usatvline Chapter 2068 Taking advantage of the situation
Chapter 2068 Taking advantage of the situation
Chapter 2068 Taking advantage of the situation
“Tsuchiya-kun,” Matsuo Seiichi said, “if we capture Zhou Changliu, what do you think the chances are that he will talk in a short time?”
"The possibility is basically nonexistent," Tsuchiya Naoya said decisively. "The Military Intelligence Bureau is different from the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics in its weakness; they still have some backbone."
He took a sip of tea and continued, "Moreover, this person is a trusted lieutenant of Xiao Mian, and his will to resist must be very strong. It will be difficult to get Zhou Changliu to talk in a short time."
“What if we secretly arrest Zhou Changliu’s wife and children at the same time,” Matsuo Seiichi said, “and use their lives to blackmail him?”
Naoya Tsuchiya was slightly taken aback at first, then his expression turned serious as he began to seriously consider Seiichi Matsuo's suggestion.
……
“If we do that, it’s a possibility,” Naoya Tsuchiya said. “Especially with the child, using that baby to threaten Zhou Changliu would make it easier for him to talk.”
He looked at Seiichi Matsuo and said, "Matsuo-kun, please explain your plan in detail."
Seeing Tsuchiya Naoya's attitude, Matsuo Seiichi's lips curled into a smug smile.
“Tsuchiya-kun, in Chinese terms, you’re getting stuck on a rut,” Matsuo Seiichi said. “All you’ve been thinking about is how to hide Zhou Changliu after you’ve captured him, and even how to take him away from Chongqing. But why are you doing this?”
He told Tsuchiya Naoya, "Zhou Changliu's greatest value lies in the intelligence he possesses, specifically the intelligence about the Shanghai Special Intelligence Bureau."
“As long as we get Zhou Changliu to talk, and then immediately withdraw—no, we can first use the radio to report the intelligence to Shanghai,” Matsuo Seiichi said. “In that case, we’ll have a huge credit to our name.”
"As for us, whether to evacuate or remain in hiding, that's entirely up to us to decide." After saying this, Matsuo Seiichi took a sip of tea, his face full of smug smile.
……
"We found the dead." Tsuchiya Naoya's eyes gleamed with excitement. He even stood up and bowed slightly to Matsuo Seiichi. "Matsuo-kun, your plan is brilliant. I admit I underestimated you before."
The two were in high spirits and began to discuss the specific implementation plan.
……
Two days later.
Qiao Chuntao appeared at a billiards hall as agreed with Qi Wu.
He met Qi Wu in a private room.
“After careful examination, Huai Chengxuan is fine,” Qi Wu said. “The source of the perfume he was wearing has been found; his wife likes to use that kind of perfume.”
"Furthermore, this investigation also meticulously examined Huaichengxuan's past, finding nothing suspicious," Qi Wu said.
Qiao Chuntao nodded. "Director Qi, what about Li Kui?"
Then he saw a slight smile on Qi Wu's face.
"Is it Li Kui?" Qiao Chuntao asked immediately.
“It’s not Li Kui.” Qi Wu shook his head and said to Qiao Chuntao, “But Li Kui does have problems.”
Qiao Chuntao looked puzzled.
“Li Kui is a member of the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS),” Qi Wu said. “He is a spy planted in our Military Intelligence Bureau by Xue Yingzhen.”
When the word "spy" was mentioned, a murderous look appeared on Qi Wu's face.
Compared to Japanese spies, they hated the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS) infiltration even more.
……
“Li Kui has always acted normally and hasn’t shown any flaws. Because of this, we haven’t conducted any investigation into him,” Qi Wu said. “However, any spy will eventually slip up. The question is whether he has come into our sights.”
Qiao Chuntao nodded. No matter how well Li Kui hides himself, as long as he is investigated, there will naturally be clues that will be examined under a magnifying glass, and it will be difficult for him to hide.
Then, Qiao Chuntao's expression turned serious.
Of the three suspects he identified, Huai Chengxuan was fine, Li Kui was a member of the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (CBIS), so that left only Mao Fulin.
……
“Mao Fulin himself is not the problem,” Qi Wu said.
He personally investigated Mao Fulin, and based on feedback from various sources, Mao Fulin was found to be without fault.
Subsequently, Qi Wu personally had a secret conversation with Mao Fulin.
He gained a lot from this conversation.
“Mao Fulin did indeed know your identity,” Qi Wu said. “He found out by chance.”
In fact, when he learned that Mao Fulin had obtained the relevant information from Mao Shun, he severely criticized Mao Shun.
"So, Mao Fulin is fine, the problem lies with the people around him?" Qiao Chuntao asked.
“Smart.” Qi Wu nodded approvingly. “Before that holiday gift delivery, Mao Fulin’s knowledge was limited to knowing that you were from the Shanghai Special Affairs Bureau.”
“Of course, this information alone is enough to pique the interest of the Japanese,” Qi Wu said. “Mao Fulin only mentioned this to one person.”
"Did you bring it up on your own initiative?" Qiao Chuntao asked, frowning.
"According to Mao Fulin, he was drinking with someone and inadvertently revealed this information after drinking," Qi Wu said.
……
"Who is it?" Qiao Chuntao asked.
“Yang Erbao,” Qi Wu said, “an ordinary staff member at No. 19 Luojiawan.”
He tossed a cigarette to Qiao Chuntao and continued, "Now, Yang Erbao is a key target of the investigation."
“Yang Erbao is very suspicious,” Qiao Chuntao said thoughtfully. “Of course, it’s also possible that he himself is innocent and that the enemy obtained the information from Yang Erbao.”
"Yes, in any case, we should be able to find some clues through the investigation of Yang Erbao," Qi Wu nodded and said.
He looked at Qiao Chuntao and said, "Based on your understanding of the Japanese secret sentry deployment, if we take action against that person, will the enemy definitely find out in advance?"
“Yes.” Qiao Chuntao nodded. “Mobilizing the sentries would alert the enemy.”
……
"Then for now, we can only focus our investigation on Yang Erbao," Qi Wu said thoughtfully.
"Director Qi, may I see some information about this Yang Erbao?" Qiao Chuntao asked.
“Okay.” Qi Wu nodded. “Even if you didn’t ask, I would have shown it to you anyway. You’ve been on the front lines of the struggle against the Japanese for a long time, so you know them better.”
……
"Director Qi, this Yang Erbao is suspicious," Qiao Chuntao said to Qi Wu, putting down the documents in her hand.
“Tell me about it,” Qi Wu said.
"Assuming Yang Erbao is a spy, then looking at his contact with Mao Fulin, there are many suspicious points," Qiao Chuntao said.
“According to Mao Fulin, he hadn’t sought help from Mao Shun before because of his pride. It was Yang Erbao who encouraged him to come to him,” Qiao Chuntao said. “Assuming that Yang Erbao has a problem, then it’s possible that the enemy already knew about Mao Fulin’s situation. In that case, Mao Fulin would be a rare commodity.”
"Mao Fulin successfully got a job at No. 19 Luojiawan, and subsequently, Yang Erbao also got a job at Luojiawan through his friendship with Mao Fulin," Qiao Chuntao said. "That was a natural progression."
"The enemy successfully infiltrated our Luojiawan Bureau headquarters through such a highly covert method," Qi Wu said. "It was completely undetected."
……
"What you're saying is all based on your assumption that Yang Erbao has a problem." Qi Wu glanced at Qiao Chuntao.
“Yes, Director Qi.” Qiao Chuntao nodded, not intending to explain anything.
“Your way of thinking is very similar to that of your Chief.” Qi Wu suddenly laughed and said to Qiao Chuntao, “Your approach and thinking are very good. For intelligence work, the presumption of guilt is never a problem; on the contrary, it is a very good way of thinking.”
In espionage, the principle has always been "better to kill the innocent than let the guilty go free," and the presumption of guilt is of no consequence whatsoever.
"Director Qi," Qiao Chuntao said, "I suggest that Yang Erbao be placed under 24-hour surveillance."
He said with a serious expression, "My identity has been exposed. The intelligence from the Shanghai Special Operations Bureau is extremely attractive to the enemy. I believe that the enemy will not have much patience and they will most likely take action soon. This also means that Yang Erbao will not remain silent."
……
"What do you think the enemy will do?" Qi Wu pondered, then said, "Arrest you directly? Arresting our Military Intelligence Bureau officials in Chongqing, not to mention how to arrest them, how they will hide after the arrest—that's the most practical problem. Do you think they would take that risk?"
“Director Qi, my greatest value to the enemy is the intelligence I have about the Shanghai Special Operations Bureau,” Qiao Chuntao said thoughtfully. “Strictly speaking, what the enemy wants is not me as a person, but the intelligence.”
"Go on," Qi Wu nodded slightly.
"Secretly arresting me is inevitable. Then, all the enemy needs to do is pry open my mouth as quickly as possible and send out the intelligence smoothly. Moreover, this group of enemies most likely has a radio, so sending out the intelligence is not a problem for them," Qiao Chuntao said.
"What? You lack confidence in yourself? Do you think the enemy can pry your mouth open?" Qi Wu looked at Qiao Chuntao intently and asked.
“Of course I’m confident, Director Qi, please rest assured. I have a deep-seated hatred for the Japanese; they will never get any information out of me,” Qiao Chuntao said. “But…”
……
"But what?" Qi Wu looked at Qiao Chuntao with interest.
“If the enemy decides to take action, it means they believe this risk is worthwhile, which means they believe they can get me to talk in the shortest amount of time,” Qiao Chuntao said.
"Oh?" Qi Wu smiled. "Then what do you think they can do?"
“My family.” Qiao Chuntao said calmly, her gaze and tone equally calm. “They are most likely to arrest my wife and children at the same time, and then threaten me with the safety of my family members.”
Qi Wu gave Qiao Chuntao a deep look and nodded.
He didn't ask whether Qiao Chuntao would yield if the enemy threatened Xia Xiaoying and the child's safety. There was no need to ask that question; asking it would only alienate his subordinates and bring no benefit.
……
“Your analysis and speculation are logically sound,” Qi Wu said, glancing at Qiao Chuntao. “Don’t worry, we will send people to protect your wife and children closely.”
Qiao Chuntao fell silent. He understood the implication of Qi Wu's words: to use Xia Xiaoying and the child as bait to lure the enemy into action.
He didn't offer any rebuttal, because he knew that even if he did, it would be useless.
In fact, Qiao Chuntao understood very well that because of his position, he was treated differently by Boss Dai and Qi Wu.
It was this special treatment that ensured the weight and sincerity of Qi Wu's words; the headquarters would indeed do its utmost to protect Xia Xiaoying and the child.
“My wife also killed Japanese invaders with her own hands, I believe her,” Qiao Chuntao said.
Qi Wu looked at Qiao Chuntao with a serious expression. He stood up, patted Qiao Chuntao on the shoulder, and said, "Well done."
……
“Now, let’s plan this carefully,” Qi Wu said, looking at Qiao Chuntao. “What do you think about having Mao Fulin deliberately leak some information about your movements to lure the enemy into attacking?”
“That’s not appropriate.” Qiao Chuntao shook her head and said, “We learned about Mao Fulin from Director Qi. This Brother Mao is not a professional agent. It’s hard to be sure that if he gets involved, his lack of professionalism might arouse Yang Erbao’s suspicion.”
He pondered for a moment and said to Qi Wu, "Since we can confirm that the enemy is watching me, they will be paying attention to my every move. We might as well turn the tables on them."
"What's the plan?" Qi Wu asked with a smile.
……
The next day.
Qiao Chuntao took Xia Xiaoying and the child to a department store.
He bought cotton-padded clothes for himself, his wife, and children, and also prepared some ointment to prevent frostbite.
This situation was quickly made known to the Japanese agents monitoring him.
"Cotton-padded clothes? Frostbite cream?" After learning about the relevant information, Matsuo Seiichi fell into deep thought.
He was puzzled.
Subsequently, a few strokes were added to the sales signboard of the grain and oil store.
That evening, Yang Erbao appeared at Tao's Grain and Oil Shop carrying a bag of grain.
"What's wrong?" Naoya Tsuchiya asked.
Seiichi Matsuo then communicated the latest situation to Naoya Tsuchiya.
“It’s all preparation for winter.” Naoya Tsuchiya fell into deep thought.
Suddenly, his expression changed.
……
"What's wrong?" Matsuo Seiichi asked immediately.
"Some time ago, the Kuomintang's (KMT) station in Shenyang was raided by the Empire, and the KMT's Shenyang station suffered heavy losses," Tsuchiya Naoya said.
"You mean, Dai Chunfeng plans to send Zhou Changliu to Shenyang?" Matsuo Seiichi asked immediately.
“That’s possible.” Naoya Tsuchiya nodded. “Zhou Changliu was previously the head of the Nanjing station of the Shanghai Special Intelligence Bureau. He was exposed in Nanjing, so it’s safe to say that it will be very difficult for him to continue his undercover work in the entire Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai region.”
“This person is obviously very capable. Dai Chunfeng would not leave such an experienced and capable subordinate unused,” Tsuchiya Naoya said. “The Military Intelligence Station in Shenyang has been destroyed. Sending Zhou Changliu to Shenyang to rebuild the Shenyang Station is just right.”
“That’s right.” Matsuo Makoto nodded. “The Nanjing branch of the Military Intelligence Bureau was completely wiped out before, so Xiao Mian sent Zhou Changliu to Nanjing. The Nanjing station of the Shanghai Special Intelligence Bureau can be said to have been rebuilt by Zhou Changliu. This person has the ability to do so.”
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(End of this chapter)