Chapter 26 Chapter Twenty-Five

The trees in the park outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are already full of spring, and some unknown flowers are blooming everywhere.Zheng Xianbo got off a rickshaw and hurried in.He walked through the quiet corridor, came to Wang Chonghui's office door, and knocked on the door.The secretary came to open the door for him, but Zheng Xianbo didn't say hello, and went straight into Wang Chonghui's office inside.Wang Chonghui was sitting at the desk, when he saw Zheng Xianbo coming in, he got up and came to Zheng Xianbo with a piece of paper. Zheng Xianbo: Minister, what is the urgent matter?

Wang Chonghui handed over the page: You should read this telegram first. After Zheng Xianbo glanced briefly at the telegram, Wang Chonghui continued: Ambassador Gu Weijun happened to meet with the Soviet ambassador to France in Paris. He accidentally got the Japanese Foreign Minister Yosuke Matsuoka who was visiting the Soviet Union. For the news, I sent this telegram back. Zheng Xianbo asked: Was Yosuke Matsuoka's itinerary to Leningrad not pre-arranged? Wang Chonghui said worriedly: That's the problem.What Gu Weijun heard was that Yosuke Matsuoka revisited the old place of Leningrad.But everyone knows that his visit to the Soviet Union was not for the sake of nostalgia.Gu Weijun was very anxious. When he got in touch with the rumors that Japan and the Soviet Union were reaching a secret agreement, he thought there must be something in it.

Zheng Xianbo: What about Mr. Shao Lizi, Ambassador to Jiangsu? What is his opinion? Wang Chonghui shook his head and said: He can't know the inside story in Moscow, so I am anxious. Zheng Xianbo said: As soon as Yosuke Matsuoka arrived in Moscow, Stalin received him, which is already extraordinary.Now he suddenly left Moscow again. The reason for this is indeed not explained clearly by traveling around the mountains and rivers. Wang Chonghui said worriedly: I have an ominous premonition. Zheng Xianbo thought for a moment: Minister, I think there is only one possibility for Yosuke Matsuoka's sudden visit to Leningrad, which is to deliberately prolong his stay in the Soviet Union. Specifically, he is waiting for a certain result.

Wang Chonghui looked at him: What do you think you are waiting for? Zheng Xianbo also said that he was not very clear, after all, it was just a judgment: I don't know.Must be a very important result.Perhaps, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union or Stalin needed discussions before they could give Matsuoka a formal answer.Therefore, he would rather stay in the Soviet Union for a while.If it turns out to be some sort of peace deal between the Soviet Union and Japan that was rumored to be true, the situation is serious. Wang Chonghui was silent for a moment, and then said: I called you here to hear your intuitive judgment on this matter.Your analysis confirms my concern, it seems that we are thinking of getting together.You immediately arrange to go to the Soviet embassy and ask Soviet ambassador Pan Youxin about the situation.Since the war of resistance, the Soviet Union has been our greatest supporter.But now the situation in Europe is confusing and very critical.It is entirely possible for the Soviets to reach some kind of agreement with the Japanese in order to deal with the situation in Europe. If that is the case, our country will be in a very disadvantageous position.

Before finally leaving Chongqing, Zheng Ming was called to his boss's office again. What happened in the 34 Arsenal has already proved that the boss is suspicious of himself, so Zheng Ming prepared for the worst.But then, nothing happened.Zheng Ming judged that someone must have suspected his behavior in "Tong Work" last year, which triggered this "test".However, since it is a test, it means that the military command has not grasped more information.So when he stood in front of his boss again, Zheng Ming felt quite calm. The fat director looked at Zheng Ming coldly, and handed him a stack of materials: The situation in Wuhan, including your contact person and contact information, is here.These things cannot leave the building, and you come back here immediately after viewing them.

Seeing that Zheng Ming had taken the stack of materials but did not intend to leave immediately, the director asked: Do you have anything else to do? Zheng Ming: Director, what happened to the so-called Japanese spy incident last time? The director looked at him: Ah, the information is not very accurate. I didn't expect that this Japanese spy was really a reporter from "Xinhua Daily".Fortunately, our people dealt with it in a timely manner and did not let him succeed. Zheng Ming sneered: If I was asked to participate in the so-called assassination, I'm afraid it was also aimed at me, right?

The director put on a look of being too lazy to talk to him, and said: Nonsense! Zheng Ming couldn't help "humming": If you think this kind of trick can fool me, then you are too underestimating people. The director snapped angrily: Presumptuous! Zheng Ming vented indifferently: On the one hand, you can arrest that person through the so-called arsenal bombing, and on the other hand, you can test whether I am collaborating with the enemy by letting me participate in this operation.Am I right?After working in the military for so many years, I know the methods here.It's just that it chills me to engage in these conspiracies when the destiny of the country and the nation are at stake!

The director was stunned for a moment, and suddenly smiled sinisterly: Zheng Ming, I know you are a person with a strong sense of justice, so I sent you to the Wuhan workstation to do some practical work for the country and the nation.To be honest, I don't even know if you are qualified for this job, but at least you are deep behind enemy lines and can fight the Japanese directly. Zheng Ming: I'm glad you sent me to Wuhan, it's more meaningful than doing those dirty plots in Chongqing! The director sneered: that's good, then I wish you the best of luck.However, I dare not say goodbye to you, because none of us knows whether you will return to Chongqing alive.

You still underestimate me!After Zheng Ming finished speaking, he gave the director a hard look, then turned and left. The banks of the Yangtze River at dusk. There were a few small boats in the river, and the faint twilight covered the scenery farther away, making the river a bit hazy.Zheng Ming and Sun Xiangying walked slowly by the river, neither of them spoke.They knew that this was probably the last time Zheng Ming met before leaving Chongqing. In the end, it was Zheng Ming who broke the silence and asked: Are you trying to rescue Xia Xinli? Sun Xiangying: Thinking of a way. Zheng Ming: I can't help at all.

Sun Xiangying looked at him: I don't know what Wuhan has become now... Ever since I left there, I never thought that I would go back one day, at least until the Japanese devils were driven out.Unexpectedly, you are going again now. Zheng Ming smiled: I have long put life and death aside.It's just that, when I really want to leave Chongqing, I feel a little bit reluctant.I went to Beibei to say goodbye to my mother.She cried, as if she was parting from life and death, and she couldn't be persuaded. Sun Xiangying: You promise me, you must be careful. Zheng Ming nodded, feeling suddenly sad: If I can't come back, I mean, if something happens to me...will you forget me?

Sun Xiangying's eyes immediately became moist: Don't say such things. Zheng Ming stubbornly said: You won't forget me, right? Looking at the Yangtze River beside her, Sun Xiangying suddenly seemed to be talking to herself: Maybe we will meet in Wuhan. Zheng Ming asked in surprise: What did you say? Sun Xiangying decided on Zheng Ming, and said affectionately but firmly: We might meet again in Wuhan.So, I don't want you to say something like that. Zheng Ming still didn't understand what she meant and said: I hope so, after the Japanese were driven out of China, after Wuhan was liberated. Sun Xiangying said: Maybe before that. Zheng Ming finally understood a little bit, and immediately said sternly: You must not act on your emotions! Sun Xiangying: I don't act emotionally, I know what I should do! Zheng Ming: Xiangying, you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen in my life... Don't worry, I will take care of myself and we will meet again. The two looked at each other silently and tenderly.Beside them, the Yangtze River flowed quietly eastward in the dusk gloom. Also at this evening, according to Wang Chonghui's wishes, Zheng Xianbo came to the Soviet embassy to have a meeting with Pan Youxin.Pan Youxin smoked a cigarette and chatted with Zheng Xianbo relaxedly.Zheng Xianbo conveyed Wang Chonghui's inquiry, hoping that Pan Youxin could disclose some information about Matsuoka Yoyou's whereabouts. Pan Youxin took a deep puff of cigarette after hearing this, and then said slowly: Why are Mr. Zheng and Minister Wang Chonghui suddenly interested in the whereabouts of Foreign Minister Hiroshi Matsuoka?As far as I know, he just went to Leningrad for a few days to relax. Zheng Xianbo put it bluntly: Mr. Ambassador, what if Foreign Minister Hiroyuki Matsuoka is waiting for some kind of news? Pan Youxin hid his surprise with a smile: what news? Zheng Xianbo: For example, he is waiting for Moscow to make some important decision. Pan Youxin did not directly answer Zheng Xianbo's question: Mr. Zheng, you should know that the Soviet government's policy toward China will not change.Since the Soviet Union got involved in China's Anti-Japanese War, we have been adhering to our own principles, whether it is military assistance or economic assistance, we have shown considerable consistency. Zheng Xianbo: There is no doubt that the Chinese government and Chinese people are very grateful for this.But what is worrying is that this visit by the Japanese foreign minister is likely to lead to negative results and destroy this consistency. Pan Youxin said disapprovingly: The diplomatic contact between the Soviet Union and Japan was completely a normal activity between the two countries.Please rest assured that the Soviet government will not betray China's interests in the process of contacting the Japanese government.I know, this is what you are most worried about.Of course, there may be some adjustments in diplomatic strategy, but this is not an issue that we need to discuss here or obtain the consent of the Chinese government. Zheng Xianbo: Mr. Ambassador should know that if the Soviet Union reaches some kind of compromise with Japan, it will endanger the anti-fascist camp in China and even the entire East Asia. Pan Youxin: Mr. Zheng worried too much, but I don't think it will be that serious. Zheng Xianbo said helplessly: Mr. Ambassador, I hope your words are not diplomatic rhetoric. Pan Youxin said with a smile: I am a diplomat, and you are also a diplomat. It is inevitable that there will be no diplomatic rhetoric in the conversation between us, right? Zheng Xianbo: Well, Mr. Ambassador, I will take my leave. Pan Youxin and Zheng Xianbo stood up together, and suddenly asked again: Regarding Foreign Minister Hiroshi Matsuoka's visit to the Soviet Union, did your ambassador to the Soviet Union, Mr. Shao Lizi, not get any news? Zheng Xianbo said: If there is news, will I still come here to visit you? Pan Youxin smiled and stopped talking. Zheng Xianbo bid farewell to Pan Youxin and left the Soviet embassy when it was already dark.According to his observation and judgment, Pan Youxin's ambiguous attitude just shows that Matsuoka Yosuke's whereabouts are meaningful.After returning home, Zheng Xianbo had basically come to a conclusion, and he planned to report to Wang Chonghui tomorrow morning. Zheng Xianbo was washing up and getting ready to go to bed when there was a knock on the door.Zheng Xianbo hurried to the living room and opened the door. He was a little surprised to see Wang Chonghui standing outside the door: Minister Wang?Please come in! Wang Chonghui followed him into the living room, sat down on the sofa and asked: How was your talk with Ambassador Pan Youxin? Zheng Xianbo put a cup of tea in front of him: not very good.He did not disclose anything of value, but made some rather empty promises.I stated our concerns to him and he just said he would let us know if there were any new developments. Wang Chonghui was depressed and fell silent. Zheng Xianbo: Minister Wang, what's wrong? Wang Chonghui: Although there is no further information, I basically conclude that the Soviet government and the Japanese government have reached some kind of deal.Pan Youxin kept his mouth shut to us. If it wasn't because he didn't know the inside story, it would prove that China's interests must be involved in this deal. Zheng Xianbo nodded and said: Pan Youxin's diplomatic rhetoric is probably a cover-up. He must already know some content of the negotiations between the Soviet Union and Japan, but it is not convenient to disclose to us until the results of the negotiations are announced.Have you read The Times and Ta Kung Pao?They all believe that the possibility of reaching an agreement between the Soviet Union and Japan is very high. Wang Chonghui sighed: I just came from the Chairman. Zheng Xianbo: What does the chairman think of this matter? Wang Chonghui smiled wryly: The chairman is worried that if the Soviet government and the Japanese government reach an agreement at this time, China's national interests and the progress of the war of resistance will inevitably be damaged.The Chairman blamed me and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs again, or the old saying, saying that we are incompetent. Zheng Xianbo said dissatisfiedly: But doesn't the chairman know that neither you nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can control this kind of thing? Wang Chonghui sighed: Yes.A vast country with a population of 400 million and a history of thousands of years is constantly being slaughtered and betrayed by others in international affairs, but we ourselves are completely powerless and have no room for bargaining.The chairman is feeling angry, who is feeling better? Zheng Xianbo: A weak country has no diplomacy, and we have done our best. Wang Chonghui smiled self-deprecatingly: I think maybe the chairman will not reprimand me too much. Zheng Xianbo: Why? Wang Chonghui said sadly: If the agreement between Japan and the Soviet Union is announced and China really becomes a victim of it again, the Chairman of the General Assembly will probably not let me, an incompetent foreign minister, continue to do this. Zheng Xianbo angrily: No, it's not fair! Wang Chonghui lamented: There has never been a fair game in diplomacy and politics.I'm also a little bit exhausted, but it's always a bit reconciled to watch others play China in the palm of their hands! In the evening, Sun Xiangying came to the Zhou mansion.When Zhou Enlai was not there, Deng Yingchao jokingly asked her if she was hungry when she saw her.Sun Xiangying smiled reluctantly, and said that she had an important matter to ask Zhou Enlai for instructions.Deng Yingchao asked Sun Xiangying to sit down and talk, but Sun Xiangying hesitated and sat down. Sun Xiangying sat down and asked: Big sister, is there any news about Xia Xinli? Deng Yingchao said: Regarding the arrest of Lao Xia, the Southern Bureau has already made arrangements, and is negotiating with the Nationalist government through various channels, and it is estimated that there will be a result soon. Sun Xiangying: The arrest of Lao Xia this time was completely a conspiracy pre-designed by the military commander. Deng Yingchao said: Recently, several comrades have encountered such troubles, and their identities and methods of arrest are roughly the same.Therefore, Comrade Enlai and other comrades in the Southern Bureau believed that Lao Xia's arrest was part of a conspiracy planned by the military command, and the purpose was probably to frame and discredit our party's public image. After the "Southern Anhui Incident", Lao Jiang can be said to have lost face at home and abroad. This time, he just wanted to put on the hat of sabotaging the Anti-Japanese War and save some face. Sun Xiangying said: Wouldn't it be more embarrassing if their conspiracy was made public? Deng Yingchao comforted: So I guess the result of the negotiation will come out soon, and Lao Jiang and the Kuomintang may not dare to break their trust with the people in this kind of matter again. Sun Xiangying was silent. Deng Yingchao looked at Sun Xiangying and laughed: Xiao Sun, this is what you want to talk about? Sun Xiangying suddenly said: Eldest sister, there is one thing I want to ask you to help. Deng Yingchao: Tell me. Sun Xiangying: I want to go back to Wuhan to work. This surprised Deng Yingchao: Oh?Why? Sun Xiangying hesitated for a while, but finally did not say the real reason: I have been working in Chongqing for a year. Although there are many things to do here, I always feel that I should go back to Wuhan, where people are needed more.I was there before the fall of Wuhan and I am very familiar with it.Sister, can you tell Vice Chairman Zhou about my request. Deng Yingchao smiled: Xiao Sun, do you want me to be your lobbyist? Sun Xiangying also laughed: I beg you. Deng Yingchao: The work in Wuhan is very important, but it is also very dangerous. I cannot guarantee that Comrade Enlai will agree to your request.And I don't quite agree.The fog season is over, and the Japanese devils will start bombing Chongqing again. There are many things to do here. Sun Xiangying: Sister, please tell Vice Chairman Zhou, please? Deng Yingchao said: Let me think about it. The worries of Zheng Xianbo and Wang Chonghui soon became reality. One late night two days later.At the foot of Huangshan Mountain, a car with the Soviet flag was parked in front of the stone path leading to Chiang Kai-shek’s official residence. A driver was standing beside the car and smoking. Two guards stood watching him from a high place. Two street lamps were on alone. Shine the dim light on the body of the guard. The Soviet ambassador to China Pan Youxin, Wang Chonghui, and Zheng Xianbo were sitting in the living room of the Huangshan villa, and Chiang Kai-shek was sitting at the other end of the room. The atmosphere in the room was quite tense. Chiang Kai-shek's face was ugly: Mr. Ambassador, I think, you must know why I invited you here late at night? Pan Youxin shook his head with a smile.Chiang Kai-shek tried his best to restrain himself: We just learned that your government and the Japanese government signed the "Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Treaty" in Moscow! Pan Youxin said calmly: I also just found out about this news.But I don't see how our meeting at this time has anything to do with that directly. Chiang Kai-shek: Really? !I want you to know right away that the agreement signed between your government and the Japanese is a betrayal of China's interests!This agreement not only acquiesced in Japan's aggression against China, but also handed over Mongolia to the Soviet Union in exchange for the recognition of the territorial integrity and inviolability of the so-called "Manchukuo"!This is too much! Pan Youxin said: Mr. Jiang, I think our government made such a decision based on our country's strategic judgment on the international anti-fascist situation. Chiang Kai-shek: Strategic judgment?Your agreement not only harms the interests of China, but also harms the interests of the International Anti-Fascist Front!By obtaining this agreement, the Japanese have obtained a guarantee that your government will no longer support China's war of resistance. Isn't this a great damage to the anti-fascist front in the Far East? !We will react strongly to this. Pan Youxin said calmly: As the ambassador to China, I can convey your government's response to China. Chiang Kai-shek glanced at Wang Chonghui and said: "Minister Wang of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also here. We will issue a statement immediately denying the validity of the China-related clauses in the "Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Treaty." We will never recognize it!"Liangchou, you start this matter immediately. Wang Chonghui: Yes. Pan Youxin tried to ease the atmosphere: Mr. Jiang, although our government signed this agreement with the Japanese government out of consideration of national interests, our government's policy and attitude towards China have always been the same without any change. Chiang Kai-shek said angrily: I am very sorry, I have seen too many changes! Pan Youxin: The reason why our government did this was due to the situation in Europe. It was impossible for the Soviet Union to fight on two fronts at the same time. I hope Mr. Jiang can understand. Chiang Kai-shek: Our military and civilians have fought against Japan for many years, and they have actually helped your country prevent the expansion of the Japanese invaders in the east.If your government thinks that signing a neutrality agreement with the Japanese can exchange for peace in the Far East, it is a big mistake! Pan Youxin just said again: I will definitely convey the attitude and views of your government. Chiang Kai-shek stopped talking, and an awkward atmosphere filled the living room. Night in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. A house close to the road, shaded by palm trees, with curtains drawn on the windows, and a light shining from inside, shone on an American jeep outside the corridor.Gu Hongyuan, who came back from Europe, was carrying a travel bag and stopped in front of the US military jeep.He looked at the jeep, and there was no expression on his face, except tiredness. This is Gu Hongyuan's home.He walked to the door, and although he had the key in his hand, he still rang the doorbell.No one answered.Gu Hongyuan rang the doorbell again and kept holding on.The door finally opened, and the head of an American poked out.Gu Hongyuan was not surprised when he saw the Americans: Andrews, are you here? The American named Andrews seemed a little flustered: Gu? !How did you come back? Gu Hongyuan smiled: You seem a little surprised? Andrews stepped aside hastily: No... oh, sorry, come in quickly. Gu Hongyuan put away the smile on his face, picked up the travel bag and walked into the room.While Gu Hongyuan brushed past him, Andrews tidied up his shirt in a panic.After Gu Hongyuan walked into the living room, he put the travel bag on the ground and looked around.There was a wine bottle and two wine glasses on the coffee table, and Andrews' coat on the sofa.He turned around and asked: Are you the only one in this house? Andrews picked up the coat on the sofa and was about to say something when the voice of Gu Hongyuan's wife came from the stairs: Hongyuan, why are you back? Gu Hongyuan showed a sneering smile: It seems that I came back at the wrong time? His wife came down from upstairs in some disheveled clothes and hugged Gu Hongyuan.Andrews, who stood aside, said with some embarrassment: Gu, I'll go first, congratulations on your reunion.Goodbye, Mrs. Gu. Gu Hongyuan's wife also nodded awkwardly to Andrews, and Andrews hurried out of the house under Gu Hongyuan's gaze.Gu Hongyuan didn't speak, just sat down on the sofa and listened to Andrews starting the car and driving away.Gu Hongyuan's wife is a petite Filipino woman. Although she is no longer young, she still has charm.She sat down opposite Gu Hongyuan, with the intention of explaining: Andrews came to chat with me, we had a few drinks... Gu Hongyuan interrupted her: You don't need to explain anything. The wife looked at him, got up and poured him a glass of water: Have you received my letter? Gu Hongyuan nodded: I came back just for this matter. The wife let out an "oh" and stopped talking.Just two months ago, she wrote a letter to Gu Hongyuan, in which she clearly stated her request for a divorce. Of course, she also stated various reasons, complained about life, and apologized. Gu Hongyuan said calmly: I am not going to blame you for anything.Things between us should be settled during my stay.If you have no objection, we will complete the divorce procedures as soon as possible. The wife suddenly looked sad, and leaned her face on his shoulder: No matter what, I still have to say sorry, I apologize to you. Gu Hongyuan's body was stiff, and he said with a wry smile: There is nothing to apologize for. His wife asked: Does Guosong know about this? Gu Hongyuan said: He knew about your relationship with Andrews earlier than I did. The wife leaves him in surprise. Seeing her strong reaction, Gu Hongyuan smiled: Are you surprised?You should know that Guosong is no longer a child.As soon as he saw me in Chongqing, he gave me some kind of hint.I think you'd better write to him yourself when we're done with the matter. Then Gu Hongyuan took out a photo of Gu Guosong in Chongqing from his wallet and handed it to his wife.Looking at the photo, his wife suddenly cried sadly: Hongyuan, I can't help it!I'm alone here, it's so lonely!The loneliness was unbearable.I hope you and your son can forgive me. Gu Hongyuan was somewhat relieved: Well, no one meant to blame you.I'm tired and I need to take a shower. After speaking, Gu Hongyuan stood up, picked up his travel bag and went upstairs, leaving his wife sitting on the sofa alone.She looked at Gu Guosong's photo again with a sad expression, picked up a glass of wine and drank it all in one gulp. In order to go through the divorce procedures, Gu Hongyuan had to stay in Manila for a few days, although he didn't want to stay here for a day.That night, Andrews met him at a bar.Gu Hongyuan knew that Andrews wanted to have a Western-style settlement on this matter, so he went.There were many American soldiers, Chinese, Filipinos and Europeans sitting in the bar, which seemed a bit noisy.As soon as Gu Hongyuan entered the door, he saw Andrews sitting on a high chair at the bar with a glass of beer in front of him.He walked over and sat next to Andrews without saying hello. Andrews ordered a glass of beer for Gu Hongyuan, raised the glass and touched him: Gu, I'm sorry that this happened, I hope you don't hate your wife, it's my responsibility. Gu Hongyuan took a sip of his wine and smiled: Andrews, I'm not here to discuss responsibility with you. Andrews smiled unnaturally: Gu, you have been away from Manila for so long, it is too scary for your wife. Gu Hongyuan: Maybe, you are an angel who saved her? Andrews said hastily: I didn't mean that. Gu Hongyuan said: We are dealing with the divorce.After the deal is over, what happens to my wife, or my ex-wife, has nothing to do with me. Andrews: That's fine. Seeing that Gu Hongyuan had stopped talking, Andrews changed the subject: Gu, how is the situation in China? This is a topic that Gu Hongyuan is more willing to talk about, he said: Not good.Now the Axis powers are gaining momentum in Europe, and the Soviet Union has just signed a neutrality agreement with Japan.I worry that it won't be long before things change significantly in Southeast Asia as well. Andrews asked in surprise: You mean, the Japanese will launch an attack here? Gu Hongyuan asked back: Can't you see it?The Soviets wanted to relieve themselves of their worries in the East through the agreement and concentrate on dealing with Hitler.The Japanese cut off the Soviet Union's support to China through this agreement.I thought that if the Japanese could end their war in China quickly, they would be free to go south. Andrews smiled: How dare a small island country initiate a Pacific war? Gu Hongyuan: Don't underestimate the ambitions of the Japanese. Andrews dismissively: Singapore has British troops stationed, the Philippines and Malaysia have our American troops, and the Japanese dare not challenge unless they are crazy. Gu Hongyuan has become accustomed to this typical American self-confidence and arrogance.Knowing the virtues of Americans, he said: Andrews, I have a request.If something happens here, please take care of my ex-wife. Andrews smiled: You don't have to be so pessimistic, the Japanese don't have that much ability. Gu Hongyuan asked him again stubbornly: Can you promise me? Andrews shrugged: Well, I promise you.However, I still think you are too worried, and the Japanese dare not act rashly. Gu Hongyuan said: Let's wait and see. With the end of the foggy season, people in Chongqing began to worry about the Japanese bombers that could fly over at any moment.This approaching fear and urgency are more obvious in Jiang Qingdong's Air Defense Command.For several days, Jiang Qingdong took people to conduct the last round of inspections in various air-raid shelters in the city.What Jiang Qingdong was most worried about was the ventilation system in the cave.The suffocation and death of several people caused by poor ventilation in the air-raid shelter last year is enough to make people vigilant.However, the results of the inspection disappointed Jiang Qingdong.Funding has been allocated long ago, but so far more than half of the air-raid shelters have not had their ventilation systems replaced.The reason is the same, although Huazhong Electromechanical Engineering Co., Ltd., the supplier of the ventilation equipment, signed the contract and received the money, but could not provide enough ventilation equipment. When Jiang Qingdong returned to the Air Defense Command, he went directly to Commander Liu Zhi's office.Seeing him coming in, Liu Zhi looked at him politely: Ah, Qingdong, what's the matter? Jiang Qingdong said: Commander, I checked many air-raid shelters and found that there are serious problems. Liu Zhi asked: What's the problem? Jiang Qingdong: The ventilation equipment in many air-raid shelters is still not perfect. Some are broken and have not been replaced, and some are not at all.Commander, this is too dangerous.Once the large-scale Japanese air raids start, I worry that something will go wrong. Liu Zhi said casually: Isn't the contract for purchasing the blower already signed? Jiang Qingdong: But it is said that it is impossible to supply. Liu Zhi thought for a while: Now that the contract has been signed, the payment has also been drawn out.They can't get it out, and neither can I.Besides, there are so many air-raid shelters in Chongqing that need ventilation equipment, which is indeed a bit difficult. Jiang Qingdong: The weather is starting to heat up. If the Japanese bombing continues, so many people are crowded in the air-raid shelters without ventilation equipment, the consequences will be worrisome! Liu Zhi: I know.But it is also difficult for us to solve this problem. Jiang Qingdong anxiously said: Commander, human life is at stake, no matter how difficult it is, we must find a way. Liu Zhi smiled: It's not as serious as you said.The bombing by the Japanese devils is no longer a day or two.Well, I'll take the time to ask. Jiang Qingdong wanted to say something, but the phone rang.Liu Zhi interrupted him with a wave of his hand: Alright, I have other important things to do. Jiang Qingdong looked at Liu Zhi with some worry, picked up the phone receiver, and left angrily. When it was getting dark, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was off work.A tired Wang Chonghui came out of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building and was about to get into the car waiting outside when Zheng Xianbo chased him out of the building with a telegram in his hand: Minister Wang. Wang Chonghui stopped and watched Zheng Xianbo walking in front of her without saying a word. Zheng Xianbo: Ambassador Hu Shi called from the United States with good news. Wang Chonghui didn't seem very interested, even after taking the paper, he didn't look at it, and asked: What good news? Zheng Xianbo: Mr. Hu Shizhi met with US Treasury Secretary Morgenthau. He has made it clear that the signing of the "Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Agreement" will not affect the US government's sympathy and support for the Chinese government, nor will it affect the US aid plan for China. .The U.S. government has agreed to sign a balancing fund agreement to give us another $50 million, on top of the $45 million it had already agreed to give us for military supplies. Wang Chonghui said: This is good news. Zheng Xianbo: Also, the British government also agreed to lend 5 million pounds to the Chinese government through the balance fund. Presumably it was also a decision made in response to the Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Agreement. Wang Chonghui smiled bitterly: So, both Britain and the United States have expressed sympathy for China? Zheng Xianbo: Whether it is sympathy or not, at least they made some kind of gesture. Wang Chonghui returned the telegram to Zheng Xianbo, and said with some sarcasm: Well, the chairman's policy of "holding out for change" is finally beginning to see results.The United Kingdom and the United States have been watching from the sidelines for so long, and finally found that China is their ally in the fight against fascist forces.However, the chairman will not praise the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for this. Zheng Xianbo began to notice that Wang Chonghui's mood was a little strange. Just as he was about to ask, Wang Chonghui continued: "Xianbo, foreign affairs are hard work, especially for Chinese diplomats.In this world, there has never been real sympathy and justice in international relations, there are only national interests, and the weak prey on the strong.Whether it is aid, betrayal or abandonment, in the final analysis, everything depends on one's own strength.If the country is not strong, the strategy of "waiting for change" may be our eternal destiny. Zheng Xianbo looked at him and asked: Minister, is something wrong? Wang Chonghui smiled ugly: I have been transferred and resigned, and I am no longer the Minister of Foreign Affairs. This surprised Zheng Xianbo: Is it because of the "Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Treaty"? Wang Chonghui could not help but hum softly: Maybe, maybe not.In any case, since the Nationalist government moved to Chongqing, our Ministry of Foreign Affairs has never experienced a comfortable time. I, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, am not very comfortable. Zheng Xianbo asked with concern: Then, where will you go to work? Wang Chonghui shook his head disheartened: I don't know, the Chairman may have his considerations.But I'm okay now, I need to rest, I'm so tired. Zheng Xianbo didn't know what to say.Wang Chonghui said: Bo Xianbo, let me give you a word: When it comes to your own interests, you can protect yourself wisely, but when it comes to national interests, you still have to do your best. Zheng Xianbo forced a smile: What if your own interests conflict with the national interests? Wang Chonghui also smiled: I believe that you should be able to make your own choices. Zheng Xianbo wanted to say something else, Wang Chonghui waved to Zheng Xianbo, and then got into the car without looking back.Zheng Xianbo stood there, looking at the car going away with emotion, unable to hide his melancholy and loss.