Period drama: Old Cao's carefree life

Chapter 307 Is it really necessary to be so useless?

Ono Oda was very efficient; before noon, he had already called Cao Weida's office.

"Cao, bring the evidence to the police station this afternoon and come with me to headquarters."

"Okay, I will be there on time."

After hanging up the phone, Cao Weida, who had originally planned to go out to find Xu Jingge, sat back down.

He had originally planned to use this time to find Xu Jinge, but now it seemed that there was clearly not enough time.

"."

The conference room of the Japanese army headquarters in Beiping was filled with a faint smell of mutton mixed with the smell of gunpowder.

The banner with the five large characters "Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere" hanging on the wall stung Cao Weida's eyes.

Miyamoto Ichiro sat upright on the main sofa, dressed in a crisp Japanese major general's uniform, with a major general's samurai sword enshrined on the sword rack behind him.

Cao Weida, dressed in the uniform of a department head, followed Ono Oda in with a straight posture and steady steps, carrying a file bag in his hand.

"Lord Miyamoto." Ono Oda bowed respectfully to Miyamoto Ichiro as he entered.

Although Cao Weida was annoyed, he obediently bowed and said, "This humble servant Cao Weida greets Commander Miyamoto. I have come to report with all the evidence as you commanded."

Miyamoto Ichiro did not stand up, nor did he pay any attention to Ono Oda. Instead, he raised his chin, looked at Cao Weida with a sinister gaze, and said in broken Chinese:

"Director Cao, you have a lot of nerve!"

"During martial law, you acted without permission and even arrested Director Wang's relatives. Aren't you afraid of getting yourself into trouble?"

afraid?
I am a proud Chinese, why would I be afraid of an old Japanese devil like you?
Hmph, you're just being smug for now. Just wait and see how I deal with you after the war is over!
He was disdainful in his heart, but on the surface he was respectful: "Commander Miyamoto, I did not act on my own initiative, but there was a reason for it."

As he spoke, he held up the file bag: "These are the criminal evidences of the gangs in the area over the past six months: smuggling contraband, colluding with 23 deserters of the Imperial Army, and even extorting huge sums of money from three chamber of commerce presidents who supported the Imperial Army's policies."

"Not only that, they also colluded with the Red Bandits, and a large portion of the goods they trafficked ended up in the hands of the Red Bandits."

Miyamoto Ichiro's fingers twirled the list, his gaze gradually growing serious.

He wasn't too concerned about reselling some supplies. There's an old Chinese saying, "If the water is too clear, there will be no fish," which he always thought made a lot of sense.

If we don't talk to these Chinese who have pledged allegiance to the Japanese Empire about money, are we supposed to talk to them about ideals?

He didn't care even if half of these supplies ended up in the hands of the Red Party.

However, the mistake was that the timing was too perfect. At this time, the Japanese in Beiping were on edge, and any slight movement could arouse their vigilance.

Presenting this evidence at this moment is perfectly timed.

"Commander Miyamoto," Cao Weida spoke up at the opportune moment, "Beiping is the core of the Imperial Army's rule in North China. These parasites are colluding with each other, squeezing the people's wealth while providing convenience for anti-Japanese elements. They are truly shaking the foundation of the Imperial Army!"

"The reason I chose to act during martial law was because I was afraid they would tip me off and destroy evidence."

"At this time, Beiping was in a state of high alert, and the fighting in Changping was urgent. The security and stability of Beiping could not give the anti-Japanese elements even the slightest chance!"

"As for Director Wang, I think he may have been misled by his relatives and did not intend to protect the criminals."

This statement gave Director Wang a way out, but it didn't confirm that the other party wasn't involved. As for what to do in the end, that's up to Miyamoto Ichiro.

At least, when these words reached Director Wang's ears, they would lessen his hostility somewhat.

These words truly resonated with Ichiro Miyamoto.

As the commander of the Beiping Military Police, he had the responsibility and obligation to maintain the stability of Beiping. If Beiping's security was chaotic and anti-Japanese elements seized the opportunity to cause sabotage, he would bear the responsibility.

He tapped his fingers lightly on the coffee table, making a dull 'tap-tap' sound, and the atmosphere froze for a moment.

Cao Wei Da did not urge him, but waited quietly.

Ono Oda yawned listlessly, glancing here and there.

After a full three minutes, Miyamoto Ichiro finally spoke slowly: "Director Cao, is everything you've said true?"

“Not a single word is false!” Cao Weida answered decisively. Given the situation, how could he say he wasn’t sure?

The nature of this matter must be determined!

Miyamoto Ichiro then looked at Ono Oda: "Ono-kun, what do you think of Director Cao's words?"

Oda Ono snapped out of his daze and immediately sided with Cao Weida: "Lord Miyamoto, I think what Cao-san said makes a lot of sense!"

"Given the current tense situation, maintaining security and stability in Beiping is of paramount importance, and there can be no negligence whatsoever."

"For the sake of stability in Beiping under the rule of the Great Japanese Empire, even if some of these people were wronged, they died a worthy death for the beautiful vision of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere!"

This statement is tantamount to acknowledging that some of these people are pro-CCP members. Once labeled as such, it's like buying a ticket to the underworld.

As for not everyone being a communist, the Japanese wouldn't care about their lives.

"Better to kill the innocent than let the guilty go free" has always been the guiding principle of the Japanese.

Miyamoto Ichiro nodded slowly, which was considered as acknowledging Ono Oda's point of view.

Leaving aside the matter of colluding with the Red bandits, just the fact that they colluded with deserters and sold contraband already crossed the line of death.

Some things are as light as a feather when weighed, but once they are, they become as heavy as a thousand pounds!

If you sell contraband, the Japanese might not pursue it, but if they do, they could take your life!
"Ahem." Ono Oda coughed and smiled, "Lord Miyamoto, although there was a reason for this, it was indeed wrong of Cao-san to act without asking for permission."

"Cao Sang also deeply realized his mistake, so he prepared some local specialties and sent them to your residence to express his apology."

Upon hearing this, Miyamoto Ichiro finally couldn't help but smile.

"Hey, Cao-san, you're so thoughtful."

"There is an old Chinese saying that goes, 'To know one's mistakes and correct them is the greatest virtue.' You are also working towards the goal of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. Although you have been a bit hasty in your actions, it is understandable."

"These bastards are parasites sucking the blood of the empire. They should have been eliminated long ago. Your merits outweigh your flaws; you did a great job!"

"Yes, Commander Miyamoto's admonition is correct, and I thank Commander Miyamoto for his wisdom. I have learned a lot." He rolled his eyes inwardly. Sure enough, the money offensive worked.

He was calling me "Director Cao" the whole time, but the moment money was mentioned, he immediately switched to "Mr. Cao." Damn it, luckily I was prepared.

Everyone likes to hear nice words, and Miyamoto Ichiro was no exception; his smile broadened considerably.

"Hey, Cao-san, we've all seen your loyalty to the Imperial Army. In the future, we'll have to rely on you a lot to maintain order in Beiping."

He picked up the list: "As for Director Wang and Deputy Director Li, I will handle that. You don't need to worry about their retaliation."

"Thank you for your concern, Commander Miyamoto. I am deeply grateful and will do my utmost to maintain the stability of Beiping and serve the Imperial Army."

“Very good, Ono-kun, you have a very good and capable assistant.”

Ono Oda grinned, agreeing with the statement. Ever since discovering Cao Sang's talent, his pockets had been steadily bulging. The days of sneaking around, taking huge risks, and barely making any money were gone forever.

He's practically my god of wealth, Oda Ono!
That wasn't all. Miyamoto Ichiro took out a silver medal from the drawer and handed it to Cao Weida: "This is the Imperial Army's 'Medal for Meritorious Service in Maintaining Orders.' Your contributions fully qualify you for it."

Hey, is this for real?
Cao Wei Da couldn't help but laugh. He accepted the medal with both hands, stroking it with delight, then solemnly tucked it into his robes, tears of gratitude streaming down his face.
"Thank you for your kindness, Commander Miyamoto. I will certainly live up to your expectations!"

In reality, he was already cursing in his heart.

What use is this medal to him? It's useless; he can't eat or drink it, and people will just think he's a traitor!
If you're really going to give a reward, then give something substantial!
However, it wasn't entirely useless. This medal signified that Miyamoto Ichiro had settled the matter, and those gangsters had no hope left; their lives were entirely in his hands.

After leaving the military police headquarters, Ono Oda said, "Cao-san, don't forget the security enhancement meeting next week. Come with me then, and I'll let you see for yourself how Director Song gives his report."

next week?

Well, that depends on whether Song Yusheng is alive enough to live until next week!
Song Yusheng absolutely did not want to be humiliated in public at the security enhancement meeting.

Therefore, Song Yusheng will definitely find an opportunity to assassinate him again before next week's strengthening meeting.

You can only commit a thief in a thousand days, but there is no way to guard against a thief in a thousand days.

Since an irreconcilable feud has been formed, the best solution is naturally to physically eliminate the other party!

Song Yusheng wanted to get rid of him, but didn't he also want to get rid of Song Yusheng?

"Okay, I'll definitely be there on time." Cao Weida said gratefully, "Thank you for your help today, Ono-kun. It's been a few days since we've had a proper get-together. Today, I'll treat you all to a meal, including Fujita-kun and the others."

Ono Oda's eyes lit up: "Alright, then Cao-san, you'll have to pay for it."

"Not at all, it's my honor."

"Oh, right, there's one more thing. I've taken over the old Mingyue Dance Hall and turned it into Mingyue Foot Bath City. It's opening soon, so I hope Ono-kun will do me the honor of coming."

"Oh? Sure, I'll definitely be there!"

Ono Oda became interested, as he already knew that Cao Wei Da was going to open a foot massage parlor.

He had inquired about the foot massage parlor project at the time, and couldn't resist wanting to try it out.

When a man has money in his pocket, he likes to eat, drink, and have fun, and he has a great interest in new things.

"Thank goodness, thanks to your care, no fool on the interface dared to cause trouble." Cao Weida flattered with a smile, which pleased Ono Oda.

Damn, she's sensible, can help make money, and speaks so nicely—who wouldn't like her?

"."

After parting ways with Ono Oda, Cao Wei immediately moved on to another location.

Inside a safe house.

Cao Weida and Xu Jingge sat facing each other.

Xu Jingge came today mainly to discuss Fang Jiamou's action plan with Cao Weida.

"We have roughly located Fang Jiamao's hiding place in the embassy district."

"I'm currently trying to sneak into the embassy district and figure out the exact location."

"You plan to go in by yourself?" Cao Weida couldn't help but frown and shook his head in disagreement: "The embassy district is a complicated area with tight security. Any stranger who goes in will be closely watched. The Japanese have definitely hidden Fang Jiamou very well. Trying to sneak in and investigate is too dangerous."

The search and arrest of spies in Beiping has never been relaxed, let alone in such a very important place as the embassy district.
There are just too many Japanese traitors and spies there. If you infiltrate there, aren't you just asking to be watched?
Of course, Xu Jingge's safety is not really his concern. If he wanted to die, could Cao Weida stop him?

But what if Xu Jinge hadn't died, but had been captured alive?
Wouldn't Cao Wei Da be living in constant fear?

It should be noted that Xu Jingge is one of the few people who know his true background!

Cao Weida would absolutely not agree to anything that involved his own privacy and safety.

what?
Xu Jingge has unwavering faith and would not betray him.
Forget it, only someone with a screw loose would think that way; it's too idealistic.

Do you really think that having faith makes you invincible?

They haven't experienced the torture in the interrogation room! They have no idea how inhumane those tortures are!

Sometimes, physical and mental torture can destroy faith!
"I have no choice but to go." Xu Jingge sighed helplessly. "I'm the only one who has seen Fang Jiamao. If I don't go, how can I pinpoint Fang Jiamao's exact location?"

"Where are the photos?" Cao Weida looked utterly exasperated. "Don't tell me you don't even have a single photo of someone who's been with the KMT for so long!"

"Yes, there are, but there are moles within our ranks. I dare not tell them about this without knowing who they are. If the news leaks out, it will be even more difficult to assassinate Fang Jiamou."

"."

Cao Weida's expression right now really looks like he's just had sex with a dog.

Damn it, so you're the only one we can use besides you?

How can someone be so useless!
"Don't worry, let me think of another way." Cao Weida absolutely did not want Xu Jingge to go in person. If something unexpected happened, wouldn't he also have to worry and be afraid?
Now in Beiping, he has a house, women, money, and status, and he is also involved in the supply transport line established for the Red Party.

Once he is exposed, the losses will be far too great.

Moreover, this concerns his most crucial slacking-off system, and he absolutely does not want to take the slightest risk.

He leaned back in his chair, smoking, his brow furrowed. It was clearly unrealistic to ask Xu Jinge to give up the assassination of Fang Jiamao, and Dai Laogui would absolutely not agree.

But Xu Jingge was unwilling to risk his life. What could be done?
His fingers unconsciously traced the edge of the table. After what seemed like an eternity, his eyes suddenly lit up: "I remember someone who might be of help to us!"

(End of this chapter)