Chapter 1073
Elder Huang's Advice! The "Doomsday" of the Secret Service
Zhang Anping was actually quite popular within the Kuomintang.
Even though his reputation is constantly attacked because of his image as a spy chief and a loyal subject of the party and the state, he still has a lot of people who like him.
But there was only one person who admired him purely, without any utilitarian motives.
Huang Jianxia!
In fact, he knew that Huang Lao had been waiting for him all along—as one of the heads of the intelligence system, how could Zhang Anping not know that Huang Lao had been "strategizing and maneuvering" since the outbreak of the civil war?
I'm sure I'm on Old Huang's list too.
That's why he's been avoiding Old Huang.
Unfortunately, no matter how much they avoided it, they still had to meet in the end.
The Huang family.
Zhang Anping, who arrived with gifts, was silently led to the study by Old Huang. Only after a bottle of old wine was opened did he speak:
"This bottle of wine is what I prepared after I arrived in Chongqing that year."
"After the victory in the War of Resistance, I've always wanted to find an opportunity to finish this drink with you—"
"In the blink of an eye, several years have passed."
Looking at the increasingly thin and stubborn old man, Zhang Anping remained silent for a while before saying:
"It seems you can't drink alcohol anymore, sir."
He clearly remembered that the old man was very stubborn—before Shanghai fell to the Japanese, high-ranking officials from all walks of life were urging the old man to evacuate, but the old man never responded.
The old man wasn't tired of living, but rather...
Rather, he didn't know how to face this beautiful land destined to be scarred and devastated.
Later, it was my own "moral blackmail" that forced the old man to leave.
Old Huang suddenly laughed, poured two glasses of wine, and said with a smile, "You've really put your heart into this."
This kid has been avoiding me, but he's still aware of my situation.
Ding
After their glasses clinked, Old Huang picked up his glass and drank it all in one gulp. He then stared blankly at Zhang Anping. After a moment's hesitation, Zhang Anping finally picked up his glass and drank it all in one go as well.
"The first time I saw you that year, I felt that you were a rather unusual guy."
Old Huang gazed into the distance, as if searching for those bygone days.
"But I never expected that after I took you to meet Fujita Yoshimasa, you would become a completely different person."
"At the time, I thought I was seeing things and had mistaken someone for someone else."
"I never expected this!"
Old Huang poured himself a glass of wine with a smug look, ignoring Zhang Anping's attempts to stop him, and downed it in one gulp, saying cheerfully:
"That old bastard Fujita Yoshimasa has been smug in front of me for most of his life, and even tried to outmaneuver me. Heh heh, he never expected that Zhang Shih-hao, who has been causing him trouble, is the same Zhang Anping who fawned over him."
Zhang Anping looked at Old Huang speechlessly. Seeing that Old Huang was about to pour him another drink, he simply snatched the bottle away.
"I'll drink it, you can just keep drooling!"
Old Huang cursed, "You ungrateful brat," but had no choice but to accept this "fate." After taking a sip of tea, he fell back into his memories.
"You woke me up that day, saying you'd pop out of the ground in two hours—"
"The old man was really surprised, very surprised!"
"I thought you were a hopeless traitor, but I never expected this!"
As Old Huang spoke, he tried to snatch the wine bottle that Zhang Anping had "occupied," but Zhang Anping was more skillful, so he had to give up. After taking another sip of tea in frustration, he laughed and began to recount his story:
"After you sent me to Chongqing, I often heard news about you, and I could hear about how you were making trouble for the Japanese devils in Shanghai. Every time, I couldn't help but have a few drinks."
"later……"
Old Huang suddenly glared at Zhang Anping: "After you died, this old man was heartbroken for a very, very long time."
"They say that earthenware pots are bound to break at the wellhead, and generals are bound to die on the battlefield, but you... died too suddenly."
Zhang Anping awkwardly drank a glass of wine.
"Who knew you'd come back to life like that!"
“I always knew my eyes could judge people correctly—the first time I saw Mr. Sun, I knew he was worth following; the first time I saw you, I thought you were a promising young man.”
Zhang Anping quickly replied, "What merit do I have to be compared to Mr. Sun?"
"The old man is chanting scriptures, so don't interrupt!"
After scolding him, Old Huang praised, "When you returned to Chongqing, you dared to stand up to Liu Jingfu, that good-for-nothing. I'm really happy!"
"If a city as large as Chongqing, the wartime capital of the Nationalist government, can't even manage air defense, what can Liu Jingfu do?!"
"What can you do!"
Old Huang seemed to be thinking of Chongqing back then—at that time, Chongqing was the wartime capital, the core of China's War of Resistance against Japan, and the key to the Japanese's relentless bombing.
But what about the air defense forces?
Inadequate air defense is one thing, but they're certainly not lagging behind in making money—they don't forget to rake in cash even while braving aerial bombs, truly...
"Heroic and decisive"
If only they had used that courage to fight the Japanese!
"I've always felt I didn't misjudge him." Old Huang's gaze lingered, still lost in memories of the past.
"The gluttons sucked the blood and marrow from the struggling Nationalist government like parasites. You have the spirit of youth, and you have never flinched in the face of their overwhelming power—I see the hope of the Nationalist government in you."
“I always felt that it was a blessing for the country to have people like you after the war was over—you will definitely rebuild this war-torn country into a better one.”
"We will live up to Mr. Sun's hard work!"
At this moment, Zhang Anping silently drank three cups in a row.
"But I was wrong!"
Old Huang suddenly stared directly at Zhang Anping: "Young Zhang, can't you see the overall situation? Can't you see the decline of the Nationalist government?"
"Can't you really see what kind of mess this Nationalist government is?!"
Previously, some people suggested changing the country's name to "Republic of China".
Because they believe that the current "Republic of China" is a desecration of the pioneers of Mr. Sun Yat-sen's generation!
"I always thought your loyalty was to this country and the nation!"
"Even though you have always been steadfastly anti-communist, I still believe that you are loyal to this country!"
"But today, I realized I was wrong!"
"Your loyalty has never been to this country, but to..."
"The person who almost dragged this country into an abyss!"
"Yes or no?!"
Faced with Huang Lao's questioning, Zhang Anping responded by continuing to drink. Huang Lao angrily snatched the wine glass from Zhang Anping's hand and smashed it heavily on the ground. As the glass shattered, Huang Lao angrily said:
"Speak!"
Zhang Anping looked at the lovable old man and sighed inwardly.
He truly wanted to walk towards the light—he was already in the light, so why did he need to walk towards it?
But all I can do is break his heart.
What did I say?
Zhang Anping looked at Old Huang, sighed, and shook his head: "As the deputy director of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, would I arrest a senior like you who dared to spout nonsense in front of me?"
"Don't you want to see a... different China?" Old Huang grasped Zhang Anping's hand, his aged hand slowly brushing against Zhang Anping's, and said: "The Nationalist government is beyond saving!"
"China's hope lies there!"
Zhang Anping slowly but resolutely withdrew his hand:
“I might understand it, but…”
"Don't bother, I know just as much about that place as you do!"
"Zhang boy! Are you really willing to die for this corrupt and stinking Nationalist government?" Old Huang couldn't hide his disappointment, but he still refused to give up: "In my memory, you were loyal to this country!"
Zhang Anping was silent for a moment: "I'm sorry to have disappointed you."
Old Huang remained silent for a long, long time before he said in a hoarse voice:
"Can't you leave yourself a way out? In any case, don't go to extremes!"
Zhang Anping's expression grew cold: "You are someone I respect, and I respect your choice. I don't want to taint the blood of someone I respect on my hands."
"But please don't force me!"
Old Huang retorted, "I'm going to force you—I, Huang Jianxia, have connections with the Communist Party! I'm working for the Communist Party!"
Zhang Anping was both amused and exasperated. What a stubborn old man!
But my heart was also filled with warmth.
This old man, who once "clung" to Shanghai and was willing to sacrifice himself for his cause even in the face of danger, was so stubborn that he was not suited for underground work. But how could Zhang Anping not understand his intentions?
But he could only get up in anger:
"Old man, I'll pretend I didn't hear what you said today!"
"But don't keep pressuring me!"
Having said that, he resolutely turned around, but Huang Jianxia behind him roared and shouted:
"Zhang boy, let me tell you!"
"You, I'm going to force you!"
Zhang Anping left the Huang family in a disheveled state, but after getting into the car, he composed himself and a helpless yet gentle smile appeared on his lips.
He is now certain of one thing:
Old Huang is definitely going to "make trouble" for himself.
However, given Mr. Huang's personality, he will definitely take the initiative to finish his work and then devote himself wholeheartedly to the important task of "finding trouble for himself".
There is only one reason why I do this and push myself so hard:
He couldn't bear to go down a dark path and be sacrificed for this vile regime.
It's so nice to have such a friend despite the age gap...
But as good as it is, I'm afraid I'll be in for a headache next.
[But it's fine, it's a good opportunity to show my "resolute" attitude, it's just... I might have to make the old man suffer a little.]
Zhang Anping smiled helplessly, wondering if the old man would hate him if he had to lock him up.
The car started, casting two bright beams of light into the dark world.
The year is almost over.
[Next year...]
【no the same!】
[Looking back on five thousand years of history, next year will be the first time this has happened!]
……
Mao Renfeng is completely devastated by this loss.
He thought the annual meeting would be enjoyable, but at the last minute, he was struck dumb.
Is he even a man?!
These words from his subordinate nearly shattered Mao Renfeng's resolve.
He hadn't expected the section chief's reaction to be so intense, nor had he anticipated that Zhang Anping's methods would be so ruthless.
After meeting with Chai Ying, Qiu Ning went directly to Mao Renfeng's place and insisted, "Director, Zhang Anping did it on purpose!"
"He deliberately used such cruel methods to embarrass you!"
Qiu Ning initially thought Zhang Anping had simply gone mad.
But now he understands, this isn't madness, it's a grasp of human nature!
Zhang Anping was certain that the guards wouldn't dare to use force without authorization, so he deliberately escalated the situation—his aim was to put Mao Renfeng in a very difficult position.
But the price was that his three comrades were laid to rest forever!
Mao Renfeng was panting heavily. How could he not see that Zhang Anping was doing this on purpose?
But sometimes the difference in methods is revealed in things like this!
Mao Renfeng could only curse in impotent rage: "Pulling chestnuts out of the fire, pulling chestnuts out of the fire... Sooner or later, you will be swallowed by the flames!"
After Qiu Ning and Mao Renfeng drank a few sips of water to calm their anger, they cautiously said:
"Director, what should I do about the task he assigned me?"
Qiu Ning currently has two tasks:
The leak was discovered within five days;
They secretly transferred key members of the underground Communist Party from various places to Chongqing.
The former is understandable, but the latter, in Mao Renfeng's view, is purely intended to cripple his right-hand men.
"Just make do with what you have." Mao Renfeng waved her hand. "He's just trying to stall you."
Qiu Ning was secretly delighted. He was worried that Mao Renfeng would not let him do anything. Now that Mao Renfeng had agreed, he could finally do his job properly.
The only problem right now seems to be finding out about the leak within five days.
The person who leaked the information was him, which naturally couldn't be found out. Given Zhang Anping's personality, he would most likely wait until he was "busy" enough to settle accounts later—but by then, it would probably be too late for him to do so!
……
The year passed uneventfully—the three-day New Year celebrations were over when the Bureau of Secrecy "resumed work."
The first thing to do after "resuming work" was to release all the spies who had been interrogated at Outpost No. 3.
Mao Renfeng's move was truly disgusting. Chinese people have an inherent attachment to the "New Year" of family reunion, but this guy insisted on keeping people stuck during the New Year period.
At the same time these people were released, Mao Renfeng, who had already made the arrangements, hurriedly issued the order to "relocate"—the headquarters of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics dispersed to various places, and did so in a covert manner.
With his trusted subordinates gone, Zhang Anping's faction remained at the headquarters of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics—most of whom had just come from Outpost No. 3.
At this moment, the retaliation from Li Dai's chief attendant also arrived!
Cut staffing!
The headquarters of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics had painstakingly built up a staff of over a thousand, but this order required that only…
75 people!
Although he had long known that Li Dai, the chief of staff, harbored resentment towards the intelligence agency, even Mao Renfeng, who was about to "flee," was stunned when this order was issued.
75 people?
Clerks, special agents, drivers, logistics personnel, plus cadres—75 people in total—this isn't just cutting staff; it's aiming at the very life of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics.
After being shocked, Mao Renfeng couldn't help but laugh triumphantly. "All my people have moved out. The Bureau of Investigation and Statistics is now only left with Zhang Anping's men. After I 'cleaned up' them, they are all just people with titles but no real positions. Let's see what Zhang Anping can do next."
He simply became a hands-off manager, sending someone to slap the order from the Attendant's Office on Zhang Anping's desk before leaving the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, glancing back at him every step of the way.
That afternoon, claiming to be ill, he boarded a military plane and flew to Guangzhou.
Faced with this "hot potato," Zhang Anping was somewhat stunned. He really didn't expect that Li Dai, the acting chief of staff, would be so ruthless, leaving only 75 staff members in such a large headquarters of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics.
It should be noted that although Mao Renfeng took away more than 400 key personnel from the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, there are still more than 700 people in the Bureau, not including a large number of unemployed personnel. If you add them all up, there are still more than 1,000 people.
Even when the Military Intelligence Bureau was reorganized into the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, the reduction rate wasn't this high!
This job is impossible!
He simply followed Mao Renfeng's example and took sick leave—whatever!
Li Dai, the chief attendant, stopped pretending. Since both of you are ill, you shouldn't be burdened with "complex" work. He directly dismissed Mao Renfeng from his position as director and Zhang Anping from his position as deputy director, and appointed Xu Zhitao as the director of the Bureau of Secrecy, specifically in charge of the reorganization of the Bureau.
During the War of Resistance against Japan, Xu Zhitao served in the Fifth War Zone and had a past relationship with the Guangxi Clique, but after receiving this appointment, he was completely stunned.
He had old acquaintances in the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics and knew that the Bureau was now a deadly vortex. For an outsider like him to go in was simply courting death, not to mention that he was given the deadly task of cutting staff.
Therefore, Xu Zhitao, having received the letter of appointment, planned to flee overnight.
This job is impossible!
But his plan backfired. Before he could escape, Zhang Anping sent someone to deliver the head of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics's uniform and a few informants to keep an eye on him.
Left with no other choice, he quickly sought out the section chief to pledge his loyalty, stating that he would absolutely not "collude with the Guangxi clique." Only then did he receive the section chief's approval.
You can just play along with the Guangxi clique. As for the true core of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, even if the relevant information is right in front of you, you don't need to pay any attention to it. (End of Chapter)