Chapter 111: Bestowing Rank
Five days later.
Shanghai, Japanese Consulate in Shanghai.
Office of the Military Attaché in Shanghai.
Yingzuo Teiaki was dressed in a Japanese military uniform, his expression solemn as his gaze lingered on the military map hanging on the wall.
This was the latest military map of East China in China drawn by the General Staff.
The place names Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Ningbo had all been heavily circled in pencil.
“Eiichi, do you know what this represents?”
Yingzuo Teiaki asked.
“The tax revenues of the Chinese government.”
Yingzuo Eiichi answered respectfully.
“Indeed. The greatest source of revenue for Chiang Kai-shek’s Central Army is concentrated here.”
Yingzuo Teiaki nodded.
“As long as we seize this region, Chiang Kai-shek’s government will fall into difficulty, and the Empire will accelerate its occupation of China to the greatest possible extent.”
“Colonel, Director Inoue has arrived.”
A Japanese officer entered and reported.
“Please ask Inoue-kun to wait in the reception room.”
“Yes, sir.”
Yingzuo Teiaki glanced at his nephew.
“You don’t think much of Inoue Hikaru, do you?”
“A rabble.”
The corners of Yingzuo Eiichi’s mouth lifted slightly, his tone filled with contempt.
“A rabble?”
Yingzuo Teiaki glanced at Yingzuo Eiichi.
“And yet the so-called rabble you speak of has repeatedly rendered distinguished service to the Empire.”
Yingzuo Eiichi opened his mouth, intending to say something more, but when he saw the scrutinizing look in Yingzuo Teiaki’s eyes, he closed it again.
It was true.
He looked down on the Inoue Residence.
In his eyes, it was merely an organization of Imperial Japanese rōnin, a collection of irregulars.
“Eiichi, you are too arrogant.”
Yingzuo Teiaki’s expression was stern.
“Remember this. Inoue Hikaru is a citizen of the Empire, and he and his men serve the Empire. As long as someone can contribute to the Empire, we must encourage and support them.”
“The Inoue Residence has many Chinese members. These Chinese are likewise serving the Empire, and their usefulness is even greater than you imagine.”
Yingzuo Teiaki patted Yingzuo Eiichi on the shoulder.
“For certain matters, it is more convenient for these Imperial rōnin and Chinese collaborators to handle them.”
“Yes.”
“No, you do not understand.”
Yingzuo Teiaki’s tone became even harsher.
“I will give you one piece of advice. Do not blindly worship professionalism. The most important thing is having the right people do the right jobs.”
Yingzuo Eiichi said nothing.
“Regarding Cheng Qianfan, do you know where you went wrong?”
“I caused trouble for you, Uncle.”
Yingzuo Eiichi said.
The aftermath of impersonating Soviets and attacking French Concession police officers had been rather severe. The Soviet Consulate in Shanghai appeared to have uncovered some clues and had expressed strong dissatisfaction to Yingzuo Teiaki.
Most importantly, Yingzuo Eiichi had acted without authorization, which displeased Yingzuo Teiaki.
“You still do not understand.”
Yingzuo Teiaki shook his head.
“Cheng Qianfan was your schoolmate. From what I know, this man holds a favorable view of the Empire. A person like that should be recruited, not simply eliminated physically. Eiichi, I am very disappointed.”
“Eiichi understands.”
Yingzuo Eiichi bowed deeply and said.
“I hope you truly do.”
Yingzuo Teiaki patted his nephew on the shoulder.
“China is vast and weak. The Empire is small yet immensely powerful. Occupying China is easy, but conquering China is difficult. We need many Chinese like Cheng Qianfan, people who view the Empire favorably, to serve the Empire.”
“Inoue-kun, sorry to keep you waiting.”
Yingzuo Teiaki said with a smile.
“Colonel.”
Inoue Hikaru bowed.
He was a middle-aged man in his forties, of average height, with a narrow face, a somewhat pale complexion, and cold eyes.
“No need to be formal. Please sit.”
Yingzuo Teiaki nodded.
“Any news about the Endo Group?”
“Yes, Colonel. Word has come from Nanjing. The Chinese government has decided to execute the Endo Group.”
“What a pity.”
Yingzuo Teiaki sighed.
“I met Endo-kun once. He was a warrior of absolute loyalty to the Empire.”
“According to the intelligence we have received, every member of the Endo Group remained utterly loyal to the Empire. They withstood the brutal torture of the Chinese intelligence services.”
“Is Wutong safe?”
“Yes. Endo-kun and the others protected Wutong with their lives.”
Inoue Hikaru looked at Yingzuo Teiaki.
“Colonel, Inoue Hikaru has a request to make.”
“Do whatever you intend to do.”
Yingzuo Teiaki’s expression turned serious.
“I will arrange for our people in Nanjing to cooperate with you.”
“Endo-kun and the others are warriors of the Empire. The Empire will not simply stand by and watch them die.”
“Thank you.”
Inoue Hikaru immediately rose to his feet and bowed again.
Endo Hiroshi was his most trusted subordinate, a fellow native of Osaka and a veteran agent of the Inoue Residence.
Upon learning that Nanjing intended to execute Endo Hiroshi, emotions within the Inoue Residence had run high.
Both emotionally and logically, he could not simply watch Endo Hiroshi be executed without taking action.
However, the Inoue Residence possessed only limited strength in Nanjing.
Thus he could only seek assistance from Yingzuo Teiaki.
After seeing Inoue Hikaru off, Yingzuo Teiaki frowned.
In truth, he believed that rescuing someone in the capital of the Nationalist Government would be extraordinarily difficult.
Yingzuo Teiaki himself did not support such a near-suicidal operation.
Had one of his own agents encountered such a situation, Yingzuo Teiaki would have had no choice but to cut off the injured limb to save the body.
Although cruel, it was the correct choice for an intelligence organization.
The Inoue Residence, however, was somewhat special.
These Japanese rōnin were extremely united, or perhaps it would be more accurate to say they possessed a strong underworld code of loyalty.
Inoue Hikaru had to attempt a rescue in order to maintain the loyalty of his subordinates.
Yingzuo Teiaki shook his head.
Perhaps this was one reason Eiichi looked down upon the Inoue Residence.
“Where is Eiichi?”
Yingzuo Teiaki asked after returning to his study.
“Eiichi has arranged to meet Miss Keiko.”
The officer replied.
Yingzuo Teiaki frowned and let out a cold snort.
Hangzhou, Xiongzhen Tower.
The White Building.
Yu Ping’an’s office.
Cheng Qianfan stood at attention, his expression solemn, dressed in a perfectly tailored uniform of the National Revolutionary Army.
That very morning, he had completed his studies ahead of schedule and formally graduated, finishing the special training course at Xiongzhen Tower.
This was a small graduation ceremony specially organized for him by Yu Ping’an.
At the same time, it was also a rank-conferral and commendation ceremony.
Under normal procedures, after officially graduating from the special training course, Cheng Qianfan would have been awarded the rank of Second Lieutenant.
However, he had rendered great service by assisting Xiongzhen Tower in Hangzhou with the capture of the Japanese spy leader Kawada Eikichi.
The commendation for that achievement had officially arrived by telegram at Xiongzhen Tower the previous day.
“The Director has issued an order.”
Yu Ping’an’s expression was solemn.
Cheng Qianfan immediately straightened himself further, adopting perfect military posture.
“Cadet Cheng Qianfan of the Xiongzhen Tower Special Training Course of the Special Service Office has demonstrated outstanding academic performance during training.”
“Furthermore, he performed exceptionally in the capture of the Japanese agent Kawada Eikichi and is hereby specially commended.”
“Second Lieutenant Cheng Qianfan.”
“Present, sir!”
Cheng Qianfan answered loudly.
“A reward of five hundred French francs.”
“Promotion to the rank of Captain.”
“It is hoped that Captain Cheng Qianfan will continue his efforts and, with absolute sincerity and supreme devotion, remain loyal to the Leader and serve the Party and the nation.”
“By order of Dai Chunfeng.”