Ning Zhiheng laughed and said, "I heard that a minister of the Control Yuan was assassinated a few days ago?"
Kagesa Hiroki nodded. This matter had caused quite a stir, so he ordered an investigation. It was said that the Military Intelligence Bureau was behind it, and the case was currently under investigation.
Ning Zhiheng then asked, "I wonder if a successor has been arranged?"
Kagesa Hiroki suddenly realized that Fujiwara Tomohito wanted this position, and someone must have used his connections to bring it up to him.
In fact, this position was not very important. The Nanjing government followed the old system and had a total of five branches: the Executive Yuan, the Legislative Yuan, the Judicial Yuan, the Control Yuan, and the Examination Yuan.
However, apart from a few key positions, most other positions are nominal rather than real. The titles are impressive, such as this director or that minister, but in reality, they are just jobs to collect salaries and accumulate seniority.
Fang Hongqi, the Minister of the Control Yuan who was assassinated, was a former member of the Meiji Restoration Government. After the establishment of the puppet government, he was marginalized and given such a sinecure. Logically speaking, the puppet government should have arranged a successor in the past few days, but since Fujiwara Tomohito asked him, he naturally could not refuse.
Kagesa Hiroki immediately replied, "There shouldn't be any arrangements. What, Fujiwara-kun, do you have a suitable candidate?"
In Kagesa Hiroki's mind, these were all trivial matters that could be decided with a word. The fact that someone like Fujiwara Tomohito had spoken to him about these matters was actually a good thing, as it earned him a favor.
"Here's the thing, the person in charge of investigating this assassination case is Wen Hao, the director of the Nanjing Special Agent Headquarters. He's a capable and shrewd man, and he's also extremely loyal to the Empire. I've been looking for an opportunity to promote him, and this position just happens to be vacant. I'd like him to take over. What do you think?"
"Wen Hao?"
Looking at Ning Zhiheng, Yingzuo Yushu immediately understood. He also knew something about Wen Hao. This man was a veteran agent of the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics who had joined the Central Bureau of Investigation and Statistics a long time ago. Later, he was incorporated into the Special Agent Headquarters and served under Li Zhiqun. After arriving in Nanjing, he did a very good job in counter-espionage and gained the recognition of many people. He did not expect that he would now curry favor with Fujiwara, a powerful figure.
Kagesa Hiroki immediately nodded in agreement, saying, "No problem. Actually, this so-called ministerial position doesn't have any real power. Since Fujiwara-kun has taken a liking to this person, it's naturally easy to discuss."
Ning Zhiheng laughed heartily upon hearing this. To them, these were all trivial matters that could be decided in a few words. The two chatted for a few more minutes.
As the banquet progressed and it grew late, the generals took their leave. Uehara Junpei and Ning Zhiheng rose to see them off at the gate and watched them depart.
The two then turned and went back to the study to continue their conversation. After a moment of contemplation, Uehara Junpei said to Ning Zhiheng, "At the banquet today, Harada Takeo asked for your opinion several times. Did you find that a little strange?"
Ning Zhiheng had naturally noticed Harada Takeo's unusual behavior long ago, and immediately nodded and said, "It is indeed a bit strange. I do not hold a position in the military, nor do I have the ability to influence the decisions of the higher-ups, but Harada-kun seems to want to persuade me. Why is that?"
Uehara Junpei shook his head and smiled bitterly: "Before today, Harada had talked to me. He had long wanted to find a channel to contact the Chongqing government and convey his intention to negotiate. He thought you might be able to contact some important officials in the Chongqing government, so he thought of persuading you to act as a bridge."
Ning Zhiheng was taken aback, his mind racing as he considered the meaning of Uehara Junpei's words. His Fujiwara Company mainly dealt in smuggled goods, and everyone probably knew the destinations of some of the goods. Uehara Junpei was also his staunch supporter, so his direct questioning should not have any other meaning.
"So, Harada-kun thinks I might have some connections in Chongqing and wants to use those connections to make further contact?"
“Yes!” Uehara Junpei said bluntly.
He also knew that his nephew must have put in a lot of effort to transport these scarce goods to the Kuomintang-controlled areas for sale and ensure that the business would not be interfered with by outsiders during this period. He must have some strong connections on the other side.
But Uehara Junpei continued, "However, I have already refused Harada on your behalf. Regardless of whether you can do it or not, you should not get involved, otherwise there will be endless trouble!"
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