Chapter 65 News of Kawashima Yoshiko

Sun Xi drove the car with Song Yingge sitting in the back. As they passed the White Deer Bookstore at Huapailou, Song Yingge caught sight of a small wooden sign hanging outside the shop with the words "New Arrivals Today" written on it. This was the signal Old Zhao had requested for a meeting.

Song Yingge felt somewhat relieved; this indicated that Old Zhao had returned safely to the bookstore.

Upon arriving at Tianyin Lane, Sun Xi carried Song Yingge on his back into the small courtyard.

Song Yingge took three thousand yuan out of the safe and handed it to Sun Xi. "Logically speaking, two thousand yuan should be enough, but to be on the safe side, I am giving you three thousand."

Sun Xi did not hesitate and took the money. "Team Leader, if the matter fails, I will return this money to you. If it succeeds, I won't return it."

Though the phrasing sounded somewhat awkward, Song Yingge understood what Sun Xi meant.

If the operation succeeded, the money would not be returned, and from then on, the Third and Fourth Intelligence Teams would be as one family, with Sun Xi following Song Yingge's lead implicitly.

"Remember, the Special Service Directorate has only one boss, and that is the Director," Song Yingge reminded him.

Sun Xi was no fool and quickly realized the implication, breaking out in a cold sweat.

Forming small cliques was acceptable, provided one remained loyal to the Director—at least on the surface.

"Furthermore, regardless of whether this matter succeeds or fails, the money must be left for Section Chief Wei. You must take a long-term view," Song Yingge instructed.

"Thank you for the guidance, Team Leader," Sun Xi said, growing even more respectful.

"Let's go. Return to the Special Service Directorate. You go find Section Chief Wei, and I will go have an audience with the Director."

"Team Leader, your health..." Seeing Song Yingge dragging his wounded body to look out for him, Sun Xi suddenly understood why the ancients said, "A scholar dies for one who truly knows him."

Just as Xu Zhong once had.

Arriving at Caodu Lane, supported by Sun Xi and amidst the astonished gazes of the onlookers, Song Yingge entered Dai Li's office.

"Director, this subordinate has executed my duties poorly and has come specifically to plead guilty." Song Yingge lowered his head, barely managing to stand straight, presenting a picture of utter frailty.

In ancient times there was Lian Po carrying thorns to beg for forgiveness; today there was Song Yingge nursing injuries to plead guilty.

Song Yingge certainly knew how to play the sympathy card.

Regardless of how one looked at it, the operation at the wharf had originally been under Song Yingge's charge.

Even though the subsequent blunder had been caused by Zheng Guo'en.

There was no guarantee that Dai Li wouldn't harbor resentment toward Song Yingge.

"Why did you run out?"

In truth, Dai Li did harbor some criticisms of Song Yingge, but seeing his current state, his anger completely dissipated.

"This subordinate heard about the incident involving Zheng Guo'en and felt deeply remorseful. Had I not been so useless, how could I have provoked Generalissimo Chiang's anger and implicated the Director?"

"Nonsense! What does this matter have to do with you? Hurry back to the hospital and recuperate properly."

Song Yingge covered his face and wept bitterly, his knees buckling as if he were about to kneel. "The Director treats his subordinates with boundless generosity, and this subordinate has no way to repay you save for this humble life."

Dai Li stepped forward and caught Song Yingge, joking, "Save the kneeling for the New Year. If you kneel now, there won't be any lucky money."

"The Director's grace of rebirth is akin to that of parents. Kneeling before the Director is only right."

"Sit down and speak."

After the two men sat down, Song Yingge said, "Since my health is failing and the Fourth Team's work currently lacks leadership, I fear it may delay important matters for the Director. I propose promoting someone within the Fourth Team to serve as deputy team leader and take charge in the interim."

"Do you have a suitable candidate in mind?"

"This subordinate is unworthy; I leave the decision entirely to the Director."

"Let's hear your thoughts."

"Yes." After careful consideration, Song Yingge began:

"Among the newcomers, Zhang柯 and Ye You have performed well, but their seniority is still shallow and they cannot command universal respect.

Among the veterans, Liu Dazhi is quick-witted and thorough in handling affairs; he is capable of taking on responsibility.

Sun Xi is diligent, loyal, and cautious by nature; he is capable of taking on major responsibilities."

Dai Li looked at Song Yingge with a half-smile. "I suspect you aren't just here to plead guilty, are you?"

Song Yingge's little schemes could not be hidden from Dai Li, nor was there any need to hide them.

If someone truly harbored no desires or ambitions, why would they come to the Special Service Directorate in the first place?

And even if they did, would Dai Li dare to use such a person?

"The Director's piercing insight sees all. Yingge was indeed entrusted by someone, but I also genuinely wish to recommend talent for the Director."

Song Yingge's primary strategy was sincerity.

Upon hearing this, Dai Li did not get angry.

Everyone wanted to climb higher; as long as they remained loyal to him and posed no threat to his position, he possessed the magnanimity to tolerate them.

"As for the specific candidate to head the Third Intelligence Team, I still need to hear Section Chief Wei's recommendations," Dai Li said.

After all, Wei Si was the head of the Intelligence Section and also one of Dai Li's trusted confidants.

His feelings still needed to be taken into account.

Hearing this, Song Yingge knew that the matter was more than half-settled.

Sure enough, by the second day, Sun Xi arrived excitedly at the hospital to report the good news.

"Then I must congratulate you in advance, Team Leader Sun," Song Yingge teased.

Sun Xi was poor with words, and after a long while, he managed to squeeze out, "Team Leader, please don't make fun of me. If not for you, what would I even be?"

In the Special Service Directorate, Sun Xi was considered a veteran.

However, he was taciturn, clumsy with words, and usually remained completely obscure.

With a personality like his, had Song Yingge not given him a helping hand, he probably would have met his demise during some mission before ever seeing a promotion.

What Song Yingge valued in Sun Xi was precisely that sense of accountability.

He was meticulous in his work, and whenever an order was given, even if he didn't understand it, he would execute it to the letter without compromise.

Back when they were investigating the case of Xu Zhong, Sun Xi had given his full cooperation to Song Yingge, who was still a newcomer then, never making things difficult for him.

"Alright, before you officially transfer to the Third Team, squeeze out some remaining energy and keep a close eye on Dong Yang for me."

With a few words, Song Yingge dismissed Sun Xi.

...

Five days later, Song Yingge had fully recovered. Amidst the doctor's expressions of astonishment, he went through the discharge procedures.

Leaving the hospital and getting into the car, Song Yingge said, "Team Leader Sun, please take good care of me from now on."

Two days prior, Sun Xi had been appointed Deputy Team Leader of the Third Intelligence Team, temporarily taking charge of its affairs.

Facing Song Yingge's banter, Sun Xi didn't know how to respond, so he changed the subject: "Dong Yang is indeed in covert contact with a mysterious man. However, that man possesses exceptionally strong counter-surveillance skills. Fearing I would be exposed, I wasn't able to follow him to the end."

"Strong counter-surveillance skills precisely indicate that he is one of us—an insider of our trade."

Sun Xi's operational capabilities were considered top-tier within the Special Service Directorate, yet he couldn't even manage to tail the man.

The capability of that mysterious man was thus self-evident.

"Perhaps this is a big fish."

Returning to Caodu Lane, Song Yingge first reported his safe return to Dai Li.

Then he headed straight back to the interrogation room.

Having been locked up for so long, Liang Xue must have gone mad by now.

He wondered if she had coughed up any intelligence.

"Team Leader Song, you've been discharged?" Shen Wei asked warmly upon seeing Song Yingge.

"Thank you for your concern. How is Liang Xue's condition?"

"She's gone mad. I'll get the surveillance logs for you."

A moment later, Shen Wei walked over carrying a large stack of papers.

Song Yingge pulled out fifty yuan and handed it to Shen Wei. "Brothers, you've worked hard. Take this money to get something good to eat and build your strength."

"Team Leader Song, this is too much," Shen Wei hurriedly declined.

Going out for a meal of lavish dishes wouldn't even cost a few yuan.

The remaining money could still be split among the four of them, amounting to over ten yuan each.

Song Yingge waved his hand dismissively and picked up the surveillance logs to read.

"Oh, well, she actually spat out a 'golden' piece of intelligence."

As it turned out, a mad Japanese spy was indeed a good Japanese spy.

"I can't believe I actually saw you at the guesthouse. Teacher, do you know how much I've missed you?"

"Intelligence Value: Golden. Highly valuable."

A romance between teacher and student?

That was hard to judge...

Let's analyze this piece of intelligence.

The "teacher" in Liang Xue's mouth should be someone who served as an instructor at the Japanese spy training school.

Their age should be considerably older than Liang Xue's.

At least over thirty years old.

As for gender, the probability was highest that it was a male.

However, given Liang Xue's perverted personality, the possibility of it being a female could not be ruled out.

The "guesthouse" likely referred to the Tangshan Hot Spring Guesthouse—a place not open to the general public, accessible only to high-ranking military and political officials.

The possibility of Liang Xue's teacher being a high-ranking military or political official was not zero, but the probability was extremely low.

The most likely way for this person to enter the Tangshan Hot Spring Guesthouse was by receiving an invitation from some high-ranking official and accompanying them inside.

Thus, the target's profile became much clearer:

Male or female, over thirty years of age, who had once accompanied a high-ranking official into the Tangshan Hot Spring Guesthouse.

Even with this information, finding Liang Xue's teacher would still be as difficult as reaching the heavens.

The rest of the surveillance logs contained no further golden intelligence.

With no other choice, Song Yingge had to summon Qin Song.

During this period, Qin Song had been provided with good food and drink, causing him to put on quite a bit of weight.

"At the training school, which instructor was Liang Xue closest to?"

"As long as you capture Toyota Chiyo and bring her here, I will tell you anything."

"If you don't give me information, how am I supposed to capture Toyota Chiyo?"

"That's none of my concern." Qin Song maintained a completely impervious attitude.

For a moment, Song Yingge truly had no way of dealing with him.

Beatings were useless, and cursing was even more useless.

Song Yingge's eyes rolled slightly, and he spoke up: "Do you want a photograph of Liu Yuzhen?"

When Liu Yuzhen had been arrested back then, photographs were taken for archival purposes, and her picture was in the archives room.

Qin Song was indeed tempted, but after a moment of hesitation, he refused.

"After Liu Yuzhen died, her corpse was simply cast out into the wilderness. If you are willing to cooperate, I can order someone to build a grave for her and allow you to pay your respects once. But it will be limited to building the grave; erecting a stele will not be permitted." Song Yingge upped the stakes.

Qin Song stared at Song Yingge. "Do you guarantee it?"

"We treat young and old with equal honesty; no deception."

As long as a person had desires, they could be controlled.

"I once heard Liu Yuzhen say that Liang Xue admired Instructor No. 3 the most, and the two of them were the closest."

"Instructor No. 3, male or female?"

"I don't know."

"You've never seen Instructor No. 3?"

"I have. But Instructor No. 3 seemed to have two sides. Dressed in men's clothing, she was a man; changed into women's clothing, she was a woman."

"Do you remember what they looked like?" Song Yingge asked.

"Of course I remember."

"You describe, I'll draw." Song Yingge fetched paper and pen.

Guided by Qin Song's descriptions, the appearance of Instructor No. 3 slowly emerged under Song Yingge's brush.

"Hmm?" Looking at the portrait on the paper, Song Yingge felt he had seen this face somewhere before.

"Isn't this Kawashima Yoshiko?"

Song Yingge recalled that in his past life, driven by curiosity, he had searched for photographs of Kawashima Yoshiko.

"This really is a big fish."

Only, he wondered when Liang Xue had seen Kawashima Yoshiko at the Tangshan Hot Spring Guesthouse.

If it was recently, Song Yingge was confident he could apprehend her.

There was no time to lose.

Song Yingge returned to the Fourth Intelligence Team.

"Ye You, Gu Qiang, the two of you immediately go to the Tangshan Hot Spring Guesthouse."

"Team Leader, what's the mission?" Having never handled a case independently yet, Ye You appeared very excited.

Song Yingge handed Kawashima Yoshiko's portrait to the two men. "Go to the guesthouse and inquire about this person."

"Yes, Team Leader. We'll handle it right away."

Holding the portrait, the two men left happily.

Song Yingge turned his gaze to Zhang Ke. "How is the situation with Xiao Wei?"

"Two days ago, Xiao Wei made another trip to the fish market and vegetable market. I saw him chatting with a peddler for a few moments, though the specific content of their conversation remains unknown."

Zhang Ke was full of drive.

Everyone in the Special Service Directorate knew that Sun Xi's promotion to Deputy Team Leader of the Third Team was due to Song Yingge pulling strings behind the scenes.

This also proved that Song Yingge was not the type of leader who suppressed his subordinates.

Working under such a leader gave one hope for the future.

"Once is a coincidence, twice definitely means something fishy. Even if we don't know what the vegetable market has that could attract the covetous eyes of Japanese spies, we'll find out once we investigate."

"Yes, Team Leader."

"Has any problem been found with that peddler?"

"The peddler is a native of Jinling with clear family ties; nothing is falsified. His financial status also matches his occupation. No problems have been found so far."

"Alright. If the Fourth Team's manpower is insufficient, go borrow some from Team Leader Sun and scatter everyone into the vegetable market."

"Yes. By the way, Team Leader Sun hasn't hosted a banquet to celebrate his promotion yet; he said he was waiting for you to be discharged from the hospital. Do you think I should make arrangements for tonight?"

"Tomorrow night. I just got discharged; I need to rest for a day."

"It was this subordinate's oversight." Zhang Ke's face filled with shame.

"Never mind that. Go busy yourself."

After dispatching all the personnel of the Fourth Intelligence Team, Song Yingge hid in his office, drinking tea and reading the newspaper, until it was soon time to knock off work.

Song Yingge first returned home, slept until past ten o'clock, and when all was silent and still, he arrived at the White Deer Bookstore.

"Comrade Lushan, it's truly wonderful that you're alright." Upon seeing Song Yingge again, Old Zhao was extremely emotional.

"I almost lost my life," Song Yingge said, feeling a lingering sense of fear as he recalled it.

"Being alive is a good thing, it's just a pity that three comrades made the ultimate sacrifice."

Hearing this, Song Yingge's expression also dimmed somewhat.

"Comrade Lushan, report the situation at the wharf that day to me in detail. If there are any omissions, perhaps we can still remedy them."

After Song Yingge reported the events of that day, Old Zhao frowned and said, "You mean the two people from Zhendong Hall most likely guessed your identity?"

"At least Liu Chuanshu could guess it."

"Those two are a hidden hazard."

"Kill them?"

Old Zhao glared at Song Yingge. "How long have you been in the Special Service Directorate, and your killing intent has already become so heavy?"

"Since we can't kill them, what do you suggest we do?" Song Yingge spread his hands.

Old Zhao was at a loss. "Tomorrow, go test their attitudes. I will discuss it with the organization before making a decision."

"Are the comrades from the Northwest doing well?"

"Though I don't know which comrades came from the Northwest, their safety has been confirmed."

Song Yingge knew the identities of Wan Mu and the others; that day, even if it cost him his life, Wan Mu had to be saved.

"That's good. At least these two gunshots weren't taken in vain."

Old Zhao felt a surge of warmth in his heart; he knew that had it not been for Song Yingge, not a single one of them would have escaped.

"Rest assured, your contribution will be recorded in the archives."

"What I want is not merit, but peace and prosperity for the country and its people."

"Not bad. After a few days apart, your ideological perspective has improved considerably," Old Zhao praised, then rubbed his hands together and asked, "When will the second batch of funds arrive?"

"Old Zhao, your ideological perspective just took a nosedive right there."

"Raising funds, you see... there's nothing shameful about it."