Awakening of Insects
Volume Two, Chapter Eleven
Outside the tree hollow, the birch forest sprouted tender green buds, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of earth and grass. Spring in the north arrives slowly but surely; as if overnight, the bleakness of winter had been quietly dispelled by this vitality. However, beneath this seemingly tranquil recovery, a chilling undercurrent was emerging within the intelligence network meticulously woven by Shen Lanjun.
The first to report the emergency was a nurse at the hospital, whom we called "Qinghe." Taking advantage of the opportunity to dispose of medical waste, she slipped a crumpled prescription into the designated mailbox. When Xiao Chen retrieved it, Shen Lanjun used a chemical to develop the tissue; it revealed Qinghe's delicate yet anxious handwriting:
"Recently, several seriously wounded Japanese officers were secretly transported here for isolation and treatment. Overhearing the head nurse's conversation, she mentioned 'special tactics,' 'new weapons testing,' and 'target: the Anti-Japanese Allied Army's secret camp.' It seems there may be a major operation in the works."
Almost simultaneously, Wang Degui also sent a message via the dead mail system. This time, he didn't provide specific documents, but instead used cryptic language to describe it:
"The warehouse inventory is abnormal. A large amount of special materials (non-military) have been put into storage, labeled as 'cultural supplies' and 'educational equipment'. The transport team is frequently traveling to and from Xinjing (Changchun). I heard that an 'expert team' is about to arrive, and the mission is related to 'ideology' and 'education', and is of a very high level."
These two seemingly unrelated pieces of information from different sources quickly collided and intertwined in Shen Lanjun's mind. She unfolded the regional map hand-drawn by Gu Tieshan, now densely marked, her gaze sharp as a knife.
“The Japanese mopping-up operation ended less than a month ago, and they’re already transporting seriously wounded officers again, mentioning ‘new weapons’ and ‘special tactics’…” Shen Lanjun pointed to several areas on the map where the main force of the Anti-Japanese United Army might be active. “This is definitely not a small-scale mopping-up operation. The target is our base area. This is the prelude to a planned and better-prepared large-scale mopping-up operation!”
Gu Tieshan walked to her side, looking at the map with a grave expression. His sense for military operations was equally sharp: "Time, we need the exact time! And what exactly is this 'new weapon'?"
“Qinghe’s level isn’t high enough to access the core. As for Wang Degui, it’s probably difficult to get specific operational plans either.” Shen Lanjun frowned. “But combined with another piece of information he provided—'cultural products' and 'expert team'…” Her fingers tapped unconsciously on the table, a habit she had when deep in thought.
"The Black Dragon Society...the plan to change the country..." she murmured to herself, a flash of understanding appearing in her eyes. "I understand! The Japanese are using a two-pronged approach this time! On the one hand, they are mobilizing a large force to prepare for a fatal military strike against the main force of the Anti-Japanese Allied Forces; on the other hand, they are using so-called 'cultural indoctrination' to infiltrate and enslave our minds! They want to fundamentally undermine our will to resist and realize their true ambition of 'changing the country'!"
This judgment caused the air inside the tree hollow to freeze instantly. Military strikes combined with cultural infiltration are far more insidious and deadly than simple military suppression!
"We must report to Political Commissar Yang and headquarters immediately!" Gu Tieshan said in a deep voice. "The main force must prepare in advance to deal with the Japanese mopping-up operations. At the same time, we must also remind the people in the base areas to be vigilant against the Japanese cultural infiltration and deceptive propaganda!"
"Yes!" Shen Lanjun nodded emphatically, immediately sat down at the radio, and began translating the message. Her fingers moved rapidly across the keys, transforming this warning, which concerned the lives of tens of thousands of people, into invisible radio waves that traveled across mountains and valleys and were sent out.
However, just as she was about to finish sending the message, the radio's receiver indicator light suddenly started flashing rapidly! It was headquarters calling her! And they were using the highest priority emergency signal!
Shen Lanjun immediately switched to receiving mode, quickly copying down sets of codes. A moment later, she deciphered the telegram's contents, her face instantly turning pale, even more so than when she had analyzed the dual crisis!
Gu Tieshan noticed her unusual behavior and quickly stepped forward: "What's wrong?"
Shen Lanjun raised her head, her eyes filled with disbelief and immense worry, her voice trembling slightly: "Urgent telegram from headquarters! They... they've also intercepted similar intelligence, judging that the Japanese are about to launch a spring sweep codenamed 'Iron Wall Encirclement,' on an unprecedented scale! Political Commissar Yang has ordered us..."
She paused, then said, almost word by word, "...Immediately try to confirm the exact time and main direction of the Japanese sweep! At the same time, do everything possible to find out the specific details and responsible persons of the 'Black Dragon Society's' cultural infiltration plan! Headquarters emphasizes that the latter is no less important than the former!"
The tree hollow was deathly silent.
Everyone understood what this order meant. The former required them to infiltrate deep into enemy territory and uncover the core military secrets of the Japanese army—a risky move indeed! The latter, however, required them to deal with the even more deeply hidden and cunning "Black Dragon Society" agents, exposing their cultural aggression!
A double crisis, a double mission! The pressure, like an invisible mountain, weighed heavily on everyone's hearts. This small team, which had just gained a foothold, was thrust into the eye of the storm, determining the outcome of the struggle in the entire northern Manchuria region!
Gu Tieshan took a deep breath, breaking the silence. His gaze swept over Shen Lanjun, Geng Dashan, Xiao Chen, and Zhao Xiaoshuan, his eyes showing no fear, only a rock-solid determination and a chilling glint.
"Pass the word down," his voice was not loud, but it carried a resolute force, "Everyone, cancel rest and enter the highest state of combat readiness."
He looked at Shen Lanjun: "Lanjun, you are in charge of using all intelligence resources to thoroughly investigate the specific details of the 'Black Dragon Society' and the sweep plan, especially the movements of that 'expert team'."
Then, he looked at Geng Dashan and Xiao Chen: "Uncle Dashan, Xiao Chen, get ready and come with me."
Shen Lanjun's heart tightened: "Where are you going?"
Gu Tieshan's gaze fell on the direction of Heihe Town on the map, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable resolve:
"Go and grab a 'tongue,' find someone who can pry open Onizuka's mouth."
The Awakening of Insects has arrived, and the spring thunder awaits. The most brutal storm of covert warfare suddenly descends with this dual command.
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