Agent: Intercepting Yu Manli at the start!

Chapter 149 Making a mountain out of a molehill!

Fujita Yoshimasa picked up where Wang Fuzhao left off, his tone calm: "All information regarding the conference's schedule, personnel list, and transportation routes is currently classified as top secret."

"The anti-Japanese forces will inevitably keep a close eye on the participants' movements, so all intelligence agencies must be on high alert and guard every checkpoint to ensure that every participant arrives safely."

Everyone present nodded in agreement.

Although it was called a "peace conference," it was actually a grand review of the traitorous forces.

The number of people traveling from Shanghai to Nanjing for the conference will be considerable. If these people were attacked or killed en route, the consequences would be unimaginable—not only would it shake the foundations of the puppet regime, but it would also severely damage Japan's reputation.

The conference venue was set in Nanjing.

As a strategically important city, Shanghai is already rife with traitors and collaborators, so naturally, there were quite a few traitors who went to support the event.

"Waterway security will be jointly undertaken by the Special Operations Headquarters and 76."

"The security of Shanghai Airport and its transit points is to be fully handled by the Special Higher Police and the Military Police."

"Regarding land transportation, especially rail transport, Shang Mansion will be primarily responsible for its implementation."

After Fujita Yoshimasa finished making the general arrangements, he added, "The overall command of this security operation will be coordinated by Section Chief Nanta. I expect everyone to cooperate fully."

After hearing this, Zhou Xiao gave a cold smile to himself.

That old fox is really cunning.

On the surface, the sea and air routes were heavily fortified, but the Shang Mansion was given exclusive control of the railway line—as if implying that no one would use the trains. After all, the railway defenses seemed the weakest point.

This is clearly a deliberate attempt to create confusion and mislead people.

Nantian Yangzi looked around and then focused her gaze on the several section chiefs: "Section Chief Zhou, Section Chief Chen, Section Chief Wang, Section Chief Liang, this mission is crucial to the overall situation. Please make sure to work together to ensure that all participants have a smooth journey."

She turned to Minglou, her tone slightly approving: "Mr. Ming is a student of Mr. Wang Fuzhao and has rich practical experience. Please participate as an advisor throughout the process to help us identify and fill gaps in our knowledge and prevent anti-Japanese elements from taking advantage of our weaknesses."

Minglou nodded and replied, "Okay, Section Chief Nantian, don't worry, I will do my best."

Afterwards, the group had a brief discussion about the details.

As directed by Fujita Yoshimasa, the Special Operations Headquarters and No. 76 kept a close watch on the waterways to ensure the safety of the participants as they traveled by boat to Nanjing.

At that moment, a thought suddenly flashed through Zhou Xiao's mind.

This peace conference was a crucial stepping stone for his rise to power.

Currently, Ming Lou only holds the positions of Chief Financial Advisor of the Economic Department of the Ministry of Finance and Inspector General of the General Administration of Customs, and has not entered the core level of the Special Committee; while the position of Deputy Director of the Committee remains vacant.

Zhou Xiao's target was precisely this position.

Since Fujita Yoshi is going to put on a fake show of "no one walking on the railway", he might as well play along to the end - so that he can take the opportunity to rise to power and also take the opportunity to dampen the arrogance of Sakurada Kaoru of the Shang Mansion!

Killing two birds with one stone.

The plan had already taken shape in his mind.

He knew very well that the novel "The Disguiser" had written that this group of traitors and Japanese officials would eventually take the "Sakura" special train directly to Nanjing by rail.

Fujita Yoshimasa's plan was nothing more than a smokescreen.

No matter how clever the disguise, it couldn't fool Zhou Xiao, who already knew the ending.

The meeting ended half an hour later.

Fujita Yoshimasa stood up and apologized: "I apologize for disturbing everyone's enjoyment of the banquet. Please move on and continue your conversation."

The crowd gradually left their seats and filed out.

Zhou Xiao remained still and addressed Fujita Yoshimasa and Minami Yoko, saying, "Commander Fujita, Section Chief Minami, I would like to speak with you both privately for a few minutes."

"Oh?" Fujita Yoshimasa still trusted Zhou Xiao—current intelligence showed that this person had a clean background and no flaws.

Yoko Minami did not hesitate, and the two of them stayed together.

What Zhou Xiao needed to do was simple: use the two of them to stop Wang Manchun's "fishing operation" that she was secretly pushing forward.

Once the meeting room door closed, only three people remained.

Fujita Yoshimasa looked up and asked, "Director Zhou, is there something important that you've asked me to stay behind?"

Zhou Xiao said calmly, "I'd like to share some personal thoughts on the atmosphere of the peace conference."

Yoko Nanada was slightly surprised: "Oh? I'd like to hear more."

Zhou Xiao smiled slightly: "The essence of a peace conference lies in harmony and stability. Only with songs and dances celebrating peace and prosperity, and with guests filling the halls, can we truly showcase the magnificent scene of 'coexistence and mutual benefit' under Mr. Wang's rule."

"Only when there is order and peace throughout the world can Chinese and foreign journalists and observers from all walks of life truly feel Mr. Wang's appeal and governance effectiveness."

Fujita Yoshimasa and Minamida Yoko exchanged a glance and nodded slightly, agreeing that what he said made sense.

Zhou Xiao then changed the subject: "But right now, Director Wang of No. 76 is carrying out a 'fishing operation' in a big way."

"This operation was purely based on hearsay and indiscriminate arrests, causing unrest and paranoia in the streets of Shanghai. It not only disrupted the entire city, but also made the people mistakenly believe that anti-Japanese forces were lurking everywhere and that their lives were in constant danger—leaving them with no sense of security."

"Holding a peace conference at this time will definitely cause the situation to get out of control."

"There was trouble in Shanghai before, with many anti-Japanese patriots taking the opportunity to launch surprise attacks, assassinations, and arson, and stirring up trouble."

"In my opinion, Director Wang's actions are tantamount to handing a knife to the anti-Japanese forces."

Fujita Yoshimasa and Minami Yoko exchanged a glance and nodded in agreement with Zhou Xiao's assessment.

Yoko Nanada asked, "Director Zhou's words make sense, but she was there just now, why didn't you bring it up in person?"

Zhou Xiao replied, "Section Chief Nantian, if I said this to her face, it would be like making Director Wang lose face."

"Furthermore, Director Wang's 'bait' operation was approved by you. I can't very well deny my superior's plan in front of a room full of subordinates—that's why I privately asked you two to consider it."

These words were neither humble nor arrogant, showing both tact and responsibility. In the eyes of Fujita Yoshimasa and Minami Yoko, Zhou Xiao immediately became a wise person who knew when to advance and retreat and understood the importance of things.

Indeed—at that time, apart from Minglou and Wang Fuzhao, everyone else in the conference room was Nantian Yangzi's direct subordinate. Publicly questioning Wang Manchun's plan would not only embarrass her but also undermine Nantian Yangzi's authority.

Discussing the matter behind closed doors now not only saves face but also stabilizes the overall situation; it's truly a brilliant move.

Fujita Yoshimasa pressed further, "So, Director Zhou, what do you think is the best way to handle this situation?"

Zhou Xiao was direct: "Immediately halt Director Wang's 'bait' operation, stabilize the situation in Shanghai, and clear the way for the peace conference."

"Mr. Wang is preparing for the conference in Nanjing, while Shanghai is in complete chaos. What kind of peace is this? It's clearly a slap in the face."

After a moment of contemplation, Nantian Yangzi nodded and said, "Director Zhou is right. I need to reconsider this matter."

"It's really inappropriate to start a fire in Shanghai at this time."

Zhou Xiao, observing the expressions, knew that his goal had been achieved—Nan Tian Yangzi and Fujita Yoshimasa would inevitably intervene.

"If there are no further instructions, I will take my leave." Before he finished speaking, he had already stood up and left his seat.

After Zhou Xiao had walked away, Fujita Yoshimasa turned to Minamida Yoko: "Section Chief Minamida, Director Wang's 'bait' operation must be stopped immediately."

Yoko Minami replied, "Yes, that's exactly what I was thinking."

A storm was quietly extinguished before it could even rise to a crescendo.

Zhou Xiao remained calm and collected, successfully breaking the deadlock while keeping his plans well hidden.

His words just now were all for Mr. Wang's benefit, and his stance was flawless.