My years of espionage

Chapter 2027 Liu Bo's Whereabouts
76 Jessfield Road.

Li Cuiqun's Fortress Office.

Ye Xiaoqing breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that Li Cuiqun had finally returned.

She took Li Cuiqun's coat, breathed a sigh of relief, and said, "At least you're back safe and sound."

"Yes, all is well." Li Cuiqun plopped down on the sofa and let out a long sigh of relief.

"Why did it take you so long? It's just a meal, isn't it?" Ye Xiaoqing asked.

"Xiong Changhua took the initiative to apologize to me. It seems that even with Okamoto acting as the mediator, Xiong Changhua has finally humbled himself," Li Cuiqun said.

"Xiong Changhua..." Ye Xiaoqing pondered, then said, "He is completely obedient to Zhou Liang. Does this mean Zhou Liang is about to back down?"

“No.” Li Cuiqun shook his head. “Xiong Changhua said that he was not willing to be second to anyone. His goal was to break away from Zhou Liang and establish his own government in eastern Zhejiang.”

"It's unlikely." Ye Xiaoqing shook her head. "Without Zhou Liang backing him up, it's simply impossible for Xiong Changhua to seize power in eastern Zhejiang."

……

"What if the Japanese were backing us?" Li Cuiqun pondered, "and I'd be happy to see it happen."

"You mean, the Japanese are supporting Zhou Liang while actually weakening his power?" Ye Xiaoqing said thoughtfully.

“That’s natural.” Li Cuiqun nodded. “The Japanese don’t want to see anyone holding too much power or becoming the only dominant force.”

"And what about you, Brother Qun?" Ye Xiaoqing looked at Li Cuiqun with a serious expression and suddenly asked.

Li Cuiqun's expression stiffened; he understood what Ye Xiaoqing meant.

Li Cuiqun, too, wielded immense power and held absolute authority.

With control of a rich and fertile province and an army of 70,000, the Nationalist government's largest intelligence organization had long been firmly under its grasp.

Since the Japanese were able to cultivate Xiong Changhua and divide Zhou Liang's power, why wouldn't they take action against Li Cuiqun?
"It seems that in the eyes of the Japanese, Zhou Liang is still the one they fear more," Li Cuiqun said with a self-deprecating laugh. "Don't worry, the Japanese didn't lay a hand on me today, and they certainly won't in the future."

He chuckled and said, "When I have enough power and leverage, the Japanese will be even less likely to touch me."

……

"Did you eat at Okamoto's today?" Ye Xiaoqing nodded and asked with concern.

“Since it’s a banquet, there will naturally be food,” Li Cuiqun said. “I know what you’re worried about. Don’t worry, I only eat and drink after I’ve seen them eat and drink.”

Ye Xiaoqing nodded in relief.

At that moment, Li Cuiqun's expression changed.

"What's wrong?" Ye Xiaoqing asked immediately.

“Most of the food and drinks are served together, but there’s one thing that’s served separately,” Li Cuiqun said, his brow furrowing.

"What is it?" Ye Xiaoqing's expression turned serious and urgent as she asked, "What did you eat?"

"Beef patties," Li Cuiqun said. "They're homemade by Mrs. Okamoto, one plate for each person."

"How could you be so careless?" Ye Xiaoqing immediately complained. "Didn't we agree beforehand that we would only eat the food we eat at home?"

“Although it was served separately, I saw that Okamoto Seitajin and Xiong Changhua also ate the beef patties that were served later,” Li Cuiqun said.

"How can these be the same?" Ye Xiaoqing stomped her feet in anger.

"Don't worry," Li Cuiqun reassured his wife. "If something happens to me, East China will be in chaos. The Japanese won't dare to touch me. Besides, Okamoto is a friend."

Late that night, Li Cuiqun suddenly felt unwell in his stomach and intestines, and the beef patty he had eaten immediately came to mind.

Li Cuiqun immediately got up, stuck her finger into her throat, and tried to vomit, but she only dry heaved and nothing came out.

…………

Special High Section.

"How's it going on at Gekissfield Road?" Arao Tomohiro asked my grandson Shinta.

“Li Cuiqun had mild diarrhea that night after returning from Broadway, and it’s been like that for the past two days,” my grandson Shinta said. “According to Li Cuiqun’s private doctor, she caught a cold and got gastroenteritis.”

"Mr. Okamoto from the military police sent someone to deliver a special medicine for treating gastroenteritis to Li Cuiqun," Shinta Agasa said to Tomohiro Arao.

Arao Tomohiro nodded slightly.

The military police were responsible for eliminating Li Cuiqun, and the Special Higher Police were also involved in the intelligence work.

The "special medicine for gastroenteritis" that Okamoto Seita sent to Li Cuiqun was actually a drug that accelerated the reproduction of bacteria in her body.

“Section Chief,” Shinta Azuma said, “Wan Haiyang chose the Military Police. Should we teach him a lesson?”

Even before Li Cuiqun died, a fierce struggle ensued among various parties for leadership of the Special Agent Headquarters.

Wan Haiyang chose the Military Police Headquarters over the Special Higher Police and the Military Police.

This clearly displeased Arao Tomohiro greatly.

……

“A lesson is necessary, but not now.” Arao Tomohiro shook his head and said, “Have you set a goal yet?”

"With two new candidates, it's difficult to make a decision right now. It's up to you, Section Chief, to decide," Shinta Azuma said.

"Who is it?" Arao Tomohiro asked immediately.

“Dong Zhengguo,” my grandson Shinta said, “Dong Zhengguo is considered quite capable in Jessfield Road. He comes from the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (Zhongtong) and has performed outstandingly in all aspects since joining the Empire.”

“Most importantly, Li Cuiqun greatly admires Dong Zhengguo,” my grandson Shinta said. “If Dong Zhengguo were to step forward after Li Cuiqun’s death, he could win over some of Li Cuiqun’s confidants and subordinates.”

“The only drawback is that Dong Zhengguo is relatively inexperienced,” he told Arao Tomohiro.

"Who is the other one?" Arao Tomohiro asked.

“Zhao Shuli,” my grandson Shinta said, “Zhao Shuli used to be a detective in the French Concession police station. He was quite influential and capable in the former French Concession.”

"After Zhao Shuli joined Jessfield Road, Li Cuiqun treated him with great courtesy," said my grandson Shinta.

“As far as I remember, Zhao Shuli is not one of Li Cuiqun’s confidants,” said Arao Tomohiro.

“Yes, Section Chief.” Shinta Azuma nodded. “Zhao Shuli’s greatest advantage lies in his influence in the former French Concession. After the reorganization of the French Concession Police Station, many police officers were absorbed by departments such as No. 76 and the Police Station. Zhao Shuli’s presence has appeal to these people.”

……

"Anything else?" Arao Tomohiro nodded and said.

“Zhao Shuli has a grudge against Miyazaki Kentaro. She was one of Miyazaki Kentaro’s mistresses and was originally Zhao Shuli’s woman,” said Shinta Abiko.

He looked at Arao Tomohiro, meaning that he didn't know whether this was Zhao Shuli's strength or weakness.

"Contact each of these two individuals separately to gauge their intentions," said Arao Chihiro after a moment's thought.

"Hai."

"Hurry," Arao Tomohiro urged. "Li Cuiqun doesn't have many days left."

"Understood, Your Highness." My grandson Shinta nodded.

"What is Araki Harima doing?" Arao Tomohiro suddenly asked.

“Araki-kun has been spending the last two days with Miyazaki Kentaro,” Shinta Abiko said.

"What are they busy with?" Arao Tomohiro asked, frowning.

“Both Captain Araki and Kentaro Miyazaki had intelligence channels that revealed the Empire’s actions against Li Cuiqun,” Shinta Abiko said. “Based on our observations and information, Kentaro Miyazaki is likely preparing for the division of spoils after Li Cuiqun’s death.”

“Kentaro Miyazaki is not qualified to be on the dinner table.” Tomohiro Arao slowly shook his head.

“Of course he doesn’t deserve to be at the dinner table,” Shinta Abiko said with a laugh. “However, he can eat some of the scraps that fall at the table.”

……

"Not eating?" Cheng Qianfan glanced at the wolfhound Araki Harima was leading and cursed, "What does Araki-kun usually feed it?"

He tossed a sesame seed cake to the wolfhound, which sniffed it and then walked away.

“If you soak a flatbread in fresh blood, it will eat it,” Araki Harima said with a laugh.

"Excellent, excellent, a great idea." Cheng Qianfan clapped his hands and laughed. "In wartime, we lack everything, but we don't lack human blood."

“Right now, Section Chief Arao and the ‘Tent’ Chief probably both think that we met to get a piece of Li Cuiqun’s flesh,” Araki Harima said.

"I'd like to get a piece of the pie too," Cheng Qianfan clicked his tongue and said, "but this time, this piece of cake isn't so easy to eat."

He said to Araki Harima, "What a pity."

"Speaking of which," Cheng Qianfan said, looking at Araki Harima, "Araki-kun, even I don't know what you're planning to do."

Just then, one of Araki Harimaru's men rushed over.

He covered his mouth, whispered something in Araki Harima's ear, and then left.

……

"Who is this person?" Cheng Qianfan glanced at the man and asked, "He looks unfamiliar."

“Murakami Tomotada,” Araki Harima said, “is a former subordinate of mine from my time in Hangzhou, transferred from Hangzhou.”

As he spoke, a smile began to bloom on his face. "Miyazaki-kun, our old friend has appeared."

"An old friend?" Cheng Qianfan looked at Araki Harima in surprise.

He has many old friends, but it's unclear which one Araki Harima was referring to.

Then, his heart skipped a beat.

“Setouchi River,” Araki Harima slowly uttered the name.

"His name is Liu Bo! This shameful traitor has no right to use the Empire's name." Cheng Qianfan cursed angrily, then came to his senses and asked Araki Harima with a mixture of shock and excitement, "Did you catch Liu Bo?"

“No.” Araki Harima shook his head.

The look of surprise in Cheng Qianfan's eyes faded.

“Although we didn’t catch Liu Bo, someone has seen him,” Araki Harima said.

"Liu Bo is in Shanghai?" Cheng Qianfan asked, overjoyed.

……

“Someone saw a man in Nanshi who looks remarkably like Liu Bo,” Araki Harima said. “As you know, Setouchi Kawa is the number one traitor in my Special Higher Police. His appearance has long been memorized. The appearance of this man who looks remarkably like Liu Bo immediately attracted the attention of the people at the Mitsui Association.”

“The Mitsui-kai-kan secretly reported to the Special Higher Police, and then I arranged for Murakami Tomotada to take Setouchi Kawa’s photo to Nanshi to investigate,” Araki Harima said. “After identification by many people, it was confirmed that the person was indeed Setouchi Kawa.”

"How dare he still show up in Shanghai?" Cheng Qianfan frowned and asked thoughtfully.

"Only Setouchi Gawa himself can answer that question," Araki Harima said.

"We must catch Liu Bo this time," Cheng Qianfan said through gritted teeth. "I want to personally capture this most shameful traitor of the Special Higher Police."

"Don't worry, we've sent people out and are conducting a secret search," Araki Harima said. "Setouchi Gawa is different from the others; his appearance has long been known. As long as he's in Shanghai, he won't be able to escape."

……

The following day, Cheng Qianfan and Cao Yu met secretly.

This meeting was initiated by Cao Yu, who gave the signal to make contact.

"Dong Zhengguo asked to meet me yesterday," Cao Yu said to Cheng Qianfan.

"What does he want with you?" Cheng Qianfan frowned, then a thought struck him, and he asked, "Is it related to Li Cuiqun and the current situation at the Special Agent Headquarters?"

"Is Li Cuiqun really poisoned?" Cao Yu asked instead of answering.

"What's the situation on Jessfield Road right now?" Cheng Qianfan asked in return, not answering the question.

“Everyone knows that Li Cuiqun went to a banquet on Broadway a few days ago, and he’s been having stomach problems for the past two days,” Cao Yu said. “Stomach problems are nothing to worry about, but things are different today.”

He told Cheng Qianfan, "Li Cuiqun has started to have a high fever. The doctor said it's 40 degrees Celsius, and she's also experiencing projectile vomiting."

"How did you know?" Cheng Qianfan immediately grasped the key information.

Li Cuiqun's current physical condition is top secret; even he, as an 'observer,' is not entirely clear about it.

"It suddenly spread on Jessfield Road. It's said that a Japanese military doctor's medical record book was lost and found by someone," Cao Yu said.

“Creating public opinion,” Cheng Qianfan said in a deep voice. “The Japanese are already making preparations for what will happen after Li Cuiqun’s death.”

“Yes.” Cao Yu nodded. “The Japanese military doctor said that Li Cuiqun contracted cholera by accident on the front lines in Zhejiang and Jiangxi.”

“Cholera is an infectious disease, so this person needs to be isolated and treated,” Cheng Qianfan said.

“That’s right.” Cao Yu nodded. “Just this afternoon, a vehicle from Jiangsu Provincial Hospital transferred Li Cuiqun away.”

……

"The Japanese are trying to cover up their true intentions," Cheng Qianfan said with a light laugh.

Cao Yu understood why Cheng Qianfan said that. Li Cuiqun was sick and should have been treated in Shanghai, but she was arranged to be sent to Nanjing for isolation and treatment, which was problematic in itself.

“You just said that Dong Zhengguo was looking for you,” Cheng Qianfan said.

“Yes.” Cao Yu glared at Cheng Qianfan. If Cheng Qianfan hadn’t kept asking questions, he would have gotten to the point long ago. “Dong Zhengguo wants to win me over.”

"Trying to win you over?" Cheng Qianfan pondered. "Did this Section Chief Dong promise you a higher position?"

"That's roughly the idea," Cao Yu said with a smile. "Although Dong Zhengguo didn't say it explicitly, I understand what he meant: the Japanese want to support him, and he needs help."

“It should be the Special Higher Police,” Cheng Qianfan said immediately.

The military police have already decided to support Wan Haiyang, so it can be basically confirmed that the Special Higher Police are supporting Dong Zhengguo.

As Araki Harima had previously stated, Arao Tomohiro intended to use this opportunity to gain further control over the Special Agent Headquarters.

"What specific benefits did Dong Zhengguo promise?" Cheng Qianfan asked Cao Yu with a smile.

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(End of this chapter)