Chapter Fifteen: The Counterintelligence Scheme

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More than uncovering a Japanese spy ring, what delighted Dai Li the most was the capture of the codebooks. In the realm of cryptanalysis against Japanese codes, the Intelligence Bureau had suffered one setback after another, prompting Chairman Chiang to reprimand Dai Li several times. However, even the most skilled cook cannot prepare a meal without rice; over the years, the Intelligence Bureau had seized very few Japanese codebooks. Without sufficient samples, deciphering Japanese telegrams was as difficult as scaling the heavens.

Dai Li greatly praised this operation, but unfortunately, Song Yingge had just been exceptionally promoted to Second Lieutenant. According to regulations, to be promoted to First Lieutenant, one must serve at least a year. Thus, Dai Li specially authorized a reward of three hundred yuan.

That very day, when Song Yingge arrived at the Intelligence Bureau for work, he overheard his colleagues discussing that the notorious assassin king, Wang Yaqiao, had been executed in Guangxi Province. No wonder Dai Li had been absent for so many days—he had gone to Guangxi to eliminate his sworn brother. Such loyalty among brothers was truly admirable.

This incident also reminded Song Yingge: although Dai Li now trusted him deeply, once his interests were at stake, he would not hesitate to act ruthlessly.

“Director, the entire undercover group has been apprehended. I have a suggestion regarding Zhou Shun’s handling,” Song Yingge said.

“You’re thinking of a counterintelligence scheme?” Dai Li, ever sharp, immediately guessed Song Yingge’s idea.

“You truly have eyes like a hawk—nothing escapes you,” Song Yingge flattered.

“You’ve learned flattery quickly, young man. Handle it as you see fit,” Dai Li smiled.

“Yes, sir!” Song Yingge accepted the order.

Without delay, Song Yingge rushed to the secret prison on Ninghai Road and immediately interrogated Zhou Shun.

“Yamashita Rizi can live, but you must do one thing for me,” Song Yingge stated plainly.

“Become your informant, return to the Japanese Army Intelligence, and supply you with information, right?” Zhou Shun said.

“You’re smart; that puts my mind at ease,” Song Yingge replied.

“The entire undercover group was captured. If I return alone, I will face the strictest scrutiny and it will be hard not to be exposed,” Zhou Shun said.

“What if all five members of the undercover group were arrested in Shanghai?” Song Yingge asked.

“You underestimate them. I guarantee the Shanghai Intelligence Bureau has their eyes everywhere,” Zhou Shun denied.

Song Yingge pondered for a moment, then said, “Once you return, immediately confess voluntarily to gain their trust. The Japanese will likely keep you alive, intending to use you at a critical moment to feed us false information.”

Though risky, the plan had a chance of success. Zhou Shun had no choice but to agree.

“After saving your life, use all your connections to swiftly regain your position,” Song Yingge instructed.

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That night, with a secret order from Dai Li in hand, Song Yingge arranged a meeting between Zhou Shun and Yamashita Rizi, then released him. With a trump card in hand, Song Yingge was not afraid of Zhou Shun transmitting false intelligence. This was a mere gambit; regardless of the outcome, Song Yingge stood to lose nothing. Moreover, with Yamashita Rizi in custody, there was no fear of Zhou Shun’s cunning.

Thinking of Yamashita Rizi, an idea suddenly struck Song Yingge, and he became unstoppable. Opening the prison door where Yamashita Rizi was held, Song Yingge entered.

One had to admit, Yamashita Rizi was strikingly beautiful. Her skin was like refined jade, her forehead and eyebrows delicate, her petite figure well-proportioned, exuding the charm of a southern beauty.

Yamashita Rizi stood up, adopting a guarded stance.

“Do me a favor,” Song Yingge said.

“What favor?” Yamashita Rizi asked warily.

“What city in Japan are you from?” Song Yingge inquired.

“Tokyo,” Yamashita Rizi replied.

“Good. When you’re free, I’ll come by to learn Japanese from you,” Song Yingge said.

Yamashita Rizi was momentarily stunned but then bowed and said, “Yes.”

...

Xu Zhong had been out of contact for many days, and Song Yingge almost thought he had run off with the money. Fortunately, Xu Zhong appeared on his way home from work.

“How is the matter going?” Song Yingge asked.

“The rickshaw business is set up, with thirty rickshaws and all drivers recruited. It can officially operate tomorrow,” Xu Zhong said. Having been away for days, the youthful look had mostly faded from his face, indicating he had endured much to establish the business.

“Thirty rickshaws? I don’t think the money I gave you was enough to buy that many,” Song Yingge said, puzzled.

“I first bought fifteen, then used these as collateral to borrow fifteen hundred yuan from the bank, and bought another fifteen,” Xu Zhong explained.

Song Yingge glanced at Xu Zhong in surprise, never expecting this young man to have a knack for business.

“Do you know why I want to run a rickshaw business?” Song Yingge asked.

“To serve as informants, collecting intelligence,” Xu Zhong answered.

“Exactly. Halve the rental fees for the rickshaws. Drivers earn more this way and will be more loyal. Also, instruct them to report any unusual situations. For every valuable report, reward ten yuan,” Song Yingge instructed.

“The rent is already half the price of other companies. Halving it again will ruin the business,” Xu Zhong said.

Song Yingge was momentarily stumped; he knew Xu Zhong was deliberately teasing him. To joke with him after days apart showed considerable growth.

Song Yingge took out another eight hundred yuan and handed it to Xu Zhong. “Find good locations in the city to set up a few tea stalls. Hire honest and reliable people to watch over them. Wages can be a little higher; what matters most is the intelligence.”

Without hesitation, Xu Zhong pocketed the money.

“Newsboys and beggars can also be used,” Xu Zhong said, showing rapid improvement.

But Song Yingge, having anticipated this, cautioned, “Don’t engage them for now. They’re hard to control and prone to causing problems.”

Xu Zhong nodded.

“You will own thirty percent shares in both the rickshaw business and tea stalls,” Song Yingge said.

“That’s too much. The capital is yours; I’m just running errands. It’s not worth that much,” Xu Zhong refused.

After some bargaining, Xu Zhong agreed to accept fifteen percent shares.

The next day, as Song Yingge entered the office of Intelligence Group Four, someone approached him.

“Leader, have you eaten breakfast? I happened to buy some extra; do you want to join me?” Zhang Ke said with a broad smile.

Zhang Ke had played a significant role in cracking the undercover group case and was clever. After completing the vetting process, he was transferred to Intelligence Group Four, prepared to be cultivated as a trusted aide.

Hearing Zhang Ke’s words, Song Yingge could not help but smile, recalling that not long ago he too had been trying to ingratiate himself with others.

“Then I’ll have some,” Song Yingge laughed.

As they were eating breakfast, a woman entered—the telegraph section’s Chen Meili. Chen Meili stared at Song Yingge with a hint of grievance.

Seeing this, Zhang Ke tactfully left the office.

Song Yingge felt a little embarrassed. He had promised Chen Meili to watch a movie together that day, but had been so busy that he had forgotten.

Before Chen Meili could speak, Song Yingge hurriedly said, “Are you free after work? Let’s go watch that movie together.”

Chen Meili rolled her eyes but still agreed.