20 years of the Republic of China

Chapter 705 Pretending
In the Jiang family mansion, jade carvings are placed on the coffee table.

The morning light shines in from the window, and the sculpture of "Old Monkey Offering Peaches" appears more vivid.

Jiang Lianheng gently turned the base, sizing up the quality of the jade carving while listening to Li Zhengxi talk about the experiences and observations of Qingqiu Society.

"He's still planning to detain you?"

"Yes!"

"He's quite arrogant!" Jiang Lianheng said calmly, without any dissatisfaction or even any emotion. "What's his name?"

"Song Lucheng!" Li Zhengxi replied, "He also said that the West Pagoda belongs to the Koreans, and our people will not be allowed to go there casually in the future!"

Jiang Lianheng lit a cigarette, sighed and laughed, "Alas, I had no intention of going to that crappy place, but after he said that, I have no choice but to go."

Li Zhengxi agreed deeply, and then asked: "Brother, when do we start preparing?"

"Don't worry, the representatives from various provinces haven't left yet! After the birthday banquet at the Marshal's Mansion, it will probably take at least another ten days or half a month before those representatives can leave Fengtian!"

"Then...should I send a few people to keep an eye on them first, and take advantage of this time to find out the details of those Koreans?"

"Forget it!" Jiang Lianheng waved his hand and said, "Those traitors have only just arrived in Fengtian. Looking at their arrogant behavior, we know that they must be relying on Xiao Dongyang to support them. Besides, if we want to find out their details, I have a more suitable candidate."

"A more suitable candidate?" Li Zhengxi was a little confused.

Jiang Lianheng stood up and said, "Okay, let's talk about other things after the Marshal's Mansion has finished celebrating his birthday! Ask someone to prepare a car first. I have to go to the Daxiguan Branch to deliver this jade carving to Mr. Jiang Er!"

"Brother, there is one more thing."

"what happened again?"

"The big flagpole is still waiting outside the door!" Li Zhengxi said with a wry smile, "Since last night, he has been begging me to see you. I refused, and he cried and insisted that he must explain this matter to you in person before he died!"

"Who said he was killed?"

Jiang Lianheng just felt confused.

Although Daqiganzi made a mistake, it was far from the point of being beheaded.

Besides, the jade carving has been recovered now, and the young apprentice who committed the crime has cut off his finger to apologize. He should be punished if necessary and forgiven if necessary. As long as he did not deliberately go against the Jiang family, there is no need to kill him. Jiang Lianheng had no intention of killing Daqiganzi from the very beginning, and there was no need to do so.

Li Zhengxi said helplessly: "I have also told him that those who deserve punishment cannot be avoided, and those who do not deserve punishment are unnecessary, but he still insisted on coming here to explain to you in person."

Jiang Lianheng smacked his lips, looking like he didn't want to see him.

Li Zhengxi said, "Brother, should I ask Lao Yuan to chase him back?"

"Forget it, he's already at my doorstep. If I don't meet him, it would seem like I have no generosity. So I'll just meet him!"

Jiang Lianheng raised his hand and pointed out the window, then said, "Go and ask Lao Yuan to let him in. I'll meet him in the yard."

Xifeng left in response.

Jiang Lianheng went back to his house and changed his clothes before walking leisurely to his own house.

The big flagpole came with his little apprentice to apologize. After entering the courtyard, he was so frightened that he dared only stick to the wall and stand there obediently.

As soon as they saw Jiang Lianheng coming out of the house, the master and his disciple hurriedly came up to him, their knees went weak and they knelt on the ground, calling him "Master" three times, feeling extremely grief-stricken and admitting their mistakes loudly, not daring to say a word. They looked so miserable that I felt pity for them.

"Boss, Lao Qi deserves death. I'm sorry to have caused you trouble!"

Jiang Lianheng was so good at pretending that he hurried forward, leaned over to help him up and said, "Uncle Qi, please don't be like this, please stand up quickly!"

The big flagpole refused to agree and continued to kneel there, panicking and saying, "Boss, let's stop joking. How can you call me Uncle Qi?"

"You are also a well-known senior. You will have to work online in the future. Hurry up and get up. It will be bad if others see you!"

"Boss, how can I still have the face? My old face has been completely disgraced by those evil disciples!"

Jiang Lianheng consoled him, "Uncle Qi, it's all over. Please stand up and talk."

"I won't get up!" The big flagpole was quite stubborn. "Boss, I'm already this old. I broke the rules of the underworld. I feel... bad!"

"Well, no one is perfect, so who can be without mistakes?" Jiang Lianheng waved his hand and said, "Uncle Qi, forget it!"

"No, no, you have to slap both of us today, and this matter will be over."

"No, no, no, I can't do it."

"Then scold me!"

"I can't open my mouth."

"Boss, you are so kind and righteous!" The big flagpole sighed, "Well, I'll come here whether you forgive me or not. No matter whether you forgive me or not, I'll come here with sincerity!"

Jiang Lianheng interrupted hurriedly, "Don't worry, Uncle Qi, can we talk it out?"

"Boss, what I said is true, and my apprentice can testify to it!"

As he was speaking, the big flagpole suddenly turned around, grabbed the little apprentice by the collar, dragged him in front of Jiang Lianheng, and scolded him harshly: "Little bastard, why are you pretending to be dumb here? Why don't you kowtow to the master!"

"Master, I know I was wrong!" the young apprentice howled, "Please spare my life for the sake of my youth and ignorance!"

Jiang Lianheng looked at his severed finger, then suddenly narrowed his eyes and smiled, saying, "It's not surprising for young people to make small mistakes when they are just starting out. There is still a long way to go, so just know how to repent."

"That won't do!" The big flagpole said hurriedly, "Boss, a tree won't grow straight if it's not pruned, and a man won't grow straight if he's not disciplined! This little bastard is too bold, he must be taught a lesson. If his hands aren't chopped off, who knows how much more trouble he'll cause in the future!"

Although the master seems to be disloyal, he is actually always pleading for his little disciple.

After all, he had raised him since childhood, and they had been master and apprentice for many years, with a relationship like that of father and son. If he watched his apprentice go to his death, he would inevitably feel a little bit reluctant.

Jiang Lianheng could see it, but he deliberately went along with it and nodded, saying, "That's fine, since Uncle Qi has said so, then this kid should stay for now!"

"what?"

After these words were spoken, the master and the disciple were stunned and stunned.

The young apprentice thought to himself: Master, that’s not what you told me before you came!

The big flagpole had not expected this situation.

Common sense says that, under the premise that the interests of the Jiang family have not been affected, if Jianghu Lao He has broken the rules of the line, as long as he does not run away, but comes honestly to admit his mistake and negotiates with his boss, even if he cannot be exempted from punishment, at least he can save his life. What's more, it is only his first offense, not a repeat offender.

Knowing mistakes can be corrected, and doing good things is great.

After all, the jade carving has been recovered, so there is no need to kill it.

But I never expected that Jiang Lianheng would agree to it today.

The big flagpole was stunned for a moment, and stammered, "No... Boss, look at this happy day in the provincial capital, this, this..."

"Okay, Uncle Qi, you go back first!" Jiang Lianheng interrupted, "I'll ask someone to help you teach this kid a lesson. If you don't have anything else to do, I won't accompany you anymore. I have to go find Master Jiang later!"

“No, actually I think…”

"Old Yuan, it's time to show the guests away!"

Jiang Lianheng shouted, and the hearts of the master and disciple immediately sank.

The big flagpole wanted to beg for more, but Li Zhengxi raised his hand and shooed him away, "You are so smart, hurry up and leave!"

When the time comes, it will be too late to regret.

The big flagpole glanced at the little apprentice, sighed and complained: "Now you know you are scared, it's all your own fault, stay here and reflect on yourself, and say more soft words!"

The young disciple was anxious and complained: "Master, you are too deceiving, aren't you?" Before he finished speaking, several Jiang family bodyguards rushed over aggressively, captured him firmly, and then asked: "Boss, what should we do with him?"

Jiang Lianheng said, "Take him to the lower gatehouse first and treat him well. We'll talk about it when I come back."

The young apprentice was terrified and didn't understand what the boss meant by "treat" and just begged desperately: "Boss, I was wrong, I really know I was wrong!"

However, no matter how he begged for mercy, the bodyguards dragged him into the lower gatehouse on the west side of the house.

After the door was closed, there was no sound in the room for a while, and no one knew whether the young disciple was dead or alive.

Jiang Lianheng ignored him, raised his hand to call the driver, loaded the jade carvings in the house into the car, and then set off for the Daxiguan Branch.

Just at this moment, Yuan Xinfa came hurriedly from outside the courtyard gate.

"Boss, Mr. Jiang is here."

Jiang Lianheng was stunned. He stood beside the car and looked up at the courtyard gate. He happened to see Mr. Jiang Er looking out.

When the two met, Jiang Lianheng hurried over and asked with a smile, "Second Master, you're here so early?"

Mr. Jiang was a little embarrassed and explained quickly: "Boss Jiang, I'm not here to rush you, I just came to ask about the situation. After all, if the jade carving is not recovered tonight, Chen Guojin will be in trouble."

"Oh, don't worry, Master. I've found the thing. I was just about to send it to you!"

"Yo, really?"

"How can I lie to you? The things are in the car. Why don't you come and see for yourself?"

"No, no, I'm not questioning you, I'm just exclaiming in amazement!"

Mr. Jiang smiled happily, gave a thumbs up, and praised him repeatedly: "Boss Jiang is indeed very powerful. If Fengtian City were without you, who knows what chaos it would be in!"

"Come on, stop praising me!" Jiang Lianheng said with a smile, "It's a good thing that you're here. I'll give you the stuff. How about we go to the branch office together to report?"

"Well, why go to the police station? If you have to go, go to the dinner party!"

"What kind of dinner?"

"Tsk, Boss Jiang is playing dumb with me!" Mr. Jiang Er said hurriedly, "Chen Guojin is a close confidant of General Manager Han. He lost his birthday gift, and although he asked me for help, it was you who helped find this jade carving. How can I take credit for it? If I don't bring Boss Jiang with me for such a big favor, then am I still a human being?"

You know what, this Mr. Jiang is quite particular.

He knew that the Jiang family was not short of money, and the reason he helped him was to make more friends.

Now that the birthday gift has been recovered, he is too embarrassed to kick the Jiang family out and go out on his own to earn favors. What's more, the Jiang family is the leader of the underworld gang in Fengtian.

After hearing this, Jiang Lianheng, although he clearly got what he wanted, still pretended to refuse a few times.

Mr. Jiang was not willing to give up. No matter how much he tried to persuade him, he finally dragged Jiang Lianheng to the appointment.

…………

Daxiguan, Deyi Building.

It was around noon. There had been a large number of visitors from Fengtian recently, resulting in a booming business in various pubs in the provincial capital, and Deyi Building was particularly prosperous.

The store was filled with noisy shouting and the waiters were very busy, but they still couldn't avoid some shortcomings, so they started to order dishes according to the menu.

"The braised fish is here!"

The waiter pushed open the door, walked into the private room, sorted the dishes, wiped his hands, and said with a smile: "Mr. Chen, Boss Jiang, Mr. Jiang, Mr. Ye, the four of you have your dishes. Take your time drinking and chatting. If you need anything, just call me at any time."

After saying that, he carefully closed the door and tiptoed out.

The private room suddenly returned to peace.

Chen Guojin is in his forties, with a big round teardrop-shaped face and a pointed head. Although he is wearing a suit, it still can't hide his frivolous style.

This person likes to brag and loves to hear flattery. He can exaggerate everything.

However, he is a very generous and chivalrous person.

Hearing that Jiang Lianheng had helped to retrieve the birthday gift, the old man, in order to express his gratitude, guaranteed a business deal for the Jiang family on the spot, saying that the arsenal had a large amount of steel slag waste this quarter, and he could use his connections to free up more than a dozen truckloads of it, and sell them all to the Jiang family at the lowest market price.

The waste materials from the arsenal are all good things. There will be no shortage of buyers and they can be sold at a good price.

After hearing this, Jiang Lianheng immediately smiled and said: Harmony brings wealth, and everyone who sees it will share in it!
Needless to say, Chen Guojin's share was also important; as Mr. Jiang was the go-between, he certainly had to show some respect; but the problem was that there was another guest at the table.

This man's name is Ye Jingtian. He is over 30 years old, with a broad square face, a high nose bridge, a full forehead, and a plump nose. He speaks with a different accent and it is impossible to tell where he is from.

This person is a friend Chen Guojin made in Tianjin. He came along because Marshal Zhang was celebrating his birthday, and planned to have some fun in Fengtian.

He claimed to be from Fujian Province, but he had no southern accent at all.

When asked the reason, he simply said that he had been wandering around for half his life and had long forgotten his hometown accent, which made people suspicious.

However, Chen Guojin trusted him very much, saying that he had gone to sea in Fujian Province, chartered a ship in Shanghai, been to Japan and Southeast Asia, and was now a big comprador for a foreign company in Tianjin.

Boy, he's busy enough!

Jiang Lianheng was skeptical, but did not ask any further questions. However, when the conversation came to this point, he could not help but look at him one more time.

Ye Jingtian waved his hands quickly and said with a laugh: "Boss Jiang, you don't have to worry about me. I just came to Fengtian to have some fun. It's enough for us to make friends."

"Don't say that. It's better to lose one round than to lose a person!" Jiang Lianheng said, "Look, there are only four of us on this seat. We can't just let you sit there and watch, right?"

Ye Jingtian knew that this was just polite talk, so he shook his head and said, "Boss Jiang, no merit, no reward! Even if we all get to know each other today, if we want to make a fortune together, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future. Why rush it now?"

"Oh?"

Jiang Lianheng raised his eyebrows and asked, "So, Mr. Ye still wants to develop in Fengtian?"

"No, no, no, it's not development. It's just that there have been wars for years inside the Great Wall, and the provinces and regions are changing sides. It's not easy to do business. On the contrary, the political situation outside the Great Wall has been stable in the past ten years. If the war breaks out again one day, it may be a good place to escape the chaos!"

"Could it be that Mr. Ye has some behind-the-scenes information?"

"Why do we need to be behind the scenes? The presidential bribery case has already caused a lot of uproar. I heard that Fujian Province is going to change its military governor recently. In the future, there will be another war in Jiangzuo area. When that happens, Marshal Zhang will definitely enter the pass to fight for supremacy. I'm afraid that Beijing and Tianjin will not be peaceful. With the alliance of Feng, Anhui and Guangdong, I think Cao and Wu will not be able to withstand it."

"Mr. Ye has a good understanding of the current situation."

"As a businessman, you must learn to plan ahead!" Ye Jingtian smiled and then said, "Actually, I would like to ask, what does Boss Jiang think of the Feng-An-Yue alliance?"

“I usually read it in the newspaper.”

"Hahaha, Boss Jiang is really funny!" Ye Jingtian quickly changed the subject, "Come on, come on, let's drink!"

Jiang Lianheng drank a glass with him, and then asked: "Jiang's knowledge is limited. Since we have already talked about this, what does Mr. Ye think? Why don't you give me some advice?"

Ye Jingtian pondered and said, "The Feng and Anhui families are both following each other. Actually, there is nothing much to say. The main thing is that Sun Dapao from the South Country and the army under his command cannot be equated. Feng and Anhui will unite with Sun Yue, so be careful not to raise a tiger to cause trouble!"

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone suddenly burst into laughter.

"Mr. Ye, aren't you exaggerating?" Jiang Lianheng said, "I read the news in the newspaper. Sun Yat-sen has been clamoring for the Northern Expedition every day, but it has been several years and nothing has happened!"

Ye Jingtian shook his head in a secretive manner, but said: "That's because the time is not yet ripe. I think... everyone here has never been to Guangzhou, right?"

Everyone shook their heads.

"That's not surprising!" Ye Jingtian suddenly said something inexplicable, "Boss Jiang, the essence of this Northern Expedition is actually a Southern Expedition!"

(End of this chapter)