Spy Wars: I am the Captain of the Military Police

Chapter 1068 is our business!

These words were impeccable, a testament to the survival wisdom and linguistic artistry of those in high positions.

Throughout the entire piece, he neither explicitly expressed "support" nor "opposition." Instead, he first stated the necessity of "difficulties" and "compassion," acknowledged the possibility and potential benefits of a certain "compromise," and then devoted a large section to emphasizing the principles of "caution" and "concealment," while also pointing out potential sources of risk.

As for how to proceed in detail, how to build channels, how to distribute profits, and how to divide and bear risks, those are issues that the specific implementers must resolve.

Prince Asaka Yasuhiko, a member of the Imperial Family, a Lieutenant General in the Army, and a commander of an army group, merely offered a set of "guidance" and "risk warnings" that would be correct and impeccable in any situation.

He made a statement, but it was as if he hadn't said anything at all.

They do not object, and may even implicitly understand and acquiesce, but they will never leave any grounds for substantive commitments or leverage.

Beneath this veil of high-sounding words, another, more direct meaning quietly emerges.

That was the unprecedented "business" that he, who was about to personally lead the Central China Expeditionary Army, had to get involved in.

The list of those "useless items" was transformed into a secret transaction that the soldiers "urgently needed," something that King Kuhiko also needed.

It's both tacit approval and an offer.

Zhou Zhengqing understood perfectly. He slightly shifted his gaze to Prince Jingren, who remained silent with a faint smile, seemingly completely absorbed in the delicious food.

This is the Emperor's younger brother, His Majesty's eyes and ears, placed by his side to "keep an eye on" him.

Terauchi Hisaichi and Prince Yasuhiko made no attempt to conceal their intentions from Emperor Kagehito when discussing the purpose of reselling "military funds," perhaps intending to use him to convey their message to the Emperor.

This matter can be kept from the military, and it can be kept from the cabinet, but it will never be kept from His Majesty.

All three eyes were focused on Kagehito, making the Emperor's younger brother feel slightly uncomfortable.

He nodded slightly, the curve of his lips deepening almost imperceptibly, his eyes carrying a hint of subtle encouragement, but he remained silent, refocusing his attention on the matsutake mushroom hot pot in front of him, gently stirring the milky white broth with a porcelain spoon.

There are no words.

But in Terauchi Hisaichi's eyes, a glint of relief mixed with the brilliance of a successful scheme flashed.

Prince Kyohiko lowered his eyes and turned his gaze back to the plate of sea bream sashimi, as if continuing his unfinished "appreciation".

enough.

That subtle nod, that fleeting glance, was already the undeniable proof that everything was tacitly agreed upon.

In the world of royalty and the Chinese, silence often means permission, subtle expressions convey attitude, and not opposing is tantamount to support.

Especially in gray areas where it is impossible to leave any written evidence or even make a clear verbal promise.

Prince Kagehito's posture indicated that he "saw" it, he "heard" it, he neither confirmed nor denied it, but he neither stormed off nor offered any admonition.

that's enough.

His presence, and his ultimately subtle reaction, gilded this clandestine transaction with a thin, yet crucial, layer of "understanding" from the highest level.

Even if this "understanding" has never been, and will never be, publicly acknowledged.

This result was within Zhou Zhengqing's expectations.

How could the Emperor not know about the secret channels between the Military Police Headquarters and the Kwantung Army?

Now that the scale has expanded, it is tantamount to voluntarily presenting a more conspicuous "handle" to the emperor.

Prince Kagehito's tacit approval at this moment may be a silent echo of the Emperor's will.

The group exchanged knowing smiles.

Terauchi Hisaichi grinned with satisfaction: "Takuto, didn't you say you were going to Shanghai? Shanghai is a great place."

The largest metropolis in the Far East, a true Bund, a melting pot of all sorts of people, with numerous concessions, foreigners, Chinese, expatriates from various countries, and people from all walks of life.

Muddy waters are better for fishing and doing "small business"—it's more convenient, and more...safe?

In Tianjin, in North China, it's still my territory after all. There are many people and eyes around, and I, this old guy, have to check things out from time to time.

Once in Shanghai, far from the emperor's reach, even the British, American, and French concessions, and the hands of those from Kyoto, might not be able to completely extend their influence.

Are you sure you can operate freely? Can your "business" thrive...?

Zhou Zhengqing laughed and said, "My business?... It's our business!"

Everyone laughed again.

King Jiuyan nodded slightly. This time, the smile on his lips deepened, and the encouragement in his eyes was more obvious.

Today's conversation progressed from initial confrontation, to verbal exchanges, and finally to tacit cooperation.

Aside from the seemingly naive Jingren, the other three at the table harbored their own complex and conflicting thoughts.

“Since the general trusts us so much, and Your Highness also believes this matter will benefit the soldiers on the front lines,” Zhou Zhengqing said with a smile, “then… I might as well give it a try.”

However, this matter is of great importance and requires absolute secrecy; the operation must be carried out with extreme caution.

The specific details still need to be discussed in detail.

I suggest that the first transaction should not be too large, to test whether the channel is safe and smooth. If it goes well, then gradually expand.

I will have someone personally discuss the specifics of the transaction process with the North China Area Army Headquarters later.

"Good! That's great!" Terauchi Hisaichi laughed loudly, so loud that the paper door trembled slightly.

He raised his glass, the movement causing a few drops of wine to splash onto the lacquered table, creating dark spots: "It's settled then! The details, please!"

“By the way, Takasaki-kun,” Terauchi Hisaichi suddenly spoke up again, casually picking up a piece of grilled fish with his chopsticks, “I hope the first batch will be ready as soon as possible, how about three days from now?”

Zhou Zhengqing snapped out of his thoughts and nodded: "I will make the arrangements. The morphine factory's output has been increasing, and it seems there is still some stock. As long as the raw material supply in Manchuria is sufficient, I will have no problem."

Suddenly, an idea quickly took shape in Zhou Zhengqing's mind.

Terauchi Hisaichi dared to propose even such a transaction that touched upon the red lines of military management in order to supply the front lines. This not only illustrates the enormous logistical pressure on the Japanese army, but also exposes the mentality of these high-ranking generals who were eager to grasp at any straw in the quagmire of war.

What he was thinking about was something far more strategically valuable than morphine.

He turned to Reiko, who was standing to the side, and said, "Reiko, go and get that box from the safe in my study."

Reiko bowed slightly and withdrew silently.

This action surprised Terauchi Hisaichi and Yasuhiko Osamu. They exchanged a puzzled look, wondering what Zhou Zhengqing intended to do by suddenly taking out a box at this moment.

Jing Ren maintained his enigmatic smile, seemingly anticipating what was about to happen.