Chapter 1000
: Zhang Anping "Selects" His Generals
Execute first, then report later!
Sister Qian was all too familiar with Zhang Anping's trick—from the first time she met this kid, he had done it countless times without asking permission first.
She used to be constantly on edge, but eventually she became numb to it—this guy's scheming ability was too strong, and countless results proved that she had worried for nothing.
Even so, Sister Qian never let her guard down.
The reason is simple: in her eyes, Zhang Anping was never a special agent, but an expert and master who was extremely good at economics.
Many people in the Nationalist government called Zhang Anping the God of Wealth, a fact that Sister Qian knew much earlier than they did!
Although Zhang Anping's achievements as a secret agent would be astonishing if exposed, Sister Qian always believed that Zhang Anping should have been on the economic front, not on the perilous underground intelligence front.
"It's too dangerous!" Sister Qian shook her head: "Your analysis of the situation is very accurate and optimistic. Under these circumstances, there's no need for you to take any risks!"
"Absolutely unnecessary!"
Isn't Zhang Anping's plan tempting?
Very tempting!
But Sister Qian thought it was unnecessary—just as Zhang Anping analyzed, once the situation in the Huaihai Campaign and the North China Campaign were settled, the Nationalist government would be like a rabbit's tail, it wouldn't last long!
Under these circumstances, Zhang Anping had no need to take any risks.
Her long years of working underground instilled in Sister Qian a firm belief in one principle:
The closer we get to victory, the less we can afford to be careless!
The darkness before dawn is often the darkest!
Zhang Anping had long guessed that Sister Qian wouldn't easily agree to his idea—this was very similar to Lao Cen. The stubborn Lao Cen always had to weigh and consider his (Zhang Anping's) safety time and time again. This "characteristic" was the result of Sister Qian's repeated admonitions.
He understood Sister Qian's considerations for him—but only he knew his own situation. His so-called money-making ability was nothing more than a result of his golden touch causing trouble. Expecting someone as unreliable as him to go to the economic front in the future was no better than throwing him into the army.
Moreover, as someone who is overpowered, he has a clearer understanding of the future.
Sister Qian clearly believed that after the Kuomintang was completely defeated, the so-called lurking spies would no longer be a threat—but this was based on the complete elimination of the Kuomintang reactionaries.
As we all know, a shallow strait has long separated a nation.
It is precisely because of this strait that the Kuomintang agents lurking in China have always harbored illusions, and that the die-hard elements on the other side of the strait have also always harbored illusions.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China, espionage activities went through three stages:
The first phase lasted from the founding of the People's Republic of China until the end of 53. During this phase, espionage activities mainly consisted of armed rebellion, assassination, bombing, and sabotage (factories, bridges) – until the Korean Armistice and the cessation of external military cooperation, when open and large-scale armed sabotage basically ended.
The second phase, from 54 to the end of 62, is known as "small-scale covert sabotage."
The combination of lurking spies and paratroopers carried out espionage activities through assassinations, poisoning, sabotage, and spreading rumors, and even attempted to establish guerrilla strongholds. 1962 was the most frenzied year, when the other side intensively deployed and smuggled in a large number of spies to cause sabotage.
However, this can only be considered a last gasp before the flames die out.
Starting in 63, the illusion of counterattacking the mainland was completely shattered. From then on, the spies generally abandoned sabotage, assassination, and rebellion, and instead entered the stage of infiltration, subversion, and theft.
This phase has continued until now.
Admittedly, the third stage is still unsettling, since they haven't given up on gathering intelligence on us yet. However, compared to the first two stages, the last stage won't significantly impact people's livelihoods.
Zhang Anping's goal was to completely erase the first two stages!
Using their influence, they completely erased these two phases that severely impacted people's livelihoods, and incidentally, in a highly controllable manner, took control of the third phase.
intelligence?
I'll give it to you!
Provide the funding. As for intelligence, whether it's nine parts false and one part true, or nine parts true and one part false, we can supply it indefinitely.
But he couldn't openly tell Sister Qian about these considerations.
“Comrade Chongwen,” Zhang Anping said, uttering words he had already prepared:
"This is not a risky move, it's a necessary measure—you should remember the activities of the Military Intelligence Bureau in the occupied areas after the outbreak of the War of Resistance, right?"
"If we don't nip this in the bud, what kind of damage would it cause us if the die-hards went into exile overseas and used the huge wealth they amassed in China to support espionage activities?"
These words made Sister Qian fall into deep thought.
At the beginning of the War of Resistance against Japan, the Special Service Department and later the Military Intelligence Bureau were quite active in the occupied areas, causing considerable trouble for the Japanese.
Of course, the cost of the Military Intelligence Bureau's operational style, which prioritizes action over intelligence gathering, is also readily apparent:
Often, it's a case of killing a thousand enemies while losing eight hundred of your own, or even losing thirteen thousand of your own.
If future Kuomintang agents were to do this on the newly established land of China...
Sister Qian believed that this could not last long, because we were not Japanese devils, we always stood with the people, and in the vast ocean of people's war, the activities of the spies would sooner or later be submerged and eventually disappear without a trace.
But what will be the cost?
A single bomb can turn a bridge built by countless people into ruins;
A single act of sabotage can bring a factory to a standstill.
A premeditated assassination can bring down a passionate comrade!
Thinking about these consequences, Sister Qian couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
Zhang Anping did not press his advantage by disturbing Sister Qian's thinking—Sister Qian is an outstanding member of the Communist Party of China, and when faced with specific considerations, she will certainly make a choice that aligns with the interests of the people!
After a long while, she looked intently at Zhang Anping.
"I was inconsiderate—your suggestion is absolutely right!"
"But what do you think the success rate is? As far as I know, the Nationalist government is probably more inclined towards espionage activities aimed at sabotage!"
First, the Nationalist government had already been "cultivated" by Dai Chunfeng during the War of Resistance against Japan—in the Military Intelligence Bureau's system, the promotion of action agents was often faster than that of intelligence agents, and their voices were far more powerful.
This was determined by the style of the Military Intelligence Bureau during the War of Resistance against Japan.
The repeated military operations behind enemy lines by the Military Intelligence Bureau also fostered this "habit" in the Nationalist government.
People have a tendency to rely on their own paths, and when the time comes, the exiled diehards will definitely get used to choosing the old path.
Secondly, sabotage often yields more visible results than intelligence gathering, and in politics and the workplace, what is visually apparent is often more favored than the hard work and dedication of a diligent worker.
Zhang Anping's actions were undoubtedly "going against the grain," but how high was his success rate?
"I don't know." This was the first time Zhang Anping had given such an immeasurable answer, yet it was remarkably firm and resolute:
"But I choose to do everything I can to do this!"
Sister Qian remained silent.
Looking at Zhang Anping, she seemed to see the young man she had always thought was unreliable from many years ago.
She had seen Zhang Anping's naiveté—when he led his students in a training course at Guanwang Temple to sabotage the Party Affairs Office's operation and save herself and Lao Cen;
Having witnessed Zhang Anping's "ambition"—he had only just arrived in Shanghai to take charge of an intelligence team composed entirely of newcomers, yet he dared to plot against the Shanghai district head;
I have also witnessed Zhang Anping's "ruthlessness" - in order to completely crush the Party Affairs Office, he twice put himself in dangerous situations and suffered greatly.
I have also witnessed Zhang Anping's ingenuity—the Japanese army attacked Pearl Harbor, and he immediately looted all the foreign banks in the Shanghai concessions. He even dared to snatch the tiger's teeth, organize an uprising in Shanghai, and travel thousands of miles back to the Nationalist-controlled areas.
But Zhang Anping now acts like most Communists:
For our ideals, for the rising sun in our hearts, even if there are thorns and obstacles ahead, even if there are mountains of knives and seas of fire, we will still go forward without hesitation!
This young man, who had never stood proudly in the sunlight as a member of the Communist Party, made the same choice as the vast majority of Communists!
Gathering the myriad thoughts in her mind, she slowly said, "I need to discuss this matter with my superiors."
Faced with Zhang Anping's often "unbelievable" plans, even if Sister Qian was eventually persuaded, she wouldn't easily express her opinion. But this time, she revealed her stance:
“I fully support your idea.”
"But one thing—safety! If things get tough, go home!"
"You, alive, are a greater blow to the Kuomintang than you, who have sacrificed yourself, do you understand?"
The boomerang, launched hours later, struck Zhang Anping squarely on the forehead...
Zhang Anping chuckled awkwardly, "Sister Qian, what you mean by that..."
“I just told Lao Gu about it.”
Sister Qian glared angrily at Zhang Anping. That kid always liked to deliberately be mischievous at crucial moments.
The matter was temporarily put on hold, and the two then discussed the current situation. During this discussion, Sister Qian revealed some information to Zhang Anping:
“Fu Huabei is secretly contacting our comrades through special channels—Anping, do you think it’s possible for Huabei to resolve this peacefully?”
In response, Zhang Anping smiled and reminded her, "Sister Qian, don't forget there are two old Chinese sayings!"
"What's strange?"
"Coffin, Yellow River!"
Sister Qian was stunned for a moment before she realized that he was talking about "tears" and "giving up". "You're right. He's secretly contacting us now, probably just to prepare a way out."
Zhang Anping said with a smile, "Let him keep this as a backup plan for now. Who knows, in the end, it might really become his only option."
Sister Qian nodded slightly, indicating that she understood—we had been deceived by the enemy before, but after suffering losses, we have come to understand all too well the importance of being prepared for both possibilities.
They understand even more the importance of "the barrel of a gun"!
Since the topic of Fu Huabei had come up, Sister Qian advised Zhang Anping:
"Anping, the Huaihai Campaign is underway right now, Huang Yibing..."
She glared at Zhang Anping, annoyed. She'd been led astray by this kid!
“Once the Huang Corps in Nianzhuangwei is annihilated, there is a very high chance that Fu Huabei will flee to his hometown. If he has any change of heart, we must warn him in advance!”
"Don't worry! I know what's important—don't forget I'm now the eyes and ears of the North China Suppression Headquarters. What they see will be entirely up to me!"
Zhang Anping smiled slightly, full of confidence.
Seeing this, Sister Qian laughed. If it were anyone else, she would have warned them that pride comes before a fall, but she didn't believe Zhang Anping would be arrogant.
After the exchange of information concluded, Zhang Anping took his leave. Sister Qian saw him to the door, and after watching him leave, the smile on her face faded, and she murmured softly:
"Conceal your strength..."
"Conceal your strength!"
……
The airport assassination was a very serious blow to Beiping Railway Station.
When Zheng Yi arrested people, he went all out, wiping out the top management of Beiping Station and leaving only a few middle-level officials who escaped. As a result, the entire Beiping Station came to a complete standstill.
It was assumed that even though Zhang Anping had returned, he would first need to reorganize the Beiping station. However, surprisingly, the day after his return to Beiping, Zhang Anping issued orders to the heads of the entire intelligence system:
I need to call roll! Everyone, assemble!
Beiping Police Station.
The head of the Political Work and Intelligence Section of the General Headquarters and the director sat facing each other.
The director tentatively asked, "Old Zhou, what do you think of his order?"
The Political Work and Intelligence Section of the General Headquarters for the Suppression of Japanese Aggression and Expeditions was a genuine person of Fu Huabei. Its head was equivalent to Fu Huabei's representative in the intelligence system. Since Fu Huabei was in charge of the General Headquarters for the Suppression of Japanese Aggression and Expeditions, the director believed that Fu Huabei probably did not want to see Zhang Anping consolidate his power.
Upon hearing this, Section Chief Zhou smiled wryly and said, "Old Yang, stop testing me. Don't tell me you don't know what's going on in Xuzhou. He's so envious, what can I possibly do? Just go to the meeting later."
The director, unwilling to give up, said, "This trip could be a classic case of 'releasing military power over a cup of wine'!"
"It's better than losing your head—he's really capable of killing!"
The director was speechless.
The police station was also among those invited by Zhang Anping, because the police station also has certain secret service powers.
However, the police system is most wary of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics (BIS) reaching out to them—don't forget that the previous police system struggled to survive under Dai Chunfeng's shadow. Now that they have finally replaced Director Tang and cut ties with the BIS, Director Yang of the Beiping Police Department really doesn't want to be controlled by the intelligence system anymore.
But even Section Chief Zhou, who has Fu Huabei's backing, has knelt down. What can he, a mere director, do?
"Yes, he really dares to kill people!" Director Yang sighed.
The Beiping Party Headquarters.
Chief Zhao of the Special Higher Police Unit came to our door.
Does the name "Special Higher Police Group" immediately remind you of the Special Higher Police?
Believe it or not, the two are actually related—the Nationalist government's military police headquarters was copied from the Japanese military police system.
Special Higher Police Unit, full name: Special Higher Police Unit.
This was also an extremely important intelligence agency.
Upon arriving, Team Leader Zhao, the person in charge, immediately asked:
"Director Zhang, your Party Communications Bureau and the Bureau of Secrecy are sworn enemies. You don't actually take this bullshit order seriously, do you?"
Director Zhang knew the other party was there to gauge his attitude, so he countered with a question:
"I heard that the commander of the 19th Military Police Regiment is also on the invitation list? I wonder if Commander Zhang will attend?"
There was no military police headquarters in Beiping, but there was a military police 19th Regiment. The Special Higher Military Police Group, like the 19th Regiment, was under the jurisdiction of the Nanjing Military Police Headquarters, but the two were parallel entities—that is, they belonged to the same system but ignored each other.
Team Leader Zhao's lips twitched. Damn, bad news travels fast!
"My Special Higher Police Group is directly under the Military Police Command. Who does Zhang Anping think he is to dare to lay a finger on me?"
Team Leader Zhao said indignantly, "The Bureau of Investigation and Statistics is like a rat in a sewer, and now they're trying to control me? I'll never give them a damn!"
Director Zhang's heart skipped a beat. The conflict between the man surnamed Zhao and that regimental commander Zhang was deeper than he had imagined—this man surnamed Zhao's sense of smell seemed rather mediocre; he still hadn't received any information about the matters in Xuzhou and Nanjing.
"Brother Zhao, to be honest, he has orders from above. We'd better cooperate obediently, or we'll get in trouble with him later."
Team Leader Zhao said angrily, "If it weren't for orders from above, why would I be looking for you? I've made up my mind—I'll go this time, but I absolutely won't give him any face!"
"His secret service can't even keep an eye on its own people, and they almost got killed by their own. With that kind of competence, what right do they have to act like big shots to me!"
Director Zhang earnestly advised:
"After all, he is the famous Zhang Shih-hao!"
"Just a dog spy who rose to power by relying on Dai Chunfeng!"
Director Zhang's eye twitched, and finally he said helplessly:
“Brother Zhao, you’re in the military police system, so you can ignore him, but I can’t! I’m already living in fear in the Party’s intelligence bureau, how dare I offend him now!”
"Time is almost up, Brother Zhao, shall we go together?"
Team Leader Zhao waved his hand and said:
"Okay, let's go together!"
……
Yandu Hotel.
This restaurant was booked by Zheng Yi and is no longer open to the public. It is nominally Zhang Anping's place to rest, but in reality, it has become Zhang Anping's office building—the undisputed headquarters of the Beiping secret service.
At that moment, the restaurant entrance was a gathering of "heroes".
All the powerful figures in the Beiping secret service were present.
Team Leader Zhao and Regiment Commander Zhang from the military police system;
Director Qiao, the North China Inspector of the State Secrecy Bureau system;
Director Zhang of the Party Affairs Bureau system;
Section Chief Zhou of the security system and Director Liu of the inspection department;
Captain Chen of the Pacification Corps of the Second Bureau System and Director Yan of the Second Division of the Suppression Headquarters;
Chief Yang of the police station system, and Captain Xu of the police station's detective team, who is also known as the perpetually bullied Captain Xu.
The only thing missing was a high-ranking official from the Beiping station of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics—but the attendees knew exactly where these people were.
All the leaders of the entire intelligence system in Beiping, including the armed forces, were present, without exception.
Normally, regardless of whether one secretly wishes to tear the other person to pieces, in public one must be all smiles. But at this moment, the atmosphere at the entrance of Yandu Hotel was tense and fraught with danger.
When Zhao, the leader of the Special Higher Police Group, saw Chen, the captain of the Pacification Corps, he immediately snorted coldly. Captain Chen snorted coldly in return. Because of the conflict of authority between the two, their subordinates had often clashed with each other while armed.
These two are not isolated cases.
Of these six systems, apart from the police station's detective team, which is always the punching bag and can be rubbed off by any of the five "fathers," the other five systems are all mortal enemies.
Now, stuck outside the restaurant, facing enemies one by one, they can't even muster a smile.
At that very moment, Zhang Anping stood by the window, watching the scene below the restaurant with great interest. (End of Chapter)