Chapter 89: How Should These Little Japanese Spies Be Dealt With?

“Let’s head back first.”

Before long, the group arrived at the newly constructed residence of the Inspector-General. During Jiang Bai’s absence, the new estate had been built under Li Jian’s supervision. To expedite completion, the construction team chose to renovate an old royal mansion, avoiding the opulent Western style and instead transforming it according to Jiang Bai’s preference for classical aesthetics, endowing the entire courtyard with a refined, traditional beauty.

Jiang Bai was deeply satisfied with the garden’s classical charm.

When Jiang Bai returned to his study, he found the senior officials of the Inspector-General’s residence already waiting for him.

“Come, let me hear what important matters have transpired over the past few months.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Jian promptly replied:

“Commander, overall the situation remains fairly stable.”

“And how is the progress on that munitions factory?”

Li Jian’s expression turned somewhat embarrassed:

“Commander, the batch of new industrial equipment and construction materials has arrived at the port.”

“But on the way to Chaha, the Army Department interfered repeatedly, insisting that the needs of the First Arsenal be met first.”

“Fortunately, the Old Marshal became aware of the situation and personally authorized the transport.”

“Despicable!”

Jiang Bai was furious, his smile masking his rage as he rebuked, “They dare to withhold my supplies? Such audacity! Who are they?”

“Commander, among them are members of the Reformist faction, as well as the Local faction.”

“Though they belong to different groups, what they have in common is that all have received support from the forces across the sea.”

---

Jiang Bai had assumed that once the matters at hand were properly dealt with, he could begin to address the wavering factions. Yet, to his surprise, these troublemakers kept seizing opportunities to assert themselves, which vexed Jiang Bai deeply.

Especially when they dared to interfere with the munitions factory project he valued—it was a blatant challenge to his bottom line.

The munitions project was the result of Jiang Bai’s relentless efforts, bolstered by loans secured from major world powers. When this was threatened, his anger only grew. Every cent of those loans had a set purpose and he would not allow these shortsighted individuals to squander them.

On the surface, they spoke with honeyed words, claiming they merely wanted to borrow equipment temporarily, but any sensible person knew that once supplies started disappearing, it would become a bottomless pit.

Now, with total war against the enemy imminent, even a moment’s laxity could spell disaster.

Anyone who dared to play tricks before Jiang Bai at this moment would not be spared.

Jiang Bai’s smile was cold, his voice ruthless as he issued his command: “In my name, send a telegram to the Army Department.”

“From today onward, if anyone dares to obstruct the construction of our munitions factory, they’d best be careful on their way home—not to get run over.” The warning in his eyes was unmistakable.

Ever since Jiang Bai had secretly ordered the ‘accidental’ demise of two enemy envoys, his reputation in Chengyun soared, becoming a figure both respected and feared—some even compared him in whispers to a smiling Judge of the Underworld.

Whenever Jiang Bai’s smile deepened, the murderous aura around him grew stronger, chilling all those nearby.

“Commander, is it really wise for us to threaten them so openly?” Li Jian asked anxiously, worry clouding his eyes. “Wouldn’t this provoke fierce resistance? Should conflict erupt, the situation could spiral out of control.”

Jiang Bai turned, the same contemptuous smile on his lips, but his eyes shone with resolve and decisiveness, as if he had foreseen every possibility and was unafraid.

While Li Jian’s concern lingered, Chen Shan spoke up with a slight, disdainful smile, his voice full of confidence in their strength. “Colonel Li, there’s no need to worry. Our Chaha Army has already assembled one hundred and fifty thousand soldiers. Even if their combat effectiveness is still untested, our numbers alone will make any opponent tremble.”

He gave a casual wave, as if envisioning the enemy quaking before their massive force.

“If they dare provoke us, we can raze their strongholds to the ground and see what arguments they have left.”

Jiang Bai could have shown displeasure at Chen Shan’s aggressive stance, but instead he offered a smile of approval.

His eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “Excellent, Chen Shan. Your determination is exactly what I expect.” He nodded, a sly glint in his gaze. “If it ever comes to that, I want you to personally command the artillery and level their mansions.”

Chen Shan saluted crisply, his voice unwavering and his eyes flashing with iron resolve. “Commander, rest assured—I will not let any hostile force exploit an opportunity.”

---

Jiang Bai’s tone shifted to practical military matters. “How is our troop training progressing?”

Li Jian responded swiftly, pride in his voice. “Commander, we’ve formed five reinforced divisions, each with twenty-five thousand men.”

He paused, then continued, “Additionally, we’ve recruited a cavalry division and a heavy artillery division, both undergoing intensive training, awaiting their equipment.”

Excitement flickered in his eyes. “As per your orders, we’ve transferred all soldiers routed in Chengyun to Chaha. Our total manpower now exceeds one hundred thousand.”

Li Jian’s voice was resolute. “Though they’re nominally a security force, they’re all being trained to military standards.”

“With these forces combined, our strength approaches three hundred thousand.”

His gaze betrayed both hope for the future and realism. “To forge true combat power, we’ll still need some time.”

Listening to Li Jian’s report, Jiang Bai felt a surge of complex emotion. Under his leadership, this force had grown so rapidly—he felt pride, but also the weight of responsibility. His eyes showed deep contemplation, as if he already glimpsed countless possibilities on the road ahead.

Then Jiang Bai rose to his feet, surveying the room as he declared:

“Everyone, we have less than a year to prepare!”

“Therefore, I expect our troops not to be outmatched when we face the enemy!”

“Do you have confidence to fulfill my demands?!”

“Rest assured, Commander, we will not let you down!”

All the officers in the room displayed fierce fighting spirit.

At that moment, the silent captain of the special operations team, Duan Peng, spoke:

“Commander, we’ve recently discovered many enemy agents near the North Camp. Upon investigation, most were spies sent by the enemy.”

“How shall we deal with them?”