Spy Wars: Red Shopkeeper

Chapter 280 Rupture
Fu Xiaoan
Being able to please everyone isn't so easy. If you walk by the river long enough, you're bound to get your shoes wet, especially if you take the money and don't do anything. You'll have to pay it back sooner or later.

Gu Yansheng thought quickly and agreed first.

“I know Fu Xiao’an has many guards, but what opportunities can I offer the action team?”

Even if you agree, you should still explain the difficulty level.

“You haven’t received professional training, so it’s a bit difficult for you to think about this kind of content,” Boss Dai said after thinking for a moment. “In that case, look for opportunities in everyday life where you are easily targeted, such as meetings held outdoors where you can kill someone with a single shot.”

Or, regarding diet, did Fu Xiao'an have any special dietary preferences that could lead to poisoning?

Or, regarding women, whether Fu Xiao'an has any mistresses or not, their time alone often presents an easy opportunity to make a move. Fu Xiao'an has many bodyguards, but his women will have fewer.

Or perhaps it's a gathering with wife and children, and so on.

"As long as he's out of his solitary environment, and there's a new place where there's even a sliver of opportunity, we can make our move."

It could be considered a hands-on teaching, but Gu Yansheng had already learned what he needed to learn in Yan'an.

He nodded and said, "Okay, I'll keep an eye out. I'll try to get in touch with Fu Xiao'an more often. If there's an opportunity to make a move, will you or Chen Mo be notified?"

"Just tell me, and I'll get the Shanghai office to take action."

Gu Yansheng nodded. "Understood. Please wait for my news."

Boss Dai was very satisfied. He was handsome, hardworking, and had strong execution skills. No wonder he was valued by the Wang faction.

He smiled faintly and explained, "Originally, I shouldn't have troubled you with this kind of thing, but this person is just too hateful, and the situation in the war zone is quite tense."

The major general was sent out to take advantage of Wang Jingwei's desire for troops. He feigned surrender and tricked him into thinking he could bring his troops back. Wang Jingwei currently had more civil officials than military officers. According to the intelligence I received, the Japanese hoped that Wang Jingwei could bring some generals to surrender.

Among those who have surrendered so far, civil officials are the majority, while military officers are only a very few.

In this situation, we would have to treat the major general who came to join us well, which would give us an opportunity to make our move.

The plan for this treacherous banquet was perfect; it was ruined by the despicable person who orchestrated it, causing everything to fail at the last hurdle.

"So that's how it is." Gu Yansheng suddenly realized that this explanation made sense.

The Japanese wanted to negotiate peace and wanted high-ranking officials from Chongqing in Hong Kong to act as intermediaries. Finding the right people was very difficult; Gu Yansheng and his team searched for a long time.

Conversely, it was also very difficult for people in Chongqing to contact Wang Ni.

Those who defected from Chongqing cannot be used, and among the Shanghai locals and Wang Jingwei's faction, only he and Fu Xiao'an have the most contact.

Fu Xiao'an was the only option the Military Intelligence Bureau could choose.

Gu Yansheng himself, the Military Intelligence Bureau certainly didn't want to be scrapped all at once.

"Don't worry, Director, I will do my best," Gu Yansheng said.

"Just do your best, and pay more attention to your own safety. Here, have some tea." Boss Dai also took a sip of tea and continued, "There's something else. See if you can resolve this from your perspective."

"please say."

"Recently, there have been many actions in the Shanghai area, and the countermeasures from No. 76 came quickly, resulting in significant losses for the Shanghai area."

I asked the Shanghai District Chief about the reason, and he replied that the reason was that No. 76 had invaded the concession and used extremely vicious methods.

The resistance from the military and police in the concessions was minimal, and there were signs of leniency and betrayal, which led to the breach of the security zone.

This is the complete opposite of the situation where protection was provided in the past.

In a recent operation, the Shanghai team safely evacuated after the operation, but a few days later, they were tracked down to a safe location and their cover identities were inexplicably exposed, resulting in the arrest of all seventeen people on the entire line.

Afterwards, I asked Chen Mo to contact Wang Tianmu to ask Li Shiqun why he was able to find these people.

Wang Tianmu replied that Li Shiqun had bribed an inspector general of the concession police station.

The police in the foreign concessions, under the guise of investigating a case, checked the lists of customers making large remittances at Chinese-funded banks in the concessions. This led them to the account used for our salaries, and ultimately, the person withdrawing the money—the person in charge of finances. This resulted in this disastrous outcome.

Despite being an ordinary person, with large sums of money flowing in every month, Gu Yansheng frowned and said, "Li Shiqun really spares no effort in figuring out these things."

"The lesson was extremely painful." Boss Dai sighed deeply with a grim face. "Such a mistake not only cost our personnel their lives, but also gave away all our precious operating funds to the 76th Division. This can be considered aiding the enemy."

Other personnel are facing difficulties due to the arrest of those involved in the finance department, resulting in inadequate funding and financial hardship. More seriously, these individuals may make mistakes or even betray the organization because of money issues!
One person's mistake can lead to a whole group of people being implicated; there are lessons to be learned from this.

I have ordered the Shanghai region to sanction this inspector general, but the issue of where the money went has indeed become a problem. We cannot guarantee that after this person dies, there won't be another inspector general who will be bribed by 76.

The situation in the concessions has made our previously trusted channels of operation unsafe, and the arrest and defection of a large number of agents have also revealed many of our usual methods.

Therefore, a reliable solution is urgently needed to properly arrange funding for all personnel.

After much thought, I realized that the biggest flaw in this matter was that the people we had recently sent to the Shanghai region had not stayed long enough to be associated with a company of any significant size for accounting purposes.

If there were legitimate trading companies, these accounts could be explained by trade payments.

So I would like to trouble you to help me think of a way to create a large-scale enterprise in a short period of time, and whether you have any corresponding internal policies to help them develop.

We can't need too many people. We can hire, but the people in the Shanghai area can't gather too much. We need to guard against the risks.

And this money can then be distributed legitimately to all the action teams in small amounts.

Avoid using banks, or make sure the bank statements don't reveal any problems.

Supporting companies affiliated with the Military Intelligence Bureau sounds like Boss Dai is trying to fleece him for money.
“If you can’t think of something, take your time. There’s no rush today,” Boss Dai reassured him. “This is not an easy task. I’ve discussed it in the bureau, and it’s difficult to come up with a perfect solution.”

“It’s difficult, but it’s not impossible.” Gu Yansheng analyzed: “There are two things to do in this matter. First, how to get the money safely into Shanghai, and second, how to distribute the money anonymously. Let’s look at the matter separately and put aside the business for now. These are the two points.”

"That's not wrong either," Boss Dai nodded in agreement.

Gu Yansheng asked, "How many people are there in the Shanghai area?"

"Currently less than 100."

"Approximately how much funding is needed per month?"

"Thirty thousand legal tender."

At the current exchange rate, that's about ten thousand silver dollars.

Gu Yansheng raised an eyebrow upon hearing this. In fact, such a small amount of money could be easily covered by Du Yuesheng's businesses, which would directly resolve the issue of the money entering Shanghai.

Boss Dai didn't mention it, but it seems like he really came to fleece him.

I wanted him to support some of the Military Intelligence Bureau's enterprises.

Previously, the Military Intelligence Bureau had businesses in Shanghai, but they were all confiscated during the successive crackdowns by the 76th Division.

Gu Yansheng was unwilling to support enterprises for the Military Intelligence Bureau. It wasn't that he was unwilling, but he couldn't afford to have any connection with them. These people were sloppy in their work, and if something went wrong, he could easily get implicated.

Gu Yansheng paused and said, "Anonymous and small amount, there are ways to meet these two conditions, and the person giving the money and the person receiving the money do not need to meet."

Boss Dai asked in surprise, "What method?"

Gu Yansheng smiled slightly, "Director, do you trade stocks?"

Mr. Dai frowned slightly, quite puzzled. "What does this have to do with stock trading?"

Gu Yansheng laughed and said, "Let me give you an example. Suppose there are five action teams in Shanghai, and Chongqing sends a sum of money to Shanghai every month. If someone takes this money to Shanghai and, according to their needs, buys five stocks with different face values ​​at the stock exchange..."

Then the stock certificates were placed in five locations, and the captains of the respective action teams were to retrieve them themselves.

The location can be pre-arranged, or you can notify them via a temporary radio station or other means; it doesn't matter.

The key is to withdraw the stocks and sell them on the exchange on the same day, which then turns them into cash.

Stock certificates are bearer securities, and transactions can be conducted over the counter or through intermediaries. In other words, one can either appear in person or have subordinates sell them.

The advantage is that there are many people buying and selling stocks every day, so even if this method is told to No. 76, No. 76 will have no way to track it down.

Several thousand dollars divided into five groups, each group containing several hundred dollars—such a sum would hardly attract attention on the stock exchange.

Mr. Dai was quick-witted and immediately understood the many benefits of this method.

He laughed and said, "You truly are a stock trading expert. I've heard you're incredibly skilled at it."

The reason Chen Mo approached Gu Yansheng was because Boss Dai needed someone with an economic background, and he ended up finding someone who knew how to trade stocks, so he could probably be considered an economic talent.

Gu Yansheng chuckled modestly, "I just make a little money through some insider information, it's not that exaggerated."

"Haha." Boss Dai nodded. "The method is definitely a good one, but there is an uncertainty. Stocks do go up and down. If there is a big drop during the handover process, the funds will be less."

"The stock market should perform well for the foreseeable future. In my personal opinion, the probability of problems is low. Even if there are losses, they will be minimal, which I think is worthwhile compared to the safety of personnel." "The market is performing well. What makes you say that?"

Gu Yansheng analyzed for Boss Dai the issue of capital seeking refuge due to the unstable situation in Europe.

"Furthermore, if the Japanese really don't intend to launch a large-scale attack on Chongqing, the situation will ease, and the prospects for economic development will improve, which will also boost stock prices."

If someone is truly willing to invest, they can put in a sum of money and have someone manage it. In that case, the Military Intelligence Bureau wouldn't need to send someone else to deliver its monthly office expenses or remit money from overseas.

Every month, Chongqing would send a telegram instructing this designated person to sell some stocks for a small amount of money and deposit it at a specific location. This completed the handover without anyone noticing.

Let alone the fact that No. 76 has no way of investigating, even if the person who withdrew the money were arrested during a routine operation and put in an interrogation room, the people at No. 76 would not know that the money came from the stock exchange.

Because there is absolutely no connection whatsoever.

"Interesting, insightful."

Mr. Dai was stunned by what he was being said and nodded repeatedly.

Putting aside the financial aspect, the idea itself is quite unique; I had never thought of doing it this way before.

As for finance, although he didn't understand finance, the logic revealed in Gu Yansheng's words was very reasonable, that is, it was actionable.

"Let me think about this."

Mr. Dai was interested in this matter and planned to go back and consult several economic experts to learn more about it.

If what Gu Yansheng said is true, then this is a chance to make a lot of money.

We discussed other topics, and that concluded our meeting for the day.

Boss Dai stood up, took a document from the box next to him, and unfolded it with both hands.

"Order!"

Gu Yansheng immediately stood up, bowed slightly, and stood properly.

Boss Dai read aloud, "By order of the Military Commission, Gu Yansheng, deputy head of the Shanghai Special Intelligence Group of the Military Intelligence Bureau, is hereby appointed as major general and promoted to the rank of major general, effective from April 1, 1930. This order."

Gu Yansheng solemnly accepted the gift with both hands and bowed, "Yes!"

After saying that, he asked with considerable surprise, "Major General Quanxu?"

A major general in the Military Intelligence Bureau is valuable in some ways, but not in others. However, the rank of major general is definitely valuable.

A major general or division commander might only be a lieutenant colonel in terms of rank.

Boss Dai smiled and said, "It was specially approved by the president. In Chongqing, only the president and I know about your existence. When I talked to the president about you, he repeatedly told me to take good care of your safety, to think ahead, and not to let patriots have any concerns. You can raise any demands you have. The Party and the country will be your strong backing."

When I came to Hong Kong this time and told the president that I wanted to meet with you, the president specifically requested to handle the matter as a special case and resolve your rank issue.

When the war is won, you will return in glory, and the president will personally confer your rank.

After saying that, he had to add with a smile, "I'll award you a medal."

"Thank you for your care, President, and for your guidance, Director." Gu Yansheng offered his sincere and loyal admiration with a solemn face.

The peace talks officially began the following day.

Takeo Imai came to find Gu Yansheng, and they went to the peace meeting venue together with great interest.

If Chongqing takes the initiative to contact us, there will likely be positive progress.

After only a few words, Takeo Imai became furious at the attitude of the Chongqing negotiators.

"China can never accept any conditions that undermine its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence. Are you really prepared to fight to the end?"

"Don't toast and you'll be fined if you don't eat!"

"If that's your attitude, why did you call me over?"

"No need for pretense here. If your President Jiang has no intention of negotiating, there's absolutely no need for us to meet today!"

"Speak! What conditions do you want to discuss this time?"

Takeo Imai's outburst was also a negotiating tactic; he simply refused to believe that Chongqing would utter a few harsh words just to force the resumption of negotiations!
It's certain that Chongqing knows they want to negotiate, so they're stalling here, trying to raise their demands!
Song Ziliang smiled faintly and said, "You don't need to be so angry. The president definitely yearns for peace, and these are the conditions."

You want to suppress the Communists, and we want to suppress the Communists too. We can stop fighting, make peace, and join forces to suppress the Communists. There is absolutely no problem with that.

However, we certainly cannot accept the idea of ​​peace talks or sending troops to be stationed in North China.

Moreover, I told you beforehand that the president dislikes the Wang Jingwei regime very much, and his presence has created a huge obstacle to our negotiations.

Think about it yourself. If peace talks are held and Chiang Kai-shek and Wang Jingwei join forces, how will our president explain his reputation as a traitor to the world?

"Kill the traitor Wang, then we can talk."

Imai Takeo's face turned ashen, but he still didn't believe that the people from Chongqing had summoned them just to say a few harsh words.

Are flights from Chongqing to Hong Kong free?

It must be psychological warfare!
"I've already said, we would never kill Mr. Wang. Mr. Song, stop testing me. I hope we can negotiate calmly and sincerely! Let's not waste anyone's time!"

Takeo Imai was indeed quite angry, and he emphasized his words.

"Who's joking with you?" Song Ziliang sneered. "I was referring to Chongqing. Oh, right, given that the Wang Jingwei regime has already been established, and considering your reason that it's impossible to kill Wang Jingwei, we've come up with a solution to resolve this issue."

Once that's resolved, I believe the problems in our peace talks will be gone.

"Imai, you also need to consider President Chiang's reputation. He simply cannot cooperate with Wang."

"What method?" Takeo Imai asked, frowning.

Song Ziliang smiled and said, "We've come up with a compromise for you. Don't you want to bear the reputation of killing those who have come to your aid?"

Then you should let Wang Jingwei step down voluntarily. Once he steps down, he will realize that his influence among the people will be reduced. Then you can support someone with a good reputation to take over, and then we will have a foundation for merging.

What do you think of this approach? "

Besides Mr. Wang, who else could rival Chiang Kai-shek in terms of rank?
Imai Takeo immediately sensed the trickery involved.

"Let him step down first, then seize the opportunity to kill him, so that your President Chiang can have a good reputation for eliminating traitors for the country?"

"When he's no longer of any use, why would you care whether he lives or dies?" Song Ziliang said with a faint smile. "But we don't necessarily have to kill him."

You should understand that as long as he lives, the people will never forget this.

"If you really don't want to kill him, you can make him resign and go abroad. As long as he's not in the country, his matter will be over."

Suppressing his temper, Takeo Imai asked, "If this is feasible, what concessions are you prepared to make?"

Song Ziliang seemed confused. "What concessions? I've already stated my conditions."

"So you mean, you called me here today to tell me that you're not willing to suffer any loss and that we should kill Mr. Wang?"

Imai Takeo stared in disbelief. His mind was a bit muddled, but after listening for a while, he seemed to understand that these people had called him over, apparently to make some threats.

So much so that everyone was dumbfounded. It seemed as if the Japanese army couldn't defeat the Chongqing soldiers on the battlefield, and that Chongqing was the winner in terms of superior strength.

Do you think I've come here to beg for peace?
Song Ziliang nodded and smiled, "These conditions are reasonable and nothing to worry about. You can withdraw your troops, and we can suppress the Communists. Isn't that perfect?"

"I think you've lost your mind!" Imai Takeo could no longer suppress his anger and suddenly roared at Song Ziliang, then his sharp gaze swept over the negotiating team.

"madness!"

"idiot!"

"I'm giving you a chance to negotiate today!"

"This is giving you a chance to live!"

"Incompetent!"

"Since that's the case, then let's not talk anymore! You'll all regret what you said today, I told you!"

"let's go!"

With the peace talks broken down, Takeo Imai, his face ashen, led his team away, not wanting to stay a moment longer, and took the nearest flight back to Nanjing.

(End of this chapter)