Ning Zhiheng, in particular, had already been awarded medals multiple times for his many meritorious deeds, so another medal wouldn't make much difference. Huang Xian wanted to use this great achievement to secure more tangible benefits for his trusted lieutenant.
Previously, the director used Ning Zhiheng's lack of seniority and low military rank as an excuse to forcibly transfer Wang Hanmin to Shanghai, blocking Ning Zhiheng's rise to power. Huang Xianzheng had always been somewhat resentful about this, and this time he had to get an explanation.
“Zhongxin, Zhiheng was just promoted to lieutenant colonel a few months ago, and now he’s going to be promoted to colonel. You know how strict the promotion system is in our military intelligence department. Besides, Zhiheng is only twenty-two years old today. His rapid promotion may not be a good thing. What will those veteran agents who have been working for so many years think? Wouldn’t that just make enemies for Zhiheng for no reason? I’m thinking of awarding him a medal for his merits. I will definitely apply for a promotion for him next time he makes a great contribution. With Zhiheng’s talent, it’s not difficult for him to make another great contribution.”
At this point, the director suddenly regretted his words, because his last sentence was true. With Ning Zhiheng's talent, it wouldn't be difficult for him to make another great contribution. What would he do then?
Huang Xianzheng now wields significantly more influence in the Military Intelligence Investigation Department and is no longer as subservient to the department head as before. Seeing the department head trying to brush him off again, Huang Xianzheng couldn't help but show displeasure and said, "Department Head, when you promoted Zhiheng exceptionally, didn't you also say that our Military Intelligence Department is fair in its rewards and punishments and doesn't judge people by seniority? Tell me, how has Zhiheng performed in the two years since he joined the Military Intelligence Department? All your old subordinates combined don't have as many achievements as him! You and I both know how important the intelligence work at the Shanghai station is. In terms of ability, who in our Military Intelligence Department can compare to Zhiheng!"
Frankly speaking, even if you handed over this top-tier military station to Wang Hanmin, would he have the capability? Shanghai is now firmly in the hands of the Japanese. We know of at least six or seven intelligence agencies there, and Japanese agents and spies are everywhere. Even a veteran like Zheng Hongbo was ultimately defeated.
Huang Xianzheng argued forcefully, leaving the director speechless for a moment. In terms of ability and merit, Ning Zhiheng was indeed unmatched. The only excuse he could use to suppress him was seniority, but he was now embarrassed to keep bringing it up!
Thinking of this, he no longer hesitated. He had been looking for an opportunity to confront Huang Xianzheng anyway, so he might as well just be frank and say it outright to avoid everyone being wary of each other and causing unnecessary internal strife.
“Zhongxin, we’ve worked together for many years and know each other well. To be honest, if you were the military commander in my position, would you be able to let go of the Shanghai station?”
"This..." Huang Xianzheng did not expect that the usually deep and unfathomable Director would speak so bluntly today, and he hesitated for a moment.
“Let’s not beat around the bush. Zhiheng has made a great contribution this time, and I can apply for a promotion for him. I might even arrange for him to head a separate operations unit after he is promoted from the Military Intelligence Bureau to the Military Intelligence Department!”
"Is this really true?" Huang Xianzheng was overjoyed. He hadn't expected the Director to invest so much.
According to the previously discussed upgrade plan, after the Military Intelligence Service is upgraded to the Military Intelligence Bureau, the Operations Section and the Intelligence Section are the most important departments, so they will be handled specially. The Operations Section will be divided into Operations Section 1 and Operations Section 2, and the Intelligence Section will be divided into Intelligence Section 1 and Intelligence Section 2.
The Operations Section is currently a powerful force within the Military Intelligence Investigation Department, firmly holding the top position. If, as the Director says, they are willing to hand over an Operations Section, it would be a tremendous help to the Baoding Clique.
"Absolutely no exaggeration. This time, as long as you agree, Zhiheng can serve as the head of the Second Operations Division with the rank of colonel. Zhongxin, as you know, the heads of every department at headquarters are all veteran agents. My decision to make an exception and let Zhiheng return to serve as the head is enough to show my sincerity!"
Huang Xianzheng remained silent for a long time, carefully weighing the gains and losses in his mind. However, this was a matter of great importance, and he found it difficult to make a decision for the time being.
Seeing Huang Xianzheng hesitate, the section chief quickly added, "Zhongxin, you need to make a decision about this matter as soon as possible. The Battle of Wuhan is about to begin, and our Military Intelligence Bureau's promotion must be completed before August. You can't delay any longer in less than two months, and we don't have time to delay either. Think it over carefully!"
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