Spy war in the Republic of China, peak undercover

The water in Tongluo Gorge is fast-flowing and the cliffs on both sides are as sharp as knives.

Lu Yang's boat stopped at a hidden river bay.

"The hydrology here is very strange," the old boatman said. "There are a lot of undercurrents."

Ye Wanru pointed at the river: "Look over there."

There were a few wooden planks floating on the water, like the wreckage of a ship.

"Come closer," Lu Yang said.

As the boat slowly approached, the words "Yongshun" could be vaguely seen on the wooden board.

"It's one of the missing salt ships," Zhou Qing said. "It had an accident nearby."

Lu Yang observed the cliff carefully: "The mountain here..."

"What's wrong?" Ye Wanru asked.

"Look at those caves," Lu Yang pointed to the riverbank. "The location is very special."

The old boatman nodded: "Indeed, these holes are all on the water line."

"It will be flooded at high tide," Lu Yang said, "but it can hide boats at low tide."

Suddenly, a whistle sounded from upstream.

"Hide quickly," Lu Yang said, "a boat is coming."

A cargo ship approached slowly, its hull low.

"It's a salt ship," said the old boatman, "and it's very full."

Lu Yang raised the telescope: "There is a secret signal on the ship."

“What’s the code?”

"There was a white flag on the mast," Lu Yang said, "and the corner of the flag was torn."

Ye Wanru understood: "It's a communication signal."

The cargo ship moved slowly through the canyon.

Suddenly, a strange whirlpool appeared on the surface of the river.

"Something's wrong," the old boatman said. "There shouldn't be a whirlpool in this location."

Before he could finish his words, the cargo ship suddenly changed direction.

"They're going to dock," Lu Yang said, "near that cave."

Everyone held their breath and watched the cargo ship slowly disappear into the cave.

"So that's it," Lu Yang whispered, "it's an underwater secret passage."

"What do you mean?" Ye Wanru asked.

"These caves are interconnected," Lu Yang said. "They dug tunnels inside them."

The old boatman gasped: "No wonder the boats are gone."

"It's not just a tunnel," Zhou Qing said, "Look."

On the river, several rafts quietly approached the cave.

"Supplies," Lu Yang said, "They built a base inside."

Ye Wanru clenched her gun: "Do you want to go in and take a look?"

“No,” Lu Yang said, “Let’s go back to Chongqing first.”

"Why?"

"Because," Lu Yang smiled, "we are going to catch a big fish."

The river in Tongluo Gorge is rushing endlessly.

In the boss lady's noodle shop, a picture of the river was spread out on the table.

"The cave complex in Tongluo Gorge," Lu Yang pointed at the map with his chopsticks, "has at least seven entrances and exits."

"So," Ye Wanru said, "they are waiting for a large shipment."

Zhou Qing put down the intelligence in his hand: "There is indeed a batch of arms to be shipped recently."

"Where are you from?" Lu Yang asked.

"In Wuhan," Zhou Qing said, "the Japanese have prepared a batch of heavy machine guns."

The landlady brought a pot of tea and asked: "Why did they rob the salt ship?"

"Because the salt ship is the least conspicuous," Lu Yang said, "it is most suitable for exploring the route."

Ye Wanru understood: "So they are waiting..."

"Yes," Lu Yang said, "wait until we use the salt ships to transport the munitions."

The wind chimes at the door rang, and Chen Yijun walked in with a cane.

"Headquarters has agreed," she said, "and they can dispatch a batch of salt ships."

Lu Yang nodded: "When will it be ready?"

“Three days later,” Chen Yijun said, “on the night of the new moon.”

"It just so happened," Lu Yang said, "that there was no moonlight that day."

The proprietress suddenly said, "I know an old boatman."

"who?"

"Uncle Tieniu," the proprietress said, "has been sailing in Tongluo Gorge for twenty years."

Lu Yang's eyes lit up: "He knows about hydrology?"

"In the entire Tongluo Gorge," the proprietress said, "no one knows it better than him."

"Invite him," Lu Yang said, "I have an idea."

Ye Wanru came over: "What's the idea?"

"We'll make a feint to the east and attack in the west," Lu Yang said. "We'll load two boats."

“Two boats?”

"One is the open ship, the other is the hidden ship," Lu Yang said, "let them choose for themselves."

Zhou Qing smiled: "It's like fishing."

"Yes," Lu Yang said, "Use bait to lure them into the trap."

The proprietress put on her apron and said, "I'll go find Uncle Tieniu right away."

"Wait," Lu Yang said, "Have him bring a hand-drawn map of Tongluo Gorge."

As the night deepens, the lights in the noodle shop become warm.

"Three days left," Lu Yang said, "everyone get ready."

Ye Wanru raised her teacup and said, "This time, we need to cast a wider net."

Outside the window, bursts of whistles came from the river.

The next morning, Uncle Tieniu came to the noodle shop.

He was a thin old man with calloused hands.

"This is the map I drew," he said, spreading out a piece of yellowed rice paper. "Every reef is marked."

Lu Yang looked carefully at the markings on the map: "These vortices..."

"They're all fake," said Uncle Tieniu. "They're man-made."

"What's going on?" Ye Wanru asked.

The old man pointed to several spots on the map. “They buried rocks underwater.”

"So that's how it is," Lu Yang said, "using the water flow to create a whirlpool."

"It's not just a whirlpool," Uncle Tieniu said, "look here."

He pointed to a rock face and said, "There's a natural waterway here."

“Where does it lead to?”

"It goes straight to the back of the canyon," the old man said. "There's an abandoned coal mine there."

Lu Yang's eyes lit up: "So the ship didn't sink..."

"He was led to the back," said Uncle Tieniu, "without anyone noticing."

Zhou Qing took out some photos and asked, "Have you seen these ships?"

The old man put on his reading glasses and said: "I have seen it. They all cross the gorge at night."

“Do you remember any details?”

"Remember," said Uncle Tieniu, "it's always the same time."

"Midnight?" Lu Yang asked.

The old man nodded: "When the river is darkest."

At this time, the proprietress brought a bowl of noodles and said, "Uncle Tieniu, eat it while it's hot."

"Wait," Lu Yang said, "that coal mine..."

"I know the way," Uncle Tieniu said, "but it's dangerous."

"Why?"

"There's gas in the coal mines," the old man said, "and it will explode if there's even a spark."

Ye Wanru frowned: "This is troublesome."

"No," Lu Yang said, "that's perfect."

"What's the meaning?"

"We can take advantage of this," Lu Yang said, "and cut off the source of the problem."

Uncle Tieniu took a sip of his noodle soup and said, "Be careful."

"What's wrong?"

"That gang is very ruthless," the old man said. "They are not just ordinary pirates."

“Have you seen them?”

"I met him once," said Uncle Tieniu. "He spoke Japanese."

Lu Yang and Ye Wanru looked at each other.

"I see," Lu Yang said, "It's an old acquaintance."

"Inoue Kaori's accomplice?" Ye Wanru asked.

Lu Yang shook his head: "More dangerous than her."

The old man put down his bowl and chopsticks: "I can lead the way."

"It's too dangerous," Lu Yang said.

"This river," Uncle Tieniu said, "I've been running along for most of my life."

The noodle shop became quiet.

"Okay," Lu Yang finally said, "Please show me the way."

A boat was passing by on the river outside the window.

At dusk, two salt ships were moored at the dock.

"The one in front is flying a white flag," Lu Yang said, "and the one in the back is carrying ammunition."

Uncle Tieniu touched the side of the boat and said, "They are all old boats, very sturdy."

"Has the loading been arranged?" Lu Yang asked Zhou Qing.

"Everything is ready," Zhou Qing said. "We'll start installing it tomorrow morning."

Ye Wanru pointed at the map and said, "According to Uncle Tieniu, we have to separate here."

"Yes," the old man said, "this turn is the most hidden."

Lu Yang looked at the river: "The direction of the water flow..."

"North at high tide," said Uncle Tieniu, "south at low tide."

"So we have to get there at midnight," Lu Yang said, "when the water flows fastest."

The proprietress came over with a food basket: "I brought some dry food for everyone."

"Thank you for your hard work," Lu Yang said, "You need to pay attention these two days..."

"I know," the landlady said. "Keep an eye on suspicious people."

At this time, a sailor came running and said: "The cabins have been checked."

"Is there a problem?"

"No," said the sailor, "they are all very solid."

Uncle Tieniu suddenly said, "Remember to bring the rope."

"rope?"

"It's windy in the canyon," the old man said. "We need to tie it down."

Lu Yang nodded: "I understand."

"Also," Uncle Tieniu said, "bring a few bamboo tubes."

“What’s it for?”

"To hold the tinder," the old man said. "It's used in the coal mines."

Ye Wanru wrote it down: "What else do you need?"

"Bring a few pieces of alum," said Uncle Tieniu, "they will glow when in contact with water."

Zhou Qing brought a wooden box and said, "This is a flare."

"It won't work," the old man said. "It'll set off the gas."

Lu Yang thought for a moment and said, "Then let's use the gong."

"Yes," said Uncle Tieniu, "the sound travels far in the canyon."

As the sun sets, the river gradually darkens.

"Time is running out," Lu Yang said, "Everyone, get ready."

Ye Wanru took out a compass: "The waterway you mentioned..."

"In the direction of the Xu hour," Uncle Tieniu said, "there is a white stone in the middle of the river."

Lu Yang stood at the bow of the boat, looking towards Tongluo Gorge.

"The new moon is the day after tomorrow," he said. "It's time to close the net."

On a new moon night, you can't see your hand in front of you.

Two salt ships moved slowly on the river.

"Tongluo Gorge is just ahead," Uncle Tieniu whispered.

Lu Yang stood in the cabin of the rear boat, looking ahead through the window.

"Did you see the signal?" he asked.

“Not yet,” Ye Wanru said, “the water is very calm.”

The river wind howled and the sails rustled.

Suddenly, the white flag ship in front sent out a signal.

"Found it," Ye Wanru said, "the rock wall on the left."

In the faint starlight, several dark shadows could be seen moving.

"They've taken the bait," Lu Yang said. "Get ready."

The boat slowly entered the canyon and the water began to flow faster.

"Be careful," Uncle Tieniu said, "there's a whirlpool ahead."

Before he could finish his words, the ship in front suddenly deviated from its course.

"It's started," Lu Yang said.

The white flag ship was caught in the whirlpool and slowly moved towards the rock wall.

"Want to follow?" asked the helmsman.

“No,” Lu Yang said, “wait for them to go in first.”

There was a faint crashing sound in the darkness.

The white-flagged ship disappeared into the cave.

"Now!" Lu Yang gave an order.

The following ship suddenly accelerated, but did not follow the route of the white flag ship.

"Go to the right," Uncle Tieniu said, "that gap."

The hull scraped against the rock wall and entered a narrow gap.

"They found out," Ye Wanru said, "someone is chasing us."

The sound of oars came from behind, getting closer and closer.

"Don't panic," Lu Yang said, "let them catch up."

Uncle Tieniu pointed ahead and said, "We're here."

A white stone suddenly appeared on the surface of the river.

"Hold on tight!" Lu Yang shouted.

The boat turned suddenly and dived into an undercurrent.

"This is..."

"A natural waterway," Uncle Tieniu said, "leads directly to the coal mine."

The pursuers behind obviously did not expect this move.

"They went to the cave," Ye Wanru said, "and thought we were there."

The waterway was pitch black, with only a faint light from the alum.

"Be careful," said Uncle Tieniu, "the water ahead is shallow."

The ship brushed lightly against the stone wall and slowed down.

Suddenly, a light appeared ahead.

"We're here," Uncle Tieniu said, "the coal mine dock."

Lu Yang raised his telescope and said, "I saw their ship."

More than a dozen large and small ships were parked neatly on the shore.

"It's here as expected," Ye Wanru said.

Lu Yang turned around and said to everyone, "Get ready for action."