Chapter 1989
For these local officials who have already participated in the salt industry management, they are more concerned about whether their investment can smoothly receive the expected return. For this reason, it seems very important to take some radical measures to clear the obstacles on the way forward. Reasonable response. As for whether this would cause another confrontation between Haihan and Ming Dynasty, or even lead to a large-scale armed conflict, most of them actually didn't care too much.
Over the past few years, Haihan's strength has been clearly demonstrated. Whether it is a martial or civil fight, it is obvious that there is a lack of means that can truly restrain Haihan. Officials in Ningbo's officialdom who value integrity and stand firm have been expelled from the local area one after another for various reasons. Most of those who are still active in Ningbo have chosen to cooperate with Haihan.
Of course, the benefits that local officials gained from Haihan were not in vain. They could only choose one of two ways to get promoted or make a fortune. Nowadays, everyone in Zhejiang official circles knows that coming to Ningbo to be an official is a good job, but once you come, don't think about promotion. The court is not blind. Officials who have close relations with Haihan will basically not get the chance to be promoted. At most, it is like the situation that Qu Yutong encountered some time ago. The imperial court wanted to transfer him away from Ningbo through promotion and then vacate his official position to reduce the degree of local infiltration and indirect control by Haihan.
Therefore, most of the people who stayed in Ningbo as officials were content to make money in their positions, and did not care too much about the impact of Haihan's direct intervention on the Ming Dynasty. Some officials even wanted Haihan to send troops quickly to the Jianghuai area to eliminate all the salt merchants who dared to come out to oppose him.
Such expectations are of course unrealistic for Haihan. In recent years, Daming has no longer been regarded as Haihan's main military opponent. The Executive Committee is assured of operating Daming as its own source of raw materials and sales market. , To maintain the stability of the coastal areas of the Ming Dynasty, Haihan was even more urgent than the local officials of the Ming Dynasty. Therefore, from Shi Diwen's standpoint, although he is also very dissatisfied with the counterattack from the Jianghuai salt merchants, he will still try his best to avoid the direct use of force - at least avoid dispatching regular troops, otherwise the consequences will be very likely Instead of solving the problem, it creates a bigger problem.
It's just that local officials in Ningbo may not have enough vision to understand this idea. They are more concerned about their own interests rather than the stability of the Ming Dynasty. Some people may even think maliciously that if the deterioration of the situation really leads to a war between the two countries, wouldn't it be more beneficial to Ningbo to destroy the Jianghuai area?
After finally rejecting all the banquet invitations and sending the officials away politely, Shi Diwen was finally able to quietly communicate with Qu Yutong about the current situation.
As a representative figure in Ningbo officialdom promoting cooperation with Haihan, Qu Yutong is undoubtedly under great pressure at the moment. He not only needs to appease the emotions of his officials, but also has to try to cooperate with Haihan in investigating the attack, and he also has to bear the consequences of the attack. losses caused by the incident. As one of the shareholders behind the two salt farms in Shipu and Xiangshan, Qu Yutong has suffered direct and indirect losses in recent attacks, at least nearly 10,000 taels of silver. Even though he is now worth a huge 10,000 taels, a year's His income has already exceeded five figures, but such a loss still makes him feel painful.
However, Qu Yutong had to appear calm in front of his colleagues and subordinates, so that Shi Diwen's speech could sound credible enough. But in fact, he was not sure whether Haihan could help solve the matter. After all, Shi Diwen had told him long ago that he would not send troops to the Ming Dynasty unless it was absolutely necessary. , he really couldn't figure out how the Haihan people planned to solve the problems they were currently encountering.
"Master Qu, I understand your situation very well. We are all on our own. I can also reveal some news to you." Shi Diwen stopped here and picked up the tea cup to drink water first. This was not because he was deliberately trying to show off his words and play Yu Tong, but his throat was really dry and he needed to moisturize his throat before continuing.
Qu Yutong waited eagerly for Shi Diwen to finish drinking the water and put down the tea cup, and then he asked carefully: "Is there any good news?"
"Yes!" Shi Diwen nodded and admitted Qu Yutong's guess: "Before I came to Ningbo this time, Sanya sent a message and has transferred capable personnel to Zhoushan to be responsible for the investigation of these recent attacks. If The trip went smoothly, and the person had already arrived before I returned to Zhoushan.”
Qu Yutong didn't quite understand the origin of the "elite personnel" Shi Diwen called, so he asked: "Could it be that several elite divisions that sent troops to North Korea this year are going south? That's a good idea. I believe General Qian and Wang The general leads his troops to kill, and those troublemakers will be suppressed soon!"
Shi Diwen shook his head and said: "The personnel transferred this time are not from the army, but I can assure you that they are definitely top-notch experts."
Shi Diwen could not explain Gong Shiqi's identity to Qu Yutong. After all, this man had committed several major cases in Zhejiang in the past few years, but these deeds were classified as high-level secrets and could not be shown to Ming officials. Even though Qu Yutong's position was obviously in favor of Haihan, Shi Diwen did not dare to make an exception and explain the mystery to him.
Qu Yutong waited for a long time, but did not wait for the following. There was neither an introduction to the deeds of this "good player" nor a notice of the next actions. So what kind of good news was this?
Qu Yutong smiled bitterly and said: "Master Shi, General Shi, if you just think of it as comforting me, then at least reveal a little more news that can make me feel at ease? What are the actual contents of these two sentences that are neither salty nor bland? If you haven’t said anything yet, how can I feel relieved?”
Shi Diwen said seriously: "It's not that I don't want to say it, it's that I can't say it. This transfer is a direct order from the Executive Committee, and the personnel carrying out the investigation are likely to enter the Jianghuai area, so their identities and origins must be It will be kept strictly confidential, please forgive me, Mr. Qu.”
Qu Yutong listened, and Shi Diwen's statement seemed to make sense. Since it was a secret investigation, it was naturally very important to keep the identity and whereabouts of the investigator secret. If the news accidentally leaks out, the Jianghuai Salt Merchant can do anything with his courage, so it is always right to be cautious.
In fact, the information Shi Diwen currently knows is very limited. Sanya actually sent a telegram to inform him that Gong Qiqi has been transferred back to Zhejiang from Shandong to be responsible for the investigation. However, what specific measures will be taken after Gong Qiqi arrives, for the time being. He has not been informed yet. Shi Diwen estimated that he would have to wait until he returned to Zhoushan Island to meet with Gong Qiqi in person before confirming the next action arrangements.
But Shi Diwen knew Gong Shiqi's strengths, and the Ministry of Security transferred him back to the south. It was probably not just about investigating the case, but he might also use his ability to directly solve the troubles faced by the Ningbo Prefecture and Zhoushan authorities. At that time, the military might be required to mobilize troops to cooperate with its actions, so Shi Diwen did not dare to speak too fully at the moment. In short, say less and make fewer mistakes. It is better to have some reservations about Ming officials like Qu Yutong. .
The next day, Shi Diwen returned to Zhoushan Island and immediately met Gong Shiqi, who had just arrived yesterday. Both of them are accustomed to focusing on efficiency, so they got to the point quickly after the meeting. Gong Shiqi directly stated his plan of action.
Shi Diwen trusted Gong Qiqi's personal ability very much. After listening to Gong Qiqi's explanation, he only asked simple questions about a few details, and then agreed to Gong Qiqi's plan. However, he also made a request, that is, let the Military Intelligence Bureau also send people to join the action plan formulated by Gong Shiqi. "This is not only my idea, but also the order of the Executive Committee. The telegram from Fort Victory clearly requested the Ministry of Security and the Military Intelligence Bureau to launch a joint investigation into the attack." Perhaps he was worried that Gong Shiqi would be resistant to this arrangement. , Shi Diwen also specifically emphasized that this arrangement was not made by himself, but was the intention of the executive committee.
Gong Shiqi understood that this was because the military did not want to sit idly by and watch the whole process. Even if it was inconvenient to directly send troops to intervene, it still had to participate in some way. As for whether it was an order from the Executive Committee, Gong Shiqi didn't particularly care. He had no intention of living alone. If the Military Intelligence Bureau could help during the operation, then he wouldn't mind joining forces with the Military Intelligence Bureau.
"In this humble position, I will comply with your arrangements." Gong Shiqi immediately expressed his attitude and was willing to cooperate with the Military Intelligence Bureau.
With Gong Shiqi's statement, things were settled for Shi Diwen. He was originally a little worried that Gong Shiqi would not accept this arrangement, but he did not expect that the most ruthless person in the security department would be so knowledgeable and knowledgeable. Agreed. At that moment, Shi Diwen signed the warrant with a stroke of his pen and asked Gong Qiqi to go to the logistics support department to apply for various resources needed for the operation.
Although Gong Shiqi doesn't mind cooperating with the Military Intelligence Agency, he still cares about what kind of person the other party will send to partner with him. Shi Diwen didn't mention the candidate at the moment, and it was hard for him to ask further questions. However, after coming out of Shi Diwen's office, he asked Wanfa about it.
The functions of the Ministry of Security and the Military Intelligence Agency actually partially overlap, so from a certain perspective, the two organizations can be regarded as competitors. Both parties have a certain understanding of each other's style of conduct and well-known figures. Although a figure like Gong Shiqi is not well-known externally, he is actually very famous in the intelligence field. Many new entrants even regard him as a role model and a target to catch up with. This is why Shi Diwen was able to boast in front of Qu Yutong and call Gong Qiqi a "first-class player."
Gong Shiqi believed that the Military Intelligence Bureau would not randomly send an unknown person to partner with him in a task like the current one, and Wanfa definitely knew his colleagues in the region better than he did, so he asked him for information, hoping to have someone as soon as possible. prepared.
"Military Intelligence Bureau?" Wan Fa thought for a while before answering: "The local Military Intelligence Bureau is mainly composed of civilians. There are only two or three teams responsible for carrying out field tasks. However, there is a good person among them. It is said that he was also in Gaoqiao before. The person who worked under the general later retired from the front-line troops due to injuries and was transferred to the Military Intelligence Bureau, where he was responsible for commanding field missions. It is said that the missions he led have never failed. "< br>
"Oh? There is such a person in Zhoushan, so I'll have to meet him for a while!" After hearing Wan Fa's introduction, Gong Shiqi also became interested in this candidate. He had worked with Takahashi Nan briefly and knew that the people under Takahashi Nan were quite capable, and the veterans had combat experience, making it easier to communicate when performing field missions, which could save a lot of trouble.
The efficiency of the Military Intelligence Bureau was quite good. In the afternoon of that day, Gong Shiqi met this man who took the initiative to visit him.
"I am Ji Yuanqing, affiliated with the Military Intelligence Bureau." The visitor's self-introduction was very simple, with no military rank or specific position.
However, Gong Shiqi was very adaptable to this kind of introduction method. After all, everyone is on the intelligence front. Protecting one's own information is the most basic professional quality. This is considered a normal practice by the other party. He immediately clasped his fists and responded: "I've admired you for a long time! I'm Gong Shiqi, who belongs to the Ministry of Security."
As Gong Shiqi spoke, he took a look at Ji Yuanqing, who was described by Wan Fa as a master of the Military Intelligence Agency. This man looks to be about forty years old, of medium height, with sharp eyes. He is wearing a gray cloth military uniform that has turned a little white from washing. The epaulettes indicate that his military rank is captain, which in a combat unit would be at least a company commander. A first-class officer.
After the two sat down in the room, Ji Yuanqing took the initiative and said: "As for the investigation of the attack, I have been assigned to cooperate with Brother Gong's actions. I also asked Brother Gong to briefly explain the plan and assign tasks to me."
Gong Shiqi said: "Brother Ji, you're welcome. This operation is a joint cooperation between the two families. There's no telling who arranged who. Moreover, Brother Ji often travels in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, and is far more familiar with the local environment than I am here. It is inevitable that Brother Ji will be needed to complete it." All the details in the plan.”
Although Gong Shiqi spoke very politely, he still vaguely pointed out that he was the protagonist in commanding this operation, and Ji Yuanqing's function was to provide assistance and further improve the action plan. He also used this to test the other party's attitude and see if Ji Yuanqing could get along well with him.
Ji Yuanqing seemed not to be aware of Gong Shiqi's implication. Of course, it might be that he didn't care about these details. He said expressionlessly: "I'll do my best. Thank you, Brother Gong!"
When Gong Shiqi saw this, he didn't hesitate and explained his plan to Ji Yuanqing. This explanation was quite time-consuming. By the time Gong Shiqi finished explaining the action plan in detail, the sky had already darkened.
"Brother Ji, what do you think of this plan? Are there any changes that need to be made?" Gong Shiqi took a sip of tea and immediately asked the other party what he thought after listening to his explanation.
(End of chapter)