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

Chapter 237 In the Name of the Minister

After saying this, Chen Yang decisively stood up and walked outside.

As Chen Yang passed by Li Qun, he gave Li Qun a meaningful look.

"Director Li, please investigate thoroughly and give everyone a way out; don't make things too ugly."

"Yes, yes, yes, I will definitely give the minister a satisfactory explanation." Li Qun nodded and bowed as he saw Chen Yang out of the office.

Once Chen Yang's figure disappeared, Li Qun's expression instantly changed as he looked out the window at the heavily armed agents patrolling back and forth inside the No. 76 compound.

"Team Leader Lin, Liu Geqing was actually rescued despite being heavily guarded by No. 76..." Li Qun suddenly turned around and slammed his hand hard on the mahogany desk, making the teacups rattle.

His previous submissive and obsequious demeanor had vanished, replaced by a furious rage at being humiliated.

"As you just saw, Minister Chen personally ordered a thorough internal investigation! We must find out who leaked the information and who was secretly assisting us! Otherwise..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but everyone present understood.

The Japanese would not tolerate the existence of a "highly efficient" intelligence agency that has been thoroughly infiltrated.

Without a satisfactory answer, Li Qun's position as director, and even his life, might be in jeopardy.

Standing before him were several action team leaders and confidential personnel who were trembling with fear.

Lin Zhijiang, the leader of the second action group, looked particularly grim. Liu Geqing had been lost under his control, and he was the person primarily responsible.

"Director Wan!" Li Shiqun's gaze, like a venomous snake, lingered on Wan Tianmu, who was watching the show from the sidelines. "You just said that the Loyal Salvation Army made the move. Do you have any real evidence?"

Wan Tianmu frowned: "Director Li, based on the method of the attack and the traces at the scene, I can only speculate that it is highly likely."

"After all, the Military Intelligence Bureau's influence in Shanghai has been largely wiped out, so it's impossible for them to have such a fast-acting team."

"Moreover, even if they were just temporary agents, it would be impossible for them to know so much about the situation in Shanghai."

"This organization has clearly been active in or around Shanghai for a long time."

"Most of the Loyal Salvation Army members are from the Green Gang, and some are former members of the Jiangsu-Zhejiang Special Operations Team. These people are very familiar with the situation in Shanghai."

"Plus the Green Gang as an inside agent."

Wan Tianmu didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was already quite clear.

A large portion of the current No. 76 members are disciples of Ji Yunqing, a bigwig in the Green Gang.

Moreover, these people were personally recruited by you, Director Li.

If anyone leaks the news, then it's because you, Director Li, have misjudged people.

The consequences of slapping such a label on someone are significant.
Li Qun didn't dwell on the issue and turned to look at Lin Zhijiang, who seemed at a loss for what to do: "Team Leader Lin, who knows your operation plan? Who handled these core secrets—the detention location, the guard deployment, the shift change time, and the number of escorts?"

Lin Zhijiang broke out in a cold sweat instantly: "Director, only I, my two deputies, and the recorder in the confidential room know the complete version of the escort plan."

“Liu Geqing suddenly fell ill, and there was no time to ask for instructions from each level. I could only report to the confidential office according to procedure. That recorder may have had access to detailed information.”

"As for the detention location and security arrangements, they are limited to the squad leaders and core guards directly involved in the custody..."

"Investigate! Investigate them one by one!" Li Qun roared. "From the clerk in the confidential room to every single person in the guard squad! Their social connections, who they've been in contact with recently, any unusual spending, and whether they've suddenly found extra money at home! I want results within 24 hours!"

"Yes, Director!" Lin Zhijiang replied quickly.

“And you,” Li Qun then pointed to Gong Mingshu, the director of the confidential office, “everyone who has recently come into contact with documents related to the Liu Geqing case is to be placed in isolation and investigated! Is it possible that the codebook and communication records have been stolen or copied?”

"Yes! I'll take care of it right away!"

Li Qun waved his hand, dismissing everyone else as if shooing away flies, leaving only his core strategists and confidants, including Wu Sibao.

After closing the office door, Li Qun slumped into a chair, rubbing his throbbing temples.

Wu Sibao is She Aizhen's lover and also Ji Yunqing's apprentice.

Number 76 was promoted by Li Qun, but the position of director did not belong to him; it was Ding Cun.
There was nothing he could do; Ding Cun's reputation was far greater than his. He was the head of the Third Division of the Party Affairs Investigation Department, which was also the head of the Post and Telecommunications Department.

If he hadn't been forced to kill Japanese people by Shi Jisheng of the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS), he wouldn't have had the choice to betray the party and flee.

“Director, this matter is suspicious.” Wu Sibao stepped forward and whispered, “Liu Geqing is locked in the innermost room of the basement. There are only two keys, one with Director Wan and the other with the guard captain.”

"If there really is a mole, this mole's position is not low. At least they have access to core secrets, and they might even be... right next to us."

Li Qun rubbed his temples, several faces flashing through his mind: Wan Tianmu? He had just made a great contribution, why would he want to destroy his own reputation? A certain action team leader? Or... those seemingly insignificant people in the confidential office or communications department who had access to a lot of information?
"What about Xiong Jiandong?" Li Qun suddenly asked. "Could his betrayal of the Military Intelligence Bureau be a ruse? Or is the Military Intelligence Bureau deliberately sacrificing Liu Geqing to cover for his higher-ranking undercover agent?"

Wu Sibao hesitated and said, "Advisor Xiong, that doesn't seem like it. Since he surrendered, the intelligence he provided has all been verified, and he has also helped us crack down on several Kuomintang liaison points."

"But we cannot completely rule out this possibility."

"Better to kill the innocent than let the guilty go free!" A ruthless glint flashed in Li Shiqun's eyes. "We must also strengthen surveillance and probing of Xiong Jiandong! Furthermore, issue a notice that all recent operations should have their scope of knowledge minimized! We will implement new communication codes and censorship procedures internally!"

"In addition, the surveillance on Wan Tianmu cannot be lifted, as these two are currently the most suspicious."

"The rest," Li Qun sighed, "we'll investigate the rest slowly, and don't let any suspicious person get away with it."

"Yes. I'll arrange it right away."

A storm of purges and suspicions that swept through the entire No. 76 headquarters was suddenly unleashed due to Liu Geqing's successful rescue.

Everyone is susceptible to suspicion, and everyone suspects others.

The atmosphere of "efficient" collaboration of the past has vanished, replaced by a terrifying sense of insecurity among everyone.

Li Qun knew very well that if he could not find this "mole" and give Minister Chen an explanation as soon as possible, the foundation of No. 76 would be shaken, and he himself would face a double deadly threat from his Japanese masters and internal rivals.

As for who this internal rival might be? Ding Cun and Wan Tianmu, neither of them want Li Qun to have a good life.
Office of the Chief of the Land Transportation Section, Southern Transportation Department, Shanghai.

Knock knock knock, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in." A deep voice sounded, and the office door was pushed open.

A document bearing the seal of "Top Secret" and a bright red stamp of "Headquarters of the Expeditionary Army" was personally delivered to the desk of Chen Yang, the head of the Land Transport Section, by a military police captain with a fawning smile.

"Section Chief Chen, Chief of Staff Saburo Kawabe will be personally attending your department at 3 PM this afternoon to convene a 'Special Transportation Coordination Meeting.' This is the order."

"His Excellency by the Riverbank requests that the Land Transport Department must provide a detailed list of the transport capacity of all existing rail and road routes."
"A detailed written report shall be prepared, including the transportation schedule, load, and key points; the location and precise quantity of gasoline, diesel, coal, vehicle parts (including tires and engines), military supplies (including food, clothing, and ammunition) in the existing fuel and material warehouses; and a list of all civilian transportation capacity that can be requisitioned and repaired within the next three months."

"Provide the information to the War Command Section to assess whether this transport operation can meet the requirements,"

Chen Yang's back tensed instantly. He picked up the hot potato-like document, his gaze sweeping over the densely packed requirements and deadlines.

Judging from these requirements alone, this is by no means an ordinary coordination meeting, but rather a meeting to place a heavy burden on the logistical support for the early stages of a massive military operation!
"Understood. Please convey to the Chief of Staff that the Land Transport Division will fully cooperate to complete the mission on time." Chen Yang's voice maintained its usual air of complete confidence.

"Very good, please have Section Chief Chen sign here to confirm that the document has been received."

The military police captain took out a document and a delivery receipt, handing it to Chen Yang with both hands.

Chen Yang took the document and signed his name at the bottom.

"Ono-kun, thank you for your hard work."

"Section Chief Chen, please continue with your work. I'm going back now. Goodbye." Military Police Captain Jun Ono bowed slightly, turned around, and walked out of the office.

"Take care," Chen Yang said, standing up and bowing slightly. After Ono left the office, Chen Yang immediately dialed his secretary Li Ningyu's number.

The land transport department was immediately thrown into a state of war. The telephones rang incessantly, so urgently that it made one's heart race, and the typists' fingers flew across the keyboard, beads of sweat rolling down their foreheads.

Subordinate employees carried stacks of original documents and reports between desks, their faces solemn, and their whispered conversations were filled with suppressed breathing.

"Ino-kun," Chen Yang called Ino Yusuke into his office, "You immediately take some people to check the vehicle dispatch records of all railway hubs in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River! Also, compile all the complaint reports from last month regarding abnormal fuel allocations! Go now!"

"Yes, Section Chief!" Yusuke Ino replied immediately, his expression serious and his movements swift.

He quickly gathered several designated personnel, assigned tasks, and gave clear and specific instructions.

Following this, the Shanghai Vehicle Dispatch Center and the Maigen Road Materials Center also received instructions from Chen Yang.

After the thick stacks of documents were compiled, they were quickly delivered to the office of the head of the Land Transport Section.

The whole process took only two hours.

But something even more astonishing happened.

All the compiled materials were delivered to Chen Yang's office at noon.

At this moment, the data was still a series of useless figures, but Chen Yang was still leisurely drinking coffee, seemingly not taking the 3 pm meeting to heart at all.

After lunch, it was 1 p.m., and the office was piled high with various documents and data.

Chen Yang closed the office door, stretched his wrists, picked up a stack of documents and began to flip through them. The mountain of documents began to decrease at an astonishing speed.

An hour later, a complete report was finished. All data had been compiled as requested by Saburo Kawabe.
In just one hour, they completed a data integration task that had taken a team nearly several months to complete.

It has to be said that the gap between computers and the human brain is truly enormous.
At 2:50 p.m., the atmosphere in the heavily guarded conference room of the Southern Transportation Department was tense.

The long conference table was filled with Japanese military officers dressed in khaki uniforms, their shoulder insignia indicating that most of them belonged to the logistics and transportation systems.

The head seat was left empty, reserved for that important figure from the Expeditionary Army Headquarters.

The air was thick with the smell of tobacco and tension. No one spoke loudly; there were only occasional coughs and the rustling of papers turning over.

Kenjiro Oshima, the Minister of Transport of the South, frequently took out a handkerchief to wipe the fine sweat from his forehead.

He knew this meeting was of great importance; the personal presence of the military chief of staff meant that the North's needs had reached a point of no return.

The conference room door was flung open, and the adjutant shouted, "Attention!"

All the officers stood up abruptly, their eyes fixed on the doorway. Chief of Staff Saburo Kawabe strode in with impeccable military steps.

He was not tall, but extremely capable. His military uniform was pressed to the last detail, and his face was expressionless except for his sharp, eagle-like eyes, which carried an undeniable air of authority as he surveyed the entire area.

He was followed by several staff officers with equally stern expressions.

"Gentlemen, please be seated." Kawabe Saburo sat down in the main seat, his voice steady, yet carrying a chill.

Without exchanging any pleasantries, he went straight to the point, tapping his fingers on a huge map spread out on the table, which marked various railway lines and distribution points for goods in China.

"Gentlemen, you are all surely aware of the situation in the Nomonhan region. The provocations of the Soviet-Mongolian allied forces are becoming increasingly rampant, and the Kwantung Army is determined to resolutely retaliate and safeguard the Empire's interests along the borders of Manchuria and Mongolia!"

"This operation is related to the honor of the Imperial Army, and even more so to the overall strategy of the northward advance!"

"However, the foundation of all combat operations is logistics! It is supplies! Shells, fuel, medicine, food, clothing... all of these must be delivered to the front line on time and in sufficient quantities! Any delay may lead to the unnecessary sacrifice of soldiers on the front line, or even affect the entire war situation!"

Kenjiro Oshima quickly bowed and said, "Chief of Staff, we will do everything in our power to ensure supplies for the northern front..."

“I don’t want to hear empty words like ‘doing everything possible’!” Saburo Kawabe interrupted him bluntly, his tone icy. “What I want is a concrete plan and absolute guarantees! From now on, the priority levels of all railway trunk lines under the jurisdiction of the Southern Transportation Department must be readjusted!”

"All military supply trains bound for North China and Northeast China shall have the highest right of way! All other non-emergency transport, including some civilian supplies, shall give way unconditionally!"

He turned to the staff officer beside him: "Read the list."

The staff officer immediately picked up a document and read it clearly and quickly: "According to the requirements of the Kwantung Army Headquarters, the first batch of urgently needed supplies includes: 100,000 rounds of Type 75 mountain gun shells, 50,000 rounds of Type 92 infantry gun shells, 5,000 barrels of gasoline, 200,000 field rations, 50,000 combat uniforms, and a separate list of various medicines... All of the above supplies must be safely transported to the front-line supply depots in Xinjing (Changchun) and Hailar within 30 days via the Jinpu Railway and the northern section of the Pinghan Railway!"

After reading it aloud, Saburo Kawabe looked at the Minister of Transport again: "It's April 15th now, and there are a full thirty days until May 15th! Minister Oshima, tell me, can you do it?"

Kenjiro Oshima didn't dare to speak and quickly looked at Chen Yang, who was standing to the side, for help.

Chen Yang stood up and handed the data he had prepared in advance to Kawabe Saburo.

"Chief of Staff on the riverbank, the Department of Transportation has prepared contingency plans to ensure that everything can be arranged optimally."

The only sound in the conference room was the rustling of Kawabe Saburo turning the pages of documents.

Ten minutes later, Kawabe Saburo had finished reading all the detailed documents and looked up at Chen Yang, saying, "Section Chief Chen, I must remind you that land transportation is the lifeline, and the current situation in your report is worrying! There is a huge shortage of transport capacity! There is a lack of supplies! Three days! I'm only giving you three days!"

"I don't want to look at these abstract data. I only ask that you come up with a practical and feasible supplementary transportation plan that covers all the requirements as soon as possible!"

"I will have the General Staff coordinate the allocation of some fuel, spare parts, and personnel, but you must find a way to solve the shortage yourself! Use every means possible!"

Chen Yang bowed slightly, as if very confident, and said, "Understood. The Land Transport Division will discuss and come up with a perfect solution within the stipulated time. Chief of Staff Riverside, please rest assured."

“Yasuda-kun,” Kawabe glanced at Nobuo Yasuda, the Vice Minister of Transport who had just been transferred from the South Manchuria Railway and was sitting next to Chen Yang.

"Headquarters sent you to the south to assist Section Chief Chen in completing the transportation plan."

"With transportation capacity so tight right now, you should also share the burden with Section Chief Chen."

"I wonder if the South Manchuria Railway Company has any ideas on how to improve efficiency."

Nobuo Yasuda stood up and said, "Chief of Staff, the northern section of the Jinpu Railway is currently experiencing guerrilla harassment, the Pinghan Railway's capacity is nearing saturation, and recent rainfall in the Jianghuai region may affect some sections... Thirty days is a very tight timeframe..."

“Difficulties?” Saburo Kawabe sneered. “Of course I know there are difficulties! But a soldier’s duty is to overcome difficulties!”

"Guerrilla harassment? Then strengthen the guard forces along the line and organize armored train patrols! Capacity is saturated? Then increase train formations and improve operational efficiency! Rain? Even if it's raining knives, the trains can't stop!"

He stood up, placed his hands on the table, leaned forward, and scanned each person with his gaze, saying slowly and deliberately, "Gentlemen, remember this! The victory in the North depends on the wheels of your Southern forces!"

If the front lines suffer defeat due to transportation problems, then not only will all of you here be ashamed to face His Majesty the Emperor, nor will I, Saburo Kawabe, face all the soldiers of the Kwantung Army! At that time, military law will be merciless!

These words were extremely harsh, and the conference room fell silent; all the officers felt a chill run down their spines.

Yasuda stood up and said, "Hello! I will submit an application to headquarters that sixteen military special trains can be dispatched daily from the South Manchuria Railway!"

"However, the cargo stockpiled at Dalian Port is currently facing insufficient shipping capacity, so we still hope to..."

“No, we can’t use up the land transport department’s resources,” He Bian said, leaving a wet mark on the table with his tea. “We’ll have the Korean Governor-General’s Office requisition civilian ships to sail through the Sea of ​​Japan.”

"The priority this time is to obtain weapons, medical supplies, and other essential items."

"For the time being, we can seek other solutions for the items that are being shipped back to the mainland."

Nobuo Yasuda stood up and said, "Understood. I will send a telegram to headquarters now, requesting that the stockpiled supplies be diverted to sea transport to make way for the land transport department."

Chief of Staff Kawabe nodded slightly, indicating that Nobuo Yasuda could leave first.

After Yasuda left, the other officials in charge of the transportation department also went to contact their respective supply issues as requested by Chief of Staff Kawabe.

Chen Yang stood up, preparing to take his leave, but Kawabe Saburo raised his hand, signaling him to stay.

"Section Chief Chen, can you guarantee that these supplies will reach the front lines within the stipulated time?"

Saburo Kawabe tapped his fingers lightly on the table: "The Kwantung Army has used all its reserves for this plan."

"Commander Komatsu has already entered the Far East to conduct reconnaissance, in case it is found that there are problems with the supply of materials after the fighting starts."

"The entire logistics department will be held accountable."

Chen Yang said respectfully, "Your Excellency, please rest assured, as long as I make the decision, there shouldn't be any problems."

"However, as you know, the Land Transport Section is currently facing difficulties. If we prioritize the transport of ammunition and equipment, then there is still some sake to be supplied to the Kwantung Army."

"The temperature in Northeast China is different from here."

"Alcohol can keep you warm, and it's an essential commodity."

Kawabe Saburo looked up at Chen Yang and said, "Intercept three hundred cases of sake destined for the front lines."

“If sorghum is packed in wine barrels, the customs of Manchukuo will not open the boxes for inspection.”

Chen Yang immediately showed a knowing look.

How much does a barrel of sake cost? How much does a barrel of sorghum liquor cost?

Replacing three hundred cases of sake with sorghum liquor—this is blatant tampering with military supplies.
"Understood, Your Excellency. I will arrange for the supplies warehouse to be replaced immediately."

Saburo Kawabe nodded, slowly stood up, and his secretary immediately grabbed his briefcase.

"Section Chief Chen, do a good job. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me."

"As long as it's within my authority, I will definitely help you solve it."

Chen Yang quickly bowed and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Chief of Staff. I will definitely complete the transportation mission."

Saburo Kawabe nodded in satisfaction, then turned and left the office.

The office of the head of the land transport department downstairs.

Chen Yang had barely settled into his office when the door was suddenly pushed open.

Nobuo Yasuda walked into the office and said, "Section Chief Chen, am I interfering with your work? Can we talk for a bit?"

Chen Yang smiled and asked, "Is there anything I can help you with, Minister Yasuda?"

Nobuo Yasuda organized his thoughts and said, "Actually, it's not a big deal. The South Manchuria Railway's transportation capacity is not a problem."

"Regarding the supplies currently stockpiled at Dalian Port, I have already reported the request from Chief of Staff He Bian to headquarters."

"Headquarters believes the matter of supplies is extremely urgent and hopes Minister Chen can..."

"No way," Chen Yang refused outright. "Minister Yasuda, you should know what time it is now. Shouldn't the South Manchuria Railway Company prioritize its profits?"

Yasuda's face flushed slightly: "Section Chief Chen, you may not give me face, but the South Manchuria Railway..."

Chen Yang waved his hand to interrupt Yasuda: "Yasuda-kun, please understand, hundreds of thousands of Kwantung Army soldiers need to fight, they need supplies, they need equipment, and the person in charge of coordinating the transportation plan is me, not you."

(End of this chapter)