Chapter One: Song Yingge

August 8, 1936, the beginning of autumn, Jinling.

Song Yingge, carrying his suitcase, squeezed off the train.

All around him, people hurried by, a scene bustling with activity. Knowing that within a year this place would be plunged into suffering, becoming a living hell, Song Yingge could not help but feel sorrow.

He took a deep breath to steady himself, and his resolve surged anew. To struggle against fate is a boundless joy!

His faith from his previous life had forged his will as strong as steel, impervious to any hardship. Coincidentally, the beliefs of his current self aligned perfectly.

He was twenty-one years old, newly graduated from National Zhejiang University, and had embraced revolutionary ideals during his student days, secretly inducted into the organization.

After graduation, his father, Song Yongfu, wrote a letter, instructing him to take it to Jinling and seek out an old acquaintance. The envelope bore four characters: “For Yunong’s Eyes Only.”

Song Yingge was astonished.

Upon questioning, Song Yongfu finally confessed. Over a decade ago, in a harsh winter, Song Yongfu was returning home from business and stopped at an abandoned temple outside Ningbo to rest. Under the altar, he found a man lying in straw, barely alive.

Noting the unusual features of the man, Song Yongfu decided to help. He brought him into the city for treatment. When spring arrived, the man departed, leaving funds for Song Yongfu. That man would later become Dai Li, head of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics.

The two kept exchanging letters ever since.

A few years ago, when the Song family encountered a business crisis, Dai Li resolved it with nothing more than a telegram.

Only then did Song Yongfu realize Dai Li worked for the Jinling government and had risen high, though his exact position was unclear.

Had Song Yongfu known Dai Li was the notorious chief of intelligence, who knows if he would have written that letter.

Song Yingge had already read its contents: his father explained that his son disliked business, had graduated from university, and asked if Dai Li could recommend him for a government post.

Along with the letter, Song Yongfu gave him five gold bars.

Although the Song family was in business, they were not wealthy; five gold bars were a considerable sacrifice, revealing Song Yongfu’s deep paternal love.

Sadly, the original Song Yingge drowned while swimming in Wild Lake.

Had Song Yingge not arrived through time, the Song family would likely be mourning him now.

After reading the letter, Song Yingge immediately contacted the organization.

After careful consideration, the organization decided to give him two months of secret training. Then, under the codename “Lushan,” Song Yingge, now a covert Red Party operative, boarded the train to Jinling.

During his training, Song Yingge’s performance astonished his instructor, Chen Guosheng.

Perhaps it was the benefit of being a time traveler.

After crossing over, Song Yingge found he had photographic memory, and his logical thinking, analytical, and reflexive abilities were vastly improved. Anything he learned, he mastered quickly and thoroughly.

More importantly, his physical abilities neared the limits of human capability.

Whether in strength, speed, or endurance, he was almost monstrous. After only half a day of combat training, Song Yingge subdued Chen Guosheng in one move.

Chen Guosheng was no ordinary man—he had roamed the martial world in his youth, studied under a master, and learned martial arts. He had survived countless battles during the Northern Expedition.

Within two months, Chen Guosheng was so impressed by Song Yingge’s abilities that he repeatedly suggested to the organization that such talent should not be wasted on the secret line. He would serve better within the organization.

The organization’s reply was filled with expectation.

The covert line may be unsung, but sometimes a single person can be worth an entire battalion, regiment, or division.

Learning this, Song Yingge was greatly encouraged.

Leaving the station, Song Yingge hailed a rickshaw and headed straight for No. 1 Honggong Shrine.

In 1934, due to restructuring and expansion, the Bureau of Investigation moved from 53 Goose Lane to Honggong Shrine for office space.

High walls surrounded the shrine, dividing it into two worlds.

Song Yingge only glanced around for a moment before guards approached. He stated his purpose, was shown into the duty room, and watched over while the guard went to report.

After a short wait, the guard returned, searched Song Yingge and his luggage. The five gold bars in his suitcase could not escape notice, but the guard was unfazed, likely accustomed to such things.

After the search, the guard led Song Yingge toward the office building.

With just a casual look, Song Yingge memorized the layout of Honggong Shrine.

At a certain room, the guard knocked, and when the voice inside called "Come in," he signaled Song Yingge to enter.

Song Yingge nodded and smiled at the guard, softly thanked him, then pushed open the door.

The room was not luxurious, rather simple. Even with wealth, Dai Li would not decorate it lavishly—that would only invite trouble.

Behind the desk sat a man with a long face, thick sword-like brows, and piercing eyes that commanded respect without anger.

Song Yingge stepped forward, bowed slightly, and said respectfully, "At my father's request, I have come to pay my respects to you, Uncle."

As the saying goes, to return home in glory is like wearing brocade at night.

Once impoverished, one receives help from old friends.

Now, having achieved success, meeting the son of an old friend—his feelings were self-evident.

Dai Li saw that Song Yingge was handsome and composed, and his good impression grew.

"Ah, Yingge, very good, it’s been over ten years since we last met. You’ve grown into a fine young man," Dai Li laughed heartily and stood up.

Beside the desk, there was a tea table and sofa for guests.

Dai Li signaled Song Yingge to sit, intending to make tea for him, but Song Yingge hurriedly declined and instead made tea for Dai Li.

"Ten years ago, I stayed at your house for a while. You were just three or four, chasing after me every day, shouting for candy. Do you still want candy now?" Dai Li sipped his tea, smiling.

"Back then, I was young and ignorant. Please forgive me, Uncle. But I still love candy even now," Song Yingge replied with a smile.

His “still love candy” made Dai Li laugh heartily.

They exchanged updates, rapidly closing the distance between them in conversation.

Seeing the moment was right, Song Yingge handed Dai Li the letter.

Dai Li opened it and read, then said, "Last year, when your father visited Jinling and met me, he mentioned this matter."

He paused, then continued, "It’s easy enough, but I wonder what ambitions you have."

Hearing this, Song Yingge felt reassured. He stood and said, "Before I left, my father told me to leave everything in your hands, Uncle."

Dai Li’s face grew stern. "Since you call me Uncle, speak honestly. I was young once too, do you think I don’t know what young men want?"

Song Yingge laughed, "I can’t hide anything from your sharp eyes, Uncle."

He then grew serious: "It is a troubled time, the nation buffeted by storms. There are internal threats from the Reds, external threats from the Japanese. I wish only to join the army, serve the country, and die without regret if need be."

Song Yingge hoped to join the Bureau of Investigation, but knowing Dai Li’s suspicious nature, he dared not propose it himself.

Dai Li was reminded of his own youthful self, full of passion and patriotism.

After pondering a while, Dai Li said, "Impossible. Your father made it clear; you’re his only son. If anything happens to you, how could I face him?"

Song Yongfu had told Dai Li long ago that if not for his intervention, Song Yingge would have enlisted in the military academy already. He had pleaded that under no circumstances should his son be allowed to join the army.

"But who says you need to be a soldier to serve the country?" Dai Li said.

Song Yingge replied, "Only by shedding blood for the nation can a man prove his worth."

"Naive! Farmers feed the nation, businessmen pay taxes, workers build machines—are they not serving their country?" Dai Li said.

Song Yingge did not argue, but his stubborn expression was clear.

Dai Li said, "To quietly plunge a knife into the enemy’s heart, to thunder in silence—would you be willing to do that?"

At this point, the Bureau of Investigation had not yet become the future Military Intelligence Bureau and was in dire need of people.

For Song Yingge, whose background was clean and well-understood, Dai Li—who favored those close to him—considered bringing him under his command.

"There’s such work?" Song Yingge asked in surprise.

"Just tell me, would you or wouldn’t you?" Dai Li pressed.

"If I truly can’t be a soldier, I could consider it," Song Yingge replied.

"Always picky," Dai Li scolded.

"Uncle is right, I know my fault, but I’ll dare to make it again," Song Yingge said.

Dai Li was amused, pointing at Song Yingge, "You really suit my tastes."

"Don’t rush about the job; let me arrange it. Now that you’ve just arrived in Jinling, where will you stay?" Dai Li asked.

"I came straight from the station to see you, Uncle. I’ll rent a place soon and settle down," Song Yingge replied.

Hearing this, Dai Li walked to his desk, dialed the phone, and after a moment hung up, saying, "There’s an empty house on Tianyin Lane. Go settle there, and spend the next few days exploring Jinling. Once I’ve arranged things, someone will come for you."

Song Yingge quickly thanked him and took out the five gold bars, but before he could speak, Dai Li met his gaze coldly, "Do you think I need your money?"

Before Song Yingge could respond, Dai Li pulled a gold bar from his drawer and stuffed it into his suitcase.

"Take it as money for candy."