Chapter 729: Defective Goods

Late at night. The phone rang again for Shigeaki Akiyama.

At this moment, Shigeaki Akiyama had a very complex mood. He was happy, but also a little stifled.

The happiness came from the greetings of General Terada.

General Terada expressed his kind condolences to him.

He didn't say anything. But it seemed like he had said everything.

Everything was said without words.

Although, Akiyama Shigeaki did not want his daughter to have anything to do with Terada Satsuki. However, he himself hoped to gain the support of the military. Because only in this way could he, the Consul General, sit comfortably. And with the greetings of General Terada, this position would be appropriate.

He was depressed because that bastard Zhang Yong had extorted him twice in a row. Although what was contributed was all the ocean of Manchukuo, and Shigeaki Akiyama himself did not have to pay out of his own pocket, he was still very unhappy about being extorted by Zhang Yong repeatedly. However, there was no way for him to vent his anger.

'Actually, I lied to you...'

'What?'

'The 226 Plan was a fabrication of mine...'

'What?'

Shigeaki Akiyama was stunned.

What?

Lie?

Fabrication?

Cheat?

It was all Zhang Yong's doing?

He then reacted. I don't believe you. Damn it! You think I'm three years old.

You could accurately predict that there would be a mutiny on February 26th?

You could accurately predict that the mutiny would take place in Tokyo?

That's crazy talk!

You're not a god.

I'd rather believe Qin Shi Huang than believe you!

Damn it!

Get out!

Shigeaki Akiyama hung up the phone.

At the same time, he ordered the switchboard operator that no matter who called tonight, he was not to answer.

He was worried that Zhang Yong would use someone else's name to bypass the switchboard and continue to find him. This son of a bitch is really crafty. It's hard to defend against.

Suddenly, he saw his dazed daughter, sleepwalking alone in the second floor hallway. From time to time, she stood still.

After a moment's thought, Shigeaki Akiyama informed the switchboard operator to continue with normal operations. What if an important call came for him and he missed it?

For the sake of his daughter, he must firmly grasp power. Only power can protect her.

Thinking about this gradually made him feel relieved. In fact, it seemed that nothing had happened.

He had suffered no loss. He had even been praised. His relationship with the army had also been strengthened.

Who lost out?

Manchukuo. They lost money.

Did the navy lose out? One person was arrested. It seems that there was no loss.

Anyway, the competition between the navy and the army had long been fierce. The imperial court was in uproar, and the emperor couldn't put a stop to it.

During the 226 Incident, the army was slow to suppress the rebellion and even defended the rebellion. It wasn't until the emperor said he would personally lead the army into battle, the navy's guns were pointed at the army's general staff headquarters, and the marines were assembled and sharpening their swords, that the army had to declare the rebellion illegal. Then the army began to suppress the rebellion, but it was slow and hesitant. It took three days to 'suppress the rebellion'.

Therefore, the navy's revenge was completely understandable.

Standing on a neutral standpoint, Shigeaki Akiyama even felt a little sympathy for the Navy. They did suffer heavy losses this time.

However, sympathy is sympathy. Sympathy cannot bring him any benefits.

If he wants to maintain power in the long term, he must get along with the Army. Therefore, he is destined to have a gap with the Navy.

'Ring ring ring...'

'Ring ring ring...'

Suddenly, the phone rang again.

Shigeaki Akiyama picked up the receiver. He found that it was Zhang Yong again.

Suddenly...

his nose wrinkled.

Was he angry? Never mind.

What was the point of getting angry? It would only make him feel bad.

He was at his wit's end.

'What do you want again?'

'I need to tell you something. On the day of the 226 Incident, Prince Chichibu Yōhito did something unusual. He quietly came to the outskirts of Tokyo.'

'What?'

Shigeaki Akiyama suddenly broke out in a cold sweat.

In an instant, his feelings towards Zhang Yong changed. Previously, he had been an enemy, but now he was a saviour.

Prince Chichibu, Prince Yōhito. He was Emperor Hirohito's younger brother.

What was he doing in Tokyo?

At this sensitive time, what was he doing in Tokyo?

His hands and feet were cold.

He shuddered.

No wonder there was so much mystery behind the February 26th Incident.

Were Araki Sadao and Masaki Jinzaburo really the masterminds behind the coup?

If they weren't, then who was?

The imperial way faction always wanted to promote Prince Yōshihito to the throne. At the time, Prince Yōshihito was also a popular candidate to succeed the emperor. He was even more popular than Hirohito. Hirohito was a closed book. He was not good at communicating with people. Prince Yōshihito, on the other hand, was charming, athletic, and excelled at skiing and rugby.

Nothing new under the sun. If we use Chinese history as an analogy, Hirohito was the crown prince. But he wasn't very popular. On the other hand, Prince Yōhito was the most popular prince. Unfortunately, he wasn't the crown prince. In the end, the old emperor died of illness and the crown prince ascended the throne. But would that prince really be willing to give up the throne?

When it comes to the succession of the imperial family, it can get really scary.

'What are you trying to say?'

'Every man for himself.'

'Nonsense.'

'If Prince Chichibu Yōhito ascends the throne...'

'Nonsense.'

'But you can't deny the possibility.'

'I...'

Shigeaki Akiyama felt very nervous for a moment.

Countless thoughts flashed through his mind.

Each one was terrifying.

The Emperor...

Hirohito...

Yōhito...

The struggle for the throne.

He didn't dare to continue imagining. It was too horrible.

'People can only rely on themselves.'

'No...'

Shigeaki Akiyama felt his breathing become laboured.

Zhang Yong's words made him feel very uncomfortable. But there was no way to argue with them.

Because the existence of Yongren was definitely a threat to Hirohito.

Who knew what would happen in the future?

Anything was possible.

And very likely.

In fact, Zhang Yong hadn't spoken completely out of turn.

Yongren had always been the reserve. Even after the Japanese announced their unconditional surrender, MacArthur was prepared to replace Hirohito with Yongren.

But Hirohito was also very clever. He decisively lowered his profile and completely submitted. So MacArthur changed his mind again.

For Shigeki Akiyama, the consequences of standing on the wrong side were unimaginable.

But could he be sure that he was always on the right side? What if he was on the wrong side?

Wouldn't that be...

'What I want to say. Just say it.'

'Let's work together. Let's get rich together.'

'It's not convenient to talk on the phone.'

'No need to say. You and I understand each other. I'll let you know if there's a chance to get rich.'

'Good.'

Akiyama Shigeaki did not feel resentful this time.

It was just about making some money. It wasn't like betraying the Empire of Japan. What was the problem?

"Remember, Prince Yongren is a problem.'

'Understood.'

'Find a way to get rid of him.'

'Understood.'

Akiyama Shigeaki obediently replied.

For the first time, he did not hang up the phone on his own initiative. Instead, he waited for Zhang Yong to hang up.

Prince Hirohito is a problem...

Yes...

He can use this incident to stir up trouble...

Yes!

Use this incident to consolidate his power.

He needs power!

And his power comes from Hirohito.

Therefore, Hirohito must be eliminated. Kill him. Eradicate the threat completely.

...

'Kill Hirohito?'

'Haha. The more chaos, the better.'

'It would be best to get Yanagawa Heisuke killed first.'

Zhang Yong put down the receiver.

He was actually just rambling. He was just making things up.

He hadn't thought of Yōjin before. But then he remembered. The familiar scenario came to him.

In ancient times, the princes fought for supremacy, and it was a well-worn plot. Any one of them could be used on Yūjin and Yōjin. He just needed to sow a little discord.

Without outside interference, perhaps Yūjin wouldn't kill Yōjin.

However, if there were external forces trying to push Yōji onto the throne, Hirohito would definitely not be able to sit still.

Behind Yōji were the imperialists, people like Yanagawa Heisuke.

To kill Yōji, you first have to kill Yanagawa Heisuke. You have to eradicate the influence of the imperialists.

In this way, the repercussions of the February 26th Incident would continue to ripple. The consequences would also become more serious.

It wasn't enough to kill two generals.

Let's kill another prince and see.

Heh heh.

...

Zhang Yong returned to the pier again, and it was already morning.

Yang Lichu had not slept all night. She had spent the whole night studying the wreckage of the yacht, trying to find the information she needed.

However...

She found nothing. There was nothing to find.

Zhang Yong watched from the side, wanting to say something but unable to. He felt that she might have made a mistake.

Either that, or she had remembered it incorrectly.

Or maybe someone had deliberately given her misleading information.

However, since Yang Lichu had said that she wanted to keep it a secret, he did not ask. It was enough to do a good job of security.

He was in a good mood.

He had earned 100,000 taels of silver. A quarter of it belonged to Aoi. But he was keeping it for the time being. She had nowhere to put it.

Even a porcelain doll with a naturally dumb appearance and a high IQ could encounter practical problems.

She couldn't go to the bank to withdraw the money herself. Otherwise, her dumb appearance would collapse.

If Zhang Yong helped her withdraw all the money, she would also have no place to keep it safely. Once it was discovered, her image would also collapse.

So she can only trust Zhang Yong.

'Do you want some breakfast?' Zhang Yong asked Yang Lichu.

'I can't eat,' Yang Lichu shook her head. Her face looked bad. Obviously, the task was not completed, and she was very anxious.

'Who gave you the information?'

'Ichiro Yanagawa.'

'Who?'

'You wouldn't know if I told you. The younger brother of Heisuke Yanagawa.'

'Oh...'

Zhang Yong pretended not to know.

So it was Ryūkawa Heisuke! He had only thought of that name last night.

At the time, he had hoped to use the name of Yōjin to try to force Hirohito to completely purge the Imperial Way faction. Kill Ryūkawa Heisuke.

Unexpectedly, Yang Lichu mentioned this guy this morning.

Sure enough, a centipede is hard to kill. Ryūkawa Heisuke also has a lot of resources. The strength of the Imperial Way faction should not be underestimated.

Even after being dealt a blow by Juichi Teranishi, the Imperial Way faction still has the ability to make a comeback. In the Battle of Shanghai next year, Ryūkawa Heisuke will serve as commander of the Japanese 10th Army, landing his troops in Hangzhou Bay to cut off the rear of the Nationalist army. This will ultimately lead to the Nationalist army's defeat across the board in the Battle of Shanghai.

Strange...

What did Yang Lichu mean by mentioning Ryūkawa Heisuke?

And what is the matter with Ryūkawa Heisuke's younger brother?

It seems that the Air Force is also hiding something from me?

Haha...

Never mind. It's better if I don't know.

The more you know, the more you have to do. In the end, you're so busy that you don't even have time to fart.

It's just like this now, isn't it great?

If nothing else, just catch a Japanese spy or two with some status and make some petty cash.

For example, there's Sakai Itsuki.

If you go straight to Sakai Juichi, he might not agree. You're worried that once you agree, you'll be reported.

But there is no problem at all if you go to Shigeaki Akiyama.

Shigeaki Akiyama agreed because it was for the sake of Juichi Terauchi's reputation. This is selfless.

Anyway, it is completely plausible on the surface.

'I'll go make the call.'

'Okay.'

Zhang Yong nodded.

His men are inside the nearby cafe.

Yang Lichu went to make the call. He didn't come back for a while. His brow was furrowed. He was preoccupied.

Zhang Yong asked, 'Bad news?'

'The information must be found,' Yang Lichu said with a troubled expression, 'but there really isn't any on the yacht! Has it sunk into the sea?'

'Then there's no way to find it,' Zhang Yong looked at the surging sea, 'even immortals couldn't find it.'

'I need to contact Ichiro again.'

'Phone?'

'No. Telegraph.'

'Oh.'

Zhang Yong looked as if he understood.

So there was still telegraph contact?

Who was the telegraph sent to?

Strange...

Never mind. Yang Lichu goes to the nearby telecommunications office.

Yang Lichu goes to send the telegram. Zhang Yong hangs around outside. He spots a yellow dot approaching. Judging from its speed, he thinks it might be Kurimoto.

It seems to be chasing someone?

Haha. I was just getting bored! I'll help Kurimoto out then. Let's see if he remembers his manners.

He watches quietly. He sees that Kurimoto is chasing a young man.

This young man can run quite well. He jumps and leaps.

Zhang Yong quietly marks him, then stops Li Yuanqing and says hello, 'Captain Li, are you on official business?'

'I want to catch someone,' Li Yuanqing panted, out of breath.

Zhang Yong really wanted to say, 'You're not good at running, are you?

You don't seem to be.

This guy, just like Lin Beiqiu, doesn't have very good physical fitness.

Perhaps it is the will of heaven to strike a balance. Those with good physical fitness generally have poor brains.

And those with good brains generally have poor physical fitness.

But here's the problem: Zhang Yong has poor physical fitness and a poor brain. What is he?

A defective product?

Bah!

"What happened?'

'That kid stole the seal of the Ministry of Works.'

'What is it?'

'The seal of the Ministry of Works.'

'What's it for?'

Zhang Yong was puzzled.

A seal is a public seal, right? Steal a public seal? What for?

To stamp yourself with it?

'It's useful,' Li Yuanqing hesitated to say, 'I must get the seal back!'

'Okay,' Zhang Yong then stepped aside.

He couldn't say more, could he.

That was fishy. Curious.

The white dot with the label quickly disappeared at the edge of the map.

Soon after, Li Yuanqing also disappeared.

Zhang Yong returned to the telecommunications office.

Yang Lichu had already discovered the telegram. She was restless.

She kept frowning. It seemed that this matter was very serious. As long as it was not resolved, she would not be able to rest.

Unfortunately, Zhang Yong was a slacker. He didn't care about anything.

He would do what he could. If he couldn't do it, he would just give up.

'Do you want to go abroad?' Zhang Yong suddenly said, "Why don't you go abroad?'

'What would I do abroad? Scavenge for trash?" Yang Lichu rolled her eyes impatiently.

'Help me with something.'

'What?'

'Invest in stocks. Invest in real estate.'

'Do you understand?'

'If it loses money, it's my problem. It's none of your business.'

'Really?'

Yang Lichu looked at him suspiciously.

When did this guy become so confident? He's not afraid of losing money?

Seriously, over the past few years, I don't know how many people have lost everything. The economic depression has made many people return to poverty overnight.

'In the next ten years, we can make enough money to last a lifetime.'

'Spy on Japan?'

'No. Spying on Japan is just the first bucket of gold.'

'What makes you so sure?'

'If I say that in the next five years, more and more countries will be involved in war. The war will spread like wildfire. Do you believe that the value of all stocks related to the military industry will skyrocket?'

'I don't know.'

Yang Lichu shook her head. She is not good at making judgments.

In fact, she can be described as a technology geek. She used to specialize in technology.

It was all because of Zhang Yong that her role had changed. That's how she became what she is now. Not good enough for the top, not good enough for the bottom. The wrong profession.

And yet, she was the one the boss had chosen for this task.

'War will stimulate the development of many new technologies. These new technologies will bring huge profits.'

'How do you know?'

'I know the I Ching!'

'Bullshit!'

Yang Lichu would not believe it so easily.

Zhang Yong did not go into detail. But the young man who had just been marked appeared.

Li Yuanqing, however, had disappeared. Apparently, he had followed the wrong direction.

Fine, go find the seal of the Ministry of Works.