Chongqing didn't hesitate over such a good offer. They immediately accepted Wang Manchun's request, then notified Dai Li and had him arrange the details of the exchange.
Ming Lou, the highest-ranking Military Statistics Bureau official in Shanghai, soon received the news, leaving him in a difficult position.
After all, if they didn't give the codebook to Yan'an, Yan'an would have to rely on its own tactics to fight the Japanese. With the codebook, whether it was genuine or not, they could use it to guess the Japanese forces' intentions. That would give them more options in battle and make things a little easier.
But if Ming Lou handed over the information, would he be exposed? As a key underground operative based in Shanghai, he was extremely important to the resistance network.
Ming Cheng knew Ming Lou was in a bind. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "Big brother, how about I take the codebook to Yan'an?"
Ming Lou shook his head and replied gravely, "It doesn't matter which side they're on. They're all fighting the Japanese, and we can't let them die for nothing. So that's out of the question."
Ming Cheng considered this for a moment, then said solemnly, "I could take a photograph of it and send that to Yan'an. That way, we could get it to them and give them time to prepare."
Ming Lou realized that Ming Cheng was preparing to expose himself. He said helplessly, "Have you thought about what happens if you're exposed? I won't be able to stay hidden either. You're my last line of defense."
Ming Cheng didn't know what to do. Ming Lou was far too important. Frowning, he asked, "Big brother, what should we do?"
Ming Lou hesitated for a long time. The silence in the room was oppressive.