章 517: Chapter 517: Leave It Be
I nodded and responded to Hu Jintao's question.
"That's fine. However, as Vice Premier Bo Yibo mentioned, if China removes Kim Jong-il, I'm withdrawing from this matter entirely."
"Hmm…"
Hu Jintao hesitated, unable to provide a straightforward answer.
"If there's no clear response, then I don't see a reason for us to converse today. China's justification for opposing sanctions would vanish. You can only overlook it once; twice or thrice is a different story."
"…What do you want?"
I met Hu Jintao's gaze firmly as I spoke.
"What I want is for China to utterly refrain from intervening in North Korea. I want them to be left to resolve their issues, no matter what happens. Resist any artificial interventions; it's better for both North Korea and China."
"I wish that too. But since you call yourself an elder… well, that's a different story."
"That's greed. Living in obscurity like this now, I'll be remembered as having lived an honorable life."
"Hey, Boss Kim."
Hu Jintao's voice dropped low.
"Don't speak to the elder in that manner."
"Unless you're excessively greedy, I don't see a reason for this situation to continue."
While one of the eight elders, not many knew of Bo Yibo by name.
Living in the shadows—that had been his political life.
At this age, taking charge would only reflect a sordid ambition for recognition.
But I needed to display some concessions to China to gain their understanding.
"So how about Bo Yibo taking the lead on this oil pipeline negotiation? It wouldn't be a bad mark for your final record."
This was my final suggestion.
"Is that acceptable?"
"Yes. I only need to secure my interests. I'll handle all negotiations, and you, Vice Premier Bo Yibo, can simply sign when visiting Russia later. Just handle the media well, and it should unfold beautifully."
"Oh… what do you think, Prime Minister Wen Jiabao?"
Hu Jintao asked Wen Jiabao, who had been quietly listening.
"I think it's reasonable. The elder will surely understand this much. You were quite angry in the early hours, weren't you?"
"Indeed, I was very upset. Huh…"
Hu Jintao narrowed his eyes and sighed, and Wen Jiabao's expression was equally grim.
'It seems they reached a conclusion in the early hours.'
I could roughly infer their conversation. They seemed to have decided against accepting Bo Yibo's proposal.
It's one thing to treat Bo Yibo as an elder, but it didn't mean we could proceed just because he wanted to.
That was China. Unless Mao Zedong returns, no one would wield absolute power.
I interjected into their discussion.
"So the conclusion has already been made, hasn't it?"
"Correct. We won't intervene in North Korea. Whether a coup occurs or there's a popular uprising, we'll leave it alone. Of course, we'll position troops at the borders just in case the situation escalates."
That was already anticipated.
If a coup fails and a civil war arises, many would cross over from North Korea through the Chinese border.
From their perspective, they needed to prevent that.
"I understand. However, you must not cross the border under any circumstances. That would give the U.S. justification to intervene."
"Hmm, I've been sensing that Boss Kim seems to believe Kim Jong-il's removal is underway. Am I correct?"
"That's right. My bets are on Kim Jong-il being ousted from power in North Korea. However that happens doesn't matter. I only wish that it's through internal mechanisms and not led by either China or the U.S."
Even without revealing everything, I needed to show some sincerity.
"The best-case scenario would be for Jang Sung-taek to take power."
"We'd prefer that as well. But does that man have any reason to take such risks? He's the second-in-command under Kim Jong-il, after all."
"Even if Jang Sung-taek doesn't act, it doesn't matter. Whoever takes power will manage it better than Kim Jong-il."
Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao exchanged glances.
They seemed to share my thoughts.
"China is also striving to maintain a good relationship with the U.S., right? I believe North Korea should maintain at least that level as well. So please leave them alone."
"Hmm."
Hu Jintao swallowed hard, wearing a peculiar expression, but he couldn't provide any further information.
"Please wait a moment."
Soon, Hu Jintao stood up and walked into the adjacent room.
As soon as Hu Jintao left, I moved closer to Wen Jiabao.
I then called him in a quiet voice.
"Prime Minister."
"Yes, Boss Kim."
"Things seem to have gotten complicated. You haven't been talking about this, have you?"
"Of course not. The fewer people know, the better. I haven't mentioned a word to anyone, not even the chairman or my family."
Wen Jiabao looked troubled, his expression not very pleasant.
"Since when have these discussions been occurring?"
"After the nuclear test, Bo Yibo and Jiang Zemin first brought it up in the general meeting…"
Wen Jiabao explained the background of the situation. After hearing his explanation, I began to see the overall picture.
Since Bo Yibo was Jiang Zemin's staunch supporter, their opinions likely aligned.
"So, what was the decision?"
"Fortunately, the proposal was shot down. Our party will never get involved in this matter, and we support the sanctions. This was decided in a meeting early this morning. Though Vice Premier Bo Yibo did storm out in anger at one point… anyway, that's how the conclusion came to be."
"But then suddenly North Korea announced they were launching missiles?"
Wen Jiabao swallowed hard and nodded.
"Correct. The notification arrived near the end of the meetings. Therefore, a border blockade was also decided upon. We're going to stop anyone from crossing over from North Korea to our side."
"A border blockade? Didn't Chairman Hu Jintao mention that wouldn't happen?"
"There was no reason to discuss that with you, Boss Kim."
I had proposed the blockade, but I never expected it to actually be implemented.
It was effectively a declaration to sever all ties with North Korea.
"No supplies will be able to enter North Korea from China, nor will anything come the other way. So don't worry about this issue, just focus on successfully finishing the oil pipeline construction. If you fail that, your influence in China will completely vanish. No matter how much I try to help you, it won't matter."
I nodded. China was the problem; persuading Russia wouldn't be difficult at all.
"Don't worry. The oil pipeline construction is also crucial for me."
"That's a relief. Then there shouldn't be any major issues. Your influence in China will also increase, providing an absolutely advantageous position for your business ventures."
"By any chance… have you received any contact from Manager Jang Sung-taek?"
Wen Jiabao shook his head solemnly.
"None. We're also unable to receive real-time information about Pyongyang."
"Isn't there a way to bring him to China?"
"It's uncertain if they'll let him pass as easily as before. They're planning to announce a stronger statement today. After that, the two countries won't be on good terms. Moreover, it's already evident that Kim Jong-il is no longer afraid of us…"
I needed to somehow establish communication with Jang Sung-taek…
I had no choice but to hope he would contact me through the satellite phone I provided.
"Understood."
I returned to my seat.
* * *
While Kim Mu-hyeok was in conversation in Hu Jintao's office, Pyongyang was bustling with activity as well.
All those who had gathered at the party office yesterday were summoned to the chairman's palace without exception.
Kim Jong-il surveyed them and opened his mouth.
"Why are you all trembling as if someone's going to eat you up? If that was the case, you shouldn't have gathered yesterday. Wouldn't you agree?"
"General… please spare me."
Kim Hyung-seok knelt before Kim Jong-il.
He bowed his head deeply and, in a trembling voice, merely begged for his life.
"Kim Hyung-seok, Minister of the Security Bureau. I didn't realize you cared so much for the Republic. If that's the case, you should have come here yourself instead of sending someone else."
"…"
"Don't be afraid. Who's going to eat you?"
"Ah, no…"
"I see, but I noticed something strange about the movement of the Security Bureau troops. I find it difficult to understand."
Fear was overtly visible in Kim Hyung-seok's lifted eyes.
"What? What do you mean…?"
"The troops of the Security Bureau are gathering in Pyongyang. Can you explain that?"
"It's just a regular training. Didn't the General issue a command for proper training after the last incident with the reactionaries occupying Pyongyang?"
"Right, right. I did say that. But why now?"
Kim Jong-il stared down at Kim Hyung-seok suspiciously.
"That was already determined months ago. It's not some insidious action you're suggesting, General."
"How would you know what I'm thinking?"
"…"
Under the sharp questioning, Kim Hyung-seok's face went pale, and he remained silent.
"Jang Sung-taek."
Kim Jong-il called out to the person closest to him—Jang Sung-taek.
"Yes, Chairman."
"From today onwards, the Security Bureau will be under your command until a new Minister is appointed. Is that clear?"
"…"
Jang Sung-taek could only look at Kim Hyung-seok without replying promptly.
"Why aren't you answering? Don't you like my orders?"
"Ah, no. I'll follow your orders."
Kim Jong-il nodded, a satisfied smile on his face.
"Your first task as the Security Bureau Minister is to find everyone connected to this reactionary and capture every last one of them. Make sure to find this scoundrel and his accomplices and drag them all in."
"Yes. I will do so."
"Right, I trust you, Minister."
Kim Hyung-seok looked up at Kim Jong-il with a startled expression.
"Chairman, please spare me. I truly did nothing wrong. I simply gathered people for you with pure intentions for your and the party's sake. The real rebels are…"
"Shut your mouth. If you utter another word, I'll have you executed on the spot!"
"…"
"Take him away."
At Kim Jong-il's command, soldiers from the Guard Headquarters seized Kim Hyung-seok by both arms and lifted him. They then dragged him out of Kim Jong-il's office.
A chilling air lingered in the office.
"Hey, Manager Han."
"Yes, General."
"You were there too, right?"
"Yes… Kim Hyung-seok sent someone stating it was your directive. We need to find ways to persuade China."
A propaganda officer was throwing Kim Hyung-seok under the bus to save himself.
"You used my name?"
"Yes. If it hadn't been your directive, how would we have gathered? I found it strange that Manager Jang Sung-taek wasn't present, but it was after everyone was already gathered."
Kim Jong-il simultaneously confronted others.
"So everyone was gathered by Kim Hyung-seok's summons, completely unaware that I had supposedly ordered it?"
"That's correct! General!"
Kim Jong-il raised an icy voice, his mouth curling up in a smirk.
"Listen carefully. The moment you take me lightly or show any signs of rebellion…"
A feral glint flickered in Kim Jong-il's eyes.
"I will wipe out your entire family. Do you understand?"
"Yes, understood!"
For now, they all raised their voices in response to the assurance of their own safety.
"Good. Everyone except Jang Sung-taek should leave. Think about what it means to serve the Republic from your positions."
In an instant, everyone left Kim Jong-il's office, leaving only Jang Sung-taek and Kim Jong-il behind.
"Jang Sung-taek."
"Yes, Chairman."
"Do you know why I have chosen you to take command of the Security Bureau?"
"I don't understand."
"Those scoundrels are once again plotting against me. Why do you think I let them off the hook?"
Although Jang Sung-taek said nothing, Kim Jong-il continued speaking.
"There must be someone among them connected to China. That's where I need you to investigate. I will trust you, Minister."
Even as he said that, Kim Jong-il keenly observed Jang Sung-taek's reactions.
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