The previous Battle of Nanjing had disappointed the Chinese people. They believed that even with hundreds of thousands of soldiers defending the fortified city, they could not stop the Japanese attack and could not even hold out for a month. Although Wuhan was also a large city, it was far inferior to Nanjing, the ancient capital of six dynasties, and was much more difficult to defend. Therefore, everyone was worried that the Japanese army would take advantage of their victory and advance to the gates of Wuhan.
However, Ning Zhiheng directly stated that the Japanese Central China Area Army would actually halt its advance and change its direction of attack, which left Huo Yueze somewhat puzzled.
Ning Zhiheng smiled slightly but didn't say anything more. He didn't want to dwell on the matter, as he couldn't explain the source of the information. He picked up the document in his hand and said in a low voice, "This intelligence is extremely valuable. We must immediately send a coded telegram to headquarters. However, a simple telegram is not enough to convince anyone. The film and the document must be sent back to Wuhan together. This time, you will personally lead a team to escort it. Make sure you personally deliver it to the Director. If anything unexpected happens, the document can be discarded, but the film must be delivered. Do you understand?"
Huo Yueze knew the matter was of great importance and immediately nodded in acceptance.
"Set off immediately, without a moment's delay. I'll notify headquarters to meet you. There can be no mistakes whatsoever, or you'll be court-martialed!" Ning Zhiheng's voice grew increasingly serious as he finished speaking, making Huo Yueze's heart skip a beat.
He knew the importance of this intelligence; it concerned the battle situation on the front lines and the lives of countless soldiers fighting against the Japanese.
"Yes, Your Excellency will do your utmost to complete the mission!"
Two hours later, at the headquarters of the Military Intelligence Investigation Bureau in Wuhan, the director was astonished as he held the telegram sent by Ning Zhiheng.
Bian Ze, looking at the section chief's expression, couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong? Has Zhiheng made another big move? Wasn't it said that things are tense in Shanghai right now, and he'll be waiting for an opportunity to strike? Why is he making a move so soon?"
The commissar placed the telegram on the table and said in a deep voice, "This is indeed a major operation. The importance of this intelligence is no less than that of the bombing of the Fukuoka warehouse. He actually obtained a summary of the Japanese military's operational meeting minutes, which clearly pointed out the Japanese Central China Area Army's intention to advance northward to attack Xuzhou. This coincides with our headquarters' guess, so it seems we are right. It also contains the route and timing of the attack. Such important intelligence, and he actually said that he bought it from an intelligence dealer in Shanghai. Moreover, the film and documents will be sent back to Wuhan immediately, so we can prepare to receive them."
Hearing what the section chief said, Bian Ze was also taken aback. The Military Investigation Department had never encountered such high-level classified information before.
"Zhiheng has only been in Shanghai for three months, but he has already made a series of moves. First, he blew up the Fukuoka warehouse, and now he has intervened in the intelligence market and obtained such important intelligence. His abilities are truly outstanding!" Bian Ze couldn't help but sigh softly. He had a very deep impression of Ning Zhiheng and never hesitated to praise him.
The magistrate agreed, nodding and saying, "Zhiheng's ability is beyond doubt. In comparison, Zheng Hongbo has been in Shanghai for so many years and knows everyone there, but his ability to get things done is much worse. We should urge him to achieve something as soon as possible and focus on important targets instead of always resorting to petty tricks. What good are killing those stragglers?"
At this point, he stood up and walked towards the door. Bian Ze quickly took the overcoat off the hanger and draped it over the magistrate's shoulders.
"I'll report to the headquarters immediately. By the way, you'll be personally in charge of the rendezvous this time. Also, make preparations for a trip to Shanghai soon." The section chief finished putting on his overcoat and turned to Bian Ze to give the order.
Bian Ze nodded in acceptance and asked, "What is the mission?"
The clerk smiled and said, "Ning Zhiheng blew up the Fukuoka warehouse. The General Headquarters' list of those to be commended has been released, and all of Ning Zhiheng's applications have been approved. Everyone else is fine, but Ning Zhiheng's matter is indeed troublesome. I originally wanted to put some pressure on him, but fortunately he knew what was important and gave the credit to his subordinates, so I didn't have to play the villain. The General Headquarters still awarded him and Huo Yueze a second-class Yunhui Medal and a third-class Yunhui Medal. In this special period, you will be in charge of awarding the medals. Also, urge Zheng Hongbo to make me proud. Compared to Ning Zhiheng, he is far inferior, and I lose face!"
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