Chapter 15 Chapter Fourteen

The spring of 1940 was still long overdue.The whole of Chongqing is still immersed in the thick and sometimes light, illusory mist. Even on a sunny day, the sun is always so lukewarm, without flame or warmth.But for the bomb-stricken city, the arrival of the fog season has been a boon, as it has been given a temporary respite without the bombing. In the morning, Chaotianmen Wharf was shrouded in thick fog, and everything was hazy. A passenger ship has just docked, and the passengers disembark and climb the high stone steps.After Sun Xiangying arrived in Chongqing from Wuhan, she carried a small suitcase and walked up the stone steps.She walked a few steps, and when she looked back, she could barely see the river, and she couldn't see the passenger ship she had just left.Sun Xiangying was wearing a thick dark blue cotton gown with a white scarf tightly around her neck.Beneath the bangs, those beautiful eyes are full of tiredness. After the "Xinhua Daily" retreated from Wuhan, Sun Xiangying continued to stay in Wuhan to work underground in the occupied area.Now, according to the instructions of the Southern Bureau, she has been transferred to Chongqing.

After walking up the stairs, Sun Xiangying quickly found a rickshaw.Driving through the streets already full of war marks in a rickshaw, she was deeply shocked when she saw the dilapidated streets and houses.Beside the rickshaw, in front of a large piece of ruined wall, a few ragged old men slowly searched among the ruins and rubbish.Their faces were so withered and gloomy that it seemed that the mist floating above them could easily overwhelm them.The rickshaw had gone far away, but Sun Xiangying was still looking back.Finally she couldn't bear it any longer, she seemed to be talking to herself, or to the rickshaw driver: I really didn't know that Chongqing had been bombed like this.

The coachman said: What is this?You won't know how powerful it is until there is no fog in summer and little Japan comes to bomb again. Sun Xiangying: Yes, I dare not even think about it. The driver smiled: Actually, it’s nothing serious, isn’t it just throwing bombs?Little Japan may not blow up Chongqing people?Blow up the Chinese?Maybe one day we will drop bombs to Japan! Sun Xiangying was amused by the rickshaw driver's words: fellow, you are really optimistic. Coachman: Why not be optimistic? Anyway, Chongqing people are like this, and they live their lives as usual. After the coachman finished speaking, he smiled and looked back at Sun Xiangying, only to realize that there was an unoccupied rickshaw not far behind them.The coachman was a little nervous and asked, "Miss, what do you do?"After we arrived in Chongqing, there were people following us all the time.

Sun Xiangying was about to turn around, but the driver said: Don't look back! Sun Xiangying smiled calmly: It's okay, let's go our way. The coachman asked: Or go to Zengjiayan? Sun Xiangying didn't care: Of course. The coachman didn't speak, but quietly quickened his pace.The rickshaw still followed. In the surveillance room opposite Zeng's Yanzhou mansion, the light was very dark.Zheng Ming was half lying on a chair with his back against the window, cleaning his gun.The parts of a pistol, basically disassembled, piled on him.The door slammed, and the little spy who had been following Sun Xiangying, dressed as a rickshaw driver, opened the door and came in, excitedly saying, "Boss, I caught a fish."

Zheng Ming lazily raised his eyelids: Say it. Little spy: a woman in her twenties.As soon as I got off the ship from Wuhan, I was followed by me.As a result, the woman went directly to the Zhou mansion opposite. Zheng Ming nodded lukewarmly: Got it. The little spy was very disappointed, so he bit the bullet and asked: Then should I continue to keep an eye on this person? Zheng Ming didn't even raise his head: It's not necessary. Little spy: This must be a newcomer to the Communist Party, at least we should find out her identity. Zheng Ming gave him an annoyed look: To listen to me or to listen to you?There are so many Communist parties in Chongqing, can you keep up with them?I've told you many times, don't make trouble for nothing!go.

The little spy wanted to say something more, but he didn't dare to say any more, and left resentfully. Zheng Ming turned around, picked up the binoculars and looked at the opposite Zhou Mansion.That famous building was quiet at the moment, the windows were well covered with curtains, Zheng Ming didn't notice anything.He put down the binoculars, and began to reassemble the pistol he had just taken apart in a bored manner. In Zhou Enlai's office in the Zhou mansion, the curtains were drawn on the windows, and the lights were on in the room.Sun Xiangying came here after reporting for duty and asked Zhou Enlai to arrange work for her.At this time, Zhou Enlai's wife, Deng Yingchao, member of the Southern Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and secretary of the Women's Work Committee, came out of the back room with a cup of freshly brewed tea and put it in front of Sun Xiangying who was sitting opposite Zhou Enlai.

Sun Xiangying stood up quickly: Thank you, Sister Deng! Deng Yingchao laughed: Don't be so polite, Xiao Sun.you sit down. Zhou Enlai also smiled and looked at her and said: "We haven't seen each other for two years, so there is a distance between us?"When you were in Wuhan, you often asked your elder sister to take you out to restaurants. Sun Xiangying relaxed and said jokingly: I was not sensible at that time. This sentence made both Zhou Enlai and Deng Yingchao laugh out loud. Zhou Enlai: You have done a lot of work in Wuhan in the past two years, and it has been very effective.The situation in Chongqing is very complicated, and work in many areas needs to be strengthened.I discussed it with Mr. Dong, and I plan to let you continue to do student work, how about it?

Sun Xiangying: No problem.I obey the arrangement. Zhou Enlai was satisfied: Then go to Fudan University in Beibei to be a teacher.By the way, I remember you have a sister who is also in Chongqing? Deng Yingchao reminded Zhou Enlai: He and Xia Xinli are still relatives. Zhou Enlai: Right, I almost forgot about this relationship.Today you go to see my sister's house first, it must be a few years since I saw her. Deng Yingchao also said: Yes, go and have a look first. Sun Xiangying stood up happily: Thank you Vice Chairman Zhou!Sister Deng, then I'm leaving. It was already dark, Xia Chengyuan and Sun Xiangmeng's house seemed a little busier because of Sun Xiangying's arrival.Although there was no bombing, the house was still in a mess, with disintegrated explosive device parts, blueprints being drawn, and other things belonging to Xia Chengyuan piled up everywhere.Sun Xiangmeng was busy in and out of the kitchen, putting the prepared meals on the table one after another.Xia Chengyuan is trying his best to clean up his messy things, after all, there are guests.

Beside the table, Sun Xiangying was playing with Xiaohua. Xiaohua was talking about a new folk song she had learned: "Little Japanese, sell jelly, smash the jar, lose money, and marry a daughter-in-law with four legs." Sun Xiangying laughed and asked Xiaohua to teach her sentence by sentence.While learning, I asked Xia Chengyuan: Brother-in-law, isn’t this a Chongqing nursery rhyme?Why do I sound like the north. Xia Chengyuan said: This is brought over by outsiders.The local folk songs in Chongqing are much more humorous. Sun Xiangmeng came in, and echoed, "Yes."Let me tell you something. "I'm not afraid of your bastard bombing, I'm not afraid of your bastard bombing, I have a solid air-raid shelter—don't be afraid! Let your bastard be fierce, let your bastard be evil, I will always be a big ****—wait!"

Even Xiaohua knows this, and Sun Xiangying heard it as soon as she got off the boat, so basically everyone spoke it together in Sichuan dialect.The whole family laughed. Xia Chengyuan said: This is what the real Chongqing people have. Sun Xiangmeng invited everyone to come over for dinner, but Xiaohua still clung to Sun Xiangying. Sun Xiangmeng asked his son to eat and said: This child likes the beautiful aunt the most. Last year...Xia Chengyuan interrupted her sensitively: What nonsense are you talking about, Xiangying is your real sister. Sun Xiangmeng glanced at her husband secretly, but Sun Xiangying didn't pay attention, so she asked with a smile: "You let my sister tell me!"Our Xiaohua fell in love with the beautiful aunt?

Xiao Hua suddenly put down his job and stopped eating.Sun Xiangying asked: Why don't you eat, Xiao Hua? Xiaohua's eyes turned red and said: I miss Aunt Yang... Sun Xiangying looked at Xia Chengyuan and his wife a little at a loss.Xia Chengyuan buried himself in his meal.Sun Xiangmeng smiled strangely, and said to Sun Xiangying: Did you see it?This child almost became the son of your brother-in-law and that beautiful aunt... Xia Chengyuan raised his head with an ugly face, tried his best to restrain himself, and his voice was not high but full of sternness: You better keep your mouth shut.People saved our children with their own lives. You are breaking your conscience by saying that. Sun Xiangying looked at them and couldn't figure out what was going on, so she hurried out to adjust the atmosphere: okay, okay, don't say anything.Blame me for not asking, okay?Come on, sister, I haven't seen you for more than two years...Brother-in-law, why don't you bring out some wine to celebrate my reunion with my sister? Xia Chengyuan agreed, and got up to get the wine. Although it was already noon, Huangshan Mountain in Chongqing looked brighter, but there was still a thin mist lingering in the mountains and forests, and the humid air made everything wet. On the second floor of the Huangshan official residence, the doors and windows of Chiang Kai-shek’s office were closed. Dai Li and Lao Zeng, the heads of the Investigation and Statistics Bureau of the Military Commission of the Nationalist Government, also known as the “Military Regime,” were sitting in front of Chiang Kai-shek.Chiang Kai-shek sat behind the desk and carefully looked at Lao Zeng beside Dai Li.Lao Zeng was a secret special envoy arranged by Dai Li at the behest of Chiang Kai-shek, responsible for negotiating with the Japanese in Hong Kong. Since the end of 1939, he had been in contact with the Japanese in Hong Kong.At this moment, Chiang Kai-shek's gaze made Lao Zeng very uncomfortable, and he couldn't help but straighten his back again, trying to put a humble smile on his face. After a while, Chiang Kai-shek turned his attention to Dai Li: You must know that Wang Zhaoming is busy with things in Nanjing. Dai Li: Yes, appointed seat. Chiang Kai-shek said with displeasure: He is about to formally establish a Chinese traitor government, blatantly singing against us.This is all a good thing done by your group of trash!If you kill him in Hanoi, where is there so much trouble? Dai Li avoided Chiang Kai-shek's gaze and dared not speak. Chiang Kai-shek quickly eased his tone again: Forget it.There is no need to talk about this matter.But we can't let the Japanese support Wang Jingwei's puppet government.That's why I want you to recall him urgently from Hong Kong.As Chiang Kai-shek said, he glanced at Lao Zeng again, and asked: The first time you had contact with the Japanese in Hong Kong was last December, right? Lao Zeng: Yes. Dai Li added: Lao Zeng had negotiated with the Japanese many times in accordance with the commissioner's instructions.It seems that the Japanese are still sincere about the peace talks.So, regarding Japan's proposal to hold higher-level preparatory talks... Chiang Kai-shek interrupted him: I know.I just want to talk about this matter.I discussed with several people and decided on the candidates for the preparatory meeting.You go to Hong Kong immediately and have talks with the Japanese.Since the Japanese really want to talk this time, we must seize the opportunity and try to reach a peace agreement with Japan as soon as possible.Only in this way can Wang Zhaoming be prevented from establishing a puppet government in Nanjing. Lao Zeng looked at Dai Li and said bravely: "Mr. Zuo, as far as I know, the Japanese are indeed serious about the peace talks with us."However, I have also obtained such information that the Japanese military has adjusted its strategy for resolving the war in China, shifting its focus from military force to political strategy.Under the guidance of this policy, the Japanese took two parallel steps. While supporting Wang Jingwei to establish a puppet government, they also started peace talks with us.With such a background, I worry that even if we speed up the pace of peace talks, it will be difficult to prevent the establishment of Wang Jingwei's puppet government in the end. Chiang Kai-shek stood up angrily: That's why I want you to go to Hong Kong immediately!I want you to talk about a result that I want! Lao Zeng got up hastily: Yes.Appointment. Chiang Kai-shek: You report directly to me about all the negotiations in Hong Kong.Do not leak! Near dusk, Zheng Ming was called back to the Military Command Bureau in Luojiawan, and went directly to his boss's office.The little spies under Zheng Ming sued Zheng Ming, saying that he was slack in his work and let go of Sun Xiangying who disembarked at Chaotianmen. At this moment, the fat colonel and director was reprimanding Zheng Ming in the office: You are simply dereliction of duty!Isn't a person who went directly to the Zhou mansion right after arriving in Chongqing an important target?How dare you order to give up tracking?What on earth are you trying to do? Zheng Ming stood straight in front of the director: Director, based on my experience, a person who dares to go directly to the Zhou mansion knowing that someone is following him will definitely not be an important person.What's more, there are so many people coming and going from there every day, it is impossible for us to track them all. The director sneered, "Your experience?"Let me tell you, that woman has been confirmed to have come from Wuhan, where she was a member of the underground organization of the Communist Party.Due to your mistake, she disappeared from our sight!Hmm, your experience?Your experience is the failure of that mission in Hanoi! Zheng Ming was obviously annoyed, but tried to control himself: Director, even if that woman is the Communist Party, isn't even Chairman Jiang talking about the cooperation between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party and the whole people's war of resistance?What is the point of us sending so many people to follow and monitor the Communist Party every day?I'm already tired of this job.You might as well send me to the enemy-occupied area. The director who was contradicted was very annoyed, he slapped the table and shouted: Presumptuous!do you know what you said !Just based on your words I can put you in jail!Send you to court martial! Zheng Ming did not show any weakness: the Kuomintang-Communist cooperation, the whole people's war of resistance is what the Chairman said.Do you dare to put the Chairman in jail? The director was so angry that he broke a pencil in his hand and threw it viciously at Zheng Ming's face.Zheng Ming remained motionless. The director shouted: I will revoke all your duties and jobs right now!Get out with me!Never let me see you again!roll! Zheng Ming had no expression on his face, turned around and walked out of the director's office without saying a word. The Qixinggang Church was partially damaged in the Japanese bombing last year and has not been repaired so far.Light spills into the church through large holes in the wall.This morning, the wedding of An Fuyao and Zheng Qi was being held here.Not many people attended the wedding, namely Zheng Qi's parents, brother and sister, Lin Tianjue, Gu Guosong and several An Fuyao's comrades-in-arms.But the atmosphere is still very good, everyone is very happy, except Lin Tianjue who obviously feels lost.Zheng Qi, who was wearing a wedding dress, and An Fuyao, who was in an air force uniform, stood happily in front of the altar, with a priest beside them presiding over the wedding according to the Catholic ceremony. Zheng Xianbo seems to be getting older, with a lot of gray hair on his temples, and the wrinkles around his eyes are more obvious.Since he was dismissed by Chiang Kai-shek, he has basically become an idler in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Although Wang Chonghui finds some things for him to do from time to time, they are just trivial things.Zheng Xianbo originally thought that he would be able to adapt to this idle state soon, but he was wrong.A few months passed, not only could he not find the feeling of seeing Nanshan leisurely, but he felt the melancholy of drawing his sword and looking around at a loss.However, at this moment, there was still a rare gratified smile on his face. Lin Tianjue took a critical look at the hole in the wall that was both airy and light, and said to Zheng Xianbo and He Xuezhu beside him: Why did you choose such a dilapidated church to get married? He Xuezhu, who was in a good mood, was a little unhappy when he heard it, and was about to speak, but was preempted by Zheng Xianbo. He knew Lin Tianjue's inner depression, but said without noticing it: This place is great!What a meaningful wedding in a war-torn church. He Xuezhu went on to say: This kind of wedding will make them unforgettable for a lifetime, and it will definitely be told to the next generation, so it will be more meaningful. Gu Guosong, who was sitting on the side, said: When their child grows up, this incident is enough for him to firmly remember the war and the crimes of the Japanese devils. At this time, the wedding ceremony presided over by the priest was almost over, everyone stood up, Zheng Qi and An Fuyao kissed in the applause of everyone's congratulations.This obviously stimulated Lin Tianjue even more.He smiled weirdly, and returned to the topic just now: If the children grow up and know that their parents' weddings are like this, they may ask: Why is a city bombed like this?Why didn't you defend the city?Then how to answer?Should I just tell him because our Air Force is incompetent? Everyone heard Lin Tianjue's words and turned their eyes to him.Some angry Gu Guosong took a step closer to Lin Tianjue: What did you say? Seeing this situation, Zheng Ming hurried over and wanted to call Lin Tianjue away, and said with a smile: Let's go, don't make a big joke. Not to be outdone, Lin Tianjue broke free from Zheng Ming's hand, and said louder: What did I say?I said that it was because of the incompetence of the Air Force that the Japanese almost blew up Chongqing into ruins!Of course you have no ability to protect Chongqing, because all the skills of your air force are spent on women! As soon as Lin Tianjue's words came out, everyone was stunned.Before anyone could speak, Gu Guosong rushed forward and knocked Lin Tianjue down with a heavy punch.Several other airmen also rushed over, but Zheng Ming, Zheng Juan, Zheng Xianbo and others tried their best to dissuade them... The priest stood there dumbfounded and looked at the scene in front of him, at a loss. Zheng Qi snuggled up to An Fuyao, watching the chaotic scene, the happiness on her face had receded, and she became a little melancholy.An Fuyao glanced at her, hugged her tightly, and said jokingly: You must not have thought that our wedding would be so lively, did you? Zheng Qi smiled bitterly. Under Zheng Ming's obstruction, Lin Tianjue escaped from the siege of Gu Guosong and others, and ran away from the hole in the church wall in embarrassment.Calm was restored in the church.Accompanied by everyone, Zheng Qi and An Fuyao walked to the gate of the church.Zheng Ming looked back and saw Zheng Xianbo who was very unhappy standing still, so he went back to his father: Dad, let's go. Zheng Xianbo said angrily: This bastard Lin Tianjue is doing it on purpose! Zheng Ming smiled: Forget it.He has been chasing Xiaoqi for several years, and now seeing her marrying An Fuyao, it is understandable that he feels uncomfortable.An Fuyao didn't care about it, the past is over. Zheng Xianbo sighed: Actually, because Xiaoqi is going to get married, I have already found a position in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong for Lin Tianjue, just to let him leave for a while.But he didn't want to, and he insisted on attending the wedding, and there was such a thing as a result. Zheng Ming smiled: You are very thoughtful, so help me find a job? Zheng Xianbo glanced at him: Are you kidding? Zheng Ming shook his head: It's a joke to ask you to help find a job, but I really have nothing to do and have been dismissed. Zheng Xianbo: Why? Zheng Ming: Stop asking.This is just right, I have long been tired of this kind of work, staring at the Communist Party every day, it is really boring. Zheng Xianbo looked at him seriously and stopped talking.Get up and walk out with Zheng Ming. The evening sky was overcast and everything seemed darker.Everyone in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already left work, and the building is empty.Zheng Xianbo came to Wang Chonghui's office after finishing his work, because he wanted to ask Wang Chonghui for help with a private matter——for Zheng Ming's work, let Wang Chonghui clear it up with Dai Li.Although he didn't have much hope, Zheng Xianbo still asked Wang Chonghui to find a way to talk to Dai Li about this matter. After all, he and Dai Li still had some dealings. After listening to Zheng Xianbo's words, Wang Chonghui expressed deep sympathy: Juntong is really unreasonable. Although the assassination operation failed, Zheng Ming was still seriously injured? Zheng Xianbo smiled wryly: Probably those who engage in intelligence have never been reasonable.In fact, after returning from Hanoi, Zheng Ming had already been recorded in another book. Wang Chonghui asked: Then what do you want? Zheng Xianbo: Sorry.In the past few years, Zheng Ming has been born and died for the military command, not to mention that during the war, it is also a time when a large number of intelligence personnel are needed, so please give Zheng Ming another chance to contribute to the country. Wang Chonghui hesitated for a moment, then agreed: "Okay."I can talk to Dai Li and see if he will save face. Zheng Xianbo: Thank you, Minister Wang. Wang Chonghui smiled, looked at his watch and stood up: Let's go together. Just as the two of them were about to walk out of the office door, Wang Chonghui suddenly stood down again, closed the door again, and asked in a low voice: "Xianbo, I wonder if you've heard of something?" Zheng Xianbo: What is it? Wang Chonghui was displeased: Someone inexplicably wanted to take Zhang Yousan away from here in the name of appointment, and didn't tell me why. Zheng Xianbo: Zhang Yousan, former ambassador to Germany? Wang Chonghui: I heard some rumors that the Chairman of the General Assembly is going to formally send people to conduct secret peace talks with the Japanese. Zheng Xianbo was taken aback: The Chairman had secret peace talks with the Japanese?And bypass the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?The transfer of Zhang Yousan has something to do with this matter? Wang Chonghui: Very likely. Zheng Xianbo was disturbed by the news, he asked: Minister Wang, why did you tell me this? Wang Chonghui smiled wryly: Who else can I tell?Just wanted to hear your opinion. Zheng Xianbo's answer is very simple: I think this is a serious mistake.You and I have dealt with the Japanese for so many years, don't you understand?It is impossible to negotiate peacefully with the Japanese unless they lose their power and humiliate the country. Wang Chonghui sighed: I don't know what the chairman's hole card is.This negotiation is top-secret, and I hope the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will not be involved in the end.I'm afraid the farther away we are from this matter, the better! Zheng Xianbo stopped talking.At the end of last year, he heard rumors from his colleagues in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about this incident. At that time, he didn't pay attention to it, thinking that Chiang Kai-shek would not contact the Japanese at such a critical moment.What's more, Wang Jingwei, whom the Japanese most hope to support, is preparing to set up a puppet government.But now what Wang Chonghui revealed made Zheng Xianbo realize that the previous rumors might not be groundless.The U.S. Congress rejected the amendment to the Neutrality Act, and the British government recognized Japan's occupation of China, making Chiang Kai-shek's diplomatic strategy in vain, and seeking a compromise with the Japanese became a possible choice in desperation.But what puzzled Zheng Xianbo was, since the Japanese had already decided to push Wang Jingwei to power, why did they secretly flirt with Chiang Kai-shek at the same time?If Wang Chonghui's news is true, then there is also a possibility that the Japanese government deliberately played a role in creating a diplomatic "love triangle" between Wang Jingwei and Chiang Kai-shek, allowing Chiang Kai-shek and Wang Jingwei to "compete for favor" in front of the Japanese, and for the sake of competition. The so-called initiative and compete to lower their own negotiation threshold.If this is the case, then the diplomatic dilemma that has emerged since last year's "Arita-Craig Agreement" will only become more bleak, and the expected effect of the Japanese bombing of Chongqing may indeed be realized.These thoughts swirled rapidly in Zheng Xianbo's head, making him feel heavy, but he resisted telling Wang Chonghui. It was getting dark outside, and it was even darker in the room.Wang Chonghui opened the door, the lights in the aisle were bright, and they walked out together.After Wang Chonghui locked the door, he said: Do you know who came to me for Zhang Yousan? Zheng Xianbo was full of doubts. Wang Chonghui smiled: Dai Li.I just happen to be able to tell him about your son, and maybe we can make a deal that will satisfy you. Zheng Xianbo quickly said: Minister Wang, are you kidding?Don't bother you with my affairs. Wang Chonghui: Don't worry. Since the beginning of winter, the pediatric ward of Jimin Hospital has been gradually filled with hospitalized children.The destruction of the city's water supply in last year's bombing, among other causes, led to an epidemic of typhus.Because penicillin and quinine, the special medicines for typhoid fever, were in short supply and expensive, many children were admitted to the hospital, but they had to wait to die in a coma and high fever because of myrrh.As a pediatrician at Jimin Hospital, Sun Xiangmeng was helpless, even though she knew that with penicillin or quinine, such a situation could be completely avoided. This morning, Sun Xiangmeng couldn't bear it anymore, and came to the office of He Xuezhu, who was already the dean, and asked He Xuezhu to give him some medicine no matter what. He Xuezhu sighed: What can I do!All hospitals are out of medicine. Sun Xiangmeng: Dean, big sister!I hear there's a little penicillin left in the pharmacy, isn't it?Take it out and give it to me!Let's save one.I beg you. He Xuezhu: I am more anxious than you!The penicillin in the pharmacy has been sealed!do not you know? Sun Xiangmeng was puzzled: typhus was spreading, but penicillin was sealed?Who is this bastard! He Xuezhu: Because of the typhus epidemic, all the stocks of penicillin and quinine in the city have been used up.The above urgently ordered all hospitals to immediately seal up the remaining medicines no matter how much they were, and save them for use when they are most needed, because it is impossible for new medicines to arrive in a short period of time. Sun Xiangmeng sneered: What is reserved for those officials and gentlemen when they are most needed? ! He Xuezhu: Maybe so. Sun Xiangmeng was even more excited: It's simply absurd!These bastard bureaucrats deserve to die! In the corridor outside the office, a woman's heart-piercing cry came.Sun Xiangmeng was taken aback, and hurried out of the office, seeing two nurses carrying a newly dead child out of the pediatric ward on a stretcher, the small body was covered by a white sheet.The child's mother followed behind, crying. The child had only been admitted to the hospital two days ago.Sun Xiangmeng shed tears, she was about to turn around, but found He Xuezhu standing behind her with tears in her eyes.In fact, their pain is the same. He Xuezhu turned back to the office, grabbed the phone, and asked for the office of Deputy Director Xu of the Department of Health.Sun Xiangmeng didn't go in, but stood outside the door and listened.After He Xuezhu answered the phone, he almost begged Deputy Director Xu to approve some penicillin for him. Of course, Deputy Director Xu was helpless.He Xuezhu asked to use the sealed medicine again, but she still refused.There was even a threatening tone in Deputy Director Xu's tone, whoever dares to touch those penicillins will not be able to take it and walk around, understand? !Ok? !Then sternly hung up the phone.He Xuezhu put down the receiver and looked helplessly at Sun Xiangmeng who was still standing at the door. Hong Kong in March is already full of spring.The war between China and Japan has not affected this British colony for the time being, and it still maintains a kind of calm and prosperity here, and at night, it is even more feasting and feasting. A car crosses the street with flashing lights and stops in front of the building of Tohi Corporation.After the car stopped, Zheng Ming was the first to get off. After getting out of the car, he quickly looked around before opening the rear door.Lao Zeng, Chiang Kai-shek's secret negotiator, Zhang Yousan, chief secretary of the Supreme National Defense Council and former ambassador to Germany, and Chen Chaoling, former deputy director of the Chongqing Camp Staff Office, emerged one after another.After getting off the car, they hurried into the building of Dongfei Yangxing without stopping. Dongfei Yangxing is actually a secret stronghold arranged by the Japanese in Hong Kong, so there are a few Japanese plainclothes spies scattered outside the door of the foreign company, as if nothing happened, but vigilantly watching the movement around them. After the car drove away, Zheng Ming followed Lao Zeng and others, but was stopped by two Japanese plainclothes at the door.Zheng Ming hurriedly pointed to the person in front, and argued in English: I am a security guard!The Japanese plainclothes just shook his head firmly.Hearing Zheng Ming's words, Lao Zeng glanced back, but he didn't intend to come over to explain. He turned his head and followed Zhang Yousan and Chen Chaoling into the hall.Zheng Ming originally thought that Lao Zeng would come to help him in, but seeing Lao Zeng like this, he had no choice but to give up, leaving the gate with some helplessness and walking to the opposite side of the street. Through the intercession of Wang Chonghui and Dai Li, Zheng Ming was resumed to work. Since Zheng Ming had performed missions abroad, the new immediate boss arranged for him and Lao Zeng to come to Hong Kong together to be responsible for the security during the negotiation process.Of course, Zheng Ming didn't know the purpose of Lao Zeng and his party in Hong Kong. Rules are rules, and he didn't bother to find out.Zheng Ming didn't realize that Lao Zeng and the others had come to contact the Japanese until the car they were riding in stopped outside Dongfei Yangxing.He was sensitively aware that a very important diplomatic activity might be taking place somewhere above the Dongfei foreign company across the street.He scanned the building suspiciously, but found no suspicious lights coming from any of the windows. In fact, a conference room on the second floor of the foreign company was brightly lit, but a waiter had already drawn the thick curtains to completely block the windows. On both sides of a rectangular conference table are three Chinese and three Japanese.On the Chinese side, Chen Chaoling sat in the middle, and Lao Zeng and Zhang Yousan sat on his left and right.On the Japanese side, in addition to Major General Takeo Imai, the deputy chief of staff of the General Command of the Japanese Invasion Army who participated in the "Shokodo" negotiation, there were also Lieutenant Suzuki Takuel, the military attache of the Japanese Consulate in Hong Kong, and Shigeki Usui, the negotiator who came to Hong Kong on a special trip from Japan. Colonel. Imai Takeo arrogantly glanced at the Chinese across the table and began to speak: Let's go straight to the substantive issues.The purpose of this meeting is to settle some basic prerequisites for formal peace negotiations between Japan and China. The so-called prerequisites are some major principles.After these general principles are agreed upon, formal peace talks will be possible.Japan and China are at war with many differences.However, here we can all articulate the principles of our respective positions and work together to find a basis for mutual understanding. Zhang Yousan said: This is also China's intention.I hope we can reach agreement in principle through talks. Lao Zeng emphasized: One thing I hope the Japanese side understands is that no matter what the outcome of this meeting is, it must be kept top secret.this point is very important. Takeo Imai agreed: Japan promises not to leak it.Start now.Let me first express some principles of the Japanese side. Of course, it can also be understood as a prerequisite for formal negotiations. Chen Chaoling looked at him calmly, waiting for the following content. Takeo Imai: First, the Chongqing government must abandon the current policy of anti-Japanese and tolerant communists. Zhang Yousan looked at Lao Zeng, and then responded: If China and Japan reach an agreement on peace negotiations, the Sino-Japanese war will naturally end, and it is logical for the Chinese government to abandon the anti-Japanese policy. Suzuki Zall intervened and said: Not after the peace agreement is signed, but before the formal peace talks start, abandon the policy of being an enemy of Japan. Chen Chaoling: I think there is no problem. Imai Takeo: Second, the Chongqing government should recognize Manchukuo. Chen Chaoling frowned: This is a problem.If the Nationalist government formally recognized Manchukuo, it would definitely arouse strong reactions from the people in the country, and the Communist Party would also take the opportunity to make a big fuss. Suzuki Zall: That's your business.For Japan, this is a principle. Zhang Yousan hurriedly said: In fact, Manchukuo is already an established fact, and there is no need for Japan to regard it as a prerequisite for peace talks, or China can take a tacit attitude towards it. Chen Chaoling nodded in agreement, and said: If China is required to publicly recognize Manchukuo, it will bring unnecessary troubles to the future Sino-Japanese peace agreement, and will cause obstacles to the domestic implementation of the signed peace agreement.Because this will seriously damage the reputation of the national government among the people, and make the Chinese people confuse the national government with Wang Jingwei's betrayal. Suzuki Zall smiled: If Japan and China reach a peace agreement, do you think there will be a big difference between the Chongqing government and Mr. Wang? This sentence made Chen Chaoling, Zhang Yousan, and Lao Zeng both embarrassed and angry.Takeo Imai probably felt that such direct stimulation was unnecessary, so he glanced at Suzuki Zall.Suzuki Zall suppressed the sneer on his face. Takeo Imai went on to say: When it comes to Mr. Wang Jingwei, the third principle of the Japanese side is that the Chongqing government should ensure appropriate cooperation with Mr. Wang to re-form the central government. Chen Chaoling: I am afraid that this is difficult for the Chinese side to accept. Imai Takeo firmly said: The Japanese government has a certain moral responsibility to Mr. Wang, and the Japanese side will insist on this. Zhang Yousan said: Wang Jingwei has been despised by all the people, and the Sino-Japanese peace talks should have nothing to do with Wang Jingwei.What's more, Wang Jingwei has not yet established his so-called government. If China and Japan reach a peace agreement as soon as possible, this problem will naturally disappear. Suzuki Zall laughed again: If an agreement is to be reached as soon as possible, the principles of the two parties need to be close to the same as soon as possible.In particular, China needs to adopt a more flexible stance. Although he said it with a smile, Suzuki Zall's tone contained an undeniable meaning.Zhang Yousan and Chen Chaoling didn't know how to answer.A suffocating void emerged in the negotiations.Both Chen Chaoling and Zhang Yousan looked at Lao Zeng, and Lao Zeng, who had been silent all this time, nodded his head, which of course meant to accept the conditions of the Japanese side. Several Japanese people no longer need any clear verbal expressions.