Chapter 6: The Mystery of Identity, Part One

Chapter 6: The Identity Enigma (Part One)

Upon being introduced to the man called Uncle Xi, the Japanese individual, Xu Ruiyang, who had been sitting outside and had just heard his voice, was deeply shaken.

He didn’t know who Gao Zongwu was, but he was somewhat familiar with Mei Siping’s mention of the man, as Gao had once been a professor at Central University before entering politics.

As for Mr. Wang, the only person the Japanese would mention with such respect had to be Wang Jingwei, the elder statesman and vice president of the Yamashiro faction—a renowned handsome figure during the Republic era and the recorder of Sun Yat-sen’s last will!

Years ago, Wang Jingwei had attempted to assassinate the Qing regent Zaifeng. After being captured, he penned a poem:
“Boldly singing in the markets of Yan, calmly becoming a prisoner of Chu. Drawing the blade with swift resolve, living up to youthful pride.”

The revelation was staggering; it was unimaginable that the second most powerful figure in the Yamashiro government had secretly reached a treasonous agreement with the Japanese. This meant he was about to become a traitor!

“The Tohei agency is responsible, aside from combat, for all significant affairs concerning China. Kageo Sadaaki is the Army Ministry’s military affairs section chief, and Takeo Imai is the head of the China division at the General Staff Headquarters. It’s curious that the signing with Mr. Wang’s faction was not conducted by General Tohei himself,” someone remarked.

“If Mr. Wang agrees to form the new government, the greatest credit will go to the military’s staff command and administrative bodies, while the intelligence department lags behind. It seems General Tohei will gain little from the future government,” another added.

“Since the Tohei agency's establishment, it hasn't achieved much. Its efforts to induce defections and sow divisions within the Yamashiro faction's departments have shown few highlights. Crucially, Gao Zongwu, a close ally of Mr. Wang who facilitated this matter, initially made contact with our South Manchuria Railway, which then introduced him to Kageo Sadaaki’s office,” someone explained.

“This line has no connection to the Tohei agency, and Tohei himself has not been involved in substantial affairs. If the new government is established, the Tohei agency will be unnecessary and will inevitably be replaced by a new behind-the-scenes organization.” The tone suggested the speaker was Matsuoka Yosuke, president of the South Manchuria Railway.

The ensuing discussion drifted into trivial matters—at least to Xu Ruiyang—but if these words leaked, they would certainly stir significant unrest.

For instance, Takeo Ito, director of the South Manchuria Railway’s Shanghai Office, was leading investigations into Japanese military affairs along cities on the Yangtze River. There were complaints from Major General Kuraoka Yoshie, scolding the head of the Bingcheng intelligence headquarters, Major General Qin Yansaburo, accusing the intelligence agency of excluding the Special Higher Police from the security and public order departments and refusing to accept military police oversight.

After more than half an hour, Haruka Inoue finally emerged. The two rode bicycles back to the residential area in the new district.

Chapter 6: The Identity Enigma (Part Two)

“The man I called Uncle Xi just now is Xi Yixian, a classmate and close friend of my father. He serves as director of the South Manchuria Railway’s Jinling branch in Shanghai. The two generals are Kuraoka Yoshie, the Kempeitai commander of the Kwantung Army, and Yano Onzaburo, recently appointed deputy chief of staff of the Kwantung Army,” Haruka Inoue explained.

“Tomorrow’s New Year’s Day. He usually comes to my house to drink. I will strongly recommend you, Xu-kun. Which department would you prefer to work in?” Haruka asked.

“To have such an opportunity, I’m already very grateful, Miss Inoue. Asking for more would be presumptuous. Please arrange whatever you see fit. Anything is better than being a patrolman!” Xu Ruiyang smiled.

“Just call me Haruka from now on! Not making demands clearly brings more benefits and makes people like you better, Xu-kun. You really are clever!” Haruka smiled back.

As a student at Nagoya Imperial University, her quick wit caught Xu Ruiyang’s intention in an instant.

It was a pity she was Japanese; if she were Chinese, with such a promising start—a classic hero saving a beauty—I would surely have pursued her!

Back home, Xu Ruiyang stuffed a few pieces of firewood into the heated kang bed, sat by the stove, and happily smoked a cigar. He deeply admired Haruka’s keen intelligence.

“Tomorrow is New Year’s Day. Why didn’t you leave work early?” Lin Baofeng came in as usual, pushing the door open and dragging a chair to sit.

“I might be changing jobs. Near the end of work today, I ran into the Japanese girl I saved yesterday. She invited me to dine at the Yamato Hotel. Guess who I met there?” Xu Ruiyang offered Lin a cigar.

“A cigar? That’s expensive. You must have good connections. Did you meet the South Manchuria Railway president?” Lin Baofeng guessed.

“The president, Xi Yixian, director of the Jinling branch of the South Manchuria Railway Shanghai Office, Kempeitai commander Major General Kuraoka Yoshie, and Kwantung Army deputy chief of staff Major General Yano Onzaburo—they were all gathering at the Yamato Hotel. Haruka and I had just finished eating and were about to leave when they asked Haruka to brew tea for them,” Xu explained.

“This Xi Yixian is a classmate and close friend of Haruka’s father. He’s reporting back to headquarters now. With him involved, I expect the transfer process will go smoothly,” Xu continued.

Before clarifying Lin Baofeng’s true identity, Xu decided to withhold information to avoid trouble.

Chapter 6: The Identity Enigma (Part Three)

“They’re all big shots in Manchukuo. Didn’t you hear anything they said? Even a few words might contain important information or clues!” Lin Baofeng urged excitedly.

Xu Ruiyang frowned. The more eager Lin became, the less Xu wanted to reveal the truth, such as the secret Shigemitsu agreement.

Though over a month had passed without leaks, the information was still time-sensitive. If the Japanese discovered he had betrayed their secret, the consequences would be dire.

“Uncle Lin, you’re getting more impatient. If this continues, we won’t be able to maintain our previous understanding,” Xu exhaled smoke.

With his impending transfer from the police station, Lin Baofeng’s behavior suddenly changed drastically, prompting Xu to remain cautious.

“Are you doubting my identity? Do you think I’m a Japanese spy or an underground Communist agent?” Lin Baofeng laughed, knowing exactly where the suspicion lay.

Indeed, the man was cautious, perfect material for such work. If Xu didn’t reveal the truth, he might never receive any intelligence from him.

Xu had his own reasons for withholding the truth; he hadn’t wanted to expose his identity so soon. But facing the sensitive information Lin might know, he had no choice. Besides, the time was ripe.

“A spy? If I thought you were a spy, I wouldn’t have gotten into Central University! I’m just an ordinary patrolman, not the head of the Police Department. Why would a spy watch me? As for the underground party, they probably can’t even afford meat or wine, let alone such luxuries,” Xu said sarcastically.

(End of chapter)