Spy Wars: Red Shopkeeper

Chapter 267 Struggle
"The new government was created for peace, not to fulfill your dreams of getting rich."

Do you treat it like your own private property?

"You immediately ask to go to prosperous lands? I think your ambitions are even higher than your ancestors'. A governor can't satisfy your appetite, but a king of a different surname is almost enough."

The Japanese were in the lead, and Minister Zhou was frantically trying to sow discord among them.

"Don't try to label me! If you do a good job with the new government merger, I can naturally give you control of some cities, but this will only be based on my observation and my opinion that it is feasible."

Mr. Wang may be able to gain Japan's trust, but can you, Minister Zhou, and all these people from Chongqing guarantee that they are working for peace and are of one mind with Japan?
If so many important cities were to make a mistake that would affect the cause of peace and the interests of the Japanese people, how would that end?

I think there's no problem with having my people in charge and leaving some deputy positions for your people.

This is based on considerations of prudence.

If your people are truly outstanding, I will promote them.

"Promotion?" Minister Zhou raised an eyebrow. "With the new government in place, where does Mr. Liang plan to position himself?"

Liang Hongzhi calmly said, "I will be the Premier of the Executive Yuan."

"Hahahaha." Minister Zhou was stunned. "If you become the Premier of the Executive Yuan, Mr. Wang will have to be your deputy, right?"

“I have the ability and I’m more senior than him. It’s not a disservice for him to be my deputy.”

"I think you've really lost your mind!" Minister Zhou's face darkened. "You don't even know your own limitations. If you can handle the overall situation, will the Japanese side need to ask Mr. Wang to step in and establish a new government?"
Wang Kemin's government in the north is right there; if you were capable, you should have taken over Wang Kemin's North China region long ago.

You can't even handle Wang Kemin, and you still want Mr. Wang to be your deputy?
You're barely good at defending Chengdu, yet you want to establish a unified, centralized government? Are you out of your mind?

"Watch your mouth!" Liang Hongzhi also had a temper, and a pretty big one at that. He pointed at me and cursed, "Who do you think you are, daring to boss me around? You're just a mere minister. If it weren't for the headquarters giving me face, you wouldn't even have the right to sit down and talk to me."

"Get out! Let that guy surnamed Wang come see me himself!"

Minister Zhou stood up abruptly, straightening his suit. "Lord Itagaki, it seems we can't talk today. Some people are too arrogant and can't grasp the situation. They have absolutely no understanding of Japan's Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere; it's like they're at a preschool level!"

"Mr. Liang, we called you here today to negotiate, and you need to have a proper talk."

Itagaki never liked Liang Hongzhi, as could be seen from his past performance; Liang's abilities were quite mediocre.

Liang Hongzhi couldn't hold back any longer, "Lord Itagaki, was it because I didn't discuss things properly? The Great Japanese Empire said it wanted to merge, and I supported the merger. When it came to discussing the details of the merger, I also provided a plan."

I work with people I know well, and this will be entirely beneficial to Japan's upcoming anti-communist purge plan.

What's wrong with letting the people who come over serve as assistants first, learning as they go?
How can you guarantee that none of their people are from Chongqing?

The story of someone who is physically in Cao Cao's camp but has their heart in Han is never uncommon!

But my men have been operating in this area for several years, and their past achievements in cooperating with the Japanese army are obvious to all.

Are we to trust a bunch of newcomers instead of loyal ministers who have both merit and hard work?

Even if we take the case all the way to the Emperor, I dare say it's the best arrangement!

When it comes to eloquence, Liang Hongzhi is second to none.

But Itagaki ignored all that and only looked at the results. "Mr. Liang, let me tell you frankly, the cabinet supports Mr. Wang, not you. You'd better recognize your own position."

“That’s because the cabinet is in Japan and doesn’t understand the situation in the Japanese-occupied zone!” Liang Hongzhi stood up. “I request to meet with the Prime Minister and the Emperor to personally explain the issues involved.”

"You get the same result no matter who you meet!"

"I'm flying to Japan today. I refuse to believe that the Japanese cabinet, a government of great stature, doesn't have anyone who can see the situation clearly. Goodbye!"

Liang Hongzhi straightened his suit jacket and left immediately.

The three people in the room were stunned.

Itagaki never expected Liang Hongzhi to be so stubborn, so full of obsession with power.

Minister Zhou wanted to say something, but hesitated and stopped himself.

Gu Yansheng also thought that Liang Hongzhi was using various methods to raise his own status and value, and that suppressing Wang Ni was just to gain concessions. He definitely didn't really want to become the Premier of the Executive Yuan.

But is he serious?
Does he really think he can step on Wang Jingwei's head and become the Premier of the Executive Yuan?

This is something the Japanese didn't even understand why they asked Wang Jingwei to unify the Japanese-occupied areas.

After a moment of silence, Minister Zhou suddenly chuckled, "Lord Itagaki, what do you think of this matter? Do I need to make a trip to Japan? He must have had people supporting him in Japan back then. If that person joins him in slandering Mr. Wang in front of the cabinet, that would be bad."

Itagaki frowned as he looked at the now-empty gate, then looked away and said, "Let him go. He won't give up until he's completely convinced. It's good that he goes; let him give up completely so he can cooperate better with the new government in the future."

Minister Zhou, you don't need to worry about things in Japan. I will handle it personally. He is definitely not suitable to be the chairman of this new government.

"Alright, then I'll trouble you, Lord Itagaki, to make this trip."

Itagaki bowed slightly. "You all rest in Nanjing for a while. I'll go and come back quickly, and try to return tomorrow."

"Ok."

Gu Yansheng and Minister Zhou took their leave.

As they left, Minister Zhou laughed, "Have you ever seen someone so arrogant?"

Gu Yansheng shook his head. "I've witnessed a real-life example of scholars belittling each other. How can someone compare themselves to Su Dongpo?"

"Hahaha, let's go have a good meal, and then we'll go for a stroll. The scenery in Nanjing is truly exceptional."

Gu Yansheng followed the ladybugs around, eating and exploring.

Meanwhile, Liang Hongzhi also flew to Japan.

Given his status, he was indeed a figure registered in the cabinet, so it wouldn't be difficult for him to meet with the cabinet.

However, Japanese cabinets change more frequently than underwear, and the new cabinets have no connection with him whatsoever.

All he got in return was, “Merging a unified government is the empire’s grand strategy, Mr. Liang, please cooperate!”

Itagaki immediately sowed discord upon his arrival, and even the army did not support him, so Liang Hongzhi had no chance of winning.

Furious, Liang Hongzhi reluctantly agreed and returned to Nanjing with a smile.

Upon arriving in Nanjing, Liang Hongzhi called Commander Ren Yuandao and asked him to come to his home.

We treated them to delicious food and drinks.

“Yuandao, now it really is time for you to help your brother.”

"You're too kind. Just let me know what you need."

At the dinner table, Liang Hongzhi sighed and said with a sullen face, "After that guy surnamed Wang came, the Japanese seemed to be under a spell and wanted to seize our power."

I've tried all the other paths, and now there's only one left. Brother, I need your help.

"What road?" "Kill the traitor Wang!"

Ren Yuandao was taken aback. "Chairman, isn't this inappropriate? He is, after all, someone the Japanese trust right now, and you are negotiating. If you kill him at this time, what will the Japanese think? They will definitely think you did it."

"I don't care what he thinks!" Liang Hongzhi said angrily. "If I don't kill him, I'll be the one who dies!"
He became the Premier of the Executive Yuan, so what am I? If I lose my position as Chairman, I won't be able to keep your position as Commander either!

Let me tell you, it's not that dangerous.

I've already figured out a method.

Didn't he want to negotiate? So I invited him to Nanjing to negotiate.

I've already sent out the newspaper, saying that our location might change. When he comes, find a few top military personnel to snipe him.

Afterwards, the Japanese investigated and said that it was someone in the military who was grateful for our kindness and felt indignant about our plight, and that's why they took it upon themselves to assassinate the man surnamed Wang. We were definitely unaware of it.

In this way, the matter became an accident.

It was done by our people, but it was an accident. We acknowledge our mistake, apologize where necessary, and compensate where appropriate.

But as long as he dies, our position will remain unshaken!

The Japanese still have no choice but to rely on us.

What you need to do is find these few spies and stick to the story that it was their own idea to do it.

I will do my best to protect them. If I'm lucky, the Japanese will give me face and they won't die. Afterwards, they will be rich and powerful. I said I'd be promoted three ranks and receive a reward of 20,000 silver dollars.

If I'm unlucky and someone dies, I'll give them 50,000 silver dollars each, and I'll take care of their family as if they were my own.

Is that okay?

"Row."

Ren Yuandao nodded after thinking for a moment.

After finishing his meal, he sent a trusted confidant to find Minister Zhou and tell him about the matter.

"Assassinate Mr. Wang?" Minister Zhou looked surprised and turned to Gu Yansheng. "Has Liang Hongzhi gone mad? How dare he give such an order?"

Even though they had the 76th Division under their control, they never expected to kill Wang Kemin and Liang Hongzhi.

This is extremely egregious, practically no different from the Kuomintang's secret police.

Gu Yansheng suggested, "Since he's already done this, why not report it directly to Itagaki and let him handle the problem?"

Minister Zhou thought for a moment and nodded. This step was necessary. It was considered to undermine the unified strategy. Having the Japanese step in to teach Liang Hongzhi a lesson would make the subsequent merger process smoother.

"Thank you for the reminder, Commander Ren. I'll treat him to drinks afterwards. You've worked hard." Minister Zhou dismissed the man and went with Gu Yansheng to the headquarters to talk to Itagaki about the matter.

Itagaki was furious. "He still can't see reality? He's utterly absurd!"

He picked up the phone and called Liang Hongzhi, "Come to headquarters right now!"

After waiting for half an hour, Liang Hongzhi, who knew nothing about it, arrived at the headquarters.

Upon seeing Itagaki, he asked what was wrong.

Itagaki walked up to him, glared at him, and said, "Mr. Liang, I really didn't know you were so bold. The cabinet has clearly told you that Mr. Wang's new government is a strategic necessity for the empire, yet you still dared to send someone to assassinate him. How dare you!"

Liang Hongzhi's face flushed instantly. He had invited Ren Yuandao to have dinner at his home, a secret that no one else could possibly know about.

The fact that the Japanese found out so quickly suggests either that there was a mole within Ren Yuandao's inner circle, or that Ren Yuandao himself was the mole.

Liang Hongzhi immediately produced a plan and shouted, "Lord Itagaki, I don't know what you're talking about? How could I possibly assassinate Mr. Wang?"
"I understand." Liang Hongzhi turned to look at Minister Zhou and Gu Yansheng. "You must be trying to frame me. You have no shame to resort to such despicable tactics. It's utterly shameless!"
"Lord Itagaki, I protest! This kind of person doesn't deserve to merge with us!"

Minister Zhou laughed. "Mr. Liang, have you forgotten what we discussed at dinner so quickly? Should we call the parties involved in this confrontation?"

Liang Hongzhi said with a livid face, "What do you mean by 'eating'? Don't even think about framing me!"
"Lord Itagaki, I don't know what they told you, but you can't believe just one side of the story. They are all masters of intrigue; bribing people is very common for them."

Itagaki took a document out of the drawer and handed it to Liang Hongzhi. "I am the Chief of the General Staff. I don't need you to teach me how to judge what has happened."

This is a cabinet document signed by the Prime Minister, and this is the last time I am informing you that the cabinet supports the formation of a new government, and that the new government must have Mr. Wang as its head. You should immediately begin arranging the merger.

If you continue to obstruct us, I promise on behalf of the army that we will cut off all supplies to the provisional government and consider forcibly abolishing the entire existing structure of the Nanjing government.

Mr. Liang, you have done a great service to the Great Japanese Empire, and the Great Japanese Empire has spared your dignity.

But if you don't want to maintain your dignity and continue making a scene, then we'll have no choice but to take coercive measures against you. We hope you'll respect yourself!

All emotion vanished from Liang Hongzhi's face; his spirit was completely drained. He held the documents as if lost in thought, probably never expecting that he, who had rendered meritorious service to the Central China Expeditionary Army, would receive such treatment.

Itagaki stared at him emotionlessly and asked, "Mr. Liang, is there anything else you want to say?"

Liang Hongzhi paused, regained his composure, and said, "I support the merger, I have always supported the merger. My personal honor or disgrace is nothing to me. My suggestion is that, for the sake of stability, the Japanese side should strengthen supervision to prevent one side from deliberately suppressing the others, and make reasonable arrangements for the existing officials."

“Of course.” Itagaki nodded. “Wang Kemin has already agreed, but the issue of seating arrangements needs to be discussed with Mr. Wang again. Now that you, Mr. Liang, have also agreed, let’s all sit down and resolve everything at once, officially merging the two entities. How about that?”

Liang Hongzhi took a deep breath. "Okay, I have no objection."

"That's all for now. Someone else will let you know the specific time."

After listening to Itagaki's words, Liang Hongzhi nodded and left without even glancing at Minister Zhou and Gu Yansheng. He must have felt embarrassed and upset.

Itagaki let out a sigh of relief and laughed, "What a troublesome person. Now that I've helped you push this forward, you can discuss the rest yourselves. The merger arrangements are ultimately the responsibility of the China Division, and Kagesa Yoshiaki will handle that."

"Thank you very much, Chief of Staff Itagaki."

With their business in Nanjing completed, Minister Zhou and Gu Yansheng politely took their leave.

Upon returning to Shanghai, Kageyama Yoshiaki came to pick him up.

He received a call from Nanjing and has already made arrangements.

"Then let's officially sign the contract."

Then, we will arrange a tripartite meeting to determine the seats for each party in the new government. I have tentatively decided on Qingdao as the location, as it is a middle ground and not in your richest area, symbolizing fairness. Moreover, Qingdao has beautiful scenery.

It hasn't been easy; things have gone through a long period of twists and turns before we got to where we are today.

Minister Zhou, congratulations!

Kagesa Tsuneaki breathed a sigh of relief and laughed. If this matter was accomplished, he would be able to get a big credit for it.

"Congratulations to everyone." Minister Zhou jokingly added, "I'll need General Yingzuo's help in the future."

"Ha ha ha ha."

After discussing the details, Gu Yansheng and Minister Zhou went to find Wang Ni together.

(End of this chapter)