9. A Promotion Follows

“What? Dead?”

“What?”

Colonel Kameda’s eyes widened. He strode over in two steps and checked personally. Major Yoshida was indeed lifeless.

“Damn it!”

Kameda was furious, bloodshot eyes blazing, on the verge of drawing his blade to strike someone.

Just then, a clamor of footsteps approached, and several Japanese officers entered the dungeon.

The newcomers were led by Colonel Shimazu of the Tokkō (Special Higher Police). Kameda and Shimazu had never gotten along, and the spy Kameda had sent had not informed Shimazu.

“Kameda, what is the meaning of this?” Shimazu asked sharply, dressed in traditional Japanese military uniform and cap. He was lean but tough, wearing glasses perched on his nose and sporting a distinctive small mustache.

“They killed my man, those fools!” Kameda growled.

“Killed your man?” Shimazu glanced at the corpse hanging on the wooden frame, head bowed. “As far as I know, this man admitted to connections with the Bolsheviks. Our investigation found he had been making calls to the military, and his file shows his elder brother was disciplined for this. Yet you assigned his younger brother to the Tokkō and gave him such an important task. Kameda, didn’t you know all this beforehand?”

Kameda clenched his teeth. Of course, he knew. He had used it as leverage to make Yoshida work for him. Yoshida was always cautious and one of his trusted men. If it hadn’t been for the desire to seize credit, he wouldn’t have let Yoshida play this self-sacrificial role. But he never imagined that not only would the plan fail, it would cost Yoshida his life.

Under Shimazu’s questioning, Kameda dared not answer lightly. A misstep and he too would face a military tribunal. After all, Yoshida was dead and unable to defend him.

Kameda surveyed the police around him, took a deep breath, and said, “I was indeed unaware of this. Thank you, Shimazu, for your investigation. I will strengthen personnel vetting going forward. Let’s go.”

He swallowed his anger, gripping the hilt of his sword so tightly his knuckles whitened and veins bulged, but he chose restraint.

After Kameda and his men left, Director Feng cheerfully approached Colonel Shimazu and extended his hands.

“Colonel, welcome, welcome.”

But Shimazu ignored the offered handshake and instead turned his gaze to Zhou Hongyi standing behind Feng.

“Zhongliang, long time no see. How do you find working here?”

Zhou smiled slightly, stepped forward, and shook Shimazu’s hand. “Sir, I’m adapting well. Thank you for your concern.”

Shimazu released Zhou’s hand and then shook Director Feng’s. Glancing sideways at the corpse, he said, “Director Feng, uncovering the traitor within our Tokkō is a great achievement. But tell me, to whom does the credit belong?”

Feng hesitated momentarily before answering solemnly, “The first credit must go to our outstanding young officer Zhou Hongyi. He interrogated the Red Party spy. Truly a top graduate from West Point.”

Though Zhou had credited Captain Xu for the achievement, Feng knew Xu couldn’t claim the merit. Shimazu’s question showed he already knew the truth. Feng took the opportunity to do Zhou a favor. Whether or not Zhou deserved the credit, it was his to take.

“Oh, so it’s you, Zhongliang. The Empire’s training has not been in vain. General Doihara thinks highly of you as well. Keep up the good work.”

Shimazu patted Zhou on the shoulder, then allowed the corpse to be taken away as they left the police station.

Feng and his team stood at the entrance, watching Shimazu depart before exhaling in relief.

He turned and said, “Alright, everyone, head back and resume your duties. Hongyi, come to my office.”

Feng dismissed the others and locked the door with Zhou inside. Alone, his stern face suddenly softened into a warm smile, like a kindly elder.

“Hongyi, it seems you have strong ties not only with Colonel Shimazu but also with General Doihara. This is a great boon for our Second Precinct. Your abilities are wasted as a mere policeman. From today, I’m establishing a special operations unit for you. You’ll be the team leader; choose whoever you want. I’ll negotiate with their captains. Your rank will be equivalent to deputy director. I’m confident no one will oppose this appointment.”

Zhou hadn’t expected such a rapid promotion just days after joining the police. A special unit formed just for him—it felt like flattery for his patrons.

“Director, there’s no need. I’m fine starting from the bottom as an ordinary officer. You don’t have to give me special treatment.”

“How can this be special treatment? With your merits, this position is rightly yours. No discussion. I’ll arrange a private office for you. When you’ve picked your team, let me know. Your department will coordinate exclusively with the Tokkō and the 76th Special Agent Headquarters. The Second Precinct’s fortunes this year will depend on you, Hongyi.”

Faced with the director’s kindness, Zhou knew excessive refusal was unwise. Being team leader had its perks—coming late or leaving early without explanation was now his prerogative. But he must choose his subordinates carefully, avoiding any “third wheels” clinging to him.

“Yes, Director. Then I respectfully accept. Thank you for your support. I will uphold the honor of the entire Second Precinct, always remember your guidance, and strive to do better.”

“Heh heh heh, excellent. Young and capable, young and capable indeed.”

When Zhou left the office, many officers gathered, whispering and dispersing quickly upon seeing him. They speculated about his background.

After all, Shimazu had mentioned that even General Doihara admired him. What kind of person commands a general’s respect yet works as a mere policeman? The mystery was palpable.

“Heh heh heh, Hongyi, it’s my fault for being too rough. The suspect died before we could extract more information. How about it? The credit is yours, and we all benefit from your success.”

Captain Xu Guodong, wearing his cap askew and flashing a yellow toothy grin, approached Zhou. An outsider might have mistaken Zhou for the captain himself.

“No need for thanks, Captain. Here, take these cigarettes and share them. I don’t smoke much, but my brother-in-law sends me good stuff. If anyone wants some, just ask.”

Zhou generously tore open two packs and handed out cigarettes. Soon, everyone in the station lobby held a cigarette, some clipped behind their ears, grinning ear to ear.

“To get such good smokes, we must thank Mr. Zhou!”

“Thank you, Mr. Zhou!”

“We’re all brothers here, no need for formalities. Just call me Zhou Hongyi or Zhongliang. Let’s work hard as one. By year’s end, maybe there’ll be a big bonus.”

Hearing about a year-end bonus, smiles brightened further, and everyone cheered, cigarettes raised.

Just then, the director’s office door slammed open. Feng Jin Xiong strode over, shouting, “Quiet down! New orders from above. This morning’s Red Party underground agents have enraged the higher-ups. The 76th Special Agents have mobilized almost fully and ordered all precincts to assist in the manhunt. Warrants have been issued; each team will receive copies to begin searching. Also, I’m announcing that starting today, Zhou Hongyi is promoted to head of the special operations unit, rank equivalent to deputy director. You lot better watch your manners and respect. Understood? Now move out!”