Spy Wars: Red Shopkeeper

Chapter 248 Conditions
Let's go back to the hotel first.

Gu Yansheng could actually go directly to communicate with the Japanese now, but Gao Zhongwu and Mei Siping have been busy for so long, even if it's been busy for nothing. When there is progress to report, they should still be included. They should share the credit and be punished together for any mistakes.

Since it's a team, we should take care of their feelings.

Moreover, Suzuki Takuya was only a lieutenant colonel, so Gu Yansheng had no reason to flatter him.

Wait for them to come back.

Gu Yansheng asked, "Any progress?"

"Don't even mention it." Mei Siping was truly deflated. She plopped down on the sofa, put on a deadpan expression, and cursed, "Damn it, I'm even thinking of running to Chongqing to find Old Jiang myself."

Finding people is getting harder and harder. You could say you've searched for everyone you could, but you still can't solve two problems.

Either the person they found wasn't high enough in rank and wasn't qualified to talk to Chongqing, or they were high enough in rank but were afraid to die.

Contacting traitors like them, no matter what the matter, if word gets out to Chongqing, it's a ticking time bomb. One day it might explode and you'll be shattered to pieces, and there's no telling what will happen.

It’s difficult.

“I went to see Song Ziliang today, and he has agreed to deliver the message.”

"Really?" Mei Siping was so happy she could jump for joy, standing up with wide, surprised eyes.

They went to find him, but Song Ziliang didn't want to talk to them at all.

"Minister Gu, we still have to rely on you. Your methods are too ruthless. How did he agree to this? I've asked around several times, but he still doesn't want to talk."

If this problem is truly resolved, then his work in Hong Kong will be mostly done, and he will be free.

Gu Yansheng nodded. "Song Ziliang has a condition: three days from now, the Japanese army must not bomb the Burma Road at all. This is a hard condition that must be met."

"The Burma Road?" Mei Siping frowned, puzzled, and walked closer, asking, "What does this have to do with Song Ziliang?"

"Song Ziliang is the chairman of Southwest Transportation Company. The only way for Southwest Transportation Company's goods to enter the mainland from Hong Kong is through Myanmar."

Burma was a British colony. Goods were shipped from Hong Kong to British ports in Burma and then transported to Yunnan via the Burma Road.

It can be said that the Song family's money was closely related to the Burma Road.

The Japanese knew that this road was used to transport anti-Japanese supplies, so they bombed the area above the Burma Road day and night.

So I spent the last few days researching Song Ziliang and found this path.

There are two ways to force Song Ziliang to submit: either threaten him that we will completely destroy the Burma Road, or give him a way out and safely transport supplies.

A two-pronged approach yields better results.

Mei Siping then understood and pondered, "No wonder Song Ziliang wouldn't give in no matter how we talked to him, but as soon as you went, Minister Gu, he became obedient. It turns out we hit the snake where it hurts. It's all thanks to you, Minister Gu, for having so many methods and finding the Song family's Achilles' heel."

Gu Yansheng smiled and said, "It's not exactly a dead end, but this road is indeed quite important. The negotiations between the Japanese and Chongqing have nothing to do with the Song family, so it's normal that he's ignoring us."

But who doesn't like money?
Now that I've secured the deal for you, how do you get the Japanese to do it? Minister Mei, that's up to your silver tongue.

Mei Siping thought for a moment and nodded, "Okay, leave it to me. I'll go to the consulate now."

When Mei Siping returned that evening, the matter was resolved.

Persuading the Japanese was not difficult. Suzuki Takuya was sent to Hong Kong as a military attaché, whose main task was to advance the negotiations. However, after half a month of no progress, it was also a problem for him.

Now there's a road that's passable, requiring minimal cost and only a one-day flight stop, which is already very cheap.

Gu Yansheng dragged it out for so long, hoping to exhaust Suzuki Takuya's patience.

Once everyone is anxious, things become easier to handle.

If this method had been proposed on the first day, the Japanese might not have agreed.

Four days later.

Gu Yansheng called Song Ziliang.

He chuckled and said, "Mr. Song, aren't the days without plane bombings particularly comfortable?"

Song Ziliang sneered, "I've witnessed Mr. Gu's abilities. You can even stop Japanese planes, so I think it's not impossible for us to do business together."

Gu Yansheng chuckled, "Business matters aren't urgent. I've fulfilled the agreement; isn't it Mr. Song's turn to keep his promise?"

"A bet's a bet," Song Ziliang chuckled. "I'll come find you tonight, and we can sit down and chat."

"Alright, then I'll be waiting for you."

That evening, Gu Yansheng, together with the Japanese, came forward to receive them.

Suzuki Takuya smiled and said, "Japan intends to negotiate. Building a peaceful East Asia is beneficial to both China and Japan. I hope Mr. Song will convey the relevant information to President Chiang in Chongqing as soon as possible."

"It's too late to relay the message now. In fact, I already sent a telegram to Chongqing two days ago and received instructions from the higher-ups." Song Ziliang said with a faint smile, "Chongqing replied that negotiations are possible. Without that order, do you think I would be here?"

"Really? That's great! Mr. Song's speed has surprised me, and Chongqing's attitude has given me hope for peace." Suzuki Takuya was genuinely happy; things were finally on the right track.

He waved his hand and said, "Mr. Song, please sit down. Let's eat and talk."

Song Ziliang didn't stand on ceremony and took his seat, saying, "However, let me make this clear from the start: the negotiations are a private matter and must be kept top secret. I think you understand why. The current keynote is the fight against Japan. Anyone who wavers will be defeated. If this matter is exposed beforehand, you can forget about negotiations. You'll only have the option of fighting each other."

“Understood.” Suzuki Takuer nodded. “We will keep this confidential for President Jiang.”

"Then let's skip the small talk. Everyone's busy, let's get straight to the point." Song Ziliang started eating.

“Yes,” Suzuki Takuya said solemnly. “Our Great Japanese Empire can stop the war in China, on the condition that, firstly, China must recognize the legitimacy of Manchukuo.”

Second, China should immediately abandon its policy of resisting Japan and tolerating the Communists, and resolutely crack down on the Communist Party.

Third, Japan and China should conclude an anti-communist pact, allowing Japan to station troops in North China and Mengjiang to combat the Communist Party.

Fourth, after the ceasefire agreement was established, the Nationalist government and the Wang Jingwei government formed a coalition government to cooperate in developing the Greater East Asia Economic Zone.

five."

Suzuki Takuya delivered a lengthy explanation of the eight-point agreement.

Song Ziliang just kept eating and drinking.

After Suzuki Takuya finished speaking, he asked Mr. Song what he thought.

Song Ziliang said, "Are you done talking? I have no objection. It's your business to make demands, and I can pass them on. I'll also pass on Chongqing's opinion here. In short, the situation between Japan and China should be completely restored to what it was before the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. If this can be achieved, then both sides should sign a ceasefire agreement."

Suzuki Takuya felt offended, and his expression grew cold. "I see no sincerity from Chongqing!"

Song Ziliang chuckled, "Why are you getting so worked up with me? I told you, I relayed what you said, and I also relayed what Chongqing said, isn't that enough? Getting angry with me won't do any good. It wasn't me who made the request. Besides, do you think you're being sincere about the request you made?"

Suzuki Takuya had to suppress his anger. "Mr. Song, please convey our request back as soon as possible. We need to know Chongqing's attitude."

“Definitely, please eat.” Song Ziliang said casually. “If Mr. Suzuki has any other requests, please let me know. It’s not convenient for me to go back to Chongqing, so I’ll bring you whatever I can.”

Suzuki Takuya nodded, thought for a moment, and said, "Then I'd like to trouble Mr. Song to pass on a message to President Jiang in Chongqing. Our Japanese intelligence knows perfectly well what Chongqing officials are feeling right now. Everyone is trembling with fear, and there are defections every day. We've come to negotiate with sincerity, but such opportunities don't come every time. We hope President Jiang will show his sincerity." "Don't make yourself sound so powerful," Song Ziliang said with a smile, wiping his mouth with a handkerchief. "The Chongqing intelligence department knows just as well what the situation is like in Japan right now."

Given your personalities, if you could win a fight, would you choose to negotiate? Who are you trying to fool?
Yes, it would be bad for everyone if the fighting continued, but Chongqing is definitely not without the ability to fight back.

So, we're all pretty much the same, there's no need to resort to threats. But don't worry, I'll definitely pass on your message.

"Exactly, I'm suggesting, Mr. Suzuki, that you provide suitable negotiation terms. Otherwise, if I spend ten days or half a month making this trip and come back with just two words, 'No,' what do you suggest we do next?"

Seeing the faint smile on Song Ziliang's face, Suzuki Takuya's expression turned sour.

Suzuki Takuya frowned. "Mr. Song, can't you communicate by radio? If you don't have a radio, we can provide one."

Song Ziliang asked in surprise, "How can such a thing be said on the radio? Such a detailed communication process, what if the British or Americans decipher the telegram, then the negotiations will not be able to continue, what will we do then? So, I can only say it in person."

"I see, I understand now." Suzuki Takuya nodded with a smile, and could only accept it.

If he's just a mouthpiece, then there's no point in talking; a meal is just a meal.

After meal.

Suzuki Takuya frowned as he watched Song Ziliang's car drive away, and asked, puzzled, "Do you think it's possible that he was just lying to us and never contacted Chongqing at all?"

Normally, Chongqing would cherish any opportunity for peace talks, and even if no agreement is reached, it shouldn't have this attitude in the early stages.

"Are you trying to trick us into giving you a chance to transport goods via the Burma Road?"

To be honest, Mei Siping found this perspective quite interesting, very similar, and believed that Chongqing really shouldn't have been so forceful.

However, he didn't want to look for anyone else.

“Mr. Suzuki, I don’t think so. Peace talks are such a big deal, they concern the life and death of a country.”

If one day news of our peace talks reaches Chiang Kai-shek's ears, and he claims he knew nothing about it, and that it was Song Ziliang who made the decision to refuse, then the Song family won't be able to bear the blame, will they?
Minister Gu, don't you think this makes sense?

Gu Yansheng nodded and said, "If someone tries to contact Chiang Kai-shek about this, they might be suspected of having ulterior motives. But the Song family doesn't have this loyalty issue, so I don't think Song Ziliang has any reason to lie to me."

To put it another way, he might not have actually contacted Chongqing today, so he didn't want to say anything more.

But after today, he'll definitely contact them to ask what Chongqing thinks; there's no harm in it.

That makes sense. Suzuki Takuya frowned. "Then let's wait and see, Mr. Gu. I hope you will keep in touch with him. Please let me know as soon as you have any news."

"I'd like to trouble Minister Mei to follow up on this matter. I still have a lot of official business to attend to in Shanghai. I've been away for long enough, and I need to go back."

Gu Yansheng had already finished his business in Hong Kong and was too lazy to waste time with these people. Judging from the conditions the Japanese had proposed today, there was no way this negotiation could succeed.

"You're going back?" Mei Siping didn't know about this.

Gu Yansheng nodded, "Song Ziliang is going to Chongqing, which will take at least half a month to travel back and forth. I can't get away from my business in Shanghai. Economic development is at a critical time, and it would be troublesome if something went wrong. I'll come over when there's progress. Anyway, the flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong is fast."

Mr. Suzuki, this is my way of saying goodbye early today.

Suzuki didn't care who was in Hong Kong, as long as someone was following up. "I understand that Mr. Gu is busy with official business. Thank you for your help these past few days."

"You're welcome."

Gu Yansheng booked a ticket and returned to Shanghai.

Two days later, Gu Yansheng arrived in Shanghai.

Upon arriving in Shanghai, I immediately reported the progress of my trip to Hong Kong to Minister Zhou.

"I know Song Ziliang. He's a playboy. Given his family background, it's normal for him to act erratically. I also think it's impossible that he didn't report to President Jiang and acted on his own. It's probably just..."
Given President Chiang's personality, he wouldn't offer reasonable terms right away. He would habitually say he'd listen to what the other side had to say first, since the Japanese were the ones who started this whole thing.

The party that initiated the conflict inherently intends to appear weak, so it's understandable that they might want to exert some leverage.

After speaking, Minister Zhou pondered for a moment and then smiled, saying, "For us, Chongqing's approach is actually quite good."

“I think it could be even better,” Gu Yansheng added. “The military is certainly patient with this plan, but patience will eventually run out. Song Ziliang’s current reaction clearly shows that they are just wasting time.”

If you or Mr. Wang could express your dissatisfaction more to the Japanese, I think the military should consider lowering its expectations for peace talks and getting back on track to establishing a Wang Jingwei government as soon as possible.

“That makes sense.” Minister Zhou understood immediately. “But we can wait. When Song Ziliang returns next time, as long as he brings bad news, the damage to the Japanese will reach its peak. At that time, we can achieve twice the result with half the effort.”

“The minister is right.”

After the conversation, Gu Yansheng returned to the teahouse to rest, also wanting to find out what had happened in Shanghai during his absence.

As the car drove towards the teahouse, before they even arrived, Gu Yansheng saw members of Team 76 carrying out construction work on the building behind his teahouse.

"What's wrong?" Gu Yansheng still didn't want the people from No. 76 to interfere in his own little territory.

“Mr. Gu.” The man from No. 76 bowed and reported, “We’ve captured a Kuomintang agent. He’s got some nerve, trying to blow up No. 76.”

"They blew up No. 76?" Gu Yansheng exclaimed with awe. "Who did that? Are they crazy? What does that have to do with the house?"

“It’s incredibly important,” said the man from Unit 76 with an air of importance. “I bet you’d never guess how he planned to blow it up.”

"How do we blow it up?"

"Hehe, this guy is amazing. He wants to dig a tunnel underground to the basement of the No. 76 prison and completely destroy the entire No. 76 office. He's already almost dug right under Director Li's office."

"Huh?" Gu Yansheng looked at the straight-line distance from the residential buildings behind the teahouse to the No. 76 office building. This distance alone was not short.

The amount of work involved shows that the planning process has been going on for quite some time.

"What about people?"

"In jail."

"Okay, thank you for your hard work. Please check the area thoroughly. I'll check this area a bit more."

"It's no trouble at all. Protecting Mr. Gu's safety is our honor!"

"Okay." Gu Yansheng casually asked, "What other news has there been from No. 76 lately?"

"It's about arresting the Military Intelligence Bureau, right?" the team member said thoughtfully. "A couple of days ago, we arrested a captain of the Military Intelligence Bureau, what was his name, Wan Lilang? There are rumors that he was the one who ordered the bombing."

Because of this, he was beaten terribly in the interrogation room; everyone in the entire 76th Division who had ever been there wanted to whip him.

The name "Wanlilang" sounded familiar. Gu Yansheng replied, "Okay, I'll communicate with Director Ding and make sure the inspection is thorough. Thank you for your hard work."

"It's not hard, this is what we should do."

"Okay, come to my place to collect the money later. I'll go first."

"Thank you, Mr. Gu."

Gu Yansheng drove to the Special Agent Headquarters to find Li Shiqun.

(End of this chapter)