Spy Wars: I am the Captain of the Military Police

Chapter 1055 Cheers to the Empire

Zhou Zhengqing nodded slowly, his tone returning to calm: "Okay. The military police's duty is to maintain order and discipline in the occupied areas and will not interfere with the normal military operations of the field troops."

As long as the dispatched troops' actions comply with military discipline and His Majesty's decree, there will naturally be no obstacles on my side.

“However,” Zhou Zhengqing changed the subject, meeting Prince Jiuyan’s gaze, “since military discipline has been brought up, as the head of the military police, I must remind Your Excellency.”

According to my understanding, the Central China Expeditionary Army had previously been plagued by lax discipline, with frequent incidents of robbery, theft, and indiscriminate killing of innocent people, which were extremely egregious acts.

This is something our military police will never allow to happen. The Imperial Army represents the Emperor, and we will absolutely not allow any behavior that smears the Emperor!

If these actions are not curbed in the future, they will not only intensify the resistance sentiments of the Chinese people, but also affect the combat effectiveness of the troops.

I suggest that while reorganizing the troops, it is essential to strengthen military discipline.

"Are you teaching me how to govern an army?" King Kyūhiko squinted.

“Yes.” Zhou Zhengqing was not to be outdone: “It is our duty to remind you. If what you have done does not satisfy us military police, we will not hesitate to rectify military discipline.”

This is yet another strategic move, seemingly a reminder and warning, but in reality, it lays the groundwork for possible future intervention.

King Jiuyan sneered: "I know how to manage an army. Don't overstep your bounds."

A fierce confrontation has temporarily come to a delicate balance.

Prince Jiuyan nominally gained supreme command and freedom of military action outside the city, but the core city of Nanjing remained firmly in Zhou Zhengqing's hands.

Jingren's witty remarks served as a perfect buffer and mediator, maintaining the superficial harmony within the imperial family while actually supporting Zhou Zhengqing's control over Nanjing.

However, all three knew in their hearts that this was only the beginning.

King Kyohiko would not be content to be just a military commander; he wanted control that could generate real benefits!

Zhou Zhengqing would not easily give up the power he had already obtained.

The candlelight in the restaurant flickered, and the shadows on the wall distorted accordingly.

Prince Kyohiko picked up his chopsticks again, took a piece of sashimi, and mechanically put it into his mouth, as if the fierce confrontation had never happened.

But upon closer inspection, the veins on the back of his hands were still slightly bulging, and his chewing motion was too forceful.

Zhou Zhengqing sat down again, picked up his wine glass, but didn't drink it. He just stared at the clear liquid in the glass, lost in thought.

He was calculating how much he had gained and lost in the negotiations, and what his next move should be.

Prince Kyohiko was not an easy opponent.

How long can I hold onto Nanjing?

Prince Jingren was the most relaxed. He picked up a piece of grilled fish, savored it carefully, and then nodded in satisfaction: "This fish is good. It must have been transported from the mainland, right? It's really not easy to find such ingredients in China." It was as if the tense standoff just now was nothing more than an insignificant quarrel.

“Yes, Your Highness,” Zhou Zhengqing replied, “It was brought over by a merchant ship that arrived this morning.”

"It wasn't easy," Prince Jingren sighed, his gaze sweeping over the two of them.

The restaurant fell into a brief silence, broken only by the soft clinking of cutlery and the crackling of burning wood in the fireplace.

But this silence is different from the previous tense standoff; it's more like a truce, with both sides reassessing the situation and conserving their strength.

Zhou Zhengqing's gaze inadvertently swept across the window.

In the darkness of night, Tianjin was completely dark, with only a few scattered lights.

"What is Takumi thinking?" Prince Jingren's voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Nothing, I was just thinking about Nanjing, Your Highness." Zhou Zhengqing withdrew his gaze: "I was just thinking about how to carry out the reconstruction of Nanjing. Suppression alone is not enough; we must get the city running again to provide the empire with resources and manpower."

"Oh?" Prince Kyūhiko looked up, seemingly interested in the topic. "What are your plans?"

"The initial idea is to restore basic municipal functions first."

Water supply, electricity, and garbage collection—these most basic services must be restored.

Then some essential factories resumed operations, especially civilian factories such as textile mills and food processing plants.

"This will provide employment and supplies for the military," Zhou Zhengqing said calmly, as if presenting a work report. "Of course, all of this must be carried out under strict control."

All factories that resume operations must be supervised by military police.

King Jiuyan pondered for a moment and nodded: "The idea is good, but where will the funds, equipment, and technical personnel come from? Right now, the empire's main resources are invested in the front lines, and it is probably difficult to give priority to the construction in the rear."

“Not much new investment is needed,” Zhou Zhengqing said. “Nanjing already has a complete industrial base, and many factories’ equipment is only temporarily out of service and can be used again after a little repair.”

Technicians... The Chinese technicians in the factory could continue working as long as they were willing to cooperate, but of course, under close surveillance.

Regarding funding, we can involve Japanese businessmen; I think they would be very happy to take over these factories.

"You're very knowledgeable about economics?" King Jiuyan looked at Zhou Zhengqing with some surprise.

"I don't understand." Zhou Zhengqing answered without hesitation: "I don't need to understand it either. I just need someone who understands management and economics."

King Kuhiko seemed to be deep in thought.

He had initially thought Zhou Zhengqing was just a spoiled nobleman, but now it seemed that this kid was much more complicated than he had imagined.

They have the means, the strategy, and a certain governance philosophy.

"It seems you're quite talented, Takuto." King Kyūhiko's tone softened somewhat, but behind this softening lay a deeper wariness: "Once the situation in Nanjing stabilizes, I will recommend you to the military."

The Empire's rule in China needs someone like you who understands both military and administrative affairs; you should shoulder more responsibility.

"Thank you for your kind words." Zhou Zhengqing bowed slightly, but inwardly he sneered. This was nothing more than polite words to win him over. If he actually believed it, he would be too naive.

Besides, my position at the Military Police Command has already reached its limit. What more responsibility could I possibly take on? Would the military dare to give me that much more? Would they even be qualified to do so?

Prince Jingren watched the interaction between the two, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.

He picked up the wine jug and refilled the wine for the three of them: "I am relieved to see that you two can discuss national affairs calmly."

The Empire's cause in China needs everyone's concerted efforts.

"Come, to His Majesty the Emperor, to the Empire, cheers!"

The three raised their glasses and drank them down in one gulp, but the wine in each glass tasted different.

Just then, a series of rapid and heavy footsteps came from outside the restaurant, which were particularly clear in the quiet corridor.

Footsteps stopped at the door, followed by a servant's respectful announcement: "Report! His Excellency General Terauchi Hisaichi, Commander-in-Chief of the North China Area Army, has arrived!"

The three people inside the room were all taken aback.

King Kyūhiko's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, a hint of surprise and wariness flashing in his eyes.

The sudden appearance of Terauchi Hisaichi, the supreme commander of the North China Area Army, was by no means accidental.

He had come to Tianjin in secret, but he didn't expect Terauchi Hisaichi to receive the news so quickly.