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

Chapter 253 Let's Go See Our Country
This is the true intention revealed...

That's right, it's like the true colors are revealed at the last minute...

Just as Ozaki Hotsumi thought that all parties had reached a superficial consensus under his leadership and was preparing to adjourn the meeting, Yoshida Hirohiro silently stepped forward!

His remarks left everyone utterly astonished...

After stating his request, Yoshida did not stop, and continued, "Mr. Ozaki, General Sato, General Kagesa, please forgive my bluntness."

"The 'cooperation mechanism' proposed by Mr. Ozaki is well-intentioned, but it may be difficult to meet the needs of the rapidly changing battle situation on the Nomonhan front."

"Please forgive my bluntness, but the multi-layered coordination and joint decision-making described by Lord Sato sounds reliable, but in reality, it is inefficient and could easily lead to missed opportunities!"

Everyone's expression changed as they looked at the middle-aged man in a colonel's uniform with his hair neatly combed.

Upon hearing this, Sato Fumiyasu frowned. As a fellow soldier, he felt a sense of kinship with Yoshida's way of speaking, but his differing stances only fueled his anger.

Just as he was about to erupt, Yoshida, without waiting for him to speak, continued clearly and firmly: "In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken."

"To ensure the absolute efficiency and reliability of this lifeline, the only feasible solution at present is not to separate powers and check each other, but to have the South Manchuria Railway temporarily take the lead in commanding and dispatching the entire transportation system!"

"Colonel Yoshida!" Sato Fumiyasu slammed his fist on the table, abruptly standing up and glaring at his colleague, whose rank was lower than his but whose aura was no less imposing. "Do you even know what you're saying?! Let the South Manchuria Railway Company take the lead? What right do you have to dictate the fate of the Imperial Holy War?!"

"Your South Manchuria Railway Company is far too arrogant."

As soon as he finished speaking, Sato's gaze pierced Yoshida and Nakamura like an ice pick.

He quickly realized that Yoshida Hirohiro's speech was not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but a carefully planned move by the South Manchuria Railway Company.

Ozaki Hotsumi's heart sank. Yoshida Hirohiro's military background prevented him from applying pressure as easily as he would to ordinary South Manchuria Railway civilian officials. His professional qualifications and tough attitude made the South Manchuria Railway's demands seem more "weighty".

Facing Sato's anger, Yoshida Hirohiro showed no fear. Instead, he took a step forward, his tone even calmer, with the stubbornness characteristic of a technocrat and the directness of a soldier: "General Sato!"

"Excuse me, do you have a better understanding of the gradient, curve radius, and load-bearing limit of each section of railway, or do I have a better understanding?"

"Do you know better which marshalling yard can maintain operation under artillery fire, or do I? Can you accurately calculate how to transport a division's equipment from Busan to Nomonhan with minimal losses and maximum speed, or can I?"

"General!" Yoshida said in a deep voice, "Commanding transportation is like commanding a complex battle."

"When laymen interfere with experts, the result can only be the bloodshed on the front lines going to waste! The military can submit its requests, the most urgent list of supplies, and we at the South Manchuria Railway can guarantee that everything will be in perfect condition!"

"However, how to allocate railcars, how to plan routes, and how to coordinate all the crucial transfer links must be decided and completed in one go by the most professional people, namely our South Manchuria Railway Company! Any unnecessary steps are a disregard for the lives of the soldiers on the front line!"

As he spoke, Yoshida turned his gaze to Ozaki Hotsumi: "Mr. Ozaki, this is not about vying for power, it's about efficiency, it's about the victory of the empire!"

"Decentralizing command and allowing people who don't understand the actual situation to interfere is the greatest irresponsibility!"

"If the military headquarters and the Mei agency are not at ease, they can send liaison officers to the core of the dispatching system for supervision, but the final dispatching instructions must come from the South Manchuria Railway Dispatch Center!"

"This is the only conclusion I've drawn based on professional expertise and the situation, and it's my bottom line!"

The meeting room was deathly silent...

Yoshida's remarks brought the long-simmering discontent of the South Manchuria Railway Company to the forefront in the most forceful way.

They not only wanted power, but also used the pretext of "for victory," making it difficult for the military to refute them directly.

Nakamura remained silent, but his silence was now filled with power.

He tacitly agreed with Yoshida's statement, which represented the common will within the South Manchuria Railway Company, including its military-backed forces.

Sato Fumiyasu's face was ashen. He stared intently at Yoshida. As a fellow soldier, he understood Yoshida's logic, but the military's dignity and desire for control made it impossible for him to accept it easily.

He forced out the words through gritted teeth: "Colonel Yoshida! You're using the pressure from the front lines to hold the military hostage!"

"Besides, if we're really talking about efficiency, you South Manchuria Railway Company can't find a transportation officer better than Vice Minister Chen."

"Could I conclude that entrusting the transportation plan to Vice Minister Chen is the best option?"

Yoshida sneered, "That's because the Southern Transport Department doesn't have the same vast territory as the North."

"Lord Sato, I maintain that the South Manchuria Railway is the best."

“Enough, Colonel Yoshida,” Kageyama Yoshiaki’s cold gaze swept between Yoshida and Chen Yang. “Colonel Yoshida’s professionalism and determination are truly moving.”

"But power and responsibility are commensurate. If any 'unplanned' deviations occur on the transportation line, whether due to technical reasons or..."

How does the South Manchuria Railway Company plan to apologize to His Majesty the Emperor?

Hotsumi Ozaki felt unprecedented pressure. On one side was the unquestionable authority of the military, and on the other was the South Manchuria Railway, which claimed professionalism and victory!

The demand came from high-ranking military officials, and supplies to the Nomonhan front could not be delayed.

All eyes were once again focused on this cabinet representative.

Hotsumi Ozaki tapped her fingers lightly on the table, then suddenly asked Chen Yang, who was sitting in the corner, "Vice Minister Chen, what do you think of Yoshida-kun's proposal?"

Chen Yang stood up and said, "From a professional perspective, Mr. Yoshida's suggestion is indeed very correct."

"The biggest problem with transportation now is that there are too many checkpoints and complicated procedures. Mr. Yoshida is courageous in taking responsibility and is a role model for us all."

Sato's expression changed drastically: "Vice Minister Chen, now is not the time for you to play the good guy and speak well of others."

“You are also the Deputy Minister of Transportation, so why can’t you take on this responsibility for the Empire?”

I'll take the blame? Am I out of my mind?!
Since there was finally a willing sucker to take on the responsibility, Chen Yang naturally agreed wholeheartedly.

"Lord Sato, if the Empire requires me to make a sacrifice, I am 100% willing."

"But now we're discussing transportation matters, and it's all for the sake of jihad."

Hotsumi Ozaki nodded: "Yes, Vice Minister Chen is absolutely right. Everything we do is for the holy war."

"Then, Colonel Yoshida will be in charge of the transportation leadership."

"Nakamura-kun, you're here representing the South Manchuria Railway Company at this meeting. Could you perhaps reveal some of the company's secrets to us?"

Nakamura Isao stood up and said, "Gentlemen, I can promise you on behalf of the South Manchuria Railway Company that the company will use all its resources to maintain the progress of material transportation and do a good job in all resupply work."

Ozaki Hotsumi nodded slowly, but before he could speak, Sato Fumitasu questioned again: "Nakamura-kun, I don't want to hear your verbal promises. I want to know if your headquarters has issued a warrant."

"If you don't have it, where do you get the confidence to take on so much responsibility?"

Nakamura pondered, "Lord Sato, this shouldn't be a big deal. The South Manchuria Railway's principle of serving the Empire will not change. It's just a letter of order; frankly, it's a procedural matter."

"What is the situation now? Anyone who dares to bring up procedures is the biggest destroyer of the path to holy war."

Sato's expression changed slightly, and Onodera Ken quickly leaned in and whispered a few words in his ear.

Sato's brows furrowed suddenly as he looked up at Chen Yang behind him.

Chen Yang, however, seemed completely unaffected, sitting quietly in the back. Onodera Ken smiled and said, "Mr. Ozaki, we have no objection to the arrangements."

Upon hearing this, Hotsumi Ozaki finally breathed a sigh of relief.

The four-party meeting at Chongguang Hall ended in an extremely subtle and tense atmosphere.

Thanks to Hotsumi Ozaki's vigorous mediation, the South Manchuria Railway Company, represented by Transport Officer Hirohiro Yoshida, gained control over the main dispatching plans.

The military retains the final approval authority for priority levels and critical supplies.

The Mei agency is responsible for supervision and security.

Chen Yang, as the newly appointed Vice Minister of Transport, is responsible for specific coordination and implementation.

On the surface, the South Manchuria Railway Company seemed to have gained the upper hand, but the military and the Mei Agency had long ago set up numerous obstacles.

When Yoshida actually took over the transportation routes, he discovered that everything was completely different from what he had imagined...

Shanghai, June, the city lights are just coming on.

Inside the "Moonlit Sand" private room located in western Shanghai.

Deputy Logistics Minister Ken Onodera sat opposite Chen Yang.

The exquisite dishes remained untouched, and the sake rippled gently in the glass.

Chen Yang dismissed all the servants, leaving only the two of them in the room.

Onodera Ken stared at Chen Yang: "Chen-san, I don't understand. A few days ago at Chongguang Hall, why did you ask me to stop Lord Sato from attacking the South Manchuria Railway?"

"That old man, Yoshida Haruhiro, is so aggressive; he practically snatched the initiative from our hands!"

"General Sato has high hopes for you and hopes that you can take the initiative for us at the meeting."

"To be honest, your 'concession' surprised and...disappointed both the general and me."

Chen Yang did not answer immediately. He slowly picked up his wine glass, took a sip of sake, and a deep smile appeared on his face.

"Minister Onodera, what do you think would have been the outcome if I had confronted Vice Minister Yoshida directly in that situation, or even supported General Sato in forcibly taking back control?"

Ken Onodera paused slightly, his brows furrowing involuntarily: "At least it shows our military's attitude and bottom line! It prevents the South Manchuria Railway from being so arrogant and treating our logistics department like nothing!"

“Wrong,” Chen Yang shook his head slightly: “Attitude and bottom line are secondary in the face of the huge daily losses at the Nomonhan front.”

"The artillery fire waits for no one. Vice Minister Yoshida's reasons are professional, efficient, and avoid the situation of laymen directing professionals... From a purely transportation perspective, it is difficult for us to completely refute them head-on."

"If we forcefully oppose it, causing the meeting to stall or even break down, and delaying the delivery of supplies to the front lines, who will bear the responsibility?"

"How will the Tokyo Cabinet, represented by Mr. Ozaki, view the Logistics Department of the Expeditionary Army?"

"Minister Onodera, sometimes, a tactical retreat is not cowardice, but a means to achieve more thorough strategic control."

"Mr. Chen, what do you want to say?" A hint of interest flashed in Ken Onodera's eyes. "Mr. Chen, I am the deputy minister, and I am responsible for the supply of materials to the entire dispatched army in the south."

"I hope I don't hear empty words."

Chen Yang's fingers traced lightly across the table, as if outlining an invisible transportation network: "Minister Onodera, nominally handing over the leadership to the South Manchuria Railway, especially to someone as powerful and extremely confident as Vice Minister Yoshida, will bring several favorable conditions for us."

"First, responsibilities are clearly defined and risks are transferred."

"From now on, the primary responsibility for any 'inefficiency' or 'scheduling error' that occurs on the transportation lines will lie with the South Manchuria Railway Company and with Vice Minister Yoshida."

“We have transformed from potential implementers into supervisors and evaluators.”

“We can take a higher stance and rigorously examine every aspect of their process. If problems arise, we will have ample reason to intervene or even hold those responsible accountable.”

"This is much more proactive than us personally taking charge and bearing all the risks of failure."

Onodera Kenji seemed lost in thought, his fingers unconsciously tapping the table.

"Second, if you want to destroy someone, first make them mad."

“With Vice Minister Yoshida in control, those within the South Manchuria Railway who harbor resentment towards our military or are secretly plotting against us will become more active in coming forward.”

"They will think they have succeeded and will inevitably lower their guard. They may even make some moves that are not in the overall interests of the empire in order to show off their 'ability'. This is the perfect opportunity for us to see through their tricks and seize their weaknesses."

"Third, and most importantly, true control lies not in who sits in the control room issuing orders, but in who firmly grasps the chain of execution!"

"Who has the ability to make subtle adjustments to seemingly perfect scheduling plans in a way that is in our favor at critical moments?"

Onodera Ken's gaze suddenly sharpened, and he involuntarily leaned forward: "Go on!"

Chen Yang's deep smile widened: "As the deputy director of the coordination headquarters, I am responsible for the specific coordination and implementation of all dispatch instructions."

"This means that every instruction issued by Vice Minister Yoshida, in order to become a train car running on the tracks, cannot be separated from my role."

“I can ‘ensure’ that supplies marked as ‘urgent’ by the logistics department will receive absolute priority and the green light all the way.”

"I can also... create some 'reasonable' delays and congestion on those lines that seem minor but are vital to the interests of the South Manchuria Railway Company or to certain forces we are concerned about, or allow some supplies that need 'special care' to be secretly mixed in with the military trains and reach where they are supposed to go."

"Minister Onodera, why bother fighting for a nominal leadership position? Let Vice Minister Yoshida and the South Manchuria Railway Company take the lead and attract all the attention and pressure."

"By remaining behind the scenes, we can ensure that the core interests of the Empire are not harmed, and at the same time, we can use this system to achieve our deeper goals, whether it is to reorganize the South Manchuria Railway or something else."

"Don't you think this is much wiser than to fall out with them at the meeting and potentially get burned by setbacks on the front lines?"

“But I heard that you’ve stopped all business to cooperate with Yoshida!” Onodera said calmly.

“Yes,” Chen Yang did not deny it: “That’s why I invited you here today. Actually, it’s not just you. Three days ago, I had someone notify all the logistics officers on the southern route to prepare a detailed list of supplies so we could take advantage of the situation and make a big score.”

"Do something big?" Kenji Onodera's brow twitched suddenly. "How big?"

Chen Yang nodded and said, "That's right. We need to complete the total transaction volume of the past six months within a month. All customers have been contacted and we are now just waiting for the goods to be shipped out."

“I’ve calculated it. If this deal goes well, we can get at least this much…”

Ken Onodera looked at Chen Yang's five outstretched fingers, his hand trembling slightly. "Five million?"

"Clap clap," Chen Yang smiled and clapped his hands lightly.

With a creak, the sliding door opened, and Lin Su slipped in: "Boss!"

"How's it going with what I asked you to do?" Chen Yang's voice was very gentle.

Lin Su nodded and said, "It's all arranged. Most of the guests you invited have arrived and are just waiting for you."

“Alright!” Chen Yang stood up: “Onodera-kun, let’s go, let’s go see the vast land we’ve worked so hard to conquer…”

(End of this chapter)