers for the Imperial Army, namely: [Reserve Pre-selection Work]...

He was born on October 31, 1881, into a samurai family in Tottori Prefecture, Japan.

His family was not a pure samurai class, but rather they made their fortune through business and then bought their samurai status with money.

He was the fourth son of the samurai Nishio Shigezo, but was adopted by his uncle Nishio Kotaro at a young age.

His older brother, Kotaro, was a pastor in the Faculty of Theology at Doshisha University. When Kotaro was admitted to the Army War College, he warned him to "abstain from alcohol and women."

Later, Nishio Toshizo married Masako, the third daughter of Rear Admiral Sakai Tadatoshi, and they had three children: their eldest son Shigeichi, their eldest daughter Hisako, and their second daughter Noriko.

In 1934, he was appointed Chief of Staff of the Kwantung Army. During this period, he strengthened Japan's colonial rule over the puppet state of Manchukuo and brutally suppressed the anti-Japanese forces in Northeast China.

On July 7, 1937, after the outbreak of the "July 7 Incident", he took over as commander of the Second Army and was sent to China to command the Second Army to advance south along the Jinpu Railway, successively occupying Cangzhou, Jinan and other places.

Afterwards, the troops he commanded participated in the Battle of Taierzhuang, but suffered a defeat, which was one of the reasons he was later transferred back to China.

Upon returning to his home country, he became the new Minister of Education and was put in charge of reserve affairs, effectively excluding him from the core of power.

Regardless, he was still one of the very few generals in the Army Department.

Nakamura Isao was startled and quickly stood up to bow to him: "Lord Nishio, greetings."

Nishio nodded slightly: "Nakamura-kun, I've heard Ozaki-kun mention you many times. I thought you would be arrogant like most Japanese people."

"I was quite pleasantly surprised to see you today."

Nakamura bowed slightly. "Thank you for your appreciation, Mr. Nishio."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the three sat down again.

At this point, their conversations were no longer limited to this specific matter, but gradually expanded to more macro-level issues such as the economic structure of Manchuria, resource allocation, and long-term strategies towards China.

Nakamura Isao was a graduate of the East Asia University of Literature and had a deep understanding of Chinese issues. He was an outstanding graduate at the time. The dean of the East Asia University of Literature and Literature when he studied there was Prime Minister Konoe.

Unlike those who talk a lot, Nakamura Isao doesn't say much, but every time he does, he hits the nail on the head. His views often transcend simple military or economic perspectives, incorporating considerations of social culture and even public sentiment. This struck Nishio as quite novel, and he vaguely felt that this man was not simple.

Ozaki Hidemi skillfully steered the conversation, making it seem like a mere introduction between two talented individuals, but Nishio could sense that this meeting was by no means accidental.

What was Ozaki implying by introducing Nakamura to him? Was he looking for a new ally for the South Manchuria Railway? Or did he represent some force in Tokyo trying to place a new piece in the South Manchuria Railway's game?
The conversation inevitably returned to the issue of handling internal affairs of the South Manchuria Railway Company.

Nakamura Kōya then asked the question that had been bothering him: "Mr. Nishio, Mr. Ozaki, why did you think of using Chen Yang to divert attention?"

"According to the intelligence gathered by the Southern Branch in Shanghai, this Chen Yang is not an ordinary technical officer. It can be said that he has unclear relationships with the Logistics Department, the Mei Agency, and the Maritime Transport Section."

"It seems simple, but it is actually very complex."

Ozaki and Nishio Hisashi exchanged a glance. Before Ozaki Hotsumi could speak, Nishio slowly said, "This is the military's consideration."

“There are several advantages to choosing him,” Nishio analyzed. “First, he comes from the transportation system, and his promotion can be seen as a form of appeasement for those within the South Manchuria Railway who are considered ‘one of their own’.”

"Secondly, he is just a land transport section chief with no military rank and low grade. This promotion is unlikely to be seen by the military as a further expansion of the core of the South Manchuria Railway Company, and therefore will not be easily accepted."

"Third, and most importantly, this person appears to be a neutral party. Both the cabinet and the military believe that placing him in this crucial position is more conducive to controlling the situation than arranging for a clearly defined 'South Manchuria Railway faction' or 'military faction'."

"Moreover, he was personally recommended to the mainland by Major General Fumita Sato of the Logistics Department, so his professional ability is beyond doubt. What we need now is someone who can accurately execute orders and is capable of smoothing out transportation links, not a standard-bearer for factional struggles."

Nakamura carefully considered these words.

It must be said that, given the current delicate balance, Chen Yang is indeed a way out that all parties can gracefully step down.

By having him compete with the South Manchuria Railway for this newly granted transportation authority, it not only demonstrates that the South Manchuria Railway has benefited, but also gives the military the illusion that "at least it is not an opposing force involved."

"I understand." Nakamura Isao took a deep breath. This was perhaps the best outcome they could achieve under the current circumstances!
The sacrifice of high-ranking officials was used to gain some substantial control over transportation, and a superficial balance and "decency" were maintained by promoting a relatively neutral official.

Nishio stood up, picked up the tea on the table, and poured a full cup for Nakamura Isao.

“Nakamura-kun, I really admire you. As the Chinese say, ‘A single conversation with you is worth more than ten years of reading.’”

"I used to think that was just a joke, but after talking with you today, I have indeed gained some insights."

"Would Nakamura-kun be interested in becoming my personal advisor?"

Nakamura was momentarily stunned, his gaze involuntarily drifting to Ozaki Hotsumi beside him.

Hotsumi Ozaki, however, remained as still as a meditating monk, seemingly oblivious to everything around him.

Nakamura said slowly, "Mr. Nishio, I am very willing to help you, but my workplace is in Shanghai, and it may be inconvenient for you to work in your home country."

Ozaki Hotsumi suddenly said, "Nakamura-kun, you don't need to worry about that. Lord Nishio is only here temporarily to provide military advice to the Kwantung Army."

"After the Imperial Army marches north, Lord Nishio will soon return to Shanghai to officially assume the position of Commander-in-Chief, Tian Junliu."

"Nakamura-kun is Mr. Nishio's most preferred advisor."

Nakamura Isao then realized why Ozaki Hotsumi would suddenly recommend him to Nishio Hisashi.

It turns out that Nishio is about to become the new commander of the Central China Expeditionary Army, which is the head of the military in the southern part of China.

It must be said that Nishio really needs an assistant like Nakamura Isao to help him control the situation.

Whether considering ability or talent, Nakamura Isao is the best choice.

"I am willing to serve you, Commander, with utmost loyalty..." Nakamura Isao no longer refused and sincerely accepted the invitation.

Nishio was overjoyed and stood up, bowing slightly. He said, "Nakamura-kun, I must say, you made a very correct decision."

The secret meeting in Xinjing ended quietly, without attracting the attention of the South Manchuria Railway Company.

But the fact that the South Manchuria Railway Company (SMR) wasn't paying attention didn't mean others weren't. Soon, the Ume Agency received news that Cabinet Representative Hotsumi Ozaki was about to personally travel to Shanghai to convene a "heart-to-heart meeting" with the SMR, the military, and the Ume Agency…

Office of the Commander of the Army Logistics Department, Shanghai.

The atmosphere in Major General Fumita Sato's office was heavy. He had just smashed a beloved ceramic teacup, shards and cold tea stains splattering all over the floor, startling his aide into holding his breath and bowing his head, not daring to move.

"A symposium? Humph!" Sato Fumita's face was ashen as he paced back and forth behind his desk, which was covered with a huge military map. His leather boots tapped impatiently on the floor. "That old fox, Ōmura, is quite the schemer!"

"If you don't want to take the lead, then let those civil servants in Tokyo do it. What good are those useless people who only talk about the empire and the people? All they do is try to smooth things over!"

"They want to suppress the matter and make the Mei Group and the Logistics Department suffer in silence!"

"It may not be that serious?" Colonel Ken Onodera, the deputy minister, bowed slightly and said, "I think the South Manchuria Railway Company doesn't want to make a big fuss and needs a reason to spread the firepower among everyone."

“Onodera-kun, you’re quite magnanimous,” Sato Fumita shouted angrily. “You think I’m upset because I didn’t achieve my goal? Foolish!”

"What I'm most worried about right now is that Tokyo, in order to maintain so-called 'stability,' will force the military to make concessions and sacrifice the hard-won results of its infiltration efforts within the South Manchuria Railway Company."

"If Aoki Tomochiro's testimony is dismissed by Ozaki Hideki under the guise of 'cabinet coordination,' or even used to restrict the military's actions, it will be a huge setback for us."

"Knock knock knock," a series of regular knocks interrupted their conversation.

Sato's expression hardened slightly. He sat back down behind his desk and uttered a single word indifferently: "Go in."

The office door creaked open, and a lieutenant walked in carrying an urgent document.

"Lord Sato, please take a look at the urgent documents from the mainland."

Sato Fumiyasu paused for a moment, then quickly took the document, glanced at it briefly, and looked somewhat puzzled.

"Go! Bring Chen Yang here immediately!"

"Hai," the man bowed slightly and hurried out.

Onodera Ken asked in confusion, "Mr. Sato, why do you suddenly want to see Mr. Chen?"

“Of course it’s good news.” Sato Fumiyasu handed the documents in his hand to the other party: “Chen’s wish has finally come true. The military has agreed to my request to recommend him for promotion.”

"However, the South Manchuria Railway also needs to receive preferential treatment..."

Office of the Chief of the Land Transportation Section, Southern Transportation Department, Shanghai.

"Ishiki-kun, what brings you to the Land Transport Division? If Lord Sato has any instructions, he could simply make a phone call; there's no need for you to come all the way here." Chen Yang was clearly surprised to see the uninvited guest at the office door.

"Section Chief Chen, you don't need to be so polite with me. Mr. Sato has important matters to discuss with you."

"Come with me right now."

"So urgent?" Chen Yang quickly stood up and said, "Give me two minutes, I need to explain my work."

Ishiki Rin bowed slightly in agreement.

After quickly arranging everything, Chen Yang was soon taken to Sato's office by Ishiki Rin.

"General Sato, you wanted to see me?"

"Mr. Chen, you are indeed a talent who values ​​efficiency. Please have a seat!" Sato Fumio waved away his attendants, pointed to the chair opposite him, placed his hands on the table, and stared intently at Chen Yang. "You know that Ozaki Hotsumi from the Cabinet is coming to Shanghai for a 'consultative meeting'?"

“I’ve heard a little about it; Qingqi mentioned it to me,” Chen Yang said calmly. “It’s said that the meeting aimed to coordinate all parties and optimize logistics and transportation.”

"Optimize? Hmph!" Sato sneered. "Easier said than done!"

"Chen Sang, you are someone that General Yingzuo and I value, and it was through our strong recommendation that you were promoted to this position. Now, it's time for you to take a stand and contribute to the military!"

Chen Yang leaned forward slightly, adopting a submissive posture: "Please give me your instructions, General. I will do my utmost."

Sato Fumio lowered his voice: "Ozaki Hotsumi's trip will definitely force the South Manchuria Railway to carry out so-called 'internal reorganization,' and Takeshita, Suzuki and the like will probably become the victims."

"Although this is a desperate measure, there will definitely be resentment within the South Manchuria Railway Company!"

"You must use your newly appointed vice ministerial position to closely monitor the internal dynamics of the South Manchuria Railway Company, especially those powerful figures who are dissatisfied with the restructuring and particularly resentful of Tokyo's interference! We need to know who we can win over and who we must be wary of!"

"Secondly, and most importantly! Ozaki will likely adjust the division of transportation authority under the pretext of 'improving efficiency,' and may even put you in charge of certain key routes."

"This is both an opportunity and a trap! The opportunity is that you can use this chance to gain more direct control over transportation for our military!"

"The trap is that Tokyo and the South Manchuria Railway may not be genuinely relinquishing power; they may just be using your 'neutral' facade as a transitional measure!"

"Your mission is to firmly grasp the power that is about to be in your hands! In specific operations, you must prioritize the transportation of materials designated by the military headquarters, especially the Kwantung Army!"

"For any dispatch orders that might be detrimental to the military, whether they come from the South Manchuria Railway high command or hints from Tokyo, you must skillfully 'digest' them, or promptly report them to us! You must become one of our own within the transportation system!"

Chen Yang's face displayed just the right amount of solemnity and loyalty: "General, rest assured. I know perfectly well who gave me this opportunity. The position of Deputy Minister of Transportation exists to better serve the Imperial Holy War and meet the needs of the military."

"I know how to weigh the pros and cons and ensure that the interests of the military are given top priority."

Sato Fumiya nodded in satisfaction: "Mr. Chen, I appreciate your attitude."

As he spoke, Sato handed the documents that Ishiki Rin had sent earlier to Chen Yang.

Chen Yang took the documents with both hands, opened them, and found that they were two different official documents.

The first letter was a military appointment document stamped with the military's seal.

Chen Yang was appointed as the Vice Minister of the Southern Transportation Department.

When Chen Yang's gaze shifted to the next official document, his eyes instantly narrowed.

The second document was an internal notice regarding the appointment of a Deputy Minister of Transport.

In other words, in addition to the two ministers, Oshima and his deputy, the Ministry of Transport will also need to appoint a deputy minister for the South Manchuria Railway.

Two deputy ministers? What are they up to? This isn't some gangster society, why the hell are there two leaders...?

(End of this chapter)