Spy Wars: Red Shopkeeper

Chapter 289 Killing

"Did you have someone post this?" Minister Zhou asked about this.

"It wasn't me." Gu Yansheng shook his head. "I'm going to Hong Kong tomorrow. Even if I were to post it, I wouldn't choose to post it now. How embarrassing would that be tomorrow?"

"Who is that?" Minister Zhou was completely bewildered.

But whoever it is, it looks quite festive, especially ordinary people cursing in the street, which is quite interesting. He decided to go to see a play later, and maybe he could hear other people cursing.

"There are many possibilities." Gu Yansheng felt that it was hard to say what was going on. As for the people involved, it could be the organization, the British and Americans, the Soviet Union, or even the Japanese themselves.

Don't assume the Japanese are of one mind. If the war were to end in peace, these soldiers from the Chinese battlefield would be transferred to the Southeast Asian battlefield. That place is nothing like China; there are lots of mosquitoes, and you could easily get malaria. The food is terrible, and there's no entertainment.

More importantly, if peace is reached, the interests of the local faction within the military, which has been operating in China for so many years, will inevitably be damaged.

For example, the Japanese troops in North China certainly didn't want to leave North China.

This has affected too many people's interests.

Minister Zhou was in a really good mood and laughed, "No matter who it is, if this trend of public opinion continues, we won't need to do any more work. Even Chiang Kai-shek couldn't stand this kind of public opinion."

The good thing about this is that it's a mix of truth and falsehood. The North China garrison was fake, but the cession of Northeast China was a fact. If Chiang Kai-shek still wanted to sell Northeast China, then he had to consider whether the Northeast Army generals and the soldiers who participated in the war in Northeast China would agree to it.

"Let's go see a show."

The next day, we flew to Hong Kong.

Takeo Imai, however, was quite confident that Chiang Kai-shek would not be affected by this incident.

Even Takeo Imai believes that this news may have been released by Chongqing itself, with the aim of using this unfavorable public opinion to continue to drive down prices.

"Peace talks are an inevitable path for China. How could a little bit of public opinion possibly influence decisions at this level?"

However, when he finally met Zhang Yousan, the situation was far from as rosy as he had imagined.

Zhang Yousan was also very straightforward, "The meeting originally scheduled for a few days later needs to be postponed. The current public opinion is very unfavorable to the National Government, and people's hearts are in turmoil. The President needs to make a comprehensive assessment before making a decision."

Imai Takeo was furious. "What does a little public opinion matter? When has your president ever cared about the opinions of ordinary people? The Huayuankou Dam was breached, leaving millions homeless, and you still did it. Are you trying to fool us by saying this? Director Zhang, do you really think we have to negotiate? You can't afford the consequences if the Empire gets angry!"

Zhang Yousan remained calm. "It's not that we don't want to talk. We've prepared everything, but now that this has happened, what can we do? The person who leaked this information said that the Northeast would be ceded and troops would be stationed in North China. If we meet now, wouldn't that confirm that?"
You have to give us a chance to clarify things and let things cool down, right?

"Imai, you guys must have studied the president's personality well. You should know he's unlikely to show up at a time like this."

Those who seek fame and fortune are not fit for important tasks, as Takeo Imai despised. But that was indeed Chiang Kai-shek's character, so he could only suppress his temper for the time being. "Things cannot be dragged on forever, Director Zhang. I remind you, the situation is changing rapidly, and conditions are not static."

"I know, but there's nothing I can do about it."

“We must set a time. After that time, I will assume you have no intention of negotiating. The blockade will become more stringent. When you run out of supplies, it will be no use begging us.”

Zhang Yousan thought for a moment and said, "Let's take it easy for half a month. We'll resolve this within half a month."

That was the only way things could be; Takeo Imai could only continue to wait.

Return to Shanghai.

As usual, Gu Yansheng had to pass by the tailor shop every day, see the notice, and go in to get his clothes.

"Our plan to assassinate the traitor Zhang Xiaolin has been approved by our superiors. Chen Mo will carry it out."

"okay, I get it."

The next day, at the teahouse.

Gu Yansheng was drinking tea at the teahouse when Chen Mo came to report on his work.

"Boss Dai has ordered that, given the arrogance of the notorious traitor Zhang Xiaolin, he be punished. I will carry out this order."

The excuse they came up with was pretty good; they dragged Boss Dai out to take the blame.

Gu Yansheng was slightly surprised. "Zhang Xiaolin is beneficial to the Green Gang's control, so why do we have to kill him?"

Chen Mo said calmly, "Zhang Xiaolin should have been working for Chongqing, or at least like Huang Jinrong, living in seclusion. But he became a traitor from the very beginning of the War of Resistance, swaggering around and showing off his power, and criticizing Chongqing a lot. Now he's living a very comfortable life."

As you know, there have been many rumors lately that Chongqing is going to negotiate peace. I suspect it's meant to make an example of someone to show our stance.

Most importantly, the situation is extremely difficult now. Supplies are cut off, and Boss Dai's idea is that Shanghai is the only window for obtaining supplies. He wants us to find a way to kill Zhang Xiaolin and take his place to supplement the funds for the war effort.

Good point!
Gu Yansheng nodded in understanding, "I see. Zhang Xiaolin does control a lot of resources, but what does 'replacing' mean? Who will take over?"

"I'll take it."

"Tsk, not bad."

The funeral has already been booked. Gu Yansheng is a sentimental person, so he plans to go and see Zhang Xiaolin one last time.

Zhang Residence.

Zhang Xiaolin came downstairs after finishing his opium smoking, still carrying the strange fragrance of opium. He was dressed like a wealthy landowner, looking quite prosperous.

"Hahaha, Minister Gu, I'm so sorry for not greeting you properly. I'm getting old and I'm sleeping soundly. Please don't take offense."

Gu Yansheng laughed, put down his teacup, and said, "Let's not talk about these things between us. How are you feeling?"

"Hahaha." Zhang Xiaolin patted his chest. "No problem. What, do you need me to do something?"

"No, I just saw you smoking opium, so smoke less of it, it's not like it's anything good."

"For me, it's a great thing. Since I got it, my spirits have been getting better and better."

"I'm not bad at talking about poisonous insects," Gu Yansheng said, getting to the point. "I'm here because I'm short on cash and need some money urgently. I'd like to borrow some from you."

"How many?"

"$200 million."

"Quite a few."

Zhang Xiaolin frowned. "This amount is a bit difficult. Let me think of a way. Give me a day, and I'll send it to you."

Zhang Xiaolin had no reason not to lend the money to Gu Yansheng, who was asking for it for the first time, so he nodded in agreement.

Anyway, the difficult foreplay had already been done, and only Zhang Xiaolin himself knows how difficult it was.

However, Gu Yansheng was already very satisfied with the result. "Thank you very much. This has solved my urgent problem. I will pay you back as soon as possible."

"Haha, no need for thanks. Without your help, Minister Gu, my business wouldn't be doing so smoothly. Have lunch at my place, and I'll tell you about our recent expansion plans."

"went well?"

"It's alright, haha."

Let's have another meal together. A farewell dinner is usually part of the process, but it's rare to invite people in advance.

The guests and hosts enjoy themselves.

the next day.

The two million dollars were delivered intact to Gu Yansheng's teahouse.

It's true what they say, no one gets rich without windfall gains; this is definitely a much faster way to make money than running a real business.

Gu Yansheng called He Yun and asked her to take the money and deposit it.

He Yun was stunned when she saw the money. "Where did so much money come from?"

"It was given to me by someone who was destined to receive it."

"Why haven't I met anyone so fortunate enough to give away money like this?"

"Yes, I have it, don't I? Here, take it all." He Yun smiled, took the money, and left.

Gu Yansheng informed Chen Mo that the operation could begin. As for the process, he didn't care, nor did he need to worry about everything. Killing Zhang Xiaolin was just a matter of course. Gu Yansheng had seen Zhang Xiaolin's guards many times and knew them very well. Based on the factor of traitors protecting their lives, Gu Yansheng had discussed Zhang Xiaolin's entire guard system with him and knew it like the back of his hand.

Anyway, I've told him everything I know. If we can't kill him, the Iron-Blooded Assassination Squad has been wasting its time.

Chen Mo acted decisively and didn't keep Gu Yansheng waiting for long.

Five days later, news of the assassination of Zhang Xiaolin, a bigwig in the Green Gang, appeared in the newspapers, causing a huge uproar!

Zhang Xiaolin is dead!
He died at home!

Everyone knows Zhang Xiaolin is heavily guarded, yet the Military Intelligence Bureau still managed to find him and kill him. That's terrifying!

Even more terrifying, after the assassination, the Military Intelligence Bureau brazenly left a proclamation at Zhang Xiaolin's home.

"Good deeds will be rewarded, and evil deeds will be punished. It's not that retribution won't come, it's just that the time hasn't arrived yet! When the time comes, everything will be repaid!"

With a dead man and a manifesto, even traitors of all ranks would tremble in fear.

The people of Shanghai are overjoyed. Zhang Xiaolin, that old bastard, has been arrogant for too long and has committed countless evil deeds. His death is so good that people are practically setting off firecrackers in the streets to celebrate.

The newspaper editor commented on this sentence: "It's not that retribution won't come, it's just that the time hasn't arrived yet." This sentence comes from a Yuan Dynasty playwright and is included in the Ming Dynasty's Zengguang Xianwen (Expanded Collection of Wise Sayings).

The editor has highlighted that this is an introductory book.

Even children in the Ming Dynasty understood this principle, so why don't you understand it?

The newspapers were full of sarcastic remarks.

With Zhang Xiaolin dead, the problem became quite serious. Even the Shanghai Military Police Command had to take notice, mainly because Zhang Xiaolin had to pay them tribute. Now that he was dead, the question was who would collect the money from him.

The death of Zhang Xiaolin would inevitably lead to a power struggle within the Green Gang, and a period of chaos would be unavoidable.

Minister Zhou came to see Gu Yansheng.

"Zhang Xiaolin is dead, what do you think?"

"His death is a bit of a problem. He held a high position in the Green Gang, so he could control the people below him. With his death, the business of the Narcotics Bureau became uncertain, and the unrest in the Green Gang would also affect the security of Shanghai."

My current plan is to wait until the Green Gang is in disarray for a while, let them choose their own leader, and then we can take them under control, ensuring that the government's interests are not harmed.

Minister Zhou nodded upon hearing this, and pondered, "What if the newcomer doesn't listen?"

"what do you think?"

"We can't control who gets promoted, but if things don't go as expected, we'll have Agent 76 take action and get rid of him."

"it is good."

The Green Gang will be in chaos for a while.

Gu Yansheng discussed this with Chen Mo. Since Minister Zhou had this idea, they should change the way he rose to power. They should let the qualified members of the Green Gang compete for the position, wipe them out, and then put Chen Mo, who was "easy to control," on the throne. That would satisfy Minister Zhou.

The process may seem bumpy, as long as the result meets expectations.

Soon, the time for another meeting arrived.

Gu Yansheng and Imai Takeo flew to Hong Kong.

Recently, Chongqing issued a clarification statement, vehemently denouncing such unfounded speculation and outright denying the allegations of troop deployment in North China and the cession of Northeast China.

On the surface, the Nationalist government would not accept any form of negotiation to cede territory under any circumstances.

This is utter slander!

The venue for the talks.

Takeo Imai asked with a stern face, "You should give me some good news today. My patience is almost gone."

Zhang Yousan smiled and let out a deep breath: "Fortunately, I have not failed in my mission. The National Government has agreed to continue negotiations."

Upon hearing this, Takeo Imai was immediately pleased. "Very good, it seems you've embarked on the right path."

“But there’s one thing I need to make clear to you beforehand: under no circumstances will there be any cession of land. If this is breached,” Zhang Yousan said, shaking his head, “then I can’t control the outcome.”

"We will keep your secret, but you must remember that Manchuria belongs to us, and you should not try to take it over."

"can."

"Has President Jiang's schedule been finalized? When will he be free?"

"The location will remain the same in 17 days."

"Why is it taking so long? Can't it be sooner?"

"The president's schedule was set a long time ago, and this is the fastest time we can arrange it."

Once the time was set, both parties finalized the content, and after confirmation, they returned to report and prepare.

It seems that peace talks are really in the works. Gu Yansheng returned to Shanghai and told Minister Zhou about it.

Now, Minister Zhou has to choose between waiting for the peace talks to end and integrating into the coalition government, or directly sabotaging the peace talks and continuing to be his second-in-command.

Wang Ni was inclined to agree, while Minister Zhou was reluctant, but if there were truly favorable conditions, then it wouldn't be impossible.

However, the peace negotiations between the Japanese and Chiang Kai-shek came first, followed by negotiations on the arrangements for Wang Jingwei's faction. Unless Mr. Wang went directly to Changsha, this was the only possible order.

This order determined that once the Japanese and Chiang Kai-shek successfully negotiated and signed a treaty, Mr. Wang would have little say in setting conditions.

The Japanese may very well abandon their interests in order to advance their southward strategy.

Whether or not to take action is a real dilemma when the time comes.

While he was still hesitating, Gu Yansheng told Gu Shuping to immediately send the message to the organization.

The organization replied with three words: "Understood."

With the matter settled, there should be no need to go to Hong Kong for negotiations anymore, so Gu Yansheng could focus on matters in Shanghai.

Because negotiations are about to take place, newspapers have inexplicably started leaking information in the past few days.

Media outlets in Chongqing and Japan have both emphasized the importance of peace, and some commentators have responded to criticisms of the Chongqing government regarding recent fake news.

The peace talks are for China's peace, not for capitulation.

What can we do if we don't negotiate now?
The whole of China was cut off from water and food. Not a single medicine could be brought in from outside. There were no planes, no artillery, and not even materials to produce bullets. Were we supposed to send soldiers up to fight the Japanese with sticks?

Do we really want China to perish and its people to be satisfied?
Wouldn't it be better to leave a little embers?

Now, if there is an opportunity for peace, and there is no need to cede land, everyone can declare the war over based on the principle of equality, stop fighting, and go home to their wives, children, and warm beds. Isn't that a wonderful thing?

Gu Yansheng looked familiar; his words were almost on par with Wang Ni's.

The continuous output of public opinion from both sides gradually eroded confidence in the war.

Once a person finds a comfortable spot, they can convince themselves to lie there.

If we really can't win, so many people have died, why keep fighting?
It's not about surrendering now. We're just withdrawing our troops peacefully and living peacefully with the Japanese. What's wrong with that?
What war doesn't involve death? Let's forget about that and just move forward, shall we?
During the major discussion in Shanghai.

Battle reports from North China have arrived.

The Eighth Route Army launched a large-scale counterattack, with an unprecedented number of participants!

(End of this chapter)