Sitting in the office of the National Leader of the Nazi SS, casually chatting over coffee, wasn't something particularly rare to outsiders. After all, the party hadn't yet reached a point where it could dictate German politics. As for the National Leader of the SS, he commanded just over 400 SS members.
The hour-long conversation proved quite fruitful for Zhang Hainuo.
In recent years, the rebuilt National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) had rapidly expanded its strength, boasting over 100,000 members. However, they unexpectedly suffered a setback in the summer elections of 1928, losing two seats in the Reichstag, reducing their representation from 14 to 12 — Joseph Goebbels was one of those now holding a seat.
Since the failed Beer Hall Putsch and subsequent imprisonment, Ernst Röhm had lost his army commission and focused entirely on expanding and training his SA. Hess surrendered to Bavarian authorities and spent several months in prison with Hitler; "Mein Kampf" still credited him with significant contributions. Hanfstaengl had become increasingly marginalized due to disagreements with Hitler on certain party matters. Rosenburg had been sidelined due to his failure to adequately fulfill his tasks during Hitler's imprisonment and now held only minor positions within the party.
During the conversation, Zhang Hainuo deliberately inquired about Goebbels from Edwen and learned that he obtained a doctoral degree in philosophy from the University of Heidelberg in 1922, making him the most educated member of the party. Initially aligned with Hitler's internal rival Gregor Strasser, Goebbels only joined Hitler's camp later and was accepted by Hitler after the Weimar Party Congress in 1926.
Currently, Goebbels and Strasser jointly managed the NSDAP in the Berlin region.
Though Zhang Hainuo harbored little fondness for this propagandist, he didn't despise him as vehemently as Goering. Goebbels' control of the propaganda machine played a role in driving Germany's war efforts, although from the perspective of the public, he was nothing short of a "charlatan."
"By the way, do you know anything about Heinrich Himmler and Reinhard Heydrich?" Zhang Hainuo asked at the end of the conversation.
"Himmler? Do you know him?" Edwen leisurely sipped his coffee. "He's my deputy now, the Deputy National Leader of the SS!"
This revelation nearly caused Zhang Hainuo to spit out his coffee. Although somewhat embarrassed, he widened his eyes and asked, "When did he join the SS?"
Seemingly puzzled by Zhang Hainuo's reaction, Edwen replied, "He joined the SS last summer! The Führer appointed him directly as the Deputy National Leader of the SS. Before that, he was the party's second-in-command for national propaganda!"
The direct appointment by Hitler?
Zhang Hainuo's mind raced. Would Himmler's inclusion ultimately lead the SS under his control, like history? Would he, like with Röhm, dispose of his current superior, Edwen? This cold-blooded executioner, known for his ruthless actions against Jews, would he repeat those horrifying atrocities?
A wave of questions flooded Zhang Hainuo's mind. He remained silent for five minutes, deep in thought, until he roughly organized his thoughts and addressed Edwen, "What do you think of him?"
"In my impression, he's eager to execute orders, strictly adheres to discipline, and is an excellent organizer. Ah... and his frugal lifestyle is surprising. He lives a simple life, never spends money frivolously. He borrows money from others and pays back with interest. When he wants a cigarette but doesn't have one, he borrows one from someone and repays double—either by returning a larger cigarette or two. He'd rather drink less alcohol each month to save money!"
While this impressed Edwen, Zhang Hainuo saw it as the most dangerous aspect!
Edwen failed to sense Zhang Hainuo's concern. He continued, "Rest assured, Hainuo! I'm not the same naive Edwen as before. I am now Hans Lammers, the Deputy National Leader of the SS and the party's head of intelligence. Anyone who wants to deal with me must consider their own strength!"
Zhang Hainuo's worries weren't alleviated by Edwen's confidence. After a while, they continued chatting, and he rose to take his leave, "I have important matters to attend to today, and it'll probably be a week before I return to Munich. We'll talk more then! And please give my regards to the Führer. Though I can no longer raise funds from the Americas, I'll find other ways to raise funds for the NSDAP!"
Edwen extended, "Won't you come over to my place? Eddie's pan-fried steak is top-notch!"
Taking his military cap from the hat rack, Zhang Hainuo smiled and replied, "Heh, I'd love to taste it, but given the current situation, it's probably best if we don't appear too close. If the opportunity arises, I hope we can collaborate on intelligence work!"
Edwen nodded in agreement, "If the need arises, don't hesitate to ask!"
"Then, here's to us achieving the success we hope for in our respective fields!" After shaking hands, Zhang Hainuo left the office with Edwen's escort. Before leaving, he deliberately greeted the beautiful secretary at the door. If all went well, he'd have many chances to taste her cooking in the future.
As he walked out the door, the guard from before remained vigilant at his post. From behind, he appeared broad-shouldered with a glimpse of brown hair under his cap. His military straps crossed his waist, and a polished pistol holster hung on his left side, likely containing a small-caliber handgun.
"Goodbye!" Passing by, Zhang Hainuo saluted the SS soldier with a naval salute.
The young man hesitated for a moment before replying, "Goodbye!"
Though his "goodbye" was barely audible, Zhang Hainuo distinctly heard the click of his heels when he came to attention.
The next morning, Zhang Hainuo arrived at the Navy Archives in Berlin, where Heydrich had worked from 1920 to 1923. He easily retrieved Reinhard Heydrich's file. The young man in the black-and-white photo on the first page might have a youthful face, but Zhang Hainuo recognized him at once: a devil with a handsome face.
The title "devil" might be premature for Heydrich since by the end of 1928, he was still serving as a communications officer on the flagship "Schleswig-Holstein" in the Baltic Fleet. This naval lieutenant not only had a sharp mind but also excelled in radio communication. He had recently passed his Russian exam, and at just 24 years old, his future in the navy seemed bright.
Using his position as head of a special project department at the Naval General Staff, Zhang Hainuo directly submitted a report to Heydrich, transferring him from the Baltic Fleet directly under his command—He had decided that even if Heydrich couldn't be used by him, he definitely shouldn't be cheapened by Himmler!
A young lieutenant's transfer might not raise eyebrows, and Heydrich barely flicked through his file and records before approving Zhang Hainuo's request with a stroke of the pen. Shortly after, a transfer order arrived in Königsberg: Lieutenant Reinhard Heydrich's assignment to the Naval Staff in Berlin. Upon completion of his work handover, he was to report to the Naval Staff in Berlin!
Heydrich himself had no say in the matter, but a week later, when he appeared before Zhang Hainuo, he seemed optimistic about his new position at the Naval Staff.
In history, the second man of the SS had a head of beautiful blond hair, a typical Aryan face with blue eyes, and a prominent hooked nose. He was tall, broad-shouldered, elegant, and strong, a veritable favorite of the gods.
For Zhang Hainuo, what mattered most about the young man in front of him was not his musical, athletic, radio, or linguistic interests, but rather his talent in intelligence work. However, the ambitious and brutal side he displayed in history also made Zhang Hainuo very worried. If not handled properly, this dangerous human bomb could ruin everything he had worked so hard to build!
Seeing his new boss staring at him intently, Heydrich coughed lightly, "Lieutenant Reinhard Heydrich reporting for duty, sir!"
Zhang Hainuo finally snapped out of his complex and conflicting thoughts. He gestured to the chair in front of him, "Please, Lieutenant Heydrich, have a seat!"
Once Heydrich was seated, Zhang Hainuo asked him, "Could you give me a brief introduction of yourself?"
Heydrich stood up promptly and with a serious expression, "Lieutenant Reinhard Heydrich, born on March 7, 1904. My father, Bruno Heydrich, was the headmaster of the Music Special School in Halle on the Saale River, and my mother..."
The devil with blond hair spent about 5 minutes outlining his introduction, fluent in speech, clear in thought, with few pauses. He was like a well-maintained machine gun, firing a whole belt of bullets before stopping.
"Could you tell me why you chose to join the German Navy, Lieutenant Heydrich?" Despite being only one rank above him, Zhang Hainuo's tone was serious and stern.
After a brief moment of thought, Heydrich said something that made Zhang Hainuo raise an eyebrow, "Sir, because I believe that only through the trials of the sea can one prove one's physical fitness!"
"Is there anything else?"
Heydrich paused for a moment, "Because naval officers are brave, steadfast, composed, and elegant! Sir!"
If all of this was true, Zhang Hainuo could only interpret Heydrich's joining the navy as evidence of the overall physical fitness of naval officers due to their long voyages at sea, which aligned with his interests in sports. As for the latter, perhaps it was just a way to please his new superior—most competent army officers possessed these qualities!
"Please, have a seat, Lieutenant Heydrich," Zhang Hainuo picked up the document from his desk and asked in a measured tone, "Lieutenant, besides your interests in music, sports, radio, and languages, do you have any other interests, such as intelligence work?"
In the customary manner of answering questions, Heydrich stood up with a serious expression, "Yes, sir! I have self-studied some knowledge in intelligence, although not in a systematic manner."
Zhang Hainuo followed up, "Then, could you share your views on intelligence work?"
"Yes, sir!" Heydrich maintained his exemplary demeanor as a professional military man, but his subsequent exposition surprised Zhang Hainuo greatly. He believed that the most efficient espionage organization in the world belonged to Britain and was worth emulating. "The British government doesn't need to pay their spies because each of their upright citizens voluntarily serves their national intelligence agency. Providing intelligence is seen as an unquestionable duty. Fundamentally, the British regime is built upon its intelligence agencies!"
Furthermore, Heydrich believed that intelligence work should not only target foreign enemies but also rigorously monitor every aspect of national life. Those who might become traitors or anti-government elements should be identified and neutralized before they could plan hostile actions.
Although Heydrich's "views" were not yet systematized or specific, they filled Zhang Hainuo with admiration. A non-intelligence professional naval communications officer had such an understanding of intelligence. No wonder historians labeled him a "genius in intelligence!"
After less than an hour of conversation, Zhang Hainuo had completely dispelled the idea of sending Heydrich to Brazil. Such a dangerous human bomb, if not humanely destroyed, would be best sent into the enemy's ranks.
"I believe Lieutenant Heydrich has great potential in intelligence work, so I strongly recommend sending him to Britain to oversee the reorganization and reconstruction of our intelligence network there!"
After finally finding a break in the naval headquarters to meet with Reinhard, Zhang Hainuo eagerly voiced his opinion.
"Hauno, the naval headquarters has other arrangements for rebuilding the British intelligence network. If you're determined to send Lieutenant Heydrich to Britain, for now, he can only serve as an ordinary intelligence officer! I can't directly intervene in the specific work of the naval intelligence group in Britain!" Reinhard's apparent lack of interest in Heydrich suggested otherwise, but if he had read a different history book, he might not have spoken so blandly.
Zhang Hainuo had to step back and say, "Then what about America? Can we appoint Lieutenant Heydrich as the head of the American intelligence network?"
Reinhard responded amiably, "Have you forgotten that Colonel Pätzich is currently in charge of intelligence work in the Americas? As long as you gain his consent, there shouldn't be any problem from the staff headquarters!"
"Oh, I almost forgot!" Zhang Hainuo slapped his forehead, realizing he had indeed been too excited.
"It's clear you value this individual highly!" Reinhard didn't seem to think otherwise, but he still offered his advice, "If you want to send him overseas, it's best to respect his own wishes!"