As China's highest intelligence agency, the Military Intelligence Bureau has always been a focus of attention for various forces. Everyone has a certain understanding of the top-ranking and most powerful intelligence chiefs in this department.
The most eye-catching among them was Ning Zhiheng, the head of the Second Operations Division, who was known for his tough and ruthless methods. According to the records of the Red Party's intelligence department, he was extremely dangerous. He was a high-ranking agent who could eliminate all Japanese spies in Nanjing within six months and become a key representative of the Baoding faction in the army. No one could underestimate him. Fortunately, his main opponents were the Japanese, and they did not feel any threat from him for the time being.
Uncle Quan continued his analysis: "According to our sources within the Military Intelligence Bureau, Ning Zhiheng has always kept a low profile since the bureau's establishment, rarely appearing in public. Even the daily work of the Second Action Division is handled by Deputy Director Wei Liangbi. Why would such a cautious person come to Wuhan? The Military Intelligence Bureau must have an extremely important operation!"
The Military Intelligence Bureau of today is far from the Military Intelligence Investigation Department of a few years ago. Not only has its strength expanded rapidly, but its personnel have also doubled in number. While its strength has increased, its members are no longer as pure as before. It constantly absorbs elites from all walks of life, including students, workers, and even gang members, which has given other forces many opportunities to take advantage of the situation.
Previously, it was extremely difficult for the underground Communist Party to place a spy in the Military Intelligence Investigation Department. However, now, many people have infiltrated this intelligence department, and some have even become key members, making it easy for them to obtain information that is not exactly secret.
Miao Yongyi said with a smile, "Uncle Quan, you're overthinking it. Zhiheng and I grew up together as brothers, and our friendship is different from others. He came here specifically to see me. Besides, this mole is no ordinary person; he has access to high-level Japanese military intelligence. He doesn't trust the personnel at the Wuhan station, so he can only entrust it to me. He wouldn't feel comfortable handing over such a large amount of funding to anyone else!"
Uncle Quan thought for a long time but couldn't figure it out, so he stopped dwelling on the matter and brought the topic back to discussing the rescue of Pei Wenrui.
"Last night I sent someone to contact Ren Laosi. He's already gone to discuss things with Ma Yaowu. But from what he said, apart from Chai Guoan, who can't be released, everyone else is negotiable. That's good news, but the price they're asking for is too high. Pei Wenrui, the editor-in-chief, is jointly responsible for publishing anti-Japanese remarks in the newspaper. The price the Japanese are asking for still needs to be determined, but it's estimated to be at least 20,000 yen. I've been trying to raise funds everywhere, but I've only managed to raise a portion. I was just worrying about it when you arrived!"
"That's great! The funding problem is solved. Now we just need to wait for Ren Lao Si's reply. The sooner we get Lao Pei out, the better. His identity is too important; every day he stays inside increases his danger."
Uncle Quan was specifically in charge of rescuing Pei Wenrui, but even a skilled cook can't cook without rice. He was powerless to come up with so much money at once, and in the end he was even prepared to risk a violent rescue. Fortunately, Miao Yongyi's money came just in time.
"Twenty thousand yen?" Miao Yongyi almost jumped up. He knew the going rate for getting people released, and had even done it himself. Even death row inmates could be released for only four to five thousand yen. The yen was a very strong currency in the Japanese-occupied territories, much stronger than the legal tender and banknotes.
"That Ren Laosi is too ruthless! He's overcharged by a full four times!"
Uncle Quan sighed, feeling depressed, and said helplessly, "He said that this matter has involved the Japanese, and he still has to smooth things over with the Japanese Special Higher Police. Even so, he can't guarantee that he can get the person out. He said he would give me news in a couple of days. I'm really worried that something might have happened to Lao Pei inside, so I'm planning to send someone in to investigate."
Underground work is complex, and anything can happen. With someone of Pei Wenrui's key identity imprisoned, how could the underground party organization be completely at ease? Therefore, Uncle Quan decided to find out some information to confirm that the Japanese and Ma Yaowu had no other motives.
Miao Yongyi said, "Pei Wenrui and the others are being held in the police headquarters detention center. I can ask someone to check on their situation."
"No need, it's just a quick look. You don't need to show up. It's already quite good that you can come up with this amount of money. I'll take care of the rest. I can have Old Pei's family bribe the jailer so they can go inside and take a look. That's not difficult at all!"
The two fell into a brief silence. After a while, Miao Yongyi continued, "From now on, I will set aside a portion of the funds and hand them over to the organization. At the same time, I will also provide the organization with the intelligence and radio equipment I obtain. I also plan to set up several high-security outposts, which can also be shared with the organization. In short, just let me know if you need anything!"
Uncle Quan nodded, let out a long sigh of relief, and said jokingly, "Money really makes things easier. You're much more confident now!"
The two couldn't help but smile at each other.
For the next two days, Ning Zhiheng, accompanied by Yamada Nobuyuki, toured around the city of Wuhan.
Wuhan truly lives up to its reputation as a major city in Central China. With thousands of years of history, it is the largest transportation hub and shipping center in Central China, as well as a major military and commercial center in Southern China. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it became known as "the most prosperous place in Chu" and one of the "Four Great Markets in the World".
Hankou Town was particularly bustling. Yamada Nobuyuki accompanied Ning Zhiheng to visit attractions such as the Gude Temple and the Orthodox Church in Hankou. The Special Higher Police was originally in charge of the security of Wuhan City and had a very good understanding of the city's terrain. In addition, Yamada Nobuyuki was very eloquent and had done his homework on all the attractions. Over the course of a few days, he got along very well with Ning Zhiheng. Ning Zhiheng had to admit that this man was indeed good at dealing with people and doing things.
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