My years of espionage

Chapter 2017 Visit
Seeing the joy on Chu Mingyu's face, Cheng Qianfan glanced at the file folder in Liu Xia's hand and couldn't help but ask, "Uncle Chu, is there some good news?"

"His Majesty the Emperor of Japan has accepted Mr. Wang's request for an audience," Chu Mingyu said, his expression beaming with joy. "The fact that we were able to meet His Majesty the Emperor so quickly demonstrates the importance that our friendly nations attach to the National Government, and this is also the result of the efforts of our Ministry of Foreign Affairs."

Although the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had communicated with the Japanese side in advance before coming to Japan, and it is highly likely that the Japanese Emperor will meet with Chairman Wang, barring any unforeseen circumstances, it is not a certainty, and even if the Japanese Emperor does meet with Chairman Wang, the timing is uncertain.

Now, on the second day after arriving in Japan, the Imperial Palace issued an imperial decree that His Majesty the Emperor will formally meet with Mr. Wang tomorrow. The Japanese side also stated that the reason for the meeting on the third day was because they considered Mr. Wang's fatigue from the journey.

This clearly demonstrates Japan's sincerity.

It was precisely because of this that Chu Mingyu was finally able to relax and felt quite happy.

……

"That's wonderful!" Cheng Qianfan said happily. "The fact that the Japanese Emperor agreed to meet with Mr. Wang so quickly is enough to show how much the Japanese Emperor values ​​Mr. Wang and the National Government."

"Mr. Wang's path of peace and national salvation has been widely recognized and supported by Japan's friendly nations. The Japanese Emperor has previously publicly praised Mr. Wang's wise propositions, calling him a bridge builder for Sino-Japanese friendship and an envoy of peace in Asia. This shows the Japanese Emperor's appreciation for Mr. Wang," Cheng Qianfan said.

……

"Moreover, this was after we had disclosed our demands to the Japanese side. It's impossible that Emperor Tian of Japan was unaware of the content of our demands, yet he was still willing to meet with Mr. Wang. This, to some extent, also shows that the Japanese high-level officials, at least Emperor Tian, ​​were willing to discuss our demands," Liu Xia added from the side.

She got up to make tea for Chu Mingyu and said, "Now, everyone can finally breathe a sigh of relief. This is great news."

“That’s right, that’s right.” Hearing Cheng Qianfan and Liu Xia say this, Chu Mingyu nodded repeatedly, because he thought so too.

……

"Will we have a chance to visit the palace tomorrow?" Cheng Qianfan asked, his eyes filled with anticipation and excitement.

"Of course not." Chu Mingyu shook his head. "Let alone you, even I, the Foreign Minister, will most likely not have the opportunity to pay homage to Emperor Tae-suk of Japan tomorrow."

“We have been informed that Mr. Wang is the only one here,” he said to Cheng Qianfan and Liu Xia.

"That's a real shame." A hint of regret flashed in Cheng Qianfan's eyes as he shook his head and said.

"When Secretary Cheng achieves outstanding military exploits in the future, he may be received by the Emperor of a friendly nation," Liu Xia said with a smile after glancing at Cheng Qianfan.

“I’m just curious about the palace,” Cheng Qianfan said, shaking his head. “Besides, even if I made a contribution, I would only be received by Mr. Wang and awarded a medal by him.”

"Qianfan is absolutely right." Chu Mingyu nodded slightly upon hearing this.

This is precisely why he greatly admires and trusts Cheng Qianfan.

Cheng Qianfan is very clear-headed; he knows what to do and what to say at what time.

……

Liu Xia glanced at Cheng Qianfan, smiled and nodded, and said nothing more.

In her heart, Liu Xia secretly shook her head. She had deliberately set a trap for Cheng Qianfan without his knowledge, but she did not expect that this guy was so careful and cautious that he did not fall into the trap.

Of course, it's also possible that Cheng Qianfan genuinely admires Mr. Wang to the core, which is why he subconsciously said those words.

However, Liu Xia was more inclined to believe the former. If it were the latter, his vigilance towards Cheng Qianfan, his "brother Fan," would be raised to a new level.

A person who so fervently supports and follows Wang Tianhai is a huge threat in itself. Once Cheng Qianfan discovers some of her secrets, she has no doubt that Cheng Qianfan will not hesitate to inform on her, or even personally lead people to arrest her.

……

The next day.

Most of the members of Wang Jingwei's delegation to Japan were still arranged to rest at their accommodations, with only a few, including Chu Mingyu, being allowed to accompany Wang Jingwei to the Imperial Palace.

However, only Wang Tianhai was allowed to enter the palace; even Madam Wang was not permitted. She and Chu Mingyu and the others could only wait in the vehicle outside the palace.

Soon, under the escort of Japanese military police along the way, the Imperial Palace came into view.

Wang Tianhai arrived at the palace and waited for a while before finally receiving permission to have an audience with the Japanese Emperor.

Wang Tianhai presented Emperor Soe of Japan with a calligraphy scroll inscribed with the words "Peace and National Salvation" written by himself.

Emperor Sue of Japan reciprocated with a 'Chrysanthemum Crest'.

Subsequently, Wang Tianhai presented his demands to Emperor Tian of Japan, with a focus on requesting that Japan provide rice aid to the Nationalist government.

"The people of Nanjing survive on grass roots; we beg Your Majesty for mercy!"

However, throughout the entire process, the Japanese Emperor remained remarkably taciturn, merely listening politely and occasionally offering a few words of response, mostly nodding in response. Furthermore, even the calligraphy scroll gift from Wang Tianhai was received on his behalf by the chief guard, and the Japanese Emperor did not utter a single word throughout the entire process.

……

Hotel where I am staying.

Cheng Qianfan stood at the window, his gaze fixed on the direction of the Japanese Imperial Palace.

He had regrets in his heart.

If the Japanese allowed Wang Jingwei to bring his entourage into the Imperial Palace for a visit, he would absolutely do everything in his power to secure it.

If I could seize the opportunity to assassinate the enemy leader, even if I died on the spot, I would have no regrets.

However, it was clear that the Japanese were highly wary of the Chinese, and even Wang Tianhai's virtuous minister Chu Mingyu and Wang's wife were not allowed to enter the palace.

Therefore, Wang Tianhai's visit to Emperor Taizu of Japan was quite 'lonely' and rather 'melancholy'.

"The Secretary-General is back," Liu Xia said to Cheng Qianfan as she opened the door.

"I know." Cheng Qianfan straightened his clothes and followed Liu Xia to Chu Mingyu's office.

He carefully observed Chu Mingyu's expression and noticed that Chu Mingyu's expression seemed relatively calm, without sadness or joy. However, it was impossible to tell from Chu Mingyu's expression what Wang Tianhai had gained from his visit to the Japanese Emperor.

……

"Secretary-General," Cheng Qianfan said, looking at Chu Mingyu, "was Mr. Wang's meeting with Emperor Taizu of Japan satisfactory?"

"His Majesty the Emperor greatly respects Mr. Wang and speaks highly of him." Chu Mingyu nodded slightly. "His Majesty is very satisfied with the calligraphy scroll of 'Peaceful Nation Building' prepared by Mr. Wang and even praised Mr. Wang's calligraphy."

“That’s wonderful! As far as I know, the Japanese Emperor is very sparing with his words and rarely shows his emotions,” Cheng Qianfan said happily. “It seems that His Majesty the Emperor truly appreciates Mr. Wang’s gift.”

"The Emperor was very pleased and immediately returned the favor with a gift," Chu Mingyu said.

Looking at Chu Mingyu's happy state, Liu Xia shook her head inwardly. Wang Tianhai presented a gift to the Japanese Emperor on behalf of the Nanjing puppet regime, and the Japanese side returned the gift. This was a matter of etiquette. What was there to be proud of?
……

"I wonder what gift His Majesty the Emperor of Japan gave to Mr. Wang in return?" Cheng Qianfan asked excitedly, his face showing joy and anticipation.

"Emperor Tian presented Mr. Wang with a crest of arms symbolizing the Japanese Imperial Family," Chu Mingyu said. "A chrysanthemum crest."

“Indeed, it is incredibly precious.” Cheng Qianfan nodded and said happily, “The gift of the chrysanthemum crest, a symbol of the imperial family, is enough to demonstrate Emperor Taizu of Japan’s affirmation and appreciation of Mr. Wang.”

“That’s right,” Chu Mingyu nodded slightly and said.

"Secretary-General, should we write an article and publish it domestically?" Liu Xia suddenly asked.

“Good idea,” Cheng Qianfan said immediately. “I’ll write it.”

When he saw Liu Xia looking over, he quickly smiled and said, "Sister Xia and I are co-authors."

"Alright, I'm going to Mr. Wang's place. You two can discuss it together and draft a press release to be sent to Nanjing in the name of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and published in tomorrow's China Times."

"clear."

"Yes, Secretary General."

Liu Xia and Cheng Qianfan immediately stood up and said respectfully.

……

"It seems to be good news." Liu Xia took out her cigarette case, pulled out a women's cigarette, lit it, took a light puff, and said with a happy expression, "In Japan, Emperor Tian's will represents the will of Japan. To gain Emperor Tian's approval is great news for Mr. Wang and for the National Government."

“That’s right.” Cheng Qianfan looked very happy, and he even took Liu Xia’s cigarettes and smoked them.

"Where are your own cigarettes?" Liu Xia rolled her eyes at Cheng Qianfan. "Smoking women's cigarettes, aren't you ashamed?"

"Happy, happy," Cheng Qianfan said, glancing around before lowering his voice.

"Before this, after meeting with that person from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I was actually in a rather pessimistic view of the Nationalist government's demands on Japan this time," Cheng Qianfan continued. "In my original opinion, the Japanese side might only be willing to negotiate with the Nationalist government on a certain demand, which is obviously not satisfactory to us."

“Now, I see hope in the attitude of the Japanese Emperor toward Mr. Wang,” Cheng Qianfan said. “Just as Sister Xia said, in Japan, the Emperor’s will is Japan’s will. As long as the Japanese Emperor is willing to nod and is willing to have a more positive attitude toward our demands, this is great news.”

“That makes sense.” Liu Xia nodded and said with a smile, “This is a day to be happy and celebrate. I propose that we have a drink together.”

“Good suggestion.” Cheng Qianfan nodded. “I have some French red wine in my room, I’ll go get it now.”

"Hurry up," Liu Xia waved her hand and said happily.

……

Watching Cheng Qianfan hurriedly leave to get the wine, Liu Xia's expression turned cold, and a mocking smile appeared on her lips:
They really are determined to follow Wang Tianhai, those traitorous dogs!
Cheng Qianfan returned to his room to get the wine, a cold smile on his face. This "Sister Xia" was so happy; she was completely devoted to the shameful cause of being a traitor!
Then, a smile appeared on his face.

He was now 60-70% certain that Wang Tianhai's visit to the Japanese Emperor had not yielded good results. Or rather, at the very least, the Japanese Emperor did not actually respect or value Wang Tianhai as much as Chu Mingyu had said.

What led him to this conclusion was a detail: the gift that Emperor Tian of Japan gave to Wang Tianhai in return.

The Chrysanthemum Crest, although the chrysanthemum represents the Japanese Imperial Family, is the lowest-ranking medal awarded by the Imperial Family.

It's unclear whether Chu Mingyu, the foreign minister of the Wang Jingwei regime, knew the true meaning and level of this chrysanthemum emblem.

Cheng Qianfan felt that Chu Mingyu probably didn't know, otherwise he wouldn't have shown off this return gift.

Of course, it's hard to say for sure. After all, it was a return gift from the Japanese Emperor. Even if one knew it was the lowest-level medal, one could only put on a brave face, pretend not to know, and still treat it like a treasure.

……

The next day, Nanjing.

The China Times, one of the official newspapers of the Wang Jingwei regime, published a news article from Tokyo written by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The news report vividly described the scene of the warm meeting between His Majesty the Emperor of the Japanese Empire, a friendly nation, and Chairman Wang of the Nationalist Government, in excited language.

The news report highly praised Japan's emphasis on and respect for Mr. Wang's visit, extolled the friendship between China and Japan, and highlighted the shared language and culture between the two countries. It also repeatedly lauded Mr. Wang's great achievements in saving the country through peace and rebuilding China.

“Fan Yang and Xia Min are blatant liars,” Lu Dazhang said to Lao Huang. “These two are utterly shameless; they’re quite the oddballs to utter such obsequious and disgusting words.”

"The intellectuals in the Nanjing Ministry of Foreign Affairs—these are the pens kept by the Wang Jingwei regime's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, just to sing praises and extol the Wang Jingwei regime and those traitors like Wang Tianhai," Old Huang said with a laugh. "Besides..."

He said to Lu Dazhang, "This is the China Times, the official newspaper of Nanjing. Articles in such newspapers, especially those sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, would they not praise Wang Tianhai and talk about resisting Japan?"

“Of course I know,” Lu Dazhang shook his head and said, “It’s just uncomfortable to look at.”

He said to Lao Huang, "You don't know, but today the police station also received a notice requiring all officers to read the newspaper carefully and bask in the glory of Mr. Wang's visit to Japan."

As he spoke, Lu Dazhang revealed a cold smile, "It's simply a cheap attempt to attract attention, a clownish act!"

……

"Alright, enough complaining. The SWAT team also requires us to read the newspaper carefully. I, Lao Huang, read it too. I didn't just read it, I even read it aloud." Lao Huang flicked his cigarette ash and said seriously, "Even though it's just the two of us having a private conversation, be careful of eavesdroppers. Let's not say things like that again."

“Your criticism is correct. I will definitely pay attention in the future.” Upon hearing this, Lu Dazhang nodded with a serious expression.

He just felt stifled and uncomfortable, thinking that he could relax and release some tension in front of Lao Huang, but he was a bit too careless. Lao Huang's criticism was correct and timely, and he sincerely accepted Lao Huang's criticism.

"Wait a minute, what are the names of those two writers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?" Old Huang suddenly asked.

"Didn't you read the newspaper carefully and even read it aloud?" Lu Dazhang glanced at Lao Huang and asked.

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　A book recommendation: My friend Hua Dongzhixiong's new book, "Back to 04, I Became a Tough Guy in the Middle East":
　　Holding an AK in his hand, wearing slippers on his feet.

　　Punch the Middle Eastern bully, kick the free America.

　　Strike missiles, bomb aircraft carriers, launch drones, and intercept stealth aircraft!
　　We have plenty of weapons; the only question is whether there are enough targets for the enemy to bomb!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)