Chapter 654: Meeting, Fighting

It was late at night.

There was only a faint light in the 026 logistics warehouse.

Everyone was asleep except for the ones on duty. But Zhang Yong was still staring at the world map.

The world is big.

The world is small.

It's big because of the crossing. Knowing how big the earth really is.

It's small because the world map at this time is very blurry. Some places are even inaccurate.

In Shanghai Beach, you can't buy an accurate world map at all. There's only a general map.

The so-called general map means roughly.

For example, Britain is called England. France is called France. Germany is called Germany. The United States is called the United States...

Only the names of the countries are roughly indicated. There are no major cities. There is no capital marked either.

The vast Pacific Ocean is actually not as big as the Atlantic Ocean. There is also no Oceania.

Australia and the like, they don't exist.

Basically, no one has heard of this country.

Zhang Yong really wanted to mark it on the map. But in the end, he resisted. That would show that he knew too much. It wouldn't fit his persona.

Because it was the Chinese themselves who drew the rough map. So, China is very, very big, and the other countries are very, very small. The United States is also only the size of a palm. Looking at the map, it is basically equivalent to a province in China. The same basically goes for the UK, France, and Germany. Japan looks like a little bug.

What is there to do with a map in the middle of the night?

He was thinking about the Chonmi Plan.

He didn't know how to get rid of it. He hadn't found the right person yet.

The Japanese spies he had captured so far were all unsuitable. None of them were related to the Chonmi Plan. On the other hand, Kuroshima Ryuzo was a perfect fit. But that guy was hiding in Tianjinwei.

He also said that Zhang Yong's sudden departure from Tianjinwei should give the Japanese spies there a break.

Kuroshima Ryuzo would probably dare to hang out again.

Alas...

I can't help it!

I wonder when I'll be able to go back to Tianjin?

I'll go back and finish the job...

He shook his head.

He pushed down the chaotic thoughts in his mind.

He pondered the matter of the black account book. There was something fishy about this matter.

It felt like there was a lot more to it.

It was probably far from as simple as Kong Fansong had said.

After moving all the assets back, he handed them over to Shi Bingdao to count. Before dinner, the exact figures came out.

In addition to the legal tender that had already been distributed to the crowd, there was a full 30,000 yuan.

There were exactly 2,500 silver dollars.

Clearly, both of these figures were relatively large. It was unlikely that an ordinary person would give them up so easily.

However, Kong Fansong did give them up.

He only wanted the account book. Nothing else.

In addition to showing that the Kong family did not regard money as money, it also indirectly shows that the black account book may involve very complicated power struggles.

If the Wang family were to get the account book, the Kong family might be in trouble.

There is some pressure.

The main reason is that I don't know much about the situation on the Wang side.

The information from later generations has intentionally or unintentionally avoided what the Wang family did before surrendering to the Japanese invaders. Therefore, Zhang Yong knows very little.

Judging from Kong Fansong's reaction, it is clear that the Wang family is not putting him under much pressure.

Wang Jingwei is not someone to mess with. His wife Chen Bijun is also very fierce. They are both trouble.

So, what is the secret in the black account book that can make Kong Fansong so nervous? What kind of shady deal is it?

If the Wang family got their hands on the black account book, what would they do?

That damned Japanese spy never confessed to what had happened to the account book. Shi Hu and the others were afraid to get rough.

If they got rough, they might really kill him. Then there would be no confession.

Obviously, the account book was taken by the Japanese. It could be hidden somewhere. It could have been given to someone else.

'Knock, knock!'

Someone was knocking at the door.

It was Shi Bingdao.

Zhang Yong had marked it on the map for him.

Shi Bingdao had been outside for a few minutes, wandering around. Obviously thinking about something important.

Eventually, he had delayed knocking until now.

'Come in!'

Zhang Yong responded.

He looked away from the world map on the wall.

Shi Bingdao pushed the door open slowly.

'It's me.'

'Please sit down.'

'Okay.'

Shi Bingdao sat down.

Zhang Yong had no tea in front of him. He didn't drink tea either.

'Something the matter?'

'Indeed.'

'Go ahead.'

'I really can't do this...'

'Then you and your superiors should react. Ask him to send someone else.'

'That's impossible.'

'Everything is possible. At least, I'm friendly with you. I'm part of your united front. You can't ignore me. Otherwise, you'll be seriously negligent. If you ignore me, it could lead me to turn to the reactionary side. And then I'll be your enemy.'

'You...'

Shi Bingdao was suddenly at a loss for words.

This Zhang Yong. He really dares to speak. What about turning reactionary and becoming an enemy.

However, the words were coarse but the reasoning was not.

Zhang Yong spoke his mind. Shi Bingdao really did not dare.

If Zhang Yong was pushed over to the enemy's side, and this guy was left to deal with the Red Party, then that would be bad. The consequences would be unimaginable.

'You have too many things on your plate.'

'You can take things one at a time. If you are too busy, you can ask for support.'

'If the Party's Department of Investigation finds out, or if your boss Dai finds out, you could get yourself into serious trouble.'

'That's why you need to transfer people from outside the city.'

'What do you mean?'

'Transfer a group of comrades from outside the city who have never been in Shanghai before. I'll give them new identities. Even if the Party's Department of Investigation suspects something, they won't dare investigate further. They won't dare touch my people.'

'But transferring people from outside the city is a very difficult operation...'

'You've never been afraid of difficulties.'

'Er...'

Shi Bingdao was stumped again.

This guy is really something. He often leaves him speechless.

'At the end of the year!'

'What?'

'By the end of the year, your situation will have changed.'

'What do you mean?'

'You'll find out then.'

Zhang Yong didn't mean to be deliberately evasive. It's mainly because the incident at the end of the year is too taboo.

If he said it now, he would really be breaking the rules.

Buddha said: Don't say it, don't say it.

...

He woke up in the morning. He didn't feel very energetic.

But he still had to get on with his work. After all, he was now a powerful figure in the area, leading more than a hundred people.

Every day, as soon as he opened his eyes, he had to spend hundreds of dollars.

Without money, it was difficult to get anywhere.

Even though he was a powerful figure in the area, he still had to constantly grovel and beg for money...

'Report!'

'Come in.'

'Team leader, someone is looking for you.'

'Who?'

Zhang Yong thought to himself, who is it so early?

As a result, when he saw the person coming, he couldn't help but smile. It turned out to be Wei Yong.

Hey, long time no see.

When he first joined the Fuxing Society, Wei Yong was his instructor.

Unfortunately, Wei Yong was a soldier from the beginning and had no education, and is still a squad leader. However, he is personally very satisfied.

If it follows the usual plot development, Wei Yong should be Zhang Yong's loyal subordinate. He should have been following him all along.

However, the director will not play by the book.

Zhang Yong's subordinates have always been replaced in waves. It's never fixed. After being replaced, there is no chance of coming back.

This is to deny Zhang Yong the opportunity to form his own faction.

Team leader Zhang is like iron, while his subordinates are like flowing water. No matter how capable you are, you can't make waves.

They are all masters.

They understand each other without saying a word.

Now, the police headquarters has asked Zhang Yong to form the secret investigation team himself, which obviously means that it is to be fixed. No wonder the department head is not in a good mood.

'Captain Wei, is there something wrong?'

'Team Leader Zhang, the Chief asked me to invite you to a meeting.'

'Meeting? What meeting?'

'It's at Jianhu Xiaozhu. People from the First, Second and Third Divisions will be there.'

'I see. Thanks!'

Zhang Yong nodded. So it's a meeting of the joint investigation team!

After so many days, this joint team is finally going to open for business?

I wonder who's chairing the meeting?

I'll get ready.

Meetings are still pretty fun.

If you want to listen, you listen. If you don't want to listen, you daydream. Or you just fight.

You see, Dilin and Luo Minghai, every time they have a meeting, they have to fight. Representing the Second Division, you mustn't back down when you meet the First Division.

'Shi Hu!'

'Here!'

'Zhao Hai!'

'Here!'

'You two, pick the 30 most capable fighters. Come with me to the meeting.'

'Meeting? Fighting?'

'Yes. We'll have a meeting while fighting.'

'Hmmm...'

The two men looked at each other.

For a moment, they couldn't think straight. What did he mean by having a meeting while fighting?

You can have a meeting and fight at the same time. How can you mix the two?

Is the purpose of the meeting to fight?

That's strange...

'Also, prepare some more golden wound medicine.'

'Huh? Team leader...'

Zhao Hai was obviously getting more and more confused as he listened.

Are we going to a meeting with the Japanese? Then just use guns! Why fight?

Zhang Yong: ...

These roughnecks.

Why can't they understand?

Our enemies are not only the Japanese invaders, but also the Party Affairs Investigation Department.

Our daily work is not only to kill the Japanese invaders, but also to fight the Party Affairs Investigation Department. We have to kick them over and stomp on them a few times.

This matter is very important.

'We're going to a meeting with the Party Affairs Department,' Zhang Yong emphasised stiffly. 'Remember, we have two enemies. The order of priority is as follows: first, the Japanese invaders; second, the Party Affairs Department. Show no mercy to the Japanese invaders, and you can use any weapon you like. Shoot to kill. But it's best not to use a gun on the Party Affairs Department. After you've killed someone, you must deal with the aftermath properly. Don't let anyone catch you in the act.'

After a pause, Zhang Yong added, 'In the future, if you encounter someone from the Party Affairs Investigation Department, you must be careful. Others have the same intentions as we do. Others also want to ruin us. Their methods are no less than ours. You must all be careful. Don't get caught out. As a result, they didn't die at the hands of the Japanese, but at the hands of the Party Affairs Investigation Department.'

Shi Hu: ? ? ?

Zhao Hai: ? ? ?

Is it that serious?

But judging from Zhang Yong's serious expression, it was clear that he wasn't joking.

So he didn't dare to be careless. He firmly remembered the name Party Affairs Investigation Department. Once he encountered it, he must be 100% vigilant. If he could strike first, he would.

'Bring the rifle too,' Zhang Yong continued.

It's better to be safe than sorry.

Fully armed, armed to the teeth, it's never excessive.

Who knows if the First and Third Departments will join forces against him? They were once family.

Ding Meucun was originally the director of the Shanghai office of the Party Affairs Investigation Department. He was the backbone of the Party Affairs Investigation Department. Now that it has been split off to form the Third Department, it is still connected by the same bone. Ding Meucun wanted to get rid of him before. Now of course he will not be an exception.

Unfortunately, there is no scope.

The benefits of the broken system are completely random. Sometimes it is very inappropriate.

He was actually given a pair of handcuffs. He was not given a scope. As a result, he is now surrounded by no scopes. He will have trouble encountering enemies in the distance.

Fortunately, this is Shanghai, and there is the Songhu Garrison Command. The Japanese military police dare not come here openly.

If it were like Tianjin, the situation would be completely different.

'Bring the Thompson,'

'and the grenades,'

Zhang Yong continued to give orders.

He almost told someone to bring the explosive packs.

But then he thought better of it. There shouldn't be any need for assault.

Shi Bingdao arrived. He looked at Zhang Yong suspiciously.

'What's going on?'

'Nothing. Just going to a meeting.'

'I thought you were going to fight the Japanese.'

'More or less.'

Zhang Yong didn't go into detail.

After all, the other side would soon find out anyway.

Who didn't know about the conflict between the Party Affairs Investigation Department and the Special Branch of the Restoration Society?

He, Zhang Yong, was merely taking it to the next level.

The idea was to get the two sides to fight each other, to waste their energy on internal disputes, so that they would have no time or energy left to deal with the Red Party.

He was good at undermining others' good plans...

'Achoo!'

'Achoo!'

Suddenly, he sneezed continuously.

He was secretly worried. Had he done too much bad stuff?

Pfft, what's there to be afraid of!

If you've got the guts, then let lightning strike me dead!

As long as it doesn't kill me, I'll just keep on acting like a complete lunatic.

And so...

Quiet...

No lightning.

So, no need to be afraid.

Ready.

Set.

Steppenkerl leads the way. Behind him is a large truck. Behind that, two small cars.

A mighty procession.

Swaggering.

Unperturbed.

Unbridled.

The people along the way see it and hide.

They don't know what these heavily armed, fierce-looking guys are up to.

Zhang Yong silently monitors the map.

He spots several red dots. He reckons they are all Japanese spies in hiding.

There are so many of them. More than there were before he left Shanghai. He reckons the Japanese spies have recruited a lot of new people.

Technically speaking, the Japanese spies don't actually lack for manpower.

The Japanese army is quite large. It's even bigger than the German army.

In 1944, the height of the Japanese invasion, the total strength of the Japanese army at any one time was as high as 7 million. That's pretty scary.

You need weapons and ammunition to arm a soldier!

The Japanese spies don't need anything, they just throw it in.

They just let them grow.

They just let them grow wild.

Never mind that for now. I'll go to the meeting first.

I represent the Special Branch of the Restoration Society, so I'll go there early to check the situation...

Maybe I can set up some traps in advance...

Suddenly, a large number of weapon symbols appear at the edge of the map. There are also a large number of white dots.

Huh?

Which gang is moving?

It's so aggressive. It looks like there are eight cars. There are almost 40 people.

They're all heavily armed.

Awesome. Are they getting ready to start a fight?

Great, great. I love a good fight. And I'll make a little profit while I'm at it.

I've already got the lines ready:

'Fighting without permission, you're coming with me for questioning.'

'A fine of 500 silver coins each. You can go home for now. Otherwise, you'll go to jail for the rest of your lives.'

'What? You don't believe me? Boy, I suspect you're in league with the Japanese spies...'

'Come on, let's get started...'

We'll squeeze every last ounce of oil out of the rock.

Otherwise, how can we live up to our reputation for being money-grubbing?

Stop the car.

Monitor the situation in silence.

Tell the target convoy to make their move.

As it turns out, the target convoy just turned the corner from the street in front of him.

And then...

They're heading towards Jianhu Xiaozhu.

Zhang Yong: ???

Wow. What a show of force. Is he going to a meeting too?

Awesome! Eight cars! Who on earth is going to a meeting with such a big entourage! Even if Boss Dai were to go, he would only have three cars. Okay...

Damn it, he's deliberately showing off. He's deliberately provoking me.

I'm depressed. I've been outmaneuvered.

He doesn't have eight cars.

He only has one Steampunk, and he's clearly at a disadvantage.

It's over...

We're dwarfed even before we reach the meeting place.

Just bear with it.

When I get my hands on eight Steampunks,

I'll show you!

Keep going.

I see a convoy of cars ahead, and it's definitely going to Jianhu Xiaozhu.

Jianhu Xiaozhu is actually a small resort. It's in the suburbs. I don't know why they chose this place for the meeting.

Maybe it's more convenient for parking?

If it was in the city, there wouldn't be anywhere to park all those cars.

Besides, everyone is heavily armed and carrying guns, which could easily cause misunderstandings. There might be rumours flying around.

There are already a lot of rumours. Some people say the Japanese are about to invade.

Who started the rumours? No one knows. Maybe it was a Japanese spy. Deliberately creating panic.

Or maybe it was some businessman. Deliberately creating anxiety for profit. Causing prices to rise.

He saw the car in front of him come to a stop.

A group of people got out. They were all agents from the Party's Investigation Department.

He saw Ye Wansheng...

Haha, he's here too.

Good, good, good, Zhang Yongqing couldn't help but rub his hands together.

As long as Ye Wansheng was here, he would have someone to bully. He would bully him.

There's no other way. No one else can beat him...

Ye Wansheng is seen opening the door for someone else.

Huh?

Is there someone even more senior?

Oh, I guess so. Ye Wansheng doesn't have that kind of aura.

Eight cars. The Central Government's rarely been so generous. Could it be that Xu Enzeng has arrived? Is he playing in person?

It turns out not. It's Ye Xiufeng.

Ye Wansheng's uncle. Deputy Director of the Party Affairs Investigation Department, Ye Xiufeng.

Xu Enzeng was dismissed from his post during the latter stages of the War of Resistance. Ye Xiufeng took over as head of the Central Intelligence Agency. But the tide had turned. The Central Intelligence Agency was renamed the Party Communications Bureau.

Yes, the same Party Communications Bureau that was so full of itself in 'All Quiet in Beiping'.

Zhang Yong had never met Ye Xiufeng before. But he recognised him.

The Fuxing Society's database contained all the information on Ye Xiufeng.

He came from a famous family. A famous university student. Studied in the USA. A classmate of Chen Lifu. He had countless accolades.

Pondering...

It seems that the leader of this joint investigation team is Ye Xiufeng.

No one else should be competing with him. And they can't compete with him.

Ding Mucun definitely won't compete with him. This guy is very cunning. He assesses the situation and acts accordingly. He is quiet and unassuming.

No one would have thought that he would follow the path of Wang Jingwei. And then he succeeded in rising to power.

The Third Department!

It is on an equal footing with the Party Affairs Investigation Department and the Special Services Department of the Fuxing Society.

Later, the Military Commission was restructured and the Third Section was disbanded. Ding Mocun was of course unhappy. So was Wang Jingwei. Ding Mocun therefore defected to the Japanese invaders early on. In the end, Wang Jingwei also defected. They formed the infamous No. 76.

In fact, these grudges were sown long ago.

Therefore, the later No. 76 never arrested the Central Committee. They did not make enemies with the Central Committee. They only arrested the Military Commission.

Ding Mucun knew the Kuomintang military intelligence so well that after they were arrested, basically none of them were steadfast. Most of them surrendered.

Including Wang Tianmu and Chen Gongshu. They were all arrested by Ding Mucun and Li Shiqun.

After all, it was all about old grudges!

So...

In the eyes of the future No. 76, what role will I, Zhang Yong, play?

Do you think No. 76 will go crazy and deal with me?

This hatred is overwhelming.

But...

No way!

What's so great about No. 76?

I'll set up No. 77. I'll go against you all. Who will win, is still uncertain.

However...

This ambition soon vanished.

Because I saw Ding Mo'cun coming.

Good guy...

He's got a strong army!